5 Months

I can absolutely not believe that it has been 5 months since Kensy made her appearance.  So here is the photo lineup :)

I love looking at how much she has grown.  She's turning into a little girl right before our eyes.  This month she has definitely developed some personality.  She gets very frustrated when she cannot achieve what she has set out to do.  I think we are going to have a spitfire on our hands.  At her 4 month appointment she was 24 inches long and weighed 12lbs.  She's in the 15-25th % for weight and in the 25-50th for length. We laughed because the doctor said she was performing "advanced" skills by reaching laterally to grab toys, etc. This is totally a 6 month skill.  SO ADVANCED.  Kensy really wants to crawl and sit up, but she's too stinkin' wiggly to balance.  We have started to give her some rice cereal in her bottles these days.  She went through a growth spurt for about a week and was eating 30+ ounces a day, which about killed mama (pumping in the middle of the night on top of getting up with fussikins).  We also started swaddling her with her arms out, which has about caused Ron and I to have a coronary because she enjoys sleeping with her face completely buried into the mattress (see photo evidence below).  Anyway, pictures are worth a thousand words, so check out some of the photos from this month below.

Life

Things happen in life that we can only take as a reminder to enjoy each day as our last.  Late last night I received a text from Tracy that a friend of ours from the past had drowned earlier this week.  She was 31 years old, and 5.5 months pregnant... just enjoying a vacation with her husband at Nags Head.  I was not close with Jill by any means, but we shared a quick friendship in 2005 when I first started working at CFA Institute, and I have a photo of my friends Amy, Kate and myself with her on my desk still today from our holiday party that year.  From what I knew of Jill, she was the kindest and brightest soul.  Her smile was huge, and she wore it all the time.  She was elegant... simple, but one of those women who was just completely put together.  She was the type that you envied deep down because she had everything: beauty, brains and modesty.  All that I can think is that God had bigger plans for her and her soon to be born daughter, that what they had to offer was too great to just be beings of this world.

I couldn't sleep last night.  First came the shock of it all, then the sadness for her family, then the realization that I have never lost someone very close to me unexpectedly.  If the tragic loss of someone who I knew briefly and years ago has impacted me so much, I cannot imagine how it would feel for this to happen to someone I hold dear.  So today, I mourn the loss of Jill, I pray for her family and those close to her, and I appreciate and hold close to me all of those that I love, because I cannot bare the thought of losing anyone... my family and friends are my world... everything else is just a distraction.  Put all of your material things aside, all of the stresses of jobs and money and worldly things, and tell all of those that make you who you are that you love them.

Thank you, Jill, for being part of my life, as brief as it was!

Life These Days

Life these days is going by in the blink of an eye... and I know why!  There is NEVER a down moment.

Our weekday routine:
5:30 am Ron and Erin wake up
5:30-6:10 Ron gets himself and Kensy ready while I get myself ready
6:10 Erin feeds Kensy while Ron takes care of Javier's morning rituals; Ron packs Kensy's bottles
6:30 Ron helps load Kensy and I into the car for departure
6:40 Everyone is out the door
7:05 Erin drops off Kensy
7:30 - 4 Erin works (this includes 4 trips of pumping in the fantastic CFA lactation room)
3:30 - Ron gets off work and heads to the gym
4:20 - Erin picks up Kensy
5:15 - Ron gets home from the gym and Erin leaves for the gym
6:45 - Dinner time
8:00 - Bathe Kensy and put to bed; iron for the next day; pack for the next day; study for any classes to teach at the gym
10:00 - ZZZzzzzzzz (hopefully; and hopefully sleep until 5:30 the next day, though this hasn't been happening lately)

Next day: Repeat

No wonder everyone says kids grow up in the blink of an eye!  Who has time to blink!

I don't want to complain, because our weekends have been an absolute blast, but we have not been using them for R&R... that's for sure!

