It happened (not the baby)

I swole... swelled?  Not sure the proper past tense of swell, so let's just say I am swollen.  Wop wop.  So vain.  :)  I made it 37.5 weeks and then bam, Friday night I had something close to cankles.  I woke up Saturday morning and they were gone, so I thought I might be in the clear.  Started doing chores and when Matt came downstairs (we've been sleeping in different beds... so romantic!), I lifted my pants to show him that my cankles were gone.  But, they were back.  'Tis pregnancy.  They haven't been too bad, and up until yesterday, my fingers seemed to be pretty normal but now my rings are getting a little tight, so not sure I'll make it until delivery on that front.  But, that's okay.  I am so thankful I didn't swell earlier, because the swollen feet are a bit uncomfortable, I must say.  And, I can still fit in my shoes (flats) so I can't imagine if they were even worse!  I didn't expect that it was uncomfortable, in addition to unattractive.  :)  Oh, and as if I needed proof that I was swelling, I gained 3 lbs in 5 days between my 37 and 38 week appointments.  Gotta love that scale creeping up like that right at the end, even if it is water!

Anyway, in less vain news... it would seem that there is a compatibility issue between the size of my pelvic opening and my child's head.  Now, this is really speculation on my part, but you must know that I was only 6 lbs 6 oz and after being induced and cranking up the pitocin to the highest dose, my mom did not dilate, feel a single contraction (no epidural), and I did not drop.  So, they did a c-section.  Back in the good ol' days, they used to do pelvic x-rays (which explains a lot for those who know me personally) ;) and my mom has what they called borderline pelvis.  My dad's mom also had the same thing.  So, I guess small pelvic openings run in the family.  My OB confirmed that I have an oddly shaped pubic bone, thus making my pelvic opening smaller than normal.  Matt and I also had abnormally large heads.  So, I can only speculate that Greer's head is not going to fit through, especially when I can literally feel her on top of my pelvis and in my hips (no one else seems to know what they heck I am talking about when I explain this but I feel her in my bones... it's very strange).  Also, I am sealed tight and not the least bit effaced, and the doctor joked that she was almost to my tonsils when she did my pelvic exam this week.  Sooooo, all that to say that at this point, it does not appear she's going to come on her own.  I have my 39 week appointment Monday, and if I am still not progressing at all, we'll likely discuss a c-section.  I've always assumed I would have c-sections (my mom had three) and never thought much about it, but after getting pregnant, I really changed my tune and want to deliver vaginally.  At the same time, I'm not going to force the issue.  I went to acupuncture this week in the hopes that she can get my body to start doing something... even if I'm only a centimeter dilated, we'll probably go for an induction next week just because we know that there is definitely going to be a size issue at some point if it's not already an issue.  I would love to at least try, and if nothing happens, so be it.

So, anyway.  Next Friday is my birthday and I am REALLY hoping for the best birthday present EVER.  But, no matter when or how it happens, as long as we are both healthy, that is what truly matters.  CANNOT WAIT to meet my girl!!!!  Eeeeeeek!  We are ready, and I even got my hair did (as you can see between my 37 and 38 week photos, or at least I can see... wow, it was bad).  Come, little one!

Two of my besties enjoying a spring weather tease last weekend.  Greer and Baby W are going to have a little love connection, I'm sure.  He has lots of competition though!  ;)

It's the final countdown...

Sorry if like me, you'll now be singing that song all day.  I am officially full term... 37 weeks today.  It's crazy to think of how far we've come, and that we're really oh so very very close to meeting our daughter.  We are "officially" ready.  Her room is as complete as it will be before she comes, though I'd eventually like to add more art, accessories, and pillows for the daybed.  The carseat is installed.  Hospital bags are as packed as they will be until it is time.  Now, we wait.  :)  Work has been crazy and I definitely have some things to wrap up here, but whatever will be will be.

Wonder how many more of these I'll take... 37 weeks to come after tonight.

This weekend, Matt and I did the Junior League's Shamrock n Roll 5K/10K.  To be very clear, we walked the 5K.  And it took us almost an hour.  Ooops.  Hey, that's what happens when you're having major Braxton Hicks the whole time!  :)  I usually run it in about 30 minutes, so it was funny to be lapped twice by many of the 10K runners (they start 15 minutes after the 5K race).  Matt actually has a hairline fracture in his tibia and a sprained MCL thanks to his ski trip and doing a double black bowl (why I ask?  a professional he is not), so he couldn't run either.  Just thankful that his injury doesn't require surgery, because we thought it might be a torn miniscus.  Anywho.

