Thankful Monday

April 7th, 2014

Good afternoon and happy Thankful Monday!

Today I am thankful for the following:

I’m thankful for a wonderful visit from my mom that isn’t over yet! My mom flew into Charlottesville on Thursday afternoon and after picking her up, we met Sarah and her mom for lunch at the new Zinburger where we enjoyed some delicious burgers (and I got a bananas foster shake for the babies). After that, we spent a quiet night at home with Ben. Friday morning, I made mom breakfast in bed and then we ventured out so I could show her some of the University of Virginia grounds and then we went to the Downtown Mall and had lunch at a local diner, the Nook. We then met Ben at the hospital for our most recent ultrasound and then followed up with dinner at Ben’s parents’ house with his parents and sister and nieces who were in town from Ohio. Saturday, we went to the opening Farmer’s Market of the season where we tried some delicious food and bumped into lots of friends. Afterward, we got dressed up for my amazing baby shower where we celebrated with awesome people, crafts, food, games, and gifts! Mom’s visit would not be complete without a trip to one of our favorite places so Sunday, we continued our weekend by having brunch and the best blood mary’s in town (virgin for me) at Beer Run followed by shopping for the babies. Then we came home and had a delicious roast and veggies that mom had made us in the crock pot. She’s still here until tomorrow so we have some more fun times ahead of us. I love my mom and love when she comes to visit!
I’m thankful for getting more done to prepare for the babies’ arrival. Last week, I got some more gifts and hand-me-down items from generous friends and family. I also got my TDAP shot and think I found the babies’ pediatrician. In addition, I found a dress for my baby shower that I actually liked (I thought I was going to have to wear maternity jeans after searching for a maternity dress unsuccessfully at both Old Navy and Target). I also had my glucose screening and passed which means I don’t have gestational diabetes…HOORAY! In addition, Ben and I attended our first child birth and baby basics class last Wednesday which was exciting and informative! Things are all starting to come together!
I’m thankful my babies are still safe and growing. Although the doctor says there is now a higher chance I may deliver early, both my Tex and my Virg are doing well. Tex is head down (YAY) and weighed an estimated 2 pounds and 13 ounces on Friday. Virg is still transverse near my ribs and weighed an estimated 3 pounds and 2 ounces. Both had strong normal heartbeats and are growing at the same rate. Even though the doctor had some not so good news about me, I am very thankful I do not (yet) have to go on bed rest and also so thankful that my babies are healthy and have made it this far. If they were to be born now, they’d most likely be ok after lots of time spent in the NICU (but I pray this doesn’t happen).
I’m thankful for beautiful warmer weather we had all weekend while my mom was in town. It was so nice to do things outdoors with her and walk around on the Downtown Mall. It’s also been nice to show her some of our plants and springtime blooms since the only other time she’s been to our new house was when everything was dormant and wintery at Christmas time.
Lastly, I’m thankful for an AMAZING baby shower on Saturday! I’m grateful for my sister-in-law, mother-in-law, and good friend Crystal who all worked so hard to make the day so special for me. I’m also so grateful that so many wonderful friends and family attended to help me celebrate my babies. I’m thankful my mom could visit for the occasion, and I’m so thankful for all of the generous gifts from my friends and family. Ben, Tex, Virg, and I are also so lucky and blessed to have all of these wonderful people in our lives. I leave you with some lovely photos (courtesy of Sarah) from the shower: