So it's been about a week and a half since my last update. Oops! :) Asa and I took off to Tennessee for a quick visit with family before Anna Reaghan arrives. Her arrival should not not be imminent, but May is the last month I'll be able to travel home and it's full of all sorts of things going on back home that wouldn't make it possible for Mom to come get me (and we're saving Matt's time off for those early days and the holidays). She graciously came to retrieve us :), and we had FUUUN playing with cousins and one of Asa's little friends while we were in town. :)
We drove down on Thursday, and Asa was amazing in the car. He is usually awfully easy-going for how long he is strapped to a car seat. He's much more patient than I am--I wiggle and change positions constantly. He never made even one sound that was remotely fussy sounding. Incredible. The drive took up most of Thursday, and on Friday we tried to get Asa back into some kind of routine after being thrown off in by the car trip. We played outside a LOT and soaked up the beautiful Tennessee sunshine and spring time. Asa and I even accidentally had some rosy cheeks by the end of the day!
On Saturday Joy hosted a sweet gathering of my mom's closest friends and a few of my friends who still live in town to celebrate Anna Reaghan. I have never seen so much PINK in my life! I crack up and just how different this whole girl baby thing is from a boy baby... especially when it comes to clothes. :) Everything was incredibly thoughtful and the food was delicious (Joy's strawberry cake is amazing!), but the best part was seeing sweet friends who've known me and prayed for me for so long. I am so thankful, especially living far from home, to know we have an army of prayer warriors supporting us--even states away. :)
G-Pa played with Asa at home during the baby shower. They played outside at the water table and got soaked! :) One of Asa's uncles and a cousin came over to play during the shower as well, and I came home to find Asa alllll snuggled up in G-Pa's lap reading books (and in warm, dry clothes). It was a precious sight. :) We got the Bobe's down for a nap, and later in the evening Mimi came over (my mom's mom) for dinner on her very birthday! What a special lady to share the spotlight of the day with me. Our whole family party for her was on Sunday, but we still wanted to do something special on her very birthday. :)
On Sunday we got to worship at Cedar Springs and then have lunch with Brad & Joy and 2 of Asa's 4 Tennessee cousins. Asa actually ate as soon as we got home, and he played just long enough to see his cousins when they arrived after their church service. Then he was off to bed so he could be pleasant for the evening's birthday festivities. ;) Before the party we hopped over to my friend Rachel's house so we could catch up and Asa and her daughter Caroline could play. Caroline was so sweet to share everything in her playroom and Asa was mesmerized by her kazoo. :) Before we left, we played in her backyard and the kids had a few turns climbing up and sliding down the slide and a few pushes on the swings. :) All the fam came over that evening for yummy and fun grilled out birthday dinner in honor of my grandmother. I couldn't believe how all the cousins have grown!
On Monday and Tuesday we had more fun cousin time. I'm so glad we got to see ALL my family while we were in town, even though it felt like a quick trip! All the cousins are so sweet to Asa, and he just LOVES seeing them and copies whatever they do--he definitely came home with some new tricks to show Daddy. :)
Wednesday was spent back in the car driving to Ohio. Thankfully we had good weather, no car or road problems, and a cooperative traveler again. :) It's been fun to show Matt all our PINK! Mom stayed with us an extra day on this end so she wouldn't have to turn right around and drive back to TN by herself with basically no break. We had a leisurely day on Thursday and took care of a few minor errands before Asa showed G-Ma the huge park that's just a short distance from our new house. He loved going down the slide on the toddler playground and looking at the different structures (and giant tires) on the big kid playground, though he's not too sure of baby swings (he prefers the Fisher-Price kind that's very secure to the round baby swings at a park--those garner his "serious Asa" face). He loooooooved being "side! side!" (outside!) He isn't going to know what to do with himself when it warms up here in Ohio once and for all after being cooped up in the house all winter! :)
This morning we had a check-up with my doctor. I'm 28.5 weeks along (29 on Monday). Time is absolutely flying! I had the glucose tolerance test. Maybe I'm just naive, but I passed with flying colors with Asa, so I'm not anticipating a problem. It was a quick appointment as we have been so thankful to have another smooth, complication-free pregnancy. We have switched from appts. every 4 weeks to every 3 weeks now and will return for another appointment on May 6 (31 weeks), then one 3 weeks later (34 weeks), then 2 weeks later (36), and I think we switch to every week at 37 weeks. I can't believe we're at the point of going more frequently! The staff is always really friendly to Asa which I appreciate. I mean, goodness, they're in the baby business, but I know most people don't bring their little ones with them. They were super sweet to him today as Matt got held up at the office and couldn't meet me in time for the glucose test blood draw (he made it in time to hear Anna Reaghan's heartbeat, however ;)), so the nurses and I were working together to keep Asa occupied and distracted as he was a little clingy around all the strangers and Mommy having to do strange things. :)
That about catches you up on us! I hope to post pictures of Anna Reaghan's room soon. It's still a work in process as far as details, but we have her bedding in place and there are enough pieces coming together to give you a sneak peek. :)
We hope you have a wonderful weekend and a heart full of joy and worship this week as we celebrate and remember Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday.
