Everything Avery

My weekly doctor appointments have started and I thought I would provide a quick update. I am still very much pregnant with zero progress….no effacement, no dilation, no drop in baby’s position. Oh well! I know she still has 3.5 weeks to go in there, I just thought there would be some action?! I think my excitement is taking over and I am just ready to meet her. I go back to the doctor in one week for another check-up…at that point I will provide update #2!

Here are a couple quick shots of me at 36 weeks. I can hardly believe that I have come this far and have been pregnant for this long! We are so excited for this next 4 weeks and can’t wait to see what happens. We had a childbirth class today at Prentice and learned a lot. It was a long day filled with valuable information. My favorite part was the hospital tour! The new hospital is gorgeous and so are the views from every birthing suite. Perhaps being in that beautiful facility will make this whole birthing process a bit easier? Ha! A girl can only hope!!!

I am so excited to post that on Thursday, February 21st I was given another great gift….my co-workers threw me a surprise baby shower! Patrick was even in on it and was able to attend. I was invited to a meeting and upon entering the room, everyone yelled surprise and I was literally shocked! It was so fun! The room was decorated and full of people. There was food, cake, and presents galore! I am still shocked that they pulled it off! I tend to know about all of the office “happenings” but they really got me! It was such a fun time and I am just so thankful that they would do this for me. Everyone has been so supportive and kind to me throughout my pregnancy here at work. This was just the icing on the cake! I am so thankful for all of the thoughtful and extremely generous gifts! A special thanks to Patty, Carolyn, Abby, Lois, and Laura for planning and hosting such a successful party! I will miss you girls while I am on maternity leave!

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Patrick took these beautiful pictures and I just wanted to share them with everyone. Soon our baby Avery will be here!

…and isn’t even born yet! Tonight we went through all of Avery’s “stuff” in an attempt to get organized. After laying it all out we were shocked to see all she has accumulated. Wow! We are so blessed to have such generous family and friends! Now…she just needs to get here so she/we can start using all of these goodies!!! (Only 5 weeks to go. Hooray!)

< On Sunday, February 17th another wonderful baby shower was thrown for me! My mom, sister, and Aunt Linda hosted a great get together with family and friends. We had delicious food (Thanks Aunt Linda!), really fun games, delicious cake, (See post below!) and the opportunity to share funny baby stories with each other. I felt so blessed to be surrounded by such special people and just had the best time. I appreciate that these ladies put so much effort into making such a special day for me! Also, thanks to my in-laws for driving from Indiana! View more photos &/or read the rest of this entry »

 Check out the beautiful cake my very talented mother made for my third and final baby shower this past weekend! Isn’t it gorgeous? As some of you may know, my mom is famous for her cakes and once again she pulled off another amazing creation! Throughout my life, every occasion has been accompanied by one of her cakes…..birthdays, confirmation, graduations, wedding showers, and now my baby shower! So, thanks to my mom for always making every occasion so special and for creating something so beautiful for me and Avery! Oh, and not only are her cakes really pretty….they are delicious!

Congratulations to Auntie Em for receiving the “Best Performer” award at the Manteno Show Choir competition this weekend! (Also, to the Modulations for snatching the 1st place trophy!) We are so proud of her and hope that Avery will someday enjoy music and performing as much as her mommy and her auntie!

Today was an amazing day! Thanks to my gracious friends, Meghann, Kim, Crystal, and Carolynn for hosting such a lovely baby shower. It was the perfect afternoon and I felt so lucky to have all of my good girlfriends in the same room at the same time! The gifts, the food, the cake, and especially the company were just absolutely delightful. The shower was held at the offices of the Blush & Bashful Event Boutique and it is a beautiful space! I enjoyed the day so much and am excited to tell Avery about it someday!

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Thank you to my mother-in-law, Barb and sister-in-law, Pam for throwing us a baby shower on Saturday, January 26th! We had great food and great fun! Baby Avery received some very wonderful gifts and we were just so pleased to see everyone and spend the day celebrating. A special thanks to Hannah and Nathan for their fantastic decorating and help with the games!

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