The Final Countdown.

Less than 18 days to go! I can't believe I have made it this far and how fast it has all gone! Since Sunday, I have felt more like myself than the entire span of this pregnancy, it has been wonderful! AND… I have actually slept some the last couple of nights. I am enjoying every second. I knew something was different when I woke up Sunday morning and insisted on going to the gym. (I didn’t do anything extreme, don’t worry!) But, I really had the energy to go. And typically, just getting through the day sucks every morsel of energy out of me. But even after doing cardio for 45 minutes, I felt great and had energy throughout the day.

I started having some early signs of labor on Tuesday, but at the time wasn’t really sure what was going on. So, I called the doc, told them what was going on and they asked that I go ahead and come in for my 37 week appointment a day early. All is okay, and I was basically told I could go into labor that night or in a couple of weeks. I soo wish there was an exact science to all of this. As much as I like to plan plan plan and have control of everything, this is really testing me. But that’s okay, I know Tanner will come out and play when he and my body are ready.

The Grand Finale

Ok, so I am not as on top of these blogs like I used to be. You could definitely say that I am slowing down a bit! Matt and I went to our last and final shower on January 8th of last week. It was wonderful. The shower was held after work, at the Sheraton Imperial (where I work) and Teresa, threw the shower for Matt and I. Many of my closest work friends attended. The amount of food was overwhelming! There was a wonderful spread of fruits, veggies, (my favs!) chicken wings, chips and salsa and tortellini in alfredo sauce. There was also a nice, yummy cake to top it all off at the end. Tanner did a few somersaults in my belly after the sweetness of that cake! One things for sure, this pregnant woman can’t get enough sweet foods!!!

Its always nice to have the opportunity to socialize with everyone from work after work hours. Even though you spend more time with them then your own family, you still don’t really get to spend any true quality time. I am very lucky to be in a work environment of extremely warm and caring people. I have never worked anywhere that I truly enjoyed the people that surround me each and everyday. As Teresa told me the first time I met her at my interview in January 2006, “We are a family here.” It really does hold true. I am glad to say that Tanner’s due date will make two years for me with the Sheraton Imperial family.

We received so many wonderful and thoughtful gifts! We got an incredibly soft blue blanket from Pottery Barn that we registered for and a Gund bear to match, thermal receiving blankets, incredibly cute outfits and onesies, a diaper bag to match our stoller/infant carrier/pack-n-play, gift cards to Babies R Us and Target, baby’s first bible, nesting blocks, fun and musical TOYS, books, car window shades, car baby in sight mirror, an Eddie Bauer carseat for up to 100 lbs (thank you Erik and AV department!!), a gift card to Shutterfly to create Tanners first baby album (excellent, excellent gift Dot and Becky, ever so appropriate!), sheet saver, baby imprints to hang on walls, turtle themed robe, washcloths, socks and towel, 10 piece grooming set, rattles, teethers and on and on…. Thanks to each and everyone of you for everything. We really were overwhelmed by your thoughtfulness and generosity.

A great thanks to Teresa (for everything!!) and everyone who helped with the planning of our lovely shower. Matt and I really enjoyed ourselves.

Drop It Like Its Hot

First and foremost, Happy New Year to everyone. We are enjoying these spring like temps in North Carolina this week. On the pregnancy front, we do have an update for the new year. Last week Kristy was at her (now weekly) doctor's appointment for the 35 week check up. It was revealed that the fetus has dropped (also known as lightening or engagement). Depending on where you read, this can mean that Tanner is about 2-4 weeks away from showtime. However, one of our doctors noted that he could be born tomorrow and everything would be fine. We know what you are all thinking... it may still be another 4 weeks before he is born. Babies tend to engage much earlier in first time moms.

Knowing all of this we began picking up the pace of preparations knowing that it actually could be anytime now. We started this weekend by putting the final touches on Tanner's nursery. With the exception of some minor organization, the room is ready for arrival. We also made one of our weekly trips to Target to get all of the supplies for the hospital. Kristy now has all of the essentials for her stay and Tanner's outfits are packed. This week Matt will be working on getting the car seat in the car and finding hospital supplies for himself (Red Bull and protein bars!)