The first post describes in detail the moment our Baby Buckner arrived. Read it at https://southernmommybelle.blogspot.com
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| My world |
Thursday, November 13, 2014
Introducing Mommy Belle!
First off, I would like to apologize to my faithful readers for not blogging since August. Since the last time I blogged, we were blessed with a healthy 8lb 1oz baby boy, Buckner James. I thoroughly checked out and immersed myself into every moment of my maternity leave only focusing on all things Buckner. Now three months later I want to share my joys and lessons on this journey. August 7th changed me as I knew it would when Buckner added a new dimension to my life. I still have my same interests and goals but a whole new aspect of me as been added when I earned the title of mommy. To mark this new journey, I am starting a new blog....Mommy Belle, Adventures in Southern Parenting. I will continue to posts stories of the south as well as recipes but the focus will be my adventure in motherhood. Modern Day Southern Belle will stay active for you to be able access the former posts but all new entries from me will be on my new site. I hope you will follow me on this new journey because I have lots of moments to share with you.
The first post describes in detail the moment our Baby Buckner arrived. Read it at https://southernmommybelle.blogspot.com
The first post describes in detail the moment our Baby Buckner arrived. Read it at https://southernmommybelle.blogspot.com
Thursday, July 31, 2014
Thursdays third Trimester Countdown: 39 weeks and 4 days
I laugh at myself now when I think about how we were all convinced Baby B would arrive early. There was no indication for him to come early but somehow I just decided we would never make it close to the due date. I thought I would be one of those mamas that went in around week 37 or 38 and easily deliver a healthy baby. I am still hanging on to the hope of the easy delivery part and definitely a healthy baby but the early part has now passed.
At last week's appointment, I measured at 42 weeks so they did a sonogram to check on Baby B and estimate his weight. My doctor told me before the scan that the weight can be off by a pound. Let's hope he is off by a pound less not a pound more because our little chunky monkey weighed in at 8lbs 11 oz. I am 5'2" so my normally calm demeanor was a little shaken at this point. No one seemed concerned and my doctor reminded me that it was just an estimate but it was the first time in almost 40 weeks that a c-section was even mentioned. My doctor told me that we weren't ready to throw in the towel yet for a natural birth but we just had to wait and see. At my next appointment tomorrow, I guess I will learn more...unless he wants to come today!
I said I would never have a birth plan because I have not heard of any one's birth plan actually going the way they planned it. Naturally I am a planner but I feel like the birth of a baby is just something you can't plan. Having a birth plan, in my opinion, just tends to stress you out when it doesn't go as planned. So my plan was to do whatever the doctor deemed necessary to keep us healthy. However, I did not realize that I had more of a plan than I had let on. I guess because I had not wrote it down, I did not think I had a birth plan but the moments after the big C was mentioned and into the weekend, I was an emotional mess. C-section was NOT A PART OF MY PLAN! Did I mention I am a natural planner?
Since crying my way through last weekend, I adjusted back to the idea of being flexible to whatever happens because whatever happens is an answer to my prayers that God takes care of us. I feel like my emotionally stable self now...well as much as a 9 month pregnant woman can be emotionally stable. Hopefully he will come this weekend just in time for Daddy's big birthday weekend and we can see his adorable face in person.
At last week's appointment, I measured at 42 weeks so they did a sonogram to check on Baby B and estimate his weight. My doctor told me before the scan that the weight can be off by a pound. Let's hope he is off by a pound less not a pound more because our little chunky monkey weighed in at 8lbs 11 oz. I am 5'2" so my normally calm demeanor was a little shaken at this point. No one seemed concerned and my doctor reminded me that it was just an estimate but it was the first time in almost 40 weeks that a c-section was even mentioned. My doctor told me that we weren't ready to throw in the towel yet for a natural birth but we just had to wait and see. At my next appointment tomorrow, I guess I will learn more...unless he wants to come today!
I said I would never have a birth plan because I have not heard of any one's birth plan actually going the way they planned it. Naturally I am a planner but I feel like the birth of a baby is just something you can't plan. Having a birth plan, in my opinion, just tends to stress you out when it doesn't go as planned. So my plan was to do whatever the doctor deemed necessary to keep us healthy. However, I did not realize that I had more of a plan than I had let on. I guess because I had not wrote it down, I did not think I had a birth plan but the moments after the big C was mentioned and into the weekend, I was an emotional mess. C-section was NOT A PART OF MY PLAN! Did I mention I am a natural planner?
Since crying my way through last weekend, I adjusted back to the idea of being flexible to whatever happens because whatever happens is an answer to my prayers that God takes care of us. I feel like my emotionally stable self now...well as much as a 9 month pregnant woman can be emotionally stable. Hopefully he will come this weekend just in time for Daddy's big birthday weekend and we can see his adorable face in person.
Thursday, July 24, 2014
Thursdays Third Trimester Countdown: 10 Days!
Today marks 10 days until Baby Buckner's due date! I can't believe we are finally in the countdown. Anticipation is hard. Everything is done. The nursery is finished. His little clothes have been washed and folded. All the diaper and care items are set in place. His diaper bag is packed. The pack and play that he will sleep in for the first few weeks is in our room. The car seat is installed. The house is clean and ready for visitors (and I keep cleaning and cleaning). And now all we have to do is wait. The waiting part is hard. We really can't make too many plans because we are in such a waiting mode. I have a hard time because I am so excited that I feel like a kid before Christmas morning...except this Christmas Eve is lasting several long days.
I tell myself to try to enjoy the last stage of pregnancy so I am doing my best to make a few plans. Whatever little plans my big body can accommodate. I told Ed the other day I am way too small to be this big. My petite 5'2" frame has taken all the extra weight it can handle. But all the frustration of waiting is just due to sheer excitement of getting to meet our sweet little boy soon. Almost time!
I tell myself to try to enjoy the last stage of pregnancy so I am doing my best to make a few plans. Whatever little plans my big body can accommodate. I told Ed the other day I am way too small to be this big. My petite 5'2" frame has taken all the extra weight it can handle. But all the frustration of waiting is just due to sheer excitement of getting to meet our sweet little boy soon. Almost time!
Thursday, July 17, 2014
Third Trimester Thursdays: 37 weeks and 4 days
I was hoping that I would go to the doctor today to be told I was ready to go to the hospital. I know it is still a little early but a preggo girl can hope like no other! However, hope was all it was today because there was no progress. Baby Buckner is quite happy where he is for now. I know that his cozy status is good for now allowing him more time to grow but it still hard not to grow anxious. Waiting these days feels like a never ending Christmas Eve. Everything is done and the celebrations are ready to be started but we still have to wait a little longer. The good news is I feel good except for the stinging from the swelling and a few more aches and pains so I need to find ways to entertain myself (distract myself) for the next 17 days until his due date. Hopefully he is on time (or a tad early!).
Size of the Baby: I am still measuring at 40 weeks. The Bump says he is the size of a winter melon. Not sure if I ever seen one of those but supposedly he can weigh 6.2 to 9.2 pounds right now. Let's hope for the smaller option out of those sizes! For the first time today, a woman told me she did not think he was that big but that I was just so small that he had no where to go but out. Finally, someone who realized I am carrying a baby on a 5'2" frame!
What I Miss Most: I am not missing too much right now because not being pregnant is in the near future. I can once again look at fashion magazines and know soon that I will be able to wear something besides maternity clothes which is a great feeling.
Symptoms: A few mild cramps, consistent weight gain (fun times), swelling in my feet and hands, and hips hurting.
Best Moment of the Week: The nursery is complete and the hospital bag is ready to go. I feel so good having all of those items completed!
Size of the Baby: I am still measuring at 40 weeks. The Bump says he is the size of a winter melon. Not sure if I ever seen one of those but supposedly he can weigh 6.2 to 9.2 pounds right now. Let's hope for the smaller option out of those sizes! For the first time today, a woman told me she did not think he was that big but that I was just so small that he had no where to go but out. Finally, someone who realized I am carrying a baby on a 5'2" frame!
What I Miss Most: I am not missing too much right now because not being pregnant is in the near future. I can once again look at fashion magazines and know soon that I will be able to wear something besides maternity clothes which is a great feeling.
Symptoms: A few mild cramps, consistent weight gain (fun times), swelling in my feet and hands, and hips hurting.
Best Moment of the Week: The nursery is complete and the hospital bag is ready to go. I feel so good having all of those items completed!
Thursday, July 10, 2014
Third Trimester Thursdays: 36 Weeks and 4 days
I log on to The Bump every day to see my little day counter number go down. Today it said 24 days until the due date. I know that babies rarely come exactly on their due date but it is reassuring to know that at least a month from today Baby Buckner will be here! I am so ready. I am excited but not scared. However, even though I have been carrying this baby around for nine months and the room is ready, it still feels surreal. I can't believe in a month or less we will have our baby here to hold!
I start my weekly visits next week. My best case scenario is that I go into one of these visits and the doctor tells me I am already 4 cm dilated and need to go on to the hospital. Then I would go to the hospital and have him within an easy couple of hours. Yes, I know these scenarios are rare but I do know someone that just recently experienced such a birth so it is possible. Therefore, I am concentrating on the law of attraction and hoping to attract the best birthing experience possible!
Best moments of the week...drinking Diet Dr. Pepper...I am so fascinated with it and it makes the slight lingering nausea leave. Also, we have packed the hospital bag (well at least laid everything out in the guest room) and we are finishing up the nursery this weekend! Pics to come!
I start my weekly visits next week. My best case scenario is that I go into one of these visits and the doctor tells me I am already 4 cm dilated and need to go on to the hospital. Then I would go to the hospital and have him within an easy couple of hours. Yes, I know these scenarios are rare but I do know someone that just recently experienced such a birth so it is possible. Therefore, I am concentrating on the law of attraction and hoping to attract the best birthing experience possible!
