Brandy and Hayden

I had the great privilege of hosting Brandy and Hayden's shower at my house last Sunday. It turned out to be such a neat shower since Hayden came early and got to visit with all the ladies. He is quite the little charmer and got passed around the entire afternoon. My mom was sweet to take pictures! I was a bit picky when it came to the cake, so I sketched what I wanted and took it to the bakery.
They did a great job of copying what I wanted. Baby showers are so much fun.





















Since Brandy is a photographer, I painted a frame for Hayden's room and had everyone sign the mat. I know she will put a sweet little picture of him in there soon.









Hayden and I



Brandy and Hayden























In other news, I had my 37 week Dr. visit on Wednesday. I lost another pound at this appointment, which was a surprise to me. I am now sitting at 26 lbs gained total. I am still at 3.5 cm dilated and 75% effaced. He said Harbor is really low- as low as he can go. I have still been experiencing a lot of contractions and low back pain. Again he told me I could go into labor anytime- or could walk around for another week or more like this. David is beside himself with excitement and has never, and I mean never, called me so many times during the day to see if anything is "happening". I feel really great though! Now that I am at home, my blood pressure is back in the 120's and my feet rarely swell. I am so happy Harbor has managed to bake another week. If he decides to stay in there a bit longer, it is fine by me. I am feeling really calm about the whole thing. I want to see him, of course, but I am in no rush to induce at this point. I am just enjoying these last few weeks of Harbor and mommy time. : )

I have another baby shower tomorrow afternoon. I am excited. It almost feels like getting married again, going to so many showers and seeing so many friends and family members. David and I will be married eight years in April, so it has been quite a long time since I have opened so many gifts. A big thank you to the McCash family for the jogging stroller and the Snowden family for the infant stroller and car seat! Woot! I am excited to have them both. Thank you for being so loving and giving!

Have a wonderful weekend! I will check back in with you soon. : )

McCash Family Shower!

David has such a wonderful family- it is really half the reason I married him. : ) My neice, also named Jessica, is pregnant and we are due two days apart. We had a combined baby shower and it was so much fun! I am happy to share this occasion with her.
(Side note- it was also nice to share the spotlight since I get embarrased when everyone is watching me open gifts. Know what I mean??)

My neice, Jessica, David's mom, and me







The toliet paper game~





David's sister made both of us diaper cakes. Mine had a sweet little dog theme. : )





My neices Chyann and Madison



My neice Amber made the cake herself! She did such a good job!



The baby food game~





My mother-in-law, Joann. I love her so much for giving me such a wonderful husband!





my mom and I



36 weeks~



On Tuesday, I went to the hospital to visit with Brandy and Hayden. Hayden is such a pretty boy and his sister, Jordan, loves him very much. : )









The necklace Leigh had made for my virtual baby shower arrived. It is so unique and precious. It has Harbor's name engraved on one pendant, D + J on another, and our anniversary stone. It also has Harbor's birthstone. Thanks Leigh!



Catherine came by the house and delivered the sweetest silky blanket for Harbor! I love the color combination. I have it packed in Harbor's hospital bag. : ) Thanks Catherine. I love it!



A bloggy friend, Rachel, whom I have never met in real life, but would love to, mailed three handmade burp cloths this week. They are so soft! I know lots of love went into them and I appreciate it so much. Thanks, Rachel!



I also have to thank my friend Susan for surprising me yesterday with a Sonic drink, girly movies, and tons of decorating magazines to keep me busy while I am at home. You are the best, Susan, and you made my week!

The Waiting Game

Hello to all! What a busy night we have had here at the McCash house.

I had my 36 week Dr. appointment today after school. I have been on light duty at work all week and it has really gone fine. The school nurse checks my blood pressure twice a day, and for the most part, it has been really low. My swelling is pretty much nonexistent as well. I was happy about this and looking forward to hearing from my doctor today.

At my appointment, my blood pressure was great, swelling minimal, and my protein was just a trace amount. I was so excited to hear this because I knew it would free me to keep working for a few more weeks without the threat of the pre-eclampsia causing an early C-section, or something along those lines.

Well, imagine my surprise when I get checked for the first time at just 36 weeks and 1 day. I am 75% effaced and dilated to a 3.5. Yikes!! I am still measuring at 40 weeks and I have "dropped." I couldn't tell that I had because I am still getting kicked in the ribs. The Dr. told me that he is very low- he touched Harbor's head while he was checking me- and his feet are still in my rib cage. I think I am growing a lil' thanksgiving turkey. : ) He sure looks to be a hefty lil' Halloween pumpkin.

The Dr. told me that I could risk working another week, but his advice was to stay home. He doesn't think I will last much longer. I am clueless about all of this, don't you know?! I know the waiting game could take me into another week or two, but at 3.5 cmm and still having some regular contractions here and there, he doesn't think it will be long.

So anyway.. a shock at 36 weeks. Keep our family in your prayers. We want a healthy, happy Harbor. : )

I have been in my classroom the last two hours finalizing everything for my long term sub. I am so sad about leaving work. I love my job. I love to work outside of the house and dress up and be a part of a team. It will be hard for me, but I know I will love Harbor more. I will still miss my kids and the challenges of teaching. I am struggling with leaving it in someone else's hands, but I know Harbor will complete that hole in my heart and make me forget all of it. I'm hopeful for that! God knows I need His strength and I pray for it daily.

I still have a ton to post- my McCash family baby shower from last weekend, a few fun gifts from friends- including my necklace that arrived from Leigh and some adorable burp cloths from a bloggy gal pal, Rachel. Also, a sweet silky from Catherine, as well as pictures of Brandy and in the hospital after having Hayden. Heavens! I am getting behind. I will try to post those in the next day or two.

I have not even packed my hospital bag yet, so I need to do some things around here first. : )

Take care!

Love,
Jessica

Work Shower!

Thanks to all who left such encouraging comments! I have been feeling great! I only hope my blood pressure stays low for my Wednesday appointment. : )

I am getting so behind on posting! It is hard to stay on top of new posts with so much going on. Here are pictures from my work shower, two weeks ago. I work with such wonderful, special ladies. My shower was fabulous and I cannot believe the amount of gifts I received. I feel very blessed indeed.











Every table was decorated in its own theme. One table even had monogrammed pacifiers. It was fun bringing home all the table decor! : )









I received so many cute monogrammed items- lots of blankets, two onesies with our school mascot, burp clothes and bibs, stuffed animals, a diaper bag, wipe case... I'm so glad monogramming is "in"! I also received tons of practical necessities.. thank goodness! Harbor cannot live on cute bibs alone! Ha, ha!





















My team of 5th grade teachers : )





I made and sent Brandy's baby shower invitations this last week. I just got word that she is actually in the hospital having him right now, so he may make an appearance on the day of the shower and come with her. : )





David made an arrangement in the front yard and so I posed for my week 34 picture. I will actually be 36 weeks on Tuesday though, so just know that the current me is even bigger than I was in that pict! : ) Ha!



Have a great week!