My Poor Closet!

Since arriving in New Zealand, I continued my quest for weight loss and really started to enjoy going to the gym!  And, then...I got pregnant!  So, my closet has definitely done some stretching and shrinking over the past year or so!

 From May 2011 to June 2012, I was really able to see some big changes in my body.  I had muscles in my arms that I hadn't seen in so long!  We had just finished a 12 week challenge when this picture was taken and I was at my lowest weight (and smallest jeans) in MANY years!

This is one of the main reasons I waited so long before posting "belly pics" that were being requested by so many.  When I looked at pictures, I really felt like I just looked like I did before I left the States.  In the past few weeks, this baby of ours has grown tremendously!  I will try my best to post more comparison pictures as the weeks pass until our little guy is here!

20 Weeks                                                   34 Weeks

So Blessed by So Many...

Recently, my Mom and sister decided to put together an "online baby shower" for our family and friends around the world.  They had me searching NZ for a baby store that provided a gift registry that could be accessed using the Internet.  Now, this is something that is part of everyday life in the USA for just about any wedding, wedding shower, or baby shower where you find that you are invited.  However, in NZ I have only found two stores that actually offer a gift registry, and they are both online registries (you are unable to access the registry in the store), which is again something that I know most Americans find so hard to believe!  

Boaz and I have been completely blown away with the "showering" of love and support that we have received in just days of the invitations going out!  We are so thankful for our family and friends all over the world, and we decided that we wanted to be able to share all of the cute little items we receive with all of you!  So, I will be randomly posting pictures of the gifts that Poppi is being "showered" with.  I will also be sure to include any pictures from the "showering" Poppi will be receiving here in NZ over the next few weeks!  He is already one very loved little guy!

Thank you so much for each of you that have been praying with and for us during our pregnancy!  Also, thank you so much for each of you who have sent us cards and letters full of well-wishes!  We are so thankful and blessed to have you in our lives!

Top Left: Giraffe Teething Toy, Swaddle Blankets
Top Right: Safety Gate, Lion Rattle, Giraffe Blanket, Sage Crib/Cot Sheet, Crib/Cot Protector
Bottom Left: Lamp (not pictured wallpaper border)
Bottom Right: Boppy Pillow, Sand Moby Wrap & matching cap, Moby Swaddle & matching cap, monkey & elephant fleece blanket, and baby monitor

Top Left: Nappy/Diaper Bag, Tummy Time Play Mat, Musical Mobile
Top Right: Advent Starter kit, Giraffe Rattle Stuffed Toy, Pacifiers, Advent bottles & nipples, Floor Play Blanket/Mat, Dishwasher basket
Bottom Right: Portacot/Pac'n Play (Ready to be used downstairs...Poppi's room is upstairs)
Bottom Left: Bath Seat, Bear Blanket, Hooded Bath Towels, Health Care Kit, Bib Set, Face Cloths

Poppi's Bed!  We were so excited when we found a matching rug!  We really think they only had them in the stores for the window displays, and we just happened to be in the right place at the right time!

Ultra Sound Pictures

Ok, so I've been such a slacker with keeping people updated with our blog!  I'm hoping that I am able to get better about posting in the next few weeks/months as we get ready to welcome our little boy (who we have been calling Poppi...pronounced Baw-bee) into the world!

 The top two pictures are of baby's profile, the bottom left corner shows his little arm waving at us, and the bottom right corner shows the detailing of his spine and the back of his neck.

The pictures shown above were one of the happiest days in Boaz's life!  The top left picture shows different views of Poppi's feet and the bottom left picture is another profile picture.  However, the long picture on the right is all the proof that was needed to show Poppi's long legs and "manhood".  He was pretty confident of himself that day!  Boaz made sure to ask multiple times if Poppi was indeed a boy...LOL  The ultrasound tech looked at me and while rolling her eyes replied, "Yes, I'm sure"  He is so proud to have a little boy to take fishing.

We have another scan scheduled sometime in the next two weeks, and I will be sure to post those pictures once I get home!  Hopefully, we'll be able to get a couple of good shots :-)