Photos, car seats and more

The last week and a half has been pretty busy. From the last post, the doctor was a little concerned about Janelle’s cervix. She’s been taking it easy – as easy as a 2nd/3rd grade teacher can take it – coming home from school and putting her feet up for the evenings. We went back to the doctor this past Monday, and her cervix was the same so they thought all would be good. Told her to continue to take it as easy as possible, and in two weeks she can get back to her regular routine. We’re currently at about 33.5 weeks (out of 40, normally). Janelle now hits the doc every other week for a couple times, and then will be every week until we finally meet Coop.

We’ve also bought our car seat and stroller (thanks JJ!). In typical David and Janelle fashion, we researched which was best, talked to it seems 100 people and had decided on a Chicco travel system that has the stroller and infant car seat together. We got it home, put together and it’s ready to go. We still need to get another base for David’s car, but at least now we will be allowed to leave the hospital when Cooper finally arrives.

Last weekend was also our photo shoot. At the St. Joe maternity fair, Janelle won a maternity package at a local photographer. The package includes the sitting fee and one 8” x 10” print for each stage of Cooper’s early days – one maternity session, one new born session, one three month, one six month, one nine and one year old session. I think…maybe there’s not that many, but it’s something like that. Anyway, we went to Carlisle Photography in Georgetown last Saturday, and Michelle was a blast to work with. We just got our proofs in, so if you want to see the maternity pics check out http://carlislephotography.smugmug.com, go into the proofs section, select our name and use the password cooper. (I doubt anyone really wants to order any maternity photos of us, but if you do, or want any of their baby pics on down the road, just let us know. The pricing list is on the website.)

That’s all for now. Enjoy the pictures…we’re off to buy a playpen.

Another doctor visit, another ultrasound

We had another doctor appointment today, complete with ultrasound. Everything was fine, other than Janelle’s cervix is a little on the thin side. They hooked her up to a machine to make sure she wasn’t having contractions. (Women have contractions throughout pregnancy in the later months, I’ve learned, but you just don’t want to have them more than once in a while.) She wasn’t. It looked like all is good, but they invited her back in a week just to make sure. We go back on Monday, and until then they told her to stay off her feet as much as possible. What? Now I’m doing everything – cooking, cleaning, laundry…I hope she likes take-out and we don’t need clean clothes.

All is good. We’re gearing up, and getting ready. We need to find a pediatrician soon, but have a couple in mind.

Below are some photos and videos from today’s visit.

Until next time….

Shower Mania!

Below you can see some pictures from the two baby showers we have had. The first shower took place in Ashland on August 2nd. My sister, Jody, threw the shower for us and she did an outstanding job! The second shower took place in Lexington on August 9th. Two of my best friends, Holly Hannis and Stephanie Brown, threw this shower. They did an outstanding job as well! I had so much fun working with all of them while they planned the showers. I especially enjoyed the rivalry between the three of them over who was going to have the best shower (we all went to Morehead together and are in the same sorority)! Both showers were so much fun and I hope that these ladies realize how much David and I appreciate everything they've done for us! I love them all dearly and just don't know what I'd do without them :)

Sometimes its hard to believe that David and I are so blessed with such wonderful family and friends. We can't thank everyone enough for all of the amazing gifts we received! This baby is pretty much set. We've got swings, music gyms, a high chair, bath products galore, the cutest toys, baby monitors, a car seat, a stroller, and so much more that I can't even think of all of it! And you should see all the adorable outfits! David and I are going to have the best dressed baby in Lexington :)

It's hard to imagine that our due date is Oct. 9th...that's like two months from now!!! David and I have both been freaking out just a little bit lately, especially me. I've accepted the fact that the whole having the baby is going to be uncomfortable and painful. I've not accepted the fact that they are going to send me home with him just two days after he pops out. Am I really going to know what to do with the kid once he gets home? People keep telling me I will and I've read enough books and talked to enough people that I should know what to do, but I'm still not so sure about it (I've heard and read that this is a normal feeling)!

Other than the anxiety, I've been feeling pretty good. That's all about to change because school starts Aug. 13th. I've spent my summer break taking it easy and it is going to be a big adjustment being back on my feet all day!

That's all for now. Enjoy the shower pictures!

Here I am at the Ashland shower...I'm huge!!!

Jody, Mom and me at the Lexington shower. We really didn't plan to dress alike!

Me and my sister!

Jody thought it would be fun to see who had the bigger belly. I think her balloon belly won :)

Ashland Shower Pictures

Jody did an excellent job decorating!
Cake table...yummy!
Loved the sign!
Our kid has to have at lease one U.K. outfit!
Me and mom.

Lexington Shower Pictures

Yummy cake :)
Opening presents.
Opening more presents.
Cutting the cake.
Two of my very best friends, Holly Hannis and Stephanie Brown who planned this shower. They are awesome!!!