38 doing Great!

I've made it half way through 38 weeks and things are looking great.

We've been very busy cleaning aka nesting and getting everything prepared for Natalie's arrival. Today I was quite nervous about my Dr. appointment because last week I was at 3 centimeters and I was afraid my dr. would be "induced happy mode" and would want me to have her today. I prayed this morning for God's timing and His will to be continued through this entire pregnancy and for Him to give Dr. wisdom and knowledge of what should be done.

Praise God! I had a great appointment. I am now 4 centimeters... which means I can have epidural ASAP! =) I am 70% effaced which means I should have a pretty easy delivery the time she is ready to get here..only 30% left and I'm sure I can work on that this weekend and before next Thursday - June 17th. I am -2 station which means Natalie has lowered more and is getting is game mode. This is all such exciting news. I was very pleased and relieved the dr. didn't try to rush anything. She thinks I'll have her before Thursday but if not I will most definitley have her at my next appointment 39 weeks and 3 days on June 17th. My appointment is set for 9AM so I should have her by that evening. We are looking forward to her arrival. =) YeaY!

Weeks 34-37 - A Girl w/ Her own Agenda!

Week 34

Child birth Classes begin! (Well, they began while we were in Florida so we started on the second class). It was fun - very informative. We learned about dilating and the stages of labor.

We had an uneventful Dr. appointments. I was tested for Strep B or something and it came back Negative so no worries for when baby is born and having to take antibotics. My husband was worried I'd have Natalie soon therefore when Dr. asked if there were any questions my heart starts racing because I never know what will come out of my husbands mouth. Well, this time it was, "How do you know Jana isn't going to have this baby tomorrow" Well, my Dr. says, "Lets just see" Next thing I know - I'm being checked! OMG. Seriously, M?! Ha. Dr. says, "This baby isn't coming today or tomorrow!" I was closed up and doing just fine. So, thanks baby!

Week 35

Child birth class was about how to relieve pain - using medicine or natural remedies. Well, that night I had a dream I was in extreme pain. Lower back pain, mentrual cramps it was horrible and I was begging for an epidural. Well, I woke up from the dream and was in that real pain. It was horrible. I swore I was in labor. After many trips to the bathroom, I layed back down and said if I go back to sleep and it doesn't stop we are goign to the dr. Well, I woke up the next morning and I was fine. So, I wasn't sure what that was!

Another SHOWER! My sweet Aunt Gigi gave me the sweetest shower! It was just perfect, words couldn't describe how great it was to be apart of a feel good shower!! This shower was mostly my family and my mom's bunco group. The ladies that have been around since I was just a baby. I got some awesome things, like a bathtime spa tub for Natalie, the little lamb craddle swing (the one Kendra & Kourtney both have) and some really exquisite dresses and blankets. Marcos came to this shower and was in charge of taking pictures. He did an OK job, lol - considering his photos focused on everyone who was at the shower and what they were doing.

Week 36

                                                            3 Year Anniversary!!!

Marcos and I celebrated our 3 year anniversary early on Tuesday instead of Thursday because I wanted to eat at the Melting Pot for our anniversary and it is located in New Orleans. Once again, we were back in New Orleans for our anniversary. Ergh, I must say I am getting tired for celebrating in New Orleans but his job is like clock work and there we were back in New Orleans cause he had WORK. But this time, I was goign to plan better and choose a place I wanted to go to really bad- the Melting Pot. Ever since I saw photos of it, I knew I had to go.

It started off great the rough then great. Ha. We stayed at the Sheraton on Canal...that was a plus! BUT I spent all evening at my house figuring out what I wanted to wear on our 3yr anniversary being pregnant and all and what Marcos was going to wear. I finally came out with something and had it laid out. We got to the hotel and I asked, where are the clothes that were on the hanger. Marcos was puzzled. OMG! We left the clothes at the house. I was so irritated. Totally sulked and pouted and acted like a brat and laid on the bed not wanting to go the Melting Pot. I finally got over my funk but I didn't take time to do my hair or makeup because I was mad.

We arrived at the Melting Pot and all my madness left. It was awesome. More the I expected. I had only wished then that I had taken time to do my makeup and hair instead of pouting. But oh well. The food was fabulous and my smile came back on my face and Marcos and I had a great time.

