35 Weeks (aka "The End of Bedrest!")

I found out at the doctor Tuesday that I'm dilated to 1 cm and am 70% effaced. (I also found out I still have a sensitive cervix and it still BLEEDS when it's messed with! If only the doctor can get that through her head).

No, in reality she's really great and she told me she's not checking it again until she has to. Very much appreciated.

So as I was saying, I'm 1cm dilated and 70% effaced. Of course there are women who've been at this same stage and lasted for several more weeks, and then there are those who have gone into labor within days. I tried to get my doctor to give me a "shot in the dark" as to when she thought I'd go into labor. She said she didn't think I'd make it to my due date (Feb 4th) but other than that she really couldn't say.

It's not that I'm worried persay about when I might go into labor, I'm just so dern curious!

And EXCITED!

And ok, maybe a tad bit nervous!

But REALLY EXCITED!!!!

Because our lives are really about to change! There's going to be a LIVE, little human being baby IN OUR HOUSE!!!! 

We are literally on the brink of a life altering event right in front of us, but I have no idea what moment it will happen. Tomorrow? In a week? 3 weeks?

Surely I won't have to be induced after 3 hospital trips and 2 stints of bedrest?! Right, Lord?!!!

Will my water break while in my office counseling a student? Will I wake up with strong contractions in the middle of the night? Will my water break in the middle of the night?

(I would like to insert here that should my water break in the middle of the night it will not be a problem, thanks to Kath, aka "Captain Prepared," giving me the waterproof mattress protector).

In one way I'd like to know how and when it would happen, but I can't lie, the mystery of it is rather thrilling! I know this comes as a shocker to some of you, but I've never been one to shy away from a little drama and suspense! (grin). 

And I'm liking that Moriah seems to feel the same way.

MY KIND OF GIRL!

Here are the highlights from Week 35....ahhh "Week 35.." I think I'll type it one more time..."Week 35." That really has a ring to it, don't you think?!!!

Pregnancy Highlights from WEEK 35:

How Far Along: 35 Weeks..oh, did I mention that already?

Size of baby: If she's going by the book (which clearly she hasn't so far), Baby is supposed to be about 5 1/4 lbs this week and 18 inches long. We'll see.

Maternity Clothes: Pretty much all I wear is maternity.

Gender: It's still a girl!!! Moriah Grace Allen

Movement: She seems to be doing a lot of stretching these days (like in my rib cage). And it feels like she's sticking her butt into the "air" (my uterus wall) on the right side of my tummy. Perhaps I'm cooking up a future Yogie. 

Sleep: I've slept pretty good this week.

(And according to Billy even snored a little and talked in my sleep one night. I apparently raised my voice and said "What are you doing?!" And when he asked who I was talking to I said "My class!"). 

What I miss: Oh you know...little things like being able to SEE the legs I'm shaving, walking without waddling, getting up and down from the couch without first rolling over to my side, feeling for the floor with my feet, and then hanging onto the armrest for support to stand...

Cravings: This week I've really craved spicy things. Lots of hot cheetos! And red pepper on my pizza! I've even carried around a little bottle of Tabasco sauce in my pocket! (ok maybe that parts a lie). 

Symptoms: As of Wednesday, my cervix was 70% effaced and I was dilated to 1 cm. Still having contractions (not severe just tightening). And we've added a little heartburn to the mix this week, thanks to the spicy.

Best Moment this week: TODAY I'M OFFICIALLY DONE WITH BEDREST!!!! I MADE IT TO THE 35 WEEK MILESTONE! IT'S DATE TIME! THANK YOU LORD!

Happy Anniversary Tootsie and Pop!

Today is my parents' 35th Anniversary. I'm so thankful for the legacy they are leaving us and the great example they've provided over the years. They truly love each other and like each other! Imagine that in today's world! I'm sure they've had their difficult times and ups and downs, but they've kept their commitments to God and each other and it seems as though their love has multiplied through the years. Their relationship seems to have grown sweeter with time and it has been a privilege to see firsthand.

What a security I had as a child to know that my parents loved each other and that our family was strong and would stay intact! I had no idea what a blessing that was at the time, but after being out in the world and especially given the situations of the children we work with, it has become more than evident! I cannot express how thankful and humbled I feel to have been born to these two wonderful people. It is my hope and prayer that I will be a good steward of the special gift I was given in having such wonderful parents. "To whom much is given, much is required." This is quite daunting to me given the fact that I feel I've been blessed undeservingly with such a heaping portion of "wealth" in the gift of my family.

