week 40- it's GO time!

 
Every prayer I had been praying (even the selfish, petty ones) was answered when I went to the doctor today! I am 3cm dilated and 60% effaced, so these contractions have been doing something! I'm at -1 station (or however you say that... the baby is really low) and ready to go. My blood pressure was higher than it has ever been throughout my pregnancy and my amniotic fluid was low, so Dr. B said he really didn't want me to wait another week before having this kiddo. The low fluid level basically means the placenta is maxed out, so he really ought not get any larger (fine by me!). I so didn't want to have to make the decision to induce or when, so having these additional factors come into play was actually a huge blessing. We decided to aim for tomorrow, and the hospital scheduled us to come in tonight at midnight. Ah!! We're six hours away from the beginning of this whole process! I'm actually still having lots of contractions, so I'm hopeful that I'll be even more progressed by the time we get all checked in.

I left the doctor and started making calls and sending text messages. My parents and sister will meet us at the hospital (yes, in the middle of the night!), and David's mom is coming tomorrow! We'll be busy face timing my brother and the Johnsons, and all the other family members who aren't here will have to get phone calls and text pictures. 

After the doctor, I went to Target and walked around with my head in the clouds. I probably looked lost and so confused, but I just could not focus! I saw a friend from church and word vomited out our news! I couldn't contain myself. I almost told complete strangers that I was going have a baby tomorrow. 

I came home and tried to get some stuff done. Fortunately, I had mopped the kitchen before I left for the doctor, so I only had a few things left to accomplish. After David told his boss the plan, she was so sweet and sent him home early to rest and get ready! We both took naps this afternoon, and we just got back from eating a romantic Valentine's Day dinner at Jet's Pizza :). Speaking of Valentine's Day (because I keep forgetting that's what today is), David totally outdid himself:

please excuse the ridiculously chubby fingers! ew!

This ring is a green amethyst (who knew such a thing existed?!), which is the birthstone for February. Granted, I did pick it out and email him not-so-subtle hints that I would really, really like it :). He still totally surprised me!

What a day. 

What a day tomorrow will be!

HUGE updates to come! Crawford is on his way!

week 39

Week 39... crazy. It was my last week at work, and it was so nice. Because I had been sick the week before, I ended up having plenty to do to stay busy enough but not super frazzled. Everyone was so sweet to me, and it was an all-around nice week.

I still am having a really hard time sleeping at night. I'm going to the bathroom 4-6 times per night, and that keeps me pretty occupied. I came back to bed after a bathroom trip one time, and I found that David and Harley had moved to the couch. He thought I'd have a better chance at sleeping well if I had the whole bed (and he was right). Poor guy! A few things that I haven't really dealt with much have really crept up this past few weeks. My heartburn is so bad at nights!  When I lay (lie? I never know...) down it kicks in. Also, my sense of smell is on overdrive. I know it's a pretty common pregnancy thing, but that hasn't been the case for me until recently. Oh, and the gas! Ah! It's horrific. So, sorry to everyone else on that one.

At the doctor this week, I was still 0% effaced and only .5cm dilated. I totally expected it though, so I wasn't disappointed at all. I've said all along that I think this kid will be late, and so far it's looking pretty probable. We've starting talking about induction possibilities, and as much as I hate to do that, it's better for me mentally to be prepared in case it comes down to that. My mom sent me a funny text in response to my doctor update: "He doesn't know that we are out here waiting for him and we are pretty cool!" It cracked me up.

One more week!

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.

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.

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.

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

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!

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.

it is finished.

Well, sort of. Recovering this chair turned out to be the biggest pain-in-the-rear, but I finished it. It was hard for me mostly because I had no idea what I was doing, and I considered loading the thing back up and taking it with me to Columbus so my mom could help me. If you come to my house please don't inspect it. In fact, please don't even move the pillow out of the way.  Fortunately, the thing is comfortable and the pattern on the fabric is super forgiving.

weeks 28 & 29

Week 28

I was officially 28 weeks pregnant while we were in California, so the picture is fitting (I'm on the beach at the Hotel del Coronado). Traveling across the country pregnant made me a tiny bit nervous, but everything was great. I broke my own tradition of never peeing on an airplane because, well, it was a long flight. In fact, the day we traveled west I peed 14 times. Yes. We kept track. I mean, it was ridiculous. My back and tailbone did bother me a lot on the plane, and I was really glad I brought a neck pillow- that I used for my back! I tried an icy hot patch, but panicked when it started tingling and feeling weird. I've since checked with the doc and know I'm safe to try again.