                                                       36 Week Appointment

My weekly Dr. appointments begin. I was really excited about my weekly appointment. I was bracing myself for being checked because now she checks you weekly for progress. Well, I was just check at week 34 because of my darling husband's concerns and there was no progress. This time it was different. Dr. says, "Wow, I can feel the head" and "You are dilated 1 centimeter!" I couldn't believe. I was really excited. But, I know you can stay at 1 centimeter forever and it didn't really mean anything. However, I have been praying that when I go into labor I want to be atleast 4 centimeters, so I can get an epidural ASAP.

Last Child birth class that night was after birth and how to take care of your body and what to expect.

Week 37

                             Holy Moly - 3 Centimeters!

We had our Dr. appointment Thursday and to our surprise, I was now at 3 centimeters. Again, PRAISE the Lord! I'm determined to have a "pain free" childbirth and by doing that I'm counting on the Lord to get me to 4 centimeters or more with out feeling and then once the water breaks I go in and get my epidural and be one happy, free from pain momma! =) So far... so good!

The Dr. talked about inducing and Marcos and I have mixed feelings about this. I really believe at the rate I am going at she will come on her own. Dr. had given us the dates June 15,16 or 17. I had mentioned the 20th but that was a Sunday (Father's Day) and she said No, but the 22nd.

Marcos' parents leave Brazil on the 17th and arrive here on Friday the 18th at 945AM. I had really wanted his mom to be apart of the whole birthing experience. In Brazil, C-sections are the norm. Everyone has C-sections. His parents are reminded every day they I am not scheduled for a C-section on the 21st. They seem to forget this every day. Ha.

So, we've decided to tell the Dr. we will be induced on the 22nd if she has not made it on her own by then. This way she either comes on her own before the Rodrigues' get her or she could come on the 20th Father's Day if she chooses. But for sure she will be her on the 22nd and if is induced on that day I will be 40 weeks and she should be ready come anyways. The Rodrigues' will be apart of it too! How exciting. So as of right now, Marcos has me on bed rest. LoL. He doesn't want me lifting a finger or walking because he wants Natalie to sit tight a little longer. We shall see...

Weeks 29-33 - Ohh Time is FLYING by!

Ok! So, I'm trying to back track and figure out the weeks I missed. The last time I blogged Easter had ended and I had just finished my 28th week. I was gearing up for MY FIRST baby Shower on April 18 and for my 32 week sonogram!

Week 29
On April 10 - Marcos had his first DREAM about Natalie. =) He woke up so excited to tell me all about his first dream and how it seemed so real. This was fun, considering Marcos dreams alot because I can hear him talk in his dreams at night, sometimes in Portuguese and sometimes in English but when I ask him about it he never remembers what he dreamt about!

Week 30
I had visited my DR. for my 30 week appointment the Wednesday, April 14 before the shower and told her about the emotional rollercoaster I was on over the whole drama that came about. My DR. really put things in perspective for me (she didn't seem to think it was my hormones) but told me to focus on what I knew was true and that this would be my FIRST shower for my FIRST baby and everyone who was going to the shower was going for ME and how awesome was that! She was really amazing. Kinda took me back at first because she was so forward with questions like, "Who said it" "What did they say to you" "Why did you allow this person to have such power over you" "Was this person even noteworthy of their words" ect. It was kinda humorous. But, she did help alot! So, thanks Dr.!

Week 31

My FIRST shower. It was just fabulous! All the wonderful people who I care so deeply about showed up and it was such an overwhelming feeling know that all these people cared for Natalie and she hadn't even made it here yet. Sure, that was major drama leading up to the whole shower but it ended up being great. I got some really fun and unique gifts. I just love really thought out gifts, so sweet! And of course the practical and well needed things were - well- just what I needed and that's great!

Week 32
SONOGRAM! April 29, Again, FAVOR from the Lord. I prayed all morning... Lord, please send me an Angel in disguise! Show me favor this Dr. appointment and let me see this baby girl in 3D again! =) Praise God, I've got a friend in HIGH places.

We were the first appointment in the books. The nurse called my name and I knew, this is her again - My angel in disguise! I lay on the table and she starts measuring Natalie. We are talking and the whole time I'm praying, Ohh please do a 3d! And then she says, lets take a peak at this sweet little girl! My heart was elated. She switches the screen to 3D and I can't thank her enough. Marcos starts in on Natalie's nose and how it looks so big. LoL. Well, this gets the Nurse laughing so hard that she is determined to show Marcos that the baby's nose is not so big and it just the screen. So, we spend forever looking at her at different angles in 3D, during all the laughing and Marcos' smart comments Natalie starts laughing.

 She snapped a picture of it! Of course, I am her momma, but I swear this was the most beautiful sonogram photo I've ever seen! LoL - HAHA!

Week 33

We left for the beach on May 5- Mother's day weekend!

We spent our time at the Eden condominiums, the same place Marcos and I went to last year the same weekend but with friends. This time we went with Family. My parents, sister & Audrey and brother & Kendle and Caleb. We had lots of fun! This was the first time I got into a bathing suit, and yeah, I totally flaunted it! =) Ha.

 I didn't eat the fish just because I didn't want to take any chances do to the oil spill. Walking on the sand was challenging considering I'm carrying so much weight as it is and then my feets sinking far into the sand making it hard to pull back up. Ha. The weather was so great the first time day that I chilled out under an umbrella but somehow missed some spots with sunscreen (my left leg especially) and burned myself so bad! It ruined the second day for us. Marcos was really sweet about it. I knew he wanted to stay and play at the beach and pool but he put on a big act and said that he wanted to spend the trip with me and if I couldnt' get back in the sun that he'd take me shopping if I felt up to it. Well, as much as it hurt like heck to walk on my legs, I couldn't pass up the outlet mall. I also thought walking my be good for my swallon huge leg. So we shopped and shopped! =) By the next day I was better - and spent the day at the beach but just kept my leg covered up really good and Marcos saturated me with sunscreen not missing one spot this time. We got some really cute maternity beach pics taken around the hotel. The trip was just what we needed!

Peacemaker

“Peacemakers who sow in peace RAISE a harvest of righteousness” (James 3:18)

Praise God that horrible Thursday passed! I made peace and I forgave and asked for forgiveness of myself. I actually learned a lot through the whole emotional rollercoaster of Thursday. I would have loved to have opted out of that whole lesson however, God is molding me each day and without this experience I wouldn't be who I am right now, at this moment.

Praise God I have some awesome spiritual women in my life. One who was able to help me to see past things in a different light and allow me to see how the enemy was at work. We were able to pray about it over the phone and it really brought me great comfort and peace in that moment.

My other friend, Mayaba called and left me a voice mail on Monday. Well, I've still been emotional over everything and waited and called her back today because I felt better. She is an AMAZING woman of God. She has a book you MUST read called, "“Delivered From the Bondage of Witchcraft.” and comes to a prayer group I am in on Tuesday nights. I haven't been in months due to the fact that I am teaching evening classes. She has NEVER called me before and she called. I felt like I needed to return her call. When I called she explained the holy spirit had really layed me on her heart to pray. She had even planned a trip to Columbus but canceled her trip to stay home for a week to pray and fast (not just for me, other things too). She asked how the baby and I were doing and that she had been praying for us. I told her that her phone call couldn't have been more timely because of the stress and heartache I have felt over the past week. She started praying for me and said the Lord wanted me to know, "I AM." She repeated the several times. We prayed some more and I listened to what she had to say. I told her I knew exactly what the Lord was saying because I've been searching for my Prince of PEACE, my Comforter and I as much as I know HE is that, he seemed so far from me at the moment. But I know HE is listening and saying to me just that, "I AM your Prince of Peace, I AM your Comforter, I AM your Strength when you are weak, I AM the solid Rock..." It was just amazing. I thank God for such an obedient woman in the Lord and for God speaking to her about me.

Later on tonight after teaching I was on my way home and the song, "I Will Not Be Moved" by Natalie Grant came on. Wow, again the holy spirit was strong and these words were stronger and louder, I heard them clear as day, "I will make mistakes, I will have heartaches, BUT I will NOT be Moved, for Christ the solid Rock is which I stand AND all other ground is sinking Sand!" Again, I was reminded of who I am in Christ! No matter what problems arrive in my life, I will always turn to the God of Grace and Mercy, the one who will bring me the Peace, Comfort, Strength, Love ect when I need it the most and I will not be Moved.

UNGRATEFUL

What is the meaning of this word: "ungrateful". I hadn't ever thought about this word, it's not really in my vocabulary, I've never needed this word and I've never called anyone this word so I needed to know what this meant when I was called this about 100xs yesterday over the phone where I wasn't given an explantation on why this person thought this of me.

Ungrateful: adj.

1.Not feeling or exhibiting gratitude, thanks, or appreciation.

 

Gosh, this is pretty harsh. It's hits you hard especially when the definition doesn't fall in line with who you are. I'm more than thankful, appreciative and grateful of everything in my life big and small. I've never taken anythng for granted and try to go above and beyond to show appreciation to people.

 

After balling my eyes, and being just really torn up yesterday, all day to the point where I couldn't breathe, I called my daddy and he was filled with words of wisdom. He listened to the whole situation and even challenged my thinking. I can't imagine ever having to go through this again without having my dad around for his advice. Without his advice yesterday, I'm sure I wouldn't have survived. Still thinking about this gets me all teary eyed and emotional  (yes, I know I am pregnant).

 

Was it not that I wasn't grateful but this person needed me to show more appreciation. In the end after talking to my dad, I apologized to this person; "I'm sorry for making you feel like I am not grateful for what you are doing - I never meant to do or say anything to make you feel this way." Really that is all I could say. Because to be honest, I still have no clue what they were talking about or what they needed from me and like my dad said, I didn't need to try and get an answer on why they thought I was ungrateful - just like when Christ was called names He didn't demand to know why they were calling Him that. I guess in my thinking was that if I could get why they thought I was ungrateful I could know what I needed to change or to do or to say. I probably should have returned back to my Child like faith and attitude.

 

It brings me back to Elementary school when the teacher left the room and had a boy take names. Well this boy wrote my name on the board. I hadn't done anything wrong. When the teacher came in and saw my name on the board she was rather shocked. She said, "Jana! Why is your name on the board?" I responded, "I do not know." She asked the boy, "Did Jana talk or get up" the boy responded, "Yes". I was really calm and not bothered by his response. The teacher goes on, "Jana, he said you did do one of the two" My response, "Well, I didn't and I don't care what he says because God and I know I didn't do anything." Immediately the teacher erased my name from the board and apologized.

 

Instead of getting so upset and bothered by everything mean this person was saying and not know why they were saying all these things to me, I should have calmly and immediately apologized and reminded myself that I know what  my heart feels, I know I've never shown any ungratefulness towards anyone and ended the conversation.

 

For this word to have such a big impact on me, God has really revealed the power of words. I've always known that words have power, and I try daily to choose my words wisely and I'm actually really good at it. I feel really numb still today and I have tried super hard not think about yesterday. My husband was so upset with what happened yesterday that of course it tore him up that I had "allowed" someone get me so upset that he ended up taking off the rest of the day. There was really nothing he could do for me though. He didn't want me answering the phone talking or calling anyone. He took me to a comedy movie to get me to laugh and afterwards we ate dinner and were both out asleep by 8pm.

 

I have not spoken to this person even though I have forgiven this person. It's just something in my spirit is not at ease at the moment with this person. I feel like there is more to what this person is feeling and there is nothing I can do to help this person until they ask help for themselves. 

 

Ending this blog with a few things I feel gratitude, thanks and appreciation for...

Jesus (without him I'd still be a basketcase)

Marcos (without him I wouldn't have anyone to turn my frown upside down)

Dad (without him I wouldn't recieve the words of wisdom when I need it the most)

Family (they've shown me who i want to be and not want to be)

My: Education

  House

Food

Water

Clothes

Being able to stay home during the day

Evening job (spanish and english)

This baby - Natalie

Kind words

Kind acts

Travels

 

All downhill now... right?!

27 Weeks

So we left off at 26 weeks and  I had failed my glucouse test. Well, don't worry week 27 turned out to be the charm and I passed. I should have known considering the fact that the number 27 is my favorite number. =) Marcos and I met April 27 (double decker in Oxford) and we married on May 27th and hopefully Natalie will be born on June 27th instead of the 21st. Hey, it could happen... right?! =)

Also speaking about the 27th we could say Marcos purchased our first family car that day in March, techincally it wasn't but I'll just round up 7 days, it sounds better that way. We had been looking for cars forever! I had to buy the "perfect AND affordable" car for our family. With that being said, Toyotas 0% financing for 60mos. was definitely a helper in making a decision. We went with the brand new 2010 Toyota Highlander and I must say I love. It accomdates all my needs. It fits up to 7 people but that is with NO trunk space. With trunk space we eliminate the 3rd row and we have a 5 seater and a huge trunk.

We went to the parade that weekend and it was lots of fun. I made a shirt that said, "What's Kick'n" and it seemed to have been a hit because I recieved a ton of compliments on it. I didn't realize how big I looked in it though. Looking at myself in the mirror I don't look big (well atleast to me) my stomach sticks straight out and no where else. But it's one big stomach in the photos. Ha.

