First Baby Shower!!!!

Today was our FIRST baby shower for our sweet boy and we were so blessed! We got some great needed things for our baby and nursery. It was so exciting seeing his name put on things too! The excitement is definitely settling in and I just can't wait for him to get here!!!

My beautiful hostesses! Mrs. Schiesser, Mrs. Blalock, Mrs. Newell, Mrs. Kennedy, Mrs. Hartley, and Mrs. King

Three generations...Mom and Jan pregnant together, Jessa and I pregnant together...PRICELESS!

I love seeing his name!!!

Hollie, Jessa, and I

Just Kidding!!!

So...for the last few days I have been convinced I picked a bug up from my precious first graders. Of 18, 11 of them have had the stomach bug or flu, so I figured I was too. Come to find out, its just a case of the third trimester INDIGESTION! HA! A relief to know I'm not sick, but a pain to deal with. I go back to the doctor Monday and he said we would discuss options. Until then...I'll be eating a lot of tums!

A little stomach bug and a little third tirmester...

Well...after 3 years of teaching with avoidance of the dreaded "flu" and "stomach bug", I officially caught it. I'm home sick today and can't figure out what is worse. Running to the bathroom, or feeling like I can't breath! I've just got to ride this bug out and I'm hoping by Saturday (my first baby shower!) I will be all better. The doctor reassured me that this bug will not hurt the baby and I just need to drink lots of fluids. This stinks...

Hot Chocolate Party (for 2)

Well crazy enough, good ole' South Carolina got to see snow twice this year! Unfortunately it didn't last very long, but Chad and I took advantage of having the day together (knowing we don't have many more). The snow started around 5:30(and stopped around 10:00). The announcement of "no school" came out around 6:00, so we jumped into our pajamas and started our hot chocolate party! It was so nice just to sit in the bed together and do a bunch of nothing :) We were extremely disappointed to wake up the next day to both no school and no snow (for us teachers this means we will have to make it up on a beautiful spring day). But we took advantage of our time together and had a blast!

Spoiling the First

In my outing downtown this weekend I ventured upon the "Pupcakes" bakery on Devine Street. I couldn't help but get Cali some goodies because I'm afraid her days of being TOTALLY spoiled are numbered! I got her some puppy cupcakes, breath bones, and peanut butter hearts :) Cali will always be my first baby, but the goodies will be a lot less frequent once formula and diapers take priority!!!

Go Cubs Go!

Me and my student teacher Emily

My precious student teacher this semester shares the love of the Cubs with my husband! Her last day with me was today and she is going to be at another school, causing her to miss my baby shower! She has been telling me how excited she is about the gift she got me, and now I know why!!! I know this gift will make daddy VERY happy! Take a look...

Baby Cubs onsies and bottle!!

31 Weeks

Things going on so far:

• It officially takes me 30 minutes to ATTEMPT to shave my legs the best I can!




• I lost 2 pounds (total gain of only 23lbs at 31 weeks!) which confirmed that I do NOT have gestational diabetes!




• I cannot sleep...at all...ever...in any position....with any pillow




• I'm fighting a sinus infection which seems to be a problem with most pregnant women I know!




• My iron is still low! So now I'm on TRIPLE doses. Oh the fun that brings!




• Our baby boy is measuring at the "normal" size and heartbeat is good.




• I am beginning to feel trapped in my own body!




• I cry (or am on the verge of tears) at least once a day...no reason...just cry!




• My baby showers start next weekend, YEAH!




• The nursery is complete with the exception of shower gifts :)




• Childcare is secure.




• Pediatrician is secure!




• My anxiety towards balancing life is starting to freak us out, but the changes that are coming make Chad and I SO excited at the same time!



• I have had to resort to wearing my husband's T-shirts on warm days because my clothes supply is running low!

Baby Proofing Begins!

This weekend Chad and I began to get the house ready for baby! It was both exciting and frustrating at the same time. Before this weekend I would have told you my house was PLENTY big, but after trying to find space in the kitchen and closets for our little boy's things, we are starting to think we need more space! We cleaned out our guest room (now nursery) closet and put those things in other closets and in our master bedroom closet. Then we moved to the was room and bathrooms to find new places for the cleaning supplies so they are out of the reach of baby hands. Then we moved into the game room to move things around for baby toys. We ended up not having much space left! I must say though...it's exciting to open the closets and see baby stuff! Tomorrow is my next doctor's appointment, so hopefully he will say all is still going well :)

Growing excitement...and belly!

