Lebo Baby Shower

I was treated to my first baby shower by Melinda Rausch (my best friend from high school), Linda Born (Melinda’s mom) and Kate Evans (another great high school friend). It was in Lebo two weekends ago at the Lebo Library, and it was pretty awesome! The entire room was decorated in blues and greens with a jungle animals cake and sugar cookies.

Cake and Jungle Animal Sugar Cookies at the Lebo Shower

It was great to see so many of my school friends, school teachers (that’s right elementary, middle school and high school – aren’t small towns awesome), family friends and church members. They have all touched and contributed greatly to my life throughout my years in Lebo. It was a great feeling to know that everyone still cares about me and is genuinely excited about this baby that I’m getting ready to have!

I was also excited to see Brandon’s mom, Terri, there. As well as, all of my family on the Gillespie side (my dad’s side), including my Grandpa Gillespie and his life companion, Ardena. (I figure after several years of companionship/dating/co-habitating, it’s no longer appropriate to call her grandpa’s girlfriend.)

As one might expect with such an extensive guest list, LBS was certainly spoiled that day! He got all kinds of great baby stuff – from books, toys and entertainment, to bath accessories, blankets and outfits, our little guy is well on his way to becoming a well-dressed, well-groomed little play machine.

Lebo Shower Decor and Gift Table

Opening a baby outfit from Melinda Rausch.

Opening a lion blanket from Grandma Miner.

36 Weeks Belly

36 Weeks Belly36 weeks and all is well!

According to the books, our little boy is pretty much full grown as far as length goes, probably measuring in somewhere around 20 – 21 inches. He’s probably weighing about 6 pounds.

It’s becoming difficult to get a good night’s sleep, and the baby’s starting to get a little cramped. It’s pretty much impossible for me to not feel him in their moving around, and trying to stretch out.

33 Weeks Belly

At 33, almost 34 weeks along, things are starting to become more real. Not only am I getting larger, the baby’s movements are becoming stronger.

Sometimes it feels like LBS is in there training for a sycronized swimming competition or something. I’m starting to track patterns in his practice schedule: he’s usually up early in the morning, around 6am; mid-morning around 10:30am, mid-afternoon at 3pm and finally as I’m going to bed around 9:30pm. I’m sure he’s getting in a few night sessions, but luckily he’s not strong enough to wake me up, yet.

According to the books, the baby weighs about 4.5lbs and is nearly 20 inches long.

Installing the Nursery Mural

The nursery has really started coming together the past few days: my parents helped put a fresh coat of mint green paint on the walls, Brandon’s hung new tan microfiber curtains and tonight, the final touch, my mom installed the baby jungle animals wall mural!

Here’s a photo timeline of my mom installing the mural:

First, dad and I marked a plumb line and used pink sticky notes to mark the boundarys for the wallpaper sizing.

The mural's about half way up as mom works on hanging the third panel.

Smooth Sailing

I went to the doctor Tuesday for my 32-week check-up. All of my (and the babies’) measurements and vitals were right on target, and I actually had lost a pound since last time I was in (even though I have added 2.5″ to my waistline). That always makes for a good day at the doctor’s office. : )

My mom was in town, so she was able to tag along and listen to the heart beat. She also got a chance to talk with Sara, one of the midwives at The Birth and Women’s Center. I could tell it helped her feel a little more comfortable with my choice to have the baby there instead of in a “traditional” hospital setting. She was impressed by how calming Sara was, and she was able to ask questions about how they were monitoring my kidney functioning.

I think mom really enjoyed the experience. It was neat to have her there. : )