Our Journey!: September 2012

46

Philly requested that his birthday cake be made by Amaya, the best baker in town by far. She made him mini cupcakes in her cupcake machine. Cupcakes just don't get better than these.
Philly got a new set of billiards balls, pajama pants, and a Daddy Diaper Duty Kit.
The kit included ear plugs for dangerous noise levels, masks for odor protection, gloves for the messy stuff, goggles for eye protection against unexpected flying objects, and knee pads because he is 46 now and he is going to have to keep up with a crawling baby somehow.
I have a strong feeling that 46 is going to be the best year yet!
Jen

Richason and Friends, Baby Shower

Sunday, Sept. 23rd
Pete and Dawn's house (Philly's brother and sister in-law's house), Carmel, IN

So much fun! The weather was great. We got to visit with many family members and several friends from Northern IN. I love that so many people care enough about us and Baby that they took the time not only to join us but, to drive from all over to spend the afternoon with us!

How sweet is this cake? Love it! We have had so much fun with the gender neutral themes. (Not for everyone. And we understand)

HILLARIOUS! Aren't we? Cracks me up... have your cake and eat it too!

This shower was a great social event. But what is a shower without at least one game? Right?
Guys only. They lined up some chairs and grabbed partners. One team mate got a container of baby food and spoon and was told to close his eyes while he fed the other guy the tasty slop. We laughed until we cried. Just a few random pics. for your enjoyment.

The gifts were all amazing. We received everything from a softy blanket, diapers, and wipes to an awsome themometer, gift cards, and an electronic snot sucker!! The best of the best to say the least.
You are all so good to us! This baby of ours is obviously already very loved!

Until next post,
Jen

32 weeks and 4 days

Our apt. went very well yesterday! We can't get enough of that baby face! I could have spent the day watching as our baby moved it's tiny legs and arms around and even gave us a glimps of it's little lips sucking... I will never forget that sight! And how could I after seeing the size of those droopy, full, kissers? OMGoodness! Love them!

This nose appears to be something else too.

Loving this profile shot. Once again I see Daddy's face shape but, we are getting mixed reviews as usual.

All is well with Baby. The doc. said that the weight right now is 4lbs. 6oz. Still some growing to do before it's birthday.

In the mean time we have a room to put together. As soon as we get it complete, pics. will be posted. The hardwood floors are being refinished this week so we are camped out at my parent's house until the weekend.

Love and Laughter,

Jen, Philly, and Baby

Doctors Orders

I had a doctors apt. on Tuesday the 11th. We had been prepared to have our bags packed for the hospital the second week in October. However, the doctor said that it was safe to say that we are between 31 and 33 weeks. The next statement was that my belly had popped out there quit a bit further than expected over a two week period. Before we left for Myrtle Beach the doctors were saying that we measured just a bit under for seven months. Not the case now.
So this has lead us to a third ultrasound schedule for Tuesday, September, 25th, just to check on baby and see exactly where this extra tummy growth came from. And with doctors orders...our bags got packed the second week in September instead!!!
We called our moms to find out our birth measurements for comparison purposes.
Philly weighed in at 8lbs. 6oz. and measured 23in' long!!! Holly Molly that is a lengthy baby!
Jen weighed 7lbs. 6oz. and measured 21in' long. I thought that was a whopper before I heard Phil's measurements.
All of this length may be the reason for my extra large protruding stomache! Ugh!!
Ely was 6lbs. 14oz and measure 19in' long. I'm thinking that won't be the case with this little one.
With this information we have concluded that no one should be shocked if we have some long legs growing in my belly.
My weight gain is perfect according to doctors standards, blood pressure 100/54, baby's heart rate: 132 to 140 beats per min. Glucose test came back fine.
Philly and I are wondering if we have been right in our calculations all along...are we a month earlier than they thought? According to the first ultrasound, the due date was calculated from Feburary 28th. Though Mommy and Daddy thought January was more accurate.

