38 Weeks { and feeling like it}

38 Weeks – 2 Weeks to Go.
Size of baby: Docs say about 7lbs.
Gender: Boy
Weight Gain: No weight gain this week - what are ya kiddin me? I ALWAYS was gaining every single appt up until the DAY I had SJ

{had my appt on Tues... will this be the last time I see one of these rooms??}

Gosh I hope so! It gets so redundant in the end... weight, bpressure, pee in a cup... lets have a baby already... geesh!

How am I feeling: Some days still a TON of energy – no idea where its coming from? I made homemade eggrolls last night for dinner and sauce all in one weekend…Yes I am crazy. And when we need something from the store, like last night we needed Green Onions.. I volunteer to go instead of hubby.. I figure If Im moving.. (like I said in a previous post)… Maybe I’ll go into labor?
I have a lot of smallish contractions/pains. Yesterday I could barely get up, and the pain lasted abouy 3 hours, but then went away. I think its just baby burrowing his head deep in the pelvic area. We’ll see at next appt if this means Im making progress. I don’t remember anything like this happening with SJ.
Im busy though.. cooking a lot and not seeming too tired.. I think it’s the pregnancy adrenaline.. I keep thinking “this could be my last day…” So Im trying to get a ton of things done.
We have a bunch of freezer meals already in the freezer.. eggrolls, homemade sauce, stuffed peppers, chili, but I’d like to try to do some easy things like Potato Skins..and some other quicky freezer foods.. Not sure what freezes well though.. when in doubt… Pinterest I guess!
Baby Movement: Movement this weekend on Sunday in particular was really slow. I was getting a little worried. But today we’re back in action.. kicking and squirming like mad. I feel like he’s moved down a little, as I don’t feel his feet lodged in my ribcage anymore.. BONUS!
Appointments/Events: Today 1.24.12.
Baby is lower. Head is right there – says my Dr. I’m almost 2cm dialated. Which is so surprising to me! She said they don’t think the baby will be as big as they originally told me.. thank goodness! She also said she doesn’t think they’ll have to induce and that she thinks I’ll go into labor on my own, possibly very soon, or could be more near my due date which is on or around Superbowl Sunday.. haha..
I asked her what could speed up labor.. and she said some people say Raspberry Tea.. so I went straight from the appointment, and I am sipping it as I type right now. That evening.. I started having a lot of pelvic pain.. and smallish contractions/braxton hicks.. so maybe it does work???

My next appt is Jan 31st – so we’ll see if anything has changed.. – Who knows.. I could not make it!
It’s a great mystery.. when will I have this baby????
Truth is, no one really knows when or how I will go into labor…but it was nice to hear my dr’s optimism!
Craving: Salty Stuff.. Peanut Butter, Pears,, Apples, Cranberry Juice (again).. Nothing really in particular this past week…
Missing: Sleeping comfy, and not snoring and waking myself up.
Funny Things/Baby is Coming: Samantha Senses! SJ has been kinda weepy on a few short occasions. Like when our nanny comes over, she loves her.. Its like her 2nd Momma.. But for some reason, she was extra clingy last week and wanted me to hold her..etc.. Same with my MOM! I couldn’t believe it.. She loves her Grammy so so so much, and often times tells me “go downstairs Momma” when Grammy is over. But she latched on to me like a stranger had entered our house! Good thing is it only lasted about 5 min, and she bounced right back to her normal self. I think she is aware that baby is coming soon, along with some changes in her life. I almost feel bad for her. We’re going to tip her whole world upside down in a few weeks, days.. etc.. (whenever this bean is cooked) And I don’t want her to feel neglected or sad. So I am planning on just paying as much attention to her as I can.. and involving her in everything right from the start with baby brother.
Special Buys/Finds This Week/Getting Ready Items:
Baby Book
Its super cute! Im gonna pack it in my hospital bag, this way all the details are super fresh in my mind!

And I think its because subconsciously I know we're going to be turning SJ's world upside down in a few days, weeks, whenever baby comes.. I keep feeling the need to buy her little things to surprise her with/keep her busy.. Im feeling bad already for all the changes she'll have to adapt to.. and just hoping little gifts and surprises can make the transition easier...

Just small little things like:

Spices from the Dollar Tree that she can play with and cook/mix with water.. when we're cooking

I found an awesome dollhouse that I thrifted for her.. and I found $1 doll furniture on sale.. so I got her a little bed, dresser, table..

