Still Waiting

Yesterday we had another appointment to check on the baby status. Still no progress to report. Unfortunately I have an "unfavorable" cervix according to my doctor. I'm about 50% effaced and less than 1cm dilated and my cervix is still firm. They are thinking that his head might be too big to fit down the chute so to say and push on the cervix like it's supposed to to get things going.

Friday we are heading back to the doctor to get an ultrasound and see how big he is really getting and make sure everything is still going good in there. If he doesn't get a perfect score on the ultrasound, I might be induced on Friday. If everything is still going good in there we will probably wait until Wednesday or Thursday next week.

I'm not really sure what to think about this or even if there really is anything for me to think about since it seems pretty much out of my hands. I was really hoping he would come on his own and avoid a c-section, but that might just not happen. I am looking forward to seeing him again since we haven't had an ultrasound since 18wks. I'm sure so much has changed. 

It sounds like next week though we will be meeting him in person - I can't believe it's already time. 

Baby & Weekend Update

Baby Update....


Still no baby. Still no progress. I'm going back tomorrow to be checked again and see if anything has happened over the weekend. I'm guessing no (not to be negative - I just haven't noticed any differences). Who knows though. I'm sick of raspberry tea and pineapple and baths lol.

Weekend Update...

This weekend was so nice. It was our potential last weekend as just a couple and we enjoyed every minute of it. The husband cooked every meal this weekend and took expert care to make sure I did absolutely nothing. We even indulged in some pretend wine.

The previous homeowner had left us with a bottle of Fre wine by Sutter Homes when we moved in and we had yet to open it and this seemed like the perfect weekend. I wish we had done it sooner. It was absolutely delicious and made bath time just a tad bit more enjoyable than usual. I definitely recommend it!

We had some luck with the garden as well. We picked a whole bunch of peppers, eggplant, and even dug up some huge sweet potatoes. We decided to make spaghetti and roasted veggies with them and they were scrumptious. I can't wait for leftovers tonight. I really should update a picture of the garden, but I've been camera lazy lately if you hadn't noticed. Maybe next time.

We also did a little baby shopping this weekend as well. I bought him some little brown boots which I figure might be easier to keep on than socks and a little 3-piece set that included a jacket.

I realized that for whatever reason, everything the baby has is short sleeves so the jacket should come in pretty handy. I figure he'll be inside for the most part at first so it shouldn't be too crucial. I'm sure he will be stocked with new clothes pretty frequently by excited grandmas.

Hopefully I'll have some exciting news on progress tomorrow....don't hold your breath though!

The Waiting Game

I'm at that point where my head is spinning with ideas and I'm dying to do something about them all. It's project time for me. I want to reorganize all the closets, buy new dishware, re-do the dining room, paint my living room the happy yellow I've so been missing, and make a million to-do lists.

But now is not the time. There is a big project looming right inside me that I just have to be patient to start. This baby is due any day now....technically 9 days according to me (7 days according to Dr. B). I keep trying to remind myself that this would be the absolute worst time to start any other project.Unfortunately with all these lovely ideas in my head, I'm unable to sleep.

I'm pretty much prepared for the baby to arrive at this point minus the fact that I have yet to fully pack my hospital bag which everyone seems mighty concerned about. I don't know why I haven't done it. I just think it would make me even more stir crazy to sit there and look at it.

Today, I'm heading back to see Dr. B who will hopefully inform me of progress. If there is no progress then I'm pretty sure he's going to want me to schedule a date for induction and well...I just don't want to. I want him to come when he comes....preferably on an even numbered date. I'd like to give him a week, but then after that I would definitely have to be induced and if I had my choice of dates I'd just stick with Oct. 2nd.

But, oh well, what can you do? I might as well wait and worry about it once I get to the appointment and find out if there is any hope he might show up on his own. I'll keep you posted.

I'm in Love....with a Bag!

Yesterday, I made a big purchase. I finally got my dream baby bag! It's the Vera Bradley Baby Bag in Espresso Microfiber. Isn't she lovely???

And look at all the space! I was concerned about the largness of it, but after comparing several other styles I realized there was no getting around a big bag.

I envision carrying this for every child I have (all potential 4 of them) and think it would be useful traveling for myself as well as a carry on bag. Really it doesn't scream baby bag. Just large and handy! I think she is going to be perfect!