I slept like a ROCK on our trip. I don't know if it was just because we were out of town and worry-free or because of the king size bed (we have a queen), but regardless it was glorious. I literally slept for 12+ hours a night and napped each afternoon. Why must we return to real life and work?! We did tons of walking the whole time we were there (when I was actually awake), and I felt great!

Week 29

I went to the doctor for my 19 week appointment and everything is looking great. I passed my glucose test and got to see our little man (who was, of course, sleeping during the ultrasound). The highlight of the appointment was noticing that Crawford has giant chubby cheeks!! Oh, I hope he keeps those for the next 10+ weeks! We're onto the every-two-week schedule for doctor appointments, and that makes me really happy. I know I sound like a broken record, but I am SO thankful that Dr. B does an ultrasound at every appointment. That should have been my one thing to share at Thanksgiving this year. I've told David we're never moving away unless Dr. Brody comes too.

I have gained a significant amount of weight. I'm still below average on the babble pregnancy weight gain calculator (my fav pregnancy/baby/mom site), and even though I'm sure it doesn't matter, that makes me feel better. I'm already pretty sick of the clothes I have to wear to work, and I have 2 months left to go.

My mom made a cute "countdown to Crawford" sign for us, and we love flipping those numbers every day. We're 75 days away from his due date, but I'm totally expecting him to be late. My parents have thrown their guesses in the hat, and I think we'll start writing them down to see who gets his birthday correct. We'll know before too long! We have SO much to look forward to this month that I know it will fly by, but I'm already anticipating that January will inch along slowly.

week 27- THIRD Trimester!

Two thirds of the way to meeting this baby?? How is that even possible?

Once again, a weekly post in bullet point format (sorry, I'm getting lazy). At 27 weeks pregnant, I am:

• peeing a ton.
• figuring out work stuff (new insurance, leave time, etc.).
• eating fruits and carbs, but thankfully not much dessert!
• writing thank you notes as quickly as possible (and feeling very, very blessed by all the gifts). 
• overall, feeling like a house (and really hating that every pound I gain shows up in my face. Why can't it go to my butt??).
• noticing that my belly button looks like a cheerio that fell down my shirt.
• dealing with these symptoms= back & hip pain, leg cramps at night and feet falling asleep at my desk.
• trying to finagle a way to sleep at night with the heating pad on my back and about a half a dozen pillows to prop me up. Then, reconfiguring the whole set up each time I get up to pee.
• trying to find a place for David to fit on the bed (what with half a dozen pillows taking up all the room).
• loving feeling Mr. C move all the time. He's getting into a daily rhythm, so I know when to expect him the most.

baby showers

I know I'm super behind on posting about my baby shower last week, so I figured I'd just do both showers in one post.

Shower #1- Columbus shower

My parents next door neighbor Brenda threw us an amazing couples shower before we got married, and she did it again with this baby shower. She is THE ultimate hostess, and she really has a gift for making things beautiful and enjoyable. She arranged the gorgeous flower arrangements, prepared the most amazing lunch and dessert, used her fine china, silver and crystal and did it all with so much grace! I would have been a stress ball, but she is such a natural. 

This shower had so many highlights, so I posted a whole bunch of pictures on facebook. I got to see a whole bunch of sweet friends from Columbus who made time to be there. Additionally, my Aunt Susie, cousin Mary and her daughter Reagan drove up from Jacksonville and my cousin Kim and her daughter Amber drove down from Atlanta! It really meant SO much to have family there since we see each other so rarely. Also, my high school government teacher (who is still friends with my mom through Curves) and my longest-time friend came! I hadn't seen Mrs. Thacker probably since high school, and Niki is currently wrapping up med school and traveling around for residency interviews. It was so fun to see them and catch up with them both!

Buckley fam (sidenote: 5 of the 8 of us have Louise as our middle name!); with Niki and Mrs. Thacker

Shower #2- Birmingham shower

This past weekend my sister threw a book shower in Birmingham! I just went down for the day to hang out with Ash, Courtney, Jonathan and my parents and it was so nice. Ashley and Courtney spent the day preparing everything, and it was all perfect. I got to see so many fun Birmingham friends, and we got SO many awesome books. Ashley figured since I love to read so much, the book theme was appropriate- I couldn't agree more.

my dad painted my fingernails :)

MS, Jamie, Kara; Mom, Raylene ("Gran") and Rita

Awesome set up! Ash even made the onesies herself (so much for not being crafty!)

.

