And the winner is.....The Elephant:)

Less than 3 weeks...

This past weekend was very interesting. I will spare you all some of the details...there are some things that are not meant for a public blog:):) Let's just say that I spent the entire weekend curled up in a blanket on the couch! The times spent off the couch were filled with pain. There's a pregnancy term called "lightening" and I can not think of a better word. Walking has become a fear of mine because I do not know when "lightening" will strike...and when it does all I can do it scream or yelp! So what's "lightening"? Lightening during pregnancy actually refers to the term used to describe the babies head engaging in the pelvis before vaginal birth. For me this comes with much discomfort. I get the biggest - intense - deep - shock wave of pain in my hips...it stops me dead in my tracks...there is no point trying to walk thru the pain as it only last for about 10 seconds...10 seconds too long:) So all in all - Baby Austin is making his way down the pelvis and is getting mommy geared up for labor! I spoke with my doctor...if the intense shock wave of pain continues they want me to come in before my next appointment to get an internal exam. NOW...I kept telling myself to not jump the gun...I didn't want to convince myself that I will deliver before 40 weeks...but you know what....I am not going to be naive and in denial. My body is definitely telling me something and I am going to listen close:) This baby could come any day...this past weekend definitely prepared me that any day really means any day!!! Oh and lastly now I know what a "real" contraction feels like...yep...I definitely had some contractions over the weekend. Braxton-Hicks no more - these are contractions! Just as everyone has said "You'll know when you are having a contraction" man are those people right:) So let's just say I am showing all those pre-labor signs. It could be days or weeks...but one thing is for sure...Baby Austin is getting prepared to make an entrance into the world!!! SO EXCITING!!!!!

September 18th....1 more month!!!!

WOW....I can hardly believe we are one month away from our estimated due date!!! I say estimated due date because I have convinced myself that I am going to have Baby Austin 2 weeks late so if Baby A comes sooner....what a pleasant surprise:)

So how am I feeling?

ACHY.....very very ACHY! My lower back....but the HIPS are really where it's at....OUCH! I honestly feel like they are going to split in two and fall off. I know - I know - they are making room for that baby but really until you've had a baby you truly have no idea what is in store at this point! Thank you to those mommies that have told me that I will not remember these aches and pains once the baby is born and moreso how quickly all the aches and pains, swollen body parts, heartburn, etc....all disappear.

I am getting SO anxious to meet Baby Austin I really can hardly stand it! Michelle - thanks for the Christmas Eve comparison - It is SO true! There is such excitement, anticipation, and an element of surprise as to "What will we get - in this case will it be a boy or a girl?" I have a month of Christmas Eve nights ahead of me...I know it will be so worth the wait:):)

Got Milk?

Finally I can answer "yes" to the question.....

"Do you have any cravings?"

Katie - I am sorry to report...it's nothing crazy...you will be disappointed - haha!!!

I am craving - MILK!!!! Yep good ole' milk. I can not get enough of it. I wake up in the middle of the night with thoughts of milk and can't help but make my way to the kitchen. It takes some effort since I do not have feeling in my fingers and I can not bend my fingers (pregnancy carpal tunnel) but last night I managed to pick up a gallon a milk and take a sip - it was SO worth it!!! Oh thought...I should pour milk into a glass and leave it in the fridge before I go to bed so all I have to do it reach for the glass instead of the entire gallon - brilliant idea:):)

And Michael - I very much still love when you bring me apple juice in bed before you go to work - please continue:)

So with all this happening in the middle of the night....milk cravings...4 to 5 restroom trips....tossing and turning.....the sleepless nights have arrived. Hmmm....light bulb....I think these type of nights are exactly what's in my future for some time to come.

Milk cravings, diaper changes, and sleepless nights - oh my!!

Awwww - but MILK makes it all better!!! I hope Baby Austin loves milk as much as I:)

Yuuuuuummmmmm....I wish I had some milk right now!!! Anyone - Got Milk?

What a weekend....

Labor Day Weekend 2008...my how things can change in a year. In past years, the tradition has always been to go back to Ohio and pretty much "party" with family and friends. This past Labor Day I am happy to say we have started a new tradition that makes me very happy. That is to spend "quality" time with friends and family. Times...they are a changin' and I could not be happier!!!!!!

The weekend started off with my Baby Shower. I was surprised...well actually I take that back...of course my sister came up with the best phrase for the Cake:)

Written on the cake:

What will Baby Austin be?

A Bearcat Cheerleader like her mom at UC?

Or will Baby Austin be a "he" and play Spartan football like his dad on TV?

Oh and did you notice the scoreboard - 50/50...as in a 50/50 chance it will be a girl or boy - ha how clever!!!!!