Three of the loves of my life.

Good morning, Atlanta!

This just makes me laugh.  Whoa belly.  Probably doesn't help that I crammed by 37 week belly into a non-maternity, somewhat fitted shirt.  Haha.

After the race and a nice nap, I finished up Greer's room (for now) while Matt was taking care of other things.  I swear, when it comes to nesting in the sense of organizing and throwing things away, Matt is the man.  He's done virtually all of that, but I definitely am more into the cleaning side of things and want everything to be spotless (please note that this is impossible with two large, hairy dogs).

The iPhone photos aren't the best, but they're the best I'm going to do for now.  :)  The colors aren't quite as bright as they appear in the photos (the pink is a salmon/coral pink rather than hot pink, the monogram is a softer aqua than it appears, etc.).  Capella did the base design, sourcing things like the daybed, rug, wall color, etc., and I came in and added the more personal touches that any mom (um, weird... mom) would want to have control over.  The pups were painted by Amy Yeager, and she did an AMAZING job.  There's still some things I'd like to do in there, but that will happen eventually.  I am very happy with the way it turned out.  I find it both calm and playful at the same time, and I hope she will grow into it and love it... and maybe share a room with a little sister or brother some day.  :)  It's a big room!

For 37 weeks pregnant, I'm still feeling pretty good!  I had a couple of weeks of pretty good sleep (this is relative, of course), but now I'm back to sleeping like crap, so I'm pretty tired.  Hoping I get back into a good groove and get some restful sleep before she comes.  I haven't had any swelling (still wearing my wedding rings), and I can still move around as well as could be expected.  I did have a baffling 7 pound weight gain between 34 and 36 weeks that I cannot figure out, but oh well (nurse said I was probably retaining fluid but wouldn't I be swollen if that was the case?).  Maybe it was a fluke... or maybe I need to not be so tempted by sweets.  Paleo what?

How Far Along: 35w2d

Baby's Size:  Likely over 18" and 4.5+lbs

Gender: GIRL!

Movement:  All the time.  Sometimes kind of painful.  I think she's clawing her way out through the middle of my belly.  I've also started to have Braxton Hicks contractions pretty regularly, and they are interesting and mildly uncomfortable.  The bottom of my stomach gets really flat, I guess because the "bulk" of her is high up in my belly.  It just looks funny.  Also, she's definitely shifted down and out a little bit as opposed to the "high and tight" position she'd been in.  I'm not constantly pushing her out of my ribs, which is nice.  :)

Sleep:   It's generally not good.

Maternity Clothes:   Duh.

Symptoms:   I am plum exhausted a lot.  But still a happy little momma-to-be.  I cannot believe she will be here so soon... probably this month!  I'm definitely eating less at each sitting and although I haven't had heartburn, I do have mild indegestion.  Nothing that has forced me to go buy meds, although it's been really bad two nights to the point that I thought I was going to throw up and absolutely could not lay flat.  Also, I am definitely less mobile and quite uncomfortable, although it still doesn't slow me down.  That's probably part of the problem!  Too much to do... too little time!  :)

Aversions:   Nothing really. I love food.

Cravings: Also nothing really. On occassion I will crave something, but it's not a regular thing. I do still love my rootbeer.

What I miss: Sleep. Fare thee well for awhile, my friend. ;)

Feelings toward pregnancy:  Same as they have been.  But, I am getting to the point that I am really ready to not be pregnant and ready to meet my daughter.  However, I'm totally cool with her staying put until at least 38 weeks.  I'm not that ready (emotionally-yes, everything else-no).

Best moments this week:  Being at the beach last weekend and work threw me a shower today.

What I'm looking forward to in the next week:  Getting lots of stuff done around the house this weekend, enjoying my time with just Matt and the dogs, seeing one of my dear friends who is in town, and inching ever closer to having a baby!

So, the formal pics are because I attended a black tie function for my industry... picked up this dress from asos.com for $36!  Total bargain!