Best moments of the week...drinking Diet Dr. Pepper...I am so fascinated with it and it makes the slight lingering nausea leave. Also, we have packed the hospital bag (well at least laid everything out in the guest room) and we are finishing up the nursery this weekend! Pics to come!
Thursday, July 3, 2014
Third Trimester Thursdays: 35 weeks and 4 days
Today is an exciting day!!!! One month until Buckner's due date. A lot of people say he will be early. In fact, no one thinks he will be late. Of course, this is all just speculation but I tend to believe that he will be early but only slightly. The pregnancy has been progressing in such a textbook manner that I feel he will stay put until close to his due date. However....
Size of Baby: he is measuring big! Today at my doctor's appointment he measured at 40 weeks! The eyes of both the nurse and doctor registered surprise when they saw the measurement. I said yay come on! But the doctor reminded me while he may be big he still needs to mature a little more. I think we have a little overachiever in there pushing the weight limit as high as he can make it. I hope he just makes delivery as easy as possible!
What I Miss Most: Not feeling so big and being able to get out of the bed without effort!
Symptoms: A few mild cramps and weight gain!
Worst Moment of the Week: Not too bad of a week. Can't complain!
Best Moment of the Week: Knowing I can get some more nursery stuff done over the long holiday weekend!
Size of Baby: he is measuring big! Today at my doctor's appointment he measured at 40 weeks! The eyes of both the nurse and doctor registered surprise when they saw the measurement. I said yay come on! But the doctor reminded me while he may be big he still needs to mature a little more. I think we have a little overachiever in there pushing the weight limit as high as he can make it. I hope he just makes delivery as easy as possible!
What I Miss Most: Not feeling so big and being able to get out of the bed without effort!
Symptoms: A few mild cramps and weight gain!
Worst Moment of the Week: Not too bad of a week. Can't complain!
Best Moment of the Week: Knowing I can get some more nursery stuff done over the long holiday weekend!
Friday, June 27, 2014
Third Trimester Thursdays (or Fridays): 34 weeks
I am moving a lot slower these days which includes posting blog posts on Fridays that were suppose to be published on Thursdays. Maybe I should rename the posts "Falling Behind Fridays." But I am determined to document the last few weeks of pregnancy so whether it is Thursday or Friday...here is my update!
Buckner is growing but thankfully I think my weight gain has slowed down a little bit. However, I probably put on a few this week due to my friend coming to town and us eating our way through Oxford this past Saturday. We followed our food fest on Sunday by another feast day at the shower. But the extra pounds are well worth it this week because it was a weekend full of fun, family, friends and FOOD! More to come about our wonderful shower later next week.
Size of Baby: Not sure his exact size right now because I have not had a sonogram in the last few weeks but I would guess at the rate he was going that he weighs around 5 or 5 1/2 pounds. Maybe that is wishful thinking because I don't want him to be a huge baby to deliver. I am hoping for a nice healthy 7 pounds!
Movement: He is still squirming around but I think he is getting more crowded so the kicks feel a little different more like twists.
What I Miss Most: Not much this week just waiting every day to get a little closer to the big day.
Cravings: Still can't get enough watermelon!
Symptoms: Still swelling and harder to move around.
Worst Moment of the Week: My tooth broke the other evening! I was eating a delicious turkey burger that my husband made and thought I had found a hard piece in the burger which freaked me out. After spitting it out and still feeling pain, I realized that I had lost a filling...so I thought. I went to the dentist the next day to learn that my tooth had cracked and when it did I lost the filling. So I have a temporary filling in it for now with an appointment to get a crown next week. Not what I want to be doing at 35 weeks pregnant!
Best Moment of the Week: My sweet, sweet husband rubbing my deformed and swollen feet at night. And of course our shower, where we were overwhelmed with the love and support of our friends and family!
Buckner is growing but thankfully I think my weight gain has slowed down a little bit. However, I probably put on a few this week due to my friend coming to town and us eating our way through Oxford this past Saturday. We followed our food fest on Sunday by another feast day at the shower. But the extra pounds are well worth it this week because it was a weekend full of fun, family, friends and FOOD! More to come about our wonderful shower later next week.
Size of Baby: Not sure his exact size right now because I have not had a sonogram in the last few weeks but I would guess at the rate he was going that he weighs around 5 or 5 1/2 pounds. Maybe that is wishful thinking because I don't want him to be a huge baby to deliver. I am hoping for a nice healthy 7 pounds!
Movement: He is still squirming around but I think he is getting more crowded so the kicks feel a little different more like twists.
What I Miss Most: Not much this week just waiting every day to get a little closer to the big day.
Cravings: Still can't get enough watermelon!
Symptoms: Still swelling and harder to move around.
Worst Moment of the Week: My tooth broke the other evening! I was eating a delicious turkey burger that my husband made and thought I had found a hard piece in the burger which freaked me out. After spitting it out and still feeling pain, I realized that I had lost a filling...so I thought. I went to the dentist the next day to learn that my tooth had cracked and when it did I lost the filling. So I have a temporary filling in it for now with an appointment to get a crown next week. Not what I want to be doing at 35 weeks pregnant!
Best Moment of the Week: My sweet, sweet husband rubbing my deformed and swollen feet at night. And of course our shower, where we were overwhelmed with the love and support of our friends and family!
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| 34 weeks and 4 days pregnant |
Friday, June 20, 2014
Thursdays Third Trimester Countdown: 33 weeks
So my Thursday was spent being busy at work and having a very long wait at the doctor's office followed by an evening out with another beautiful mama to be. Therefore, the Thursday blog post got bumped to Friday. Nevertheless, I am still writing my weekly update...just a day late.
According to The Bump, we only have 44 days until Baby Buckner arrives! I am so excited but need every one of those 44 days to tackle my never ending to do list. With very little (okay no energy) after work each day, I scramble to get as much done as possible during the weekend. This weekend will be full of fun though because my friend, Leigh, (Buckner's godmother) is coming to stay with us and it is our baby shower on Sunday! I am looking forward to a weekend of celebrating Baby Buckner's upcoming arrival.
Size of Baby: At the doctor's appointment yesterday, I measured 36 which is the top of where I can be right now at 33 weeks. I am thinking that means Buckner is a healthy, growing boy! I am proud to say that my weight gain has slowed down and I only gained one pound in two weeks...whew!
Movement: He is kicking away and I love every moment of it. The other day I got busy and realized I had not felt him in a little while. I got worried and started to talk to him and concentrate on trying to feel any movement. He started to move a little which made me feel better . Then Family Affair by Mary J. Blige came on and he started kicking away. I guess it just took a little Mary to wake him up from his nap!
What I Miss Most: Last night at dinner, wine was being served to it seemed like every one at the restaurant. I can't wait to have a nice glass of wine (or two) with my dinner again!
Cravings: I love watermelon! As soon as I walk in the house from the grocery store, I pretty much finish it before I can even put it in the fridge.
Symptoms: The summer heat has helped a third trimester symptom progress...my feet, ankles and hands are swelling. I have never been one to swell so I thought I would avoid this symptom but with 44 more days to go, the swelling has started.
Worst Moment of the Week: Because of the swelling, my doctor told me it was time to take my wedding rings off. I felt very sad as I wedged them off last night to put them in my jewelry box. My fingers feel so naked today but my mom reminded me it is better to take them off now then to have to have them cut off later.
Best Moment of the Week: Ed and I got a wading pool and sat in it the other night. He had a beer and I had juice. The cold water made my ankles go back to normal within an hour! I also loved getting the pack and play that my mom bought us. We are inching closer and closer to getting completely ready for him!
According to The Bump, we only have 44 days until Baby Buckner arrives! I am so excited but need every one of those 44 days to tackle my never ending to do list. With very little (okay no energy) after work each day, I scramble to get as much done as possible during the weekend. This weekend will be full of fun though because my friend, Leigh, (Buckner's godmother) is coming to stay with us and it is our baby shower on Sunday! I am looking forward to a weekend of celebrating Baby Buckner's upcoming arrival.
Size of Baby: At the doctor's appointment yesterday, I measured 36 which is the top of where I can be right now at 33 weeks. I am thinking that means Buckner is a healthy, growing boy! I am proud to say that my weight gain has slowed down and I only gained one pound in two weeks...whew!
Movement: He is kicking away and I love every moment of it. The other day I got busy and realized I had not felt him in a little while. I got worried and started to talk to him and concentrate on trying to feel any movement. He started to move a little which made me feel better . Then Family Affair by Mary J. Blige came on and he started kicking away. I guess it just took a little Mary to wake him up from his nap!
What I Miss Most: Last night at dinner, wine was being served to it seemed like every one at the restaurant. I can't wait to have a nice glass of wine (or two) with my dinner again!
Cravings: I love watermelon! As soon as I walk in the house from the grocery store, I pretty much finish it before I can even put it in the fridge.
Symptoms: The summer heat has helped a third trimester symptom progress...my feet, ankles and hands are swelling. I have never been one to swell so I thought I would avoid this symptom but with 44 more days to go, the swelling has started.
Worst Moment of the Week: Because of the swelling, my doctor told me it was time to take my wedding rings off. I felt very sad as I wedged them off last night to put them in my jewelry box. My fingers feel so naked today but my mom reminded me it is better to take them off now then to have to have them cut off later.
Best Moment of the Week: Ed and I got a wading pool and sat in it the other night. He had a beer and I had juice. The cold water made my ankles go back to normal within an hour! I also loved getting the pack and play that my mom bought us. We are inching closer and closer to getting completely ready for him!
