labor music?

At the doctor's office I was eavesdropping on some momma conversation and they were talking about what type of music they listened to while giving birth. One listened to an old Sarah McLachlan CD. Building a Mystery could be appropriate. The other listened to some 'soft selections' that a friend had given to her. Do I need a birthing CD? (first a nursing bra, a pediatrician, and baby health insurance - but that is boring stuff) I was thinking more along the lines of How Low Can You Go (who doesn't have a secret crush on Luda and the whole weird chipmunk thing is kind of kid friendly...). I am open for suggestions.

35 weeks

I had another doctors appointment yesterday and everything looked right on time. My next visit they will do some test and take a more detailed look down under - I cannot wait. According to the all knowing Baby Center the little man is over 5 1/4 lbs. and 18 inches long. Think roasted chicken, how cute...

weekends

I love the weekends and this past one was no exception. We headed down to Wilmington for a baby shower thrown my some sweet friends, an awesome engagement party, a nephew's baptism, and ended it with the musical Wicked and family dinner at a Japanese Steakhouse. I wish I could hit the rewind button, instead I will nap on it.

should submit to Better Homes & Garden

pretty hosts

engagement yard (courtesy of Em C)

party parents

lbs.

I am not allowed to complain about how much weight I have gained or wonder why - 35 plus people! 5 weeks to go...

pre-nursery

We have lived in our house for over 2 1/2 years now. Two 'guest rooms' are upstairs. One that I sort of decorated and one that had a mattress in it as I secretly waited to turn it into a nursery. You would think after all this time it would be done. It is a work in progress - we do have a cradle, just incase he wants to come early!

cradle my grandmother made when I was born!

cheese

men at work

cravings

Sunday I had an awesome baby shower 'craving your company...' in Wilson. Friends and family brought in some delicious food: chicken salad, pimento cheese, lots of dips, deviled eggs, fruit, veggies, pickles (of course), popcorn and m&m's, cookies, etc. etc. I am still full and doing some damage on the leftovers. One thing is for sure, this boy and his parents are spoiled!

some serious gear -

babysitters!

sister, sisters

dessert table of goodness

#1 Grandmas!

friday nights

sweet angel

Less than 7 weeks until I am a full fledge 40 weeks. Less than 4 weeks until I am 'full term.' It is crazy that with all of the technology no one really has any idea when this boy will come. Only him and God, pretty freaking cool.

I have been waiting for these last weeks to get here. I remember specifically when he was just 7 weeks old. Seeing the sweet little heartbeat and praying constantly for a healthy baby. I had a miscarriage only 3 months before. Again, crazy that no one really knows why it happened except the little one and God. It was truly devastating but has made me stronger over time and more appreciative of everything in life. I also love knowing we have a sweet little angel watching over us. Courtesy of my sister -

Be merciful to me, LORD, for I am faint; O LORD, heal me for my bones are in agony. MY soul is in anguish. How long, O LORD, how long? Turn, O LORD, and deliver me; save me because of your unfailing love. I am worn out from groaning; all night long I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears. My eyes grow weak with sorrow; they fail because all my foes. Away from me, all you who do evil, for the LORD has heard my weeping. The LORD has heard my cry for mercy; the LORD accepts my prayer.” Psalm 6:2-4, 6-9

“As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother’s womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things.” Ecclesiastes 11:5

birthday boy

Happy 28th Birthday to the best husband a girl could ever dream of.

my oasis

what up doc?

I had another 2 week check-up today. It took a hot 3 minutes. I wish I could have an ultrasound to see those chunky cheeks and they could tell me when he would be here etc. etc. - but no news is always good news.
Blood pressure was low (always is), whatever they check when you pee was fine, my belly measured at 33 weeks, weight gain was well gaining, and the little heartbeat was just a beating. He was in the 160s today, moving the whole time, with his feet firmly planted in my right rib cage. I don't mind one bit that friendly kick reminding me he will be here soon!
I had an awesome weekend with friends in town. But lets be honest, it is not fun trying to find something to wear and squeezing into heals and eating tums instead of late night pizza. I spotted myself walking by a full length mirror on Saturday evening. I promise I will not be that pregnant lady at the bar anymore, it's uncomfortable and really just embarrassing.

from greta

I think I will like Jackson, but I don't know what all the fuss is about. I can't go in my old room upstairs anymore if I want to get away. My mom is super lazy and getting pretty fat if you ask me. If he likes long walks in the park, to be licked, and will sneak me some dirty diapers, we should be just fine. Here are some pictures from the good ol' days.