Puzzles (she loves puzzles)

New Crayons/Paper

Toy Drum

Stickers..
So hopefully with all this new stuff plus her goody bag at the hospital, she'll be all happy and take this big change very well.. but we'll see.. All I can do is hope for the best, But im not gonna pretend that when Im pushing this baby out, she'll be on my mind... Maybe thats a good thing.. It will be my motivation to push harder and faster, right?

Momma's Hospital Bag

Momma's Hospital Bag

brother's is already packed see HERE.. and mine has been for some time, but never got around to this post...till now.

I had NO time to pack with Samantha.. I was induced in an emergency type fashion, and not allowed to leave the hospital.. so whatever was packed already at home had to do. I didnt pack hardly ANYTHING practical.

So this time, I am prepared...(or so I think)

I've got toiletries, shampoo/body wash/loofah/facewash/travel toothbrush/makeup remover/etc. A comfy outfit for after baby, flannel pants, white nursing tank and cardigan.
There are nursing bras in the bag as well, socks, a huge fluffy robe my momma got me for Christmas, Mints, Gum, Phone Charger, Hair Ties, A large eco shopping bag, (for all the things they give you at the hospital - diapers, wipes, etc.)
I feel pretty well prepared..
Some last minute things we have set aside are the camera, batteries, laptops, ipods
Im getting so excited/nervous/scared. I am a wide range of emotions these days..
"Im totally ready, just get this thing out of me!"--- to.."My due date isnt till Feb 6th, I have time to do a few more projects, organize more clothes, etc"
But the truth is....no one knows when this baby is coming.. at least for now.
The past few days I have been having small contracitons, and pains in my leg, pelvic area, etc. Seems like my body is getting ready.. just dont know when it will be TIME!
Thats one of the great exciting things about being preggers I guess.. and I think this might be the last time I will be, so I am trying to enjoy the waiting....
Happy weekend Everyone!

37 Weeks - TERM!

37 Weeks – 3 weeks left! – TERM! -

Baby can come at any time now!
So really it’s NOT 9 months... It’s more like 10 that we women are pregnant…
I got brave and took a bunch of pics this week…

Size of baby: 6.5lbs.
Gender: Boy
Weight Gain: 1 lb since last visit
How am I feeling: SO UNCOMFORTABLE…all the time. I need not sugar coat this blog post. I’ll be brutally honest... I’ve been moaning and groaning...not sleeping at all. This weekend I woke up at 2:30am with pelvic pain (not contractions) that were so bad.. I walked around the house in the middle of the night till about 3:15 when I tried for the 3rd time to lay back down and fall asleep. Laying down/Going to bed is a challenge too though, because Im so big.. the pressure goes to my arms, chest, nose.. I snore and I wake myself up.. lovely. I know its SO easy to complain when you are preggo, and Im not really complaining…ha.. Im just documenting so I can look back and miss this.. YES I will miss this.. I missed being pregnant when SJ was born.. something so special about the little bundle inside me.. moving and kicking.. and he’ll be here before you know it.. my belly will be gone, and I will be thinking.. “wow…that went fast.. I miss being pregnant!”
Contractions – had a couple last night.. but they went away..

Baby Movement: Some people/doctors/websites claim that movement slows down after 35 weeks.. Not this baby boy.. he’s SUPER active all the time..Kicking, Turning, (what feels like punching..ha).. Im glad, but I think he’s ready to bust out.. that’s what it feels like anyways…
Appointments/Events: Today 1.18.12.
I am measuring about a week and a few days early.. which puts my due date at January 28-29th now. This could mean something.. could mean nothing.. But baby could come at any time.
He’s scooting his head down a little bit further.. but not quite far enough to be close to “ready” I guess..
Im 1cm dialated, so that’s ½ cm since my last visit.
All looks good & I go back next Tuesday again for another check.
Craving: Water, Juice, FRUITS, , Fresh fruit smoothies,
candy.. (skittles, sours, gummies) – yes all the bad stuff.
Missing: My wardrobe, Being pain free in the pelvic region

Funny Things: Samantha gets whiny sometimes.. and just wants me to hold her.. She says “mommy hodja”- So today when she asked.. I said “You know I cant do that!”… She replied “Mommy Hold Ja after brother comes” So she clearly knows I cant, but she asks anyways.. just to see if I’ll give in.
Special Buys/Finds This Week/Getting Ready Items:
Boppy Cover has arrived! – This thing and I will be best friends soon.
Big Sister Gift(s): I started putting together a little “present” bag to bring with me to the hospital for SJ from little brother. We also have a few gifts stashed around the house for when we come home for her.
Bumper – Making progress.. 3 out of the 4 sides are done!
Frames Hung, Mobile finished, Shelf Hung, Old Window Frame Hung.
I will be posting complete nursery pics/updates soon, and Im going to be featured on a few baby sites!
Baby Book – I have been searching and searching.. and after yesterday and a few contractions at the end of the day, I ordered one online.. I want to hopefully have it in the hospital with me so I can record all the details of this birth, just like I did for SJ. I feel bad… I don’t want this baby to get the shaft! Ha!