As wonderful as it is having a family and being a real adult I think sometimes about certain feelings that I miss that I never appreciated at the time.  I miss waking up on a Saturday morning and lazily planning my day... go for a run, grab lunch, catch up with a friend I haven't seen in some time.  I miss that random Tuesday evening after getting home from a ride or the gym and deciding to fix a bowl of spaghetti and drink an entire bottle of wine curled up on the couch watching So You Think You Can Dance.  I miss saying yes to that friend that asks me to go on a random day trip to Short Pump shopping.  I miss sitting by the neighborhood pool all day long on a Saturday, taking a quick nap and hitting the town until 2am.  The list goes on and on, but what I realize as I type these things is that none of these days moved my life forward, made me a better person, challenged me etc. the way being a mom has in just 3 months.

Being a mama and a baby mama is the best thing that has ever happened to me.  For the rest of my life I will have something more to live for than just myself.  I have opened my heart and my life to a challenge that not all people get to experience, and no one will ever experience in the same way that I will.

Maybe someday a day will get longer or we will win the lottery :)  Until then, don't blink!

Quarter Year Birthday!

1 Month

2 Months

3 Months

I hate to keep posting the same pictures over and over again, but I just love seeing how much my little lady has grown and developed! :)  They say that the first 3 months of life for a baby is their "4th trimester;"  meaning that they are still developing as they would in the womb, but obviously the human body wouldn't be large enough for them to continue their growth for an additional 3 months.  I believe it!  At three months, Kensy has become her own little personality.  She is so even keeled... she must get that from her daddy :)  Our baby is so happy unless she is hungry, dirty or tired.  If she gets fussy, we go through that cycle and she is a happy camper once again.  

This month she has become quite the chatterbox.... she gets that from her mommy :)  She talks to her animals, to the television, and if nothing else is around, to herself.  Ms. Bonnie at daycare says she just talks and talks to herself in her crib.  She smiles and giggles, has gotten super strong (but still no rolling over), and even can sit up in her Bumbo!

Oma and I agree that she looks like daddy in this photo (it may or may not be the ears)!

She can track things with her eyes now, and is interested in watching EVERYTHING.  She is NOT happy if she is in a position where she cannot see everything going on around her.  

This weekend we took her with us to Ron's friends, Pete and Susanna's, annual 4th of July party.  It was a blast as always!  Tons of kids, food, fireworks... oh and of course 105+ degree temps this year!  Kensy hopped in the baby pool for a bit and is really seeming to like the water!  Here is her cute outfit that was given to her by my co-worker, Becca!  It's her first 3-6 month outfit!  Also below are some outtakes from her 3 month photo shoot, and a cute sleepy pic that reminds me of her last ultrasound :)  

Happy Quarter Year, baby girl!

My First 4th of July

Just Keep Swimming!

I went back to work last Monday, 18 June 2012.  The week leading up to this made me very uneasy for some reason.  Kensy and I had gotten into a good rhythm for those first 10 weeks, and I was feeling pretty comfortable with our daily routines.  I was looking forward to going to back to work, but what did that mean for my baby, and Ron and our household chores that I barely felt I was keeping up with as a "stay at home mom."  In other words, my days were already packed without a 9 hour workday.  

The Sunday before I went back to work Ron and I packed everything that Kensy was going to need for daycare, ironed and laid out both of our own clothes, packed bags for the gym and breakfast for ourselves.  This process took a good two hours, but we felt ready as we set our alarms for 5:30 the next morning. 

That Monday I dropped Kensy off at First Steps and headed to CFA Institute.  Lo and behold, we MADE IT THROUGH THE DAY! :)  People had told me this would happen, but it truly did feel like Christmas morning when I picked that smiley baby up from daycare!  

Every day has gotten a little bit easier, and Ron is amazing!  We are all a team and we are making this back to work thing as smooth as possible!  I am excited to say that we have incorporated ACAC into our ritual too!  Ron or I pick Kensy up and we all meet at ACAC for a workout before heading home to make dinner and prepare for another weekday!  I can already tell we are going to truly treasure our weekends together!

Speaking of!  Last weekend Kensy went swimming for the first time!  Mary so kindly let us spend the afternoon with she and her girls at the Villas pool!  Kensy loved it!  

We smathered her in baby sunscreen and blew up the float that Auntie Kate gave us, put on the shades that Liz D. gave us, and hit the waves :)  Kensy slept SOOOO well that night!  

2 Month Birthday

2 Month

1 Month

We had to take your 2 month picture a couple of days after your actual 2 month birthday because our whole family came down with a really nasty cold, and you just weren't feeling up for it between that and your two month shots.

