Pregnancy Update:: Emerson Sloan

 

I did so much better posting weekly pictures and updates with Easton.

I've been taking them and I post them on Instagram weekly, but not with too many updates.

 

Today, I'm 33 weeks.

I had my check up this morning and all looks good.

He sees no reason to believe I'll deliver early, which was relief to me.

She's head down with a strong, healthy heart beat. 

I am at 25 lbs weight gain so far.

And measuring 33 cm down the center of my belly.

 

As with Easton, this pregnancy has been pretty asymptomatic.
I have indigestion at night, but it's somewhat manageable with Zantac and Tums.

And 14 pillows propping me up.

My newest symptom is numbness in my hands.

I'm working on her baby blanket, and about 3 weeks ago after I'd crocheted for an hour or so, my left hand started tingling.  This continued about a week and I finally googled it.

Turns out, you can develop Carpel Tunnel during pregnancy.

It's getting progressively worse so these next 7 weeks should be fun.

Dr. B did say it was common and would go away after she's born. 

His suggestion was splints at night time to help provide some relief.

 

She's an active little girl.

Always moving, reminding me she's in there.

 

Her room is making progress.

Walls have been painted.  Whispering Peach.

Crib and Changing Table Painted.

Pie safe painted, needs to be distressed.

Curtains arrived, not yet hung.

Artwork has not been agreed upon.

 

My laundry basket has pink gowns and little tiny ruffle bottom pants.

A big change from camo t shirts and cargo shorts with mulch in the pockets.

I was folding a load of laundry last night and held up a tiny pair of ruffle bottom pants and Easton said 'what in the world is that?!'

I think we're in for some adjustment! 

 

I'm very much looking forward to meeting Little Sister, but not quite ready just yet.

I'm still enjoying time with Easton and the ease of our current routine.

My job ends October 25th and I am thrilled to be able to stay home with Easton for a bit before Emerson makes her appearance and then home with both of them when that time comes.

I've prayed for a long time about being able to stay home with them and although the circumstances are not ideal, nor OUR plan, I'm very grateful for the opportunity.

Lots of adjustments on the forefront.

All good and exciting, just new.

 

So, 7 weeks to go.

Hopefully.

 

Here's to peach and gold and ruffles...and all things girly!

And maybe some cowboy boots & camo too.

 

Be careful what you wish for...

Since last Friday I've been watching the weather and waiting for the next sunny day.  I'm a lover of sunshine, flowers and most things outdoors...so I was waiting on that sunny day to determine when I THOUGHT I might deliver Easton.  As the weekend wore on Thursday was looking like the day- warm, mid 60's, sunny- great day for a baby I thought.  All weekend I told Lance I felt like we were going to have Easton on Thursday.  He assured me I was crazy and that Dr. G told us most first time pregnancy's go past their due date.  Still, I felt like Thursday was the day. 

SO, yesterday, I go to my 39 week apointment.  Dr. G examined me, we talked, then he says "I'm going to check with Debbie and see if we can induce before your due date." What?!?!?!?!  Ok, now, this is what I WANTED to hear, what I WISHED to hear, but never did I think he'd say that!  So, he goes to talk with Debbie and she comes back to say "How does THURSDAY at 7:30 sound?"  Oh dear- Thursday, this week, the day after tomorrow...the water works were opened!  I tried to regain composure and went to schedule my 6 week post-partum check up and then headed to the truck.  Once I hit the door, I called Lance. 

It went a little something like this:

me: Are you ready to have this baby?

Lance: nuh uh...you're kidding???

me: I'm not kidding, Thursday is the day

Lance:...........................................................

me: sniff sniff

Lance:  Are you crying?

me: Yes

Lance: Boo, you've been saying Thursday all week, this is what you wanted!

Yes, that is what I wanted- after all, a sunny day is a perfect day to have a baby...but, oh me...now I'm nervous.  Last night, Lance and I went on a date- we went to Stoney River for dinner and then to the mall to look for some baby clothes.  One last date without having to find a babysitter.  My last day of work was today.  I worked a half day today and then my co-workers took me to lunch.  I went and had the car seat base installed by a police officer.  Who knew that it would be so hard to find someone who was certified to do so.  I called 15 or 20 police stations, fire departments, state offices to find someone certified to make sure it was in correctly.  I feel pretty confident that I can reinstall if need be.  So, that was the last major item to check off the list. 

