10 days until my due date!

I can't believe we are only 10 days away from my due date!! So crazy but a good crazy for sure! I had my 38 week checkup today and it went well despite a few bumps in my appointment. When I arrived this morning my blood pressure was 140/99 which is pretty high for me, normally my blood pressure is 115/75. The nurse told my DR and he came in almost right away and checked it again, it was still high. After doing an ultra sound he decided to send me to the lab for some blood work and a urine test- then up to L&D for further testing. They monitored the babys heart rate, and my blood pressure. Did another ultra sound and checked to see if my fluid had leaked at all- and checked to see if I was dilated.... well everything for the most part looked good. Im not dilated but they said that doesn't mean anything, and from the test they ran it doesn't look like Im having any contractions. My fluid is nice and full so my water has no broken or leaked at all (thank goodness). And my blood pressure was still kind of high when I left but it was down to being safe. Had my blood pressure not gone down, or I had low fluid they would have induced me today. Which would have been ok since Im 38 weeks pregnant. Adam had his last solo flight and so I didn't really tell him what was going on at my appointment just they my blood pressure was high and they were checking it again. I didn't want him to worry or cancel his flight for no reason. Plus had they induced me than it still would have been hours before I gave birth so he wouldn't have missed that. Now my DR wants to see me twice next week, and twice the following week if I still haven't delivered. Im hoping my sweet little boy wants to come right around his due date to help avoid this mama from being induced. BUT I will say that as far as my birth plan goes- it's whatever I have to do to have a safe and healthy delivery for both the baby and I. If that means, inducing me- or having a c-section than sobeit!  I still feel very positive about my pregnancy and even about my upcoming delivery. I feel if you think positive you will have positive results even if the situation isn't what you may have planned. So happy thoughts are all that Im thinking in hopes that I have a very good delivery. 

My moms coming in next Thursday and I can't wait to see her! I still can't believe we are only a few days away from meeting our little boy. Its just so crazy to me that we can love someone so much that we haven't met yet, and become so anxious to meet him yet all we know about him is that we made him- and we love him already.

When does parenting start??

16 days until my due date! But hey whose counting?? So my entire pregnancy I've been reading/ taking classes on all of the "what to expect" kind of things. And even though the baby isn't here yet I think that no amount of reading material will ever truly prepare me for the arrival of our little boy. Do I use vaccinate vs. no vaccinations, disposable vs. cloth diapering, breastfeeding vs. bottle feeding..and well you get my point, the list goes on. I've realized that every family is different and what we choose to do for our family may work for us but not for someone else. I've also learned that sometimes keeping our opinions to ourselves is easier than explaining why we might choose one route vs. another. Not that I don't like having others opinions,  I really do because hearing things from other mothers that have gone through pregnancy/childbirth and the raising of their little ones is a great insight for me...but I feel I never want to be judged by the decisions we make as parents because what we feel is right might not necessarily be someone else's "right".

After much thought, research and talking to other people who have banked their babies cord blood, we decided to go ahead and try to bank our little boys cord blood when he's born. Now of course the cord might not be viable at the time of delivery but we hope that it is. I also hope we never have to use it but to have it as a safety net in case something ever happens. There are so many unneeded items that we spend money on every year that I cannot say it's "too much money" to bank his cord. The initial fee is more than what the annual fee will be but after the first year its only $125 to keep it in storage. I did the math at what $125 would cost over the 12months and it comes out to about $10 and some change a month, thats nothing!! I compare that to the cost of having an extra sense of security for our little boy. I know a lot of people that decided not to bank their babys cord blood, and I completely understand and respect their decision but for us I want to at least try to save it. My family history with cancer is so strong that it really is giving me a little more peace of mind even now before my delivery.

Im not exactly sure of what kind of mom I will be but Id like to think all of the decisions that Adam  & I make as parents will be in the best interest of our little one. And those decision for us started when we found out we were expecting.

Where has the time gone?

It's crazy when I start to think about how much has changed in the last year. Last April Adam & I became engaged. We planned our wedding, and were married in October. Right around the same time we found out that we were expecting our little baby boy. We had our first PCS move to Pensacola,FL just one of many we will have in the future. We moved into our first actual home, nothing like living in an apartment when were in College. Adam started training, and I started interpreting...

