Childbirth Class

We took our childbirth classes on Friday night and Saturday. I must say that I already knew a lot of what they taught us. Watching "Birth Day" and "A Baby Story" all day for 4 months can really be educational!! However, I was a little shocked by the constant reminder that childbirth HURTS!!!!!!! As a woman, I was raised knowing that giving birth to a child was a painful experience. Why was it that this instructor felt like she needed to scare all of the poor pregnant mommies in the class? The entire way home Friday night, Phillip was reassuring me that I can do this. I will live through the pains and humiliations that come along with bringing a beautiful life into the world. Don't get me wrong...you all know that I would do anything to bring my beautiful baby Blain into the world. I just felt a little overwhelmed with the gory details. We did learn some useful information, and I feel like we are both more prepared. It was quiet funny to see Phillip's reaction to many of the topics and activities. We were probably the least engaged couple in the class. My favorite one-liner from Phillip was: "No kitchen utensils will be used in our room!!!" The lady had a rolling pen for massaging the mommy. Overall, it was a fun experience to share with Phillip. We will have many laughs over that class. :) Love from our family...AMBER

A BABY SHOWER!!!

My very 1st baby shower was on Saturday. It was hosted by Phillip's sister, mom, and aunts. The shower was perfect and so loving. MANY friends and family came to celebrate Blain's life and my pregnancy. I was, honestly, overwhelmed at the outpouring of love. Family, old friends, new friends, almost everyone attended. The theme was beautiful...blue and silver. The food was very tasty and the environment very warm. Blain is going to be the cutest kid on the block with all of his new clothes. We also received a pack-n-play, jumparoo, playmat, highchair, 2 mobiles, bouncy seat, bath necessities, towels, blankets, books, a lamp, monitors, bibs, and a hand-made quilt (to name a few items). My baby boy is already so loved and cherished. It truly touches my heart. Thank you to everyone who attended. I enjoyed seeing all of you. Thank you also for the wonderful gifts brought and sent to the shower and our home. I will be sure to tell Blain often how much you all prayed for and love him.

Goodies for Our Little Guy!

I had some visitors yesterday who came bearing gifts. Forrest, a darling little boy from my class last year, and his mom stopped by. They were invited to my shower on Jan. 24th but wouldn't be able to make it. I felt so loved as Ada walked in with a baby bath full of goodies for Blain. She has been so sweet to me through this entire journey. They gave Blain several precious outfits, some onesies, 3 hats, a Johnson's baby care pack, a book about Easter (which will be Blain's first holiday,) and quilts and a pillow sewn by Ada's mother. They even picked fabric to match his room. It matches the bedding and curtains PERFECTLY!! Blain is already so loved. I am one proud Mommy. Thank you Larry, Ada, and Forrest. I love you all and know Blain will, as well.

Catching Up!! :)

Our lives have been very eventful since the last posting. My birthday came and went with many wonderful celebrations and gifts. My parents gave us Blain's car seat and Phillip gave me a video camera. I used the camera over the holidays, but it has not seen its busiest days. I can't wait to document every little moment of Blain's arrival.
Checking out the carseat. It is a Chicco Keyfit 30. The color is Adventure. I LOVE IT!!

I love my mom!! A pic. of us on my birthday.

After all of the birthday festivities, Phillip began the transformation of Blain's room. He put the first little bit of sky blue paint on the wall. We are so excited to have a blue room in our home!!!

Phillip claiming the nursery for Blain.

Christmas was very eventful, as always. We were very blessed to have all of our family home and healthy. Our Cortina Keyfit Travel System was complete when my parents rolled in Blain's stroller on Christmas day!

Phillip's brother and his wife and our 2 precious nephews came in from Florida the day after Christmas. We had our Christmas with them on Sat. and loved watching our 3 nephews open gifts. They are too cute!

All of the birthday, Christmas, and New Year's festivities did catch up with me. I ended up spending New Year's day in the hospital. I had some preterm labor, but with fluids and rest we were able to get it under control. I am now 31 weeks... only 9 weeks to go!! We feel so blessed and can't wait to meet Blain very soon.

Baby Blain is healthy and BIG!! (28 weeks)

I was smiling and the lady just missed it when she printed my picture. You can catch a glimpse of a smile here. :)

Look closely and you can see that my eye is open. The black dot in the center is my iris.

This picture was taken right before I put my hands in front of my face. I'm not so sure I like all of that poking around on my mommy's belly.

Here I am all snuggled in for a nice nap... which I do mostly during the day. I like to be awake at night, just like my daddy. Notice how chubby I am getting.

Notes from mom: Our 28 week ultrasound was today. The baby is absolutely perfect and beautiful. He weighs approximately 2lbs. & 15oz!!! Can we say big baby? The technician said "you have a chubby baby here." That was music to my ears. I love knowing that he is healthy. She also noted that he has some pretty significant hair on his little head. :)

I am making great progress. Bedrest works people!! The dr. still wants me to "do nothing" for the next month at least (those were his words). I am an old pro at doing nothing. I am just happy to know that things are moving in the right direction.

Merry Christmas...God is good and full of miracles.

And it shook when she laughed like a bowl full of jelly!!

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

Like the title of this posting? I saw my brother and his fiance this weekend and they loved to watch me laugh, because my entire belly shakes. It is really funny. Here are some pictures of my belly. I am almost 27 weeks and all is well.

This one is my favorite!! We are so excited about Phillip's tummy...heehee. Just fun to switch roles.

26 Weeks Tomorrow!

I had another Dr.'s appointment today and had to do the dreaded glucose tolerance test. YUCK!! Surprisingly, it wasn't that bad. I just felt like I was back in the beginning stages of pregnancy and NAUSEOUS!! After we left and grabbed a juicy hamburger, I was feeling much better. The doc says that everything is still going very well. My BIG belly is actually measuring right on track. Lots of people say that I look much bigger than 6 months pregnant. Dr. says they just aren't used to the new me. It is kinda funny to see my stick arms and legs (that have not gained an ounce) with this big jolly belly in the middle. Heehee! Blain is doing fantastic. His heartbeat sounded so strong this time. Dr. said it sounds stronger the bigger it gets. It was a thud, thud, thud; instead of whoosh, whoosh, whoosh. I can see and feel even the slightest movements. It is so neat to watch my belly move. I am loving every second of being pregnant. I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving and wish you a very MERRY CHRISTMAS.