28 weeks - THE FINAL STRETCH!!!

I am in shock as I write this...which seems to be the trend on the last few blogs. I can't believe that in 12 weeks (84 days give or take) that I will be meeting my precious baby boy Hudson.

A few things we have done recently to get ready:

• My dad came and took the furniture that was in the room that will be Hudson's room back to my parents' house. It was the furniture that was in my room when I was growing up. Now, that room is empty except for the gifts that Hudson has already received or things that have been graciously passed down from his cousin Dominic. ; )


• My mom and I met with Becky from Becker's Bedding at Homewood Antiques and designed the baby bedding! I am extremely indecisive, and it was hard from me to make a decision, even though I went in knowing what I wanted for the most part. She is mailing me fabric swatches so that I can play around with them. I have a few weeks to make any changes. The bedding should be ready in early February. Hopefully his furniture will be in by then so we can have everything set up before my Baby Tea.


• My dear friends and family are working on plans for a Baby Tea and Baby Shower at work! Hudson and I are so lucky to be surrounded by such wonderful people.


• I finally finished registering. We are officially registered at Buy Buy Baby, Target, and Babies R Us. It was lots and lots of fun, especially at Buy Buy Baby, where I got to show Rusty all the different things we will need/want, and I even learned a few things, too. ; )


• I got a prenatal massage at Ross Bridge over the Christmas Break. It was a birthday gift from my brother and sister in law. It was A M A Z I N G. I've had a massage there before, but this one was incredible. I don't know if it's because I have been sore or if she was just that great, but I HIGHLY recommend it. I think you have to be 13-35 weeks to get a prenatal massage.


• This week I am researching pediatricians in our area. I am planning on meeting them in the next few weeks and making a decision. I am open to any recommendations! Looking for good bedside manner, after hours care (via nurse line or whatever), well baby area, and a history of a NORMAL wait time.
  

Movement:

Movement has been different. Instead of kicking and punching as much, there seems to be more rolling and turning. At one point last week, I think he was lying across my body instead of parallel with me. It felt like a round little head or butt on my left side. I have also felt him having the hiccups and I can't help but laugh.

At 28 Weeks:

According to "the sources", not too much has changed. Hudson is now blinking with his beautiful eyelashes. He is about 2 1/2 pounds and 16 inches long.

Maternity Clothes:

Thank the Lord for maternity clothes. Still loving the full panel pants and I am enjoying my new shirts.

Sleep:

The weird sleep patterns have officially started. I can be super tired when I get home, but if I don't go get in the bed when I feel tired, I get this burst of energy and the sudden urge to get things done around this house. This usually happens around 9:30. I went to bed between 11-12 every night last week and Wednesday and Thursday I woke up 30 minutes before my alarm clock went off! I guess the Lord is preparing me to be a Super Mommy on little sleep.

Cravings:

I'm still enjoying Grapico. I am drinking chocolate milk or Sunny D with breakfast (never been an OJ person), water all during the day, then having sweet tea or Grapico (both decaf) with dinner. I haven't really had any cravings or aversions.

Glucose Test:

I passed my glucose test today!! I am not very good at "just doing something" I don't like...such as drinking a nasty drink. I was a little nervous. Everyone talks about the dreaded glucose test. The lab tech said, "You have five minutes to get this down." I held my breath and turned it up. Never slowed down. I bet she thought I was crazy! I drank the whole thing in about 3 seconds. 121 baby!!!!! Whoop Whoop!! No 3 hour test for me!

Momma's Belly:

Here is an overload of pictures. The first is a picture of me "technically" 2 weeks pregnant in the Bahamas in July, where Hudson was made! The rest are from today, the kickoff of my last trimester!!! There's no doubt about it - my belly button is DEFINITELY an outie! Still no stretch marks, and I am praying it stays that way. I can't believe I am posting a picture of my bare belly, but I figured what the heck. Also, I'm wondering if my belly is going to change shape. Hudson is in a transverse position (sideways) so I feel like that is making me look wide. The doctor said he would have to turn soon because he would run out of room. She said if he was in a different position, I may have measured more than that.

Babies, Babies, Babies!!!

