Day 61 ~ September 30, 2010

This is the baby's "coming home" outfit. The shirt is a long-sleeved onesie that looks like a button-up, collared dress shirt and the pants are a brown corduroy. So cute! Zach and I picked this out together at Kohl's this evening.

Today started off as a great day and then turned into a disappointing one this afternoon. I slept in this morning, got up and ate breakfast and then took a shower and got ready for the day. I ate lunch and then decided to pack my bag to go to the hospital tonight. As I've mentioned, we were supposed to go to the OB department after our prenatal class tonight to be induced.

Well, around 2:00 this afternoon I got a call from my doctor's office saying that they needed to reschedule my 4:00 appointment because the doctor was going home sick. I explained that I was supposed to be seen so that I could be scheduled for an induction tonight and she said she'd call me back. After speaking with the doctor, she informed me that he would not be able to induce me tonight. She made an appointment for me to see the midwife tomorrow morning at 10:00, so I'm really hoping she will agree to induce me sometime tomorrow. I'm worried that she will tell me to wait until Monday morning since it's the weekend and Dr. Eckman is sick. Our fingers are crossed that we will be able to be induced tomorrow and meet our baby boy very soon.

Since I was upset about not being induced tonight, Zach and I decided to take off on a little road trip. We drove north about an hour and a half to the Quad Cities and went to Babies R Us to exchange a product and buy a few things. Then we went to Kohl's and bought this adorable outfit pictured above. Then we enjoyed a *nice* meal at Pizza Hut. It was great to spend the evening with him and I'm hoping (no offense to my husband at all) that it was our last! I really want my baby boy in my arms as soon as possible!

Day 60 ~ September 29, 2010

This is my last baby belly picture! I am 39 weeks pregnant today, and we're going to be induced tomorrow night. We should have a baby sometime Friday!

Today was another pretty relaxing day (which is exactly what we need right before we have this baby!). Zach let me sleep in until almost 11 which was great! Then we met a friend of his in town for lunch at Italian Express. After lunch, we came home and took the puppies for a walk around town. They enjoyed it and the walking was great exercise for me. We watched a movie (The Prince of Persia) when we got home from our walk, and it was nice to just cuddle together while we watched it.

This evening we went to my bff Ali's house for dinner with her and her boyfriend, Mitch. Mitch and Zach cooked steaks on the grill and it was great to sit down and eat with the two of them. Afterward, we hung out and played a board game called Imaginiff. It was a fun game and I won! We visited for another hour or so and then decided to come home.

This is our last night at home before the baby comes. I hope we're able to enjoy it and get a good night's sleep. We'll both want to be as rested as we can be before this beautiful baby boy changes our lives forever.

Day 59 ~ September 28, 2010

Yesterday, September 27, was Zach's grandparents' 57th wedding anniversary. His dad's parents, Harry & Rose Lotz, are such a wonderful example for all of us to look up to. They've spent their lives together raising 9 children and loving on dozens of grandchildren and even a few great-grandchildren. I hope that Zach and I will someday be able to compare our lives and our marriage to this wonderful couple.

We celebrated with Harry and Rose by going out to eat at Ponderosa Steakhouse in Macomb with Zach's mom and dad, sister, and our sister-in-law. We had an enjoyable evening eating dinner and sharing conversations.

Earlier today, Zach and I pretty much just relaxed at home. We did a few loads of laundry to get everything ready for when the baby arrives and we watched a movie this afternoon. We went out to eat for lunch at Buffalo Wild Wings with Zach's mom, Cathy, and our sister-in-law, Stephanie. Just before dinner with his grandparents, we had a few maternity pictures taken by my friend Sarah. We'd taken some pictures before Zach deployed in June, but I wanted to have a few more now that I actually have a belly. Sarah did a great job, and I'm so happy she was willing to do those for us.

Day 58 ~ September 27, 2010

HE'S HOME!!!!! It's been very hard to keep it a secret, but Zach came home today! We've anxiously been awaiting his arrival and I'm so glad the baby waited until his daddy could be here for his birth. Zach's flight got into Peoria around 2:30 this afternoon. I went over with his mom and my sister-in-law, Stephanie, to pick him up! He was so excited to see his puppies and they greeted him with just as much enthusiasm.

