Thirty Four Weeks

We had a VERY eventful weekend!  We had our first baby shower, hosted by my adopted Aunties.  It was so much fun and I was overwhelmed with all the gifts Baby Storms received.  Seriously, I could not believe how generous everyone was and I feel so lucky to have such amazing women in my life.  Presents came in from all over the country - my Aunt Judy sent a great carryall bag and a book called "Good Night Washington D.C." and we got more presents from my Aunt Deb and Cousin Allison in Chicago.  Not to mention all the presents that came in BEFORE the shower from Grandma Teri and all our New Jersey relatives!  And, don't even get me started on all the clothes we got as well.  This is going to be one well-dressed kid come November 24, 2011.  This tiny heavyweight is so loved and we are all anxious for him to get here, I think.

Here's a picture of all the gifts we received, laid our in our living room.  It took me a whole day to put everything away, wash and fold all the clothes, and assemble all the toys and accessories:

So, I got all the clothes washed, sorted and they are now hanging in Baby Jack's closet, waiting anxiously to be used.  He has more outfits than I do, I think.  This doesn't even do his wardrobe justice, because we also received hats, blankets, socks, and shoes as well.  He will probably take after his daddy and be a total clothes horse:

So, we also received the Diaper Genie from Great-Grandma Hartley, a high chair from the Forde Aunties, and an amazing tummy time piano mat from Auntie Jan and Auntie Debbie.  As I was taking all of this stuff out of their boxes, I realized that some minimal assembly was required.  This got me thinking.  I had a whole host of boxes upstairs in Jack's closet, including a swing, a bouncy chair, and a Pack 'n Play, and they all likely required some assembly as well.  So, I spent the day putting THAT stuff together, and here is a picture of the finished products - all of Jack's accessories!  I'm hoping they will go a long way in keeping him sleeping, warm, and dry over the long Minnesota winter months:

I am pretty proud of the finished results and these too, are anxiously awaiting use.  And, I don't need any comments about how well they're assembled!  I used all parts and tightened all screws!  

We also received a ton of books to start the Baby Storms' library, and you can see that his book shelf is filling up quickly. 

Finally, my sister painted these amazing pictures to decorate the nursery.  While I didn't initially understand what they were, exactly, I was informed that the pictures spell "J-A-C-K" using nautical flags.  My mom also gave us the mobile we registered for at Pottery Barn Kids.  So, now all we need is the rocking chair and the nursery will be complete.  I happen to think it looks really great right now:

I suppose I can finally announce that my sister is also expecting a little boy, due to arrive on March 10, 2012.  I am so excited, I can hardly stand it.  Not only will Baby Storms have a playmate close to his age, but I can't wait for the insanity that future family gatherings will involve! 

And, last but not least, here's a picture of us at thirty-four weeks:

I'm still feeling great, and I've been expanding like crazy.  Jeff was in Rhode Island over the weekend, having his "Baby Bachelor" party, and I picked him up at the airport last night.  After handing me a box of saltwater taffy, he looked at me and asked if my belly had doubled in size over the past four days.  It really feels like it has.  We also had a visit with Duckie today, just to follow-up after Friday's ultrasound.  Baby Storms is growing and I am measuring a bit ahead of my due-date.  He has short legs, which he probably inherited from me.  Or Jeff.  But, he's normal, happy, and active.  My next visit is on November 1st, and after that, I'll go in every week to monitor everything.  So, hopefully, Baby Storms will continue to keep growing, but only in terms of weight.  He's reached his maximum length by now.          

We have another shower this weekend but we are really getting close to his arrival.  I am getting so excited and can't wait until I can hold this tiny heavyweight in my arms.  And give him a stern talking-to for all the kicking.  He hasn't listened so far.