These are just some of the things I've learned about MARRIAGE from Phil and Kathy Pate. I hope through the years I can learn to apply these things like they have:

M - Make God the center of your personal life and home. Not empty religion and rules, but a growing, thriving relationship with Him that is real. As a result, find a great family of other believers and get  

involved and committed. This will be a great support to your marriage and children.

A - Ask for forgiveness of your spouse and of your children when you mess up. They will respect you all the more.

R - Romance....Keep the romance alive by holding hands, kissing (just pecks in front of the children please), and going on dates. When you can't afford dates or don't have time, have couch dates!

R - Revolve your time around each other and the family. Get interested in each other's passions and activities and support each other. (My mom is an excellent example of this in how she invested herself in my dad's

coaching career and our activities and was our biggest supporter).

I -  Involve each other and the kids in family decisions. Communicate openly and make each member of the

family feel like they have a voice. Generate a team atmosphere.

A - Ask God for His blessings and grace over the marriage and family. While my parents weren't perfect, they bathed our family in prayer and it's amazing how God's grace can cover a multitude of imperfections.

G- Give your marriage priority, even over the children.

E-  Enjoy each other. Have fun. Laugh at and with each other. Set a mood of love and laughter in the home that overflows from your relationship with God and each other. It's contagious!

This is Dad, me, and Mom at my masters graduation at UT Tyler...Spring 2009. What a fun day!

This is Mom and Dad with my brother's kids - Easter 09.

This is Mom (aka "Tootsie") with Kyleigh (Ryan's firstborn) at my cousin Elizabeth's wedding. Spring 2010.

Here is Kyleigh running to Dad ("Pop") after a football game a few years ago.



I can't wait for Moriah to meet her Pop and Tootsie!

Parental Care Ministries

I want to encourage you all to visit the blog of an awesome organization that was started by a family here in Tyler, TX. They are called "Parental Care Ministries" and they run an orphanage and school in Africa. Here is the link: http://www.parentalcareministries.org/wordpress/  The guy who started it (Dr. Mark "Bub" Barrett) is actually going to be Moriah's pediatrician! Through a strange (yet I believe Providential) turn of events, I met his wonderful family while doing a research project during my masters studies at UT Tyler about 1 1/2 years ago.

As many of you know, Billy and I have a big passion for the "orphans" of our society  as well as children who have come from underprivileged circumstances. Jesus said that true religion is caring for the orphans and widows and we believe that as Christians we are called to do what we can to help these groups of people that are so precious to the heart of Christ.

So click on the link and check out what they are doing! It's pretty neat....we may not all be called to "go" or to "give" a certain amount, but at the least we can pray for these dear brothers and sisters who are across the globe doing such a sacrificial, important work. And you just can't help but smile when you see the beautiful children and the way their faces just project a true joy from deep inside that transcends earthly possessions and comfortable circumstances. What an inspiration! They are truly rich!

P.S. I'm adding the PCM blog to my bloglist (on the right) so you can click on it anytime you want to see what's going on with them! They post updates quite regularly.

34 Weeks!

We've now made it to 34 weeks, but not without a little "mo" drama!

Get it?! "Mo drama?!" Ok I'll stop now.

During my appointment Wednesday in which I had an NST (non stress test- where they hook you up to a couple monitors for about 25 mins), we realized I was having a LOT of contractions. Apparently I was having them every 3 minutes or so during the NST. ugh. Then we had an ultrasound and good ole Mr. Cervix has shrunken a little more. Not great news. The doctor told me she would be "very happy" if I made it to 35 weeks...hmmm. Not sure how to read that comment. Does she mean that given my specific circumstances she would be very surprised/ happy or she would just be happy in general if I make it to 35 weeks, as she would anyone?

(scratching head).

She gave me a prescription for some new medicine that was supposed to help stop the contractions and then told me if they continued at a rate of more than 6 in an hour to call her. Well after taking my pill at 7pm Wednesday evening and giving it an hour to settle in and start working, I started timing my contractions at 8. (Keep in mind these aren't the kind of contractions you see in the movies that seem to really hurt, it's just an annoying tightening of my uterus. Not much pain). Anyways, from 8-9 I had 13 contractions and from 9-10 I had slowed down to "just" 9 contractions. So I reluctantly called the doctor and heard the words I dreaded hearing...