Tonight, we'll get our bags packed, get the house clean, enjoy our time together as a family of 3 (Kirby included), love on Kirby a lot (because I'm having a SERIOUS time thinking about being away from her for 2-3 days but Lance assures he will take celebrate Tyler's birthday and try to get some sleep.  I can assure you that last item on the list won't happen.  Last night every time I rolled over, Lance's eyes were open too.  We were wide awake all night!  Tomorrow will be a big day though with lots of emotions so we need some rest. 

Easton, we are ready to meet you and welcome you into our family!

Happy St. Patty's day!

38 Weeks

Today we went for our 38 week visit.  We had an ultrasound that apparently Dr. G does routinely to make sure your fluids are ok- to determine IF you carry full term that you've got enough fluids.  Mine were just fine.  Little Easton was a bit to big to get any new photos of him but we did get to see his heart beating, see his brain, see arms and legs, organs, verify again that he was a boy---even though the sonographer played a cruel trick on us..."You know what you're having right?"  We beam with pride and say "yes".  She says "A little girl, how exciting"  She almost had to pick daddy up off the floor!  For that brief instant our hearts sank.  Its amazing how many thoughts can go through your mind in 10 seconds!  It was funny though!  But she confirmed, that indeed, Easton IS a boy.  She confirmed that he is head down and his body runs along my right ribs and his arms and legs are near my stomach\left side. That jab I've been getting must be a knee, elbow, foot or hand.  She saved the best information for last- Easton is weighing in at 8.1 lb based on her measurements.  Of course, this can be off a pound either way- so I'm pulling for 7.1 and not the up side of 9.1!  Oh heavens- looks like we might have a line backer instead of that lefty baseball player.  Lance and I both were big babies so I knew we weren't going to have a tiny baby...but 8.1 with 2 weeks left, geesh!  

After waiting an hour for our doctors appointment we finally saw Dr. G.  I'm at 1.5cm!  Progress!  Makes me a little nervous\excited\anxious.  My blood pressure was a little up from what it is normally so he sent me for some blood work after my appointment.  Those results should be back on Thursday.  I'm fairly confident that everything is fine- I think it was just the anxiety of the day elevated it slightly.  

Here's a pic of me at 38 weeks- only 2 short weeks to go!

 

And...a little 38 week questionairre...
Sleep: I WISH!  After 4 nights of no sleep, I think I'll take some Nyquil tonight as a sleep aid!

Best Moment of the Week: getting to see Easton on the monitor. Although we didn't get to see his face, we still got to see lots of amazing things about his little body. 

Movement: my jabs and punches have changed to rolls and lumps- my belly can take on a completely different shape depending where he's laying!

Food Craving:  I eat lots of Chick Fil A and lots of Cereal- this week a breakfast favorite has been fresh peaches and yogurt.  I LOVE COLD things!  Don't give me anything hot!

Ailments: lower back pain, tightness in stomach, EXHAUSTION, not as much indigestion, thanks to my friend Zantac 150!

Labor Signs: I had my first contraction Sunday in church.  Everyone had said "you'll know..." and I didn't believe them...but as I sat in church holding my breath wondering what in the world that pain was- I KNEW I had my first contraction!  That also CONFIRMED that I WILL have an epidural at first opportunity!  I have nothing to prove- give me the meds!

What I'm looking forward to: the excitement of the day of delivery

Weekly Wisdom: Take it easy, rest, spend time with your spouse.
 
Enjoy your week! It's looking like Springtime here in Nashville! THANK THE LORD!  Bring on the buttercups!

37 Weeks

I went this week for my weekly visit with Dr. G.  No major change but without divulging into the details, we'll just say there is progress.  Nothing that led him to think I'd deliver early or anything like that, just normal routine progress.  Dr. G did suggest cutting back my hours at work, so that will start tomorrow until I deliver.

With that said, welcome 37 weeks! 3 more weeks to go!

...and a little sneak peek at the nursery (notice my shelves that Lance built! LOVE THEM!)

... hopefully finished pictures to come this weekend.

Mmmmm....Blue Velvet Cupcakes

Last night my sweet co-worker, Diane (who is 24 weeks pregnant), threw us a shower at her house. 

What a gracious host- she had a wide array of foods and beverages.  She made the most delicious blue-velvet cupcakes with buttercream frosting... with his name spelled out on 6 of them. 

