33 weeks and counting...

So this week will now be 33 weeks and counting. It's amazing to think that soon she will be here. What will she look like? What will she be like? Will she be healthy? So much to think about...but in the mean time, I just seem to become bigger and bigger, and she continues to kick harder and harder. She is very active still, and makes sure that it is known that she is around. It is so fun to watch her at this point, but the anticipation of looking at her face, fingers, and toes grows deeper and deeper.
We have been busy putting together the nursery the past week. It's getting there, but not completed yet! Her wardrobe on the other hand is becoming quite large and Joe seems to think it should be completed, but I'm guessing it will continue to grow. We took some pictures of the nursery for you all to see. Hope you enjoy. Have a great week and thank you again for all of your thoughts and prayers.

Love,

Joe, Jess, and Isabelle:)

Baby Isabelle's new bed!!

Here is the paint choice we (or I) finally settled on.:)

This is the same rocking chair that my Grandpa rocked me in when I was a baby (and older). How special to keep the tradition going.

Here are ALL the clothes in her closet so far. Those are just the things that are hung up. There are a lot more in containers and on shelves:) She is going to be one cute baby!!

Isabelle bump at 32 weeks!

Isabelle bump at 29 weeks!

28 weeks and counting....

We had our check up for February, and everything is looking very good. They ran blood tests and glucose tests, and everything is appearing normal. My low iron was the only thing of concern, which in the grand scheme of things is really not a big deal. Nothing a few extra vitamins (and a big steak:) won't take care of. We have slowly, but surely, been putting together our nursery. It's been fun rearranging and setting up furniture in just the right spot (for that moment). Until the next day when it seems maybe a different arrangement would work better. Maybe it's just the fact that it is hard for a pregnant women to make up her mind:) Good thing Joe is a patience person. We now will start going to appointments every three weeks, since the time is getting closer. Hard to believe only 2 1/2 more months and our world will be blessed with such a special addition. It sure seems to have gone by fast.

Isabelle is a mover and shaker the last few weeks. She moves constantly. Sometimes I wonder if I will have anything left inside when she is all done with. She likes when daddy talks to her and seems to react everytime Joe touches my "belly". It's AMAZING the things the react to, even when they are in the womb. She also likes to roll around, and I think snuggle with my diaphragm because WOW is it hard to breathe at times. It's been fun getting to know and recognize her movements, as well as the frequent hiccups she gets. It's fun to be the mom already I can't imagine what it is going to be like having her here. We really can't wait!! Hope all is well with everyone. Take care until next time...

Love,

Joe, Jess, and Isabelle

"Isabelle" bump at 28 weeks!

Baby bump at 27 weeks!

Baby Bump at 23rd week!

Hi to you all! We hope your holidays were safe and blessed as you spent and enjoyed time with your families. We were able to spend the holidays with our South Dakota family, as well as our Minnesota family. I did realize how uncomfortable 9 hours in the car is when you are 5 months pregnant! But how blessed we are to be surrounded by such loving friends and family.

Over our Christmas holiday we (Joe) was able to get our nursery painted. All of babies gifts are now on shelves. Her clothes are all hung up in her closet, and WOW does she have a wardrobe. We are going to have to change the babies clothes 3 times a day to make sure every outfit is worn at least once. She is going to be a baby fashion statement.:)

We had our 23rd week appointment today and the doctor said everything looks really great. The baby is very healthy. She moves constantly! She especially likes to kick when I quit moving:) What an amazing experience feeling all that movement!

We hope that you all are doing well, and are staying warm during this cold winter. We will keep you posted on what is to come with baby Isabel. Take care and God Bless, and thank you so much for your prayers.

Our appointment today went good. We were able to spend about an hour watching baby. We also found out that it is a baby GIRL! She looks really healthy and has all 10 fingers and toes! Hope you all enjoy the pictures. We have also (at this point) decided on the name Isabel Elise. The meaning of the name Isabel is "devoted to God". The meaning for the name Elise is "consecrated to God". What perfect meanings for such a beautiful bundle of JOY!!! It is amazing how God works and the miracles he blesses us with. Hope your Thanksgiving was wonderful and the rest of your holiday season relaxing! Take care and keep checking for more updates.

So...baby girl is a little skinny, but she will grow!

Baby girls cute lips blowing kisses:)

Here is my little ear that I am starting to hear sounds with.

This is baby girl's face in 3-D. The umbilical cord is in front of her face.

Here are my 10 little cute fingers:)

Here are my 10 little cute toes!

Here's the profile of baby GIRL!!! It looks a lot like my daddy!