We're having a baby!

So, at 37ish weeks, I went to the doctor (I think on a Thursday) and my blood pressure was still pretty high and not coming down. I had been feeling horrible for a little bit. They decided to go ahead and induce on Saturday (I would technically be 38 weeks) and admit me to the hospital Friday. they would start a cervical softner Friday night and induce with pitocin Saturday morning. I have to say I actually liked going in the night before- it was a little less stressful- we got the dogs and Logan all situated and we were able to get to Northside and just kindof unwind and be together. I got no sleep that night- I tossed and turned because my hips hurt and of course every time I turned, the monitor would loose the baby so they would have to come in and adjust. It was not only irritating for me,but probably irritating for the nurse as well. So, Saturday morning rolled around and they began inducing. I started at 2cm and I figured it would go pretty fast seeing as last time I came in at 3cm, they started at 6am and I delivered at 130pm. So, I had been scared that I would not get the epidural in time so that was on my mind. If you have never had pitocin, it amplifies the contractions like crazy. All regular contractions I have ever had have been fine- but the contractions on pitocin begin to really hurt by the time you start to get around 4/5cm. So, I had told the nurses that I was concerned I would not get it in time, etc. So they said I could get the IV meds for pain- got that and it did nothing. I waited maybe another 30 minutes and was like, I want the epidural now. So, they got on that and I am glad they did! I was able to rest for probably an hour or two then it was time! They started getting the room ready (there was a nurse teaching another nurse so they were spending much more time in the room, going over stuff, etc.). At that point where they began getting the room ready, it just hit me, it became so real. I started getting a little anxious then I was like no- I am not going to do this and then I literally just started praying. Just prayed the entire time (I was just so dreading that it would end up hurting and being as bad as Logan's delivery). So, I just gave it to God, tried to enjoy the process and soak up everything and it was amazing! I literally pushed maybe 3-4 times and the entire delivery lasted under 7 minutes! I say that not to brag or boast,but to just show how awesome God is! The doctor massaged and helped out a lot down there so that I did not tear or anything! It was amazing. I remember them putting Liam on my chest and just looking at William and we both just started tearing up and crying. He was prayed for so much and for God to entrust us with Him is unbelievable.

38 Weeks Pregnant

Yow! If you feel a sort of lightening bolt running up and down your legs (and in your crotch), don’t freak out. At 38 weeks, baby’s probably sitting pretty low in your pelvis, which means he’s bumping into all kinds of nerves down there -- including some pretty sensitive ones you might not know you had. Be on the lookout for signs of labor, including contractions that come on stronger, at more regular intervals, and the “bloody show.” It could happen any day now -- or it might not be for a few weeks. Until then, try to relax.

Your baby's the size of a pumpkin!

Baby is about 18.9 to 20.9 inches long and weighs about 6.2 to 9.2 pounds. Her head is now about the same circumference as her abdomen.

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your baby at 38 weeks

• She may have about an inch or so of hair already.
• She's slowly shedding that white goo on her skin (called vernix caseosa) but you might see some of it at birth.

pregnancy symptoms at 38 weeks

• "Lightning crotch." As baby bumps against nerves in your pelvis, you might feel shooting sensations down your legs and even inside your vagina.
• You're probably still having Braxton Hicks contractions, difficulty sleeping, vaginal discharge, an itchy belly and swollen feet and ankles.
• You might have had a slightly bloody, mucus discharge, known as bloody show. This is a sign labor is coming.
• You might also have some diarrhea, which could also mean baby is coming soon.

Week 31

31 weeks pregnant

Welcome to week 31. Can you believe all five of baby’s senses are fully developed? He also keeps getting smarter. That’s probably good to know, since you might actually feel a little dumb. You’re not! It’s just that many moms-to-be find themselves acting absentmindedly during the third trimester. Some say that “pregnancy brain” isn’t a proven physical ailment, but can you think of another time in your life when you’ve had more on your mind than now? We’re guessing no. That right there is enough of a reason to be so forgetful. From 31 weeks on, you’re bound to feel a lot of the same symptoms -- some may get worse, some may become bearable. And you might start to have more trouble getting around as you get heavier and feel more and more short of breath. Remember not to push yourself too much. It’s good for you and baby to get some exercise, but definitely take breaks to rest as much as you need.