Now that the news is out, CONGRATS to Deanna and Natalie on their exciting news!!! I can't wait to meet your precious babies in May and August!!!

Suzy Homemaker - Strawberry Swirl Cream Cheese Pound Cake

Rusty got me a KitchenAid Stand Mixer for Christmas and I couldn't wait to use it. A few days after Christmas I made a Strawberry Swirl Cream Cheese Pound Cake. Cream Cheese Pound Cake is my favorite pound cake, so I figured I would try this recipe that was in Southern Living this summer. It was listed as one of their Top Seven Summer Pound Cakes. Yes, I know it is winter, but I really wanted to try it. It was really fun to make and yummy, too. I wasn't the hugest fan of the strawberry glaze, but overall I was satisfied.

What you need:
Butter and Sugar Mixture:

Adding the Strawberry Glaze:
First Successful Pound Cake!

With Blue Bell Vanilla Homemade Ice Cream, of course!

My parents got me the Dreamcakes cookbook from Dreamcakes Bakery in Homewood for Christmas! I was so excited! I can't wait to make some cupcakes. I think I am going to try the Mississippi Mud first. It is my new favorite. If you have never been to Dreamcakes, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR!!! Click here for a link to their site.

I also got a sewing machine for Christmas. I can't decide what I want to make first, but I know it will be something for Hudson. : )

26 Weeks - Running out of room!

14 weeks to go!

When I read that aloud, it makes my chest tighten. It is tightening from excitement, joy, disbelief, and a teeny weeny bit of "holy crap I feel like there is so much to do". I don't know why I work myself up. We are registered, furniture is ordered, bedding has been picked out and I am meeting with the seamstress next week. We are registered for 2 classes and I am reading my books/blogs/website/articles. I think about all that we have done and all that we have left to do, but I know that if he came tomorrow everything would be just fine. I have total confidence in Rusty and myself and I know that we will be able to provide everything that our son needs. I am SSOOOO ready to see that sweet little face and let his tiny little hand wrap around my finger!

Here are some pictures from our first shower! We had a great time and Hudson got some goodies from his "aunts and uncles". ; )

We had a wonderful Christmas with our families. We got lots of goodies - too many really - and of course Hudson got some stuff, too! One of the things we asked for was a video camera. So now we are officially "those parents" with their huge DSLR camera and video camera there to capture every little moment. It's ok - I don't mind being "that girl" that takes pictures all of the time. Those unposed smiles are my favorite pictures and you have to have that camera handy to catch those special moments!

Rusty and his new four wheeler helmet and gloves. Lord help us.

Me and my sewing basket. Just call me Martha Stewart. I'm gonna be cooking and sewing up a storm! ; )

Movement:

Hudson is currently training to be one of those ultimate fighters according to his actions lately. That boy is all over the place! Rolling, moving, kicking, punching...he is a busy bee! Also, several other people have finally been able to feel him move this past week. Most of his movements are up around my ribs or on the sides of my stomach.

At 26 Weeks:

Most babies are the size of an eggplant and weigh up to 2.2 pounds. I really wish I knew how big Hudson is right now because he feels huge. Also, at 26 weeks, babies are building up immunity and are forming eyes that will be able to blink soon.

Maternity Clothes:

I went to Motherhood Maternity today and got 4 new shirts and another pair of full panel jeans with my money/gift cards I got for Christmas. The full panel jeans are WONDERFUL. They are more comfortable and help hold me in/up. My below belly jeans are about to be retired because they are getting uncomfortable. There aren't that many of my "normal" shirts that look good anymore. Also, lots of people say buy regular tops, just in a bigger size, but they look terrible on me. I'm sticking to the maternity tops. They are cut to hit me in the right places so they are much more flattering.

Sleep:

Sleep has been weird. I've been waking up for no apparent reason. Sometimes when I wake up in the middle of the night or when it is time to get up, my neck/shirt/hair is wet with sweat. This has happened a handful of times, but no pattern or obvious reason. I still couldn't live without the Boppy body pillow.

Cravings/Aversions:

No aversions that I can think of, but I am LOVIN some Grapico. It was something different that is caffeine free and tasty. I literally bought a two liter and carried it to my parents' and grandmother's house to eat with my meal.

