Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Grant One Week

November 28th-December 5th


What a difference a week can make!  One week ago I was sleeping 9 hours a day and wondering just what motherhood had in store for me.  I knew that my life was about to change but didn't know how it would feel to be a mother and to finally know that little life inside me that had been growing for 9 months.  What a joy motherhood is!  It's been the hardest but most rewarding week of my life.  There is nothing like holding your baby boy and knowing that he's all yours.  



Loves:  Being held, eating, his paci, and cuddling with Mom and Dad.

Eating:  Grant loves to eat and has mostly been taking breast milk that I have pumped.  He has had a hard time latching on and gets really mad if he doesn't get fed as quickly as he would like.  Mommy has been frustrated that he isn't breast feeding like she would like and sometimes feels like a failure.  I'm not gonna give up on it though.  Sometimes he will breast feed without any problems which gives me some hope that he can do it.  I know that having to bottle feed him formula and having a paci has caused some nipple confusion for him.

Sleeping:  Grant has been a really good sleeper.  He wakes up, gets a diaper change,  and then we feed him.  Soon after that he falls right back to sleep.  Right now he is sleeping between 2 1/2 to 3 hours at a time.  Some times we have to wake him up to feed.  He has had a little trouble sleeping at night because his paci keeps falling out and I have to put it back in over and over again.  This has caused us both to be frustrated.  We are thinking about trying to wean him off the paci so that we all get more sleep at night.  

This Weeks Happenings:  We found out that Grant has jaundice on the day we left the hospital.  We were thankful that the doctor ordered a home therapy where he could lay in a bili bed at home instead of staying at the hospital.  I was terribly upset to find out that he would have to stay in the bed all day and night except for feedings but I knew it was for the best.  The first night we got home Grant started in the bili bed and seemed to be doing well until about midnight.  When we woke him up to feed at midnight he really wouldn't wake up and was very unresponsive.  We panicked and called the doctor's office and got a hold of the doctor on call.  She walked us through some things to do to wake him up and some exercises to see that he was ok.  After rubbing a wet wash cloth over his head and making him really mad he woke up and fed for us.  The following day a nurse came out and tested his bilirubin level and we found out that it had gone down from 14.8 to 11 which was great news.  We were told that he could get off the bili bed the following day.  Saturday Lauren and her boyfriend came for a visit and Grant enjoyed being held for hours.  Grant had his first visit with Dr. Barron.  He got a great report.  When he was born he weighed 6 lbs and 2 oz and when we left the hospital he weighed 5 lbs 14 oz.  At his first appointment he was back up to 6 lbs 4 oz.  Dr. Barron says that is great!

  Waiting with Dad at the doctor's office

Clothes:  He is wearing newborn clothes but most of them are still really long on his arms and his legs.  He won't put his legs down in the leg holes and gets frustrated with the outfits.  He is also wearing newborn diapers.  I'll be glad when he grows a little and can wear 0-3 month clothes since we have a lot of those.

See how big my clothes are?

Mommy Moments: I am so excited to say that I have lost about 10 pounds and it's exciting to watch my stomach shrinking.  My pelvis pain has gone completely away and I'm feeling much better.  

Firsts:  Grant had his first bath and seemed to enjoy it.  He also pooped on Mommy for the first time when getting his diaper changed.  

Food:  He is eating 2 oz. at every feeding.  He generally eats every three hours.


Favorite Moments:

Mommy's Favorite:  Watching him smile and his turtle face.

Daddy's Favorite:  All his facial expressions

Nicknames: Benjamin Button, Buddy, Little Man


Here are some pictures from the past week!

Daddy bringing me home for the first time.

Don't I look like a part of the Christmas decor?!

Daddy really loves holding me for hours on end!

My first time snoozing in my bouncy seat.

Friday, December 9, 2011

Week 39

Today: 39 Weeks

Baby Size: According to my sources the baby is the size of a watermelon. He should weigh about 7 lbs  and is 20  inches from crown to toe.



Weight Gain: At my 39 week appointment I was +25 pounds. 

Maternity Clothes:  Yes!  My tops seems to be getting shorter since they are having so much of my watermelon belly to cover.

