Induction Time

Well, our little guy decided that he's still not ready to come out on his own, so we are headed to the hospital this evening to start the induction process. I am praying that everything goes well and that he is a healthy baby! It is so surreal to me to know that this is the last time I'll be in my house without my baby boy here. Last night was the last night that we will sleep without our baby in his cradle. It's a weird feeling to know exactly (well, not exactly but close) when he will be here. I am sad that we won't have the element of surprise when my labor starts.... no water breaking in the middle of the night, timing contractions, etc... but you know what, at this point I just want a healthy baby and healthy delivery for me! This was apparently all in God's plan! We can't wait to meet our little boy. It is so exciting to think that he will probably be here sometime in the next 24 hours! I am not letting myself get too disappointed about having to be induced, or possibly not getting to do my natural birth, because I know that I will have other children... well, God willing I will have other children. Experiences can be different! Plus, even if for some reason we don't get to have any more children then I will still have my beautiful baby boy! God is so amazing... His love is so plentiful and his blessings numerous!

We will be taking a computer to the hospital so that we can keep everyone updated via facebook and my blog. Ah, the wonders of technology! =) Thank you in advance for all of your prayers for a healthy delivery, healthy baby, and healthy momma!

Still No Baby

My due date has come and gone, and our little boy has apparently decided that he'd rather stay inside of me for forever instead of coming out to meet us all! Hehe... I had a doctors appointment this morning (which I was very nervous about) but it turned out ok. I have progressed from a "1" to a "2" in dilation, and am 50% effaced. Also, baby boy has moved down some, but not a whole lot. I knew that I had not been contracting much last week, and apparently I was right! I was just really glad to hear that I had made progress. My doctor is going to give me a few more days in order to hopefully obtain my desire to not be induced. However, he doesn't want me to go past the end of the month, so I am scheduled to come in on Wednesday evening to start cervidil (I'm pretty sure that's what it was) which is basically a medicine used to help your cervix along. Then, if things don't happen on their own with that medicine I'll be started on pitocin in the morning. Basically, if he doesn't come on his own, the latest we will meet our little boy would be Thursday afternoon! At this point I am most concerned for our little guy's health and my own health, so if I have to throw out my wishes for a natural birth and all that jazz then so be it. I just really would like to avoid having a cesarean if at all possible! So, the sooner we get him out the better, even though my doctor warned me that I will still be at an increased risk of having to have a c-section. We are hoping that our little guy decides to come on his own and we can skip all of this mess and worry,  but we'll see! I had a horrible night last night where I woke up every hour, and then at 5am started having contractions... which of course went away or else I'd be in the hospital right now! I was able to nap when I got home from our appointment which was nice, and now that I am "maternity leave" I'm able to take things easy at home. I really don't do well with these cervix exams! They take a toll on me! I am still very crampy from this morning and just tired in general. It's all for you baby boy... you are well worth the wait! Now, hurry up because your dad and I (plus soooo many other people) can't wait to meet you!

40 Week Survey

Here we are! 40 Weeks and what will hopefully be my LAST pregnancy survey! For this little guy at least! ;-)

The 40 Week Survey

How far along?: 39 weeks and 6 days! One day to go! Haha!

Total weight gain: 41 pounds. I think it's because my mom has been feeding me so much this week! ;-) But hey, that's really not a bad weight gain for my body type!

How big is baby?: Big? Haha! I don't know but if he gained an ounce a day, from my last ultrasound, then he'd weigh 8 pounds and 2 ounces! I'm hoping he comes out somewhere around 7 1/2 pounds!

Maternity clothes?: Today I wore a dress to work, when I normally never do. It was that hot! Like I said last week, I don't exactly have many hot weather maternity clothes!

Stretch marks?: Nope! HOORAY!!!

Sleep: Not horrible, but not great. Last night was the worst. I got up about 4 times to go to the bathroom and had a contraction every time I got up. It was interesting and I was sure hoping that I was going in to labor... turns out I was not!


Best moment this week: Knowing that he could be here at ANY minute! Also, we had a great doctors appointment in Midland because they said baby boy looked healthy and everything was great on the fetal monitor!

Movement: Still moving like crazy... even though I don't see how he has any room!

Food cravings: My mom made me chocolate chip cookie dough and it was AMAAAZING!

Gender: Sweet, sweet, sweet baby boy!

Labor Signs: I've had contractions on and off all week, but nothing that I can count or keep track of. I also of course had my membranes stripped, so "things" happened Monday night which I won't go into details, but it was a sign that labor is on the way! haha...

Belly Button in or out?: The top started to poke out again. Lovely, just lovely.

What I miss: Not having to question every single pain... "Am I having contractions?", "Should I count this?!"

What I am looking forward to: Meeting my son!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Weekly Wisdom: Enjoy your last bit of freedom before your baby gets here! I have been loving spending time with my hubby in the evenings! However, we are super ready to meet our little one!

Milestones: So, you're 40 weeks pregnant and wondering "where is Baby?" Not to worry. Only five percent of women deliver on their actual due dates. You're not over-due for another two weeks. It's hard to wait, isn't it? As your body prepares for delivery, you may notice more frequent rounds of Braxton Hicks contractions during which your abdomen tightens and relaxes. You'll also experience times of more intense contractions that may or may not become regular. During your office visit, your healthcare provider will tell you if your cervix is thinning and opening as it prepares for childbirth.

Happy to be 40 weeks!

Hellllo belly!

Final Fun(?) Facts:
- Hips: 39"
- Breasts: 39"
- Waist at belly button: 42"
- Current weight: 155!

