Ramblings . . .

Well, last week at this time, I had a ton of energy- cooked three dinners and did my usual weekly cleaning and organizing. And then darn it, if last Wednesday, I didn't come down with an awful sinus infection! Ever since then, I've been a snotty mess, hardly sleeping at night, snoring like a freight train, and feeling exhausted every waking minute. But of course, just like I always do, I keep going, running around, gallivanting through life like nothing is wrong and then I become so worn down, that I can't function. Which brings me to my blog- it's 8:30 and I'm dressed, ready for bed, and tucked in for the night. I went to the doctor today for my 35 week checkup and she gave me a prescription for a Zpack to fight off the nasties. I hope it kicks in soon so I can get back to my old self! Everything checked out fine today- no issues to report or concerns for which I am thankful. I came home tonight and fixed some vegetable beef soup which of course made me feel better and as soon as dinner was over, Chris reported that he needed me down in the nursery. When I got down stairs (waddled, actually), he had this big grin on his face as he told me to open the second drawer of the dresser. When I did, I saw where this morning, he had neatly arranged Webb's cloth diapers and wipes into little stacks. It was the most precious thing ever and meant so much that he took the time to finish the laundry and organize his things. I also realized that he had taken a little blue table he had painted and put it beside the rocker. On it were a picture frame and a sweet lamp that his grandmother made for him when he was little. She actually made the lamp, wiring and all, and hand painted it with little blue birds. It made me about cry to see how neatly he had placed the items on the table- with such deliberation and thought. Tonight as we left the nursery, I made him turn off the overhead lights and turn on the little bird lamp. It lit the room just enough to see to maybe read a book or just sit peacefully and drift to sleep. As I looked around, I was filled with such pride and joy to see that this room has become the sweetest little nursery I've ever seen. It has books and toys from both of our childhoods- each meaning something special to both of us. I feel like after not feeling good for the last few days, I now have this profound sense of peace and comfort as our final weeks of being 'two' wind to a close. We have worked hard to make sure that Webb has everything he needs and have done so as a team. I will sleep well tonight knowing that in a few weeks, our son will be greeted by two parents who love him more than anything and want to give him the same wonderful childhood we both had.

Maternity Pictures

At first, the idea of maternity pictures didn't really appeal to me. There was just something about that bare belly hanging out that just didn't suit my fancy- I guess I'm modest and a little strange. But when a friend offered to do some for us at a very reasonable price, I gave it a second thought. I knew I'd look back on my first pregnancy and wish I had some nice pictures so I took her up on the offer. And boy am I glad I did! I think they turned out amazingly well. I am a ham for the camera and enjoyed being her subject for the two hours she stayed at our house. It was special to have her come here and take pictures right here at our home. Here is a sampling of some of my favorites

Photos courtesy Coral Riley

http://www.capturedbycoral.com/



35 weeks!

Here we are at 35 weeks! I absolutely can't believe that in no time, we will be parents. I must admit- it's a scary and overwhelming feeling. My days of lounging around, nights of curling up early to watch a movie will soon be traded in for changing countless diapers and 2 a.m. feedings. I know all of that comes with the wonderful reward of being a parent and watching my son grow up. I'm sure as tired as we'll be, we will enjoy every minute of this adventure! I also wonder if I'll be a good mom? I guess time will tell!

Okay, on to the nitty-gritty, for those who care to know how things are going at 35 weeks:

How Far Along: 32 weeks

Size of baby: Doc says around 5 lbs!

Maternity Clothes: Yes! I finally made a trip to Winston last week to get a few fall things. I'm done spending money on maternity clothes. With all I've spent, I could feed a small country! Guess that's reason enough to have to wear them again!

Gender: Boy!

Movement: All the time!

What I miss: Being able to bend over!

Sleep: A non-issue really. Just give me my body pillow, and I'm OUT!

Symptoms: Swollen feet

Cravings: yogurt, peanut M&M's (sugary things, of course!)

Best moment this week: See nursery pictures!

What I am looking forward to: My baby shower hosted by my sweet friends at work and the one at mom's hosted by my best girlfriends!

We finally got the curtains hung in the nursery and got the chair and crib done! Here are some pictures of Webb's nursery. My friend is doing some artwork to go over the crib. She is working on it right now and it should be done in a week or so! I can't wait to see it! These pictures only show the side of the room that looked presentable at the time! We worked on the other side last night. I'll post pictures when it's done!





Go Chris!

Go Chris! was the motto for the weekend! On Friday night, he surprised me with a date to this

which was a benefit concert for the Piedmont Land Conservancy. The bluegrass music was AWESOME! The first band, Amelia's Mechanics took my breath away. They had a violin player. Swoon. . .

Here's a link to a video about these unique girls:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-gtxkiFFWO8

It was a wonderful evening with beautiful music and my beautiful Chris.