Moving a Little Slower

The terminal stages of pregnancy are definitely here. My feet and hands are constantly swollen and according to my husband so are my calves (although if you ask me, I think they are just getting a little chubby).

I am constantly reminded to stay off my feet and believe me I do. In fact I'm off my feet so much that I would consider myself downright lazy. I really have to force myself to do things these days. Shouldn't I be in hyper speed mode of cleaning and what not?

It's a chore to make myself do anything. It seems I need a 30 minute pep talk to just unload and reload the dishwasher everyday. Pathetic I tell you.

There is really only so much you can do off your feet and it's making me a little stir crazy, so tomorrow I am making myself have a change of scenery. I will be going to my mom's so she can provide me with some entertainment. We might venture out to lunch and possibly swap out a diaper bag. Should be fun times ahead.

I think I'm ready to be un-pregnant. Did I just say that? I swore I would never be the person who said that, but I did. It's happened. I'm ready.

How Time Flys

One of the things on my "To Do" list to get done before baby boy arrives is to back up all my old pictures. Looking through them I realized just how much has happened in such a short period of time. Who knew life could fly by so fast and how much could change in such little time.

2006

I graduated from UT.

Michael and I moved in together.

2007

I bought our first place.

Michael proposed.

2008

Michael graduated from UT.

We got married.

2009

Lola became our first fur baby.

2010

We became expectant parents.

We moved into a new home.

Now we are so close to being new parents and beginning a whole new adventure. Sometimes I feel like I'm rushing from one big thing to the next and I want to make sure I take a deep breath and just absorb all the wonderful things that are going around in the present. Be in the present. Enjoy all the joys that life has given me. Be thankful. Those are my goals.

Pineapple Anyone?

Have I told you that my Dr. and I don't have the same due date? Well we don't. He has officially stated 9/30 as my due date and I have officially stated 10/2 as my due date. I was told 10/2 the very first visit and I happen to be quite fond of it. For one it's all even numbers and I have a thing about that and two it's the day the new hospital opens....perfect!

So according to my Dr. I am officially two weeks away from said due date. Agh! We went to our Dr.'s appointment today and the head is still down, blood pressures still good...then he checked my cervix. Hello! Why didn't anyone tell me your cervix is basically in your throat....omg....that was uncomfortable and seemed entirely too far up there!

As of right now my cervix is not co-operating. Apparently it hasn't "turned" so there's no exit route for my little guy just yet. My problem now is that next week we will be making a plan. A plan is normally music to my ears, but a plan more than likely means induction at this point and I'd just rather let it happen naturally.

My Dr. has agreed to let me go a week overdue if everything is alright. We would do an ultra sound to make sure the baby isn't getting too big and that there's still enough fluid. I feel like if my cervix still isn't facing the right direction next week then I'm more than likely going to end up having to be induced and would just like to get the scheduling over with. Why am I so sure about this? Well, both Michael and I were close to a month over due as babies ourselves so the odds are against us. So, I'd really like to see some progress happening next week in order to have any hope of not being induced so Michael and I have made our own plan to try and  help things along.

After doing a little bit of research I've found a few options I'd like to try. Apparently there are some food options available that can help progress things such as Red Raspberry Leaf tea, pineapple and spicy food. Also I've read that a warm bath can help relax things as well. And then of course as my Dr. mentioned the the thing we did to get into this situation can also help us get out.

So tonight.......spicy food for dinner, pineapple for dessert, a warm bath with a relaxing cup of raspberry tea followed by some....well....the last piece of advice although it's seriously the last thing I want to do at this point. (TMI? Sorry!)

Maybe with a little bit of luck and a lot of pineapple, my body will be a little more ready next week and we can continue on with our original plan! Wish me luck.

One Last Week of Preparation!

This week is all about getting loose ends tied up. Michael and my mom are both out of town at this point so I'm hoping our little guy decides to stay put at least for the next few days.

I have finally finished my thank you notes which took me much longer than I would have liked thanks to big, clumsy pregnant fingers and I have purchased some nursing tanks and bras although who knows if they will really fit once the time comes. It was a total shot in the dark.

Today I am going to try to start deep cleaning the house (better late than never right?) and maybe take my car to get the oil changed and my registration replaced (since stupid me threw out this years instead of last years). I also need to start packing for the hospital or at least getting an idea of what all I'm going to want to take.

