38 weeks, 6 days - It's TIME!

I never had the chance to post my 38 week photo BUT I did just so happen to have a photo of my belly that was taken about an hour or so before I went into labor so even better!

You decided to make your grand entrance a little early at 38 weeks, 6 days. Mommy should have seen this coming because the week of your arrival I started to feel very different. I had a TON of pressure going on and felt a wave of exaustion flood over me out of no where. Before the week of your birth my energy level had been through the roof so it was a noticible difference. I worked that Monday...although I pretty much walked around like a zombie for most of the day. I gave in and decided to call in from work on Tuesday just because I knew I couldn't keep my eyes open or function properly out of pure exaustion (see...I should have known you were coming I never call in from work). On Wednesday I was back at work and felt ok...I had been having some mild cramps but just chalked it up to all of the pressure going on down there haha. It's crazy how things work out and fall into place...I had been obsessing over getting some last minute things completed before my due date. I wanted to get my hair done one last time...finish up on some cleaning...get a pedicure...hang some photo's (haha random)...all before your arrival. Thankfully, I was able to get most of that done before you came. In fact, Wednesday I decided to treat myself to a pedicure, whopper, and REAL coke for lunch. I have been avoiding caffein pretty much the whole pregnancy so it was a real treat to drink that coke with my Whopper. I had a great lunch hour to say the least lol.

I finished working...came home...cooked dinner with Randy...ate dinner on my exercise ball ( I really believe the exercise ball did wonders to not only start labor but also relieve the pain during contractions...I highly recommend it to any Mommies to be out there)...cleaned up supper...got ready for bed...ate cookies and milk with Randy (our little pregnancy routine)...and started to watch another episode of Breaking Bad (you've got to watch that series...it's awesome!). At 9:50pm my Dad called to tell me about his shrimping trip that evening...I was feeling fine and told him I would talk to him in the morning. At 10:00pm on Wednesday evening, August 22nd I felt my first contraction. It was on after that! I knew immediately I was in labor. Real contractions feel nothing like Braxton Hicks so when the first one came I knew it was time. Go figure you would decide to make your entrance right as we were going to bed after a full days work and no sleep lol. We were ready though. Your Daddy immediately started loading things up in the car haha. We both decided that we wanted to labor as long as possible at home so from 10pm-1:00am we did just that. My contractions started at 5 minutes a part and by the time we left for the hospital they were 3 minutes apart. I decided it was time to go because if we waiting any longer that drive to the hospital would be worse and worse.

We called all of your family back in Florida to tell them it was time and then we were on our way to the hospital!

We arrived around 1:30 and by this time I couldn't talk anymore through contractions...I just had to focus so I knew we were in active labor. They checked me and sure enough I was already 5cm. Praise God!

The next 8 hours were spent going through the most intense, beautiful, painful and amazing moments of my life. I labored with your Daddy right by my side every single step of the way. I knew I wanted to try and do this completely natural and, through the grace of God, I was able to. My birth experience was the most powerful and wonderful experience of my life and I wouldn't change a single thing about it. I was able to labor just how I wanted too without any unnecessary medical interventions in my way. Everyone at the hospital was wonderful and so supportive. I couldn't have done it without Randy right there going through each contraction with me.

You made your grand entrance at 9:07am on Thursday, August 23rd, 2012! 7 lbs, 15 ounces. 21 inches long!!! You were perfect. Everything was just perfect. God is so good!

37 weeks - Full Term

At 37 weeks we are starting the count down to your arrival. We've got everything ready...our hospital bags are packed, everything is washed, your car seat is in the car waiting on you, and the to-do lists are finally completed! It's been so much fun preparing for you...each and every project has been one step closer to kissing your sweet face. Mommy and Daddy are so ready and anxiously awaiting the day you decide to make your grand entrance. At 37 weeks you're considered full term so you can really come at any time.

I'm feeling pretty good for 37 weeks. I've noticed some pressure when I walk now and can just tell things are getting closer. It's crazy how in-tuned to your body you get while being pregnant. I've always been very aware of the least little change in my body but pregnancy has taken that to a whole new level. You're still very active but your movements are different...not spastic or rambunctious anymore but still very noticeable.  You've found a nice comfy spot right on one of Mommy's nerves which has not been fun but it just goes with the territory of being this far along I guess...you have no more room in there!

We are going to the midwife weekly now and each check up is wonderful. Your heart is beating between 130-145 BPM. I hope I remember to ask her at our next visit how much she thinks you weigh. I'm guessing around 6.5 lbs at this point but I really have no clue.

