Photo Contest

The days are just dragging on and all I seem to think about is my baby and when she will join us! Seriously, it is consuming all my time!

So I thought I would (try) to take a break from willing this baby out of me and tell you about what I have going on at work.

Every year we have a Photo Calendar Contest that is free to enter (US residents only) and there are $1000 in prizes that will be given away...AWESOME! The theme is anything and each person can enter 2 photos - so let your family and friends know!

Here is the link for more information.... 

Everyone should enter....since I can't!

This is awesome!

Seriously! How awesome is this wedding ring!
Too bad I didn't see this when we were getting married.  I showed it to Dan and he even said - bummer that is an awesome ring!
This would have fit right in with our wedding.... I had a MN Twins Baseball garter, we took pictures of our wedding party playing baseball....would have been awesome. Maybe for an anniversary (even though he doesn't even wear the ring he has!)

 

One day past my Due Date.....

Dear Baby,

Wow, you’re almost here and we are so excited to finally meet you.  Your dad and I have been waiting for you for 9 long months and pretty soon we’ll get to see you, touch you, and gaze into your beautiful eyes.  I’m especially looking forward to holding you in my arms and nuzzling your sweet smelling head.  Let’s spend hours together just cuddling, nursing, sleeping, and enjoying life together.

I can’t wait to be your mama.  I’ve been preparing for motherhood since I was a young girl and I feel so ready to welcome you into my life.  I’ve studied everything I could about how to be a good parent, how to help you learn and grow, and how to be the best example I can be for you.  I’ve even practiced by taking care of lots of other babies and kids, but really it was all for you.  Taking care of you and teaching you how to take good care of yourself sounds like the most fun and rewarding thing I could possibly do in my life. 


Just wait ‘till you meet your dad.  He’s fantastic.  I just know he’s going to be such a wonderful daddy to you.  When I was choosing a husband I decided to choose the man with the biggest, most beautiful heart I could find.  And that’s your dad.  He cares so deeply, and shares himself so openly.  I love his honesty and his sense of humor.  I completely trust him to take exquisite care of all of our hearts, which is really the most important task of all.  And on top of all that, he’s hilarious!  With your daddy in our lives, we are sure to have lots and lots of laughter and fun.

My friends keep telling me that you’re “one lucky baby” and I agree.  I’ve always thought of myself as one of the luckiest people I know.  And I’m so happy to pass on my good fortune to you.  In fact, there’s no one else I’d rather bless with endless good luck and the ability to appreciate and enjoy it.

One of my deepest hopes is that we can always communicate openly with each other, that no matter what’s happening, you know you can always come to us, share whatever’s on your heart and we’ll always love you no matter what.  There may be times when we don’t like each other very much, but even then, please know, that we love you dearly, deeply, and without conditions.  And even in times when you think you don’t, we’ll remember that you love us too.  Because that’s how it is in our family, we practice unconditional love and acceptance no matter what the circumstances.

So, welcome to life on Earth, and welcome to your family.  May you be surrounded by love, inspired to learn and grow, and always know that you are deeply cherished.

So much love, Your Mom

40 Weeks

40 Weeks......Holy crap I did not think I would make it the entire 40 weeks
Baby is the size of a small pumpkin (looks and feels like a large pumpkin/watermelon to me!)

(Picture taken at 39 Weeks 5 Days)

One of our good friends, who was due two weeks after us, just had their baby yesterday! While I am SOOO excited for them - it is hard not to be jealous that they had theirs and mine just isn't ready to come.  I feel bad thinking that but at this point I can't really do anything about it.

Husband has been very understanding.... I told him the day before they had their baby that if they had their baby before we did - he was in BIG trouble :) It is funny to joke about and I am glad they had a healthy baby.  We got home from our doctor appointment yesterday and still no progress (at 39 weeks 5 days).  I am hoping to just relax and have this baby girl make her way out on her own - so we don't have to deal with any scary stuff!

Come on baby girl! We want to see your beautiful face!

Embracing the Camera with The Anderson Crew!

Awkward & Awesome Thursday!

Awkward:
* How much my hands, wrists and fingers hurt! I think it is from the swelling which hasn't been too bad but just enough to make it very uncomfortable.  Most nights the pain wakes me up...ready for that to be over with!
* Every single person I have seen asks me "how I am feeling" and talk about how uncomfortable that I must be.... yes I am uncomfortable and you pointing it out doesn't make it any better! It is like when someone says "Your grumpy today..." that always seems to make me even more grumpy.
* My maternity clothes that just aren't fitting anymore! Hope nobody minds looking at the bottom of my belly!

Awesome:
* Being in the final weeks (hopefully only week!) and being that much closer to meeting our beautiful baby girl!
* Being so close to loosing this extra weight! It has seriously taken a toll on my hips and knees.  I don't think I am made to be this heavy! Can't wait to do normal things again - like bend over and work out!
* How loving my husband is the past couple weeks... he is so excited to meet his daughter.  I love it SO MUCH! He is going to be a fantastic dad and I can't wait for that to happen for him (and for me to by a mommy!)

Cinnamon Crunch Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

This weekend I made some FANTASTIC banana bread!

I always make the usual chocolate chip banana bread (because everything is better with chocolate chips!) but wanted to try something different.  After some time on the almighty internet I found this recipe for Cinnamon Crunch Banana Bread.

I followed the recipe pretty closely - except I added in chocolate chips of course!

It turned out fantastic! Husband loved it and has pretty much eaten the whole loaf.  I will definitely be making this recipe again!

Ok Pretty Baby....

I would like to meet you now!

You can come anytime! Daddy and I are ready!

Love, your not-so-patient mom