29 5/7 Weeks Pregnant

So I have only two more days until I reach week 30, which means I have about nine weeks left until my delivery date. I am trying to look at it as only nine weeks left, but boy is it hard, especially now that people are starting to ask if I am having twins. Yes I am that big!

My last visit to the OB was the same. I tried to convince them they were off by four weeks, but that did not work. Oh well, can't hate a girl for trying. The baby is healthy and way more active than Jasmine every was.

At my appointment the scale said I gained 25 pounds thus far...bah humbug. I am hoping to only gain about 1/2 a pound the following weeks, but that is doubtful, as my stomach is expanding very quickly now that most of my weight gain is baby weight.

Had a very busy weekend this past weekend, but it was a good one. Headed to up to New Jersey on Friday, getting there around 10:30 PM. It took us 7 hrs 30 mins because of rush hour traffic near the Virginia / Maryland boarder. Still, the drive wasn't that bad. Jasmine held her pee for 5 hrs 30 mins until we made it to a rest stop to fill up and unload (if you know what I mean). We were so proud of her. She has been doing really well with potty training as of late, and seems to have the timing down now, telling us at least a few minutes before it becomes too late.

Anyhow, Saturday we went to a dance recital for Dana and Jessie. Jasmine's attention span isn't long enough to sit through a dance recital (if it was only animated), so she was a little disruptive and because I took pictures I missed some of the action, but from what I saw it was awesome. It was exciting seeing the girls up there. I cannot wait for Jasmine to start dance classes in August.

After the recital, Gary and mom threw Haley a birthday party. It was a fun time with yummy BBQ. Even the missing phone, which was later found in a hair tie basket in the bathroom, made life interesting for the Shinn/Whelan household.

Sunday of course was Father's day and the baby shower. Jasmine picked out a tape measure that I had engraved for Kenny. It is the perfect gift for someone like Ken, so he was excited.

Julia, my maid of honor and one of my oldest/closest friends, drove down from New York early so that we could spend some quality time together. It was really nice to catch up and grab some breakfast, even if the wait was an hour and the actually eating portion only took 10 minutes.

Later my good friend from college, Lara, showed up. She is four weeks ahead of me, pregnancy wise, lucky dog, and is doing great. It was so nice to just hang out with the two of them and chat about our lives. I really miss having good girlfriends to talk to and hang out with.

I really appreciate that fact that Rob, one of Ken's best friends, came to the shower as well. It made Ken extremely happy, which in turn made me happy. It was a great feeling and I cannot thank Rob enough.

Grandma made my two favorite dishes, potato salad and tortellini salad...yummy. They were so good. In fact, I think the potato salad was her best yet. Unfortunately I didn't get to eat has much as I hoped as there isn't much room in my belly, so I really have to pace myself when eating.

And of course, all of Ken's family came, which was really wonderful. Even pop-pop came, though he hung out outside to avoid finding out the sex of the baby, but it was still so wonderful. I really loved being around family and celebrating the coming of our second and final child.

I had wished some of my side of the family could have made it, but I know it is a bit of a drive for them and that it was father's day. Oh well :(

Overall it was a great day and we had a blast. Though not as important as the time we had together, the gifts were wonderful as well. I cannot tell you all enough how much I appreciate it. Thank you cards will be going out soon!!!!!!

Mom Shinn did a great deal of work to prep for the shower, on top of all the other things she had on her plate. For that I thank her...Thank you mom! I also have to give Aunt Mary Jo and Uncle Lenny props, as they helped mom with a lot of the planning and cooking...Thank You!

Moving on, Monday was Jessie's graduation. I still cannot believe college bound Jessie is no longer in high school. It seems like just yesterday she was in fifth grade and shy. Now she is goofy and outgoing, getting ready to start a life of her own. It just amazes me.

Because of the weather they had to adjust the agenda, but we got to see Jessie walk, which was the most important. I wish we could have spent more time with her afterwards, but we had to head to Uncle Lenny's to prep for our trip home on Tuesday.

Tuesday we headed home around 10:40 and made it home by 4:50. We made really good time, and because we left from Uncle Lenny's we also saved an hour. We hit every area just at the right time, avoiding rush hour traffic all the way home. We stopped about 2 hours into our trip for a pee break, but that was the only stop we made until we got home. Once Jasmine took care of business, she passed right out until we were about 10 minutes from home. Even I, who never sleeps when Ken drives, slept a good 30 to 40 minutes. It was just great all around.

Of course we are all trying to catch up on sleep now. I think we are just about where we need to be, but are looking forward to getting some sleep this weekend.

Ken might have to go out of town next week, which I am not very excited about, but he promises this will be his last out-of-town trip until the baby comes. I hope that is true, because it is starting to get harder to handle everything on my own.

My next doctor's appointment is this Friday. I will be sure to update my post the following week.

Love you all and thanks again to all those who came to celebrate the baby (and those who wanted to, but couldn't).

Dina