I didn't sleep well last night because I was excited about him coming home. I was also restless because he was traveling and I hadn't talked to him much over the past few days. After his flight got in, he came home and took a shower and then we ran some errands in Macomb. Then we came back home and picked up the puppies and went out to his parents' house for dinner and to play some cards. We had a great evening with his family.

Now that he is home, this baby boy can come anytime he wants. It would be great if he came on his own, but it's nice to know that I'll be induced on Thursday night and he'll be here by Friday if not before. The next few days Zach and I will be enjoying our last bit of time together as just the two of us. After Friday, our lives will never be the same.

Day 57 ~ September 26, 2010

This morning I attended my last church service at The Crossing baby-free. It was such a great sermon and I believe that God is bringing about great change in our area!

This afternoon I went over to my In-laws' house to enjoy the afternoon. My mother-in-law and I made chocolate caramel bars (pictured) for my husband. He will be home soon and they are his all-time favorite dessert. They're made out of a German chocolate cake mix (not made like the directions on the box, but instead mixed with evaporated milk and margarine), caramel and chocolate chips. It's a yummy layered bar with a gooey, caramelly (yes I just made that word up) center. I hope he enjoys them when he gets home.

My evening consisted of the season premiere of The Amazing Race! My mom and I really enjoy watching the show together, so we spent the evening in the recliners relaxing and watching the race. It was a great way to wind down my weekend.

Day 56 ~ September 25, 2010

Today was a pretty normal Saturday. I slept in, got up and got ready, and then went to Macomb with my mom to get groceries. We went to lunch at Italian Express first and then went out to Walmart to get the things we needed. Overall, nothing exciting; just a typical Saturday afternoon.

This evening I went to a sex toy party with a friend of mine named Christy. I mentioned Christy in my blog a few weeks ago when she gave birth to her beautiful daughter, Graiclyn Marie (pictured). Graiclyn is now almost 6 weeks old and getting bigger and cuter every single day. She has a beautiful Momma who loves her very much and takes very good care of her.

Anyway, Christy and I went to a toy party (along with Christy's mom, lol) at our friend Lexie's house. It was fun and interesting to see all the different "toys" and we had some funny conversations. I'm glad I went and had a good time because this time next week, I'm going to be a mommy and definitely won't be going to any parties like this anytime soon!

Day 55 ~ September 24, 2010

Not a great one, but today's picture is of a movie case from the movie store. I went over to my friend Crystal's apartment and hung out with her, Brittney, Lindsey and Lisa all with whom I used to live in Thompson Hall. We hung out and talked for a little while and then went to Dairy Queen for some ice cream. Then we rented "The Bounty Hunter" and went back to Crystal's apartment to watch it. It was so great to spend one last weekend hanging out with my friends, baby-free.

I say this is my last weekend being baby-free because I got exciting news at my 38 week appointment this afternoon. My progress was minimal, but it was still positive change from last week. I am now 1 cm dilated, 80% effaced, and the doctor said he could touch the baby's head! My blood pressure was right where it should be, and I've still only gained approximately 26 lbs. My belly measured right at 38 weeks, so that's perfect too!

I asked my doctor a few weeks ago if it would be possible to induce my labor a few days early so that Zach has more time to spend with the baby while he's home on leave. He told me that he would have no problem inducing me in my 39th week. Well, I will be 39 weeks on Wednesday, the 29th. I asked my doctor if he would induce me the night of the 30th (after our last night of prenatal classes) so that we would have the baby on the 1st. He said that he could probably do that for us! Yay! I'm so excited! So, we have our last appointment on Thursday, the 30th and I will be checked again. As long as things are still progressing and I haven't gone backwards, we will be induced that night after our class and have our beautiful baby boy on Friday! I'm very excited that Zach will get to be here for the birth of our first child and he'll get to spend some time with our little boy before he has to leave again.

Day 54 ~ September 23, 2010

There's a full moon tonight. I mentioned yesterday that there is some belief in a full moon triggering a woman's labor. So far, that isn't proving to be true for me. Hopefully my little guy holds out for a few more days until his daddy gets home on leave from Iraq.

