First Baby Shower

I opened presents for over an hour.

Now all we need is little Tuff man to arrive.

We had a wonderful weekend. Mom and Dad came in town on Friday and once again helped out tremendously around the house with the nursery among other things. Aunts, cousins, and GG also came in town to celebrate the coming of Aidan. I was so thrilled to have them all a part of our first shower. Brandon, Aidan and I are so very blessed to be surrounded by such wonderful, loving, and giving friends and family. 10 fantastic hostesses- Beth, Emily, Stacy, Heather, Jenni, Peggy, Christy, Sherrie, Libby, Melinda- threw a great celebration at our church. The room was so cutely decorated with jungle animals galore, Mrs. Sherrie made a prayer book that we will forever cherish, Mrs. Libby outdid herself with adorable candy bar wrappers, Paul's sister-in-law, Flo, made and decorated a wonderful cake. I thank all of you again for the hard work you put in to give us such a memorable party. 

The wonderful hostesses

Visiting Family

     

Counting Down

There hasn't been a whole lot to report in the last couple of weeks. I am at 32 weeks and starting the count down. I've been feeling good with just more tiredness then before. Aidan is getting stronger judging from the kicks I receive. I think he stretches from my bladder to my ribs. It's amazing to feel him move around somersaulting from one side to the other and feeling a little foot or elbow sticking out of my side. 

Brandon and I started birthing classes. We are going a couple of hours a week and have 3 classes left. We've practiced fun things like massaging the moms and things like relaxation techniques, breathing, how to keep up with contractions, what to take to the hospital.... Week 2 we watched an actual birth- I think Brandon is now scarred for life. There may have been good reason men were not allowed in the labor rooms in years past. But when the big day comes, I know he will be an excellent support. I have a feeling that the next weeks will come and go quickly. We have our first baby shower at the church next weekend. I am looking forward to the fun! I'll be sure to post some pictures.

  

Nursery

Thanks to Aidan's incredibly talented Grandmothers, the nursery is taking shape. Mom (a.k.a. Nanny) has been busy working on all the bedding, window treatments, and wall decor frames. Also notice the blanket on the back of the chair- Nanny put lots of love into making it. Aidan will stay warm and cozy. Everything has turned out so cute. I couldn't be happier. 

Gran has been a huge help. She painted the walls and baseboards of the nursery to brighten up the room. She also took ideas from several different paintings and came up with the art work that covers the one wall. I couldn't have imagined a more perfect picture. I can't wait to see Aidan's attention captured by the painting while he's hanging out on the changing table. His little imagination can run wild. 

I'm still moving everything around to try to find their place. But for so long the nursery has been nothing but big ideas in my head. It's so exciting to see it all come together. Thank you, Nanny and Gran, for all your love and hard work!! 

    

Love is in the Air

This weekend started off with a bachelorette party for Ashley. She will be heading to Jamaica in the next month and will come back a married woman. She will be a beautiful, blushing bride. I am so happy for her. Andy better realize what a wonderful gift God has given him. And Ashley didn't do so bad herself- we love Andy. They are two of the most caring people you'll ever meet. Married life is wonderful. Ash, you know as soon as you return from the honeymoon we will have to have a talk about Aidan and Libby needing another friend! 

I always look forward to time with the girls.  The three amigos- 

the prego, the beautiful bride and the hot new mama. 

Following the celebration, I headed home to my Valentine. We spent the evening with friends enjoying food, fun and laughter. My wonderful husband sent me flowers and I have a much needed prenatal massage to look forward to. He's the best! 

Bethany update-- It's a boy!! 16+ weeks and counting. Bethany and Ken were able to get a sneak peak and with a convincing photo have declared that Aidan will soon be playing with his new bestest friend, William Paul. If they are anything like me, Bethany, and our cousins they will be planing and performing Christmas extravaganzas, plays, and fashion shows before we know it, but maybe they will come up with their own imaginative entertainment.   

Aidan update-- 7 months down, a little less than 3 to go. According to the books he is weighing in at 2.25 pounds and measuring 14.8 inches. He can now open and close his baby blues (which are sporting lashes at this point).

26 Weeks and Growing...

We are 6 1/2 months and feeling great! Aidan is moving and shaking every day. Brandon is now able to feel the movements, and sometimes see, which is neat for all. 

It's funny how attached you are to your belly button and don't even realize it until it starts to change shape. I think very soon mine could disappear. 

Today the weather was great and we had a very enjoyable day and a very productive day as well. Brandon and I went to lunch at Red Robin with Brian and Christina. The food was great and the company was even better. 

 

          Aidan has a new closet for all of his clothes and toys.           

     

   The nursery is a clean slate. It's ready for the fun part- decorating.

 

Milestones

Aidan is making his presence known. 6 months along and the bump can be hidden no more. He has definitely popped out and I am on, almost exclusively, to maternity clothes. I had my first complete stranger ask me when my baby was due last weekend-- it caught me a little off guard. He also is moving around quite a bit now, which is a fun feeling to experience. The flutters are still light but definitely noticeable. 

Reaching the 6 month mark hit me a little harder than expected. I realized this weekend that my months of prepping for the baby are running down. Choosing a pediatrician, a day care, signing up for birthing classes, the nursery, the registering-- it seems that the list is long and I should start checking things off. I know there is enough time, but I need to get started.

Bethany update-- Bethany and the baby have hit their 12 week mark! The appointments are going well and the heartbeat is strong. 

What's in a name......?

I felt a little pressure as Brandon and I discussed baby names. This is the name that this baby will have to live with the rest of his life. It has to be fitting for both baby and eventually man, it has to pass the 'name game' test, it has to flow with the last name, it has to be manly and sound good announced over the loud speaker of any college football stadium. Oh so many things to consider. 

I'd like to introduce you for the very first time to Aidan Michael O'Neal. 

Aidan-- a name I heard many years ago and fell in love with. Is of Irish decent and means 'A fiery young man'. So the story goes, a catholic priest named Aidan introduced Christianity to Northern England. 

Michael-- Brandon's daddy who was a great father, a great man and loved by all. Is of Hebrew decent and means 'Who is like God?'.