It's The Final Countdown!

Technically this picture was taken back when I was 33 weeks pregnant I think.  I am now nearing the end of my 36th week.  I don't have any pictures of me now because frankly it's embarrassing to think I may have to take two shots and put them side-by-side just to adequately fit in all of my girth.  Sometimes, I like to convince myself it's "all baby" but honestly I'm beginning to think the weight is moving into my nose.  I swear it's getting bigger by the day....I'm worried it's about to take over my whole face.  Surely this disappears after labor right?  

So, thanks to my little ticker on the right side of my blog, I am reminded daily of how much time is left before little Addison arrives.  Each day I go through a mix of emotions....excitement at finally getting to meet her and worry about the pain labor will bring with it.   Regardless of my worries, labor and birth and all the other stuff that comes with it is inevitable.   I'm not a wimp, my body is made to do this, she has to come out regardless, I'll survive, lesser people have done it - these are all my mantras.  More than anything I'm amazed at the miracle of reproduction and realizing that in 24 days our lives will change forever for the better!  Wish me luck!! :D 

Showered In Love

Last Saturday was my baby shower.  Sarah (my sis-in-law) is quite the party-planner and I was a happy benefactor of said party.   Of course she had many helping hands as well - which all came together to pull off one of the best showers I've been to.  I left feeling very "showered" with gifts and baby things but most importantly with love.  

In my single years, I threw many showers...bridal and baby...but never have I enjoyed being the guest of honor at such a wonderful event.  The decorations were beautiful, the food was delicious, and the guests were wonderful.  Little Addison will be very grateful that in one afternoon not only was her wardrobe quadrupled but that it was done in great taste!  I loved everything everyone gifted.  

Especially wonderful was that I was surrounded by tons of people who loved me.  I was floored at how many people were able to come and celebrate.  After all, it was a very busy Saturday afternoon.  In addition to the wonderful friends from my ward, my mother, sisters, grandma, and cousin even journeyed down to enjoy the event.  It was great seeing all of them and their little families and spending the weekend relaxing with them.  However, Shara, my cousin, wins the award for traveling the farthest.  She lives in Hawaii...I guess technically she didn't come all the way here JUST for me...but I like to pretend she did anyway.  It was great seeing everyone and enjoying each other's company.  Below are a few pictures (stolen from Sarah's blog) of the big event...

Ashlyn, my niece (also known as my little shadow) was quite the helper when it came time to open presents.  

Beautiful fruit salad.  One of many delicious treats we enjoyed munching on.

The adorable "Addi-Bell" tree that Sarah created.   Adorned with pacifiers, teethers, and hair bows.

The beautiful (and delicious!) rubber ducky cake.  Along with the very fitting table top decoration.  A momma duck and her baby.

For those who want to check out more pics feel free to read Sarah's blog here.  And thanks again for all the help from everyone (Sarah, Michelle, Cassie, My Mom, Mama Jean, Dana etc.)  And of course thanks to everyone who was able to come.  It was a very great day full of greats.....great food, great friends, and great fun!

These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things

Just in case you are wondering, no I'm not talking about whiskers on kittens and bright colored mittens.  I'm talking about the wonders of pregnancy cravings!  I've seemed to have quite a few random ones so I'm curious as to how everyone else compares.  Check out what I've been pining over for the last 9 months...

Cheese sticks!  Of the Sonic variety of course.  Granted this was a craving in the early months of my pregnancy.  What was once an obsessive love has now turned to utter distaste...only after I consumed copious amounts during my first trimester of course.  It doesn't help that we have a Sonic literally 100 feet from our house either.  Sadly, I'm afraid they may know me by name now.  :(

Olive Garden!!  Now don't get me wrong, I've eaten at Olive Garden before - and it never placed in my top 3 choices for dinner.  However, I'll have to thank Dana personally for this newfound love.  She may seem innocent but I'm convinced she's out to get me as fat as possible!  Otherwise, why would she recommend the most fattening dish on the menu on our latest girl's night out?  Sigh....Chicken Carbonara - I happily obliged once I read the menu description.  Noodles.  Cream Sauce.  Breaded Chicken.  Three of my favorite foods.  It was love at first bite.  I've since returned only once to eat it again.  I'm sure there will be many more reunions in my near future.

Tangy Taffy!  Okay, technically I've loved this long before I was ever pregnant.  It's just now I have excuses to buy and eat them!  And no, I don't just get one - I could easily consume the above four in say....an hour??  And since they are found on rare occasions one must stock up they find them!  Hint: Only served at certain gas stations.  If you are curious as to which ones - hit me up I'll draw you a map with stars.  Yum!

Cheap-O Choc-O Donuts!  The cheap waxy kind only of course.  Hands down this is my all-time favorite.  It's currently ranked at the top of my list.  Yes, I have a half eaten bag sitting next to me as I type this.  And it's only half eaten because I'm learning to pace myself.  My first encounter was the whole bag and as a result I went to bed feeling slightly nauseous that night.  John has been a good sport and ventured out at midnight to get me these before.  I won't mention that I consumed the bag with a large Sprite as well...that would be embarassing eh?  

And lastly, Taco Bell.  Paying homage to my old family name.  I've been known to scarf down their taco salads.  I never was a huge fan of this salad before but it easily climbs to the top of the list when I'm thinking of something good to eat.  I've been known to leave the house just for a Taco Bell run, simply to return back home with my bounty.  Why oh why do I fall in love with the one "salad" that isn't that healthy anyway?  

So lets hear it fellow blog-people...I'm curious as to what cravings you've had and how they compare.  After all the cravings and pregnancy weight gain I'd like to convince myself I'm giving birth to a 30 lb baby but I'm beginning to think that may not be such a good idea as labor seems to be getting closer and closer.