38 week update

No real news to report here except that all is on track for our induction in FIVE days on June 29th. Where has nine months gone?

We had our 38 week appointment on Thursday and Trey passed his BioPhysical Profile ultrasound test with flying colors again at 38 weeks, moving around enough to satisfy the ultrasound technician and breathing well. My amniotic fluid levels were again good, and my blood pressure was the best it has been in about four weeks! It's been in the normal range all along but was slightly elevated (above my norm) in the past month. This week it dropped back down to my normal rate, 100/62, so I was pretty pumped about that. The swelling in my feet, though still present, also seemed less prominent this week, I think because the rain has cooled off the temps. I swear there's a direct correlation between the heat and the size of my feet.

We (I say "we" now because Trey is contributing a good 7 plus pounds) weighed in at 154 pounds on Thursday - 32 pounds over my pre-pregnancy weight. While meeting with the OB I fully expected a vaginal exam to check for dilation (and had prepped Robert accordingly to witness the traumatic experience since he accompanied me on this last appointment) but to my surprise, and honestly relief, she didn't even bother with it. Seems it's not a big deal either way at this point since we know we're going to go in and get him on Wednesday regardless of how my cervix is cooperating. Little Buddy's cookin time is about to officially expire.

Once again we got what seemed like strangely few and far too simple official induction instructions: 1) no eating or drinking for me after midnight, and 2) be at the hospital at 7 a.m. Wednesday morning. I think we can handle that. We also got the warning the induction could take a long, long time. I'm fully expecting a late afternoon or Wednesday night baby but apparently it could even be much longer than that. I might need to rethink what I've packed for our waiting-time entertainment and beef it up a little. But hopefully Trey will get with the program and do his thing.

This week I've been in high gear (major adrenaline rush) trying to wrap up everything at work. Seriously haven't had this much energy in weeks. When I start back in late September after my 12 weeks of maternity leave I'm going to be transitioning to a new position as a major gifts officer for UAB's College of Arts and Sciences in a part-time capacity. I'm super excited about this opportunity to be more of a front-line fundraiser and expand my development experience as well as the flexibility it provides to have some time at home with Trey each week. But, due to the transition, I've had to wrap up some projects for my current position, Assistant Director of Stewardship and Donor Relations, as well as pack up my office since I'll be relocating to a new building across campus. And, the lady who is temporarily replacing me until a new Assistant Director is hired couldn't start until Monday, so I'll be cross-training her for good chunks of the day next week on Monday and Tuesday with limited time to wrap up the few projects remaining. All that to say this workday was spent in high gear packing up my office, sorting files, finishing projects, etc.

Robert has actually been in nesting and cleaning mode, tackling cleaning out our attic this week and doing some major sorting, purging, and reorganizing of the crazy amounts of stuff we've accumulated up there in four and a half years of marriage. So thankful for his willingness to take on this project and knock it out before Trey arrives.

This weekend we're taking a fun date night out and I'm also grabbing lunch with a sweet college friend and former roommate, Leigh. I can't wait to see her baby boy, Jack, who I'm sure has just grown like a weed since I last saw him. And of course I've got the pre-delivery pedicure on the weekend agenda.

I'm also hoping to straighten up the house and wash the sheets. And probably double check our hospital bags just to make sure I've packed everything. (A little obsessive compulsive? Probably. But if I sleep better Tuesday night it will be worth it.)

This week I commenced and completed "Operation Cake Pops," putting together some special treats for our friends and family who come to visit and welcome Trey in the hospital and after we get home. Robert was slightly appalled at the shear number of cake pops in our kitchen and now in our freezer. But seriously, everyone knows cake pops come in the dozens. There's just no other way to make them, Plus there's no way you can eat just one. We've been thoroughly enjoying my trial batch the past several weeks anyway. Hmm...maybe that's contributed to those 32 pounds of baby weight we're tallying up to these days.

And finally, though they really aren't pretty, here are the pictures at 37 and 38 weeks, respectively.

The first was taken on Monday, two days shy of 38 weeks. The second was taken today (Friday) at 38 weeks, 2 days. (Both with our brand new Nikon camera Robert ordered which is amazing. I think it will be perfect to capture all the memories of our little man as he makes his debut.)

