36 weeks. Giant Belly.

Whoa! Is all I have to say.

Where did this belly come from?

For so long it looked like I wasn't going to get "the watermelon". My baby belly was easily hidden in a cotton dress and cardi. My abdomen used to hold my belly in tight and I was looking pretty normal (okay, a little chubby) in my regular clothes.

But today.... Today, I look pregnant 

(or as our birth class instructor would say, "great with child").

 So again, where did this belly come from?

We got the test results back yesterday and Piper is doing great and I am not preeclamptic. My blood and urine tests were negative for protein. The doctors recommend I keep incubating her for a few more weeks in hopes she continues to grow and will be delivered naturally. 

 Thank you all for your prayers, thoughts, and concern. 

We are still praying that she starts to pack on the pounds and continues to grow. 

Her due date is between 5/14 & 5/20. 

Dessert? Yes, Please!

 It's Mr. R.'s Birthday! 

And birthdays must be celebrated over brownies and ice cream.

Lucky for me, he doesn't mind sharing.

Happy Birthday Mr. R.!

Happy Birthday to my wonderful, loving, brilliant, funny, and amazing husband!

He turns the BIG 29 today! 

I have plans to celebrate him with birthday french toast followed by fun presents.

A few things that I love about Mr. R...

1. He can always make me laugh.

2. He is incredibly patient.

3. He tells corny dad jokes.

4. He loves comic books and super heroes. (And loves that I like them too!)

5. He is a scrabble master.

6. He researches EVERYTHING, but never worries about the decisions once they are made.

7. He loves our pups.

8. He is so excited to be a dad.

9. He grades papers with me at night.

10. He reads to me in bed.

11. He works incredibly hard to provide for our little family.

12. He backs me up and supports my goals, dreams, and desires.

13. He caught the travel bug and even though he hates to fly we have been to 4 countries and 9 states together. 

14. He gives the most amazing hugs.

15. He looks awesome in a suit.

16. He watches girlie movies willingly.

 17. He is a master at figuring out IKEA instructions.

18. He naps with me on lazy Sundays.

19. He thinks breakfast is the best meal of the day.

20. He loves me for me. 

 Happy Birthday Husband! 

I hope your 29th year is your BEST year yet!

A rough couple of days...

Continuing the theme of this pregnancy Piper and I had more excitement this week. Do to my crazy blood pressure, I go weekly to the doctor for non-stress tests. On Tuesday I made my way to the labor and delivery ward and Pip WOULD NOT MOVE! So I was sent to radiology for a sonogram. Our sonogram came with seriously scary results and we were asked to make a doctor appointment for the next day. 

The results left us concerned scared and with yet another appointment for more tests with a specialist in Jacksonville. We met with the specialist today. Turns out I may in fact be preeclamptic. For full details use google, but the bottom line is that my placenta might not be the best house for Piper and she might not be getting all the nutrients she needs from me. 

My doctors thought this might be the case a few weeks ago, but after blood work and urine tests it was ruled out. I also haven't gained excessive weight and have no swelling. I am currently undergoing more blood and urine tests. I have been told to take it easy and watch my blood pressure. 

So for now we wait. We pray. And we hope. I am 4 weeks from my due date. In one week Pip will be full term. If you have a moment, say a prayer of peace for our little family and a prayer of healing for Miss Pip.

Danielle, Me, and Betsy @ Piper's Baby Shower
4/16/11

Apparently...

in order to become "BEST TEACHER EVER!" 

You simply need to combine science lab days with Oreo cookies, ice cream sprinkles, and tooth picks.

Don't worry no Oreos were harmed during the mitosis cell simulation and clean up was a breeze. 

They ate the results :)

Lab Days = Engaged Students who happily complete their assignments.

Easter Brunch Menu!

I am hosting Easter brunch 

this year @ Casa Republican. I think it's going to be our last hosting event before Miss Pippa arrives :)

I am all about an easy prep, but high impact menu. And after lazy Sunday afternoon of research I have settled on the following.

1. Baked French Toast from allrecipes.com

2. Strawberry and blue cheese salad with pecans

3. Spinach frittata with gouda and mushrooms

4. Maple brown sugar bacon 

A Happy Accident

I love 5 things in this world.

Mr. R.

My Family

The pups

friends

and...

For Pippa's baby shower yesterday Betsy, Danielle, and Kristin ordered Luli's cupcakes for dessert. I cannot tell you how excited I was to see a tower of lemon, peanut butter, chocolate,

vanilla, and carrot cupcakes. I am telling you these cupcakes are amazing! They easily beat the pants off Magnolia Bakery's and Sprinkles.

But here is the best part of the story. When Kristin went to pick up the cupcakes yesterday they made 20 extra cupcakes! And they gave them to her for FREE!

You know where this is going right? We divided up the extra cupcakes after the shower and now my freezer is the proud owner of 9 glorious Luli's cupcakes. I promise to maintain some form of decorum and not eat them all today.