Graham Andrew Ferguson

Our Pride and Joy, Our Blessing Upon Blessing...

Graham Andrew Ferguson

9.29.09

6 pounds 3 ounces, 18 inches

born at 8:35 p.m.

So so close...

Tomorrow is my due date. I wonder if baby Graham will make his appearance then, or wait a few more days :). During this past week, I have really been trying to savor these last few days. I am so thankful that I feel great. I really do. My energy level is high and I just feel all around good. It's so surreal that I will be having a little baby in my arms soon. As I have been reflecting on this pregnancy this week, I have realized the one thing I will miss most about being pregnant is, feeling him move around in me all the time. It is the best feeling in the world. I LOVE knowing that this little guy has gone with me every where for the past 9 months. I love him so so so much already, I can't imagine what is to come. I am so excited. I can't wait to meet you sweet baby boy!!!!!!

38 week appointment

I'm really enjoying my weekly checkups (minus the weigh-in part of course). My doctor checked me and he said that I am 1-2 cm dilated and 50% effaced!!! I was really excited to hear that! He said that he has seen women be dilated like that for weeks though. But he also said that I am in a good spot and if I were to go into labor, things would be good since my cervix is already softened! SO...i wonder when this sweet little man is going to enter the world :).

I'm getting so so so so so excited!!!!! HOWEVER, we should probably put the crib together and what not asap. Ha. I am definitely a last minute type of girl. For real. I was that girl who would stay up all night finishing assignments the night before they were due. But they always got done. And this crib will get put together :).

I am feeling GREAT!!! John and I went on a LONG walk a couple of nights ago at the Riverwalk and it was so gorgeous. I'm really cherishing these times with just the two of us. Last night we decided we wanted to have a special date night for us. It was so so wonderful. The night started out with us getting pedicures......don't let John fool you----he LOVES being pampered. Hah. Then we went to dinner and the night ended by going to Barnes and Noble.

It was just such a wonderful night and we talked alot about our future and what our personal goals/ passion in life are. I just love nights like that. I'm so so lucky to be married to my best friend who I truly love living each day with. Such a gift to have him as my partner in life and I know I should not take him for granted. I'm so excited to see him as a daddy....he will be wonderful. Absolutely wonderful!

Tomorrow is my baby shower! I'm looking forward to seeing lots of friends and family:). Hopefully I won't be in labor :).

POSITIVE

Well, I went to my weekly doctor's appointment today and was informed that I tested positive for Group B Strep. Both the nurse and the doctor said that it really wasn't a big deal and that when the time comes and my water breaks, they will start me on a IV with antibiotics.  I'm glad for their reassurance, but then I came home and googled Group B Strep and found scary statistics regarding it. It's probably best to stop google searching things at this point in the game! 

It is getting so so close!!! I will be 37 weeks tomorrow :). My doctor said that things were looking good and that Baby Graham's heartbeat was good :). I've gained 33 pounds at this point and am really hoping that is all. I don't feel like there has been too much swelling. Occasionally my feet swell, but it's not too bad, thankfully! 

Today I am painting the nursery! It will be good for me to be active. I'm getting this type of paint that doesn't smell. Ha. Or so I have been told! The baby's bedding FINALLY came in the mail yesterday, so I feel like I can finally go to town on getting the room ready. Because really, this little guy could come at any time. It was so surreal yesturday when my doctor looked at me and said, "your getting so close!!!, let's keep him in there for two more weeks". It just seems crazy. Like I've been carrying this little guy for 9 months and I'm going to be meeting him so very soon. And my life will be forever changed. Little anxious, but extremely ready :). 

The end is in sight!!!!

Ooops! I sorta forgot to write in here for awhile! But yes, I am still carrying this little one in my womb :). I am doing the whole "positive thinking" thing and saying I am going to deliver in two more weeks because I want to be early. If it were just that easy :).  As I write this, I am 36 weeks and 5 days, so let's just round up to 37 weeks. Yikes. I seriously do not feel like I could have a baby soon! I feel GREAT. My only uncomfortable issues are, I am having trouble breathing. Not like I need to carry an oxygen tank around with me, but like just shortness of breath. And that is because Mr. Baby Graham is sitting on my diaphragm. Or so I was told :). 

