Birthing Classes

Last night we had our second birthing class and oh the things I realized. First, Brad is a great breather! We did this exercise on different breathing techniques and he was so focused and did great. I tried to focus as much as he did, but I couldn't stop giggling. He is going to be such a great help when I am in labor. Secondly, I want drugs as soon as contractions begin. We watched a video on labor all the way to the birth, and golly those ladies go through alot of pain. It is finally getting through my head that Eli has to come out of me somehow too and the way that is, doesn't look pleasant.
The countdown has begun, and Brad and I are getting closer and closer to becoming parents. The nursery is ready, we almost have everything we need, and now we just sit back and wait. I am 31 weeks along, meaning Eli can arrive anytime between 38 and 40 week...that is not far away!
Until then, Brad and I are going to try and stay busy. Basketball season has begun, and thanks to my father-in-law...we have great seats, perfect for a pregnant woman to get to. No more 32 steps to climb...yeah us! We also have the holidays fast approaching. I have been realizing how much work it is to shop, so gifts cards are the way to go this year:)
Don't forget to vote!

Baby Shower

I have to say, I have some of the most wonderful friends around! Not only have they been there for me through this exciting time, but this past Sunday, they threw me a wonderful baby shower. Jaci and Terra outdid themselves. There were silly games, a costume contest and of course, lots of sweet surprises for Eli and I. It was such a beautiful day and we all had a great time! Thanks ladies!!!

Me at 29 Weeks

It is hard to believe that Eli is going to be here in 10 weeks. Time has flown by, even though I feel like I have been pregnant for years. Eli is still moving and making his presence known more and more each day. Last night Brad put together our new stroller and what a sight. Believe it or not, it was actually more difficult than putting together the crib, or so it looked that way. I was just the director:)

The picture attached to this blog is one from this past weekend. On Saturday, we took a picnic to the National Park and went for a short, but beautiful hike. I would have made it further if it weren't for my bladder.

Not much more to say, we are still just moving along and trying to get everything situated before our little one arrives.

Sending much love!

Brad, Jen and Eli

2 Years!!!

That is right, today Brad and I are celebrating two year of marriage. Whew, how time flies!

Last weekend we were able to skip town and head to Nashville to watch the Titan/Viking game. We knew one of us had to go home dissappointed, and of course that person was me. We had a great time though! We saw Brad's friend from College, Brent, AKA Biggie and also met up with Neil and Laura.

Not much else going on, though I would post a couple pictures.

Hope all is well!

Lucky me!

Here I am, 25 weeks along in my pregnancy and already want to little guy to be here. The anticipation is killing me! In the meantime, Brad and I have been hard at work getting the nursery ready and organizing the house so Eli has a place for his stuff in our sweet, little home. Motivating Brad is pretty easy, his input has been great and I am so lucky to have a guy who is helping out so much with everything! Granted it took us weeks to figure out the color of the nursery because we both had our own ideas, but we finally agree. If it was up to me, I would have painted the walls blue and bought a bedding set from Babies R Us and accessorized with everything that they have there, but Brad wants to go with a "Northern Moose" theme, and it is turning out to be great! We found this great rug and bedding that has blue, chocolate and khaki in it, so accessorizing shouldn't be a problem. The walls are painted Khaki and I had to buy the wood letters that spell out his name. Tomorrow night we are picking up our furniture from Brad's aunt and uncle. They are sweet enough to let us use this beautiful set of baby furniture. I cannot wait to see it in Eli's room.
I have to brag on Brad one more time, he has been wonderful!!! I cannot stress that enough. Some days I wonder how I got so lucky...he is just so patient with me and it is so great to have that especially after a long day at work when all you get are demands and deadlines. He's pretty amazing!

Another Appointment

Nothing too exciting to report at this time. I just wanted to add something. I had yet another appointment last Friday and all is well. Eli's little heart was still beating at 146bpm and still moving and grooving. My doctor informed me that he sleeps for only 20-40 minutes at a time right now, so when I notice him refrain from kicking, I should expect it to start back up within a half an hour. I guess this is one of the most active times for him because he still has the space to move around some, but space is getting very limited. He is also able to hear what is going on around him so we have been talking to him a bit more.
Mommy is still feeling good and getting so very excited. This past weekend we started working on the nursery. We decided on a theme but going back and forth on colors. Just another step closer:)
Oh, and his first friend was born last week. William Roswell Kingery was born on September 5. We are so excited for the happy parents, Ros and Catherine. He is so sweet and cannot wait for him and Eli to meet!
Sending much love!!!

Kicker

Well, vacation is over and back to work. Brad and i had a great trip up North and thanks for those who were able to stop by to see us while we were home. The trip flew by and every day was a new adventure. Brad got his fair share of fishing in, and we were able to enjoy the week with my whole family. Now that Pat is back, it was possible to have the whole family around again. I gotta say, they are the best! The first weekend we were in MN, we were greeted by mom, dad and Laura. By the end of the day, after the baby shower, Chris, Kelly and Mike were all there. Sunday, Pat made his first appearance. We spent the afternoon teasing him and playing corn hole. For those of you who do not know what corn hole is, corn hole is a game where you throw a bag of corn on a board with a hole in it. The team to reach 21 points first, wins. Who would have thought that this would keep us occupied all week??? On Monday, Brad and I traveled to Itasca State Park. the weather and the trip was great. When we got back on Wednesday, we were able to spend the afternoon with mom and dad. We had dinner and spent the rest of the night playing dominoes and catch phrase...mom and i won of course. On Thursday we met the boys and headed to the state fair where cheese curds and fried twinkies were consumed. Friday we spent the day fishing with the folks and on Saturday, we threw a party for Chris and Kelly. Once again, corn hole was a hit. If my partner Chris would have kicked it up a notch, we would have won the tournament. The hardest part was Sunday after breakfast. We had to say goodbye and frankly, I wasn't ready. It is so hard being away from people I love so much!

Eli obviously loved the North. By the third day of our trip, he started kicking. Not just for me to feel, but Brad, Grandma Shirley and Aunt Laura got a feel too. Since then, he hasn't stopped kicking. It is kindof odd at times, but comforting.

My belly is growing more and more each day and starting to realize how people I don't even know want to start asking questions and talk about the baby. Thank goodness they don't come up and just touch me though. Touching the belly without asking...big no no! Unless your my mom or Brad.

Now that I am in to my 22nd week, things are going great. I feel great and I am finally finding cloths that I like and that fit. Our basement is now full of baby stuff. Who knew such a little person needs so much stuff? It is nice to know that we are somewhat prepared. We even have a large supply of diapers. So thanks again for those who came to my baby shower last week. You all did way too much...we so very much appreciate it though!