What a Surprise!!

This past weekend was very full and eventful! When Dan and I arrived at his parents house there was a house full of women for a surprise baby shower! I was definitely surprised and in shock! The shower was beautiful and it was great to see so many people that I hadn't seen for a while. The food was great too! Once again we were completely spoiled and are completely blessed. I am continually amazed at the generosity and thoughtfulness of others. I am very thankful. I will post some pictures after I get some this weekend.

Last Day of Work

Well yesterday was my last day of work. How weird! I've worked at YLPT for over three years and have loved it! I remember when I was hired, Rob asked me what I wanted to do, go back to school, get a masters degree, get another certification...My response was that I wanted to be a mom. And here I am. He was completely okay with the response. Having two kids of his own, family is very important. He figured that with Dan finishing up school he would have me around for about a year or so. Over three years later we've made the big step. When I started working there I thought yea I want to be a mom one day, but I love this job. How will I ever leave it! Over the years God has worked in my heart and has shown me what is more important to me. I will always love that job, I worked for two great physical therapists. But family is more important. It is just so hard for me to believe that Evan is due in 19 days, could arrive sooner or later, but soon, very soon I will be taking on a whole new line of work. Wow!
The hardest part about leaving YLPT is not being able to talk about life and patient care with Rob and Kris. I'm going to miss those guys. The patients too! I loved the interaction with the patients and I loved being a part of getting them better. I will have a new family member now that I will take care of. Thankfully Dan and I do live so close to the office and they said that I better stop by. Of course I will. I'm sure in a few days or weeks it will really hit me that I'm not working there and I'll break down. So far I've just managed to have the watery eyes. All this change is hard on an emotional pregnant woman.

Well, tonight after Dan gets off work we are going down to Oceanside to spend some time with his family for the weekend. That should be fun. :) We are going to the Zoo at Night on Sat. Night. I love the Zoo. I'm excited about that.

37 Weeks

Today marks 37 weeks down. It is hard to believe that little Evan may arrive at any time now. There is definitely part of me that is excited to see him and meet him, but another part that is not ready for him to come. I have some things around the house that I would like to get organized first and get some odds and ends done. I know that when he comes is not up to me though. It's all in God's perfect timing. :)

I had a pretty routine visit with the midwife yesterday. Evan's heartbeat was normal, 150 bpm. Next week they will check to see how far along I am. That should be fun. :o Today Dan and I met with Dr. Lamb, a pediatrician. With Kaiser, they allow you to make appointments with pediatricians before the baby is born. It is kind of like an interview. Dan and I were very pleased with the appointment. He thoroughly answered all of our questions, asked us some questions and even gave us more info. I know that I will be very comfortable bringing the little guy to see him. He is also available by phone and email. I like the convenience.

Things are going well, Evan's room is coming together and we are just preparing for the arrival. Tomorrow is my last day of work. It is very surreal. I have worked there for over three years and have loved my job. This week has already been difficult saying good-bye to patients. I know that my body is physically ready to be done with work, but mentally it will be difficult. I'm closing the door to this chapter of my life and getting even closer to motherhood. This is what Dan and I have longed for and are so excited about, but it doesn't make change any easier. Tomorrow will be a tough day.

Not only does he have a Super Cute Room, He has a Name too!!

The little guy finally has a name! We really thought that we wouldn't name him until he came out, but we kept finding ourselves agreeing on one name, in a round about sort of way. It just took awhile to finally commit to it. His name is Evan William Nielsen. William is the same middle name as his daddy and his Grandpa Nielsen's first name. We just like the name Evan. It means young warrior and is Irish too, like his momma.

The nursery is coming along...My friend Meggin painted the wall behind the crib to match the bedding. It is sooo cute! She did an amazing job. I am continually in awe of how well she matched the colors and made the animals look so much like the bedding! The monkey looks better then the monkey in the bedding. She knew I didn't care for the white monkey, so she came up with a super fun monkey. Thanks Meg for all of your time and effort. We love it!

Family Baby Shower

On Saturday I was showered with blessings from our family and close family friends. The shower was beautiful. There was china, tea sandwiches, tiny quiche, tables with umbrellas, lots of cupcakes and lots of chatter and laughter. It was a great day! Thank you Mom and Mary for planning such a wonderful party! :) And thanks to everyone that helped make the day go off without a hitch! We are so blessed to be loved so much. We received so many great things that we need and such great clothes! I can't wait to see our little guy in the outfits! God has abundantly provided for our needs. We are so thankful for each and every one of you that has blessed us and our new little one.

Fun Pictures!

Recently Dan and I had some pictures of us taken for our 4 year anniversary and the pregnancy. It was so much fun and we love the pictures. Our friend Kristin from church took the pictures! She did an awesome job! If you want to see more than what is her check out her blog at http://kristinrogersphotography.typepad.com/ or email me and I can send you the link to a whole bunch of them, frecklednielsen@yahoo.com. Thanks Kristin! We love them! How will we ever decide which ones to get?

The pregnancy is still going really well. I have been so blessed. I am having more swelling in my hands and feet, but all seems to be normal. Friday was supposed to be my last day of work as many of you know, but it seems that I will be working until the 10th. I have two more 15 hour work weeks. Not to bad. It still seems surreal. I can't believe that I'm winding down at work and going to be having a BABY!! WOW! I am going through so much change right now. It is crazy.

I am looking forward to this coming weekend. Dan and I are going away to a bed and breakfast in Pasadena from July 3rd-5th. Our last get away before the baby arrives and to celebrate our anniversary. I'm looking forward to visiting the Huntington Library also.

40 more days!!

Dan and I at Sarah and Nate's Wedding.
June 7, 2008Me, Isaac, and Kris

Stacie (due Aug. 20th), Me (due July 30th) and Kris

Smiley Isaac!

It's been awhile since I updated the blog...sorry! A few things have been happening. I was in another wedding and I've been working working working. Therefore I have been pretty exhausted. The Sunday after the last wedding I spent the whole day at home and the majority of it sleeping! I was pooped! My feet are definitely starting to swell more, so that is limiting my activity a bit and just uncomfortable by the end of the day. It is all worth it though. And really if that is all I have to deal with then I am more then blessed!

A few weeks ago I went to see my mid-wife and when she measured me I was 2 cm smaller then I was supposed to be. However she said that consistently I had been measuring a cm smaller then the norm. She said that if next time she measured me and the trend had continued I would be sent for an ultrasound. Well, I had my appointment this week and I had grown. Not a surprise to the world around me. :) I was still measuring a cm smaller then the norm, but consistent with all my measurements. She is not concerned at all. She says that I am small and that I'll most likely just have a small baby. Dan and I were only 6lbs. and some change when we were born. So it is very likely that this guy will be about the same.
It is so fun to feel him move and feel where he is. I am constantly amazed at our God and his creation!