That following Tuesday we went and had our maternity pics done. I'm not sure how they will turn out. I worked so hard on my hair that morning we drove over an HOUR to this girls house and well, I was kinda disappointed. She is super sweet and nice but she didn't seem to understand the kind of photos I was looking for. I felt VERY rushed and I think that shows poorly on a photographer. I don't think you should feel rushed when you are paying someone to take your pictures. I felt like the entire time she had somewhere to be. She didn't seem to be as creative as it portrayed on her website photos either. And she didn't give ANY directions. How do I put my hand, does my arm look fat? what about my hair? I felt like I was just standing there helpless like OMG what do I look like and she never once said anything and just would start snapping. When Marcos and I went to change clothes Marcos informed me that my face looked very irriated. I felt bad, I was irriated, I told her like a billion times what i wanted and she didn't really do it. I didn't want her to know that I was irriated b/c I wanted her to try her best with me and help me out. So I tried extra hard to put on a smiley face and to hide my irriation. At the end of the shoot she was done, why I don't know, I had't gotten what I came for so I just said, listen, ATLEAST get a photo of us in our Rebel attire. She says, "oh yes of course, I totally forgot". Of course, because you obvisiously have somewhere to be and your trying to get me in and out as fast a possible. I guess no photographer yet can compare to my wedding photographer, Mitsy Miotto. She was so fabulous. Full of energy, never made us feel like she was in a hurry, and directed us in everything and would even show us on her camera what they were looking like, to inspire us and let us see what we were doing right or wrong. Then again, like one friend said, you get what you pay for and her prices and her cd of photo option was a selling point for me, super reasonable. I have rationalized the whole situation with the fact that she DOES (praying hard) take better BABY photos and I do want to some super cute baby photos and how can any photographer screw up baby pics? We shall see. =)

Speaking of photography, we are purchasing a heavy duty camera for me to so I can practice my photography skills. I'm hoping to take photos for a living too. Maternity, engagement, newborn... basic things. Nothing like a wedding or sort because someone's wedding day is so incredibly special that I would want a true photographer who studied and knows what they are doing to be responsible for that. You can never redo someones wedding. I'm really excited because I've been really inspired by other friend photographers and I myself can take a really good photo, I just need a better lens. I'm creative and I am patient. I am looking forward to taking tons of photos of Natalie. =)

Week 28

Sweet Caroline! Sweet Caroline who already has a one year old and I preggers again made Natalie the sweetest blanket, mittens and hat. When the box arrived and opened I was filled with tears. So special to me and so special is the fact that she took the time to crochet/knit something for my sweet little girl. We will cherish the set forever and ever! And Caroline, I'll be your maternity and newborn photographer, you just tell me when and where I  will be there. =)

I semi finished the crib skirt, only one part left. It looks fabulous. I mod podged her letters in her room and now I just need to find the perfect ribbon. We are waiting for the glider it should arrive in 3 weeks. I can't wait. I am now in search for curtains and draperies for her room. We shall see what I come up with.

I had my 28 week Dr. appointment now that I have ENTERED my 3rd TRIMESTER! I go to the doctor ever 2 weeks until the last month and then I will go weekly. =) I can't believe I am already here. It is so exciting. And what is more exciting is that I get ONE last sonogram of Natalie - week 32 before she gets here. I am counting down the weeks for that one.

We celebrated Easter and the resurrection of Christ and that was such an awesome Sunday. I just can't imagine my child having to go through the things that Christ did, the price he paid for us was so HUGE and yet we still live a life taken for granted. I want Natalie to understand the price Christ paid for us, for her and for others. I pray daily that the Love of Christ will shine ever so brightly through Natalie and the she is filled with a Holy Ghost smile that could light up a room. I want to be be so hard that Godly example that I try to display on daily basis. Hopefully she will be better at it then me.

Oh the JoY's!

Oh the Joys!

Oh the joys of my sweet husband. I wanted to quote something he said that was so sweet. We were in the car heading to the Coast and some how our conversation got on the topic of wolves. Then I asked him if he had ever heard of the saying, "Crying Wolf". He said no. Well, I said let me tell you about the boy who cried wolf. I finished the story and said, "So the moral of the story is not to cry wolf unless there is one, because if you cry wolf to many times when there isn't really a wolf and then when one finally does comes no one will be there." Then, out of the sincerity of his brazilian heart he looks to me and says, "No matter how many times you cry wolf, I'll always be there." Ahh, my heart melted. I guess it was the way he said, it was so serious so full of passion. And that is why I married my man. He always surprises me with the things he says.

