Okay, so I've been a bit of a slacker posting this month. We've been pretty busy getting things together. We've had 2 of 3 Baby Shower's so far. Believe me...Riley has more then enough clothes to wear! We have been so blessed with all the great gifts at each shower. I worried that we wouldn't get all of the "essentials" to get started, but our family and friends have made is so easy for us.

We've also finished the nursery....ahead of schedule I might add. Well, ahead of my schedule. I had wanted everything finished by Thanksgiving and things have been finished since the 16th! Everything is neatly in place and waiting the arrival of it's owner. We're still going every 2 weeks to the doctor, which the weeks are going by so slow right now!

My total weight gain is 15 pounds so far. Although, I can still tie my own shoes and shave my legs!! We have 7 weeks left if we make it to our due date. My last day of work is December 31st..providing we make it that long. I hope so!! Riley is getting cramped in my stomach. There are times when one side of my stomach sticks out and then he moves and it evens back out. It's so funny to watch.

My anxiety levels are increased a bit getting so close to Riley's arrival. We're so excited too...Jeremy is beside himself with excitement waiting on his son. I'm gonna miss him calling me his beautiful pregnant wife. I can't even begin to explain how great he has been. If he shows half as much support in raising Riley, I think we'll do just fine.

I'm a little late in putting up the tree. Anyone that knows me can tell you that I put it up the first weekend in November and leave it up until well after the New Year. Jeremy put it together in the garage before he left to go hunting and Popa helped me get it in the house today. We almost didn't do the tree thinking we wouldn't get to take it down before Riley gets here, but I just couldn't help it. I will probably take it down earlier then I normally do just in case.

We don't go back to the doctor until December 1st so I'll let you know our progress. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we prepare for this journey.

Good things must come to an end...

Well, we finished our birthing classes tonight. It's sad to say, but I'm going to miss going and being around other people that are going through similar things that Jeremy and I are. Most people that have children can relate, but to be around people going through it at the same time is so much different. We got all kinds of goodies tonight! A diaper bag filled with formula, diapers, wipes, coupons...you name it....even a guide to giving a bath and what to take to the hospital. We did sign up for the car seat safety that is next Tuesday.

I am washing my third load of baby clothes!! They smell so good...I just want to roll in them. Jeremy and I cannot stay out of the nursery, it's almost ridiculous. Well, I just wanted to share that we were through with class and baby clothes are being washed. We see LeeAnn in a couple of days so hopefully I will have something interesting to report.

The months flew by when we were going once a month, but this every two weeks is going by so slow...I guess I should enjoy the next 9 weeks and try to relax. Yeah right! I keep myself up at night with anxious thoughts of what is to come and what all needs to be done.

The clock keeps a ticking...

We are slowly approaching the big change in our life. We will be at 31 weeks this week and for the first time...I really feel pregnant. What I mean is over the last 3 days, I have experienced kicks in the ribs, back aches and not being able to get comfortable in the bed! I have had days that I just felt "off" and tired, but these past fews days have been different. I'm still loving the pregnancy though. I just assume that Riley is running out of room and he doesn't mean to make Mommy feel uncomfortable.

Jeremy and I had some maternity pictures done a couple of weeks ago. Aunt Vicki graciously did them for us. It was a blast. The nursery is now complete with new paint and a new floor. It also has a very cute baby bed in place between the windows. I'm very proud of Jeremy. It only took us about an hour and half to get the bed and the drawer put together. I then put the rug that matches the theme in front of the bed and Jeremy just couldn't resist putting the lamp on the table and turning it on. We left it on all night. I also put Riley's Pottery Barn Chair together. Hercules even got excited over the new furnishings of the room.Things are falling into place and if we keep it up we will be ahead of schedule at completing the room. My goal was to be complete by the end of November so that all I had to do in December was wash baby clothes and rest.

We go back to the doctor on Thursday. We are now going every two weeks. The last time we went she said Riley was about 2 pounds or a little over and she also said his head was down. I was worried because I thought oh my gosh he is going to be early. Little did I know, this was normal and he could change positions still. Our final birthing class is tomorrow. Some people say that they are a waste of time, but I think differently. Sure, they can't tell you exactly what is going to happen during your labor, but they can give you an idea of the "process". It has been very helpful to Jeremy and me especially being first time parents. Jeremy has paid very close attention to what his role is and how he can help during those painful moments. I knew he was, but wasn't for sure until last night at 3AM when he was rubbing my back the way she demonstrated in class. I felt so loved and just his thoughtfulness made the aches subside to some degree.