32 Weeks

Today I got to see our Baby Stu again through an ultrasound. It was probably the last time I will get to see him before he arrives because I got some great news at my appointment. They had been continually monitoring my placenta placement and it finally moved enough that I will no longer need an early c-section. Sawyer is also no longer breech. Yay! Although this is a healthier position to be in, it does make me a bit nervous. I am such a planner and always try to prepare myself for what is to come, so now instead of having an exact birthdate and plan of action I have to regroup my thoughts and now prepare for a normal birth. My mind was so geared up for one way, but now I will just have to roll with the change of plans. Isn't that what parenting is all about anyway?

During the ultrasound we had some pretty adorable photos of Sawyer, except the umbilical cord was right in front of his face the whole time. That didn't stop us from seeing his adorable little nose though! It is crazy how one tiny little feature can make your heart melt. The doctor told me he is still measuring in the 40th percentile and is weighing 4 pounds. If he keeps this steady growth he should be an 8 pound baby when he arrives. Hopefully he doesn't hit a huge growth spurt while he is still cooking.

This past weekend I had some close friends throw me a small, but sweet, baby shower for Sawyer. It was on the coldest day of the year, but there were still some pretty special people that braved the cold. Sawyer sure is loved dearly already. He got some of the most thoughtful and sentimental gifts. My hormones have stayed in tact during the majority of the pregnancy, but opening some of these gifts made me tear up. Ryan's mom gifted us with a sack filled with several pairs of adorable shoes that then uncovered a bundle of books, which was when I realized they were all Ryan's old things. Ryan's mom then gave us a quilt that had several of Ryan's old outfits and bibs incorporated into it with a tearjerker poem. At this time, the tears started to fall. My best friend had a quilt made for Sawyer that had part of her bridesmaid dress that she wore in Ryan and I's wedding sewn into it and wrapped up in the sash she wore around the dress on our wedding day. Could she be anymore thoughtful?! Sawyer also received many other thoughtful gifts from people that love him already. I can't wait to share with him the stories behind each of those gifts.

These two made my day extra special by showing up. My cousin Madi has been living with her dad in Hawaii and Danny has been off in Georgia in the Army and so I haven't been able to see them in awhile. It was also the last time I will be seeing our Danny boy until August or September because in a few weeks he will be shipped overseas to the Middle East to do what he was born and raised to do. This last January I got to fly out to see him graduate from Basic Training and this January he will be flying off to fight. Out of all the "see you later's" I have had to say to family members going off to fight, this has definitely been the hardest. I am so very proud of you Danny and love you more than you will ever know! Sawyer will be so excited to finally meet you when you arrive home.

Good thing the best gifts aren't found under the tree because Ryan and I's gift is on backorder until February.

How far along? 32 weeks

Total weight gain/loss:  16 lbs.

Maternity Clothes? A mixture

Stretch marks? Still not yet.

Sleep: Sleep is starting to get pretty rough.

Best moment this week: Today getting to hear Baby Stu's heartbeat and seeing his precious face.

Miss anything? The ability to bend down or put on shoes without being out of breath.

Movement: Yes! Still a little creepy for me at times, but I do love being able to know he is doing well in my belly. It is a reminder of how thankful I am that God blessed Ryan and I with such an incredible gift.

Food cravings: Milk and sweet things have been sounding pretty good lately.

Anything making you queasy or sick: I got a whiff of BBQ sauce that Ryan was using tonight at supper and it made me queasy still.

Have you started to show yet: Do I need to even bother answering this question anymore? On Tuesday, my mom and I finished up our Christmas shopping and I think at least one person in each store we went in asked me when I was due.

Labor signs: I think I was feeling some Braxton Hick contractions on Sunday, but nothing bad.

Belly button in or out: Still holding on to my innie.

Wedding rings on or off? On, but I can definitely see some swelling in places.

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy! It is almost Christmas, how could I not be?!

Looking forward to: Christmas!!! It is my favorite! Christmas music has been playing in my car since the week before Thanksgiving.

Merry Christmas from our growing family!!!