"I know you're not going to like this, but I need to send you up to the hospital for a little while to see if we can get these contractions stopped."  


"NOOOOOO"!!!!!!!! I said in my head but not outloud. 


So off we went on our 3rd trip to our dear friends at ETMC. They gave me an injection of the "contraction stopping medicine" and another IV...Is it just me or do those IV's not hurt like the dickens?! Anyway, wouldn't you know it, the meds and IV did the trick and I don't think I had one contraction up there. So two hours later we were sent home and got in bed about 1am. So glad they didn't make me stay, don't get me wrong!

But the next time I go to the hospital, can we please come home with something (some"one") to show for it? I'm just sayin. Hopefully our next trip to ETMC will be after 35 weeks and will be the real deal!

I finally found the cord to my camera, so I'll post a few pics if I can figure it out.

Here I am at my "home away from home"....ETMC 4th floor Labor and Delivery. (covering up the gaping holes in the aforementioned Nursing Gown for the Elderly).

Here I am 3 weeks ago (at 31 weeks) ringing the Salvation Army Bell at the mall. This is so fun! I just love ringing the bell, watching all the people, and saying "Merry Christmas!" Props to Nursey Billy Nightingale for bringing the lawn chair for me!

Here's a standing pic of me at 31 weeks. (Three weeks ago).

Frontal view of "us" today at 34 weeks.

Side view at 34 weeks. (Notice my bump in the front is bigger than my bump in the back for probably the only time in my life! ha!)

Recent face pic...oh the glorious Pregnant face heehee



Here are the highlights from Week 34:

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 34 Weeks

Size of baby: Baby is supposed to be about 4 3/4 lbs this week and almost 18 inches.

Maternity Clothes: Pretty much all I wear is maternity. I particularly love a pair of black yoga maternity pants I've worn almost daily on my bedrest stint!

Gender: It's still a girl!!! Moriah Grace Allen

Movement: She's still very active and she's also head down.

Sleep: Sleep is on and off these days...especially since I'm trying to hydrate so much the bathroom trips have increased. I also have to set my alarm to take my meds in the night.

What I miss: going out of the house, driving, seeing my toes, putting on my own shoes, being able to walk/exercise, sleeping on my back, getting out of the house...but i wouldn't trade this for the world!!!!

Cravings: this week I've really craved oatmeal and hot chips (not together).

Symptoms: Cervix is continuing to shorten, and had more contractions this week. Thanks to the meds and hydration, we are slowing them down!

Best Moment this week: Leaving the hospital Wednesday night!

33 Weeks

Well, we've made it 33 weeks! yippee! Every day is important and we've been doing all we can to try to keep this girl inside! I had a doctor appointment Wednesday and we got to see Little Mo on the ultrasound. (She may hate me for calling her "Mo" but it just kinda came out when I was referring to her one day and I guess I can do it until she can voice her opinion otherwise).

heehee.

You know I have to come up with a nickname for just about everybody. And I can just picture a cute little snuggly Moriah as a "Mo" sometimes.

According to the ultrasound, she continues to be a mover and a shaker, has a good heart rate (146 this time), is still a girl, and she continues to put her hand up in front of her face (like she did during the previous ultrasound-- like she's shielding herself or hiding)....is it possible the offspring of Billy and myself might be SHY?!?!...and of course she's just the cutest little infant/alien creature ; ) (Don't lie: You know how those ultrasound pics can be)!

In all seriousness, we can't wait to meet our beautiful baby girl and we are just continuing to pray for God's perfect timing for her arrival. We are so grateful for the help and support of family and friends for everything....Mom and Shanna came and helped clean house, do laundry, and did some arranging in her room, we've had food brought by Sunday School friends, Sarai, and Barbi....Lots of messages and texts and words of encouragement, and of course Billy gets major kudos for continuing on his run for the Husband/Nurse of the Year trophy!

Here are the highlights from Week 33:

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 33 Weeks

Size of baby: Baby measured 4.2 lbs on the ultrasound Wednesday! Yay!

Maternity Clothes: Almost everything I wear at this point is maternity. I particularly love a pair of black yoga maternity pants I've worn almost daily on my bedrest stint!

Gender: It's a girl!!! Moriah Grace Allen (Sonographer confirmed she's "still" a girl during ultrasound).

