A Snow Shower

Well, we all knew the bad weather was coming. Thankfully, it was just a dry snow but our area still got about 4 inches. This is a picture of my road on Saturday morning, as I carefully drove to better roads to get to my baby shower. It was actually fairly decent to drive on, as a big truck had made some excellent tracks to follow and because it was a dry snow, it wasn't very slick.

The baby shower was a lot of fun, even though many people were unable to come due to our Kentucky weather. I was really impressed with the Mom-to-Be decorations, and especially the gorgeous cake!

After a great lunch, it was present time. I just love all the gifts! We received several outfits, blankets, and baby care items. Also, an infant bath tub, a crotchet blanket, and a traveling changing pad. Both Dean and I appreciate these gifts! They will all come in handy with our new little one.

We had a really nice day. I am so appreciative of everyone for working so hard to make this a nice baby shower. Since it snowed, we'll plan another day and invite everyone out for a 'meet the baby' party after she is born. My next baby shower is still scheduled for this coming Saturday, Feb. 6th! Let's hope for better weather.

36 weeks - 4 to go!

If this baby bump gets much bigger, I wont be able to drive the car anymore! At 36 weeks, I have gained only 24 pounds during the pregnancy. It's all in the belly though; she is really poking out there now. It's been hard lately to move around and get comfortable. Plus a few other aches and pains, not getting much sleep at night, and still trying to get to work everyday. Welcome to motherhood, huh? Well, I still love every moment of it, even though its wearing me down some. Only 4 weeks to go from today!

A doctor's visit

Yesterday was another doctor's appointment. Dean and I went for a late afternoon appointment, but still had a longer wait than usual. Everything is okay, but I do have a urinary tract infection (UTI). That is no fun! The dr. prescribed some antibiotics to take care of that.

I gained 3 pounds in the two weeks since my last dr. appointment. That brings me up to a 24 pound weight gain so far throughout my pregnancy. I am fairly happy with that! These next few weeks will probably show more weight gain, just because Little Waverly is starting to pack on the pounds. The dr. estimates her weight at 5 1/2 pounds, based on my measurements.

Waverly's heart rate was 130 yesterday. I told the nurse right where to put the fetal monitor and she picked up the heart beat right away. Mommy knows best! We listened for a couple minutes and she sounds really strong.

Well, my blood pressure was also a bit high yesterday. I think that was mainly due to waiting and then having a UTI as well. I was a bit nervous after that, because they also found traces of protein in my urine. The dr. said everything was fine. They did go ahead and do a strep test yesterday, some kind of culture to test for this bacteria. It is fairly common to find in mom, but they test at 36 weeks so that they know ahead of time if they need to administer antibiotics during delivery so that the bacteria doesn't harm the baby.

My next dr. appointment is in one week! We have made it to the weekly appointments now, a sign that this pregnancy is not going to last forever! Only 4 weeks and one day left until my due date. C'mon Waverly, let's stick it out until your uncle's birthday!

Happy Birthday to Mommy!

Another year older... Today is my 26th birthday! I was born on the 26th day of January at 7:26 PM. My due date for Waverly is on the 26th of February, which also happens to be my brother's birthday. You might say that 26 is our lucky number!

Last night, my wonderful hubby brought me home an early present. He gave me a pink swaddle blanket and a very soft blanket that says "lovable" on it under a picture of a bunny. Its the first items he bought for Waverly all on his own! I am very proud of him. He is going to be the best dad.

We went out for dinner tonight to the new restaurant in Harrodsburg, Eddie Montgomery's Steakhouse. It's a really nice place and the food was delicious. We had a great time listening to the music through dinner and just visiting.

It's been a great birthday! Thanks to all for my birthday wishes and gifts!

Only 5 Weeks Left!

Only 5 weeks until my due date! Can you believe it? It seems like just yesterday I was staring at a stick test in happy shock and wonder.

So, its time again for another baby update. According to the research, my little 'tenant' has taken over my torso by now. My uterus was once the size of a small ball the size of a fist and now is the size of a watermelon and reaches up to my ribs. Over the past few months, the baby has squished and mashed all my organs out of the way. Any day now, she'll make a final move and shove my heart up and to the left to make more room for herself. Already she has my heart in her hands!

This week, all the final touches are being added to my mini-masterpiece and she is packing on the pounds. She should weigh about 5 1/2 pounds and be about 18 inches long. My little dancer isn't packing quite the punch she used to with her strikes and kicks. Now her movements are less jerky, more like wiggles, stretches and rolls. She is getting a little cramped in there now!

Other news... We are still working on the addition to our house. Progress is slow but sure! Our bedroom and bath are almost ready for paint. Then its plumbing and flooring. Hopefully, we get this all done so that Waverly's room can be painted and ready in time for her arrival.

Overall, everything is going great! We are still really excited and health-wise doing well. Getting a little uncomfortable, but still enjoying being pregnant and this wonderful experience. I can't wait to meet our darling little girl!

