The Final Countdown

I'm not sure where the time has gone since we first found out I was pregnant back in September. But here we are at the end of May...just about a week away from my due-date!

A few things I'll miss about being pregnant:
-Spontaneous naps...in the truck...in the staff room at work...on the couch. You name the place, I've probably crashed there.
-Not only being allowed to enjoy a little extra dinner or dessert, but being encouraged to do so! I might regret it on my waistline after Barrett's here, but I enjoyed the good life with bonus doughnuts and hot dogs.
-Funny questions or statements by kiddos at work. One girl wanted me to name my baby "Marshmellow Qualley". Another suggested "Michael Jackson". One little boy asked if my baby was getting wet while I was in the pool.
-Sharing the excitement with moms at work. Unless you took a look at Barrett's room and closet, you wouldn't be able to grasp how spoiled this kid already is. Working at Emler Swim School was like having a hundred family members who all wanted to shower Little Qualley with gifts and know everything as my pregnancy progressed.
-"Ash Wednesday". Grant deemed every Wednesday as my day where he suggested I just do nothing and let him take care of dinner and anything else on my to-do list. I hope this trend continues.
-Thumps and bumps from my belly. I love having such an intimate connection with my baby.
-Maternity shorts and dresses. I could do without maternity jeans and their saggy butts. But give me a pair of cute maternity shorts or a little sundress and I'm in pregger-heaven.
-Surprisingly enough, my OB visits. I was referred to THE best OBGYN. You can tell he loves his job and treats you like you're the only person on this earth having a baby. And his staff is no different. Doctor visits have been like going to visit friends over the past nine months.
-Grant's fascination with my belly. He refers to it as "the Barrett" and would routinely comment on how my Barrett looked bigger and would patiently wait to feel a kick or jab.

Things I won't miss about being pregnant:
-The tossing and turning at night as I struggle to find a comfortable position with my giant belly.
-Getting stuck as I sink into my couch and have to roll my way out.
-The question, "Are you ready?". How do you answer that? "Nope!"

I like that what I'll miss about being pregnant far outweighs the things I won't miss. This pregnancy has been incredibly easy and FUN. I've been blessed with good memories as I've carried Barrett. I know I'll miss the glowing-feeling of growing a tiny human, but I'm ready for the next chapter!

The 5th & Final Shower...BBQ at the Jacks

Our good friends, Joe & Danielle, threw us a BBQ & beer-type shower at their home in Georgetown a couple of weeks ago. One of our favorite things to do with the Jacks is cook dinner once or twice a month. We usually head out to their home on the outskirts of town, grill sausages and let the boys enjoy some beer while the girls talk about kids and being Stay at Home Moms together. We fondly refer to our nights as "Sausage Sundays" so I guess you could say this shower was one big version of our favorite way to spend an evening with friends.

Joe & Danielle made the party very laid-back with BBQ, beer, yard games, and an icecream bar (my personal favorite). The crowd consisted of friends and family our age, some with kids and some without. The Jacks were such gracious hosts and everyone raved about what a great job they did opening their home to the Qualley's loved ones.

Here are pictures of some of the people we love at the party.

My sister Erin & good friend from DFW, Anne.

Some of the boys playing washers outside. Ben, Don, my brother Ryan, Grant, and Anthony.
Jamie and Kacie playing washers.

Our lovely hostess Danielle on the left, Hanna Joe, and Sara...all from work.

My small group ladies-Lacey, Katie, and Kristin!

Mike and Veronica drove in from San Antonio! They were camping with us the week we found out we were pregnant with Barrett. :)

Danielle, Micah, and I.

Lots of boys! Joe, Ben, Don, Anthony, Grant, Russ, and Ryan.

The grilling buddies-Joe and Grant.

And a quick picture with my brother and sister before they headed back up to DFW (with Russ photo-bombing us in the background.)

The next time we see people from our five different showers, we will be official parents of Barrett Ryan Qualley! Thank you all for being so encouraging as we begin this new chapter of life. You've spoiled our growing family with not just baby gifts, but with love and support! Barrett has no idea what a great network of friends and family he is being born into.

Now let's get this show on the road!