I"ve had two friends have beautiful baby boys within the last week and it's been so much fun hearing about their birthing experiences and seeing their sweet babies. Makes this all feel so real and so close.

How far along? 37 weeks  

Total weight gain: Approx 30 lbs 

Maternity clothes? Of course 

Stretch marks? None 

Sleep: Trying to sleep as much as possible. 

Best moment this week: Picking out your coming home outfit...finishing up some last minute projects...packing your diaper bag! 

Miss Anything? No

Movement: Still moving around despite those cramped quarters of yours :) 

Food cravings: This has been a weird week of food cravings...i've craved oatmeal cream pies (which I made from a recipe off Pinterest YUMMM), buttered pop corn, sausage biscuits, and sushi. Weird. 

Anything making you queasy or sick: Not at all. 

Gender: BOY

Labor Signs: No but I can tell it's getting closer and closer 

Symptoms:  Blessed to feel as good as I do at 37 weeks...I really can't complain. 

Belly Button in or out? Out...very very out

Wedding rings on or off? Off 

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy! 

Looking forward to: Enjoying every second of these last couple of weeks of pregnancy...i'm going to miss having you in my stomach. 

36 weeks

How far along? 36 weeks 

Total weight gain: Approx 30 lbs 

Maternity clothes? Of course 

Stretch marks? No, I'm still in disbelief about not getting any stretch marks. Everything I've read says it's hereditary but, if that's the case, I should have plenty. I'm very thankful for not having any so far but if I were to get some I'd be perfectly ok with that also. They are just a sign of the sacrifices and beauty of pregnancy. 

Sleep: Blah...don't even get me started on sleep. 

Best moment this week: We had some much fun finishing up some last minute shopping for you. I still haven't decided what you'll wear home from the hospital but that's ok; you'll be precious in anything we put you in. 

Miss Anything? 

Movement: Your movements are starting to coincide with my schedule during the day...it's weird. You start to settle down at night when I settle down and wake up with me around the same time every morning. 

Food cravings: Still anything sweet. I can honestly say that I haven't craved salt at all in this pregnancy...it's been straight up sugar. I've been fighting off the urge to guzzle sweet tea everyday. But not just any sweet tea...it has to be in a cup FILLED with ice all the way to to the top. I'm trying to only drink it once a week or so. 

Anything making you queasy or sick: Not at all. 

Gender: BOY

Labor Signs: Not yet ;) 

Symptoms:  Feeling really good for being almost 37 weeks. This Friday I will be considered full term. I can't believe it. 

Belly Button in or out? Out...very very out

Wedding rings on or off? I'm not wearing them now. I don't want to chance getting them stuck and having to cut them off. 

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy! 

Looking forward to: Our weekly doctor appointments and TRYING to relax these last couple of weeks.

35 weeks - August is here!

Is it really August? It seems unreal to be writing the date these days. Pregnancy can be so crazy...you go from feeling as though your due date is a world away to counting down the days and wrapping up all of the last minute preparations. Boy it's been so much fun though. To be completely honest, despite how uncomfortable I'm starting to feel, i'm still not ready for this pregnancy to be over. It's so neat to be carrying another life....to feel movements...to bond in a way that I can't properly describe in the correct words.

I'm starting to have more and more braxton hicks contractions and can just tell that it's getting closer and closer. I can just feel my body changing daily for upcoming labor. I can't wait to go to my doctor's appointment this week and find out if he's dropped any and make sure he's still in good position.

We've had a lot of fun this week putting together all of his things and finishing up washing all of his stuff. He's officially got more clothes than Randy and I combined yet I'm still having a hard time trying to decide what he'll wear home from the hospital. I'm hoping I get that figured out this weekend.

Other than last minute stuff we're pretty much going to spend this last precious month relaxing and anxiously waiting for your arrival. I'm going to try and relish these last couple of week's with it being just your Daddy and I as much as I can. We've been just the two of us for 7 years now so it's going to be such a big change...a change that we are SO READY FOR!

How far along? 35 weeks

Total weight gain: 25 lbs? I'll find out tomorrow

Maternity clothes? Yes....but clothes in general are so uncomfortable 

Stretch marks? No

Sleep: I've slept pretty good this week. I've been getting really tired at work...even took a nap in my vehicle today during lunch. 

Best moment this week: Got to spend some good quality time with my parents and precious niece. Had a lot of fun washing up all of your little clothes and getting things organized. I keep going in your room and doing little things here and there. I love sitting in the rocking chair picturing you being in my arms. 

Miss Anything? No

Movement: Pretty powerful movements this week.