Today was another slow and pretty much uneventful day. I talked to Zach on Skype and washed some baby blankets and put them away in his dresser. Then my nieces came over after school and I helped them with their homework and we made tuna salad. They also helped me fold and put away the blankets I had washed. We ate tacos for supper and then their mom came and picked them up.

My mom and I went to a prenatal class on C-sections tonight. Of course, I don't intend to have a C-section, but since the classes are free (and I have nothing better to do on a Thursday night) I decided to go and get as much information on the subject as I could...just in case. After attending the class, I am much more open to the idea of a C-section, should it be deemed necessary for my health or the health of the baby. Originally, I had viewed having a C-section as a failure on my part. I now understand more about the procedure and I don't think I would be as hard on myself for having one, should it be necessary. The most important thing is having a healthy Mommy and Baby at the end of the delivery.

Day 53 ~ September 22, 2010

The last of the baby stuff arrived on my front porch via UPS this morning! This adorable swing was the last "big" item that we needed to get for the nursery. It's a Fisher Price Lil Lamb Swing. It features 6 different speeds, 8 different soothing sounds, a rotating mobile, and a mirror for visual stimulation. It swings front to back and side to side. I'm so excited to let my little boy try it out!

I spent some time in the nursery this evening organizing and putting away clothes. He has 30 sleepers ranging from newborn to 6-9 months! I arranged everything in his closet by age so it will be easier to pick out his outfits everyday and not have to look at the size tags. I spent time last week organizing the onesies in his dresser by age so that's all ready to go. I guess this would be considered "nesting" but in a mild form. I haven't felt the need to scrub things down with a toothbrush (yet!) so I don't think I've experienced true nesting.

The contractions have pretty much stopped. I have had a few throughout the day today, but I guess that's just part of being 38 weeks pregnant. I'm hoping he holds out until his daddy comes home next week, but I guess we'll see. Tomorrow is a full moon and I've heard stories of how a full moon can cause a woman to go into labor so I'm a little nervous about that. I'm physically ready for the baby to come, but I really want the support of having my husband by my side. I would hate for him to miss the birth of our first child. Stay put, little boy, at least for a few more days!

Day 52 ~ September 21, 2010

My glider and ottoman arrived today! I'd been waiting on them all day and the UPS truck finally showed up around 6:30! My mom is awesome and put them together for me while I went shopping with my sister! I came home and they were all assembled and in the nursery! Thank you, Mom! They look great!

I was still having contractions today. I woke up around 3:30am and have been up since (except for an hour nap). The contractions were hard to sleep through last night, so I'm hoping tonight is better. They're still irregular and not getting any stronger. That's the most frustrating part. I wish they would either stop altogether or become stronger and more regular. I just want some change, rather than having irregular contractions for the next 2 weeks!

Ok, I'm done whining. As I mentioned earlier, I went to Walmart with my sister, Mindy, this evening and she got me a few things I still needed for the baby. It was fun to just spend some time with her, and I'm glad we got to do so!

Day 51 ~ September 20, 2010

Today was a lazy day. I stayed home and rested because I wasn't feeling well. My sister stopped by this evening and my oldest niece, Jevani, decided to stay while her mom and sister went to town. Jevani, my mom and I spent time putting this little puzzle together and playing Math Bingo. I think this puzzle was more fun for my mom and I than it was for Jevani, haha! It was a fun review of our knowledge of United States geography.

On another note, it might not be long before my baby boy makes his arrival. Earlier this evening I had contractions about 5-7 minutes apart for about an hour. After that, they decreased in frequency, but increased in strength. The rest of the evening I've had several more, pretty strong contractions. They're not regular enough to time, however, and I've heard of women having these types of contractions for weeks before going into active labor. I guess I'll wait and see if they become more regular. Until then, I'll try to get some sleep that I'm sure will be much-needed very soon.

Day 50 ~ September 19, 2010

Today I met some relatives that I'd never met before. They're distant relatives on my dad's side that I had not had the pleasure of meeting before today. If I had met any of them before, it was when I was young and don't remember them.

Pictured is my dad with his cousin Tricia. We were all gathered today in honor of Tricia who is visiting for a few days. Tricia lives in Montana, but is undergoing treatment at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota for a treatable, but not curable, cancer. She had a few days off of treatments and decided to make a trip down to Illinois to spend time with family and friends. I keep up with her on Facebook, but it was nice to finally meet the woman I've gotten to know over the internet.

