WEEK 36

May 28th - Well we only have about 3 1/2 more weeks to go (24 days to be exact, but who is counting). At least that is what we thought before today’s doctor appointment. David and I were very excited about today’s visit because we were going to find out the position of the baby and if I had dilated. We took bets before we went, David said I would not be dilated and I said I would be at a 1. Little did we know what we were about to find out. My doctor was not in the office today so the nurse did the exam. Cool, no problem. She started her exam and immediately told us she felt the head. That was great since we have breech births in the family and I was hoping she would not follow that family tradition. Next, came the big shocker. She informed us that I am dilated to a 3 (possibly a 4 but I like 3 better) and I am 80% effaced. I started crying and David had the biggest smile on his face. What this all boils down to is that I most likely will not make my due date of June 21st.

Now I am constantly anxious that I am going to go into labor any minute. My Braxton-Hicks are coming more often and every ache and pain makes me stop and panic. I'm told I will know when I am in labor but I can't help worrying that I won't be able to tell. I just have to put all my faith in God's hands that he will take care of me, the baby and David.

Due to our recent news, David and I have been in constant "get ready" mode. Our bags are now packed (and in the car) and the car seat is in the car. I hope she doesn't like to be funny (like her Daddy) and decide to come late now that we have scrambled to get ready. If she does that will be fine. The only thing we need to concentrate on now is a name. As many of you have asked we do not have a name. I’m hoping to get that accomplished over the weekend; we really don’t want to take her home without a name. So please keep us in your prayers as we play the waiting came for our little girl to arrive.

WEEK 35 PHOTOS

WE'VE GRADUATED

May 21st - David and I have officially graduated from birthing class. We even have a certificate to prove it. I guess that means we are ready to have this baby. We have learned so much, I just hope I can remember it all when the time comes to use what we learned. I'm pretty sure David remembered everything so I can just ask him! Somehow, as in college, I think real life will be much different than what class has prepared us for.

NASHVILLE SHOWER

Mom made the trip from NC to help host my shower. Thanks Mom!

The cake was yummy and so cute. Can you tell my family loves cake!!

Julie made the trip from NYC to help host my shower. Thanks Jules!!

"How Big is Mommy's Tummy" game. It was a lot of fun.

Big and Little Grandma. What a treat to have them host my shower.

May 17th - My Mom, Julie, Big Grandma and Little Grandma threw me a shower here in Nashville. We had a great time. Richard was the official photographer and took a ton of great pictures. I had a great mix of people. Friends from grad school and work (current and past places of work). My Big Grandma was in attendance and she brought two friends who I have known since I was a child. My Little Grandma was there and she brought her sister and their Aunt who is 93 years old. Some people also came from miles away, such as Ann (NC) and Danielle (IL), so that was a nice treat. We had great food and of course a yummy cake. We played a game called "How big is Mommy's tummy" which was really fun. Everyone cuts off a length of ribbon they think will fit around my belly and the closest one wins. My friend Tam won!! Later David played and he got it just right as well. Baby Diamond received many beautiful presents and I can't wait to show them to her. Near the end of my shower my Dad, Big Granddad and David showed up. It was really nice having them there.

After the shower guest dispersed, Richard set up his studio and took pictures of all the family. Later that evening he took pictures of me, David and my tummy, so we could frame one and put it in the nursery.

It was such a nice weekend since I got to spend time with family and friends. I want to thank everyone who came to my shower. I especially want to thank Mom, Julie, Big Grandma and Little Grandma for throwing the shower. I will cherish the memory forever!!

MORE ROOM PICTURES

The bedding Davey picked out. I love the brown, pink and green. Wonder how long it takes her to mess it up???
Her finished crib. I can't wait to place her in it. Wonder if she will like it as much as David and I do? I'll just be happy if she sleeps through the night in it.
The dresser that will also be the changing table.
The chest of drawers that will hold all her cute, tiny clothes.

IT'S ALL COMING TOGETHER!!

I helped clean the room and took all the hardware off the wall.
David hard at work painting her room. Doesn't he look excited!
Putting together her box spring.
Her crib is almost complete. Can you tell how tired I am?
But now her crib is complete so I am happy!!

May 8th - 11th: First let me say Happy Mother's Day to all the Mom's. I appreciate all the hard work you have done and continue to do. As I am about to become a Mom myself I realize the hard work that must be involved. I'm sure I will really understand it all this time next year.

David and I finally have the nursery mostly done. David did most of it himself so I have to give him all the credit. Thursday he painted her room a pretty shade of pink, which he picked out. David (and I) hates to paint but I think he secretly enjoyed painting his baby girls room. Friday he put up a cute and colorful ceiling fan, which he also picked out. If she is anything like her Daddy, that fan will be on all year long. Saturday was the most exciting day of all. David and Uncle Frank picked up her furniture. We have been waiting for this day for a couple of weeks and I was so excited. Saturday night, after a long day, we put together her crib and arranged the other two pieces of furniture. They sure did look a lot smaller in the store. Finally, on Sunday we washed and ironed her bedding (which David also picked out) and put it on the crib. Everything looks so cute. I can't wait for her to see her room. Now all we have to do is finishing touches like picking out pictures, hanging shelves and stocking her drawers.

New York Yankees Newest Fan

Although she doesn't know it yet, our little girl will be the New York Yankees newest and littlest fan. By the time she is born, this year's baseball season will only be about halfway over. That means there will be plenty of bonding opportunities between us. Nothing says "America's favorite pastime" like getting slobbered on and spit up on and changing diapers while watching the game's greatest franchise. I figured if she was going to learn to love the Yankees, she would need some fan gear. I'm hoping these two sets will be the first of many to come. (written by Daddy)

RALEIGH SHOWER

These are the ladies who attended my shower and of course sweetie dog was there!

Baby girl got so many cute clothes. I can't wait to see her in them.

The cake was so cute and yummy!!!

Mom and I at my photo shoot.

My belly at 32 weeks. I just love having a big belly, well except for whenI try to shave, put lotion on my legs or tie my tennis shoes.

April 25th - 27th - I went home for the last time pre-baby. My Mom met me in the airport and as soon as she saw me she started crying. She couldn't believe how pregnant I was. On Saturday she gave me a shower with some of her good friends that I have known for a long time. We had such a good time and it was so good to see these women again, plus we had cake, which is a must for my Mom and me. My friend Terria was unable to make it to the shower so she came over that evening and brought her son Nkosi, who is 11 months old. I had not seen Terria since my bridal shower 4 years ago and this was the first time I got to meet her son. He is so cute!! We had a great time catching up and I really think Nkosi and Richard hit it off. On Sunday I had a photo shoot with my expanding belly. Thanks Richard!!