The First Views of the "Nursery"

Here are the first photos we've taken to share of the little bambino's "nursery". I called it the "baby room" again today and Matt said that "nursery" makes it sound so much more official... I still have things to put up on the walls and curtains to hang, but Matt has completed ALL of his jobs--putting together the crib, dresser, glider, painting the whole room, fixing the fan and lighting/electrical outlets...he's really worked hard and I'm so thankful for all his long hours. My small contributions have been picking and coordinating linens, washing and putting away all the clothes and baby items...I did however build the cubed bookshelf at 8 months pg which is not an easy task I must add. Now all we need is a baby!

Three showers and three weeks to go!

The Hawkins family had a VERY busy "Valentine's" week and I want to blog these photos before time runs out... First of all, I was treated to 3 "showers", and ALL THIS WEEK.

First, some girls from church set up an adorable brunch at a little restaurant in town on Sunday and treated me to 2 1/2 hours of dining on french toast with strawberries, cheesecake, and all the labor and delivery / baby talk a girl could ask for. It was very sweet and girl time is JUST what I needed. Our friends Mark and Lauren Snodgrass happened to be in for the weekend and Lauren and baby Paul were able to join us while all of our husbands played a round of golf...poor things...they couldn't find anything else to do? Then secondly, the ladies from the church hosted a wonderful shower for baby Noah and Matt and I, at which we received SO many wonderful things that we needed...and then the very next night, the teens joined us in celebrating with another "shower"--of course this one included teenager games like eating/feeding a partner pudding with a blindfold and Matt and I hanging up laundry while holding a baby doll and talking on the phone, (see Matt, photo, and note--baby, upside down...). We feel very blessed and thankful for such a wonderful church family... but I must say that after all of these parties, Matthew and I needed a weekend away.

So...we took off to Orlando Friday night and celebrated what may be our last date night out together before the baby. Dinner at Macaroni Grill, sleeping in, and shopping the next morning was a treat, a perfect Valentine's day with my sweetheart.

Less than a month to go...

Here are a few photos from this last month. My tummy has really taken over the rest of my body and it has been quite amusing to see just how s-t-r-e-t-c-h-e-d a belly can really get. I miraculously still have a bit of belly button, although not much of one! I am still trying to keep my sense of humor when it comes to comments that complete strangers make to me, and I laugh to myself at what they would say if they REALLY knew what my shiny stomach looked like under the maternity clothes! That would show them! I am still enjoying being pregnant and feel good most days, but I admit it is tempting to wish for the next few weeks to hasten on. Matthew and I are so looking forward to meeting our little son for the first time. Of course there are still little things to do around the house to get ready, but we have made a TON of progress this week and feel much more prepared now if he were to come sooner than later. Technically we have 3 weeks left....but we'll see. I have a feeling it may not be that long. I hadn't shown any signs of labor at my last appointment, but I think this may be the week for some progress. I go for another appointment on Friday.