She had an owl theme going cause she knows how I love owls- owl shaped cookies that were frosted with blue icing with green E's on them (homeade of course), and a cute owl pillow she got off of Etsy.   She had covered chip board E's with cute scrap book paper and hung onesies on her banister.  This, my friends was one creative shower. She's a great host and cook---not to mention a great friend.

We got lots of cute clothes and baby things.

It's such a blessing to work for such a great company and with such fabulous people.  

I'm so thankful for my job and the relationships that have developed over the past year. 

34 Week Check Up

Today I went to see Dr. G.  Everything looks normal and I go back in 2 weeks for my 36 week check up and from there I start my weekly visits.  Heavens, this is going so fast!

Now, a little questionnaire about week 34...

Maternity Clothes: uh, yes. And who designs these things anyways!  Nothing fits.  For work, I have a (yes, a...ONE PAIR) trusty pair of black pants and at home- the ever faithful yoga pants.  In my next life, I'm going to design materinty clothes for REAL pregnant women because whats in the stores will only fit if you are 6 feet tall and 100 lbs...and, well, that's not me!

Sleep: Need some.  I haven't slept good since the Friday we got tons of snow!  Ever since, I've been up and down a million times a night either going to the bathroom or drinking maalox and eating tums.

Best Moment of the Week:  Spending time with Lance and Kirby just the 3 of us.  We don't have much longer where we can do that.

Movement: Lots!  Easton is a very active little boy.  "They" say your baby is the most active between 24 and 28 weeks but I haven't felt any difference- he's just as active as ever- and strong too!

Food Craving: Not so much a craving, but I eat a lot of cereal.  Breakfast and lunch sits well but dinner does not, which leads me to the box of Frosted Mini Wheats every night!  I figure it's good for the fiber and the calcium in the milk. 

Food aversions: We're going to call this one DRINK aversions.  I cannot drink Dr. Pepper anymore.  It was a sad day when I figured out this was causing some of my heartburn. It is my favorite drink in the world but it gives me indigestion like you cannot believe.  I can't wait for the day when I can have a big styrofoam cup full of DP!  MMMMM!!!!!! For now, it's sweet tea, water and cranberry juice.

Ailments: Heartburn\Indigestion at night- lower back pain

Labor Signs: May have experienced some Braxton Hicks contractions but I'm not sure what they feel like, so I'm not sure if I'm having them...

Belly Button:  now I sport an outie- 'nuff said

What I miss: getting ready with somewhat ease, painting my own toes, clear skin...

What I'm looking forward to:  besides holding my little bundle in my arms of course, eating turkey sandwiches, drinking DP, going to the tanning bed- however it'll be sunny soon after I deliver so hopefully we'll be on the deck\at the pool soaking up some rays- Lord, I hope he doesn't have fair skin!

Weekly Wisdom: Remember each moment- good or bad.  I am so very fortunate and honored to be able to carry a child and I know many can't do that.  This is a GIFT from God! 

Weekend Wrap-Up

"When are we ever going to get to relax again?"  This was the question that started off the weekend.  The answer---I'll let you know when we get there, because this weekend was sure not the weekend for that!

Lance had to work late Friday night so I decided to tackle the master bathroom painting.  I got one coat of trim done.  There are so many things to trim around in the bathroom.  I prefer large square rooms to small tedious rooms!  It makes rolling easier, but trim is another story.  Saturday morning, I got up and did a second coat of trim while Lance installed our new kitchen light.  It's a monster!  It's beautiful though.  We wrapped up our housework around  noon and headed to our Childbirth Education Class.  I'll have to say I was quite anxious about these classes.  But, much to my surprise, they weren't bad at all.  They were very informative.  It definitely brought up lots of questions/thoughts for Lance and I and topics to discuss later. 

• Rooming In
• Cord Blood Banking
• Regular or Premium Suite- post delivery (I'll tell you Lance decided fairly quick that the Premium Suite was a must- complete with Titans or Predators Decor and Room Service for dad too, plus a bigger room!!)
• Certain shots that you can decline or put off
• Selecting a Pediatricican
• Car Seat\Stroller selection
• Bumper Pads on the crib- who knew that the "new" thing was to leave them off---it's highly recomended that you don't use them...instead use Breathable Bumper Pads...who knew?!?!?!
• etc, etc, etc, etc. 

Just to name a few of the topics on our list to discuss.  We learned so much and I feel a lot more comfortable about having Easton and bringing him home. 