Movement: She's still active especially in the evenings..moved a ton during ultrasound!

Sleep: Sleep is on and off these days...one night it will be good, the next night awful. It doesn't help when you have to get up to pee 7 times in one night! Yes I said 7! I counted.

What I miss: putting on my own shoes, being able to walk/exercise, sleeping on my back, getting out of the house...but i wouldn't trade this for the world!!!!

Cravings: yogurt, fruit, chocolate shakes, hot chips this week

Symptoms: Cervix is continuing to shorten, and still having some contractions here & there

Best Moment this week: Seeing Mo on the ultrasound Wednesday!

A Little Weekend Getaway to ETMC

We are so glad to be back home! Praise the Lord!

Prepare for length as I'm trying to document what happened before I forget. Who knows, Moriah may actually care to know one day what all shenanigans she was involved in before she ever even entered the world. Then again she may not but I'm doing it anyway!

Friday morning, while in a meeting at school, I finally got the call about my test results (yes I had my cell phone sitting right by a window sill so I'd hear it if it rang). It turns out that the "FFN test" I took Tuesday was positive (dang), so they wanted me to go to the hospital to have the test taken again to make sure it wasn't a false positive. Billy and I left school and headed for ETMC, thinking I would take the test and then possibly be released if it was negative, and maybe stay a few hours to be monitored if it was positive.

Side Note: I will say it was less unnerving this time going to the hospital since it was our 2nd time around and I knew a little bit more about what to expect. I'm thinking by the time Moriah actually comes we'll be pros with the ETMC system!--where it's best to get dropped off, the cheapest places to park, where to get checked in, where the Labor & Delivery rooms are, we know several of the nurses, what to expect with the monitors, what not to order from the cafeteria, etc. (All this was so foreign the first time I had to go to the hospital, so these added familiarities the 2nd time around were helpful with the overall "anxiety potential" of the situation)!

Ok, so we got to the hospital, checked in, got in my room, and I put on my lovely gown with the two big drooping holes in the front--I'm guessing for "easier access" for breastfeeding (who has boobs that long and low I have no idea?!...it seems as though the gowns are made for 90 year olds who are planning on breastfeeding...note to self: bring my own gown next time). The nurse came in shortly thereafter and took another sample for the Ffn test. I gave her a "friendly reminder" to please not check my cervix (as that was what started the Bleeding Incident of 2010 last time) and she said "Oh don't worry, I've been quadruply reminded not to do that." Oops- hope I didn't offend her. Guess my Dr. had given her the message loud and clear)

FYI, I'm really not sure how to spell "quadruply/quadrupaly/quadrupoly?"


The Doctor (not my doctor, but the one on-call from the clinic where my Doctor works-who I loved by the way) came in a couple hours later and gave me the news that the FFN test was positive (again). Dang. She then said she wanted to check my cervix (carefully) and see how that was "holding up." Well, those results turned out not to be too promising either, in terms of getting out of the hospital. My cervix (which is basically the "cork" between one's uterus and vagina) had shortened from a measurement of 4 last week to a 1.9 Friday. She said it could hold up for another 5 weeks or "go out tomorrow." So no, I wouldn't be going home, I would need to stay the night. With the positive FFN test plus the cervix at a 1.9, I was in the 70-80% chance of going into "preterm labor" (labor prior to 37 weeks). Just in case that were to happen, she wanted to give me a steroid shot Friday afternoon and one more in 24 hours and I'd be released on Saturday after the 2nd shot . If the baby were to come early, the one thing that is usually not developed all the way is the lungs, and the steroid shots would give those a boost. She wanted to do the shots just in case. The good thing was, she was very pleased I had no more bleeding and no contractions so far!!! YAY!

The contractions came early Saturday morning. (seriously can this be happening?!) Apparently I was having them every 3-4 mins from about 4am to 8am. I remember feeling pressure "down low" and achy throughout the night and not sleeping too well, but didn't realize I was having regular contractions! The doctor came in about 9:30am Saturday to see me and re-assess the situation. She wasn't too happy about the contractions and decided I should stay another night. The first of several steps they can take when trying to stop contractions is to give you an IV and see if getting you hydrated will help. After pumping that IV through me in lightning-speed, (my arm was literally cold from the fluid coming in so fast), the contractions miraculously stopped. Woohoo! I had a few here and there Saturday but they were scattered and far between.

