Thursday, May 28, 2009

Here's Looking at You, Kid!


I wanted to post our most recent ultrasound picture of Miss Gillian Grace. This photo was taken May 15. I had an ultrasound appointment to confirm that my measurements were due to baby size and not excess amniotic fluid. The ultrasound confirmed that Gillian was the sole contributor to my size. According to the calendar, at my last appointment, I was 30 weeks exactly. Gillian's measurements put her at 32 weeks and 2 days. Her estimated weight was 3 lbs. and 14 oz.---nearly 4 lbs.

During the ultrasound appointment Kristy, the Jelly Girl as I like to call her, asked if we minded if she switched to the 4D equipment. Of course we didn't mind at all and the end result was quite possibly the clearest picture of Gillian we'll ever see until she makes her debut sometime this July. The picture shows Gillian's profile and the umbilical cord floating past her face. It was neat to see her teeny nose and closed eyes---she's looks so at peace! Although not 100% certain, we think we even see signs of dark hair on her head.

Gillian was in the top percentiles for all her measurements. Dr. Helen even told us that according to her femur measurement, she's projected to be tall. Now I must admit that the thought of my daughter being able to buy pants off the rack without having them altered was exciting. However, we all know that these predictions are really nothing more than educated guesses at this point. After all, the doctors once told mom that I was going to be between 5'7-5'8 and we all know how that turned out.

Today we have our next appointment. It seems like every time I turn around, we're heading to the hospital for another appointment. I guess I should get used to it especially since it won't be long before we're schlepping to the hospital every week for appointments during the final weeks of my pregnancy.

As of tomorrow, only 8 weeks to go---6 weeks if you're going by Gillian time!

There's so much left to do!

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Sneak Peek

We've been working on the nursery for weeks now. Last weekend my parents came over to help us pick up the nursery furniture. Dad and Bret then had the task of putting it all together while mom and I headed out for yet another afternoon of shopping.

The nursery furniture is beautiful! Bret and I are extremely grateful for the generosity of my parents for furnishing the entire nursery for us! Thanks Gammie and Grandad!

For now I'll leave you with a sneak peek of the fabrics that we used as both color inspiration and bedding for Gillian's nursery.

Let us know what you think!

Baby Classes


Last week, Bret and I began our four week long birthing/baby classes. Let's just say that it is not something that either of us looks forward to each Wednesday.

Despite learning some helpful information like the signs of labor, breathing techniques, and strategies for coping with labor, the bulk of the information shared was...hmm, how shall say this...interesting! For example, did you know that olive oil is not just something to sprinkle over your pasta to keep it from sticking, but that it can also be used around your hooha creating a slip and slide for the baby. Is that a great mental image or what?! Well, needless to say when we heard this tidbit Bret and I exchanged looks, both understanding what the other was thinking...Whatcha talkin' bout, Willis?



The nurse also went on to share about the other items that we should consider bringing with us to the hospital---lavender, chamomile, massage oils, massage instruments, and a meditation point (picture to focus on in order to relax). Ummm, the last time I checked I was preparing for the birth of my baby at a hospital not a vacation to Club Med.

Our nurse openly discussed her opinions about childbirth. For her childbirth is a natural not a medical procedure. Although, I applaud all of the brave women willing to have a natural childbirth, it is simply not for me. I'm under no false pretenses that I can be Wonder Woman (I lost the wristbands years ago) and do not endure extreme pain well. The thought of squeezing a baby-- the size of a watermelon-- through one of the smallest orifices in the body, doesn't sound remotely like something I'd like to attempt without a little help from Dr. Feelgood.

What's in store for us today is anyone's guess. Stay tuned!

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Get Well Soon!

A few weeks back my Aunt Helen had surgery. Just wanted to say that we're thinking of you and sending best wishes for a speedy recovery your way! We love you!

Congratulations, Les!



