Baby Bump

Some of you have been asking about my current baby bump, so here it is! She has definitely poked her little self out there in the past couple of weeks, and I'm feeling her kicks a little more pronounced now. I'm still feeling pretty good, so I'm grateful for that!

Bedding???

I was planning to go shopping this week to look at fabric ideas for the baby's bedding, but came across a really cute pattern that I loved in a complete set. It was a great deal (which you know I love!), so I couldn't pass it up. I've got it out in the room, so everytime I walk by I can make sure I still like it. Three days have gone by and I still do, so I think that's a good sign!

I also discovered a great kids' consignment store near our house and found a crib that looks like it's hardly been used! I did some research and found good reviews, so we snapped that up this week too!

Now, to getting that room cleaned out to actually put the stuff in there.....oh, a different story altogether....



The crib from the website



The baby bumper - it's got stripes on the outside with polka dots on the inside


I went to the store next door and found a coordinating blanket and the other fitted sheet that didn't come in the set!



the quilt

Drum Roll, Please....

Do you know whose little body that is? That's our newest addition! We went to the doctor on Thursday for our 20 week ultrasound and check-up. And, we are having.....








A GIRL!!

She's measuring well and was a little sleepy when we first arrived. But, she started bouncing around a bit and we saw that she loves her little hands. She had her fist on her forehead for a while with her legs crossed - already a drama queen - she's probably learning it from my second graders! We even got a thumbs up from her at one point. I can't believe she's really on her way. It definitely makes things feel more real. I have felt a few flutters over the past week or so, so I'm looking forward to feeling her more in the weeks ahead. Her heartbeat was good at 147 beats/minute and the doctor said all her stats look normal and movements sound great! Thank the Lord!

Celebrating 60!

We had a great weekend going home to SC to celebrate my dad's 60th birthday with a surprise drop-in on Saturday afternoon! We had a golf theme, and I think we really managed to surprise him with almost 60 close family and friends. See lots of pics below.

P.S. Got lots of questions about the bambino this weekend. We're doing well. 16 weeks along tomorrow. We got to hear the heartbeat last Thursday - 150 beats/minute which is evidently good and normal - words we like to hear. We're scheduled to find out boy or girl on David's birthday, March 27th. I can't wait - I am ready to decorate!



Dad walking in the doorway - I think he was genuinely surprised!


Each table setting had a different significant year of his life and the reason on the other side.


My brother, Ryan, and I


Mom talking with guests


Mom and Mrs. Blanton


My cousins, Katheryn and Michaela


Friends from Duncan and the Carter clan


Each guest registered by signing a golf ball


Ryan, Michaela and Katheryn


Dad's cake


dad blowing out the candles


Dad and my uncle Bruce


dad and Mrs. Blanton


the Carter clan


My aunt Carol cutting the cake


Beta Club friends


more Beta club shots

3 Boxes of Kleenex

I have seriously gone through 3 boxes of tissues this week! I have developed the worse sinus infection in the world, along with an ear infection! When I went to the doctor on Tuesday, he said this was fairly common in pregnancy. I don't like it! Any advice out there from you ladies that have done this before? He put me on Amoxicyllin but it's not helping a terrible amount yet.
After I got over the morning sickness bit in the first trimester, I was happy to be feeling better, but a little nervous that I was feeling so good with no other real symptoms. Why was I not more grateful??

On the other hand, David FINISHED HIS EXAMS THIS WEEK! Woo-hoo, this has been a year of studying for these comps and we are both so glad he is done! He read about 200 books to get ready for them and studied every day from about 8 AM-10PM. Now, all he has left to do is defend them in early March and then on to the dissertation. So proud!

The big 3-0!

Thanks for the birthday wishes on Friday. I turned 30 on Friday, the 13th! It was a good day. My students were really sweet and excited (plus high on Valentine's sugar.) It was the birthday for flowers - I got some really beautiful ones, as you'll see below. When I got to school, my favorite cake (yellow with fudge icing) was on my desk. My ESOL teacher had made it and it is delicious! Then, when we were eating lunch another 2nd grade teacher made a beautiful princess cake (I'll post it when she emails me the pic.) Why princess? Because I'm know as Snow White amongst my colleagues - they think I'm always happy like she is - ha, ha, they haven't seen me at 6 in the morning!

Then, about 10 of my teacher friends and I went out to our favorite Mexican spot to celebrate for a while which is always a fun time. Unfortunately, David was at home finishing up his second exam. He's in the midst of this exam period, which is what the 3rd year of his program is all about, so he's been hibernating with books since November. But, he's halfway done and will be completely done at the end of this week! His last oral exam where they grill him on what he wrote will be in early March.

Anyway, a fun day overall and I don't feel that much older. Oh, and I got a MAJOR haircut on Thursday - I'll post pics when David gets home and I'm feeling bold!


yellow mum from David



little violet from one of my cutest little students


wonderful smelling hyacinth from another one of my ESOL teachers, Peggy


Red tulips my mom and dad


Pink and yellow tulips from my friend, Mary

Fun Times

Last weekend was lots of fun. I headed home to visit my parents for a little pre-30th birthday time and to see Megan and Carly. Megan, mom and I got up early to go to the children's consignment sale in Greenville. It had already been going on for a few days, so we figured it would be pretty picked over. When we got there, there was tons of traffic and a line to pay for parking! Megan kept saying, "There are way too many guys here," but I just assumed they had dropped off their wives to park. But, then, when we got to the man taking money (dressed in camo!), he asked, "Are you here for the gun show?" UMMMMMMMMMMMMM, NO!! Then, I finally looked up and realized all those bags they guys were carrying must be holding guns! Yeah, wrong place.

Anyway, we found the sale and there wasn't too much, but I did see some cute smocked dresses, and I couldn't resist snapping a picture. Then, on to Babies R Us and Meg helped me register which was great! There are way too many choices. At one point, the salesman was just staring at her talking about the strollers. She stopped and said, "Do you want to jump in here?" He kind of looked stunned and said, "No, you're doing just fine." Give that girl a commission!!

Later, Meg and I went over to Carly's house for a delicious dinner and time with cutie Davis. Unfortunately, none of us took pictures, but, as usual, it was wonderful time.

BTW, sorry these pictures are so tiny - they were emailed to me and I can't figure out why they won't format the same way.

Adorable smocked dress for the beach!



Debating the perfect choice - I'm going to have to talk with mom about rear-view pics!



Posing at the expectant mom sign at BRUs