Week 25

Oh the JoY's of a dog in heat! My gosh - a dog in heat is one horn dog. I mean seriously, last week during my 25th week of pregnancy w/ Natalie things were going smoothly but with Sophi, well she has broken mine and M's heart, our little girl is no longer a little girl. We pray she isn't pregnant b/c if she is we might be having babies at the same time. Ohh yes, this could be possible. Sophi escaped every morning last week. She knocks down the fence we keep fixing and she digs holes to get out. Her lover is named, Mahgwah?! He is a very big German Shepard who cried for her constantly last week. It was so overwhelming for his owners they didn't know what to do, Sophi was Mahgwah's first and well, being separated from her just killed him. He's a lot better this week thank the lord.

Oh the JoY's of looking for a car that is family friendly. My camaro is not family friendly. Trying to put a car seat in my car is just not working. And on top of that I really thought my car was on the verge of dying b/c the gages have been all messed up. So all last week I sat inside of my house and did nothing b/c I couldn't use my car. Marcos drove me to Spanish classes at night and picked me up. It was kinda fun. Ha. On Friday I got so frustrated that I decided I'd run into an Auto Shop store and see what they could do. The nice people told me to buy coolant and that they'd put the coolant in for me and wah lah! It worked. My car is running much better and I have no more worries of being stranded on the side of the road. So, we are still looking for me a car but just not as crazy car shopping as we were when we thought it would break down any day. On another note the man putting the coolant in my car showed me a RAT that was under the hood of my car. I will post a pic of that!

Week 26

Ohh the JoY that Natalie brings! Natalie has been moving constantly. It's a very cool feeling. Sometimes her movements are super strong and sometimes they are just constant and smooth. I've been extremely curious of what she is going to look like; what traits of mine and of marcos that she will have. I dream about her all the time. This week I had to gear for my big appointment A.) we would get to see Natalie again to see if my placenta had moved out of the way and B.) gestational diabetes test. I couldn't eat or drink after midnight and when I woke up I had to drink a lemon lime drink exactly one hour before my appointment to get my finger pricked. I did just that at 715AM. I could barely sleep b/c I've felt like I've lost my mind just recently. I can't remember anythng. I was so afraid I was going to miss the appoinment or eat or drink water in the middle of the night. I had excitment that I was goign to get to see Natalie. It was just all a really overwhelming 24hrs.

Marcos met me at Dr. at 815AM the triage nurse (she loves me--Marcos and I crack her up) pricked my finger in which it caught me off guard and my legs flung into the air startling Marcos and her. It was funny. But the prick thing she used made a loud blow sound, it scared the bee out of me. She squeezed my finger (now I have a little bruise and it hurts like heck on it) and got my results instantly. Well, I FAILED! I was so irritated. My Dr. said that it was ok though b/c my number was 160 and that number could have gone either way. And since it was so close that she wanted to retest me and so on Monday I will do a 3 hour test. They will prick my finger at 8AM 9AM and 10AM. I am really nervous about the pain b/c my finger still hurts and I can't imagine every finger being bruised and hurt. I told Marcos if that happens he will have to wash my hair for me b/c it was very difficult with just one finger being hurt but more then one. Oh my!

On a brighter note we got to see Natalie. And not only did we get to see Natalie but we have friends in HIGH places. And we got to see Natalie in 4D! It was such an incredible moment. I got see her sweet little face. Her lips which the sonogram lady says, "Wow, she has such full lips". I look a M instantly b/c he has the full lips, not me. She looked just perfect, of course. So perfect, my heart melted. This has been the first time in 26 weeks that my heart actually melts over Natalie. Of course, I've been elated and happy that she is coming and that she is a girl and getting to see her in sonograms but seeing her in 4D was a whole other thing. It really gave me a sense of who she is and looks like. I am really ready for her arrival now.

I've been working on things in her room. Next week I will make the crib skirt to her bed. It's going to be super shabby chic cute. I just finished making some really unique hanging letters of her name. I didn't paint them, I'm not a painter. But I saw some letters done with paper in Oxford selling 14.99 a letter and I knew I could make them myself. And well, I did and they look even better than the ones that I even considered buying.

It's St. Paddy's day weekend and we will be heading to Hal & Mal's Parade in Jackson. I'm looking forward to that. I've gotten a better self image of myself being pregnant which is good, I don't feel fat but I feel pregnant. Ha.

Next week, I start back teaching Mon-Thursday nights from 5-7pm. We are taking Maternity pics on Tuesday. The next two weeks will go by fast. And before I know it will be in April! =) I can't believe it. Getting closer.