Final Touches

Thurs June 30th checked in with HBP Freezing my mom out at 66 degrees

French toast for breakfast

Bed Rest

Maternity Cast made by Mom and Martha

While finishing up with maternity photo shoots, baby showers and diaper parties...things have started to get a little crazy. On Thursday June 30th, while at work I started to feel a little light headed. So knowing that hypertension runs in my family and previously having pre-hypertension I thought it would be wise to check my BP while at work. I checked it on the hour from 10-1 and it kept getting higher. At one point my diastolic was pushing 100. I paged my OB doctor and he wanted to see me ASAP, so work had to call another RDH to see my pm patients and I rushed to see the doctor. He checked it twice and sent me to Labor and Delivery to monitor me for what we thought was just a few hours. After keeping me all night and until 6pm the next day, my BP finally leveled out. At this point he sent me home on Bed Rest and said we needed to get at least another week in, making me 38 weeks by 7.7.11. This was the date he has chosen for Demi's arrival. My org due date was July 21st but due to the risk of Pre-eclampsia he feels that inducing two weeks early will be the best choice with less complications. So as I lay in bed with two dogs and a lap top, I've got everyone else doing my "to-dos" before Demi arrives. The past two days Douglas, Mom, Martha and Judy have been working here to make sure everything is baby ready. Anything from doing laundry, organizing, getting haircuts, building a fence, painting my toes making the belly cast and cooking....they've about got it all knocked out. Today is the 4th of July and we are squeezing in all the last minute things before our Fire-cracker arrives on the 7th. Tmrw is my OB appt, Wednesday is the day to check in the hospital for Thursday's induction. So here are some shots of our last minute preparations....

June 4th Maternity Shoot

33weeks. June 4th. Studio Shots. Panema, OK.

Showers and Cakes

I've had three showers and a Diaper party! We have so many amazing ppl that have been so supportive and helpful during the preperation for Miss Demi Paige Bowen. I'd like to thank Judy and Aunt Debbie for my Alma shower and all the church ladies who bought Demi some great things. So may ppl I don't even know have supported us!!!


I'd like to thank my mom and Martha for a wonderful Family shower held in Charleston at the Club house. Demi's cake was amazing and made by Confectionatley Yours (same as our wedding cake) the Top tier was chocolate and bottom was the famous strawberry cake! Martha spent so much time with the decor and making sure everything from the spoons to the guestbook matched perfectly!!! We had such a great turn out of local family and friends who attended the shower.

Thank you to all the girls at work. Loren and I had a combined shower and a lucheon from all the ladies at Criswell Dental Clinic!!! Loren and I are a month apart on our due dates!!!

32 & 36 Weeks

32weeks


36weeks

Demi's Room

Mom, Martha and I spent months getting Miss Demi's room perpared to perfection!!

Painting from Jennifer Schalski!

Chandelier Specially ordered for her room!

Letter made by Roxanne Daily

Ultrasounds

Comparing Newborn Photos. Doug and I the day we were born and Demi's 4D US!!!

Look at that sweet Face!

I wear a size 11 and Douglas wears a 13!! She's gonna have a big foot!!! haha

She's always sucking her thumb!!

30 Weeks/May 7th

Im so behind on blogging so Im going to backtrack and get caught up! On may 7th I was about 30 weeks. We did our first maternity shoot. Here are some shots from 30 weeks.

Entering the last Trimester

Entering the last Trimester @ 27 Weeks and Counting....

Last week our OB appointment went well. Gaining a total of 16lbs @ 27 weeks everything is going great. I feel good and have to tell myself to slow down. Between shooting clients on the weekends, seeing patients during the week and shopping for Demi's room....I'm trying to find time to slow it down a notch. While shopping this last week I got a little hot and restless and just had to make myself sit down for a min. Sometimes while talking to patients I get a little short winded and have to slow down talking too... lol. Work is keeping me in shape and active, which really helps.

It's starting to sink in that Demi will be here in a matter of just a few months. She is always kicking and moving around. That's the most amazing part of pregnancy to me. I love every kick. This weekend Daddy put up her Crib and Dresser and I have the bedding all together. Now we're just adding the final touches.

Our maternity shoot is May 7th and two showers to follow along with a diaper party.... Daddy still has to put up the fence for the doggies in the back yard and I have a list of honey-do's he doesn't even know about. Childbirth and Breastfeeding classes are coming up too! Looking forward to all the new changes!

24th Week Check up

24 weeks and counting: Wow how time has flown. I'm 24 weeks yesterday and my last OB appointment went well. Dr Torres said that Demi was in the 97% percentile, meaning that she's up there on her growth chart! He said we have an over-achiever! Probably means she's gonna be a long legged big foot little girl. Doug being 6"4 (size 13 shoe) and me being 5"8 (size 11 shoe).... she's got height on her side. lol. I've gained a total of 12lbs and feel wonderful. This week I have started to feel some serious movement. She's moving all around and last night as I was watching American Idol, she was kicking so hard I could see my belly moving. Great moment!!!

Nursery: Demi's Room is coming together. Carpet and wallpaper in closet is done. Chandelier is ordered and so is the furniture. Daddies honey-do list keeps getting longer and longer!!! I'm definitely nesting and getting ready for my little angel.

Cravings: This month I've craved Fried Mushrooms and Firehouse Subs!

Getting Ready for Demi Paige...

Me at 22 weeks

Crib, not the bedding.

