Evan's first picture

Here is Evan's first picture...at least, his first discernable picture! Isn't he cute? This was taken when he showed us he is a boy. I was 18 weeks pregnant at the time, and time sure has flown since. Five weeks to go until we meet him!

And the Big Day is...

July 30th is the Big Day!!! We have to be at Baptist hospital at 05:30 in the morning, and the C-section will begin at 07:30. Of course, it will be both of us in the room, and Dr. Singleton says that he's ok with someone else being there, also. My dad is all about that. We were thinking he can be in charge of pictures while we're in the OR because JR and I will probably be a little distracted. (I wonder why!)

So, this news means that we officially have less than six weeks!! It is very surreal for both of us. I am in a frenzy to tie up all the loose ends and get all my baby projects finished. We plan to stencil "Jesus loves me, this I know" above Evan's crib, and I have some sailboat paintings that I need to finish for his room. JR is not a "frenzy" type person, so I think he is calm as always. I'm not sleeping much; in fact, I'm up and down and all around alot throughout each night lately. JR is very good-natured about it. (He has stumbled out of bed many nights to make chocolate milk for me when my stomach hurts or just because.)

One thing about my pregnancy that deserves mention is how much fun it has been to be pregnant with a ton of other women I know. I counted at least twenty fellow "mother's to be" in my second trimester, and there's nothing like comparing notes with someone who is there at the same time you are. And the most recent additions to that list are my friend Ashley, who is now 12 weeks along, and my sister-in-law, Jennifer, who is 11 weeks along. They are both due in the busy month of December! I couldn't be happier for either of them. Evan is going to have alot of little friends! But first, he has to get aquainted with his Mommy and Daddy. All the rest will follow in due time.

The Countdown Begins...

Our first son, Evan, will be arriving during the week of July 30th by C-section. JR and I decided to mark the beginning of our eight week countdown by creating a weblog where we can post photos and record our thoughts and most of all, anticipation, as our life-changing event draws ever closer.

Even though I am becoming more uncomfortable than I've ever been in my 27 years, I am also happier now than in any of those 27 years. I'm certain that JR feels the same way. Evan will be the first grandson in JR's family, and the second in mine. His full name is Evan Walker Divino, and it looks like he will be a Leo, just like his Mommy. (Much to the humor of my parents, who dealt with my "fiery" nature for many years now. My guess is they know what we're in for.) JR chose the name Evan, and I chose Walker, which is a family name on my mother's side. At the beginning of the pregnancy, we agreed that if our baby was a girl, I would pick the theme of the nursery, and vice versa if we had a boy. So, JR chose sailboats as our theme and we've had a ball making Evan's room a little nautical getaway. We like to sit in his room sometimes and just look around in amazement, although I've heard from everyone that we can't fathom the change that is about to take place.

So, back to my discomfort. I guess this deserves mention because after it's all over and I'm holding that little living and breathing bundle, I probably won't remember all the "fun" I had carrying him inside my body. My most notable complaints are indigestion (I lost nine pounds in the first trimester) and the loss of my independence. It drives me crazy to have to rest all the time, when there are so many things to accomplish...I can't stand to feel tired! Working forty hours a week is very wearing. Lucky for me I like my co-workers alot. They make it worthwhile

I was attempting a nap yesterday (during one of those times in which I could have been doing something productive, but had no energy), and my lovable little linebacker decided to start stomping (yes, that's what it felt like) on a nerve in my lower right side. Then he proceeded to flop around for a few minutes in between stompings, and then ended up with the hiccups. How's a girl supposed to rest with all that going on? I finally got up and worked on cleaning out his closet and he settled down. It will be nice to not share my stomach with another person here in a few weeks; I sure do love him already, though. :)