35 Weeks - 35 DAYS to go!

With my pregnancy brain lately, I probably would have never realized what a cool day today is for me. But, I read it on a pregnancy blog a few weeks ago. Today I am 35 weeks pregnant, and I have 35 days left until my due date! The magic "35". Pretty neat!

At 35 weeks, Hudson's main job is just "plumping up". Everything is developed and in two short weeks, he will be considered full term! Craziness!

On a lot of pregnancy blogs that I read, they always have a "what I miss the most" update every post. I've never done this, but I am starting to miss a few things:

1. My wardrobe. Maternity clothes were fun at first and I still enjoy most of them. Until I see that fitted black cocktail dress hanging at the other end of my closet and the 4 inch peep toe black pumps that I hope I will one day be able to wear again. I knew we were going to be doing lots of work Sunday, so thinking I might get a little hot, I grabbed the old faithful Nike running shorts. I thought they would be SO comfy and a nice change since it was so warm outside. Well, I must have forgotten I am almost 9 months pregnant and have gained X# of pounds. They were a liiiiittle tight. : (

2. My tan. I am reminded how pale I am every time I post a picture of myself. It is 3 weeks til spring break and I would normally be at least a light shade of bronze. Nope. More like Casper the friendly ghost.

3. Being able to move normally. Tie my shoes, pick things up, get out of bed, WALKING WITHOUT WADDLING. Sometimes I actually try to consciously not waddle. Don't know how successful I am, but I try...sometimes.

6. Being "under the radar". I was shopping a few weekends ago with my friend Morgan at The Galleria and I SWEAR it was like I had horns coming out of my head or blood dripping from my eyes. She even said something like, "Do you feel like people are staring at you?" IT'S RUDE TO STARE PEOPLE!! Ready to just run errands in my t-shirt, not Rusty's t-shirt or a maternity shirt.

PLEASE don't get me wrong. I have LOVED being pregnant and I know that I am EXTREMELY blessed to be able to get pregnant and have an uncomplicated pregnancy (except for the monitoring of little man's kidney). I just thought it would be interesting for some people to see what it is like to be 8 months pregnant.

Other symptoms lately:
Back pain. My back feels like it has a catch in it when I get up off the couch, especially if I was exerting myself, then took a break, and tried to get back up. Waddling is inevitable with a catch in your back.
Contractions. I am pretty sure I have had many contractions since my last post. Braxton-Hicks or not, I am not sure. I don't think any have been as bad as the one I had while writing last week's post. Also, they seem to happen more at the end of the day.
Swelling. I can't wear my wedding rings anymore and I am SUPER SUPER sad about it. I woke up and panicked when I didn't have them on this weekend. I never take them off.

Cravings:
Still loving ice, and now sour candy.

Sleep:
Sleeping ok for now. It's hard to get comfortable, but once I do, I'm usually ok...as long as the air is on about 66-67. ; )

Nursery:
Almost finished! I posted two little peaks in my last post.

Pic of the week:
We set up his changing table this weekend. I opened a sweet little pack of newborn diapers and put them in a basket. Can't believe we will soon be going through these like hotcakes. So tiny! I just love them.

35 Week Belly Pic:

All Baby, All the Time

The past two weeks I have spent MANY, MANY hours doing things to get ready for the little man's arrival. Chances are, if I am not physically doing something for him, I am making a to do list, mental note, or emailing Rusty or my mom things that we need to get accomplished. Much of my time has been spent washing, drying, drying some more (these little hooded towels take FOREVER to dry!), folding, hanging, putting away, organizing, reorganizing, and organizing some more. : )

We have been so blessed the past week with two celebrations for baby Hudson. First was my baby tea held at my sister and brother-in-law's beautiful home. Thanks so much to the hostesses for all of their hard work. Everything was wonderful!

My mom, me, Rusty's mom

Me and Baby Daddy

sweet friends

some of Hudson's aunties10 of the 12 hostessesnine months old, 34 weeks, 14 weeks, 11 weeks : ) some of the goodies!We use to be picture taking professionals...what happened? haha...some of my precious AOII sisters

My lovely third grade coworkers threw me a baby shower after work Thursday. I really don't know what I would do without these ladies!!! We work really hard, but we also have lots of fun.

books for my smart baby boy : )

Then Friday my mom came and spent the night. She helped me organize (yes, more organizing), return, shop, etc. ALLLLL DAY Saturday. We left at 8am Saturday morning and didn't get home until 4:30pm!!! I was exhausted, but on a roll, so we kept working. Rusty got home right after we did, so we put him to work.