Christ is Risen!
Showing posts with label showers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label showers. Show all posts
Friday, April 15, 2011
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Ten on Tuesday
1. God has been so gracious and merciful as we have sorted out Asa's growth. 2 weeks ago his tongue tie was corrected and during that week his weight gain returned to "normal" for a baby his age (about 2 oz.). This past week he really kicked the solids up into high gear and blew us all away! He gained TEN ounces in one week!!! Matt, our pediatrician, and I are ECSTATIC! Not only is he gaining how much he "should," but he is also gaining some "catch up" weight making up for lost time. We are thrilled and FILLED with praises!!
2. Asa is starting to play around with pushing and pulling up to a stand. He often plays sitting up on his knees when he's at his little lego table or crawling on Daddy or Mommy. Once he sat next to the couch and looked up with a wondering look on his face like he was trying to figure out how to see what was on the seat cushion. And today he was sitting next to the coffee table, reached up with the biggest grin, and got up to his knees. He tried to get a foot under him to stand but couldn't quite figure it out. He pushes up on everything, but that was his first time to try to pull up. UH OH! :)
3. I had the pleasure of hosting a baby shower for our dear friend Lauren on Sunday. We met her and her family through church and our small group. She has a 2 year old daughter who is oh-so-sweet to Asa (and calls all her baby dolls "Baby Asa"), and a new little one is due in a month! Lauren and her husband are waiting until the baby is born to find out if it is a boy or a girl, so we did a pretty yellow and green color scheme. And since they have all the baby basics already, we did a gift card shower. People who wanted to bring a gift brought gift cards for things like Target, Publix, and even Dunkin Donuts. :) It was so fun! We packed close to 20 people into our living room. And all the food people contributed looked scrumptious. The 2 other hostesses came up with a baby/Lauren version of Balderdash (you try to get your team to guess a word, like "baby," but there is a list of words you cannot say in your clues, like "infant, newborn, mom, dad, pregnant). There were lots of good laughs, and I think Lauren had a good time. :) I loved getting to use our home to be hospitable--that was a huge reason for us in making the leap to buying a house so soon after we married.
4. Matt was an ALL STAR during the shower. I had to feed Asa before it started, so he finished putting together little finger sandwiches for me (Sister Schubert rolls with provolone and prosciutto). Then he was planning on going out to play with Asa but got blocked in the garage. Instead they played in the backyard and took a walk a couple blocks down the street to look at the plants at a nearby nursery. And then when everyone was heading out and we hostesses were cleaning up, Matt fed Asa his dinner (peaches + pears). I am so thankful for him and his servant heart. All I had to do was ask (for whatever I needed) and it was done.
6. We will be repeating Asa's basic blood work next Monday and then seeing our doctor again on Tuesday. She should have the results of his blood work back by then (fast turn around!) and we'll weigh him again. If everything checks out okay, we won't have to go back until his 9 month well visit!
7. Asa is teething! Those two top front teeth are giving him a little bit of a hard time. I will be relieved for him when they finally break through and he gets some relief.
8. Asa's G-Ma is coming to visit next week! Woo hoo!!! We can't wait to see her. :)
9. We made a head board for our guest room bed. I covered canvases (super on sale!) with fabric that coordinates with the bed quilt. Then Matt hung them from me as if they are a head board. I love how it make it really look like a bed instead of a mattress and some pillows. And I love the bright, happy colors.
10. Asa is EIGHT months old today!!!
after a bath tonight... do you see his tummy sticking out?!?
