Check 1, 2, 3, 4

Since you are all dying for a baby update...Today I was "checked" at the doctor. The doctor was really pleased-I was 1-2 centimeters and about 70% effaced. Baby's head is still down, yeah! She said it was a great place to be. While, I know chances are good that I'll have these same stats at my checkup next week, it was encouraging to hear that I am moving in the right direction!

The Waiting Game

So...less than 30 more days until the expected arrival of Baby Shively, although we wouldn't complain if he decided to come a few days early! Jacob understandingly wants to spend as much time at home with us before school starts, so I'm sure as the days pass we'll have our eyes glued to the calendar. I am trying to patiently wait, and keep myself busy, but that has definitely been a challenge! We finished our childbirth classes, and all already for Baby Shively to make his debut! Last week was pretty boring around here, and I was hunting for things to keep myself occupied (I know-I'll be wishing for all of this peace and quiet in about a month, but I'm used to being busy!)

I did have a nice distraction yesterday when my sister hosted a baby shower for us. This was shower #4, but perhaps one of my favorites because it was my family and friends who were the invitees. We had a nice group of my grandmas, aunts, a few cousins friends come and have a really nice afternoon. Unfortunately my camera sat in its case the entire time, so you'll have to imagine it!

We also went to Laura's dance recital last Friday night. It has been a few years since she was involved, and it was nice seeing her enjoy herself on the stage again, even if you have to sit through a few ballet numbers first!

We kept ourselves busy with our normal work-out routine this morning then Jacob put together the stroller and swing we got at the shower yesterday, and I have been trying to decide which baby clothes to wash first. Exciting times for sure! We'll see what the rest of the week has in store for us. I start my weekly doctor appointments on Wednesday, so I'll try to keep you updated on the latest news then!

A Week in Pictures

Here are a few snapshots of what's gone on here during the past week:

Jacob has turned into quite the handyman with lots of assembly projects. Last week he put together the high chair, a porch swing, and a couple of new stools we bought at Pier One. Unfortunately the hanging of the swing had a few dilemmas that my dad is going to help with, but hopefully we'll be swinging on our front porch in no time!

The finished product.

I spent a few afternoons writing thank you notes for the Shively's shower. We had another one at church this past Sunday, so I'll start on those notes today.

Baby Shively's room is one step closer to completion! The art I ordered from etsy came in, we framed it, and hung it yesterday afternoon. Now all we're waiting for is the glider to come in, we need to get a crib mattress, and of course bring home a baby to enjoy it!

I'm not sure how we ended up with owls everywhere, but I think they they turned out really well! The "owl rock band" is over the crib. One owl is playing the guitar, one the drums, and the other is singing into a microphone. My mom made the white blanket on the left, and lady at church made the quilt on the right. They are both beautiful, you have to see them in person!

The "owlphabet". Each letter of the alphabet has a different owl.

We also had Father's Day at our house with my parents, sister, and her boyfriend Travis on Friday. My parents were going to be gone on Father's Day so we celebrated a little early. We grilled shish kabobs, potatoes, and vegetables on the grill, had Caesar salad, and strawberry pie for dessert. It was yummy!

Party Animals

The past weekend was full of parties, open houses, and visiting with friends and family! All wonderful distractions for a girl who was already starting to go stir crazy at home without school to worry about!

**Friday night we went to Shelbyville High School's end-of-year staff outing to the Indianapolis Indians game at Victory Field. We had a picnic dinner at the park, visited with other staff members, watched the game, and then enjoyed the fireworks afterwards (they have them every Friday night). It was a great time. If you haven't been to a game-you should go. It is great, cheap, family friendly entertainment!

**We were invited to a couple of graduation open houses for Jacob's former Waldron students on Saturday. It seems like yesterday we were having my own open house, but what a rude awakening to discover that was 10 years ago! This year's graduates were only 8 years old then. Boy do I feel old!

**Sunday afternoon was the big Shively/Whitten baby shower. This one was hosted by Ashley, Leah, and Cathy. They held it at the coffeehouse in Franklin, and it was really, really nice. There wasn't a huge crowd, so it was nice to get to visit with everyone and have a great time. Baby Shively got a lot of nice gifts. We've decided he'll be a well-dressed little guy. I think by the time we're done he'll have an outfit for everyday!

The food was yummy: chicken salad on croissants, potato salad, oriental salad, chips, and cupcakes for dessert. Of course you could also have Benjamin's Coffeehouse's famous coffee or iced tea.

Some of the party guests.


Checking out the new highchair from Grandma and Grandpa Shively and Great Grandpa Whitten.

The grandmas and I.

**Monday night the baseball coaches at SHS and their families got together for a cookout. It was nice to get to meet all of the people that I've heard so much about all season long. It was a nice cap to the end of the baseball season.

What an exhausting, but exciting weekend! Now, what to do for fun this weekend?...

Shively's Monthly Update

Since my updates, haven't been as frequent as I'd like (that's my "summer vacation resolution"), I'd thought I'd give you the run down on what's gone on during the past month.

**I graduated-yeah! With my Master's degree finally complete I hardly know what to do with myself. It's wonderful not to have readings, postings, or assignments to work on in the evenings and on the weekend! The actual day of commencement was rainy, cold, and windy, so we all bundled up and braved the elements. After all of the hard work, I was going to hear my name as I walked across that stage!

Don't you love the sumo wrestler look? Combine being 7 months pregnant (at the time), with two layers of clothing, and a winter coat, all under a graduation gown-and that's what you get!

**We've been hard at work on Baby Shively's room. We painted the bottom, my dad and Jacob put up the chair rail, and also put the crib and changing table together. I think the paint job looks really nice. Now we just need to add some color with some artwork. I've been scouring Etsy for some vintage inspired prints, and just have to make my final selections (I'm not going with anything "themeish" or "babyish", I wanted something that would fit in with the rest of our house and grow up with him). My mom generously ordered us a glider for the corner by the window. Let's just hope it gets here in time for his arrival!


**We had our first baby shower at school. It was a really nice time, and everyone was very generous. We got a bouncer, bath seat, bumbo seat, lots of clothes, a diaper bag, and tons of other baby gear. We have another one this weekend with the Shively side of the family. I promise to update you on that on Monday.

**We had our 32 week check-up yesterday, and everything went well. His heart rate was 150, and my measurements were right on. (Missy-I did pass the three hour glucose test, but don't have any tips for you. I didn't think it was that bad-the worst part was having to stay in the office all morning and getting pricked so many times. Best of luck!) We have one more two week appointment and then start going every week. We also had our first childbirth class last night. Jacob was worried that he would be in class with some of his students. Luckily it was teenager free. We go back for session two next week.

**We bought a new grill (Rajean-our's looks a lot like yours. It's just stainless and black instead of blue!) so we've had fun trying it out. The Jacob's parents and Ben and Ashley came over last Sunday for a raceday cookout. We had a ton of good food, the boys got to fish in the pond, and a great time was had by all!

**Last, but definitely not least-School's out for the summer! I finished cleaning and organizing my room yesterday. I totally purged and threw or gave away anything I had not used in the last few years. Let's hope whoever takes my maternity can find everything they need! Jacob's last day is today. I know he is looking forward to a few months off also!

We have a lot planned for the rest of the week. Hopefully I'll keep my resolution and update more regularly!