I ask anyone who reads this to please say a prayer for Tricia and all the other people around the world who are struggling with cancer or disease of any kind. Oftentimes, we think about those who are suffering only when we know them. There is always someone out there who could use a prayer, even from a complete stranger. So make someone's day by sacrificing just a few seconds of yours.

Day 49 ~ September 18, 2010

My family loves to cook on the grill. As soon as it warms up enough in the springtime (and sometimes even before it's warm enough) we get some chicken or steak and grill out. My dad got a new grill earlier this summer and since then, his love for cooking out on the grill has increased.

Here he is cooking our dinner for tonight: Italian sausage, chicken breasts in an Italian dressing marinade, and grilled potatoes with green peppers and onions. Cooking at home and sitting down together for a family meal is one of my favorite things. It may not seem like much, but it really is nice for all of us to sit down around the table and enjoy a home-cooked meal. I love evenings like this when we just sit around at home together; it's definitely a nice change after a busy week.

Day 48 ~ September 17, 2010

Today was Friday! I began my day as usual by getting up, feeding the dogs, eating breakfast, and wasting time on Facebook. I talked to Zach on Skype for a bit this morning and he was particularly goofy today. Not sure why, but he definitely made me smile. I love him so much.

Just after lunch, I headed to town for my 37 week appointment. My weight gain is still at 26lbs, I measured 36cm, and baby is head down at a -2 station. My cervix is 30% effaced and 1cm dilated. My blood pressure was 102/70 and baby's heart rate was in the 140s. Overall, an excellent check up. Baby and Mommy are both active and healthy. I also got my flu shot today while I was at my doctor's office.

This evening was pretty laid back until late. Around 9:30 I headed into Macomb with my bff Courtney to see Easy A. It was a great movie and I'm so glad I got to spend some time with Court before the baby gets here. We got free popcorn with the movie and just enjoyed chatting before and after about what was going on in our lives. I might be doing something with her tomorrow as well, but we'll see. Ttfn--ta ta for now!

Day 47 ~ September 16, 2010

Today one of my mom's cousins posted something on Facebook about wanting her grandmother's recipe for sugar cookies. I found the recipe in my mom's recipe box and gave it to her. Then I was inspired to try to make the cookies as well. They turned out pretty good. Not as good as my great-grandmother's I'm sure, but they're still yummy. Please excuse the Christmas colored sprinkles; it's all we had.

Today was a rather laid back day. My friend Jessica came over to bring back my GPS and we chatted for a little while. Then my mother-in-law, Cathy, came over to bring back the nightstand that she took home to put polyurethane on. Then my friend Allison came over and ate dinner and visited for a bit before our last night of birthing class. It was so great to see all of them.

My mom and I attended our last night of birthing class tonight. We talked about pushing the baby out and what happens after delivery. I really enjoyed taking these classes and I found them to be very educational. Though I could have found most of the information online, it was nice to have an instructor (and a funny one at that) break everything down and be available to answer specific questions. I have two weeks of prenatal classes left and then my little guy will be here (if not sooner). I'm looking forward to the adventures ahead!

Day 46 ~ September 15, 2010

Today I am considered FULL TERM in my pregnancy! I am 37 weeks pregnant, just 3 weeks away from my due date! I can't believe how quickly this time has gone by! It seems like just yesterday I was taking the pregnancy test and finding out about this beautiful life inside of me. It's been an incredibly wonderful journey, but I'm getting anxious to meet this precious baby boy.

To celebrate making it to full term I treated myself to an hour long prenatal massage this afternoon. It was so relaxing and just what I needed at this point in my pregnancy. My back has been bothering me lately, so I had the therapist work on my lower back. She did an excellent job and I walked out of there feeling like a new woman! Thanks to my hubby for letting me get the massage!

Day 45 ~ September 14, 2010

Today was my Grandpa Whited's (my dad's dad) 75th birthday! He's 3/4 of a century old, but doesn't act like it one bit. I celebrated with him, my grandma, my aunt, cousin, sister, nieces, brother, mom, and dad by going out to eat at the Red Ox.

