Me/Baby & Belly Photo

How far along: 38 weeks
Total Weight Gain: 22 lbs (no gain from last week)
Size and Growth of Baby: Baby is now well above 6 pounds... and has a good grip already.  (I'm anxious to feel that!)  Her organs are matured and ready for life outside the womb.  (So is Momma).  :)
Movement: Busy girl...  plus Braxton Hicks are strong and consistent.   
Food Cravings:  Still very thirsty...  and I'm hungry a lot, but my eyes are definitely bigger than my tummy can hold.  So I feel like I'm snacking a lot! Heartburn has still not gone away...  patiently waiting for that as well!

What do I miss:  Sit comfortably...  and have my son sit on my lap.  Poor kid. 

OTHER:  Per the doctor - no changes from last week.  I continue to have lots of pressure.  Each time I sit and think "is this it?" and it's not... at least not yet.  I'm trying to be very patient, but I'm finding it's harder and harder as each day goes by.  I'm anxious to meet Baby Girl, and give her a name.  :)

And a side note... this is what Kayson's been playing with lately.  Baby Girl has a baby doll and Kayson thinks it's the best thing.  We put her in Baby Girl's car seat and pretend to feed her, cover her up, etc.  It's pretty sweet...  and I guess it gives me the chance to tell him more things about what we can and can't do with Baby Sister.  

FRIDAY!

Thank goodness it's Friday!!

This week has been hectic (work especially)...  I'm so over it.  :)  I've said this and thought this over and over again, I'm ready for a break from work.  I know I'll be busy and the 10 to 12 weeks will FLY by, but I just need a break.  

Again, with the heat - we are all annoyed with it.  However, today was a MUCH better day for the weather.  I can handle 80s and low humidity.  :)  

Today was my 38 week checkup (2 days early).  Doc 'checked' me - no change from last week (so basically, my cervix is still thick and I'm maybe dilated to a 1).  Not going to lie, she really checked me today and that's SO painful.  UGH.  I was somewhat disappointed to hear that there was no change, but then again - you are technically supposed to be pregnant for 40 weeks - so I really do have 2 weeks left.  Stop complaining Janelle.  :)  Baby Girl will arrive when she's good and ready.

Ryan's been sick most of this week.  He's had a fever off and on and just no energy.  Of course, being the hard worker he is, he's only missed a half a day of work.  That guy.  He needs to get better - I can't have a baby if he's sick!  :)  

Kayson's been pretty good this week too.  We've been struggling with bedtime - him just fighting us, etc.  It's not terrible, but it does test our patience.  I also can't help but think that he just knows things are changing and he's just trying to 'figure' those things out, if he can.  Poor kid - still breaks my heart that his life is going to be flipped upside down when Baby Girl arrives.  I'm way more worried about Kayson than birthing another baby.  :)

I worked from home this afternoon... it was nice - nice and quiet.  I got a lot done.  I was a little more uncomfortable than normal though... my back is KILLING me.  Just so achy - so I moved from the dining room table, to the rocker, to the couch and just kept rotating.  Kind of like my sleeping habits!

Well I'm looking forward to the weekend.  We have no plans, except to hopefully take Kayson to see the balloons in Indianola.  We've got to get out if the weather is decent!

TGIF!

Emotions are running high!

Well it's completely obvious that I have less than 3 weeks to go with Baby Girl's pregnancy.  I'm hot, uncomfortable, emotional (extremely!), tired and sore!!

• We haven't been really doing much this week so far -- still just too hot to be outside.  I think that's starting to 'get' to all of us!  I feel bad for Kayson - it's just not fun to be outside right now... we figure, if daycare doesn't go outside, we don't go outside.  BOO!  Kayson's done a lot of watching movies and playing with the iPad over the past couple weeks.  I hope he doesn't turn into a TV Junkie!  ha. 
• I need to get to Target... soon!  I have a list, and just keep putting it off.  I keep thinking I'll have enough energy after work to go, but I don't.  I'll try tomorrow...  ha. 
• The Braxton Hicks have been really kicking in lately too...  at first, I wasn't quite sure what they were (I don't think I experienced them with Kayson - or just didn't have a clue!)  My tummy tightens like crazy and it looks like Baby Girl stretches out sideways...  it's so weird, but normal, I guess!
• The pins and needles 'down there' continue.  I tell you what - wow, that's uncomfortable.  Yowza!
• I think Kayson is really starting to know that 'something is happening' here...  meaning Mommy and Baby Sister, etc.  I sure hope he adjusts okay.  Even my dogs can tell something is going on.  Oh boy.  :)

That's all I've got for tonight...  ice cream and strawberries - here I come. 

Me/Baby

How far along: 37 weeks
Total Weight Gain: 22 lbs 
Size and Growth of Baby: Baby is now considered 'full term'.  She's probably over 6 pounds now and 19 inches.  Seems crazy that she could be that big, cuz I really don't think my belly is THAT big - she's smashed in there, I'm sure. 
Movement: Busy girl...  plus the Braxton Hicks have started too.  Uncomfortable! 
Food Cravings:  Still very thirsty...  and I'm hungry a lot, but my eyes are definitely bigger than my tummy can hold.  So I feel like I'm snacking a lot!

What do I miss:  Being able to bend over!! 

OTHER:  I was checked this past Friday - head is officially down, and I'm dilated to maybe a 1.  Whoohoo (sarcasm).  ha.  :)  I continue to have pelvic pressure - and I've decided it feels like pins & needles.  UGH - not comfortable at all!  I can say we are 'nesting' as well... even Ryan, I think he's anxious.

Our Weekend

We had a nice weekend... kept busy, had good company and also some 'down' time too.  

Friday, we had our carpets cleaned...  we tried out ZeroRez.  We felt we needed to get the carpets done before Baby Girl arrives.  We've been in the house almost 3 years and just thought it would be good to have that off the checklist.  We were pleased...  took forever to dry, but oh well!

Saturday, the Taylor's came for a visit/lunch.  I actually wasn't feeling well in the morning...  that's become a more common thing lately.  I eat breakfast, and then from there on til lunch, I just feel icky.  I can't figure it out.  Anyway, we had a nice lunch out, then Kayson and Tate played for a little bit before naps.  Later in the day, Mike & JeanAnn stayed with Kayson while Ryan and I did a few errands and had dinner, child free.  :)  We had a nice time...  Ryan needed some new dress pants, so we did that, then went downtown to Gusto (a pizza joint).  It was nice to do something with just Ryan.  In the meantime, Kayson had a great time with Papa & Grandma...  much appreciated for those 4 hours.  

Kayson, Tate & even Baby Girl were spoiled by Papa & Grandma...  This is what Kayson and Baby Girl got (from Build-a-Bear) - so sweet that Kayson did this for his Baby Sister...  breaks my heart:

Baby Girl's Princess Bear

Kayson's Monkey

Today, was another nice day... productive too.  Again, I wasn't feeling 100% in the morning, but made it through.  Lacey and I did lunch - haven't really spent time with her in a LONG time.  We sat and talked for a couple hours...  then Ryan and I did some things in preparation for Baby Girl.  Ryan put in some more shelves in her closet.  I cleaned bottles... yes, they are out and on the counter!!  I did some more laundry of Baby clothes... and Ryan did some 'cleaning/organizing' in the basement.

Then this afternoon, our friend Holly and her daughter, Gillian, made a quick stop by...  Gillian and Kayson played SO WELL together.  It was awesome.  :)  

Now, the weekend is over... big bummer, but that's ok.  Another day is gone, and Baby Girl is growing, that's what's important.

Oh... Only Wednesday?

Just a couple things going on today (my thoughts):

• It seems like this week is taking forever!  It's only Wednesday evening...  seems like we should be enjoying the weekend, right?  Then again, right now, I'm living for the weekends at home --- with my family.  
• Ryan is home now from traveling, again - always eases my mind to have him home.  I know Kayson was happy to have him home...  he followed him around for awhile, which is funny.  
• The heat --- has GOT.TO.GO!  Period.  YUK.  I'm really, really tired of this heat.  I'm swollen EVERYWHERE!  It's hard to keep Kayson inside (and happy) all the time now.  It's just a big bummer that it's so darn hot.  And our grass... wow = crunchy! 
• A few more items have been purchased for Baby Girl's room.  I'll get another 'detailed' picture up soon, I hope!
• We are addicted to watching the show "Restaurant Impossible".  So interesting to see these restaurants failing, and have this guy come in and flip everything around...  It's funny that I like these shows, cuz I'm so not a 'cook'!
• I'm looking forward to a little 'date' with Ryan on Saturday night...  he needs to shop and we are going to do dinner together - alone, just the two of us.  It seems like forever since we've done that!
• I need some blonde to my hair...  my next highlight isn't for another 2 weeks, and potentially will need to be rescheduled if Baby Girl comes early.  OH BOY.  :)

Me/Baby & Belly Photo

How far along: 36 weeks
Total Weight Gain: 20 lbs 
Size and Growth of Baby: Baby is packing on the pounds!  She probably weighs about 6 pounds by now.
Movement: Oh yes...  she seems to be on a routine.  It's crazy!  I'm anxious to see if she's on this same routine when she gets here!  
Food Cravings:  Very thirsty.  Otherwise, I just have to eat small portions now...  getting full fast and uncomfortable.