Your baby's the size of a pineapple!

He's about 15.2 to 16.7 inches long and weighs about 2.5 to 3.8 pounds this month. He's getting so big, he's probably crowding your lungs.

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your baby at 31 weeks

• He's going through major brain and nerve development.
• Eye development, too. His irises now react to light!
• All five of his senses are in working order.

We had our 31 week visit today- somehow I got off of the normal schedule, but whatever. We had our ultrasound and I have NEVER been so excited for an ultrasound. I think it is partly because we have doppler visits every Thursday for my shots and the past few appointments have just been doppler visits. I feel like it has been forever since we have had an ultrasound. Well, Liam is looking very good! We are so happy and blessed!!!!!!!! He is measuring a little big, a week or so ahead- which we kinda already knew seeing as they go by your last period, so we knew it was probably off a little bit. He is also in a "complete breech" situation. 

Really, he is moving between the "complete breech" and the "Frank breech"- today the pictures more reflected what they are calling the Frank breech, but he does move to the complete breech at some points. This totally explains why I have not felt him above my belly button! His legs, arms, knees, etc. are poking and kicking me really low, always below the belly button... I will feel "knots" up higher, which is apparently his head. This also explains why my stomach has been hurting SO bad. Just pain and nausea and TONS of acid coming up. Well, his head is pressing on my stomach and inner parts so that is why my stomach hurts so badly! As of right now, I will have to have a C-section. There is a chance he will flip but that chance is small and as each day passes, the chance decreases (his space in which to flip becomes smaller and smaller, thus the decreased likelihood). So, as of right now we are just waiting- they will check me every week now and do the determination ultrasound at 36 weeks (mid August). If he is still breeched by 36 weeks, we will go ahead and schedule the C-Section. If he has turned, then we will just wait! We did get some pictures, but since he has his legs, feet, arms and hands all together by his head, it was quite difficult to get a good picture. So, this is all we could get today... 

I know- it is hard to see, but all you can see is his little nose and lips... and the two arms/ hands and a leg/foot.

Yes, he is still a boy! Does anyone else have that fear? That they got it wrong somehow, you have a name, decorated and it could be the opposite sex? Maybe it is just me...

Again, just his little nose and lips- maybe a little bit of the eye.. and the limbs

So, there he is... all happy and content and not caring at all that he is in the wrong position! I honestly do not care either. If we have to have a C section, so be it- if it is the other, that is cool too. The doctor did say that the second time (and any there after) would be much easier on tearing. I had a 4th degree laceration/ tear last time and he said due to the way the ligaments are stretched out, etc. it would not be that bad... mathematically speaking just usually does not happen as bad as the first time, he said maybe a 2nd degree tear but not as bad as the first- so that was very comforting (like tearing at all would be comforting)! So, we will see- I know the C section will be a different type of hurt than I had last time and the healing/ recovery time is longer, but I know that people have them every day, get over it and move on... I am kinda feeling that is how it will end up- just with all that he was saying, but who knows... Glad he is healthy, happy and just praising God for this little 4.6 pound miracle! He said he is a little big, but not huge- measuring that 4.6 pounds right now, would project to be 6-8 pounds at 39 weeks. We will see! 

Randomness

First I guess I will say that I am super excited that we are in the third trimester (well, we technically entered it last week)!!! I am 28 weeks today and that is pretty exciting. I really don't know why, but it still REALLY has not sunk in that we are about to have a baby! It is so weird. I am excited for August/ September but also ok that it takes its time getting here! NOT that I am not excited about meeting our huge miracle, but more to give us a little more time to work things out as far as work goes...

On a totally different note, I am obsessed with Mexican food, jalapenos, etc. and cannot get enough of it... well, I finally was able to get Moe's and I really think I could eat it every day! There is a guy who works there and his name (well he goes by) "Happy" and he is SO nice. Well, he drew me and Liam on my cheese dip! Made me smile!

