Third Anniversary

July 29, 2009

July 29, 2008

July 29, 2007

July 29, 2006

I cannot believe that we have been married for three years! I thank God for such a wonderful husband, I am truly blessed. We look forward to this next year together as we welcome our baby boy and begin a new chapter in our lives together.

2nd Baby Shower

Me and Linda at the shower.

My mom and the beautiful blanket she is making for Jackson.

My sisters

The wonderful hostesses (My Aunt Beverly, Aunt CeCe and Meme)

The beautiful cake that my friend Elizabeth made.

College friends and our "baby bumps".

Ariel- 39 weeks

Rachel-31 weeks

Elizabeth- 9 weeks

Shelley- 7 weeks

On Saturday I had my second baby shower. It was wonderful! I continue to be overwhelmed by the love, support and generosity we have received from our families and friends. Jackson's drawers and closet are filling up! :)

I cannot believe that our weekly countdown until his arrival is now in the single digits (9 weeks left) ...WOW! I know we will meet our little boy very soon. At my doctor's appointment today I was measuring three weeks ahead. I asked my doctor if this meant that the chances of him coming early were higher and she said not really. She said that she would schedule me for another ultrasound in a few weeks to recheck his size so we could discuss the possibility of induction or c-section. Daniel and I have discussed this and although our minds are not completely made up and we would never ignore medical advice from our doctor whom we completely trust, we do not think we want to do anything prior to our due date of September 28th. I have heard/read so many different things about babies measuring "big" and being induced early and having developmental issues due to their premature arrival (and not being as "big" as the ultrasound estimates). That is not a chance we want to take. I really hope for a vaginal delivery, but more than that I want Jackson to arrive in what ever way is safest for him. Daniel and I are hoping that Jackson makes his appearance before we have to make any of these decisions. Please continue to pray for our precious baby as he grows stronger each day and his arrival approaches.

Maternity Pictures

Dr.'s Appointment Update

My doctor's appointment was yesterday and they did an ultrasound to check my placenta, a glucose screening for gestational diabetes, and gave me my RH shot. It was a very busy appointment. We are thankful that my placenta (that was low-lying at our previous ultrasounds) has fixed itself and we can plan for a vaginal delivery. My diabetes screening and shot were fine too. I was nervous about that shot, but it wasn't bad at all.
It was wonderful to see our little guy again, this is our last scheduled ultrasound so the next time we will see him will be when he arrives... that is so exciting! The ultrasound technician said that his weight as of yesterday (at 28 weeks 1 day gestation) was 3 pounds 6 ounces...what a big boy!

Baby Shower

Today we had our first baby shower. Linda (my mother-in-law) and Holley (my sister-in-law) did a wonderful job! As you can see from the pictures above it was beautiful. Daniel and I are overwhelmed by the generosity of our friends and family and can't wait for our little boy to arrive to enjoy all of his gifts.

Big Boy!

Last week at my doctor’s appointment we got some interesting news. Jackson is currently measuring in the 97th percentile. My doctor followed this information with “We’ll check you at 38 weeks and if you are ready we’ll think about induction,” 97th percentile…wow! I was expecting a big boy but not a linebacker. These estimates are based on ultrasound measurements and my uterus measurements. Technically, it is not an exact science and he could have just had a growth spurt that will even out in the next few weeks. It is a bit scary to think (forgive the mental picture) that I will be pushing out a head bigger than 97 percent of all heads.

At my next appointment I will be taking my glucose test (to check for gestational diabetes), having my RH shot, and having another ultrasound to check my placenta. (In my last ultrasound my placenta was low so we are hoping that it has fixed itself.) It should be a busy appointment…I will keep you posted. Say a prayer that all is well. (I can’t wait to see my little man again during the ultrasound!)

We also had our first childbirth class this week. It was very informative. I know that Daniel is going to be a great coach. As each couple introduced themselves the instructor asked each husband what he wanted to learn from the class. Daniel’s response cracked me up: “I just need to know how to calm her down.” He knows me too well.

Daniel and I went to a movie the other night and while the movie left much to be desired, Jackson was more than entertaining. I don’t know if it was the loud noises in the theater or the fact that I drank some of Daniel’s Dr. Pepper but I am convinced that our little boy was doing somersaults. It was so neat to see my belly jerk all over the place. I know I was a distraction to Daniel and those around me as I grabbed his hand to put in on my belly and giggled out loud (at parts that weren’t funny in the movie) but it was just amazing.


Sweet Jackson,
If you arrive on time your Daddy and I will be holding you in 92 days. (If you are healthy and ready to come a little earlier than that it’s okay with us.) Having you grow inside me has been one of the most beautiful things I have ever experienced. It has given me a whole new perspective. You are my little miracle and I thank God everyday for you. I don’t know if you can hear me reading but your Daddy and I bought you a book this week called “God Gave Us You”. Here is one of my favorite parts:
“We went to the doctor and heard your heartbeat”, she said. “I cried happy tears then.” “Why?” Little Cub asked. “Because God had given us you,” Mama said. “Every night, I prayed for you my special child. I prayed that your bones would be straight and your heart would be strong. But most of all, I prayed that someday you would love God.”
This is my prayer for you my sweet little boy. You have not even arrived and you are already changing my life. I want to be a better person for you. I want to be kinder, more patient and more loving. I want to be the example that you deserve. I can’t wait to hold you.

Always know how much I love you (and that God gave us you),
Mommy

Jackson's Nursery

Although it's still a work in progress, we are thrilled that Jackson's nursery is starting to come together. (A special thanks to Daniel's parents "Nonny" and "Poppy" for all of their help!)

This is the outfit that Daniel wore home from the hospital, it is so special to have it hanging in Jackson's room.
25 weeks 5 days pregnant

I can't wait until these picture frames are filled!

This is the rocking chair that my mom rocked me in as a baby, I am looking forward to rocking Jackson.