Monday, June 16, 2014
Pregnancy Brain: The Ultimate Example
I have suffered from pregnancy brain since day one. My usual scatterbrain moments have become regular, daily occurrences that have only advanced as the due date approaches. At least now there is scientific proof that the pregancy brain is not a myth but an actual phenomenon that occurs to help the mother bond better with her baby. Well consider Buckner and me well on our path to bonding!
Throughout my pregnancy I have done some little things such as being forgetful or trying to put food up that was meant to go in the fridge but instead it landed in a cabinet (I did get it out in time for it not to spoil). But Saturday was my peak of pregnancy brain!
I just finished grocery shopping at Kroger and had loaded all my groceries into the trunk. As I walked over to put the buggy up, I noticed a truck with someone sitting in in in front of my car. This part of the story is only necessary to say that someone indeed saw my pregnancy brain in action. I then walked purposefully over to my car and opened the door to get into the passenger seat. That's right, the passenger seat. I put my purse on the floor board by my feet and was shutting the door when I noticed something was off. The car did not look right. The sad part is that it did not register immediately that I was the driver, I was alone but somehow I had put myself in the passenger seat. No, the first thought that came to mind was, "Did I get in someone's else car?" Then it clicked and I realized I was sitting on the wrong side. Still aware that there was a person in the truck in front of me, I pretended to get something on that side like I meant to sit on that side. Then I confidently (as much confidence as I could muster) got out of the wrong side and got in the driver's side to drive off. Now THAT is pregnancy brain!
Throughout my pregnancy I have done some little things such as being forgetful or trying to put food up that was meant to go in the fridge but instead it landed in a cabinet (I did get it out in time for it not to spoil). But Saturday was my peak of pregnancy brain!
I just finished grocery shopping at Kroger and had loaded all my groceries into the trunk. As I walked over to put the buggy up, I noticed a truck with someone sitting in in in front of my car. This part of the story is only necessary to say that someone indeed saw my pregnancy brain in action. I then walked purposefully over to my car and opened the door to get into the passenger seat. That's right, the passenger seat. I put my purse on the floor board by my feet and was shutting the door when I noticed something was off. The car did not look right. The sad part is that it did not register immediately that I was the driver, I was alone but somehow I had put myself in the passenger seat. No, the first thought that came to mind was, "Did I get in someone's else car?" Then it clicked and I realized I was sitting on the wrong side. Still aware that there was a person in the truck in front of me, I pretended to get something on that side like I meant to sit on that side. Then I confidently (as much confidence as I could muster) got out of the wrong side and got in the driver's side to drive off. Now THAT is pregnancy brain!
Friday, June 13, 2014
About Ed, for Father's Day
I love my husband's excitement over becoming a dad. It was instant from the moment we found out. We always thought I would be the calm one about having a baby and he would freak out. The opposite happened. While I did not quite freak out, I was shocked after taking the pregnancy test. I called him into the bathroom to help me figure out why the test had malfunctioned because it was reading positive and that could not be right! But before I could ask Ed, he saw the positive and instantly got excited. My response was a firm, "Calm down, it's malfunctioning!" I was in shock and Ed moved immediately to excitement...although he admits that he still had a healthy fear.
This Sunday will be his first Father's Day and even though Buckner has not appeared yet, he is already the best dad. He participates in everything baby related and excitedly talks about all the things in life he wants to teach our sweet baby boy. While we wait for Buckner to make his arrival, Ed has been taking exceptional care of me. He tries so hard to make this pregnancy as easy as possible for me and I can't thank him enough.
He rubs my feet. He makes sure that I stay relaxed and rested after a long day when my feet are swollen. He follows me around the house with my exercise ball encouraging me to do my exercises. He fixed a pool for me to be cool in this summer. When I feel fat or tired, which is pretty much a daily occurance, he is always encouraging me telling me how good I am doing with this pregnancy and how beautiful I am. I believe that even if I can't see it, he truly believes that I am beautiful pregnant because he is constantly taking pictures of me. And he is right there ready to find any food craving I want or tackle any food aversion that I have. For example, my sweet husband brewed his coffee in the garage for about three months during some brutally cold tempartures because I could not stand the smell of the coffee. He loves me so much and he shows it in so many ways every day. The pregnancy has been a beautiful, loving experience just making me more excited to see us move into the next phase of our life together: parenthood.
I love you my sweet husband! You are going to be the best dad. Buckner and I are so grateful to have you!!!
This Sunday will be his first Father's Day and even though Buckner has not appeared yet, he is already the best dad. He participates in everything baby related and excitedly talks about all the things in life he wants to teach our sweet baby boy. While we wait for Buckner to make his arrival, Ed has been taking exceptional care of me. He tries so hard to make this pregnancy as easy as possible for me and I can't thank him enough.
He rubs my feet. He makes sure that I stay relaxed and rested after a long day when my feet are swollen. He follows me around the house with my exercise ball encouraging me to do my exercises. He fixed a pool for me to be cool in this summer. When I feel fat or tired, which is pretty much a daily occurance, he is always encouraging me telling me how good I am doing with this pregnancy and how beautiful I am. I believe that even if I can't see it, he truly believes that I am beautiful pregnant because he is constantly taking pictures of me. And he is right there ready to find any food craving I want or tackle any food aversion that I have. For example, my sweet husband brewed his coffee in the garage for about three months during some brutally cold tempartures because I could not stand the smell of the coffee. He loves me so much and he shows it in so many ways every day. The pregnancy has been a beautiful, loving experience just making me more excited to see us move into the next phase of our life together: parenthood.
I love you my sweet husband! You are going to be the best dad. Buckner and I are so grateful to have you!!!
| Ed changing a diaper at birth class! |
Thursday, June 12, 2014
Thursdays Third Trimester Countdown: 32 Weeks and 4 Days
According to The Bump, we only have 52 days until Baby Buckner arrives! According to my colleagues, it will be much sooner. They started an office pool yesterday with dates ranging from July 16 to August 11th. His due date is August 3rd so I wasn't too happy with the one that chose August 11! I told her if he waits that long she owes me the money!
Size of Baby: According to The Bump, he is the size of a squash. According to my stomach, he is the size of a basketball.
Movement: His kicks are getting stronger! So strong that you can see my stomach move and he is moving all day. And we love it! We may have a soccer player ready to come out which would be ironic because that is the only sport Ed really doesn't like too much.
What I Miss the Most: Not too much this week. My focus has now changed to what I have to get done to get ready.
Cravings: Fruit but that is it...everything else has the potential to make me nauseated.
Symptoms: Still a little nausea and fatigue. I do wonder if I have started having Braxton Hicks contractions because my belly tightens a lot lately but no pain.
Worst Moment of the Week: None that I can think of.
Best Moment of the Week: Getting his room painted and his crib put together. We also put the curtains up and hung some artwork. Pictures will come soon after it is finished!
Size of Baby: According to The Bump, he is the size of a squash. According to my stomach, he is the size of a basketball.
Movement: His kicks are getting stronger! So strong that you can see my stomach move and he is moving all day. And we love it! We may have a soccer player ready to come out which would be ironic because that is the only sport Ed really doesn't like too much.
What I Miss the Most: Not too much this week. My focus has now changed to what I have to get done to get ready.
Cravings: Fruit but that is it...everything else has the potential to make me nauseated.
Symptoms: Still a little nausea and fatigue. I do wonder if I have started having Braxton Hicks contractions because my belly tightens a lot lately but no pain.
Worst Moment of the Week: None that I can think of.
Best Moment of the Week: Getting his room painted and his crib put together. We also put the curtains up and hung some artwork. Pictures will come soon after it is finished!
Thursday, June 5, 2014
Thursday Third Trimester Countdown: 31 weeks and 4 days
Sunday will be 8 months! And according to The Bump, there are only 59 days left until my due date...unless he wants to come a week early which would be great with me!
Size of Baby: According to the The Bump, he is the size of a pineapple. However, we had a sonogram yesterday and he weighs 4.4 pounds which is a little ahead of schedule. Around this time is when he should have hit 3 pounds so we already have a little overachiever!
Movement: His feet are up by my stomach and he loves to exercise them. Baby Buckner is strong too. So strong that the other night our entertainment for the evening was watching my belly poke up from the kicks. It is amazing to not only feel the kicks but see the kicks as well!
What I Miss the Most:Energy! I have been very tired the last few days. I guess hauling around a baby all the time can wear you out!
Cravings:Still fruit and now milk. I never drank much milk before but I want to actually drink it. Unfortunately, I prefer to drink it along side cookies!
Symptoms: The symptoms of nausea and swelling of last week have both improved this week. I am now just very tired.
Worst Moment of the Week: Having ANOTHER woman tell me that her belly was much smaller than me when she was 31 weeks. Do these people get some type of sick confidence boost to tell a vulnerable pregnant woman she is big over and over again? I realize I am big...I am growing a baby.
Best Moment of the Week: Seeing our baby on the sonogram and counting five sweet little toes on a foot. We are so ready to meet him!
Size of Baby: According to the The Bump, he is the size of a pineapple. However, we had a sonogram yesterday and he weighs 4.4 pounds which is a little ahead of schedule. Around this time is when he should have hit 3 pounds so we already have a little overachiever!
Movement: His feet are up by my stomach and he loves to exercise them. Baby Buckner is strong too. So strong that the other night our entertainment for the evening was watching my belly poke up from the kicks. It is amazing to not only feel the kicks but see the kicks as well!
What I Miss the Most:Energy! I have been very tired the last few days. I guess hauling around a baby all the time can wear you out!
Cravings:Still fruit and now milk. I never drank much milk before but I want to actually drink it. Unfortunately, I prefer to drink it along side cookies!
Symptoms: The symptoms of nausea and swelling of last week have both improved this week. I am now just very tired.