Saturday night after our classes, I got 1 coat of paint on the bathroom and we watched some football and ate Pizza- healthy I know. 

Sunday morning, I got up early to get the final coat of paint on the bathroom before we went to church.  After church we grabbed some lunch and headed to our final day of classes.  We took a tour of the hospital starting from where to park when I do go into labor and ending at the Nursery.  This was very helpful to walk the halls that we will be walking in a few short months.  I'll have to say, they have spared no details, they've covered it all.  Moms get room service AND a FREE MASSAGE!  Sign me up!  Not to say that I don't still have nerves or anxiety about the whole process but I do think most of my concerns were eased by these classes.  If you are a first time parent, I highly recomend these classes!  We finished off the day learning about baby- bathing, sleeping, feeding, changing, swadling, etc.  All in all, a very successful weekend. 

On a funnier note- early in the day on Saturday our instructor was asking the dads if they had experienced any "symptoms" along with mom.  Out of 19 couples, 1 brave man raised his hand.  Yep, you guessed it; it was Lance!  She said "what was your symptom?"  He said "I've been nauseaus from the beginning."  Then she asked me if I'd been sick too and maybe that's why he was feeling bad but I informed her that I've felt great, that he took my sickness for me.  That broke the ice pretty good for the class.  Surely he wasn't the only one...but he was the only one to speak up!

Last night I got the bathroom back in working order.  Lance got one coat of primer on the nursery walls.  It's taking shape- slowly but surely.  Hopefully we can get the paneling painted this week and at least get the crib and dresser put together soon.  I'm tired of having my 2 spare rooms out of order!  So now, all the rooms have been painted and our main focus is on the nursery!  We ordered a quilt but I cancelled the order because I don't think it's what I really wanted.  So now, back to square 1.  This nursery is a lot more difficult then I thought it would be.  But, we'll get it figured out- I'm certain! 

Hope you all had a great weekend.

31 weeks tomorrow!  9 more to go!

25 Weeks & Counting

Today, I am 25 weeks.  Lots of things are going on internally as I type.  This baby growing is hard work!  As I read in my weekly update that I get online I'm reminded of what a miracle life is. It's a miracle that any of us are "normal" from what has to go just perfect during development. 

Psalm 139:14 comes to mind when I think of what is going on inside of me- "I will praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made." The New Living Translation says it best- "Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex."  That's exactly what life is- complex. 

So many things are going on with this little baby, all while I sit here and do nothing- the structures of the spine are forming- All 33 rings, 150 joints and 1000 ligaments; the brain is growing rapidly; dexterity is improving- he can make a fist and clasp objects placed in palm; blood vessels of the lungs develop, and so much more.  It's absolutely fascinating to me to think that God has orchestrated such a miracle in me.  I realize, I'm not the first woman to have a baby, but this is the first time, second really, for ME to carry a baby so this is all amazing.  I think when we are unable to see the miracle that this is, we have become numb to God's abilities and powers.  I pray I never become numb to the miracle of a child. 

There has been a lot of movement by our little boy.  Some days he's very active and some days he is quiet.  Last night, while laying on the couch, I could see my stomach roll from side to side as he moved around and got comfy.  He was all over the place.  This morning when I got to work he was still just as active.  I'm still having a hard time getting comfortable at night to sleep, but it's getting better.  I think this cold that I've had is heading out the door.  I've had it for exactly 2 weeks, and Dr. G said it would take about that long to get out of my system, so he was right.  I'm still opting out of the flu shot and the H1N1 shot, so hopefully I stay flu-free.  I've been taking extra precautions about germs so hopefully that will help.

Planning has begun for my first shower.  I can't believe it's already that time!  My first shower will be January 9th.  Brooke and Bridget are hosting it early because Brooke is due the end of January.  Her second little angel will be born around the 24th of January!  I can't believe it's already time for #2!  Seems like just yesterday Reese was born.  I'm getting excited, but still lots to do before then.  I think we'll tackle registering sometime this weekend or next. 

I think we have decided on a name.  After much deliberation- and me having to give in, we have settled on Easton Garrett.  Lance has loved Easton for a long time and Garrett is his middle name, so that's what he will be called.  (I'll get Levi on the next one if it's a boy.)  I'm excited that he has a name now and that I can call him by name, more specifically pray for him by name.  There's something about putting a name with the face that I saw on the ultrasound screen.  Again, this is all such a miracle...

More later,

Annie