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36 Weeks Pregnant!

36 Weeks – 4 weeks left
Size of baby: 5-6lbs. – 18 inches or so..
Gender: Boy
Weight Gain: 2 more pounds since last week.

How am I feeling: Pretty energetic this week. Got a lot done for baby.. Packing hospital bags, hung things in the nursery, cooked some meals, I have a lot more energy in the AM, then my 3-4pm,Im exhausted. Overall though very good for 36 weeks. No back pains like I had with SJ, no swelling at ALL! Ankles are still intact, and Im still wearing my wedding rings.. NOT the case with Samantha.. I was big all over with her!
Contractions – Havent had too many this week. I was getting excited.. but they seemed to cease for the moment!

Baby Movement: Very very active. I can feel his feet up high, and his hands down under my belly, sometimes I feel like he’s stretching.. I can feel both movements at the same time. So amazing…
Appointments/Events: Tuesday... 1.10.12.

First internal exam. I was so excited! My doc says Im maybe a ½ cm dialated… nothing exciting to report.

Baby is head down, but not as far down as he needs to be, she couldn’t feel his head.

At first I was disappointed, what the heck were those contractions for last week??

Then I started thinking... Im going to enjoy my last few weeks of getting ready, and spending time with my family. A girl at work today told me “don’t rush it, it will be here before you know it,” and after some thought she is absoluetley right. Baby will come when he’s ready.. and I am gonna try and enjoy my last few weeks being preggo, since its been pretty low key, and I really enjoy being preggo anyways.. it’s a very cool experience!
Next Appt.. January 18th (sonogram and exam)

Craving: Loving Water, Oranges/Clementines/Tangerines/Smoothies, Bagels and Cream cheese again (*this has been my preggo staple since the beginning!)
Missing: Sleeping comfy, wearing cute clothes, looking decent, having nice nails and feet! .. Im scheduling a mani-pedi and hair appointment very soon before baby gets here
Funny Things: SJ has been really into organizing brother’s stuff, she’ll take out all his clothes and lay them on the ottoman in his room, and say “oh this is so cute, isn’t it momma”.. She also tells me when he comes she’s gonna throw out her diapers and wear big girl underwear.. Well, we’ll see.. That’s my plan anyways once we get on a regular schedule and the weather warms up…
Special Buys/Finds This Week/Getting Ready Items:
Mustela Diaper Cream

We got these adorable shoes from Lori, Lucy and Mark in China!

Thank you SOOO much guys.. I love everything about these shoes!

And Samantha adores her new necklace and matching bracelet.. She went down for a nap with her bracelet on today... so cute!

Wipes are ready and in his room...

I found SJ's Sophie Giraffe yesterday.. He of course wont need this for a very long time, but I put it in his room anyways.
I found this adorable Polo romper as well. But Im scared he'll outgrow it before the weather turns nice.. anyone having a boy this summer??
Since I "think" I have some more time...according to our appt this week, I've started to make his crib bumper. It seems easier than the crib skirt, so I went to joann's today and got the linen fabric to match the skirt. We'll see how it goes, Im gonna sew one section at a time starting tomorrow.