What do I miss:  Being able to shave my legs comfortably! 

OTHER: Baby Girls room is pretty much ready...  and we love it.  It's so pretty.  I'm still having some pelvic pressure, but not nearly as bad as a couple days ago, which has eased my mind a little.  Doc says that all of this is 'normal'... I'll start getting checked next Friday.  

Baby Girl Room Details #1

Here are a few of the details... so far of Baby Girl's room.   

Tomorrow I plan on purchasing a few other random things, in which I'll post then.  It's coming together...  We love it.  :)

Uncomfortable Momma, Missing Daddy, Good Kid

I'm uncomfortable.  Period.  I continue to have the pelvic pressure... and it's making me crazy, nervous, uncomfortable, and mentally exhausted.  My mind literally races non stop.  I can't pray enough to keep Baby Girl where she is for another 4 weeks.  I'd love the extra prayers from you all as well.

I'm missing Ryan.  Kayson's missing Ryan.  He's in Illinois this week... hopes to be home Thursday.  I tell you what, I have never wanted him home MORE.  ha.  That potentially would ease my nerves a little more. 

Kayson's been good for me.  I had to explain to him tonight that I just wasn't feeling well and I needed to relax.  I started to cry a little, and he was so sweet... he hugged me and asked me if I was sad.  I told him I am kind of sad because Daddy is gone, but I'm happy that he was here with me.  I feel like I can't really tell him that Baby Sister is causing me not to feel well - he'll be confused at that...  but either way, he has been pretty darn good for me.  Tonight I had enough energy to take him to Dairy Queen for ice cream.  He did great.

I'm hoping the next couple days go really quick!  

A little scare... and A lot of Productivity

A little scare

This past Thursday, I wasn't feeling 'right'.  I didn't feel well (all over), I ached and I was feeling a lot of pelvic pressure (down there).  I was getting nervous.  It all started around 9 am at work...  Baby Girl was rollin', more than normal (it seemed) and just kept going and going and I couldn't seem to get her to relax.  Soon enough, I started to feel some pressure and my nerves started setting in.  I got some lunch hoping that would calm things down, but it didn't.  I called the nurse to talk with her... explained everything and she said she wanted me to get to the hospital to be checked out.  WHAT?  I guess I wasn't really expecting that... but I guess it's for precaution.  Ryan met me at Mercy and the nurses got me and Baby on the monitor.  I was 'checked', no dialation and we just waited.  During the monitoring, I apparently was having small contractions, but none that I was really feeling.  I was still experiencing the pressure and was not comfortable.  Then I was checked again about an hour and a half later, no change.  (All good signs).  Three hours later, I was told I could go home...  "Take it easy and be watchful of what I'm feeling."  

I'm not going to lie, I was scared to death and am still nervous.  I'm glad that I went in to be checked... it eased my mind a little, however, I continue to have the pressure and just being uncomfortable.  I'm hoping that this is just Baby Girl making her way 'down'.  I'm not ready for her to make her appearance yet... she needs to stay put for at least another 4 weeks.  Say some prayers.

A lot of Productivity

Today was the day to pick up baby furniture and get Baby Girl's room 'ready'.  

Holding a baby doll.  He did so well!

This morning we picked up a ceiling fan for her room... and then we headed down to Mercy for a Siblings Class.  This is something that was suggested to me about a month ago, so I signed us up.  It was a big group of parents with children and soon to be #2 or potentially #3 on the way.  The children were able to talk about what's safe for Baby, how to hold the Baby, and even how to change a diaper.  We also were giving a tour of the maternity area...  we got to see a room where Mommy and Baby will be (after delivery), and then got to see the Nursery.  Kayson did wonderful.  I was so impressed... and proud too.  He listened well, he seemed very interested... and asked good questions.  He was all about changing the diapers on the baby dolls...  Baby Sister peed a lot in less than 10 minutes (I think we changed her at least 3 times)!  Ryan says we'll be in trouble if we go that rate with diapers!  Anyway, it was an excellent class, well worth our time, I think.

From there, we had lunch, then my parents came down to help with the room.  Ryan and Dad picked up the furniture - crib was put together (it's beautiful), and the dresser was put in the room too.  Mom and I washed and washed and washed some more clothes, blankets, bibs, etc...  all of her clothes are clean and still need to be put away, but that'll come this week (I hope).  And by the way, this child does NOT need any more clothes.  Oh my goodness.  Ryan and Dad also put the ceiling fan up...  again, wonderful.  