Once Michael gets back I'm going to get him to give me a spa day. He is my personal stylist as far as hair dying goes and currently paints my toenails as well since I can't seem to reach them anymore! I also need to get him to clean out the car and put the car seat in.

I've got a few more items I still need to pick up like the very unexciting, but oh so expensive breast pump and possibly an outfit for the little guy for our Christmas card and maybe a fuzzy blanket to take some newborn shots on.

Overall I'm excited because if all goes according to plan I can have my "To Do" list knocked out this week and hopefully have nothing to worry about when the little guy decides to make his appearance!

Final Nursery Reveal!

The nursery is FINALLY complete and off the "To-Do" list!

Welcome to the nursery!

The room is pretty long, so we split it up into 2 parts. This would be the sleeping/rocking part. I love my crib and comfy glider! Click here for more info on the bedding, crib, and paint colors if you want.

I love my new tree decal that I got from Kohl's for only $11! How awesome is that? It even came with pink birds in case of a future little girl!

Here's a close up shot of my homemade pillow. (Tutorial here)

Another shot of the crib and closet.

Homemade bird mobile! (Tutorial here)

A hand painted reminder to myself that is in view from the glider.

Here is a view of the other part of the room which is the changing table and play area. I picked up this rug from Pottery Barn Kids, the dresser is a flea market find (and truthfully the inspiration piece for the room), and the cube came from Lowes. I also spray painted several of these items that came from Hobby Lobby and made no sew curtains.

The cube is filled with receiving blankets, toys, and burp cloths. I plan on putting his hand and foot print in the frame on top of the dresser and then of course fill the spin-around frame set full of pictures of him once he gets here!

Close up view of the spray painted shelves from Hobby Lobby that I scored for $5 a piece! My mom and I made the little bird stuffies using this tutorial and I used some wrapping paper from a baby shower gift to mat the top frame. The shadow box has one of my thank you notes in it with a sonogram picture. I plan on adding in his hospital bracelet as well.

I made string ball pendants (tutorial here) to hang above the changing table.

And finally I lined the drawers of the dresser with 3 different types of wrapping paper (found here) using this tutorial. Super simple and super fun!

Hope you enjoyed the tour! Now we just need a baby to fill it!

Only 3 weeks left if all goes according to plan!

Please take a second and hit the "Like" button...

9th Annual Pig-a-Roo

Every year my family has a pig roast as an excuse to get together. I wasn't sure if I would make it this year or not due to being a full 9 months pregnant at this point. The weather had a lot to do with my decision - there was no way I would make it if it was rainy. Thankfully other than being humid, the weather pretty much held out and I was able to go.

I have to say, I wouldn't have made it very long without this little gem though.

I have never been so thankful for a port-a-potty in my life. Seriously, a pregnant woman is just incapable of popping a squat or holding it. Thank goodness...they even put flowers and hand sanatizer in there.

Nothing too, too eventful happened this year. Everyone seemed to be on pretty good behavior. I stayed until about 11PM (no all nighter for me this year) and then headed back out there around 7AM this morning. 

The pig was yummy as always, but I couldn't wait to escape the heat after we ate. I even pretty much stripped down in the car to cool off on the way home (TMI? - Sorry). It was really hot!

So Much to Do in So Little Time

This week has been good, but exhausting and it's not over yet. I have officially gone into overdrive and it's a good thing. Stuff is getting accomplished and I'll be so happy once it's finished.

Monday I ended up not being able to sleep and stayed up till 3AM getting the nursery finished. I'm so glad it's completed and I can't wait to give everyone the full tour soon.

Tuesday we pre-registered at the hospital and went to our doctor's appointment. Everything was great, no blood pressure problems and our little guy seems to be growing according to plan. My fears were calmed about induction and C-Section. My Dr. is not a fan of overdue babies...he says they are just as bad as overdue bills. In fact, 50% of his patients end up being induced. I want to at least give it a week past the due date and I think he's willing to work with me on that as long as there are no other problems. My main fear is that it seems to me that induction leads to C-Sections which is my ultimate fear. Good news though. My Dr. says only 8% of his patients end up in C-Sections. That's a huge relief!

Yesterday we took our maternity pictures. I wish I would have done it about a month ago before I was seriously full blown pregnant woman, but all in all I think it went well. We will have to wait and see how the pictures turn out which should be about 3 weeks. Hopefully it will be before our little guy arrives.

