Check-in on the Check-ups

You know you're getting close to 'go time' when all the nurses and staff greet you by your first name before your charts are pulled when you show up for your OB appointment.  Everything continues to look tip-top for our little one, but today I found out the baby had a growth spurt this past week.  All throughout the pregnancy the baby has been measuring right on track...today the doctor did a double take when she saw the baby shot a week ahead of schedule in these last few days.  Yikes!  Hopefully it won't be too much longer!

Getting Ready for Baby

It's hard to believe that Geoff and I are now at the point where this baby could arrive any day now!  It's extremely exciting (and a little nerve-racking--I admit some nights have been spent sleepless with my brain going a mile-a-minute wondering if I'm ready for this next adventure...)  But we are so blessed for this opportunity of having a child and truly couldn't be happier.

Needless to say, I've had to keep myself busy putting a few things together for our new arrival.  I always love excuses to pull out the sewing supplies and machine. 

With our crazy 90+ heat, I decided to set up shop in the coolest place of our house...the basement, right next to our food storage, ha ha!

My projects have included:

A Car-Seat Cover

Burp Cloths.  Geoff isn't convinced we need more than one burp cloth...we'll see how quickly his opinion changes!

Changing Table Covers

A Nursing Cover.  Originally, I was going to use a cow print to add some humor...I admit I'm a little sad I chickened out!

Crib Skirt.  If you look closely, it's taped on for now.  Mom doesn't know it yet, but she's going to help brain storm on the best way to attach this puppy.

Of course, Geoff has been right in the middle of the action in getting ready for baby.  He masterfully assembled both the Changing Table and Crib. 

Our preparation has also been helped by family as well.  Early on in our pregnancy Mom and Dad Nelson sent out a few items we will need for baby, including a 'Diaper-Changing Kit' for Geoff.

When Dean and Andrea visited they surprised us with these super cute and ever-so-helpful hospital kits:

I also decided to put up a little quote to help provide motivation when getting up for the 17th time in one night.  I got the quote from Neil L. Andersen's talk in the October 2011 General Conference.  We'll see if it helps!

 

"Motherhood is not a hobby, it is a calling.  It is not something to do if you can squeeze the time in.  It is what God gave you time for."

Getting Closer...and Bigger!

It's hard to believe that the countdown is narrowing to just a month left before our little bundle of joy is to arrive!  Time is flying by in some aspects but also dragging in others.  Regardless, we are grateful for continued reports of good health and progress for our baby.  Slowly but surely we are getting ready for our new arrival and are finding out how much 'stuff' these little babies need!

Even though 'the bump' usually proves to be hard to manage (rolling over in bed, picking up objects on the floor, fitting through small openings--funny how these openings weren't 'small' before...) it's nice to finally have a useful perk:

And, of course, Geoff had to try to get in the action...

A visit from Dean and Andrea & the gang

This past weekend we had the pleasure of Dean, Andrea and the boys stopping by on their way back to Pennsylvania from Utah.  It was wonderful to be with them and see how big Tanner and Landon are getting!  (As well as Andrea's tummy with their bundle of joy #3)

Tanner showing us his creative side

Landon making masterpieces with tape...and more tape

Both the boys keeping busy

Landon was kind enough to test out the baby carrier to make sure it would suit Baby Woodhouse.  I think it's a hit.

Andrea and I with our bumps

The whole gang before they hit the road

Just before we took the picture, Geoff slipped on his tennis shoes as he proclaimed, "I'm officially becoming my father.  Black socks and sneakers."  I wonder how many more times that statement will be made when our little one is here...

The Best Day Ever

It's officially been one year since Geoff and I tied the knot and were sealed for time and all eternity in the Washington D.C. Temple.  The first year of marriage has been absolutely wonderful and I look forward to many more years to come with this amazing, patient, hilarious, and loving man.  Happy Anniversary, Geoff! 

Purina Dog Challenge

It's no secret that Geoff and I are not huge dog lovers.  As Geoff says, "I like dogs 40% of the time."  Well, even if we don't ever see ourselves being dog owners, that doesn't mean we can't enjoy a hot summer day observing very well-trained dogs, right?  One of Geoff's co-workers, Erika, has a dog who competes in diving competitions.  Typically she travels around the country for these gatherings, but we were lucky enough to attend a Denver event this past Saturday.  We enjoyed watching dogs do tricks with frisbees (the professionals call this sport a 'disk throw'), run relays, race, and of course dive.  The entire event was extremely entertaining and well worth sticking it out in the 90 degree heat.

One dog showing off his disk catching skills

This little dog was deaf and the owner communicated through signals and sign language

Here's the star of the show, Otis, and his owner Erika.  Otis took 4th place in the diving competition!

Temple Service

Orlando Temple

For the past eight years I have had the opportunity to serve both in the Orlando and Denver Temples as an ordinance worker.  Because my role is soon going to be that of mother, I was released from my calling as an ordinance worker.  I was greatly blessed through this service as I tended to children waiting to be sealed to their parents, signed for deaf patrons, assisted individuals receiving their endowment for the first time, and guided brides through their special day.  Through these experiences I have gained a strong testimony of the work done within these sacred walls.  I know that our lives are based on eternal principles and truths and that through the priesthood power we are able to make covenants with our Heavenly Father that guide us on the correct paths and bless us with the needed strength and understanding to return to Him.

Denver Temple