Worst Moment of the Week: Having ANOTHER woman tell me that her belly was much smaller than me when she was 31 weeks. Do these people get some type of sick confidence boost to tell a vulnerable pregnant woman she is big over and over again? I realize I am big...I am growing a baby.
Best Moment of the Week: Seeing our baby on the sonogram and counting five sweet little toes on a foot. We are so ready to meet him!
Thursday, May 29, 2014
Thursday Third Trimester Countdown: 30 weeks and 4 days
Hitting 30 weeks is a major mental pregnancy milestone. You realize that he will be here soon and there is only a countdown left of 10 weeks! The realization really hit us this week when we were at Home Depot and realized we had less than 70 days to get ready for our little buddy. This realization changed a few of our home renovation plans for his room and moved us into fast forward. One minute we were planning on installing recess lighting into the nursery and the next minute we were purchasing a nice new light fixture instead. Realizing we did not have time to do a bigger project at this point, Ed installed the light fixture that day and I love it. The recess lighting can come later but Buckner is definitely on schedule to come on time so we have to get his nursery ready!
Size of Baby: According to the The Bump, our sweet little twisting and turning baby boy is the size of a cucumber (which seems small to me but maybe they are talking about a genetically engineered gigantic cucumber!). He is suppose to be anywhere up to 16.7 inches long and up to 3.8 pounds. And The Bump says he is strong enough to grasp a finger!
Movement: All the time and I love it. I love it when he kicks Ed. We hugged last night and Buckner kicked Ed in the stomach. These are all very sweet, exciting moments that get me through the not so fun times like....
What I Miss the Most: Not being nauseated and huge! The other night as I was getting ready for bed, I had a slight (no tears) mini breakdown. The vastness of my body has just become overwhelming! All you mamas to be out there around 20 something weeks...you think you are huge right now but just wait! And the size has nothing to do with vanity, it has everything to do with exhaustion of moving with 30 extra pounds!
Cravings: Fruit! Tons of fruit. The other day I almost bought out the fruit section at Kroger's. I purchased: bananas, blueberries, watermelon, honey dew, fresh pineapple, canned pineapple, frozen peaches and frozen mango. Ed wondered what else we were going to eat for the week when I basically brought home a fruit basket for our week of groceries.
Symptoms: Nausea and swelling of the ankles. The swelling is better when I exercise a lot.
Best Moment of the Week: Sitting in my 10 foot blow up pool my sweet husband fixed for me while I drank a peach smoothie. Also, exercising..it really does make me feel better!
Size of Baby: According to the The Bump, our sweet little twisting and turning baby boy is the size of a cucumber (which seems small to me but maybe they are talking about a genetically engineered gigantic cucumber!). He is suppose to be anywhere up to 16.7 inches long and up to 3.8 pounds. And The Bump says he is strong enough to grasp a finger!
Movement: All the time and I love it. I love it when he kicks Ed. We hugged last night and Buckner kicked Ed in the stomach. These are all very sweet, exciting moments that get me through the not so fun times like....
What I Miss the Most: Not being nauseated and huge! The other night as I was getting ready for bed, I had a slight (no tears) mini breakdown. The vastness of my body has just become overwhelming! All you mamas to be out there around 20 something weeks...you think you are huge right now but just wait! And the size has nothing to do with vanity, it has everything to do with exhaustion of moving with 30 extra pounds!
Cravings: Fruit! Tons of fruit. The other day I almost bought out the fruit section at Kroger's. I purchased: bananas, blueberries, watermelon, honey dew, fresh pineapple, canned pineapple, frozen peaches and frozen mango. Ed wondered what else we were going to eat for the week when I basically brought home a fruit basket for our week of groceries.
Symptoms: Nausea and swelling of the ankles. The swelling is better when I exercise a lot.
Best Moment of the Week: Sitting in my 10 foot blow up pool my sweet husband fixed for me while I drank a peach smoothie. Also, exercising..it really does make me feel better!
Thursday, May 22, 2014
Thursday Third Trimester Countdown
I will be 30 weeks pregnant on Sunday. Today, according to The Bump, I have 73 days until my expected due date of August 3rd. Neither number sounds like too much time left until we meet our little buddy and the countdown excites me as well as provokes some anxiety over everything we need to get done! Between moving and busy work schedules, the nursery is a bare room with shower gifts on the floor. Time to put it together! I get stressed thinking about all we need to do but then I remind myself take it one step a time.
Since we are nearing a 10 week countdown, I decided I would like to document the remaining trimester every Thursday with Thursdays Third Trimester Countdown. To mark a lot of the moments, I loved the format another blogger and friend (Georgia on My Mind) used to describe her pregnancy.
Size of Baby: According to the The Bump, our little fellow is the size of an acorn squash weighing any where from 2.5 to 3.8 pounds and measuring somewhere around 16 inches...no wonder my stomach is sticking out so far on my 5'2" frame! I did not have a sonogram yesterday at my doctor's appointment but I start my every two weeks appointments now so hopefully the next one will involve a scan so I can know more about my little punkin's size!
Movement: All the time....unless I tell someone else to feel for him then he stubbornly stops. Thankfully, my husband feels him a lot and it is so sweet to see the amazement in his eyes when he feels him turn or kick. My mother has also had the opportunity to feel her grandson move. He is definitely on the move and I love the twists, turns and kicks which are not painful to me (yet) but a comforting reminder that he is doing well.
What I Miss the Most: Not being nauseated! I was very nauseated during the first trimester but thankfully it subsided for the most part during the second trimester. Now as I start the third, it seems to be reappearing again. The sick feeling isn't as bad as the first trimester and I pray it will not get any worse! I also miss some of my favorites like a good cup of coffee in the morning. I know I can have a cup but the smell and taste of coffee top my aversions list. And of course, I miss my wine! Ha!
Cravings: My cravings vary from day to day based on what sounds like it will help the nausea go away. The cravings that seem to be a mainstay and never really nauseate me are fruits and carbs but nothing too wierd. I never really ate carbs or sugar before I got pregnant. I maintained a strict, healthy diet of no gluten and limited sugar but both seem to be what I crave the most these days! The craving made Ed predict early that I was having a boy because I wasn't eating just rabbit food anymore!
Symptoms: Nausea and swelling of the ankles at the end of most days but that seems to have gone away in the last few days.
Best Moment of the Week: I told Buckner I loved him yesterday and he promptly responded with a kick. I told him I loved him again and he kicked again! He loves his mommy!
Since we are nearing a 10 week countdown, I decided I would like to document the remaining trimester every Thursday with Thursdays Third Trimester Countdown. To mark a lot of the moments, I loved the format another blogger and friend (Georgia on My Mind) used to describe her pregnancy.
Size of Baby: According to the The Bump, our little fellow is the size of an acorn squash weighing any where from 2.5 to 3.8 pounds and measuring somewhere around 16 inches...no wonder my stomach is sticking out so far on my 5'2" frame! I did not have a sonogram yesterday at my doctor's appointment but I start my every two weeks appointments now so hopefully the next one will involve a scan so I can know more about my little punkin's size!
Movement: All the time....unless I tell someone else to feel for him then he stubbornly stops. Thankfully, my husband feels him a lot and it is so sweet to see the amazement in his eyes when he feels him turn or kick. My mother has also had the opportunity to feel her grandson move. He is definitely on the move and I love the twists, turns and kicks which are not painful to me (yet) but a comforting reminder that he is doing well.
What I Miss the Most: Not being nauseated! I was very nauseated during the first trimester but thankfully it subsided for the most part during the second trimester. Now as I start the third, it seems to be reappearing again. The sick feeling isn't as bad as the first trimester and I pray it will not get any worse! I also miss some of my favorites like a good cup of coffee in the morning. I know I can have a cup but the smell and taste of coffee top my aversions list. And of course, I miss my wine! Ha!
Cravings: My cravings vary from day to day based on what sounds like it will help the nausea go away. The cravings that seem to be a mainstay and never really nauseate me are fruits and carbs but nothing too wierd. I never really ate carbs or sugar before I got pregnant. I maintained a strict, healthy diet of no gluten and limited sugar but both seem to be what I crave the most these days! The craving made Ed predict early that I was having a boy because I wasn't eating just rabbit food anymore!
Symptoms: Nausea and swelling of the ankles at the end of most days but that seems to have gone away in the last few days.
Best Moment of the Week: I told Buckner I loved him yesterday and he promptly responded with a kick. I told him I loved him again and he kicked again! He loves his mommy!
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
The Rudest Thing
I made it seven months without a rude comment from a stranger. In fact, strangers inquiring about my pregnancy have been so kind and leave me feeling better. But this week I received several rude comments in a row from a Walgreens cashier checking me out. I think she started off to mean well but this girl had absolutely no tact whatsoever. Her lack of tact combined with my new found bluntness that I suppose comes with impending motherhood was an interesting conversation.
Cashier, smiling: How many months are you?
Me, smiling: Seven months
The next comment shocked me so that it took a moment to absorb what she said because I was use to a friendly compliment after such a question.
Cashier: REALLY? I thought you were much further along than that! I would have guessed nine months.
Me, not smiling, after absorbing what she just said: Wow, that is not what you say to a pregnant woman.
Cashier: I mean, I was just much smaller than you when I was seven months.
At this point, I am reeling! Really? This girl does not know when to stop.
Me: Well, we all gain weight differently.
And I am thinking you are five inches taller than me and weigh more than I do now when you are not pregnant but I graciously kept my thoughts to myself.
Cashier: I was going to say are you pregnant with twins.
Me, temper flaring: You are on a roll today of everything you are NOT suppose to say to a pregnant woman.
Cashier starts to look a little nervous as I wonder if I should have her call her manager up to the front for her lack of good customer service.
