Belly Pics by 365 Photography

My good friend and fellow-teacher, Krista, came over a couple of weeks ago to do some "belly" pics to display at my work shower. She did an amazing job! Especially considering that I'm not too keen on pictures of myself just because of the weight-gain (totally my own doing...and I don't mean the weight gain in my belly. That kind of weight gain is perfectly welcomed!) and just not feeling "like myself", but I also don't want to miss anything during this special time in my life and one of the best ways not to miss it, is by photographing it. Below are just a few of my many favs that Krista took. If you're looking for an awesome and affordable photographer... check out http://www.365photography.net/. I highly reccommend it! :0)

Love Them!

This weekend Austin and I drove down to Houston to see Evan and Nicole, and for the first time, baby Audrey! I was so excited to FINALLY get to meet this little angel that I had only seen pictures of. I couldn't wait to get my hands on her! She was an absolute angel, and so precious. I was able to get a taste of mommy-hood and seeing what having a newborn is really like. I loved every minute of it. However, Saturday night I did zonk out at 8:45, and all I had done that day was help Nicole with feedings and then we took Audrey shopping. That was a bit of an eye-opener! I loved it, though. I had so much fun seeing my best friend and her baby. I can't wait for Annabelle to get here and for her and Audrey to grow up together like her mother and I did!

Poor Audrey was exhausted when we took this picture!

Audrey and Annabelle's first picture together!!

Us with Audrey...and she's wearing the bow I made for her!

What a great weekend! Nicole and Audrey - miss you so much, already! See you girls in a couple of weeks!

"Showered" with Blessings!

Last Wednesday was my work shower. My wonderful team put it all together and the wonderful people that I work with were there to shower me with gifts for Annabelle. It was so amazing! I work with such thoughtful and giving people! I was given so many wonderful things! I can't even begin to explain how much everyone and everything meant to me! I absolutely love this second family of mine, and I'm so lucky to go to work everyday and feel that I am spending time with family. Below are the pictures from this fun day and all the wonderful blessings I was showered with. I have to say, it wouldn't have happened if it wasn't for my wonderful team getting together and thoughtfully and carefully planning it all out. Courtney, Kelly, Krista, Kate, Manda, Angie, and Julie - you guys are the BEST and I couldn't have handpicked a more wonderful group of people to work with! I love you all! Thanks for everything!

My cake - made by Julie's aunt-in-law.

Mrs. Harris and her very creative self made this for Annabelle! How cute!

Courtney's famous punch!

The gift table!

Me and my AMAZING team!

My mom was there to share in the fun with me!

My mom wrapped up the dress I came home from the hospital in to give to me!

Sweet Cori knitted this dress just for Annabelle! Isn't it precious??

Sweet Reagan gave me a box of goodies!

This gift meant a lot! When I was first pregnant with Annabelle, at work, we started calling her Blueberry since that's about the size she was when I found out! The name stuck and Reagan made a bag for me called, "The Bag of Blueberry!" How cute!

Fourth Grade gave me diapers!!!!!!!!!!!

Second grade put together a bag of fun stuff!

Most importantly of all, they gave me a "green" book - environmentally friendly reading!

Jill and Lauren have been stocking up on girly things for sometime now! Look at these precious outfits they bought for her!

The Specials Areas ladies were AWESOME to put this tub of necessities together for me! I had so much fun opening it!

I got a bottle sanitizer!!

Julie, Krista, and Angie!

First Grade's gift...

Yay!! My Bath Center! I can't wait to use this to give her baths!!

From my team...

It's my Boppy bouncy chair!! So excited!

These were my "belly" pics that Krista came over and took. They turned out AMAZING! I'll be posting them when she has them finished!

Me and Kelly!

Me and Courtney!

I couldn't have asked for a better shower and better people to spend that time with! Thank you, everyone, for such a wonderful day!

A Work in Progress

Last weekend we decided to really tackle Annabelle's room. Her dresser and hutch came in, so we thought it the perfect time to set up her crib. Below are pictures of Daddy setting up the crib, with some help from Papi while Nana and Grammy came over to visit. Its all starting to come together and look like a nursery, rather than a really pink room with a bed in it. Which by the way, the color of the room will probably change. I like the pink, it just may be too much for the vintage-y look I'm going for. We'll see!

Papi and Daddy

Nana and Grammy

Proud Daddy with the finished product.

Doctor's Visit No. 7

Yesterday I went to the doctor for my monthly check-up. Austin and I decided that since it was just a regular check-up, and no sonogram that there really wasn't any need for him to take off work to go to this one. However, as I was driving myself to the doctor I found myself a little sad that he wasn't going. I don't know - I guess I just like having him around! Anyway, everything went well...I've gained another 8 pounds which the doc wasn't too thrilled about. She told me, "Just like a mother would say to her daughter...'it's going to hurt you more than it will hurt me.'" Hmm....I would've rather heard, "Oh, what's another 8 pounds, anyway?" I explained that I have this ravenous appetite and I just can't seem to control it at times. To make matters worse, I don't crave grilled chicken and broccoli. I want cheeseburgers, french fries, oreos, and anything and everything that allows me to put on the pounds. So, needless to say I need to work on the weight gain. Other than that, it was a pleasant visit. I have to go back in two weeks to do my glucose test. I'm so not looking forward to chugging all of it in FIVE MINUTES - ICK! Oh well, it has to be done. So, this next month I will be trying to:

• eat more fruits and vegetables
• try and avoid driving through Whataburger every time I pass it
• walking at least twice a week (Hey - I'm really tired when I get home from work!)
• snacking will consist of healthier choices - not snickers!

Let's see how well this goes. I'm telling you, when I get hungry - I'm HUNGRY!

Check out the new poll and vote!!

So, Austin and I went about a month ago to register at Babies R Us. We ended up registering for just a few items and left somewhat frustrated. We both stared at eachother blankly, not knowing what to register for. Yeah, I know of several things I need, but I didn't know what bottles were best, pacifiers, etc. So, we left and decided I would come back with someone who knows what they're doing. Since then, I've decided that the stroller/carseat combo I registered for at Babies R Us isn't the one I want, and actually found one I like better on Target.com, and at the Target store. Here is my question for you, especially if YOU are an experienced mommy. Should I get the cute girly carseats, strollers, highchairs, pack and plays, etc...or should I register for the cute unisex Eddie Bauer collection that I found? Do you think it is more practical and would I use it all a second time around? I'm assuming I would, but I'd like some more experienced people's advice. Please vote on the poll I just posted, and/or feel free to leave a comment on what you think! I'd love and and all feedback! Thanks so much!

Jennifer :0)