Chad and I have spent a lot of time laying together before bed dreaming about the day our baby boy will get here! We cannot wait for the day we can walk through our nursery boy and he be in his crib! Everything seems to be growing:

my belly

(his kick count!)

our collection of baby clothes

baby items around the house

parent magazines

baby gifts

and especially our excitement

We cannot believe in 9 weeks or less now we will have our baby boy in the world! My showers start in two weeks and all of his new things will start rolling in.

Monday is my next doctor's appointment. We are hoping I can get an increase in my sugar count, because 20 grams a day is just about to kill me! So we will continue to pray that all is well with my blood work and the growth of our baby boy. We just can't wait to have him here in our arms!!!!

Seriously...

Well, you know the saying...When it rains it pours.

Today we got the devastating news that my Aunt Judy's brain tumor (which was removed Thursday) is the most aggressive type of tumor. She is going to be in a 3o day recovery from the surgery, then they are going to start aggressive radiation and an experimental drug. The doctors say it is rare, but with these treatments, people have gone into remission. We just cannot believe it... The Tinder family needs your prayers. I spoke with her on the phone while my dad visited her today, and she is in the best of spirits. The preacher came to see her and he actually said to her "I came to counsel you, but you have ended up counseling me." She is so strong in her faith and I'm so glad for that. Please keep her in your thoughts...

On top of Papa Rod and Aunt Judy, my baby girl Cali began getting sick at 11:00pm last night and did not stop all day. We took her to the vet this afternoon to find out she has bronchitis...seriously... She is a very very sick puppy, but the vet says it is viral and WILL work its way out. She is just going to be sick the next 1-3 weeks. It isn't life threatening or anything, just hard to watch her hurt. She coughs until she gags and cannot lay very long because her throat hurts. Goodness...

2009 is starting out to be a very faith testing year. I'm so glad I have such a strong husband and family to remind me of all the blessings around me each day.

Beautiful Valentines...

Chad and I had a wonderful Valentine's Day together! Since he is gone to soccer practices late all week, we chose to stay in and just be together today. We met with a childcare provider early in the day...who we are praying works out for us! (A GREAT Christian woman!) We went to the mall and enjoyed buying each other a small something, and then came home to watch movies (and watch our baby boy roll around in my tummy!), then we grilled out steaks for our Valentine's Day dinner. It was such a blessed day just being together. I'm so glad God gave me such a wonderful man who makes me feel like everyday is Valentine's Day!

Getting Uncomfortable!

Everyone keeps asking me if I am "feeling uncomfortable yet." Well after this week, I can say I am starting to feel it! My legs are starting to swell from the extra weight, but I don't exactly have the job where you can kick your feet up. Bending down and getting up are A LOT harder than they have ever been before. I go to the bathroom so many times a day I lose count! I keep repeating in my head "10 weeks, 10 weeks..." Not that things will get easier then, but at least I will be able to move again! Did I mention I'm on a protein diet now...CRAZY! I have never had to watch or count calories, but now I'm having to watch my iron, sodium, and sugar contents. I don't even know what I'm looking for when I look at the label! So it's lots of fish, poultry, and red meat until baby Bridges gets here. Until then... I am definitely uncomfortable now!!

The Third Trimester

Today is my last 4 week doctor's appointment! Hopefully all will be well! We are at 28 weeks and I'm starting to get a little uncomfortable. It's harder to get up from a sitting position and out of bed in the morning, and I'm definitely visiting the restroom more often!!! My baby boy is VERY active, especially after meals and at night. It feels like he is trying to get out! We are getting closer to having child care, and closer to having our baby boy in our arm. We just can't wait!

The size of our baby!

