Can I decide later?

He's Here!

2012-05-15T11:26:00.000-05:00

Logan

May 14, 2012

10:41 a.m.

8lbs 2oz

20 in

We are so in love and couldn't be happier!

40 Weeks!

2012-05-09T19:25:00.001-05:00

Surprise!

I'm still pregnant!

We have just been hanging out and waiting for something to happen. So far? Nothing!

We had our 40 week doctor appointment yesterday.

I had lost a pound and my blood pressure was perfect!

The doctor said it could be any time! So we will just keep waiting.

posted from Bloggeroid

How I Cut Down My Laundry Detergent Use by More Than Half

2012-05-05T07:35:00.000-05:00

I used to use WAY too much detergent! As in, I would almost fill up the measuring lid on the jug!

Now I probably use about 1/4 to 1/8 as much as I used to, and my clothes are still clean and smell just as fresh.

I start by letting the water run in the lid, rinsing out the detergent. Then I let the machine completely fill up before I add any clothes.

My biggest laundry secret is to let the machine agitate for 20-30 seconds before you add the clothes. This makes the most of your detergent, and gets the water nice and sudsy.

Then I add the clothes/towels/sheets etc., and use my handy dandy laundry spoon to push them all down into the water.

I make sure everything is completely submerged before I shut the lid.

Then wash as normal!

Isn't laundry fun?

If I am tardy to the party on this one, please just nod your head, pat me on the back, and tell me what a good job I am doing.

Inspiration On My Mind

2012-05-04T14:52:00.000-05:00

This post is heavy on the quotes. If you don't want to read them all, that's ok. I'm posting mainly for myself this time

If you have ever been pregnant, then you know that pregnancy, childbirth, and babies are pretty much all you can think about for nine months.

The farther along you get, the more true this is.

Here are a few things on my mind as my due date gets closer and closer.

“Remember this, for it is as true and true gets: Your body is not a lemon. You are not a machine. The Creator is not a careless mechanic. Human female bodies have the same potential to give birth well as aardvarks, lions, rhinoceri, elephants, moose, and water buffalo. Even if it has not been your habit throughout your life so far, I recommend that you learn to think positively about your body.”

-Ina May Gaskin

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Phil 4:13)

"Women's bodies have near-perfect knowledge of childbirth; it's when their brains get involved that things can go wrong."

PEGGY VINCENT, Baby Catcher

"I always knew I was meant to do something really BIG in life, and now I know that this was it. Screw winning an Academy Award someday ... I GAVE BIRTH!"

JENNY MCCARTHY, Belly Laughs

“There is no other organ quite like the uterus. If men had such an organ they would brag about it. So should we”

-Ina May Gaskin

"The knowledge of how to give birth without outside interventions lies deep within each woman. Successful childbirth depends on an acceptance of the process."

Anonymous

"The pains of childbirth were altogether different from the enveloping effects of other kinds of pain. These were pains one could follow with one’s mind."

Margaret Mead

“It is important to keep in mind that our bodies must work pretty well, or there wouldn't be so many humans on the planet.”

―Ina May Gaskin

"If I had my life to live over, instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle."

Irma Bombeck

"Just as a woman's heart knows how and when to pump, her lungs to inhale, and her hand to pull back from fire, so she knows when and how to give birth."

Virginia Di Orio

"300,000 women will be giving birth with you today.
Relax and breathe and do nothing else.

Labor is hard work, it hurts, and you can do it."

Unknown

"There are three things that are givens about labour: It's hard work, it hurts a lot, and you can do it."

- Suzanne Stalls

39 Weeks!

2012-05-02T20:42:00.000-05:00

I'm sliding in here with a late-in-the-day 39 week post!

We went to the doctor yesterday and have another appointment scheduled for next Tuesday, May 8.

I wonder if we will go to that one...?

In my last several posts about pregnancy I kept saying "any day now," but I didn't really mean it. I think I just meant that if he had come at that point it would have been 100% ok.

I still really don't feel like "any day." I personally feel like nothing will happen until Monday at the earliest. That's not to say I'm not paying attention to every little cramp and ache. ;)

The fact that I will very soon have a tiny little baby that we made and that we will be completely in charge of still does not seem real. I don't think it will until his squirmy, wet body is placed in my arms.

I keep trying to picture that moment, but I can't quite bring it into focus.

Anyone that knows me personally is probably aware that more than anything (right after having a healthy baby) I want to have a natural delivery. It is pretty obvious that my doctor is very pro-induction. Which, why wouldn't he be!? There is no guessing, no middle of the night, he can fit it right into his schedule.

However, I reeeeally want to go into labor naturally too.

I want God and Logan to decide, "Ok, it's birthday!"

(and I want to avoid those pitocin contractions! C'mon, let's give a first-timer a chance here!)