Cashier: I know it is hard. I am still trying to lose the weight I did gain with my baby.
Me: How much weight did you gain?
Cashier: Too much.
Me, pressing: How much?
Cashier: Well, I started at 155 and finish over 200.
Me, triumphantly: Yeah, I have not gained that much and what I have gained just looks like that much because I am short.
And with that final statement I turned and walked out as I tried to decide if I should cry or be furious. Immediately I call my mom as I sit in the parking lot of of Walgreens fighting back tears but in the conversation with her I decided to be furious.
She had no right to comment on my weight. If I was just fat, she would not had said a word so why does being pregnant automatically give everyone a license to discuss your body? Besides, she had no idea how I am doing great in the weight department...if I really gave in to what I wanted I would have also purchased a gallon of ice cream and a package of chocolate chip cookies! But all I bought was conditioner and lotion so lay off lady!
Cashier, smiling: How many months are you?
Me, smiling: Seven months
The next comment shocked me so that it took a moment to absorb what she said because I was use to a friendly compliment after such a question.
Cashier: REALLY? I thought you were much further along than that! I would have guessed nine months.
Me, not smiling, after absorbing what she just said: Wow, that is not what you say to a pregnant woman.
Cashier: I mean, I was just much smaller than you when I was seven months.
At this point, I am reeling! Really? This girl does not know when to stop.
Me: Well, we all gain weight differently.
And I am thinking you are five inches taller than me and weigh more than I do now when you are not pregnant but I graciously kept my thoughts to myself.
Cashier: I was going to say are you pregnant with twins.
Me, temper flaring: You are on a roll today of everything you are NOT suppose to say to a pregnant woman.
Cashier starts to look a little nervous as I wonder if I should have her call her manager up to the front for her lack of good customer service.
Cashier: I know it is hard. I am still trying to lose the weight I did gain with my baby.
Me: How much weight did you gain?
Cashier: Too much.
Me, pressing: How much?
Cashier: Well, I started at 155 and finish over 200.
Me, triumphantly: Yeah, I have not gained that much and what I have gained just looks like that much because I am short.
And with that final statement I turned and walked out as I tried to decide if I should cry or be furious. Immediately I call my mom as I sit in the parking lot of of Walgreens fighting back tears but in the conversation with her I decided to be furious.
She had no right to comment on my weight. If I was just fat, she would not had said a word so why does being pregnant automatically give everyone a license to discuss your body? Besides, she had no idea how I am doing great in the weight department...if I really gave in to what I wanted I would have also purchased a gallon of ice cream and a package of chocolate chip cookies! But all I bought was conditioner and lotion so lay off lady!
Friday, May 16, 2014
Pregnancy Fears
Last night was the first night that I awoke with a slight panic. I will say slight because when it comes to panicking I am very good at it and can take the panic level up pretty high. I woke up for the first time with a fear about labor and delivery. I have had a peace about the "exit" strategy for Buckner the entire pregnancy but then again the delivery was months away...until now. Now is the exciting time of the third trimester. I am almost there. I am so ready and so not ready at the same time.
For the first time, I feared the pain and uncertainty about delivery. I prayed for God's peace and thankfully fell asleep having the best sleep all night so I guess my prayer worked. Today, I am not so afraid. I know the fear is normal especially as the time draws near. And really there is no way out of this but through the labor and delivery part so I might as well be calm about it.
While I have not had fears about labor and delivery, I have had one, nagging and silly fear for my pregnancy. I actually developed this fear before my pregnancy after reading part of a book about a woman who died from a blood clot after having a baby. I say I read part of the book because it was so sad that I never could finish it. I try to not compare myself to this woman who had a lot of complications and was on bedrest for a few months before delivery. We have never had a history of blood clots in my family nor have I had any issue but nonetheless my hypochondriac brain thought because I read it then it is possible. So that has been my fear. It has not been crippling. In fact, it has probably been a positive thing more likely than a negative thing. The fear has pushed me to take care of myself more. I try to make healthier nutrition choices (most of the time), drink a lot of water (my second home is now the bathroom), keep my feet elevated, watch my weight (as much as possible), and walk walk walk!
All in all, throughout my pregnancy my extreme hypochondria has disappeared. It has been nice not to visit WebMD all the time! And I know my fear of blood clots is really not warranted but at least it has made me healthy!
What were some of your fears during pregnancy?
For the first time, I feared the pain and uncertainty about delivery. I prayed for God's peace and thankfully fell asleep having the best sleep all night so I guess my prayer worked. Today, I am not so afraid. I know the fear is normal especially as the time draws near. And really there is no way out of this but through the labor and delivery part so I might as well be calm about it.
While I have not had fears about labor and delivery, I have had one, nagging and silly fear for my pregnancy. I actually developed this fear before my pregnancy after reading part of a book about a woman who died from a blood clot after having a baby. I say I read part of the book because it was so sad that I never could finish it. I try to not compare myself to this woman who had a lot of complications and was on bedrest for a few months before delivery. We have never had a history of blood clots in my family nor have I had any issue but nonetheless my hypochondriac brain thought because I read it then it is possible. So that has been my fear. It has not been crippling. In fact, it has probably been a positive thing more likely than a negative thing. The fear has pushed me to take care of myself more. I try to make healthier nutrition choices (most of the time), drink a lot of water (my second home is now the bathroom), keep my feet elevated, watch my weight (as much as possible), and walk walk walk!
All in all, throughout my pregnancy my extreme hypochondria has disappeared. It has been nice not to visit WebMD all the time! And I know my fear of blood clots is really not warranted but at least it has made me healthy!
What were some of your fears during pregnancy?
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
My Favorite Things About Being Pregnant
Between 5:05 and 5:15 this morning, as I hit snooze and savored the last few moments of sweet sleep, I thought about this blog post. In my half awake but still know I am asleep state, I thought about the things I love about being pregnant. The first thing I thought about was how I will write a blog about how much I love sleep. Obviously I love sleep when I am not pregnant but in my sleep induced state, I thought that sleep would be a brilliant topic for a blog post. The things that make sense to us while we dream!
Of course, when I woke up I thought more about my blog idea and realized that I do have several things I love about being pregnant which will come to a relief to my husband since I have had my share of complaints on why being pregnant is so hard. I do have a few moments where pregnancy is pretty cool although I am much more excited about the mom part and not the current issues I have lugging around 30 extra pounds. Here are the parts that I find to be enjoyable:
Sleep
Obviously sleep had to make the top pregnancy joy lists. I love to sleep more than ever now. I have no choice in the matter really because I fall asleep around 8:30 on a late night. I am usually on the couch trying to convince my husband that I am indeed awake as I try to laugh when he laughs at a show only to realize later that I think I laughed about a minute later than I was suppose to. Sleep is a joy. I am very fortunate that I am one of the pregnant women that can sleep in her third trimester. I only have to wake up usually once or twice a night to make the ritual pregnant woman bathroom run but I have no issue falling back asleep. I am going to enjoy this sleep as long as I can because soon there will be little when Baby Buckner arrives.
Kind People
Now that I am truly showing without absolutely no doubt that I am pregnant and not just swollen or chunky, people are so kind. They go out of there way to hold the door open for me, pick up items that I clumsily drop (pregnancy = more clumsiness for me), and ask me excitedly about the due date. They are kind and tell me how good I look. They are kind and tell me about their baby stories or their friends' or family's baby stories. People genuinely seem excited to talk to a pregnant woman and it is so sweet the attention that they give to me.
Baby Kicks
Baby Buckner is getting stronger and bigger so what use to feel like little flutters now are true movements. I can feel him twist and turn. I can truly feel him, our baby, inside me. It is an amazing feeling and completely surreal. I love to see him turn or kick so hard that my belly jumps. So far none of the kicks have hurt so I enjoy the movement.
Mommy-to-be Massages
My husband treated me to a gift certificate for a mommy-to-be massage for Mother's Day. I am going to use it in the next couple of weeks. I am so excited. I have now had two prenatal massages and I love them. However, I loved massages before I became pregnant but now I feel they are a necessity. Many of my mama friends told me to make sure to indulge in the prenatal massages which I have tried to do. I think I will squeeze at least two more in before Baby Buckner arrives. On the same note, it is so important to pamper yourself while you are pregnant. I indulge in pedicures, hair appointments and massages whenever I can. Give yourself some treats because after all you are making a human being which is a lot of work! Even daily rituals like my "wine" I have (cranberry juice in a wine glass with ice) each evening makes me feel pampered and relaxed. Indulge - you deserve it!
Not Holding My Stomach In
No need to feel skinny or suck the stomach in. I tried once, you can't. So why bother? Even the simple joys count on this 40 week journey to parenthood!
Of course, when I woke up I thought more about my blog idea and realized that I do have several things I love about being pregnant which will come to a relief to my husband since I have had my share of complaints on why being pregnant is so hard. I do have a few moments where pregnancy is pretty cool although I am much more excited about the mom part and not the current issues I have lugging around 30 extra pounds. Here are the parts that I find to be enjoyable:
Sleep
Obviously sleep had to make the top pregnancy joy lists. I love to sleep more than ever now. I have no choice in the matter really because I fall asleep around 8:30 on a late night. I am usually on the couch trying to convince my husband that I am indeed awake as I try to laugh when he laughs at a show only to realize later that I think I laughed about a minute later than I was suppose to. Sleep is a joy. I am very fortunate that I am one of the pregnant women that can sleep in her third trimester. I only have to wake up usually once or twice a night to make the ritual pregnant woman bathroom run but I have no issue falling back asleep. I am going to enjoy this sleep as long as I can because soon there will be little when Baby Buckner arrives.
