Baby Shower #2

We had Baby Shower #2 last weekend. I have been meaning to post sooner, but I have been sick for nearly 2 weeks with a double ear infection and who knows what else. I'm on prescription #3 and seeing a little light at the end of the tunnel finally!

My mother-in-law and sister-in-laws did a fabulous job with the baby shower. I felt miserable, but still enjoyed my time. Some of my favorite things were they had each guest create a scrapbook page. I now have a scrapbook compiled...all I need to do is put the pictures in it! Kara, Nate's sister came up with this idea and what a gift that will be treasured for many many years! Another cute thing was, Nate's mom gathered favorite books of family members and sat them around as decorations with a note inside saying whose favorite book it was. So, our baby boy has a nice book collection already. Lastly, my sister-in-law, Danielle created the cutest party favors. She had a blue tub full of bathsalts for each guest with rubber duckies, as well as a robe and washclothes for our little guy.

Sadly, I didn't get many pictures with guests or family, but here are a few to share. Enjoy!

My family creating their scrapbook page Other guests working on their scrapbook pagesMary and Janice Walsh...you'll learn more about this amazing family in future blog updates! (Missed you, Jackie)

Me with one of my cakes and Aunt Kara (Nate's sister)

Friends, family, and food! Auntie Meghan and Aunt Danielle Aunt Danielle made this blanket...so cute!
After the guests left, the guys came to eat and help load up all the baby gifts...these 2 boys got stuck at the chocolate fountain for awhile (Landon and Alex). Nate's family's favorite booksThe adorable party favors made by Aunt Danielle

Uncle Nate practicing his daddy skills :)

I thought I'd post a few pictures of Nathan playing with our nephew, Landon and nieces, Emma, and Estella. My sister, her husband, and the kids came to Findlay and stayed the night in a hotel before baby shower #2. It brings me such joy to see Nate with the kids...they seem to adore him, as some of these pictures you can tell! :)

Landon and Emma with Uncle NateUncle Nate and Estella
Scott, Estella, Emma, Landon, and Nate

Playing with the bubbles in the hot tubEmma loves her Uncle Nate! Everyone says she is just like a "Little Joy." :) No wonder she loves him!

Baby Shower #1

This weekend we traveled down to Greenville as my mom and sisters hosted a baby shower for me. We had a fun time and got lots of baby goodies! Our baby boy is spoiled already! :) Enjoy the pictures! and thanks to all who were able to be a part of my day.

Gifts from my friend, Tracy (we met in a really neat way and have a lot in common, including our due dates of our 1st babies).

Gifts from my Cross Country Coach and his wife, Karen

Highchair from Aunt Kara Clouse (Nate's sister)Jumperoo from Aunt Kara Wenger (my sister), Emma, and Estella
Me with my mom and sistersAuntie Joy with Estella and Emma Me with my grandma, mom, sisters, and nieces My mother-in-law, Deb and 2 of my sister-in-laws, Meghan and KaraSome more guestsAnd more...My friends, Alison (& Carley) and Erin (& Ellie and Emilie)Erin and I :)Baby Boy's BEAUTIFUL changing table made by my father-in-law, Lee...we LOVE it! Thank you, "Grandpa!"

Have a fabulous week!

Love,

Joy, Nate, and Baby BOY

29 Week Update

Hello all! We had our routine OB appointment today. Baby Boy has a strong heartbeat (in the 150's). He's still measuring a week small, but he has for the last several weeks. As long as they see consistent growth, they aren't worried.

The third trimester fatigue has definitely set in. Of course, I don't think this Ohio winter weather helps either!

We had our 3rd childbirth class last night. A pediatrician came in to talk who was really quite humorous. He covered quite an array of topics that Nate and I found very useful. We also went over some breathing and relaxation techniques and watched a video on carseat safety. We have one class left, but it's not until February 17th.

Nothing else really to report right now. Nate's upstairs working on the baby's room as I type and I'm...well, possibly heading to the couch to rest a bit before fixing dinner! :)

Love,
Joy, Nate, and Baby BOY

7 Month Belly Pictures

7 Month BellyBaby Boy Anderson has 3 more months of baking!I couldn't resist putting a picture of our "first" baby on here. :)

This past Tuesday we hit the 28 week mark=7 months! I know I say this each time, but it truly is hard to believe we only have 3 more months to go! I've been busy eating and sleeping and Nate's been busy working the baby's room. :)

Last night we had our 2nd night of our childbirth class. We toured the maternity floor which is only 2 years old. That was fun to see and very nice. We also watched a video on epidurals and saw several slides on c-sections. I'm happy to report Nate made it through the night without breaking a sweat! :) What a trooper!

We have our next routine OB appointment next Wednesday. Our appointments are now 2 weeks apart. That's all for now!

Thanks for sharing in our journey!

Love,

Joy, Nate, and Baby BOY!

Our First Childbirth Class...

Well, last night we had our first childbirth class at the hospital. Our instructor is great and very knowledgeable and she actually knew Nathan. We also had some other familiar faces in the class, which was fun to see. Someone I used to work with, someone Nate used to work with, and then someone from Nate's high school.

Anyway...the class was very interesting and fun. Nate and I had a couple of giggles. My favorite part of the class was the introductions. Why the introductions? Well, we had to say our name, due date, boy/girl, and one fear we have about labor and delivery. All of the husbands had the same comment...basically they hope for a healthy baby and a smooth delivery for their wife (worried about something being wrong with the baby or their wife being in too much pain, etc.). Well, it gets to my precious husband and he says, "Well, I'm worried about myself. I'm queasy and don't deal with blood very well, so I'm not sure how I'm going to do this." Needless to say, the entire class laughed. So, now that I know that's his biggest fear...do I have any backups for coach in case my husband hits the floor cold? :) No, really...I think he'll end up doing a great job.

I also have to share a story about my nephew, Alex. He's such a cute kid who has such an imagination. Picture the boy, Ralphie from the movie, "A Christmas Story." :) Alex is 6 years old and would totally be a hit on the TV show that aired called, "Kids Say the Darndest Things." I was talking to him on the phone yesterday and he asked me, "Aunt Joy, how is your baby boy? Is he the number one champion?" I have no idea where that came from, but my answer was, "Of course he is! Absolutely!" He then said, "Aunt Joy, does he control you?" Ha! I just had to laugh and all I could respond with was, "Not yet..." Love it!

PS...Alex lost his first tooth tonight and was excited to tell Aunt Joy about it over the phone

27 Weeks Along!!!

Just a quick update on Baby Boy Anderson...we had our routine OB appointment today. However, we were there yesterday, as well. I had some "light" contractions and crampiness on Sunday all day/night long. So, they had me come in yesterday to run a few tests. I have an infection, so am now on antibiotics, as well as probiotics. Everything should clear up within a few days.

Today Baby Boy Anderson's heart rate was at 149 beats per minute. My belly seems to be measuring about 1 centimeter too small, but the midwife said it's nothing to worry about as long as they see consistent growth.

It's hard to believe our appointments are now every 2 weeks as we are getting closer to the end.

Tonight we start our childbirth classes. We're really excited and look forward to learning more about this whole process that's new to us!

That's all for now. I'm sure we'll post some new belly pictures next week once we hit the 7th month mark! Wahoo!

Blessings,
Joy, Nate, and Baby BOY