4 hours until Valentine's Day

So, Bella is technically due at midnight tonight. Wishful thinking? Nothing too extraordinary to report...no major contractions. I've had mild warm-up contractions for a few weeks now and have been a bit crampy, but nothing to indicate that she is imminent. I've been using evening primrose oil in the hopes it will begin the process of softening the cervix. Josh thinks I'm doing too much and just need to relax so that my body can do what it knows how to do. I'm sure he's right. This weekend will be about taking long walks and feeling the sun on my face (it's supposed to be cold, cold, cold but very sunny!) Hopefully our daughter will grace us with her presence!!! SEND US BABY BIRTHING ENERGY!!!!!!!!

February 1st Photos

Bella in 4-D

New Year's Belly

Our move to the country has been good for us as a little family, but not so good for our blog (we JUST got internet at the farmhouse!) So, it's been six weeks since our last post. Terrible! Sorry, dear viewers (of which I think there are none left). Anyway, I apologize. Attached is a photo of my belly on December 30, 2008. Pretty impressive. Not too long now!

New Baby, New Farmhouse

So, Josh and I are moving to the country! We'll be living in a beautiful farmhouse over the winter on 20 acres! We're very excited to hunker down and focus on what's really important in life. We're thrilled that the baby will spend her early months in a quiet, peaceful setting--where her mom is with her every day!!!! (and dad, too, of course). Come visit! We're at 31 weeks now and the baby is really a mover and a shaker (my lack of sleep attests to this fact). Maybe she can take over my childhood nickname of "squirm the worm." We can't wait for her to be with us. I am having to learn patience!!!!! Not my strong suit.

Meeting My Belle

I saw Bella in my dream last night for the first time. Not that I haven't had dreams about her, but this time she was born and fully part of my family. And I can now confirm, for all those who are wondering, that yes, she is the most beautiful baby ever to be.

The description: she had brown hair (and a good deal of it), big eyes (hard to tell the color...sorry, maybe next dream), and very full lips. Definitely had some chubby check action going on.

Can't believe I have to wait until February!!!!!!

The Beginnings of a Nursery

We put together Bella's crib this weekend. With everything in the world so expensive, we are SO BLESSED to be using Nick and Andi's old crib (thank you!) It's a beautiful crib and it matches the wood in the room perfectly. The room is definitely a bright, bright green, but we're going to keep it that way. It seems very happy and makes me smile whenever I walk in there. I think we're going to try and put together the rest of the nursery with used things...it's just silly what people pay to put together a nursery...when really, we know that the things Bella needs we already have in abundance. And the rest of the "stuff" is not that important. We'll make it all work! And besides, I don't think she'll be using the room too much early on...she's too cute and we want to keep her next to us!!!!!!