"Get your feet out of my face!"

Oh, wait...those are my feet! This past weekend, Daniel and I went to have a 3D ultrasound of Foster at 31 weeks. He was a trooper and in the beginning, we got a few quick glimpses of his face. Then... his hands went into his mouth, and his feet covered his face. It was as if he knew we wanted to see his face and he was determined to play games with us- Hide and Seek. He hides...we seek and seek and seek!

It is amazing what technology allows today. It appears that Foster may have Daniel's lips and chin and my nose and cheeks. Whether that is cute or not??? We'll just have to wait and see.

3 more weeks and we'll know for sure!

A Camden County Flashback

It was with much anticipation that I looked forward to the baby shower being thrown in Camden County. As many of you know, Daniel and I spent 2 years living in St. Mary's, Ga., while Daniel was a submariner. I taught 3rd grade at Mary Lee Clark Elementary School, where I met so many wonderful people. I have kept in touch with several of them, and they wanted to throw me a shower, so I agreed. Darlene provided her lovely home, while Courtney, Charis, and Kami provided all the rest. Old neighbors, collegues, my sister, and mother-in law-came to wish us the best of health and happiness as we bring Foster into the world.

I was reminded of how wonderful our life in St. Marys was. Each place we have lived seems to hold a special place in our hearts, and Camden County is no exception. I appreciate all the effort and care that went into the special day and a special thanks to my hosts and my family who came from out of town to join in the fun.

For the third time...pictures will be posted when they come my way!

Fernandina Friendship

Recently I was lucky enough to have two friends I met when we last lived in the area throw a fabulous baby shower to help me prepare for Foster's arrival in July. Sondra flew all the way from CT to help Robin host the event. It was such a lovely weekend, as my mom and dad surprised me with a visit too! Old friends and new friends gathered on the island for a morning of fresh food, sweet treats, and fantastic company.

Again, the spread was amazing. The decor even suited Foster's nursery. Not that I was at all surprised, as both Robin and Sondra have impeccable taste! (All my friends do, it is a requirement!)


Thank you to all of those who came from far away and for those who just came down the street. Your support is appreciated more than words can say!

"Taking a Shower" at CIS

Although this may come as a surprise to many, I actually do not being in the spotlight for extended periods of time. Perhaps that is why I enjoyed playing the character parts in musicals. I got my 5 minutes of fame here and there, but never had to be the center of attention for any length of time. When I was engaged 6 years ago, many people at school wanted to throw me a "school shower." I just couldn't imagine sitting all alone up in a chair surrounded by 100 sets of eyes eagerly awaiting my next move or comment. As many of you know, I refused the shower and opted instead for a small gathering at a teammates house- much more my style...not to mention...more cake for me!

So, it was with gritted teeth that I accepted the opportunity to be honored at CIS this year. I was told that this was the way things were run. Unlike me, I went along with the charade and allowed my closest friends at school and dearest teammates, Heather and Missy to "Shower me!"

As suspected, I ended up at the front of a very large cafeteria, in a chair...alone...with several dozen pairs of eyes glaring at me, while I attempted to accept flattery of how great I looked (what a lie- as any pregnant woman knows, no matter what they say or how kind they think they are being- you only see one thing in the mirror- atl east I only see one thing in the mirror- FAT!), how lovely it was for me to be able to stay at home next year (I totally agree- although we will be shopping at the discount bread store), and of course listen to how excited everyone was for me.

Don't get me wrong...I am so grateful for all the people in my life. And for the generosity, kindness, and support I have received over the years. I am still amazed that even with my dry sense of humor and sarcastic sensibility, that anyone really ever gets me! Those who do...you are probably the only people who actually read my blog!

With that being said, thank you so much to the entire 4th grade at CIS who took the time and made the effort to help make Foster's arrival in the world easier on the both of us! A special thank you to Missy and Heather- the colors were perfect, the diaper cake precious and the Publix cake...delicious! I love you guys and can't wait for it to be my turn to shower you ( In front of a very large group of people!)

PS- I will post pictures just as soon as my good friends who threw the shower send them to me!

"Get in my Belly"

Okay all you persistent annoyances out there. I finally bit the bullet and decided to suck it up and show my very large belly...finally. I quote ad Austin Powers movie only to point out that obviously there is nothing else than can fit in my belly at this point. I am 28 1/2 weeks today and I feel like to look more like 35 weeks. Foster is huge. At my last appointment I was almost 2 centimeters longer than expected, and he has truly started to "own" the space between my ribs and my pelvic bone that I so proudly had as my own for so long!

So, obviously with a belly like this, I am having much more difficulty bending over, bending down, getting up, moving around. Anyone else think I should be done? Foster??? Want to come out yet? Mother is ready for your arrival and truly ready to once again take back ownership of her body!

By the way, Happy Mother's Day to my very special mother. Also, my mother-in-law and all those wonderful mothers I come in contact with. I have to be honest for a second...I was taken a back last week when many teachers at school not only received flowers for Teacher "un" appreciation week and mother's day, and I didn't. As many of you know, Daniel is usually so on top of things! Well, I was pleasantly surprised when my sweeter than honey hubbie surprised me on my first mother's day in bed with a diamond mother-son heart pendant. As we know, ladies...flowers smell nice, but they die and "Diamonds are a girl's best friend!"

Hope your day was as wonderful as mine. Love to all-

You Have a Baby...In a Bar!

Anyone who is southern is familiar with the movie, Sweet Home Alabama, right? Well, we had a baby...in a bar this past Saturday. Leave it to my sister to throw the most amazing baby shower- and yes, it was in a bar. A local Tavern called Marlow's was the location of Foster's first baby shower. Perfect, don't you think? The weather was perfect for sitting out on the patio- excellent food, fantastic spirits (for those not plus one), and the most fabulous company.



I appreciate all those who were able to make the shower and for all those who were there in spirit. We chatted about school- big surprise, kids, food, and of course...babies! I have decided that I have THE most generous, thoughtful, warm friends that anyone could ever ask for. Friends whom I have known for years are still there to support me through all of life-thick and thin. OF course, I am a bit thicker these days than thin!

Please excuse the plumper than usual cheeks in my photos and my swollen body. I intend on spending the majority of my life post baby either feeding baby, changing baby's diapers, or working out at the local YMCA- Thank goodness for childcare at gyms!

I cannot wait to share our sweet bundle of joy with everyone important to us in our life.

A very special thanks again to my always loyal, always extremely generous sister, my always gracious mother who helped her host such an incredible day, and my mother in law who came from North Carolina for the occasion.

I love you all so much!