Sleep: Still sleeping about 8-9 hours a night but I wake up a lot throughout the night.  

Symptoms:  Cramps, heartburn, restless legs, pelvic pain, back pain, and tendinitis in my wrist.

Movement: He hasn't been moving as much this week.  I've been a little worried and stressed out about it and I brought it up to the doctor at my doctor's visit.  He ordered a bio physical profile and Grant was sleeping most of the time.  The doctor wasn't satisfied so he sent me straight over to the hospital to have him monitored for a couple of hours.  I hadn't eating all day and was starving and you could tell that it was affecting the baby as well.  After watching the monitor for hours they said he was doing fine and that I needed to go get something to eat.

Best Moments this Week:  When I went to the doctor's office I was one centimeter dilated.  Dr. Sharp decided that I would go into the hospital on Sunday night and get a Cytotec induction.  He said that he hoped it would thin out my cervix.  He said that if it didn't work then he would send me back home and he would check me again on Wednesday and induce on Thursday.  I'm really hoping that it works cause I would hate to have to go back home after getting my hopes up.

Food Cravings: Cakes and cupcakes

What I Miss: I miss my old body and feeling good.  I'm ready to have my body back!

Looking Forward To: I'm ecstatic about being induced on Sunday.  It has really kept me calm knowing that we are moving forward.  I so hope that I will be meeting Grant on Monday.  I'm looking forward to adding a member to our family but also a little sad that it won't just be the two of us anymore.  I have relished the time I've spent talking with Josh lately.  I want to cherish this time together.

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Week 38

Today: 38 Weeks

Baby Size: According to my sources the baby is the size of a watermelon. He should weigh about 6.8 pounds  and is 19 1/2  inches from crown to toe.



Weight Gain: At my 38 week appointment I was +25 pounds. 

Maternity Clothes:  Yes!  My tops seems to be getting shorter since they are having so much of my watermelon belly to cover.

Sleep: Still sleeping about 8-9 hours a night but I wake up a lot throughout the night.  

Symptoms:  Cramps, heartburn, restless legs, pelvic pain, back pain, and tendinitis in my wrist.

Movement: He is moving a lot and crowding me out.  I should have permanent footprints on my right side.  He moves a bunch when I'm sitting up cause I'm guessing he doesn't have as much room in my short torso.

Best Moments this Week: One of the best moments last week was my doctor's visit where I found out I had dilated a 1/2 a centimeter.  This week I hadn't made any change.  I was a little very disappointed but at least there is an end in sight.  Josh has been taking great care of me and I know he will be a great dad.  He got Modern Warfare 3 and has been playing it all week.  I'm being patient since I know he won't have much time to play it once Grant gets here.  I really enjoyed my visit with my mom a couple of weeks ago.  We went shopping, put a puzzle together, and talked for hours.  I really hate it that we live 2 hours away from each other.

Food Cravings: I'm still loving some cupcakes.  I made some homemade cupcakes this past week and they were delicious!  I'm looking forward to the Edgar's birthday cake that I'll get on Thursday.

What I Miss:  I miss my old body, being able to take medicine for pain, and getting up and down easily.

Looking Forward To: I'm really looking forward to my birthday this Thursday.  I've asked Josh for an Edgar's birthday cake, a pedicure, and dinner at Carrabba's.  We know our date nights will be few and far between so I'm gonna enjoy this last birthday before I become a mom.  

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Week 36

Today: 36 Weeks

Baby Size: According to my sources the baby is the size of a crenshaw melon.  He should weigh about 6 pounds  and is 18 1/2  inches from crown to toe.



Weight Gain: At my 36 week appointment I was +25 pounds. 


Maternity Clothes:  Yes!

Sleep: Sleeping ok but it's uncomfortable and Josh says I moan a lot.  


Symptoms: Heartburn, restless legs, pelvic pain, back pain, and tendinitis in my wrist.

Movement: His feet are way up near my ribs and he moves a bunch.  He moves the most while I'm trying to eat.  He's been a lot more active and his kicks are a lot harder.



Best Moments this Week: We got his dresser in and his bed it put together so his room is almost ready.  I bought his bedding last week and I've already had both of my showers so things are going well.  I just have to pick up a few more things and then get my bags packed for the hospital.


Food Cravings: Cupcakes!!!  I've been on a cupcake kick for a few weeks.  The best are the ones my mom makes for me.

What I Miss:  Being pain free and being able to move about without getting winded.

Looking Forward To: I'm really looking forward to this week with my mom.  She's coming up today to help me finish up my shopping.  I'm also looking forward to the Alabama vs. LSU game on Saturday.  I hope we can pull this one out!

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Week 33

Today:  33 Weeks

Baby Size: According to my sources the baby is the size of a pineapple.  He should weigh about 4 pounds  and is 17  inches from crown to toe.

External Image

Weight Gain: At my 32 week appointment I was +20 pounds.

Maternity Clothes:  Yes!


Sleep: About the same and I'm still having terrible pain moving from side to side at night.

Symptoms: Let's see...heartburn, restless legs, pain in pelvis area, carpal tunnel in my right wrist, and
swelling in my hands.


Movement: I can feel him moving around quite a bit but he must be too tight to kick me anymore.  His feet are way up near my ribs and he also tickles my sides.



Best Moments this Week: Josh finished the baby's room and we put together his stroller.  We purchased a few other needed items and it's exciting to think about how close we are.  Every time I walk by and glance in his room it shocks me a little and makes me smile.  Now I need to order his bed and dresser.  Josh and I had a great weekend together.  Josh was off on Monday so we had an extra day to spend together.  He played music in Cullman on Saturday and we watched football that night.  On Sunday we made a trip to Buy Buy Baby (twice) and made chili together.  On Monday Josh finished the room and we went to the Galleria and to Gigi's for a cupcake.  I finally got my cupcake and it was yummy but had a LOT of sugar in it.

Food Cravings: We ate some cheesecake and a cupcake so I'd say it's been sweets of any kind.

What I Miss:  Being able to move without pain.  It was HORRIBLE yesterday and made me cry a lot.  If I get down I can't seem to get back up without a great deal of pain.  Josh has been very helpful in coming to get me up and helping me hold my legs together so the pain isn't so bad.

Looking Forward To: I'm really looking forward to my baby shower this weekend.  I don't get to see my friends and family enough so it will be nice to get to see everyone.  

Friday, October 7, 2011

Fill in the Blank Friday



I'm linking up with Lauren for Fill in the Blank Friday


1.   Something popular that I can't stand/just don't "get" is      the rompers women are wearing.  They look like an outfit made for a kid.

2.   Something unpopular that I secretly love is    putting puzzles together.  I love spending time with my mom and working on a puzzle together.

3.  When I've had a bad day I   love some good ole chocolate .

4. I'd prefer   to sleep late    to    shopping      any day.

5.  Something that makes me nervous is    the labor and delivery process and caring for a little baby.  I know I can do it but it sure does make me nervous.

6.  Something worth fighting for is     a good relationship.  People don't spend enough time communicating anymore.  You can work through a lot of issues if you just take the time to listen   .

7.  When people think of me, I hope they think    that I am a good friend and that I truly care about them  .

y

Week 32

Today:  32 Weeks (Well not actually today cause I'm a few days behind posting this)

Baby Size: According to my sources the baby is the size of a large jicama.  He should weigh about 3.75  pounds  and is 16.7  inches from crown to toe.




Weight Gain: At my 32 week appointment I was +20 pounds. 


Maternity Clothes:  Yes!

Sleep: About the same and I'm still having terrible pain moving from side to side at night.


Symptoms: Let's see...heartburn, restless legs, pain in pelvis area, and swelling in my hands.  I think I'm about to the point where I'm gonna have to stop wearing my wedding rings.  I've had to pry them off with lotion and I'm afraid one day they may just be stuck on there.

Movement: His movements have changed some.  He isn't really kicking me anymore but it's more like trying to stretch out.  I'll feel an arm and a leg pushing out at the same time.  It's a weird feeling.  I keep telling him that he can't get out.  I know that he is getting bigger and has less room so I'll feel him moving around but he won't be able to kick me as much.  It's funny to watch my belly and see how he is laying each day.  I can feel and see his little butt sticking out. :)



Best Moments this Week: Josh painted the baby's room and I'm really excited about that.  Now we can order his bed and start setting things up.  I'm really thankful that Josh did that for me cause I know it was tough doing it alone.  We also started our parenting class last night.  We got to watch a video of a baby crowning and the delivery of the placenta and I think Josh is scarred for life.  He keeps telling me that he isn't gonna watch the birth.  No problem from me!  I just want him to be there by my side to help me through the process as much as possible.  I'm a baby when it comes to pain.

Food Cravings: I really haven't craved anything this week although my mom's homemade cupcakes were awesome.  She made them when we went to Selma last weekend.  So yummy!

What I Miss:  Being able to get up and down easily and walking without pain.  The doctor told me that my pain is likely to get worse.  Worse?  I don't want to think about it because it's BAD now!

Looking Forward To: I'm really looking forward to my baby shower that is a week away.  Josh is playing music this Saturday and we are cooking chili this weekend.  He is also off on Monday so we are going to order the baby's dresser and bed/mattress.   

Friday, September 30, 2011

fill in the blank Friday



1.   My current obsession is    anything to do with babies or pregnancy.

2.    Friends and family      make me happy.

3.  My greatest strength is   being able to read a situation and figure out what is really going on   .

4.    Being too pessimistic about things before I give it a try is my greatest weakness.

5.  My life is    changing dramatically and I'm a little scared.  Even though I'm ecstatic about having a baby, I'm worried about how much my life is about to change.  I know it will be a wonderful change but this is the only life I've know for 36 years.

6.  In high school I was    an average student who had several close friends.

7.   When I'm super tired    I cry and get really cranky .

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

I'm linking up with Jamie at This Kind of Love!


Here's what I'm loving this week....



1.  My husband who lets me know how much he loves me daily and keeps me laughing


2.  Alabama vs. Florida game (even though we will be at a wedding)

3.  Gigi's Cupcakes


4.  Our new video camera so we can capture all the "firsts" of our new little fella.




31 Weeks

Today:  31 Weeks

Baby Size: According to my sources the baby is the size of four navel oranges.  He should weigh about 3.3 pounds and is 16 inches from crown to toe.

 31-oranges


Weight Gain: At my 30 week appointment I was +18 pounds. I should gain about a pound a week from now on.

Maternity Clothes:  Yes!  I finally found a pair of maternity jeans in a petite size so I'm excited about that.  


Sleep: Sleep has been a little more difficult this week.  I can't seem to get in a comfortable position and I'm having to shift from side to side and move my extra pillow each time.  I'm have horrible pain from moving my legs apart and some nights it brings tears to my eyes.

Symptoms: Heartburn and pain moving my legs apart.  

Movement:  He is moving like normal.  Some days a lot and some days not so much.  His position changes a lot.

Best Moments this Week: We went to Tuscaloosa this past weekend and got to spend time with friends.  Alabama beat Arkansas!  We did A LOT of walking and I was completely worn out but it was a lot of fun. 

Food Cravings: It's still Lucky Charms!  I still haven't gotten my Gigi's cupcake!

What I Miss:  Being able to get up and down easily and being able to move around without pain.

Looking Forward To: I'm looking forward to the weekend.  We are heading to Selma for Josh's cousin's wedding and we will be staying with my parents.  I'm also hoping that I get to meet baby Caroline this weekend.

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

The A-Z of Me



A. Age: 36
B. Bed size: King
C. Chore that you hate: Washing dishes
D. Dogs: No pets! 
E. Essential start to your day: Stepping on the scale 
F. Favorite color: Blue
G. Gold or Silver: Silver
H. Height: 5'1"
I. Instruments you play: Nothing :(
J. Job title: Stay at home mom. Formerly a 1st grade teacher.
K. Kids: A sweet little fella on the way.  Only 9 weeks to go!!!
L. Live: Trussville, AL
M. Mother’s name: Fay
N. Nicknames: Jen
O. Overnight hospital stays: Got my tonsils removed
P. Pet peeves: People who say things to get you to reassure them (ex. "I'm so fat!")
Q. Quote from a movie: "Something bit me" Forrest Gump
R. Right or left handed: Right
 handed.

S. Siblings: Two half brothers and two half sisters
T. Time you wake up: 9:00
U. Underwear: Getting too little with my pregnancy belly!
V. Vegetable you hate: Spinach
W. What makes you run late: Fussing with my hair
X. X-Rays you’ve had: Broken toe
Y. Yummy food that you make: Brownies, meatloaf, casseroles
 Zoo animal: Monkey

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

29 and 30 Weeks

Today:  30 Weeks

Baby Size: According to my sources the baby is the size of a head of cabbage.  He should weigh about 3 pounds  and is 15.7 inches from crown to toe.




Weight Gain: At my 30week appointment I was +18 pounds. I've felt like I've done pretty good up until this point but now I can't seem to keep the pounds from coming.

Maternity Clothes:  Yes!  



Sleep: I'm still sleeping pretty good but my belly makes it hard to get too comfortable.  I've started having severe cramps at night but I've heard that's gonna be common this trimester.  I'm having trouble getting in and out of bed during the night.  I'm having a pull in my legs that is extreme but Dr. Sharp says it's normal.  He says that about everything I ask about. LOL!

Symptoms: HEARTBURN!!!  I'm still having bouts of heartburn but as long as I stay away from fast foods and fatty foods it isn't that bad.  Braxton Hicks have started and sometimes catch me by surprise.  I've been a little more tired and I'm sleeping a little more.

Movement:  He has his days!  Some days I wonder if he invited a few friends over and then other days I hardly feel him at all.  He changes positions a lot and I feel him the best when he has his feet up high. I ended up going back to the doctor a couple days after my ultrasound because he still wasn't moving much.  I had another ultrasound and I was told that I have an anterior placenta and he was transverse so he would have to kick really hard for me to feel it since he would be kicking the placenta as well.  So now I know that when he lays sideways I won't feel him as much.  I'm ready for him to get into position with his head down and feet up.

Best Moments this Week: The best moment this week was when the baby was kicking me like crazy and Josh got to feel it.  I think he was amazed at how hard and how much he was kicking.  It just made me laugh when he was kicking me that much.

Food Cravings: It's still Lucky Charms!  Lately I have really been craving a cupcake.  We found this delicious looking cupcake place called Gigi's and I am dying for a bite of one of them.  Hopefully Josh will surprise me with a trip there very soon.

What I Miss:  Being able to get up and down easily!

Looking Forward To: I'm looking forward to a trip to Atlanta to visit my Aunt B.  We were suppose to go this week but things didn't really work out.  My dad fell out of the bed and broke his rib, it was raining cats and dogs, and Aunt B was babysitting for my cousin who has pneumonia. We'll reschedule it and make the trip very soon.

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Week 28

Today:  28 Weeks

Baby Size: According to my sources the baby is the size of a Chinese cabbage.  He should weigh about 2 pounds and  2 ounces and is 14.8 inches from crown to toe but from the ultrasound yesterday it told us that he weighs 2 pounds and 8 ounces.  My boy is growing!!!

Weight Gain: At my 28 week appointment I was +16 pounds. According to the scale I gained 4 pounds in 2 weeks.  I think it must have been wrong the last time I went at 26 weeks and I had that feeling back then.  I'm blaming the extra weight gain on him.  Haha!

Maternity Clothes: I'm wearing all maternity bottoms at this point.  I have a couple of blue jean capri pants that are my favorite.  I've been wearing the new tops I bought.  We had a cold front/tropical storm push through so the weather has been really cool.  I think I'm gonna go digging through the maternity clothes Amanda let me borrow and find some quarter length shirts.  Guess that means I better start shopping for a few pair of long pants.  And I have to find a dress for John and Chelsea's wedding.

Sleep: I'm still sleeping pretty good but my belly makes it hard to get too comfortable.  I've started having severe cramps at night but I've heard that's gonna be common this trimester.  I'm having trouble getting in and out of bed during the night.  I'm having a pull in my legs that is extreme but Dr. Sharp says it's normal.  He says that about everything I ask about. LOL!