All Registered...

Yesterday was a big day! My aunt, my mom and I had a whole day planned. We met for lunch at Old Chicago and pigged out on pizza. It was nice to visit and chat before getting down to the business of registering for gifts.

Then it was off with us to Babies-R-Us. There are so many new things out there for babies now. I tried hard to only register for things that I thought we would really need or use, but I know a couple items for fun were added. We looked at everything! There are great safety items to baby-proof the house, lots of feeding and bath time items and of course, crib and bedding that is just too adorable! I did register for plenty of blankets, crib sheets, diapers and wipes, and some miscellaneous baby care items. They had a good selection of baby Boppies, which is a pillow used to support baby during feeding and resting. I just love these pillows, with their unique designs and fun slip covers. It was really fun to check out all the latest baby technology, and I think we did good keeping our heads straight and registering for things that we need though.

Our next stop was Kohl's. Here we also set up a baby registry, knowing that mostly clothes would be here. It was so hard to register for any outfits. We had to try to guess her size and match that with the season it would be at around that age. Needless to say, this registry list is quite a bit shorter. I also added a couple of picture frames and some books and toys to the list.

We had a great day, but I sure was tired! It doesn't take much now that I am so far along to wear me down. So, we called it a day at that point and I planned for a late afternoon nap.

I had also registered for gifts at Wal-mart. Dean and I did that a week or so ago, kinda spur of the moment. That was really fun too, and I might have gotten carried away a bit there. But, we are finally all finished registering. Good thing, because dates for the baby showers are rapidly approaching!

A perfect report

Yesterday afternoon was another trip to Lexington for us. I had another doctor's appointment for a check-up on me and baby. The doctor said that everything was perfect! My blood pressure was really good and my sugar has been as well.

My weight stayed the same, bringing my total weight gain during pregnancy to 21 pounds. Not too shabby! I think that not gaining any weight between these appointments is largely due to the virus I had right after Christmas. Plus, Waverly is pulling all the nutrients and weight she needs from me, so everything is fine.

We listened to Waverly's heart beat. Her heart rate was 145. It is always good to hear her; very comforting to know that she is doing well. Dr. Bain measured my baby bump again, too. She said that everything is just as it should be. She asked if I had been feeling any contractions and explained that as long as it was irregular, it was normal. My uterus has grown to right up under my ribs now! That's why I can feel the baby kick so well and why I am carrying so high.

My next doctor appointment is scheduled in 2 weeks! We are nearing the finish line, as the doctor visits will become more frequent now. The last few weeks I will go to the doctor each week!

After such a good report from Dr. Bain, Dean and I were pretty happy with our progress. I can't wait till Waverly gets here!

Little Fingers, Little Toes

Last night, Dean and I completed another maternity course at Central Baptist Hospital. This one was all about how to care for a newborn. We brought our sweet little pink baby doll, complete with pacifier, to practice giving her a bath, diapering and swaddling a newborn.

The class started with a presentation about newborns. We covered what the baby will look like at birth, such as the color of baby's skin (blue at first, but turning pink with baby's first breaths) and the shape of baby's head. We also learned about how to care for the umbilical cord (don't do anything to it, it falls off on its own after 10-14 days).

There was also a pediatrician there who spoke about baby's immediate care while in the hospital. He also advised of how often baby would be going to the doctor for well visits and such. We talked about vaccinations and other pediatric concerns. One of the things Dean and I were surprised to learn is that a fever blister can really harm the baby and start an infection in baby's brain. Therefore, we will enforce our rule of no one but mommy and daddy kissing baby. Sorry, family, but hugs and cuddles is all you get for awhile!

We also talked about some of the hospital rules. There are no children allowed on the mother-baby unit unless it is a sibling to the newborn. They also refuse entry to anyone who may be ill. Both of these rules are to prevent the spread of germs, as it is still flu season. Security is also really strict at the hospital. Only hospital employees with a particular id tag are allowed to take your baby to the nursery or wherever she needs to go. The baby has a matching id bracelet to mom and dad. Also, the baby has an ankle monitor! Should the baby be carried into a restricted area, the elevators and doors shut down and people come running. It is nice to know that we wont have to worry about anything while we are at the hospital.

At the end of the class, we learned how to change a newborn's diaper, bath her and swaddle her in a blanket. We took turns swaddling our doll, and I must say, Dean did an excellent job! I am so excited that it wont be long before we can try our techniques out on our own little one.

Baby makes the belly go round!

With my big baby bump, I am finally willing to admit it - I have crossed the line into uncomfortable! With 7 weeks left, its several times during the night that I am awake for a potty break or a snack. It sure will be interesting to find out my weight at the next dr. appointment. Still, I have enjoyed being pregnant very much but I am looking forward to the next part.

Happy Birthday, Dean!