You can see that I'm pretty much ginormous (even Ashton Kutcher's camera can't make that look good), but as large as I look and feel Trey really feels so much larger instead me these days. He moves and literally my whole abdomen responds to the "sea monster" rolling and tumbling in there. Certain body parts (especially his little hiney) are very recognizable these days. I think he's a little cramped for space.

Last weekend we wrapped up shopping for baby and the only items left to order are our Bob Revolution jogging stroller. His cute little monogrammed diaper bag from pottery barn kids arrived this week, so I think we're good to go.

I think...

37 week update

I'm a little tardy on this post but wanted to share some quick stats from our 37 week doctor appointment last Thursday.

But first, hallelujah for making it to full team! It's very comforting to know that should something (aka, labor or an emergency that requires going into labor) happen with little buddy at any point, he's got most all of his systems in place to not only survive but thrive outside the womb. When you are part of a high risk clinic, you realize just how amazing of a feat this is, and not one to be taken for granted. We are very thankful for the health God has blessed us with throughout this pregnancy.

So, in addition to another weekly biophysical profile test (which Trey scored a perfect 8 out of 8 on), we also measured his this week. According to his growth stats, he's in the 63rd percentile weighing in at 6 lbs, 11 ounces. If he incubates another two weeks prior to induction on June 29, we're looking at approximately another pound of weight gain before birth.

Also, my fluid levels and blood pressure were good.

Shower Part Deux - UAB Style

Have I mentioned that I work with some of the nicest, greatest people in Birmingham? My wonderful colleagues at UAB have been so excited about Trey's pending arrival ever since we announced our pregnancy. They even threw me the sweetest baby shower on May 20, and boy did I ever feel loved!

A big thank you goes out to my co-worker Melanie (who made the precious wreath above - now hanging on Trey's closet door, and also took these awesome pics), my co-worker Cappy, and my boss Daphne who together hosted the shower. I am truly blessed to also call these ladies, and so many of my other co-workers, close friends and am grateful for the office friendships I have developed over the last four years at UAB.

Had to also post the cute evite below since it was precious.

The ladies truly outdid themselves decorating our penthouse conference room with vintage books and toys and lovely hydrangeas. I don't believe that I've ever seen that room look so cute!

The shower was potluck (sweets and salads) over the lunch break, so everyone came with goodies to share, and boy did we have the yummiest spread! It doesn't take much to get our crew together to eat, socialize, and celebrate good times.

Everyone was so generous! We got so many wonderful baby items. I am enjoying writing my thank you notes and reminding myself of how blessed I am to have such great colleagues and of just how much support we have!

A donor relations colleague I know through our professional association who works at Hamilton College made this precious blanket for Trey and shipped in from New York for the shower! Such a special surprise.

Baby Showers Galore!

Our sweet church family threw us a baby shower on May 21st. I am so thankful to my precious hostesses who completely outdid themselves with the food and decorations. Doesn't everything look just beautiful! And it was all so delicious too. A huge thank you to Hallie, Ruth, Brenda, Sara, Laura Lee, and Monica for all the effort they put into making me feel so special and showing Christ's love to our growing family!

I had to also include a pic of the invitation because it was just so precious.

I was especially thankful to have so many members of our family attend this shower. Robert's mom and sisters all made long trips from South Carolina and Kentucky with their families to be with us to celebrate. It was wonderful to not only have them there for this special time but to have their immeasurable help with setting up the nursery, sorting through gifts, and making sure everything was all set for Trey's arrival. We made so much progress in one weekend it was unbelievable. Between this shower and another my sweet colleagues at work threw the day before, we had so many great gifts for Trey to put out and set up.

I was also so glad to have my mom, Big Mama (grandmother), and David's sweet girlfriend Emily (who made the trip from Tuscaloosa) there. I love these family shots Monica took for us.

While posting all these shower pics I've discovered it's really hard to have pictures made of you while opening gifts and not end up looking like your mouth is wide open the whole time! Let's just say I was giving lots of "ohhs" and "ahhs" over all the precious things Trey received!

Trey's Aunt Rebecca got him his first little backpack with his name monogrammed and with little airplanes to match his daddy, and Trey's MiMi gave him this precious stuffed elephant with his named monogrammed on the ear, which is currently hanging out in his crib waiting on him.

We got so many cute burp clothes and great books and lots of wonderful other items. I am so grateful to our sweet church family for truly showering us with blessings - not just physical but with the prayers, encouragement, love, advice, and support they have shown the past eight months and will no doubt continue to show as we embark on parenthood.

