Month 6: 15 weeks to go...

Here is my 25 week (and 3 day) pic:

Everything is still going well!  I passed my glucose test on the first try, so I wasn't subjected to the 3 hour test (thank goodness!).  I go back the second week of March for my 28 week visit then I begin my visits every two weeks!  I'm just shocked I'm already that far along.

Josh and I spent Monday night in Florence, AL (part of my territory) then stopped at Sir's Fabrics in Fayetteville on our way home to look for nursery inspiration - there was none to be had.  We (along with our interior designer, Mom) have talked about going toward Nashville to look soon.  Hopefully, we'll have better luck.  Until then, I'm painting the bookshelf for the nursery (I found a color at Lowe's that matches the dresser/changer perfectly) and we're going to be converting the office to the nursery and the guest room to an office.  I think this weekend will be packed with DIY projects!

On another note, we're planning on heading to Grayton Beach in the next few weeks for our Babymoon!  I'm excited and am definitely ready for a vacay!!! Especially to the beach!

Have a fabulous weekend!
K, J & Baby A :)

Project Nursery Begins!

Thanks to Lindsey H., I learned of a one-day sale at USA Baby in Franklin. Everything is the store was on sale, including floor samples of top-rated brands such as Munire and Baby's Dream.  Mom and I made the trip early Saturday morning and had a blast!  And we had great luck finding both the crib and dresser (changing table).

Munire SafeSide Urban style in Espresso (top right) - may be "island style" in her nursery

Our Baby's Dream dresser (changing table) in antique white

We will also be painting our bookshelf antique white and are looking for a recliner/glider.  We are all about keeping it simple, though we are planning on adding a chandelier for a touch of elegance :) We also haven't picked the fabric out quite yet but I'm sure a roadtrip will be in the near future for that purchase.  I'm glad my Mom has awesome taste and a love for decorating - she's been a huge help! Thank you!!!

After we were finished shopping, I met Lindsey H, Lindsey W and Natalee (and Audrey) for lunch at Marina's - it was great having girl time and catch-up time.  When we finished up lunch, Lindsey H took us to Sam's for diaper shopping in bulk - GREAT deal!  I plan on making a couple of more trips, too, before she arrives. I also bought her a couple of adorable outfits (I just couldn't resist).

All-in-all, it was a productive weekend for the baby!  Thanks again to my Mom and Friends :)

Week 23: Observations from the Pregnant Lady...

I've made some general observations over the last week that I've taken note of - please take them with a grain of salt:

*The craving of sweets is terrible! There is zero self-control, so I just have to stay away from it. MAJOR cuts in the sugar department have begun..

*No woman, pregnant or not, wants to hear comments such as: "Wow! Your belly is really getting out there!" or "Look at the little pudge!" or "Just be glad you aren't gaining weight everywhere!" Sheesh. I get it. It's part of it and it's good for the baby and I could not be more thankful I am healthy, she is healthy, etc. etc .etc. Maybe I'm just being sensitive, but seriously...no female wants to talk about it.

*Working out isn't really that different pregnant, unless you are planning to jog along with your walk.  At this point, your bladder might beg for mercy.  (The elliptical, on the other hand, is fabulous!)

*Although I'm due in a little less than four months, I could realistically have her in THREE. Oh. Em. Gee.

*Thinking about the nursery is seriously overwhelming.

This week has been super busy at the Smith household.  My Mom and Terry got married in Charleston last Wednesday - we are so happy for them!  While they were gone, Josh laid tile at his house before it's time to put it on the market.  It looks awesome!  I'm so happy to have a handyman husband.  I also had a long week at work.  It was jam-packed with lunches, appointments and an overnight in Florence, AL.  It all is paying off, though, and I'm really enjoying my new position. :)

Enjoy your week!
The Smith Fam

Karate or Gymnastics?

Josh got to feel her move!  The first time was Friday night, the most active by far she'd ever been.  We've also been enjoying her gold medalist performances the last two nights as well. :)

I'll be 22 weeks tomorrow!  Here are some other pregnancy updates:

-Still no DEFINITE name, although we have a pretty good idea of what it will be.
-No sickness for me since January 1st!
-I'm still sleeping well, no preggo insomnia yet, knock on wood! And I'm slightly obsessed with the Snoogle pregnancy pillow!  AMAZING.
-Cravings: 1st trimester - watermelon slushes and when I DID feel like eating something, it was for a couple of days at every meal (i.e. Raisin Bran, Mac-n-cheese, saltines, etc.)
2nd trimester - so far, SWEETS! Julia's bakery chocolate fudge pie; local coffee shops' (not Starbucks!) specialty decaf drinks (especially from Buckhead coffee shop in Columbia); Double Chocolate Cookie Dough Blizzards; made from scratch chocolate chip cookies and milk; TEA (either sweet or fruit) And not a "sweet" or "dessert," Red Curry from Royal Thai in Franklin and Brentwood.  LATEST: Peanut Butter and Strawberry Jelly Sandwiches.