Momma's Belly:

..........ALREADY feels like it is about to explode. I have started rubbing tummy butter on my growing midsection in hopes of preventing/minimizing any stretchmarks that try to show up. Sitting in a chair is getting pretty uncomfortable. It feels better to recline so that I stretch out my upper body. I also ask Rusty for a back rub almost every day now. I really can't imagine growing rapidly for the next 14 weeks.

In two weeks I will take my glucose test. That will be my last monthly appointment, then I start going every two weeks! It's getting close!!!!!


Belly Pic:


On a side note, two of my "readers" are pregnant, but it isn't public knowledge yet, so I won't share their news. I just wanted to say that I am SO happy for you both! I am glad that Hudson is already going to have so many friends to play with and that I will have more mommies my age to share stories with! I am really looking forward to sharing a new phase of life with my friends.

24 Weeks

We are just 16 weeks away from meeting our baby boy! We have started trying to get things checked off of our to do list. This weekend we are going to buy the furniture since some of it will take a few weeks to get in. We are also going to go ahead and register since we are having our first baby shower next week, which we are very excited about! Rusty's sweet fraternity brothers (and their wonderful wives/fiances/girlfriends) are throwing a Theta Chi Christmas Party/Baby Shower. I am really looking forward to it since this will be the only shower/tea that Rusty will actually attend.

Already feeling the meaning of Mommy and Daddy:

We got another ultrasound at our 24 week appointment. This is not routine, but at our 20 week appointment, Hudson's left renal pelvis (think tube from kidney to bladder) was slightly dilated. We didn't want to share the news because we didn't want anyone to worry since the doctor told us there was nothing to worry about. At the 24 week ultrasound, it was still slightly dilated. The doctor told us they would do another ultrasound at 30 weeks and would be able to tell more then. I was not upset about it at all until the second ultrasound. I was really thinking that we would get the all clear that everything was fine. After we left this appointment, my heart was broken. They kept saying that it was just something to watch and that there was no need to worry, but all this Momma heard was more ultrasounds...IF this, IF that... it was just hard to digest. They said that this is seen a lot in little boys, and most of the time it resolves itself before or immediately after birth. Also, my fluid level was perfect and his bladder looked great. If those were not normal, that would be a sign that there was a problem. But, they were great! Just another good sign. Of course, Rusty and I went home and researched it. Our findings confirmed what the doctor said (minimal dilation, good fluid level, normal bladder function = will likely resolve itself or is easily treatable after birth). So, we are handing our worries to God and trusting His plan. After that, I have not worried about it. God has given me a peace that everything will be fine.

Best part of the appointment: finally getting a little profile pic! At the 20 week and 24 week appointment, it was hard to get a good picture because he is facing my spine. But, here he is! Look at the precious nose and lips!


Movement:

Hudson is definitely getting more active as time goes by, but he doesn't really have a "pattern" yet. Although, there is something really interesting. At night, Rusty will lay his head on my stomach and talk to Hudson and almost every single time he will starting kicking/moving within seconds. A few times he has kicked hard enough for me to actually see my belly move. It is the coolest thing and it honestly NEVER gets old. Feeling him kick can turn my frown upside down at any time.

At 24 Weeks:

The average baby is about the length of an ear of corn and weighs up to 20 ounces. Baby's brain, taste buds, and respiratory tree are continuing to develop.

Maternity Clothes:

Well I am looking forward to going shopping during Christmas break! After work, I am usually tired of walking and standing and the last thing I want to do is try on clothes. But, the time has come and I am going to have to have some new clothes. Soon. I am still enjoying the maternity pants, but my first pair of maternity jeans that have a stretchy band below my belly are starting to get uncomfortable.

Sleep:

Sleep is good. I know I am not going to bed early enough during the week, but I am going to try to be better about that after Christmas. Friday night I slept 11 hours. I was in the best mood Saturday and I felt like I could have ran a marathon. I literally got out of bed dancing and singing. Yes, it was 9:30, but it was Saturday and I had nothing that I "had" to do, so sleep was a pretty big priority.