And to complete it my mom came up with the idea to dress up my old cabbage patch dolls:) To no surprise - Baby Austin was completely spoiled and received so many thoughtful gifts. It was so great to be surrounded by such loving family and friends and see their excitement for Baby Austin's arrival. I look forward to seeing Baby Austin in each of your arms and seeing you be there for Baby Austin as all of you have been there for me. I love each and everyone of you - THANK YOU so much for everything!!!!!

Next up - some serious Sisterly Bonding Time. I had never heard of a Belly Cast until Carri did one with Josie. I knew right then I would want my sister to do my Belly Cast once I was pregnant. I had been looking forward to doing this for so long - and I was not disappointed - this is an experience every prego women should have. My experience was extra special because it was just my sister and I. Well okay - take that back. The Master Plaster (daddy-o) set up the perfect work station and was there to provide his expert advice.

The end result - the perfect Belly Cast! A masterpiece that I will have forever and can't wait to share with Baby Austin.

And lastly, my 30th birthday celebration! Those of you that know me well know that I do not like a lot of hoopla. I would be happy going to I-hop on my birthday and eating my favorite omelette:):) I was a little nervous since the weekend was "all about me." I survived but only because those closest to me knew how to make it the perfect b-day celebration! We all went to the best hot wing joint - Fricker's. PERFECT! And even more perfect I got to share my big day with my daddy-o who turned 6-0 and Debbie who turned 50 something:) We all shared a cake and enjoyed some really tasty hot wings! Yum Yum. The night ended in "Johnson" fashion. We all went home - got in our comfy clothes - watched TV - and crashed!!!

And I had to save my favorite photos for last. That Josie...check her out. We were explaining to her that her cousin would be arriving soon.

She definitely understood what we were saying. I think she is a little excited to meet her cousin:):) Awww...they are going to be the best of friends!! I can NOT wait!!!!

I have no idea why I can't get the slideshow option to work - click or cut in paste the below link into your browser for more fun filled pictures from the weekend:

http://picasaweb.google.com/AustinAlbum/LaborDayWeekend83108#

"Michael, the baby received another box."

Michael is going to get me back for this one...but I can't resist...time to embarrass him again. This just in - Michael gets a tad excited when I tell him

"We received another box for the baby."

He gets so excited that items don't remain in their boxes long! Our new highchair was in our house for all of 2 hours...I was watching TV when I heard some commotion behind me. I looked to see what was going on and there is Michael with the box open and reading the instructions!

Introducing The Svan!

The coolest highchair...our baby will be able to use this until he/she is 7 years old. Yes I know that doesn't make since but if you are really curious check out The Svan website.

Next up our Baby Einstein Play Pen. THANK YOU DEBBIE & PHILIP!!!!

Baby Einstein didn't get opened until the 2nd day.....BUT only because Michael worked out much later than usual and did not know a box awaited him:)

Taaa Daaa....he must have been channeling into the Olympics on this one...He set what I called - The Baby Einstein Installation Record!!!

We often get asked, "Are you ready for the baby?" If only those people knew about our blog:):)

Happy Birthday to Josie!

Happy Birthday to you!

Happy Birthday to you!!

Happy Birthday to JOSIE!!!

Happy Birthday to YOU!!!! This past weekend we went back to Cincinnati to celebrate Josie Marie's very 1st birthday. As expected we had a great time spending the day with her, friends and family.

All eyes on Josie - was the name of this day. Josie had a blast...especially in her red wagon.

Josie was very happy to see her cupcake and hear everyone sing Happy Birthday!!

Yum....refined sugar...good thing Carri gave it a test run a few days earlier.

There was definitely a chance this organic child could have had a sugar spasm. I am also happy to report she would have enjoyed her peas more:)

And here's a little family photo...couldn't pass up the opportunity to have our picture taken with the Birthday Girl!!!!

This is after I ate the best cupcake in the world....YUM!! Baby Austin very much enjoyed it as well.....Baby was just a movin' and a groovin'........

And of course what would a day be like when Carri and I aren't goofing around...many many laughs:) We had such a great time - a very short trip - but well worth it. I can't believe how fast Josie has grown. I am reminded how quickly it will go by when it's our baby. Just when I was starting to get SO anxious about meeting Baby Austin....it's time to slow things back down and appreciate and enjoy every day. Carri mentioned a quote that I must share - it is SO true....

"The days are long, but the years are short..."

10 - 9 - 8.....

It's the Final Countdown!!!!

