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!

Monday Funny

I can't stop laughing about this, so wanted to share...

I went to the doctor this morning for yet another monthly checkup. Things are looking great! Sidetracked a little. Sorry! Back to it...

The nurse came in to check everything out. She had the Dopplar machine in hand and had just found his heartbeat. The sweetest, most rhythmic sounds coming from it... until HE PUNCHED IT! Yes. His little hand reached out and punched exactly where the end of the machine was. Made a good little THUD in the midst of the heartbeats. Granted, it was a little cold this morning and it might have woken him up, but still. He punched it! Shocked us all and cracked us up. I had to hold my breath so I would stay still for her to find it again.

Not even born yet and we're hitting things. That, and he moves nonstop during church. I think this is going to be a long road we're headed down!

Making Progress

24 Weeks

My goal when I left school this past May was to be ready for the next year in most every way possible. My goal for the summer? Get the room done. I thought I would have it cleared out and furniture in place in June, bedding and decorations done in July. That way, I wouldn't have to think about it when school starts back in August.

Not everything goes to plan. After 4 years of being in this house, our guest room became the "storage" room. And it had SO MUCH STUFF!!! I never really realized how well I can pack things in, and how well everything fit just right into place. Needless to say, it took way longer than I thought, especially since I was not able to do much of it myself.

Our furniture came in at the end of June, but I knew if I started on that project, I wouldn't stop until it was finished. We still had the yard sale left to go. Granted, I didn't wait too long after the yard sale. The next evening, Bobby, Teresa, and Leslie came over to help (a HUGE thank you inserted here!). Three hours later, it was almost done, but still had some left to go. I finished that before Chris came home for lunch to help move things into place.

I love it! It looks absolutely beautiful. To me, anyways. Since it is our only extra room, we have to keep the double bed in there, but I found a cute comforter that matches the colors I'm using. The next project is making bedding and decorations, but I'm taking a small break before I delve into that one. The picture is in my mind, but I'm excited about how it's going to turn out!