We're Still Here...

Hi Everyone!
My sincere apologies that I've haven't posted in so long - it seems strange to not be stuck in front of a computer at school anymore, which made it very easy to hop on the blog site and update the world on our progress.

Let's see if I can fill in the blanks since the last post...

After our scare at Labor and Delivery, things have been absolutely normal! Thank Heavens! Every now and again, I'll feel some pain or strange twinges in my back and stomach - all of which are completely normal. I've become very in-tune with my body and I listen to what it tells me to do. The bigger Brookie gets, the more uncomfortable I become, so I take it easy when I fell that I should...simple enough!

My third year of teaching wrapped up on June 6 - I thought this year would never end! It was a great year, but definitely the most challenging so far. I can't believe that I have three years under my belt...but from what I hear, another 30 years will pass before I know it! The year was filled with so much excitement and so many new experiences that I'll definitely need this summer to recover!

We saw Dr. Grill on June 9 for a regular check up. Everything with Brooke was fantastic! We heard her heartbeat again (which is definitely one of my most favorite things in the entire world!) and we were able to report how active she's been. I've been feeling great - completely over all of the sickness and enjoying carrying an active, healthy little girl around with me everywhere I go!
The worst part of the appointment was hearing how much weight I had gained...
I won't break it down and tell you exactly what I gained over the last month - but my total weight gain almost 7 months along has been 11 pounds. Believe me when I say that 11 pounds over 7 months sounds MUCH better than my gain in one month's time.
The doctor isn't concerned about the weight gain because up until this time, I had only gained 2 pounds (now you can do the math!! YIKES!). I guess it just took me longer to put on the weight - either that, or I'm a piggy!
I've been getting more exercise and eating much more healthily every chance I get - I'll just let this baby girl grow as much as she needs to - and then I'll have to spend a lifetime trying to work off all of this extra weight! Geesh...

Life is general has been wonderful since I've last posted! Zig and I are getting really excited about Brookie's arrival, but we are also enjoying each other - making plans and looking into the future of our lives. I'm so thankful and I feel truly blessed to have Zig...

All of our other 'loves' in life are growing bigger by the second!
Joshua - AKA "My Favorite Man" - is growing by the second and becoming quite the little stud! My Mom and I recently kept him for the day while Meg and Jason went to an event out of town - I just love the time I get to spend with him. His giggle is my favorite sound and nothing in this world beats spending time with him. I know the love that I feel for him and I can't imagine loving anyone more! I can't wait until he and Brookie can grow up together and Meg and I can share that as sisters...

Halle and Max are becoming more and more fun to be with! Halle just talks your ear off! I just love being with her and watching her grow into such a great little girl! Maximus is such a dear little guy! I've never seen any baby ROCK the way he does! I always ask "Where are you rocking to?," but he hasn't answered me yet. We spend time with Brandon, Amanda and the kids as much as we can...and we love it!

Zoe Joy just recently learned that she is going to have a baby SISTER! I was convinced that Scub and Stephanie were going to have a boy, but I was wrong! They found out about a week ago and we're so excited for them! Two little girls born within weeks of each other - I can't wait to see how life is going to change once they arrive!

Aunt Meg, Nana, and Grammy Kathy have gone CRAZY in the shopping department for Brooke! It seems that every time Grammy comes, or I stop at Nana's, or Aunt Meggie is out on the town - they all seem to arrive with bags of the most adorable things for this baby! Her closet is almost full and we haven't even had the shower yet! Even if we didn't have a shower, this child would be clothed and diapered without a problem for months!
We very much appreciate all that our families have done for us...this little girl is already loved so much!

We get yet another peek at our darling baby on Monday, June 23. We are headed back down to Womb with a View for our second and final 3D ultrasound. We will hopefully come home with lots of new pictures of this little one who is MUCH bigger and fatter than she was before. I have this vision of seeing her little face and knowing right away that she looks like her Daddy! Ever since Zig and I became very serious in our relationship...probably 8 or 9 years ago, I've always wanted a little one that looked just like him! I know that sounds strange, but he was the cutest baby and is such a handsome man that I want one just like him!
Regardless of what we see, we can't wait to get another look at her. Nana, Grammy Kathy, Aunt Meg, and Pap will be coming along this time. John can't come because he has to work, but we've convinced my Dad to come along and take a peek! I can't wait to see his reaction to this amazing technology! I'll be sure to post and update the site when we get back on Monday!

We see Dr. Grill again on July 3. At this visit, we will be having a few tests done - one for an antibody screening, and another to test for diabetes in the baby and in me during pregnancy. We'll be spending some time in the blood lab before heading up to Dr. Grill's office for a check up and the 'oh so wonderful' shot in the butt! This RhoGam shot is to take care of my negative blood - the shot helps the baby to resist my body's fight against it. There is something strange that happens when a pregnant mom has a negative blood type... All I know is that this shot will keep us both healthy.

There is so much to look forward to over the next few months until Beamer makes her appearance!
Until then, we'll enjoy seeing her on an ultrasound screen, watching my belly move all around as she dances and swims around inside of me, and anticipating all of the changes and experiences that are about to come!