Life's a Beach

It's too bad it can't always stay that way... or I guess if I lived in a beach chair by the pool with my own waitstaff, I wouldn't appreciate it.  But, it sure was glorious this weekend!  Matt and I got away for a much too short beach weekend at the Don CeSar in St. Pete Beach.  I spent much of my childhood on the very same beach, so it was funny to be staying in a hotel there... let alone the Don!  They know how to class it up.  I definitely recommend it for a nice get away.  We spent most of the weekend laying in very comfortable lounge chairs, ordering cocktails (virgin pina colada for me, of course) and lunch poolside, and relaxing.  Most of my family lives in St. Pete, and I actually didn't even see anyone except my cousin and his fiance who came to visit us for a bit.  There just wasn't enough time.  He has an awesome camera and is a fantastic photographer, so we were going to snap some maternity photos but the weather wasn't great and frankly, I looked like crap (I did not get myself picture ready because I refused to leave the beach/pool... Matt was with me on that one).  We were originally going to see them around sunset, but we didn't get to experience any sunsets while we were there due to some crazy fog.  Bummer.  Thankfully, we had good sun on Saturday until about 4 and on Sunday until about 2.

Sweet maternity suit... the tan legs are an illusion.

The life!

Chatting by the beach... the fog didn't scare us off!

Fake smile.  Matt looks hot though.  :)

Ha!  Check out that belly!  34w4d

Who cares that it's foggy... I just wanted to lay on my belly.  It wasn't as comfortable as I hoped, but I did it!

Crazy fog.

Our prime spot for Sunday... got a few hours before the fog rolled in.

We really enjoyed the time away, although it truly went by way too quickly.  Two days just wasn't enough!  I'm thankful that we were able to get away and enjoy some time just the two of us before our little pumpkin decides to arrive.  It won't be long now...

Reflecting

Sorry Maddie.  Gotta sit up taller!



Max photobombs.  The cone is back.  That second three looks like an eight.  Oops.

I spent a little time yesterday evening reading back on the posts I've written since being pregnant.  It's so weird to go back to that place where everything was so new, I thought a belly that now seems flat looked so pregnant, and the days just crept by.  I think the beginning of a pregnancy can be a scary time for a lot of people, but especially if you've either experienced a miscarriage or infertility.  If you fall into one of these categories, you truly understand how fragile life can be in those early days or know that if something happens, it's not as simple as waiting a couple of months and getting horizontal, ifyouknowwhatI'msaying.

It was hard to even go back to that place now that I'm less than seven weeks away from D-Day and I can feel this little girl growing and moving all over the place.  The time is flying now.  I know that there are no guarantees, but it's a much more pleasant place to be emotionally even with raging hormones and inadequate sleep.  If I could pick her birthday, I would choose March 28 (the day before mine), which is all of six weeks from today.  I know the rest of this time is just going to fly by.

I had my last ultrasound at the perinatologist last week.  Although she is a peanut, Greer is growing on the expected growth curve.  Praise the Lord for that!  I really wasn't worried about it at all, but it was still reassuring to see her growth curve follow the normal one even if she's measuring less than the 50th percentile.  I'd prefer a little six to seven pounder anyway.  :)  They estimated that she weighed 3 lbs 14 oz (+/- 9 oz) and everything still looks great.  We got to see her "breathing," but she just didn't want us to get a good picture of her face.  It was funny, because for the third or fourth time, we caught her sleeping (or just chilling) in there with her hand/forearm over her forehead, which is how I often catch Matt sleeping.

Not cooperating for her closeup.

Sleeping like her daddy.  (That's her hand on her head above her nose.)

 

The doctor I met with for my 32 week appointment told me I'd only gained 18 lbs!  God bless her.  I told her I think that's from my 9 week appointment, and I didn't have any issues eating during my first trimester.  :)  I did find out my true starting weight (it was in my chart from the RE), and I'm up 23 lbs.  I said I didn't want to put on more than 25-30, so I think I will be okay.  Most importantly, I feel good and I don't feel heavy yet, so I don't really care what the scale says.  I know how to get it off when I need to!

In other news, we are heading to the beach for a few days soon and PRAYING for good weather.  I told God I feel really selfish praying for sunshine and mid-70s, but I just need it for my soul.  All I want to do is dig a hole in the sand for my belly (that will be a really good nap) and frolick in the Gulf.  I'm definitely bringing sexy back with my maternity swimsuit.  ;)  FYI - if buying a maternity bathingsuit from Target, go smaller than you think.  I bought medium bottoms and they are GINORMOUS.  Like, I don't even think a small would fit and this girl has plenty of junk in the trunk.  Better yet, just buy a non-maternity bottom and go w/ just the maternity top if you're in your 3rd trimester.  A regular tankini a size up from your usual will probably be sufficient before then.  (P.S.  I never thought I'd be buying a maternity bathingsuit... bonus of being pregnant during the winter.)

