Years of Dedication

Mom and Dad at IU Reception

Dad giving "thank you" speech

Josh and I at reception

Today my dad was honored down at IU for his 26 years of dedication, commitment, and service as their football (early years) and soccer orthopedic physician. After all these years he felt it was the right time to retire. It was a hard decision, but hopefully he will look back on these years and smile. He has touched so many lives and made so many friends at IU. It was such a special part of his life. I'm so proud of him!!!

33 Weeks: Trick or Treat?

Josh's "Bat Cave"

My Hootie Owl

Happy Halloween! Josh and I had fun this week carving out our pumpkins. Josh loves doing this, but I find it a challenge to my sensory system! He cleaned out my pumpkin this time and I did the rest of it. We are not planning on going to any parties nor dressing up this year...even though I could pass as a pumpkin or marshmallow puff!

We had our second labor and delivery class on Monday. We saw a natural birth and I really think that epidural is sounding pretty good about now. We might all get to enjoy the delivery that way! It does bring some anxiety thinking that I have to labor to get this little stinker out of me. But, it is part of the miracle process and I'm up to the challenge!

Baby Brunch

Super Cute diaper cake with my nursery colors

Brunch Groupies :)

(Emily, Jen, Sarah, my mom, me, Holly, Marilyn)

Thanks guys for a wonderful day!!

My best friends since 4th grade

Today was such a special day for me. My best friends and their moms threw me a baby brunch today to celebrate Baby Blackmore. My mom and I met them at The Loft at Traders Point Creamery. It was SO cute. They had balloons, diaper decoration cake, wonderful brunch, awesome cake for dessert, and gave me a generous gift card to Babies R Us. It was so thoughtful and special. They wanted to help my sisters throw me a baby shower....but this worked out perfectly. My friend Emily (on left) has 2 gorgeous kids, my friend Jen is pregnant and due with her 3rd 3 months after me, and my friend Holly (on right) just had her third kid 3 months ago. I feel so lucky to have them as friends and to share in this journey with me. Holly and Jen's mom's have always been there for me growing up and we are all like family. Thanks guys for a wonderful day!!!!

Checkup Complete...5-6 more to go!

Our Little "Bru Bru"

Sweet Pea relaxing in the "Man Cave"

Brutus's daily sleeping spot

(yes he arranged those pillows!)

This is how I have been feeling these days...tired :)

Ahh...the Life of a Dog

We had our 32 week checkup today and all went well. My BP and protein were fine as well as the tummy size. The baby was actually head down this time! Of course it could change at any minute...but at least today it looks good. The heartbeat was strong but dropped to 140 bpm. We go back in 2 weeks. They did not have the H1N1 vaccine today...so plan to check back next week to get it.

32 Weeks: Getting bigger by the minute!

8 Month Baby BUMP!

(No I'm not trying to stick my belly out...kind of an awkward picture..sorry!)

--8 months....yeah!!! I am nearing the home stretch. Speaking of stretch....it is much harder to do now. Actually, now that I have a big belly, everything is getting a little harder to do. Like tying my shoes, shaving legs, stretching, sitting on floor, getting UP from floor...etc. Josh likes to smile and give a little chuckle as I have to figure out new ways to maneuver my body around obstacles. I love it though! I am starting to get stiff in the joints as they continue to stretch and expand for this "big" stinker. I really think I can almost see the baby grow more and more each day. Is that possible? :) Boy is this one active! I thought they slowed down in the last trimester due to limited room...but not our little one! I am getting poked and kicked in places I did not even know existed. Sometimes it is so wonderful...but other times is hurts!

--Josh and I started our labor and delivery classes. We have 4 classes that are 2 hours long. The first one we learned about breathing and the power of touch. We'll see how far that one goes during the actual delivery!!! I am getting so excited to see our baby. I want to know what he or she will look like. We still have not decided on a girls name...any advice? We have a handful of names, but nothing is popping out for us. That is on the list of things to do as well as finish the room! I feel like I have nothing prepared, but I guess that is a normal feeling. I do have 2 more months to get it all together. My weekends are getting filled by the minute due to the holidays.

--We have our next checkup on Friday so I will post more then. I plan to get the H1N1 shot if available. I have been around SO many people/kids that had the flu or just got it after I saw them last. I am at such a high risk of contracting it due to my job...so I decided to get the shot. I just pray I can make it through the rest of the pregnancy without any complications. I'm crossing my fingers!!

Nursery Filled with Love

Preparation is Key!

Looks harder than it was

Brutus likes to help out

Finished crib...just needs some bedding now!

The funky and comfy orange recliner/rocker
(Even Brutus likes it!)

--We finally got our furniture in this weekend! Josh and I put it together today and it was really quick and easy. It was so exciting knowing that our little one will soon be sleeping in there and I will soon be rocking the baby in that comfy chair! We still have lots to do...like decorate the walls, but the main stuff is done. I plan to do the rest when the bedding arrives in a few more weeks. So fun!!!

