Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Photo Shoot

Whew, we were actually able to get some maternity pictures done before Camp arrives! Our great friend, Katie Bigbie, has offered to help with anything as we try to prepare for baby, so I was excited to take her up on her offer and ask for some photography. This past Sunday (one day prior to the 38 week mark), we all headed over to Wannamaker County Park up the road in North Charleston for some magic camera moments.  Katie was clear from the start that she hasn't had a lot of experience with portraits, but I think you'll agree that she did an amazing job with our photo shoot. Of course, a lot of that has to do with the fact that Jonathan has some background in modeling! Hope you enjoy these fun pictures that show off our cute little family :)





 Warning: The next picture is kind of dorky, but I thought it was pretty great!













If little Camp is so cute when he's on the inside, imagine how adorable he'll be once he's out! <3

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Shower the people you love with love...

So we're at 37 weeks plus one day today!!! My OB told me today that they won't let me go past 41 weeks, so we will get to meet Camp in less than a month! A few friends at Sunday School have said that the time seems to have gone fast, and Jonathan and I both agree that it actually has sneaked by quickly. I wanted to say "snuck by" there but spell check keeps giving me the rude red squiggles! We are both just beyond excited at this point so our little boy can make his appearance any minute now and we're ready for him!  (Both of Camp's grandfathers have given specific "do not go into labor" days, but hunting and golfing can wait if baby is ready for the world!)

One of the major reasons I finally feel prepared for the baby is due to the wonderful baby showers that my friends and family have hosted for me. We have just been spoiled silly during this special time. This baby has plenty of wonderful gifts waiting for him (and mama even got a special Hospital Survival Kit just for herself). I have cried at pretty much every shower with an overwhelming feeling of love and support from so many that are near and dear to my heart. It amazes me how many people have already been praying for Camp and have loved him from the start just like we have. All of the ladies who hosted these showers are so significant to me, and I am so happy to know that little John DeCamp will have them in his life too! THANK YOU to my Second Grade Friends at FDES, Katie Bigbie, Kam Leggett, Susan Woodham, Kathy Woodham, Polly Woodham, Connie Bryan, Monica Faller, Caroline Clarkson, Carol Beis, Jen Johnson, Kristin McArthur, and Christie Kocisko for all your creativity, energy, love, support, and fabulous hostessing!!! And of course many special thanks to everyone who has contributed to Camp's supply of goodies! We are so, so, so blessed and praise God for his goodness. Now it's off to find a place for some of his treasures since apparently "Babies 'R Us threw up in your living room!"



Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Subbing, Baby Care, and Doctors, Oh my!

So the last week was a whirlwind. Our Baby Care Class turned out to be a little different than we expected. Jonathan was worried about other people critiquing his baby "technique," but it ended up that we didn't get to do any hands-on practice. The lovely nurse, Diana, sat at a table in the front of a classroom in the hospital and demonstrated some baby basics. I was worried that might be a little boring, but we really got a lot from it. Unfortunately, I didn't have a notepad to write down all the good tips and helpful information. I am hoping that between the two of us, the new dad and mom will remember when it counts! We learned about taking baby's temperature, baby's first baths, diapering, swaddling, and clipping little tiny fingernails! It was kind of a bummer not to watch Jonathan attempt to diaper a baby doll. Guess we'll wait for the real thing to get a good laugh out of him!

Also last week was my 34 week doctor's appointment. My blood pressure had gone up some since last time but was still good. I gained two pounds, which the doctor was impressed by and that earned me a compliment.  Baby's heart rate and measurement was right on track so everything went well. My only concern was that I haven't felt very much movement from Camp. The doctor told me that baby will sleep for 20-30 minutes at a time, so in a two hour time span, I should feel at least 10 movements (including kicks, bumps, turns, and jabs). Ever since I brought up my concern, this kid seems to move around constantly. It's like he is saying, "I'm okay, Mom, don't worry." I feel like I am going to hear that a lot in his lifetime as I am a natural worrywart.

Thursday and Friday I dove into the world of substitute teaching. I was back at my old school from last year and worked in a second grade classroom. I was super nervous (see the last paragraph about worrying) about getting back into the swing of things. The class was great and everything went smoothly. I even got some laughs out of the kids! By the end of the day, my. feet. hurt. bad. and I felt more pregnant than ever before. It was good to work and stay busy though, so I was excited to go back on Friday. In my two days, I gained a huge new respect for substitute teachers. I can't begin to explain all my "Aha" moments in that short amount of time, but I know that everyone should walk in the shoes of a sub for a while! (I plan to go back again to another 2nd grade classroom next week!)

Well, I still have a lot of work to do before Camp arrives. I still need to buy his car seat, install it, and get it inspected so we can take him home from the hospital. There are still several things to work on in the nursery including making the crib skirt, changing the closet door knobs, caulking and painting the new crown molding, and unpacking/organizing all the great baby gifts we've received! Piles of new baby clothes, blankets, towels, and sheets are waiting to be washed and put away too. I am reminded by my baby journal that most babies come within two weeks before or after the due date, which means we have about 3 weeks or so until Camp could very possibly make his debut. I guess I should get the water going in the washing machine!