37 Weeks!

I had my 37 week appointment today and I have to admit that I was a little disappointed to hear that I am still at 2 cm! I was hoping that Dr. Shields might say, "looks like Rose will be a New Year's baby!" But she didn't. Clark and I are getting so excited to meet our sweet little girl! I feel like every day draaaaaags on! It reminds me of the weeks before Christmas break when I was teaching...every day seems so long and all you can think about is getting out of school for a few weeks. Well, all I can think about is going into labor and meeting Rose! I am going to really try to appreciate the next 3 weeks and spend plenty of quality time with Clark and my little LuLu. Rose will come when she is ready and I need to remember that!

I got 2 exciting surprises today...Rose's going home gown is going to be ready this week and her bedding is going to be ready on Monday! I can't wait to see how everything turned out. I'll post some pictures as soon as I get the bedding and drapes in the nursery. Here is a picture of the prints I had framed for her room. I think they turned out so cute.

I hope everyone has a fabulous New Year's Eve and a happy and healthy 2009! See you next year :) (I just love saying that!)

We're Making Progress!

I went to the doctor for my 36 week appointment today and learned that I am 2 cm dilated and 50% effaced! Of course we are excited that Rose might make her appearance in a few weeks, but I am also trying to remind myself that some people walk around dilated for a month without making any other progress. Dr. Shields said that she is sure I won't make it till my due date (Jan 21) and she wouldn't be surprised if she came during the next 2 weeks! Clark and I are so excited!!

Happy Hanukkah!

35 Weeks Pregnant...

And only 35 days to go!! I can't believe Rose will be here in 35 days, give or take a few :) I'm in the process of trying to make room for another person to live in our house! This week, I've been trying to clean out our house and get plenty of rest. Cleaning is hard but resting is EASY! At my 34 week appointment last week, Dr. S. said I really need to limit time on my feet, so I work for a little while and then rest for a little while. I re-arranged and organized our closets and made several trips to Goodwill. I've been washing her clothes, sheets, towels, etc...with that delicious smelling Dreft detergent. I never knew that I loved that smell but I think it just reminds me of a clean baby and I love that smell so much! I bought nightgowns and a robe for the hospital, bought her little changing table, and cooked meals to stock our freezer for the days ahead. Although I have been busy getting ready, there is still ALOT that has to happen in the next 35 days so I've gotta really get down to business! Please let me know if you can think of any helpful tips for getting ready for a new baby :)

The Baby Shower

Last Saturday, my wonderful friends, sister, and sisters-in-law hosted a beautiful shower at Dana's house. It was such a special day! I loved looking around the room at all of the people who I love so much and knowing that they were there to celebrate with me! Thank you so much to all of the hostessess for planning such a nice shower and thanks to all who came to celebrate Rose's arrival in a few weeks. I love you! Precious onesies
Yumm! The petit fours had sweet little roses in Rose's honor.

Cookies with Rose's monogram. I am obsessed with Pollman's cookies :)The hostesses served brunch since breakfast is my favorite meal! On the menu... breakfast casserole, cheese grits, hot fruit salad, and biscuits. Yum...I am getting hungry just thinking about it.Who will Rose look like? I LOVE this picture of Clark! He doesn't look like a newborn at all!

Alice and Janet modeling the sweet little hats Aunt Gray knitted for Rose. She also knitted a very soft blanket which I know Rose will love!

Me and Julia

Me and Aunt EileenAunt Janie, Gray, Mom, me, Dana, Jody, and JanetMe and BG (Rose's Great-Grandmother)The fabulous hostesses! Natalie, AnnLee, Ginny, Regan, me, Hartley, Jacqueline, Sarah Beth, Jody, Berkley, Lindsey, Dana, Maribeth (a mama-to-be!), and Gray. Not pictured but much loved...Nonie, Julianne, and Amanda. Sarah Beth, me, and Natalie packing up all of the decorations.

A sweet rose picture frame for Rose! Thank you to Natalie and Dana for letting me use some of your pictures!

I need your help again...

Hi blog readers,
With only 47 days until little Rebecca Rose arrives, Clark and I have some shopping to do! We want to buy a video camera to film every minute (ha!) of Rose's life. I don't know where to start looking for a good one and I don't know what features I should be looking for. If you have one, do you mind telling me what kind you have and if you like it?

Oh, and if you have any other baby must-haves, will you let me know about those as well?

Thanks so much!