At our appointment yesterday I asked ol Doc Fuller how long he would let a woman go past her due date before she would have to be induced. He twisted his face around and said only a few days! Then launched into a speech about placentas and due dates.

He wanted to set a tentative induction date, for just in case. Which I was fine with.

Until he picked the 10th.

Um, excuse me?

Can I have a little bit of time here???

At first I didn't say anything, I just sat there under my thin white sheet thinking, I better get something going soon, eh?

But as we were standing waiting to make our next appointment, he walked up and I made myself so proud!

I actually asked if we could push it back a few days!

And since the 10th was on a Thursday, and Mondays are his surgery days, it got pushed all the way to the 15th! So, surely he will decide to come before then.

I don't think of myself as much of a boat-rocker, so standing up to my doctor about what I wanted felt really amazing. It also helped that I was a) actually standing up and b) fully clothed.

So no matter what, in two weeks our little man will be here.

Random Ramblings of a Pregnant Woman

2012-04-27T11:44:00.001-05:00

So... NO ONE was going to tell me that I didn't pack a going home outfit for myself in my hospital bag???

*tap*tap*tap* Is anyone out there?? It's a good thing I realized. I would have been making a real fashion statement coming home in a nightgown!

I shared every nook and cranny of Logan's nursery yesterday, but I didn't show where he will be sleeping at first! This is the cradle that I mentioned in an earlier post! The bedding my sister made looks so adorable!

We had a doctor appointment yesterday. I had been very curious, and a little bit nervous!, about what my doctor would have to say about my new belly design. This is what happened:

him: "....what's this?"

me: "We went to an Earth Day festival and the Birth Works tent had henna belly painting."

him: "....is it going to come off?"

me: "Oh yes! It is temporary."

him: slight pause... then back to regular appointment talk.

Haha, I wonder what he was really thinking! My old dr. in Texas would not have hesitated to tell me exactly what he was thinking. Hey Mom and Amy, What do you think Dr. C would have said about my belly tat???

Speaking of regular appointment talk, he told me that I have the perfect pelvis for giving birth! For the second week in a row, he referred to my pregnancy as "textbook!" Let's hope it stays that way!

Last night Matt and I were walking Molly, and as I stepped down on the sidewalk with my left foot I felt a splash of liquid on my right ankle. Matt, who was right behind me, felt a little splash too. We stopped to inspect. What was that little squirt we felt!?

My phone is pretty much the handiest thing in the world, it has a flashlight on it, among many other wonderful traits. After we shed a little light on the subject we discovered that I had cruelly ended the life of an innocent slug, and its innards were what made the splash. Gag!

I felt bad and really, really grossed out.

We came back inside and washed our feet in the bathtub immediately!

A freebie
Matt and Dale while we were in Texas a few weeks ago. Melt my heart.

I guess our exciting slug outing got me all jacked up. We went to bed and I couldn't stop giggling and talking to Matt. I felt like a little girl at a slumber party. He had a turn around (meaning that he closed the store last night and opened it this morning, leaving only a short amount of time for sleep). I finally got control of myself and kept my mouth shut, but as I was laying there trying my hardest to go to sleep, I was just down-right giddy!

Hormones are fun.

Project Nursery: Final Tour!

2012-04-26T07:11:00.000-05:00

Here it is, enjoy!

38 Weeks!

2012-04-25T11:07:00.001-05:00

Hello there! Still pregnant here!

I may regret saying this, but I am not tired of being pregnant yet.

Do you have to be completely sick of pregnancy before your baby will come?

I hope not.

While I am not fed-up with pregnancy, I am ready to meet our little man.

Helloooooo baby!
and weird faceless me... :-/

Everything is ready. Every stitch of fabric is washed. Our bags are packed. We have already pre-registered at the hospital. The diapers are prepped, folded, and waiting.

I would like to make a wet-bag for the diaper bag, using this tutorial. But like my mom said, an empty bread sack will do. ;)

My plan is to post our completed (yay!) nursery tour here tomorrow. Now we all must pray that technology is on my side!

Everything I mentioned last week still goes for this week, popping, cramping, diet-o-tums, tired....

At this point, my only new symptoms will be labor, right?

Bring it. I'm ready.

What's in my hospital bag!?

2012-04-24T15:54:00.002-05:00

Considering the fact that I am knocking on the door of 38 weeks, I finally got around to packing my hospital bag today. Another huge milestone, if you ask me!

I decided to take a cue from YouTube and the rest of the bloggy world and share what I packed with you all.

Mom's Bag:

Snacks
Jolly Ranchers for labor

2 pairs of undies (I've heard great things about the hospital mesh undies and I plan on taking full advantage of those)

3 pairs of varying types of socks

slippers

baby book (gotta get those fresh hand and foot prints!)

