OUR LITTLE LADY BUG IS ALMOST HERE!!!

We are getting ready...packing our hospital bag, collecting all those important phone numbers and going through all the emergency scenarios.

We are putting some finishing touches to Sofie's room...her theme is LADY BUGS. She is gonna be the cutest darn baby EVER!!! Nick and I have been buying cute little things just for her. It's so cute seeing Nick lovingly decorate her room.




We still have a few more things to buy but, for the most part her room is nearly complete. Sofia's Nana bought her stroller today along with some other baby essentials. Nick and I wanted a stroller that was a little different. We wanted one with some color and character. And we found the perfect one.

This was a gift from Sofia's Nana.

This is a changing table that Sofia's Nonnie and Grandpa Allen bought for her.

As for baby updates...Sofie has been picking up on her movement and size. She is still a bit delicate in her movements but every once in a while she'll give a good kick. The movements have now crossed over to rolls. I can see her roll from one side of my stomach to another. It's really strange.

She still moves the most when music is playing. From what I've read and have been told, Sofia's lungs are about 99 % developed and she is gaining more fat layers that will regulate her body temperature once delivered. From this point on Sofie will gain about 1 ounce of fat per day.

As for myself...I feel myself getting bigger and bigger each day. Sleeping has become a chore and getting comfortable...forget about it! According to my "mommy-to-be" books, my uterus has expanded 15x it's original size and is now pushing against my rib cage. Well, that explains all of my discomfort!

I have begun to experience Braxton Hicks contractions. At first they freaked me out and I immediately went to the hospital but was calmed down and given the whole first time mommy speech. Now, I understand what they are and go with the flow.

Nick and I started our Lamaze classes and are learning some really great breathing techniques. Nick is a little apprehensive about being in the room during the whole delivery portion of the show...he freaks out about the blood thing... but I think attending these classes have helped him gain a better understanding as to what I'm going to be put through. I think he has now committed to being in the room during delivery and just stay by my head and be my support.

I'm getting really excited about my upcoming baby shower. For those of you not in Arizona or not within driving distance, I will post TONS of pictures and maybe a few videos. To tell the truth, I'm normally am not a fan of the whole shower thing. I've left everything up to other people to plan and taking the attitude..."just tell me when and where".

Lately I've found myself more relaxed and going along with things a whole lot easier. Perhaps it's me getting closer to the "motherly stage" in my life. The stage where I always thought was off limits for me...the stage I never wanted to get to. I'm really looking forward to meeting Sofia and introducing her to the world.

One regret I have, is that Mama Chana won't be here to welcome her with me.

I always imagined that when this day came Mama Chana would be there for me and show me all her tricks and remedies. Who's going to be there and pass Sofia over the candle when she's scared or play mariachi music for her?

I'm sure Mama Chana is here with me in spirit, I just wish she was HERE with me. She was the mother of all mothers and I miss her EACH AND EVERY day!

I pray each night to Mama Chana; "watch over Sofie. I promise I will tell her all about you and all the cherished memories you gave to me".