38 Weeks!

     Tuesday marked 38 weeks.  I'm so ready to hold Spencer!  I honestly thought he would be here by now, but I guess he's enjoying being warm and all the good food.  I keep having Braxton Hicks contractions for the last week.  Apparently they are just teasing me.  I was hoping the full moon last night would bring him, but no luck with that.  I'm all about him cooking as long as possible but at the same time I'm just ready to hold him and know he's ok and give him lots of kisses!  I'm getting a little more uncomfortable as he is dropping lower and lower.  The top of my stomach is stretching, and my lower back is hurting more.  I decided to go walking yesterday morning around the neighborhood in hopes that would help.  I made one lap around the neighborhood and gave up.  My walking partners (Callie and Brees) were lazy and ready to get back home.  Maybe he will be here soon!

Weeks 36 and 37!

     The weather was perfect this past Sunday!  I was 36 weeks and 5 days and decided I needed some exercise.  The pups loved our little walk.  By the end of the loop, Callie and I were dragging.  We probably should have taken a shortcut but we survived. 

     On the 1st, my wonderful co-workers gave Baby Spencer a shower.  Between the two showers we have had, we are stocked up and ready for Spencer's arrival.  I don't think I will need to buy any diapers, wipes, or clothes for a while!  I'm so excited about both the practical and the fun gifts we have received.  I hope to post pictures of both showers soon.

     October 2nd was my 36 week appointment.  Let's just say I wasn't quite prepared for the whole process.  I'll spare you the details.  Dr. Salas did say I was 1cm dilated, 50% effaced, and Spencer is low and ready to go!

     Yesterday was my 37 week appointment.  I've progressed to 2 - 3 cm.  She said she doesn't expect him within the next week (which is fine with me).  I have hit the 30lb mark.  Maybe he weighs around 7lb and the placenta weighs 23lb.  Wishful thinking right?  For the first time this entire pregnancy I have a stuffy nose.  It's been impossible to breathe out of my right nostril for the past two days.  I shouldn't complain though.  I really have had it pretty easy!  Anyway, hopefully next post I will have pictures of Spencer's nursery and both baby showers....

35 Weeks!

     My stomach gets bigger and bigger every day!  I'm really not sure where Spencer is going to go the next 4.5 weeks.  

     I no longer am wearing my wedding rings :(

     My belly button pokes out a little

     His favorite time to get in my ribs is while I'm driving

     I'm not sleeping as well as I was a few weeks ago

     On a positive note, still no stretch marks on my stomach! Woo hoo!  There's still time.  I'm convinced he tries to create them daily as he pushes out on my stomach.  

     I'm starting to get a little nervous about labor and delivery.   People keep saying "Oh, he could come anytime now!"  Yes, I'm fully aware of that little fact but don't want to think about it!   I have lots of questions for Dr. Salas on Wednesday.  Lucky her!  I'll be sure to report back on how the appointment goes.  I'm excited/nervous.  What if she tells me I'm dilating already?  I know I have my complaints, but I want him to stay put for at least 4 more weeks!  

     One more exciting thing:  I have a shower at work on Tuesday from my wonderful coworkers.  I can't wait!

34 Weeks!

     Mom and I went to Black Bayou Wednesday morning to take maternity pictures. I survived the bugs and reptiles! It was a little hot, but mom took some great pictures! Later that evening, Kyle and I took more pictures at Kiroli Park. 

 

(how the photo shoot really went...)

     I also had an appointment Wednesday. I've gained 27 pounds so far, blood pressure is still good, and Spencer's heart rate is great. I'm down to just wearing my wedding band these days. I really didn't think I would swell. Luckily, it's not much and could be worse. 

     Spencer's baby shower was the 14th. He is one loved little boy! We are so blessed to have such wonderful friends and family! I can't get over all the gifts! I'm hoping to get all the thank you notes written and gifts put up before he's born.... 

     My awesome mother-in-law came over Friday to help with a few things in the nursery. She replaced the curtain rods and hung the curtains. We successfully got the monkeys and giraffe decals on the wall as well. It's looking so cute!  I will post pictures of it when I get everything a little more organized.

32 Weeks!

     As you can see, my board is getting less and less creative.  It's very uncomfortable to get down on the floor to put cute stuff on it these days.  Also, I just haven't had the time.  There are way too many other things to be doing (such as sitting on the couch with my feet propped up).  Actually, Kyle and I have gotten the guest room looking more like a guest room.  The house is slowly getting more organized.  I'm hoping I don't get so far into the nesting stage that I decide to wash the windows or anything. Eww!  That's a man's job :)  Right?  Ok, maybe not.