I'm so thrilled that the room is at least filled...  and Baby Girl could come (still don't want her to come yet), but she'd have a place to sleep!  :)  Thanks to my parents for all their hard work.  I know I'm exhausted!!!!  I'm glad we have tomorrow to just be around and hang out.

Here is a sneak peek of the furniture.  I'll post more as we continue to put things away and get more ready.

Happy 4th of July!

First - LOVED having the day off!  Happy Birthday to our country!  

Second - we kept busy today.  Oh my goodness!  This morning we headed down to Creston to enjoy their 4th of July Parade.  We figured a 10:00 parade would be more 'enjoyable' then a 2:00 parade!  The heat is just ridiculous!  Plus Kayson got some time with Grandma & Papa.  The parade was a success...  Kayson enjoyed it.  (Of course deathly afraid of the firetruck sirens and horns), but then he was over it, and all about getting the candy!  We walked around town a little...  hit up a book sale, had lunch and then played at little at Grandma & Papa's.  It was a nice visit!

We got home mid-afternoon, and K took a short rest...  meanwhile, my niece asked us if we would meet them up for dinner in Ames.  Hope & Eden were bored!!!  ha.  :)  Too funny.  So we went up to Ames for dinner with them...  man, we had fun.  Those girls just crack me up!  We ate too much and laughed a ton too.  (I believe I laughed until I cried!!)  

And now it's bedtime...  K was tired, and I'm wiped out too.  The heat just takes so much out of me.  I'm swollen (it seems everywhere!) and just hot.  Lovely!  

We enjoyed today...  sad that it's over, and sad we have to go back to work tomorrow.  

Here are a few pictures from today.  

Painted!

Baby Girl's room is officially ready to be filled!  

After such a LONG wait, we are thrilled to say that the painter came Monday afternoon and finished up today.  The room looks great... I'm so pleased with it.  

Some of you may be surprised - but we went with pink.  ha.  I laugh at this simply because we both thought we'd go with an off color (like brown or a mustard color) - and "we just don't want to overdue it with pink", and then we just couldn't decide.  Then one evening (long time ago), Ryan said - "I think we should go with pink."  OMG - REALLY!??!  ha.  But he was right, and we love it.  :)

Here's some pictures of before and after.  I can't wait to fill it with furniture and ALL the clothes we have for Baby Girl!  Enjoy!

Plain room!

Added Wanes Coating...  so cool!

Beautifully painted!!

and Kayson approved!

3 1/2 Years Old

Kayson is 3 1/2 years old.  Unbelievable. 

I've been wanting/meaning to get outside and take some 'nice' pictures of him for weeks... and it just hasn't happened.  There was always an excuse.  Mainly - too freaking hot.  So Saturday morning, I tried out Portrait Innovations.  I got several 'reviews' from friends and just decided to do it.  I wanted it done and over with!  And within an hour, it was.  :)  Kayson did really well, and I am pleased with the pictures...  double bonus, I guess!

Here are some of our favorites. 

So sweet.  My goodness.

So him.  Love him.

Giggles turned into a nice smile.  :)

Me/Baby and a BIG THANK YOU!

How far along: 34 weeks
Total Weight Gain: 19 lbs 
Size and Growth of Baby: Baby weighs nearly 5 pounds, and has passed the 18 inch mark!  She's really filling out...  and her central nervous system is maturing and so are her lungs.
Movement: Oh yes...  she's starting to stretch me out wide, not just out in front.  She just really punches and still continues to take my breath away. 
Food Cravings:  This week I haven't had any cravings...  just eating enough to keep the heartburn under control and my tummy from growling.   

What do I miss: Wearing my wedding ring all day...  I'm just swelling up by mid-afternoon, so been watching wearing my rings.  Bummer. (some days are worse than others)

OTHER:  Painter is tentatively coming this Tuesday!!!  And furniture is in!  Whoohoo.  I was also blessed to have a baby shower held for us today.  See below.

MY BIG THANK YOU!

Today, two of my close volleyball friends hosted a baby shower for me.  I invited my closest friends and Martina.  It was a perfect little baby shower...  great snacky foods, wonderful gifts and most importantly - amazing company.  I'm truly blessed to have such great friends in my life...  ones that would spoil a second child coming into my life.  Not very many people do those types of things, and I really appreciate it. 

We got some great gifts - swaddles, onesies, DIAPERS galore, blankets, adorable outfits and even a couple headbands for Baby Girl!  :)  Everything was perfect, and I can't wait to get everything washed and put away! 

Thank you so much to all my friends.