Symptoms: HEARTBURN!!!  I'm still having bouts of heartburn but as long as I stay away from fast foods and fatty foods it isn't that bad.  Braxton Hicks have started and sometimes catch me by surprise.  I've been a little more tired and I'm sleeping a little more.

Movement:  He hasn't moved as much as I would have liked this past week.  He was busy on Wednesday but after that he went about three days with little movement.  At my appointment I mentioned this to Dr. Sharp and he sent me for an ultrasound.  At the ultrasound he was sleeping...of course.  We couldn't wake him for anything.  He had his arms up behind his head and wasn't gonna be bothered by us.  The tech said that he was moving enough for her to know that he was ok.  She measured everything again and she said he's growing fine. Then that night he started moving around again.  Guess he's growing and needing his rest.

Best Moments this Week: Alabama football started this past weekend and I spent all day Saturday watching football with Josh.  On Sunday we went to the outlet mall in Leeds and we both enjoyed getting out and walking around.  There was a tropical storm that came through between Sunday and Monday and there was super strong rain and wind.  One other thing that was a great moment was when Josh kissed my stomach and noticed how hard my belly is.  He realized that there IS a baby in there.  I think he has trouble wrapping his head around the fact that it's a living, breathing being in there.

Food Cravings:
 Two words....milk and Lucky Charms!  I can never get enough.


What I Miss:  Sushi, sandwich meat, and being able to get up and down easily.

Looking Forward To: We are going to Brad and Tiffany's for the Penn State game this weekend.  It will be fun to be around friends and enjoy some football.  

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Weeks 26 and 27


Today:  27 Weeks

Baby Size: According to my sources the baby is the size of a head of cauliflower.  He should weigh about 2 pounds and is 14.5 inches from crown to toe.



Weight Gain:
 At my 26 week appointment I was +12 pounds. I was shocked when I heard that cause I feel like I've gained much more.  Now I see the doctor every two weeks until I reach 35 weeks.

Maternity Clothes:
 I'm wearing all maternity bottoms at this point.  I have a couple of blue jean capri pants that are my favorite.  Josh took me shopping for some new tops last weekend.  He was tired of hearing me complain about how few tops I have to wear.

Sleep: I'm still sleeping pretty good but my belly makes it hard to get too comfortable.  I've started having severe cramps at night but I've heard that's gonna be common this trimester.

Symptoms: HEARTBURN!!!  I'm still having bouts of heartburn but as long as I stay away from fast foods and fatty foods it isn't that bad.  Braxton Hicks have started and sometimes catch me by surprise.

Movement:  My little fella still has days when he is super active and then it's followed by days of little movement.  Josh felt him kick again this week and it brought a smile to his face.  He's still feet down and I'm ready for him to turn around and stop kicking me so low.

Best Moments this Week: I passed my glucose test and was happy to get to eat some sweets again.  I went to the perfect place to do that...mom's house.  I enjoyed my visit with my parents last week.  We went to the casino, shopping, put a puzzle together, and ate some good food.

Food Cravings: Sweets and cereal are still my favorites!  I bought several big boxes of Lucky Charms and Honey Nut Cheerios and I'm loving it!  I bought 16+ plums in Selma and I've enjoyed eating one or two each day.

What I Miss:  Sushi, sandwich meat, and being able to get up and down easily.

Looking Forward To: Alabama Football!!!  It's finally starting this weekend.  It's the best season of the year.  I'm also looking forward to some cooler weather.  I need to start walking everyday but the heat makes me swell so much that it's unbearable to walk
.


Wednesday, August 17, 2011

25 Weeks


Today:  25 Weeks

Baby Size: According to my sources the baby is the size of an eggplant.  He should weigh about 1 1/2 pounds and is 13.62 inches from crown to toe.



Weight Gain: At my 22 week appointment I was +10 pounds.  I'm sure I've gained several more since then.
I'm probably closer to 13 by now.