Cravings/Aversions:

I am loving anything and everything. We are having "The Twelve Days of Munchies" at work and there is a spread of all kinds of goodies in the workroom every day. I am trying to be good.

Family Time:

Friday night Rusty and I along with our parents and Lauren and Brett went to dinner to celebrate Rusty's graduation. We very rarely get together with both sets of parents at the same time. We all had a wonderful time. We laughed and enjoyed each others' company for 2 hours at the Village Tavern. We are so proud of him!



Here are belly pics. The first one was the morning of Rusty's graduation dinner. Rusty said the "flowy" top "didn't do my belly justice" so I took another one this afternoon in a more fitted shirt. And the belly button watch is on. It is almost like the top half is out, but the bottom half is still stuck in there.

Next appointment: 28 weeks = glucose test. Fun Fun!

22 Weeks

22 weeks... 22 weeks?!?! I have been counting up to 40 weeks until recently. After we found out that our baby was a boy, I really just enjoyed it for a week or two. Browsed the stores, got some nursery ideas, etc. Then suddenly, panic set in. I have this fear of going into labor early and his nursery not being ready. For those of you who know me well, I'm sure this is funny and extremely predictable. I am a type A/worrier/perfectionist/planner. All of a sudden I began counting down instead of counting up. SO, 18 weeks to go! And that is if I make it to 40 weeks! EEKK!!! I will be a mom in 18 weeks?!?! I can't believe this is real! He is due April 2nd, and I would really like to have his nursery finished by the end of February. I really think by March I will be too big/tired to do all of that kind of stuff.

Momma's Belly:

"Wow! I can't believe how much you are already showing!" This (or some variation of this) is what I tend to hear these days from people that don't see me on a regular basis. I'm not sure what this means. Do I look fat? Am I like the biggest 22 weeks pregnant person you have ever seen? Freakishly big? I didn't really think I was that big...I try not to over think it. Some clothes make me look bigger than others but at this point, beggars can't be choosers - my regular shirts are getting smaller/shorter and I am about to have to splurge on some maternity tops. I am happy to have my belly, but I'm afraid at 40 weeks I will look more like I swallowed a watermelon instead of a soccer ball. Oh well. As long as Hudson is happy and healthy, I am perfectly content.

Kicking:

Hudson is kicking all the time and I just can't get enough of it! At the beginning, the little flutters were so sweet, but I could barely feel them. Now, he is playing soccer in my tummy! He is kicking so hard that Rusty finally got to feel it! I wished I would have had my camera handy! It was so awesome to see Rusty's face the first time he ever felt his baby kick. Every time I feel him kick I can't help but smile. It is usually on the right side of my stomach. I am so happy that he is healthy and moving! I will definitely enjoy these sweet kicks... I've heard how uncomfortable they can be towards the end when they are kicking your ribs.

22 Weeks:

According to www.babycenter.com, Hudson is about 11 inches long (size of a spaghetti squash), and weighs (average) 12-20 ounces (well, we know he weighs at least 14 oz or more!). Mommy can expect to see the following soon: shortness of breath (check), rapidly growing hair and nails (check), skin discoloration, and an outtie belly button! I do have to say I have watched my belly button get tighter these last few weeks. I don't think it will pop out any time soon, but I definitely think it will by the third trimester.

Maternity Clothes:

Still in most of my normal shirts/sweaters. I am wearing maternity layering tops, pants, and tights.

Sleep:

Sleep has not been terrible, but it has not been normal. I wake up once or twice a night a few times a week, for no apparent reason. Sometimes I am hot, or restless, or just can't get comfortable, but I usually go back to sleep pretty easily. Trust me, I am not complaining. I normally sleep like a rock... a talking rock according to Rusty.

Cravings/Aversions:

Let's just say I wasn't a picky eater at any of the three Thanksgiving meals we attended. I could have lapsed into a Peanut Butter Fudge coma. o.m.g. That stuff is AMAAAAAZING.

Random:

We have started our diaper and wipes stockpile. I am currently buying Pampers Swaddlers newborn, 1, or 2 and Pampers Sensitive wipes. I have heard SO many opinions on diapers and wipes. Anyone with recent baby boy experience have any advice?

