Weekend Getaway

We decided that over Labor Day weekend, we would take one last trip as "just the two of us." That, and one before I have to stick around town. Sure, we know we'll go on trips together again, but it won't be the same: having to pack Cutter up and ship him off somewhere. (Not that I'll mind or anything.)

We left Friday, after Chris had just driven back into town from trial hours away. A quick and successful stop at Sikes and Kohn and we were off. We got there, got to the room, and crashed. Chris had us booked at the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort.

We spent Saturday and Sunday at the beach. Saturday followed by the Alabama game and Sunday followed by shopping at the outlet malls and lunch at Cheeseburger in Paradise. Sunday evening we went to Poppy's, there at the resort and enjoyed a beautiful sunset while eating dinner. Upon returning to the room, I discovered that my right hand had swelled. Not my feet, not my hands. Just the right one. So, we went down for a soak in the pool. Yes, the pool. It felt great!
We started making our way back on Monday and were able to take our time driving. We had the most relaxing and laid back weekend, one which I think we both needed and were very grateful for. I can't wait until Cutter gets here, but I can't wait for another weekend like this one!

This was the ONLY picture we took together this weekend!

Friends and Family

We are blessed to have such great friends and family. Chris' side threw us our first shower for Cutter at the end of August. We had a blast and received TONS of stuff!

Food, Favors and a Diaper Cake

About to get started!

Chris and the sweater he was brought home in... almost 30 years ago! It was fun to have him there for the games and gifts.

Jim, aka "Poppa", gave a gift of his own... denim jacket, Beatles onesie and a Pink Floyd onesie!

I've found places for it all right now, but we still have 2 showers left to go. It's getting more exciting as we get closer each and every day!

One at a Time

The last time I posted, we had just taken 30 week pictures. That picture came right as we were about to walk out of the house and drive to Huntsville, for our first shower. Since then, life has flown by and has been busier than ever! Things are calming down though as my calendar slowly begins to clear again. Meanwhile, I've gotten a little behind with everything that has happened. So, I'll take things one at a time, and hopefully, get caught up before it all starts over again! This means that I do have some pictures to download and work on.

Yet to come:
~ Friends and Family shower in Huntsville
~ Destin trip for Labor Day
~ 32 Weeks & Updates
~ Alabama vs. Penn State Game

4th Quarter

The song keeps running through my head... "it's the final countdown..." We're getting close when I start to think about it. Now, only about 9 weeks left and to think of all that's left to do! Cutter's room is filling up and my to do lists constantly change. All in all, things continue to go well as we keep moving forward!

30 Weeks

Like Father, Like Son

We finally decided to go ahead with the 4D ultrasound this past weekend. We had debated whether or not we wanted to, wondered if he would cooperate and if it would be worth our investment. So we did.

When I say like father, I mean it. This boy has his dad's personality. He is not much of a mover at all, nor has he ever been. He's so laid back. I drank a cherry lemon sundrop before going to the appointment, and he did not budge. Those things pack enough punch to carry me dead tired through a school day. He did not wake up.

Luckily, he was in a great position so we were able to get some good shots.

He sleeps with his hands by his face.

He looks so sweet- and has his dad's lips!

Finally found his mouth, but didn't keep his thumb there long.

A sleepy smile.

We don't know if that is hair or not, so we'll see!

He does have my chubby cheeks and round face.

We are so excited and can't wait to see him here in about 10 weeks!

The Calm Before the Storm

I'm waiting for it. For that moment to hit when reality has set in, comfort is gone, the newness has worn off.

I'm waiting for that "challenging child" to emerge from the crowd.

I was extremely hesitant starting the year with 19 unknown children. I did not talk to previous teachers to find anything out. I've had nightmares in past years waiting to meet them and see them after hearing things about them. So I didn't. I just waited to see for myself.

And I'm still waiting. It's an eerie feeling, to have a group that gets right to work without a sound once I've gone over directions. It's new to have a group sit still for so long waiting for me while a teacher or visitor has entered the room, without being directed or asked. And the hall? They don't just stop straight, they walk through the hall straight too!

Normally, they start to break and true colors emerge within the first few days. If not then, then within the first week or so. Two weeks into it now and I can't figure it out!

Maybe it's a good group. Maybe my "talkers" are scared because they are few and far between. Maybe I set the bar high and they are still in shock. Maybe my big belly has them intimidated (or parents threatened them to death!).

Either way, I am blessed. It has really helped with my transition back into the classroom. I'm feeling great, aside from the occasional back pain. I find plenty of time to sit, stand, walk, rest, and move around. I haven't knocked a child in the head with my belly yet, but there's still time! It's harder to squeeze past students where I normally would be able to. My feet have only swollen twice, but neither on a school day and only noticeable to me, since I see them everyday (for now!).

Hopefully, things will continue going well for these next 11 weeks! That, and I might want to knock on wood too...

Quick Break

~ Summer break is over...
~ My parents came to visit last weekend and brought tons of stuff (blog to come)...
~ School has started and I have a great group!

All craziness aside, I figured I'd take a quick break to update my pictures. I'm glad to look and see the steady progression since most of the time it feels like leaps and bounds!

26 Weeks

28 Weeks

Sidenotes:
- Feeling great.
- No noticeable swelling (yet).
- Staying cool.
- Room mostly done.
- Laugh every time my belly moves.
- TOUCHED him the other day. Weird!