Weddings and Doctor's Appointments

Heidi's wedding was last Saturday. It turned out to be a really beautiful affair! She looked gorgeous, as did the church and reception area. I've really got to hand it to my mom and dad, because they worked endless hours to get everything all set up. Since I'm officially a blimp at this point, I wasn't able to help too much - although Chris did get drafted to help quite a bit. But since he was an usher, I think he was expecting it. Aside from the dreadful heat (in which the photographer made us all go out and stand for what seemed like forever to take pictures), it was just what Heidi and Jeremy wanted. He was extremely nervous but very obviously ecstatic, and she was beside herself with happiness and excitement. I'm not going to lie, I had a hard time with all of the time I had to be up on my feet (and in heels, no less), but thank God for my wonderful husband. He sat with me for most of the reception so he could be sure I was resting, and he even took my shoes off me when my ankles had swollen around the straps and rubbed my feet when we got home. And he turned off our phones and let me take a nice 2 hour nap when we got home! Heidi and Jeremy are currently on their honeymoon in Florida, but they should be back on Friday evening. I think they're both ready to focus on their baby at this point, although I know Heidi especially is excited to become an aunt! Sorry I don't have any pictures of the wedding - I was a little distracted. But when Heidi gets her proofs in, I'll scan some and post for everyone to see...

In sadder news, Chris's great uncle Gene died this week. His showing is this evening and the funeral is tomorrow morning in Richmond. Uncle Gene had been sick for a long time, but it's really sad all the same. He was a really funny and spunky old man who liked to tease everyone. Chris's mom is taking it pretty hard, but then she's a really emotional person who takes things like this extra hard regardless.

And back to happy news... I go to the doctor every week now! We just had an appointment this morning, and everything is going very well. I've already dropped and Zach is head down and "locked and loaded" (that's what my dad said when I told him I've dropped - "Oh, so the little dude is locked and loaded in there!"). I've officially got 5 more weeks, but given the heat, the fact that he's already dropped, and that I'm already dilated at 1, they said it could be between 3 and 5 weeks. We have everything ready and bought and set up, so I guess now all we have left to do is wait! We had our last Childbirth Class last night, and we both feel prepared - at least, as prepared as a person can be when you don't know what to expect. And our 4 year anniversary is Friday. We had plans to go to a nice restaurant to celebrate, but since we'll be in Richmond most of the day with the funeral I don't know how that will work out. In the end it doesn't matter, because we're just excited and counting down the days until I go into labor!

Whew!

It's been pretty hectic lately around the Lakes house! We had my baby shower on May 30 and it was a lot of fun. Thanks again to everyone that came! My technical last day of work was June 1, but I volunteered to come back in for meetings on June 3 and 8. So I really only had my last day of work a few days ago! With my maternity leave, I won't be back to work until November 2! It seems a bit weird, but at the same time I know I'll have a lot of keep me busy! The following Saturday was Heidi's bridal shower, which was at the Copper Kettle in Morristown. It was fun, easy, the food was great, and she got a lot of presents!

Chris left Sunday night for his Las Vegas trip, and he gets back today. I'm ready for him to come home; I miss him! But I'm glad he was able to go with some of his friends, see the sights, do a little gambling, play some golf, and bring me home a good birthday present! While he's been away, Mom and Heidi have been staying with me (since everyone thought I shouldn't stay here by myself). It's been fun, and Heidi and I have been able to get some stuff done and settled for her wedding, which has been good. Speaking of Heidi, she just had her ultrasound last week....... and she's having a little GIRL! I think Jeremy's still in shock - Heidi said that he was 100% sure it was going to be a boy. They're all doing well though, and she's still right on schedule.

The wedding is in 2 weeks. There's still a lot of little stuff to do, but all of the major stuff is finished. Honestly, I think they'll be relieved when it's all said and done. This whirlwind of wedding planning on top of the everything else has been kind of hard. But it will be pretty and fun and very much the two of them.

My birthday is tomorrow! I'm actually not all that excited - I didn't even realize it was so soon until I had my day of conferences on the 8th. Chris is taking me to dinner. I really don't want to make a big deal out of it. We go to the doctor again on Friday for a regular checkup. We had our first childbirth class last week, and we've got two more to go. Our next one is next Wednesday, and in that class they take us on a tour of the entire ward. I'm really looking forward to that!