Also, we are looking at getting nursery bedding made. Can anyone recommend someone? I have looked at Polka Tot Designs and Becker's Bedding so far.

Our next appointment is next Thursday. I have also registered us for the Preparing for Parenthood Class and the extra breastfeeding class in February. February is going to be a VERY busy month for us I think!


Rusty M. Ashworth, MBA

Tonight Rusty had his VERY LAST college class!! Rusty will graduate in 2 weeks from the UAB School of Business with a Masters of Business Administration with a concentration in Information Technology Management. He finished in 2 years while working full time, changing jobs/companies halfway through, and has made all As! We are SOOO very proud of him!

20 weeks: It's a ...........

BOY!!!

This precious angel that has been growing inside me is a healthy, perfect, baby boy.

20 week appointment

Rusty and I have been anxiously awaiting this day for what seems like an eternity. I made the appointment for Veterans Day because I would be off work and would be able to really enjoy the day. I also made the appointment for 8:00am - I didn't want to wait any longer!! Luckily, everything went really smoothly and we were in and out before I knew it. The US tech took lots of pictures and measurements of all of the important things - brain, spinal cord, heart, vessels, etc. Then FINALLY she zoomed out, moved down towards our baby's "danger zone" and it was plain as day. There was our little man in all his glory. It was just like everyone described it - "If you see a snapping turtle, you'll know!" Well there was no denying it. Peanut definitely had a little snapping turtle between his legs! I won't share the pics, but you can use your imagination. Despite mommy chugging a Mtn Dew, Peanut was super chill... nice and comfy in his temporary home. He was not budging for us to get any good pictures. She was able to tell us that he weighed 14 ounces. That seems really tiny I know, but average for 19 1/2 weeks is 10 ounces! We have a little lineman on our hands! The doctor said there was no reason this early in the game to change the due date, but that we would watch baby and mommy's progress.

No more Peanut

Rusty and I have really enjoyed calling our baby Peanut, but we now call him by name -Hudson. His full name is Hudson Michael Ashworth. Michael is a family name - my dad's name is Micheal, Rusty and his dad's middle names are Michael, so Michael was always the middle name for a boy. We tossed around A LOT of names. We did a lot of internet searching, baby name generators (yes, they have them - google it people), and we always enjoyed looking at strangers' birth announcements in the doctor's office. Hudson has no sentimental meaning, but we felt that it was fun, strong, and timeless all in one. We now talk about Hudson all the time! I feel like now that I know who is in there, the house almost feels empty without him actually being here!

Gender Reveal Party

I made big plans to do a Gender Reveal Party. I made chili and cupcakes and we had our family and friends over for the reveal. Only Rusty and I knew what the baby was at that point (and Aunt Adrianne since she was missing out while in Toronto). Well, having my first flu shot that morning, everyone being late/lost on detours due to wrecks everywhere, and me trying to keep my mouth shut so that I didn't ruin the surprise made me a little stressed/under the weather. My face felt like it was on fire and I just couldn't get cooled off. I really think most of it was the flu shot, which I am still not sure about, but that is a whole other topic. Anyway, the party was lots of fun! Here are just a FEW pictures from the party.

Mommy and Daddy!

Team Girl

Team Boy

The Proud Grandparents!

It's a BOY!!!

Great friends at the end of a loooooong day... can you tell by my face?

Couldn't live without these two!!!

The Great-Grandmothers

Hudson at 20 weeks: (Disclaimer: Hudson is obviously bigger than this, but here are the "average" stats for a baby at 20 weeks)

Your baby weighs about 10 1/2 ounces now. He's also around 6 1/2 inches long from head to bottom and about 10 inches from head to heel, or about the length of a banana. (For the first 20 weeks, when a baby's legs are curled up against his torso and hard to measure, measurements are taken from the top of his head to his bottom — the "crown to rump" measurement. After 20 weeks, he's measured from head to toe.)

Maternity Clothes:

Still wearing maternity pants with most of my regular tops. All of my shirts still fit, but they are getting short in the front.

Sleep:

This is seriously the best thing ever invented for preggers sleeping.