Update

Not a whole lot to update, except for the fact that we may or may not be having a baby this week! Hehe... I went in this morning for my 39 week check up and was still not dilated. Still stuck at a "1". So, while doing my cervix exam my doctor stripped my mucous membranes. Sorry if that is TMI, but I figured you'd want to know what was happening, and plus, this is my blog for my future recollection of all of these events, so deal! ;-) Stripping your membranes is a natural way to try to induce labor. My doctor is hoping that this will help me progress and will keep us from having to use medical induction methods, something of course I am against if I can avoid it. Basically what stripping your mucous membranes means is: "The reason that this procedure is a natural way to induce labor is because removing the mucus plug as well as disrupting the attachment of the bag of water to the uterus will cause the uterus to contract. Often times, once the mucus plug is removed (which is a thick collection of mucus that seals the cervix from anything trying to enter the uterus), labor starts within 3 days." My doctor told me that 70% of women will have their baby within 3 days of this procedure. Interesting! So, naturally I went home and immediately started getting all of my ducks in a row.... yes the ducks that should have been in a row for weeks now! My desk is now all organized and I am caught up enough to where I could leave, our hospital bag is packed and waiting by the door, and the cradle bedding is all washed and back on the cradle! We are ready for baby!!! I have had a rough day ever since the procedure (that's what I'm calling it by the way)... it brings on cramping and sometimes spotting. I've been very crampy all day and very tired. I even took a small nap! Now we are playing the waiting game! Hopefully baby boy decides to come pretty soon! My "dream date" is tomorrow, so we'll see! Thank you for all of the prayers and well wishes!!!!!

39 Week Survey

A little late... but I've been busy preparing for baby!

The 39 Week Survey

How far along?: 38 weeks and 6 days! Only one more week!

Total weight gain: 39 pounds! Seems like I'll meet my goal of only gaining 40!

How big is baby?: On ultrasound he is 7 pounds 8 ounces... that's a big baby! =)

Maternity clothes?: The puzzle this week was finding shorts. See, all of my maternity clothes are for winter pretty much, so when it hit 90 this week I was a little hot!

Stretch marks?: No.. could I really make it all the way without them?! Please, yes!

Sleep: Rough. I wake up at least twice a night to go to the bathroom, and then my back has been hurting so it's very hard to get comfortable. Then, little boy decides it's the most appropriate time to wake up and dance around riiiighhht when I'm trying to fall asleep! So kind of him!

Best moment this week: Seeing and hearing that our little guy was nice and healthy via ultrasound and fetal monitor... and my mom is now here!!!!!!

Movement: He could probably win awards for 'Baby who moved the most in utero", haha!

Food cravings: Mini chips-a-hoy cookies... yum.

Gender: Sure do hope he comes out as a boy, hehe... he has a lot of boy clothes and what not!

Labor Signs: I was having contractions that I couldn't feel while at the doctor on Tuesday. Only reason I knew was because they showed up on the monitor! Other than that I had one contraction that I felt on Thursday night and then while walking on Saturday I felt two contractions but they went away when we returned to the house and I sat down. My body is definitely getting ready... it's just taking a while!

Belly Button in or out?: No change. Still just kinda flat!

What I miss: Not wondering "was that a contraction or am I just uncomfortable"? And not worrying about my blood pressure.

What I am looking forward to: OUR BABY'S ARRIVAL!!! One more week until my due date!

Weekly Wisdom: When your doc tells you to take it easy, listen to him. Otherwise your mommy will get mad at you! ;-) hehe...

Milestones: One week to go—although doctors already consider you full-term, so you could have your baby anytime. With your uterus stretched tight to hold your full-sized baby, he has little room to move around. With the lack of space, you may notice your baby isn't kicking as much. Your little one isn't the only one who's scrunched—your internal organs have less room too. Breathing will become more labored as your lungs have less space, and your stomach has less room too, so you should expect to eat several smaller meals throughout the day. Many women lose their mucus plug a week or two before delivery (though for others it doesn't happen until right before delivery). If the mucus is pink or streaked with blood, it is known as the bloody show and usually means labor will begin within the next day. (Hasn't happened yet!!!)

Someone's face is growing!

Sorry that it's a little washed out!

The Countdown Begins!

There are only 12 more days until my due date, and really today is almost over so, 11 days! Holy smokes! Yesterday we had a regular OB appointment which was boring as usual. Heartbeat sounded good, fundal height was right on, etc etc... However, today I had an appointment with the specialist in Midland. It was both a good and bad appointment. First off, our "little" boy is currently measuring at 7lbs 8oz on ultrasound! WOW! He'd be perfect size if he came out TODAY. haha! He was measuring right with my due date which was good and everything looked healthy ultrasound wise. The bad of the appointment was that my blood pressure was high, which it is usually higher at this doc than at my normal doc. So, I get to do another 24hr urine analysis and blood work to see if I'm developing pre-eclampsia. After the ultrasound I had to be hooked up to a fetal monitor for about 20 minutes. It was so hard to try to relax during that because I could hear his heartbeat and it's fluctuations. Apparently the fluctuations were when I was having contractions! Who knew?! I didn't feel them so I didn't know what was going on and was worried about our little guy. The doc said that everything looked good with the test though, so right now it's just a sit and wait kinda deal. We'll see what the results of the urine analysis and blood work are. I unfortunately have to go back to this doctor again next Tuesday. I thought this was going to be our last appointment with him. He just wants me to come back to check everything again, but like he said, only if I am still pregnant! Ha! My doctor told me that I won't go past the end of the month. He said that if I am even dilated to a two and don't have him by Monday the 28th that I'll be induced on the 28th. If I'm not dilated at my appointment on the 21st then we will wait and check me again on the 28th and then induce before month end. I am hoping and praying with all of my might that he comes on his own. Like I mentioned in my previous post, we are really hoping for a natural birth if and only if possible. We feel very prepared for this, but you just never know what will happen. The thing with induction is that first off it's more medicine that your body doesn't need. It makes you go into labor when your body is not yet telling you it's time. Then, it makes contractions harder and faster, so you almost definitely need an epidural. So, there would go my hopes of a natural birth! We'll see though..... Come on little boy, decide it's time next week sometime! haha... My mom is now coming on Thursday, as in two days, instead of Friday because she wants to help me out around the house and help me relax. My doctor told me to start taking my blood pressure at work (since I told him that I can't stop working unless I REALLY have to) and if it is elevated then I need to go lay down or go home for the day. I have to admit, work has been so stressful lately and we have been working our tails off. Point and case, we worked this weekend for about 5 hours on Saturday. I know there are a lot of people who work weekends but it was just not what I wanted to be doing! So.... hopefully everything will continue to go well. At least now we know that he definitely not having any problems from the circumvallate placenta. He's definitely growing JUST FINE! ;-)

Please say some prayers for us as we enter this last stretch of the pregnancy. I know that God will take good care of us and our precious miracle of life!

Proof....

Needing proof that I dropped this week? Here ya go! I put the two pictures from exactly a week apart beside each other. It is crazy to see how low my belly is now!

