week 38

What a nutty week! I ended up dealing with that darn stomach bug for the  entirety of my 38th week of pregnancy. I only went to work for one half-day, and I ended up back at the doctor on Friday. I had lost five pounds, but the little man was doing just fine. As it turns out, he just sapped all the good stuff out of me and left me hanging on for dear life. I'm glad to sacrifice my comfort for Crawford, but man will it be nice when I can do that and see him in the flesh simultaneously!
Even though I spent this whole week (and I literally mean, the whole week) on the couch taking naps, there were a few highlights! By the weekend, I was feeling good enough to go ahead and get my pregnancy massage I had scheduled just after Christmas. Frankly, it was perfect timing because I was so sore from puking. The massage was awesome, and it really was such a special gift from David! Then on Sunday, Becca came over to take some maternity pictures. Though I'm not loving the way I look right now (my fat face!), I knew I would regret not asking her to capture this time in our life. I'm so thankful for her talent.
We ended our weekend with dinner at the Bryants, which was so nice. As we near the end of this "childless" phase of life, we're trying to take advantage of every opportunity to hang out with friends, go out to eat and be spontaneous (as spontaneous as we ever are :) ). Lynn gave me the sweetest gift - a half dollar pendant. It was Kevin's grandfather's coin, and Inez (Kevin's mom) had several of them made into necklaces for the Bryant girls over the years. Lynn thought it would be a sweet way to bless me during this time of pregnancy, and man was she right! It totally blew me away, and I LOVE it!

Nothing much had changed at the doctor today. Still .5 cm dilated (which I think is just a nice way of him saying "not dilated at all" :)) and not effaced. I am sticking to my gut on his late arrival, but I'd be pleasantly surprised if he proved me wrong.

This was my devotional reading from Jesus Calling this morning, and it totally spoke to my heart:

I am your strength and shield. I plan out each day and have it ready for you, long before you arise from bed. I also provide the strength you need each step of the way. Instead of assessing your energy level and wondering about what's on the road ahead, concentrate on staying in touch with Me. My Power flows freely into you through our open communication. Refuse to waste energy worrying and you will have strength to spare.

Whenever you start to feel afraid, remember that I am your Shield. But unlike inanimate armor, I am always alert and active. My Presence watches over you continually, protecting you from both known and unknown dangers. Entrust yourself to My watchcare, which is the best security system available. I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go.

Surprisingly, I'm doing pretty well on the above exhortation to refuse to waste energy worrying, but it it such a helpful reminder! At this point, I'm just excited to meet our little man.

week 37

Week 37 is just going to have to get posted without a picture. I kept hoping that I'd feel/look decent enough to snap a photo, but it just didn't happen.

This week ended with the onset of my stomach bug, but prior to that I was feeling pretty good! As soon as I got sick, I started feeling panicky about the baby's health and I immediately wanted him to be out of me. I have said all along that I don't want to be induced, but earlier this week I was ready to call the doctor and beg for help. 

Pre-stomach bug, I had been craving sliced pears, applesauce and strawberries (all ice cold). 

My mom, dad and sister all came with me for my 37-week appointment, and that was such a treat. It was so nice for them to meet Dr. Brody, and they got an extra-special ultrasound experience! Dr. B had a nursing student with him and she actually did the ultrasound. She had no idea what she was doing, so it took extra long and we got to see this little man for a long time. He has huge lips (like my brother!) and it looks like all 10 fingers. The biggest shocker was that he weighs about 7 pounds, 3 ounces already. That means he gained one pound in the last week! Yikes! If he keeps up this pattern, we're in for a giant baby if we make it to 40 weeks. I'm trying not to think about that...

down for the count

We had such a wonderful weekend that ended with a not-so-wonderful stomach bug! I had book club on Friday and church on Saturday then Sunday was a big day! My dear friend Batch drove up from Atlanta to spend the morning with us, then my parents arrived and THEN my sister and Chase showed up to surprise us too! They all were here for the baby shower my sweet, sweet friends threw for us that afternoon. It was all-around perfect. We had an awesome evening of family time afterwards (including Jet's Pizza, of course) and we woke up to a Monday off work (David and Chase still had to go). Mom, Dad and Ashley all got to go to my doctor's appointment with me that morning which was extra-special - more about that in my 37 week post! After M&D hit the road, Ash and I ran a bunch of errands and had the afternoon to spend together. It was awesome. When the boys got from work we went out for a celebratory dinner at Ash & Chases' fav spot Food Works for Chase's recent raise.