We went to the Bama vs LSU game and spent the night in Tuscaloosa with Bradley and Mary Lane. This was the first time since September that I have sleep without it and wow could I tell a difference. I even get my Boppy pillow when I am going to chill on the couch. The fluffy parts for the head and between the knees while being cut out in the middle for your tummy - genius.

Cravings:
I'm not really craving anything, but I am really enjoying having my normal sense of taste back. I also tend to want a big lunch and a smaller dinner.

Aversions:
Smelly food... I leaned over to give Rusty a hug and the smell of his vinaigrette dressing almost knocked me out. Greasy food is still not a good idea, which is probably a good thing. No need to pack on any extra pounds!


20 week Belly Pic

18 Weeks: Flutters and a Yard Sale

18 weeks - It doesn't seem like that long, but somehow time has flown and I am stunned to realize I am almost halfway through my pregnancy!

According to TheBump.com: At 18 weeks, your baby is the size of a sweet potato! That's about 5.6 inches long and about 6.7 ounces now and he/she keeps on growing rapidly. (That's why you're probably feeling so hungry.) Kicking, hiccuping, yawning, sucking, twisting, and punching are just a few of baby's daily activities!

I guess Peanut is really having a ball in there because I FINALLY felt some movement! It was faint, but definitely movement. It was Thursday afternoon, October 27 - I was at work. We have been so busy after work the past few weeks that I haven't gotten to slow down and just "wait" to feel Peanut, but I have felt some movement a few times at night and when I am sitting really still. Hopefully the movements will become more noticeable soon.

Yard Sale

Rusty and I have never had a yard sale all on our own. I have really been wanting to have one, and I felt like the timing was right. We got rid of lots of junk, made some money, and made more room for Peanut! We were really pleased with the outcome, but I will say it was a lot of work. My back hurt for days and I slept almost all afternoon Saturday from going non-stop for the past 72 hours. We spent 2 whole nights until 10pm organizing, pricing, dragging stuff out of the attic, finding more stuff to get rid of, making signs, etc. Here are a few pics of our first yard sale adventure!


Maternity Clothes:

Well I really didn't think I would ever say this, but I am almost depressed about my state of fashion these days. It is super difficult to feel "trendy" when the rest of your body is about the same as it was, except you have this protruding belly. I'm not really big enough for real maternity tops and dresses yet, but lots of the fitted looks (in regular clothes) that I love are just not cute on my awkwardly shaped body. I always thought I would wear fitted clothes throughout by pregnancy, showing off my growing belly. But, I'm apparently not at that stage yet. However, if I wear something that isn't fitted, I just feel like a big blimp. Ok, enough harping. You get the picture. I guess that is just part of it! I am still wearing maternity pants, and most of my regular tops still fit.

Sleep:

Sleep is great, but the crazy preggers dreams are in full swing. I had a girl dream at the beginning of the pregnancy, but the past two months I've been convinced Peanut was a boy. Last night I had a VERY clear, somewhat realistic, yet strangely not realistic dream. I know that was confusing, but that is the only way I can describe it. Point being, I've been thinking Peanut is a girl this week and in my dream last night Peanut was clearly a girl and get this - she had on exactly what I have visualized I would put a precious, day old baby girl in - one of those sweet, soft, all white cotton gowns with pink piping and a sweet pink monogram - and IN THE DREAM - the initials monogrammed on the gown were the initials of the girl name we like! I mean wow, could it be any clearer? Watch Peanut turn out to be a boy - ha!

Cravings:

I've fallen in love with sweets again. Period.

Aversions:

Greasy food and strong smells

Other Preggers Symptoms:

I had my first experience with bleeding gums the past two weeks. It's not daily, though, and it's not really bothering me. My back/hip/nerve on my right side has been hurting a lot, especially when getting up from the sitting/reclining position. If you ask my husband, I'm sure he'd say I've been a little hormonal, too. ; )


EIGHT DAYS AND WE WILL KNOW IF PEANUT IS A BOY OR A GIRL!!!! Everyone is placing their bets on the sex of Peanut! I am SSSSSSOOOOOO ready!!!