38 Week Survey

The 38 Week Survey

How far along?: 37 weeks and 6 days! Only two weeks to go! HOORAY!

Total weight gain: 37 pounds! Not too shabby for only two weeks to go!

How big is baby?: Probably around 7 pounds or so. We'll know for sure on Tuesday!

Maternity clothes?: Why of course... This week I had trouble because even my stretchy pants are getting tight and uncomfortable! I come home and put PJ's on, haha.

Stretch marks?: No.. could I really make it all the way without them?! Please, yes!

Sleep: These past few nights were a bit better. I made myself get into bed by 10pm or earlier so that I could turn the lights out at 10pm. Then I only got up once around midnight and slept straight until 7. Maybe my body is telling me that I need all of the sleep I can get because something's about to happen!

Best moment this week: Deciding on our birth plan and how we want labor to go, or how we'd like to see labor go. Also, we put the car seat in the Jeep and I've definitely noticed that he's dropped! I eat a ton more, and he's been pushing hard on my pelvis and sciatic nerve.

Movement: He's still quite the mover. Tonight I sat at the kitchen counter and Andrea, Britni and Granny all got to feel him move around like crazy. Britni was a tad freaked out by some of his more pronounced movements, hehe..

Food cravings: No not really! I did eat a TON of oreos in the past few days though!

Gender: The sweetest, most cute, adorable baby boy in the whole wide world!

Labor Signs: I was afraid that something was happening on Wednesday, but as I mentioned it turned out to be nothing. Hoping to start feeling something soon!

Belly Button in or out?: You know, it used to stick out and now I guess since he's dropped down there is more of an indention at my belly button. It's still flat as can be, but just not trying to pop out anymore!

What I miss: Unlimited soda. haha.... I am a Dr Pepper gal, that's for darn sure, and I would LOVE to drink a huge glass whenever I wanted, but I have limited my caffeine intake all pregnancy. I still drink about 12oz of soda a day, sometimes none in a day, so I still definitely get my "fix", but just not as much as I'd like, haha!

What I am looking forward to: Tuesday! Our ultrasound in Midland which will tell us how big baby is, make sure he's still in the right positions, and if for some reason he's stopped growing because of the placenta problem, then we'll be scheduled to deliver. It's driving me crazy to not know yet!

Weekly Wisdom: Create a birth plan with your spouse or your "coach" as they say in our birthing class. Talking about what you'd like to have happen beforehand is going to make things so much easier... or at least that is what I am telling myself! I really hope we are able to stick to our birth plan! I've also been walking every evening, or when we get home before dark that is, and it has definitely made me feel better!

Milestones: You're at a milestone: 38 weeks marks full term pregnancy status! The pain of backaches and leg cramps are swallowed up by excitement about your baby's impending arrival. You may experience false contractions off and on throughout the day. Inside your body, your cervix is readying for delivery. You may notice clear to white vaginal discharge, sometimes streaked with blood, as your cervix thins (or effaces).

In honor of the Big 12 semifinal game!

Definitely dropped, huh?!

Fun(?) Facts:
- Waist at belly button: 42" (an inch in a week? Yeah, he's definitely lower!)
- Current weight:  150.6 pounds

Thoughts on Labor/Delivery

We're only roughly two weeks away from my due date! Commence a WIDE range of emotions! I'm super excited, a little nervous, a little worried, and a lot anxious! Yesterday I was freaking myself out because I was apparently having sciatic nerve pain pretty bad and I was having a weird crampy feeling in my lower abdomen/pelvis area. After about 4 hours of constant hurting my mom made me call Carylon and get reassured that everything was ok. haha. I am just paranoid that I am going to start having contractions and I won't even know it, or acknowledge it. I'm not one to complain very often whenever I'm uncomfortable, so I can just see myself now... "Oh, this isn't so bad, I'll just keep working through it!". HA! The problem is that my mom is a 19 hour drive away. So, I kinda need to have some sort of indication as to when I'm going in to labor so that we can make sure she is here! She is planning on driving in next Friday, so hopefully he decides to stay in until then. I wouldn't mind if he came anytime next week actually... and here is where you'll really want to slap me in the face. See, at work, I am responsible for all of the month end closing. I run all of the reports, do all of the transactions, etc etc... so, it sure would be nice if I could have this baby already and be able to come in and close books at the end of the month. Ok, so that sounds a little ridiculous, I know.. but it's true! I already know that I am not going to have a true maternity leave. If anything I'll stay at home hopefully no more than two weeks, and then I'll either start bringing little boy to the office, or I will go home for feedings while my mom watches him. The problem with taking a true maternity leave is a) you don't get paid for maternity leave and b) we're really busy at work and not many people can do the things that I do. Oye....

Anyway, thoughts on labor...... Darren and I decided that if everything was to go perfectly and smoothly that I would not like to have an epidural. It's not that I don't believe in getting one, because believe me if I start to hurt too bad or if it is too much then I will get one! It's more of a "I don't want to rely on the drugs" and "it would be pretty cool to do it naturally". I've been preparing myself mentally and physically in case I can go through with it. But, like I said.. it's a total "We'll see" kinda deal. Darren is more concerned with me overexerting my body since I'm a pretty small gal and have been known to have blood sugar issues. I'm really not afraid of labor in any means... I guess my only concern would be that something would go wrong either with baby or myself. As for the pain... eh, bring it on! ;-) I managed to last 3 days without going to the doctor when I had a fractured pelvis, haha! I am just hoping and praying for a nice easy labor and fast recovery afterward!

I sure hope little boy decides to make his appearance soon! I am ready! Not that I haven't enjoyed being pregnant, but now that it is so close the anticipation is killing me! I can't wait to meet our little blessing from above! I can't wait to see what he looks like... will he have his Daddy's butterfly eyelashes? Will he miraculously get my hazel eye color? Will he be tall like Uncle Adam? More than anything, will he be a happy and healthy baby? I just can't wait to meet him already! After praying for a child since August of 2009, we are sure ready to meet our little one!

I'll leave you with these pictures... aren't we going to make the cutest babies?!?!?!

Monday Minute

Since my Monday will be rather hectic (Work, Doc Appt, Work, Birthing Class, Sleep), I figured I'd do my Monday Minute a little early! Enjoy! PS... 20 days now! EEK! I'm so excited!