Out of the mouth of husbands

More accurately, out of the mouth of my husband.  Oh, the things he says.  As I told my best friends in an e-mail, it is a good thing I don't have self esteem issues.  :)

Scene: Matt has just returned from being gone for a five day ski trip.
Matt: Your belly is bigger since I left.  I can tell.
Me:  Why, yes it is.  It has grown all of one centimeter.  You are so astute!

Scene:  I am changing for bed the day after Matt has returned from his ski trip.
Matt (in a tone that is somewhere between embarrassed and repulsed):  Holy cow, your belly is huge.
(Side note: my belly is actually not huge for how far along I am... I measure completely normally, but most people comment that my belly is small... then again, they don't see it in all of its veiny, outie belly button glory!)

Scene:  Laying in bed chatting a day or two later.
Me:  I think it's hilarious that you are so scared or turned off by my belly and find me so unattractive right now.  I like to tell people.  It's funny.
Matt:  Why do you tell people that?  That's not true.  I don't find you unattractive.
Me:  Well, you certainly don't tell me otherwise.
Matt:  {crickets} ... moments later...  At least you haven't gotten fat!

He sure knows how to make a girl feel good.  ;)  Now, if you don't know my husband, you will think he is the meanest, worst husband ever.  Thankfully, we have a pretty open relationship, and he knows when something will hurt my feelings and when it won't.  I literally taunt him with my belly.  Bless his heart, he just does not think it's cute.  I wish he loved my pregnant belly and found me irresistable at the moment, but it's just not his thing and that's okay.  I am glad to know he at least doesn't think I've gotten fat!  However, I will also tell you this story to redeem the conversations above.

We were out to dinner on Friday evening and got on the topic of the fact that we're about to be parents.  He has said on more than one occassion that he wishes Greer would be here even sooner, but he hasn't really elaborated on why he feels that way.  He proceeded to tell me how he cannot wait for her to be born and he just wants to raise kids... all the time he spends watching TV, playing on his phone, or reading he'd so much rather be spending being a dad.  (I told him he may wish for lazy days watching TV and playing dumb games on his phone soon enough!)  He said that the nine month wait has been way too long, not to mention the waiting we had to do to get pregnant.  He also said that he's ready to start the process for #2 as soon as possible!  God help me.  Ha!  I think I need and deserve a break.  :)  If God blesses us with a miracle without assistance, then so be it.  I would be THRILLED.  But, I don't think I'm ready to go through the whole IVF process again any time in the near future... especially considering #2 could easily end up being #2 and #3.  :)  At least I know that he's not so turned off by me being pregnant that he doesn't want me to be pregnant again!

I just cannot wait to see him hold her for the first time.  I know he is going to be so in love, and I am sure I will never have loved him more than in that moment.  He has such a tough exterior, but he has the softest heart when he lets it show.  And, I know that no one will be able to bring that out of him like his daughter.  Gives me goosebumps just thinking about it.  Obviously, I would never choose to experience the heartache of infertility, but I truly think it makes all of this that much sweeter.  We know better than to take this for granted.  God is good, and His timing is perfect.

YHL Does Atlanta

Jenn and I waited in a two hour line last night to meet the dynamic duo from Young House Love!  Quite a feat at almost 8 months pregnant and underdressed for the cold.  :)  But, I didn't get cankles!  Hooray for that!  (I actually haven't had any swelling in my ankles at all... God willing it never happens!)

They were as sweet in person as they seem to be on their blog.  And, I laughed as we got closer and I could hear Sherry interacting with the other attendees, because I could hear the Jersey in her.  You can take the girl out of Jersey, but you can't take the Jersey out of the girl!  I had nothing enlightening to say and the Clara Conversations are my favorite thing ever, so I told them I hoped Greer would be as funny as Clara is!  Sherry assured me she would be.  I trust her judgment.

Katie Bower was there with her boyfriend and Weston, but we didn't wait to see them.  I was spent.  #pregnantgirlproblems  I did, however, want to advise Katie of the best bacon in existence (store bought anyway - Eden Farms... sooooooooo good) and snuggle that little bubba.  He is so precious!  I can't believe I'll have one of those in just over a month and a half!  Jeremy isn't half bad looking in person either.  ;) 

Even with the long wait and the cold weather, it was a fun night with my BFF.  Though I'm convinced we can make anything we do together entertaining.  :)

I'm alive... and I'm having a basketball!

