35 WEEKS PREGNANT!

Five weeks to go and the car is packed . . . thanks to Russell! He was really anxious on Saturday morning to get everything packed AND into the car. Of course, there are a few more things I have thought of since then so I guess it was a good idea to get ready.

Craig Morgan concert

Saturday night, Russell and I went with some of his dealers and their wives to the Craig Morgan concert in Fort Worth. Since Case IH sponsors his tour, we got backstage passes and great seats. Craig Morgan is a country singer who sings the song "International Harvester" which is about one of Case's products. The concert was at Billy Bob's which is a place that was popular with JR on Dallas so Russell was really excited!

Russell got a hotel in downtown Fort Worth for us and the plan was for me to go back to the hotel after dinner. The concert did not start until 10:30 so he did not think I would make it. However, after two naps on Saturday, I was good to go after dinner. I am glad I went. We had a really good time. The third and fourth pictures show his tour bus and the "International Harvester" theme.

This was a really fun overnight trip for Russell and I. We got to go shopping before dinner and I got Jackson a few souvenirs. One was a shirt that says, "Texas Ranger: Around here, I am the law: Fort Worth Stockyards." It is really cute and, obviously, very fitting since I am an ADA. We also stayed at the hotel were JFK stayed the night before he was assassinated (which now happens to be a Hilton.) It was pretty neat looking at the pictures.

Work Baby Shower

Here are a few pics of my work baby shower. The pic above shows my court partners (Tiffany and Zeke on the left) and my buddy, Kelly (right). They were the host and hostesses of the baby shower. They did such a great job! We had lots of snacks and cute decorations. My old chief (who is now a felony prosecutor) came from the district courthouse for my shower and my judge and court staff also came. It really was a wonderful treat and everyone was very generous. Jackson got tons of great gifts!

Here we are playing the toilet paper game. To my suprise, one of the guys actually won!

Doctor update

Yesterday, Russell and I went for our 8 1/2 month check-up. Jackson and I are both doing well. There is not much to report. Our next appointment is in 2 weeks and then we will be going to the doctor weekly. For now, so far so good!

8 1/2 months!

Only 6 weeks to go!!!

Fun weekend with the nephew

Cee (Russell's mom) brought our nephew, Rhodes, to visit this weekend. Russell and Rhodes had a great time, as usual. On Thursday night, after a quick basketball game, we went to dinner in downtown McKinney and we went to a Magic Shop on the Square. Rhodes got a magic trick to take back and show his friends. On Friday, they went to the Zoo and to the Main Event for bowling. And on Saturday, they went to Six Flags. As you can tell from the first picture, they had alot of fun. After all the fun we put Rhodes to work! (Not really!) The second picture shows Rhodes doing yard work with Russell and the last picture shows him messaging my feet.

Daycare

After alot of procrastinating, we finally have Jackson on the waiting list at a daycare. I really like the daycare because it it less than a minute from my office. Several people at work use this daycare including the bailiff in my court. He and his wife are expecting their baby just a few weeks after Jackson is due. His wife is only taking six weeks maternity leave so I know their little angel will be waiting for Jackson to join their class. One reason they picked this daycare is because they allow you to come and check on the babies whenever you want. I love that, too! That way I can go and check on Jackson at lunch or if I have a break. And, I know that other parents will be dropping by as well. In addition to my court bailiff's little pumpkin, the court reporter in my court has her little girl in this daycare. She is actually the first person who recommended this daycare.

We are still considering a daycare that is close to the house and I am sure we will get on that waiting list as well. But, at least we are making progress!!!

Don't forget to cheer for the Bulldogs and the Tigers

As everyone knows, the NCAA tournament begins today. LSU and Mississippi State are both in the tournament. They both have a tough road but we'll be cheering nonetheless!

7 weeks to go!