(1) Do you change your oil or pay someone to do it?
My amazing hubby changes our oil by himself! I think I could probably figure it out enough to do it myself if I really wanted, but I don't think my belly would fit under the Jeep, haha!

(2) Are all the award shows over-rated?
They're getting that way. I don't watch award shows, but I will check the next day to see the best/worst dressed and the winners. I did watch the Grammy's this year and I thought they sucked. I tried to watch about an hour of the Oscar's and was super bored. Why did it have to take them 10 minutes to announce each nominee? 

(3) Do you double dip your chips at a party? Just once? Don't care?
No way, Hosea! Gross! I only double dip at home, and usually still only if I am the only one eating it. Even if sharing with family I'd rather not share the germs!

(4) Who do you love most in the whole world? You can only choose one person.
What a tough one. I'm going to have to say my husband, my best friend, my soul mate. I don't know what I would do without him. I know that I would feel the same way about my family, but seriously, when it comes to love, I just can't get enough of him! He is seriously the most amazing person in the whole world, and I love him so much!

(5) If you won the lottery, what outrageous thing would you do? The thing where people would say you had more money than sense?
Outrageous.... I'd probably attach a restaurant to my house. That way I would never have to cook or clean the dishes. Oh, and I'd hire a maid and a nanny, but those two aren't that outrageous. The restaurant thing would be awesome, because even if I did feel like cooking on my own I could just walk in to the kitchen and cook! Because, hello, I'd own the place! Just imagine, never having to wonder what to cook for dinner because it would be there at your fingertips! Ahh... the luxury!

37 Week Survey

The 37 Week Survey

How far along?: 36 weeks and 6 days! Full-Term TOMORROW!

Total weight gain: 36 pounds... only 4 more pounds before I hit what my target max was/is!

How big is baby?: A little over 6 pounds now! What a little chunk! ;-) I'm hoping he's about a 7 1/2 pound baby! Wishful thinking?

Maternity clothes?: Yup. I'm beginning to wonder what I'll wear post-pregnancy now that I'm so used to stretchy waisted pants, hehe...

Stretch marks?: Nope! ...Commence Celebrating!!!

Sleep: Horrible. I wake up on average 3 times every night. Between having to pee, leg cramps, not being able to get comfortable, and then my spoiled animals, sleep is very difficult! Last night was THE worst. I made poor Darren turn the A/C on... I could not get comfortable no matter what I tried, and I was out of breath from moving around so much! Sad, huh? Plus, I had to pee three times. Not fun.

Best moment this week: The calendar turning over to March!! That means that little boy will be here THIS month (hopefully!!!!)! Plus we celebrated Darren's 27th Birthday last night! Both of my brothers reminded him that this was his last one without a kid, haha! ;-) We're almost all the way ready for little boy too which is a great feeling!

Movement: I think I have bruised ribs and a bruised belly button. No lie. haha... Ok, maybe a slight exaggeration. Last night though I really did think my left ribs were bruised. They were pretty tender. I thought the movements slowed down when they were bigger! Guess not! That's ok because I very much appreciate his movements!

Food cravings: I think I was pretty good this week. The only thing might have been that I wanted a hot chocolate from Starbucks after our Childbirth class, and NATURALLY, since Midland sucks, they couldn't make any drinks because their R/O water wasn't working or some bologna like that.

Gender: I just bought him a little baseball outfit that says "Future All Star"! Maybe he'll take after Uncle Ross!

Labor Signs: Still none. No contractions that I know of!

Belly Button in or out?: No change. Just sticking out slightly!

What I miss: Not getting dirty on my belly area! Apparently my belly gets in the way, and I forget or something! I'll lean against a counter, or while I'm washing dishes lean against the sink, and bam... dirty belly. hehe. Darren thinks it's funny!

What I am looking forward to: FULL TERM TOMORROW!!!! I also can't wait until our appointment at Dr. Blanco's to see how big little boy is, and my mommy will be here in two weeks!

Weekly Wisdom: I know it may sound crazy, but plan for the unexpected. I keep thinking, "Wow, tomorrow I will be full term, and little boy could come at any time!". Therefor we will be putting in the car seat, packing our hospital bag and diaper bag, and making all of those other plans that are required when you're having a baby!

Milestones: At 37 weeks, your baby's body is developed enough to survive outside the womb. His lungs, now filled with amniotic fluid, are ready to take his first breaths of air. His eyelids flutter open and shut preparing for their first view of you! This baby is just about done growing inside you. That means it could be anytime now!

Excuse the work look!

Lucky to still be relatively small!

Fun(?) Facts:
- Waist at belly button: 41"
- Current weight:  149.6 pounds

The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

I've not been too "share-y" on my blog, but I really did want to keep this as a pregnancy journal.... so, get ready! ;-) If there is any TMI then I apologize, but after all, it is my blog! hehe..

While in our childbirth class the other night, they asked us to split up into men and women and share our good thoughts about pregnancy and our bad thoughts. It was quite funny to hear some of the things that the boys came up with! My sweet, amazing husband shared a wonderful good and bad that I'll definitely share with you! Here are what Darren and I decided were OUR "goods", "bads", and I threw in the "uglys" just for fun!

The "Goods" of Pregnancy
- Feeling your baby move.... there is nothing quite like it! Yes, I may have been creeped out at times by the small alien in my belly, hehe, but it lets me know that he is in there and doing ok! I'll never forget the first time I felt him kick! 
- The even closer bond that you form with your partner. I never thought my husband and I could grow to love each other more, but we do manage to fall in love more and more every day!
- Getting the pregnancy glow. I have been told that I was "glowing", which I always thought was kind of funny, but really... I think you take on a whole new aura when you're pregnant! Blame it on the hormones, or the sheer fact that you are so happy and ready to welcome life into this world!
- Knowing that you are creating life. God is so wonderful and He works in such marvelous ways. The miracle of life is just indescribable and I feel blessed to have been given this opportunity!
- Eating whatever you want because "the baby wanted it". Ok, this is probably sometimes a bad thing also, but it's fun! "I just haaaddd to have that bowl of ice cream!"
- Hearing your baby's heartbeat or seeing your baby on ultrasound!
- Talking names, nursery decor, etc. with your spouse and family
- Worry free love-makin'.. hehe.. I mean, you're already pregnant! ;-)  