Papa Rod

Conrad "Rod" Graham
CHAPIN - A memorial service for Conrad “Rod” Graham, 77, of Chapin, SC, will be held eleven thirty a.m. Thursday, February 5, 2009, at Chapin United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be in Springfield Cemetery at a later date. Memorial contributions may be sent to Chapin United Methodist Church Building Fund, 415 Lexington Avenue, Chapin, SC 29036. Folk Funeral Home of Williston, SC, is assisting the family with arrangements.
Surrounded by his loving family, our beloved Conrad died Tuesday, February 2nd after a brief illness. During his 77 years of life, he had been a shining light to his family. His engaging sense of humor, his love of life, and his devilish smile will be greatly missed. Rod had many good friends and delighted in his fishing trips and gatherings with them. His ministry to others was his greatest achievement; his faith could not be shaken. The family greatly appreciates the love and support over the last two years that Jody Flowers, Paul Allen and the Chapin United Methodist Church family were able to provide. The family has appreciated the exceptional care provided by the Intensive Care Staff at Lexington Medical Center.
Born in Lyons, GA, Rod was a son of the late Willie Van and Agnes Gerald Graham; Rod received his associate degree from the University of South Carolina. He retired from the wholesale grocery business, having worked for Colonial Stores, Thomas Howard Company and, more recently, worked with Merritt Brokerage Company. He was an active member of Chapin United Methodist Church, the Thursday AM Group, United Methodist Men’s Bible Group, the Christian Fellowship Sunday School Class, the Jolly Christians and the Misfits Kitchen Band.
Survivors include his loving wife of 25 years, Mildred “Millie” Bennett Graham of the home; sons, Danny (Phyllis) Graham of Mooresville, NC, Steve Graham of Columbia, SC, stepson, Joey (Meree) Williamson of Norway, SC; stepdaughter, Judy Tinder of Irmo, SC, daughter-in-law, Shirley Graham; sisters, Betty Flowers of Tallahassee, FL, Mable (Horace) Kearse of Fairfax, SC, Diane (Wayne) Wright of McDonough, GA; brothers, Bobby (Linda) Graham of Dade City, FL; sister-in-law, Lottie Graham Anderson, SC; grandchildren, Rachel and Robert Graham of Mooresville, NC, Brooke (Chad) Bridges of Chapin, SC, Brittany Tinder of Irmo, SC, Joseph and Michael Williamson of Norway, SC. He was preceded in death by a son, Paul Graham, brothers, Edward Graham and Andrew Jackson Graham. Visit our on-line registry at http://www.folkfuneralhome.com/.

A little smile in the middle of hard times...

We have had some hard times the last 3 weeks, but in the middle of it all there is joy knowing that our baby boy is getting closer to being here! This week our glider came in, and next week our matress gets here. Once we have the crib set fixed up we will be almost there!

Tough Day

Yesterday was my grandfather's funeral. It was a tough day. The visitation brought tons of people which went to show how important he was in people's lives. While the visitation was taking place we had a power point of Papa Rod running. It was the hardest thing for me to watch. Especially the pictures of him holding us all as babies, feeding us, sleeping with us... I just know I won't have that experience and it is a hard realization to come to. Things are settling down and the fact that he really isn't here is starting to set in. Tomorrow is his burial in Springfield, and then we all have to go on with life after Papa Rod. I have no doubt where he is and I know I will see him again one day, but in the meantime I ache to have him here.

Hard Times

2008-Summer at the Beach House
Playing on the boardwalk-always laughs with Papa Rod!

Cutting up again!

Britt and Papa Rod

Today at 5:00pm our family suffered the tragic loss of my Papa Rod. He went peacefully and in no pain, which is the way it should be. I always heard when you are pregnant and not supposed to be "stressed" that things like this happen. I'm trying to keep it together and hope my baby boy cannot feel the sadness in my heart. Thank you to everyone who prayed for him. Prayers were answered, because there is no doubt where he is now.

Praise God!

As I sat and wrote about needing prayers for my Papa Rod, my phone rang for the 1 hundredth time from the hospital. My "unresponsive, on life support" Papa Rod has opened his eyes and turned his head! God is so great! The biggest problem the doctors were having this last 48 hours was determining what made his life stop for 10 minutes. They are thinking that since it was the first day he had eaten something in 2 weeks, that it shot back up into his esophagus and got stuck! This caused him to stop breathing. The doctors exact words to us just now are: "He is not a 22 year old boy, he is a 77 year old man. It will take him a long time to recover from this, but I believe he will." PRAISE GOD! Please keep praying for him!