Birthing Class

Clark and I had our birthing class with Jamie tonight. It was great! She basically explained the 3 stages of labor, how to time contractions, things Clark can do to make me more comfortable, and when to go to the hospital. She gave us alot of practical information that makes the whole labor process seem less daunting. She even gave us lots of information about writing a birth plan so the hospital knows my "preferences" during labor. They are simple preferences, but ones that totally make sense to us. Some of them include being able to sit in a chair and walk around, drink clear liquids, eat lollipops, and just have Clark present during everything. She is going to help me write my plan in the next few weeks. Clark and I both agree that the best part was hearing all of the WONDERFUL things she had to say about our doctor. She has attended several births with Dr. Shields (Jamie is also a doula) and she really likes that Dr. Shields honors birth plans and lets nature take it's course instead of just relying on medical intervention. The most inportant thing is that we feel more prepared and ready for labor after our meeting tonight!

Turkey Day

I hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving today! Clark and I are so lucky to live in the same town as our parents and we enjoyed 2 Thanksgiving lunches with both sides of our families. We started our feast at Madeline and Edgar's house (Clark's aunt and uncle) and ended the day with another delicious meal at Arlene and Jeff's house (my cousins.) It was a great day filled with fabulous food and wonderful family. We have so much to be thankful for! I can't wait until NEXT thanksgiving where little Rose will be crawling, or walking, all over the place!

It's going to be a LONG night!

Clark and I went to New Orleans for the Saints game last night and I left something very valuable at the hotel...my SNOOGLE pillow. Oh no. I've been up sewing (it is WAY past my bedtime) and looking forward to getting into bed and sleeping with my new (and absolutely necessary) pillow. But, my pillow is still at the W in New Orleans and I am without it in Mobile!!!!!! For those of you who are unfamiliar with the snoogle pillow, please see the picture below.

I think they must be laughing at me at the W. I just called (yes, it is almost midnight) to see if they found my pillow and I had to talk to 2 different people before they figured out what I was talking about. They kept thinking I left a ring...do ring and pillow sound alike to you? Yea, I didn't think so either! Anyway, I finally had to spell out P-I-L-L-O-W and explain that it is a huge, weird shaped pillow for pregnant people. I felt kinda silly for calling but I just wanted to make sure I left it there and not somewhere else. Although, where else would it be? It's not worth waiting a few days for them to ship it to me, so I told them to keep it for some poor little pregnant lady who is in need of a good night's sleep.

This pillow has saved me from the insomnia that plagued me for the first 6 months of pregnancy! I don't know how something as simple as a pillow could be so awesome, but let me tell you, it is GREAT! It keeps me on my side all night long and I only wake up a few times a night now that I have it. If you are pregnant, go get one!!!!!! And don't wait until your 7th month either! I am heading to Babies-R-Us first thing in the morning to get Snoogle #2 and you can be sure I will be must more careful with this one :)

Rose's First Photoshoot

Clark and I went in for our "re-do" 4D ultrasound today. We tried to do it last week but little Rebecca Rose didn't want to cooperate! She was in a breech position and facing inward, if that makes sense. But she was a good girl today and assumed a great position for the occasion! She was a little shy though and decided to turn her head after a little while. Luckily, we were able to see her precious face long enough to get some great pictures and a wonderful DVD! Heather (the ultrasound tech) was able to see hair! Looks like she won't take after me...I was a baldy until my 2nd birthday.

S'more Brownies

I made these last night and I can't tell you how yummy they are! The brownie in the middle stays gooey and tastes like melty chocolate that you would get if you were making real s'mores by a campfire! Try them for a little fall treat. You will love them and they are simple to make. Clark has already requested another batch for his hunting trip this weekend!

S'more Brownies (from Paula Deen's 2008 Christmas Magazine)

15 whole graham crackers
1 (19.5 oz) package brownie mix
3 cups mini marshmallows

Preheat oven to 350. Line a 13x9 pan with heavy duty aluminum foil. Spray foil with cooking spray.

Place 10 whole graham crackers evenly over the bottom of the pan, breaking crackers as needed to cover the pan. Set aside. Crush remaining crackers; set aside.

In a medium bowl, mix brownie mix according to package directions. Pour mix over crackers and bake for 18 minutes. Remove from over; sprinkle evenly with marshmallows and crushed graham crackers. Return to oven and bake 10 more minutes. Cool completely. Cut into squares.

Enjoy :)

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." -Margaret Mead

Dan and Shelby from 95 KSG and Volunteers of America teamed up to organize a community project to rebuild the dilapidated playground at William's school this weekend! It was such a great event and I was surprised to see just how many random volunteers from the community showed up to help out. The sweetest thing was a little girl, maybe 12 years old, who brought all of her friends to volunteer for her BIRTHDAY PARTY! They had a slumber party the night before and choose to come and help out instead of doing something you would traditionally do at a party. We need more people like her in the world!

