My last few doctor's appointments haven't been too exciting. Everything is right on track as far as my blood pressure, measurements, etc. I think I spend more time in the waiting room than I do in the actual exam room! I go back next week, so we'll see what that brings! Along with my OB appointments, I have also been visiting a physical therapist. I've had a sciatic nerve issue on my left side for a couple months now and she has shown me some good exercises to help relieve the pain and she has also shown me some things to help my posture while sitting and standing with this huge basketball in my abdomen. I guess I expected my pain to go away instantly and that has not been the case. I think it's making a difference and I'm sleeping much better, so I just need to be patient. I'm going to meet with her one more time in a few weeks and then I'm on my own before the baby arrives.
On to some more positive news! My sister and sister-in-law hosted a baby shower for me on November 6th. It was absolutely perfect! The theme was "sugar and spice," which was so fitting, since I've been craving sweets this whole pregnancy. There were tons on yummy sweets (thanks to Courtney) and beautiful decorations (made by my sister). My sister also designed the prettiest shower invitation. She is so talented. I was amazed at the turnout and how many people came from out of town (and across town) to celebrate with me. We got some wonderful things for Reese and we are so appreciative. These are some of my favorite things from the shower...
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| Gorgeous baby shower invite, designed by my sister! |
Wishes for baby: Every guest filled out a sheet offering wishes for baby Reese. I read them when I got home from the shower and could not stop crying. We're going to bind them together into a little book and keep them for her to read someday.
Books for baby Reese's library: Every guest also brought a book for Reese instead of a card. Now we have a shelf full of memories and love from all of our friends and family. It will be so fun to read all the books to her and read all the comments inside them as well. She will be able to feel all the love from our family and friends every time we open a book.
Here are some pictures from the shower...
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| I loved the pom-pom balls and tutu table skirt! |
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| YUM!!! |
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| The pink bubble gum cigars were adorable! |
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| Homemade salsa by Courtney! |
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| I love all those pink packages! |
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| Me with the hostesses- my sister, Alice, and my sister-in-law, Courtney |
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| Lots and lots of gifts! |
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| Beautiful blanket made by 2 of my favorite former students- Josie & Savannah Goodpasture |
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| Some of the guests... |
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| More guests... |
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| and more... |
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| I loved chatting with everyone! |
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| My sister and mom |
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| So many great friends! |
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| My pregnant friends Shannon and Jill. |
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| Posing with my mom and sister |
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| My cousins Ashley and Allison, my aunt Pat, my mom, me, and my sister, Alice |
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| My sister-in-law, Courtney, me, and my mother-in-law, Matilda |
We also started childbirth classes a few weeks ago. We are halfway through the 6 sessions and we've learned a lot. Most of all, it has been fun to spend that quality time with Elliott. Every week while we're sitting in the classes, I realize why I chose him to start a family with. He has been so great throughout this whole journey. During our first class, we got onto a laughing spree where we could not stop for anything! Every time we looked at each other, we would start laughing even harder. And there was nothing going on in the class that was remotely funny. I'm sure everyone else in the class thought we were ridiculous, but oh well. It makes me smile every time I think about it. :-)
In the spirit of Thanksgiving, here is just a small list of everything I am thankful for this year:
-Elliott and I both have stable jobs in the same city. :-)
-Our baby girl is growing and healthy and we get to meet her in less than 6 weeks.
-My family and Elliott's family, who have been so supportive and excited throughout this whole experience.
-My amazing husband, who makes me laugh and does things he doesn't want to do, just because I ask (with hardly any complaining...).
-Our home, which is full of love and all the memories we will make in it (plus, the fact that we are able to refinance it for a super low interest rate).
-That everyone we love is happy and healthy.
-Our beautiful nursery that I can't wait to rock Reese to sleep in.
-Our pets, Lucy and Sophie, who are both good at cuddling and making us laugh.
-All of our friends, who we love spending time with and who are enjoying this experience right along with us. We feel very loved.
-And many more...
Here are some other pictures...
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| My latest purchase...the most adorable coat from baby Gap. This might be part of her Valentine's Day outfit... |
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| Art for the nursery that my sister made |
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| More art that my sister made |
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| A bracelet for Reese from the Horsch family. |
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| Lucy's favorite chair. She is going to be such a good big sister. |
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| Humongous! |
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| Reese is 4 3/4 lbs. and is the size of a cantaloupe. |
Biggest Cravings: cinnamon & sugar toast, McDonald's (gross), and cereal
Clothes: I'm getting tired of wearing the same things...
Body: I take a concoction of Tylenol and heartburn medicine every day. My PT exercises and heating pad have been staples every night to combat sciatic nerve issues and just general backaches.
Energy/Mood: My energy has plummeted and my mood is struggling. I just feel so self-conscious about being so huge. I feel like I've been getting things checked off my to-do list though, so that is helping.
Movement: She is still moving around a ton. Sometimes my whole stomach shifts to one side. It is so fun to watch. Elliott and I have been trying to guess which part of her is moving. Each part feels and looks quite a bit different. I hear the movement slows down as they have less room to move. I'm not looking forward to that. :-(
Sleep: The nerve pain was causing me to have issues sleeping, but those are getting better. Mostly I'm just really stiff in the mornings and as soon as I wake up, I can't get back to sleep. No more sleeping in for me. I guess I might as well get used to it now.
Best Moment this week: Elliott and I put up all our Christmas decorations last night. I guess the fact that we're gearing up for Christmas makes me realize that our little girl is almost here!
Miss Anything? my regular fall/winter clothes...can't wait to fit into them again!Looking forward to: washing and putting away baby clothes with Elliott on Sunday. I'm sure he is going to be just as excited about this!
Happy Thanksgiving everyone! We love you all!
Erin, Elliott, and Reese