The other day I started thinking about how things happen. I applied to Towson as a transfer student (as did Adam) but Towson was the last school that I sent in an application for. I submitted my application the last possible day, and never turned in an essay either. After being accepted to Hunter, and CW Post one with a full scholarship and the other with a partial- I still wasn't set on going to either of them. When I got my acceptance letter for Towson I was at work and my mom had opened it up and read it to me. Still not sure if I wanted to go to TU, never even visiting Maryland before I setup a weekend to visit the school and was sold on it after the tour. I sent my deposit in that Monday and started the process to transfer. I think one of the reasons I had decided on Towson was because I wanted to leave NY, at the time I thought it would just be a temporary move to obtain my degree never thinking that when I left home, I would never actually move back. Not something I ever thought would happen- me, permanently move out of NY? But it was and still is one of the best decisions I have ever made. By making one decision out of my "comfort zone" and going to school out of state, not having any family around completely changed my life. Adam & I met in August and although we both started at Towson with the thought we weren't going to date anyone..that didn't really hold up on either end since we started dating that October. Now, for friends and family that know exactly how we met know we didn't start off dating, or really even as friends. I always think, what were the chances that we would end up living in the smallest/ oldest dorm on campus? We could have ended up in the Towers and probably wouldn't have met. But as fait would have it, we did and the rest is still history in the making :)

But I truly believe everything happens for a reason...

I wanted to get out of NY, I wanted to leave behind part of me. Not in a bad way but, I wanted to start living my life for me. Before Adam & I met I had dated someone that was toxic and in order to be the person I knew I was I had to leave. If I stayed home, stayed local I would have commuted to a class, lived at home, and worked, which was fine the first two years, but I needed something new. And even though I worked two jobs while I was at TU I was living in the dorms, then an apartment. I experienced roommates, both good and bad. I was able to figure out who I was and what I wanted to do. I think that sometimes living home as a young adult you limit yourself as to what you want to do with your life. And with that one decision the day before the cut off for Towson’s applications, I never thought in a million years I would be picking which direction which way ”my path" would go. If someone had told me that I would meet the man that I would marry, and start a family with when I left NY I wouldn't have believed them...

Now, that it's about 3 weeks until my due date- I just think about how truly blessed I am to have such a supportive husband. He's so much more than just my husband, but my best friend, partner, and the love of my life. There isn't a day that goes by that I'm not thankful that we have each other. We work together to build and better our relationship and were always attentive as to what the other needs. Of course we have our disagreements like all couples do, and that's normal but in the (almost 4yrs) we've been together we have never had anything more than just that a disagreement and nothing that we can't talk out. I know that Adam's going to be an amazing father not only because how amazing he is with me but beause he's had such wonderful parents/role models in his life. As I know Im going to be a great mom because my mother has always made sure our needs were met even when it wasn't always easy for her. Sometimes people will ask me if Im nervous about the baby coming, and I wouldn't say nervous but more anxious and excited at the same time. Im anxious because its new- I mean our entire world is going to change...for the better but it's still a change, and I think that most first time parents are anxious about what they don't know. Regardless of all of the parenting, breast-feeding, and birthing classes that we've taken when he makes his entrance into this world we have to learn everyday what will work for our family. Recently, a friend told me she has taught herself that what might work one day with her daughter might not work the next day and that she has learned to grow with her daughter. I thought thats such a great way to look at all the constant changes. Children go from babies-teenagers and what might work when their newborns or infants might not work when their toddlers and teenagers. I know that Adam and I will be able to grow with our baby boy, and just know that we need to have flexibility. Life will constantly throw you a curve ball and we just need to know how to handle those for our family. And as for being excited, I mean come on- were having a baby!! He's mixed with a little of both of us, and we made him. I mean oh my goodness- this little baby boy has been growing inside my belly, and now were down to the last few weeks and at the end of my pregnancy we get to hold him and just love him. We couldn't be more excited. Just thinking about when he's here makes me start to cry. Crazy how you can love someone so much that you haven't even met yet.

Week 36 :)

This week I'm full term! I really can't belive how my pregnancy has gone! I feel like it was yesterday that we found out we were expecting.. and now were so close to meeting our little boy! He's still very active but its starting to get crowded in my belly so I think maybe he will start to slow down soon, as he runs out of room :).. Im feeling great! Im having some hip and lower back pain but nothing that's not managable. Prenatal yoga seems to help with my backpains which is a plus! And tomorrow Im going with another prego mama for a prenatal massage :). I find that Im making many more trips to the bathroom, and having a hard time falling asleep at night even when Im tired. I think Im having a hard time sleeping because I get so excited when I think how he will be here soon. It's a good thing that Kayla lives in Japan because the middle of her day is the middle of the night for me and the last few days shes been home while Im wide awake between 1-3am hehe. I have an appointment on Wed. morning to see if our little man has "flipped" I know about a month ago he was but well see if he's flipped back around. Can't wait to see his little face on the ultra sound and then meet him in a few short weeks!

