Ooooh Baby Baby

Over a year has passed since my last post. Just when I thought things couldn't change all that much- God threw some major curveballs my way. 

I wound up back at United Way- in a position I wholeheartedly believe that I was always meant to have- last March. In May, Elliott and I were finally married after 6 years at a very chaotic but lovely wedding.  Roosters crowed and firearms were shot throughout our entire ceremony... we should have taken those "shotguns" as a sign of what was to come.  

The weekend we learned about our Bean Sprout. Please note poor Elliott's 'shock' face.

We found out about the impending arrival of our Little Baby Jepson on my birthday- July 2nd.  By July 13th- my dad's birthday- we finally let our families in on the news.  It took a few weeks to get over the shock that we were going to have a baby- but the minute we let our families know it all got real and very exciting. The past 8 months have been full of more changes and preparations. My parents moved to Charlotte, NC in early October and we closed on our very own home on October 31st. 

I have had the easiest pregnancy.  For the most part I have felt healthy, happy and oftentimes oddly powerful.  I sometimes feel as though I am doing something special that no one has ever experienced before. But, I guess God gives us woman that feeling so that we continue to go through this over and over again. Up until 35 weeks, I had zero complications and have loved every moment.  From the very beginning we agreed on baby names: Ruby June for a little girl and Liam for a little boy. We never did find out what we were having- so we are going to get a big surprise on Baby's Birthday.

I have had a history of high blood pressure since I stopped swimming in 2007 so my midwives were extremely cautious and have been monitoring me since the beginning of my pregnancy. Last week, after 34 weeks of smooth sailing and the lowest blood pressures I have had my entire life, I finally started spiking.  I have been put on bedrest (which is surprisingly the most boring thing ever) and will now go in twice a week for BP checks.  Our March 15th due date has moved up significantly. My midwives would like to induce me between 37-38 weeks if the pressure stays high.  We have little worries about how 'ready' he/she is- we are still in the 75th+ percentile in weight and length.

25 Weeks and feeling great

Paying homage to my only craving this entire pregnancy- Bacon!

33 weeks and getting bigger! My little Liam/Ruby was measured at 4 pounds this week.

My wonderful best friend Sam came to visit at 34 weeks. It was such a great weekend!

Now- Elliott and I are anxiously waiting for what my body does next. We hope to keep the baby cooking as long as possible but we are ready for anything at this point.  February 22nd is our new target date but hopefully we can wait it out until February 27th or 28th (when Baby will share a birthday weekend with Aunt Jackie) so baby has more time to grow. 

Bean Sprout at 30 weeks.  Can't wait to kiss those big feet!!!

This blog is changing to more of a "Family Update" site since all our friends and family are so far away. Elliott and I will post pictures and updates as our family expands.  Hopefully I don't become one of those mothers obsessed with sharing pictures and trivial information about Baby Jepson- but I don't have much faith in myself.  

Love, Happiness and Bean Sprout,