Papa Stache (as my nieces like to call him because of his handlebar mustache) loves playing golf with my dad and other friends and he still works every day repairing coffee makers all over the state (usually for large businesses and gas stations). He and my grandma have been happily married for over 55 years and they have two children, 4 grandchildren, and 2 (soon to be 3) great grandchildren. I'd say that's a pretty successful 75 years! Happy Birthday, Grandpa! May you have many, many more!!! We love you!

Day 44 ~ September 13, 2010

Today is Mary Kay's 47th anniversary. Mary Kay Ash started this company on September 13, 1963 (it was also Friday the 13th!), just a few weeks after the passing of her husband. She wanted a company that allowed women to spend time with their families and still earn a great income. She wanted products that women would love at an affordable price. I'd say she's come a long way in making her dreams come true.

We celebrated the company's anniversary tonight at our MK Success meeting. We also had the opportunity to try our new fall products. Many of them are limited edition products so contact your Mary Kay Consultant to find out more about these awesome new products!

Other than my meeting, today was a very laid back day. I'm still a little swollen in my feet and hands so I've been taking it easy. Until tomorrow...

Day 43 ~ September 12, 2010

We finally got the balloon in the air this morning! It was not part of the rally, but today, the weather was beautiful and the ground had dried out enough to drive through. We set up on the West side of town, near campus, and flew across town and out to the East side of Macomb. Pictured is Lindsay, Donn (the pilot) and my mom, Anne. They actually went up in today's flight, while the rest of us "chased" in the vehicle.

After the flight we all went out to breakfast at the Macomb Family Diner in town. It was great to spend some quality time together discussing anything and everything. After we finished eating, we said our good byes and headed home. It was a slightly disappointing weekend, made better by a wonderful morning flight today. We're so glad that Donn and Kim could make the trip this year and we look forward to seeing them again soon!

Day 42 ~ September 11, 2010

Today was the second day of the balloon rally. I got up around 4:30 this morning to get ready for the morning flight. We met at my aunt's house around 5:15 and left for the pilot's meeting. They met and were told to come back at 7:15 for another meeting to see if the weather conditions had changed. Unfortunately, they decided that the fields were too wet and the clouds were too low to fly.

I went home and went back to bed for about 3 or 4 more hours and then got up and went to town to shop with my mom. We went home and changed clothes and then headed back into my aunt's house for the evening meeting and flight.

The winds were a little high for the evening flight so it was up to the pilots on whether or not they felt comfortable flying. Our pilot, Donn, decided not to fly so we helped my cousin Spencer set up his balloon to fly. We set up and then drove to the field where he would attempt to land. Luckily, he calculated his direction correctly and landed in the field. After he was down, we set up Donn's balloon for the glow. The picture is of "our" balloon (the one we help and crew for), Brighton Up. I was sad that we didn't fly, but at least we set the balloon up.

Day 41 ~ September 10, 2010

Tonight was the first night of Macomb's Annual Balloon Rally. My family and I have helped with this balloon rally for about 7 or 8 years now and we always have a good time. This is a picture of my cousin Spencer's balloon, Old Glory. Spencer has been around hot air balloons since he was 3 or 4 years old and he recently got his pilot's license (in the last 2 years) so he can fly on his own. He participates in balloon rallies all over the country including Indianola and Albuquerque and, of course, Macomb.

We didn't get to fly tonight because the winds were too strong and there was a storm moving in rather quickly. Spencer set up his balloon in the field so that it wouldn't be a total disappointment for all the spectators who came out to see them tonight. We left the balloon up for about 10-15 minutes and then took it down once the lightning started moving in.

The rally continues into tomorrow. We are hoping the rain moves through and clears out so that we can have some successful flights tomorrow. There's a pilot's meeting at 6 in the morning so I have to be up by about 4:30 to get ready to leave for that. We'll *hopefully* fly in the morning and again tomorrow evening (weather permitting, of course). Tomorrow evening is also the glow, where all the balloons set up in the field and *glow* (otherwise known as lighting their burners) for all the spectators to see. I just hope the weather cooperates tomorrow so we can have a fun weekend of flying!

