Getting Ready for Baby

Sorry, about the lack of posts... preparing for this little one consumes the majority of my time when I'm not working. I just have to say that I'm sooooo excited to meet our baby girl. I feel like I know her already, but I am so excited to see her features and kiss her tiny hands and toes.

My pregnancy has been going well. I'm still able to work, but I've cut my hours back... more time for sleep! Of course, I'm feeling somewhat uncomfortable and I encounter back pain occasionally, but I know it will all be worth it.

Over the past few months, Steve and I have been preparing by taking a hypnobirthing course. The reactions that people have when I explain this to them is pretty funny. Some think I'm a little crazy and others are quite interested. To explain hypnobirthing in a very simplistic way, a mother uses self hypnosis (deep relaxation) to naturally birth her baby. Let's just say that hypnobirthing has completely calmed my nerves about having this baby... I'm so excited and look forward to a beautiful birth!

We have been very grateful for the generosity of our family, friends, and co-workers. We've had several baby showers over the past few months and I feel very blessed by the generosity of those around us. The nursery is pretty much done except for one project that my mom and I will tackle when she comes to visit.

A physical therapist I work with has been so generous... she sold us her crib, changing table, and glider for a very affordable price... thanks Mariah!
I spent many hours working on the curtains in her room, but I think they turned out perfect. I had the lights off so you can see the butterflies when the light shines through the window.
You can never have to many diapers! I have been stocking up on diapers using coupons and other great deals for the past few months which has caused a shortage on closet space!

And my philosophy... a girl can never have too many clothes. Baby girl clothes are just too darn cute... I think I have enough baby/toddler clothes for the next 2 yrs.I was able to find this adorable blessing dress for an awesome deal... My work threw me an amazing surprise baby shower... hence no pictures because I wasn't prepared with my camera! One big surprise at the shower was this seat belt diaper bag. Steve thinks it's totally impractical, but I absolutely love it!My friends at church threw a double shower for my friend Tara and I... it was so much fun! They went to a lot of hard work and it turned out perfect.

And of course amidst all of this baby planning, we had to decorate for Christmas since we won't be heading home this year. We purchased this beautiful tree... it was so much fun to decorate.
And how could I forget... I'm sure many of you want to see a prego pic before I wrap this post up. This was taken at about 36 1/2 wks. (sorry... it's a little blurry and dark).