Well Hello!

McKenzie Carter Owens

7lbs, 7oz

21 1/4 inches

Born Sunday, June 28 at 7:32pm

Many, many more pics and stories to follow. For now know that mom, dad and baby are doing great. And Kari didn't punch a soul during labor!

Get Out!

Brant and I have been asking McKenzie to come on out for about the last three weeks. Now, it's doctor's orders. She has scheduled to induce me next Wednesday evening, meaning that if all goes well, we'll have a baby next Thursday. Exciting! Scary!

I don't think anyone goes into pregnancy hoping that they will have to be induced into labor. But after a pretty rough afternoon yesterday, I'm okay with it. I don't really want to induce, but my doctor believes that waiting longer than the 41st week could be risky for the baby and me. I trust her. I think really it's just that I kind of wanted that middle of the night, water breaking, rush to the hospital experience. And there's something about not knowing exactly when it might happen that makes it less scary for me, if that makes any sense. But, there is still time for that. If McKenzie is anything like me, now that she's been told when to make an appearance, she'll do her best to make things happen on her own terms!!

To Leave or Not to Leave

According to weather.com, right now it feels like 109 degrees here in Little Rock. 109. That's nine degrees over 100 and that's reason number one that I'm against leaving the house today. Reason number two: people. If everyone in Little Rock could jointly agree to not look at or talk to me, I would face the heat and venture out in a second. But I hesitate because there will be that one unsuspecting, perfectly pleasant person who asks me today "Sooo... when are you due?" I fear my response might be something like "TODAY, lady. TODAY! I'm due TODAY and there's NO SIGN that it's happening. Contractions? Who knows?! I'm not exactly sure what they feel like because I've NEVER HAD A BABY BEFORE so I could be contracting right now or I might have never had one this entire pregnancy. And it's hot and my feet look like sausages if I stand for longer than a few minutes and frankly, I'm just tired of waddling around... a spectacle for all the world to see!"

And then see, I fear that I might start getting a less than stellar reputation around town. With all that said, here's why I have decided that I must leave the house. If I see one more HGTV show where they redesign a room for only $1000 dollars, I might throw something at the TV. I'm on to you, HGTV. It's pretty easy to redesign a great room on the cheap when you have skilled carpenters, plumbers, electricians and designers at your disposal for FREE. Do me a favor, tell me the real cost so I don't have to throw a shoe (that barely fits my fat feet) through the TV. Thanks.

Possibly cranky pregnant lady out.

Photo Shoot

I've held off from posting any belly shots so far. Heck, I've held off taking any pictures actually. But as I begin to feel that my body can't possibly get any bigger, I've decided to just get over it and have fun. So, Brant and I took a few pictures yesterday. If you aren't interested in seeing a pregnant belly, then don't scroll down!

And here's how my belly really got so big...

Another Round of Thanks!

Last Friday, Brant's co-workers had a shower for him and McKenzie. And yet again, we were both overwhelmed by the generosity of people. The back of Brant's car was loaded with great stuff that I can't wait to use. And I heard that someone made Brant open each gift and show it off to everyone. I imagine it was somewhat embarrassing for him and I'm grateful to whoever made him do it!!

My co-workers also had a shower for me and it too was fantastic. The cake had the hottest pink icing anyone had ever seen, but man was it delicious! I have also been bringing home a gift here and there from different people at work. It's just been humbling to receive support from everyone around us.

Below is a pic of some of the more recent gifts. McKenzie is a very lucky little girl!!