The stomach bug hit me and David at the exact same time around 1am Monday morning. Ash couldn't sleep, so she helped us a ton (David didn't make it to the toilet first time around...) and I was up for the duration of the night. I moved to the couch (it's actually more comfortable than our bed for me) and made trips all night to the hall bathroom while David bounced back and forth from our bed to our bathroom. It was pretty much the definition of misery. David took naps on and off all night/day, but being 37 weeks pregnant and sick as a dog made for total sleeplessness for some reason. My doc called in a prescription for us and it helped immediately. Unfortunately, drugs that are supposed to make you drowsy NEVER have that affect on me. David was out like a light, but I didn't go to sleep until 5:30pm Tuesday evening. Fortunately, by that point I was so worn down, I slept for 15 straight hours (minus potty breaks)! Thank the Lord for the drugs... they cleared our symptoms up right away. David went to work today, but I've been home resting, cleaning and hydrating. I've washed everything in our entire house to try and get these terrible germs out of here.

So... needless to say, I'm behind on everything else in life! Here's to getting back on track (for a few weeks at least...)

shower #4- UTC

Yesterday, my office threw me and Crawford the sweetest shower. They really went all out to include my favorite people and serve my favorite things! We had punch, Publix cake, strawberries, Stacy's pita chips and hummus, pretzel bites, chicken nuggets and my favorite chocolate desserts. It was so sweet that they were SO thoughtful in planning everything out. Marsha made the awesome tree that had tiny baby socks hanging from it! It was so nice to have everyone from my office plus people from all around campus that I've loved working with (including some Student Foundation kiddos!)there to celebrate. We got SO many amazing gifts! I was floored. David said it felt like Christmas when we got home that night and went through everything all over again.

We are so thankful for our UTC family! I'm certainly going to miss coming to work here every day (ok, I probably won't miss it every day), but I'm so glad David is on the Alumni Board and we'll still be super connected no matter what.

Crawford guessing contest

Ok, ok, so I'm just totally copying Melissa's blog (love that girl). I can't believe we're close enough to Crawford's due date that he really could arrive at any time. So, it's time to guess away! When do you think he'll get here?

Guess the following in the comments, and true to form in copying Melissa, I'll reward the winner with a gift card!

Birth date

Time

Weight and Length

Due Date- February 14

Measurements- at 35 weeks and 6 days he was measuring 36 weeks, 2 days and 6 lbs. 5 oz.

Cravings- Cold fruit. Ice cold water. Carbs.

Aversions- Leftovers.

Weight gain- 29 pounds (can't believe I just put that on the interwebs)

Other- I totally think he's going to be late (but I thought he was a girl). I'm not "so ready to not be pregnant" like a lot of people have asked me, and I could really use a few more months (yes, months) to mentally wrap my mind around this whole thing. David's guess is that he'll weigh 7lbs. 14oz. and arrive on February 13. My dad had a dream that he was born the 12th. I'm thinking the 19th.

shower for baby Stroud

Saturday I drove to Birmingham for the day to help throw my sweet college friend Brit a baby shower. David was anxious about me traveling, so Mary Shelton came along too! It was a total blessing to have her around- not because I really thought I would go into labor, but because we got such quality time in the car to and from Bham. She and I have actually spent several days together in the last week doing wedding stuff, and it has been SO nice. I love Jan term :).

Anyway, we went to Birmingham. I dropped MS off with her fiance Pat, and I hung out with Ashley, Chase and Candace over breakfast. It worked out perfectly to have a few hours to spend with them before I started in on shower stuff. Ash just got a new job - working DAYS - (yay, Ash!!) so we're really hoping her schedule will still permit for her to get up here with Crawford comes. I'll do my best, Ash!

The shower was so great. I have loved being pregnant with Brit. As an OB nurse (in grad school to be a family nurse practitioner married to an OB/GYN med student), she knows so much about what is going on with our bodies and our babies. Plus, it's just super fun having a friend to text and say "my boobs are huge!" or "what are you plans for diapering?" (we're both doing cloth, btw), etc... I love this friend, and I loved celebrating baby boy Stroud with so many other people who love him already!

Currie Way pals; Stroud fam

boy babies!

beautiful mama!

week 36

I went to the doctor for my 36 week checkup yesterday, and everything looks great. Mr. Crawford is measuring right on schedule and weighs about 6 lbs. 5 oz. right now. At that rate, if I go to my due date we're looking at an 8+ lb. baby. I've sort of expected that all along (I was 8lbs. 4oz.), but we'll see.

Not much has changed... I'm feeling lots of hiccups, TONS of movement and my fingers are swollen like sausages in the mornings. I had gained 1 pound since my previous appointment two weeks ago.

We're exactly four weeks away from my due date. Holy moly. I made a list of things to have done one month out, and we've accomplished nearly everything. It's been a very productive week!