I'm happy to announce that my cousin, Leslie, and her husband Scott welcomed their first bundle of joy into the world on Sunday, May 17th. This was an exciting weekend for all, especially this side of the family as just hours before giving birth, Leslie's sister (my cousin Jennifer)graduated from Virginia Tech.

We're all eagerly awaiting pics of the newest member of the family, not to mention that we're all holding our breath to learn what name she will be given.

Keep us posted! We love you!

Way to Go, Jennifer!



On behalf of the entire family, I'd like to offer a huge CONGRATULATIONS to my cousin, Jennifer Lynn! On Saturday, May 16th she graduated from Virginia Tech.

You've come a long way, baby! Best wishes on the exciting unknowns that the next chapter of your life will bring. We are very proud of you and are sending long distance hugs your way!

Green Acres

So, perhaps Green Acres isn't the most accurate title for this post considering our lot is closer to a 1/4 an acre, but it certainly sets the stage for some very exciting news for us---we have a yard! Okay, now I'm sure you are probably thinking to yourself, gosh slow down there Webbs, you're getting kind of wild and crazy with such mind blowing news as a new lawn. Well, considering that Bret and I have been green with envy at all the well manicured lawns in the area since moving into our new home nearly one year ago, we are elated to finally have a bit of the green stuff to call our own.

Last week, Dad drove his truck over from Pensacola loaded with mulch and ready to help lay three palettes of sod. In one afternoon's time our house was completely transformed! It's amazing the difference a yard can make. Luckily for me, being pregnant got me out of ALL the work. I was given the title of Project Supervisor. After all, someone has to keep those boys in line. Luckily, I didn't have to pull a Trump and fire anyone!

Grass was phase one of the landscaping project. Next on the agenda...plants!

I'm proud of all the progress to date! Thanks Dad and Bret for all of your hard work!





Happy Belated Birthday, Bret!


One of the most important things to happen in the last month was Bret's birthday. On May 8th we celebrated not just any birthday, but Bret's 30th birthday! The day was filled with many birthday blessings from family and friends.

Everyone that knows Bret knows that he is really uncomfortable being the center of attention. With that in mind, I knew that he would never willingly share his big news with his co-workers. Not wanting Bret to go all day without a birthday wish or two at work, I arranged for a special surprise to be delivered to his office---balloons! Bret's colleagues and secretary arranged for another surprise, a giant chocolate birthday cake during morning coffee. Yummy!

My SPS Shower

On Thursday, May 7th, my friends at St. Paul's honored me with a baby shower at a co-workers home. It was a beautiful shower complete with all the amenities that make a social event fabulous---good conversations, advice, friends, and of course delicious CAKE! My mom and Aunt Helen made the short drive over from Pensacola to join the celebration. Showing none of the apprehension most Dads-to-be may have about attending an event with all women, Bret once again charmed the pants (or should I say pearls, after all we are in the South) off those ladies!

My second grade team hosted the shower and set the bar high for future showers, including those that I may host in the future. I feel truly blessed to have such wonderful friends in my life. Liza, Lonnie, Kim, and Heather are truly amazing women and I know that despite my new career path as a stay-at-home mom, we'll remain close.

Unlike the surprise shower hosted a few weeks prior by my second graders and their moms, I knew about this shower. The weather was surprisingly pleasant for the early May date. As I opened my gifts on the deck surrounded by family and friends the smell of Confederate jasmine and honeysuckle wafted through the air on a nice breeze and I couldn't help thinking about the many ways God has and continues to bless my life.







It's Been a While...



Well, it's been a while since our last post. Bret and I apologize for the delay. Now that school has come to an end for summer, and for me indefinitely, I should have more time to keep our blog up to date. As many of you already know, I have chosen not to return to St. Paul's in the fall, and instead take on my hardest but most rewarding teaching experience to date---being a mother to Baby Girl Gillian !

Thanks for being patient! Here goes my best attempt at catching you up to speed on all that's happened in the month since our last post.