Washington family/friends/church shower

My mother in law and two friends from church (Susie, Amanda Houston, and Stephanie Walker) threw me a great shower with the theme of "Bun in the Oven." It turned out real cute!

My friend and incredible hair stylist Hillary Gillespie was doing my hair one night when she started talking about this nose straw for baby boogers I HAD to have. I said "See THAT is the sort of thing I need to know about. Since I haven't been a MOM yet, I don't know all those favorite items that I just HAVE to have." which she responded to by saying "Oh I'm already planning to get it for you for your baby shower!"

That led to the inspiration of the theme for the night of "My Favorite Things" where instead of registering for the unknown, I asked people to bring me whatever their most FAVORITE item was when they had a newborn.

I got some really great gifts-- again, I can't believe how thoughtful and kind people are. This has gotta be one special kid!

I didn't have my camera but here are some photos Susie took with hers:

Nancy, Teddy, and Grandma Susie

The treats

Some of the guests chatting

Sweet Baby J - this is what we called Teddy before he was "Teddy" :)
Our sweet baby J

Presents!

Alisa Wise and me enjoying a drink!

I got lots of CUTE baby clothes, a snot sucker, a little suit, cash to put towards my stroller and carseat, great gift cards, and blankets.

I think I'm just about set - all we need now is Teddy!

FULL TERM! 37 weeks pregnant

Full term- 37 weeks today!

And I feel like it!

I met with my midwife today and she said everything continues to look healthy. She did an exam and Teddy is head down and starting to get ready. She guessed I would deliver around my due date of Dec. 13 or later.

I'm okay with him coming anytime after December 6th which is my last day of work. Actually, my mom is flying up December 9th so I guess after that.

My patient told me many babies are born closer to full moons due to the gravitational pull or something.  The next full moon is December 17th so she predicted he'd be born on December 16th. That sounds about right to me- we'll see!

-I've gained 40 pounds, my feet and calves are like elephantitis, I'm starting to get these dull ache pain things down my lower back/glute/things and I'm not worried about them, but they sometimes make me stop mid walk from discomfort. :( I woke up twice last night and couldn't fall back asleep easily- someone told me this is to prep me for waking up to feed the baby. I've definitely got the "WADDLE
 down. 

-I'm constantly amazed by how much people LOVE pregnancy and babies and how excited they get for me. I'm amazed by the sweet, thoughtful gifts we've received and love shown to us. We can't wait for Teddy. I can't believe the time is almost here. We've waited so long- many years past just these last 8 months- to welcome our own baby. This is the reason I've done everything I've done in life is to prepare for this moment to get to be a Mom. And we are getting so close. I can't wait. (Well, maybe I can.. just till Dec 9th though! :)

37 weeks- full term!

37 weeks - Full term!

35 weeks
-On our "Baby Moon"

35 weeks
-About to go swimming on our "Baby moon"

Stryker Dentistry Baby Shower

About a year ago I started working full-time at Larry Stryker's dental office.
I LOVE this office!
The gals here threw me and Teddy an INCREDIBLE baby shower- I still can't believe how awesome it was.

Since most of them hadn't seen our new place yet, we decided to have it at my house. It was so fun!
I LOVED seeing my house decorated and filled with people. It felt so warm and happy. :)

Here are just a few pics:

The women of Stryker Dentistry -
Christy, Lauren, Emma (Lauren's baby), Jill, Natalie (Colleen's daughter), Cherri, Me and Teddy, Shannon, Maddie (Shan's daughter), Rona, Ashley (Rona's baby) and Colleen.
Oh and Cosmo of course!

Some of the food - it was SO GOOD!
apples and berries, cheese n crackers, coconut shrimp, kale and broccoli salad, even carrots from their garden! 

Rona and Ashley- so cute!

Natalie and Emma

Playing a matching game-
We all brought baby pictures of ourselves and played a matching game.  The winner was whoever got the most matches and if there was a tie, whoever turned it in first. I knew I had to go fast cuz Lauren would be the competition.  We both got 8/10 right, but she beat me by two seconds! She's so good at stuff like this!

Cute, dorky Maddie :) I love her! I hope my kids are as cool as she is someday

Lauren and Emma

I still can't believe how generous and giving people are.  I'm amazed.  We got clothes, a baby monitor, a "baby firsts" calendar, boppy, bottles, hand knit sweater, a bouncer, and even a gown for me for the hospital! WOW.