Preparing for childbirth

Matt and I spent the first two Saturdays in December going to a childbirth class that his cousin Malissa taught through West Tennessee Healthcare. We learned a LOT about childbirth, including the stages of labor, breathing techniques, contractions and all about epidurals. We got to tour the labor and delivery wing of the hospital, too, and it really opened our eyes to what will happen in a matter of months.

I know I promised to post belly pictures, but I wanted to show y'all Matt's belly pictures first...

One of my favorite parts of childbirth class was when all of the dads had to put on the empathy belly. Matt got to feel like me for a few minutes, minus the stuffy nose and pain in my side.

He's glowing!!

Another way in which we've prepared for our son's arrival is the construction of Miles crib. Mimi got him a crib at the shower and Matt decided to put it together today. We also decided to go ahead and put on the bedding that Meemaw gave us. We have a lot more to do in his nursery but it is slowly coming together.

Celebrating birthdays

Matt and my birthdays are a day apart so we always get to celebrate together. This year we had dinner at our house with my parents, brother, grandparents, Matt's mom and stepdad, brother, cousin and Todd. Matt cooked us some yummy steak and we had red velvet cake. Next, year we will get to celebrate the last year of our 20's with our little man.

Brandon sent me some beautiful flowers on my birthday! It made my day. Always good to hear from him because he lives so far away.

Showering Miles with Gifts

On Sunday, December 11, Elaine's Jackson friends threw Miles a shower. It was so nice, and he received many cute outfits as well as some things we desperately needed. I am so thankful he already has such wonderful people in his life. A big thanks to Ms. Lynda, Ms. Diane, Ms. BJ, Ms. Susan and Ms. Amy for hosting the shower, and another thank you to all of those who came to see us and give Miles goodies I know he will love.

Here are a few pictures from his first shower.

Cute tree Dr. Susan Fransisco made with all kinds of goodies for Miles on it.

The wonderful food, that I couldn't taste because I was sick with a cold!

The amazing hostesses with the mostess.

Joyce and the neat diaper wreath she made for Miles. I've never seen one of these before, so I was pretty thrilled.

Matt's cousins and aunt-Catie Beth, Lisa, and Mary Claire

My dad stopped by to bring a present so we snapped a quick picture.

Matt and I before all of the festivities began.

Mimi, Me and Honey

Meemaw, Me and Honey

A few gifts Miles received:
3 wheel stroller
Bouncy seat
Clothes
Books
Swaddling blankets
Crib bedding
Crib
Diapers



Shopping for my little man....

As I have gone Christmas shopping, I have picked up a few things for Miles. I can't seem to help but walk on over to the baby clothes section of every department store I visit. He now has several outfits, including one red polo shirt that looks just like his Daddy's. Miles has also received several outfits from NeNe (my Aunt Denise), Mommie Cica (my cousin Cara), and Pops (Matt's dad). His closet is not empty anymore, and I know it is only going to get filled even more with goodies. It makes me feel so great that this little guy we don't even know is loved by so many people. He is going to be one SPOILED and blessed kid!!

Here is one of the outfits I just HAD to buy for my little man!!

As for Baby Miles, I think he is doing just fine! He has been moving around a lot lately, especially when his daddy mentions football. We were sitting around last night and Matt was talking to Miles about football. He asked Miles, "What position do you want to play....quarterback?" Nothing. "Linebacker?" Nothing. "Wide Receiver?" A huge kick from Miles!! So, we might have us a Jerry Rice on our hands, which would be perfectly ok with Matt, Uncle Trey, Uncle Chris and Uncle Joe!

Turkey Day 5K

We have a tradition in our little family...every year on Thanksgiving morning we go to Gold's Gym's Turkey Day 5K. It benefits RIFA and it gets us our exercise in so we don't feel guilty about eating all of that good, yummy food. This year was a little different because I couldn't run as much. I finished in great time last year, but wasn't really concerned about my time this year. Hey..I'm 6 months pregnant...at least I finished. Next year we are excited about taking little Miles!

Hope everyone has a blessed and happy Thanksgiving! We have so much to be blessed for this year and we are truly grateful!

Good Ole Rocky Top

                                  

On Saturday, November 19, we took Joe to the Tennessee vs. Vanderbilt game. Kevin and Erica also went along with us on the trek to Knoxville. I have to say it was one of the BEST football games I have ever witnessed.

Tennessee did well at the beginning and then fell into their old tricks of not scoring during the second half. Then, a miracle in the 4th quarter and we're tied up going into OT baby!! Next, thing you know and there's a pick 6 but...wait the refs called it back and tried to say the players knee was down. Needless to say Neyland stadium was SO LOUD!! In the end, the refs got some sense and overturned their decision and we won an awesome game! I feel Joe enjoyed it and so did Miles. Miles was moving around the entire time!! I hope he can play at Tennessee one of these days.

Here are some pictures from our Knoxville trip:

We tailgated before the game with hot dogs and hamburgers.

Matt painted this grill all by himself! How talented is he? Maybe Miles will be just as talented as his dad one day!

Kevin, Erica and Kevin's nasty hot dog!

A BIG win for Tennessee....final score 27-21!



Bedding for Miles...and another look at our little man!

This is the bedding Matt and I want to get for our little man. We are thinking that Matt's Tennessee vols stuff would go well in Miles' room with this bedding. Plus, it is different and very MILES! I think it will be so cute for our little bundle of joy. I just hope we can get it ordered and in soon, so we can start working on Miles' room.

We went to visit our midwife Holly once again this week! Everything seems to be going just fine. Well, except for the pain in my right side, near my ribs. It hurts everytime I eat or drink anything. THE JOYS OF PREGNANCY! Holly thought it could have been my gallbladder, so she suggested I get an ultrasound to rule out any gallstones. We got the ultrasound and NO PROBLEMS! We also got another sneak peek at our little man. He is so precious and sweet. Miles loves the sound of Matt's voice. He moves everytime he hears Matt talk. I did not know I could love someone I don't even know as much as I love Miles, but I do.

Here is the latest picture of Miles Cooper Cleek! He is growing fast. Belly pictures to come!