Baby Shower!

This weekend, three lovely friends of mine threw me a baby shower.  In the midst of everything else that is going on (selling a house, moving, building a house, moving again...), this was a great time to really sit back and enjoy the fact that I am about to be a Mommy!  And, it gave me a GREAT excuse to hang out with a bunch of friends and family all in one spot - something that is not to be taken for granted!

The shower was fabulous.  After a trip to the nail salon for a much-needed pedicure, Joyce and I drove over to the church just in time for the shower.  As people began to arrive, the mingling began!  So many people that I love at one time - fan-tastic!  We ate some uber-yummy food (brought to you by the Whiting/Olsen clan), and the went into the gift opening and Bingo game.  Everyone outdid themselves with the gifts - from books to stuffed animals - to basic necessities like onesies and washclothes - everything was so cute!  I really am getting so excited for Kiddo to show up! I know I still have about three months to go - but, still...! :)

After the shower, Joyce and I bombarded my soon-to-be new home (thanks Mark!) with all the presents...and then she brought me back to the condo; we rested a bit before we all (Rich included) began packing.  I had done some preliminary packing before now, but since we just got the appraisal approved this past week, we can really start getting in the swing of things without hesitiation -- which is good, since we have to move NEXT Saturday! Whoa!

So, packing went on for a few hours before we had to leave for dinner with the other Olsen crew.  Rich and I also packed today after church for a few hours.  I am hoping that we can get it all done before Saturday! I am really glad that I decided to take a half day on Friday to get everything finalized and ready to go.  I think that will really help alleviate the 'down to the wire' feeling that I am sure to bump into this week.

This week ahead marks 26 weeks on the pregnancy calendar.  A few weeks ago, I started to feel the baby kicking. Easter Sunday, actually.  That was the first time I felt anything from the outside of my stomach.  I'd been feeling some movement, but this was really distinct.  Ever since, the baby has been very active - at least 2-3 times a day I am able to feel a kick or at least what must be the backstroke.  Our kid is either going to be a soccer player or a serious swimmer!  This weekend, Rich was able to feel the kick on the outside for the first time, as well! Very cool!

Anyways...almost to my third trimester.  And, almost to the next doctor appt. where I get poked and prodded with needles (eek!) - but, it is also the next ultrasound, so Rich and I are really praying that the minor issue we are facing has cleared up, and we can avoid the C-Section - well, at least the planned one.  Only God knows for sure how this baby is getting out! :)

Time for this Momma to head to bed.  Thanks again to everyone who made the shower so special!