2. Asa is starting to play around with pushing and pulling up to a stand. He often plays sitting up on his knees when he's at his little lego table or crawling on Daddy or Mommy. Once he sat next to the couch and looked up with a wondering look on his face like he was trying to figure out how to see what was on the seat cushion. And today he was sitting next to the coffee table, reached up with the biggest grin, and got up to his knees. He tried to get a foot under him to stand but couldn't quite figure it out. He pushes up on everything, but that was his first time to try to pull up. UH OH! :)
3. I had the pleasure of hosting a baby shower for our dear friend Lauren on Sunday. We met her and her family through church and our small group. She has a 2 year old daughter who is oh-so-sweet to Asa (and calls all her baby dolls "Baby Asa"), and a new little one is due in a month! Lauren and her husband are waiting until the baby is born to find out if it is a boy or a girl, so we did a pretty yellow and green color scheme. And since they have all the baby basics already, we did a gift card shower. People who wanted to bring a gift brought gift cards for things like Target, Publix, and even Dunkin Donuts. :) It was so fun! We packed close to 20 people into our living room. And all the food people contributed looked scrumptious. The 2 other hostesses came up with a baby/Lauren version of Balderdash (you try to get your team to guess a word, like "baby," but there is a list of words you cannot say in your clues, like "infant, newborn, mom, dad, pregnant). There were lots of good laughs, and I think Lauren had a good time. :) I loved getting to use our home to be hospitable--that was a huge reason for us in making the leap to buying a house so soon after we married.
the night before, setting serving pieces out
sweet Lauren with her mom and sister
decorations
flower arrangements I put together from Michael's
baby themed sweet tarts
I couldn't resist making some burp cloths
("handle with care" hedgehog and "lucky duck" duck)
("handle with care" hedgehog and "lucky duck" duck)
the sandwiches Matt helped with
5. Our temperatures here made it to the 70s today! I guess spring really IS going to come!6. We will be repeating Asa's basic blood work next Monday and then seeing our doctor again on Tuesday. She should have the results of his blood work back by then (fast turn around!) and we'll weigh him again. If everything checks out okay, we won't have to go back until his 9 month well visit!
7. Asa is teething! Those two top front teeth are giving him a little bit of a hard time. I will be relieved for him when they finally break through and he gets some relief.
8. Asa's G-Ma is coming to visit next week! Woo hoo!!! We can't wait to see her. :)
9. We made a head board for our guest room bed. I covered canvases (super on sale!) with fabric that coordinates with the bed quilt. Then Matt hung them from me as if they are a head board. I love how it make it really look like a bed instead of a mattress and some pillows. And I love the bright, happy colors.
before
after
after
10. Asa is EIGHT months old today!!!
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Finished!
Asa's room is FINISHED! Well, except for hanging a few pictures on the walls, it is DONE! Mom not only helped me cut the fabric for the curtains last week, she helped me sew them! I could not have done it without her. :) She showed me a new kind of seam to make them extra durable, helped me measure and mark off things, AND she would take the material to the ironing board to press it so I could sew it. It saved SO much time and up-and-down for me! Matt installed the curtain rods, and they are hanging!! I can hardly believe it! :) :) :) I thought about putting up pictures of the room, but we should be able to hang those final things this weekend (hooray for a long weekend!), so then I can post really, no kidding finished pictures (minus Asa, as far as we know....). ;) Mom made the most incredible cross-stitch that PERFECTLY matches Asa's bedding. That is the #1 thing we need to hang. We also have some amazing forest animal photographs Matt's uncle took that we need to choose from and hang 1 or 2. Lastly, I want to put a frame somewhere with the verses about Asa from 1 Kings on one side and the poem Mom wrote for Grandpa's birthday on the other side (so basically, the story behind his name). I'm SO thankful his room is ready for him before he's here. :) That is a huge blessing!
Now I'm on to things that are much more trivial. I am hoping to sew my nursing cover this evening. I'm going to try a sleep sack pattern, too. And I promised Matt I would embroider some things (bibs/burp cloths) with some designs he picked out. And we're packing our bags for the hospital, installing car seat bases, and all sorts of surreal things!
We had a really sweet shower on Saturday night hosted by our Bible study. It worked out that my mom was in town too, and it was really fun to have her meet the people she's been hearing about for the last year or so. God has provided us with friends. It was amazing to look around us and see in the flesh the community He has given us here over the past 3.5 years, and many of them just in the last year. It's been hard to wait at times, but He has been faithful in answering our prayers for friends here. And even friends going through this parenting transition at the same time as we are!