I am really starting to wonder how everything is going to go down....will I go into labor in the middle of the night???? I was thinking about this last night and how this could potentially be an issue. John, my sweet husband has MAJOR sleeping issues. I'm talking he has to take Ambien every single night before he goes to bed, or he won't sleep. I'm not kidding. When he takes this pill, he is out of it. So last night i'm trying to talk to him, but the pill has kicked in high force. THEN i start thinking, oh my gosh..what if I were to go into labor tonight???? He would be so out of it. I would have to drive myself to the hospital!!!! Is that even possible??? I'm really not worried about it. Truly. Just something I was thinking about. I'm hoping to labor at home for the first few hours anyways. So that will give him plenty of time to absorb the pill....

This is sounding way too easy. I know I am in for a huge reality check soon :).

I CANNOT wait to meet this sweet baby boy of mine!!!!! I was driving the other day and became somewhat emotional as I as thinking about the first time I would meet my little guy. Such a gift. Truly. The miracle of life. I can't wait to see  what he looks like :). 

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Now let me tell you about my sweet, sweet, sweet group of girls from our youth group. I adore these girls. I started leading this group of girls when they were in the 7th and 8th grade. Now they are 10th and 11th graders and all grown up. It has been so neat to walk with them through life. On Sunday, they threw me the most creative and fun shower and to top it off, it was a surprise. John and I thought we were going over to one of the girls houses to have dinner with her parents, so when we opened the door, the whole place was decorated and the girls shouted, "surprise". It was a blast. They planned such fun games, had a great menu, and they all brought gifts. Seriously, I felt so so blessed. I love these girls so much and am so thankful to be part of their lives.

Sleepy Girl...

Tonight I decided to take a bubble bath. I love bubble baths. I often stay in the bathtub for 45 minutes to an hour. It's a great time to read and relax. Tonight I was very tired. I could not read very long at all....I kept closing my eyes and before I new it, I fell asleep. In the bathtub. Luckily my house magazine did not get wet. I woke up suddenly, but then realized, I like this little nap. So I let myself go back to sleep. Who sleeps in the bathtub. Ha. When I finally decided to wake myself up from my snooze, I came out of the bathroom to find that my sweet husband had gone to Dairy Queen and had gotten us blizzards. He's so good to me. What more could I ask for? A bubble bath, nap and ice-cream. Life is good :)

31 weeks

Well here I am at 31 weeks :). I feel HUGE in this picture. I have gained a total of 25 pounds at this point. Not too thrilled about that.....hopefully not too much more weight gain will occur. 

This past week I feel like I grew a TON. At my OB appt last week, my doctor told me that in the next two weeks, I should see a significant change in my body. He is right!!! John was gone at camp all week and I couldn't wait to show him my belly when he got home :). My little boy has been moving around so much and I LOVE IT!!!!! A couple of times, he has moved/kicked so hard that I literally said, "oww!!!". It is always comforting to feel him moving around though:). 

I am so so so ready to meet my little guy!!!! Just a couple more months and I will be holding my precious little bundle of joy!!! I am still feeling really good, thankfully. I wake up every night at 3 am and feel like I am going to wet my pants. The bladder is definitely not holding much these days :). 

While John was at camp last week, I was determined to get some housework/projects done. I was able to paint my bedroom and put up some word art. HOLY COW....i was in so much pain the next day from painting!! I think all the up/down/squatting was a little much for this body! But now I'm feeling good:). AND..I LOVE my bedroom. Here is a picture of it. I just chose a neutral color (tan/beige) since the room is so small. A fresh paint job makes such a difference! 

I still have yet to paint our baby's room. I fell in LOVE with a bedding set from Restoration Hardware, yet when I went to order it, they said it had been discontinued :(. I even called around to some of their satellite stores, but no luck. I was bummed. I have been looking around for awhile now, but can't seem to find what I want. I'm picky :). Hopefully something will catch my eye soon. 

30 weeks!!!!!!!