Oh, and I just love the wipe case and custom shoes Trey's Aunt Liz made for him. Perfect for gameday!

Thank you sweet church family (and your adorable kiddos) for coming out to the shower!

 

T minus 20 days (aka, 36 week update)

Had our 36 week doctor's appointment today and my OB officially set our induction date for June 29th!

Holy moly.

We're going to have a real, live, hungry, needy, cute, little, baby - outside of the womb - in 20 days! Let the official countdown begin.

We are very thankful for another good report. Trey again passed his BPP ultrasound test, moving enough to make them happy with his viability even though he was mostly asleep the whole time. He was doing the cutest thing swallowing in his sleep though. It was so neat to see it on the ultrasound. He's head down and basically crammed in there from head to toe. Not much room to move around these days.

My amniotic fluid levels were again good. So was my blood pressure. This was also the first time I've had a vaginal exam during pregnancy - to check for dilation. Let's just say there was none. I think the word "closed" was used one more than one occasion. I gained two more pounds this week to total 152. Which is actually right at 30 over pre-pregnancy weight. (I did the match wrong on the l35 week post and was only 28 pounds above pre-pregnancy last week.)

And here's the 36 week pic of the ginormous belly...scratch that...baby. Next week they'll take his measurements during the ultrasound so we'll get an idea of just how much he's weighing in at two weeks before birth.



On the home front I made major progress this week in getting ready for his arrival. Mostly because I started freaking out after feeling different pains and pressures down there. (Not sure they were contractions but maybe just pains from him dropping; can't really tell if he has but regardless things are feeling a little different these days.) Of course, it could be related to the four miles I walked Tuesday night, after which I was pretty sure I was going to die. There was definitely some prayer that I would make it to the end of the trail and back to my car without my legs falling off. I think it's just getting harder to carry the extra weight for that long, so I'm probably going to have to adjust my exercise routine to less activity more regularly.

Regardless, as of Tuesday night our bags are now packed and ready to go.

Detailed the car this weekend. (Only to have it randomly egged while parked on our street in front of our house! Seriously, who does that? Needless to say, the outside also got a good cleaning this week.) And installed the carseat!

We also had our list childbirth class this week. Monday night we took an Infant CPR course at UAB, actually a seperate course offered independently of the childbirth class series. It was Robert's idea and was probably the best $10 we've ever spent. I hope we never have to use it but I'm so glad to now at least be prepared. It only lasted about an hour and a half, and we even brought home the blow-up doll so we can practice if we need too. Or if any of you parents to be out there want to borrow it you just let me know. I'm sure you can find the American Heart Association practice videos online.

We've ordered a new camera since we're actually going to have someone cute to take pics of, which should be arriving from Amazon tomorrow.

Robert is picking up our long-awaited rocker and ottoman tomorrow, so the last piece of the nursery will be complete, and then I promise I will post nursery pics this weekend! (Just had to wait until it was "finished"!)

T minus 20 days!

32/33 Week Update

Yesterday we had my "almost 33 weeks" OB appointment.

Trey was 4.5 pounds (at two days shy of 33 weeks) and is doing well. His growth is on target. He's measuring somewhere between the 55th and 60th percentile in growth - so shaping up to look like a good, healthy, average baby.

They are going to start seeing me weekly beginning next week. Because of my connective tissue disease, I have an elevated risk of stillbirth in the third trimester, so we will have targeted ultrasounds to look for specific biomarkers every week from here on out to test him to make sure he is breathing okay, moving okay, etc. Basically, these tests will ensure that he's not in distress. The ultrasounds could take up to 30 minutes each time because they have to grade him on the four factors they are testing (breathing, movement, can't remember the other two at the moment...). So needless to say, they are watching the little guy closely in this final stage, and for that we are grateful. They will also moniter my amniotic fluid level to make sure that's on target as well.

And, my doc pretty much said that if all still looks good she would likely induce me at 39 weeks because waiting until 40 weeks and especially waiting until 41 weeks further increases the risk for a stillbirth, a chance she doesn't really want to take.