Food cravings: Still...Sweet 16 Donuts (powdered and chocolate)

Anything making you queasy or sick: no

Gender: Boy

Labor Signs: No but I can just tell it's getting closer and closer 

Symptoms: Getting more and more uncomfortable 

Belly Button in or out? Outie

Wedding rings on or off? On and off. It depends on the time of day. 

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy!!!

Looking forward to: Relaxing and getting in as much sleep as I can get these last few weeks. 

34 Weeks

How far along? 34 weeks

Total weight gain: 25 lbs

Maternity clothes? Yes

Stretch marks? No. I have noticed that my stomach has been much dryer these last couple of weeks. Not sure if that's a third trimester thing or not but the lotion has been being slathered on a whole lot more lately.

Sleep: It's hard work preparing the bed to sleep everynight and maintaining a good sleeping poition throughout the night. I feel so sorry for Randy because I am tossing and turning non-stop.

Best moment this week: We had a healthy check up at the Doctor's office this week. You are healthy as ever praise the Lord. I had a lot of fun this past weekend with my Aunt Donna and cousins Christy and Lilly. I started washing all of your stuff in that sweet smelling baby landry soap. This weekend I'm going to finish washing up all of your clothes and organizing...so much fun!

Miss Anything? Not really...trying to relish these last few weeks of pregnancy.

Movement: Very active. You tend to move around most while i'm driving or riding in a vehicle.

Food cravings: Sweet 16 Donuts (powdered and chocolate)

Anything making you queasy or sick: no

Gender: Boy

Labor Signs: No, but the braxton hicks have picked up a lot.

Symptoms: Feeling very pregnant at this point.

Belly Button in or out? Outie

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy!!!

Looking forward to: Spending time with family this weekend, more organizing in your cute little room and getting that hospital bag ready to go!

33 weeks

We almost forgot to take our 33 week picture. Life has been 100 MPH lately getting prepared for you and your grand entrance. Week 33 was wonderful. We went home to Florida for our babyshower where we were surrounded by all of our loved ones who showered you with so much love! We missed having your Uncle Dave and Aunt Lindsey there but can't wait to see them both soon. Your Uncle Davo sent you the best present ever this week. 150 Disney DVD's!!! You are set with all of the favorite classics. Such a special gift coming all the way from Afganistan!

While we were in Florida, we took maternity photo's on the beach. I was so proud of your Daddy for stepping out of his comfort zone and taking these beautiful pictures. I can't wait to see all of them and am so thankful we were able to capture  this special time in our lives....the most happiest time of our lives. Coming back to South Carolina was emotional and uncomfortable for me. I think I was a bit overwhelmed thinking that this was probably the last trip we will take home just the two of us and just imagining the next trip being the three of us made me an emotional wreck...a good emotional wreck of course. It was hard staying in the car for 4 hours though...I think the only time you like to hang out in my ribs is while riding in the car.

How far along? 33 weeks 

Total weight gain: 25 lbs 

Maternity clothes? Yes

Stretch marks? No

Sleep: I can sleep ok as long as there's 6-7 pillows surrounded all over me. 

Best moment this week: Seeing all of the family in Florida at our wonderful baby shower, taking maternity photo's, and getting that special package in the mail from my brother. 

Miss Anything? Not really 

Movement: You are so active!! 

Food cravings: Fruit snacks

Anything making you queasy or sick: no

Gender: Boy

Labor Signs: No 

Symptoms: Tired, uncomfortable, sore back, hard to sleep, hard to move around...loving every second of it! Still no swelling though... i've very thankful for that. 

Belly Button in or out? Outie

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy!!! 

Looking forward to: Washing all of your stuff and getting your room organized 

32 Weeks

How far along? 32 weeks

Total weight gain: 24 lbs

Maternity clothes? Yes

Stretch marks? No

Sleep: It's almost easier to not sleep than to sleep these days. It's so hard getting comfortable when your only options are left side or right side. The body pillow still helps a ton but i'm thinking more pillows are in my future. I'll probably end up stacking them all around me for support. My back has been bothering me lately so I think that's another reason why sleep is more difficult.

Best moment this week: I feel like I've always been a "nester" so the whole "nesting" thing in pregnancy hasn't really applied to me. I am so anal about cleaning and organizing at home that I feel as though  nothing has changed since being prenant. As long as I have my daily "to-do" lists i'm fine. But, this weekend I kicked the nestng up a knotch. Blinds were taken down and individually bleached and curtains were all washed. I have a feeling the ceilings will even be clean by the time baby comes. We had a great appointment with the midwife. You are still measuring right on time and healthy as ever. 

Miss Anything? I'm starting to miss being able to sit or lay down comfortably. 

