My amazing students and parents planned a surprise shower for me at school today! When I walked in the door this morning, there were streamers and decorations throughout! As my students came in the classroom, their faces were filled with smiles as they dropped gifts into two bins for the afternoon "surprise." After their last recess, moms poured in and the festivities began. We played two shower games. They tried to measure how large my tummy was...Matt Patterson guessed perfectly! He then brought ME the prize, which was a bath product for our baby. Next, they played the tray game where they needed to remember all 6 of the items on the tray. Many students guessed all six, but one was chosen to give me the prize...a rubber ducky for bath times. So Sweet! I think this was the first time the kids had ever played true shower games. Lastly, we opened gifts for the rest of the day. Each kid stood next to me as I opened their gift. What an incredible event! A HUGE thank you to my students and parents for ALL they did to celebrate our little boy!

Just 40 days to go! I have just ended my eighth month and officially on the home stretch! We also completed our birthing classes and were able to take a tour of the hospital where we will give birth. What a beautiful place!

I now feel the baby hiccuping quite often. My entire belly vibrates to this rhythm. The baby weighs at least 4 1/2 pounds and measures almost 12 inches from crown to rump. How AMAZING! Ric finished painting the baby's room an incredible green and the finishing touches are just about complete. We are looking forward to our world being turned up-side-down! Happy Thanksgiving to all of our dear friends and family members!!!

I am now starting to show a bit more, but people still comment about how small I look. I went to the midwife and my uterus measured 34 cm, and tomorrow I am officially 34 weeks along. I am right where I should be. She also stated, while pushing with her fingers "way down low," she could feel his head which is now the size of a baseball, not a softball. I had no idea he was already in position. Therefore, I have been feeling his feet up in my ribs. I enjoy every movement he makes. She made the comment about how active he was... I kind of gave her the raised eyebrow look, and she said he is getting a good amount of oxygen! Yes! I LOVE being pregnant!

Today I was surrounded by family and friends who gathered at Erica's house to celebrate our little boy!




Ric's sister and family members put on a tea shower that was utterly AMAZING! I felt I had walked into a magnificent tea room, which was filled with special people from my life. What an incredible feeling!



Ric's dad was in the kitchen making the food for the guests, which was delicious. Those who came felt spoiled by what they were experiencing. Everyone has been so generous. I can't thank everyone enough for ALL you have done for our family-to-be.

Ric and I are very excited to meet our son! I am just about 33 weeks along. Where did the time go? I love being pregnant and will definitely miss this time when it is all over. I feel wonderful, have energy, and plan on working up until Christmas break.