Kind People
Now that I am truly showing without absolutely no doubt that I am pregnant and not just swollen or chunky, people are so kind. They go out of there way to hold the door open for me, pick up items that I clumsily drop (pregnancy = more clumsiness for me), and ask me excitedly about the due date. They are kind and tell me how good I look. They are kind and tell me about their baby stories or their friends' or family's baby stories. People genuinely seem excited to talk to a pregnant woman and it is so sweet the attention that they give to me.
Baby Kicks
Baby Buckner is getting stronger and bigger so what use to feel like little flutters now are true movements. I can feel him twist and turn. I can truly feel him, our baby, inside me. It is an amazing feeling and completely surreal. I love to see him turn or kick so hard that my belly jumps. So far none of the kicks have hurt so I enjoy the movement.
Mommy-to-be Massages
My husband treated me to a gift certificate for a mommy-to-be massage for Mother's Day. I am going to use it in the next couple of weeks. I am so excited. I have now had two prenatal massages and I love them. However, I loved massages before I became pregnant but now I feel they are a necessity. Many of my mama friends told me to make sure to indulge in the prenatal massages which I have tried to do. I think I will squeeze at least two more in before Baby Buckner arrives. On the same note, it is so important to pamper yourself while you are pregnant. I indulge in pedicures, hair appointments and massages whenever I can. Give yourself some treats because after all you are making a human being which is a lot of work! Even daily rituals like my "wine" I have (cranberry juice in a wine glass with ice) each evening makes me feel pampered and relaxed. Indulge - you deserve it!
Not Holding My Stomach In
No need to feel skinny or suck the stomach in. I tried once, you can't. So why bother? Even the simple joys count on this 40 week journey to parenthood!
Thursday, April 3, 2014
Last year at this time....
A year ago today, I was packing up all kinds of wedding supplies and my honeymoon suitcase to head down to our wedding! I remember everything so clearly. It is funny the days and weeks after my wedding, it definitely seemed like a blur but now a year later, everything is so clear that it seems like it was just a few days ago.
The wedding weekend was beautiful! We were overwhelmed with how many friends and family traveled to be with us on our special day. The weather was perfect. We were able to be in one of our favorite places to get married and celebrate our marriage. We had our favorite priest. Gorgeous flowers miraculously appeared. All the vendors worked out and provided amazing service except our DJ did not have our song programmed in so we ended up dancing to a random song that was literally chosen last second. We will forever have two songs Zac Brown's Whatever It Is (our original song) and the Way You Look Tonight (the last minute chosen song). Everyone had a great time even including an impromptu run to the eye doctor to fix an eye condition that went away for our wedding day (Thank God) only to return at our honeymoon to make sure we tested the vows for better or for worse! I remember little details but the entire weekend's memories are colored with love, laughter, friends, family and sunshine. Probably the best way to remember your wedding weekend!
The wedding weekend was beautiful! We were overwhelmed with how many friends and family traveled to be with us on our special day. The weather was perfect. We were able to be in one of our favorite places to get married and celebrate our marriage. We had our favorite priest. Gorgeous flowers miraculously appeared. All the vendors worked out and provided amazing service except our DJ did not have our song programmed in so we ended up dancing to a random song that was literally chosen last second. We will forever have two songs Zac Brown's Whatever It Is (our original song) and the Way You Look Tonight (the last minute chosen song). Everyone had a great time even including an impromptu run to the eye doctor to fix an eye condition that went away for our wedding day (Thank God) only to return at our honeymoon to make sure we tested the vows for better or for worse! I remember little details but the entire weekend's memories are colored with love, laughter, friends, family and sunshine. Probably the best way to remember your wedding weekend!
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
My Top Five of What NOT to Say
There are all kinds of lists of top five or ten or whatever number out there. There are definitely lists regarding pregnancy, especially what NOT to say to an expecting mother. I have read the lists and agree with most of them but in my 22 weeks of pregnancy I have developed my own top five of things I can't believe people have said to me.
5. Once baby gets here, you are not going to have a life.
Really???? You seriously want to tell an already overly emotional woman due to the abundance of hormones that her life is over?!? You must not value your own! Seriously, I know life will be different. Life actually changes every day but those changes can be positive changes. For me, I will have a life just now with an additional family member to love. Lots of people have children and still have identities and careers of their own. I have always manage to do it all, why stop now?
4. I am glad I never had children!
Again, may I remind you I am carrying a child that I am happy to be having? I am happy you are happy with your decision but save yourself a drop dead look from me by keeping your happiness to yourself.
3. Your child is going to be like that demon child screaming and running around.
My motherly instinct is already in overdrive so don't even start to tell me how my child will be and don't tell me how to parent before he even gets here. No one knows but especially any one not carrying my child does not know the temperment of our little boy.
2. Wow! You ate way more than me.
Never, never, never comment on a pregnant woman's weight or how much she consumes. You try giving up wine for nine months, outgrowing all your clothes, having to watch everything you eat but continuing to feel ravenous while still gaining weight! It isn't easy! So leave me alone, I have chocolate to eat.
and my number one hated comment....
1. When are you having another one?
Seriously! Can I just focus on the one I am carrying now?
5. Once baby gets here, you are not going to have a life.
Really???? You seriously want to tell an already overly emotional woman due to the abundance of hormones that her life is over?!? You must not value your own! Seriously, I know life will be different. Life actually changes every day but those changes can be positive changes. For me, I will have a life just now with an additional family member to love. Lots of people have children and still have identities and careers of their own. I have always manage to do it all, why stop now?
4. I am glad I never had children!
Again, may I remind you I am carrying a child that I am happy to be having? I am happy you are happy with your decision but save yourself a drop dead look from me by keeping your happiness to yourself.
3. Your child is going to be like that demon child screaming and running around.
My motherly instinct is already in overdrive so don't even start to tell me how my child will be and don't tell me how to parent before he even gets here. No one knows but especially any one not carrying my child does not know the temperment of our little boy.
2. Wow! You ate way more than me.
Never, never, never comment on a pregnant woman's weight or how much she consumes. You try giving up wine for nine months, outgrowing all your clothes, having to watch everything you eat but continuing to feel ravenous while still gaining weight! It isn't easy! So leave me alone, I have chocolate to eat.
and my number one hated comment....
1. When are you having another one?
Seriously! Can I just focus on the one I am carrying now?
Monday, March 31, 2014
The Story Behind The Name
We debated back and forth on several name ideas up until the day we found out that our bundle is going to be our little boy. We only semi agreed on some names but we both agreed we did not want anything too trendy or cute because our baby would eventually grow into an adult that needed a steadfast, strong name. It was hard to really commit to any one name not knowing what the gender would be so we had a few in mind but I felt like when we knew the gender the name would come.
I had no idea that in the few minutes following the reveal of our little boy, we would be set on a name. It clicked. Sitting there waiting for the doctor after the ultrasound we were elated and the name just came to us. We had already decided the middle name would be John. A few weeks earlier, one evening, the name came to me while we were watching tv. I wanted a saint name and I knew that John was also the name of Ed's grandfather that he loved so much. John seemed like a good fit. I did not say anything to Ed at the moment because he was very engrossed in the show.
The next morning at breakfast out of nowhere, Ed says, "What about John?" The way we both came up with the same name in a few hours of each other made us immediately agree John would be part of the name. However, I wanted something slightly more unique for the first name so we pushed on.
Around the same time, during the Oxford Film Fest, my mother and I saw the name Buckner in a documentary. We both loved it but neither one of us said anything at the moment. The name reminded us both of my grandfather, who was always known as Buck. However, this was a unique variation of the name which would give our son history and his own unique identity. I brought it up to Ed a few days later and he liked the strength behind the name. At that time though we did not know if bundle would be a girl or boy so we did not decide.
Back to the doctor's office that wonderful morning, we were ready to call our son something besides Bundle. We knew John would be the middle name and I brought up Buckner again mentioning that both grandfathers would have a part of the name. We both loved the idea and named our baby boy Buckner John that moment.
I had no idea that in the few minutes following the reveal of our little boy, we would be set on a name. It clicked. Sitting there waiting for the doctor after the ultrasound we were elated and the name just came to us. We had already decided the middle name would be John. A few weeks earlier, one evening, the name came to me while we were watching tv. I wanted a saint name and I knew that John was also the name of Ed's grandfather that he loved so much. John seemed like a good fit. I did not say anything to Ed at the moment because he was very engrossed in the show.
The next morning at breakfast out of nowhere, Ed says, "What about John?" The way we both came up with the same name in a few hours of each other made us immediately agree John would be part of the name. However, I wanted something slightly more unique for the first name so we pushed on.
Around the same time, during the Oxford Film Fest, my mother and I saw the name Buckner in a documentary. We both loved it but neither one of us said anything at the moment. The name reminded us both of my grandfather, who was always known as Buck. However, this was a unique variation of the name which would give our son history and his own unique identity. I brought it up to Ed a few days later and he liked the strength behind the name. At that time though we did not know if bundle would be a girl or boy so we did not decide.
Back to the doctor's office that wonderful morning, we were ready to call our son something besides Bundle. We knew John would be the middle name and I brought up Buckner again mentioning that both grandfathers would have a part of the name. We both loved the idea and named our baby boy Buckner John that moment.
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Two Calming C's
I feel rejuvenated after this weekend. Amazingly, I stayed home and for the most part of the weekend did chores. Not what most would consider an exciting nor refreshing weekend. However, it was one of the best weekends that I have had in a long time. I learned that two C's in my life really help set me up for the week ahead and feel rested. Cleaning and coffee houses are two of life very simple pleasures. They are now two C's that I will trust to get me inspired and going again.