Caitlin, Jenn, Ashley, me, Jamie, Mary Shelton, Kara, Courtney and Jenny; GranMols and Grandy

Not many pictures of me will survive from this weekend because... well... it was definitely an ugly day. I haven't gained too much weight (I'm actually on the low end according to those online calculators), but it ALL shows in my face. Ugh. Oh well. Crawford is worth it!

"This is a time of abundance in your life. Your cup runneth over with blessings... you are now traipsing through lush meadows drenched in warm sunshine. I want you to enjoy to the full this time of ease and refreshment. I delight in providing it for you."

I read this in my devotional a few days ago and it could not be more true after the past two weekends.

week 26

• Mr. Crawford has had the hiccups! He usually gets them in the wee hours of the morning, so I only kinda pay attention to them. It's usually during that time when I'm between fully asleep and awake, but it's fun to know he's still going strong.
• I had my first baby shower this weekend! It was so, so wonderful. Full post coming soon.
• Watch out, world. I'm irritable and moody like whoa. Seriously, everyone and everything is annoying to me (sometimes... I guess it's not like that 100% of the time).
• The belly button is officially an outie.
• We took Monday off work and stayed at my parents house for a long weekend, and we loved it. Obviously it was so nice to be with my family, but another huge perk was that we sleep in a king size bed at their house. I had the best 3 nights sleep I've had in 6 months, and I wish I could have brought that bed home with me.
• Cancel what I said last week about only feeling Crawford move below my belly button. He's graduated to moving all around, everywhere, all the time. It was fun that my mom, dad and sister all got to feel him move (at home, at church and at JoAnns!) this weekend.

week 25

I figured it'd be fun to have my 25 week picture in my Halloween costume since Oct. 31 is my 25th week checkpoint.

I've been having Braxton Hicks contractions very regularly (like 3-4 times a day), and Dr. Brody said they are worse when you are tired or dehydrated. Well, I'm always tired... And, I have to decide if I'd rather have the contractions or be up all day/night going pee. I do drink a ton of water, and I can tell a difference when I'm slacking. Fortunately, the Braxton Hicks contractions are pretty cool to watch! It doesn't hurt at all, but because this boy is sooo low, every time one happens I feel like my belly is full of bricks. It's weird. It's especially strange if I'm standing when it happens. If I'm sitting or lying down, I don't notice it as much (unless I'm looking at my belly!). Anyone else have them a bunch?? Melissa??

Crawford is still a little jumping bean in there. Some days he moves constantly all day long, and he seriously is so low. Obviously I don't have anything to compare it to, but I hope it's all good that he's hanging out in my pelvis, not so much my belly. I seriously haven't felt one movement above my belly button!

I've gained 13-14 pounds, and except for pictures from unflattering angles (a picture on the stairs at the baby shower?? what were we thinking?), I'm feeling pretty good about my body.

We head to Columbus on Friday for my first shower on Saturday, and I CAN.NOT.WAIT! Two of my cousins and their daughters and my aunt are all coming (plus my sister from Bham), and it means soo much to me that they would all travel to be there!

shirts for Crawford

Can't wait for a little guy to put inside these onesies!

week 24- 6 months!

I can't believe I'm six months pregnant! It seriously has flown by, and I'm sure February will be here in no time! This weekend begins a month of craziness for us, and by the time we're back on a regular schedule it will be December. That is nuts.

We had to re-schedule my usual Monday doctor appointment because Dr. B was off delivering some twins, and I was bummed at first but it worked out perfectly because David wasn't going to be able to come on Monday. Everything was great with Dr. Brody, as usual. I hope I never take for granted those uneventful doctor's appointment. The best news is the Crawford looks wonderfully healthy and he flipped over! Yay for being head down :). His movements are SO big and pronounced now, and we should just get rid of our TV because I can watch my belly for entertainment for hours. Now that we saw him again, it's fun to feel him move and be able to identify what body part we're probably seeing/feeling.

Because of the trip we're taking Thanksgiving week, I won't be able to go back to the doctor for FIVE weeks. Good thing we have a lot going on because it's going to be torture to wait that long, I'm sure. They will do my glucose test at that next appointment and then I'll begin going every two weeks! woo hoo!

We've begun the pediatrician interview process, and it's just weird. Of the three we're checking out, I know we'll be well taken care of no matter what we decide. Other than my usual pregnant gasiness, I've discovered that drinking milk = GAS. Whoa nelly. Unfortunately, milk is one of the few healthy things I've craved, and I feel like I need to drink it as much as I can. So, watch out down wind...

I got my second shower invitation in the mail (this actually should have gone on last week's post...). My sweet sis is throwing a book shower for us in Birmingham! I can't wait to hang out with her (two weekends in a row!) and my other Birmingham friends in just a few weeks. Should be fun.

