Brendan's Nursery

I worked on Brendan's nursery over the weekend. Lou and I built the dresser together and I hung things on the walls including the animal sticker decals that I absolutely adore. It was one of the only decorative items I bought myself. I thought the lion would be my favorite, but it is actually the monkey- Lou's favorite too. My mom made the letters for his name over the crib and around the closet for him.  I really am pleased with how everything has come together and I think he will like it as he grows into it. I am going to hang 2 more shelves but other than that I think it is all set. I enjoy being in there and have gone in and sat on the comfy rocker a few times just because. 

Bye bye convertible, hello SUV

At 33 weeks pregnant I have started to experience Braxton-hicks contractions and I've also started to become uncomfortable. My lower back especially has been sore, I get short of breath easily, and have had some kicking in the ribs. Other than those changes, I am still doing everything I was before. Perhaps running myself a little ragged now. Although, during the last week I tried to sit down more at work. The key word there is tried. Teaching Kindergarten is a hands-on job and really doesn't allow for much sitting. Friday I was especially sore and actually had to excuse myself a few times while out for Grandpa's birthday and out at Rosie's with Mom & Dad to go stretch my lower back.

This week I also decided on a new SUV to purchase. I will be trading in the Solera convertible for the '09 Ford Escape Limited. I wanted a black exterior with a camel interior and it was tough to find locally, so it is being shipped over from Texas and should be in Phoenix by Wed. I'll miss the convertible, but know I need a safer car for baby. The extra room will be nice for everyday tasks and for showing my real estate clients properties too.

I have also been spending a lot of time preparing the nursery. I have washed everything in Dreft: bedding, clothing, blankets, etc. The clothes are the cutest. I got teary eyed folding up the little socks. They are so tiny! I can't believe he is going to be that small! I dream of holding him.

Nursery and 30 weeks

Here are some photos of the progress of the nursery. So far we 

have a changer, crib, swing, bouncer/entertainer, blankets- one of which will be on the wall stuffed animals, and clothing. We got the changer free, the crib from my mom, the Noah's arc quilt from Lou's mom, we bought the swing (Lou

 also bought a little Tigers shirt. He had to represent Detroit.)  and 

some other hand-me downs from a teacher I work with. We still have a ways to go with decorating but it's moving along. Also, check out the fabulous new clean, dog and cat hair-free carpet! 

The belly is getting bigger! I can no longer fit through small spaces. Sometimes I forget and think I can fit in between people and suck it in. Needless to say, I've knocked a few people with the bump and acted surprised when it happened. At 30 weeks, I am still feeling blessed and wonderful! It has been an easy pregnancy. I can honestly say I love being pregnant. I would love to do it all again (not until Brendan is a more independent little man!). I want 4, Lou wants 2. We will see when the time comes, but right now I'm really enjoying the little

life in my belly.

On the right is a picture of me putting my feet up after work and the nursing class. Reese came right up to me and was putting his paws on either side of my belly and resting his chin on my belly. We thought it was too cute!

12 more weeks to go

Time flies when your having fun. I can't believe we are due in 12 weeks! I have been overly excited the last couple of days, especially because we got the changing table and the crib is on the way. It makes it feel so much more official. I built the changer last night and Lou helped me to move it into the nursery. The crib should be arriving soon. I just washed baby's first load of laundry with clothes and blankets people have given us. Most of the blankets and outfits were from my mom for Christmas, but he also got an ASU onsie from his Aunt Michelle, a Chicago Bears outfit from his Auntie Julie, and a U of M receiving blanket from our neighbor Jim. They are so cute and small! It made me realize that I need to learn how to swaddle and maybe I should think about packing the hospital bag too. I'm also glad the things we have been getting are in a variety of sizes. I have been reading and hearing from other moms that the newborn clothes don't last long- if at all. 

Look how far I've come...

I have been doing some reminiscing lately and it's surreal to me how far I have come so fast. It seems like I have blinked and gone from college student to grown up. My life has changed so much.  After looking at my life a few years ago, it is crazy to wrap my mind around now. While Lou and I were in Mexico I told him I can't believe we are married for a year and a half and expecting a baby. I have experienced some major life changing events over the last couple years and it is fun to look back at how life has changed. I am very happy with the life we have and wouldn't change it for anything. I like being a wife (and domestic goddess) and look forward to being a mom soon. 

On another note, we are at 28 weeks today. From what I'm reading he should be about 2 1/2 lbs. Over the last few days we got new carpet in the nursery and I have scrubbed the walls, windows, base boards, and fixtures in preparation to start decorating. I also ordered the changing table with credit card points I have been saving up, and the crib with the help of baby's soon to be Grandma and Grandpa Olen and a gift card. Now we just need to order the dresser and find a good rocking chair. How exciting!