Praying for Papa Rod

I've always heard that life seems to hit you the hardest when you are pregnant and NOT supposed to be stressed out. For the past 2 weeks my family has been on a roller coaster ride with my Papa Rod. He entered ICU with a pancreas problem and as he was there, things seemed to get worse, then better, just in a matter of hours. Most all major organs have stopped working at one point, and he has blood clots which are under watch.

On Friday I got a call that he was doing better...kidney's working, breathing on his own, pancreas levels good, bacteria levels low. So I was able to go see him Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. They were good days. He could talk to me and even smile (which has not been happening since he got there). The last thing he said to me was that he was tired and really wanted to just go to sleep. I kissed him bye and went home. I got a call on Monday that he was so much better that they were moving him OUT of ICU and just admitting him to the main hospital. I cannot tell you how excited we were!

He enjoyed a day out of ICU, had some family and church friends to visit with, and was able to keep some broth down. You cannot even imagine the shock I felt when almost 48 hours ago my phone rang to say that Rod had flat lined for 10 minutes and was back in ICU and unresponsive. He still hasn't come out of it yet... My family is aching for the life of this man and we know it is out of our control. For my baby's sake I have not been to see him since he has been on life support. Selfishly, I just know I can't handle seeing a man I love so much not responding. I know my stress level would be through the roof to have to see that.

Even though things have been so painful, God has managed to show his hand in all of this. My last memories of speaking with my Papa Rod are that he just wanted to go to sleep. We had 3 great, pain free, days with him this weekend. When he flat lined, it was in the middle of the night, so he did not feel pain. And today, although on life support and unresponsive, they believe that they have found brain activity that suggest he could possibly breath on his own. Praise God for the man he made my Papa Rod, and I just pray that whatever his decision is, he continues to show his hand though the hard times we are having. It's a long road ahead still with Papa Rod, so please keep him in your prayers!

It's beginning to look a lot like...BABY!

If you were to enter the Bridges' household these days, it would be very evident that a little on is on the way! Baby items are starting to roll in and it is so exciting! The kitchen has a high chair in the corner (the same chair I used!), the den has a beautiful rocking horse (thanks to grandaddy Bridges!!!), and the nursery is starting to fill with baby boy items! Our furniture for baby is in (I can't stop going in the nursery and looking at it!), and our trash pick up is mostly Babies R Us bags and boxes! I am moving into 7 months pregnant, and my anxiety for the arrival of our baby is rising! I just can't wait!

Child Care Search Begins

The last major battle we are going to have with our precious one is finding child care! We have started calling the names and numbers on our list of people who provide in home care. My list of questions goes on and on and most people have been great about answering them all. We have eliminated a few people already, based on the fact that they are in the car a lot, or have too many babies, or WAY too pricey! I am very hopeful about the last call I made. Chad and I made an appointment to meet with a lady who is only going to watch teacher's children. The first statement she made to me on the phone was that she is basing her child care on a christian beliefs. She followed with "I hope this isn't a problem. I just feel the need to be upfront." Are you kidding me! Too good to be true I hope. After talking with her I'm hopeful she is going to be our choice, but we will see. Please pray that we find the best person possible to help us in raising our child while we continue to work.

Almost 26 Weeks!

At 25 weeks and 4 days here's how life goes:

• Restless nights due to leg cramps and MANY bathroom visits! (Thanks for the maternity pillow Lauren, it has helped some!)


• Tummy is getting VERY big-which is exciting and scary at the same time! I want our baby boy to be growing and healthy!


• Up 3 bra sizes!!!!! Who would have thought!!??


• Lots of bathroom breaks at work-the Lord blessed me with a bathroom in my classroom thank goodness!


• Nursery Furniture in! Waiting on mattress so we can put our bedding on!


• Showers starting to pick dates which I am SO excited about! :)


• Having off and on round ligament pain as baby grows!

