The Countdown

I just wanted to update everyone on my doctors appointments.. I use the plural because I've started going weekly now- which must mean, we're really close to having this baby! Last time I went, Dr. Waterman said that she likes to do inductions. She gave me several dates we could choose from- January 14th, 21st, or 27th. My actual due date is the 23rd. I really don't want to wait until the 27th and I think the 14th may be a little too close to Christmas. Plus, Kyle is starting a new job on the 5th so I think it would be best if he didn't have to take time off that second week. So- I think we've decided on the 21st. Of course, I could definitely go into labor naturally, but if not- that will most likely be Jude's birthday!

My doctor really doesn't like for babies to be born over their due date. She gave a number of reasons- they start having bowl movements, the just get really big and that makes for a harder delivery.. and so on. We'll see how it all goes. It seems so surreal to be talking about labor! I can't believe it's we're this close to meeting our little boy. I'm really not worried about anything as far as labor and delivery goes. I've always been pretty flexible and I really know it's best to just trust my doctors and nurses. I don't have a birth plan or anything like that... I just plan to go with whatever happens. Most people I talk to who have a birth plan say that it didn't quiet work out how they expected. I'm thinking if I go in not knowing what to expect, maybe I'll be pleasantly surprised and not disappointed when things aren't perfect. My only concern is having Kyle there and our families- I think the day will be special no matter how long it takes or how he's delivered. We're just ready to meet him!
I really appreciate everyone's support!!! Keep reading cause I posted about the CCS shower too!

CCS Shower!

On December 5th I had my last shower. It was great. All of my former CCS teachers, family, and a few good friends were there. I'm always so amazed by the support I have from the teachers at CCS. They honestly feel like an extended family. After having this shower I think Kyle and I have everything we need for the baby. It would have been impossible for us to do this on our own. I never realized how much one little person can need! It's unbelievable! Thanks to everyone who came to the shower. I'm so blessed to have so many people love and support me.

Jude's Room

The baby's room is almost done! Kyle and I, with the help of my mom, worked on it so hard this weekend. All the paint is done. All the trim is done. The only thing left is to paint the door and closet white. After that- we can start setting up the crib and the rest of the furniture! I'm so anxious to see it all come together. Kyle's showing off his new belly in this picture!

-The 2nd Ultrasound Attempt-

Last Saturday we went back for our second try at a 3D Ultrasound. Unfortunately Jude wasn't really showing his face this time around either. The entire hour he had both of his hands covering his face. After pushing on my stomach for what seemed like forever- the ultrasound technician gave up.

Between the two sessions, we actually did get several good pictures It is absolutely unbelievable seeing the distinct features of the baby. We really able to count all his figers and toes! And yep, they're all there!

Here are a couple of pictures of his hands. The second one looks like he's tyring to say = "Beat Texas!"

It was so much fun seeing our baby in 3D. Hopefully when he gets here, he'll be a little more photogenic!

Baby Showers!

We've already had two great baby showers. Kyle's church family in Helena thew us one and a few good friends gave us another last Sunday. They were both great. When Kyle and I got married we realized how blessed we are by friends and family- and the same is true with having this baby. During these big events in our lives, so many people have come and supported us. Most of our first apartment was furnished through wedding gifts and most of our baby's first things will be from all of you. Even people we haven't seen in a while came to the showers and supported us. We feel so lucky to have every one of you in our lives. I am so thankful that God has surrounded me by such great people- I couldn't choose better friends and family for my child to grow up with and be loved by. Thanks to everyone who showered us with gifts these past few weeks. It is such a big help! Kyle and I would never be able to do all of this without you guys. Here are a few pictures from the shower in Helena and the one at Chandra's house.

Ultrasound!

Last Saturday we had our first 3D Ultrasound. Kyle's mom Sheri, my mom and sister, and Chandra and Sydney all came with us. It was such a special day and we loved getting to share it with the people closest to us. We were amazed to see little Jude so clearly! We could even catch a yawn every now and then. Unfortunately we weren't able to get too many good pictures because his feet were covering up his face. It's amazing how bendy they are in the womb! We are scheduled to go back in a couple of weekends. They're going to try again to get good pictures. When we get them, we will be sure to post the pictures!
Being able to see Jude like this really made all of this seem so real. Sometimes it's hard to imagine in less than 3 months we'll be holding our baby- but seeing him in color and how much he's grown since the last ultrasound was so surreal. Kyle and I can't wait until he comes!

Jude's Room In Progress

Here's a couple of pictures of the nursery. The top of the wall is going to be blue and white stripes with two gray pen stripes on the white part- probably hard to imagine! But I think it's going to turn out really cute. We're also going to put up chair rail molding up. Hopefully it won't take us too long to get everything done! I'm ready to start moving the furniture in and getting everything set up for our little boy!

No More Work!

I have officially been off work for a week now. It's been so nice staying at home. I've definitely kept really busy. I've got half of the baby's room painted and a lot of other stuff done around the house. We've had a lot of people in and out of the house fixing things! Last week we had a guy here fixing our fireplace and another man doing measurements for our new carpet. Today a plumber is here fixing our toilet and garbage disposal. These are all things that have needed to be done for a while- but when working full time it's hard to schedule it all. It's a relief to have it all done and things working properly again!
Kyle and I have been rushing around trying to get the house organized and in order before Jude comes. We have just about 3 months left. I know these next few months are just going to fly by. I don't think I'm going to regret taking this time off work in order to get these things done.

Let The Birthing Begin!

Kyle and I went to our first birthing class tonight! It was actually really fun. We mainly went in with the idea that we were going for the "experience", but I think this class is going to be so helpful. Just knowing that I have done everything to prepare for labor will help set my mind at ease. I think this class will also help Kyle feel more included in all of this. He even learned some good breathing techniques tonight- although, I think we both felt a little silly. The greatest part tonight was just doing this with Kyle. He can make anything fun. I felt like a little kid at times- trying to hold in my laughs... Especially when we had to close our eyes and concentrate on breathing. It was hard to be serious when all I could think about was Kyle exhaling on the back of my neck! All in all, we had such a fun night.