30 weeks = 10 more weeks to go:)

All and all I am still feeling pretty good. Nothing this mama-to-be can't handle. The latest symptoms are super uper swollen feet - but you know what - it makes shaving so much easier. I don't have to worry about cutting my ankle bones because I don't have any - haha!!! Oh and at my last Doc appt - he told me I have pregnancy carpal tunnel. Which explains why every night I wake up and can't bend my fingers. It's the weirdest sensation - but as soon as I get up and moving I am good to go. It's another one of those things you don't hear as a possible symptom until it happens! Oh and the joys of getting out of bed - who knew it would be such a task. But I have mastered the roll and scoot motion - seems to be working for now:) If that fails I give Michael a little holler and he gives me a little push to get me going - hilarious sight. I absolutely love it - the humor in the things I can no longer do just cracks me up:):):)

Below is a pic from the front - another angle to show Baby Austin's progress:) The coolest thing is the baby definitely has wakeful/sleep periods. The most activity happens around 7pm - just in time for me to sit down for the night, relax and ENJOY!

As Michael has said - I am in the 4th quarter - so for all you football fans out there - here I am with 4 fingers in the air - bringing it home for the win:):)

Chicago Baby Shower:)

WOW....I really just had my first baby shower!!!!

Below is a picture of the 4 lovely host - Left to right:

Michelle, Amy, (me), Nell, and Casey :)

What I loved most about my shower were the personal touches that each gal contributed. Each gal added a little bit of herself which made the day feel even more special. I can not imagine going through this day and experience without each of them by my side. I love you all and thank you so much for making my first baby shower such a memorable one! Muaw!!!!!!

Below is a slideshow cataloging the day:) You can tell I had a fantastic time by the never ending grin. Baby Austin got so many fun things. I still have everything laying in the middle of our living room to be seen every time we are home!!

It has been so long since all the gals have been together - we had a great time catching up, telling stories, laughing and even crying. I am so happy to have shared this day with each of you!!!!! Much love!!!

......having technical difficulties with the slideshow...stay tuned!!!!

Summer - Summer - Summertime!!!!

The perfect Chicago weekend - 85 degrees - Sunny - No humidity - we aimed to get out and about and enjoy the summer days. Our weekend started off with some golfing...well I should say with Michael golfing. My accuracy is nothing to speak of...but come on now - give me a break - I am working with a belly ;)

Next up - Fishin' on the Lake - now this is more like it! For those of you that don't know - I absolutely LOVE LOVE fishin'. The Johnson side tradition has been instilled is this gal....I see lots of fishing trips in Baby Austin's future....albeit a girl OR a boy! Over the years Mr. J has taught Michael how to fish....Michael heard me say one to many times "Now remember baby - this is how my daddy-o and Nana do it".

And finally - did you really think this post would be all about us! Sunday afternoon we decided to put up artwork in Baby Austin's room. Michael and I kept going back and forth about artwork. Michael is funny about putting lots of holes in the wall so we found the perfect alternative. It's a sticker tree - but the best part is it is removable and doesn't mess up the paint. Genius!!!!! Here is Michael and his lovely artistry skills....he did such a good job!!!

We are so close to having Baby Austin's room finished. All we need is a shelf to put over the changing table and we'll be done....well for now. Once the baby is born we will add some girlie or boy touches:):)

I hope everyone is enjoying their summer days - it's going by SO fast - can you believe this Friday is August 1st?!?!?!?!?!

Getting some practice!

Josie and family paid us a visit a few weeks ago...our chance to get some more practice in:) It was so fun having Josie stay at our place...we got a little glimpse of what's to come. Josie tested out Baby Austin's room and confirmed we picked the perfect gliding chair...here we are cuddling in the chair reading a book before bedtime.

Michael could not resist practicing with the Baby Bjorn. Carri & Louie brought up theirs - we found out that the Baby Bjorn "Sport" is definitely the way to go!!!! Here is a picture of Michael getting his lesson:

And here he is in all his glory - he honestly enjoyed this a little too much - I think Baby Austin will come to know and love the Baby Bjorn and hours of time spent attached to daddy. Michael was imagining all the times he'd use his. My favorite was when he mentioned "This is going to be perfect for trips to the grocery store."

And here is Josie taking a nap in her favorite sleeping position - now how cute is she - just too precious for words:)

We had such a great weekend. The above are among many things we practiced. Another funny example was when Carri & Louie gave Josie a bath. Michael and I gathered around and observed like we had never bathed ourselves before...definitely a had to be there moment....it was great!!! When Josie was sleeping I took the opportunity to ask Carri a million questions. The day after they left I immediately updated my pregnancy journal, updated my "useful info" pregnancy spreadsheet, and registeries. THANK GOODNESS for having an older sister. I can not imagine going through this experience without my sister. And to top all of that off she greeted me with a goodie bag filled with toys, videos, books and more....The perfect weekend!