So the house is tidied up, Asa's room is ready, and as of tomorrow, Asa is a full term baby! He could really come any day now--though I don't *really* think it's RIGHT around the corner. It puts some things (like packing the hospital bag) in perspective to know it COULD be any day so we should go ahead and do them. :)
Even though I feel squished inside and my heartburn has returned with avengeance (confirming that he has indeed NOT dropped yet), I'm not physically at a point where I'm thinking, "Get this baby out me!" like you hear so often. The anticipation is getting to that point though. Matt and I were talking the other night about how I processed all the changes with getting married. As MUCH as I wanted to be married to him and couldn't wait to be back together after being apart 3 months, there was still this piece of grieving/letting go of life as I had known it for 20+ years, of leaving behind a lot (basically all) of familiarity. I told him this feels similar. I know in my head everything is about to change. And I HATE change--I am SUCH a creature of habit. But at the same time, I look forward to "meeting" Asa, holding him, and figuring out this "new life" together. I am so thankful for our faithful God who, though there were (/are) plenty of days I ached and cried for home after moving, has been SO INCREDIBLY gentle in adjusting me to life in Florida and as a wife and teacher. I know there will be times I miss just hopping in the car and doing what I need to do or spending a day however I want. But we are SO INCREDIBLE thankful for God's gracious gift of Asa in our lives and KNOW He is the one to lean on as we learn to be Dad and Mom and staying at home (for me).
We will keep you posted on any news and progress. We have our 37 week appointment tomorrow. And it sounds like he'll be here June 22 at the latest! :)
Love,
Becca
Now I'm on to things that are much more trivial. I am hoping to sew my nursing cover this evening. I'm going to try a sleep sack pattern, too. And I promised Matt I would embroider some things (bibs/burp cloths) with some designs he picked out. And we're packing our bags for the hospital, installing car seat bases, and all sorts of surreal things!
We had a really sweet shower on Saturday night hosted by our Bible study. It worked out that my mom was in town too, and it was really fun to have her meet the people she's been hearing about for the last year or so. God has provided us with friends. It was amazing to look around us and see in the flesh the community He has given us here over the past 3.5 years, and many of them just in the last year. It's been hard to wait at times, but He has been faithful in answering our prayers for friends here. And even friends going through this parenting transition at the same time as we are!
So the house is tidied up, Asa's room is ready, and as of tomorrow, Asa is a full term baby! He could really come any day now--though I don't *really* think it's RIGHT around the corner. It puts some things (like packing the hospital bag) in perspective to know it COULD be any day so we should go ahead and do them. :)
Even though I feel squished inside and my heartburn has returned with avengeance (confirming that he has indeed NOT dropped yet), I'm not physically at a point where I'm thinking, "Get this baby out me!" like you hear so often. The anticipation is getting to that point though. Matt and I were talking the other night about how I processed all the changes with getting married. As MUCH as I wanted to be married to him and couldn't wait to be back together after being apart 3 months, there was still this piece of grieving/letting go of life as I had known it for 20+ years, of leaving behind a lot (basically all) of familiarity. I told him this feels similar. I know in my head everything is about to change. And I HATE change--I am SUCH a creature of habit. But at the same time, I look forward to "meeting" Asa, holding him, and figuring out this "new life" together. I am so thankful for our faithful God who, though there were (/are) plenty of days I ached and cried for home after moving, has been SO INCREDIBLY gentle in adjusting me to life in Florida and as a wife and teacher. I know there will be times I miss just hopping in the car and doing what I need to do or spending a day however I want. But we are SO INCREDIBLE thankful for God's gracious gift of Asa in our lives and KNOW He is the one to lean on as we learn to be Dad and Mom and staying at home (for me).
We will keep you posted on any news and progress. We have our 37 week appointment tomorrow. And it sounds like he'll be here June 22 at the latest! :)
Love,
Becca
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Valentine's Day Shower for Asa
Last Saturday on Valentine's Day, Joy and Mom's friend Jane were so sweet as to host a baby shower for us!
There are lots of reasons the shower was special. One is because of the hosts--Joy and Jane are wonderful!! :) Another was the guests. :) It was mostly family friends who attended our wedding and families of children who were in our wedding. It was like getting to revisit our wedding day being surrounded by so many special people again!! There were also two very special guests--both of my grandmothers! My mom's mom lives in Knoxville, which is a fun treat. And my dad's mom was visiting the family in Tennessee (she lives in California), so the shower was scheduled to coincide with her visit! How fun is that?? Lastly, this was our first shower for Asa. What a way to kick things off!