Yay!!! I am 30 weeks!!!!! I only have around ten more weeks untill I get to meet my little bundle of joy!!! I am feeling great! I was just telling my mom last night that I am so glad that I am feeling great! I guess I thought that I would be more sluggish and sick now. Thank you Jesus for good health :).


On Friday night, we celebrated my sweet mom's 51st birthday :). John got her a coffee mug that you can write on....it's a To-do list coffee mug :). My mom is well known for making list's for people to do...we love you mom:).

We had a DELICIOUS Dairy Queen blizzard cake. Oh so yummy. Good choice dad!!

Here is a picture of myself, my sister, my mom and my aunt (my mom's sister). It was a great birthday party! My aunt told me all about her labor and delivery...i hope and PRAY my delivery is like hers...quick, quick, quick :).

Possibilities....

So my little baby boy is due in less than 3 months. I've been doing a little shopping online and have come up with the things I think I want...

First, the diaper bag. I do not think it is necessary to spend a TON of money on this. Sure, I would love to look all cute and trendy sporting the latest Coach diaper bag, but let's be honest, I don't care enough to spend that much money and there are tons of other cute bags out there!

I haven't really been able to find what I am looking for, but as of right now, this is the one I like. Although I'm not sure I'm sold on the polka-dots...

Ultrasound #2!!!

We got to see my little guy again today!!!! I absolutely LOVE watching my ultrasounds and hearing my little guy's heart beat. Beautiful :). They wanted me to come back and have another one done b/c they weren't able to get an adequate view of his heart the first time. Also, again they confirmed it is a boy :). 

I am now 27 weeks along!!! I get to go to my OB doctor every two weeks now. This week sometime I need to go have the glucose test done. Kinda dreading that with my low gag reflex! I have heard from alot of people though that it is not that bad. My friend Meg even said she enjoyed it :). At today's visit marked a 20lb. weight gain total for me thus far. I feel it too.... 

Today one of my client's told me I was looking really wide (really??? wow, thanks! That's just what I wanted to hear...Your NEVER getting your kids back now!!! Just kidding :) ). 

I have been really tired again recently! Today on my 30 minute commute to work, I could barely keep my eyes open. It was not good. As soon as I pulled into my parking lot at work, I got in my back seat and went to sleep for a half an hour! I was wiped out and I had only been up for a couple of hours. I know I need to get more rest....I'm not getting enough!

Okay! It's picture time :)

Here I am at 27 weeks.....I keep thinking, if I am this big now....how big am I going to be in September?!?!?

And this picture above is of my sweet John and I this past Saturday. We decided to drive up to Holland, MI and explore the cute town. ADORABLE little place. We stopped to eat lunch at a cute little restaurant which we enjoyed :). We love exploring new places and making new memories together. 

25 weeks :)

I have not been the best about updating this blog! But here I am...25 weeks!!!! I can't believe that I am over 6 months pregnant :). As I am writing this, my little boy is just kicking away inside of me :). We had our boy name picked out and we LOVED it, but now we are re-thinking it. I still LOVE the name though....we just don't want to scar our kid for life! We love the name though and I'm guessing we are still going to use it. When I suggested the name to John, he LOVED it as did I. So we will see :).
Here is a pic of me at 25 weeks!!

Today I got to meet up with my good friend Tiffani at Starbucks. I love her and wish I got to see her more often. Her little girl is ADORABLE and I just can't get enough of her!!!! Claire is such a CUTIE!!!! And...Tiff is so my motivation. Look at this hot momma and her baby :).

Gotta start the babies on Starbucks early :). No worries....it was empty except for ice!!
And finally......look what Claire bought for her boyfriend (thanks again Tiff!!!)

We are having...

We are having a BOY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We had our ultrasound done on the 12th and are so excited to know that a little boy is on it's way!!! I guess my instincts were wrong!! I thought we were having a girl, but over joyed that it's a boy :). I always wanted an older brother growing up, so I think it will be a blast :). Here is a picture of me at 20 weeks! I'm wearing black, but I am really starting to show!!!