Although there are many irritations and crazy things going on throughout the day as my pregnancy progresses, I couldn't be happier! I feel closer to Chad than I ever have. He has stepped up as a husband and father in more ways than I could have imagined. Feeling our baby move everyday is reassurance that he is okay and well. My family is getting more and more excited, and we are praying my Papa Rod will be here to celebrate with us. My 25 week appointment was this week and all is well. Heartbeat was strong and I'm waiting for the results from my gestational diabetes test. We go again at 28 weeks so until then... :)

Snow Day

Today both Chad and I didn't have to work due to the snow day. It was a great day! We got up early to "prove" to our eyes that snow was really here. Then we opened the blinds and laid in bed together watching the snow fall, and listening to our neighbors kids play in it. It was exciting to think the next time (which could be 3 more years!) we have snow, our little one will be out running around in it! We watched the Obama inauguration and laid around most of the day. For about 2 and a half hours the snow came down pretty hard. Since it wasn't below freezing it didn't stick long. Man it's going to be hard to get up early and go back to work tomorrow! At least it will be for only 3 days :)

Nursery!

Today we picked up our nursery furniture! It was so exciting! Chad put together our crib and dresser, and we started putting our baby boy's things up in his drawers (not much but still fun!) Take a look...

KD Family Fun!!!

My WONDERFUL KD family!

Chad putting our new stroller together :)

Cali checking out the new goods...she has no idea what's been going on!

Training Cali to stay OUT of the nursery!

Our new baby carrier stroller!!!-Thanks to the recommendation from Hollie!

All the precious items stuck in our diaper cake :)

Tonight I went out to eat with my Newberry College Kappa Delta family. These girls have meant so much to me, and I wish we were able to get together more often! They surprised me with VERY generous gifts for baby Bridges and we got to catch up together. I cannot wait to put his diaper cake on his changing table tomorrow, and Chad and I went ahead and put his stroller together! These are our first gifts off our registry! They also gave us some bottle cleaning tools, bottles, stuffed animal, and baby blanket! I am so thankful to have Cara, Betsy, Kayce, and Jessica in my life and I know my little boy will be too! Thanks for everything girls!!!!!

Prayers Please

Yesterday my grandad "Papa Rod" went into the hospital and has been diagnosed with pancreatus. It is very serious and he is in horrible shape. He is having blood pressure problems from the pain which is straining his heart, and he is so drugged up at times he doesn't even know he's alive. It's heartbreaking to know he is in this much pain. Because his pancreas is so enlarged, they cannot do any testing. We are waiting to find out if this is from cancer or if its caused by gallstones (which is what we are praying for). Until the swelling is down, his body cannot handle the testing. To make things worse, I cannot even go see him. Because I am six months along, both Papa Rod's doctor and my doctor are saying its criticial I stay away from the hospital. I just don't know what to do. All I know to do is pray. Because 3 patients on his floor have shingles, Chad cannot even go visit because he could carry the disease home to me. Since Rod is in such bad shape, he cannot even hold the phone to hear me say "I love you." Please keep him in your prayers and pray his condition gets better. Right now we are being told by his doctor to "be prepared" because things could get worse before they get better.

Diploma in Baby Class!

This week Chad and I received our "diploma" for completing childbirth class at Baptist Hospital. Let me tell you... they were some LONG nights!!! This last class taught us about pain methods (which I paid close attention too!) and complications which could potential move our normal delivery into a C-section. While there are 100 million things to worry about each day with my changing body, why not add the thought of a twisted/knotted cord or drop in the baby's heart beat to the list!! Anyways, no video to cringe at this time, but they had some VERY detailed pictures to pass around. The last thing we did before we left was learn breathing techniques to help us get through contractions in our labor. I have a feeling no matter how much practicing I do with breathing, I will undoubtedly forget it ALL when the time comes!!!! But, we are done, and we have our baby "diploma."

Painting and More Painting!

Discomfort has started to set into me the closer I get to my 3rd trimester, so Chad and I decided it was def. time for us to get the main nursery items in! This past week Chad painted the nursery (and did a great job!). On Saturday we are going to pick up or crib and nursery furniture and get things going in there!!! I cannot wait to have them in and start getting ready for baby Bridges! Chad has been such a trooper by listening to me bicker about getting things EXACTLY right in our nursery! He did a great job and I know the furniture is going to be beautiful. Things are really coming along...

