36 Weeks

I really thought I would be better at updating this...but here again it's been awhile. Tomorrow I will be 36 weeks pregnant, only 4 weeks to go (give or take a couple weeks since they come at their own rate) until baby Ashlyn Mariah Anderson arrives! We are getting very excited! I had my first baby shower in February and got wonderful gifts from my friends and family. (Pictures below). And for my shower my mom gave me the quilt and other nursery bedding that she made for Ashlyn's room and it turned out perfect. We recently bought a dresser and rocking chair for the nursery and got a changing table from Nick's sister and so the room is really coming along. Mostly we just need to put some wall art up and maybe some shelves and a few other touches and it will be ready. Its been very fun.

We finished our childbirth classes up last night. Our classes were wonderful and so informative. We have done our hospital's birth center tour and are feeling pretty ready. We just need to work on practicing the relaxation skills we learned in our class to use during labor to help deal with the pain

As far as we can tell, baby Ashlyn seems to be doing well and is facing head down. On March 17th I will have another ultrasound to check on the fibrous growth I have on my uterus and make sure it is stable, as well as get a final chance to see the baby on the inside before she makes her appearance in the world. As far as how I am feeling, things are getting pretty uncomfortable, as is expected. The worst part has been some pretty bad back pain that leaves a burning sensation down my back and just achiness in general. The good thing is that the past 3 days or so that has seemed to be better and much more bearable, so I am thankful to God for that. We decided I should quit my job a little earlier than I planned to because of the back pain, which seems to get worse as the day progresses at work. My last day at work will therefore be March 18th, which gives me just 5 more days of work! I am pretty happy to let my body rest more and to be able to feel like the house and the nursery are ready for this baby girl to arrive. And I do not intend to return to work after the baby comes, as I have always desired to stay at home with my children to give them the attention and love they need and train them up. It will be quite the adjustment going from watching many many kids at work to just watching one at home.

Well, that's all for now, except for the pictures for you to look at!

The quilt for the nursery, purple and green bird theme, made by my mom! 

 

 

 

The baby shower cake

me opening gifts

my friend Katy, who did a wonderful job at hosting my shower

My mom, me, and Nick's mom....the two proud grandmas! Both are about to have their first granddaughters!

Some maternity photos taken Feb. 19, at 34 weeks pregnant

The crib look

The mobile I found that matched at Marshalls!

Some wall art I am currently working on framing, made by me with scrapbooking paper!

3rd Trimester Is Here!

Well I didn't realize it but 6 weeks have passed since my last post. I guess time is escaping me. We have been busy planning the baby's room, registering, taking childbirth classes, and getting through the holidays right after moving. The 2nd trimester was a busy one.

I am excited to be 28 weeks pregnant. It is really real how soon this baby will be here! As we get items for the baby into the baby's room it all becomes more real.My mom is working on a quilt, crib skirt, bumpers, and a window valence for the baby!  Our childbirth classes have been wonderful. We are learning the Bradley Method and going to try to do a natural birth with Nick coaching me though it with what we are learning in the class. I am getting a little more nervous about the labor and delivery but feel really glad that I will be prepared for what may happen. 

I am feeling pretty good and enjoying our little girls kicks and punches and feeling her move around. The ultrasounds have been wonderful to see. And the great news is that the fibrous growth on my uterus has remained stable over the last month, thank you God! The belly is getting big and people are noticing it everywhere I go now. I officially don't fit in all my pre-pregnancy shirts.

We may have settled on a name for our baby girl as well. At this point in time, we think we are naming her Ashlyn Mariah. We have liked the name Ashlyn for several years and I have always liked the name Mariah as well, and we think they sound beautiful together.

28 weeks pregnant

 Our plans for the next couple months are just preparing the baby's room, preparing ourselves for parenthood, finding a good pediatrician, touring the birth center, and hopefully getting some relaxing time in. I look forward to staying home with our baby once she is born. Here are a couple pictures from today!