     My appointment went well on Wednesday.  I feel so blessed this has been such a great pregnancy.  Honestly, the only bad thing so far was having to take the 3 hour glucose test.  Over the past two weeks I've noticed my wedding rings aren't fitting as well as they did.  Luckily my feet aren't really swelling yet.  I've also noticed Spencer is getting the hiccups.  It's so cute!  My only disappointment of the week was finding out I won't have another ultrasound unless there is a problem.  I don't want there to be a reason for an ultrasound, but I want to see him again before he's born!  Speaking of the birth.... I plan for it to be pretty natural.  Y'all are probably thinking "Yeh, right. That won't happen!"  I really don't want an epidural, and I don't want to be induced.  I think I can do it.  Family and friends just might need to stay clear of the delivery room until after he's born :)

30 Weeks!

10 weeks to go!  Spencer is getting bigger every day.  He apparently is running out of room and finding any place he can to put his little feet.  His favorite place is my right rib cage.  Every once in a while my poor hip bone takes a beating.  That is the most uncomfortable feeling ever! (I might change my mind on that in a couple of months)  I am also getting tired sooner than I did in the 2nd trimester.

I had my appointment yesterday.  Everything is great!  My blood pressure is good, I'm up 20 lb, and my stomach is measuring where it should.  His heartbeat was 160.  I hope we are able to get at least one more ultrasound before he gets here!

Alayna had her White Coat Ceremony for pharmacy school Friday the 16th.  I'm so proud of her!  She has four stressful years ahead of her, but I know she can do it.  It will fly by.  I can't believe I was getting my white coat 7 years ago.  We are two lucky girls to have such a wonderful, supportive family!

28 Weeks!

     This has been an exciting week so far!  We got to see Spencer again on Tuesday.  He is perfect and measuring 28w3d!  I started my appointment out by getting to drink the flat orange flavored drink for my glucose test.  It really didn't taste as bad as everyone says.  It gave little Spencer a nice sugar high, so he was pretty active during the ultrasound.  

     As I was getting ready for our anniversary dinner (2 years!), the nurse called to tell me I didn't pass my glucose test.  What!?!?  I was pretty bummed.  However, I didn't let it ruin our dinner.  We had a wonderful time at Cascio's Tavern.  They had a special table set up for us, and the food was delicious!  I made Kyle help me eat our dessert so I wouldn't feel so bad about eating some of it.  How can you pass up a complimentary dessert? And white chocolate creme brulee at that!  I had to return to the doctor this morning for a 3 hour glucose test.  I was really, really dreading it.  There's nothing more I hate than being stuck to draw blood.  I knew I was going to be stuck at least 4 times today.  Also, the drink was twice as concentrated.  Sitting in the doctor's office for 3 hours not being able to eat or drink is pretty miserable.  Who makes a pregnant woman wait to eat until 12 pm?  I ended up being stuck 5 times.  My poor arms look like I have a little drug problem.  It was all worth it though.... I passed!  Woo hoo!  No gestational diabetes for me!  Now, where's the cake?

Look at our little angel!

     

25 Weeks!

I'm a little late posting, but here it is!  We are doing great.  For the most part, his kicks are on my right side in the lower stomach area.  At night when I'm on my side, I can feel either little hands or feet up in my ribs.  It's a very strange feeling but wonderful at the same time! I'm anxiously awaiting our appointment on August 6th.  It will be 8 weeks since Kyle and I have seen him.  I can't wait to see how big he is!

We are slowly making progress on the nursery.  This is his bed and dresser.  It's not in yet but hopefully soon!

The glider is in!  It's so comfortable!  I can't wait to rock my little man to sleep.

Hopefully, the carpet people will come replace the carpet before his furniture comes in.  Baby Spencer will be here in 3 months!  I can't believe how fast time is flying!

24 Weeks!

     Finally a new post!  I am 24 weeks and 5 days today.  My little man is getting big!  I look at my belly and really can't believe there's a baby in there that's a foot long.  I just feel like the poor little guy is squished already.  My doctor's appointment on Wednesday went well.  My stomach measured in range and his heartbeat was good.  I've gained 13 pounds so far and still no stretch marks!  He is kicking more and more these days!

