Baby Update at 39 weeks

So what did the doctor say?

Everything looks great! I am still dilated at 1-2 centimeters with the prediction of having the baby here next week or right at 40 weeks. With how the baby is positioned, I am going to go fast. (I won't give details because I know there are a couple guys out there that read this). The heartbeat was at 138 and she predicts the peanut will be around 7 1/2 pounds. I am hoping that as I continue to be active, it will encourage the baby to come sooner than later. I walked 2 miles yesterday and 5 miles today. 

I'm so excited to see how this birth story unfolds. I also can't wait to see if we have a mini-Noah or if  the peanut favors more my coloring and looks. There is so much to come here in the next couple weeks!

Here are a couple pictures of the dood and his month o' birthday celebration. He now loves getting packages in the mail!  These are pictures from when his dinosaur set arrived from the Blankenships and his new red "fruck" from his Great Grandma Nancy.

I can't wait for Halloween and Christmas with the dood. This year is so different because he understands so much more. I LOVE THIS AGE! 

Happy Friday!

Week 38

Along: 38 weeks

Size of baby: The baby is the size of a leek. He/she should weigh almost 7 pounds and measure around 21 inches long. The average full-term newborn weighs from 6 to 9 pounds and is 18 to 21 inches long. 

Total Weight Gain/Loss:  29 pounds as of last Thursday

Maternity Clothes:  I wear a mixture of both. I am down to one pair of jeans and one pair of work pants that fit comfortably. The rest of the time I'm living in dresses or sports attire. Anything with a lot of pressure on my belly makes me queasy. I have found my "go-to outfit" is loose, comfortable clothes that are light. I still wear a lot of tank tops and summer clothes despite our cool nights. I am a radiator of heat.

Gender: To be announced in 2-4 more weeks! I have loved this sweet surprise. Matt and I both think boy.   

Movement: Yes! He/she is very active but his/her movements are less crazy and painful. I'm pretty sure I'm at the point where the peanut doesn't have a whole lot of room- more incentive to come out, right?!

Sleep: Restless for the most part. I feel OK though. I think my body is just preparing for what's to come.

What I miss: I miss having outfit options and not constantly feeling all hot and sweaty. It's cold outside and I'm still sweating. That's just wrong in this beautiful Texas fall weather. I also miss being able to get out of bed with ease and get up from sitting on the floor with ease. Noah will offer me his hand to try to help me up. It is pretty darn cute. He says "mama hand" with a slightly bossy voice like hey- I got this, I can help you.

Cravings: Carbs. I want the empty carbs like cinnamon rolls, doughnuts, cookies, and muffins. Luckily, there hasn't been much around, so I can't really indulge myself.

Symptoms: Round ligament pain, Braxton hicks, dizziness, nausea, headaches, exhaustion, and sciatica.

Exercise: I walk probably 2 to 3 times a week. I would walk more but at this point, I don’t want to go by myself.  

Best Moment This Week:  My grandparents and Tony came up to Dallas to visit this past weekend. It was so much fun. Noah was spoiled with attention and soaked it all up. Noah could say everyone's name by the end and was sad to see everybody go. Tony gave Noah his first set of Legos. To say he's obsessed would be an understatement- he LOVES them. Matt and I feel very blessed to have so much loving support. I will update the blog again after my appointment tomorrow. I'm excited to see if we have any progression! My hope is sometime early next week Peanut will arrive- preferably not Noah's birthday and not Halloween but beggars can't be choosers. 

Boys and the Garden Snake

I think I've mentioned this before, but Matt and I could not have chosen a better name for Noah. Although it has been in the top ten since 2011 (which we had NO idea would happen when we chose the name), I can't imagine a better fit or picking anything different. Homeboy loves him some animals.

Recently, Matt has caught two lizards, two frogs, and now a snake for Noah to see/hold. I didn't document the lizards or the two frogs (I totally would have documented the frogs but forgot my phone to take pictures on our walk), but I did get a chance to document the snake.

Matt did some yard work on Friday and came across a garden snake. Well, Matt didn't know it was a garden snake- he just told me he found a snake to which I might have shrieked a little. He took me back to the rock where he found it and I told him it was a garden snake. Immediately Matt asked if we could keep it and told me to get a jar. I HATE snakes- HATE HATE HATE them. I have dreams they are in my bed and then I can't sleep the rest of the night. I told him I would get a jar but that thing would never come into our house and we were NOT keeping it as a pet. He agreed- he just wanted Noah to get to hold it. 

