My NEW Outlook

So....I have decided to gain a new outlook on the next several weeks while still pregnant. The last few days have been hard on me emotionally and physically. I can't seem to get comfortable and I seem to be in pain 90% of the time. I am not complaining...well...I am but I have decided that I will stop today! I have decided that it's part of the process. The absolutely WONDERFUL process of bringing a new person into this world. I wouldn't change this experience for the world, if it means we will meet our healthy daughter at the end. I will look back on my pregnancy and miss so much, I'm convinced. I love to feel her move inside me. It puts a smile on my face each and every time. I love to rub my belly, knowing that one day we will get to know this person so much more. Casey and I are both extremely anxious and excited to meet her and see her. Will she look like me? Will she have his eyes or mine? Will she have red hair? All these things we are coming closer to finding out. We are truly blessed to be able to go through this process. Some are not so fortunate. So..the question remains...why complain?!? I love being pregnant. I love knowing that one day soon we will meet our child, hold her, and love her forever. We can't wait.

37wks

We had our latest doctor's appointment today. Everything looks and sounds good with the baby! Not too much longer...

Better late than never....

I have finally been able to scan some of our ultrasound pictures that we had done around 27 weeks. Some pictures are clearer than others. We hope you enjoy!

36wks

Unfortunately we have had to reschedule our doctor's appointment that was scheduled for today. The office is closed due to the weather. We'll keep you updated!

Snow Day!

Gert's First Snow!

Casey says the sled is for Gert....hmmm...really?!?

Success!

Courtney slept in until 10:30!!! Only waking up once!! Wow...I'd have to say the recliner is my new best friend!

Latest MD Appt.

So, we had yet another doctor's appointment today. 35wks! We aren't very far from the finish line...crazy!! Anyway, everything looks great. The baby's heartbeat sounds fabulous and I'm measuring appropriately. I had my gbs done today and they checked my cervix. Once again they informed me that the baby's head is very low. They also told me that I was still closed but thinning. Wow...preparing for the big day! I also had a non-stress test done today. Basically they just hooked me up to the monitor and when I felt the baby kick I was supposed to hit a button. Everything looked fine and she was reactive...she passed! On a funnier note...we purchased a recliner today!! I have not been sleeping the best over the last week. It doesn't seem to matter what I try, I just can't get comfortable. While we were doing our non-stress test, they had me in a recliner. I was super comfortable and felt I could actually sleep. Casey decided immediately after our appointment that we needed to be on a search for a new piece of furniture. I am not a big fan of how recliners look, but boy are they comfortable. So, long story short....we bought a recliner....somewhere for me to sleep for the next few weeks. Yippee! I'll let you know how things go from here!

More Baby Showers!

Casey and I were very excited to learn that our co-workers also wanted to throw us a baby shower. Kay, from Casey's office, was nice enough to plan a shower for us at the Cary Chop House. Thanks Kay! We had a great time. Thanks also to all of Casey's co-workers for the wonderful gifts. Kate, from my work, was nice enough to plan a shower at Maggiano's Little Italy. Thanks Kate! It was so nice to hang out with all the ladies (and babies) outside of work. Thanks for all the incredible gifts! Here are a few pictures from Maggiano's.

34wks

...and YES, we are counting!

Daddy in Action!

Just thought you might enjoy these pictures!!

Baby Shower

The first baby shower was this past Saturday. Audrey and Molly hosted the shower at my house. The shower was wonderful and it was so nice to see many people that I haven't been able to see in a while. I had a great time and received so many wonderful gifts. Gerty will be very excited!! I've added a few pictures for you to enjoy!

Recent Pictures

Goodbye 2008...Hello 2009!

I'm so excited to think about the many things that are in store for Casey and I in 2009! The biggest and best being the birth of our daughter! We can't wait to meet her and kiss her face! Daddy wants to "nibble on her toes"! The due date seems to be fast approaching and although there is some anxiety that overcomes me at times, I think I'm ready. Some may say you are never ready, but I feel differently. Casey and I have been together for close to 8 years and we have an unbelievable marriage. We are best friends. I am so grateful for the many years we have shared together and look forward to many more. We are in complete awe of how life changing having a baby will be. We aren't ignorant to the fact that it will be hard work. We know that it will be a learning process for us both. We are ready to take on the challenge! It's funny how things change. Our source of enjoyment now comes from simply being with one another, watching/feeling my belly move, and talking to each other about what it's going to be like.....as parents.

Things I'd like to accomplish in 2009:
~Deliver a healthy baby girl!
~Learn each day about being a better wife and mother.
~Exercise more.
~Spend more time with family and friends.
~Become better at money management!!
~Plant a tree...sounds funny, I know.
~Laugh more.
~Worry less.
~Watch my friend get married!!
~Go on a vacation.
~Say "I love you" more.