an update

I haven't blogged in, what, two weeks? It feels like months... but I'm still pregnant, so I know that's not the case. We have a little bit less than 8 weeks left of all this, by the way. Finally, I feel prepared. Well, as prepared as I can feel. My baby shower went so well; it was fun and relaxing and I now have almost everything I need. I decided to look over how much we've spent for the baby (just Matthew and I) and its around $500. Can you believe that?
$350 for the car seat/stroller combo
$30 for the diaper bag
$40 (ish) on baby clothes
$20 for the moby wrap
$10 for the boppy pillow

The crib and mattress were gifts from Matthew's parents.
The changing table, rocker, and bedding set were all gifts from my parents.
We had an extra dresser already.
The bassinet was given to us by Matthew's older brother, Josh.
The pack n' play was given to us by one of Matthew's supervisors.
We have a swing, bouncer and walker all coming used from my parents.
And another used papasan swing from my sister.
And actually, I think a THIRD swing from Matthew's parents.
My grandparents said they were getting us the highchair.
We were given diapers, books, clothes, blankets and towels from the baby shower. In addition to soaps, lotions, diaper cream, bottles, nipples, and toys galore. We are really so incredibly blessed.
The list of stuff we still need? I told you, I'm nesting, right? Because I am. I can now see everything we need, everything I need to clean and organize and redo before the baby arrives!
Sleep positioner
Mirror for the car
Water-proof mattress pad
Changing table covers/sheets
Breast pump
Bumbo seat (maybe that's a luxury)
Pacifiers (we didn't get any at the shower!)
Booties (I only have two pairs)
Hats (I only have one; that I made)
Burp cloths/spit up cloths (I think we got one package)
Bookcase

All things considered, those are minor things. Some of them we don't even really NEED. I think we'll end up spending another $150-$200 before the baby actually gets here. But I refuse to buy anything off that list until September. We pay our car insurance every six months, and it happens to be due at the end of August. Lovely, how those things happen.

In other news (now that I'm done making lists!) we used our WIC checks for the first time today. They are letting me get 2 1/2 gallons of soy milk every month. There's no WAY I can use that much, its crazy! Well, I think I'll start baking and cooking with the soy milk, so that the whole milk is JUST for Matthew to use as he wants. We are so blessed, God has been so good to us. Being on WIC is going to really save us in the long run, I had no idea.

I just can't seem to look at my life without feeling an overwhelming amount of thankfulness anymore. Being back in Grand Junction really gave me a lot of peace. God has us placed in Rapid City for a reason, and as much as I miss my family and friends, I know now without a doubt that we are not meant to be living in the Valley right now. I NEED to raise my children away from the family, I need to do this on my own. I've always been independent, and actually so has Matthew. I just know that what's best for us, and for this baby, is that we start this family with just us. I need to learn to step out of my comfort zone and really invest in this church, really invest in relationships other than my family. I need to build up a support system, its just something I have to learn.

With that being said, I am so incredibly thankful that I have the family that I was given. My mom is more than willing to come up here (and my sisters and dad too) and help me with anything and everything. And Matthew's parents have already offered to come up and help and meet the little one a few weeks after he/she arrives. I just know that if I ever need anything, there are so many people in my life that are so willing to do what they can.

Now we just continue to pray for a healthy and easy pregnancy. My next appointment is on the 12th, a Thursday. It'll be good to go in and double-check everything. I know I've only missed one appointment (while we were on vacation) but I just would like to hear the doctor say everything still looks perfect.

Alright, I'm off to crochet and watch Top Gear with my husband. We are so glad to be home, and have a few days to unwind. He's still being patient and kind, and encouraging. He takes such good care of me!