And 1...and 2...

Last night was bittersweet - I taught my last lift class before I go on maternity leave.  I've been teaching at 24 hour for the past year and a half and LOVE IT!  It's been a good way to make myself get to the gym at least once a week.
The regulars in class have been telling me that I should have an easy labor and delivery since I've been trying to keep active... I'm hoping that comes true!  They also say that I'm carrying low so will deliver early and I'm having a boy - ha!  We may have some surprises lined up for us...
I'm already looking forward to getting back to teaching once I get the ok from the doc after she is born!  In the meantime, I guess it's lots of walking for us!

Bump Watch - 35 weeks

Thought we'd switch up the scenery for the weekly belly shot.

Picture the top of a pineapple.  Got it????

Dave and I heard last year after we moved here that if you cut off the top portion of a pineapple and re-plant it, a new pineapple will grow!  We thought this was a fabulous idea and loved the thought of always having a fresh pineapple at our ready. 12 months later and 3 new pots, I'm standing next to our 'pineapple'.  This thing is massive and the best part - there is no fruit in sight!!!

Bump Watch - 34.5 weeks

Forgot to take the weekly photo on Sunday...

Yes, my belly button is out of control!  I put a band-aid on it this morning to try and help it go down but it only made it worse.  

Go Navy!

Dave and I always joke about the little things we put up with as part of military life that I use to take for granted (i.e. not knowing where we'll be in 2 years, planes or ships always managing to break down, never knowing what day they will get back from a deployment, etc).  Whenever I'm frustrated with something, I just say 'GO NAVY' and roll my eyes.  (Yes, I know this is minor compared to what a lot of people go through daily). 

One of the benefits of the military that I recently discovered is that they take care of the preggo mammas!  At every commissary (grocery store) or exchange (similar to a Target), they have front row parking for women who are pregnant more than 6 months.  I haven't taken advantage of this "bene" until this past weekend.  I was hot and tired and the parking lot was PACKED!!  I parked my car in the first spot and didn't feel guilty one bit as I waddled (I no longer walk) my way into the commissary.   I think I even muttered a GO NAVY under my breath and this time I actually meant it!!

The Name Game

Let me make one thing clear... our daughter WILL NOT be named Dora!


We have had several remarks over the past few months how Dora is an "interesting" name and wondered why we chose it to name our first little girl.  My mom recently told me how my Aunt was commenting on the name and said that it started to grow on her... like Dora the Explorer and she will be a world traveler.  Perhaps she will be but I can guarantee that her passport will not say Dora.


Dave and I decided early on that we were not going to tell anyone her name until she's born so we came up with the nickname of Dora (combined DaveO and Laura).

For those of you that were too nervous to ask if that was her real name, rest assured, its not.  We're hoping you like her real name better but if not, you can always call her Dora :) 

Bump Watch - 33 weeks

Surprise Skype Shower

This past Saturday some friends and family organized a surprise skype baby shower for me!  The plan was for me to 'test out' a new group skype with Lisa and my mom to see if it is something we can do once the baby gets here.  Well, when I signed on Saturday morning, I was VERY surprised to see everyone on our TV screen!  


As many of you know, I am NOT a fan of showers but this one was fairly painless for me... I think my mom had the hard part of hosting everyone. 


We are very blessed to have such great family and friends and are constantly amazed at their thoughtfulness and generosity. 

Dave started out in the morning saying he wanted to take pics of me throughout the day of everyday activities so Baby Dora can see what life was like before she arrived (I guess washing dishes is an everyday activity)

Shock of seeing everyone on Skype!!

Picture from my mom's house - she had the computer hooked up to the TV so it was easier to see everyone

Dave hooked our computer up to the TV as well.  Earlier last week he went to the store to get the correct HDMI cable and has been obsessing about hooking it up.  I kept asking him what he wanted to watch that wasn't on our TV and he kept telling me Florida games that were being broadcast on ESPN3.com.  Never saw that one coming. 

One of the many FUN gifts we received!  We can't wait to go hiking!!!

I've got to give a TON of credit to Dave!  He could have taken the easy road and let my family/friends plan everything but he truly went above and beyond making it "Laura's Day!" 

Showers are exhausting!  Taking a break before we hit the beach for the rest of the afternoon.