Movement: Crazy movements! You're all over the place rolling from side to side. When I touch my stomach, I can tell if I'm feeling a leg, or foot, or butt. So cool. 

Food cravings: This week its been jello with fruit and cottage cheese. 

Anything making you queasy or sick: no

Gender: Boy

Labor Signs: No 

Symptoms: Feeling VERY pregnant at this point. 

Belly Button in or out? Outie

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy, anxious and excited

Looking forward to: Labor and delivery class tomorrow and seeing everyone at the shower this weekend! 

31 WeEkS - hOt, HeAvY, and hApPy :)

How far along? 31 weeks

Total weight gain: 22-23 lbs 

Maternity clothes? Yes

Stretch marks? No

Sleep: Sleep is touch and go. I fall asleep easily but toss and turn all night long and get up at least three times in the middle of the night. By the time I get off work every night I am worn out and ready to relax. 

Best moment this week: Randy and I spent a nice relaxing weekend just the two of us at home. I cherish simple weekends like these. We seem to have the most fun when there's nothing major going on and we're just spending quality time together. The weather was insanely hot so on Saturday we lounged around the house most of the day watching Netflix and eating haha. Soon, we won't have the privilege to do whatever we like when we like so we are soaking it in while we still can. 

Miss Anything? I don't really miss anything because I know this precious pregnancy is temporary and I will soon be back to my normal self but I must say that I do look forward to sleeping on my back and stomach again being able to move around more comfortably. 

Movement: You've been rolling around in there for what seems like all hours of the day. You're most comfortable position this week as been up high into the right side of my rib cage. I've tried everything to get you to move but you're stubborn and only move out of there when you're good and ready. My right rib cage is sore to the touch from you hibernating in there.:O) 

Food cravings: Blueberry Eggos with butter...oh and chocolate cake. 

Anything making you queasy or sick: No

Gender: Boy

Labor Signs: Not yet 

Symptoms:  This week I have felt good but been a bit uncomfortable. The indigestion has calmed down but my back has been hurting me (mostly along the spine on either side). You're Dadddy tried to rub all of the knots out but they seem to be there permanently for now. I think it's because all of my weight in in my stomach (pretty much no where else) so there's a lot of pressure on my spine. I was treated to a lovely prenatal massage the other day. I can not wait to have another one! 

Belly Button in or out? Outie

Wedding rings on or off? On 

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy and anxious all at once 

Looking forward to: Hearing your heartbeat this Friday, getting ready for our trip to Florida for our shower, maternity pics, and seeing all of the family. 

30 Weeks - Ready for another vacation already :)

How far along? 30 Weeks, 5 days

Total weight gain: 22 lbs

Maternity clothes? Yes

Stretch marks? No, and I owe that to three things: genetics I guess, Nivea lotion, and Johnson's Baby Oil. 

Sleep: Sleep is ok minus the 3-5 bathroom breaks a night. Randy has caught me snoring a couple of times. This has got to be a pregnancy thing because I am usually a silent sleeper. 

Best moment this week: We had a wonderful weekend spent celebrating babies with friends. We spent the day in Charleston on Saturday for our friend Brandi's baby shower, went shopping at BabiesRUs afterwards, and then spent Sunday celebrating you at my South Carolina baby shower with sweet friends. 

Miss Anything? Vacation...it's only been a couple of weeks but I already feel like I need another one. Work has been very hectic lately and being in your 3rd trimester doesn't help at all. 

Movement: Your movements are so much more exciting these days. If I place my hands underneath my belly it feels like i'm actually holding you. I love placing my hands on my stomach and feeling your whole body move. I'm not ready for that feeling to go away. Can't get enough of it. 

Food cravings: Milk, cold fruit, cold pasta salads, ice cold cokes (caffeine free), and of course anything sweet. 

Anything making you queasy or sick: No

Gender: Boy

Labor Signs: Thankfully no

Symptoms:  I've been feeling pretty good lately even though the energy level has gone down. Despite the energy level, I still manage to "go go go" every day and wonder how that's possible sometimes but I know my body will tell me when to stop. I'm enjoying every last minute of this last trimester and surprisingly still don't want it to end. This entire pregnancy has been such an amazing experience and one that I have been waiting on for quite some time so you can keep taking your sweet time to bake in there for your Mama and Daddy. We love you so. 

Belly Button in or out? Out...way out! I never thought I would get an outie but I was told today that it's probably because you are resting right up against it which makes since because most of your movements come from right underneath my belly button. 

Wedding rings on or off? On 

Happy or Moody most of the time: Both

Looking forward to: Relaxing in the pool this weekend and gearing up for our Florida baby shower!