Getting Bigger!

Jackson is having a growth spurt and supposedly gained six ounces this last week. I definitely feel that he is getting bigger and much stronger. My baby tummy is much higher and sticky-outer. Andy still loves feeling him kick and move all around.

We're gradually getting things ready for the baby... the crib is set up and the dresser is still awaiting its bottom bracket. Once that's together, we can unload the baskets of clothes and diapers and random baby stuff. I'm chomping at the bit to get things put away and organized. The office is slowly transforming into the nursery, much to Andy's credit. I haven't done much to help, but it's all Andy's music stuff anyway!

Mom is doing very well after her surgery. She's able to move around on her own and is spending more time up and about everyday. She's doing much better than she even thought she would.

These next couple weeks will be kind of crazy. I'm getting ready for my Praxis III assessment on Feb. 7 (an assessor from the state comes to watch me teach and decides if I can keep teaching for the next several years). I'm not nervous, but it includes alot of paperwork and planning that a normal teaching day doesn't require. I also have P-T conferences coming up and then Andy and I are going out of town the weekend after Valentine's Day (probably our last chance to get away alone for awhile). We're definitely looking forward to getting away and spending time together.

Mommy 25 years, Jackson 23.5 weeks

Well, I'm now old. Yesterday, I turned 25 and had a wonderful birthday. Andy spoiled me with a new vacuum (I actually asked for that) and a beautiful necklace and earrings (I'll always take sparkly stuff) and I was able to spend a lot of time with my family (my mom even helped me grade papers!). It was nice to have a quiet day and to spend it with the people I love.

Jackson is now at 23.5 weeks (only 16 to go) and getting bigger and stronger every day. Andy was able to feel him kick today and got a huge smile on his face. He waited so patiently for about half an hour and then started pushing on my belly to make Jackson mad enough to kick. I guess it worked because Jack sure walloped one at him! It's so cool to be able to share what I've been feeling for awhile with Andy.

Andy has been busy setting up the crib and trying to put the dresser together for Jack. Unfortunately, the dresser had a crack so we're waiting for a replacement piece. Andy's definitely excited and no where near as nervous as I am about getting everything done in the next few months. I have a lot of stuff at school to get ready, but I should all be done by the end of March and then I can relax... until labor starts :)

Mom's having surgery tomorrow, so please keep her in your prayers as she goes through a very long recovery.

Happy New Year!

Jack has been an incredibly active baby lately. He and I apparently keep very different hours though... he likes to move when Mommy wants to sleep and vice versa. This is probably a preview of things to come. It's a good thing I'll have a little over four months at home before going back to work. That should be plenty of time to get him on a schedule. Whenever Andy tries to feel him move, Jack gets shy and stops all his kicking, but Daddy is being patient.

The holidays were great. We all got spoiled (especially Jackson) and are looking forward to next year when we'll have our little baby around. Tonight we're going over to Kurt and Carla's to ring in the New Year. I'm not sure I can stay awake until midnight (gestating is hard work) but I'll give it my best shot. Then, tomorrow Andy is working and I'm hanging out with family. On Wednesday, Mom and Patti and I are going to start my baby registry and all kinds of fun stuff.

We wish everyone a very happy New Year and an exciting and blessed year to come!

Baby Jackson

Yep! That's right! Our little baby is a boy! We're very excited and are eagerly waiting for our little Jackson Robert to make his appearance (just not too soon).

My Adorable New Nephew

Isn't he the cutest!?!

We thought about stealing him, but I guess we can wait for our own.

Upcoming Events

Just a quick note...

Andy and my ultrasound is on December 20 (also the day Andy proposed 4 years ago). We will be finding out the sex of the baby if he or she is feeling uninhibited. We will let you know what we are having when we decide to tell:)

Just another quick note...

We are soooo excited to be parents!

Busy gestating...

It has been a busy and exciting couple weeks around here. Kurt and Carla welcomed their third little baby, Anderson Dale, into the world on November 26. He is quite possibly the cutest baby I have ever seen. He just snuggles in and fits so well in my arms. I think I might borrow him for a while. They're lucky we have our own baby coming or we might do more than just borrow Anderson...

Pregnancy is going as well as can be expected. My back is killing me and the only way I can fix that is by sitting more. Unfortunately, I never sit down at work, so I have to make some adjustments. The only thing that makes it better is when Andy rubs my back (hint, hint).

Andy just made a bowl of frosting and has it all over his face, so I better go clean it up. See, I already know how to be a mom...