     The biggest accomplishment of the week:  I decided on baby furniture and ordered it!  Woo hoo!  Trust me, it was a big decision :)  I'm so glad it's over with.  Now, it just needs to get here....  

22 Weeks!

Look at that belly!  I will say that I had eaten quite a lunch before this picture.  He's definitely growing though!

Spencer has a little game he likes to play.  He likes to be really active one day, and then chill out the next day.  I do not care for his little game.  It always makes me worry why he isn't as active, if I should go to the doctor, etc.  I have been able to feel him kick from the outside of my stomach over the past week or so.  Kyle had not been around any of those times to experience it.  As soon as Kyle left to run some errands today, Spencer started practicing his karate moves.  I could even see my stomach moving.  Tonight, as we were watching Big Brother, I kept getting Kyle to put his hand on my stomach after I would feel Spencer.  Nothing.  Kyle would give up and go on about his business.  Finally, I made him leave his hand on my stomach until he kicked again.  Sure enough, Kyle got to feel about 5 good kicks.   Yay!  

I made some progress on cleaning out the 2 extra rooms this weekend.  I see a garage sale in the near future.  Just in time for the 100+ degree weather!  Oh well.  This stuff has to go!

21 Weeks!

As you can see, little Spencer is growing!  I got quite a few compliments on this dress as I was running errands the other day.  Alayna found it for me on the sale rack at Motherhood Maternity for $16!  I felt a little bad about disappointing the non-pregnant women who wanted to know where it came from.  

Nothing new happened this week.  I am feeling him kick a good bit more, which is exciting.  I'm slowly getting his room cleaned out.  I haven't really figured out where all this stuff came from over the past 2 years!  I'm sure Kyle bought it all :)  

The chalkboard will be back next week.  I had this great project in mind for it.  However, I am not as crafty as I think I am.  Kyle is glad I went back to my original plan and it's done!  As it turns out, I am really pleased with the result.

I was craving a sugar cookie from Albritton's the other day (or maybe Spencer was).  Here is the result of going to a bakery for one sugar cookie:

And no, I didn't eat them all at one time!  I also had a little help from family members.  Those Italian Creme cake balls are soooo good!  Feel free to bring me some  Spencer some any time!

20 Weeks!

7 weeks

11 weeks

20 weeks 

I just find it so amazing how fast babies grow in the womb!  If you have never witnessed a 4d ultrasound, they can be a little scary.  There are times the baby looks like a scary skeleton.  A few adjustments of the contrast/color and they look pretty normal.  We get to see him again at 28 weeks.  It seems like forever from now, but I know it will be here before I know it.

The chalkboard is under construction.  My great idea didn't work out as I had pictured so a new chalkboard is in order.  I also didn't get around to taking a belly pic for this week.  I decided to show you whats going on inside my belly instead.

We had our big appointment Tuesday.  Spencer is just perfect!  He is measuring right on track.  I'm not really sure how accurate this is, but supposedly he weighs 12 oz.  He was very active during the ultrasound.  However, he seems to really like his hands by his face.  We weren't able to get a very clear picture of his face.  He stretched his legs out for us and even flexed his arm.  Already showing off those muscles!  The ultrasound tech said he will surely be a snuggler which is fine with me!  I can't wait to get to snuggle with him.

So far, my blood pressure is great.  I've gained right at 10 lb.  My belly seems to be getting a little bit bigger each day.  Until yesterday, I only had 2 shirts other than t-shirts that I could wear.  Alayna was nice and went shopping with me.  Thankfully, she loves to dig through sale racks!  I should be good to go until winter.  I was completely worn out and grumpy by the time we got home.

Although I really hope to have a belly pic for next week, I'm not promising one!

19 Weeks!

Time is flying by!  I can't believe next week is the half-way point.  I've felt Spencer move a lot more in the past week.  One night last week, I had fruit dipped in chocolate.  He loved it so much he did a summersault.  It was the weirdest/neatest feeling.  Earlier today, he was practicing kicking the football (or maybe he wanted more fruit and chocolate).  I am so excited about our next appointment!

I finally decided on his bedding.  What do you think?

The skirt that came with the set is actually green gingham.  I will probably get the green gingham curtains to match.  I haven't quite decided if I want the animal decals for the walls.  Deciding on a bed is hard! There are so many to choose from!

Spencer's partner in crime was born last week.  Cooper Martin Wyatt is oh so precious!  I cant wait to give him kisses!

