First comes Love... Then comes Marriage?

... THEN comes a baby in the baby carriage!

Ahh. Well I screwed up that century old nursery rhyme. Sorry folks, I am not married. So for all you old Southern belles and beaus out there- Drop Dead! I am not one to conform to society standards. Not saying I am a rebel with face piercings, dyed purple hair and an emu on a leash but...

...I do NOT adapt to please others. 

It has come to my attention a select few did not attend my baby shower because of their personal beliefs about the order of bringing life into the world. This not only shocked me, but really hurt my feelings. I was under the impression that the biological order was do the deed, wait 10 months and then this beautiful creature will come ripping through my vagina. That doesn't have anything to do with marriage. And I didn't realize being an unwed mother at this point in time was a delicate subject...

... That's because its not. 

I am engaged to the father of my baby. We have been engaged for well over a year now. We have not rushed into marriage, seeing no reason to. We have lived together for almost 2 years. We will get married. Maybe not tomorrow, maybe not next month, hell maybe not next year. We will get married when the time is right for both of us. No exterior pressure with influence our decision on when the right time is. I did not realize having a different last name would influence how we raise our daughter...

... Oh. That is because it WON'T. 

33 Weeks Pregnant

After visiting my OBGYN for the second time this week, I have realized the last few weeks of Aubrey's pregnancy is going to be exciting (exhausting, but exciting)! She has come a long way from being a little peanut and given us scares every moment of her short journey. 

Aubrey's Baby Bump at 32 Weeks

From the very beginning, Aubrey has been my miracle baby. After conception, my body was not producing enough progesterone to keep her viable at 4 weeks along. I caught the pregnancy early enough to begin hormone treatment and keep her little heart beating. Soon after, there were indications Aubrey may suffer from downs syndrome or trisomy 18. A very painful amniocentesis cleared that up giving Aubrey a clean genetic bill of health. 

My best friends and I at Aubrey's Baby Shower 2/2/2013

Now, as if she hasn't put me through enough already, I am treating myself for gestational diabetes, dilated to +1cm already and battling high blood pressure. These last few weeks are going to keep us all on our toes- I am sure. 

Mo's Baby Photo and Mine

After seeing the doctor today (and Aubrey on Ultra Sound), she is head down, weighs 4 pounds 11 oz, has a head full of hair and her cute little face smooshed all into my placenta. Figures, since I am such a camera hog, she hasn't let me get a clear view of her face yet!!!

Not everything is bad- it wouldn't be right for me to play the pity card. While the pregnancy has had its ups and downs, there have been many blessing along the way. For one, I have enjoyed growing as a couple with her father- Mo Helm. He is the most wonderful man, fantastic provider, and a truly caring human being. I could not have picked a better a father for Aubrey, or future husband for myself. Also, every time Aubrey moves is a blessing. I giggle like a little girl and grab whoever is closest to enjoy in her acrobatics (she must be trying out for the Olympic Gymnasts Team in there!). I have loved every minute of it.