Snider Baby Shower

My sisters-in-law Nicole and Shannon threw Eric and I our first baby shower last Sunday. It was a beautiful shower with baby gifts galore and a HUGE spread of sweets! Eric and I had a great time opening gifts from close friends and family. We would like to thank everyone that attended and all that were involved for such a great day. The nursery is coming along nicely and we are feeling more and more prepared for our little arrival. Baby Snider is a very blessed baby already!

On Tuesday we had our tour of the maternity ward at Rush Copley. It was really informative and we learned where we are supposed to go when...let's just hope that we can remember in all the excitement of labor! We were able to have many questions answered as well, and are feeling more prepared each day...but also more anxious. The count-down has begun with only 5 more weeks. Each week seems to go by quick than the last and I just hope that keeps up. We have posted some pictures from the shower. Hope you enjoy!

33 Weeks

I can't believe that we only have 7 more weeks....how exciting!!

I had an appointment with my midwife today. Everything is great with Baby Snider and on track, but I am being monitored for preeclampsia. It seems that I have gained 6 lbs. in 2 weeks...most of the weight being in my feet!! Going back to school has kept me more active and I have been snacking less than I did when I was at home, so they are going to keep an eye on my blood pressure and any other warning signs. Besides being tired at the end of the day (and sometimes in the middle) I am feeling great still!

My first baby shower is this weekend, given by my sisters-in-law Nicole and Shannon. I am very excited. Eric and I have been putting the finishing touches on the nursery with a bookshelf and toy chest. Eric even hung another bar in the closet for the baby's clothes...we are learning "creative" ways to make our limited space work.

Baby's arrival is coming quick and we still have a lot to do:

• Tour of the hospital and birthing suites next Tuesday
• appointment with Midwife Karen the following Tuesday
• baby shower given by Leslie October 4th
• Prepared Childbirth Class October 10th

We hope the baby can find time to be delivered within our busy schedule!! :)

Papa turns 60!

My dad turned 60 on August 27th. All summer Mom and I had discussed what to do...throw a party, have a quiet dinner out with just immediate family...take Dad to Vegas?? In the end, we compromised on all of those and spent a Saturday night at Jumer Casino and Hotel in Rock Island, IL. With a stop at a winery and lunch at a brew-pub in Rock Island all 5 of us traveled to Jumer's without Dad knowing what the plans were...SURPRISE!!

We had a great time as a family...no one came back richer than they arrived, but we had a wonderful dinner at the steakhouse in Jumer's and enjoyed a band that played in one of the clubs outside of the casino. Dad had a great birthday and we all had fun helping him celebrate!!