Noah loved it. He has talked about nonstop. If we are anywhere near the rock where Matt found it, he tells Matt snake night night. (That is what we told him when we set the snake free). Here are some of the pictures to document Noah, Dada, and the snake. This picture screams boys will be boys. 

Introducing Noah and the Garden Snake

You mean I can hold it?

OH yeah. The smile on these two faces says it all!

Time to free him Night Night.

Oh yes, mommy insists he now live OUTSIDE the gate.

Happy Tuesday! 

Change in Season

As this blistering hot summer  is changing into cool fall nights, occasional rainy afternoons, and early sunsets, I can't help but thinking how the season of one having one child is coming to an end as well. Dallas went from 90 degree weather to highs of 60's and low's of 40's within a matter of days. To think that within a day, I will go from being a mama of one to a mama of two is just as shocking. 

With change comes wonderful opportunity- I am excited to embrace this next season of life and see what the Lord has in store.  Noah and I both have been welcoming the fall breeze with open arms. It means less mosquitoes and more outside time for the both of us. Here are some pictures I snapped recently.  We went from rain rain rain to cold cold cold.

As for baby, I went to the doctor Thursday and everything looks great. The heartbeat was right around 146 and I'm dilated 1-2 with the prediction that little peanut will come around 39 to 40 weeks. I also lost a pound! Maybe my goal of only gaining 30 pounds will be possible this time around after all!  

Week 37

Along: 37 weeks

Size of baby: Baby weighs almost 6.5 pounds and her/his total length is about 21 inches long. The peanut hasn't stopped growing yet; baby will continue to develop about a half ounce of fat a day. His/ her immune system continues to strengthen and will continue to get stronger after birth. The peanut can now grasp with her/his fingers as dexterity improves.

Total Weight Gain/Loss:  30 pounds as of last Thursday

Maternity Clothes:  I wear a mixture of both. I am down to slim pickings. Luckily with this weather change I can do leggings!

Gender: Surprise! Matt and I have decided we aren't going to talk names anymore. I have a list on my phone that we will bring with us and discuss once the peanut is born. We have the boy and girl names narrowed down to three!  

Movement: Yes! I love it. I know it wakes me up while I'm sleeping, but it still is probably my favorite thing about pregnancy. I love the sweet little jabbing reminders of the miracle I'm carrying inside of me.

Sleep: Horrible. Enough said.

What I miss: I miss walking normally and getting out of bed with ease. I feel like it's such a chore to go from sitting to standing or pick something off of the ground.

Cravings: I am at the point where I don't have a huge appetite. I crave juice and fruit.

Symptoms: Round ligament pain, Braxton hicks, dizziness, nausea, headaches, exhaustion, and pregnancy brain. I often lose track of my thoughts mid-sentence or forget what I'm doing.

Exercise: Ashley and I did a five mile walk this weekend. It was a doozy. I am going to try to keep some kind of walk routine up. I want this baby to come!

Best Moment This Week:  There are too many! Matt got a 97 on his test which is studied his butt off for. I was one proud wife who took him to celebrate at the best place ever- CHICK FIL A! On Saturday, the Longhorns defeated the Sooners. GLORIOUS! It was an incredible game that Matt has already had me watch twice. Saturday night, we had supper club and it was a joy/blast/treat. I love this special time with friends. They bless me so much. Tuesday- TAX DEADLINE DONE! No more weeknights or weekends of working- HALLELUJAH!  Let's just say I'm overjoyed and glad I survived. 

Birthday Pictures Plus Family Update

Here are some of the actions photographs from last weekend's shin dig celebrating the dood's second birthday! Can you tell this boy had the time of his life? Mama and Dada did too!

For me?!?!?!

Rio Cake Grammy's friend made- INCREDIBLE!

Grammy and the dood- same shaped face. right?

As for baby update, my oh my! We are so close. I went in on Thursday to check on baby. I kept meaning to ask the doctor if the baby was still breach (peanut was breach at 30 weeks). Turns out homegirl/homeboy has finally switched.  Baby's heart beat was at 146 and the peanut was a kicking and a punching. No slowing down there- I've read that eventually the baby runs out of room. I'm pretty sure this baby just makes room to take jabs at my ribs.

