Waiting Game

The nursery is complete, clothing is all washed and put away, car seat installed and bags packed -- and now...we wait. It seems almost unbearable at times, but yet in reality it is so close! We are just days away from seeing our sweet daughter for the first time! I am reminded of a verse in Lamentations 3:25 that helps me re-focus and endure the waiting - "The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him." When thinking about how long we waited for the Lord to answer our prayers for a child, we can't help but remember His perfect and impeccable timing. We are resting on His promises these last days and trying, with His help, to embrace what he has for us each day. 

A definitely praise, though, today at my 38 week Dr's appointment -- I am completed effaced and about 3 cm dilated! I have progressed steadily this last week and my Dr is pretty certain our days are limited. Of course, the waiting continues but maybe for not much longer! The end is near!! 

Photo Shoot & Update

I recently had the extreme honor of taking a few pregnancy pics with none other than my lovely, talented sister-in-love, Jenna. As an aspiring photographer I asked Jenna to take a few pictures of the growing belly and some of the expecting parents -- and disappoint she did not! I must brag on her for just a sec because she has such an amazing gift of creativity and design, and she did such a fabulous job! Thank you Miss Jenna Lewis! I would love to post all of them, but here are just a few to wet your appetite. To see the complete shoot, go to her flickr account: www.flickr.com/photos/jennalewis - then click on "J+B Maternity Shoot." 

On a different note, I had another weekly Drs appointment today. Everything continues to look great. A repeat ultra-sound last week showed the baby wasn't quite as big as they expected (go figure!) and I continue to have a healthy, growing little girl - praise the Lord! As of today,  I am still just about 1 cm dilated, but almost 100% effaced! The good news is that I probably won't have to be induced, but only time will tell when our munchkin wants to arrive. Jason installed the car seat this weekend, so we are all ready to go!

Ready or Not

We have successfully completed the nursery!!! What a wonderful feeling to have everything in place! Of course, there are minor details to attend to but overall we are ready to go! I recently ordered diapers and wipes at a discounted price (check out www.amazonmom.com if you're interested!), as well as washed all of the sweet clothing we received. I have a feeling I may need to start a load of "pinks" in addition to the whites and darks I already do!

I am now almost 36 weeks and went in for a check-up today. I am measuring a little on the "small" size but an ultra-sound last week showed baby Lewis is quite healthy! I am praising the Lord every day for the movements and kicks I feel, which are now sometimes almost painful. Good news, though -- she has dropped and I am 50% effaced and 1cm dilated already! The Dr said she wouldn't be surprised if this little one came early, but of course no one can predict when she will make her grand entry into the world! We will be all ready to go whenever she wants us to finally meet her....can't believe it's only a few weeks away!

Prairie Showers

On Feb 11, I had another incredibly thoughtful shower hosted by the 8 women I see most during the day -- the Prairie Lakes therapy team! The therapy gym was quickly turned into a shade of light pinks and girly decor over our lunch break. I was, again, spoiled with a plethora of gifts - including lots of adorable clothing and baby essentials! Each therapist brought a homemade dish and boy were they tasty! The cake was homemade by one of the talented therapists and her sister and was more than adorable! The topping was a pair of pink shoes, ready to wear! The Lord has been so good to me by placing me at Prairie Lakes and being able to work with such an amazing team - we have shared so many laughs and good times together, it will be very difficult to leave them over my maternity leave! Not to mention they are some of the BEST therapists in town!

Bird Shower

On January 29 I had the extreme blessing of being "showered" by some of my closest friends and family. I'm not really sure words could express the amount of detail and love given on that day, but I will do my best to recount the special event. The shower was over-the-top adorable, which was given by 3 talented souls - Jenna (my sweet sister-in-love), Stephanie (my dearest friend) and Cathie (my thoughtful mother-in-love). Keeping the "bird theme" of the nursery in mind, no detail was spared! From the birdie cupcakes to the blessing tree and clothes line of onesies, it was all bird decor -- even the food was labeled with birdie jeweled name tags! The favors were  "sweet tweets" of ready-made chocolate chip cookie jars. And speaking of food....it was delicious! Homemade baked brie, fruit kabobs, mini quiches and delicious salad were just a few of the goodies. Dessert was nothing short of exceptional - pink cake balls, birdie cupcakes and pink strawberry ice cream in tall wine glasses! 

It was a wonderful time seeing all of my closest friends from church, small groups, as well as the girls I spent many sleepless nights with in grad school! Our sweet daughter was spoiled rotten, too! Among all of the essentials, we received a few extra hand-made gifts including knit slippers, frilly bows/headbands, birdie-sewn burp clothes and a quilted blanket. Wow! Did I mention I have some of the most creative and crafty friends and family? 

All in all, it was the perfect day and, again, I was overwhelmed by the Lord's goodness through such special people in my life! I wish I could post all of the pictures taken, but here are just a few to enjoy. 

Just the 2 of Us

This past weekend was a very special time for Jason and I --- our last "official" get-away, just the two of us. J surprised me with a night at the Songbird Prairie Bed and Breakfast in northern Indiana. We shared a quiet evening together and were able to have great conversations about the upcoming changes. Perhaps the best part was the gourmet breakfast the next morning! We watched many species of birds fly up to the windows while we ate a 3 course breakfast of glazed pears, blueberry scones, french toast souffle and bananas foster for dessert! Needless to say, we didn't leave hungry!

As the days are winding down, I am really trying to relax and just focus on the present. We have so many exciting things to look forward to, but I desire to be content at this moment and enjoy all the Lord has for me right now. I am beginning to cherish the nights with just me and my sweet husband more and more.

Tea Time

I had my first shower this past weekend! Thanks to my wonderful sister and mother, the gracious hostesses, I shared a "high tea" with some of my closest family members and family friends at the Heavenly Sweets Tea Room. With lots of pink decor and delicious food (almost 4 courses!), it was just the perfect way to begin the last leg of this journey! Desiree led an "Old Wives Tale" game, which was lots of fun for every age. They also had a special cake made by Heavenly Sweets -- it was so beautiful I didn't want to eat it! In addition, each person wrote a piece of advice for me on the back of a pink handprint. I can then save each handprint and add them to a scrapbook or memory album. I need all the advice I can get, so I was very open to everyone's words of wisdom! 


Among all the adorable, pink clothes, hats and blankets, we were so blessed to get the car seat, stroller and video monitors we had registered for.  It meant so much to me to have everyone attend and drive from various parts of Indiana, despite the cold, snowy weather -- I am beyond thankful for each person there! 


I must say that this shower definitely made things become more "real." In almost 2 months we will have our little girl here! We still have lots to purchase and complete before she arrives, but it's such a great feeling knowing the end is quickly approaching!