Maternity Clothes: I'm wearing all maternity bottoms at this point.  I have a couple of blue jean capri pants that are my favorite.  They aren't that attractive but they sure feel GREAT!  I mostly wear maternity tops but occasionally I'll wear a regular t-shirt.  They are getting a little tight in the belly area though.

Sleep: I am finally sleeping pretty good and I'm getting an average of 8-9 hours a night.  I do get up at least 4 times to go to the restroom but I'm able to go right back to sleep.  I've had several nights with leg cramps this week.  You know the ones....the ones that make you feel like your muscle is turning inside out.  I'm guessing that I haven't been drinking enough fluids throughout the day so I'm gonna work on that one.

Symptoms: HEARTBURN!!!  It's in full force this week.  Tums are my best friend at this point.  I've also had a lot of round ligament pain.  Guess that has a lot to do with not drinking enough water.

Movement:  My little fella has been kicking so much this week.  Josh actually felt it one time.  I also recorded it and played it back so Josh could see that I really can see it by watching my stomach.  It makes me so happy to feel him kick and makes me think he is a happy little fella in there.

Best Moments this Week: Really it's been him kicking me so much!  He's making his momma smile.  We also enjoyed a great visit with the Russell's this past weekend.  Lots of food and fun!

Food Cravings: Sweets!  I'm fighting off the daily cravings for sweets cause I know that the glucose test is just around the corner. I also am loving cereal and I still love lots and lots of fruit.


What I Miss:  Eating and drinking what I want, my old body, and being able to shave my legs in 10 minutes.


Looking Forward To: I'm looking forward to registering and getting started on the nursery.  It's also time for another visit with my parents.  It's been about a month and so I'm ready to see them.

Monday, August 8, 2011

24 Weeks and Counting

Today:  24 Weeks

Baby Size: According to my sources the baby is the size of an ear of corn.  He should weigh about 1 1/2 pounds and is 11.5 inches from crown to toe.



Weight Gain: At my 22 week appointment I was +10 pounds.  I'm sure I've gained several more since then.

Maternity Clothes: I'm wearing all maternity bottoms at this point.  I have a couple of blue jean capri pants that are my favorite.  They aren't that attractive but they sure feel GREAT!  I mostly wear maternity tops but occasionally I'll wear a regular t-shirt.  They are getting a little tight in the belly area though.

Sleep: I am finally sleeping pretty good and I'm getting an average of 8-9 hours a night.  I do get up at least 4 times to go to the restroom but I'm able to go right back to sleep.  The worst thing is the nights when I get restless legs and I'm unable to sleep.  I have to get up and stretch or take some Tylenol.  Those are very frustrating nights but they only happen a couple of times a week.

Symptoms: I'm feeling great for the most part.  I have recently started having heartburn at night but a few Tums does the trip.  At 26 weeks I have to go and take the glucose test so I'm a little anxious about how much sugar I am eating.

Movement:  My little fella is moving a bunch.  He kicks really low right now.  He was so active last week and then the last three days he wasn't as active so I was on pins and needles.  I guess he went through some sleepy days or he was turned where it was harder for me to feel him.  He's active again today though.  I can't wait for the day when Josh can feel him kick.  I've been able to see him kick a couple of times but Josh doesn't seem to have the patience to sit and wait on him to kick.  Josh will put his hand there and as soon as he moves it the baby will kick.  He kicks more when I'm not touching him and seems to stop when I put my hand on my stomach.

Best Moments this Week: Feeling the baby kick so much helps me to know that he is growing and getting stronger.  Also, Josh walked up behind me while I was fixing my hair and put his hands on my stomach and lifted it a little.  He said, "Wow, there is a mass in there."  It made me laugh so hard.  He's starting to feel the realness of it all.  We had a date night last week and had a heart to heart about things that scared us in regards to having this baby.  It was good to get it out and be able to reassure each other.

Food Cravings: Sweets!  We have indulged in some York Peppermint Patties and boy were they delicious. I'm fighting off the daily cravings for sweets cause I know that the glucose test is just around the corner. I also am loving cereal and I still love lots and lots of fruit.