Joy and Jane outdid themselves. There was SCRUMPTIOUS food for the brunch! Everyone raved about the delicious strawberry cupcakes, fresh fruit, granola, and just all the little treats they thought of--including candy message hearts with baby-related sayings on them. :) They also had little cards with heart stickers on them so guests could write Valentines to us or Asa. He received several sweet Valentines his first Valentine's Day. :)
We were overwhelmed in a wonderful way with things to help us take good care of Asa. It really was amazing! Thank you to everyone for the outpouring of support, excitement, and love! We can hardly believe that the next time we will be in Knoxville (that we know of), we will have Asa with us... in our arms! The night before we left I told Matt, "This is that last time we will sleep in this house just the two of us... after this, Asa will be with us!" Boy was that a wild thought--but an exciting one! :)
I will close with some pictures of gifts from our family! We are so thankful for each of you!! :)
Our wonderful hostesses, Joy and Jane
A quilt Aunt Lynn made (with a Precious Moments doll)
A hand-stitched blanket my mom's mom sewed
A sweet ducky layette set from Uncle Andy & Aunt Loreen and a bee rattle from my dad's mom
(I love that the ducks are from Uncle Andy & Aunt Loreen and the bee is from Grandma... if you know the family lore, you get it :) )
Asa's bedding from my mom and dad
Raccoon beanbag cover for the nursery from my parents (to go with the forest animal theme)
Fun doggy outfit from my parents
A blanket and another shot of "Matt's" burp cloth--Joy made both
A bib and burp cloth that Aunt Elaine made and 2 little wrist rattles
Tissue box cover and diaper changing station my dad's mom made
A cute elephant outfit from my dad's mom
A dino sleeper that says "best baby ever"... we couldn't agree more ;) (from my dad's mom)
Camo hood Joy sewed (it has matching camo pants!)
Sweet ducky kimono pjs (there are matching pants) that Joy sewed
Valentines to Asa
The table centerpiece
Baby conversation hearts
The spread--YUM!!
The delicious cupcakes! :)
Thank you again to everyone who made the day--and this time--so special! :)
There are lots of reasons the shower was special. One is because of the hosts--Joy and Jane are wonderful!! :) Another was the guests. :) It was mostly family friends who attended our wedding and families of children who were in our wedding. It was like getting to revisit our wedding day being surrounded by so many special people again!! There were also two very special guests--both of my grandmothers! My mom's mom lives in Knoxville, which is a fun treat. And my dad's mom was visiting the family in Tennessee (she lives in California), so the shower was scheduled to coincide with her visit! How fun is that?? Lastly, this was our first shower for Asa. What a way to kick things off!
Joy and Jane outdid themselves. There was SCRUMPTIOUS food for the brunch! Everyone raved about the delicious strawberry cupcakes, fresh fruit, granola, and just all the little treats they thought of--including candy message hearts with baby-related sayings on them. :) They also had little cards with heart stickers on them so guests could write Valentines to us or Asa. He received several sweet Valentines his first Valentine's Day. :)
We were overwhelmed in a wonderful way with things to help us take good care of Asa. It really was amazing! Thank you to everyone for the outpouring of support, excitement, and love! We can hardly believe that the next time we will be in Knoxville (that we know of), we will have Asa with us... in our arms! The night before we left I told Matt, "This is that last time we will sleep in this house just the two of us... after this, Asa will be with us!" Boy was that a wild thought--but an exciting one! :)
I will close with some pictures of gifts from our family! We are so thankful for each of you!! :)
Our wonderful hostesses, Joy and Jane
Gifts from Matt's parents--a Mei Tai (baby carrier) and changing pad cover
A monitor from Matt's parents
A sweet newborn sleeper from Matt's parents
Gifts from Matt's sister's family--a Boppy, 2 Boppy covers, and a mirror
A quilt Aunt Lynn made (with a Precious Moments doll)
Burp cloths Joy made (ducks on the left for me, fish on the right for Matt)
Receiving blankets my mom's mom made
Crib sheets my mom's mom sewed
A hand-stitched blanket my mom's mom sewed
A sweet ducky layette set from Uncle Andy & Aunt Loreen and a bee rattle from my dad's mom
(I love that the ducks are from Uncle Andy & Aunt Loreen and the bee is from Grandma... if you know the family lore, you get it :) )
Asa's bedding from my mom and dad
Raccoon beanbag cover for the nursery from my parents (to go with the forest animal theme)
Fun doggy outfit from my parents
A blanket and another shot of "Matt's" burp cloth--Joy made both
A bib and burp cloth that Aunt Elaine made and 2 little wrist rattles
Tissue box cover and diaper changing station my dad's mom made
A cute elephant outfit from my dad's mom
A dino sleeper that says "best baby ever"... we couldn't agree more ;) (from my dad's mom)
Camo hood Joy sewed (it has matching camo pants!)
Sweet ducky kimono pjs (there are matching pants) that Joy sewed
Valentines to Asa
The table centerpiece
Baby conversation hearts
The spread--YUM!!
The delicious cupcakes! :)
Thank you again to everyone who made the day--and this time--so special! :)
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