Showered with LOVE

What wonderful weekend we had!

On Friday, the Houston TEK Systems office (where Robert works) threw us a wonderful shower. We got lots of great things for Isabella that will make caring for her so much easier and fun... oh, and don't forget super stylish and cute!

We drove up to Dallas later Friday evening so we could be ready for fun on Saturday. Stephanie and Britton threw us the most amazing shower. I forgot the memory card to my camera... so pictures will come as soon as I can snag them from friends who had cameras there that day.

The shower was full of friends and family. I loved spending time with some of my girlfriends I hadn't seen since the wedding! It's always fun, of course, to catch up with moms, grandmoms, aunts, and cousins as well.

We were generously gifted. The guests brought books instead of cards so Isabella's bookshelf is filling up with WONDERFUL, BEAUTIFUL children's books. What makes it extra special is that each book is also filled with love filled comments from people so dear to us. Her room and closet are also much more full now thanks to so many wonderful gifts!

This weekend we will continue the celebration of Miss Isabella with our neighbors. The party never ends....

Valentines and President's Day

What a great weekend we have had... and today I get to stay home and have one more day to relax! The teachers at school threw us a shower on Friday morning. It was perfect. They made lots of yummy breakfast food that Robert and all the teachers enjoyed and we were showered with great gifts and congratulations. Their generosity was overwhelming.

On Saturday we gave a lil TLC to our cars and took turns taking them in for check ups. I cooked us dinner on Saturday night and we exchanged Valentine presents. Robert got me these beautiful roses. This is the second time in our relationship I have received flowers from Mr. Ford. The first time was also on Valentine's and they were PURPLE! These are beautiful and I am enjoying having them at our dining room table. I made Robert a book of pictures from our first year of marriage and gave him an itunes gift card. I think he appreciated both equally.

Sunday Robert had his first guitar lesson (that's what he got for our anniversary). He came home and practiced most of the afternoon and evening... I think his fingers hurt. We went out to for a very yummy dinner at Maggionos and then came home and watched a movie.

We also talked to Ethan via SKYPE and he was super impressed with Robert's guitar! Ethan showed us his new play food for his kitchen and how he can jump like a frog... truly impressive!

All in all it has been a wonderful weekend. Today I'm home working on a list of many things. I am excited about this weekend... headed up to Dallas for a shower and to see my good friends I haven't seen since September and our families!

Isabella's Room is Making Progress

Pops (Weldon) and Beckie got us Isabella's car seat. I had a dream a few months ago that she came, but the hospital wouldn't let us take her home because we didn't have a car seat. Those worries can now be put aside... Robert's even installed the base in my car. I'm starting to look more like a MOM! :) Robert picked out some cute outfits for Miss Isabella this weekend too. It was a great time. I'm glad that slowly things are coming together....

Thanks to the help of Pops (Weldon) and Beckie we were able to pick up and carry in the rest of Isabella's furniture this weekend. Here are probably too many shots of what it looks like. She now has a mattress in her bed and we've started to load her bookshelf with GREAT books!

This is the cute lamb that Honey (Janice) bought for Isabella. I put it in her bed so that the lamb too could start to get excited about Isabella coming.

This is the rocking chair that my mom used to rock me and my sister. Lucy, Isabella's first doll, (thank you Fran) is holding down the rocker ready for lots of good story and play times.

Here's a shot from the hallway to Isabella's room.

Here is a shot from the bathroom doorway into Isabella's room.
We've got some decorating to do...but I am so happy that the major pieces are in!

Birthing Classes

Here's a photo from our anniversary date night. We went to a yummy Italian food place and then enjoyed a quite evening at home... it was a school night. Things have super busy since then. We have taken a series of three birthing classes. Our last class is tonight. Our instructor is really sweet, a great educator. She reminds me of my aunt Alice, just can't stop doing what she loves. We've toured the hospital, practiced relaxing and Robert knows where to go if labor begins in the middle of the night.
I've also discovered that I have gestational diabetes. It was news that pretty much rocked me. I've been thoroughly educated thanks to the Diabetes of America Center and I'm on a meal plan that includes 6 small meals a day and really specific measuring and calculation of carbs, proteins, fats and veggies. I'm taking my blood sugar levels four times a day, and so far the doctors have been pleased with my numbers.
The way they explained it to me was that everyday I am pregnant my body produces hormones to keep me pregnant and Isabella growing. Those hormones are fighting with the hormone insulin that our bodies naturally produce. So, the farther I progress in my pregnancy, the more difficult it is for my body to regulate things. I'm super fortunate to have two supportive doctors, a great nutritionist, loving husband and a family full of cheerleaders. There are many risks, but with watchful monitoring - all should be well come delivery day.
We will as always be thankful for your prayers and friendship.