34 weeks...

I was happy to find out that we are now out of the clear for a premature baby as I have been quite nervous about preterm labor. Thus, I am thankful to find out that babies born after 34 weeks who have no other health problems generally do o.k. They may, however, need a short stay in a neonatal unit but will do as well as full-term babies in the long run.

I have been lucky thus far to have not developed any stretch marks. I assumed since I have gotten so big, so fast these last few weeks that I would begin to see them. Fortunately, I don't see any so far...yeah!

Baby Armstrong can now ride in the car.

My battle buddy Kristen Poe, who I wrote about earlier in this blog, purchased a car seat and a stroller for our little peanut. I was so excited to receive this gift, that I IMMEDIATELY ripped opened the boxes and started to put everything together. I think I started this project about 9:30 pm one night after I had gotten hom from school. TJ asked, "Are you going to put that together tonight." I couldn't believe he even had to ask that question. I had two huge boxes sitting in front of me...it was like Christmas...of course I was going to put them together. I can't wait to go on walks with our little peanut. I'm sure they will become part of our daily routine.

Thank you so much for this generous gift and thinking about us.

Kristen Poe will soon be returning from her deployment overseas. We hope and pray for her safe return and are excited to see her.

God Speed Poe!

Our first baby shower.

The ladies at work threw me my first shower. TJ was unfortunately unable to attend due to his crazy schedule. He was at the confidence course that day with his platoon. Guys aren't really into the shower thing anyway. As you can see, we received many, many gifts. Peanut's closet was pretty empty prior to the shower, but that has all changed now. Thank you so much to the ladies and gentleman of the DFAS office. I am truly grateful for all of your support and generosity throughout my pregnancy. Words cannot express my gratitude...

My little baby is coming

The day is drawing near.

And so I spend my time dreaming

of my sweet baby dear.

I dream of little hands,

precious feet and angel eyes,

I dream of reading stories,

playing games and singing lullabies.

And while I ponder

such sweet and happy days,

My thoughts are turned to those

who have helped me along the way.

Nine months is quite a long wait
And it hasn't always been fun.

But thanks to sweet friends like you,

I am almost done!

Happy Mother's Day...

First off, I hope all you Mother's had a fabulous Mother's Day!

Mother...we all have one. Life starts in her womb. That miracle of life only occurs to a woman which nobody can take away. A title that spells the meaning of womanhood. A role that entails more than just bearing a child but raising a being to be part of this humanity. Attached to it , is not just joy, not just fulfillment but responsibilities. And for a day in 365 days , we have one chance to honor her. I love you mom!

I am 33 weeks today. Peanut is still moving quite frequently. At the birthing class, I was informed that I should be monitoring baby kicks for any changes. So far no changes...which tell us little Armstrong is doing just fine. It is becoming quite difficult to find comfortable positions to sleep, which makes sleeping soundly a challenge. Other than being tired, exhausted and the frequent heartburn, I really feel pretty good. I know that it could be so much worse from talking to other mothers...

This week we were surprised by the news that my cousin, Nicole and her husband Frank, are expecting. Congratulations! I am so excited to be going through this experience together. Unfortunately, she has been suffering through morning sickness for most of her pregnancy thus far. I didn't have much advice for her in this area, as peanut has been pretty good to mommy. I didn't get sick too often. I did, however, have my bad days. Fortunately, the good days definitely outnumbered the bad ones. I was able to send Nicole all of my baby books. I went a little overboard in the book buying department at the beginning of my pregnancy. With a full-time job and going to school full-time the books only collected dust. I was, however, able to enjoy a few books. I hope she is able to get more use out of them then I did.

Maranda's recommendations:

1. Belly laughs by Jenny McCarthy

2. Baby Bargains by Denise Fields

3. What to Expect When Your Expecting by by Heidi Murkoff and Sharon Mazel

The best informative website: baby center.com

32 weeks and counting...

Baby Armstrong now weights about 3.75 pounds and is about 16.7 inches long. Little peanut is taking up a lot of space in my belly. As a result, my uterus is pushing up near my diaphragm and crowding my stomach. The consequences from this...heartburn. Tums has become one of my best friends. I was pleasantly surprised how much better they taste these days.

This Saturday, May 9th, I also attended a birthing class at Phelps County hospital where I will be delivering. Unfortunately, TJ was unable to attend due to his crazy schedule. Being a first time mom I was overwhelmed with questions, fears, and didn't know what to expect. This class was able to to help calm my nerves and answered all of my questions. The class covered breastfeeding, pain management, vaginal birth, and cesarean birth. We also were taken on a tour of the maternity ward. Thank you ladies of Phelps County for making us feel comfortable. It was a great learning experience. I think all mothers should attend this class before delivery...