Other highlights for Saturday included: getting moved up to a much bigger room, getting taken on a "date" (a roll around the hospital in my snazzy wheelchair to the vending machine & skywalk, which was my first time out of the room in 24 hours), some great company (Mom, Dad, Ryan, Shanna, Kyleigh, Brayden, Karsyn, Brent & Sarai all came that night), and last but not least, a lovely little Ambien pill that helped me sleep much better Saturday night.

Apparently I slept so good with the lovely Ambien pill, that I slept right through the contractions that came in the wee hours Sunday morning (sigh). More regular contractions for several hours.  I wasn't sure if the doctor was gonna let me go home after this 2nd round of contractions, but after another IV they stopped. The doctor came in about 10:00am this morning and told me she thinks I must just get dehydrated in the night which stirs up the contractions and I should be ok if I just make sure and hydrate good in the mornings...and then she said the magic words..."YOU GET TO GO HOME!"

If anything, being on bedrest at the hospital made being on bedrest at home seem awesome! (well maybe not awesome but alot better than I originally thought). So here's the deal...I'm on modified bedrest....meaning I can sit on the couch or lay down but no walking around, being up or out and about, no going shopping-not even if I ride a Little Rascal-I already asked, no going to work, no sex (dang), etc.

The good news is that if I make it until 35 weeks (which will be Friday December 31st) I can be off bedrest from that point on. Because at that stage they don't care if she comes or not! So, my plans to run the New Years Day Marathon are still on! (Oh I kid!!!). No marathons for me, but I will be able to resume normal activity and go back to work after the Christmas holidays! And as if we didn't know how smart God was already, can you believe that although I have to be on bedrest for 3 straight weeks, 2 of those weeks we already have off from work?! So thank goodness I'll only have to "take off" 5 workdays out of the 15 I'll have off. He is so good and His timing is impeccable.

Ok, if you've made it this far I would like to congratulate you. I would also like to say that my husband, Billy Allen, has been so wonderful through all of this. He stayed with me the whole time and was there to offer support, help, and of course some laughs throughout the entire stay. His new name is "Nursey Billy Nightingale" thanks to Aunt Barbara. Lastly, thank you for all the prayers, love, good thoughts, and encouragement sent our way! Have a great week. I'll try to get some more pics up here soon. Much love to each of you!

32 Weeks

Well, I hit the 32 week mark while in the hospital Friday, so this is a little late! In some ways it seems like I've been pregnant for a looonnng time, but in other ways, I can't believe it's been 32 weeks already! Just hoping we make it a few more : )

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 32 Weeks

Size of baby: Baby is about 3.75 lbs and 16.7 inches long (according to Babycenter.com's info on 32 week olds, not actual measurements of Moriah).

Maternity Clothes: Almost everything I wear at this point is maternity.

Gender: It's a girl!!! Moriah Grace Allen

Movement: She's still active especially in the evenings

Sleep: I'm sleeping alright although I didn't sleep so good in the hospital to be honest...that ambien on the 2nd night really helped, though!

What I miss: putting on my own shoes, being able to walk/exercise, sleeping on my back...but i wouldn't trade this for the world!

Cravings: yogurt, fruit, chocolate shakes, hot chips this week

Symptoms: apparently i'm positive for the FFN hormone, cervix is continuing to shorten, and started some regular contractions this weekend, which they were able to stop at the hospital

Best Moment this week: Getting released from the hospital this morning!

Still waiting

No news from the doctor today. The nurse called me and said the test results weren't back yet. Hopefully we will find out something before they close early tomorrow...

Waiting

I had a doctor's appointment yesterday...Billy had to be at a training and so Mom surprised me and showed up for it. Just love her. Pretty uneventful appointment...(which I have no problem with!)....The doc did the FFN test on me as well as some bloodwork. I should hear back tomorrow about those. Moriah's heartbeat was 140 which is the usual for her. She was measuring right at 31 weeks which is exactly where she needs to be.

Will post if I get any news tomorrow about the FFN test or the bloodwork....(the FFN test is the "fetal fibronectin" test which checks to see if I'm at risk for going into preterm labor).

Have a great afternoon! Stay warm!

31 Weeks

(I got this idea off of the Kelly's Korner blog and thought it may be neat to do...)

I'm 31 weeks!