The "Bads" of Pregnancy

- Symptoms. I'm just going to group these together! Heartburn, leg cramps, sore/swollen breasts, nausea, tiredness, having to pee all of the time... I could go on and on.
- Worrying. This was Darren's addition to our class. He told the group that it had taken us a long time to get pregnant, and that after we received our positive test that all we could do was worry. Worry about miscarriage, worry about the baby's health in general, etc. etc... Also grouped in to worrying in my book is finances. I can't help but every day be stressed about how we're going to afford this. We've definitely not been blessed in the money department, but before baby we were able to get by nicely. Now however, I'm scared!
- More exams than you could dream of! Getting your annual is bad enough, but be prepared for some one-on-one time with your doc and your nether regions when you're preggers! 
- Whether you want to admit it or not, later on in pregnancy there is no way to maintain your, eh, frequency of relations... hehe... with your spouse. You're either too tired or you feel like crap. I'm not saying it's out the window, but definitely less frequent, haha. 
- Having to drink ridiculous amounts of water. I honestly don't come close to drinking what they suggested I drink.... it's so hard! I'm sorry but I cannot drink 80 ounces of water per day! I'd float away!
- Unsolicited pregnancy advice. This could be an "ugly" too, haha. I would prefer that the advice from strangers be kept on a "I asked, now you give" basis... but unfortunately that's not usually the case! Also in this category.. strangers rubbing your belly! I can handle my family and friends touching the belly, but those that I'm not close to, or who I barely know? No thank you! Hands off!

The "Uglys" of Pregnancy

- Your belly button will take on a whole new life form. What you once thought was an innie is now probably an outie... or in my case in limbo between the two. Also, my belly button ring holes have stretched and are looking pretty dang ugly. Makes me regret that college decision!
- Discharge. I won't go into details. Read about it in the pregnancy books.
- Nipple change. Again, no details, just read about it. Happens to everyone!
- I'm putting this into the ugly category because to me it is worse than bad... added expenses. Between medical bills, needing to buy new clothes (maternity), buying things for the baby, trying to eat healthier thus buying better food (fresh fruit is apparently WAY more expensive than canned, haha!)..... it just all adds up, and fast. Whether you like it or not. And it FREAKS me out. Big time. Can you tell this is an issue with me?
- Pregnancy Gingivitis. I got a clean bill of health from my dentist not too long ago, but that doesn't stop my gums from bleeding. It makes brushing no fun!

I'm sure if I sat here long enough then I could come up with more. I've actually been writing this blog post for a few days here and there, but I believe I covered enough ground! You get the gist! ;-) I must say, I have had THE easiest pregnancy. Probably ever. I know, you can curse at me under your breath if you want to! No swelling, no contractions, no complications besides that minor placenta deal which apparently turned out to be nothing.... just smooth sailing! =) Hope my labor goes the same way!!!!

Monday, er, Tuesday Minute

It's a GLORIOUS Tuesday morning! Ok, that may be an exaggeration, but I am SUPER excited that it is MARCH!!!!!! That means it is our baby's birth month, and not to mention March Madness! I love college basketball! =) Cristina was busy celebrating with her hubby yesterday, and was sick, bummer!, so we are doing the Monday Minute a bit later than normal!

(1) Have you ever played Angry Birds?

Surprisingly, no! Darren has it on his iphone and is pretty addicted to it. But I have yet to play it on mine or his!

(2) What kind of computer do you own?
We have multiple... haha! We have an HP desktop that is used upstairs, I have an HP laptop that belongs to work, and Darren has an HP laptop that belongs to work! =)

(3) What kind of toothpaste do you use?
I can only use Sensodyne. I have sensitive teeth! =( But, I like it and it helps rebuild my enamel, so I guess that's a good thing!

(4) Are you a heavy sleeper or a light sleeper?
Light. The lightest. Ever. Point and case. This morning I woke up because I could hear our resident cardinal, who we named Fred, banging against the window upstairs. My bedroom door downstairs was closed... and the fan was on. =)

(5) How often do you do laundry?
Usually every Saturday or Sunday. Sometimes though I miss a week and then I have to do about a gillion loads on the following weekend. Haha! I think this will soon change when baby gets here and I have to do multiple loads all of the time!

36 Week Survey

The 36 Week Survey

How far along?: 35 weeks and 6 days!

Total weight gain: 34 pounds.... I'm hoping to not exceed 40 pounds, but we'll see!

How big is baby?: About 6 pounds... one website compared the baby to a cantaloupe, hehe!

Maternity clothes?: Ahhh... yes. Even some medium t-shirts are looking tight!

Stretch marks?: Still none! Although we won't talk about my linea negra!

Sleep: I think God is trying to prepare me for baby. Or maybe my animals have some 6th sense where they are trying to do the same. The past week I have gotten up about 3 times per night. Once at 1:30am-ish, 3:30am-ish, and 5:30am-ish... then the alarm goes off quarter to 7. So, needless to say, I'm ready for those every 2 hour feedings! Just maybe not the staying awake for an hour during!

Best moment this week: Taking our maternity pictures with the amazing Britni! Seriously, our cousin is only 17 years old (just turned!) and she is a very talented photographer and photo-editor. Can't wait to share them! =) Also, getting the crib together and the nursery more put together with my dad and Maggie! It was so great to have them for a short visit!

Movement: I admit, I don't even do my kick counts. There is no need. He moves SO much! I really think he's starting to stretch out his arms about once every hour because I seriously get some sharp little elbows to the belly. Too low to be his feet, so they are definitely elbows! Yesterday I got kicked, HARD, in the ribs. That was not nice of baby boy!

Food cravings: This week's theme... ice cream! I bought ice cream for when my dad and Maggie came and I have had a bowl almost every night. Plus, after our birthing class on Monday I made Darren take me to Baskin Robbins. Those people probably KNEW it was a pregnancy craving!

Gender: Future Momma's Boy! ;-)

Labor Signs: None.... I'm beginning to wonder how to prepare myself for when contractions start. Besides leg cramps nothing in my pregnancy has been painful... so this should be interesting!

Belly Button in or out?: Still just hanging out at a flat-y! We won't talk about how much my belly button ring holes have stretched... =( Stupid college girl mistake! I only had that thing in for about a year! It's been out for almost 4 years and yet it's stretching like crazy. Boo.

