Nesting!!!

35 weeks...I am getting big!

One of the centerpieces Ben designed and made for the shower

Elizabeth's mom, me, and Elizabeth

Family and Friends

Above are a few pictures from the shower that my mom, her side of the family, some friends, and neighbors had at my house last weekend.

Overall, it has been a busy week around the Ickes' household w/ my shower this past weekend, Ben continuing the home projects, and us trying to begin wrapping up the "baby shopping" for needed items. Yesterday served as a nice break though. Ben ended up taking the day off and we went to Fernbank park for lunch and a walk. Going to the park and hiking is really something I've missed this summer b/c usually we hike (or bike) 2-3 times throughout the week pretty long distances and it has been difficult to continue doing that w/ the pregnancy.

Even if it were easier, I must confess that lately I have tended to be somewhat (okay almost completely) preoccupied w/ nesting. There is definitely something to this concept! I have this incredible desire to clean, organize, and rearrange anything and everything. I think some of it is definitely a preparation for the baby, but if I have to analyze myself (can't resist) part of it is probably my attempt to control as much as I can instead of allowing myself to feel anxious about the very near future of parenthood! Regardless, it makes me feel better so I will continue! The good news is that it makes for a very clean house, the bad news is that Ben gets pulled into the nesting as well and has to participate :) He has been a good sport though & as far as projects go the nursery is finished (I promise pics soon), the guest bedroom is almost done, and some smaller stuff is being checked off the list almost daily....

35 weeks!

I had my 35 week doctor's appt. today and everything still looks great. Her heartbeat is strong and I am measuring in the average range. So, the doctor is guessing that she will weigh around 6 or 7 lbs. when she is born. My next doctor's appt. is two weeks from now and from that point on I will have an appt. once a week.

I had a few days/nights this past week that were rough w/ me beginning to get uncomfortable and waking up at 4 in the morning wide awake! However, thankfully, it hasn't been every night and the last two days I've actually felt pretty good again. It makes it easier too w/ me at home and not starting a new job until Nov. In fact, I actually feel a little guilty that things are going this smoothly, especially given that Ben and I have a family member on his side and a couple friends who have had serious pregnancy complications/baby issues. I can't imagine how difficult that would & our prayers go out to them be b/c I know I worry enough about our baby as it is...

This coming weekend is my last baby shower for my mom's side of the family, some neighbors, and friends. It is at our house, which I am excited about b/c a lot of people haven't gotten to see the house yet, even though we've lived here a year now. The nursery is now finished too w/ furniture in it, so after this weekend I will probably post pictures of both, along w/ my 35 week pregnancy picture. I will say I am feeling bigger by the day & we are both starting to get antsy about wanting to meet our baby and bring her home (outside my stomach that is)! The best way to describe my feelings right now - since I can't resist adding something about feelings given my profession -- I would compare it to a rollercoaster. Overall, I am thrilled & it is one of the most special times in my life so far. However, it isn't without its moments of anxiety and fear that everything in the last few weeks will go well, that I will survive labor, and that I will be a good mom once we get home!

Trying to get better at this!

So, we are slowly trying to get better at updating our blog, but it is definitely taking some time. Where to begin w/ playing catch-up?

As of now I am a 33 weeks along and feel pretty good. I get a little uncomfortable at times and am missing some of the summer activities I can't do, but overall there isn't much to complain about...

I posted a pic to the left - sorry you can't see how big I am getting a little better. Wasn't exactly the smartest thing to take the pic w/ a black shirt on against a black background. Sigh...We will try again next week :)






During the week Ben has been working on the nursery more. It should be finished w/ furniture assembled by the end of this coming weekend/early next week, but here are some pics so far. We are going to put a monogram of her name (which we are keeping secret) in the pink framed area. -After the nursery it is on to do the guest bedroom, so people have a comfortable place to stay when they come to visit.







Speaking of baby stuff, this past weekend we visited Ben's family in Van Wert, Ohio (where he is originally from) and had our shower on his side. Then today, Ben's work gave us a shower. We tried to surprise Ben w/ his co-workers telling him it was just a potluck lunch and me not telling him I was coming to visit, but he had an idea about what was going on. He is one difficult guy to surprise!

On a final note, I should share that last Friday (31st) I finished up my internship at the Cincy VA which means I am officially finished w/ my doctorate and am "Dr." The pic to the left is of my intern class on our last day. It is a very strange feeling to be moving on. However, with the baby coming I decided to take some time off before starting a job and am hoping to go back to work sometime in Nov. So for now, I am in the process of considering a few different job options, starting to study for the psychologist licensing exam I have to take within the next year, and enjoying some time at home getting baby stuff in order.