2 nightgowns

a robe

my belly band (to hold it all in afterward)

our video camera

microwavable rice bag (not sure if I will be able to use this or not)

a few maxi pads (once again, I plan on taking full advantage of what the hospital has to offer)

2 sample packages of disposable breast pads (I have reusable cloth ones for home)

and our toiletry bags

speaking of:

For Matt:
toothbrush
hand sanitizer (for everyone really)
deodorant
soap
For me:
toothpaste (to share)
lotion
lanolin cream
shampoo and conditioner
Burt's Bees lip balm
extra hair accessories
razor
toothbrush
comb

*not pictured: sleep nursing bra, and t-shirt, socks, and undies for Matt
Last minute things to add will be my makeup bag and our regular camera.

Logan's Bag:

brush and comb (wishful thinking? we know he's gonna be a baldy)

nail trimmers

lotion

receiving blanket

fleece blanket

two outfits

two pairs of baby mittens

Plus I will be taking my Boppy pillow, and possibly my birthing ball depending on if it is useful up until that point in my labor.

We will only bring the black suitcase up to the labor and delivery room. The rest will come up once we have moved to a recovery room.

So that's it. What am I forgetting? Did I underpack? Overpack?

I tried to keep it light. Let me know what you think!

Celebrate the Earth!

2012-04-23T07:25:00.000-05:00

There is a wonderful place in Little Rock called Heifer International. They do so many great things in other countries and right here at home. You can read all about them here, on their website.

This Saturday they hosted the Arkansas Earth Day Festival!

I had been looking forward to this day for several months. I can't even remember how I found this event. (Somewhere on the wonderful world wide web.) I actually didn't know that there was an Earth Day festival. I just knew that I was going to attend The Great Cloth Diaper Change!

It was a great event that informed people about the world of cloth diapering. The event took place at 305 changing stations in 16 countries! They broke their own Guinness World Record from last year, and next year I am going to be a part of breaking this years record!

A few facts:

Cost comparison:

The text above is a little hard to read, here is what it says:

*Reusable diaper costs include diapers, cloth wipes, detergent, and out personal laundry costs, including electricity and water.

Disposable Diaper costs include diapers and wipes. Other products such as diaper pails, trash bags, and diaper creams are not included.

Costs are based on local stores and prices may vary in your area.

The great change occurred at 11:30 am. All of the Mamas (and a few Daddys!) held up their cloth diapers first

and their cloth covered bottoms after!

It was so amazing to see so many cloth diapering parents in my local area! I had no idea there were so many families that used cloth diapers around here. It is hard to describe how excited and emotional I felt at the sight. I may or may not have teared up a little bit, but shh, we don't need to share that information!

As soon as we arrived we discovered that the diapering event was a part of the larger event. So while we were there we joined in on the rest of the fun!

The Mustard Seed Club (I couldn't find a link for them) was giving away patio gardens! Since we live in a small apartment and have only a small patio, this was perfect. I "dug" right in! Now we have chives and basil growing on our patio.

While we were hanging around the cloth diaper booth, a woman approached me and told me that there was going to be henna belly painting over at the Birth Works tent.

After we saw all of the bottoms get covered in cloth, we found the booth and I was the first to get my belly painted!

Here I am being filmed for the Fox 16 news! You can watch the clip here.

At first it was a little strange to have my belly exposed in public, but after my Mama told me to "own it," and all of the doulas told me what a beautiful pregnant belly I have, it felt pretty good.

I am so glad that I stepped outside of my comfort zone. It was such a fun experience, and I got to talk to the doulas a little about natural childbirth, my doctor, and my hospital. They were some awesome women.

Now I have a sweet henna tattoo to enjoy while we continue to wait for Logan to make his arrival.

I am so glad my personal photographer was there to take pictures. I was able to enjoy the day and just know that there would be great pictures to remember it by later. Thanks Mama!

Pineapple Shrimp Fried Rice

2012-04-22T08:06:00.000-05:00

My parents are up seeing us this weekend.

We are having SO much fun!

The next time they come to see us it will most likely mean a flying trip down the interstate and meeting at the hospital! Whoop! (has anyone taken a peek at the countdown to the right today!?)

When I saw this recipe on Pinterest I knew I just had to make it while they were here!

Hollowing out the pineapple wasn't very difficult at all, and the rest of the recipe is a breeze!

It was absolutely delish!

You can find the full recipe here.

Now back to enjoying our visit time!

Pretty Door!

2012-04-21T16:13:00.002-05:00

Earlier this week I finally took down my Easter wreath... whoops!

and replaced it with this beaut that I made!

I wanted to make sure I chose something that could last a while.

I mean, what is the next holiday, 4th of July?

The rosettes were particularly fun to make.

Also, I would like to publicly thank my mother for buying me a hot glue gun a few years ago, when I didn't even know I wanted one! Those things are super handy!

