A Few Final Formalities

Well, we have made it to 36 weeks...actually, I only 3 days away from being a full 37 weeks! It seems so crazy that in 3 days, Emmalee will be considered full term! It definitely makes my heart happy!

Today's doctor appoint was definitely promising. I'm making quite a bit of progress and baby girl has completely dropped. This picture is a horrible picture of me, but you can definitely see how low she is and she has just popped out!

For the most part, I'm still feeling really good. I've had some back pains and usually have 2-3 contractions a day, but so far nothing too horrible. I'm sleeping ok - some nights are better than others. My feet hurt pretty bad at night no matter how much support is in my shoes...I think a nice 35 lbs rapid weight gain is to blame!

With labor not far away, there are just a few things that I have left to get done - those last minute formalities! Last weekend I got Emmalee's bag packed and this week I got my bag packed; the car has been details; the carseat base properly installed...we are almost ready!

But for those last minute necessities, Etsy has definitely become one of my new best friends. I love all the handmade items - they are so great! I ordered this "3 in 1" Carseat canopy, nursing cover and blanket. The black/white/pink color scheme matches her diaper bag, and I just love the idea of everything coordinating.

Brant finished making the shelf in her room last week. I was so excited to get this up in her room - it is definitely one of my favorite items and I absolutely love that fact that her daddy handmade it. Then today, I found this nightlight for her room. Again - its Etsy - but it was so adorable that I couldn't pass it up!
Everything left on my to do list is pretty simple:

• get the hospital favors together
• get some of her clothes washed
• give my house a good cleaning
• and just WAIT! I feel like that is the number one thing I'm doing right now - waiting on the baby girl!!!
  

Office Shower

Last Friday, two dear friends I work with hosted an office shower for me. I have to tell you that I am so fortunate to work with such amazing people.

Cynthia was in charge of the invitations, and Melissa ordered the cake to match! How precious is this? And it was so delicious - one of the most moist red velvet cakes I have ever had!

Nicole, the wife of one of the consultants I work with, made this AMAZING diaper cake! It had towels and washclothes in it, travel sized baby lotion and baby wash, bibs, pacifiers, teething rings, and all sorts of amazing stuff. I actually just took this apart last night and it took me over an hour to unroll all the diapers!

Cynthia ordered personalized M&M's!

The two wonderful hostesses, Cynthia and Melissa.

Brant and I were so blessed to receive so many wonderful gifts. Lil' Miss got quite a few new outfits, but we also got a great supply of diapers, wipes, towels, washclothes, and all the other needed supplies.

I was thrilled to receive her jumper!

Melissa gave me this beautiful blanket.

This pack of onesies cracked me up! The one in the picture says "Move Over Cinderella" and the one of the back says "That's MISS Cutie to you!"

Brant and I cannot express how thankful we are for the friends and family we have. We are in awe of the blessings that have been showered upon us and cannot wait to introduce Emmalee to everyone!

Fabulous Friday

Praise Jesus it's Friday! And not just any Friday, a FABULOUS Friday!

Why is it so fabulous???

• Because I had a delicious, juicy cheese burger and french fries for lunch.
  
• Because tonight if pizza and a movie night at our house. I love these kind of nights!
• Because tomorrow is our birthing class
• Because we are finishing up the baby's room this weekend
• Because Emmalee Caroline noticeably dropped yesterday

And last

BECAUSE (HOPEFULLY) THERE ARE ONLY 3 OR 4 MORE FRIDAYS UNTIL I MEET MY BABY GIRL (and that sounds a lot closer than saying 3 or 4 more weeks!)

Play Ball

You definitely know Spring is here when balls start flying...baseballs that is! There are few things my husband is more passionate about than baseball! He loves it and he loves the fact that his job includes it. Part of his responsibilities at DBU is to manage and maintain all sport fields, including the baseball field. It also requires that he attend all of the home games, which really doesn't seem to bother him the least! I'm really looking forward to taking Emmalee Caroline to a few home games once she arrives.

Tuesday night, DBU was playing Texas Tech. We were up 5 to 0 through the 6th inning, but Texas came back. Although we lost by 1, it was still a great and exciting game.

Here are just a few pictures that I snapped while I was there.

Brant was getting some extra baby practice with Gage. How stinkin' cute is this kid???

I have to tell you that this is one of my favorite pictures of Brant. Don't ever come between this man and his field.

Cleaning up after the game.

