I didn't really take a "28 week" belly picture, so the following picture, taken on Halloween, will have to do. Brad and I went as eggs and bacon. I couldn't see over my tummy to know that I should have pulled my yellow shirt down for this picture. We had a block party at our house to try to get to know some of our neighbors with the hopes of connecting with them further. It was great fun, and a lot of cute costumes were seen. I guess you could say we dressed Samuel up as well. ;-) We made some great connections and would appreciate your prayers for those relationships.
After finishing most of our Christmas shopping yesterday, Brad and I took this picture at the Domain, a big shopping/living area here in Austin. This week will be 32 weeks, and my belly is surely growing! Samuel is still very active, and I can now tell where his tushy, feet, and head are. I can pinpoint the head easily because he gets hiccups (!) often. It's the cutest little feeling. Brad and I only have one more birthing class left, and I'm irrationally getting excited about the birth.
I know it seems late in the game, but I'm actually switching doctors and have an appointment with my new OB's office on Tuesday. There was nothing "wrong" with my doctor; he gave good lip service to natural birth, but the other doctors in his practice definitely don't have a good track record, and I just did not feel totally at ease about how the birth would go if complications arose. Sure, the baby and I would be healthy in his hands, but I would rather a C-section or some other artificial birthing means be used as a last resort, and I feared it would be his first choice. Through my birthing class, I heard about this fantastic OB right across the street who actually has midwives as part of her practice (the only office in Austin of its kind, which is surprising, since this is a nice granola haven). Her philosophy is centered around natural birthing practices and avoiding C-section if possible. When I heard how easy it would be to switch, it was a no brainer.
In other news, we had family from both sides over to our house for Thanksgiving this year. We were so thankful that Bruce and Nancy, Karen and Kevin, and Ryan and Melissa all could make it. My brother Larry and girlfriend Ali even stopped by that weekend to say hi! I love having family over, and when everyone pitches in, it makes everything easier and more fun for everyone.
On Friday after Thanksgiving, Nancy and Bruce treated us all to A Christmas Carol at the Riverwalk IMAX theater. I was so thankful that I didn't get sick and nauseous like I did at the Polar Express IMAX. Maybe pregnancy is strengthening my constitution? As you can see, we had a blast being the dorks that we are!
On Saturday, Kevin helped Brad put up our first Christmas lights!! Mom helped me decorate inside (thanks guys!!!). Brad and I finished up the exterior illumination this past weekend in the mid-30 degree weather. I LOVE LOVE LOVE having Christmas lights on the house. This is the best picture I could get - if you look closely, you can see bulbs on the pecan tree, a wreath on the door, lights on the house and shrubs, and two pre-lit trees. It feels like Christmas to me! 
Posts
