First baby shower

The elementary staff threw me a baby shower today.  I was very adamant about making sure that I only got things I really needed and many of them were considerate of that.  You know, people can go crazy when it comes to buying for babies.  I either got homemade things, things off my registry, or gift cards, so I was very grateful.  This is a picture of two of the other second grade teachers.  I feel like I'm much bigger than I look in this picture.

The good stuff...of course, I didn't have much of this, but everyone else seemed to enjoy it.

The gifts...

Mike was able to skip on over from the high school and join us.  I was so happy he could be there!

My mom conspired with my friend Claire and sent gifts from both herself and my Grandma Pat for me to open at the shower.  I was so confused when I opened Grandma's card.  I couldn't figure out which staff member would sign the card "Grandma Pat."  Another second grade teacher clued me in.  This is the adorable jumper she sent me.

Opening Mom's gift.  Yes, I know my eyes are closed, but this is the only picture of me opening gifts where you can sorta see how pregnant I really am.

A blanket from Mom...

This beautiful quilt was made by one of the third grade teachers.  It goes perfectly with the colors in the nursery.

Okay, so new rule for all you blanket-makers.  No more blankets!  My basket in the nursery is full, and this does not include the one on the back of the glider, the one in the crib, or the one in the bottom drawer of the dresser.

I thought I would include a picture of the latest piece of furniture to enter our nursery, the glider chair.  It's really comfortable and I think it will be incredibly necessary at the wee hours of the morning.

Pushing, stretching, and pulling

I'm not looking all that enthusiastic here because I'm in pain!  The baby is pushing, stretching, and laying against the middle of my belly constantly, making it feel like I have a strip of pulled muscles through the middle of my stomach.  My nurse practicioner says that's normal.  We have a baby that likes to be up front and center, I guess.  Yes, I'm ornery.  Pregnancy is not as beautiful as everyone says it is.  7 more weeks...

A little bit of sunshine

We have no windows on the south side of our house that Tadd has access to, save one, the front door window.  Whenever the sun shines through this window you can bet that Tadd will be laying in it.  He travels with it across the floor as it moves.

Nesting...

We spent Sunday painting the nursery.  I was so excited because I just wanted to be able to set it up, but there was no point until it was painted.  We chose a color pallet of "kayak yellow," "manchester green," and "tapestry brown."  Claire said it was a kayak manchester tapestry.  She was a HUGE help that day.  She won't admit it, but Claire is an expert at taping.

Mike, touching up some corners.

I was only allowed to do the low stuff.  No standing on step ladders for me!  And, yes, the window was open for all you worry-warts. :)

Claire was very excited about taping those stripes.

Mike, again touching up.  This time it was the stripes that he attacked.

The finished product.  I love it!

I can't believe how HUGE I feel....

29 weeks, and I am starting to waddle. The baby moves constantly, I'm having trouble sleeping, my belly button shows through my shirt, I can't wear anything, and I have 3 months to go. Who said this was fun?

New house

I know everybody has wanted to see pictures of our new house. Needless to say, we had some problems obtaining internet right away. Well, we had to switch companies and everything, so we are so sorry for the anticipation, which I am sure was unbearable. :) And even so, I left some rooms and the outside of the house to the imagination.
This is the master bedroom.

Master bathroom.

Living room, with Mike's pride and joy, our brand-new TV.

I suppose you'd call this the office, but we call it the den. I like that word better.

Dining room. Look closely at the top two shelves in the bookcase. They are filled with Mike's grandparents 55 year old honeymoon glassware.

Kitchen

24 weeks...I think

I think it's been four weeks since my last picture, which would put me at 24 weeks. Here you go, Mom! Does it look bigger?