Mom helping Rusty with the toy chest

We worked on his room, decorating, and getting organized (yes, more) until about 8:30 then I had to call it quits. I passed out without eating dinner. We slept in Sunday and spent all morning working on organizing (yes, more - I guess we are "nesting" ; ) ) closets, cabinets, and cleaning. Rusty's parents came by to see how things were going and to help move furniture back where it goes (we finally got our carpet cleaned Saturday!).

We washed both cars, did laundry, and went to the grocery store after all of the other things we had already done, so we are pooped, which is pretty much the common theme these days.

BUT, we had an extremely productive weekend and are thrilled with all of our progress! Here is just a sneak peek of the nursery! A dear family friend is painting some canvases to go above his bed and I still haven't decided on a few more details, so hopefully it will be TOTALLY finished by next week!

34 Weeks

The past two weeks have been great! We have had a lot going on and I am REALLY too tired to be writing this post, so I'm gonna keep it as short and sweet as possible. BUT I do promise another post Sunday. Since I only have about 6 weeks left and there is so much going on, I am going to do weekly updates instead of biweekly. I know, you are so excited you can barely stand yourself. What will you do when this baby gets here and you don't have to read about my aches, cravings, and other pregnancy rants? ; )

At my 34 week appointment yesterday, I met another one of the doctors in the practice and I absolutely loved her. If she happens to be the one on call on D Day, I would be perfectly happy. So, that makes 3 doctors that I have met and I hope to at least see all of the other ones within the next few weeks. I love my doctors office! Dr. Ellis listened to his heartbeat - about 140 - and super strong and loud! She said based on where the heartbeat was she thought he was still head down. My blood pressure was the same as it always is, which is right below "average", which is wonderful. I pray that it stays that way. I talked to her about some of my other pains and symptoms, and she said they were all perfectly normal.

I had my Baby Tea Sunday and it was amazing! Special post on that later... still need to upload pics. I am having my Baby Shower at work this Thursday and I can't wait to open some more goodies for Hudson!

Nursery:
The bedding is in and it is PERFECT!!! Working more on decorating it this weekend... pics to come soon!

Movement:
I really think he is just about out of room. He rolls, pokes out body parts, and sometimes does jumping jacks (or that is what it feels like at least). I don't really get as many kicks and punches as I use to and I miss that. Everyone (ok, well lots of people) say they really missed feeling their little one and having them "with them" all of the time. Even though I am pretty uncomfortable wearing this basketball on my front side, I know I am going to miss it.

Maternity Clothes:
OVER THEM. Period.

Sleep:
Last week started the middle of the night trips to the potty again. I am usually up between 2 and 3 am, and I have been able to go back to sleep, but not as easily as I use to.

Cravings:
ICE!!! Small, soft ice (like at Sonic, Milo's, etc) is the best!!

Symptoms: (the short and sweet version)
Puffy face, slight swelling, tingling in the arms and legs, leg and foot cramps in the middle of the night, CONSTANT urge to use the restroom, pressure in pelvic area, shortness of breath, etc... pretty standard I guess.

I've been a busy bee the past two weeks getting all of his things in order. Clothes, blankets, socks, bibs, etc. all washed in Dreft detergent and hung up or put away. Rusty and I also put together his pack and play - that was interesting. Things are coming together and I think we are pretty much ready! I will need to take some stuff back from our showers and get a few more things, but we have all of the necessities already.

****AS I AM WRITING THIS, I THINK I JUST HAD MY FIRST REAL CONTRACTION!*** Holy Cow - that did not feel good. Kudos to those that do it au naturel... don't think that will be for me!

Sorry no pics... just don't have the energy. I'll have a new post Sunday!

32 Weeks - Hangin in there...

We are 32 weeks along now! Yes, that means in LESS THAN 8 WEEKS (if all goes as planned) we will be meeting our precious baby boy! Anxious!!! But we are SO ready! Mostly ready just to hold him and squeeze him!!!

Last week was a SUPER busy week for Mommy and Daddy.