30 Weeks

Last weekend I was telling my mom how hard it will be to go back to work since Thanksgiving break was so busy. When I said that, I did not expect what happened next. Ryan and I had been moving and I had started to realize I had been overdoing it. I feel so great all the time, I forget there are things you shouldn't do while pregnant. Like moving an 80 pound box from a truck to the garage. Oops, my bad.

Well on Sunday (11/27) I hadn't slept well through the night at all and just blamed it on being pregnant and uncomfortable. When I got out of bed I had major pain in my back. After attempting to eat some breakfast, I started feeling sick so I decided to lay back down in hopes the pain would go away. I assumed I just pulled a back muscle from moving and doing so much. I felt better after a few hours of laying down so I got back up and finished my day. I felt pretty good again.

Fast forward to right about 4:30, the pain came back and fast. It nearly brought me to my knees and I started getting sick. I couldn't believe how big of a baby I was being over a stupid pulled muscle. I always thought I had handled pain fairly well so I was getting pretty upset with myself for acting this way. I finally started wondering if this back pain was false labor but it was a constant sharp pain. It never let up. After much convincing, I decided to go to the ER because of how much I was getting sick. After a few hours, it was decided I had a kidney stone. Worst pain of my life! The nurses in the birthing center were the sweetest! Whether they were being honest or not, many of them were telling me that passing a kidney stone was more painful than childbirth. Hearing that made me feel much better. After a little over 24 hours in the hospital they gave me the option to go home or stay for a procedure to remove the stone. I chose to go home! Luckily, I passed it that next morning!! What a relief! It is crazy how such a little object can cause SO MUCH PAIN!

Although no one ever wants to stay in a hospital, I was kind of glad I did. I got to meet some of the nurses that will possibly care for us when Sawyer comes. I can't say enough nice things about the sweet, sweet ladies. I felt like they were all trying to bend over backwards and go out of their way to help me have a pleasant stay. They also talked with me about what to expect when I went there to have Sawyer and even showed me around some before I left--too kind. It kind of makes me excited to check in Freeman to have Sawyer because I know my care will be excellent. I also learned a lot about my loving husband. Mostly that his bedside manner needs some work. Ha! We can laugh about it now, but I am pretty sure even he agrees...he was not the best. Let's just say that before I checked out of the hospital, he was complaining of how much his hand hurt from me squeezing it while they were making multiple attempts of putting in an IV. Ummm...he's got a lot more squeezing to get used to come February!!! Nonetheless, I really do have a super sweet husband and I am sure hoping he does better the next go around at the hospital. Haha.

On a lighter note... The weekend before Thanksgiving Ryan and I had some photos taken for a few Christmas cards. I seriously can't believe how great they turned out! I really wanted a few with Abby, but had no clue how they would turn out. She did great. Seeing Abby in the pictures melts my heart. I also wanted just a few photos to remember this precious moment of my life. Lauren Dainty Photography did an awesome job capturing exactly what I had hoped for. Here are just a few many more. How am I to choose my favorites though?!

Side note: The photo above is in the exact spot as my cover photo at the top of the blog. This place is kind of our spot. The cover photo was an engagement photo, so we have changed just a bit.

I love doing life with that handsome man in the photos above. He is going to make one amazing daddy to our precious gift from God. Sawyer, you are incredibly loved!!!! 

Now onto my grungy chalkboard photo...
While Ryan was watching his team, the Chiefs,  on the TV in the other room, I was sneaking in this photo with the Denver Bronco themed chalkboard. Sawyer is going to look so good in blue and orange!!! I can't believe he is already so big inside of me! In two weeks we get to see his precious face on another ultrasound. At my appointment Tuesday, my doctor said she will continue to monitor my placenta placement through an ultrasound until delivery, but it still looks like a cesarean birth is in the future. If that stays the case, my doctor said she will take Sawyer about the 9th of February. That is in just TWO MONTHS people!!! EEK! Aside from my placenta placement and my kidney stone mishap, my doctor says I am doing great on all accounts. Praise God!

How far along? 30 weeks

Total weight gain/loss:  15 lbs.

