READY, SET...

32 weeks, 1 day

While I still have roughly eight more weeks to go, I am starting to feel the crunch of getting everything ready for Gwen's big arrival. Technically, I have about four more weeks to get the nursery completed and hospital bags packed because I have told myself that I want the last month of my pregnancy to be as relatively stress-free as possible. Besides, IF Gwen decided that she wasn't waiting for November to make her appearance, that would mean even LESS time to finish preparing. Nesting already? Maybe a little. But I am determined to NOT procrastinate on this matter like most other things in my life in which I do. If you'll remember from my first blog entry I consider myself to be a World Class procrastinator.

I have a very good start to my list and a few things are almost complete. I have already received many clothes in the form of hand-me-downs and shower gifts. The majority of newborn and 0-3 months outfits have been washed and put away, although I still have several "piles" left.

Some of Gwen's laundry

Most of the nursery decor is in place except for a few artistic finishing touches. I would really like to paint a small mural above her crib.

Owl-themed nursery progress

The sun room off our bedroom needs to be turned into a temporary nursery for the first few weeks of Gwen's life when she will be sleeping in her bassinet. In addition, there are a few "projects" around the house I would like to accomplish such as cleaning out the garage and a few storage closests. I will save packing my hospital bags until around week 36 so that will be the last task on my list to be completed.

I know two months is still plenty of time, but like I said, I really want to accomplish everything in a matter of weeks so the last month I can hopefully just be "Zen". How exciting and crazy to think I am in the home stretch!

MAY YOU ALWAYS THRIVE

31 Weeks

At my baby shower we tried something new - a Baby Bead & Blessing Ceremony. I wish I could take credit for this but I came across the idea from a poster on Babycenter.com who in turn found the ceremony on a maternity blog. The idea is that everyone who attends your shower brings a handpicked bead and a blessing to bestow upon the mother and baby-to-be. The beads are then made into a necklace or bracelet and can be used as a focal point during labor and as a reminder of all the love and good wishes for motherhood.

A friend who attended my baby shower gave me a string of beads during the BB&B Ceremony that spells out our chosen name for Gwen - "Gwenyth River Gordon" and pointed out that the word THRIVE can be found in the center of her name. I was absolutely thrilled with the discovery.

Thrive
-verb (used without object)
1. to prosper; be fortunate or successful.
2. to grow or develop vigorously; flourish.

I cannot think of a better word when it comes to the hopes and dreams I have for my future daughter.

In just about 9 weeks I will meet my baby girl for the first time. There are no words to express the joy and love I am feeling for this little person growing inside me. With each passing day I grow more and more excited, and when I am surrounded by negativity I simply think of the journey I am about to embark on and everything else seems insignificant.

If I could send a message to the baby in my belly it would be simply this: To my daughter Gwen - May you always thrive. Love, Mommy

SHOWERING GWEN WITH LOVE

29 Weeks, 5 days

I had my baby shower with family and friends this past weekend. It was such a wonderful day! Bryan, Gwen, and I are certainly loved by all. We received so many nice gifts that will come in handy and lots and lots of clothes! This little girl certainly won't be going naked! Gwen also received her very 1st teddy bear thanks to her Nanna and Grandaddy! I hope it's something she keeps all her life.

The food was delicious and we played some cute games, but my favorite part was the Baby and Bead Blessing Ceremony. Everyone brought me a bead that had meaning to them and shared their blessings and wishes for Gwen and I. It was so touching and special! I plan on making a necklace or bracelet with the beads and keeping it with me during labor for encouragement and support.

It's hard to believe that in a couple of months Gwen will be here! Having my baby shower made it all that more real! Now the fun part of washing, and sorting, and organizing all the wonderful things we received can begin! The sooner everything is ready to go the better! Usually, everything I do is last minute so I am going to try really hard to have most everything complete with time to spare and relax!

Thank you to EVERYONE who helped make my baby shower so special!