This day is the best!

Kanagroo gets to live at MY house?

Hudson and Noah- friends from the womb.

Noah was in the patient room with me and heard the heartbeat.  He is starting to understand that there is a little baby in my belly. It's pretty cute. I think he is going to be a wonderful brother (watching him around baby Hannah makes my heart melt- he is so gentle and sweet).  I also found out that Noah weighs 30 pounds. After they weighed me (who has also gained 30 pounds), he was curious to try it out too. Noah did have shoes on, so he probably is more about 29.5 but I looked up his percentile. He is 75%-90% for weight. Little dood is thick!

This is going to be fun!

Lunch time!

Mama's sweet friend who drove all the way from Austin to celebrate. :)

I think Matt and I have agreed on taking 3 boys names and 3 girls names to the hospital with us and deciding from there. I'm about 75% sure this baby is a boy. As I am getting closer to my due date, a lot of how I look, how I feel and how I'm carrying this little one reminds me of Noah. I think there are too many similarities for it to be a girl, but who knows? I've heard it can feel the same way and be different genders! Time will tell!

Happy Monday!

Who Partied with Our Two Year Old?

There are a couple people I missed in capturing the Birthday Party Bash, so I apologize. It's hard to take pictures while host a party. It makes me wish I had a personal photographer in my pocket at all times, but elves don't exist and it probably would be quite expensive- scratch that idea. Anyways, sorry Matt, Luke, Ryan, and Kim- y'all were there I just missed the photo opportunity! (Matt was taking a lot of the photos, so that's totally my fault. #wifefail)

Here are the pictures I captured of the people that came to celebrate our sweet TWO year old's birthday! Noah could not stop smiling throughout this party. He knew it was a special day, and I'm pretty sure he realized it was all about him.

Enjoy the photos! 

Thanks again to all who came! I'll post some of the birthday action photos this weekend. I also will give y'all a baby update as of today at 2:15.

Week 36

Along: 36 weeks

Size of baby: This week, the baby is the size of a head of romaine lettuce. The peanut is packing on the pounds- gaining about an ounce a day. He/she weighs almost 6 pounds and is more than 18 1/2 inches long.  

Total Weight Gain/Loss:  I would guess around 30 pounds. I will know on Thursday the exact amount- I go in for the Group Strep B test.

Maternity Clothes:  I wear a mixture of both.

Gender: We will know in a month! Baby will probably come out nameless because we are back to the drawing board. Matt isn't worried about it at all. I go to bed at night making lists. I think Matt's plan is to pick out the name while I'm drugged- might be scary!

Movement: There is still a lot of punching and kicking going on! I love it and know I will miss it once little peanut comes. I seriously cherish this special time of getting to carry the little one in my belly.

Sleep: Horrible for the most part. I have a good night sleep about every 4 nights. Insomnia is here to stay I think.

What I miss: I miss sleeping through the night. I also miss being able to see my feet and move around with ease.

Cravings: I am at the point where I don't have a huge appetite. I crave juice and fruit.

Symptoms: Vertigo, Braxton hicks, headaches, dizziness, ligament pain, pressure in the stomach all around, sciatica, back pain, and always feeling dehydrated.

Exercise: I am walking a couple times a week. It's hard to find energy to even want to do that. I know it will make my labor easier if I continue to stay active, so that is my motivation. I also secretly hope it will help me sleep better at night.

Best Moment This Week:  Noah's birthday party on Saturday was the best moment of my week. I'm so blessed to be this boy's mama. He has provided so much joy- my heart overflows. There are more pictures of the birthday to come.

I snapped these pictures after Matt took my weekly bump picture. Aren't my boys the cutest? 

Bananas for Birthdays!

My favorite pic of the day!

I decided to do a couple birthday posts. I have a lot of pictures from Noah's 2^nd birthday party, so I figured why not split them up a little bit. Plus, who doesn't love multiple blog posts in a week? I mean come on people!

These "banana for my birthday" pictures were taken before we knew we were going to have to switch the location of the party. Matt and I took lemons and made lemonade out of the situation, so I'm can't complain. God is good and it always works out- I'll explain more on that later.

He doesn't know what's coming!

