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.

Our First Anniversary

Monday is our first anniversary... so much has happened in our lives in 2008.

• We've moved to Houston
• purchased our first home,
  
• gone to Cancun,
  
• grieved the loss of a grandmother,
  
• individually traveled to Washington D.C., Little Rock, and Las Vegas
• discovered we're having a baby
• survived Hurricane Ike
• vacationed in New Mexico
• mustered through a rough TAMU football season
• celebrated Robert's fantasy football victories
• joined friends in wedding celebrations
• worked through sharing holidays with so many family members
• and continue to prepare for the birth of Isabella Renee in March 2009

Through it all we have laughed and loved. Robert has even spent some of the time singing! Thanks to all the friends and family who have supported us through this first wonderful year. We're excited for what great things 2009 will bring us.

Starting to put it together....

Me at 28 weeks....

This week we put together the pack and play. It comes with a bassinet feature and diaper changing station. It also lights ups, plays music, makes nature sounds and vibrates... it's pretty high tech!
The pack and play was a warm up for assembling the crib. We were unsure how difficult it was going to be and compared to the pack and play it was just that, a breeze! We still aren't sure how we want to arrange the room, but for now she has a bed... we just need to get her a matteress and some sheets.Thanks to Grandma Fran for helping make Isabella's nap and bedtime spaces possible! We will add more as we can. Everything will come together in time!
I had a doctor's appointment on Friday. The baby and I are measuring fine and her heartbeat was 144. I also got us registered at the hospital, so they are ready for us whenever she decides to get here. From now until March we will start going every two weeks to see Doctor Storey.

More Christmas

We went to Moody and Celebrated Christmas with my dad's family the Sunday and Monday after Christmas. It was good to see everyone and we were once again showered with fun gifts, especially for Isabella. Dad and Janice have great taste, they bought her coordinating pieces without even knowing it!Then we drove back to Dallas to celebrate with my mom, Sarah, Ken, cousins and the Shelton's. It was a wonderful time to relax and enjoy. Isabella is set up with lots of more cute clothes, tiny hangers, and toys. We appreciated the diaper champ and pack-n-play... I'm sure Isabella will appreciate it in time! :)Robert scored lots of fun gifts and I did too! Best of all, we were able to spend lots of time with the Cowards and the deLunas who we don't get to see so often since they live so far away. Margaret, Sarah and I realized we won't see each other again until I'm well into Motherhood! It was quite a crazy epiphany. On Sunday, the 4th... we got a text message that our sweet friends the Varn's welcomed their baby girl, Gracie into the world at 5:44 a.m. What a fun way to start 2009... thanks to all our friends and family for a FABULOUS 2008!

Christmas tide

We've had a good time with the Ford family over Christmas eve and Christmas day. In the days to come we will celebrate Christmas with my dad and then my mom. We're taking this whole Christmas tide idea and running with it... we're taking our time like the three kings and will celebrate until Ephiphany. We are thankful for the time and for our family. Isabella Renee will be a fortunate little girl to be born into such love and excitement! :) MERRY CHRISTMAS.

So much to do... so much has been going on...

I'm so sorry it has been so long since my last post. In the time that has passed, so much has happened....
* Robert went to Vegas for the 5th year in a row and the guys had a GREAT time.
* It snowed two inches in Houston. It was the coolest thing I have seen in a long time... and so out of context!
* School is out, first semester down. My kids were overly generous and gave me lots of great presents. One little girl brought me a pair of red baby crocs for Isabella (our baby to be).
* We passed the 100 day mark, and now can count down the birth date in the double digits.
* I made Janice's homemade mac n cheese for Robert to take to his pot luck at work and it TURNED OUT!
* We purchased the baby's crib and will get to go pick it up this weekend and put it together... stay posted for photos!

We're ready to see friends and family over the holiday break.... :)

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree

We fought the good fight and went to Garden Ridge to buy our first Christmas tree.
We have a few ornaments, but lots of lights. I think it looks great.
This time next year, Isabella will be in the ornament mess helping us pull it all out and put it up on the tree!
We hope the holidays are filling you with moments to sit, take in the light, and give thanks for all great gifts.