The beginning of month two was a lot like month one.  You were working hard to hold your head up and were very strong on your tummy!

About half way through the month, though, everything changed!  You started smiling (on purpose), and cooing!  You were becoming a real person :)  

Here are some of my favorite pictures from your second month!

Kensy's 1 Month Birthday

Writing this in retrospect is kind of hard, but I NEED to capture these memories somehow (my scrapbooking just isn't taking off... somehow I am a little short on time).

1 month FLEW by.  Time does fly when you are having fun.  Month 1 with you was amazing, Kensy!  I tell your daddy, every day I love you more and more, and I truly didn't know the meaning of that until we had you!  He replies that that just means that I didn't love you enough yesterday :)  Nothing melts my heart more than when Ron will out of the blue declare how much he loves our baby girl!

In your first month of life we made a trip to Danville for your newborn photos with Michelle Dalton, made a trip to Washington DC for the day for Rich Murdoch's retirement ceremony and celebration, had many, many wonderful visitors, including one from Oma!  While Oma visited we took you to UVA and to Monticello!  (I may or may not be priming you to become a Wahoo!).

We moved you to you from your Rock'n'Play in our room to your big girl room at 3 weeks old.  We decided to wait until after Oma's visit just in case you were up at night.  Speaking of, you have been an amazing night sleeper pretty much from day 1!  The first 2 weeks, you would wake every 3 to 4 hours to eat, and by week 3 I was only getting up once a night with you!  Believe me... Ron and I KNOW we are very spoiled!

You wore your newborn clothes right up until this 1 month picture was taken!  If I had known what a peanut you would be, I would have bought some more newborn outfits for you :)  I was so excited when I could finally play dressup with you!

At your one month appointment, you were an angel!  You had to get one shot at this appointment and it broke my heart hearing that genuine "I'm in pain" cry from you.  I made Ron swear that he would come to the two month appointment when you got your "real" shots. At this appointment you measured 21 inches (and change) long and weighed 8 lbs and 4 ounces (75th and 25th percentiles respectively). The doctor said you were growing right on target and then made mention that you weren't getting your length from your mama (thank goodness!)!


I wish that I had written this earlier, because there is so much that I am forgetting, but your first month was wonderful and you were the easiest baby we could have possibly imagined!  

Baby Al's Arrival

Better late than never, I suppose :)

Ron and I hosted Mom, Dad, Kyle and Townsend for Easter weekend.  It was such a lovely time.  Mom and Dad were awesome and got the house so clean and helped put the final touches on the nursery (including the beautiful window treatments)!  

Grandpa and Ron hang Al's curtains

Mom fixed some delicious foods and Dad and I took about 5 mile walks each day trying to encourage little Al to make her appearance. 

All the while, little did I know, that labor had actually begun... ON THURSDAY!  

On Sunday, 8 April 2012, I went into the hospital because I began to suspect that my water may have broken on Thursday night.  I won't get into gorey details, but after reading some blogs I began to think that it would be worthwhile getting checked out and the Doctor on duty agreed.  

Ron and I left our house with the dinner table perfectly set for Easter Dinner and my whole family there, and went to Martha Jefferson Hospital to check things out.  When I arrived they hooked me up to  blood pressure and contraction monitors.  My blood pressure was sky high.  By the time the doctor came to check to see if my water had broken, it fully broke.  Since we suspected it had a slow leak since Thursday they decided to induce me immediately.  Waiting increases the chance of infection.  

They hooked me up to a pitocin drip which started to take effect VERY quickly.  Mom and Dad came to the hospital and kept us company for a couple of hours and then went home to catch a few z's!  They couldn't check my dilation progress due to not wanting to induce infection, so about 6 hours into the labor I asked for an epidural, since I didn't know exactly how long this labor was going to take.  My epidural was AMAZING!  I joked with my nurse, whose name was also Erin, about if the baby could possibly be born without my knowing if I were to take a nap; she assured me I would definitely feel pressure.  

6 hours later, Erin came in to catheterize me and hit the baby's head to her surprise.  It was time to push and I still couldn't feel a thing!  She woke up Dr. Owens, who was at the end of her 2 day shift, and Ron who had been catching some shut eye, and the pushing began.  About 30 minutes later at 6:47 a.m. on April 9th, Kensington Rae Schott arrived in this world.

