39 Weeks! April 30!!

I can hardly believe I'm even typing: 39 weeks! I remember when I was 10 weeks pregnant and thinking this day would never come. Sure enough, we find ourselves one week from our due date! I can finally say I'm READY to have this baby! I really hope he decides to come SOON... (like this weekend) soon! I'm having normal Braxton Hicks contractions and I suppose being on my feet most of the day (still teaching through tomorrow) is hopefully helping move this process along!

We just can't wait to see him and hold him and get to know him! We also can't wait to finally share his name! I'd like to post more pictures of the completed nursery but his initials are hanging above the crib and his name is on the hutch so we'll hold off until he gets here. Plus pictures will be so much cuter with him in them! :)

Baby A's bag is packed (or should I say, overpacked!) I know he doesn't need much, but I have multiple outfits depending on the weather and how big he is. I have a stack of way too many clothes for me on the floor just waiting to be thrown into a bag and Chris keeps telling me he is going to pack any day now! Our toiletries are ready, the camera batteries are charging, the baby book, cord blood kit, and list of phone numbers is on the kitchen table. Our friend has the key to come let Daisy out, the car seat is in the car... what are we forgetting?!

We'll keep you posted!

Update: Okay, here is the official 39 week picture with my two babies…

38 Weeks! (Whoa!) April 23!

It’s hard to believe we could be just two weeks from meeting this little guy! Chris and I keep hearing stories of people going “early” with their babies that I think the reality of this is really setting in. As anxious as we are to meet Baby A, we’re happy to wait two more weeks. We still have lots on our “to do” list and I am still teaching until next Friday (and possibly longer).

Here is my 38 week shot in my Jog-a-thon t-shirt. I’m happy to report that 9.5 months pregnant I still walked around the track with my students on their fundraiser day. (I didn’t do as many laps as previous years, but still got a little exercise.) :)

I’m also including a picture with my favorite pregnancy craving (or perhaps just guilty pleasure). :)

37 Weeks! April 16th!

It hit us this weekend that Baby Atkinson could come ANY day! So we did some major crossing off on our To DO List!! This weekend consisted of a Babies R Us run, a Baby Shower, and LOTS of assembling of Baby Stuff. Here is a picture of me before we ran a bunch of errands.

It is pretty weird to have a Pack n Play next to our bed just waiting for our little guy. Assembling the Pack n Play proved to be slightly stressful. First we had to assemble it, then we had to hook up the bassinet feature correctly installing the vibrator feature. Next we had to attach the changing table to the top and the “Napper” Feature which is essentially a little bouncer type cradle that the baby can sleep in. This also plays music, nature sounds, and vibrates. So we FINALLY had all the parts together (and did I mention we were doing all of this in the nursery?!) when we realized it would probably NOT fit through the door. This didn’t keep us from trying. We (gently) shoved it through the door and made it half-way before getting stuck on the back wheels. Now we’re stuck in the doorway. We shoved (not as gently this time) the Pack n Play back into the nursery and took it apart completely and re-assembled it in our bedroom. The good news is that we are both PRO’S in the art of Pack n Play Assembly and Tear-Down! :)

36 Weeks! April 9th!

We have a few pictures of BOTH Chris and me together for the 36 week shot! The best part about these pictures is that they were taken by Joel when he and Liz came home from China! We’re all so glad to have them back in the US and especially glad they will be here to welcome their nephew soon!!

We also had a wonderful time celebrating our Risen Savior this weekend! My mom and dad came to Indy to celebrate Easter (and Dad’s Birthday/Master’s Sunday) with us.

Baby A’s Nursery

The progression of crib assembly…

Now it’s time to PAINT!

(March) and April Showers bring May Babies!

Baby Atkinson has been blessed with some wonderful showers!! Here are a few pictures from those special days!

Ohio ShPublish Postower: March 21st

There were lots of football and Ohio State related gifts at this shower. Imagine that!? :)

Mary Jo (and Kristie) were our gracious hostesses. It was a beautiful shower!

An amazing diaper cake from Donna and Debbie!

Michigan Shower: April 4th

Mom’s good friends and our wonderful hostesses Wendy and Linda.

My awesome helpers, Linnea and Karin!

Erica and Benjamin came from Texas and Brittany, Adam, Linnea, Karin (and Belle) came from Minnesota. We love you guys!

Special friends Mrs. VanderHorst and Amber!

Baby Benjamin just hanging out with all the ladies!

We also celebrated Dad’s birthday this weekend! Papa with his grandkids, we missed you, Jasper!

Both our schools threw us wonderful showers!

HCS Staff Shower thrown by my fourth grade team of teachers and Aides. :)

Darcy, Tracy, Me, Jen, and Barb. Thank you for such a fun shower!

HCS Classroom Shower:

This is my wonderful room mom and other moms who hosted the shower!

Here is my very special class and maternity leave sub, Mrs. Wiley! My students and their parents definitely showered Baby A with many wonderful gifts! The kids made us an advice book for raising a child and decorated diapers for Baby Atkinson. It was SUCH a fun shower! The food was delicious and the kids were really into it and on their best behavior, what more could you ask for?! :) I love this class and will miss ending the year with them. I’m so glad they are in good hands!

We’ll try to get up some pictures of the Towne Meadow Showers soon!

Finally, we were blessed with a beautiful shower by our College Park Church small group!

To say that we are humbled by this outpouring of love would be an understatement! We are so blessed by such wonderful families, friends, and co-workers!