34 (and a half) Week Check-Up

I had my 34 (and a half ... every day counts!) week checkup today. I voiced some concerns I had about some recent "activity" I'd been experiencing. Since my last visit I've had lots of Braxton Hicks contractions and over the past three days I can feel the baby pushing downward causing pressure in the lower regions! He also has dropped some.

Therefore, my doctor decided to go ahead and "check" me today. We found that I am 1cm dialated but still "thick." That pleased the doctor because Braden is still about 2 1/2 weeks away from being considered full term (37 weeks). The doctor said she wasn't surprised I was feeling so much pressure because Braden is really low and not surprised I was dialated due to all of the contractions. She does not expect me to deliver prior to 37 weeks (yay ... I'm not ready just yet), but after that point it's fair game and he'll be considered full term. Needless to say things are progressing and we'll have a new addition to our family sometime in the next month! I go back to the doctor in two weeks, I'll keep everyone posted!

SuMMeR FuN

Lately we've had some technical difficulties between our camera dying and our wireless router not working. I have been out of touch with the internet world! Well folks, we are back in business!

Not too much to report. We've been hanging out at the pool every chance we get. Mason loves the water and being outside. For Father's Day Mason and I took Keith to dinner and we got him a new camera (which we obviously needed). A Nikon Coolpix was the winner, so we've been testing it out over the weekend.

I have about 5 1/2 weeks until my due date with Braden. There has been lots of "activity" lately. Between him moving all about, pushing downward, and braxton hicks contractions daily, I'd say we are progressing nicely toward having a baby in the near future. I actually have a doctor's appointment tomorrow and we will see what this munchkin is up to. I've been nesting like crazy lately ... clean, organize, repeat! However, I'm still not quite ready for Braden's arrival. He needs to wait at least a couple weeks!

Here are some pictures of our SuMMeR FuN!

Mason was cuddling with Calvin.

Daddy testing out the new camera!

Giggling in the car on the way to

Father's Day dinner.

Too cool for words ...

Loving on Braden!

8 1/2 months

I think polka dots accentuate the belly ...

Pa Pa, Mason, and Elmo taking a dip.

Lovin' it!

Though he has arm floaties that he does very

well with, he still likes the old faithful life jacket.

Too tuckered out after a long day of swimming

to even make it to dinner time.

Colton Turns ONE!

This evening we celebrated my nephew Colton's 1st Birthday. We were very happy that the storms from earlier today had subsided, however it was HOT as all get out! What a steamy night for mid-June. We celebrated at my parent's house with hot dogs on the grill, several sides, and of course a yummy Birthday cake from "Jane the cake lady." I can't believe Colton is ONE already ... and that Braden is almost here!

Family Picture before the party.

8 1/2 months
(34 weeks, 6 to go)

Colton's smash cake.

Giving cake to Miles ... the dog.

Happy 1st Birthday Colton!

We love you!

Poolside Weekend

Well, our camera is on the fritz so there will be no pictures with this post :(

This weekend we had so much fun! Two fabulous pool days! You all know I LoVe the pool. There is nothing like hanging out poolside with good company, soaking up the sun, and grilling out some yummy food! So that's exactly what we did. Mason and I went over early and my brother and Colton met us there. Keith joined us later after getting some things done around the house. Mason LOVES swimming ... as he told me yesterday. Mason did not nap for TWO days ... which is against my mommy religion, lol. He was so excited to swim and was having so much fun. He was a total water rat and I could barely get him out of the pool to eat. He told me he wanted to eat in the pool! I remember those days as a kid. There's just something about growing up with a pool ... I'm so glad my parents have maintained the pool all these years so that the grandchildren can now enjoy the same summers I did as a child!

On another note, I am 8 months pregnant now! Braden's due date is quickly approaching and we are very excited to meet him. He is a very active fellow in the womb, hopefully he calms down once he arrives! I will however miss feeling this munchkin move around inside my belly. It is one of the absolute most wonderful things in the entire world to experience! I've been washing Mason's baby clothes, blankets, etc. Keith still needs to paint his room. Hopefully this will occur this week! It's driving me nuts that his room isn't done yet!

Hopefully we get this camera situation solved so I can post some pregnancy, pool, and Braden's room pictures soon! Please bear with our technical difficulties!