SO, looks like chances are good we are having a June baby and not a July baby - but we're just going to play it by ear, week to week, for now. One week is not a huge deal, and of course he could come on his own much earlier than that, but for some reason thinking "June baby" vs. "July baby" is a big change for me. I think I was in a little bit of shock leaving the doctor and had to reprocess this new date in my head. Of course, by the end of the day yesterday Robert and I were both gearing up for "T minus 6 weeks" until we get to meet our little man - if not before. That's certainly exciting, even if I have to be induced. Which, again, is not a huge deal - just not exactly what I was expecting. But we're all about being flexible these days.

If I am induced, I have a higher likelihood of needing a c-section because I didn't go into labor naturally, mainly because it's my first pregnancy. But my doctor said the more walking I do and activity I keep up in the next six weeks the better my chance of having my labor progress naturally even if they do induce - and thus less likely the c-section.

So here's to trying to keep staying active in the last seven (strike that, six) weeks! And here's to being thankful for my sweet friends Katie Crawford, Anna Kathryn Ellis, and Pam Kwena for walking the Lakeshore trail with me faithfully for the past several weeks and months and sometimes pushing me the entire 5 miles (down and back) because all that has been good for me and baby - and apparently we need to keep it up for as long as I am able. Warning: I may turn in to less of a talking "walking buddy" and more of a really good listener - primarily because I'm out of breath! And thanks to other sweet friends who have now promised to be my walking buddies.

Oh, and we did have an ultrasound yesterday with another chance to see our little man in 4D, as you can see from his little picture at the top of this post. He's still head down (hallelujah for being in the birthing position already) but had his little head tucked to the side, of course with his arms right up by his face the whole time so it was a little difficult to get a good profile shot. He's basically crammed in there. Good thing he's flexible (as evidenced by another 2D shot where you can see his toes are touching his forehead as his feet are extended straight up (knees flexed) pushing against the top of my uterus and hence my ribs, lungs, etc.).

Yep, flexibility is good because his personal quarters are about to get even tighter in the next seven... (strike that, six...) weeks as he packs on the pounds in preparation fo his big debut.

Nesting

Disclaimer: I should have posted this at the end of April. It was saved as a draft which I found and am posting now. As an update, the nesting has gotten a little better (as in calmed down) now, but for a while there it was insane. Warning to anyone expecting: This stage really does come out of no where. All of a sudden you're a cleaning, purging, tireless machine. Might want to tie your husband and pets to the couch so you don't throw them away or donate them to the thrift store with everything else you discard in prep for baby.

I totally thought this stage would skip me entirely, but it's here. In all its crazy glory.

Let's just say that, based on the past two weekends and even some weeknights after a full day's work, they could make a reality show about me entitled something like "Adventures in Nesting..." (dun, dun, dun - imagine the scary music in your head).

The show would be like "Hoarders" in reverse, but completely as shocking and just as dangerous. I'm already a little bit of an obsessive cleaner and neat freak. But mostly it's because I just like things in order. A place for everything and everything in its place. But this is a whole new level of insanity. And it came out of no where.

I'm talking about cleaning out junk drawers and cabinets in the kitchen, going through ALL my clothes and discarding what I don't and never will wear - then going through some of Robert's, cleaning out entire closets, and making about a gazillion trips to the thrift store to donate the items we purged. I donated everything from clothes and coffee mugs (to make room in the cabinets for bottles and such after horrifyingly realizing we had no kitchen cabinet room for baby's stuff) to random wedding gifts and old laptops (we had four!).

It's amazing what you can accumulate and store that you never ever use. We should probably go through the house like this every year just to keep things under control. Though it would be even better if we had better self control and didn't buy or accumulate stuff we don't need along the way.

Ah, so much to learn.

31/32 weeks update

Wow. Time is a flyin' by. I was 32 weeks yesterday and realized I never posted an update on my 31 week appointment.

The short and sweet is that all is well and Baby Trey looks good and is growing on schedule. We are so blessed and grateful for God's goodness throughout all the stages of this pregnancy.

The Highlights (in brief):

-Trey is head down (or was last week) and in his birthing position. He's kicking up a storm - mostly to my lungs. Little buddy is getting strong, and mom's taking a beating.

-Fundal measurement was 31 cm- right on target for two days shy of 31 weeks when they took it.

-Heart rate was strong. Came through loud and clear on the doppler. Dr. Richards found it nearly immediately, and also found his head - nestled down there in my pelvis. Again, he's getting big.