Kensington Rae Schott - April 9, 2012 - 7lbs 1/2 oz <3

She was healthy and perfect and Ron and I couldn't have been/be more in love! We both confirmed, contrary to what we had thought beforehand, that if Kensy was ugly, there is no way we would ever be able to tell :)  She did have a face full of dark baby hair, and it was also covering her back and shoulders.  Ron asked the nurse (after we knew that all else was perfect) if this hair would eventually go away, and she said it was call lanugo, and eventually is would likely go away.  

We spent two full days at Martha Jefferson and had a wonderful experience and took our baby home on Wednesday, April 11th.

 

Full Term Al... and Then Some

Well we made it past our due date, 4 April 2012.  Little Al is officially full term... and then some.  We had our 40 week check up (really didn't think I would make it to that!) yesterday and still no developments indicating labor is looming.  I "measured small" again... 35cm when I guess I should be around 40?  This means an ultrasound today.  From what I gather they will check that she is still "thriving" and that my fluid levels (doesn't it sound like I am going in for an automotive checkup!?) are ok.  If either of those are not looking good, we will be induced TODAY!  If both are fine, I go in Monday for a non-stress test and we will talk about scheduling an induction next week at some point.  This "measuring small" issue sure is stressful.  I am completely comfortable now... and I am happy to wait as long as she needs to be ready to make her appearance, but the ultrasounds to make sure that she is thriving are taking their toll on me emotionally.  We just need you to be healthy Ms. Al!

Here are the 40 week photos and just for fun a pic from the half way point!

Javy likes posing for these shots with me :) Such a good big bro!

Less Javy

20 Weeks - Man Time Flies!

Mom and Dad are coming into town tonight to celebrate Easter (and to be here in case Al comes).  I am so excited to see them.  Something comforting about having mama close by and Dad to lighten the mood :)  Kyle and Townsend will come up tomorrow and spend the weekend as well.  Perfect distractions!  

Here is a little evidence of my baking this week :)  Icing is sooo much harder than I expected it to be!  

Happy Early Easter if I don't make it back to blog before then!  XOXO!

Happy Easter!

Thoughts of a First Time Mom

I went in for what "should" be my last Doctor's appointment yesterday afternoon, and as comfortable and content as I am in this 39th week of pregnancy, the results were still disappointing.... if anything it seems like my "progress" is regressing.  NO dilation (WHAT!?), -2 OR -1 station, and "some" effacement.  BUT THAT'S NOT WHAT SHE SAID LAST WEEK!  HMPH! Poor me :) (I saw a different Doctor than I have for the past 3 appointments) He DID say he still thinks Al will be under 7 lbs.  Whew!  Ok.

As I left the Dr.'s office and straight through this morning a million thoughts dance through my little head.  When will she get here?  It's a question you ask yourself for many reasons.  First and foremost, I am just excited/anxious/apprehensive about the safe and healthy arrival of our baby.  I don't know how long the relief will last, but it WILL be a relief when she is healthy and in our arms.  Probably my second big thought is... exactly how painful is this going to be?  Then finally... OUR LIFE IS CHANGING... FOREVER!   What is that going to be like? Feel like? Do to my relationship with Ron? Do to my relationship with my friends? My family?

So little baby Al, all snug as a bug in a rug, your arrival, whenever it may be, is anxiously awaited.  Come when you are ready... but know we couldn't be more excited to meet you and start the process of answering all of these questions.

GiGi the Witch?

I cannot type that without laughing.  My mother predicted after our first ultrasound (at 10 weeks) that Al was a girl and that she would be born on March 27th.  THAT'S TODAY!  Ron and my brother are both a little freaked out by her prediction, and so we wait with bated breath to see if GiGi is right.  Ron jokes (kind of) that he will teach Al to call my mother GiGi the witch if she is indeed correct about this very random due date prediction :)  So funny!

With that being said, nothing leads me to believe that Al is making any moves.  So we wait :)  Here is the 39 week photo.

