Nursery in Progress

I can't even begin to describe how much fun it has been to start setting up our baby's nursery. Thanks to Uncle Sam, we got a tax refund, and some of that money has really helped in the purchasing of some really sweet baby things for our little boy's room. Here are a few pictures that I took yesterday. Also, I've included a recent belly pic. Hope y'all enjoy!

Light at the end of the tunnel

Hello, all! Well, at 32 weeks along, and only 5 weeks 'til my cerclage is removed, I can definitely see the light at the end of the tunnel. I had another doctor's appointment yesterday, and aside from my weight gain (I'm up 42 pounds since becoming pregnant!) things are going great! The whole weight thing doesn't really have my doctor concerned, and since I plan on taking advantage of all the wonderful walking paths along the ocean, I think I'll be able to take it off fairly easily.

Here in the Aldape household things are coming along beautifully as far as our little boy's nursery is concerned. (I'll post some pics soon) We have his changing table assembled, and it's topped off with the changing pad and cover. I have some cute little Winnie the Pooh baskets on the changing table shelves, and an adorable Pooh rug in front of the table. We also have his laundry hamper set up, cute little baby things on shelves on the wall, and his bassinet is filling quickly with cute clothes from his loving extended family. Thanks to all who are already doting on our sweet boy!

Quick update on the almost doctor. Aaron started his last "official" rotation of his fourth year today. His actual last rotation is a vacation month. The students have the option to take the vacation month at the beginning of the 4th year to help prepare better for the board exam, or if they don't need as much prep, they can take it whenever they want during the year. Aaron, being the stellar student that he is, decided to take his vacation month at the end of the year which I believe was God's plan all along so that he has time with his newborn son! Anyways, after the current rotation that Aaron's doing he'll be home free, and will have a nice break of about 2 1/2 months 'til he begins his residency. His graduation is May 17th, and I am already really pumped to see him walk across the stage as Doctor Aaron R. Aldape! It's been an amazing journey the past 4 years, and I am more than proud of how Aaron has coped with dealing with medical school, marriage, our difficult pregnancies and all the other stuff that has bombarded our life in the last several years. I am so in love with him, and I feel extremely blessed to have him as my husband.

Well folks, that's it for now. I plan on taking more preggie pics soon, so be looking for the new and improved me! Hehe! Love y'all!

31 Weeks = Only 6 Weeks Left! Yikes!

The final countdown is really about to begin. I am 31 weeks along now, and in only 6 weeks my doctor is removing my cerclage. Depending on how strong my cervix is, I could have this baby in as little as a month and a half! Oh my goodness, that's soon! Wow!

Baby is doing well, moving a lot and growing a lot too. He's about 3.5 pounds and 17 or so inches tall. For the next several weeks he should grow approx. 1/2 lbs per week! Man, no wonder I've been so hungry lately. It's gotten to be where I have to have a little snack pretty much every hour, or I feel like I'm just starving. I have started to eat a little bit healthier...no more double batches of oatmeal cookies!:) Aaron bought me some fresh strawberries, salad greens and some yummy poppyseed dressing. I throw it all together and it makes for a refreshing and tasty snack.

Here are some pics that were taken on Valentine's. Aaron had just finished making us a wonderful meal of chicken parmesan, fried ravioli and angel hair pasta with alfredo sauce. It was delish, and the mess that was made was well worth it! Love y'all!

Praise God for Technology!

Well, our sweet little boy decided to cooperate today, and we were able to get some great pics! It was so cute because his little feet and hands were all curled up right by his face. The sonographer was still able to get some really nice face shots, as well as some pics of cute little hands, feet and little boy parts! Too cute!

Perfectly Posed!

...but the greatest of these is LOVE!

Dearest Baby,

Today is your "first" Valentine's, and what a wonderful day it's been. You've been moving a lot today, and you're a constant reminder to me of the love that your Daddy and I share. You are the most perfect embodiment of the love that God has placed within our hearts and souls. I hope that you will always know how much we love you, and that you are able to see through us the love that our Heavenly Father has for you. Just a few more weeks, and we will get to hold your sweet body, and we'll get to see how our two souls have meshed into one unique and perfect little being...you! I'm hoping that you look a lot like your Daddy, and if you look a little like me that will just be icing on the cake! I love you, my Sugar Baby, my Sweet Baby Boy, my Baby Cakes! I can't wait to meet you in person!

All the love in the world,
Your Mommy

P.S. Smile for Mommy when your 4D sono pics get taken tomorrow! I love you!!!!!

You snooze, You...Don't get your picture taken!

Well, today our little boy decided to take a nap during the 4D ultrasound. We jiggled, pushed, and poked at him through my belly, but he wouldn't wake up for anything...must get it from his dad! We are scheduled for a re-take on Friday, and hopefully things will work out a little better! We did get a quick peek at his face, and saw some cute chunky little cheeks and an adorable little nose.

My 30 week visit went great today. Same old weight/blood pressure/pee in a cup routine visit. My doctor is "very pleased" with my progress, and is glad that I'm right on track!

If Friday's "photo session" goes well, I'll try to post the pics on here! Love y'all!

30 weeks, and looking fat...I mean fab!:)

He's a Doctor, He's a Chef, He's a Maid, He's a Pedicurist!!!

That's right, folks! Aaron has now officially added another title to his long list of accomplishments! Thanks to him, I am now the proud owner of ten beautifully pedicured toes...with red nail polish to boot! It's nice to have a husband who is so talented! The whole pedicurist thing might not be in Aaron's long range future, but for a first-timer, he did a pretty decent job!

Monday we're getting our 4D sonogram, so hopefully I'll be able to post some pics on here of what our little boy looks like! I can't wait! Love y'all!:)

A New Perspective

As Aaron and I were watching TV tonight, a thought popped into my head that sort of changed my perspective of things. For a while now, I've felt impatient for this sweet baby boy to arrive, and some days seemingly drag by. Tonight though, I realized that in just a little over 8 weeks it won't just be me and Aaron anymore. Of course I knew that after 9 months of "baking in the oven" this little guy would eventually come out and join us, but I really started thinking tonight of what that means. For the past 5 years (as of next month!) it's just been us. And though we both have desired children from the get go, it will be bittersweet to move into this next stage of life. Don't get me wrong, I couldn't be more excited about this precious baby, but I know that I will not be able to devote as much time and attention on my sweet husband, and it makes me just a teeny bit sad, yet happy at the same time knowing that we both get to share in the joy of raising a child together.

Anyways, I now have a renewed perspective on waiting 2 more months for the big day. I hope that I am able to use this time to focus on Aaron, and to enjoy these last weeks of just being a couple!

I survived!

Well, I actually made it through last week, but boy, was I glad when Aaron got back Friday evening! We had a joyous reunion, and I am more thankful than ever for him. I feel like life is back to normal, and you know what, I like normal!!!

In baby news, I am 29 weeks along now. According to one of the pregnancy books that I've been reading, our baby weighs around 2.7 pounds and is now almost 16 inches tall! Wow! I can tell that he's growing because my uterus is pushing up on my ribs now! Yay for sore ribs!

I'm signing off for now y'all, and wishing each of you a blessed day.

-Grace