35 Weeks Pregnant - 5 to go

Size of baby: 5-6lbs. Honeydew Melon sized!
Gender: Boy
{I feel like he's dropped in the last week...}
Weight Gain: 1 more pound since last week.
How am I feeling: Some days fine..full of energy and seems like all is ok. Other days… EXHAUSTED… With the ending of the holidays and me being only weeks away.. Im truly wiped out! I have a little cold right now, and Samantha has had a fever for 2 days and been sleeping a lot..and waking up a lot… which doesn’t help things..only keeps me up more than I already am during the night.. But I am thinking this is a good thing. Its preparing me for what is ahead as far as running on little/no sleep.
Contractions.. I got a few today.. about 4.. they were short and very spaced apart. But the feeling took me right back to labor with SJ, and I remembered the tightening feeling all too well. I guess I’ve been having them for about a week or so. Could have them till the end, or this little boy will be here sooner than Feb 6th! (due date) That’s fine with me, but I have a hair appointment and pedicure I’d like to get done first, okay baby boy?
Baby Movement: Still kicking away, and ready to go..esp after I eat.. always.. Samantha feels him all the time and so does Daddy..
Appointments/Events: Today 1.3.12.
Just a quick check-up today. She said I was measuring fine, and she has no concerns. Baby has a lot of fluid (which was opposite case for SJ) Next week we see if Im at all dialated, and a pelvic exam!
Next Appt.. January 10th
Craving: Water and Cran-Raspberry Juice, and Blueberry mainly for drinks.
Anything sugary, and Clementines!
Everything else is fair game, no nausea or sick feelings at all.
Funny Things: We busted out the carseat and assembled the snuggle me into it to make it all cozy for brother, and we also set up the bassinet downstairs. At first SJ sat right in the carseat, and wanted to climb in the bassinet.. but now she seems to just walk by it and could care less.. thank goodness..
Special Buys/Finds This Week/Getting Ready Items:
Baby Socks
I received a TON of boy clothes from my friend, but I needed a few snuggly socks since her baby was born in August, mine in the middle of winter.. So I thought these were cute.
Boppy Cover
Its beige Minky Fabric and I found it on Etsy at this shop – The Little Owl’s Nest

She can make covers pretty much any color!

It matches my changing table cover in the nursery.

Map Frames
Finally.. they have been sitting on the floor ready to hang for weeks..
They are cut out of different parts of the country where we have close family living.

Hospital Bag List
Finally made and working on a post with pics once my diaper bag(s) come in…

Carseat and Bassinet washed and ready…
I need another Graco car seat base for our infant carrier.. so that is one more thing on my list we need to buy, but it isn’t really essential before baby comes.. but will be nice to have just ONE carrier that fits in both cars in the future.

I have a bassinet/pack n play - I think its called Grammercy.

I used it with SJ. She slept by our bedside for the first month or so..

The carseat is an Evenflo Aura.

I remember testing carseats in the stores and seeing how heavy they were without baby.

This one is perfect.. and gender neutral.. I just have to buy a 2nd base. I dont want to be switching and lugging 2 different car seats between cars...

Memory Lane..

This is SJ's nursery dresser.. I was so anal and must have organized over and over again for MONTHS in North Carolina..

Here's her crib...I had to put the carseat IN the crib, because our cat at the time tried crawling into the carseat when it was on the floor.

Well thats all for my 35 week post!

Next week I go to the dr's and she will see if im making any progress yet!

34 Weeks - {Unexpected Peek at Baby}

34 Weeks – 6 weeks left

Size of baby: 5-6lbs. Size of Cantaloupe, about 18 inches long
Gender: Boy
Weight Gain: Gained about 5 lbs.. (I blame it on Christmas!)
How am I feeling: Generally ok, but after the holidays now, Im so so tired. I don’t know if it’s a combo of being only 6 weeks away from D-Day or recovery from all the parties/dinners/shopping/presents!
Still feeling abdominal pain in same side… maybe once a day… Dr says they may be early contractions.
Baby Movement: Very active and can feel and see movements from the outside. At Christmas dinner, I think the whole family took turns feeling him kick and turn. According to my Dr – he is head down face down, laying on his side at the moment she felt him (appt yesterday)
Appointments/Events: Yesterday 12-27-11.
Everything looked good. Dr says I was measuring big, and could go early like I did with SJ. I mentioned to her a small “leak” concern. So she sent me for an sonogram (in the office after I was examined). The cervix is beginning to soften…and she could detect a little opening. Other than that when I went for my sono, I couldn’t believe how clear and so cute he was.. I got to see his little teeny face, and it looked just like a baby now, not like a scary alien baby in the beginning sonograms!

And she even said “this baby has a lot of hair”.. I couldn’t believe it!

{the spikey stuff on the pic is his hair... haha... I guess theres a lot there!}

They want me back next week again.. just to keep an eye on things since I had SJ at 38.5 weeks due to low amniotic fluid levels. She advised me to rest as much as I can, get my hospital bag ready, and things ready to go. YIKES! She said Baby Boy is already between 5-6lbs, so could be a big baby.. or I could go early.. Gosh!!