Blessed by DBU

I have said many times before that Brant works for Dallas Baptist University. We have been so blessed by the friendships we have made through DBU. Well several of the friends from DBU held a shower for me and Emmalee Caroline yesterday. We were blessed by everyone's thoughtfulness and generosity. I think this baby can come anytime and we will be ready!

Here are a few pictures of the amazing decorations.

We got so many great gifts. It was the perfect mixture of fabulous clothes, but the needed necessities as well.

Love this onsie with the pink tutu and crown!

We were amazing blessed by so many great gifts!!!

Me and the most wonderful hostesses: Kim, Reba, (Me), Melissa, and Kristy.

Me and my Mom - Emmalee's Granda

This baby might be spoiled, but its not by Brant and I - its by her favorite cousin Kate! Kate has been so thrilled about having a baby girl cousin. Kate loves this baby so much already and I am so excited to be able to watch these girls grow up together. I know that Kate will teach Em all about fashion, jewelry, and how to spend your dad's money!

I Am A Christian

I received an forwarded email from my mom this morning. Truth be told, I usually delete forwards, but I read this one, and I am so glad I did. Its was an email of truths - but truths in a way I had never thought about them before.

Too often, Christians are thought to have a "holier than thou" attitude. Being known as a Christian has its fair share of criticisms and tortures....but I am still proud to say it because after reading this email, I was reminded that being a Christians is truly everything that I am.

Here is what this morning's email said:

A woman's heart should be so hidden in Christ that a man should have to seek Him first to find her.'

When I say that 'I am a Christian', I am not shouting that 'I am clean living. I'm whispering 'I was lost,

but now I'm found and forgiven.'

When I say 'I am a Christian' I don't speak of this with pride. I'm confessing that I stumble and need

Christ to be my guide.

When I say 'I am a Christian' I'm not trying to be strong. I'm professing that I'm weak and need

His strength to carry on.

When I say 'I am a Christian' I'm not bragging of success. I'm admitting I have failed and need God

to clean my mess.

When I say 'I am a Christian' I'm not claiming to be perfect. My flaws are far too visible,

but God believes I am worth it.

When I say 'I am a Christian' I still feel the sting of pain. I have my share of heartaches,

so I call upon His name.

When I say 'I am a Christian' I'm not holier than thou, I'm just a simple sinner who received

God's good grace, somehow!

Thoughts on Parenting

Getting ready to become a parent has the actual idea of "parenting" on my mind quite a bit.

A few weeks ago, Brant and I were having breakfast together and he made a comment that our children were never going to watch the Disney channel. I looked at him in disbelief for a few minutes, and then asked him about Mickey Mouse Clubhouse :)! Mickey Mouse was fine, he said, but his comment was geared toward the teenage shows like "High School Musical," "Suite Life," "That's So Raven" and other shows like that. His reasoning was because he feels that there are typically one or two characters on these shows who have an attitude and show disrespect toward adults. He said that he didn't want his children watching shows that portrayed disrespect, especially toward an elder, as being acceptable. I had to agree with my husband on this matter, but we still had an interesting conversation about it. I have always been a firm believer that it is the parents' responsibility to monitor what their children watch - whether its the Disney Channel or CNN. Its a thing called "parenting" - being responsible for what your children see!

This morning I was listening to the radio on the way to work and they were discussing the proposed sin tax on sodas and energy drinks. I'm not sure if this is a national or state tax, but I know it is being discussed here in Texas. The proposal is to tax 1 cent per ounce on all sodas and energy beverages in hopes to help fight obesity - mainly childhood obesity. Personally - I oppose the tax. Why - because again - I believe it goes back to parenting. It is the parents' responsibility to monitor the eating habits of their children and help correct a problem if they see one arise. If you don't want your children to be hooked on sodas, then don't keep them in your home. If you want your children to eat more healthy snacks, then provide them! Take the cookies, candy and ice cream out! It's a thing called "parenting" - being responsible for what your children eat!

Parenting is being responsible - responsible for what your children see, eat, say, do and understand. If your child hits someone, don't just ignore it - parent them. If your child is disrespectful, don't accept it - parent them. Parenting is taking on the responsibility of raising your children and not relying on society to do it for you.

I'm sorry if its seems like I'm ranting today - these are just things that have really been on my heart and mind lately. Brant and I have been in constant prayer lately that God guide us daily in parenting our child. We know that we are the ones responsible for her life and how she is raised, but we also know that we cannot raise her without His help.

GREAT Bargain Shopping!

A good friend of mine sent me an email today about the Children's Place.

Free Shipping today only! And they are offering an additional 25% off sale prices. PLUS get an additional 15% off your entire order when you enter the code E2D7Z2622C at checkout.