On Saturday, I (with my doctor's permission), walked the 1 mile Fun Run/Walk for the BBQ festival. It was almost like a Lexington Senior High class reunion as we saw tons of people we haven't seen in years! After the walk, Chris ran his first 5K in the Hawg Run and did very well. I believe he came in around 22 minutes! Go CHRIS! Nancy came over to run too and did well, as always. Afterwards, we went to Southern Lunch for breakfast. It was a fun day but I was tired when it was all over with!

Could I look anymore chubs? :)

Pregger friends!

Silly stupids

Ready to run!

GO CHRIS!

GO HEAD!

After the race. I believe with all these healthy runner people in my life, after this baby comes, I'll be putting that jogger to good use!

Baby and nursery update

1. We went to the doctor this week for my 34 week checkup. My blood pressure was good, the heartbeat was 145, my weight gain was within normal limits (how, I'm not sure), and she thinks he's turned already! I go back in two weeks and then begin my one week visits. She doesn't see any reason that I'd go into preterm labor so that is comforting- although you still never know what God has planned!

2. I got my travel system with the car seat and stroller- now I just need to have Chris put the car seat in and run by the fire department so they can check it out.
3.The bedding is done and looks beautiful! We're going to try to hang curtains this weekend. We'll see if that actually happens!

 4. I finally got around to getting his glider reupholstered in the bunny fabric. I had some left over from the crib bumpers, so I decided to use it to cover the glider so it would match everything else. She's actually making slip covers for everything so I can wash it! I have really made my seamstress work hard! She is awesome.

5. My original idea in pictures to go in Webb's room included a Water Baby print that hung in my nursery when I was little. The only wall big enough for it is the one where the crib is. I'm very nervous about hanging that big ole framed print above his sweet head. SO I got to looking on the internet and found these precious monogrammed canvases. I have a friend in Salisbury who owns a business called Whimziggy. She is going to hand paint the canvas with his initials in the center. I can't wait to see how it turns out! I may put Water Baby in his bathroom?

6. I had someone tell me this week that my nose had gotten big. Not my belly, or my feet, or my backside, but my nose. Really?

Hope everyone is having a good week!

Baby Shower Number One!

Today was a day I have been looking forward to for a long time- my first baby shower. Chris' aunt and cousin hosted the most beautiful and intimate shower- it was perfect and I couldn't have asked for more. All of our favorite ladies were there and my sister-in-law even drove up from Wilmington for the special occassion. The most special guest of honor was Chris' 99 year old grandmother who is still kickin' it after all these years. It was very touching to have her there today. She said she wanted to see all the pretty things I got. And pretty things did I get! Here are a few pictures of my special afternoon:

Fancy Pastry cake squares

Aunt Patti and Marlin

My sis-in-law, Maria

My other Muther- Donna Lou

The grandmothers and great-grandmother to be!

I have known this woman my ENTIRE life, Ms. Julia. I was so honored that she came!

I am truly blessed with wonderful family and friends who are making this time so special for us. Now off to write thank you notes!

Another wonderful weekend . . .

Ah! I am lovin' this fall weather and so is my pregnant body! I finally have some relief from this heat. Thank you, Lord for these chilly mornings and cool afternoons. Chris and I had a great weekend here at home- it was nice not to have anything to 'do.' Friday night, I enjoyed an after school treat with my best bud at Don Juan's. It was nice to have girl time and eat a yummy meal (against doctor's orders b/c of the salt)! I really haven't eaten there in a while because of the salt and other unhealthy stuff in Mexican food, but a girl has to treat herself, right!? :) Saturday, Chris and I went uptown to my oh-so-favorite place, Perfect Blend for coffee and their new 'light lunch.' I had pimento cheese on a croissant and a Pumpkin Spice Latte. Let's just say that I will be making many more trips to PB for that latte. It was awesome! Afterwards we went to the Candy Factory and antique store, and to Tastings so Chris could pick up his beer. Later that afternoon, I had the esteemed privilege of going to Salisbury to see my other best bud, Liza who was up from her home in Columbia, SC to visit family. She is expecting a little boy three months after Webb arrives and we had the best time talking babies. We went shopping and bought the boys matching sleeper outfits. Here are some pictures of our afternoon shenanigans.

Liza also surprised me with this sweet gift for Webb. I am SO blessed to have Liza in my life. She is one fine friend! I am sure our boys will be the best of friends too!

When I got home from Salisbury, Chris had finished his firepit so we sat outside and enjoyed the sunset and warm fire. It was a relaxing weekend and I sure do appreciate all the people in my life who make me feel so blessed. My pastor reminded us today of the suffering in the world and I admittedly tak my blessiengs for granted. I will take time tonight to thank God for my blessings and ask his blessing on those in our world who are hurting, suffering, and grieving. I want so much for this world to be a healed, happy, peaceful place. . . .