What I miss: Uninterrupted sleep. I guess I should get used to that! hehe...

What I am looking forward to: March!!!!! Our due date month! There is only a month to go! I can't believe it!

Weekly Wisdom: Don't procrastinate your childbirth classes, if you're going to take them. You'll only look like the world's biggest procrastinator when you have to introduce yourself and say your due date in front of the whole class, who are all due in May or end of April. Oops! ;-) Guilty as charged!

Milestones: I think I'm starting to swell. I take my socks off and they leave imprints on my legs. Also, I can't get my wedding ring off. Oops! I bet if I tried hard enough I could, but I just don't care! From babycenter: Your baby is still packing on the pounds — at the rate of about an ounce a day. He now weighs almost 6 pounds and is more than 18 1/2 inches long. He's shedding most of the downy covering of hair that covered his body as well as the vernix caseosa, the waxy substance that covered and protected his skin during his nine-month amniotic bath. Your baby swallows both of these substances, along with other secretions, resulting in a blackish mixture, called meconium, will form the contents of his first bowel movement. At the end of this week, your baby will be considered full-term. (Full-term is 37 to 42 weeks; babies born before 37 weeks are pre-term and those born after 42 are post-term.)

Still no growth.. hmm.

I feel rounder!

Sneak peak of the nursery!!!

 Fun(?) Facts:
- Waist at belly button: Still 40 1/2"
- Current weight: 147.8 pounds

Childbirth Education

Darren and I attended our second night of Childbirth Education classes last night. This one was technically the first class, but since we're the world's worst procrastinators (surprised? I'm not!) we had to do the last class of another groups two weeks ago. We went to the infant CPR and breastfeeding class that ends up our 6 week session with the other group since, well, our last class will be after our due date! ;-) It was pretty funny because our teacher had us all introduce ourselves, say whether we were having a boy or girl and then the due date. Yeah, I was definitely the only mom due in March, and even worse, the only mom due in the next 2 months! The girl next to me commented on how small I was still and said she was super jealous.... I guess I should take that as a good thing? ;-) We decided to do the 6 week session with the Midland hospital because we could never make the Saturday class in Big Spring. We learned a lot already, and are now even more anxious for the actual labor process to commence! haha! They taught us relaxation techniques, which we kinda laughed through. I told Darren if he sits there and tells me to "breathe" better, or slower, or whatever, that I'd slap him! Ok, that sounds harsh, but I really don't get into the whole "You're doing great, just keep breathing" thing like some women. We did enjoy the class just for the reassurance that we'll know when I'm in true labor or false labor... plus now we know when to jump in the car and head to the hospital! haha!

35 Week Survey

The 35 Week Survey

How far along?: 34 weeks and 6 days!

Total weight gain: 32 pounds... I just don't know where it's going!

How big is baby?: Supposedly somewhere around 5 1/2 pounds.. holy moly... and anywhere between 19 and 22 inches. Basically he's fully grown, just gaining fat! (And so is Mommy.... hehe)

Maternity clothes?: Yes, in fact, I wore some regular shorts the other day and they made me laugh so hard. They were WAY below my belly so that they would fit (these were even those stretchy sophie shorts). All non-maternity t-shirts have to be mediums or else they don't cover my belly! ;-) It gives Darren a good laugh!

Stretch marks?: NOPE!!! And I asked my mom this weekend and she said that she didn't get any either! Isn't it supposed to be hereditary or something? Or at least you're more predisposed to get them if your mom got them? Either way, I still don't have them!

Sleep: Last night I got up around 2:30 because I thought I was going to pee the bed! haha... Note to self: Don't guzzle water right before bed! Other than that I think I am finally getting in to a comfort routine where I wedge myself up against a million pillows and it seems to work. Ha!


Best moment this week: My baby shower... having my mom here and doing fun baby stuff with her... seeing friends and family! 

Movement: Definitely. He's a mover! He likes to move at night..... almost all night. I think he has his days and nights backwards, which I've heard women say happened to them. Great! =/ However, I like it when he moves! The coolest thing is that Darren can seriously solicit a movement from little guy... he will put his hand on my belly and play around a little and baby will play back! It's so crazy! If there is ever a time when he hasn't moved in a while then I make Darren get a movement to make sure he's still doing ok! ;-) It's funny!

Food cravings: I bought yet another box of the persian rolls today. Seriously. Those things are like crack.

Gender: I cannot wait to meet our baby boy!!!!!!!! He has so many cute things now from the shower and I can't wait for him to get to use it all!

Labor Signs: Still none... not even a hint of a braxton hicks contraction. I don't quite understand it, but I'll take it!!!

Belly Button in or out?: No change. Still out no top but no turkey timer! Hooray!!!!

What I miss: My mommy!!! Having her here was so amazing. I can't wait til she comes back when the baby is born! 

What I am looking forward to: My dad is coming to help put together the crib and finish up a bunch of other nursery details! I can't wait to get it all together and ready for baby!

Weekly Wisdom: This is just a funny one since I can't come up with anything better... but, DON'T eat Mexican food if you've been suffering from bad pregnancy induced heartburn. That's just dumb. It'll only hurt you. ::Note to self: take own advice!:: Now for a real one... time to start packing the hospital bag! Since little guy could essentially decide to come at any time (let's hope not) then we need to be prepared ahead of time! Don't wait until it's too late to get all of your ducks in a row! I bought a new duffel bag today so that it can be packed and ready to go!

Milestones: Well, I'm supposed to be having a bunch of braxton hicks contractions, but they're not here... so here's what else they have to say! Kidneys are fully developed now and the liver can process waste! Almost all physical developments are complete so now it's just time to put on some more weight! There is now more baby than amniotic fluid, so that's why his movements HURT. Mommy also has to pee ALL of the time because there is no room for my bladder anymore, and little boy likes to push against it!

No growth this week!

Where is the weight going? hehe

Had to get one with my Pearly-Pearl!

