36 weeks Baby Bump

Well, we are in the home stretch. It is hard to believe that HJ has been making a home inside of me for 9 months now! I think he has been doing some renovations, because his "little" home is more like a palace right now-he has definitely added some square footage to his casa! My belly has become its own entity.

It is funny to think that 9 months ago, this top lay flat on my belly!

The best part of this entire photo shoot was when Nathaniel asked me if I was sucking it in. Really?!?!? How could anyone suck THAT in? Too funny.

Now the question that is really on my mind...will there be a 40 week belly shot? To be determined!

Maggie and Matt's Wedding

Maggie is one of our dear friends who I met 8 years ago while volunteering in Ecuador. She is one of the most thoughtful, generous, loving, and compassionate people we know. So, Nathaniel and I could not have been more excited when she agreed to be little HJ's God-Mother. This past weekend we were thrilled to celebrate her wedding to Matt. It was such a beautiful occasion-every little detail really spoke to who they are, both as individuals, as well as a couple.

 Here is HJ's first picture (sorta) with his God-Mother.

The reception was at Minneapolis City Hall-everything was just gorgeous, and the food was fantastic!

As we had these pictures taken, we could not help but wonder if these will be the last pictures taken as just hubby and wifey before we become mama and poppie. With HJ's due date less than a month away, it is hard to say!

Preparations for HJ's Arrival

We've been working on getting HJ's lil' man cave ready...here's where we're at so far.

 A Bucky Badger mobile will be added to the crib by the end of next week, too.  Not only are we preparing HJ's room, but I've also been busy anchoring some of our bigger shelves in the living room to the the walls.  Additionally, both cars are equipped with car seat bases...and the Outback is currently holding the baby carrier seat.  HJ is clearly competing with Momma for who can create the longest "to do" list for Poppie.

A Couple Family Shots

Cumberland Baby Shower

HJ was thrown a wonderful shower in Cumberland by his aunties (Nicole, Cassandra, Chantal, and Jasmine) and Grandma Schubert.  HJ and Liz were able to laugh and chat with some of my relatives.  The boys went golfing, and the shower was followed by a surprise 70th birthday party for my dad.  It was a great day, and once again HJ was showered with love, laughter and joy. 

The night before the shower, Liz and I made our first diaper purchase.  We had some great coupons and decided to pull the trigger.  Throughout the pregnancy we've passed small milestones which have made HJ's arrival more "real"...like having diapers in our cart.  Can we say "paradigm shift?"

 

HJ received a butt load (that's more than a ton) of Wisconsin gear...and I couldn't be happier.   Aunties Nicole and Kim also gave HJ some Cincinnati Bengals goodies.  We won't show any of those things because they're hard on the eyes and stomach. 

Auntie Jasmine's diaper cake

Liz and the real cake.

My mom telling everyone what a great baby I was...no, really, I guess I was. 

Liz helping HJ with his gifts

Me, Liz, and my mom (Grandma Schubert)

Me and my dad (Grandpa Hedke)

The "shower" committee-minus my mom

Back Row-my dad, Chantal, me, and trying to hide-Andy.

Front Row-Jasmine, Cassandra, Liz, Nicole

North Shore

As a sort of babymoon/5 yr anniversary trip we spent the weekend at the Baptism River Inn (Silver Bay, MN; ~ 1hr. north of Duluth)  We hiked three waterfall hikes, ate at some cozy diners, and just embraced our last getaway before HJ's arrival.

The Baptism River was about 100 ft. from our balcony and we were able to fall asleep to the rushing water. 

 

The waterfall hikes weren't too long, says the non-pregnant one, but what they lacked in length they made-up for in elevation.  Almost everyone we met on the trails commented on how "brave" Liz was for attempting the hikes.  Liz was definitely a trooper, but we already knew that.  It's fun to think that HJ has such an adventurous mom...even at 33 weeks pregnant.  

And here are a few of our favorite pictures from the hikes.

And my favorite...

This weekend we're off to Cumberland, WI for the Hedke baby shower.  Don't forget to vote on HJ's arrival date, weight, and length in the right-hand column.  You can vote once for expected due date, once for weight, and once for length-for a total of 3 votes.  

Milwaukee shower and 32 wk pics.

This past weekend Liz's mother (Mary) and her good friend (Heidi) threw a baby shower for us in Milwaukee. HJ manned-up and stayed back with all the estrogen while Roger and I toured the Miller Brewing Company. 

Saturday started with a breakfast visit from Liz's dad (Gary) and a surprise guest from New York (Liz's brother Rob.)

Then I helped decorate with balloons.

Then, Heidi and guests arrived and the "showering" began.

HJ was showered with love, laughs, and gifts.  Thanks everyone!

And the 32 wk belly pictures are here.  Enjoy the bump.