One can never tell, but the fact that they are saying these things makes me both: nervous and excited! SJ weighed 7lbs.11oz., and I had a hard time pushing her out (36 hrs of labor -had her naturally).. so Im a little freaked that she mentioned 8lbs…(she could be wrong, right?)
Craving: Nothing really.. just enjoying all the holiday foods!
Funny Things: After I was at the doctor yesterday, SJ asked me when I got home, “you have the baby yet momma?” Bless her little heart. She knows its soon I think. She asked me this morning when we woke up “are you gonna have the baby today momma?”
Special Buys/Finds This Week: Diaper Bags - I finally settled on two I liked.

One is from Etsy and it is black and white striped (coming soon) The other is the Miller Tote from Vera Bradley in Boysenberry. I love that it ZIPS! I had a tote in the Cambridge pattern, and it would always spill the contents all over the car, house, etc..

Boon Drying Rack - I love this for drying paci's and bottles, and I cannot find our old drying rack!

Diapers, Travel Wipes, Gum and Mints for my hospital bag, travel sized stuff...

And after I got a little "jolt" of get your stuff together!! We threw out the Christmas tree, packed up most of the Christmas decor, and busted out the bassinet which will stay on our main floor.

Not sure if I will use our wooden cradle we have for our room, or just put him right in his crib. I guess thats TBD. So our little man could come any time and looks like he'd be fine! Such great news. Until Next week...

(christmas posts coming soon!)

31 and 32 Weeks Pregnant

31 & 32 Weeks – 8/9 weeks to go.
Size of baby: 3.75 lbs – Large Squash!
His skin is no longer see-through, and he has hair now! (according to my weekly email updates..)
Gender: IT IS A BOY!!
Weight Gain: Another 2lbs
How am I feeling: Trouble sleeping a little this week. I found myself waking up early, throwing in a load of laundry and getting breakfast ready all before 7am.. Usually I’d sleep in till about 7:15 then wake up SJ and rush through everything.. I think it’s the subconscious “nesting” happening here..
A few sharp lower abdomen pains this week, and I noticed my feet hurt a lot at the end of the day. Appetite wise.. feeling fine.. no nausea this week.
The nesting has gone into full effect for sure though.. I finished baby’s crib skirt this weekend, we mounted his bookrack into the wall, I finished more burp cloths, and a blanket.. wheewww….
Appointments/Events: TODAY! – Baby’s Heartbeat was good, and he was VERY active.. as always.. Doctor felt my stomach, and she said he is already in position for birth with his head way down where it needs to be, and the chances of him moving again are very slim.. so good news there!
Craving: Cereal, Pears, Reese Trees, Cinnamon Sugar Toast… Asian food.. Fried Rice, Lettuce Wraps, Sushi.. We’ve been eating a lot of asian lately!
Funny Things: Samantha is very much into changing her doll diapers, so when I registered for baby #2 – (just for the discounts if we need anything.. ) – they give you sample diapers and coupons, so I took the sample diaper and gave them to her, and she LOVES changing her dolls and over..
Special Buys/Finds : Pottery Barn Crib Sheet – Softest ever!
Gerber side snap shirts.. So cute, and with mitten cuffs, bonus. I remember Samantha scratching her face after being only a couple hours old.. poor bubba…
Diapers (size 1) don’t want to buy too many NB stuff

Find: My little pregnancy journal (waaay before my bloggin' days)

I tried to be very specific about how I was feeling/cravings/aversions.. its really neat to look back and compare pregnancies.. they seem to be following the same track.. weight gain, cravings are a little different, and nausea with this baby lasted a LOT longer and was more severe..

Hospital Tour

Last night Daddy and I went for a Sushi dinner, and then went for a tour at the hospital where I will have baby #2. When I had SJ, Mathew was still in the military, and we had her on the base Naval Hospital at Camp Lejeune. My experience was wonderful as far as the staff, etc.. recovery, lactation.. SO I cant help but be very curious and cautious about this experience now. So I had LOTS of questions of course..
-Is it a private recovery room? - yes if you request your own room
- How many visitors allowed? - while in labor ...4 at a time I think its just gonna be me and the hubby though.. I dont want a big party in there!
- Do they give the baby right to the mom after birth - yes you and baby have 1 hour to spend only momma, baby, and daddy..and nurse said.. "cherish this hour, you will never get it back, we call it the Golden Hour" After that baby gets a bath, so does Momma, etc..
- When do I initiate breastfeeding? - During the Golden Hour, right away. With SJ, I think they took her away and washed her up, and then I got washed up, and we didnt try to breastfeed until we were in recovery almost 4 hours after I had her...so this will be a little different.
- There's a nursery? (in NC, SJ stayed with me the whole time, there was no nursery)- Yes, and according to some friends, if you need to rest, they will take the baby for a few hours if Momma wants to sleep,etc.. (which will also be very new to me)

Below is the bed (one of or may be THE one) that I will be "birthing" in.