Our Love Story

2012-04-19T08:00:00.001-05:00

A few days ago I was listening to the radio while I washed the dishes. Brad Paisley's "Then" came on and it reminded me of us. If you have never heard it, you should listen before you finish reading. Click here

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

When someone asks how Matt and I met, the easy answer is "in college."

Here is the real story.

We were in college, and had been for a while. I was "talking," as they say, to one of his friends, who was roommates with his brother. We would all go over to their house on Robey St. and hang out, watching movies and sitting around a fire in the backyard. In true college boy fashion they would tear apart random things to burn.

I had heard of the infamous scoundrel Matt Low, but had never been around him.

(I had seen him sing on stage in a quartet before though. *swoon*)

He was there almost every time. He didn't always make the best impression every time though. But as the semester passed by, I spent more of my time at "The Robey House" talking to Matt than I did the guy who was inviting me over.

His brother told me later that the first time Matt saw me there he nudged him and asked, "Who's that girl!?" Seeing his brother tell the story is much better. It is one of my favorites.

Over Thanksgiving break things fizzled out with the other dude, there was simply nothing there, and I finished out my semester without our fire pit hangouts.

However, right before Christmas this message was sent over Facebook,

Matt: hey i haven't seen you in a while and thought i would see how you were doing... so hey there.

What? Why was the dude from those nights hanging out around the fire messaging me? I was confused, (and of course flattered. This so called ladies-man, that made the girls swoon with his beautiful voice and blonde hair and blue eyes sent me a message.) I casually replied,

Kristin: Hey. I'm doing great now that this semester is over! I'm looking forward to a few weeks of no school. How are you?

To be honest, although I was flattered, I wasn't waiting around anxiously for his reply. However, five days later, (on Christmas Day) I got this message,

Matt: i'm enjoying this much needed break from classes as well. i'm actually in atlanta with some family right now..... merry christmas by the way. when are you going to be back in arkadelphia? we should hang out if you want to... if you want to text me my number is *** *** ****. talk to you later

Seriously, looking back now, how cute is that message!? But guess what? I didn't reply!

(these were copied and pasted directly from facebook, nothing was changed except his phone #.)

Thank goodness he didn't give up! While still home for Christmas break and out at Chili's with two high school friends, I received a text message from a number that wasn't in my phone. It was Matt. He had gotten my number from a mutual friend. Not, however, the other dude. Though I did learn later that before he started his pursuit he did ok it with his friend, following the true "Bro Code."

This time I did reply, and text messaging ensued. Unfortunately, I don't have these messages. How was I supposed to know these were the first texts from my future husband!?

Back in Arkadelphia, I blew him off several times. I did stop by his house one time before we went out, and left with an awkward one-armed side hug.

Then he took me out on a REAL date.

It had been a long time since anyone had taken me out on an honest to goodness for-real date.

Forever silly. :)

We drove to Hot Springs, had dinner at Buffalo Wild Wings, and went bowling. It wasn't a fancy date, but it was a real one. You know, the kind where he invites you, pays for everything, and even opens doors for you?

What were all of those people talking about!? This guy seemed really nice, and not scoundrel-ish at all!

Once we got back to Arkadelphia, we even watched a movie at his place.

I found out later that he thought I didn't like him, because I didn't talk very much. (I am pretty quiet and shy around people that I don't know very well.) If I didn't like him, why would I stick around for the movie!?

After that first date, I was much less reluctant to spend time with my new found friend. We began to see each other more and more frequently, and our relationship progressed rather quickly actually. It just felt so natural and came so easily.

That first date was sometime in January, and we were "officially" a couple only a few weeks later. Then I met his parents at their house on the night of the Super Bowl, which was February 1, 2009.

A few weeks later we went on another date to the Little Rock Zoo. It was a week day that neither of us had classes, or maybe we skipped them. I can't remember, but that is entirely possible.

He needed a little extra time getting ready because he had "twisted his knee in the shower." I didn't know this at the time, but my man has bad knees from playing football in high school. And the shower story? Not true, he twisted it stretching in bed, but he couldn't let his new girlfriend know that! The poor guy.

The last thing he needed to do that day was walk all over a zoo, but he never said a word about his knee the entire time we were there. Although I know now that he was in pain the entire time.

We enjoyed a semester of spending time together, watching movies, eating out. Then the summer came and the real fun started. We were both working, but with no class we had more time to spend having fun. There were many, many trips made down the Caddo River, and many meals eaten at TaMolly's.

On June 20, 2010 we once again ate at TaMolly's. Then we drove down to the lower dam picnic area, and he got down on one knee and said some of the sweetest words to me, and I said "Yes."

Four months later on October 2, 2010 we both said "I do"

Now here we are, days away from meeting our son, and ol' Brad was right.

I just thought I loved him then.

37 Weeks!

2012-04-18T19:45:00.000-05:00

37 weeks.