I think I'm having an over-inflated basketball, at that.  I believe I have some catching up to do, so picture overload alert.

A little side by side comparison in the same dress... it cracks me up how much bigger my butt looks because my lower back has so much more arch to it these days... or at least that's what I'm telling myself.  Just let me have it, people.  Don't ruin it with the reality that my butt might actually be bigger.

28w3d - same days as my lovely Atlanta baby shower, here with my handsome hubby before a delicious meal.  Need to get some baby shower pics!  Ahem, Jenny.  ;)

28 week u/s of our sweet girl - front shot... u/s tech said she has chubby cheeks... well duh, she obviously comes by that naturally (see below)

profile

Matt - I die over the tush!

Me with my Gram and Great Gram (and partial namesakes... for Greer too!) - Elizabeth Frances and Frances Elizabeth (my middle name is Elizabeth, as will be Greer's)

How Far Along: 30 Weeks!!!!!!!

Baby's Size:  Estimated at 2 lb 5 oz at the 28 week u/s, she should be somewhere around 17" long and around 3 lbs now.

Gender: GIRL!

Movement:   No lack of it.  My goodness.  Don't get me wrong, I love it.  I relish it.  I actually start to worry some if I don't feel her for awhile (rare).  But, she is officially all up in my ribs.  And it can be uncomfortable at times.  Occassionally when on the phone, one might thing that I'm running a marathon, but no... it's just that much effort to talk and breathe at the same time.  Ha!

Sleep:   Yeah, not so much last night.  Some nights are better than others.

Maternity Clothes:  See photo evidence above.  Although the dress I wore for my baby shower was not maternity.  And I can get away with a few tops and sweater dresses that aren't maternity.  But, yes.  This belly can't fit in much else if it's not stretchy!

Symptoms:  Joy.  Belly obsession.  Awesome skin (sarcasm).  Slightly decreased mobility.

Aversions:    Nothing really.  I love food.

Cravings:    Also nothing really.  On occassion I will crave something, but it's not a regular thing.  I do still love my rootbeer.

What I miss:  Sleep.  Fare thee well for awhile, my friend.  ;)

Feelings toward pregnancy:    I pretty much love being pregnant.  But, I really can't wait to meet this girl who will make me a momma.  And, I REALLY cannot wait to see Matt hold her for the first time. #watchmegoandgetallemotionalonya

Best moments this week:    Monday was a holiday?  :)  A good CrossFit workout with the ladies class on said holiday.  Every day this girl is thriving inside of me and I get to experience this miracle is a pretty good moment.  Also heard some fantastic news from one of my favoritest cousins (I have lots, and yes I play faves).

What I'm looking forward to in the next week:   I finally ordered bedding (well a bumper and skirt), so I am looking forward to getting it.  I ended up not going the custom route, as I couldn't justify spending that kind of money when I didn't even spend that much on our own bedding!  I just got the basic bumper and skirt from Serena & Lily in punch and will get sheets from PB Kids.  Keeping it a little more simple.

Well, hello!

And, happy 2013... the year we become parents!  This is going to be a drive-by posting, because I don't have time to say too much.  However, I need to record that I miraculously stayed up until midnight on New Year's Eve although I was incredibly exhausted.  And thank God I did, because I believe it was that night (when you don't sleep, it all runs together) that I said to Matt that our daughter would be born in three months and he said he wished it were sooner.  I do not wish it were sooner (I'll take the last week of March), however I found that incredibly sweet.  :)

Apparently blogger does not want to let me upload any pictures, so hopefully that will be rectified before mid-week as I will have new glamour shots of Greer to share and a few weeks of bump pictures.  I cannot believe that I'm in my third trimester as of this week!  Wow.  Just wow.

Free Design Services

If you've been here awhile and seen any of the transformations we've made in our house (just peruse here), they were (almost exclusively) done with the help of Capella Kincheloe.  I never in a million years thought I could afford the services of an interior designer, especially one as talented as Capella who worked under famed designer, Michael Smith (yeah, the Obamas hired him to do the White House interiors... and Capella worked on the project... NBD).  But through IDESIGN, we were able to create a home that we love while sticking to a reasonable budget (I have a Pottery Barn sofa next to a $25 side table from Craig's List... holla!) and not spending a fortune on design fees.

And, you can do the same thing... for FREE!  Capella is giving away a free IDESIGN for any room in your home.  You'd be dumb not to enter... unless you won't use it, in which case, let someone else have a chance!

Happy 2013!