Jackson's first football game

We decided to take advantage of a pre-parenthood Saturday to enjoy a UT game. I know Jackson is already a Vols fan! Here are some pictures.

More baby showers

We have been blessed with lots of loved ones offering to throw baby showers. My best friend Diana threw a beautiful shower at Gettysvue. My wonderful girl friends Ashley and Danica threw me a relaxing shower at the Barnes' lakehouse. Mimi's best friends, the "Fairy Godmothers", threw a shower at the Yeager's home. And Nana's long time friend, Pam, also threw a super fun shower. In the previous post, you can see the pictures from the Nursery Decorating shower that Lally, Beth and Erin put on. Now Jackson has all kinds of goodies waiting for him when he gets here! A great big THANKS to everyone who helped host each of these
wonderful parties. Matthew, Jackson and I are all incredibly grateful to everyone who came out to bring a gift and wish us well.

Nursery Decorating Shower and the finished product!

A few weeks ago, Jackson had his first baby shower. My friend Beth came up with the idea to throw a nursery decorating party. She, along with my friends Erin and Lally did a great job! A group of my close girlfriends came over and helped to paint Jackson's room. They brought gifts for Jackson which included paint and shelves. THANK YOU GIRLS for helping make his nursery so beautiful! Scroll through the pictures to see the finished product (well, almost finished).

The girls hard at work. Well, some of them.

Matthew touching up the chair rail that we hung.

Jackson's nursery!!!

Jackson's crib and beautiful bedding. Thanks Mimi and Nana!

Jackson's Aunt Meredith found the changing table and dresser/bookshelf at consignment. I think they look perfect! Thanks Aunt Meredith.

"thank heaven for little boys"

Maternity Pictures

Matthew and I had our pictures taken last night by the most talented photographer in the world (I'm not just saying that because she's my mom)! "Nana," aka Sabrina, made this bloated pregnant lady feel beautiful. I also have to brag on Matthew, he is such a good sport. He kept a smile through all 165 pictures! We had a good time and I can't wait till we get to take Jackson for pictures! Thank you again mom, we love the pictures. www.photographybysabrina.com.

"Babymoon"

With only a couple months left until we meet baby Jackson, Matthew and I decided we needed to take one last vacation before officially becoming parents. We booked a place to stay on Tuesday and drove to Myrtle Beach on Friday. It felt great to do something spontaneous and I'm so glad we went. We had an amazing time! It was the most relaxing vacation of my life. I'm feel so blessed to have such a wonderful marriage and enjoy each second Matthew and I spend together. By complete coincidence, Matthew's parents and the Hesleps were vacationing 30 minutes south of us in Litchfield and we were able to spend our last day at the beach with them. Thank you Uncle Tommy and Aunt Pam for giving us a place to stay! We had fun visiting with everyone. We only wish we could have stayed longer.

Jackson's Bedding

A few weeks ago my mom bought me an amazing gift; Jackson's bedding!! I absolutely love it. Since a lot of people have asked me to describe it, I thought it would be best to just post it on the blog. The colors that best accent it are baby blue and a grayish blue. The dark color in the print is a very deep blue. I'm doing white furniture with light brown walls and a white chair rail. I can't wait to decorate his nursery!

June Updates

This picture was taken on Father's Day. Exciting since it was Matthew's very first! I made him French Toast for breakfast and he opened all his cards and gifts. He worked on homework all day while I visited my Granddad and Stephen. Later and we joined my Dad for dinner at Bonefish.As of tomorrow I'll be 26 weeks. I've felt great lately. 2 weeks ago I began feeling better and everyday I seem to have more energy. Aside from the carpel tunnel I now apparently have in my wrist and the 90 degree heat we've been having, all is well. All my doctor's visits have been going smoothly so far. Normal test results and Jackson is developing perfectly. Our next ultrasound is July 17th. I can't wait to see him again! Here is what Baby Gaga has to say about Jackson's development this week.
Fetal development in pregnancy week 26:
Fetus in sixth month.
At long last, your little swimmer can see the womb! Your miracle’s little eyelids have finally separated (they were fused closed previously) and they’re probably having their first moments of sight as you read this (or maybe it already happened while you were brushing your teeth or watching Oprah or something). In addition to seeing their little studio in your belly, they’ve recently acquired the ability to say “yes” and “no” in rudimentary sign language as they can now move their head back and forth. This is also the time where your little super star’s head hair is starting to grow! A cute little cowlick or two may be springing into position right now, getting ready for years of cute-but-stubborn bed-head. Also, their toenails have grown in and you little raisin continues to slowly pile up fat beneath their still-loose skin. Most importantly, brain tissue and neurons are all developing at a rapid pace, increasing their (genius-level?) brain activity and will continue to function at accelerated levels for the first seven to eight years of childhood!