Aidan Is Growing

We are in weekly md visit mode. As of Friday, I had not progressed any further from the week previous. I did ask my doctor if she could tell how much he weighs..... and she laughed. You know, it's never a good sign when your doctor laughs at your questions. She said she was sorry to tell me, but Aidan is solid and taking up all his space. She said to prepare for him weighing at least 8 pounds at term, probably more. It wasn't exactly what I was expecting to hear. But after a minute, I accepted what she had said and realized that 8 pounds is still so tiny. We'll go back to the doctor on Friday to see how things have progressed over this week. 

This past weekend we had a couple's shower with friends at work. We got lots of diapers, which I know will come in handy soon! Everyone has been so wonderful and generous. We're all ready for Aidan!

Progress Update

We had our first progress appointment. Mommy and Baby are doing fantastic. We are 1 cm and 70% effaced. I know I could stay at the same place for weeks, but getting the news that Aidan is in position and starting to progress makes this all seem oh so real and fast approaching. We are very excited! Today our plans are to wash, put away, rest and run some errands in order to check some items off of our list. All this after Brandon treats Aidan and I to a wonderful smelling pancake breakfast-- he's the best!  

Aidan's daddy has been hard at work. He made a beautiful bookcase for his little one. 

Now Aidan has his own little reading station. Auntie Ashley couldn't be prouder. 

Bethany update: 

Bethany and Baby are doing great at 24 weeks. Cousin Will is currently measuring right on target for his July 25 arrival date. Bethany and Ken have started working on the nursery and it is turning out so very sweet.  

Getting Ready

~ 6 weeks to go, but does anyone really know for sure? One of the scariest things is the not knowing. Do I have 6 weeks left to prepare-- clean house, pack, wash sheets and sleepers, get meals prepared and frozen? Or do I have 2 weeks or 4? Aidan will arrive when he is good and ready. I guess it is all a part of the change I am fixing to be faced with; it's no longer all about me. 

34 weeks pregnant--- your view of Aidan Michael

34 weeks pregnant---- my view of Aidan Michael

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).