I am looking forward to so many things (in addition to meeting our little lady)!  Like:

• No heart burn/acid reflux
• Being able to put on shoes without falling over
• Shaving my legs hassle free
• Drinking a glass of wine
• Eating spicy tuna rolls
• Riding horses!
• Running
• Wearing my summer clothes (this might take awhile, I know)
• Taking Al to the lake in NY 
• Attending Lisa's bachelorette party (more wine!)
• Attending Lisa and Hunter's wedding (more wine!)
• Introducing Al to her Grandma Schott at the end of the month
• Getting my hair highlighted!!  

So many more exciting things, but that is my short list :)  C'monnnn baby Al!

39 Weeks! 1 (hopefully) to go!

38 and 6

We spent our rainy weekend doing exactly what we needed to do to set my mind at ease: getting the house in tip top shape for both company and our return home.  I wanted to feel like we would be coming home to a house where all we needed to do was take care of Al.  I think we are there! :)  Now if we can just maintain it until she arrives.  The guest bedroom is set for mom and dad.  The kitchen is clean and fridge is cleaned out.  All of the clothes, blankets, burp clothes, etc. etc. etc. are clean and put away and all of the toys and gadgets are assembled.  The car is detailed (thank you Ron!!) and car seat is in place, complete with mirror and sun shades.

For the first time during the pregnancy i think that i have been feeling "Braxton Hicks" contractions... at least i think that is what they are.  Twinges of pain in the lowest part of my abdomen.  They aren't as much painful as they are sudden and take me completely by surprise.  It's kind of funny.

This morning I looked at Ron to remind him.... this could be our very last week of not being parents.  BIZARRE!

To kill time, i have been reading the Hunger Games.  I know I am behind the curve on this one, but man that book is good!!  I cannot put it down.  On top of that, I joined Amazon Prime (as a gift from Al's AuntS Ciara and Kelly) and the book was FREE on my Kindle!  Whoop! Whoop!

I think that is all for now!  We will keep you posted!  New pic tomorrow as we move into week 39!

38 and 3

38 weeks and 3 days.  13 days until the due date.  Dr. appointment today went well!  Almost completely effaced, still 1cm dilated and -1.  She (the doctor) made mention that she would be doing deliveries on Friday and Monday, so I guess Al coming early isn't completely out of the question!  Wishing... and hoping... and thinking...  and praying :)  Stay tuned!

Closer!

38 Weeks!

We are 38 weeks today!  The time is starting to fly again.  Baby Al's bag is completely packed.  My bag is packed other than some fun "going home clothes" that I splurged on from LuluLemon (fingers crossed that they fit when they arrive!).  Ron still needs to pack his bag (AHEM!!!).  Next appointment is on Thursday, so will have an update then!  What is blowing my mind this week is that my childhood neighbor, Kim, was due almost exactly the same day that I am due, and had her baby girl on Friday.  Now I can see exactly what is hanging out there in my belly... but on the outside!  CRAZY!

This weekend was a blast, and relaxing!  We went to a nice dinner with Jen, Dan, Landon and Rich at the Downtown Grill on Friday.  Saturday we got up in the wee hours of the morning and went to Lexington to watch Lisa show in the Thoroughbred Celebration Show.  That was a blast, and they did an amazing job!  Cannot wait to get back in the saddle again!  That night we headed out to Ron's co-worker Catherine's house for a fun St. Patty's Day shindig.  Sunday was full of sleeping, pancakes (with fresh maple syrup; thank you Jennifer!!), oil changes, and supply shopping.

Everyone is still doing well and just counting down the days!  15 if the due date is accurate; 7 if GiGi is accurate :)

Week 37 and Some Excitement

It is week 37!  As of today we have a countdown of 19 days if Al decides to arrive on her scheduled due date.  As you know, we had our ultrasounds done on Tuesday and today I went in for my weekly checkup.  We are 75% effaced, dilated 1 and she is still doing her headstand at about a -1 or 0 (so pogo-ing on my bladder) :)  Everything was good!  Here are a couple of pictures for the record.  The second shot I took for mom, because she gave me the shirt for my Birthday so that I could feel "skinny" after Al is born.  Turns out it fits me while I am fat too :)  Yay multi functional attire! It came in real handy since the temps have been between 75 and 80 this week, and I don't have many work appropriate, summer outfits that I can squeeze this mongo belly into!

