Baby Bump Photo Shoot

At 35 weeks (August 28th, 2011) we squeezed in our maternity photo shoot!

It was such a fun experience.

Hurricane Irene had me worried that we wouldn't be able to shoot that weekend, but the day after she brushed past us we were greeted with a sunny day!

In order not to overwhelm everyone I'll post these pictures over the course of two days!

I hope you enjoy as much as we did...

Part 2 will post tomorrow!

I hope you all had a Blessed Monday!

This week's verse to memorize:

"O Lord, your unfailing love fills the earth; teach me your decrees." ~Psalm 119:64

Baby Diaries #26

How far along? 36 weeks--9 MONTHS!

Total weight gain/loss: 29.5 lbs, kinda surprised I'm only up 1/2 a lb.

Maternity clothes? I manage to wear a few non-maternity dresses and tank tops.

Stretch marks? NO!  Yipee!!

Sleep: Is getting interrupted a bit more by bathroom breaks.  I've found if I sleep too long I wake with a headache :( boo.

Best moment this week: Getting the proofs from our maternity photo shoot!  I'll be posting pictures tomorrow!  It'll be a photo heavy post, but I think I'm in LOVE ;)
Also we went on our hospital tour.  Despite the fact that I felt it was rushed and there were too many people on the tour to really feel like we could hear everything it was a good intro to the maternity floor.   I now know I'm not supposed to report to the ER when I go into labor, but rather the 4th floor where I'll have to sign in.  I also know that Bitsy will be with us as much as possible after she arrives which makes me happy!

Movement: If movement is any indication of when Bitsy will make her arrival I'd have to say we are safe for now.  She's much too active in there to be ready to come out!

Food cravings:  Still nothing, but Bud & I did have to cave to football season food last night!  We made a stop at the grocery store and got Cheddar Brats & Sauerkraut...mustard on mine, bbq sauce on his.  Sweet potato fries for him, regular crinkle fries for me!  The only thing I didn't have was a beer....crazy to believe I haven't had alcohol in 13 months!

Gender: It is still a Girl!  

Labor Signs: I had a twinge of discomfort the other night while sitting on the floor.  Not sure what it was.  I'm planning to ask the doctor on Thursday if they think she's dropped yet, because there have been a few times when I'm walking that I feel a little more pressure and I've recently had to go to the restroom quite a bit more....3x in 15 minutes last night....It's Bud's fault...he kept making me laugh which triggered my need to use the bathroom!!!

Belly Button in or out?  Belly Button....what belly button?!

What I miss: Believe it or not I'm a little over napping each day.  I miss being able to go go go all day and not need a nap.  Naps used to be a luxury not a necessity!

What I am looking forward to: Another doctor's appointment on Thursday...I'm going to be going weekly from here on out and that is surreal to me!
Also we have our all day birthing class on Saturday.  I'll have to fill everyone in on what all we cover!

Weekly Wisdom: I always promised myself that when I got pregnant I'd never complain that I was getting fat.  I've stuck to that.  I have clung to the idea that I am growing a beautiful life inside of me and that this body was meant for that.  I think that having a healthy perspective on our bodies during pregnancy will make pregnancy that much more enjoyable.  I'm actually having a hard time remembering what it was like not to be pregnant. 

From whattoexpect.com

Your Baby in Week 36 of Pregnancy

Forget your aching back (and everything else!) by trying to focus on your baby, who is now about six pounds and 20 inches long, with soft bones and cartilage to allow a safer journey through the exit door. Most of her systems (from circulatory to musculoskeletal) are ready for prime time, though her digestion system — which has done only practice runs so far — will kick into gear as she takes her first suckle at the breast or bottle.

The size of a crenshaw melon
source

I hope you had a Blessed Sunday!

This week's verse to memorize:

"O Lord, your unfailing love fills the earth; teach me your decrees." ~Psalm 119:64

Book #22: Now What? - Gary Chapman

The Chapman Guide to Marriage After Children

This is another book that was given to me by my friend KV.

She kinda showered me/us with books about parenting!

The note she included said the following....

"We got you these books in hope that they would give you some useful advice.  Because Lord knows we don't know nothin' 'bout 'raisin no babies".

This makes me laugh each time I read it!

So thank you KV!

Gary Chapman's "Now What?" book is a quick read that covers some of the main points couples face as they transition from coupledom to parenthood.  

The introduction includes a section that states:

"I have intentionally kept this book brief because I am aware that many couples believe that they don't have time to read a book.  You can probably read this book in less than two hours..."

He is accurate in both assessments.  

This book is a quick read and it can be difficult to get both partners to read a book start to finish.

Bud and I started by reading one chapter at a time and handing it off to the other until they were caught up.

The chapters included are as follows:

1. Making Marriage a Priority- A chapter in which you are to determine what season your marriage is currently in, be it Springtime (new beginnings), Summer (deep connection), Fall (unwanted change), or Winter (difficulty).  Once you know where you are it's important to think about what season you want to be in.

2. Taking Control of Your Schedules- Explains how important it is for the right person to do the right job in the house.  It also covers getting our children on a schedule and the importance of taking time for ourselves.  

3. Taking Control of Your Money- Money tends to be the major point of contention in many marriages.  This chapter attempts to explain how we should put our money where our priorities are as well as how to spend less and enjoy it more.  If you think your marriage would benefit from a weekend away than it is in your best interest to start saving for a weekend away.  On the other hand it's important to find ways to increase quality time without spending (much if any) money which can include things as simple as sitting on the porch, going for a walk, or getting an ice cream cone together.