BEFORE

AFTER!

Volunteers working

Camille's provided breakfast for all of the volunteers. Thanks, Dad, for helping!

William and Uncle Pete

Birthing Class Update

Thanks so much for all of your comments. We decided to skip the 12 hour long class and have a private session in the privacy of our home! I met the sweetest lady at Camille's the other day. She asked when I was due, who my doctor was, etc...and we hit it off. She goes to Dr. Shields too AND she teaches the birthing classes at Mobile Infirmary! I told her that we were debating on whether or not to take the traditional class and she offered to come to our house. She is such a sweet lady and Clark and I are excited to get the facts in 2 short hours. I will let you know how it goes!!

In other exciting baby news...Clark and I are having a 4-D ultrasound on Wednesday! Can't wait to see Rose's little face. I hope Rose is in a good position for optimal viewing!!

Happy Halloween!

Advice Needed!

Hi blog friends,
I need your help! Clark and I are debating whether or not to take childbirth classes at Springhill Medical Center and want to know what you think. Has anyone taken the classes there? Are childbirth classes helpful?? I really want us to know what all is going to happen once I go into labor, but we are so busy right now and the classes take up so much time! 3 hours a week for 4 weeks! I have heard mixed opinions about childbirth classes...some people LOVE them and others find them a waste of time. I am curious to see what my readers think :)

Thanks for your help,
Jill

GRAND OPENING!!

Camille's Sidewalk Cafe is opening TODAY at 7:30 AM!! We are so excited! Thanks so much to everyone who came to our Friends and Family events over the weekend. We feel like we are ready to open after "practicing" on all of you :) Thanks, Mom, for taking so many great pictures on Friday night. We were so busy on Saturday that I never even thought about taking a single picture. Come see us soon!

My Sweet Nephews

I just had to post this picture. I think it is the sweetest picture ever! William looks like such a great big brother and apparently he loves holding baby Jay!

Almost 26 Weeks

Today I had my 26 week appointment with Dr. Shields. I was really worried about the glucose tolerance test for gestational diabetes. I heard from several friends that if I failed it, I would have to go back for a 3 hour test where they draw your blood every hour for 3 hours. Yikes!! I HATE having blood drawn. In fact, I was dreading this day for the entire month. However, after drinking the horrible orange drink and having my finger pricked, Dr. Shields gave me a gold star and told me I passed with flying colors :) Just what I wanted to hear!! They did find out that I have very low iron (perhaps due to my 6 month long meat aversion!) So, I am going to start taking an iron supplement every day. Everything else looked good. Rose had a strong, healthy heartbeat and my tummy measured right for 25 weeks. Keep growing strong little baby Rose! We love you!!!

Nursery...In Progress

My original goal was to have Rose's nursery completed by the time Camille's opened. However, seeing that we are going to open in 1 WEEK, my plans have changed! Now I am just hoping to have it finished by the time she arrives in January! While we were in Tulsa at training, Mom and Dad oversaw a little construction at our house. We sheetrocked Rose's room, turned a portion of the attic into a large storage closet, painted the bathroom and staircase, and turned a nook in our room into a 2nd closet. It was like coming home to a set of "While You Were Out." Thanks so much Mom and Dad for all of your hard work during those 2 weeks.

Rose's pink glider came in this week! Clark and I love it so much. It is my new hangout. Whenever the phone rings, I find myself chatting away in the chair just looking out the window and thinking about how many hours Rose and I are going to spend in that chair. I can't wait.

Clark putting the base on the glider.
Pardon my PJ's...Mama in the glider!
The proud Papa in the glider. Pink is definitely Clark's color :)

Today, I met Mom and Janet (my sweet MIL) at Siegel's Baby Room where we ordered Rose's crib and dresser!!! Our order should be here in about a month.

C
Once the crib comes in, we are going to have the bedding made with this fabric. It took me forever to find fabric that I loved, but I finally found it. I am in love with this little collection.

The solid pink fabric will be the bumper, the stripe will be the ruffle and ties on the bumper, and the flowery spiraly fabric will be the bed skirt and drapes on the window.

So, as you can see, we are working slowly but surely on the nursery and I can't wait to see it all come together. In the mean time, enjoy these pictures of the work in progress!

I just had to take a picture of the precious dress Janet bought for her granddaughter :) Matches her nursery perfectly!!