1st night home

I was so cute & tiny. That shoe is long gone now. :)

ohhh please, please,please!

total domination

oh - what's up lil crab...

sweet cousins

The pressure is on Jackson. They don't get any cuter than this.  Our sweet niece and nephew, Sophie & Farris, in their Easter Sunday best.  I am very thankful our little man will have some older cousins to teach him the ropes.

what's in a name

I was going to try and keep it a secret, but I hate secrets. So... we have decided on a name for the little man, Jackson Arthur Farris. Unless, he just doesn't look the part. For example - he is a she. But he is not camera shy about his man parts so I think we are safe.

Jackson has been a favorite of mine for a long time and it is my grandmother's maiden name. Arthur is both of our grandfather's middle names.

The only other final name contender was Jacob/Jake. This guy came along and helped rule out that name. There is one more, but I am really keeping it a secret just in case we have a house full of boys one day. :)

A few nicknames will include -

Jack

Jack-Sprat

Cracker-Jack

Jack-in-the-box

J-mania

Jackie-Chan-Man

J-$

Run DMJ

Snoop D-O-double-J

Feel free to add to the list.

Happy Easter

John 3:16-17 "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through Him."

God is good.  I am the first to admit that sometimes the true meaning of Easter will slip right by me as I rejoice with my family and friends.  On this Easter weekend I am filled with gratitude for all the ways the Lord is working in my life, and I know I am so undeserving. Hope you all had a wonderful Easter, there is so much to be thankful for! 

lazy bones, sleepin' in the sun

When I was a little girl my favorite place to go was the big town of Goldsboro. All of my grandparents lived there which meant fun with cousins, playing dress up, wiffle ball tournaments, 'cooking' fudge, getting to put on make-up, and go to the dollar store. What more could a little girl ask for? When I stayed with Papa & Nana I even got to jump on the bed as long as Papa was in the room. We would stand swaying back and forth singing "Lazy Bones."

Lazybones, sleeping in the sun

How you 'spect to get your day's work done?

never get your day's work done

Sleeping in the new day's sun

Lazybones, sleepin in the shade

How you 'spect to get your cornmeal made?

You'll never get your cornmeal made

Just sleepin in the evening shade

When 'taters need spraying I bet you keep praying

The bugs fall off the vine

And when you go fishin, I bet you keep wishin

The fish won't grab your line

Lazybones, loafing through the day

How you 'spect to get a dime that way?

Never make a dime that way

Never heard a word I say

After each verse there was a chance, if I was lucky, that Papa would holler out, 'BY JUMPIN.' I am jumpin for joy for these lazy days of summer to arrive along with my little boy!

31 weeks - no joke

With about 9 weeks to go I am starting to get anxious (and uncomfortable)! The little man is gaining weight rapidly this week and now weighs about 3.3 pounds and is over 16 inches long! Overall, the pregnancy has been very pleasant and I have honestly not minded it at all. No morning sickness or swollen ankles as of yet. I am starting to get tired during the day, but can’t sleep at night with this basketball tied to my stomach. I also have super vivid dreams. I guess my body is just preparing me for what is to come. I do have terrible heartburn. I feel like an 80 year old man at night grunting as I get off the couch to take a Zantac and fix me a bowl or two of ice cream. It helps, I promise! I miss wine, raw cookie dough, sushi dates, unpasteurized cheese on salads, a good night sleeps, and a good run (sometimes). But I am sure when I am not pregnant I will miss not having to hold in my stomach, never turning down a cookie (or any food for that matter), his kicks, and not having him protected by the world in my big ol belly at all times.

They call me the cookie monster at work for good reasoning.