Cleaning is good for the soul. I knew this at one point but in the last 21 weeks of nausea and fatigue due to pregnancy, my cleaning and organizing skills have been lacking. I have done the bare minimum just to make things look decent. But I knew that our home was not where it was suppose to be which was draining even more energy from me. As the weekend approached, I could think of countless other things I thought I would rather do than clean the house and organize my closet in preparation for our upcoming move. But Friday morning after a slight meltdown (blame it on the pregnancy hormones), my husband assured me that we would tackle the house together so both of us would feel good about. Thankfully, I have a hubby who loves a clean home too!
Saturday morning came and after a somewhat slow start to the day including orange juice in bed, since I no longer like regular coffee, we began cleaning. What I initially thought would be an energy draining task turned into an energy giving task. At one point in the morning, I realized stress was leaving me as I eliminated junk from my home. I suppose at the same time, my soul felt like I was eliminating clutter from my life. I remembered that cleaning and organizing were once my stress relievers and that I could turn to them in the future.
On Sunday, knowing I had a clean home, I was able to relax at the other C...the coffee house. Specifically the new Cups Coffee House that just opened in Oxford. Coffee houses have always inspired me. You suspend time for an hour or so while you talk about whatever comes to your mind. Time is lost if you choose not to talk but read or people watch. Whatever I do, the outcome is always the same. I leave feeling inspired and relaxed. There is something said about allowing yourself free time to do nothing. Time to allow your brain to wander. It is in that time, surrounded by other people doing the same in an art and music filled space, that new ideas are formed. I leave there craving my creative side and wanting to do more in my life. I know it sounds like a tall order for such a simple activity but this weekend I relearned that the simple things in life are best.
Cleaning is good for the soul. I knew this at one point but in the last 21 weeks of nausea and fatigue due to pregnancy, my cleaning and organizing skills have been lacking. I have done the bare minimum just to make things look decent. But I knew that our home was not where it was suppose to be which was draining even more energy from me. As the weekend approached, I could think of countless other things I thought I would rather do than clean the house and organize my closet in preparation for our upcoming move. But Friday morning after a slight meltdown (blame it on the pregnancy hormones), my husband assured me that we would tackle the house together so both of us would feel good about. Thankfully, I have a hubby who loves a clean home too!
Saturday morning came and after a somewhat slow start to the day including orange juice in bed, since I no longer like regular coffee, we began cleaning. What I initially thought would be an energy draining task turned into an energy giving task. At one point in the morning, I realized stress was leaving me as I eliminated junk from my home. I suppose at the same time, my soul felt like I was eliminating clutter from my life. I remembered that cleaning and organizing were once my stress relievers and that I could turn to them in the future.
On Sunday, knowing I had a clean home, I was able to relax at the other C...the coffee house. Specifically the new Cups Coffee House that just opened in Oxford. Coffee houses have always inspired me. You suspend time for an hour or so while you talk about whatever comes to your mind. Time is lost if you choose not to talk but read or people watch. Whatever I do, the outcome is always the same. I leave feeling inspired and relaxed. There is something said about allowing yourself free time to do nothing. Time to allow your brain to wander. It is in that time, surrounded by other people doing the same in an art and music filled space, that new ideas are formed. I leave there craving my creative side and wanting to do more in my life. I know it sounds like a tall order for such a simple activity but this weekend I relearned that the simple things in life are best.
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
The First Kicks
A few weeks ago, I was sitting on the couch one evening and thought I was having muscle spasms at the top of my stomach. I kept switching my position to see if I could make the spasms stop but then I realized they were not spasms. The tiny little vibration feelings were the first kicks! Since that day our little boy has been busy especially around meal time. The vibrating feelings make me think he is a happy baby already and just letting me know it as he kicks and squirms. I can't wait to feel even more!
Monday, March 17, 2014
It's a... BOY!
On February 21st around 9am we found out our little bundle is a BOY! More importantly, the sonogram showed our sweet baby looks all healthy. When the sonogram technician asked us if we were ready to find out, she pointed to the screen and said, "Do you know?" Our little boy was making it very obvious he was all boy! We screamed, hugged and celebrated in that sweet moment. Whoever claims that they must wait to the delivery to be surprised is wrong. We were overjoyed and surprised right in that moment because whenever you find out it is a wonderful surprise.
Later that day, after our families were told, we had a small gender reveal party at my office. I love my colleagues and our student employees (who insisted we do something to celebrate) so we chose to have our reveal there. My mom came with us and a few very close friends were there. We, of course, knew the gender so we were the ones surprising the rest of them. We had both girl and boy themed cupcakes. The one we picked up would reveal the gender!
Later that day, after our families were told, we had a small gender reveal party at my office. I love my colleagues and our student employees (who insisted we do something to celebrate) so we chose to have our reveal there. My mom came with us and a few very close friends were there. We, of course, knew the gender so we were the ones surprising the rest of them. We had both girl and boy themed cupcakes. The one we picked up would reveal the gender!
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| Trucks or Tiaras??? |
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| Holding out the suspense |
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| The moment we chose! |
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| One of the best reactions! My friend Merrill came over after the reveal to her own personal reveal! |
Monday, February 10, 2014
Ways To Enjoy Winter
If you are a loyal reader of my blog, you know I struggle with winter. My husband, then boyfriend, pointed out the obvious a few years ago when I did not realize I wrote several blogs about the winter blues. I am doing better than the last few years. Maybe because last year I was busy planning my wedding and this year I am busy planning a baby. However, I still struggle and have to actively work to not succumb to the doldrums. This winter has been a particularly tough one! In Oxford we have seen temps that my poor body has never felt before but no snow (yet). In Oxford, while all our friends and family below us enjoyed snow days and higher temps, we trudged on through the zero degree weather. So today I hold on to hope that we can get at least one good snow day out of this miserable weather. If it is going to be this cold, at least let's get something from it right?
Before winter really set in, I made my mind up to successfully fight the winter blues and find a way to enjoy these cold months. Here are my top ten ways!
10. Enjoy spa days. Mani's, pedi's and massages are all done inside. Some treatments include hot water which is a great way to ward off the chills. Also, choose bright colors that will make you happy even if you are the only one that ever sees your feet during this time.
9. In Poland, Marimekko used bright colors in their designs so that the citizens enduring the long winter months could surround themselves with images of spring. You can do the same thing. Put out fresh flowers. Decorate with bright colored throw pillows, blankets or even hand towels. Just bring some color into your house!
8. Plan fun dinner parties or social gatherings. People tend to not be as social right after the Christmas holiday partying so plan a fun event to gather friends in a warm place.
7. Celebrate Mardi Gras! No matter where you live the taste of New Orleans combined with the sound of Zydeco music and the colors of purple, green and gold have to make you happy.
6. Indulge in all the Valentine's festivities. Everyone can enjoy this holiday! The day, with all the brightly colored red and pink decorations, just makes me happy.
5. Shop. A definite happy indoor activity. Plus the winter sales are great at this time.
4. Work on a new (indoor) home project. I am starting a painting that has been on my pinterest for ever.
3. Cozy up with a fuzzy blanket, hot drink and a good movie or book. Soon the weather will be too good to enjoy the cozy, home activities.
2. When all else fails, plan a spring time vacation to remind you spring will arrive again.
1. SNOW DAYS (yes, still the best part of winter)
Before winter really set in, I made my mind up to successfully fight the winter blues and find a way to enjoy these cold months. Here are my top ten ways!
10. Enjoy spa days. Mani's, pedi's and massages are all done inside. Some treatments include hot water which is a great way to ward off the chills. Also, choose bright colors that will make you happy even if you are the only one that ever sees your feet during this time.
9. In Poland, Marimekko used bright colors in their designs so that the citizens enduring the long winter months could surround themselves with images of spring. You can do the same thing. Put out fresh flowers. Decorate with bright colored throw pillows, blankets or even hand towels. Just bring some color into your house!
8. Plan fun dinner parties or social gatherings. People tend to not be as social right after the Christmas holiday partying so plan a fun event to gather friends in a warm place.
7. Celebrate Mardi Gras! No matter where you live the taste of New Orleans combined with the sound of Zydeco music and the colors of purple, green and gold have to make you happy.
6. Indulge in all the Valentine's festivities. Everyone can enjoy this holiday! The day, with all the brightly colored red and pink decorations, just makes me happy.
5. Shop. A definite happy indoor activity. Plus the winter sales are great at this time.
4. Work on a new (indoor) home project. I am starting a painting that has been on my pinterest for ever.
3. Cozy up with a fuzzy blanket, hot drink and a good movie or book. Soon the weather will be too good to enjoy the cozy, home activities.
2. When all else fails, plan a spring time vacation to remind you spring will arrive again.
1. SNOW DAYS (yes, still the best part of winter)
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Pregnancy Pounds
I was a chubby kid. Or soft. Or maybe you can call it baby fat that lasted until I was about 20. I was told by well meaning people that I could work out more. I always found that interesting because between dancing at a private studio and school, I logged in about 20 hours of dance each week. However, I ate a lot of sugar and processed foods. A lot. I always dieted. Always. But I could be reverse psychology's case example. Every time I dieted and tried to focus on melting away those pounds, I would add more. Because I am a perfectionist and so when I could not be a perfect (every day) then I just threw the day away and ate (every day).
When I got to college, I continued with the diets. Some worked for awhile like Weight Watchers but I always manage to get off of it and go on a happy binge. After enough diets to qualify me for a nutrition degree, I finally realized a scary thought. Diets don't work. It was a horrifying thought. I was so scared because if I stayed about 15 to 20 pounds overweight while I was so called dieting then what would happen if I don't diet?
