week 34

Exhaustion!  I haven't reached the point where I am ready for our baby to arrive, but I have reached a point of pure exhaustion.  I have not been sleeping well at all.  I am up every hour or two.  When I do sleep it is the type of sleep where you feel as though you are awake the entire time.  I just keep telling myself, this is my body's way of preparing me for when Baby Smith arrives.  I'm willing to endure the sleepless nights knowing soon we willing be welcoming Baby Smith into the world

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Baby Shower(s)

This past weekend Baby Smith was celebrated and spoiled.  Chris and I were spoiled too, with love from family and friends, as well as MANY gifts to help us in parenting our new bundle of joy arriving soon!

My good friend, Jessica, along with my sister, Melissa, gave me a beautiful shower with my friends.  There was a lot of thought given to hosting this shower.  Jessica put together the most loving speech honoring baby and me, as a soon to be mother.

On Sunday, Chris' sisters and my mom gave us a beautiful baby shower with our family and friends.

My cousin, Marie, made delicious cookies with our baby pictures printed on the front.  These could be a little sneak peek as to what our little one might look like!

week 32

Wow, week 32.  At times it is hard to believe our little one has been growing inside for 32 weeks!  It feels like we have been counting up as the weeks have passed and all of sudden we are now in a countdown.  5 weeks until I am considered full term (37 weeks) and 8 weeks until the 40 week mark.

I have begun to feel more tired each day.  Baby's movements are definitely stronger.  At the doctor today we heard our little one's heartbeat, still going strong at about 140 beats per minute.  I am excited to meet our little one and give him or her a proper name!

Surprise

It's time to reflect on some of the amazing people we have in our lives.  This week Chris and I were anticipating celebrating Baby Smith with family and friends at our baby showers.  I was pleasantly surprised when I was given a surprise shower by some of my students' parents.  I was honored they took the time to think of me and baby and celebrate us.  I had parents of past students along with current students at the shower.  It was beyond special and sweet.  We were blessed with gifts galore...blankets, bath stuff, clothes, etc...
Often, as a teacher we get bogged down with our behavior students and our difficult parents that we forget about the others.  It is not to say we don't appreciate our good students or helpful parents, sometimes we just forget to honor them.  It was a great reminder that there are many great people in this world and I look forward to Baby Smith meeting these wonderful people.

week 30

With my growing belly everyday activities are becoming a bit more challenging.  By the end of the work day I am exhausted.  The end of the work week seems like it is eons away.  Lately, I have been spending my Saturdays catching up on sleep.  I figure I should take advantage of this now, before our little one arrives.

Baby Smith has been moving around quite a bit lately.  It is amazing how strong his/her little kicks, punches, and rolls have become.  The anticipation of his/her arrival is getting to everyone.  Grandmas, Grandpas, Aunts, Uncles, and many more are eager to meet the little one.  I have really started wondering what he/she will look like.  Does Baby Smith have light hair or dark? blue eyes or brown?  Will he/she have dimples like dad?

week 28

Week 28 just happened to fall on Valentine's Day.  My students showered me with loving words, LOTS of chocolate and stuffed animals! They wanted to make sure Baby Smith had some tasty treats and a room full of stuffed animals when he/she enters the world.  (I should of taken a picture of my desk with all the goodies).

Week 28 officially marks the start of the third trimester. It is hard to believe we have just 12 weeks before Baby Smith is due to arrive.  Chris and I have been having more discussions about whether I will return to work after my maternity leave is over.  It would be amazing to be able to stay home with our little one.  It is difficult for me to imagine what it would be like to go to work everyday, spending hours with 28 other kiddos, while my kiddo is at daycare.  Chris is working hard to keep me home, and I appreciate all of his hard work and determination to do what he feels is best for our growing family.

Steamboat

This weekend marked the 2nd annual Smith Family Trip. Although, I did not take any pictures, it was a great weekend with the family.  Since this was the second year of getting together it is officially a tradition...we can honor the memory of Chris's mom, relax, and enjoy some good quality Smith time!  So, in memory of Joyce, cheers!