So much good stuff going on, and we are so thankful. I haven't said it enough, but David has been totally wonderful. For the first few months he was busy holding my hair back and cleaning up more vomit than should be discussed, but lately he has been just as helpful. I have been a list-making, cleaning-out, organizing, project-doing fiend, and he is so willing to do whatever it is that will make me happy (and keep me from crying). He constantly encourages me to rest as much as possible, and he is SO loving... I just don't deserve him. When I want to go to bed at 8:45 (every night) he goes with me because he knows that I hate going to bed alone. Considering that I'm up all night long, that man is getting some good sleep these days! I don't think he could have one more ounce of excitement to meet this little boy, and it is the cutest thing I've ever seen. He is going to be the best daddy ever, but definitely not at the expense of continuing to be an amazing husband. I can't wait to share this new journey with him.

1 window, a monogram and a changing pad

Since I want to go ahead and post nursery progress even though it is truly a work in progress, here are 3 things that are mostly finished:

1. The window coverings in the dormer

We made pelmets/cornice boards for the two windows in the nursery, and this one is finally finished. The other one is getting monogrammed (!), so it isn't complete yet. The pelmet project ended up being more involved than I planned for, but they are hanging sturdily and we hope they stay that way!

I made curtains out of some white fabric that I got at a yard sale a long time ago, and I added the pom pom trim to the center of them. They're a bit long, but once my rocking chair (recovered in this fun fabric! I can't wait!) is in there you won't even notice :).

We bought the side table on clearance at Hobby Lobby, and it was a fun green color that totally went with the room when it was going to be brown. It didn't work with our now-green room, so we spray painted it brown, and it's good to go.


2. Wall monogram

I promise this is hanging straight... I just can't take a good picture apparently. I made this over Labor Day out of mostly extra stuff I had around the house - 3 flat canvases, scrap fabric from other nursery plans and I bought the letters at HL (of course). I would show the rest of the bookshelf, but it is currently covered in crap that needs to find a new home.




3. Changing pad cover

Nothing revolutionary, but I was really proud of my sewing work (for once!). We bought the changing pad at the JBF sale this weekend so I could go ahead and make my cover, and I love how it turned out (I used this tutorial- thanks Pinterest!). The fabric is fleece that I bought out of JoAnn's clearance bin months ago, and I love it! My mom helped me find some more of it at her JoAnns, so I'm trying to think of other projects to use it on.

My goal was to have most of my big projects knocked out by the time we go to Columbus (Nov. 4!) because as soon as we get the rocking chair THAT will be my big project. Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately?) I think I'm going to forgo my 2nd biggest project... crib bumpers. After all the talk in the news lately about not using them it seems silly to spend so much time and effort to make some. We have ones that came in our bassinet (off CraigsList) that actually match the room really well, so I'll probably throw that in the crib if I feel comfortable enough to use it. We're going to get the crib this weekend (when Papa Dale and Grammy Rae come!), and I'm pretty sure that will make it feel like a nursery. Nuts!

week 22

ugh... I got paint all over my shirt when I was crossing off the 20 and 21... It's going to bug me until I'm able to cross that darn 36 off!

Well, week 22 hasn't brought much of anything new, which I suppose is a good thing! A few nights ago we were able to feel a lump that must have been a foot/elbow/knee or something, and it was just sticking out. That was really fun. Also, I can do some cool tricks with my belly button these days, and it totally grosses David out.

We are making some progress on nursery projects, and I'm hoping to get a bunch of things crossed off the list this weekend. There is SO much fun stuff to look forward to in the next month, I can hardly stand it. I got my first baby shower invitation last week and I'm so, so excited. I'm mostly excited to be in Columbus with my family and friends, but I suppose the party and the gifts will be fun too :).

cutest invitation ever! notice the monogrammed blanket... LOVE!!

This is a gross story, but I want to remember it so I'm writing it here... Sunday night I ate some ice cream and almost immediately knew it was a bad idea. I went to the bathroom expecting to just throw it up, but much to my surprise nearly all the food I had eaten that day came up too. As soon as I was finished I went straight to bed! I don't know how I was sick like that for 4 months... it totally wipes me out! Anyway, when I woke up Monday morning I realized I had gotten my first uninterrupted night's sleep in weeks, and it was so refreshing. So, as it turns out, if I throw up before I go to bed, I don't have to pee in the middle of the night!

PS- I hope I look like Melissa does at 21 weeks with her THIRD baby! Sheesh! She's amazing.