Scare #2

Early in our pregnancy Chad and I had a scare when I started bleeding at 10 weeks. Yesterday we had our second scare when I started having intense cramps at work. The morning was pretty good, but as I stood up from the couch in my classroom I started to feel cramping in the lower left side of my body. It hurt to walk or move, but if I sat back down the pain subsided. It kept moving through my side so immediately went to the phone to call my doctor. Of course on Friday's they close at 12:00 so I had to wait for the on call doc to call me. Luckily it was my doctor, Dr. Chris. After I got him on the phone I had been cramping for about 2 and a half hours. He really put me at ease though because he thinks its "very classic" round ligament pain. Especially since it started when I was going from a sitting to standing position. He also said if it was early labor or miscarriage pains, that when I sat or stood still it would NOT go away. Also, I was still feeling our baby boy kick and move, and my belly was soft, not contracting, so he just ordered me to go home and get in the bed for the rest of the day. Dr. Chris is a high risk pregnancy doctor and I trusted that if he thought for one second my baby was in trouble he would bring me in. Sure enough, just like Dr. Chris said, this morning I was drastically better. He even called me from home this morning to check on me! I have always heard most people have 1 or 2 scares in their pregnancy, so hopefully that was it for us! At least now I know what it was so if it happens again I know what is going on and what to do! We are at 24 weeks and baby is still growing and doing great. We have our next appointment on the 21st where I will have my gestational diabetes testing done. Can hardly wait for that! Blah! In the meantime Chad and I are thanking God for a healthy baby and praying that he stays in my belly as long as he needs to get healthy! We are picking up paint for the nursery today and picking up our crib and dresser next weekend, so lots to look forward to!

Late Night

Well...Chad and I offically started childbirth classes last night! After heading back to work Monday from two weeks off, it made for a looooooooooong night! Class started off jumping right into us having to watch a video of childbirth through natural and surgical ways. I must say, it wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. Then again, I can't say I watched every second, and I don't think Chad watched ANY! HA! Then class continued to tell us about every stage of labor, the difference between false and true labor, and all the positions the baby can get in and the results if they are in different positions. After 4 hours of that, we FINALLY got to tour the hospital and see excatly where we go when the time comes for us. I must say, this part put me at ease a lot! Baptist hospital only allows the father and one other person in the birthing rooms which eased my fear of everyone in both mine and Chad's family being in one room! They have a beautiful waiting area for family members to wait and be updated frequently. The rooms are also much nicer and larger than I expected! The recovery rooms and stay rooms are also beautiful. And of course we had to stop and stare into the nursery at the beautiful babies and imagine when ours would be in there :) There are also strict visiting hours at the hospital in the stay rooms which Chad and I are excited about. We really want some time to be just "us" for a bit before all the visitors begin to come in. Once we are settled in our room, the nurses will bring us our nice "clean" new baby boy and we get some hours alone. So...overall it was both boring and exciting! We didn't get home until midnight, so I know it's going to make for a nice long rest of the week with my first graders! Our last class is next week, so who knows what we will learn then!

Looking back on 08'

Last night we enjoyed two New Years Eve parties with good friends, but as it grew closer to midnight, Chad and I found we just wanted to be home together to reflect on such a great year. We came home around 11:30, just in time to put pajamas on and jump in bed to watch the ball drop! The Bridges' family has been so blessed this year and it was fun to think back on all that God has done in our lives in 2008.

We found a church and small group family that remind us the lord is working in us everyday. We became pregnant easily with no major problems. We both got jobs closer to home and have bosses which support us in our career and home lives. We got rid of Chad's gas guzzling truck...yeah!!! Both the Bridges and Tinder families had no major loss of life or illnesses. And even though we didn't think it was possible, Chad and I grew closer to each other and in our relationship with the lord.

As I go though this crazy and exciting time in my life, I am finding my outlook on life is daily changing. If you would have asked me a few months ago to describe my love for my husband, I would have told you I couldn't possibly love him anymore. However, each day, through his small gestures and supportive comments, I have grown to love him even more as a man, husband, and father. I am so truly blessed to have such a wonderful person by my side to share life with.

As we sat in bed talking about the year to come, we discussed all the exciting events we will get to experience in 09'. The birth of our son, holidays which will take on a whole new meaning, our 3 year anniversary, Chad's new coaching position... The list goes on and on. We cannot wait for 2009!!!