Nesting or Cleaning??

In the last few days I have found that all I want to do is clean, but Im not sure if this would be considered "nesting" or just plain old cleaning- although it does feel different than just cleaning. By this I mean Im re-organizing baby stuff and keep checking my "to do list" to see where I am on it before the baby is here. Im getting so anxious and excited to meet him. I can hardly contain myself. Wih only about 5 weeks left (give or take some) until we get to meet our little man and I really have to say so far I have had such a wonderful pregnancy, I only hope that my L&D go as smoothly. 

On some other news...

Last weekend we went a had some maternity pictures taken, and they came out great! The photographer (Jessica Aten) did an amazing job. I can't wait for her to do our newborn pictures of the baby when he arrives. Part of me thinks that the baby might come at the end of June, but whenever he makes his entrance well be excited!

This past weekend we went out to a bbq, one of the many things I love about summer time :) and got to see some friends which is always a plus! On Sunday we went blueberry picking which was sooo much fun, until I got a little overheated..between Adam & I we had just under a gallon of blueberries. We had to contain ourselves from eating them all! But I was able to freeze them so we can use them later on :)..and Sunday afternoon my very amazing/wonderful group of girlfriends down here had a baby shower for me. It was really nice, relaxing and just an awesome time all around. Good friends, good food, good laughs :). I think that I'm very lucky to have met such a great group of women since we've moved down here. I only wish we would all move onto our next station together but I guess well see what happens, and what our husbands end up flying to help determine that ;).

Beautiful Sunflowers :)

My handsome hubby

Mmm yum!

Not even half of what we picked!

Me- before I got too hot!

Diaper cake Laurie made! I forgot to take pictures, opps!

I also added some of the maternity pictures Adam & I took...can't wait to take pictures of our little guy!!!

Sleep? Whats that...

In the last few weeks I find that I cannot sleep the same at all. I mean my sleep patterns have been changing little by little but lately it takes me forever to fall asleep even when Im tired, then once Im sleeping I find that Im getting up throughout the night to use the bathroom..all the joys of pregnancy Im sure :)...I just keep telling myself that its preparing me for when the baby is here. I can't believe that in 6 short weeks he will be here! Were so excited to meet him. I think I tell Adam everyday that I just want to kiss his little face. I mean just look at it!! Even as a 3D imagine Im completely bias to how adorable he is!!

 

He's been so active during my entire pregnancy and that's ok with me because it lets me know he's in there. Even now at 2am he's wide awake. I wonder if this is a reflection of how his sleep patterns will be once hes born? Hmmm, well just have to see. At least I'll be used to being awake at night ;)

Exactly 45 days left until my due date! Keep growing my little man but hurry up so we can meet you and just smother you with kisses!! 

Week 33: he's almost here!

Baby boy Chase @ 29wks 6days

Most of our appointment he was covering his face or sucking his thumb!

A few weeks ago Adam & I went to have some 3D/4D pictures done of the baby. I just haven't had time to sit down and post them via my blog. Most of our appointment little boy Chase was covering his face with his hands and feet, and sleeping. Which is sooo not like him, since most of my days he's moving around as though he's playing on a jungle gym in my belly. So it was surprising when he deicded to take a nap during my appointment. Even now as Im typing he's moving all over my belly and I'm watching my stomach change shapes. I have to say though, I don't mind at all. I love seeing him move all around. Now that he's getting bigger- his movements are much stronger. He's been head down for about the last month and kicking into my right rib is his "thing". Whenever he's done bouncing around my belly, he usually curls up on my right side. I think about how he used to be SO small. I constantly look at our first ultra sound picture of him and think he was so tiny! Now he's about 3lbs 12oz- wow! Adam & I have been calling him our "little bug", and the theme of his nursery might have something to do with that..but not completely sure. As for his nursery here are so pictures of it so far... :) 

Our little bug's crib :)..we have his name hanging above it with a big green leaf but well have to wait until he arrives to post that picture ;)...

Changing table, and his car seat's sitting next to it..

Closet door

Dresser, and changing table... were adding another big leaf in that corner, and some curtains too.

Starting to get his closet all ready... but only putting clothes from newborn-3months since we might be moving again in the Fall..