Our Baby Shower

This past weekend we had an amazing baby shower thrown for us by our closest family and friends. It was nothing short of wonderful! I feel so incredibly blessed! I will admit, I was pretty nervous about how the turn out would be, seeing as it has been shower central around here lately! Wedding showers, baby showers, you name it! Our great community did not disappoint though! We received so many great things for our little guy, and can't wait until he is here to start using it all! My mom and Grandma were able to fly in for the shower which was the even better part. I was thrilled that they were able to be there and be a part of it. Some of my best friends from out of town were also able to come, and my Godmother!! It was so great to see everyone! My hat goes off to Carylon, Vicki, and Nancy because I know how hard they worked to get everything ready. It was a beautiful shower and, like I said, I am very blessed!

Here are some photos from the day!

Carylon pinning on my corsage

Opening presents!

Lots of guests!

With the present hostesses!

Posing with my cool cake!

Close up of the cake!

Lots of presents!

Best friends since we were 7, and both preggers!

Monday Minute

Time for another Monday Minute! Happy Valentine's Everyone! I plan on spending the evening relaxing with my AMAZING husband on our LAST Valentine's without a little one! So exciting! =D

(1) What's your favorite kind of cake? (post a recipe if you have time)

Definitely this Reeses Peanut Butter Cake that Carylon made for Easter one year. I've since then tried the recipe twice and it did not disappoint! So good... if you love peanut butter and chocolate, and aren't afraid of calories!

1 devil’s food cake mix
3 eggs
1 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 cups chopped peanut butter cups (plus more for garnishing – I used 2 bags)
8 oz. dark chocolate, chopped
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup peanut butter

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat two 9-inch cake pans with non-stick cooking spray. Line with wax paper and coat paper.
• In a large bowl, beat cake mix, eggs, buttermilk and vegetable oil on low for 30 seconds. Increase speed to medium-high and beat for 2 minutes. Scrape down sides after 1 minute. Fold in 2 cups of the chopped peanut butter cups.
• Pour batter into pans and bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes or until toothpick inserted comes out clean.
• Cool cakes completely.
• Place chopped dark chocolate in a medium bowl. Bring cream just to a boil and then pour over chocolate. Whisk until chocolate melts. Add peanut butter and whisk until smooth.
• Trim each cake layer so the tops are flat. Place one layer on a cooling rack and pour 1 cup frosting on top. Spread evenly with a spatula. Add second layer and pour remaining frosting over top and sides of cake. Smooth out with spatula.
• Allow frosting to set for a minute and gently press remaining chopped peanut butter cup pieces all over top and sides of cake. Place in refrigerator for about an hour to set. Remove and serve.

(2) Do you like getting massages?

Yes! I especially love them when they're coming from my wonderful husband! I wish I had the money to go out and get professional massages every now and then, but that's ok! We had a couples massage on our honeymoon and it was so awesome! We both loved it!

(3) Would you consider yourself Neat Nelly or Messy Bessy?
Can I be a combination of both? I am very organized at work, but at home not so much. I was always very organized with school also.... so, I don't know!

(4) Are you shy about going to the restroom in public places?
Nope, don't really care! Not shy about going at home either with the door open, haha! Well, only if Darren's the only one there!

(5) Did you have your dream wedding or would you redo it if  you had the chance?
I wouldn't redo anything! It was so amazing. We loved each and every moment of it! I guess the only thing I'd change is that I would win the lottery first, haha... not really, but I do wish we had more money so that we could have had everything we wanted... such as a live band. Regardless it still was the most amazing day of my life (for now, hehe), and I loved it so much!!!

What a wonderful wedding!

Happy to be Mr. and Mrs.!

34 Week Survey

Late because I was busy having a WONDERFUL weekend with my mom and Gramma. I had such a wonderful baby shower too! So, pretend this was Friday! 


The 34 Week Survey

How far along?: 33 weeks and 6 days!

Total weight gain:  30.4 pounds... hehe... and still have 6 weeks to go!

How big is baby?: At our appointment Wednesday he was 4 pounds 11 ounces!

Maternity clothes?: Duh.... by this point who wouldn't be wearing maternity clothes?!

Stretch marks?: Still none!!!!!!! Can you tell I'm excited?!

Sleep: Still difficult. Between peeing and not being very comfortable it's not very fun. I figure I'm getting myself used to being up in the middle of the night! ;-)

Best moment this week: Seeing our little guy again and hearing that he is doing AWESOME in the growth department!

Movement: His favorite time to move around (a lot) is at night, mostly right when I'm trying to go to sleep! He's also been stretching a lot lately and I can feel body parts, I swear! Such as elbows, feet, etc.... It's crazy how hard my stomach gets when he's stretching!

Food cravings: Not really! Just like my food still! ;-)

Gender: One precious little boy!

Labor Signs: None yet! I hope he hangs out at least another 4 weeks!

Belly Button in or out?: Getting a little more poked out, but not bad. However, my belly button ring holes are now stretching like crazy and look horrible. Great.

What I miss: Not feeling tired.... not feeling overwhelmed...

What I am looking forward to: Starting our child birth classes, and finishing up the nursery! Hopefully we'll have it almost all the way done by next weekend!

Weekly Wisdom: Take everything one day at a time. Realize that God will take care of you and will provide you with everything that you need!

Milestones: From babycenter: Your baby now weighs about 4 3/4 pounds (like your average cantaloupe) and is almost 18 inches long. His fat layers — which will help regulate his body temperature once he's born — are filling her out, making him rounder. His skin is also smoother than ever. His central nervous system is maturing and his lungs are continuing to mature as well. If you've been nervous about preterm labor, you'll be happy to know that babies born between 34 and 37 weeks who have no other health problems generally do fine. They may need a short stay in the neonatal nursery and may have a few short-term health issues, but in the long run, they usually do as well as full-term babies. 

Starting to gain weight in other areas... like my face!

6 weeks to go! Hooray!

Fun(?) Facts:
- Current weight: 144!!

Good News!

Well, we had another ultrasound at the clinic in Midland today, and it went really well! Despite having to wait on the doctor for 40 minutes (last time was 30 minutes)! Anyway, little boy looked GREAT the doc said! He was measuring really well, and in fact measured one day ahead of schedule! Woo hoo! He weighed in at 4 pounds, 11 ounces. I'll never understand how they figure that out, but ok! He finally moved his feet from next to his head to the normal fetal position, and they are nicely tucked up right under mom's ribs! ;-) We got some images from the ultrasound but they're not the greatest. He was NOT being shy about his boy parts, haha, but WAS being shy about showing us his beautiful face. So, we got some images of you know what, and not really much of anything else. HA! Because he is growing really well and my fluid levels were still really good I do not have to go back to Midland for another 4 weeks! The doc said "If you're still pregnant, then we'll have you come back in 4 weeks!". ;-) It's getting so close now!