Say it with me... Thirty seven.

Thir-ty sev-en.

That is full term you guys!

He could come at any time, and be considered FULL TERM.

Although, lets not switch from watching the calendar to watching the clock just yet. I am sure we still have weeks to go.

However, I can feel my body getting ready. Every time I stand up something in my pelvis region makes a pop or a crack. I have also been having menstrual like cramps every day for about a week now.

Tums are my new best friend these days. At least I know I'm not calcium deficient!

It seems as though I don't even have to eat anything to have acid reflux, but it's not too terrible.

As far as energy goes, I am right back to the first trimester. I am TIRED! Naps are a must! Thank goodness I have the time.

Also, HELLO pregnancy brain! Tonight I tossed a very special-to-me cook book that my mom MADE for me right into the kitchen trash while I was cleaning up. What in the heck!? Thank goodness I noticed!!!

I think I need a baby sitter for the next three weeks. Haha.

Doctor appointment tomorrow.

Also, be sure to check back here tomorrow for a post that I spent more than ten minutes on!

Smooth(ie) Operator

2012-04-17T20:10:00.000-05:00

We went on a grocery trip today, and I made sure to get plenty of fruits and veggies for these last few weeks of pregnancy!

I had making smoothies on my mind for many of the choices that I made.

Tonight after putting away all of the groceries, I made our first smoothie from the trip.

It included, plain yogurt, a banana, strawberries, blueberries, kale and ice.

Yum-ee!

I am currently enjoying my glass of deliciousness.

Poor lighting, bad picture. They are much more purple than this shows.

To be honest, they are pretty thick. They could stand a little water, or maybe more yogurt. I could really eat mine with a spoon.

Get your clean on!

2012-04-14T18:48:00.001-05:00

Lately I have been a twinge bit obsessed with vinegar.

Strange, I know.

It all started after I read an article, 45 Uses for Vinegar.

Vinegar is useful stuff!

Today I used it to clean my microwave.

Just put a small bowl of vinegar in the microwave and heat it for a few minutes.

I used the ever classic 2:22.

Then easily wipe away the ick!

(not the greatest pictures, I know)

I must admit, I have used this same trick with a bowl of water before. That works well also. I can't 100% say that vinegar works any better actually. BUT vinegar does kill germs, so for the sake of this post we will just go ahead and say that it looks nice and is germ free as well!

I have also been using vinegar as a replacement for Jet Dry(expensive!), as a softening agent in my washing machine, and to clean in the bathroom!

Using cheap household ingredients is pretty awesome, I must say. I am loving seeing what expensive chemicals I can replace, and different ways I can save money!

(and if you think vinegar is awesome, you should check out what baking soda can do!)

Another Shower!?

2012-04-13T18:19:00.000-05:00

I was scheduled until 3 today, but around 2:15 a manager asked me if I wanted to leave early since we were pretty slow. Sure, says unknowing me.

Then after I clocked out a co-worked asked if I had a minute, because she wanted to show me some new things that came in. Sure, says unknowing me.

She walked me back to the classroom and there were people waiting for me, and a cake, and decorations, and presents! I had NO idea! It was so sweet. They had to come back in shifts, because they were all working.

One of our managers made the CUTEST cake! I didn't know until today that she and her husband owned a cake shop for eight years! I don't have any pictures from the shower though. :( I didn't even have my phone on me.

There were lots of cute baby clothes. You can't even see all of them in this picture, they are stacked on top of each other.

There were also bibs, safety items, blankets, toys, mittens, a Johnny Jump Up, and more!

And, of course, being the crafty people they are, there were homemade gifts!

A sweet lady from the fabric department made a baby quilt!

And someone else made this cute wall hanging! It matches his nursery so well!

These little shrink wrapped booties were included with one gift. Little did they know it was extra sentimental to me.

This picture does not do them justice, but these little baby sunglasses may be my favorite item of the day! They are TOO cute! We have plenty of baseball outfits to pair them with, too!

Thank you, thank you, and thank you again!

There are so many amazing people in my life. I feel so blessed!

Miss Molly

2012-04-12T18:12:00.001-05:00

This post has been sitting in my draft box for quite some time now! I decided to go ahead and finish it up and post already!

I have actually shaved Molly again since these pictures. Her hair grows insanely fast.

I got Molly when Matt and I had been dating for only a few months. She has been around for it all. She was just a fluffy little puppy then.

Now, of course, she would be a wolf dog if I didn't shave her!

We have had our struggles with Molly over the years. She was so wild and hard to control when she was younger, and she had some health issues as a puppy.

But sweet little Molly just keeps getting better with age.

She hates baths, but once she is locked in the bathroom and the water is running, she hops right in the tub without being prompted.

However, when we travel she still acts a fool! But c'mon now, she IS a dog!

