The Belly

So for all of you who have been asking to see belly pictures here they are...I'm torn between thinking my growing belly is very exciting and very overwhelming at the same time. I feel like a whale most days and I seem to be incredibly clumsy since my balance is off. Also since I'm at home and not allowed to do much except eat I'm sure I'm going to get that much bigger. But all of that is OK as long as baby girl stays where she's at for a little while longer.

June 9, 08 -- Week 13

September 7, 08 -- Week 26

October 28, 08 -- Week 33

Surprises for Mommy & Baby

On October 6th, my wonderful co-workers at Tabitha threw a baby shower for 4 of us in Case Management/Social Work who are pregnant. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to attend because of the bedrest issue but some of them were able to stop by afterwards to visit and they brought the cutest gifts as well. Thanks ladies - you are so great!! And thanks to Jeannie for the pictures.



Then on October 12th, my great friends Jill (who now lives in Prescott, AZ) and Sue came by with gifts for the baby also. It was so great to see both of them. Since Jill lives so far away I don't get to see her very often. It was a lot of fun and hopefully we'll get a chance to get together again soon!!!


Both Paul's family and my family have been incredible as well. They have helped out with all the moving we have done, given us so much to prepare for the baby and our new home, and have been there with tons of support. We are so blessed to be surrounded by so many great friends and family. I love you all!!

My attempt at being a "blogger"

As many of you may know, I am not all that technologically savvy (I leave that to the guys in my life to handle). However, being on bedrest I'm looking for something to do and thought this would be a good way to keep everyone up to date on what's going on in our lives. So where do I begin...

It's been a whirlwind of a year for many reasons. For starters we lived in 5 different places in 15 months (which has been quite interesting for our dog, Zoey, who already had a history of separation anxiety).

With this face you just can't help but feel sorry for her

Our five residences included: 1) our home in Gilbert, AZ (which due to the down market took 10 months to sell), 2) staying with my parents when we first moved back to NE, 3) staying in a rental house that belonged to some friends of Paul's parents (we were only there 1 month because it sold a week after we moved in), 4) an apartment that was "big dog" friendly but left a lot to be desired, 5) and finally to our new home in Northwest Lincoln (which we hope to stay in for the rest of our lives since we never want to move again).

Our new home

Beautiful maple tree in the backyard

The biggest news of the year is that we are expecting a baby girl. We consider her a miracle because following an unexpected surgery for Sara at the beginning of the year, we were told we may not be able to get pregnant but turns out we were pregnant at the time we were given this news. We were reminded that God is definitely in control. The baby is due on December 13th but due to some minor complications she may be early (which is why I'm on bedrest). The Dr is monitoring things quite closely which means we have been getting a lot of ultrasound pics which is quite fun.

Baby Girl Ladd at week 26 sucking her thumb

Week 31

The best thing about being back in Nebraska is being close to family once again. Here are some pics from this year so far....

Sara's Dad, Grandma Amy, Sara, and Paul

Paul's family get together

Paul's GG

Sara's Family

Well that's it for now - let's see if I can figure out how to post this...