3 months to go...

YIKES - just realized and now I have gone and totally jinxed myself! Here I am at work - just "really" looked at the calendar and realized it's July 18th....exactly 3 months until Baby Austin is due to arrive. Story time: The reason why I looked at the calendar is because I got out of my chair because my body was very achy. I decided to do a little session of stretching the hips, butt and legs. Sidenote: OUCHY - my body officially feels pregnant. Sitting for long periods of time is not good. K back to the story - as I was stretching I looked at the calendar....I really believe I have jinxed myself. I have been going through the days and months will no complaints - smooth sailing - thinking this is a piece of cake - I LOVE being pregnant!!! As soon as my mind registered that I was 3 months away....TIME TO EMBRACE...I am going to give into the achy body and joints, heartburn, restless nights, and swollen feet. This Saturday also marks the first day of the 3rd trimester. Can you believe it - already!!!! BUT I will say the same thing I said going into the 2nd.....BRING IT....aches, pains, sleepless nights, heartburn, swollen hands and feet and all!!!! Each day brings us closer to meeting Baby Austin!!!

4th of July Fun!!!

I hope everyone had a relaxing, long, fun-filled 4th of July weekend! We went to good ole' Ohio to spend the long weekend with The Stephan Family on the lake - and we had a blast! Michael got to "play" all weekend and I got to sit back and relax on the boat. Going into this weekend was a huge test...I have not craved or even thought about drinking an alcoholic beverage - this weekend I would be surrounded by such beverages so I knew it would be a little interesting. Well I am happy to report that you can find MUCH enjoyment by being the only sober one - hours and hours of free entertainment - drunk people are hilarious:):):) AND the best part is I didn't wake up hungover - SWEET - cause those that know me well know that it is not a pleasant sight.

Here are a few shots from the weekend....Michael had a perma-grin the entire weekend:)

Here I am - I spent the entire weekend in this very spot....PERFECT!!! Awww I want to go back to this kind of relaxation!

Michael had never been wakeboarding before...of course he bet all of us that he would get "up" on his first attempt....and he did...that little booger! He had a couple good spills face first that provided some good laughs - yes at his expense - but that's what he gets for bragging!!

And finally - hope you can find the humor in this shot - I just thought it was hilarious:) The pregnant women with a beer! Even funnier because I really haven't had a drink of beer since 8th grade...thanks Chrissy - haha!!!!

I get it now....

Okay so now I understand why people say it is difficult to be prego thru the summer. I hear it all the time "Oh dear, you are going to become so uncomfortable" - "Stay inside in the AC" - "You are going to get so swollen" - "Your poor feet will never look the same" The above comments really aren't what you want to hear - BUT I have turned the page and have to agree that everyone is right - and now I realize they were just being nice and trying to warn me:) Example: Tuesday night we went to the Cubs game. I was so excited as they were playing the Cincinnati Reds - felt a little piece of home:) So there we are snacking on our peanuts - enjoying our free box seats - the Cub's are winning - I saw Ken Griffy Jr. - THEN.....3rd inning....da da daaaaaa!!! I looked down and my toes were the size of sausages. Michael took a look for himself and immediately got the camera to take a picture (sorry not going to share that one). I had on flip flops and could not get them off. Then came the fingers - WOW - I haven't been able to get my wedding ring off since. So needless to say we left around the 4th inning and decided no more baseball games for me this summer!! Oh and the most tragic part about all of this is I am down to ONLY 3 pair of shoes that fit - TRAGIC!!!! And 1 of the 3 are flip flops.....TRAGIC!!!!

A little bit of this...A little bit of that!

The J's - a.k.a - The Parents were in town this past weekend and boy did we accomplish a lot. The weekend started off with my daddy-o doing lots of fun projects around our place...most important....putting his touch on the baby room:) Thanks to daddy-o we have a beautiful new pendant that dims, new blinds, our furniture has been protected with scotch guard, and a new curtain rod. I must also note I am leaving out the long list of everything else that got fixed around our condo:)

After doing some work around the condo we headed downtown to The Taste of Chicago for some relaxing fun in the sun, lots of people watching, a picnic in the park, and STEVIE WONDER in concert at Grant Park!!! We all had on our dancing shoes as we sang along with Stevie:) The perfect day!!!

I was one spoiled lady this weekend - I must say I am one lucky girl to be surrounded by such loving parents and a loving husband. Their support throughout this journey means the world to me! It's moments like these that you have to take the time to sit back and appreciate and absorb:)