Noah's Nursery

Dear Noah,

We are getting so close to the moment that we will get to hold you for the very first time. I've spent 9 months wondering what you'll look like, and smell like, and feel like in my arms. We've done everything we can think of to make your arrival perfect - your room is ready, your car seat is in place, your clothes are washed and tucked away, but what's really amazing is that in an instant you are going to make us a mother and a father - something we cannot prepare for, but only dream about.

I'm not sure how I feel about sharing you with everyone else. I know that might sound selfish but I don't mean it like that at all because I can't wait for you to meet your grandparents and aunts and uncles - there are so many people who just can't wait to meet you, but you've been ours - and especially mine for so long now. I know that you are a precious gift from God and I have never felt more honored or blessed that He chose me to be your home and to give you life. I don't know anymore what it will feel like to not have you inside of me - to be honest, it scares me a little bit, but then I think about laying eyes on you for the first time and holding you in my arms and I have an instant peace.

I can't wait to feed you and bathe you and to count your fingers and toes. I can't wait to smell your skin and kiss you from top to bottom a million times. I can't wait to see your Daddy hold you for the first time and to watch as your family meets you for the very first time. I can't wait for Jaffe, Stella, and Deisel to look into your carrier with total curiosity for the first time. So many firsts to look forward to!

You already have our hearts, my love.

With wonderment and excitement,

Mom

Weeks 33 & 34

Noah and I had a pretty busy two weeks! Caleb Isaac Bowers was born on April 9th at 3:08 PM. I was in the delivery room the entire time and it was such an incredible miracle! I was a little hesitant to be in the room because of my upcoming delivery (I didn't want to feel nervous or worried), but I couldn't pass up the opportunity to see my nephew enter this world. The whole process actually really put my mind at ease. I never imagined it to be so laid back and calm. The nurses and doctors were great. I pray that my delivery is as safe and healthy as Andrea's.

I had my doctors appointment on the 15th. Noah's heartbeat was strong and in the 140's. He still seems to be head down. I gained another 3lbs bringing my total to 29lbs.

Lately it looks and feels like Noah is trying to borrow out of my belly. It's such a neat feeling (although sometimes a bit painful), and something I wouldn't trade for anything! He's found what must be a comfy spot directly on/under my ribs. It's hard to believe that Noah is only about 4.5lbs right now. When he makes my belly move all around, he looks and feels a whole lot bigger.

Brian's band mates threw me a surprise baby shower on Saturday. It was so nice and very special! They really went out of their way to make me feel welcome in their circle. The food, friends, gifts, and fellowship was really perfect.

Week 32

8 weeks to go! It's unbelievable. I feel very pregnant, but great. I've actually never felt better. Aside from the back pain and overall exhaustion, I feel healthy and beautiful. I love feeling my round belly. I can actually feel how Noah is laying sometimes.

We had our 2 week check-up this week. I gained another 3 lbs making my current total 26 lbs. Noah's heartbeat was strong.

We have most of the nursery finished. A few details to go. Noah's little clothes are washed and folded. We will be packing the hospital bag soon!!!

Week 30

Our 3D sonogram was awesome! Our little boy is adorable and just as precious as we imagined. He kept his one hand up over his eye for most of the session, but we were still able to get many great pictures.

My mom and Andrea gave me a beautiful baby shower on Saturday. Everything was truly perfect! Andrea hosted the shower at her house. The decorations were adorable, the food was delicious - every single detail was absolutely amazing. Many friends and family came to celebrate and spoil baby Noah! My dad made Noah a truck toy box, which is so special and something that we'll treasure forever. Brian and I were so excited about all of Noah's new 'stuff' that we came home and put all of it together :). We can't wait to watch him enjoy everything!!

I go to the doctor's now every two weeks. I gained 3 lbs in two weeks (total = 23lbs).

I am so blessed to experience every incredible joy of this pregnancy with my loving family and friends!

Baby Noah's Glamour Shot Session

Week 28

I'm still completely fascinated by Noah's movement. I've found that he moves around a lot if I rub my belly, which is so sweet to me. It makes me feel like he's comforted by our touch.

We had our 7 month check-up this week. Mom and baby are doing great! The doctor said that Noah's head was down, his back was along my right side and his little legs and toes were wrapped across the top of my belly. I've been feeling a lot of something on the bottom of my right ribs..it must be his butt!

My belly button is a full outtie now, but it's very soft so it doesn't go through my clothing. I can watch him move all around making one side of my belly big until he gets situated.

We are going to our Womb With a View appointment on 3/20. I can't wait to see him again. It's been since December that we've seen our little boy.

I gained another 5 lbs, bringing my grand total to 140. I'm carting around an extra 20 lbs and I wonder why I'm a little winded walking around :). I've finally started to really feel pregnant. Some things are uncomfortable - my back hurts at times and my walk has definitely changed, but I wouldn't trade a moment of this for anything in the world. I LOVE having the privilege of carrying God's precious gift.

Week 27 - Trimester 3!!!

