memorial weekend

We enjoyed some relaxing time at the farm this past weekend. Dave and I were looking forward to getting away for a couple of days. School did not end until today, the 29th, but one weekend away from St. Louis was fantastic. Here are the highlights:

Being 8 months pregnant does not slow me down...

Mandy caught one of the biggest fish that I have ever seen be caught at the farm. And I have been going there for over 14 years. Way to go lady...show up those boys.

The girls even had a great time. We love traveling with Roxie. She loves car rides and is such an obedient dog. She comes when you call and we trust her completely. The beagle is Mandy and Ryan's. She was a hoot. Here they are waiting for us to come in.

They made mom and Gene's bed their own. Getting comfy.

shower #2

My wonderful friends, along with my mom, threw me a shower in May. It was beyond anything I imagined. It was so much fun. Unfortunately, it was too cold and windy to have it outside, like originally planned, but still no less awesome.


My closest girlfriends are all former co-workers at Pier 1. All six of us were either managers or associates and had the privilege to work together often. Let's just say that there was never a dull, or boring moment, a ton of fun always took place. Below, in the back row is Katie, me, Michelle, and Mandy. In the front row is Melissa and Alicia. They are extremely generous and gorgeous ladies that would do anything for me...and I the same. Thanks girls for such a fantastic time!!!! Talk about generous...this is our pack-n-play that the girls got Josie and us, and it is FULL!!!! Everything we need was included from diapers, laundry detergent, clothes, pajamas, and more. They are so very gracious.

Other fantasitic highlights came from my Aunt Diane. She gave Josie a holiday gift pack. Once opened, I found Christmas wrapping paper, with Christmas clothes, books, bibs, etc. Then, Halloween, Easter, Valentine's Day. We recieved her monitors, bathing supplies, clothes, clothes, and more clothes. We recieved 2 hand-made blankets made by my mom and her neighbor, Tina. The greatest idea was to give us a book with an inscription, instead of a card. Now, she is forming her own library. I can't wait to read to Josephine!

Dave and I are so appreciative of all the wonderful, thoughful gifts that people gave us. We are truly blessed. I cannot say thank you enough for everything. I was overwhelmed with great, happy emotion. I just can't wait to see our little darling in all the gear and goodies. She is set for years!

This is my baby picture on the cake. I was very bald...will she be??? 7 weeks until we find out...

her name is...

Dave and I have decided that our new baby girl's name will be...

Josephine Lee Whitlock

Josephine was my great aunt's name and it is also the female version of Dave's middle name, Joseph. Lee is my mom's and my middle name. A tradition has begun. Conveniently, she will also have my initials, JLW. I figure I can give her all my initialed jewelry and such.

let the countdown begin...

Week 31 is starting today...this gives us about two months until little Josephine makes her arrival. I have had two showers, giving her so many fantastic things. And we both are feeling good. Entering my third trimester, I have had pretty intense heartburn. Luckily, it is decreasing now, but my energy level is falling. I am back to taking daily naps. The doctor thinks that she is about three pounds!! I measure great, and she has a strong heatbeat...not to mention one heck of a kick! We are at the doctor every other week and as we enter June, I will be going every week until birth. Dave and I finished our birthing classes, and have taken a breastfeeding class. I hate going into situations without some prior knowledge, so this was truly helpful.

Here are current pictures:

I took this picture myself...as you can probably tell. When I imagined myself pregnant, this is the picture of what I thought I would look like.

shower #1

On May 1st, the teachers at school threw me a great shower. It was exciting to start getting baby clothes and gear. You get a bunch of teachers together, for any reason, you will have fun. Here, at the shower was no different. I am blessed to work with ladies who are so talented and FUN!!!!

Above, on the left, in the yellow, is my partner teacher, Susan. Our school principal is on the far right, Peggy. On the lower picture, the assistant principal is in white, Laurie.

Shower #2 pictures coming soon.