Today, we are 33 weeks along. Our next doctor appointment is next Monday. The pregnancy is going well for now. Unfortunately, I came down with a yucky cold late last week. I was so disappointed because I have managed to stay healthy for the last eight + months. I guess it was bound to happen, especially with my job and the amount of contact I have with people. Luckily, I did not have a fever and, after a weekend of rest, I am starting to feel better. I must say, there is nothing worse than getting sick and not being able to take any medicine!

Welcome to the World Georgia Kate Massengill

Last Wednesday, I got an e-mail from Amber and she said she was in labor at the hospital. Amber and I met in law school. Now, she and her husband live in Tennessee where she is also a prosecutor. It is so wonderful to have a friend that is just two months ahead of you in pregnancy. I really appreciate all of her advice and support. Here are two pics of Amber's angel. Isn't she precious!

Our little guinea pig

Maggie has been very curious about all of the preparations for Jackson. We let her test the baby gear once we put it together. First, we tried the stoller and that was okay. Then we tried the jumperoo and the swing. She doesn't seem to like those two very much! I haven't tried the bouncy seat, yet and I think we'll pass on the highchair!

EIGHT MONTHS!

Today, we are eight months pregnant! We are really getting down to business, now! This weekend we attended a Handle with Care class and ran errands getting things ready for the baby. Yesterday, I washed many of Jackson's clothes. Russell and I laughed at how little his socks were. I was amazed they were all accounted for after the wash! We only have eight weeks to go . . .

A few baby shower pics

Here are just a few of the baby shower pics from last weekend. Better late than never!

Jackson update

This morning, Russell and I went to the doctor for another check-up. Jackson and I are both doing great. We are starting to make big decisions and it is very exciting! We are looking into cord blood banking (if anyone has any information to share). We are also starting the process of looking for a pediatrician. Most importantly, we set a date to be induced. Jackson's original arrival date is May 4th. However, if our little man chooses to take his time, we are planning to induce on May 6th. (That is when our favorite doctor is on call and I did not really want him to be born on Cinco de Mayo!)

Russell and I are looking forward to a weekend of rest and minor Jackson preparations. Tomorrow evening we have our Handle with Care Class and the rest of the weekend we will be resting and organizing the nursery. I hope everyone has a great weekend!

One week, two guilty verdicts

PHEW! What a week! Two jury trial leads in one week is exhausting. Two jury trial leads and being nearly eight months pregnant is REALLY exhausting . . . but it is also really fun! It has been a stressful but great week and I can't wait for some R & R. Luckily, my judge is going out-of-town for the next three weeks so I will get a long, well deserved break!

31 weeks! Only 9 weeks to go!

Monroe Baby Shower

Yesterday, we had a baby shower in Monroe. It was so wonderful to get to see so many people that I have not seen in a while. Thanks so much to Mrs.Kelly, Elizabeth, Jean, Carrie, Marie and Jessica for hosting such a nice baby shower and thanks so much to everyone who drove long distances to share our special day!

Jackson got so many things! His nursery is full and spilling over into the living room. I don't know where we will keep all of his goodies. I have to mention a few very memorable gifts. First, Jackson's Cee (Russell's mom) gave him a picture for his nursery. It has jungle animals and matches his bedding perfectly. The green border is the exact shade of green in the bedding. I have no idea how she found a perfect picture! Also, one of the gifts from Jackson's Mimi (my mom) was a jungle backpack with his name embroidered on it. The backpack matches all of Jackson's precious planet gear. Too cute! I know he will use it for a long time.

There were also some handmade gifts. Mrs. Judy Riley is an amazing seamstress. She sewed Jackson a bonnet with a matching birpcloth, bib and blanket. It is beautiful. Also, my Aunt Mona finished the wreath for the hospital door in time for the shower. It is so cute! It has Jackson's name on the streamers and the jungle animals to match his nursery.

Unfortunately, I am having trouble downloading the pictures and, truth be told, I am just too exhausted to keep messing with the computer! I promise to have pictures posted soon!