Maternity Clothes? Well I did manage to find a few pre-pregnancy shirts/sweaters that fit this week so that was exciting!!

Stretch marks? Still not yet, but I am sure that won't last much longer.

Sleep: The pregnancy pillow I bought is pretty great, however I can only use it when I nap, which pretty much never happens. Our bed is too small for both Ryan and I and the big pillow lol.

Best moment this week: Pretty much every day. I am just so thankful to not be in the hospital and in pain. I am definitely trying to enjoy every day before baby Stu arrives.

Miss anything? Not too much this week.

Movement: Yes! He is pretty active every morning and night, but I am starting to notice more movement throughout the day.

Food cravings: FOOD! The other day at work I went to our cafeteria to see if they had any left over cinnamon rolls from lunch because I was so hungry. haha

Anything making you queasy or sick: This past weekend I found out BBQ still makes me sick.

Have you started to show yet: Uh..of course. Usually when people find out I am not due until February, I get a glare. Some days I am not sure how my belly is supposed to continue to grow!

Labor signs: No, although when I was being monitored at the hospital they did tell me I was having a few contractions. Luckily for me, I couldn't tell at all.

Belly button in or out: In still!

Wedding rings on or off? On, but I think I am starting to notice some swelling in my ankles. Oh noooo!!!

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy

Looking forward to: Ryan's work Christmas party this weekend. It is in Arkansas so it is always nice to get away for a night or two.


Ryan and I still have some exciting things happening in our lives, besides Baby Stu, that I can't wait to share. I have started that post, but after the hospital stay and trying to get caught up on everything else I haven't found the time to finish. Hopefully this next week! 

28 Weeks

Hello third trimester!

Happy Turkey Day everyone! Tuesday I had a doctors appointment and it was wonderful! Ryan was able to come as well as his mom so that made it pretty special. We had an ultrasound to check up on some things and I still have placenta previa, which doesn't worry me at all. It is technically a complication that can cause issues during birth, but my doctors know about it and I am being monitored so I know that both of us will great and healthy! I have started my two week appointments since I am now in my third trimester and so they will do another ultrasound then to keep monitoring the complication. I'm not complaining! I'm excited to get to see my baby again!! When my doctor measured my belly she said it measured a week and a half ahead (29.5 weeks). I probably could have told her that, haha. My belly is huge. I was more concerned about it than she was though. She said I am doing fine and Sawyer looks great. At this doctors appointment they also did my glucose test and I passed. Wahoo! I was nervous they were going to say no pie at Thanksgiving.

I'm guessing Sawyer will look more like Ryan because nothing about his precious little face reminds me of me. Ryan is pretty handsome though, so I think we must be making a pretty cute kid.

Ryan and I got back from our mini vacation last Wednesday and we had such a great time. We basically ate our way through our trip. We also had some pretty big changes. There is so much to share though I will have to save it for a post later this week. Meanwhile, I am going to get back to the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade and thinking about the many things I am thankful for. I have many new reasons to be thankful this year and I can remember the days I prayed for what I have now. How blessed I am. I thank God daily, not just today.

How far along? 28 weeks---I am finally in the third trimester!

Total weight gain/loss:  13 lbs.

Maternity Clothes? A mixture of my regular pants, maternity shirts, and some of Ryan's shirts.

Stretch marks? Still not yet but I bought some stretch mark cream yesterday just in case.

Sleep: I bought a pregnancy pillow and I have my fingers crossed it becomes my best friend.

Best moment this week: How do I pick just one?! Last Wednesday, Ryan and I got back from our much needed Babymoon escape. We had some pretty big and exciting changes (more later). We got to see Baby Stu on another ultrasound Tuesday and Ryan's mom was able to come also. I passed my glucose test. Then, there is today-Thanksgiving! 

Miss anything? Still my comfy cozy sweatshirts.

Movement: Yes, although he is usually pretty snug inside so not tons.

Food cravings: Nothing specific this week. Except maybe just all the food and dessert I am about to indulge in!!

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope.

Have you started to show yet: Oh yes!

Labor signs: Nope.

