Baby Showers!

My mom and sisters came down for my Spring Break. I had told them repeatedly that they would not need to bring a lot of luggage (as I have bathroom supplies, laundry facilities, etc.) here. However, when I picked them up from the airport, they had all checked a bag and brought a carry-on! I was shocked! I couldn't imagine what they had brought with them for 6 days! I started thinking that they had probably brought a couple of extra things for the baby shower my ward was throwing on Saturday. As it turns out, my family had sent out invitations before coming here to collect shower gifts. They ended up throwing me a surprise party! I am including pictures of me (I have had a lot of inquiries as to how BIG I am getting... you be the judge!). THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO SENT GIFTS!!! (I am still working on thank you cards.)



Here I am at the shower that my ward threw me. They did such a beautiful job. I cannot thank them enough for all the work they did to make it a great experience for me and my family. Rob and I received so many gifts. Everyone was so generous... THANK YOU!!!

We are still collecting and organizing all the gifts we received. We have had few others ask what else we need, so Rob and I are going to register at Target (we are hoping to go next week and create our registry). It is such an exciting time for us!

Update

I have had many inquiries as to how I am doing... and the answer is GREAT!!! I have been feeling really good the last 3 months. The first 3 months of pregnancy were definitely not my favorite months- I was doubting whether I would really last a whole 9 months or not. I have felt great ever since New Years. Rob and I went back to Utah to celebrate the holidays with our families. I started out great on the trip, but towards the end of the trip I was throwing up and tired. Since we returned from Utah, I have not thrown up once! I have been working out with one of my good friends from work. I have had great energy. My stomach is getting bigger- my students let me know this on a regular basis. Kids are so honest! All of my students are very excited that I am going to have a baby. They don't know yet that I am not going to be returning there next year. I have decided to stay home with the baby. I am hoping to tutor students from home during the week. I have all the resources (and connections) to do that. The baby is very active. He kicks and turns all the time. I enjoy feeling him and knowing he is alive and strong.

Rob and I have been working on lots of projects around the house. He fertilized the yard and sprayed pest control all over. We added decorative film to our front entry window (to provide privacy at night). Rob took apart a couple of desks that we don't use and took them to the dump. I cleaned and reorganized closets and drawers. Rob changed the air filters. I washed the cars (inside and out!). Rob's car took FOREVER to clean. We recently bought a Pack n' Play, crib, mattress, and changing table/dresser. It is exciting to get ready for the baby. We are still trying to decide what car seat and stroller we like best.

The Pack n' Play with a bassinet- which is what the baby will sleep in for the first few months.

The changing table/dresser in the baby's room.

The crib (it converts to a toddler and full size bed too!).

The decorative film on the front entry window:

Last Saturday Rob and I attended a "Prepared Childbirth" class at the hospital. It was very informative for me, and eye-opening for Robert. I had to tell him at one point to close his mouth as his jaw was hanging open in disbelief. We have another class in 2 weeks...

We still have not decided on a name for the baby boy. We have come up with a few names we like, but nothing is set. We like Max (or Maximilian), Jex, and Spencer (or Spence). We will probably find a few more names that we both like, and then wait until we see the baby before we settle on a final name. Unfortunately, I have to veto a lot of names as I am a teacher and some students have not left a very favorable impression on me.

On Friday, March 20, I have another doctor's appointment. They are doing another ultrasound to check the size and position of the baby. I have been measuring big the last couple of appointments. I do not have gestational diabetes though... just a large baby! I have been watching my diet (cutting back on carbs and sweets), so hopefully the baby will not be so large. I will post pictures from the appointment this weekend.


It is Spring Break this week for me. My mom and 2 of my sisters are coming out to see me during the break. We should have a fun filled week. I really want to go to the Ft. Worth Zoo. The weather is supposed to be beautiful this week- between 70 and 80 degrees during the day, 50s during the night. I should be able to blog about our fun experiences!

Rob has been traveling each week from Monday to Thursday. He flies out to Monroe, Louisiana. He has enjoyed working out there. I think one thing he really enjoys about Monroe is a custard place they have. He has recruited quite a few members on his work team to accompany him there a couple times each week.

My tulips are starting to come up. They are getting close to blooming. I cannot wait until they start opening up. I have been taking pictures of them in stages. I will post the final sequence when they open.

I think this is a pretty comprehensive update on how life has been in the Madsen household. We are happy, healthy, and excited to have a new member join our family.