-Weight gain was consistent with 28 week appointment - I'm still hovering at about 20 pounds above pre-pregnancy weight, though I suspect that is currently on the rise given the rapid weight gain he goes through in the next eight weeks (doubling weight). He's probably between 3.5 and 4 pounds right now.

-Ultrasound appointment coming next Monday (May 16) so hopefully we'll have some more pics to post on our little man as well as updates on his size and progress to date.

In other news, this post and the others I've been meaning to write for the past three weeks are delayed mostly because we've been crazy busy lately with nursery and baby prep, childbirth classes, work, volunteering, church, disaster response, etc.

I have been meaning to blog about the storms and how God has used them to teach Robert and I so much about the gospel, what it means to be Christ's hands and feet to a hurting community, how to really help, etc.

I also have a mother's day post in here somewhere and hope to get that up soon.

30 Weeks

Today marks week 30 of pregnancy. It's the fourth quarter folks. Go ahead and hold up four fingers and play that Green Day song because we're in the home stretch.

30 weeks down, 10 to go.

Though according to our recent childbirth class, it may be more like 6 or 7 weeks to go, or maybe 11 or 12 weeks to go. Apparently we need to be ready and flexible because Baby Trey is on his own schedule, and we're just along for the ride.

Speaking of childbirth classes, so far we've had one in a series of five with our second tonight. And to be honest they have been much less traumatic than I expected. For this I am thankful, though they have four more opportunities (including one in less than 12 hours) to scare the heebie jeebies out of me.

Week One we pretty much went over the basics of the third trimester leading up to delivery - true vs. false labor, signs of preterm labor, how to time contractions, when to call the doctor, danger signs, etc. Mostly I was just relieved to walk into the room and find it set up like a classroom with tables, chairs, and a projector rather than a gym with mats and big round exercise balls. There were a few graphic animated video clips showing various aspects of delivery, but nothing too traumatic. The hip skeleton model with the fake baby was a little weird, especially when the instructor, a labor and delivery LPN, tried to force the baby through the hips to show us the whole process of that eventful trip through the birth canal. Let's just say it looked like things weren't quite going to fit. Most of the information was actually pretty useful and news to my virgin ears (Ha! No pun intended... Sorry. Clearly just cracked myself up.), so at least we're that much more prepared.

To be honest, I was a little on the fence about the value of attending childbirth classes at all. It just seems like with some things in life it just might be best to remain in the dark on the details until you have to know (ignorance is bliss, right?). And even then, in the case of childbirth, to just let the doctors and nurses tell you what to do when you need to do it. I'm not all about being an expect on labor and delivery since I plan to have a room full of them and go through it at most three times during my lifetime, but then again this is coming from the girl whose birth plan is one word - epidural. In the end, I say to each her own, and more power to you, but I am glad we decided to do the classes.

I may change my tune after tonight. On the docket for Week Two is the stages of labor (with the scary labor video, or so I've been warned) and medical interventions (if that is code for "drugs," yes please). But if we survive that we get the tour of UAB's brand spankin' new Women & Infants Center including the L&D rooms, postpartum rooms, and newborn nursery.

I actually can't wait for Robert to see this. Working in development at UAB, we've given this tour to donors dozens of times. I've been at UAB four years now, and though I wasn't around for the groundbreaking I was here for much of the fundraising for this space, as well as the dedication and grand-opening. We've done hardhat tours, post opening tours,donor signage, and everything in between. I'm so proud of our facilities, especially the RNICU. This first-class facility for women and infant services now truly matches the first-class care that's always been at UAB. That's our little catch phrase, but it really is true. I wouldn't be delivering at UAB if I didn't think so.

As familiar as I am with this space on a professional level, I'll probably be paying a little more attention this time around since we'll be calling the WIC home for a few days come early July. More details on Week Two classes to come, pending I'm not so scarred from the video that I can recall them.

New pregnancy symptoms at 30 weeks:

-I'd say the first is a general slowness. Things just aren't happening as quickly these days, probably because of the second new symptom...

-Heaviness. Baby is getting bigger. So am I. Though I'm still staying active and keeping up the best I can with my walks and other exercise, my pace is definitely off. Again, I think the massive tummy poking out front is to blame. It's also the reason for the third new symptom...