Hopefully I won't miss posting anymore.  Last week was just crazy! I just realized our next appointment is a week away.  This is the big appointment that includes an anatomy scan.  I can't wait to see my little man! 

17 Weeks!

      I can't believe week 17 is already here.  It seems like it was just a few weeks ago I took a pregnancy test and stared at it trying process the fact I was really seeing two lines.  My bump is a little cuter than the picture shows.  I look like I have a small floating device on under my shirt in this picture.  Maybe it was the photographer (just kidding Alayna!)  The cute little elephant in the picture is actually a blanket. Grammy bought it before we knew boy or girl.  Luckily it's a boy!  Callie has had her eye on it since I brought it home.  

Weight gain: about 6 lb

Maternity clothes:  Yesterday was a sad day.  My only pair of pre-pregnancy jeans that I was able to wear are no longer wearable.  I went from wearing them unbottoned to not being able to pull them up over my rear end in about a week and a half.  I'm so thankful I get to wear scrubs to work!  

Sleep:  Sometimes I sleep ok, other times I wake up feeling 90 years old with aching hips and knees

Food cravings:  Again, nothing in particular.  It varies.  Last night my precious husband went back to Brookshire's to get me some Dutch Chocolate and Cookies and Cream ice cream.  If you can't decide on one, just have both!

Movement:  I'm still not sure if some of the strange feelings in my stomach are actually baby or not.

Happy or moody?:  Still the same as my previous answer.  However, I am much more emotional.  I cried over 2 different movies yesterday.  Needless to say, I didn't watch any movies today.

Looking forward to:  feeling more kicks!

16 Weeks!

      The past week has been very busy but exciting.  At our appointment on the 9th, we found out Baby Hill is a BOY!  Both Kyle and I just knew it was a girl.  However, there is no doubt we have a little boy on the way.  We are both so excited!  His name is Spencer Maloy.  He is measuring right on track. He was moving his arms and legs a little and opening his mouth during the ultrasound.  I'm already so in love!

       We met Mrs. Linda, Ryan, and Sarah at Outback on Saturday to share the news with them.  On Sunday, we kind of crashed Alayna's birthday fish fry at Papaw's and shared our news.

       I got to celebrate my first Mother's Day this year.  Kyle gave me a sweet little baby carriage charm to put on my Pandora bracelet.  I also received a new refrigerator (not something I was really wanting at the time).  Our old one decided to go out on us.

       I also gave in to my Subway craving this week.  The woman probably thought I was a nut.  I asked her to put the turkey in the microwave AND toast my sandwich.  I had to be sure all the listeria was killed :)  I'll be sure to post a baby bump picture next week.  I don't really have one for week 16, but it really isn't much different from last week.

15 weeks!

Weight gain: 3.5 lb (or so I think/hope.  We will find out for sure on Thursday)

Maternity clothes:  I have bought a pair of shorts and 2 shirts but haven't worn any yet.  I'm still using a   ponytail holder to "button" my jeans.

Stretch marks: None yet...  I found a miracle oil to help with that.  We shall see how well it works.

Sleep:  I purchased one of those big "C" shaped maternity pillows.  It really has helped a lot with the aches and pain in my hips and knees.  However, I usually have to fight Callie for it if she gets in bed before me.  Kyle has named it the "don't touch me" pillow.

Best moment this week:  Realizing I actually look pregnant!  The bump is definitely starting to show.

Miss anything?:  Subway.  Someone decided it was dangerous to eat unheated deli meat, so I'm too freaked out to eat it :(

Movement:  I really think I felt a kick or jab last week.  I haven't felt anything since.

Food cravings:  Nothing in particular.  It varies day to day

Food aversions:  Chicken cheese spaghetti.  Sadly, pizza is the newest food I don't care to eat.

Gender prediction:  Girl (hopefully we find out for sure on Thursday!!!)

Happy or Moody?  I guess happy most of the time.  However, things that got on my nerves before really get on my nerves now!

Looking forward to:  Seeing our baby on Thursday!

The Hill's

      Kyle and I wanted to be able to share this wonderful time in our lives with family and friends that don't get to see or talk to us every day.  As you all know, Baby Hill is expected to arrive October 26, 2013.  We couldn't be more excited!  It's hard to believe 15 weeks have already flown by.  I promise to do my best to update at least once a week.  We hope you enjoy!