My Photo Shoot...Really

Believe it or not, my friend Richard coordinated a photo session for me...well really my belly. One of his friends does photography and was interested in getting some pregnancy photos which is how this came about and I will admit I was kind of excited about the idea. One thing led to another and I had basically written it off until a week or so ago when I got a phone call saying it was still on. Okay, again I was excited...up until I actually scheduled the appointment and then began talking about what kind of ideas were floating around. You see they are a bit more artsy than little ole modest me was ready for. I actually ended up having more anxiety about the whole thing than excitement. I came close to throwing the towel in and cancelling...I didn't want to disappoint them by them not being able to get the shots they were hoping for..."the naked but tasteful" kind. Anyway, with George's help I got the nerve to show up to the studio. From the minute I walked in the door everything turned out perfectly. Mike told me it was what I wanted and was comfortable doing (and it sounded like he really meant it). Then when Richard showed up, he didn't seem a bit shocked that modest Kristi had showed up and just went with it. Richard had great ideas and the two of them made Kristi getting her picture taken a day to remember. I cannot believe I enjoyed it so much since historically I'm not a fan of my picture being taken. The whole situation made me feel like a model for a couple of hours. Amazing!!!! Cannot wait to see the finished product and to have such beautiful images of the time I had with Nora in my tummy.

Just the Right Thing

Once in a while George can say just the right thing without even knowing it. Yesterday at our doctors appointment I took my coat off and saw George looking up at me with a little smirk on his face. I asked what was up. He said, "you look really good." Now how great does that make a 34 week pregnant lady feel?!?!?! I'm really lucky somedays!

Our Southwest Family

WOW...once again my Southwest Airlines family totally amazes me. My friends put together a baby shower in honor of Nora (and us) and it was great! Everything was perfect and all our SWA friends showed up to help us celebrate. We are now even closer to being ready to welcome Nora into this world! Of course I may be up at work every day of my maternity leave since I was informed that I had to bring Nora up in each of the outfits she got. I guess we will have to do some quick changes so we can spend some time at home once in a while!!!

Happy Birthday to Me

I remember a time when celebrating my birthday was down right painful. I hated to be the center of attention. How ironic is it that the older I have gotten, the more and more I like to acknowledge it. Isn't that the other way around for most folks? I couldn't wait to turn 30 since I had heard from so many people that they are your best years and I have to say I believe I will be saying that same thing to somebody else someday. It seems like half of my major life accomplishments have happened in the past 4 years...engaged, married, pregnant, buying a house, starting a family. And I wouldn't change a thing! Would I have loved all this in my 20's...probably...but I think I just value it a whole lot more now. So as for this year...I will embrace my last pre-mom birthday and do exactly as I want since Nora will be here in a month and everything will change once again. Will I still get the 6am phone call from my tone deaf parents singing Happy Birthday...I hope so. And will George try his hardest to get a Happy Birthday in before they call...probably. But it will be completely different and even more wonderful when my daughter wishes me a Happy Birthday and covers me with kisses and hugs!!! Now that will be a birthday present!

The Ever Changing Me

Two months to go and what do I look like? I still have an "inny" however those pesky stretch marks have started to appear out of nowhere. Seriously, I am not sure why they are coming...I had enough pre-pregnancy fat that I should not have to "stretch" anything. Alas, I will take all the time and stretch marks I have with her in my belly...it still is the most favorite thing I have ever done!

Week 32

Wow...8 weeks left. Good news is Nora is right on track. Healthy heartbeat and measuring right on 32 weeks (technically she is only 31 weeks and 6 days today). So, as far as we are concerned she is right on target. This is great news for us since we have so much we are trying to do over the next couple of months! Speaking of which, we are officially under contract to purchase the house George wrote about last time. We are still waiting on the inspection...hopefully we will get that done this weekend and all will be good. We have until Feb. 7 that we can walk away for any reason. Keep your fingers and toes crossed for us!