Its a gorgeous hospital, ipod docs, flat screen tv's in every room, private showers, etc.. and very very clean!

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After that we passed by the nursery, and saw 2 brand new babies being cared for, temperature being taken, one was being fed... It just brought tears to my eyes.. How we will be so blessed in just 9 weeks or so with our very own little bundle again. Its been 2.5 years since we had a newborn, and we started saying to each other .. "do you remember how to give a newborn a bath?" "Oh my gosh, remember Samantha looked like that?" and "Look how small he is!" I can surely say we are very very pumped and cant wait for baby brother to arrive. Touring the hospital was a very good dose of reality and excitement for us for sure.. I cant wait!
Before the tour I turned in my paperwork for admissions...

Which, being a LIST person, got me thinking about Hospital Bag items, etc.. so I started "pinning" a few ideas on pinterest, and making lists of things I need, such as a new diaper bag, coming home outfit, etc..baby booties, hat.. etc..

Concerns!
While touring we also talked about the "signs" of labor, and contractions, and when to come to the hospital, etc. Which Im nervous about, only because with SJ I had a kidney stone, and was also low on fluid, so they induced me, and I had a regular delivery (36 hours total.. but it was a regular delivery) ...
BUt I really dont know the signs of labor, or what my water breaking feels like, or to have to "time" contractions! I guess we'll figure it out however it all plays out. I just hope for a safe and quick delivery... hopefully naturally this time again as well. But most importantly.. I just want a healthy baby again.. Thats really all it comes down to.

Just perfect and healthy.. Im getting butterflies just thinking about it!

For me, giving birth is one of those moments in life that you can never get back, but you never forget.. and even though its scary, unpredictable, painful, exhausting.. (you get the idea).. Even though its ALL those things.. I CANNOT WAIT! (sounds crazy right? haha)

30 Weeks Pregnant!

30 Weeks – 10 weeks to go.
Size of baby: About 3lbs, Size of Cabbage
Gender: IT IS A BOY!!

Weight Gain: Gained another 7lbs. Im around a total of 26lbs I think. The Doctor said she was glad I was gaining more weigh, then on the other hand they have to throw in, "although you do have 2 more months to go.. blah blah.. "whatever.. I eat when Im hungry and Im not going to stress about my weight gain.. I know it all goes away with breastfeeding, which is in my plans just like it was for SJ.
How am I feeling: Extreme bouts of exhaustion are setting in now. I’ve noticed I cannot stay awake anymore past a certain point. Sitting on the couches for work or after dinner, basically anytime, makes me want to cover up with a blanket and go to sleep.
Appointments/Events:

{dr's office appt. 11.30.11}
Next Appt – Was Wed. Everything looks good. Im measuring right on time for the due date, and baby’s heartbeat was around 140. I asked the Dr. what position he was in, and she said she couldn’t tell, that she thought he was just curled up in a ball, and that he still has a lot of time to move around and position himself over the next 9-10 weeks.
Craving: This week its *unfortunately* been sweets.. candy.. yep.. and I know its gonna get worse. Oh, and Grape Nuts Flakes Cereal.. dont ask me why.. I've been obsessed with cereal, cold milk, and ice cubes..cant get enough.. Oh and sharp cheddar cheese and crackers!
Baby Moving: Moving all the time, with a few swift rib jabs that will catch me off guard and really kind of sting!
Funny Things: Im stumped this week!

Special Buys/Finds This Week: We got this adorable outfit from my sister in law when we were in Ohio last weekend, its so c

ute. A little golf outfit I think! And we got some MUCH NEEDED teeny newborn onesies from my other sister in law, and a cute Puma Tracksuit.. I thought it wouldn’t be as fun to dress a little boy, but there are sooo many adorable outfits out there, Im having fun!

Till Next week!

29 Weeks - Gobble Gobble.. I'm Starting to Feel Like One!

29 Weeks – 11 weeks to go.
Size of baby: A Butternut Squash!

Weight Gain: Will find out at next appt 11/30/11
How am I feeling: Little bursts of energy here and there and LOTS of NESTING going on…. I’ve been hard at work at his nursery, making the crib skirt, burp cloths, organizing clothes, buying diapers, etc..
Appointments/Events:
Next Appt – November 30th – routine. Marks the start of my every 2 week visits..