Mom and baby are doing well. Dad's good, too! My belly continues to grow and Noah is now reaching somewhere very close to my ribs. I wouldnt't call it uncomfortable, but it's a strange feeling. I have my next doctors appointment on 3/4. I think I'm at the point now where I'll be going every two weeks!!! I will be going for my glucose test this coming Saturday.

Food is still delicious..all of it. I eat quite a bit of desserts. I feel like our household is on a 3 day dessert plan. It's about every 3 days that I'm whipping up something new in the kitchen to munch on.

I've found that putting socks and shoes on has become slightly difficult when I have all my work clothes on. Slip-on's seem like the way to go! So far, so good with not having any swelling. Sleeping hasn't been a problem, other than being able to flop from side to side. I'm a great sleeper anyhow, so I'm not surprised. Night time pee breaks are still frequent.

I'll give an official weigh in next week after my appointment, but I'm guessing that I'm somewhere in the 142 range (which would be about 18 lbs).

Dear Noah,

You've captured my heart before we've officially met. Your little movements and kicks are so beautiful and comforting. I can imagine that the only thing greater than feeling you move inside my tummy will be holding you in my arms, tight to my chest, feeling you breathe and smelling your sweet baby smell.

I can't wait until they place you on my chest in the hospital, but at the same time I don't want to wish away a moment of our precious time together. Not to sound selfish, but you're all mine right now and I'm all yours. I'm honored to share my body with you for nine months, and I feel blessed to share my heart with you for a lifetime.

Your daddy loves to watch you move around in my belly and he thinks it's so neat to feel your kicks. I look forward to the moment that you two meet. You're going to love him! You are going to change our entire world and we couldn't be more excited for everything you have to teach us. I already feel more, love more and believe more because of you.

Thank you for being our blessing. We want to show you the world and protect you with our God.

Love,

Mom

Week 24

We had a huge snowstorm this weekend - about 20 inches and they say there's another on it's way. It caused the three of us to be snowed in all day Saturday and it was wonderful. The snow was beautiful and it gave me a chance to finish painting the nursery. Now on to decorations :)

My hunch was correct..I gained 8lbs in one month bringing me to a 24 week grand total of 15lbs. I'm not sure why, but I was a little shocked when the scale read 139lbs. The doctor assured me that the weight gain is perfectly fine and I'm really not upset by it, but just surprised to see it happen all at once. I'm enjoying every moment! Here are some of my favorite moments and some of the 'stranger' moments:

* i love feeling you move about in my tummy. sometimes i just sit and stare at my belly because i don't want to miss seeing you.

* i love talking to you and dreaming about you.

* i love working in your nursery and imagining your presence throughout the room.

* i love holding your new little outfits and dreaming about what you'll look like and feel like in them.

* i love knowing that our lives are about to change forever in a way that i can't even possibly imagine.

* i think it's funny that in order for me to turn over to my other side at night, i have to do a 3 point turn.

* it's weird that i want apple juice constantly.

* i love that your daddy wants to do everything he can to make sure that we're content and safe.

* i love that my friends get so excited when they see my shirt move from one of your little kicks.

* i love sharing my body with you.

Week 23

I think the weeks are suddenly going faster and faster. I'll be 6 months tomorrow! I went to Babies R Us with my mom and Andrea over the weekend and they helped me out with a few registry things. My mom bought Noah his 'coming home' outfit and it's so sweet. I have it hanging in his closet and everytime I looked at it over the weekend I imagined my sweet little boy wrapped up in his new outfit.

We also bought the matress for the crib. This also made me look into the crib and realize that there will be a little boy in there very, very soon. I can't wait!

I have a feeling I've finally gained some weight..I'll find out for sure at my doctors appt on Thursday.

Off to Jury Duty we go...(Week 22)

So Noah and I were called for our Civic Duty this week! I'm not sure how he felt about it, but I loved it. I was there for one week. They put everyone in a big room and you wait (and wait) for a panel of prospective Jurors to be called. I was called for the 2nd trial on the first day, but wasn't picked for the jury. I was again called for a panel on Wednesday afternoon and was selected as a juror on Thursday morning. The trial barely started when they declared a mistrial. Not sure why? Although I'm bummed that I didn't get to actually go through the trial, the whole process of the week was pretty neat.

Since I had a lot of time to sit and stare..I discovered that I can see Noah's little kicks and pokes on the outside of my belly!

I am so thankful for him and for all the love I feel for him.

Week 20..going on 21 :)

Another healthy week down with my active little boy. I'm enjoying every flutter, movement and kick! I felt him roll from one side of my belly to the other this week. I was laying on my back..just about asleep when I felt pressure in my stomach. I put my hand down to feel that my belly was really hard on the right side and it was slowly moving to the left. It was by far the neatest thing I've ever felt before!

I had a doctor appointment and weighed in at 131. That's a total of about 5 lbs so far. I've been eating like crazy so I can't imagine the weight is going to stay off for long. I look pregnant now..not just bloated. I also discovered a belly band a few weeks ago and it's a pretty great invention. I can wear my regular pants with the belly band - this is a good thing because the maternity pants stretch out as the day goes on..giving a lovely, baggy look to my butt.

I'm now really in the mood to go shopping for some maternity shirts. I don't have many choices around here so I will probably end up looking online.

Noah say's hi :)