Belly button in or out: In

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy

Looking forward to: Thanksgiving dinner in a few hours and some yummy pies! Also...not feeling guilty about rocking out to Christmas music, watching Hallmark Christmas movies, and wearing Christmas shirts.

26 Weeks

My prayer to my sweet innocent baby boy...

Regardless of who our president is I am fearful of what may come of the US and of this world. However, God tells us to fear NOT. He is the true King and He is the same today as  he was yesterday and last week. He is GREAT. That is what gives me hope. No candidate will ever give me the hope God does. The morning after the election as I awoke with tired eyes and laid in bed feeling Sawyer squirm around inside (YES--finally some movement!), I pray for his future and that he will also find this same hope in God. I am choosing to live in hope and will remain hopeful because the sun rose and my God is still reigning above in Heaven.

I stand pretty firm in traditional values, but as Sawyer's momma I hope to not just show him what I choose to stand for but act upon those values with passion. By not just believing in helping the poor, but opening my pockets to do so. By not just pointing out wrongs in others and finding faults, but fixing where I too fall short or fail in many ways & be apart of the solution. By not just saying abortion is wrong, but supporting and encouraging those who choose life or who seem to be challenged with that decision.

Sawyer, I pray that you grow up being humble and that you show grace to all you know. I pray that you choose to LOVE others, be kind no matter the diversity, and to have hope. I pray that you choose to represent yourself with more than just a conservative or liberalist label of your own choosing, but as an active part of Christ and that you serve this world as Christ's hands and feet to help truly make it great!

So whether you are celebrating or weeping this week for the elected president, this is the reality. We are raising families all doing the best that we know how-no right or wrong to that. To this very divided country, “We are not enemies, but friends … though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection.” -Abraham Lincoln 

So we got my dream stroller in last week and when I got home, Ryan was just finishing putting it together. I think he was almost more excited than me! He had to demonstrate all the little tricks it did. I videoed a lot of it (it was too cute), but I don't think he would appreciate sharing it for all to see. He is going to be such an awesome dad! He has seriously bent over backwards daily for Baby Stu and I since I told him I was pregnant. I am not sure how I got so lucky.

 This past weekend I had the privilege of honoring my BFF, Carly, in the form of a baby shower while also getting to celebrate another dear friend at her baby shower! Carly is due with a baby boy about 2-3 weeks before me, however judging by our picture above, you would think it is the other way around. I can't wait to learn all about motherhood with my best friend and figure out this journey together. Sawyer is going to grow up with the best of friends!

 Sawyer is growing so fast! He weighs a whopping 2 pounds this week and is 14 or a few more inches long. This week he will also start opening his eyes and can even tell when it is bright or dark out. That is crazy!!

How far along? 26 weeks---are there seriously only 3 months left?! My 3rd trimester is almost here!!!

Total weight gain/loss:  7 lbs.

Maternity Clothes? Shirts...I am really starting to miss my comfy hoodies.

Stretch marks? Not yet. I am always lathering on lotion and I am hoping it helps!

Sleep: Oh this is starting to get bad. This can't be happening already. I am so uncomfortable. I have heard a pregnancy pillow will help, but I just can't break down and buy one. ...Santa!

Best moment this week: November 1st-I think I really felt Sawyer move for the first time and so I had Ryan feel. He just looked at me and said, "What did you do?! Stop!" haha He couldn't believe it! He thought I was moving and was messing with him.

Miss anything? Not this week...unless my comfy sweaters count.

Movement: Yes!!!

Food cravings: More sweet things and I have never craved sweets. I normally don't care for them too much. 

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope.

Have you started to show yet: Oh yes..I feel like I look a lot farther along than I am.

Labor signs: Nope.

Belly button in or out: In, but I have heard that may only last a few more weeks.

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy

Looking forward to: Tomorrow Ryan and I leave for Savannah, Georgia!!!! This is one of my favorite places in the world! We have rescheduled this trip 5 or 6 times the past year and a half so when we found out we were expecting Baby Stu, we were not postponing it anymore. I can't wait to share pictures of our little Babymoon escape.