Craving: Air Popped Popcorn is my weakness this week.. I’ve been making white popcorn the old fashioned way on the stove, with oil, and a little salt. I must have at an ENTIRE large bowl last week by myself..and I made 2 batches this weekend..

Baby Moving: He is very active! Jabbing me left and right, and if he’s rotating his little body in there, I can see him doing it and feel it, its so cool. My Mom felt him on the outside this past weekend when her was kicking my left side at dinner.
Funny Things: She says to my belly…”come on Brother!” “come out!”
Special Buys/Finds This Week: I bought a boppy changing pad cover this week in beige. I also bought more fabric and made some more burp cloths.
I have some frames I sprayed white for the wall where the crib is set up.
I also have an old farmhouse window that I was sanding that is a nice piece I think to hang over the changing table/dresser, along with a small shelf underneath to hold creams/powders/wipes.

Happy Turkey Day.. I'll have pics of my big belly next week.. 30 Weeks on Monday!

28 Weeks - {Hello 3rd Trimester!}

28 Weeks – 12 weeks to go.
Welcome THIRD Trimester!

Size of baby: A small cauliflower I beleive...
Gender: IT IS A BOY!! - We have decided on a first and middle name.
Weight Gain: 24 lbs to be exact as of last Dr’s Appt.
How am I feeling: Really tired again.. I notice I am ready for bed much earlier .. I took 2 naps this weekend, and was still in bed by 10… Ugh.. I have so much to do before he gets here and throw in two major holidays.. Im freaking! Im only going to get bigger and more sleepy….
Appointments/Events:
Next Appt – November 30th – routine. Marks the start of my every 2 week visits.. I CANNOT believe im to this point already.
Craving: Noticed this past weekend, I was drinking A LOT of apple juice/cider.. Im forcing myself to drink more water for fear of another pre-labor kidney stone.. It put me in the hospital for 5 days with SJ.. I really really don’t want that to happen again…
Baby Moving: I have to ask the doctor where he is.. im feeling jabbing movements which I assume are his feet at the top of my belly.. and more of a rotating little movements towards the bottom.. If I had to guess, I’d say he’s already in place???
Funny Things: Since we added some furniture and bookrack to little brother’s room, she’s been “sharing” all of her stuffed animals and books with brother. She loves her carpet.. and getting changed on his super thick and cozy rug. This weekend she layed on his rug in just her diaper for about 10 minutes straight.. haha!
Special Buys/Finds This Week:
BookRack is up!
Rocker and Ottoman all set!
Burp Cloths Made (4 more)
Crib Skirt (started)
I am looking now for a new diaper bag. I have an OiOi Giraffe one.. and Im a little tired of it.. I think I need something new for the little guy. I have a few saved on Pinterest.. and there is a Vera Bradley one I like too.. we’ll see ..

18 Weeks - Its A.....

18 Weeks
Size of baby: Small Grapefruit

{photos of cookies from themacs blog}

Gender:

IT IS A BOY!!

Weight Gain:

Gained another 3lbs since last weigh in.
How I am Feeling:

Feeling generally really good. I have been having sharp pains a few times (scary) so I called my Dr and she said its probably from uterus and ligaments stretching.. and I described what the pain was and where, and after that she said .. I probably shouldn’t be picking up Samantha if I really don’t have to anymore.. (uh-oh…sometimes she just wants me to hold and cuddle her..guess its gonna have to be on the couch from now on) So Samantha will have to already make some adjustments, ha!
Appointments/Events:
Today.. was a big one! Had a LONG ultrasound, taped by DVR, showed all the hands, feet, legs, organs, brain, heart, made sure all parts were there.. And clear as day.. we saw a little something between his legs.. that’s right we’re having a BOY! Im so so excited! I would have been just as excited for a girl, but now we get to experience both genders, and I am so thankful for that.. He’s very healthy and very active! I guess the early movement should have tipped me off that it was a boy!
Next Appt is October 4th – just a general in and out visit.
Craving:
I’ve been enjoying Cheez-It’s a little too much, and I’ve had some amazing craving satisfying spicy meals this week, including Cream Cheese Jalapeno Poppers, ahhh love them!
Missing:
This week, I had a really bad day at work.. so I was missing alcohol! Ha! A large Margharita or Pina Colada would have made things a lot better. I just am trying to focus on what is most important and that is my family and this baby.. its been a couple days, and I feel better already, but it was a bad bad day..multiply that by zillions of hormonal changes, lets just say I was a mess.. tears were shed…
Baby Moving:
Yes. Same amount of movement, on Sunday 8-28-11, I felt it moving and put my hand on my stomach, and actually felt something from the outside! I don’t remember feeling on the outside with Samantha THIS early! And every day since.. I feel him/her on and off..this baby is super active!
Funny Things:

Just today we told Samantha the baby was a boy.. now she points and says to my tummy.. "boy".. and I tell her yeah, thats your little brother! They are gonna be so cute together..
Special Buys/Finds This Week:
Swaddle Blankets – I bought a ton of these in North Carolina before Samantha was born, and she STILL uses them. I know it is money well spent … and they hold up so nice, are breatheable, and I’ve used them for everything since she was born.

