Jackie and I have been very busy these past couple of days between Thanksgiving with both families, decorating for Christmas, and purchasing a new vehicle for our growing family.

Thanksgiving morning we travelled to Crafton to visit with Jackie’s family. It was great to see everyone and hang out with little Maggie and her new little brother Sammy. After we finished that meal we headed a little further north to visit with the Bechdel clan. My cousin Jen and her little one, Piper, came to visit from California. Since we don’t get to see them very often it was nice to be able to spend time together.

Since our family is about to become a little bigger with the much anticipated arrival of our little one Jackie and I thought we needed to get a “new” car. We had been looking online for quite some time but on Saturday we travelled to Blue Knob Auto near Altoona, PA. We have purchased two cars in the past but nothing will compare to the experience at Blue Knob. In talking with other people that have purchased cars there in the past we were told to get there early if we go on a Saturday because it can be crowded. And that is an understatement. There were probably 10 sales people working and 40 people waiting in the waiting area to test drive and buy cars. When you test drive a car they give you a license plate, the keys, and send you on your way. They don’t come with you! But to be honest, that was nice because they were not trying to talk up the car. There is no pressure from the sale people either because the prices are non-negotiable (they are incredibly low too). To make a long story, and long day, short, we ended up buying a 2008 Ford Edge. It is what we had been looking at on-line but to our surprise it has more upgrades than we thought it had like leather. We are both happy that we have a nice car to bring home our little one.

Today, baby and I hit the 36 week mark and Scott and I are really starting to get excited! We had our final ultrasound last Friday where we got to see how the baby was growing and we also got a weight estimate. Neither of us was surprised to find out the the baby was already head down. I could already tell that the baby had begun to drop, mostly because I could breath again What did surprise us was the baby’s estimated weight at the time of the ultrasound………..6 lbs 15 oz!!!! Now, that may not sound like a very large baby but you have to figure in that the baby will gain 1/2 lb a week until he/she is born. If you are counting, that gives us a 9 1/2 lb baby at full term! Needless to say, I was shocked but at the same time, I was happy to know that the baby is so happy and healthy in there that he/she has been able to get that big. So who knows how big this little one will be when we finally meet! Another thing we found out during the ultrasound is that the baby most likely has lots of dark hair on its little head! We have some pictures that I will have to post. I can’t wait to meet this little one and squeeze his/her chubby little cheeks. Less then 4 weeks to go! Pray for a healthy baby and an easy delivery! We will keep you all updated!

I can write this post right now and look back on the situation and kind of laugh because everything turned out ok…

I was leaving an office this morning when I was hit by a car. No, my car wasn’t hit by a car, my legs were hit by a car. A woman, who had to be in her 90’s, was apparently backing out of her parking spot in the doctor’s office parking lot. She was parked in the handicapped spot that was closest to the door so when I stepped off the landing that led to the door, I was right in her path. So, I took about 2 steps before she backed right into my legs. Thankfully, she stopped. I stood there for a few seconds wondering what do do then I started walking towards my car. The woman never even looked at me! She didn’t wind down her window or get out of her car to make sure that I was ok. She just proceeded to back out of her spot and drive right past me out of the parking lot. Yep…I got hit by a car today.

I am officially 34 weeks today with only 6 to go until Baby Bechdel’s arrival We had a doctor’s appointment on Monday and everything still looks great. The baby is right on track with a very strong heart beat. My weight gain is right on track which is always good.
Scott and I have been going to our childbirth classes for the last 3 weeks and we have really learned a lot. Tonight was all about C-sections which was a little intimidating at first but Scott and I both took a lot away from the class. It has been a great learning experience for us as new parents. We are looking forward to the next 6 weeks and can’t wait to meet this little one! Enjoy the picture of my giant belly!

Scott and I just want to wish Josie a happy 5th Birthday! We are so glad that we were able to be there to help you celebrate this weekend. We hope you had a wonderful Birthday! Love you Josie!