Baby Shower

We are at 33 weeks this week, and only have 7 more to go. Kenneth and I started childbirth classes two weeks ago.

On Saturday, April 18, some wonderful people in my life threw a baby shower for us. Kenneth and I were overwhelmed with the amount of love and support showered upon us. 

Me and Katie

Me and Mom-to-Be Cacy

The cutest girl in the world, Georgia, and her beautiful mother Nia.

Some of the wonderful hostesses.

Opening some of the many gifts. 

Kristin, Marcie, Me, and Katie

Very grateful soon-to-be parents

The aftermath of the shower

Texas Tech outfit, Thank you Jordan!

The Joys and Frustrations of Pregnancy

Today is a day of venting. I feel the need to disclose some of my joys and frustrations of pregnancy, in no particular order. 

• As someone who once prided herself on being somewhat intelligent, I find it extremely frustrating when my mind fails to function. I find myself forgetting names of people and objects, losing words in mid-sentence, and being generally disorganized in thought. I understand that this is completely "normal" but it is still unnerving.
• One morning I looked in the mirror as I was getting ready and did not recognize the chest staring back at me. I was never blessed in this area and have always wondered who got the genes from my grandmother, because I certainly did not. I am told however that the minor discomfort I felt a couple of months ago is nothing compared to the feeling of engorgement, but I am determined to enjoy this while it lasts.... we shall see.
• My growing stomach is a subject of mixed emotion. While the majority of the time I love looking down and knowing my baby is growing inside me, there are days when I wish I could just see my feet. I have had moments when I wish my stomach went down instead of out, and then proceeded to feel rather guilty for these thoughts. I am annoyed that shaving my legs has become quite difficult and uncomfortable; and I have yet tried to repaint my toenails, which desperately needs to be done.
• There are no words to describe the kicking, pushing, stretching, twisting, and turning that I feel inside me. I just sit and watch my stomach move as my baby moves inside me. I love grabbing my husband's hand and placing it on my stomach so he can feel the baby move, and then seeing the wonderment spread across his face when he finally does feel the baby move. I am going to miss feeling every little move after the baby is born. 
• I have felt a growing sense of camaraderie among women these last months. Women that I grew up with and look up to as mothers have shared so many hilarious and heartfelt stories with me of their experiences. I feel like I have been given a membership into an exclusive club. I have laughed so hard at shared stories of pregnancy and motherhood. I have felt so loved and cherished by these women who I have looked at as second mothers.
• "Morning" sickness! Let me just say that for me it did go away after the first trimester, it has continued throughout. And the name "morning" sickness is incorrect in my book. It does not go away at the magic hour of noon, it comes and goes as it pleases with no regard for time. And while on this subject, let me just express my love of indigestion. I have yet to understand how I can get indigestion off of water, but yet I seem to have accomplished this feat. Antacids have become a daily part of my diet and they taste so lovely...yum.
• I would like to end on a joyous note... I have found a new respect, reverence, and love for my mother. As a woman who did not have the easiest of pregnancies and who went through it three times, I literally owe her my life. Her undying support throughout these last few months has been more precious to me than anything. Being able to call whenever and bounce ideas, questions, and concerns off her has been more helpful and comforting than anything else. I love her more than words can say, and I know my love will only grow has I go through this journey.

10 Reasons Why I Love My Husband

Earlier this week I told one of my friends that I was going to start blogging more, so here is an attempt. 

The following reasons are not the only reasons I love Kenneth, but some of the reasons he is quite perfect for me. 

1. Kenneth tells me everyday that I am beautiful and that he loves me. Especially now, being 7 1/2 months pregnant, it is nice to know he still finds me attractive.

2. He really is my big teddy bear. Even though he has tattoos, rides a Harley, sometimes has a mohawk, and generally can look mean... he has the biggest heart of anyone I know. 

3. He is head-over-heels in love with our unborn son and can't wait to meet him. 

Example: his status on face book one day...   

Kenneth Washburn

In less than two months my life is going to drastically change. I will have a son that will occupy my every waking moment. This is something I'm not used to but I'm really looking forward to. He kicks, punches, and stretches the life out of Cheryl's tummy and all I can do is sit there and wait for him. He truly has occupied all of my thoughts. Who knew?on Monday  

4. He does not mind being my guinea pig in the kitchen. He is not a picky eater and will try, at least once, every new recipe I try. There have been some blunders, but even then he still tries to eat them.

5. He will go to the local theater or symphony concert with me, even though it is not his favorite thing to do. He would much rather be on his bike and hang out with his friends than be dressed up and sitting in semi-comfortable chairs for at least two hours.

6. He supports me through my battle with chronic pain. He never once has walked away from the stress and frustration that comes with loving someone with a chronic illness. He is my strength on the bad days and helps pull me through.

7. He loves my closest girlfriends as if they were his sisters. I know that if any of them needed anything he would not hesitate to be there for any of them.

8. I feel completely safe with him wherever we go. I have never felt scared or uncertain about my surroundings when I am with him. I know that no matter what, he will always protect me and keep me safe.

9. If we had the space and could afford it, he would rescue every homeless dog he sees. He has a soft spot for any dog, especially if they have been injured in some way.

10. He makes me laugh everyday. He will do anything, and I mean anything, to make me laugh. After 8 1/2 years of jokes and antics, he still can find something that will make me double over with laughter everyday.

My husband does have his flaws, and yes we do have our arguments, but my life has been better everyday since he has been in it. I love him more than anything.  

 

10 More Weeks!!!

We have now entered the last trimester and have only 9 weeks and 2 days to go! Colter is more active than ever, he seems to never sleep. Kenneth and I start childbirth classes on Monday, April 13. I have started my notebook of lists... what to take to the hospital, who to call when we go to the hospital, what we still need to do, etc. 

Colter's nursery has yet to really take shape. The fabric has been picked out and mailed to our expert seamstress. The furniture has been ordered and we are waiting for its arrival. The room still functions as the office and has yet to be cleaned out. So much to do and yet time is ticking away. 

The nursery fabric

Here are new pictures of the growing belly....

Maggie hugging Colter

Colter at 30 Weeks and 5 Days