Baby Shower!

This past Saturday we had the most beautiful baby shower hosted by some of the sweetest ladies around.  We were overwhelmed by how generous and thoughtful everyone was.  The day could not have gone any better, (besides the fact that a few people didn't receive their invitation) and we were so blessed by all of the sweet gifts for our Tatum girl.  

My sweet momma who has done so much for me over the past nine months.

The two grandmothers!

This will be GayGay's 9th grandbaby!

The cutest cookies I've ever seen. 

Incredible food table.  I went back for multiple times... 

The hostesses got us our carseat and stroller! 

I had many gift-opening helpers!

The absolute sweetest quilt from one of my best friends, Cali.  It has her name on it. 

So blessed.

Love my hubby. 

My sweet MawMaw.  My moms mom. 

The quilt up-close.  I had to fight back the tears when I opened it up!

My mom gave us the sweetest little Moses Basket for Tatum to sleep in her first couple of weeks and filled it with clothes from when I was a baby!  This is just one of the most thoughtful things she has done.  I couldn't believe all those precious clothes.  I can't wait to dress Tatum in them!

Last but not least, my precious hostesses.  We are so blessed to have each of them in our lives.  

Maternity Pictures

I went back and forth nearly my whole pregnancy as to whether or not we should get maternity pictures taken.  I knew if I didn't get them done I might regret it, but then again if I did get them done, I probably would look at myself and cringe and not want to share them anywhere...  Well, we ended up getting them done by our good friend, Kelly Gilgenbach who also did our Gender Reveal pictures.  He did an awesome job, but one of the models was a bit difficult to photograph at 36 weeks pregnant.  I definitely should have jumped on this sooner and maybe would have looked a little bit more like myself.  Definitely ready for this swelling to go away!  Here are my favorites!

My boots from when I was little.

All in all, I am very thankful for these and will enjoy showing Tatum one day how big her momma got!  We are also very  thankful for Kelly's talent and would recommend him to anyone! 

36 Weeks

Since I posted at 35 weeks, Add I celebrated Valentine's Day by cooking and hanging out with my parents.  After seven or so Valentine's actually spent together we keep it pretty low-key. 

Addison still manages to always throw in a few goodies for me though :)

Yes, that it is a Tatum bump.  He wrote her her own little Valentine's message...sweetest thing ever. 

My mom and I made a little trip to Pet Smart last week to find Millie an outfit for the Fur Ball that my parents were taking her to.  Are you starting to get a little worried for our sanity?  So am I.  

This is one spoiled dog....

Meanwhile, Add and I went out with Abe and Courtney to Fuzzy's and to see "The Lone Survivor".  We always have so much fun with those two and of course, Courtney and I get a kick out of the two boys being back together.  

The boys obviously were excited to take a family picture.

Last but not least...

36 Weeks

How far along: 36 weeks, 4 days

Due date: March 15th

Size: 18.66 in, somewhere between 5 1/2 and 6 lb.'s.  Size of a crenshaw melon. 

Sleep: Just like last week, some nights are good and some nights I get barely any sleep.    

Movement: She wiggles around all the time.  I almost want to say that she is moving more than ever.  It's getting extremely uncomfortable when she moves around but I wouldn't trade those sweet movements for the world.  She made me jump pretty bad at church on Sunday and the guy next to me got quite a kick out of that.  

Cravings/Aversions: I don't really crave anything anymore but I feel hungry all day everyday.  Whether it's carrots or cookies, I will eat anything if it is front of me.  (Besides BBQ)

Maternity Clothes: My SIL is letting me borrow a few tops to carry me through this last month which I am very grateful for.  The pretty shower dress I bought got a little too short for this belly after I had to get it altered so mom and I made a trip to Motherhood Maternity and ended up getting a different dress that is just as cute and is much more comfortable since it is maternity.  Other than that, I have one pair of jeans that fit me, or that I can actually wear the whole day and not be uncomfortable.  As far as tops go, there are only a few that still fit over my belly.  I honestly never thought I would be so ready to get back in my regular clothes.  

Best moment this week: Going to my first weekly appointment! 

Next appointment: Next Monday, the 24th.

-I got "checked" for the first time at my appointment on Monday.  I haven't progressed any and she isn't measuring early anymore but I was so thankful to hear a healthy heartbeat and to share that with Addison.  Dr. Mascorro said this is all right on track and normal at 36 weeks.  

-We have our first and only shower this Saturday which I could not be more excited for!!  Things are starting to get real!