Custom Car seat cover

Petunia Pickle Bottom Diaper Bag

This week Daddy pulled up the carpet in the nursery, Lowe's came to measure the room and they are coming out next week to lay the new carpet. Martha, my second mom is going to design the closet with Damask wallpaper along the back wall on her Spring Break. Our shopping trips together are starting to require tennis shoes rather than heals.

So far I've registered at a few stores: Target and Toys R Us. Thank you to my cousin Adrienne who helped us get "in the know" about all the baby ins and outs. Man, I have a lot to learn.

Today I ordered the baby furniture at Blessed Baby. Finalized the patterns and design at Baby Chic and also bought a 180.00diaper bag at Destination Maternity. I'm currently shopping for a Chandelier for Demi's room and I think all the big stuff should be done by then.

Today my dad got to see the US video of Demi and he thought that was really cool. He said, "this right here tells me two things". 1. technology has come a long way and 2. how could anyone not believe in God. That was my same thoughts as I watched her suck her little thumb! Im so in love and ready to meet Demi Paige.

It's a GIRL!

Doug and I would like to welcome you Miss Demi Paige Bowen. AKA Miss America 2028.

Today God Blessed us with amazing news. We are going to be the proud parents of a baby Girl this July. At 8am this morning we had a fan club go with us to witness the blessing of God. Doug and I along with our moms and Aunt Debbie and Martha joined us on this special day.

The Ultrasound Tech was taking all the measurements and said the baby was breached making it hard to see "her" legs. Once we took several shots of the head, legs, heart and other parts we were able to get a clear shot of our baby girl. What amazing words to hear! The whole time baby Bowen was sucking her thumb with her "left" hand. Her daddy, aunt and two grandpa's were all left handed...so we not only have a lefty, but a thumb sucker!

Her heart rate was in the 140's and she was moving all around.

We have her perfect name picked out and wanted something unique and a first name no one else had....SO..... Baby Bowen's name is Demi Paige. There were so many other names I loved like Riley, Briley and Ali-Beth. But after much debating, we wanted her to have a special, perfect, unique name. Choosing a name is much harder than I thought. We've got the Boy name for next time.

Daddy has already made comments like, "she's not dating until she's outta this house" and No short skirts or revealing outfits are aloud. He's too busy setting all the rules, while momma is out shopping for Chandlers for the nursery and Tu-tu's for her pageant attire. and.....while Memaw is knitting hats and diaper covers. ....and while Pepaw is working to pay for all of Demi's new clothes and necessities.

Once we got home, Doug and I watched the video together of Demi moving all around, sucking her thumb and watching that little heart beat so fast. At that moment, I felt the presents of God telling me this little miracle is perfect in every way. She is a child of God and as a praying mother, I pray he wraps His hands around her protecting her at every moment. I owe all this to the Lord above and I'm so grateful to be able to take part in His creation. Demi is a blessing from above and the little Queen I've always wanted. She will have everything she ever wanted and be blessed in every way.

Thank you all for your many prayers and support. All of our friends and family have been so supportive throughout this experience.

19 weeks

19 week OB appointment. Today's appointment went well, Dr Torres was very impressed that I had only gained a total of 7lbs, he said to keep doing what ever I was doing. My blood pressure was good and he heart rate was 153bpm. I have been feeling fetal movement for the last week and I'm looking forward to March 7Th. We will find out the sex in two weeks.

I recently bought some maternity clothes and started wearing those. I was surprised at the comfort of the jeans...lol. As ugly as they are, they are comfortable. I can still wear mine but I like that smooth look rather than the "I ate too much so I have to un-button my jeans look".....

This week we are getting the room started with moving furniture and getting new carpet soon after. Then once we find out the sex, let the shopping begin. We are also preparing to have a fence installed for our three babies. No, we are not booting them outside, but this will allow us to let them out without a leash. I'm really looking forward to getting the baby room ready and start some spring cleaning.

Picknic at Fort Smith Lake+ Fetal Movement

Today Doug and I loaded up the three dogs and took them for a walk and picknic at Fort Smith Lake. We ate sandwiches and walked the dogs all around the lake taking photos enjoying the view! Last week we were dealing with 1-2 foot of snow. This week we were enjoying the 60 degree weather.

After we got home and ate lazania for dinner I was feeling the baby move. Today was the First day for Daddy to feel the fetal movement!! It was amazing for him to feel it too!!

What a great Sunday the Lord has blessed us with!

Photography Honor + Pageant Donator

I was asked to be the official photographer for the Miss Western Arkansas Pageant Preliminary Winner. The winner of both Teen and Miss will be contestants in the Miss Arkansas Pageant this summer and the chance to compete in the Miss America Pageant. My services include:

-$675.00 Photo-shoot (Three professional photographers)

-Hair and Makeup Provided (Details by Professional Cosmetologist/separate donation)

-2 Proof CD's Fully Edited (Miss Western, Teen Western and Director of Miss Western)

-2-3 hour Photo-shoot

-3-5 outfit changes

Location will be at Candice Bowen Photography Studio in Alma, AR.

Date is TBA and Winners are TBA.

Website details: www.candidsbycandice.com

Snow Day + Dogs

Okay for now, all I seem to be posting about "Project Bowen" is our Dogs. So when we have the baby, it will be "project baby", Im sure. My child will have more photographs than a photographers child. O wait. He/She will be a Photographers Child. Well....that's how I tell my story. Photos are the best way to express art, feelings, emotions and life itself. So for now, it's just the three stooges. Sadi, Skippy and Bruiser. They are the joy of our life. We love to watch them, as they are so entertaining.

THE THREE STOOGES

THE BOYS

SKIPPY- AKA: WMD

BRUISER

SADI ANN