DEEP THOUGHTS FROM THE 3RD TRIMESTER...

31 Weeks!! Only 9 to go!!! This week, Ray and I started our Childbirth Education Series. I was shocked that there were so many couples in our class!! So many babies are due around the same time as Taylor!! The class was very educational, a little thrilling and, to be honest, a bit terrifying. What are the stages of labor, how will I know if I’m in labor, when do I go to the hospital? So much to think about and remember!

At the end of the class, we went around the room and expressed what this pregnancy means to us. The class was a strong mixture of ages, social classes, and races. So, I was anxious to hear everyone’s thoughts. For the most part, all of us had similar responses…Its our first child…We are starting our family…Its our little miracle baby…The positives went on and on. The very last couple to speak was a bit older than most of us in the class. And for this pair, the husband did the speaking,

“Its our first baby. And, I’m not gonna lie, we are SCARED!”

The entire class roared with laughter, not because his comment was funny. Simply because it was real, it was the most honest answer in the class. Because, lets admit it, as happy as we are about bringing a beautiful baby girl into the world, Ray and I are a bit scared. Sleepless nights, screaming baby, and diaper changes are nothing compared to the big picture. From the moment that Taylor takes her first breath outside of the womb, we are responsible for something so much greater than ourselves. Another life. Raising Taylor will be a roller coaster of emotions, filled with tears of joys, sighs of frustration, and many, many prayers. God has provided us with an amazing gift, and we are so grateful. And although we may not know everything about babies, toddlers, and teenagers, and we are a little nervous, we know our faith, friends, and families will help guide us in the path to being phenomenal parents.

30 WEEKS!!!!

Well, we are down to our final 10 weeks! I am now going to the doctor every 2 weeks for check ups. At my last appointment, I drank the super-sweet tang drink and the doc tested my glucose levels. I passed with flying colors! Today, we listened to Taylor's heartbeat and talked about all of the random, piddly discomforts that come in the third trimester. So far, I'm not too uncomfortable. Finally, we talked briefly about Taylor's current position...BREECH! That's right, folks, at 30 weeks, Taylor is still sitting head up in my belly. Of course, there is still time for her to turn, but if Taylor waits too much longer, poor thing is going to get herself stuck in that position. For the past 2 weeks, I have been feeling her attempt to spin around. She makes it halfway, gets stuck, and then wiggles herself back to the same position. She sure is determined, but so far, not successful. For now, we are just saying our prayers that Taylor will figure that spin out. If Baby Taylor is still breech at 34 weeks, the doctor will begin discussing alternate means of delivery with Ray and me...cesarean. But until then, we just have to keep our faith in the idea that God knows what is best for both me and Taylor. We shall see!

Thought I would share a little teaser pic of what Taylor is going to look like...

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!

Can you believe it? Today is our 3rd anniversary! Time flies when you having fun! It seems like just yesterday Ray and I were saying our vows, sipping champagne, and riding off for a wonderful honeymoon and a very exciting future! Three years and a baby on the way!

VACATIONS AND BABYMOONS...

Ray and I have really been enjoying ourselves in these last few months before Taylor is born. We have become quite the little travelers, with a new destination every weekend! As I mentioned in my previous post, we spent a long weekend in Houston with the Jarvis family. It was tons of fun, including some Wii time and fireworks.

Several weekends before Houston, we spent 3 days in Destin with the Crawford/Langham crew. What more could an expectant mother want, relaxing in a lounger, sand between my toes, and a good book. We soaked up some sun, worked a few puzzles, and enjoyed watching Baby Braylin sass it up (a beach babe in training!). Father's Day was very special...we celebrated my Dad, a New Dad (Jay), and Taylor's Dad-To-Be! have received quite a few emails regarding our new blog title picture. Sarah took some pictures to help us document my growing belly. Didn't she do great?

And the traveling isn't over. This weekend will be our last vacation pre-baby...a babymoon! Ray and I leave tomorrow evening for Ponte Vedra, Florida. We are going to Laura & BJ's wedding and staying a few extra days, for a little 'us' time...golf, spa, and laying by the pool (if the weather holds out!).

KEEPSAKES...

Ray and I (and Taylor, of course) had a wonderful Fourth of July weekend in Houston with the Jarvis Family! We lounged around the pool and ate plenty of yummy food. We didn't come home empty handed. Ray and I did squeeze in some shopping for our little lady and we brought home a few very special keepsakes. First, we found Ray's teddy bear from his childhood. As soon as we saw it perched up on a shelf, Ray said he wanted Taylor to have it. The adorable teddy has found a new home in Taylor's nursery.Years ago, way before ultrasounds were able to tell us whether we were having a boy or girl, Mary was preparing for her first child. In the weeks before the birth of her first child, she made a blue gingham outfit for a little boy and a blue gingham dress and bonnet for a little girl. Well, as most of you know, Mary and Lamar had a boy...Jeff. She put the dress away and saved it for the next child. Sure enough, God blessed them with another son...Ray. Once again, Mary packed the dress away. And now, with the first girl being born in our Jarvis family, the dress will finally be worn! I'm sure so many of you (KayDees especially) will LOVE it!! The lace trim and pearl buttons... it is adorable! And I just might have to find a tiny pair of red booties to create Taylor's first Halloween costume, Dorothy.

AND THE NURSERY BEGINS TO TAKE SHAPE...

Well, it has begun. Our extra room is starting to look like Taylor's Nursery! This past weekend, with the help of our dear friend Ben Foster, Ray picked up and assembled our baby furniture. Then, today, we received a very exciting package in the mail...OUR BEDDING!!! So, our nursery is on its way. We still have quite a ways to go...changing pads, lampshades, glider, decor for the walls. But, so far, Ray and I LOVE it and we are sure Taylor will too!!!

23 WEEKS AND GROWING....

I thought I could share a few belly photos. Its growing like crazy!!!