In other news, we took an Infant CPR and Breastfeeding Course on Monday night in Midland and it was pretty informative! Although, I did remember how to do infant CPR from when I took a course in 6th grade to become a certified babysitter. No lie, I remember things like that! My appointment on Monday at Dr. Byerly's was my last regular appointment! I go back in two weeks and then after that they'll be every week. Next appointment will not be a fun one as they'll start to check my cervix. Oh joy! But hey, if that means that little man will be here before we know it, then I'm cool!

My shower is this weekend and I can't wait! I think I am more excited about seeing friends and family then about the presents! ;-) But, I am ready to get the nursery set-up with all of the goodies! My mom flies in tomorrow afternoon with my Grandma from Arizona, so I will be headed to pick them up! Eek! Can't wait to see them! It'll be a great weekend for sure!

Feeling blessed beyond all measure......

Monday Minute

I'm sitting in the waiting room waiting for my doctors appointment that was canceled last week thanks to the crazy weather! So while I wait with a million other women, I thought I'd indulge you in some Monday Minute questions from Cristina! Don't forget to click below and link up!

(1) Do you use shaving cream when you shave?

Nope, just my body wash. I've never had problems with razor burn on my legs, so this is easy!

(2) Name 2 things you consider yourself to be very bad at.

Hmm.. Definitely throwing things away! I am a definite pack rat. I always think I'll use it later, and 9 times out of 10 I'm wrong! Plus I hold sentimental value to dumb things. Like in high school I literally kept trash! If it reminded me of something then I wouldn't want to throw it away!! Other thing I'm bad at is being jealous. It is something that I often pray about... Just a bad thing to have to have towards others.

(3) What's your favorite song?

Of all times or currently? How about I answer both! I am a music LOVER. Seriously. So this is a little difficult. One of my all time favorite songs was our song for our first dance at our wedding. "Existentialism on Prom Night" by Straylight Run. I loved it because it was so personal to us, and come on.. how many times have you heard that used at a wedding?! 

Another all time favorite is "Praise you in this storm" by Casting Crowns. It has such an awesome message, and seriously, if you're ever having a bad day or you're sad... listen to the song and I promise you will feel better!

Lastly, all time favorite is "Fancy" by Reba McEntire. It reminds me of when I was younger and I'd sing Reba with my mom in the truck. Plus, Reba just kicks major butt!

Ok, now my CURRENT favorite song, haha... I have two. Don't you love me. First, "Anything like me" by Brad Paisley. It makes me think of my little boy who will grace us with his presence in a matter of weeks! Plus my hubby can sing it so well.... so sexy!

My second favorite, current song, haha, is "When I say I do" by Matthew West. It is such a beautiful song. Wonderful lyrics, and reminds me of my amazing husband!

(4) If somebody asked you to sum yourself up in three words, what would they be?

Sum myself up... hmm...  I would say: "Ambitious", "Loving", and "Nerdy". I chose nerdy because of my love for all things Jeopardy and Band things. haha... ;-)

(5) Out of the following three, which do you hate most: pineapples, cantaloupe, or strawberries?

Easy one. Cantaloupe. Gross. Plus it makes my mouth break out in hives. No joke! It is a recent development food allergy.  I love pineapple, and like strawberries so long as there is chocolate to go with them!  

33 Week Survey

The 33 Week Survey

How far along?: 32 weeks and 6 days! 50 days to go!

Total weight gain:  29 pounds... seems ok to me! I figured I'd gain around 40 since I was underweight to start.

How big is baby?: Around 4 1/2 pounds, and somewhere between 17 and 19 inches long. I guess babies don't grow much longer from here on out, but now's time to put on the fat pounds!

Maternity clothes?: This week was tough as it was literally FREEZING every day. So I wore the same leggings, same pants, same boots, and lucked out enough to have 4 heavy sweaters to rotate through. Ah, the power of layers!

Stretch marks?: Still none... woo hoooo!!!!

Sleep: Very difficult. I get up about 3 times in the night to pee, and little  boy likes to move the most at night, so he keeps me up somewhat. Plus still battling leg cramps and heartburn. I gave up on the idea of only sleeping on my left side, you know, to help circulation, because I couldn't stay in one position all night!

Best moment this week: Darren's "play date" with Clayton, hehe.... Daddy got to feel him move a LOT, and strong movements at that, and he loved it... which naturally I loved!

Movement: Active. Active. Active. See my previous post! ;-)

Food cravings: I found these breakfast pastries at Walmart called "Persian Rolls". They're kinda like cinnamon rolls meets honey buns and they are HEAVENLY. I love them. However, this week when I went to buy a package this MAMMOTH of a lady cuts in front of me and takes the last box. I nearly had a throw down in the bakery section. hahaha... ok, not really, but she did take them and I did get really upset!

Gender: Sweet sweet boy!

Labor Signs: Nope! Not even fake labor..

Belly Button in or out?: Hey, I'm just glad it's not totally sticking out!

What I miss: Uninterrupted sleep. I guess I should get used to this, huh?

What I am looking forward to: My shower is less than a week away, which means my MOM is coming! Eek! So excited! She's going to help me with my art projects for the nursery! Also, we go to Dr. Blanco again on Wednesday and I'm interested to see how little guy's growth is progresing since I didn't gain much weight these past two weeks.

Weekly Wisdom: Plan your childbirth classes far in advance. Hehe... I procrastinated, or well, just thought it would fall together a little better than it did, but anyway, our classes start Feb 21st and go through March 28th. Haha, a little past my due date, but that's ok! ;-)

Milestones: His immune system is now developed! Hooray! That means if he had to come out now then he wouldn't get sick as easy! He's acting more and more like an actual infant. He swallows, opens and closes his eyes, and is practicing breathing (which explains all of the hiccups!). He is supposed to be moving less, but we all know that's a joke! ;-) His taste buds are also working now, which is crazy! So, I bet you he likes persian rolls too!

 Fun(?) Facts:
- Waist at belly button: Almost 40 1/2"
- Current weight: 142 and some!