She is downright spoiled, but no where close to prissy.

Our rotten Molly has no idea what is about to happen to her little life!

I am not worried about her hurting the baby when he gets here. We also don't see her becoming his protector. Mostly we envision her completely ignoring the new screaming little wiggly thing (after a few initial sniffs).

I am sure she will adjust just fine. And in a few years they can be best buddies. : )

36 Weeks! (and one day)

2012-04-12T16:28:00.000-05:00

I am officially 9 months pregnant now!

It really is strange that pregnancy is so commonly thought of as 9 months, but really it is 10!

Logan is busy, busy growing! He is about 6 pounds now and gaining an ounce a day!

At my doctor appointment on Tuesday we found out that he is definitely head down and that his head is very low. I still haven't dropped though. And I'm ok with that! My due date is still several weeks away!

It would actually be so perfect if Logan was one of the 5% of babies born on their due dates. That way Matt would already have the four days following off from work! (He gets a four day weekend once a month.) So, I'll have to work on that perfect delivery date. ;)

These were both taken yesterday morning while I was getting ready for work.

This was my first outfit choice, but I quickly realized it was a no go!

Take two:

If you want to see better pictures of me that WEREN'T taken with a phone, you can go here or here.

Last night I felt like I was having constant Braxton Hicks! It was crazy how they just didn't stop! I am still having them today, but nothing like last night. Our bodies are so amazing! Mine is gearing up for labor, and knows just how to do it! (I feel like I am exclamation point crazy today! But it's just so exciting!!! Haha.)

Last week I mentioned that we had everything except two items. We now have those items also! We have also completed our cloth diaper stash! I plan on doing a post on it as soon as I have the few diapers I left in Texas when we were visiting family. I tested a couple out on my 6 month old niece. It was so wonderful to actually see them in action on a real live baby!

His nursery is still somewhat chaotic, but it is slowly coming together. As soon as everything has a place and I get his bedding washed and made I will be posting a nursery tour also.

Next week I will probably pack our hospital bags and share what we packed here as well.

Tomorrow is my last day of work, so I will soon have plenty of time to get things done. I have several craft projects in mind as well. Hopefully with all of my extra time I will actually post more here before I have a baby and no more free time!

35 Weeks!

2012-04-04T22:10:00.001-05:00

Today's magic number is 35!

35 weeks have gone by and 35 days are left!

I decided to be candid today and take my belly picture in my dog shaving clothes.

I thought it was really funny at the time, as you can see. Haha.

The pregnancy brain has kicked in 100%. Last night I bought a baby shower gift for a friend. I meant to send a picture of said gift to a mutual friend, but instead I sent it to her! I couldn't believe I did that!

Today I planned on going to Walgreen's to take Matt his lunch, and buy two items. Prenatal vitamins... and something else.

I ended up buying prenatal vitamins and a clearanced package of jelly beans.

I don't think those were the other thing... but they were a great source of vitamin C!

Today I did Logan's first load of laundry! It was the most fun load of laundry I have ever done!

Now it is all folded and put away in his drawers. I can't wait to have a little body to put in all of these clothes!

WooHoo! Baby time is getting close!

Shower #3!

2012-04-02T12:23:00.005-05:00

Happy April everybody!

I've been MIA over the past week and a half. Whoops!

Last Wednesday when I would usually do my weekly(34) update, I was busy packing and travelling. We spent a long weekend down in Texas with my family. It was so wonderful! The car ride, not so much.

While we were there, my mom and sister hosted our third and final shower. My hometown family, friends, and church members did NOT hold back! I couldn't believe how many presents there were!

We are so set now on baby stuff! There are only two more things that we need to purchase.

The main things I need to get done are organizing all of his new things, picking out a going home outfit, washing his clothes and sheets, and one or two more crafty decorating type things.

I didn't manage to take ANY pictures of the shower, even though my camera was right next to me. I am sure my mom will gladly share some of hers, because there was much fun had at this shower! So for now, I will just share my loot!

(for anyone worried, I didn't stand in a chair. I'm just that tall!)

Pictured below (L-R)

Row 1:
blue basket (that was full of goodies!)

teensy blue windpants

two onesies

froggy outfit

I <3 Mom onesie

3 piece set

Mommy's MVP shirt and shorts set

Turtle "Best Friends" shirt and shorts set

"Row" 2:

onesies 4 pack

pack of tanks

"Ribbet" set, onesie, hat, booties, and burp cloth

lots of socks!

baseball PJs

2 pairs of shoes

Mom&Me Recordable Book

Brush and Comb set

spoons

nasal aspirator

nail clippers

wash cloths

onesies packs

"Teething Bling" for mom

rattles

teether

Pictured Below (L-R)

Row 1:

Monkey overalls

Monster onesies 3 pack

Rocker 3 piece set

"Handsome runs in the family" 3 piece set

"Daddy's Rookie" onesie

"Row" 2:

Lots of Johnson's!