37 weeks to the day

37 weeks and 2 days (mom's "skinny" shirt)

Yesterday was a pretty exciting one!  Early afternoon, Lisa rushed down the hall and was pretty adamant that all of the people who work in my group of cubes follow her back to her side of the building.... no time for explaining.  When we got to the other side of the building (along with all of my colleagues who worked back on my said of the building) they informed us that the neighboring building had been stormed by police officers with AK-47s!  As time went by it came out that there had been a bomb threat.  For about 5 hours yesterday our building was on lockdown as the building next door went through multiple searches.  This meant that no one could leave for lunch or any appointments, etc.  The cafe here at work threw together over 200 sandwiches and chips, etc. for the entire building!  I work for an amazing company.  On top of that, some co-workers, who I think were a little worried about my "state", sent up salads from a working meeting that they were having before the threat took place.  I also have awesome co-workers!  

They staggered our release from work yesterday and my side/floor of the building got to leave at 3:45!  I took this opportunity to get a manicure!  It was a nice treat, and one I might have to do more often.  After the mani I went home to hang out with Ron and Javy for a bit, only to find that our stroller/car seat/travel system had arrived, along with a gift from my mom of a nursing gown and robe for me and an Easter outfit for Al!  I am going to miss all of these fun deliveries!  The travel system was our last NECESSITY!  We are officially ready!  

The night ended with a lovely dinner on the patio of Fry Springs Station with Kate, Alexandra and Tracy.  SOOOO yummy!  And such nice company!  And did I mention the incredible weather we have been having!?  I feel so blessed to be this pregnant during such a HAPPY time of the year.  

Tomorrow morning we will head out to Lexington to watch Lisa and Cooper in their first horse show!  I could not be more excited.  I may actually lose sleep!  Someday I hope to get back out there with her and ride.... maybe Al could join us too!  

Have a wonderful weekend and be safe!

Breathing!

We can breathe!  She's fine!!  In fact they estimate she is already 6.5 lbs and still in about the 50th percentile in size.  The reading can give a + or - 15% error, so she could really be as small as 5.5 lbs or as large as 7.5 lbs, and babies gain about 1/2 a pound a week in the womb.  We could have a pretty big baby girl on our hands if she waits very long to join us :)  Anyway, we are so happy and thank you so much for your support!  Her most recent photo and the old ones for comparison!

Sucking her cute little thumb :) - 37 weeks

22 weeks

10 weeks

Worry

Over the past 7 or 8 years I have learned to become a little bit more laid back in life.  I think that I had an epiphany during one of my million bad horse decisions that life will throw at you only what you can handle, and there is no sense in trying to predict what that might be.  You can't plan for an obstacle before you know what it is... it is inefficient and ineffective.  That worked well for me in the past... I have a feeling that it is going to take a whole new cycle to convince myself of that when it comes to my daughter.  Waiting for this ultrasound has been awful, despite the reassurance from family, friends and Ron. I have told myself again and again that there is no problem yet, and therefore no solution, but it just doesn't sync in to my physiological self that breaks my heart into a fast rhythm whenever I think about her health not being perfect or that keeps me awake at night. And this, I know, is only the beginning of the rest of my life.  Mom...Dad, I am sorry for all of the times that I so selfishly told you I could take care of myself and not to worry about me... now I know that it comes from a place uncontrollable in the mind.  

Three more hours.  Can't wait to see her face :)

Wiggin'

So we are 26 days away from our due date today!  Up to this point everything has been so smooth!  We are spoiled, I know!   This means that going forward we will be making weekly trips to the Dr. for "checks"... how dilated, how effaced and how is the baby positioned are all the questions on the table.  I had the first of those appointments today, and overall it seemed to have gone well.... cervix closed, 50% effaced and Al is sitting at a -1 (so is sitting pretty low with head down).  THEN she asked me a million questions about how big Ron is, how big I was as a baby, how big Ron was as a baby, etc.  and told me she thinks I will be having a small baby and then the kicker "I am ordering an ultrasound."  CRAP!  Really!?  And that was the end of the convo... I froze up and neglected to ask anymore questions.  I am in high hopes that if something actually were concerning her we would have taken steps more quickly than ultrasounding next week, but now my head is spinning.  I have been reading a lot of blogs and it seems like this is common, and that most often it is because the baby has "dropped" or is in a position that makes it hard to get an accurate reading, but you bet your bottom these next 5 days until the ultrasound are going to be hard :(