During this pregnancy, I've been lucky that I haven't had the morning sickness to deal with, but oh my goodness! I feel like I have caught every other bug that is going around! In the 20 weeks that I have been pregnant, I have had: strep throat, sinus infection, upper respiratory infection and now, I have a bruised rib!!!! They think it is bruised from all the coughing I did from the upper respiratory infection. IT IS SOOOOO PAINFUL!!!! But today I am actually feeling better and I can move around :). It's all worth it though :). 

I have already started my shopping for my little guy. I got him a couple of adorable shirts already and my baby boy has already gotten his first pair of swimming trunks (thanks to Aunt Sandy :) ). 

We have not had any luck in selling our house, so I'm thinking this is where we are gonna bring our little guy home to. I'm so excited to start painting & decorating the nursery :). I can't wait to meet my little guy!!!

This next picture is my small group of girls that I have had for the past 3 years. I love them to death and couldn't wait to tell them what the sex was :). I made them wait until we were in person to find out :). They were so so so excited and it was so fun telling them the good news. I'll never forget when I told them I was pregnant. They screamed and cried and I could not have asked for a better reaction:). These girls are so so dear to my heart and I know they will be the best baby sitters ever :). 

Happy Easter!!!

HAPPY EASTER !!!!!!!!!!!!

Although today has been such a busy, busy day, it started out just right. Our church had a beautiful Easter worship service today and it was just great to be part of. We had to stay for both of our church services since my husband was involved in the services, so that always makes for a long day:). 

After church was over, we made our way over to my parents house where we had a delicious spread of food. I brought desserts which included my famous sugar cookies :). My aunt & uncle & cousins came (we missed 

you so much Jeff & Rachel, Chris, Dan & McKeiley!!!). It was so great to just catch up and relax with one another. 

My parents are infamous for having us do these crazy fun easter egg hunts. They set the bar high this year and this was the best one yet!!! We split up into teams and ended up having to drive around to certain destinations to find our clues which led us to our yummy easter baskets. 

I can't wait to have kids and involve them in these fun family traditions!! Here are some pictures of the day!!

P.S. I'm 16 weeks in the picture above with John and I :). 

Uncle Joe & Aunt Irene jamming on the piano :)

The twins & Ian....

Carrie, Darren and their adorable kids :)

My Aunt Irene, me, my mom, Cousin Carrie, Renee

14 weeks!!!

Here is my first baby bump picture! You would think with my first baby, I would be doing belly shots every week, but sadly I haven't! But......here I am at 14.5 weeks!!! This picture was taken 2 weeks ago and already I am feeling like my belly has grown! 

I am now 16 weeks and things are going really well. I'm feeling good and it's been so fun to have people find out and congratulate us. I feel so blessed that God has allowed us to carry a child. We are so so excited and can't wait to find out the gender, but that won't be for another month. 

I had a doctor's appointment last week and found out my thyroid levels were a bit high. They had me get my blood work drawn again, and if it again comes back high, they want me to be put on medicine. She said that it looks like I have hypothyroidism. The doctor assured me that it was not a big deal and to not worry about. But I am a worrier by nature, so it kinda makes me nervous. I of course googled it and google is just not a good thing sometimes! I am hoping it's fine, but we will just wait, trust and see. 

I'm PREGNANT!!!!!!!!!!!

I have been out of blogging land for awhile, but have definitely had other things to keep me busy:). I am PREGNANT!!!!!!!!!! 

We are so so so so so so so excited and we were in shock, but could not be more thrilled. It is such an exciting time in our lives and we are truly so thankful that God has allowed us to be parents!!! 

I am now 14 weeks along!! We told our close friends and family right away, but we did not make the official announcement until I was out of my first trimester!! I have been feeling really good, except for getting strep throat in my 9th week!! 

We were able to have a ultrasound done at 5 weeks to find out my due date. I'm due September 27, 2009!!!!!!!!!! It was so so so amazing to see the little baby on the screen and to hear it's heartbeat brought tears to our eyes. It was so sweet to look over at John and see his eyes, just in awe. 

We are so so so excited for this adventure!!!!!! We made up these little announcement cards to give out to some of our friends and family:

I have yet to take pictures of my baby bump. I'm not really showing yet, just feeling chubby.  My clothes are starting to be more tight and there are certain shirts that I just can't wear anymore!! My best friend Jessica gave me a TON of maternity clothes...it truly was such a blessing!!!!