After a few attempts of walking away from diets, I found out. I lost all the weight. All of a sudden I realized I can control what I eat for my health. My health and energy became my focus. I ate less because I focused on what made me full and healthy. Following Dr. Oz's sensible guideline, I avoided sugar and processed foods because diet or not, those foods are just not good for you. In the last year, I gave up gluten because of stomach issues and more weight came off. While some may call this a diet, I don't. I am not obsessed with counting calories or denying myself food. I just focus on what is healthy and portion sizes. Until now.
Enter the world of pregnancy and back comes my perfectionist side. Early in my pregnancy, I read the guidelines of how much weight I should gain which is around 25 pounds. I took it a step further and read how much weight I should gain in the first trimester which is about 1 to 5 pounds. I went a little obsessive and read those online boards where all these skinny mama-to-be's complained about not gaining enough weight or even losing in the first trimester. Then of course they would post some ridiculously low weight that is considered underweight for even a non-pregnant woman. I compared myself. Wrong but I wanted to have the perfect pregnancy. I wanted to gain the perfect amount of weight and be the perfect little pregnant patient for my doctor. Perfectionism sucks. So what did I do? I ate more than ever. I started watching that scale every day and getting more anxious. And what happened? I packed more pounds than the recommendation. I was not happy with myself.
Then my mom reminded me that watching a scale and trying to be perfect has always worked the opposite for me. I needed to focus on health. That is all I can control and as long as I am eating healthy then the weight gain will be a healthy weight gain. My advice to all those new mama-to-be's is to do the same. Stay away from the scale. Those numbers only matter to the doctor. If the doctor is concerned, he or she will say something. In the meantime, eat healthy and work out. What a relief it has been for me to come to this realization. Now where is that apple?
When I got to college, I continued with the diets. Some worked for awhile like Weight Watchers but I always manage to get off of it and go on a happy binge. After enough diets to qualify me for a nutrition degree, I finally realized a scary thought. Diets don't work. It was a horrifying thought. I was so scared because if I stayed about 15 to 20 pounds overweight while I was so called dieting then what would happen if I don't diet?
After a few attempts of walking away from diets, I found out. I lost all the weight. All of a sudden I realized I can control what I eat for my health. My health and energy became my focus. I ate less because I focused on what made me full and healthy. Following Dr. Oz's sensible guideline, I avoided sugar and processed foods because diet or not, those foods are just not good for you. In the last year, I gave up gluten because of stomach issues and more weight came off. While some may call this a diet, I don't. I am not obsessed with counting calories or denying myself food. I just focus on what is healthy and portion sizes. Until now.
Enter the world of pregnancy and back comes my perfectionist side. Early in my pregnancy, I read the guidelines of how much weight I should gain which is around 25 pounds. I took it a step further and read how much weight I should gain in the first trimester which is about 1 to 5 pounds. I went a little obsessive and read those online boards where all these skinny mama-to-be's complained about not gaining enough weight or even losing in the first trimester. Then of course they would post some ridiculously low weight that is considered underweight for even a non-pregnant woman. I compared myself. Wrong but I wanted to have the perfect pregnancy. I wanted to gain the perfect amount of weight and be the perfect little pregnant patient for my doctor. Perfectionism sucks. So what did I do? I ate more than ever. I started watching that scale every day and getting more anxious. And what happened? I packed more pounds than the recommendation. I was not happy with myself.
Then my mom reminded me that watching a scale and trying to be perfect has always worked the opposite for me. I needed to focus on health. That is all I can control and as long as I am eating healthy then the weight gain will be a healthy weight gain. My advice to all those new mama-to-be's is to do the same. Stay away from the scale. Those numbers only matter to the doctor. If the doctor is concerned, he or she will say something. In the meantime, eat healthy and work out. What a relief it has been for me to come to this realization. Now where is that apple?
Thursday, January 16, 2014
Nausea
I can't really complain. The only uncomfortable symptom I have had so far is morning, noon and night nausea. A persistent nausea that causes me to squint my face with a random variety of smells. The once pleasant smells like fresh brewed coffee or the clean smell of laundry detergent can make me gag. I have not been sick and hopefully will not get sick but the nausea can wear on you.
My days for the last several weeks are focused on looking for the next miracle food or drink that will take the nausea away - even if just for a few moments. Unfortunately, this has led me to eating...a lot. And not so healthy choices. Pre-pregnancy I was a health nut and would not touch gluten, red meat or sugar. Now my body craves these foods. Pre-pregnancy, I thought I would manage my weight carefully sticking to my health rules for nutrition. How quickly baby changes things, even when baby has not been born. I have had more sugar in the last few weeks than I have had in the last five years. Not good but it sure tasted amazing! I broke down last week and ate gluten products. I was desperate for relief and a regular cracker sounded so amazing. The crackers did not let me down. They were my favorite meal last week. While I don't have celiacs, I do have gluten sensitivity so my stomach did not like the crackers but the nausea temporarily went away. To me, that was worth tummy troubles.
Pre-pregnancy I thought nausea would mean you could not eat anything. Not for me, I eat all the time because that is the only time I feel better. I am trying to get back to my healthy ways this week. I bought some crystallized ginger to help with the nausea (will see if that works) but I have to eat better for me and for bundle. Mom picked on me the other day saying I got pregnant as an excuse to eat bread. While I did not want an excuse to eat bread, I enjoyed my food vacation the other day. But all and all, I learned that nothing really conquers the nausea except time. Supposedly it will disappear soon. In the meantime, I take comfort in the nausea being a reminder that bundle is with me.
My days for the last several weeks are focused on looking for the next miracle food or drink that will take the nausea away - even if just for a few moments. Unfortunately, this has led me to eating...a lot. And not so healthy choices. Pre-pregnancy I was a health nut and would not touch gluten, red meat or sugar. Now my body craves these foods. Pre-pregnancy, I thought I would manage my weight carefully sticking to my health rules for nutrition. How quickly baby changes things, even when baby has not been born. I have had more sugar in the last few weeks than I have had in the last five years. Not good but it sure tasted amazing! I broke down last week and ate gluten products. I was desperate for relief and a regular cracker sounded so amazing. The crackers did not let me down. They were my favorite meal last week. While I don't have celiacs, I do have gluten sensitivity so my stomach did not like the crackers but the nausea temporarily went away. To me, that was worth tummy troubles.
Pre-pregnancy I thought nausea would mean you could not eat anything. Not for me, I eat all the time because that is the only time I feel better. I am trying to get back to my healthy ways this week. I bought some crystallized ginger to help with the nausea (will see if that works) but I have to eat better for me and for bundle. Mom picked on me the other day saying I got pregnant as an excuse to eat bread. While I did not want an excuse to eat bread, I enjoyed my food vacation the other day. But all and all, I learned that nothing really conquers the nausea except time. Supposedly it will disappear soon. In the meantime, I take comfort in the nausea being a reminder that bundle is with me.
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
Oh Baby!
"Don't get excited yet, it's malfunctioning!" Women who want a baby imagine just how the special moment will unfold. Women think about how they will tell the soon to be papas. There is a glow to the daydream and all is well. Well, 5 days after Thanksgiving this year, our special moment came. Nothing like a daydream or well planned moment but more like a whirlwind that blurred everything. I have been asked often how did I tell hubby. My first words when I saw the excitement on his face was to not get excited yet because the test was malfunctioning! Not exactly words you daydream about telling in your special moment. It was perfect.
The test turned from a blank screen to a positive pink plus sign before I could even finish taking the test. The quick result, not the five minute wait indicated on the package, made me think that the test had malfunctioned. I asked Ed to come check it because I did not trust my eyes. I looked at him while he saw the test for the first time and witnessed a completely sincere, beautiful reaction. His eyes lit up with excitement and his hand went over his open mouth.We spent the rest of the evening bouncing through a variety of emotions but mainly disbelief and excitement.
Yes, about 8 months into our marriage we found out we are expecting. We were going to wait the standard year before really trying but our little bundle had other plans. Bundle (short for Bundle of Joy) is scheduled to arrive on August 3rd, a day after Ed's 40th birthday. I have been telling Ed that I wanted to give him something special for his 40th...mission accomplished! He is so excited that he hopes Bundle arrives on his birthday. For some reason, I believe Bundle will come a few days early but we will see.
Last year you joined me on the journey to marriage and the first few months of marriage. Now the conversation continues. A conversation that I promise to be better at updating (last semester was just crazy busy). In the coming months, I will be continuing to blog about marriage because we are still newlyweds! I will also be talking about pregnancy and sharing as many details as (comfortably) possible. And of course as a Modern Day Southern Belle there will always be stories of the South. I hope you will join me in this next journey of my life!
The test turned from a blank screen to a positive pink plus sign before I could even finish taking the test. The quick result, not the five minute wait indicated on the package, made me think that the test had malfunctioned. I asked Ed to come check it because I did not trust my eyes. I looked at him while he saw the test for the first time and witnessed a completely sincere, beautiful reaction. His eyes lit up with excitement and his hand went over his open mouth.We spent the rest of the evening bouncing through a variety of emotions but mainly disbelief and excitement.
Yes, about 8 months into our marriage we found out we are expecting. We were going to wait the standard year before really trying but our little bundle had other plans. Bundle (short for Bundle of Joy) is scheduled to arrive on August 3rd, a day after Ed's 40th birthday. I have been telling Ed that I wanted to give him something special for his 40th...mission accomplished! He is so excited that he hopes Bundle arrives on his birthday. For some reason, I believe Bundle will come a few days early but we will see.
Last year you joined me on the journey to marriage and the first few months of marriage. Now the conversation continues. A conversation that I promise to be better at updating (last semester was just crazy busy). In the coming months, I will be continuing to blog about marriage because we are still newlyweds! I will also be talking about pregnancy and sharing as many details as (comfortably) possible. And of course as a Modern Day Southern Belle there will always be stories of the South. I hope you will join me in this next journey of my life!
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