First of all, Daddy started a new job Monday! He is very excited about this opportunity and it seems to be a great fit for him.
On Tuesday, we went to UAB Maternal and Fetal Health and got a level 2 ultrasound of Hudson's kidneys. They agreed that he looked great (heart, brain, and all of the many other things they routinely check and measure) and that the dilation in his left kidney was very mild. I was really hoping to at least get some good pictures of him, but he was head down, face up and cuddled behind my "fluffy placenta" (the U/S tech's words) with his hands over his face. We did get a few good glimpses of his face, but it was so quick she couldn't freeze it for a picture. We could see that he already has hair!! She said if we could see hair at 30 weeks that he would probably have a head full at birth. : ) : ) : ) AND, did I mention we have a defensive lineman on our hands?? He measured a week ahead! According to all of the emails I get (Baby Center, The Bump, etc), MOST babies weigh about 3.3 pounds at 31 weeks and she estimated him to weigh 4.5 pounds!! They said to follow up with my normal OB and get an U/S closer to my due date to see if the left kidney has gone "back to normal" by then.

On Wednesday, we went to a breastfeeding class at St. Vincents. It was great and I recommend it if you know nothing about breastfeeding and are wanting to try it.

On Thursday, we met our pediatrician, Dr. Peters at Mayfair Medical Group in Homewood. She made me feel so at home. She was so friendly and informative, and their office seemed very clean, organized, and welcoming. I told her about Hudson's kidney dilation and she agreed that it is nothing to worry about. She will order an ultrasound before we are discharged from the hospital to check his kidneys before we go home.

On Saturday, we had our Preparing for Parenthood Class that lasted from about 9:00-3:30 with an hour lunch break. I totally recommend it. It did not feel like you were "in class". It was directed by a St. Vincents nurse and people were constantly asking questions about what she was telling us, which answered some questions we hadn't even thought of. They tell you every little detail from medicines they give you to where to check in if you come in the middle of the night. Even though I have been reading a lot, it was great to know exactly what MY hospital, doctors, and nurses would be doing to me/us.

So between all of that, our date night Tuesday, and a long dinner at Cheesecake Factory Saturday night, we have had tons of bonding time! ; ) We have really enjoyed this time together, but we are also trying to keep "plans" to a minimum for the next 8 weeks to have time to do some non-baby things since Hudson is about to rock our world!!

Nursery:
All of the furniture is set up and polished! It looks so beautiful!! Ceiling fan is installed (that could be a whole blog post in itself, but let's just say it is now up and working) and looks great. We decided not to paint, so his walls will be a soft tan/khaki-ish color. His bedding will be ready within the next few days, so all we have left to do is pick up his mattress and fill the room with sweet decorations! I told y'all I would have it done in plenty of time.... ; )
Movement:
This little guy feels like an alien trying to escape!! I will feel a kick or a punch every blue moon, but most days are now filled with rolling body parts feeling like they will protrude out of my skin at any minute. They are still the highlight of my day, though, even if some hurt a tiny bit.

Maternity Clothes:
Yep. And I'm getting pretty bored with them. Same old stuff....

Sleep:
Sleep is going pretty well. I need the bedroom to be pretty cool to sleep through the night. If I want to get comfortable to watch TV, I need to be in the recliner, but sometimes even that isn't comfortable. The most comfortable position is lying on my side. Sitting straight up for an extended period of time is getting uncomfortable since I am practically carrying around a basketball.

Cravings:
No real cravings, but I tend to want something sour in the afternoon.

32 Week Appointment:
Everything is right on track! My belly measured right at 32 weeks, but I told her about the U/S tech at UAB saying he was measuring about a week ahead and she agreed that the U/S was much more accurate than measuring my belly. So, she said when we do my last U/S at 36 weeks to check his kidneys they will also check his growth and can make a pretty good estimate from there since most babies gain about 1/2 a pound a week from 36 weeks to delivery.

Belly Pic:

30 Weeks

The past two weeks have been great. I have been feeling pretty "normal" except for one morning when I JOLTED out of bed at 5:30 am at the sound of Cooper trying to puke. My whole stomach was a little sore after that, but I was fine by that afternoon. I'm still in "get it done" mode most days. Some days, I don't mind the house being out of order. Other days, I don't want to see one single thing out of place. I don't even want to see a fork in the sink. Energy has been fine except maybe 1 day or so a week.