On another note, I had my 36 week appointment today. I've gained 26lbs so far and I'm measuring right at 36 weeks. The baby is in the head down position (yay!) and the midwife is guessing him to be in the high 5's/low 6's for weight right now. His heart rate was between high 130's and low 140's which is right where it has been the past couple months. Mommy and Baby are both doing well and he will be here in just a few weeks. Now, I go back for appointments every Friday until my due date.

Day 40 ~ September 9, 2010

Today I went shopping in the Quad Cities with my mom. We went to Babies R Us because I got my 10% off anything remaining on my registry coupon and there were definitely some things I still needed to get. I spent around $480 which is not hard to do, but I think I got some really great stuff.

I got a My Brest Friend breastfeeding pillow, a pack-n-play (that matches the travel system), the Angelcare Movement & Sound Monitor, a Moby Wrap, a warm mist humidifier, a car mirror with light and calming music, a travel kit with a thermometer, medicine dropper, nail clippers, etc., diaper genie refills (and I exchanged my diaper genie because the one I received at my shower was broken), size newborn diapers, and breastfeeding pads. I probably got more than that, but I just gathered up a few of the items for this picture. I just have a couple more things to get and then we'll be all set!

Today was also our 3rd night of birthing class. Tonight we talked about the transition stage of labor and we practiced relaxing positions and breathing techniques. One thing we did to practice was clench ice in our fist to simulate a contraction while we breathed through it. It's a pretty good way to practice because it really is uncomfortable to hold ice in your hand. The breathing techniques are helpful for concentrating on something other than the "pain". We also took a tour of the Ob Department at the hospital where I'll be delivering.

Day 39 ~ September 8, 2010

Tonight's picture is of 3 of my favorite people--err, mammals. Here is my mom giving some loving attention to my two dogs, Cadence & Kobe. They just looooove their Grandma Anne so much! My mom and dad had been gone on a mini vacation for a couple of days and the pups sure were happy to see them when they got home.

On another note, I'm 36 weeks pregnant today so the little man could be here anytime! We're still hoping he waits until his Daddy gets home at the end of the month, but I guess he will come when he's good and ready. In just one week I will be considered full term, and I'm pretty sure if I were to go into labor now they wouldn't do anything to prevent me from delivering. It's scary to think that it's coming up so quickly.

Mom and I are headed to the Quad Cities in the morning to go to Babies R Us for some things that I didn't get at my showers. I'm excited! It's always fun to go shopping for baby stuff!

Day 38 ~ September 7, 2010

Today's picture is my lopsided belly. The baby has a habit of hanging out on the left side of my belly. In this picture you can see the little bump on the left side and how it sticks out further than the right side. I love my silly little boy!

Today was a pretty laid back one. I didn't do much early on in the day, but I did go see my friend Desiree and her little boy Zander this afternoon. Des had Zander last Friday, September 3rd and he is totally adorable (but then again, what baby isn't?). I'm really looking forward to having play dates with the two of them once my baby is born. It'll be so much fun to watch them play together and I think they'll be good friends.

I didn't go to Fuel tonight because I haven't been feeling the best. My feet have been slightly swollen the past two days and I've had a headache for the past 3. I always seem to feel worse in the evenings so I just decided to stay home tonight and rest. Hopefully I'll be feeling better soon!

Day 37 ~ September 6, 2010

It's finally time to show the progress on the nursery again! My mom and I spent some time in there today going through baby shower gifts and finding a place for things. We still have a few things to sort through, but I'm very pleased with the way things are coming along.

It actually looks like it's ready for a baby now. The crib and changing table are in place along with the bookshelf full of bath items and baby wipes. I just need to order my rocking chair and ottoman and all the big stuff will be in place. I have a few loads of laundry still to do, but he has lots of clean clothes already in his dresser and closet.

It's crazy to think that my little guy could be here in a matter of just a few short weeks. I'm getting very anxious to meet him and hold him in my arms. I'm so excited to be a mommy!

Day 36 ~ September 5, 2010

Today's picture is a day late because I wasn't feeling well last night and went to bed early. Anyhow, this is a picture of the nightstand that I got at Lake Argyle today. I've been wanting a table to place next to my rocking chair so I have something to set a lamp on along with a bottle or pacifier or other things that I might need/want while rocking or nursing the baby. This little table was perfect! It's the same color as the rest of the furniture, we just need to put a protective coating on it. It's great for what I need now and it will also serve as the baby's nightstand when he's older.