 Anyways, I've had a couple people ask why we had the party so early when his official birthday isn't until October 27^th. I thought it was pretty obvious, but I'll explain. IF we were to do a birthday party around Noah's birthday, I would be 39 weeks pregnant. That could mean two things: a) the baby is going to arrive in the next week or so and I'm larger than life cow size with zero energy or b) baby came and there ain't no way I'm having a party with a newborn.  I gave Matt the option of this weekend or next, and with his test schedule and the UT/OU game next weekend- we decided this past weekend would be best. (There would be no way for my parents to get a hotel room if we did next weekend).

Or maybe he is a little suspicious..

Once the date was set, I started to plan. This was Noah's last "big thing" for a while and I wanted to make sure it was all about him. With a new brother/sister on the way, a world that revolves around him is quickly about to change. I wanted him to feel surrounded by his favorite people (minus some family members who live too far away) and I also wanted to be able to actually throw a party and enjoy it.

Ok, if my mommy says all of my favorite friends are coming then surely it has to be true.....(as I'm listing off who is coming to see him).

The morning of the party with 30% chance of rain and me confidently telling myself all morning that the weather man is NEVER right- the rain came along with a CHILLY cool front. I looked at Matt and told him we were going to have to go with plan B. He agreed, so we quickly updated the invite, sent out texts, and started cleaning. It was a whirlwind! It ALL came together and could not have gone better. I got super teary after everybody left. When you see so many people come together and love on your son, it truly is the greatest gift. Noah was on cloud nine. We had four kids (three toddlers and a six week old) and around 16 adults. People traveled from all over. We had friends from college, work, and Matt's school. It was such a wonderful mixture of people. WE ARE BLESSED! 

Alright Dad, let's do this.

Over the course of the week, I'll post more pictures. (Tomorrow will be the 36 week post on the belly bump).

Happy Tuesday!

Happy Friday!

Love my dood and his thunder thighs! The Batman boots complete the outfit. I just eat this picture up. Have a great weekend! 

Week 35

With the new iphone camera- hello belly!

Along: 35 weeks

Size of baby: The baby is the size of a honeydew melon. Baby is around 18 inches long and 5 1/2 pounds. His/her kidneys are fully developed now and the liver can process some waste products. Most of his/her basic physical development is now complete — the peanut will spend the next few weeks putting on weight.

Total Weight Gain/Loss:  I would guess around 28-30 pounds. If I have five more weeks left, I think I'll end up around 30-35 which is good! I just want to be a healthy mama and have a healthy baby.

Maternity Clothes:  I wear a mixture of both. I am trying to hold out now. This pregnancy, I only bought the belly band, one pair of pants, and one shirt. I think that's pretty dang good! (I had about 5 shirts from Noah's pregnancy to wear as well).  

Gender: SURPRISE! We may have baby girl's name, but I am skeptical. Matt likes to change it up on me, so he will probably come back with his veto card next week. However, I LOVE it and think it's totally unique. As for boy names, we have five or six that we keep discussing. We both think boy this week. I see my picture above and feel like I'm carrying the peanut just as low as I carried Noah. I also don't feel like from behind you can totally tell I'm pregnant. I've had a couple people comment to me in restaurants and stores that they didn't know I was pregnant until I turned around. (Side note- funny how people awkwardly feel entitled to tell you these things). Anyways, I feel like if it was a girl- it would be like this wide watermelon and I'd have Beyoncé hips.

Movement: Wild child. This baby moves and moves. It startles me sometimes when it takes my breath away or really hurts. I still love it though. You won't hear me complain!

Sleep: I had a good night this past weekend where I felt super rested, but these past couple nights have been R-O-U-G-H. I slept two hours one night and five hours the next.

What I miss: I miss sleeping through the night and not always feeling so hot and stuffy.

Cravings: I can tell you that one thing this pregnancy I have HATED is sweet cream butter. I have never really liked it, but with this pregnancy, the smell and taste of it makes me gag. I crave ice water, ice cream, cottage cheese, chicken, and deli sandwiches consistently.

Symptoms: Vertigo, headaches, ligament pain, pressure in the stomach all around, back pain, and always feeling dehydrated.

Exercise: I started just walking this week and it's been great. I'm sore afterwards and waddle a little bit more, but I can tell it helps loosen my back and ease some of the other pains from sitting in a cubicle chair all day.

Best Moment This Week:  We had family fun day on Saturday. We went to the park, watched football, and just played. It was glorious. Here is a picture of the three of us. Aren't we cute?!