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 31 Weeks

Size of baby: Baby is about 3.3 lbs this week (think 4 navel oranges) and 16 inches long

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Gained 21 lbs (zoinks!)

Maternity Clothes: Almost everything I wear at this point is maternity.

Gender: It's a girl!!! Moriah Grace Allen

Movement: I've been feeling her a lot lately-many pronounced movements especially at night!

Sleep: I'm sleeping alright...have to use 3 different pillows-1 for head, 1 for tummy, 1 between knees!

What I miss: maybe sleeping on my back? being able to tan just a little so i'm not so pale!

Cravings: yogurt, fruit, baked potatoes, chocolate shakes

Symptoms: just a couple little issues this past week, slight swelling in hands, few headaches, itchy tummy at times..it's really not too bad!

Best Moment this week: Getting off bed rest!

Focal Point...

They told us in our childbirth class that I would need to think about bringing a "focal point" with me to the hospital when I was in labor...You know, something such as an object or picture that I can stay focused on through the contractions...This item will be needed to help provide me with the motivation and strength I need to propel me through apparently some of the worst pain I've ever felt....hmmmm...that got me to thinking.

For one thing, I'm trying not to put too much emphasis or pressure on myself for thinking of just the right "focal point item." Because in all actuality, I'm going to be calling on the name of Jesus to get me through! I realize this object is not going to be any source of magic or miracle strength. But I'm a symbolic person and I do think it may help to have something there that gives me an extra "pick me up." (I also hear the epidural can be quite the "pick me up" as well so don't think I've forgotten about that!).

I thought about a prayer box bracelet that a friend gave me last year when we were still waiting on God's timing to get pregnant. There's also another bracelet my principal gave me that says "All things are possible..." Both of those are very meaningful to me...However, I have a feeling I'm not going to want any jewelry on during this experience....I thought about writing a meaningful saying on a piece of posterboard with bright markers and taping it to the ceiling or far wall (if they'd let me). But what would it say? "This too shall pass?" "Don't quit?"....I don't know, the sign may just aggravate me. I have a picture of Moriah's ultrasound at 20 weeks but it's pretty small so I don't think I would see it....

Who knows, perhaps all this pondering about a focal point is really meaningless because I may care less when we actually get down to the nitty gritty of things. I guess it would be hard to see it through clinched eyes, tears, and trying to breathe. What about you? Did any of you find a focal point helpful or is it really fruitless? Any suggestions?

Trying to Do the Blog Thing- Baby Shower #1

Ok well this is very brand new to me so bear with me folks. I realize I have a serious lack of cutesy graphics and "bells and whistles" on this blog, but I'm taking this step by step. I figured this would be the best way to keep people informed of all the goings-on in our little family and also a great way for me to document some precious memories....especially considering we have a little bundle of joy on the way! Speaking of that bundle of joy, some dear friends of mine gave me a wonderful shower a couple Saturdays ago. Sarai was the "queen bee hostess" and did an excellent job coordinating it all. Of course she had some great help! It was a very sweet time and I was so excited to get some great things for Moriah....Ok, I'm going to attempt to post some of the pictures that Sarai sent me...

Here's the diaper cake Sarai made...isn't it so cute?!

Me, Sarai's Aunt Donna, and the BEAUTIFUL quilt she's making for Moriah!

Here I am with the FABULOUS cake Sarai's mom made! It was not only big and beautiful but so delicious! She is also the one who made our wedding cake...quite a talented lady!

Sarai and me...she was such a wonderful hostess/shower coordinator! (Yes I look like a giant next to her).

A side view of the letters in Moriah's nursery above her crib...thank you so much Shanna!

One view of Moriah's nursery (so far...)..Notice the precious blanket that my co-worker Juanez crocheted...she crocheted Moriah's name into the blanket!

Another view of the nursery...

Here's a sign I got in Canton that has the meaning of her name...so cute and special!

Here's a pic of me (making a rather ridiculous expression) opening the Sound Soother that Granny got us. Let's hope Moriah is in the alleged 90% of infants that the Sound Soother claims to soothe!

And last, but certainly not least, some of the "younger shower attendees"...Madison, Sadie, and Kyleigh. Sweet and beautiful girls!

Love At First Sight

Here's a pic of Moriah at our 20 week appointment. I'm currently 30 weeks and 4 days so I know she's changed a lot since then! Just trying to test this thing out! Doesn't she have just the sweetest little profile?!