I had a nice time walking around at Argyle with my mom today and I'm glad I found this lovely little nightstand. After we left the lake, we headed home to finish getting ready for the party. My parents invited several of their friends over to hang out and play some yard games. Quite a few people showed up and we had a really nice time (and some great food).

Day 35 ~ September 4, 2010

Today was a pretty normal Saturday with only a few exceptions. I got up and ate breakfast, showered and got ready for the day. My mom and I went to town in the early afternoon to get groceries as we do most every Saturday. When we got home, I got online and was able to talk to Zach on Skype for a couple hours.

Tonight, I went to Colchester again, only this time I didn't go uptown to the Labor Day festivities. This weekend was my dad's 30th high school reunion and I stopped in after dinner to meet some of his classmates. It was nice to meet them and my dad was definitely enjoying mingling with some of his former classmates. After the reunion finished up, I headed back to Macomb and went to my former roommate Laura's house.

Laura and I talked and caught up briefly for a little while when I first got there. Then we put in Madagascar 2: Escape to Africa and "watched" the movie while we continue to talk and catch up. We have a bit of a history with the movie Madagascar from when we lived together in Thompson Hall our freshman year. We even had a betta fish who we named King Julian, so it only seemed appropriate that we watch that movie. I had a really great time spending time with her this evening and I hope we're able to do it again in the near future!

Day 34 ~ September 3, 2010

Being pregnant definitely has its benefits. For instance, some stores have special parking spots just for pregnant women. Another benefit is being able to eat whenever and whatever I want without looking like a pig. One final benefit is more of a benefit for others: being the designated driver. That was me tonight.

Here is a picture of my parents who enjoyed a fun night out with friends at a couple of local bars. It was my pleasure to drive them home and make sure they made it safely. I love them both so much and would hate to let something happen to them when I could easily drive them home stone cold sober. So here's to having a good time, but also being responsible enough to request a designated driver!

Day 33 ~ September 2, 2010

This may look like a plain, boring box to most people, but to a soldier in Iraq this is one of the most exciting things in his/her day. This is a picture of a small care package I've put together for my husband who is serving his second tour in Iraq. He's been gone for almost 3 months and still has approximately 9 months left to serve. He is not involved in the "pull out" of Iraq, so he is still there supporting Operation New Dawn.

Zach doesn't ask for me to send him much, but when he does ask for something I do my best to get it to him. He's really been wanting some caramel corn lately, so I got him a box of microwaveable caramel corn. He also said his lips were really dry and chapped so I'm sending him a 3-pack of Carmex lip balm. Our nieces also drew him some pictures and wrote "I love you Uncle Zach" and we put those in the box as well. While it may not seem like much to you and me, I know Zach will appreciate this box of goodies from home.

If you ever have the opportunity to send a care package to a soldier serving overseas please take advantage of it. They need to know that they have our support and oftentimes the littlest things mean the most in their lives. I'm proud to be an Army Wife and I love and support my husband 110%.

Day 32 ~ September 1, 2010

Whew! I made it through the first month of this challenge without missing a single day (I even posted and blogged EVERY SINGLE day!!!). This really has been a great activity to help me through the end of my pregnancy and my husband's deployment. Thanks to everyone who reads these.

Today's picture is of my mom's bowling team. The ladies league just started tonight at Digger's College City Bowl in Macomb. My mom has been bowling with these ladies for as long as I can remember, and I will be joining them (as a substitute) for the first time this year starting after I have the baby. They're a great group of ladies who love to have fun. There's no pressure to do well when bowling with them because they're just there for the good time (but no one will complain when you DO bowl well). Good luck this season, ladies, and I look forward to bowling with you all!

Today was also my father-in-law's birthday. I called him to wish him a Happy Birthday, but he didn't answer. I left a message so hopefully he got it. I also went to the DMV today to have my car seat installed. It took about 30 minutes and she explained to me the proper way to put the baby in the seat. I feel much better knowing that the car seat was installed by someone more qualified than myself. I know that my son will be safe when it's time to place him in it.