The latest photos of Alisa and States!

Alisa is now 32 weeks pregnant and running out of room for States. He is letting her know it everyday with numerous kicks and punches to her belly. She has also been experiencing his hiccups about 3-4 times per day. We found out on last Thursday the reason why States is running out of room....he's going to be a BIG BOY. Our doctor expects him to be at least an 8 pounder. Our due date is still August 16, but our doctor said he could come earlier. Here are a few photos of Alisa and the big boy!!!

Here is a photo of Alisa during the ultrasound all lubed up!

A day at Build-a-Bear Workshop!

Aunt Loreta was very generous and gave us money to purchase a teddy bear for States. We decided it would be very special for his first teddy bear to be made by us. Here are some photos of our visit to the Build-a-Bear Workshop!

First, we had to pick which bear would be perfect for States. We chose a traditional teddy bear.

Then we had to get the teddy bear stuffed.

Next, we had to choose a heart for the bear and make a wish on it before it was sewn in.

Here is States' first teddy bear!

Surprise baby shower from my students!

My fourth grade students were great this year! They were very helpful and supportive during my pregnancy. They would pass out and collect papers, run many errands for me, and most of all they were always good when Mrs. Beck had to leave (ok...run) out of the classroom for one of my many bathroom breaks. The students also gave lots of advice about babies, since most of them come from large families, and they volunteered their names for the baby. The sweetest thing that they did for me was my surprise baby shower. They organized a party for the last week of school and showered me with tons of baby gifts. It was a wonderful memory that I will always cherish.

Here is the collection of States' gifts!!

and the name is.....

You might be asking yourself how did they come up with the name States. Is it because Alisa and I met at Oklahoma State? Is it because of United States? Is it something they came up with on their own? All of those are good guesses, but none of them are correct. The name States actually came from a former board member, States Hines, at the American Red Cross Greater Palm Beach Area Chapter. I have seen his name on various Red Cross materials and always thought it was a cool name. When I told Alisa about it, she loved it from day one! She loved the uniqueness of the name and also that it had patriotic ties. The challenges that Alisa has experienced with her name is why we wanted to give States an original name, but also a name that everyone could spell and pronounce.

So there you have it....the story of States! We will keep you posted on the middle name once it is chosen.