Some where between 31 and 33 weeks along (they think, hehe)

So for now, my ever growing belly and I are eating very well (lots of fruits and veggies still and of course ice cream), feeling good, walking daily as well as eating Tums like candy and drinking mass amounts of water! I have never been so thirsty in my life!
I'm starting to getting a little uncomfortable. That stretching sensation at the top of my belly isn't pleasant, my lower back is feeling the presure of caring this little one, and this child head bunts my bladder often.
I have definitely been experiencing those wonderful Braxton Hicks contractions.
We will be keeping you up to date on baby news.
Praying we don't deliever until after October 1st!
Love and Laughter,
Jen and Baby

MBSC 2012

Thanks to my parents we enjoyed another September's week in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. We had so much fun! The weather was terrific while we were there.
I have to say this was the most eventful trip we have ever taken (full of ups and a down.)

We traveled half way this year and stopped at a bed and breakfast call Goose Creek Farms in Dandridge, TN. It was a very nice place and the breakfast was excellent.

After breakfast we were off to the beach!

My Dad (Andy), my Mom (Diane), and I enjoying the waves!

Philly, Ely, and Gavin constructed a sand castle.

On Monday morning my parents Poodle pasted away. It had been sick but we really didn't expect to loose her. So that was the down part of the trip. We miss you Precious.

On Tuesday we had a fabulous shrimp dinner planned. Philly wanted to go on a walk to watch the sun set. We ate about half of our meal when Phil pulled me out of the condo for a fun beach walk. He was so happy and loving.

When we got back to our beach area there was a glow coming from behind the sand castle. I thought it was a flash light. But when we went up to see what the soft glow was I discovered candle and a wine bottle with a note inside. Our "Myrtle Beach Mix" CD was playing. Then Ely, Gavin, and parents appeared from behind the sand dunes. So then I knew something was about to happen....

That's my "Something is about to happen" smile. (Goofy)

Those candles that I thought were a flash light and the bottle that contained the message...

...the message from the bottle....

...the proposal...

...the hug of relief, joy, and overwhelming emotions...

...and the happy family to be...

Look at Philly wrapped around that baby belly! Haha!

This is our sixth September together. I have to say, for this special moment it was worth the wait!

On Wednesday, September 5th, we celebrated two birthdays. My Dad is now a senior citizen, the big 55 and Gavin turned 12!

We went to our Bubba's Love Shack at Murrels Innlet for lunch on Thursday.

Ely and Gavin gave Bubba some love again this year!

After lunch we went to BrookGreen Gardens to see so art sculptures among the beautiful landscaping. Ely found this form of art (sculptures) to be inappropriate and could not believe that we had brought them to such a place.

Here are a few pics from our visit...

Then back to the condo to have some beach time fun before our very quick week ended.

Here's to a wonderful week! We love making memories!

Jen, Philly, Gavin, and Ely

The Third Trimester

Already? It doesn't seem possible that we are in the beginning of the end!
I'm sure come baby's birthday I will be completely over it and ready to no longer be pregnant but, as of right now, I can't imagine this ending. I am really loving this pregnancy. Of course there are moments of discomfort. All in all this has been a great experience. I'll give most of the credit to the 'Daddy to be' for everything that he has done to make this journey special. You just can not imagine how pampered I have felt! And Ely too. He has been there every step of the way asking question of concern, getting things for me so that I don't have to bend over as often, and of course, those sweet tummy rubs that Mommy and Baby get daily from big brother.

28 weeks= 7 months

Enjoying my last couple of months,
Jen

The Ultimate Baby Shower

Two of my friends, Hope and Michelle, assisted my sister Krista, in planning what turned out to be the ultimate baby shower. My only stipulation was that I did not have to taste or smell anything (still a bit sensitive to tastes and smells.) Some baby shower games are crazy you know. They were very kind and didn't embarrass me or make me ill.
What they did do was all of this....

Hope and her husband Jacob made this adorable fruit basket baby carriage. Hope also made the Welcome Baby sign out of doily's and denim, and...

the floral center pieces for the tables...

and the clothes line decor which was part of the baby's gift.

Michelle not only rented the FOP for the shower but also recruited her Mom Bonnie, to help her make this adorable cake. I couldn't have chose better myself.

My Mom, Krista, Michelle, Hope, and Cousin Angel pitched in on setting up an ice cream buffet! Yum...satisfaction for my pregnancy craving!

Several friends and family members organized two tables full of scrapbook supplies. Everyone at the shower made a scrapbook page for Baby. Now all I have to do is fill it with pictures. What an awesome idea!!

Here are a few random pictures for your enjoyment...