They have some GREAT bargains on Easter dresses for girls and outfits for boys! This is definitely something you DO NOT want to pass up!

Baby Shower

We had our first baby shower on Sunday afternoon. Out of all the hostesses, my house is actually the most centrally located. Knowing that I was having a shower there for my friend Leslie the week before, I knew that the house should remain pretty clean. So offered to have it our home and then everyone could see the nursery. It worked out wonderfully.

Michelle made the cake to match the design and color-scheme of the invitations. She is so creative!

We had a ton of gifts. I cannot tell you how overwhelmed with gratitude Brant and I are.

My sister made me a photography book with several of the maternity photos she took. It was beautiful. I love having this as a keepsake.

My friend Jalah gave me this adorable giraffe outfit! I can't wait to dress this baby girl up in all of her new clothes!

Sister found this at Canton - how irresistibly adorable is this??? A zebra and pink rose cross onsie with the perfect pink tutu! And, she already has a zebra and light pink bow to coordinate!

My Aunt Laurie, Nanny, and cousins Amy and Amanda gave us the swing - an essential item!

Emmalee's Diaper Bag with her name embroidered on it! I also got the coordinating insulated bottle bag (which when be a lunch bag when she gets older) and a coordinating travel bag for trips...it has her name on it too!

This was the special gift from Hon, my great grandmother. Hon made each of her grandchildren when they were born. It was so that each of them could use it for their children. My 2nd cousin, Bryan, and his wife Cindy, were never able to have children, but Bryan still had his blanket from Hon. They decided they wanted someone in the family to have the blanket, but also that it would be greatly cherished. I was honored that Bryan and Cindy wanted Emmalee to have this blanket.

My Meme brought pictures of Hon and I when I was about 3 years old. It was definitely an emotional time for me.

Brant came home with about 20 minutes left in the shower so he was able to see everyone and enjoy the company.

Me and my WONDERFUL friends and hostesses. (From left to right) Michelle, Mary, Me, Jessica and Jill.

I am so blessed to have such amazing friends and family. This little girl's closet is getting quite full and Brant and I cannot wait until she is here. 33 weeks down, less than 7 to go!!!!!!

Babies, Babies, Babies

That is my world right now - BABIES! And not just mine, but everywhere I look! Right now in my Sunday School class, there are 6 - did you hear me - 6 babies due! It was 7, but Heather had baby Lane 2 weeks ago. Last week there were 3 at my office, but one lady had baby McKenna on Sunday! If you don't want a baby, then don't drink my water! But I will say that I have had so much fun living in Babyland.

Last Saturday, we had a baby shower at my house for Leslie and Baby Baylor. Baby Baylor is due about 4 weeks before Emmalee. Leslie and I have loved sharing great bargains on clothes with each other and helping each other prepare for motherhood. I can tell you that it has been so wonderful to have friends that are pregnant at the same time I am. Leslie and I can't wait for our baby girls to grow up together!

As the southern Baptist say, here is our "spread."

Baylor's room is decorated in owls, so we decided to keep the theme going. I found these great paper owl templates online, and just used different patterned scrapbook paper to create these great cake toppers.

I used the same pattern and technique to create these decorations. I just glued a clothes pin to the back, went into my backyard and found some good twigs, and put them in a vase with green Easter grass!

This is the name banner we used to decorate the living room!

Today I got the pleasure of going to lunch with a dear friend of mine, Jessica Cowart. Jess and I have been friends since college. We had a delicious lunch at La Madeline - their tomato basil soup is to-die-for! Well Jess isn't going to be able to come to my baby shower this weekend, so she gave me my gift at lunch. She and her mom handmade this special blanket for Emmalee Caroline. It is simple beautiful and matches her room soooo perfectly! I just LOVE it!!

Well Sister and I are going shopping all day tomorrow in Canton! I'm a litter nervous because I'm SURE my ankle will be swollen to the size of mangos by the end of the day, but there are a few more things I would really like to get to finish up the nursery. As soon as I'm finished, I promise to post some pictures.

Then I have my first baby shower on Sunday. I am so anxious because I received a FaceBook message from one of my great aunts this week that said I had a package on the way from Hon. Hon was my great grandmother who passed away about 20 years ago. I still remember her and her curly white hair! The message said that I couldn't open the package until the shower on Sunday so that my MeMe (my grandmother) could tell what it was all about. I am so excited to know that I will have something so special to share with Emmalee.

Well I hope you all have a fabulous weekend! I know I plan to!