MOTIVATION....

I need motivation. Alot of motivation. I HAVE to start working out!!!! I have the time....i just don't do it. I'm lazy. NO MORE!!! I am jiggly all over now and that's gotta change. Even though I weigh less than I have in a long time, there's no tone or definition!!! SO..i've gotta bust out my turbo jam and get my work out on!!! I really should do it first thing in the morning, otherwise I'm afraid I will be too tierd when I get home from work. AND...being an on call social worker, sometimes my days don't end at 6. SO...here's going. I'm working out. Tomorrow. I promise. 

And...when I work out faithfully, I will have nice toned arms and legs. Then I will look hott in summer apparel.  Ha. 

Check out this cute dress. Thank you J.Crew. You rock. Except your prices don't rock. I would never spend $225 on a dress. It's so cute though....sale please???

Happy Monday :)

We love housesitting!!!!

The husb and I have been very fortunate to housesit this year. We have stayed at three different families houses that all have one thing in common. THIS: 

I a.b.s.o.l.u.t.e.l.y LOVE Jacuzzis. Truly the best invention out there. There is nothing more that I love than coming home to a hot bubble bath. BUT....a hot bubble bath in a JACUZZI, is heaven. Ahhhhh. Let me tell you that every single time we house sit. I take a bath in their luxurious jacuzzi. Every night. The husb and I LOVE it and find that it is one of life's great pleasures. 

However.....were done house sitting today :(. And.....back to the regular ol' bathtub. With no jets. And with hot water that gets cold fast. Ha. One day.....Seriously, I really want a Jacuzzi in my next house. 

Off to take a bubble bath:). 

Celebrate!!!!

Happy Birthday to my favorite man!!!!!!!!!!! Yesterday was John's 29th b-day!! Because of the weather, we both ended up working from home, which was great! That is definitely one of the perks of our jobs!! He had a hard time picking where he wanted to go for his birthday dinner, so I suggested the new Japanese restaurant that recently opened near us. IT WAS AWESOME!!!! We sat in the Teppanyaki room, where they grill the food right in front of you. It was such a fun time. We definitely enjoyed ourselves and will be heading back there again!! Here are some pics from dinner:

Happy Birthday to the most incredible man. I love you so so so so so much and am SO proud of the incredible man that you are. Two years ago on your birthday, you will giving the eulogy at your dad's funeral. Your strength and character touched so many people's heart. I am so so blessed to call you my husband. I LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ahhhhh Winter

So, it's January and according to the news, we are in for another snowstorm tonight. Call me crazy, but I really, really, really do enjoy the snow!!!!!!!!! It is sooooooo beautiful to look outside and see fresh, white, sparkly snow covering the ground. LOVE IT. I don't particularily enjoy the freezing temps, but come on, it's the Midwest! What do you expect. Anywhoo....here is our weather forcast....

While the weather outside is C.O.L.D., I'm inside enjoying this:

Happy New Year!!!!

Wow!! 2009 is here and it has already been such a whirlwind. Life is busy!!! We had such a great Holiday Season. We got to spend alot of time with family and friends. I am so thankful for the great people God has put in our lives. I truly do not know what I would do with out them!!

John and I have been saving for awhile for a car and we were finally able to save enough to get this vehicle.... I.LOVE.IT---------it is seriously so much fun to drive!!!!!! 

Now, I will admit that I am definitely not a clean-it-up type of person. I am not afraid to admit it. I'm the type of girl that will leave her coke can in the car for...well awhile. My husband on the other hand is mr. clean it. Which, I'm very thankful for...because it brings a good balance in my life :). 

When we bought this car, my husb said to me, "we are going to have to get you a trash can for this car, because your gonnna have to keep this nice car clean!!". I DO NOT want some lame-ugly-normal looking trash can for my new fun car! SO----imagine how HAPPY I was when I found THIS: It's a trash can for your car!! It fits over a headrest, or you can attach it to your gear shift. I don't really like this design, but I like the concept:).  I'm really really going to try to be a better house keeper/car keeper. As my husb says, "everything has a place". Gosh, I love him:).