New Nursery Pictures!

Hello all! We are getting really really close to the big day. Just 18 days away now. At the last checkup which was this morning the baby is head down and textbook healthy. So far it looks like Ashley will make it to the due date, May 6th, but would definitely appreciate any prayers for an earlier delivery! The Doc estimated our baby at about 6 1/2 pounds currently. The heartbeat fluctuates (as it's supposed to) between the high 130's and the mid 150's. It hasn't dropped yet but with it being head down the kicking has changed a little bit to include attempts and breaking a rib. 

Below are some updated nursery room pictures as we have added a couple new pieces and also moved some things around. We had the bumper pads and the blanket made from fabric that Ashley found and she did an amazing job! The dresser was a bit of a pain as the finish was not very pretty so I spent about 6 hours sanding it then another 2 hours priming and painting. But, it was worth it for a changing table with some style. We also finally got Ashley's rocker in and she now has a comfy place for nighttime feedings. As you can see to the right of the dresser we have our bags packed (one for each of us and one for baby) and are ready to go when the time comes. The route to the hospital has been practiced and timed and we know exactly which elevators to grab once we get to Christ Hospital. So it's almost time to start holding your breath! 

As we grow closer by the day I start picturing more and more what our lives are going to look like when this little baby comes. When I picture a girl I see such a daddy's girl that I will kiss at least a hundred times a day, put in writing from very early on that dating will not begin until the age of 25 and so she doesn't miss out I will happily be her date to all school dances. As I daydream about what a little man looks like in my life I can't help but picture fishing trips, wrestling matches in the living room in which something is bound to get broken and a fathers pride of seeing his little guy stay true to the ideals we instill in him. So much to look forward to. I can't thank Mom and Dad, Al and Renee enough for all they sacrificed, endured and poured into Ashley and I. It really is impossible to know the love and dedication a parent has for their kids until the moment has arrived. Thank you for setting such good examples.

Check your milk....

So Ashley and I are starting to realize how close we are to becoming parents. We bought milk yesterday that has an expiration date past our due date! As we bought the common household items like paper towels, toilet paper, deodorant, etc. I realized that next time I have to go buy paper towels the baby will be here! That is so crazy to me.

Now onto the important stuff. Ashley is still doing great. She has a few normal aches and pains that would likely have me bedridden. Check ups from the Doc are picture perfect and Ashley now moves to weekly appointments. She has also been having a lot of Braxton Hicks contractions. The Doctor said if we get 6 within an hour to give them a call and we've counted up to 4. Our little bundle of joy is also kicking so hard it is starting to hurt my poor wife. We are also just baffled at how it's positioned in there because it seems as though kicks and pokes occur in every spot of her belly.

Here are some current pictures of how amazing Ashley looks. How cute is that belly!