Nursery:
Everyone has been asking us if the nursery is finished and I feel so bad when I say we haven't even started yet. Technically, we have started, there is just nothing actually in the nursery yet. Bedding is ordering and will be ready in a 2-3 weeks and Rusty is picking up the furniture tomorrow. We have decided to leave the walls the color that they are, but I will just have to see what think when we get the bedding in. So, everything is in the works and should come together really quickly and hopefully be finished within the next few weeks.

10 Weeks?!?!:
We are extremely excited and more than ready to be parents. But, this past week, it really hit me. In 10 weeks (give or take), Rusty and I will never be alone again. Yes, hopefully our kids will grow up, move out, and have a wonderful life of their own, but you know what I mean. Once you are a parent, your life is never the same. There is always something to do, worry about, plan, etc. So, I told Rusty I thought we should have a date night every Tuesday until the baby comes and he totally agreed. Rusty has also been very thoughtful lately...little things mostly, but they mean a lot. He is a wonderful husband and I know he will be a great daddy.

To Do List:
Just a glimpse at our next 30 days...
Dr Appt w/ Ultrasound at UAB, Paint Room (?), Pick Up/Set Up Furniture, Breastfeeding Class, Meet the Pediatrician, Preparing for Parenthood Class, Maternity Pics, Baby Tea, Dr Appt, Carpet Cleaning, Baby Shower at Work................. Fun Fun Fun, but Busy Busy Busy! However, I have made sure to leave March W I D E O P E N. Lots of time to relax, nest, and do any last minute shopping, decorating, etc.

Movement:
I swear he is trying to escape. He is doing some SERIOUS moving in there! It is so funny to think about what in the world he is doing just floating around in there. Tap dancing, kick boxing, rolling around, trying to bust through my skin...some of it has gotten a tad bit uncomfortable. I have read that you should count your kicks/movements at this point to make sure the baby is moving enough. As far as I am concerned, Hudson gets an A+ in movement!

Maternity Clothes:
Gotta have them! Also, my favorite outfit to wear on the weekends/after work is my black maternity workout pants from Forever 21, one of Rusty's t-shirts and fuzzy socks or tennis shoes. I know what you are thinking...HOTT MOMMA!! ha ha Hey, I look cute when I feel like it.

Sleep:
I don't want to complain because it is likely to get much worse as I get closer to D Day. I have good nights and bad nights. Sometimes I sleep great, and sometimes I wake up several times a night, the back of my neck wet with sweat and I am just plain uncomfortable. Sorry to gross you out, but I can't figure out what is going on. Our thermostat is on 67 and the ceiling fan is on. I HAVE to be covered up to go to sleep. I may have to try pulling back my side of the "covers" and just use a light blanket.

Cravings:
None in particular. I have developed a love for McDonald's Southern Style Chicken Sandwich. We normally NEVER eat McDonald's. To me, it is the Wal-Mart of fast foods. But, I swing by for a #5 about once a week now. : ) This has been going on for at least a month. Also, I've always been a big sweets person, so during this normal/feeling good phase, my love for ice cream and anything chocolate is slightly intensified.

30 Week Appointment:
Both of our parents went with us to our appointment today. Today was the day that the doctors would recheck Hudson's kidneys to see if they were still dilated and make a decision about what to do if so. To make a long story short, his kidney dilation was not any worse, but it was not any better. Both kidneys were the same size they were at 24 weeks - right 3mm and left 8mm. From everything that I have read and what my doctor has told us, his left kidney dilation is considered mild (4mm or less is considered average, but 5mm - 10mm is considered mild dilation). So, since the left kidney had not gone down any, they are sending me to UAB Maternal and Fetal Health at the new UAB Women and Infants' Center for a higher level ultrasound. This u/s will allow them to examine his kidneys and ureters better to see if they think it is something that needs to be monitored (a valve causing urine to back up into his kidneys, obstruction, etc), or we could get an all clear, we just won't know until they give him a good look. We have read that even it is something that needs to be monitored until delivery, many times it resolves itself right before or right after birth when the kidneys/ureters have more room to spread out. Again, I am trying really hard not to worry. I think if I had other signs (dilation above 10mm, low amnio fluid, etc) then I would be more concerned. But, all of that is great, he is moving a ton, and his heartbeat was wonderful today. We got to see his precious face, and even got to see him swallow a few times! SO amazing!

30 Week Belly Pic:

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. : )