24 Weeks

Has it seriously been 6 months?! Time is flying! These next few months are only going to go by faster since I will be so busy and the holiday season is upon us. Meanwhile, I will just enjoy "My Little Pumpkin."

Yesterday my doctors appointment went great! I had some concern about not feeling any movement from Baby Stu, but she assured me it was either because he is being lazy likes to sleep (like his mother) or also, my Placenta Previa condition might cause me to not feel the movement like normal. Either way, she wasn't concerned at this point. At my next appointment I will have another ultrasound (YAY!) to check on my Placenta Previa condition to see if it has changed at all or if a c-section will still be necessary. Honestly, I am not too worried. I have specifically heard GREAT things about how well my doctor preforms c-sections and how she is a doctor they like to call if one is needed. They will also do my glucose test at my next appointment. Luckily it is right before Thanksgiving so I won't be inhaling pumpkin and pecan pie along with mountains of mashed potatoes the week before the test.

Funny News of the Week:

So this past week we had Parent-Teacher Conferences at work and so on the first day of conferences I was running super late because I felt like I had to put on a full face of make-up, somewhat fix my hair, and dun, dun dun shave my legs. Ha! Well as I was walking into work with my 30oz. Yeti cup of water, breakfast sandwich in hand, my purse, my sack lunch, and bag of other things, I turned down my hallway and completely WIPED OUT! My knee has a pretty nice scrape on it and my new shoes got scuffed (tear, tear!!). Baby was fine because my knee paid the price so I was able to laugh about it as I got up. Luckily no one saw, however I am trying to keep the office staff from rewinding the video cameras. I am sure they would get a nice view.

In other news...   My current 9 year old [dog] child, Abby, has had a rough couple of weeks. I know she is getting pretty old, but I was just saying awhile back how young and healthy she is. Well sure enough, as soon as I say that she started having a few issues. Two weekends ago Ryan had her at my uncle's house playing with his dog and watching the football games when all of a sudden she started having a terrible seizure and lost control of all of her body. Considering this had never happened, I was terrified. After Ryan took her to our vet and tests were ran, the vet said she just had an infection from a cut that we knew she had in her mouth and she just got too exited. Since then, she's had about 3 or 4 more seizures (that we have known of), but luckily not as bad as the first one. The vet told us just to monitor them, but still this fur momma is just a little too nervous about them. Hopefully they start to subside, but if not I am taking her back this next week. I just keep imagining her helping Baby Sawyer scoot around the floor and helping him hold his balance while he tries to walk. I can't wait to see their friendship unfold during Sawyer's first few years.

How far along? 24 weeks

Total weight gain/loss:  7 lbs (at yesterday's appointment I was weighed with my rainboots on so I told them I was taking at least 4 lbs off the scale--that's only fair right?!)

Maternity Clothes? Still my normal pants, although the other day I wore some of my maternity jeans and Ryan saw the stretchy band top and well...it didn't take long for the laughing to start. Thanks babe! haha

Stretch marks? Not yet. I am always lathering on lotion and I am hoping it helps!

Sleep: Not bad sleep, just waking up early always.

Best moment this week: It was a doctor appointment week, so of course getting to listen to Sawyer's heartbeat was my favorite part!!!

Miss anything? An Angelo's sandwhich sure does sound delicious right about now! YUM!

Movement: Still nothing... That's what I get since I have always said the thought of something moving inside of you is super creepy. I am just ready to feel movement for reassurance.

Food cravings: FOOD! I told Ryan the other day he has to start taking my food away. Haha! This past month, my hunger has been insane! 

Anything making you queasy or sick: Not too much and I am doing better with the bbq smell.

Have you started to show yet: Yes

Gender prediction: Little BOY Stu

Labor signs: Nope. A few weeks ago I started having some pains but luckily those have went away after a few weeks rest and taking it easy.

Belly button in or out: In

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy

Looking forward to: GIRLS WEEKEND!! Tomorrow my mom, 2 of my second mommas, and 1 of their daughters-who is due 2 months before me-are heading out of town for a small fun getaway.