4. Learning to Effectively Discipline Children- Consistency seems to be the main point in this chapter.  It works in direct correlation with your child's love language.  I may not agree with all the discipline methods that Chapman recommends, but he makes a valid point that it is important that children be raised knowing the rules and the consequences for breaking those rules.  Both parents should be clear on these rules so that there is unity in discipline techniques.  How you handle disciplining your child will vary family to family.

5. Discovering the Key to Intimacy- Chapman mentions in Chapter 5 that "Chances are you would not be reading this if you had the level of intimacy you desire in your marriage".  I disagree.  What I do agree with is...After a baby or children enter into your marriage it will change (I know I don't have a baby yet...only 4ish more weeks, but it makes sense).  My father says, "Life changes as you know it....it's not over, it's just different".  Thus in order to accommodate the new life in your relationship it seems apparent that the attention that was once spent on your spouse may diminish some.  It's important to reaffirm your commitment to your spouse and make them feel loved.

This book is a quick compilation of one man's theories and suggestions.  It's not the end all be all of how to run your marriage or your parenting skills.  I'd recommend couples read it as a way to spark conversation about HOW they would like to handle life after baby/kids.  I've seen it far to many times, however, when couples marry they stop 'woo-ing' each other.  Marriage does not seal the deal, it's what you put into the marriage after the "I dos'" that make it a marriage.  Commitment, love, honor, and partnership are all values that need not diminish after the honeymoon.  If you can continue to cultivate these values in your marriage after the children come along, I honestly believe the transition will be easier.

Book or no book, the important message is that children do not reinforce a marriage.  Nor are children to blame for the dissipation of marriage.  "Since they are no longer two but one, let no one split apart what God has joined together."~Matthew 19:6

I hope you all had a Blessed Saturday!

This week's verse to memorize:

"O Lord, your unfailing love fills the earth; teach me your decrees." ~Psalm 119:64

Bible Verse Friday #35

"O Lord, your unfailing love fills the earth; teach me your decrees." ~Psalm 119:64

Biblegateway.com says the following about Psalms 119:57-64

True believers take the Lord for the portion of their inheritance,

and nothing less will satisfy them.

The psalmist prayed with his whole heart, 

knowing how to value the blessing he prayed for:

he desired the mercy promised, 

and depended on the promise for it. 

He turned from by-paths,

and returned to God's testimonies.

He delayed not.

It behoves sinners to hasten to escape;

and the believer will be equally in haste to glorify God.

No care or grief should take away God's word out of our minds, 

or hinder the comfort it bestows.

There is no situation on earth in which a believer has not cause to be thankful.

Let us feel ashamed that others are more willing to keep from sleep to spend time in sinful pleasures,

than we are to praise God.

And we should be more earnest in prayer, 

that our hearts may be filled with his mercy,

grace,

and peace.

We can not out run or hide from God's love for us.

It is everywhere.

David knows this.

He was exiled.

He wandered the desert.

Hid in caves.

And yet he still found God's love waiting for him.

We can push it away.

We can deny it.

We can attempt to escape it.

We can blind ourselves to it.

But none-the-less it is there.

Waiting.

Patiently.

Kindly.

Lovingly.

"O Lord, your unfailing love fills the earth; teach me your decrees."

A father whose love is unescapable is one that I will not deny.

A father whose mercy is undeniable is one that I will not hide from.

Though I may stumble and grow weary I know that God is waiting for me and He is strong.

It is in my best interest then to ask him to teach me his decrees!

Teach me the way to live Abba!

So that I might be a better example of your mercy, grace, and peace.

This week remember to find time to study his word.

Remember our challenge of attempting to memorize scripture so that it is with us at all times.

Two weeks ago our verse was:

"Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have God's Son does not have life." ~1 John 5:12

Last week our verse was:

"Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ's body.  We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other."~ Romans 12:4-5

This week's verse to memorize:

"O Lord, your unfailing love fills the earth; teach me your decrees." ~Psalm 119:64

I hope you had a Blessed Friday!

P.S. We have been blessed with a new follower!  There are now 45 of you wonderful followers who make me feel blessed and give me motivation to do and try so many new things!  As always if there is any way that I can pray for you, please do not hesitate to contact me (I will not post about your request, unless you want me to).  Thank you for your love and support!

P.S.S. You can find me linked up at the following parties this week

Birthing Ball

*This post may only seem relevant to pregnant women, however, if you know anyone who is expecting this might be something you can share with them.

The use of an exercise ball can help alleviate back and pelvic pain.

It'll also help limber you up for the biggest workout of you life!

source

Yesterday I bought an exercise ball.
I have been told that there are many benefits to having one in the weeks leading up to labor as well as while you are in labor.
Here are a few videos out there that explain how to properly use your 'birthing ball'.

Abdominal Exercises are also important during pregnancy!

Another way to work the abdominals during pregnancy include 'hugging the baby high and tight'

Squats are also uber important and if done properly it will take the pressure off of your knees.
Squats are important to help with natural birth and even a c-section as strong legs mean you won't have to rely as much on your abs (which are out of commission) to get in and out of bed.

So if you hung in during this post and you're not expecting, but maybe know someone who is, I'd highly recommend throwing a stability ball in as a shower gift!  It's one item that you know will get use before AND after baby is here and will help Mom prepare for the big day!

I hope you had a Blessed Thursday!

This week's verse to memorize:

"Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ's body.  We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other."~ Romans 12:4-5