-Clumsiness. Basically, I've turned into a klutz. Believe it or not, this is actually new territory for me. It's got to be due to the fact that with all that weight out front my balance is completely off. I've almost tripped trying to step out of pants oh, about a dozen times and actually find myself running into my office furniture (desk, bookshelf, credenza) while at work when I'm getting up from my desk. I'm not making sudden, swift movements (lets be honest, nothing is sudden and swift these days). I'm just trying to move normally, but somehow I manage to do it leaning or falling over. It's the weirdest thing.

-And then there are the basics - insomnia, heartburn, an almost ever-present need to use the bathroom...just par for the course. Oh, and trying oh so hard to remember to do those darn kegels. I heard the 5-5-5 rule was good. Five times in a row, for five seconds each, once every hour for five hours each day.

In all seriousness, I'm actually very grateful to still be working full time and feeling fairly well for the most part, keeping active and staying up on most of my activities. God has been good to us and continues to bless this pregnancy, and for that we are thankful and blessed.

On the nursery front, my mother-in-law is making wonderful progress on Trey's bedding. I get so excited every time she texts me a pic of her handiwork in progress - the bumpers or skirt or monogram. They'll be in town the weekend of May 20-22 along with Robert's sisters, so I'll post pics of the finished product then or shortly thereafter once we've got everything in place.

Still waiting on the rocker and hoping it comes in the next three to four weeks. Ordered the rug for the nursery last night along with the chandelier. Am close to finalizing the artwork and need to paint a few pieces of furniture, but for the most part we're on the home stretch with nursery prep too.

It's the fourth quarter folks. Here's hoping this one doesn't go into overtime.

P.S. - The journalist in me decided to just bite the bullet and include the 30 week photo at the top of this post...with the following disclaimer: Holy Moly I'm huge!!!! Everyday people at the office or around town say nice things like "you look so good" or "what a cute baby bump" or "you're so little." But now that I see this photo that Robert took I'm beginning to think they're fudging the truth. I'm ginormous. Where on earth did that belly come from?

Nursery Part 2 - Fabrics and Crib

So, here's our crib for Trey (stock photo for now). I'm a big fan. It's a convertable, 3 -n-1 something or other, transforming into a toddler bed and then a full bed...I think. I honestly can't remember. The crib shopping was a bit mind-dizzying. There are a gazillion options, and pretty much the consumer ratings are none existent since it's basically a furniture purchase and all about aesthetics, preference, and style. That makes it difficult for a girl who likes to go with the highest rated product and check it off the list. But I do love this style. I knew I wanted white to go with the shabby chic/french county/antique mix-matched look I was going for in his nursery. I'm not sure we'll ever use the bed as anything other than a crib considering other kids down the road that will need to occupy it probably before Trey hits the toddler bed stage, but it's nice to have the option. And I do love the solid wood back on the crib.

I am so blessed to have a very talented and very giving/serving/loving mother-in-law who is custom making all of Trey's crib bedding in addition to his drapes, a pillow or two, an extra blanket and possibly a few other items like liners for baskets. The fabrics I hand-picked with lots of advice and help from both Robert's mom and mine. I think it will look great and can't wait to see it all together. It's kind of a preppy little boy meets classic navy/sailor (minus any sailor motif) look. You'll probably just have to wait and see - as I will - it all together to get the full effect, but nonetheless, for your blog viewing pleasure, here's the fabric swatches we're using. I personally adore them!

Light blue/navy argyle (where the "baby boy preppy" comes in)

This is for the corice boards above the two windows, inside crib bumper panels, and bottom edge lining of the crib skirt. Also will cover the chandelier lamp shades and one side of a blanket (if I'm remembering correctly). Sweet mother-in-law has it all down.

Navy Kimono print (where the classic sailor-ish looks comes from)

This is the front of the bumper pads and a few other places to accent. Used minimally because it's such a fun, bold pattern.

Navy Linen (more classic look)

Using this primarily for the window panels and crib skirt. Also for the inside third of the back crib bumper, which will have his monogram or name in white (surrounded on either side by the argyle panels). Also, the crib skirt in this will have a bottom edge lining in the argyle as a little accent punch and to tie in the top and bottom of the bedding in a nice argyle package.

Grey Minky Dot (aka, the baby fabric)

This is our crib sheet. Super soft. Should tie in nicely with the grey walls and grey rocker/glider.