What I Miss: Getting up and down with no problem.  I also really miss having a drink when we get together with friends.  We have a big get together this weekend and I know the jealousy will set in when they are all indulging while I drink my water.  I miss sleeping on my back and my stomach and being able to eat deli meat.

Looking Forward To: I'm looking forward to registering and getting started on the nursery.  We visited our friends this past weekend and they are weeks away from the arrival of their baby girl.  They showed us all the baby items and talked about the fun of putting it all together.  Made me realize that we need to get started cause Josh HATES putting things together.  I don't mind it as much and I figure it would be best to do it while I am still able to bend and move freely.  I'm also looking forward to naming my little fella.  My dad calls him Peanut but I feel bad that we haven't picked out his name yet.  We are getting closer though!  And one more thing that I'm looking forward to....Football Season!  ROLL TIDE!

Saturday, February 5, 2011

Meet the Teacher

I'm joining the linky party at The First Grade Parade.  It just happens to be my FAVORITE blog!


A little bit about me... I graduated from Troy University with a degree in Human Resource Management.  After working a couple of years in the business field it didn't take me long to realize that I had not followed my dream.  I went back to college and got my degree in Early Childhood Education and I'm so glad I did.  My first three years were 1st grade, then three years in kindergarten, and then two years in second.  My last three years have been back in the 1st grade.  I've enjoyed all the grades but my favorite, by far, is 2nd.  Maybe one day I will have the opportunity to teach 2nd grade again.  So for now, I'm enjoying my sweet 1st graders.


I'm a newlywed, I got married in June.  My husband keeps me laughing and helps me to let go and have fun.  We LOVE watching Alabama football and attending concerts together.  We are working on having a family of our own and we can't wait to be parents.



Now for the Q & A

Q: What would you be doing if you weren’t a teacher?                                              
A:  If I wasn't a teacher I would want to be a stay at home mom.  I really couldn't imagine a job where I wasn't working with children. They make me feel young again.

Q: What are your hobbies?                                                                                    
A:  Blogstalking, reading, and playing games. I'm hoping to add blogging to this list really soon!                                                              

Q: When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?                      
A:  I always wanted to be a teacher.  I had my own little chalkboard and books and enjoyed telling all my friends what to do! :)  When I got to college I decided to go into the business field so I could make lots of money.  Little did I know that happiness with your career is worth a lot more than money.  
    
Q: What are your guilty pleasures?                                                                   
 A: Dr. Pepper, chocolate, and reality TV.  I am seriously addicted to all reality shows.  My DVR is full with Jersey Shore, Biggest Loser, Teen Mom, and The Bachelor!

Q: What is your biggest fear?!                                                                        
 A: Losing my mother has been a fear of mine all my life.  She's my rock and I'm so happy to have had so many special years with her.  Lately, while trying to get pregnant, I've had an overwhelming fear that I may never become a mother.  I hope to be able to give my child as much love as my mother has given me. 

Q: When you’re on vacation, where do you like to go?                                    
 A: I love to go to the beach!  
                                                          
Q: What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?                                                    
A:  The best advice I've ever received is to believe in yourself.  

Q: What do you value most in others?                                                                    
A:  Honesty 

Q: If you could choose one of your personality traits to pass down to your kids, what would it be?                                                                                                         
A: My playfulness...I love to laugh and have fun!

Q: If you could have lunch with anyone in the world….living or dead…who would it be?                                                                                                                
A: I'd love to be able to sit down with Debbie Miller and pick her brain.  But deep down my heart is screaming...JOHN MAYER!

Now tell us one random thing about yourself:
 I love watching my husband play Black Ops on his Xbox.  I guess it's the gamer inside of me.  

Now it’s time for YOU to join the party!!!!  Here’s what you need to do:  Write a post titled “Meet The Teacher”.  Start with a brief “biography” and then copy & paste the Q&A {using your answers, of course!}  Copy the web address of your “Meet the Teacher” post and come back here & link up!  It would be GREAT if you could visit at least 3 other teachers…get to know a little bit about your fellow bloggers…and leave a comment!!!! Don't forget to grab a button when you link up!                        


The First Grade Parade