its been a while

So a few weeks, months even, have past since I last posted and I am feeling bad about it. I know I have a lot more time on my hands but some how that time gets filled up faster than you would think. I can only imagine how much faster time will up when the wee one is finally here.

A lot has been going on the past few months and now that I am at 35 weeks the end is near....some days more overwhelming than others. 

31 and 34 weeks

At the end of July I was apart of one of my closest friends, Erin Simon's Bachelorette Party in Dewey Beach, DE. I had a great time with the Bride-to-be, Bridesmaids, and other close friends of the bride. I think that the Bride-to-be also had a great time as well...lots of laughs, drinks (for the non-preggers), good eats, and a life time of memories. Erin and I LOVE the OLYMPICS so that was a great start to the weekend, even if the opening ceremony was so-so. 

Bachelorette Party, Dewey Beach

Matron of Honor and the Bride

Preggy at her Shower

The second weekend of August I had an AMAZING Baby Shower!!! My wonderful Mother and Grandmother-to-be,  my fantastic Sister and Aunt-to-be, and two of my mom's best friends put together the most creative and beautiful Underwater Themed Shower. Family members, family friends, long time friends, and neighbors came together to celebrate Baby Nowell and I enjoyed every second of it!! There were so many little details that made it so precious and personal, I couldn't have asked for anything better. So thankful and blessed to have such loving and caring woman in my life who are just as excited as Josh and I to welcome our little Bean into the world!! I cant believe I have another shower just around the corner...feeling so loved!

Baby Shower prezies!

Mama blowing out her candles.

After the shower the family and some close friends got together at the Highland's to surprise my beautiful mother for her 60th Birthday! I know she would probably not like people knowing her age but its an important milestone and she looks 40, so its okay! She was 100% surprised, so it was a great success!! This was great way to end a fabulous weekend full of love, family and friends. 

Mother of the Bride and the Bride at the Rehearsal Dinner

At the end of August Ms. Erin Simon married Mr. Coleman Bishop!!! The rehearsal dinner on Friday night, put on by the Groom's parents, was absolutely fabulous in every way! They transformed their backyard into a great party location with lots of tropical and cruise line details. The food was magnificent and the Bridal Party had a great time celebrating before the official celebration. The day of the wedding was a packed day of wedding fun! Breakfast at the Bride's, Hair and Make-up at Ulta, and in no time flat we were at the Highland's getting dressed for Erin's big day. One of my favorite parts of the day was taking pictures with the Bride and Bridesmaids. The photographer had great ideas and, with so much time to spare before the ceremony, we were able to get a plethora of great pictures. Before we knew it, it was time for the ceremony to begin. The ceremony was beautiful and so personal with the Bride's Brother officiating. More photos with the Bridal Party was a fun time too and then we were on to the reception. The reception was so elegant and breath taking, a great time was surely had by all! The Bride was beautiful and the day was truly perfect. I was and will always be so honored to have been chosen to be Erin's Matron of Honor! 

The Beautiful Bride

Drag Brunch the morning after!

I was just glad that the sinus infection, pink eye, and almost uncontrollable cough (which had been plaguing me for a week..besides the pink eye, that sprung up on the ride to Chester) was under control Friday afternoon and throughout the day of the wedding. I had been in agony since the prior Friday and was over coughing all night and not being able to breath. When i got the pink eye the Thursday before the wedding I knew that Patient First and medication was more than needed. I had been trying to avoid taking meds but I hit my breaking point. I was prescribed cough medicine with codine and an antibiotic. After getting the meds I still considered not taking them until I spoke with the triage nurse who ensured me that me getting better with meds was the best way for me to keep the baby healthy too. This made me feel better, so i started taking the meds as directed. Even though the conversation gave me rest it also left me with the fact that I was diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes. This fact came as no surprise because nothing surprises me anymore after the year I have had, but I was still bummed and trying not to let it overwhelm me. A few days later I received some pamphlets in the mail for the GB diet plan, but had to wait, yet again, for more information until this week. 

teehee!!

Now if thats not enough for an 8 month pregnant lady to do in her summer, I topped it off with another Bachelorette Party in Bethany Beach, DE with another close and amazing friend Ms. Taryn Barnes! I was able to drive up Thursday afternoon, and Taryn and I were able have a night alone together before the rest of the fabulous ladies arrived. We made a delightful mexican dinner and watched a movie. Friday we were able to go to the beach for a while before her Sister-in-law-to-be came to spend some time with the Bride. The ridiculously amazing house that we were staying in had a great view of the ocean and the three of us were able to watch a pod of dolphins jumping out of the water, Sea World style! AH-MA-ZING!! When the Maid of Honor and friend of the bride arrived the bride opened some presents and then we went to dinner at a fantastic restaurant downtown Bethany. I also walked away with a hand-painted wine glass, with an Anchor, which I love! Thanks Lauren!! Saturday was filled with some beach time, but by 4pm I was on the road home to spend the rest of Labor Day weekend with my betrothed.  I cannot wait for Taryn's wedding and continue to pray that Baby Nowell comes on time or maybe even a little early so that I am able to stand up with Taryn as she marries the man of her dreams! 

The Bride-to-be Stoked to be at the beach!

So this week, I had a doctors appointment and was able to get more information, as well as a Blood Sugar tester for my GD. I have started the diet plan and am tracking my BS until the baby arrives. Even though the GD was diagnosed super late in the game my ultrasound proved that Baby is doing well and all is normal. Baby is 6 lbs 2 oz and in the 67% for weight which is way better than the doctor expected due to the GD. The baby's abdomen is also in the 67% for size and way better than expected. This was all amazing news, and to top it off the baby's head is down and ready to roll!! All this information was such an amazing answered prayer and a great, great weight lifted off my shoulders. At my appointment, before the ultrasound, I felt so overwhelmed and a little besides myself. I know I cannot predict how my labor and birth will go, but I want to be as prepared as possible, and I didn't want the GD to make things complicated. I know finalizing our birth plan (preferred options) will also make me feel better about the upcoming events.

We started our Birthing Class three weeks ago, which has also eased my mind about the upcoming events. Out of the 8 couples, we are due first! Its a little intimidating because during the last class the teacher asked me if I had any updates or signs of labor...which I don't. I kind of feel like this might happen each week until Sept. 26th...our last class and two weeks before Bean is due to arrive. The class is so informational and I feel that it is preparing us as much as it can. It's exciting!

4 weeks and 5 days until the due date!