39 Weeks... yep, still pregnant :)

We're officially one week away from Benjamin's due date. We had a doctor's appointment on Tuesday. Our little guy's heartbeat is going strong at 140 bpm and he's still in the optimal position for delivery (head allll the way down there).
We also found out that I'm 95% effaced! but only 1 cm dilated... she again told me that he could come any day. She suggested that I bounce on an exercise ball (which Brad promptly ran out and purchased right after the appointment) - check!
She also suggested that I start taking Evening Primrose Oil - check!

So, I feel like I've done everything I can... now I'm leaving it up to God. I've prayed that he will make me less anxious and start focusing on relaxing during these "final" days. I know that God has a plan and need to be confident in that fact. The waiting is just so hard! :)

Below is a link to the rest of our 9 Month Pregnancy photo shoot. Our photographer, Seth, did an amazing job putting the pictures in a slide show format. Enjoy!

http://www.shrubin.com/portrait/090712_Aleisha+Brad/index.html

"He Could Come at Any Time..."

Those were the doctor's words this morning at our appt. We had a great appt. The reason why I say great is because we actually got to see our little guy on a sonogram again (it's been 4 months since we've seen him last). As soon as the doctor saw him on the screen, she said "He's pudgy!". She guesstimates that Benjamin weighs between 7.5 and 8 pounds now. She said if his head were any lower in my pelvis, I'd be giving birth! So that's why I can barely walk now. :)
I am now officially working from home, as the doctor suggested that I should stay close to the hospital in case I go into labor, even though Benjamin isn't due for another 16 days.
We're so excited and so ready!

3 Years of Wedded Bliss

I almost forgot to mention... Brad and I celebrated our three-year wedding anniversary on Wednesday. We ate a yummy, 3 hour meal at The Melting Pot; it was dee-lish but I wasn't able to eat as much as I normally can since Benjamin is now taking up some stomach space. Not complaining about that though!
Brad bought me a Canon Rebel (new camera), which I've been wanting for awhile. I'm looking forward to trying it out on our little guy. :)

I look forward to spending 75 more anniversaries with Brad. He's my best friend and I can't imagine going through life without him. I love you, Brad!

37.5 Weeks... but who's counting?

Well, we made it past 37 weeeks, which was a huge benchmark. 37 weeks marks the "full-term" point. Baby Benjamin is fully baked! He can come at any time now and I think we're ready... I think. :)

I packed my bag and Benjamin's hospital bag this weekend; the nursery is D-O-N-E (pictures to come). Brad is taking Benjamin's car seat to the fire department this week, to be properly installed. We have a doctor's appt. on Tuesday... more to come at that time!

Below are pictures we had taken last weekend in DC. Our photographer was great; I lasted a lot longer than anticipated (2 hours) and am so glad we got the opportunity to have a 9-Month Pregnancy photo shoot. :)

9 Months Pregnant!

Well, I made it! I'm officially in my last month of pregnancy. Unfortunately, I'm SO large that everything is uncomfortable - walking, sitting, and even breathing! I know it will all be worth it when we meet our little guy in less than a month.

We had our 36 week appt on Tuesday. Benjamin's heartbeat was around 145 bpm and everything is looking great. We filled out our pre-admittance forms for the hospital, so we won't have to worry about it when I go into labor. I also filled out all the information for Benjamin's birth certificate. So exciting!


My weekly e-newsletter tells me that Benjamin is now measuring around 18½ inches long and nearly 6 pounds—just about as big as a breadbox. :)

Baby Benjamin Update

Just a quick update on Baby B...

He's kicking quite a bit. I told my mom that he's my little Karate Kid. I feel him every hour now, which is so neat and surreal. He gets hiccups about once a day.
My last doctor's appt. was June 2nd. They told me that everything was looking great and his heartbeat was 145 bpm (which is good - the average baby's heartbeat ranges from 110 - 160 bpm). My glucose test came back negative, which means no gestational diabetes. (I was worried about that one since I've been succombing to all of my ice cream and chocolate cravings!)

My weekly e-newsletter tells me that Benjamin is now between 4 and 5 pounds and around 17 inches - about the length of a knee-high boot. :)

My next doctor's appt. is on July 7th (right around 36 weeks) - which seems like a long wait since I'm already 32 weeks, but thereafter, I'll be seeing the doctor every week until Benjamin is born.

Baby Shower Extravaganza

On Saturday, Cheryl hosted a baby shower for Baby Benjamin and me. It was a perfect day. My close friends, Jessica and Ashley, drove up from Virginia Beach. Our friends Rebecca and Shawn drove in from Richmond (the guys played golf during the shower). I had a blast catching up with friends and opening so many wonderful gifts! Thank you to everyone who attended! Benjamin is going to be one happy, well-dressed baby!

Jessica, Me, Ashley

Heidi and I

Cheryl and I

Yummy Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream cake

Grandpa Bozin got Benjamin ready for all the major sport seasons

My mom sent the cutest Pottery Barn clothes - some even had Benjamin's name mongrammed on them :)

Best Mommy Present ever! Thanks Lynne! :)

So many wonderful gifts!

Brad and Brian helping clean up after their long day of golf :)