Also, at church, the teacher is out of town for a bit, so we stayed in there last night... no real agenda, but it was fun. This is Logan's masterpiece... I am so proud of him! He knows how to cut, and did a good job of cutting and holding the scissors! I know you are like, really, cutting? But, we have never given him scissors or anything and I know they did not do that in school or church, so call it what you will, but I was proud of him! He cut the paper and glued other cuts of paper to his purple piece. He wanted to bring it home and keep it "forever and ever"...

And, every night William is at work, we take pictures and send them to Daddy- these are some from the other night...

These are apparently Dinosaurs chomping each other

Then, the dinosaur chomping at Daddy...

I guess I don't notice it as much because I have the great blessing of seeing him everyday, but in pictures, I notice that he is so grown-up and getting so big! I just praise God for this blessing and miracle that He has entrusted us with!

Belly Pics

22 weeks pregnant

During week 22, baby’s invading your space, which is why it might be tough to catch your breath and why your back might be killing you. Hey, as she grows, she may be expanding your belly so much (so fast) that you might have some stretch marks -- and you might even have a newfound “outtie”! What’s not so cool is that the stretch marks may never fade, but we promise they’ll fade in color after delivery. And your outtie will go back to an innie, we promise. As for sex, all these body changes, along with another fun one -- discharge! -- might be messing with your mojo, but some moms-to-be actually find they have an increase in libido around 22 weeks. That’s because your hormones are pretty much raging at this point. This is also a good time to schedule a maternity portrait session. You’ll want to aim for the third trimester -- but not so late that you risk going into labor before your appointment.

your baby's the size of a papaya!

During month five, the average fetus measures about 10.5 to 11.8 inches and weighs about 12.7 to 20.8 ounces.

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your baby at 22 weeks

• Now that he's got more developed eyes and lips, he's looking even more like a newborn.
• He's sleeping in cycles -- about 12 to 14 hours per day (hint: they're probably those times you're not feeling any kicks!).

About 22ish weeks

24 weeks pregnant

Drink up! Around 24 weeks, your doctor will order a Glucose Tolerance Test -- one of the more memorable prenatal tests -- to see if you’re at risk for gestational diabetes. Basically, the test is designed to see how your body processes sugar, so you’ll be asked to drink a cup of a sweet drink called Glucola (which reminded us of Gatorade) and then hang out for an hour. Once the hour is up, you’ll have your blood drawn and then it will be tested to see how your body has processed the sugar. You know what’s also sweet? Those movements and kicks you’ve been feeling. They seem to get stronger every week. At week 24, baby’s progress isn’t just about internal stuff, it’s about her looks too. With pinker, more opaque skin, she’s looking more and more, well, like a baby. You, on the other hand, are probably experiencing some of the discomforts of the later months of pregnancy at week 24 -- leg cramps, backaches, swollen feet. Hang in there, mama-to-be!

your baby's the size of a cantaloupe!

Your 10.5-to-11.8-inch fetus weighs about 12.7 to 20.8 ounces and every week she gets closer and closer to being ready to survive (and thrive!) in the outside world.

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your baby at 24 weeks

• Her see-through skin is gradually becoming more opaque.
• And it's got a new pink glow, thanks to the small capillaries that have recently formed.

Obviously, 24 weeks

25 weeks pregnant

You’re 25 weeks pregnant and it’s probably dawned on you that soon you’ll actually have to deliver this baby. (A little scary, but exciting!) What’s cool is that most hospitals will let you preregister, which means you can put in your paperwork early, so the day you go into labor, you don’t have to stand around filling out a bunch of forms before you get admitted. Maybe you’re getting nervous about delivery, or maybe it’s your haywire hormones, but you might start to have trouble sleeping around week 25. This is a common complaint of many moms-to-be. Some people will tell you that’s just your body’s way of prepping you for sleepless nights with baby, but those comments won’t help you get the rest you need! Experiment with different strategies for getting some sleep. One idea is to drink extra water early in the day, so you can start tapering off your intake as you get closer to bedtime. That way, you might need less bathroom breaks during the night and can keep sleeping. After all, now that baby’s crowding your bladder, you’ve got to pee. A lot.