Turtle rattle

toy links

little froggy family

bibs

wipes

cradle set

blankets, blankets, blankets

*not pictured: stuffed tiger, stuffed bunny, two homemade hooded towels

I knew I was leaving stuff out! I hope that is all I forgot.

This was one of the more special gifts. :-)

It is a cradle set for the cradle that will be in our bedroom. A cradle that has held many babies in my family. My sister was the first, followed by me, three nephews, and a niece. Now my little baby boy will sleep next to my bed in the very same cradle. My sister made this cradle set for me using material that I picked out and our mom's pattern. I love sentimental gifts!

On top of all of this wonderfulness, we also got three (3!) boxes of clothes and accessories from my sister and b-i-l! They have totally got the boy thing down pat, and had plenty of things in awesome condition to pass on to us! It was so much fun to "shop" through her stored baby things. Logan is going to have plenty to wear for the first year+ of his life.

I feel so loved and blessed right now. Thank you to everyone who has given us gifts, prayed for us, or given your time and energy in the past few months. We appreciate you all and couldn't have made it alone!

33 Weeks!

2012-03-21T20:59:00.002-05:00

The weeks fly by so fast that I feel like I don't have much to say on these posts!

Last night I had an emotional hormonal moment. I had been in a weird mood over the evening, and as I was standing in the bathroom about to take a shower before bed I just started crying. I leaned against the door facing and cried for a little bit. Then Matt came into the room, and he held me while I just let it all out. He asked me what was wrong, and I tried my hardest to come up with an answer, but there simply wasn't one. There wasn't anything wrong, really. My hormones have just been getting crazier as we near the end of this pregnancy journey.

After I got my tears out, I stood in the shower feeling sorry for myself for no particular reason. Who knows what my issue was, but I am sure I needed a good cry. This morning my mood was back to normal, and I went about my day as usual. So, no one start worrying about me, I am still doing great!

As far as symptoms go, everything is still the same from last week's post. Nothing new or unusual. I did forget to come back and update how much I had gained from my last dr. appointment. Three pounds! I was so excited/proud of myself. However, I feel like I have gain three more since!
My dr. told me then to keep the rest of my gain to under 10 pounds. I have kind of been stressing about that since the appointment. As of last Thursday I had gained 25 pounds total. And while I reeeallly don't want to gain 35 pounds (!!!!) and weigh XXX pounds (!!!!) I also don't want to be stressing about gaining weight if that is what my baby needs. So, I am going to continue to eat healthy and stay active and whatever I gain, I will gain. There is no need to stress about it or try to "diet" while I am growing a baby! He may be 10 pounds when he gets here, and have needed me to gain that weight!
I mean, I suppose the dr. knows what he is talking about... but whenever he talks about gaining too much weight he says things like "that will be the part that will be hard to get off." So, really it is about me not being a fatty afterward... I have really digressed here.... I hope you know what I am trying to say. Let me know your opinions in the comments.

Sorry for this whacky week update! It is more of an emotional update than a physical one. But rest assured, little Logan and I are still doing great! :-)

Childbirth Class

2012-03-18T14:38:00.000-05:00

Yesterday we attended the much-awaited childbirth class at our hospital!

We were the first couple in the classroom, so I snapped a couple quick pictures on my phone.

There were 9 couples, including ourselves in the class. Only two of the couples were expecting girls!

The class was from 9-5, with a lunch break and lots of restroom breaks! The ladies room across the hall stayed busy with nine pregnant women so close by!

There was SO much information packed into the day. Afterward Matt said something along the lines of, "I didn't think they could fill eight hours, but they did." I asked him if he was ever bored, and he said he wasn't.

When we were going over something that I already knew about, I was never bored or frustrated either, because I knew that he may need that information! I have been reading a LOT more than he has! Understandably.

Matt and I had some really great discussion after the class. It is feeling much more real to him now.

We received tons of handouts. Two magazines, a package of samples and coupons, a dvd, a folder FULL of info sheets, and a cute little bag with samples inside.

Here are a few of my favorite sheets. I didn't downsize these pictures, so you can hopefully click on them and read the sheets.

I thought this one was very neat. It really spoke to me. There are many different ways to get there, but the end result will be the same. (there should be a c-section helipad. haha)

The class started with a nurse teaching. Then a labor and delivery nurse came by to speak and a pediatrician. We watched several videos, even saw a few births. After lunch we all got down in the floor to practice some breathing! And for our husbands to practice different types of massage. (oh yea!) Last night Matt said his hands were sore from massaging me and that he better get ready for the real labor day. Does that mean lots of practicing?? I hope so! Haha.

We went over labor, delivery, breathing, other coping mechanisms, c-sections, epidurals, breastfeeding, infant care, carseats, and so much more!

