Free?? Yes, please!

I love free stuff just as much as the next girl. So, when I was reading another friend's blog about receiving FREE Christmas cards from Shutterfly, I thought I would give it a try too!

I have sent out picture cards in the past but did not do so last year. Since I am pregnant this year, I wanted to show all of my out-of-town friends and family members by baby bump and I figured that picture cards would be perfect! In the past I have used other companies but this year I decided to try out Shutterfly because I know a couple of my friends have been very pleased with their products! And after browsing their site, I LOVED the Christmas card designs that they offer!

Since, I am expecting a little boy in March I know I will be using Shutterfly for many other picture related formats. I plan on sending out birth announcements , like these cute designs, when Brantley is born. I will also definitely need photo books made with all of the pictures that we will be taking as well as thank you cards to thank everyone for the great gifts!

I can't wait to finalize our Christmas cards for this year and get them sent out to friends and family and with this great offer, it will be it so much easier!! :) So, check out Shutterfly for all of your photo needs and be sure to send me a Christmas card too! Merry Christmas from me and Shutterfly! :)

27 weeks (December 11-17)

How our baby's growing:

This week, your baby weighs almost 2 pounds (like a head of cauliflower) and is about 14 1/2 inches long with his legs extended. He's sleeping and waking at regular intervals, opening and closing his eyes, and perhaps even sucking his fingers. With more brain tissue developing, your baby's brain is very active now. While his lungs are still immature, they would be capable of functioning — with a lot of medical help — if he were to be born now. Chalk up any tiny rhythmic movements you may be feeling to a case of baby hiccups, which may be common from now on. Each episode usually lasts only a few moments, and they don't bother him, so just relax and enjoy the tickle.

My mom came to town this weekend to go Christmas shopping. I had my last class for this semester on Saturday morning and then we shopped for the rest of the day. Man, I was exhausted after all that! I was able to get a few presents but still have a few more people to buy for. This coming week is the last week of school for this calendar year. Can't believe that time is passing by so quickly!

Oh, we have also decided on a name. Drumroll please....Baby Smith will be Brantley Richard. We both liked Brantley for a first name and his middle name is in memory of my dad.

26 weeks (December 4-10)

How our baby's growing:

The network of nerves in your baby's ears is better developed and more sensitive than before. He may now be able to hear both your voice and your partner's as you chat with each other. He's inhaling and exhaling small amounts of amniotic fluid, which is essential for the development of his lungs. These so-called breathing movements are also good practice for when he's born and takes that first gulp of air. And he's continuing to put on baby fat. He now weighs about a pound and two-thirds and measures 14 inches (an English hothouse cucumber) from head to heel. If you're having a boy, his testicles are beginning to descend into his scrotum — a trip that will take about two to three days.

25 weeks (November 27-December 3)

How our baby's growing:

Head to heels, your baby now measures about 13 1/2 inches. His weight — a pound and a half — isn't much more than an average rutabaga, but he's beginning to exchange his long, lean look for some baby fat. As he does, his wrinkled skin will begin to smooth out and he'll start to look more and more like a newborn. He's also growing more hair — and if you could see it, you'd now be able to discern its color and texture.

Thanksgiving was this week and we traveled to my mom's house to spend time with family. It was great to see everyone, including another pregnant cousin. She is 8 weeks ahead of me and is having a little girl! The food was also delish!! This was a super great time to be pregnant! :)