Today is a big day. My mom is coming over to help prepare meals to freeze and get all the laundry done. So much has to be washed before the baby arrives! Who knew? I am going to be one exhausted pregnant woman by the end of today. I have about 5 meals I want to prepare because I'm a crazy person who thinks we won't be able to go to the store once we have a baby and the laundry will be getting done somewhere in between all that.

Well, I'm off to start my big day!

Laugh of the Day

Our Moby Wrap came in the other day and we just had to try it out...

Obviously there's no baby yet so Lola was our first victim...I quickly found out that the moby wrap does not work on a 9 month pregnant stomach and had to get the hubs involved.

It holds up to 35 pounds...Lola's 15 and extra long. It still passed the comfy test (on our end anyways).

The moby wrap has now been added to the long list of stuff to wash before baby arrives due to all the little white hairs Lola left behind. This is definitely one baby contraption Lola will not be jealous of!

Only 4 More Weeks...

I can't believe that we are a month..well, technically less than a month, away from being parents! In all honesty I really have no idea when he will arrive. For some reason, I keep thinking that he is going to abide by the due date and not come out until Oct. 2nd arrives and no later. I should probably stop thinking like that, but the thought of the complete lack of control in the matter scares me a bit. So maybe I'll go on thinking it. October 2nd. That's the day.

At this point, I feel like I'm between overdrive and a complete stall out. Can you be in both places at once? Well I am. Some days I find myself hurriedly trying to check off things on my to-do list to be completely prepared before baby arrives. Other days, I feel like I'm in denial and try to do anything but baby preparation tasks. For example, I can't decide if it's more important to finish writing all my thank you notes or back up all of my pictures since 2002 on CDs complete with photo cover labels.

Also I'm having a complete panic attack over what we are going to do about food once this baby arrives. I have a list a mile long of things that I need to prepare this week to freeze and have on hand. I even threw a complete temper tantrum over Michael trying to use a jar of spaghetti sauce that is in our "reserve stock". For some reason I have this feeling that I won't be able to leave the house for 2 months and I feel the need to have a meal on hand for every night of that.

Then there are the things that I should really be doing but aren't. Like we still haven't pre-registered at the hospital or even thought about what all we need to take with us. I have 4 weeks right? But what if I don't? I should really get on those things.

Then there are those thoughts that cross my mind like...how exactly do you clean up amniotic fluid if my water breaks at my house. Or worse...who is responsible for cleaning it up if you are in public? I mean how mortifying would that be???? Also...I'd really like to take a shower before going to the hospital. It takes me an exceptionally long time to dry and straighten my hair, but that seems like it's really important. Will I have time for that? What if I only have time to blow dry my hair before we leave and not straighten it? I would look like the bride of Frankenstein and that's really not cool.

I think I'm just getting to that point where I'm realizing that this is really going to happen and for some reason I'm in denial and have been in denial ever since the start of this whole thing. It's mostly because I don't know how to prepare and denial is the way I usually deal with those type of situations.

The nursery is seriously 5% away from being absolutely complete and ready to share with everyone. For some reason I can't force myself to do that last 5%. It would really not take that much time, but I feel like avoiding it. Crazy right?

So that's where I am at this point. Some where between overdrive and stall out. Happy Labor Day everyone!

What's to Eat? Wednesday: Broccoli Salad

My sister-in-law was sweet enough to buy me the Paula Deen cookbook and even got it signed on her recent trip to Tunica. I've just tried a couple recipes so far, but this was one was by far the best. In fact, this recipe was so good there weren't even leftovers to take pictures of!

Broccoli Salad

Ingredients

1 head broccoli

6 to 8 slices cooked bacon, crumbled

1/2 cup chopped red onion

1/2 cup raisins, optional

8 ounces sharp Cheddar, cut into very small chunks

1 cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons white vinegar

1/4 cup sugar

Salt and Pepper

Directions

Trim off the leaves from the broccoli stem. Remove the tough stalk at the end and wash broccoli head thoroughly. Cut the head into flowerets and the stem into bite-size pieces. Place in a large bowl. Add the crumbled bacon, onion, raisins, and cheese. In a small bowl combine the remaining ingredients, stirring well. Add to broccoli mixture and toss gently.