On the upside, we get to see her little face again a little sooner than we had thought :)

Please keep baby Al in your prayers.... I am going to eat some more spinach :)

XOXO

Ready When You Are, Al

Ron Schott is my hero!  The nursery is complete!  With the help of my dad and Donny Wimmer, Ron completed the crown molding and chair rail on February 25th :)  This past weekend we finally picked up the dresser, mirror, side table and cute little wooden horse (for her ribbons :) ) at Shabby Love in Orange, Virginia.  It all has come together even better than I had imagined!  We have finally moved most of her clothes and toys and books and other items that we have so generously been given to HER ROOM! :)  

Javy Lopez has already found her toy basket, so we have to keep a close eye on him, or keep the door closed.  In his defense, his toy basket looks VERY similar to her toy basket.  If he weren't so destructive, maybe they could just share?!  

My college girlfriends came to town this past weekend and it was SO nice to see them.  They are wonderful and generous and thoughtful and everytime we get together it's like we pick up right where we left off... even though our lives have changed CONSIDERABLY! Thank you ladies for the nicest day, the adorable presents and for traveling from far and wide to celebrate our little lady!  She is so lucky to have aunties like you!  

Check out Al's room!  (Not yet pictured... curtains, glider, shelves... oh!  and BABY!)

Cute little dresser from Shabby Love
(http://shabbylove.weebly.com/index.html)

Dad picked out little Al's first pony :) Thanks Wimmers for the framed prayer!

Sweet side table :)

Decided to go with curtains rather than a bumper - stay tuned!

This week has been my last hectic week.  At 37 weeks, I will hand over my BodyPump and BodyStep baton next week (and hopefully just take some classes for my own health).  I taught Step on Tuesday, we had breastfeeding class on Wednesday, I will teach BodyPump tonight, wine pickup party tomorrow and HOPEFULLY going to see the Johnson family and their sweet new arrival Ainsley on Saturday!!  Next week... NO PLANS, other than a girl's night dinner (which i am jonesin' for!).

So now the real question... what will we do to keep ourselves occupied until Al makes her grand entrance into the world?

The Takeover

I knew that our house would become full of evidence that we have/are having a baby... I just didn't realize the extent of it!  I could never have imagined the generosity that we have experienced with the gifts for Baby Al!  When I started to register for items and saw how expensive everything was, I had a mini conniption fit.  Babies are expensive!  And so is their gear!

This weekend, my dear friend Abby, threw me a shower here in Charlottesville at her gorgeous home.  I met Abby when she was in need of a babysitter for her three tots.  Since then I feel like they are my inherited family and am so, so lucky to have made such a fantastic friend.  This shower was incredible... from the oreo balls (which everyone needs the recipe for... i will try to get that and post it!) to the beautiful decorations, to the most amazing attendees!  Such a great, great day!  THANK YOU!  It was so great to see everyone under such happy circumstances.  The gifts were just incredible and now I feel like we have a VERY manageable "to buy" list for Al.

In addition to the awesome shower, we also had a Birthday dinner for mom and me at Sakura.  The Wimmers, Kyle & Townsend, mom & dad and Ron and I had an awesome meal (Thanks, Mom and Dad!) and delicious cupcakes.  This was all after the men's very hard day's work!  That's right!  The nursery is now complete with chair rail and crown molding and those talented guys knocked it out in one day!!  Ron just has a little painting left to do and I will post pictures!

Speaking of pictures, I am going to put a couple below from the past week and from our pregnancy photo shoot with Meg Runion!

It's been such a great week... even though Ron had to go out of town for work for my Birthday :(

OH! And Charly (my bestie from 4th grade on) is in labor with her little Emerson RIGHT NOW!!!

Life is oh so good!

By Meg Runion (2.18.2012 - 34 weeks)

By Meg Runion (2.18.2012 - 34 weeks)

By Meg Runion (2.18.2012 - 34 weeks)

Zulily :) Boots with tha furrr!

Al got a UVA tutu... Javy just had to try it on :)