Michael and Marnus...adventures in Brazil

As most of you know, Michael and Marnus (our next door neighbor, friend, and co-worker) went to Brazil for some meetings for work.  The meetings finished on Friday and they have been looking forward to coming home.  They are flying back on Buddy Passes (standby) and the flights have been quite full.  Over the past few days Lisa and I have been anxiously passing on information as we get it from the guys.  The flight tonight actually looked good and Lisa (Marnus's wife) and I were hopeful that they would make it.   Tonight we decided to have dinner together and we were expecting to hear from the guys that they were going to be able to get on the flight.  There were 8 open seats on business.  This was a really good sign!  At about 7:30 Marnus called to say that they were not going to make it.  Here is a video they put together for us!  It was a sweet way for us to end our night even though we are sad that they did not make it on the flight.  At least we got to see and hear the men we love and miss!  

Video of Michael and Marnus in Brazil 

  

34 Weeks

I can't believe that we only have 6 weeks to go.  I know... the baby most likely will not come on its due date, but we can hardly wait to meet this little one.  Many times I look down at my belly and wonder how my belly will be able to hold much more.  Those who have gone before me simply reassure me that it will just keep getting bigger.  All I can say is that it will be well worth it!  

Over the past few weeks Michael and I have been taking our birth class.  It is a type of natural childbirth called the Bradley Method.  The main focus of this 12 week course is to educate the couple and to equip the husband to be the most effective coach he can be.  Each day I go through a series of exercises and follow a special diet to help equip my body for the upcoming birth.  Michael and I also practice relaxation and practice contractions on a daily basis (most of the time).  I must say that Michael is amazing about giving me a massage every night as well as helping me to focus in on my breathing during our times of practice.  He is going to make a great coach! 

With only 6 weeks to go I find myself starting to get things ready for this little one.  After two wonderful showers (one in Washington and the other here in Georgia) we have most of what we need.  Of course, we are waiting on clothes (except for some basics) until we find out if this is a boy or a girl.  The crib is up, the nursery is painted,  car seat and stroller are on their way, and I am starting to get things put together in the nursery.  Between glances at my belly and the things in the nursery, Michael and I often find ourselves exclaiming, "We are having a baby!"  

Thank you to all who have been praying for us during this time.  We feel so blessed to be pregnant and to have such a smooth pregnancy.  At each midwife appointment I am reassured that the baby and I are doing quite well.  So far I have been measuring perfect (number of weeks pregnant = length of belly in cm) and all my vitals look good.  The baby is VERY active and we are often amused by little body parts pushing against my belly.  While I don't always love it when the baby keeps me awake in the middle of the night, I am so thankful for these times of reassurance that all is well with the baby.  We continue to pray for a healthy remainder of the pregnancy and pray that the baby would continue to grow healthy and strong.  As we get closer to our due date I will try to keep everyone up to date with how things are going.  Be sure to check back for regular updates and pictures!