Progress?

Nope...no such luck with progress. We had our 38 week OB appointment today and nothing has changed since last week other than the fact lil' baby boy has decided to get comfortable on my sciatic nerve. This is causing much pain and discomfort. It has been bothering me for a few days now, but late this afternoon it seems I can barely hobble around the house. I did go to the chiropractor this morning and have to go back tomorrow, as well. He tried several things to help relieve some of the pressure and pain, but no such luck. Tomorrow is a new day, so we'll see what that brings. Oh...and I no longer have ankles at this point either due to swelling and it goes up through my legs, as well. Until then...I'm just daydreaming about having a maid and a cook here at our house. Any takers? ;)
Love,
Joy (Nate, and Baby Boy, too)

Belly Recap from 16 weeks to 38 weeks!

16 weeks

20 weeks

24 weeks

28 weeks

34 weeks

36 weeks

38 weeks

37 weeks

Hello all! Well, we will be 37 weeks along tomorrow. We had an OB appointment this morning to see if any progression has taken place. My cervix is now about 75% thinned out and she said, "it really wants to be dilated at 1 centimeter." She said at this point, I will probably deliver close to my due date. Part of me says, "Come on lil' baby...your momma is miserable," but another part of me says the longer he bakes, the healthier and more developed he will be. So, I'll put my selfish desires aside as I know it's out of my control anyway. :) I'll just keep enjoying this foot in my ribs for the next few weeks. :)

Below are a few maternity pictures we had taken last Thursday. Nate has a co-worker that has a passion for photography and we had asked if she would be interested to take some photos of us. We were able to preview all the pictures taken that night and I can't wait to get more back to share. We had a lot of fun and Amy did a fabulous job! I'll post more as soon as we get them.

Also, the last picture is of my boss and I comparing bellies. We had a bowling fundraiser event this weekend, so this is us taking a quick break for a pose. :)

That's all for now.
Love,

Joy (Nate and Baby Boy, too!)

Yes, something was very funny as you can see we were laughing.

Paul and I comparing bellies

36 weeks along!!!

Well, the countdown is officially on! I think for me, it always has been on, but now it's really really on as we are drawing close to the end! At this point, I'm feeling very uncomfortable between my lower back, hips, feeling like I have no room to breathe, and the lil' man being in my ribcage! Not to mention I'm determined he thinks it's humorous to punch my bladder. ;) Other than those things, I feel absolutely wonderful! :)

We have the diaper bag packed and ready to go and the hospital bag is almost complete. Aahhh!!! We just drove past the hospital tonight and Nate said he gets so excited driving by and looking up at the 3rd floor where we will be! We are so anxious to meet our baby boy and hold him in our arms and love love love on him!

We had our 36 week OB appointment today. Nothing really has progressed at this point, other than our baby boy is in position and his head has moved down some. My boss suggested maybe Nate drives me over some railroad tracks to help the progression. Ha! :) Other than that, his heart rate was at 152 beats per minute. Our next appointment will be on Monday.

So, that's a wrap for now! Enjoy the 36 week belly pictures which is totally on a full belly of food! :)

Thanks for joining us on our journey!

Love,

Joy (Nate & _____ _____ Anderson, too!)

My 36 week baby boy belly!

Baby Shower #3

Two of my best friends, Heather and Nikki hosted a baby shower for me this past Saturday. Heather and I met through church and have created a close bond. Nikki and I actually work together and it's a blessing to know we are not only co-workers, but good friends. What a cute shower it was! They did a fabulous job with the food and decorations. I was so impressed! Here are the pictures to prove it!

My amazing cake made by my amazing friend, Heather! How cute and what talent!!!DecorationsNikki and IHeather and IAdorable diaper cake made by Nikki (and Kelsey and Brett) :)Two of the best friends who hosted the shower...Heather, me, and Nikki

My loyal friend, KarenKelsey, Heather, Laurie, Nikki, Me, and Julie

Lori, Carrie, and Shirley...all from churchJanel & Cathy from church with Marlene, my fabulous neighbor!Two of the best social workers, if you ask us! Right, Jess? ;)The Wieman Family...Carrie, Paige, and Elizabeth...love them all!

This picture is for Grandpa Anderson...it says, "my crib rocks." For those of you who don't know, Nate's dad is making our crib for us. He has already made our changing table which I have posted a picture in a previous post of how beautiful it is!

34 weeks down!

Well, we missed taking our 8 month belly pictures due to me being sick. So, here I am at 8 1/2 months!

Oh...and the last picture is of our special friend, John. We had him over today to hang out (he ADORES our dog, Bailey) and then took him out for pizza afterward. He brings us so much joy! We certainly enjoyed visiting with him, as did Bailey! Bailey thinks John gives the best belly rubs ever!

34 weeks2 of my loves, Bailey and John

The "Big Sister"

Our sweet friend, Gwen sent us some of the cutest baby gifts ever! Gwen and Nate used to work together several years ago. When we first got Bailey, Gwen got one look at her and fell in love. Next thing we knew, Gwen went and got one of Bailey's sisters and named her Libby. We used to have playdates all the time, but now Gwen and Libby live about 2 hours away now. However, we still stay in touch.

Anyway, most of you know how Nate and I are alittle attached to our dog, Bailey. I was able to get a few pictures of Nate with Bailey to show off these precious gifts from Gwen (and Libby, too)! They are too cute! We are trying to get Bailey used to the word, "baby," as well as using the baby's name around her(yes, I believe we are settled on a name). Since having my baby showers, Bailey has stolen some of the baby's things and takes cover underneath our bed with those things. So far she's taken some socks, a moose, a duck, and shoes. This is only the beginning! :) Though we do think she will eventually adjust very well and be absolutely in love with her "brother." Now...all of you non dog lovers probably think we are absolutely crazy with our dog. ;)