All the News...

First of all, notice anything different? That's right, I got my braces off today! Then, I went straight to the regular dentist and got a good cleaning, so my teeth are feeling great. I'm very excited to be approaching the end of this journey. It was March 31, 2008 until January 25, 2011 so almost 3 years of braces. Mike used some computer website to figure out that I actually had them for 2 years, 9 months, 24 days, 23 hours, and 30 minutes. Not that we were counting! Of course, I will have to wear a retainer for awhile yet. I have to go back next week and pick it up, but still a major improvement.

It's been a busy few weeks, which is why I haven't posted much lately. I was in Reno two weekends ago to attend Lesa's baby shower, which was really fun. I didn't take many pictures, but we had a good time. I also got to spend some more time with my mom, grandma, and Aunt Shirlee, which is always fun!

I did take a couple of pictures of the nursery Lesa and Colin have created for their little Samuel Ethan, and I also got to see my handiwork up on the wall, which was cool...I think they turned out great and match the room really well. It's a very bright and cheerful room that I'm sure Samuel will love. We are all hoping Samuel will be well and healthy soon too!

In other news, baby Jackson is doing well. I've started to really round out and gain weight quickly. It was funny today because Jackson apparently didn't like the sound of the high speed polisher they used to get the cement off my teeth after removing my braces. He started kicking as soon as they turned it on and kicked more and harder than he ever has until they turned it off. It was high pitched, but not exceptionally loud. We spent Saturday finally putting away all the things we got at our shower and getting Jack's room a little more organized. There's still a lot to do, but it feels good to have gotten started at least. Of course, all the random castoffs that were stored in the closet in that room are now piled on my desk in the basement, so now I have to clean the basement next weekend. Sigh...It never ends, does it. Still, everything is going really well.

Baby Shower

We had a great time yesterday at the baby shower. Rolayne did such a great job of planning and organizing the shower, and then everyone helped out with the setup. I had so much fun visiting with everyone and playing games (even though everyone thought my stomach was much bigger than it is!). And, it was really special that my mom, grandma, sister, and Great Aunt Shirleecould come for the weekend too! We got fabulous gifts to help with the baby too. Everyone loved the baby's room, even though it's only half finished, and all the items we got will help finish it more. Plus, this baby will be very well dressed too! I truly have amazing friends and family.

Christmas Pics

We had a lovely time visiting Mike's family for Christmas. Everyone got spoiled, including Aspen and Jackson! It was so great to see everyone. Here are the family group pictures.

Aspen Visits Santa

We had some practice to prepare us for a future toddler who is afraid of Santa yesterday when we tried to get Aspen to visit with Santa for a picture. Our local feed store was offering free pet pictures with Santa, but Aspen didn't like it at all. If she was a toddler, she would have been crying but she settled for cowering. Even a treat wouldn't make her perk up. Not sure that photo will turn out :).

It's a Boy!

Our doctor's appointment went very well today, and we found out we are having a boy! Baby Boy Pierce currently weighs only 12 ounces, but he's healthy and growing well. We are planning to name him Jackson Marlow Pierce after our grandfathers. We'll call him Jack for short, but Mike called him Jack-in-the-box earlier today, and I don't like that nickname at all, so its been banned. Here's a video of the ultrasound:

So that means both Lesa and I are expecting boys. I think mom was disappointed. She really wanted a granddaughter. Mike's parents, on the other hand, are happy because they have only granddaughters so far. We are all excited nonetheless and glad the baby is doing okay.

Happy Thanksgiving

I hope everyone has a lovely Thanksgiving and enjoys lots of good food. I spent the day making fresh bread, pumpkin and chocolate cream pies, appetizers, and a brine for the turkey in preparation for our day tomorrow. I'm looking forward to my sister and Colin arriving tomorrow. It should be a fun weekend. Happy Thanksgiving!

Baby news

I had a doctor's appointment Friday and everything is looking good. Baby's heartbeat is 150, which is good. I've only gained 2 points so far, but my tummy is beginning to round out quite a bit. I've had to start wearing maternity clothes recently. Baby is apparently resting on my right side because I'm all out of alignment. I generally feel like I have a pulled muscle from hip to knee and lower back pain on that side too. I find that I favor that side when I walk now, which is adding to the problem, so I've been consciously trying to shift to my left side. The doctor recommended I start seeing a chiropractor. At my next appointment in 4 weeks (first week of December), we will finally get to find out the gender through an ultrasound! We are very excited about that.

I've made it 1/3 of the way through the school year too and since we are on trimesters, report cards are due Tuesday and then the second trimester starts this week. I'm counting down the days to Thanksgiving as I really need a break right about now. Two more weeks!

At home, things are as hectic as every, but going well. We spent two hours vacuuming leaves yesterday, and then today the wind kicked up and it looks like we never cleaned leaves at all...sigh...Maybe again next weekend. I'm starting to think about the holidays and gifts for everyone too, but not much time for homemade gifts this year.