At the end of the class we all went upstairs to see the labor and delivery unit. The rooms are a pretty sage green color and very spacious! No pictures of those now. You'll have to wait until we occupy one! I can't believe we are so close! I am feeling very, very ready. We have the tools. We have the information. Now we just need the right time.

Busy Week!

2012-03-15T18:10:00.000-05:00

This week has really felt non-stop, go-go-go!

It probably wouldn't feel as busy if I wasn't pregnant, but I am!

The house started out clean when we went to bed on Sunday night, by today it was another story! I am spending my afternoon trying to get it whipped back into shape!

Monday: I worked that morning and I am having issues remembering that night... I know I ate something, but I can't remember what it was! On days that I work I am pretty useless in the evening.

Tuesday: Molly had her annual vet appointment in the morning for her shots. I was so paranoid that something was going to be wrong with her. I think that was my pregnant hormones shining. Luckily, she received a clean bill of health! Whew!

That afternoon I organized and took inventory in the pantry, then made a grocery run. Matt was at work so it also involved unloading and putting-away by myself. If you have been to our apartment you know it is a bit of a hike from the parking lot to our front door. I also cooked supper that night!

Wednesday: I worked again, and cooked again! I really planned on cleaning the kitchen before checking out for the night, but the energy simply wasn't there.

Thursday(today!): This morning I had my 32 week dr. appointment. I only gained three pounds since my last appointment, four weeks ago. BOOM! Haha, I was so proud of myself. My dr. said that I should keep the rest of my weight gain from here to the end to under 10 pounds. If I follow the general one pound a week rule, that shouldn't be a problem. I am eating healthy and staying active, and (besides a bit of heartburn) feeling really great!

Right now the dishwasher, washing machine, and dryer are running (hello electricity bill!). I plan on cooking again tonight, and I really want to make some oatmeal cookies! But we will just wait and see how it plays out.

Friday: I work again tomorrow, but this time I will close. I don't have to be at work until 4, but I will probably sleep in and take it pretty easy all day. The evenings are when I am the most worn out, so I don't want to use up all of my energy before I get to work!

Saturday: Childbirth Class! From 9-5. I am so excited about this class! I cannot wait to see the hospital and learn more about their policies. We signed up for the class online several weeks ago. We never received an email or anything in the snail mail, so I started to worry that we weren't actually registered. This afternoon I called to confirm, and we were NOT signed up!!! I am so glad I listened to my worries on that one! I gave them all of our info and paid over the phone. Now we are good to go for Saturday. I can't wait!

I can't wait to see what next week will bring! Maybe a day with NO obligations!? We shall see!

32 Weeks!

2012-03-14T17:39:00.001-05:00

Another week has come and gone! I am now 32 weeks pregnant!

I had another shower on Sunday! It was a "Cutie" theme. You know, those adorable little oranges?

For some reason the pictures in my collage decided to go all grainy on me. Grr. (you can click on them and see a non-grainy version, weird)

It was so wonderful to see friends that I don't get to see very often. Thank you to all who came! And especially to Ashley for throwing the shower!

In last weeks post I bragged about how great I have been feeling. Only a few hours after posting that I started having some acid reflux! I have had it and heartburn a few times this week, but nothing too severe. I think Logan is just starting to squish all of my organs in there!

Speaking of Logan, he is almost 17 inches long and getting close to 4 pounds! He will be in the process of gaining half of his birth weight over the next several weeks. Keep growing, little man!

The coolest thing happened this week! I saw online that at this stage it is possible to hear the baby's heartbeat from outside my belly. I told Matt about this, and, with his ear pressed to my belly, he heard Logan's heartbeat! We compared what he was hearing with my pulse, and decided that it was definitely Logan and not me. How cool is that!?

There are so many fun quirks to pregnancy. I have noticed lately that a new fun one for me is that my armpits are extra pigmented. Haha, so, if I wear anything sleeveless I am flashing my dark armpits around. So glamorous! Sorry, no pics. ;)

My new place to sit has recently become the floor in front of the couch. Something about the way the cushions on the couch give really hurts my back. The only issue with sitting on the floor is... you guessed it, getting UP from the floor! The best way to do this is to roll to my hands and knees, then up to my knees, then stand from there. While I was going through my stand-up process last night I started thinking about pregnancy in a broad sense. No one can teach you to be pregnant. It is something you learn along the way. But doesn't it seem as though every woman is an expert on her own pregnancy by the end, and really at each stage? Just an interesting thought I had.

I have a Dr. appointment tomorrow. Can't wait to see what he says about my weight gain! I think it has been an appropriate amount. I think I have gained around 4 pounds since the last visit, but I don't 100% trust my scales.

Hopefully I will pop in tomorrow to let you know what he says!

Ta-ta!