• We went to the hospital one night last week for an infant CPR class (which was pretty much just a refresher from our life guarding days), and while we were there we got a tour and pre-registered.
• After a whole lot of rigmarole, we bought a new vehicle. A 2008 Honda Odyssey. A mini-van. We discussed, debated and prayed over this decision WAY more than I expected to, but we're both really pleased with our purchase. We paid cash (woo hoo!) for a vehicle that will last us a good long while, and that was the goal.
• We installed the car seat in said van.
• I have our bags packed (as much as I can a month out...) and in the car.
• Stanley Steamer came and cleaned the carpets in the two upstairs bedrooms and the grout in the kitchen! Hallelujah! Our house feels so clean. 

We have so much complete, but I'm starting to freak out about this kid arriving. David is getting more and more excited with each passing day, and his excitement level mirrors my fear level.

Holy crap, we're having a baby.

first day at the new job

So proud of my handsome man!

my pregnancy must-haves

I've been thinking about what things I've appreciated the most for the past 35.5 weeks, and this list just about sums it up:

• iPad. I go to bed super early (like, as early as possible... 9pm latest) and David is sweet to come to bed with me almost every night. We read, pray and then I roll over to sleep while David fires up some shows on the iPad until he's ready to go to sleep.
• 24oz. Tervis tumbler. I fill it up with ice in the morning and keep pouring water on top of it all day. My boss calls it my sippy cup.
• body pillow. The intermittent sleep I do get every night is 100% attributable to this modern marvel. That, and the three or four other pillows that make up my fluffy nest. My poor husband has very little room in our queen size bed these days.
• Tylenol. I was an ibuprofen kind of girl pre-pregnancy, and I've found that most people don't have Tylenol on hand. I carry a giant bottle in my purse now so I'm never without something I can take. Granted, I've found that Tylenol doesn't help me much with headaches, but it's been great for my tailbone and back pain.
• donut pillow. I seriously could not live without this thing. It's actually Jodi's and I'm going to have to find a replacement to give back to her because I'm sure I've worn this one out beyond the point of returning. I've joked about making a strap for it so I can wear it around my body and have it accessible at all times. It stays in my work chair during the week and I take it home on the weekends.
• heating pad. Another "could not live without". I had been rocking a vintage version that was on the fritz, but David blessed me with a brand new version for Christmas. Nothing says romance like a new heading pad!
• Netflix. See the first point.
• insurance. Especially as both of our job situations are changing right as we are having a baby, I'm super thankful for the timing of it all. We're all covered and we've even gotten to take advantage of a few insurance benefits because of the timing.
• Grands buttermilk biscuits. = all of my weight gain.
• husband's tshirt wardrobe. I still squeeze into my t-shirts too, but if I'm leaving the house I throw one of his on because it actually covers the whole belly. He likes it when I wear his stuff, too!
• Barely There underwear and bras. Sorry if it's TMI, but the moment I knew I was pregnant I needed new (bigger) underwear and bras. The sizes have just kept going up, and these are super comfy! I buy the underwear at Kohls when they go on sale and they send me a $10 off coupon.

week 35

Everyone keeps asking me if I'm super uncomfortable, and maybe that's because I've grown so much in the past few weeks. Thankfully, I'm feeling really good. I still don't sleep well very often, but that's pretty minor. I've had some new hip pain, and my tailbone and back are still not cooperative, but all-in-all, I'm SO fine. Who knows what the next 5 weeks will be like, but for now, I definitely can't complain.

We made some good progress on our "things to do before baby comes" list this weekend. The list really isn't that long, so we're feeling good about being "ready" (I know there's really no such thing). I'm still feeling confident that Mr. Crawford is going to come late, but I want to be prepared just in case he comes early. I don't exactly know how to balance the two conflicting stances... oh well.

Exciting things coming up:

• Brit's baby shower in Birmingham this weekend
• Carpets being professionally cleaned this weekend! Woo hoo!
• David starting his new job next week.
• Three (!!) Chattanooga baby showers in the weeks following
• Just 15 more days of work

favorite gifts of 2011

I know Christmas was lots of weeks ago, but David and I got some pretty awesome gifts that I didn't want to neglect to mention altogether.

• My dad gave David his very favorite gift of all. He's been talking about buying a Little Tykes basketball hoop since we found out about this baby, and I've been asking him to hold off until we at least had a child who was able to use it. My dad couldn't resist, and David LOVES it! Seriously, he had it set up in no time and he plays with it all the time. Love him!

The hoodie he's wearing was a Christmas gift too!

• Greg gave us one of the other best gifts of the year: oragami birds for the nursery! We hung them over the crib right away, and I love how they look! It's extra special to me that Greg (Uncle GG) made them. I hope Crawford loves looking at the one day.