{18 Week Shot - 9.5.11}

Today was an incredibly big day for us, and we feel so blessed to not only know its a BOY, but get another clean healthy report for our little growing bean!

Now its time to break out the trucks, cars, and blue and green colors that I've been secretly praying to do.. God is so good.. Thank you Jesus for this wonderful day!

June 21-25th 2009 - One Year Ago - Warning .. Long post!

Exactly one year ago on Father's Day.. I was huge and pregnant, just taking a nap with George and I started getting unbeleiveable back pain. I knew it wasnt labor, although I was about 36 weeks pregnant. So I took a shower, and it got so bad, that Mathew found me crying on the floor in the bathroom in pain, and throwing up.

This was my "home" for 6 days, and I came home with no baby.. and pain not totally gone.



He called the Labor and Delivery line at the base to see what this could be. They said it may be back labor .. beginning.. and not to worry, and I dont need to come in.

The pain escalated so badly .. by 6pm, we were racing to Camp Lejeune, and had to pull over, so I could get sick in a parking lot on base. I had no idea what it could have been. All I knew was that I was scared for the baby, and wanted this unbeleivable pain to go away.

They hooked me up to a fetal monitor, and asked me where the pain was on a scale of 1-10.. I cried out .. 10!!

So after tests, etc.. they sent me home with a HUGE bag of medicine, which I didnt want to take .. b/c I was scared for the baby.. So at 5am, the pain was back.. and we were back on the road to the hospital again. and I stayed for 6 days.



They had me on Morphine to control my pain, and it was the ONLY thing that worked. I checked in to a regular room for the first night, and then they moved me to the post-pardum wing.. So I had my own room, which coincidentally ended up being the same room and SAME bed after I had Samantha.

My stay was so tough.. since no one could tell me what was causing the pain. They did tests, blood work, xrays (what they could do with baby inside me) and they attributed it to a possible Kidney Stone. But again I was there for 5 days... hooked up to an IV and just hoping I would at least go into labor.

I was in so much pain I couldnt do anything. I hardly ate, and drank, and Mathew had to help me do everything, He washed me in the shower, and held my IV cord so it wouldnt get wet, and he'd help me get dressed and since I wasnt home to cook dinner, he and George had to fend for themselves, so he'd come to the hospital every day.. and usually again around dinner, and we would share one of these...



We got to like the food, and I remember I loved drinking chocolate milk most of all, and we both loved this dish they gave us one night called Chuck Wagon Stew! haha.. I'll have to try and make it someday.

We'd eat, and cuddle, and watch Seinfeld on TV. Then Mathew would go home, and get ready for work the next day, and spend some QT with George (the kitty)... By the end of the week George was sleeping next to him in bed.. awww. ( miss you boodie)!!!

So at night I would hear all the crying babies and I would start crying myself, thinking, will I ever have this baby, and please God, make everything be ok. Please let my baby be ok after all this.

So exactly one year ago today.. around this very time .. 12 noon they let me go home. No baby, no explainations as to why all the pain. They wouldnt induce me before 39 weeks, so I had a follow up appointment with the doctor on July 4th at 10am. to see how I was feeling after being discharged.

I think the Doctor's thought that if I did have a kidney stone, I would most likely go into labor anyway, and thats why they admitted me, to control my pain, and wait it out. But after 5 days.. I had just about had enough, I wanted to go home and wait there.



So I said farewell to my home away from home, for now.

It was a Friday afternoon in Jacksonville, and we headed to the commissary.. Me, slowly waddling down the aisles, still in pain ....but pain I could deal with. We got groceries and headed home, where I took a long nap... I got hardly any sleep in the hospital, since they kept bringing me my pills in the middle of the night and I would call them for more pain meds as I was literally crying out loud with pain some nights.

Ahhh, but I was home....and who knew when the baby was coming. It was nice to be in our big bed again, and with Mathew and George.