Week 34

This past week I finally started experiencing some of the not so pleasant parts of pregnancy! All I can wear {comfortably} to work are flip-flops lest my feet bulge out in their swollen state. Teachers that I work with have started saying things like "Any day now!" or "Are you going to make it til the end?" which in one sense is not helpful to hear, but I understand their sentiment because I really am large.

Last Friday we saw 'The Hunger Games' with some friends and then went to Whiskey Cake. I wasn't too uncomfortable sitting for 2 hours but I have a feeling that might be my last movie before baby? I wouldn't mind if Reese decided to come just a little early. But of course, we just want a healthy baby and I know these last few weeks should be relished.

Things are winding down at work- Cheerleading tryouts are finished, parent meetings have come and gone, and now I am working on finishing up all the loose ends in the clinic. Dillon on the other hand has been busy sending out his resume and scheduling interviews - we are kind of about to switch roles and I am ready for the change.

We have proudly been sharing the news that our little girl is taking after her daddy (and myself I suppose)- At her 34 weeks appointment, her legs were measuring 37 weeks! That has some of my family suspecting an early arrival- we shall see!

Charleston

A week before Spring Break my mom proposed a last minute girls trip to any destination. After some discussion with Dillon, who was a little worried about me travelling at 33 weeks, and getting the go-ahead from my doctor, we booked a trip to Charleston, S.C!

Why Charleston? I thought it would be fun to go somewhere we had never been, and knew I did not want to go to some big city or a beach (for obvious reasons), but rather somewhere beautiful and laid back.

I am so glad we went! We flew out on a Tuesday, spent 2 full days there and flew back Friday. The first full day there we went on a walking tour through the historic streets, down to the harbour. We took rickshaws everywhere we went or walked- everything was just a few blocks from our hotel. Of course there was shopping and delicious restraunts. The second day we got massages, pedicures, strolled through the  Market which is a sort of flea market type setting and saw the Aquarium.


My mom gave me back and foot rubs every night, and we were served breakfast in our room each morning. The Inn where we stayed also had tea and desserts every afternoon. One late afternoon after walking around all day, my mom made a comment about me being on my feet for so long. We then went on to discuss that I would still rather be on the trip, walking around because that is much better than being a beached whale (which is what I surely would have been had I stayed in Dallas all week)!

All in all, a fabulous last minute trip.

The Inn/Bed and Breakfast was over 200 years old

Afternoon tea the day we arrived

Dumas Shower

This past weekend was a whirlwind! Friday I had a doctors appointment at noon (32 weeks), that lasted about 3 hours since the doc was running late, then we left town and drove 5 hours to Lubbock. We were able to see Collin and Cassie's little girl Addy (tiny and sweet!). The next morning we had a pancake breakfast with my grandparents then drove to Amarillo and had lunch with Dillon's Nanny. That evening we headed north again, to Dumas where we stayed the night with the Sykes and grilled steaks!

Sunday morning Dillon was invited to preach at First Presbyterian of Dumas. He did an excellent job if I do say so! Following the service there was a baby shower potluck in our honor! We were so touched that the community we said goodbye to 3 years ago wanted to bless us, and it was indeed a blessing. There were 100+ people there to celebrate with good food and company. I am so mad that I didn't get my camera out until we were leaving but time got away from us as we had such a nice time catching up with old friends. We are so amazed at everyone's generosity- it was a gift card shower, so we spent the drive home opening sweet cards from everyone.

Dallas Shower

This past weekend my sweet friends and sister-in-law gave me a wonderful shower! I was amazed at the work they put in to make it such a special day. I am so thankful for the ways that each of these women have made an impact in my life, and hope that someday Reese is able to know how loved she was from the very beginning!

I was so happy for my mom and sister (and dad!) to come out to Dallas to help celebrate the occasion. It was a great weekend, and I feel very blessed by my family through their gifts and prayers and just support- they are truly the best and have made my pregnancy a joy.

There were little touches that meant so much- a prayer journal for Reese, fun games, and handmade gifts.

My mom and sister looked so beautiful! It’s so special that they got to meet all of my Dallas friends.

Pretty hostesses!

I loved that my niece Stiles helped me open the presents! It was actually very helpful since my 31 week belly was in the way a lot!

A couple of friends showed up around 3pm,  right when the party was ending. One had the wrong time, and one had car problems on the way, but I thought it was so nice for them to come anyhow and it made me laugh.

My dad and Dillon came to help us load up all the goodies and my mom snapped a couple of pictures.

I LOVE the crib skirt  and teddy bear that my parents had made for Reese. I have the same fabric so she can have matching curtains when she gets her own nursery. 

Spring Show

One of the things that I have been working on/stressing over since Christmas was our district-wide cheerleading Spring Show. Every year, all of the schools in CFB-ISD participate in this non-competitive show. Being that our school funds were low, we did not have the money to hire a choreographer to make us up a cute routine- so I determined to make it happen by channeling my high school dance team days.

We had practice for several weeks to learn the dance, and finally the big night came last Wednesday. Dillon was so sweet to join along for the fun. We all rode over after school to Creekview and the girls danced their routine spot on and I was so proud, and truly glad that we participated. 'We Found Love' by Rihanna will now forever remind me of these cheerleaders.

Cheerleading season is now over and I can breathe a sigh of relief, and yes, a little bit of sadness to say goodbye to this sweet group of girls!

Thankful for a full, fun year with ladies!