37 week belly shot

I took this picture of myself b/c by the time Chad gets home lately I am to tired to do anything! We had our 37 week visit on Friday. The midwife said that I am measuring right on now, and that Maddie sounded fiesty. Her heartbeat was great and she kept kicking the doppler. Maddie is head down and very low. Perfect position for a regular delivery. (Hopefully!) She did not check me so I am not sure if I have made anymore progress, but I am still having some contractions and pressure. Some of my family think Maddie will be early, but I think she is going to be late like her Mommy always is! My in-laws ar taking us to Scalini's next weekend to see if the eggplant parmigian myth is true. I might try some really spicy food, too. She will come when she is ready, I just hope she knows how much everyone is ready to meet her. We go back for our next appointment on Friday, and then we have our hospital tour on January 8th. Oh, and we found a wonderful lady to keep Maddie when I go back to work. She lives 2 minutes from us, and was referred by a friend. I am so excited that we have someone we really like to keep Maddie. She has another teacher's child and her own, and she is so excited to be watching Maddie b/c she loves babies. Please keep us in your prayers as Maddie's due date gets closer.

Christmas 2008

We had a wonderful and blessed Christmas this year. We spent some wonderful time with our families and got so many things we love, but don't deserve. On Christmas Eve we went to Chad's grandparents for our first get together. We ate a ton of food and then opened lots of presents. We always have such a fun time with everyone together. Noah helped Chad pass out presents and he was definitely the life of the party. On Christmas day, Chad and I opened our presents first at our house and then headed over to Chad's parents. Chad got me the Burberry diaper bag I was wanting. I LOVE it! Chad's parents were very generous and got us our monitor and pack and play/bassinet for Maddie. We also got a camcorder to record those special moments when Maddie arrives. It is really neat! My mom-in-law got me a Brighton suitcase that is pink and brown with tons of little compartments and some cosmetic bags that match. It's my hospital bag and she already started the packing for me with some nightgowns, slippers, and an layette and rattle for Maddie. It was so thoughtful, and we can't have a Christmas without someone shedding some tears of joy, and this year it was me. :) My dad came over to our house to visit for awhile, and then we went over to my mom's to eat lunch. We ate way too much, but it was so delicious we could not help ourselves. Mom got Chad some movies he has been wanting and got me a beautiful coat and some outfits. Like I said, we received so many wonderful gifts and are very appreciative of everyone's thoughtfulness. Oh, my sis-n-law got me a "hooter hider" for me to use when I am feeding Maddie. It is so adorable! She has more pictures of Christmas that I will have to get copies of and put up. I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas!

A quick update

Chad and I went for my 36 week visit on Wed. I had my Group B strep test, and I pray that come back negative so I do not have to take any antibiotics during labor. The Dr. also checked me and I am not dialated any yet, but I am 50 % effaced. I have been having some contractions, but they are very inconsistent. Chad and I installed our car seats today, but I have yet to pack our bags. I'll do that after Christmas. :) We are ready for her to make her debut anytime after Christmas. I would love for her to come early, before Christmas break is over, so I do not have to go back to work. But, only the good Lord knows when Maddie will be ready to come. :) We go back to the Dr. this Friday(the day after Christmas) for my 37 week visit. I can't believe we are on our weekly visits!! That really puts it into perspective that we are going to be parents very soon. Yeah!! I hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas!

Our First Gingerbread House and 35 week belly shot

I only have one more week of school til the winter break. I cannot wait to be able to sleep in a little bit and just relax! My energy levels are definitely getting low the bigger I get. I cannot believe that in 5 weeks or less little Maddie will be here. I would LOVE for her to come early so I do not have to go back to work after the break, but she is leading the show, and I am sure she will be stubborn like her Mommy. :) Emma and her Daddy Scott brought Chad and I a gingerbread house kit to make. What a great tradition for us to start, especially since these are the kinds of things we will be doing with Maddie next year. I think it turned out pretty cute. What do you think? Thank you Jordan family for thinking of us!