Since taking thees pictures we've added some more things to his room. Like the big green leaf over his crib, book shelves & pictures. We decided against painting the walls since there's a chance we could be moving again this Fall. Well have to see what Adam is selected to Fly before we know for sure. So instead we used Hungry Caterpillar wall decals- which I think looks really cute! I wanted to make a Hungry Caterpillar mobile inspired by one I saw on Etsy- but Adam said there's no way his room can't have any airplanes in it- so Im looking for an airplane mobile that I can either buy or make, with the colors that match the rest of his room. Adam said he would like to take on that craft but his study/flight schedule takes up a lot of his free time, so I might start that project and have him do a few of the finishing touches for it. 

And here I am at 32 weeks... now that Im 2days away from 33 weeks, I'm posting pictures..opps!

 

32 weeks and still growing! Im going to miss my bump thats for sure but I cannot wait for our little boy to arrive- so I don't think I'll miss it too much! I haven't had any signs of the "brown line" so well see if it creeps up in the final few weeks before his arrival. I have noticed two stretch marks on each of my hips, and only this morning am I seeing a faint stretch mark on my lower right side of my belly. I know my body is changing like crazy and I don't think I'll ever be upset that I'll have stretch marks on my body, it just shows that for the last 9 months I've experienced one of the most amazing joys of life. I know July is around the corner but as it slowly approaches I can hardly wait! I think when we get down the the "final" stretch I'll barely be able to contain myself with excitement. I can't wait to meet our little man! 

Life's a Beach

The last few days have been SO much fun! My sister came to visit us on Wed. and spending time with just her has been great! We don't get to do that too often since we live so far apart now. Thursday we drove to the outlets in Foley,AL  and really just did a lot of walking and talking..we tried on some clothes but Im limited as to what actually looks good on me these days. And Adam had off on Friday and the three of us went to the beach then out to eat later that night.

Jake & Kayla, two of our close friends came to see us and will be here until Monday. It has been sooo nice to see them both especially since they will be

PCS-ing to Japan in early May. It's crazy to think that we might go 3 years without actually seeing them in person. Thank god for skype, right? At least we will be able to see each other and our new bundles of joy when they are born in a few months :).

Bump date: week 26

Is it July yet?? I know I still have some time left until our precious baby boy is here but were both getting SO excited :). I'm feeling pretty great these days but I've noticed some changes in my body this week that seem to be new.. it's not so easy to bend down to pick things up anymore, I'm starting to get some lower back pain, and my feet are already starting to swell up. Now, Im sure none of these sound too fun but I wouldn't trade feeling this way for anything. I love feeling him move around, which is doing A LOT more now than he has before. Adam can feel him move now too which is so exciting for us both! I've noticed that our baby likes to be snuggled up right in the middle of my belly, where his butt is by my belly button and his head facing down. I only know this because at almost all of my ultra sounds thats how he's positioned when they go to scan me...and that's how he's usually sitting when I'm at home too.I love when I can see my belly moving..I always say he's getting his exercise in early, as he's a very active baby already! We went for a 3D ultra sound on Sunday and its just so amazing to be able to see details of his face! We have another appointment at the end of the month when Im at 30 weeks- his cute little face will have some more fat on it and we might be able to get some more detailed photos of our little man.

My growing baby belly...

I so love the little baby inside me!

My growing baby belly :) Adam was playing around with the amazing new Nikon he got me as a Christmas/Birthday gift...and well it def. works well- and will take some beautiful pictures when the baby is here!

Baby Chase..Coming July 2012!

Here's our new little addition...Baby Chase. He or She is growing and doing just fine! In the picture the baby is 11 weeks but now the baby is 16 weeks! So the next picture the baby will be much bigger and looking much more like a baby rather than a little peanut ! Starting this week the baby will be able to hear our voices which is exciting. And lately I can feel the baby moving around inside of me...hopefully in a few weeks Adam will be able to feel the baby kicking too! Were not sure if we going to find out the sex of the baby..either way healthy is all that matters!


I was having very bad morning sickness which has seemed to pass- thank goodness! I also had kidney stones, low potassium, low protein intake, and loosing too much weight (who would have thought that would ever be a problem!!). Im going back to the DR in 2weeks to check my weight and blood. Ive been able eat a lot more than I was because Im not nauseas anymore. And can actually keep foods down now.

I know that the pregnancy will start to fly but I am so excited to meet our little baby!! Now I'm starting to show a little baby belly which I will wear proudly..even when I get stretch marks because guess what, one of the most amazing things is happening right inside of my body...a baby that we created is growing!

Belly pictures to come!