Here's the rocker/glider we ordered - Little Castle Capri Glider in "Bliss Putty" fabric. Originally intended to go with the grey twill fabric in the pic below of the glider, but after going to Storkland for the third time (ok, my third time; Robert's first) we opted for the heavier, higher quality damask patterned fabric in bliss putty, which looked nicer and sturdier and better at hiding spit-up stains, which will inevitably come despite the fancy "ultrashield" (sounds rather superhero-esqu, doesn't it?) fabric protectant we ordered on both the rocker/glider and ottoman. Also, the nicer fabric will work later in a den, living room, etc., since this baby comes with a 10-year warrenty, and we're hoping it lasts a while through many different family stages. It's about the most comfortable thing you've ever sat in, and considering we're going to be doing a lot of sitting, we knew this was the one nursery purchase we didn't want to skimp on. Scheduled to deliver in 6 to 8 weeks, so we're looking at the end of May.

Fabric for the glider/rocker - "Bliss putty"

All this came about after months of searching what seemed like a ton of nursery decorating options and checking out so may fun websites with custom bedding, fabrics, etc. I would recommend http://www.polkatotdesigns.com/ based out of Mobile, Alabama. Lots and lots of great crib bedding sets that help you see what fabric selections looks good together. You can browse to just get ideas, or order a set they've already put together, or even work with them to make your own. View crib bedding sets for boys, girls, or even gender neutral patterns. Even though Robert's mom is making Trey's bedding, this site helped me a ton! Also the Carousel Designs website (http://www.babybedding.com/) which lets you custom design your own crib bedding using this really cool online tool to select fabric for the bumpers, skirt, etc. Once you've selected one, it even recommends other fabrics that match for different parts of the bedding. They have a decent mix of cute fabrics for boys and girls, but the best part is the online tool. If you're a "need to see it in person" kinda girl (which I recommend to ensure you like what you're getting and to check the print size, etc., - BUT order online because 9 times out of 10 it's cheaper that way) then go to the Becker's booths at Homewood Antiques Market or Greystone Antique Market. She's got lots of great matching nursery fabrics paired together, but much much more for little girls than little boys. (Unfortunately, this is true everywhere.) I also checked out local fabric shops King Cotton Decorator Fabrics on Greenspring Highway, Calico Corners in Hoover, and even JoAnne's, where we scored the classic navy linen fabric at half off. Use coupons if you have them and shop for the best prices online after checking out what you want in the store. And, make a nice fabric swatch inspiration board. This helped me immensely. I went ahead and paid the $1 swatch plus shipping to order dozens of fabric swatches from http://www.warmbiscuit.com/ and other cute online retailers that have prints you just can't find in stores. It's well worth it to make sure you love your selections before purchasing by the yard. Also, it saved me from going with my original choice of bedding (which I thought was a pretty cornflower blue and yellow stripped pattern) that ended up being all gray and yellow with no blue. I just couldn't do that to my little boy. Actually, that gray probably inspired the gray motif that we're going with now, some you never know where you get inspiration. When I was feeling nasty and pregnant during my first trimester, what I was most excited about was getting to decorate a new room in the house and put together a custom nursery. It's been so much fun. Lots of work too, but so exciting to prepare for the arrival of a new member of the family. Can't wait to see it all come together! Still have a few items on the to-do list (purchase rug, chandelier, paint armoir, etc.), but we're getting there.

25 weeks

25 weeks today. Baby is definitely bigger. How big is debatable.

Three different email updates stated the following, so next time you’re in the grocery store and spot an eggplant, small bag of sugar, or rutabaga, think of Baby Trey. Or don’t – because I don’t think he looks anything like any of those, though his size may be roughly comparable this week.

Your baby weighs 1 1/4 pounds and is a little more than 11 inches long, about the size of a small bag of sugar.

He rivals a rutabaga - about 1 1/2 pounds. (Length: 13 1/2 inches, head to heel.) Head to heels, your baby now measures about 13 1/2 inches. His weight — a pound and a half — isn't much more than an average rutabaga

Baby's now the size of an eggplant!

And apparently there’s only more growth to come. In the last third of pregnancy, he'll double and triple his weight. Here we go.

New developments this week – MAJOR movement!

I knew Little Buddy was getting active, but didn’t realize until the past three or four days just how strong and more frequent his kicks have gotten. The other night he was going crazy. I had a hunch Robert might be able to feel his punches and kicks if he put his hand to my stomach, and sure enough dad was able to feel Trey in there practicing his dance moves or soccer kicks or whatever it is he keeps doing with those leg and arm muscles. It was a special moment. And confirmed I wasn't going crazy whenever I wince or react to a random punch or kick.

