Josh and I had a rather quiet Christmas...we really would have loved to travel home for the holidays, but Josh's schedule was a little up in the air, and I was a little hesitant to travel going into my third trimester. We felt a little like Scrooge because we didn't put up a tree or any Christmas decorations this year...only because we knew that we had a lot to take care of in preparation for Harrison's arrival. Added to that, Josh will be leaving for 29 Palms towards the end of this month for training, so we wanted to be sure to get everything taken care of before he leaves. He is scheduled to return around mid-February, so let's all just send up some prayers that Harrison doesn't decide to make an early arrival!
We had GRAND plans for New Year's Eve considering it was our 9 year anniversary. We went to dinner at our favorite Japanese restaurant (don't worry, no sushi for me) and had plans to go to a movie and then go to a friend's house to ring in the New Year. But my pregnant body had other plans...by 8pm when we finished dinner, I was so tuckered out that we just ended up coming home and curling up to stay warm and ring in the New Year. We were tempted to only stay up for the east coast ring in, but we did manage to stay up until midnight here on the west coast. We'll just have to plan a big celebration for our 11th anniversary after Josh returns from deployment next year! Anybody up for babysitting???
All dressed up for New Year's Eve...ready to PARTY! Too bad we didn't make it past 8:30!
I had an ultrasound on Friday (1/7) to check on the condition of my vasa previa which I was diagnosed with early in the pregnancy and which took me out of work so early on. As of right now, the perinatologist does not see any interference with the umbilical cord, however, he continues to keep me monitored closely. I will now start seeing my OB once per week for ultrasounds and to be linked up to the fetal heart monitor to keep a close eye on Harrison and his progress. Harry is measuring around 4 lbs 11 oz which the technician said is right at 34 weeks measurement. So he is measuring about a week ahead of where they've put me (I'm at 33 weeks) but we were told this is not unusual. Below are some pictures from the ultrasound for you to enjoy.
Okay, these two pictures are very interesting. What you're seeing to the right side of Harrison's face is his foot!!! The other squirrely looking image is actually the umbilical cord...yeah, it freaked as out at first too!
Another foot shot...how do they bend like that???
And just look at those cherub cheeks!!!
And a final confirmation that he is, in fact, still a he!
We've been working hard these past few weeks to get ready for his arrival. And, by "we" I really mean Josh because I'm still limited in my activites per doctor's orders. We've finished Harrison's nursery...only waiting for delivery of the recliner/glider and the wall monogram we ordered to go over his bed. Other than that, the stage is set for his arrival! Josh has been such a trooper, and I don't know what I would do without such a wonderful husband! He has truly taken care of me and Harrison and for that I am very grateful! Below are some pictures of Harrison's room and evidence of Josh's hard work!
We wanted something a little non-traditional that could grow as Harry grows. We decided on this red plaid accented with red and beige walls. We then used images from Norman Rockwell's sports series throughout the room.
Two of my favorite things in Harry's room: a cabinet my grandfather built that was handed down to me and "The Dangerous Book for Boys." Josh is super excited to be able to make & do some of the things in this book with Harry. Plus, it's very educational, which I love!
Another favorite piece...the toybox my grandfather made for me as a child. We've had to put it in his closet for now because they're isn't enough space in his room, but I'm just glad to be able to hand it down to our son!
The beautiful bedding set my mom had made for us by a lady back in Newton. She did such a great job! Thanks Mom!!!
We've also been doing some other things this past week in preparation for his arrival. We had the carpets cleaned throughout the house (and boy did they need it), had the dogs groomed and shaved to cut down on some of the dog hair (which will give us some relief in the first few months as new parents), and we had my car detailed (it's looks so shiny and new). I still have a few things on my list like getting his car seat installed, taking all of my paperwork for registration to the hospital, and packing my bags for the big event, but it is finally starting to feel like we're getting almost everything in order. Of course, we may get a couple weeks of relaxation before we're off sprinting with that new little addition to our family!
It's so hard to believe that he will be here in about 7 weeks...the time has flown by so fast! I still remember the shock on learning I was pregnant! I found out about 10pm our time, so I had no one I could call on the east coast because I knew it was 1 o'clock in the morning there! I was jumping around the house with tears running down my face! And Josh was just as surprised...he later told me that he had a fellow Marine on the ship with him read the email I sent just to be sure he was reading it correctly! I've recently began taking pictures to show the progression of the pregnancy...I was hesitant in the beginning, but I was convinced by family and friends to capture the memories of the pregnancy. So, below are some pregnancy pictures for you to enjoy.
In these two pictures, I'm at 29 weeks
31 weeks - Christmas Day
32 weeks (New Year's Eve)
32 1/2 weeks (I was having a good hair day so I wanted pictures...hahaha!)
33 weeks
So, after several years of trying, God has truly blessed us and we just can't wait to meet our sweet little boy! We've finally decided on a middle name, so from hence forth he will be known as...(drum roll please)...HARRISON PRUITT SMITH. Harrison is in honor of Josh's grandfather and Pruitt is in honor of my great grandfather. We really like the name and hope he likes it too as he gets older...of course, how many kids really like or appreciate their names when they're young? Hahaha!
We love our little man so much already!!!
We're also so very happy that my cousin and Josh's best friend, Brandon, has returned home safely from Afghanistan! God is so good! And we're hoping to convince him and his wife, Jess, to visit us soon! Especially since we've chosen them as Harrison's godparents!
We ask that you pray for Josh while he is training in 29 Palms...please pray for safe and successful training and transport to and from 29 Palms. And we also ask for your prayers as we embark on this new and exciting journey as new parents. We love all of you and wish you many of God's blessings!
Much love,
Josh, Wendy, Harrison and the furmongers