• David had me believing that he hadn't gotten me anything for Christmas (which was mostly fine, but I probably would have bit a bit disappointed), so I was totally shocked by these Tiffany's earrings that he gave me! I love a little blue box under the tree, and I've been eyeing these earrings for a while now.

• Also, David made me all emotional by giving me a pregnancy massage - from David and Crawford. Granted, my emotionals are ridiculously unpredictable, but opening that made me cry! I have it on my calendar, and I am counting down the days!

shower #3- Ohio people

David's mom and sister threw us the sweetest shower in Oxford last week. We had it at LaRosa's Pizzeria, and it was perfect! We got to see so many sweet Ohio friends and Geyer-side family members, and it really meant a lot to us that everyone came. Several people drove more than an hour to be there, and I still can't believe it. One of the highlights was meeting my dad's cousin and his wife (Johnny and Sue Bourke) for the first time. That's right... they drove 1.5 hours to come to a baby shower for some kids they've never met before! He and my dad recently reconnected on facebook after being out of touch for nearly 45 years. It's so cool to have new family members!

We came home with the van loaded down with goodies for the wee one. Everyone was far too generous, and we are so blessed!

Christmas break part two- Ohio

We left Columbus on Monday, drove home to do laundry and repack the car, and headed north first thing Tuesday morning. We were so excited to see the Johnsons again - especially those babies :). It was amazing how much they had changed in just two weeks! While we were in town we got to celebrate Jayme's birthday, have a baby shower (more in another post) and visit with David's mom who was in town too. Easter (the next time we'll see the Johnsons) won't come soon enough!!

weeks 33 & 34

These past few weeks sure have flown by. I knew the holidays would make the time pass quickly, but it's amazing how quickly it has happened.

Honestly, not too much has changed during weeks 33 and 34. Since we were out of town all of last week, I was a bit nervous about sleeping and all the driving, but it was great. I've been sleeping really well (maybe because we've been on vacation for about 2 weeks??), so no complaints there. The car rides were made better by leaving in the mornings (my back didn't have time to start hurting yet) and utilizing my donut and body pillows. I reclined in the back seat for most of the ride home from Ohio and that worked pretty well. David is such a servant, and he drove every mile of our travels. He's quite the servant in SO many areas of our marriage... I am so thankful for that man.

One new development (other than the --- pounds I've added on) is swelling in my hands. My feet haven't swelled much at all, but my hands have started to in the mornings.  I never thought about swelling being uncomfortable, but it definitely is. It's so weird!

This baby is still moving a TON. I tell people that he generally moves more often than not, and it's true. I'm so thankful for that reassurance. He's been getting hiccups nearly every day (usually in the evenings), and he's hanging out on the right side of my belly most of the time. I'm also still having lots of Braxton Hicks contractions. We went shopping at an outlet mall one day last week, and my contractions were so strong and regular I was starting to get worried. As the day progressed I knew it wasn't real labor, and David realized that I was just super dehydrated. I drank about a gallon of water at dinner time and the contractions subsided majorly.

We went to the doctor yesterday for my 34 week check up, and everything is looking great. They did my Group B Strep test, and while he was down there Dr. B checked me. He said my cervix are really soft already and the baby is SUPER low (I could have told you that!). In fact, he felt his head!! I freaked out and had everyone in the room laughing at my excitement. I know this news doesn't mean anything at all and Crawford could still make his appearance after his due date, but it just makes the whole process seem so immanent.

Christmas break part one- Columbus

We had a whirlwind Christmas week. We spent time with both of our families, drove about 1,300 miles, gave and received lots of presents, ate way too much food, watched 26 episodes of Friends (in the van, on the road) and seriously enjoyed spending every day for almost two weeks together.

We're both back at work today, and I'm struggling. I miss David. I'm exhausted. I'm huge.

Yesterday marked 34 weeks completed in this pregnancy, and I've fallen way behind on my weekly updates. We go to the doctor this afternoon, and I promise to take a picture and post my update tomorrow! Baby boy and I have done some serious growing over the holidays... yikes.

I guess the best place to start my Christmas break recap is the very beginning. We spent the 23rd-26th in Columbus with my family, and it was great. Other than Chase (Ashley's boyfriend who got an appendectomy for Christmas), we all had a really nice time together. It was pretty bittersweet for me because I knew this was the last traditional Bourke family Christmas we'd be spending together. David and I have planned to spend Christmases at our house when Crawford is here, and I really look forward to creating our own family memories. I was hormonal and excessively emotional, but I survived.

We loved spending time with Greg, who is home from Boston for the break. I hate that he lives so stinking far away, but when we're all together it's like we were never apart. The next time we'll see GG is over his spring break when he'll come to meet his nephew, which is pretty nuts to think about.

We had such a great time with the Bourke side of the family, but we packed up and headed north to Ohio for part two of Christmas break!