Well, another year older, honey! That's right, those birthdays just keep on coming!

We had a good day, full of rest for Dean! Because of all the snow we've had, he was catching up on his rest after working about 36 hours straight this week. He also had about 4-5 more hours early Saturday morning. So, we both slept in and then dozed most of the day.

This evening, we had dinner over at Mom and Dad's. Chicken pot pie, Dean's favorite, and chicken and dumplings. Of course, a chocolate cake with cream cheese icing and pure sugar decorations. The happy birthday candles didn't stand a chance - he must have made a big wish!

Big Brother and Big (Little) Sister

Of course, we think of our animals as family members around our home. Waverly's big brother Axel will have some practice behind him for getting used to a new baby. Crissy is just like his own little baby! He is super gentle with her and allows her to cuddle and play rough with him without any retaliation.

Water Bottles - the cheapest Christmas gift I ever bought. LOL. :)

Taking a break - we have been playing hard!

Axel had his first birthday on January 4, 2010! At one year old, he weighs in at 85 pounds. He has done very well in his training, excelling at obedience and protection work. We are very happy to have such a smart puppy! One of our many blessings, Axel is the true definition of 'Man's best friend'. He loves to play and run but also to come over and give you a big lick of hello. Not much of a cuddler, but those moments when he limbers over to ya and lays his big head in your lap are simply precious. Even though we know he's awesome, we are still surprised at how well he has done with our little Crissy.

A little bit country

My first dress - inherited from Big Sis Prissy

Out like a light!

Crissy is now 12 weeks old! She is growing so much and changing everyday. She weighed 3 pounds when we took her to the vet last weekend. Her hair has began to lose some of the puppy fuzz and she is getting silkier. I do believe she is teething now! She has no hesitation in biting and chewing on us and Axel. We are trying to encourage her to chew on a teether and stop the other biting. She is very smart and learning her tricks. She can sit and dance, but is still working on lay down. It is very cute when she copies what Axel is doing, especially his favorite trick - look out the window. She is still too little to see out! I know I'm prejudiced because she is mine, but she gives the best welcome I have ever received. Whenever I come home, she is so excited! She is jumping and running and wiggling. I always give her a hug hello and her tail is just wagging away. She plays and plays until she just crashes for a nap, often choosing to snuggle up with Axel.

Playing with daddy's sock. Crissy is mid-jump here.

Our little Waverly will be here before we know it. Only a little more than 7 weeks left! I'm sure her big bro and tiny, but older, big sis will be happy to have her around, especially when she is old enough to play! I was a little hesitant about getting a new puppy before the baby came, but now I think it really was the best plan. We can have her all trained before Waverly arrives, so that will be one hurdle down. It has also shown us how great Axel is at adjusting to new situations in the home and how wonderful he is at caring for others. I am so blessed to have a happy home, a loving husband, a house full of pets, and my little one on the way!

A Cancellation

As scheduled, we loaded up last night and rushed off to Lexington to attend another maternity course offered at Central Baptist Hospital. The class is called Great Expectations and is all about the things we need to know for having our baby at this facility. The class is supposed to be very informative and addressing questions like, How do I know I'm in labor? and When do I go to the hospital? It also gives directions and a tour so that we will all be prepared and know where to go and what to do when the time comes.

Well, I was so excited to take this course in particular. Unfortunately, the class was cancelled last night due to inclement weather. I must note here that the weather, though very cold, was just fine! There was no snow or ice or anything! They rescheduled the class date so we will try again on January 31!

The Big Day Care Search

With only 8 weeks to go, I am beginning to feel anxious. Wondering if 'nesting' is just a myth? Well, its not for me! I feel pressured to get the house clean, the addition finished and the baby's room started. It all makes me a bit nervous, and I'm also beginning to be a bit uncomfortable!

Well, I am trying to tackle the big day care search. Deciding who will take care of little Waverly when I return to work is a big decision. As much as I would like to stay home with her, it just wasn't in the cards for us. So, I have began calling local day cares and sitters. Honestly, I have put this off for awhile, just being pouty and grumpy that I can't stay home with the baby. Now its getting to be crunch time.

The wonderful world of day cares is a short list! I've called several and any that will not allow the parent to observe a day has been marked off my list. One thing I especially liked when I worked at the Montessori school was that all parents were welcome to stop by and observe their child at any given time. The good news is that many of the local day cares accept newborns, do not currently have wait lists and have low adult-child ratios (usually about 1 adult per 4 newborns).

The search continues, so if you have a recommendation, please email me!!!

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year, friends and family!

Dean and I spent a quiet new year's eve together. We had a nice dinner out and then rented some movies. We watched the puppies playing - they enjoy each other so much!



I actually fell asleep in my excitement for the new year, but I did wake up a little while before the big moment. We watched the ball drop and rang in the new year with kisses. Both our little Crissy and Axel slept right on, never missing a beat!