Your baby's the size of a cauliflower!

During month six, the average fetus measures about 13.6 inches to 14.8 inches and weighs about 1.5 to 2.5 pounds.

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your baby at 25 weeks

• She's enjoying her new sense of equilibrium -- she now knows which way is up and which is down.
• She's growing more fat and more hair too!

About 25 weeks

Escape to Tennessee

I have been so stressed and overwhelmed with work and so on and I knew I had a holiday coming up- Monday, April 22 is Confederate Memorial Day. Well, I have Fridays off as well, so I figured this would be the perfect time for a getaway- if William could get off. Basically, they hardly ever approve leave and the only way you can get off is to call in sick- which he will not do (both frustrating and very admirable). So, we just hoped and prayed and they gave him the day off! So, we left Thursday after I got off of work. William and Logan came and met me at the fire station he used to work at right next to my work- he left his truck there and we were off! Let me tell you- the best time to travel with a young one is at night! I am so glad we decided to leave that night! And, next time, I will pack for winter in the spring or vice -versa- it was so cold!

We went to the Tuckaleechee Caverns in Townsend, Tennessee. It was so much fun. 

We also went and checked out Sweetwater Valley Farm. It was really neat to see all the cows and learn how they made cheese! And, the samples- SO many samples and different flavors of cheese and they were all SO good!

This is where the cows come and get milked 3 times a day. They are such creatures of habit that no one has to even show them what to do. They walk in, back up and the gate comes down in front of them. When they are finished and the gate is up- they wait on everyone (all the cows) in there to finish- like they are all waiting on their friends. Once they are all done, they walk out- it was so cool and crazy!

It is hard to see but behind in the plastic crate looking things, there are baby cows- one per unit and this is the "nursery" where the babies are until they are weaned.

baby cows, just chilling

This was the barn that had a TON of information, learning materials. It was EXTREMELY Beautiful here!

Then we went to Circle G ranch- it was so awesome! It was very similar to the Wild Animal Safari in GA. Learning from our experience there, we definitely rented the vehicle to drive thru there and that was a great decision! Logan and I sat in the back of the SUV with the glass up and fed the animals as we drove through! I don't think it would have been as much fun if we took the van! 

This cow would not stop stalking us... 

The boys rode the camel! Logan loved it and did not want to get off!

waiting on the camel~

These pigs were just running around everywhere

He said the alligator was mean so he wanted to poke his eye

Posing with the camel

This zebra was nice- much less crazy than the cow- 

And, some of the animals that were following us

We also went to the zoo. You would think by this point we would have seen plenty of animals but ya know... whatever... So I LOVE the Knoxville ZOO. It is SO kid friendly and almost everything there is geared towards kids. They have a carousel, petting area (where you brush goats), play zone, etc. He loved it- we went when he was younger but now he really loves it! 

I don't know what is going on here... just our awesomely crazy kid!

So, that was pretty much our trip. We went with nothing really in mind except to get away, de-stress and not worry about anything- and we did just that! We pretty much had to travel to Knoxville almost each day but it is about 30 minutes from the house- so not too bad. We just started our day- explored, ended up at a place (such as above) and went back to the house and just chilled. It was great and I am so thankful that we have a free "vacation house" that we can go to if we ever have time off! 

So remember when I said that William's truck was left at the station so we could just leave from Atlanta? Well, we are on our way home, go to my mom's house to grab the dogs, stop at the grocery and I ran in for a few quick items... and we pull in to our house... and notice THE TRUCK (or lack of vehicle). Neither of us could believe that we forgot to go get William's truck at the station nor did it even come close to crossing our minds! So, we ate dinner got everything ready for school/ work the next day and drove to Atlanta then back home. No relaxing evening, but oh well, in the end it was all worth it!

We are very thankful and grateful for all that we have and were able to do. We Praise God and thank Him each day for our many many blessings (even though we do complain about things sometimes) if we just step back and bask in His Glory- we are set back on track. There is only one "thing" in this life that matters- and that is knowing and having a personal relationship with Our Father, showing via our actions and telling others about Him and working each day to let His light and His Glory shine through us.