--My mom and I went to the Indy Baby Expo on Saturday. It was nice to go and see all the baby stuff, but hard because I could not buy anything. That is the down side of not knowing the sex of the baby. But, we got lots of business cards and can follow up after the baby is here....soon!!!

--On a very sad note....one of Josh's dad's best friends, Jane Fox, passed away on Friday after her battle with cancer. She was a great family friend and I feel so blessed to have known her. She truly was an angel here on earth and no doubt will be looking down on us from Heaven. She was so wonderful to Josh and his dad. She will be missed and forever in our hearts. I pray her husband Jim and young son Johnathan can find peace after her passing.

31 weeks: Marshmallow Puff

Bath Time for Sweet Pea

--9 weeks to go! Not much excitement this week...busy with work. I have been doing well but still experience swelling in the ankles. Sunday after traveling to Cincinnati for wedding dress shopping with my sister (she found a beautiful dress!), my ankles were so swollen that they looked like marshmallows! The nurse said I must be really sensitive to sodium when I am pregnant and need to watch that closely. I never had to watch my diet before...so this is going to be a challenge. But, if it helps keep the swelling down...I'll do it! It was so ugly. At least that is one advantage to having a winter baby...I can wear pants to cover the legs! I was feeling well enough this week to take a few walks. I also think that is helping with the swelling. The baby bump is doing great and I love it! (Just minus all the swelling in the extremities!)

--Our glider should be in next week and hopefully the crib too! I am feeling a little nervous that we have nothing else done with the nursery. Josh was busy this past weekend doing some things around the house and was a huge help! It is getting harder to do some of the housework and bath the dogs...but I am still managing. It is just such a help when he takes charge to help out. I am lucky!

Baby Boy?

--We had our checkup on Friday and all went well. The heartbeat was 146bpm and strong. I measured right on for 30 weeks and of course have been gaining that fluid weight. I knew I would swell...but boy I did not think it would start this soon. My swelling is worst in my ankles by the end of the night. Oh well. I'll take it as long as this little stinker is healthy and thriving. Just don't expect a cute post-delivery picture from me! :)
--The coolest thing happened to me yesterday. I was in Menards looking for a new ceiling fan (one of the MANY things that have broke on us lately) and this nice older man walked past me and said "You're having a boy". I just chuckled and said most think I am having a girl...but I'll take either :) The cool thing was that a complete stranger noticed I was pregnant and just not fat!!! It was a defining moment in my pregnancy.
--Going tomorrow to Cincinnati to Bridal and Formal to watch my sister Tammy try on wedding dresses. It will be fun and I am so excited for her. It is also her fiance (Brian's) birthday...Happy Birthday Brian!!

30 Weeks...Bulldog Weekend

Sweet Pea, Kap'em, Brutus
Sweet Pea...enough said

Josh and Sweet Pea at Contest


Bulldog group hug
(is Kap'em chewing on Brutus's ear?)

Me, Josh and his dad with bullies


Josh and me at Bulldog Contest

Me, my mom and Josh's dad
(Sweet Pea, Brutus, Bailey, and Kap'em)

Josh and my swollen body at Spencer Farm hayride

--This past week was filled with fun! To start off, I had my first cavity filled on Friday. Again....I am blaming that one on pregnancy. No problem getting it filled and I did not use any anesthesia to make it as safe for the baby as possible. I got my flu shot on Monday (reluctantly) and all seems fine so far.

--Later on Friday Josh's dad (Lee) and his bulldog (Kap'em), came in town from St. Louis. They were in town for Saturday's Butler Bulldog Beauty Contest that occurs every year during Butler's homecoming. This year there were 93 registered dogs at the contest. We go to enjoy all the bulldogs and bulldog wanna-be's. My mom joined us with her dog and got second place in the trick category. All the dogs were so well behaved and got along so great! It is so much fun to see all the bullies together. Brutus and Kap'em are buddies now that Kap'em is big enough for him to play tug-o-war. Sweet Pea just sits by G-Pa soaking up all the attention!

--We then went to pick out some pumpkins and mums at Spencer Farms on the free hayride. I think I was having an allergic reaction to the hay as I was so swollen that day! Oh well....I guess I am pregnant, maybe that is the reason :) Feeling pretty good overall except for the morning and evening swelling and the numbness in my right hand. I love my baby belly because our little miracle is in there. I feel more and more connected to this little one everyday. I can't wait to meet him or her!

--Josh is excited October baseball is here again as he was up late watching the games. Go Cardinals!! We are also enjoying relaxing on Sundays watching the Colts play. I am going to enjoy this football season as I will be home for the playoffs with our little one. Having the baby in the winter time gives me a good excuse to stay inside and cuddle! We have another checkup on Friday and I'll post more later.