I can barely squeeze!

Although my arm/boob fat is all one now, I had to post this because it's hysterical! 

The contractor started framing the addition today so we had to inspect once Ben got home.  I must admit - it was a little tough squeezing through the studs...not sure how much longer I'm going to be able to!  LOL

Hey, life isn't fun unless you make fun of yourself.  :)

Baton Rouge Shower/Crawfish Boil

You know you have exceptional friends when the moment you spread the word that you're expecting, they get to work on planning a baby shower for you.  Given we live in south Louisiana, everything turns into a party.  SO, not only were we honored with an incredible baby shower, but a crawfish boil too! 

Both sets of parents drove from Marshall to attend which meant the world to us.  Although they wouldn't have missed it (Butch & Kim turning down a party?  NO WAY!), driving 10 hours round-trip isn't just the easiest for a quick weekend.

The party was laid-back, the weather was incredible and the company was great.  Like anything when you're the honoree, you never feel like you get to spend as much time with everyone as you had hoped so for those of you reading this who attended, please know Ben and I truly appreciate you joining us to celebrate the arrival of Allie P!

To the hosts/hostesses - you all are so special to us and Allie is incredibly lucky to be born into such an awesome group of friends.  Thank you all (again) so much for the amazing evening!

A gift from Carley, my wonderful and sweet college roommate who endured living with me for two long years...she's a doll.  And of course, we hope Allie will be a "Future DDD" at LSU!

31 weeks

I feel like a broken record, but I seriously cannot believe I only have 9 weeks of pregnancy left.  It is unbelievable how fast this is flying by.

Last week I started going to the doctor every two weeks, which will continue until 36 weeks.  As of my last appointment, I had gained 18 pounds over the course of 31 weeks...not too shabby for someone who eats whatever they want and never exercices!

Each week it seems like Allie not only grows, but gets stronger.  Her "cute movements" I wrote about 10 weeks ago are no longer so "cute" - they are on the "violent" side now.  When I lay on my side at night, it either totally cramps her style or she truly likes it because she goes nuts for what feels like minutes trying to get situated.  I told Ben earlier in the week that it feels like she tickles my left side when going to bed - it's the oddest feeling.  You can now visibly see leg and arm punches and head thrusts through my stomach...although it is often "violent" I must admit I love it.  There are not too many things about this pregnancy I have not enjoyed.

This week marked a significant milestone in my pregnancy and job...I took my last "flight" until after maternity leave.  While I must admit that I am one of those nerds who truly enjoys their job, I definitely did not shed any tears walking off the airplane last night in New Orleans.  Carrying a basketball in your stomach through an airport that seems like it's miles long, dealing with baggage and shuttles, sleeping in hotel beds...it's all for the birds once you're this far along!

Another fun item this week - two of our good friends, Danielle and Will, welcomed their little girl into the world - Emma Ray.  I had the pleasure of visiting the new family of 3 today (and Danielle's parents who were extremely sweet) which was great.  Unfortunately, the Patrick's are leaving us for north Louisiana late next week, but it will be fun for all the new baby girls at the tailgate to grow up together. 

"The Slab"

Yesterday was a fairly exciting day for the Ross' - the slab for the addition was poured. You know you're old when you look forward to seeing a blob of concrete!

A large order of lumber was delivered today and the contractor said they would start framing tomorrow - we are on a roll!

Notice Roxy in the picture - the slab was still warm this morning so she was in love...

Our "supervisors" were hard at work ensuring Mr. Jay and Johnny worked efficiently...what a life.

Our Constant Project...aka our HOUSE!

We bought an old home, built in 1954, in September 2008, remodeled the entire inside and moved in 7 weeks later. Yes, it was a large undertaking but we somehow succeeded in making it as quick as possible.

Ben and I constantly laugh because just as my parents have said many times - "old homes are a constant project" - they aren't kidding!

With the addition moving along in the backyard, we embarked on a landscape project in the front a couple months ago and finally finished today. After working 3-4 hours this morning, I took a couple pictures and moved them in my "House" folder. While I was showing Ben the new snapshots, I ran across the "before" picture below...it's amazing how far we have come in less than two years!

BEFORE
Notice the beautiful window units...no, we did not have central heat and air when we purchased the home. According to our neighbors, the original owner barely did a thing to the house and we've heard stories he even pulled up all the landscaping his wife had installed once she died. Doesn't he sound like a lovely man?

About the only "good" thing from this picture is the green grass...hopefully it looks as good this year.

AFTER
I took this picture after our landscape additions this morning...it's hard to believe it's the same house!

Allie P's Updated Room Pics

I changed the curtains in Allie's room last week and received her chair so I thought I would post some updated pictures.













You can see where Mr. Toby has done a number on the window molding in Allie's room. Grandpa Butch comes to town next weekend so hopefully this will get fixed!

30 weeks

My goodness, where does the time go? I am beginning to ask myself if I've seriously been pregnant for 30 weeks already. It's flying by!

I had a doctor's appointment Wednesday and everything looks great. According to my weekly update, Allie is right at 3 lbs. and 15 1/2 inches long. I think she is laying sideways and as close as possible to my lungs as I constantly lose my breath.

Here is Ben's bi-weekly picture that he took today - I look so tired!