Other baby developments:

That oh-so-handy sense of equilibrium is kicking in, and baby's learning to distinguish right side up from upside down. (Hence the flipping I think is going on in there.)

Baby can touch and hold his feet and make a fist (and then punch mom with it in utero)

Dad may be able to hear his heartbeat by pressing his ear against your belly (I thought this might be the case. Some days I think I can feel the beat of his little heart rhythm in there, but didn’t know if I was making it up or not.)

Baby has a regular sleep schedule now and active and inactive periods. (Yep, we just need to get our patterns on the same schedule. This late night activity is keeping me from falling asleep. An experienced mom and work told me to literally rock him back and forth, either by swaying in bed or standing up, or walking around the room, to put him back to sleep. Might have to try this technique if things keep up.) You may or may not be able to discern what those periods are. (Nope, I got them. Cycles fully discerned.)

His nostrils, which have been plugged, open up. (Yea for a working sniffer.)

Baby is beginning to exchange his long, lean look for some baby fat. (Finally!) As he does, his wrinkled skin will begin to smooth out and he'll start to look more and more like a newborn.

He's also growing more hair — and if you could see it, you'd now be able to discern its color and texture. (Can’t wait to see. Baldness is acceptable too. I’m not going to be a picky mom. We’re going for healthy here, people.)

Third Trimester Confusion

So, apparently there's differences of opinion on when "technically" the third trimester begins. Here's what I discovered after doing a little online research (not always recommended but in this case surprisingly helpful).

You are only technically pregnant 266 days if you go full term. The 280 days is full term plus 2 weeks prior to ovulation--when you weren't even pregnant. If you go by the 40 weeks (280 days) the math would be 13.3 weeks and you would be in your third trimester at about 27 weeks. If you go by 266 days, you would be starting your third trimester in the 25th week. So, docs go between 25-28 weeks for that reason.

We'll, since I'm now 25 weeks, one of my weekly baby/pregancy email updates sent me the following message:

Welcome to the third trimester! You're really in the homestretch now. While reaching the third trimester feels like great progress, with it comes a return to fatigue, dizziness, and constant trips to the bathroom. To relieve back, hip and leg pain now, try to keep walking, swimming, practicing yoga or doing any other nonweight-bearing activity. This also can help you recover faster physically after childbirth. To make sure you'll enjoy your baby shower, schedule it between weeks 30 and 36; you'll still be spry enough to enjoy it.

Well okay then, I guess we'll just embrace the third trimester now since fatique, back pain, and restless sleep are starting to again become my constant friends. All a small price to pay in the long run for a little buddle of joy. Overall, I really am feeling great (can't complain) and have had a very nice and uneventful (someone please knock on wood - immediately) pregancy to date.

Here's hoping for smooth sailing in the home stretch. I can't believe we're already to that phase. Enjoy each stage of life because they certainly do fly by.

Trey's First Baby Shower

Some sweet friends threw me a baby shower on March 12, and I was honestly so overwhelmed with gratitude for all the wonderful love and support from everyone who was there to celebrate with us. Such great generosity and excitement about welcoming Baby Trey to our family! We are truly blessed by amazing friends and family.

My sweet hostesses were so creative and energetic. The shower was amazing! I was touched by the cousins, aunts, and family members who traveled from afar, the old friends and college roommates, bridesmaids and special friends both old and new from so many stages in my life who came to be with me from Auburn and Tuscaloosa and all parts of Birmingham. Even sweet friends who mailed gifts because they couldn't be there in person. It made it all so special. Here are some pics from the shower. (My sweet mom did an amazing job of capturing all the memories for me!)




Katie Crawford - truly a hostess with the mostess, who opened up her home for the shower and designed the cute invitations. Sweet Michelle made Trey's beautiful diaper wreath with the cute elephant. Laura made and iced and decorated the delicious cake with cream cheese icing! Jess came from Jacksonville and Amy came from Arkansas just to be there and help host. Ash and Anne did so much to help plan from Birmingham, buying our Chico pack n play for the hostess gift - which I was so excited to get - and making sure everything was great. These ladies are amazing and sure know how to shower a friend with love and support during a special time.

Cute decorations for our "III" and the delicious and beautiful cake!

Thanks everyone for making the day so special!