Jenna's dad put the crib together this past weekend.


He had to use power tools.


The beautiful mom-to-be, and the beautiful daughter-to-be.



I painted the baby's room a nice shade of pink. Very pink.




However, I did not have to use power tools. But my muscles are still huge (you may have to magnify the picture to see them though)

Baby Shower Pictures * July 9th, 2006

* Prepare Us *

Prepare our hearts oh Lord for mother and fatherhood
That we might love as you love and give as you give
Seeking you as we should

Show us how to cradle your creation and kiss each tear away
To enjoy every smile she decides to share
and hug the monsters away

In the womb she is safe in your hands from all the world has to offer
Help us to give her a home with us
that is one of equal comfort

As her tiny body engages in mine with little space to move
Allow her to feel your loving presence
Knowing she'll see us soon

8 down, 1 to go! OH MY GOODNESS! This past month flew by, but not easily. I've had a really great pregnancy so far, but this month brought on some discomfort such as; swollen feet, back aches, small contractions, emotional tears, feelings of being enormous and it's really hard to get out of chairs without help. I can no longer paint my own toe nails, a job my mom and girlfriends have taken care of- though Eric may need to learn soon! :) I can tell that there has been a huge change, in our baby and in me. I can't walk around for very long, I feel a lot of pressure these days and on what I wanted to be a shopping spree with my mom I only lasted for 2 stores then had to leave. Usual things like grocery shopping have gotten harder to do...and I am trying to let myself lay down and take naps when needed. It's weird to realize that you can no longer do what you used to, and to be okay with that.

Our baby now weighs 5.4 pounds, we found out yesterday at the doctor. I can feel her moving less, she tends to squirm around and make slow big movements as opposed to the kicks and jabs I was getting before. She is already facing down getting ready, which means more trips to the restroom for me! She is a more regular with her active time, just like a newborn I think. She's awake a few hours then asleep for a few. I can't wait to hold her in my arms.

It's been really exciting this month with baby showers and wonderful gifts from friends and family for our little girl. This week my dad (grandpa) will be putting the crib together and we'll be arranging her room. I feel like Eric and I have so much to get done before her arrival. It's like planning a wedding all over again, except this time we don't know when the day will actually be! We are trying to find time for us as well, since it's our last few weeks of just the two of us. I just can't believe that in a month's time, we'll be a family of three! I am ready to not be pregnant anymore, I am ready to hug and kiss her, but I am not sure if we'll ever feel totally ready to be parents. I guess we should hurry up and get there. :)

*more strangers have come up to me than ever asking me the same three questions: When's the baby due? Is it a boy or a girl? What's the name gonna be? -I don't feel like answering them anymore. If I must be approached then let's get some creativity going, eh?

Can you believe 8 months have already flown by? These pictures are of Jenna entering her 9th month...which means our baby is really close!