35 Weeks

Yup, I missed the mark again.  Three weeks later and I am finally updating.  I hope to start updating every week as I will be going to the doctor every week!  Let's hope I can stick to this.  The last few weeks have been pretty uneventful but very busy.  After my wreck, I went about a week without a car, so that was fun trying to get rides everywhere.  I went shopping with one of good friends, Katie, and found a non-maternity baby shower dress at Dillard's...score!  Can't wait to wear it post pregnancy as I'm sure it will look completely different.  Maybe an Easter dress?  

Mom and I have continued our weekly bible study at Beltway and have enjoyed getting to meet other women and be in fellowship together.  We can't believe that next Wednesday is our last study together.  I am very excited for the next study and hope to do it at home and stay on track with the ladies at church.  

Two weekends ago, Addison's twin brother, Abe, and his wife, Courtney moved back to Abilene from Corpus!!  We all went to high school and college together.  We went our separate ways for a little bit and now they're back!  Not to mention, they are pregnant with their first little one as well due in August!  It is such an exciting time having three first cousins within 8 months of each other.  Addison's sister, Ashlee, had a sweet baby girl, Macee at the end of December, Tatum will be here in March and "Baby T" will be here in August!  That makes 10 grandchildren for Addison's parents.  What sweet blessings.  

Last Monday (a week and a half ago) I had one of my last two-week appointments with Dr. Mascorro.  My mom and dad both went with me this time.  My dad was so funny taking pictures the whole time (without me knowing until afterwards)!  Tatum's heartbeat went up from 139 to 154 which I just think is interesting.  Head is still down and she is still a very active little thing as we could barely catch her heartbeat just in time for her to move again. I can't wait to start going every week and get this show on the road!  Speaking of Monday's, I also do a "Bachelor night" with 3-4 other girls which has been so much fun to look forward to every week and get in some girl time!

Mom and I headed to Dallas last Wednesday after bible study for one last girls trip to shop and hang out.  We planned on coming home Thursday but instead had to stay an extra night because of the bad weather.  This just gave us extra time to relax and watch movies.  On our way home we stopped in Fort Worth and had lunch with my brother, Trent.  I always love seeing my brothers and they are loving getting to see Tatum grow and grow!  It really is so sweet to see them loving on her already.  

Addison has been busy at work, but when he's not working we are soaking up every second with each other.  We are SO excited for our little girl to be here but know that things will never be the same.  We are trying to take every opportunity to just be together and enjoy each other's company.  We have learned so much about each other these past nine months and have grown closer than ever.  My respect level has shot up even further than before as he has been completely selfless and done so much for me over this pregnancy.  I will never look at him the same after all of this because of how he has cherished me and truly put me first after our Almighty God.  Thank you Lord for my sweet husband.

*Three books that I have read throughout my pregnancy that have helped in creating this level of respect for my husband have included, "Politically Incorrect Wife" (I did this as a book study with three other women and I think we can all testify that every married woman should read this!), "Power of a Praying Wife" (I either start or end my day reading this.  It helps me to connect with my husband even when I am not with him and lift him up in prayer), and "Pure Joy" (I was told about this book early in my pregnancy.  It is a true joy to read scripture and pray over our sweet girl together or separately.  It simply allows us to speak life into our unborn child while creating a special husband and wife bond as well.).  

Phew!  I think that pretty much sums up the past three weeks.  Now for the bump date!

35 Weeks

How far along: 35 weeks, 4 days

Due date: March 15th

Size: 18 in, 5.25 lb's.  Size of a honeydew melon.  

Sleep:  Sleep is very unpredictable right now.  Some nights are good, other nights I stay awake for hours.  All in preparation to stay up with this little girl!

Movement: I have felt lots and lots of movement lately.  Since she can't quite "kick" anymore, due to lack of space, she is very good at streeettchhinnggg out every body part until I literally push them back in my belly.  It hurts.  Especially when she hits a bone, like my right hip bone... :| She is also making her descend downward so I am feeling tons of pressure.  Addison thinks its hilarious when I all of the sudden yell her name out because she's not being very nice to me.  Oh, the joys of being nine months pregnant.

Cravings/Aversions: Still loving orange juice.

Maternity Clothes: In all maternity clothes.  Most days I can be seen wearing sweat pants and a comfy shirt. 

Best moment this week: Everyday has had some pretty good moments!  

Next appointment: February 17th! (Next Monday) Can't wait to see if I have progressed any.

-The swelling is here to stay.  I cannot wear any of wedding bands so I just switch out a few bigger rings I have and put them on my ring finger.

-We have all of Tatum's furniture finally in her room, ready to fill after the shower!

-Blood work came back and I am still anemic (pretty sure this doesn't go away so I don't know why they took me off iron for a few weeks to see what would happen?) I was put back on an extra dose of iron which I will continue to take after my pregnancy as well.  Other than that, everything was great.

See you next week!