Have a great rest of the week!  Two updates in one week? We're on a roll!
The Smith Fam

Registry Time!

Josh and I have had a blast the last two weekends getting the baby's registry together!  We went to scope out our options at Super Target in Smyrna and Babies 'R Us in Murfreesboro last Sunday. I have devoted a few hours this week compiling a list of our registry items based on online ratings, magazine ratings, suggestions from new moms and a great book Megan let me borrow, "Baby Bargains" from 2011.  The last 7 days have been very eye-opening on what we thought we want/need versus what is safe and functional.

I had an appointment for a haircut this morning in Nashville and Josh joined me for a the trip.  We walked around Bass Pro for awhile, enjoyed a yummy lunch at Toot's in Smyrna, then went back to Super Target to begin the registration process.  2 or so hours later, we emerged from the store.  We got so much accomplished! It is definitely making everything feel more real. One of our personal "top" registry items, the BOB jogging stroller, is even on sale ($100 off!) online.  Too bad it's not quite baby shower time!

I also have began my online registry at Babies 'R Us - we have duplication on both registries since some people prefer one store over another and we can adjust the registry quickly due to online access.  Some of our biggest items on the registries are "online only," due to our findings in our product research and what each store offers.  I have also included notes at both sites that gift cards are welcome and not to forget gift receipts (especially from Target...the biggest pain to return/exchange).  Technology sure has changed things!

Next job: PROJECT NURSERY!

Have a great week,
The Smith Fam

Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice...

...that's what little GIRLS are made of!  Josh and I are thrilled to announce we are expecting a sweet little girl!  We went to my ultrasound and 20 week appointment on Friday.  The tech told us in the beginning of the ultrasound that she wouldn't tell us boy or girl until the end (of the 30 minute ultrasound) and that she would only tell us if she was 99% sure of the gender (she would never say 100% and if she was only 85% sure, she would ask us if we wanted to know) - she was 99% sure!  Baby Girl was lying with her backside to us in the first half of the ultrasound, so the tech didn't know the sex herself until the last 5 minutes.  And boy, was Baby S active!  Rolling and flipping around, covering her face, crossing her legs... it was quite entertaining for us.  The funny thing is, we had truly thought throughout the entire pregnancy that she was a "she."  He or She, we would have been over the moon, but now we are getting prepared and anxiously awaiting her arrival.

Dr. Jones said that everything about the ultrasound looked perfect!  Her heartbeat was 157 bpm and most of the ultrasound's measurements had her about 2 days early (which pretty much means nothing).  She said that the only thing they didn't get a clear picture was was her profile but since everything else looked good, this was probably my final ultrasound.  Next time I go in, it's my glucose test...I've heard it's really fun and awesome (HA!).  I want everything to continue to go well for me and Baby Girl, so I will be fine :)

We kept mum about the gender for 24 hours, which was a very special time for both of us.  The majority of family and friends thought she was a Boy, so it was fun revealing the big news.  We are dang good secret keepers, too!

We cannot wait for this awesome journey as a family!  Simply blessed.
Only 4 and a half months to go!
Much love,
The Smith Fam

Week 19

It's been a great week!  After a wonderful church service this morning, we went to Murfreesboro to Hobby Lobby (it was closed) and to take care of my Fudge Pie craving from Julia's Bakery (the best I've ever had).  As we were leaving the bakery, we were across from MTMC where my OB is located and Josh said, "Only 5 more days!"  We absolutely could not be more excited to find out if our sweet blessing is a boy or a girl.  Everyone has asked what we want and we could not honestly not care less.  It surprises me that people expect a preference.  I found a cute saying on Pinterest this week that I shared with Josh: 
 DAD: A son's first hero and a daughter's first love.  :)

I enjoyed a Girl's Night Out on Thursday with some friends from FC.  Every month, the flower and gift shop in Winchester called SOULflowers hosts a craft night called Art & Soul.   I've been the last 2 months and it's been a ton of fun. 

December Wreath-Making Project (it's still in our foyer)

I found the Dove applique idea on Pinterest.  I did the best I could drawing it (without a stencil!) and cutting it.  The saying is something my Daddy always said.  Very special piece :)

Since I've had people asking about baby showers, I've been researching what to add to a baby registry.  Lindsey H. has been awesome - she sent me an email that I'm sure took her 2 hours at least to compile of registry ideas.  I am absolutely open to all suggestions, especially the "must-haves."  I can't believe it's already time to begin planning baby showers, but I am just two days shy of the 1/2 way point!  Plus with Spring being such a busy time, my friends are wanting to nail down a date, so here's to planning! Cheers to you dear gals!

I've had some requests for belly pics.  I'll give you one from 6 weeks and one from 19 weeks, 5 days.  My, how times have changed!  And I wouldn't have it any other way.  LOVE.

6 weeks

19 weeks 5 days (5 months)...almost half way there!

Thank you all for checking in on us and sending us well-wishes.  The love and prayers you all are sending to our sweet baby is beyond amazing and he/she won't be here for 4 1/2 months! 

Much Love and Thanks,

The Smith Fam