Week 39

We are in single digits now until Henry's due date.  Such a strange and exciting feeling.  Before I get to my weekly update, I want to share a Mother's Day moment I experienced today.

The past month and a half, Piper and I have been going on walks in the evening.  It has helped give me whatever endurance I can, makes the dog tired, and I think it has allowed my pregnancy to progress nicely. Well, our house sits by an elementary school track with a cow pasture right beside it.  As Piper and I walked up to the track tonight, I noticed a mama cow and her calf.  The calf couldn't have been more than a couple days old as it was still wobbly on its feet.  As the calf got closer to the fence, the mama would nudge it to redirect it towards the rest of the field, steering it in the right direction.

While I watched, my attention was drawn to the transmission tower that runs through the field.  On the transmission tower sat probably 30 vultures (no joke).  It was honestly a little creepy.  The vultures followed the calf with the position of their bodies, while the mama cow walked closely behind the calf.  The calf wandered to a wooded area.  As soon as that happened, the vultures started to fly down to the wooded area.  Over the next couple of minutes, about 15 of them made their way down to the trees or to the ground within 20 feet of the calf.

All the while, the mama cow stood her ground between her baby and the vultures.  I watched in amazement as she would turn and charge any vultures that got too close.  She wouldn't let them come close to her baby.

That really got me thinking.  Vultures to me represent uncleanliness, sin, and death. The entire time Piper and I walked around the track, I thought about how I want to be like that mama cow.  I want to steer Henry in the direction he should go: away from danger and towards the safety of the Cross.  I want to stand between my Henry and the sin of this world.  I want to protect him from evil.  I want to show him how to defend himself against what this world and Satan will throw at him, and when he's old enough, to let him fend for himself and rely on what Brett and I have taught him.  Just like that mama cow and her baby calf. 

Sometimes I still don't feel like a mama, even though I have been carrying this baby for 9 months.   But tonight, I felt God placing a maternal instinct for Henry in me for the first time (to be completely honest).  It's a good thing too because I think Henry may come before the end of this week.  We almost went to the hospital this morning because I was having a lot of contractions, but they weren't regular enough to warrant a trip where they would just send me home.

Keep us in your prayers this week, and in particular, that we would have the wisdom to know if and when to head to the hospital.

Hope you enjoyed my Mother's Day story and the update (where Henry has dropped some more, even if you can't tell).  And Happy Mother's Day to all you beautiful mommies out there!

The Inevitability of Birth

This post may not connect with any of you.  I'm not sure how many other mamas have had these thoughts before.  The past week, I have been struck by the inevitability of birth.  Don't get me wrong. I knew it was coming.  Being less than two weeks out makes it so real now.  I could honestly go into labor while writing this post.

Let me explain what I mean by the inevitability of birth.  There are so many things in life that can be put off until a later time.  I can wait another hour to eat, another week to clean the house, another month to go shopping.  Even deadlines are sometimes flexible.  Birth is not.

Even if I go past my due date, Henry will be born.  He can't stay in there forever (thank goodness).  I know this fact, it's just hitting me a little differently this week.  Part of me is counting down the days until he comes because I am getting more and more uncomfortable and the Braxton Hicks contractions are getting more intense.  The other part of me is nervous and scared by the inevitability of Henry's birth.  I know it's going to hurt. I know my body won't be the same after he's born.  My body has and will continue to go through changes.

When I get overwhelmed by the thought of the pain of labor, I try to remember this:

A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. John 16:21

Once Henry is here, everything will be worth it.  I just have to remember that through labor.

Any other mamas out there have this thought before giving birth?  How did you deal with the inevitability of birth?

Week 38

Phew. Two weeks left.  This mama is feeling it.  Last Thursday, we had our weekly appointment.  I told my OB that I felt like Henry had dropped a little.  When she checked me, she said, "Whoa, yep he definitely dropped." 

Like I said in last week's post, it looked like he dropped some.  This week, I felt the effects of it.  Henry is pressing on my bladder a lot.  I am not exaggerating when I say that I get up every hour during the night to go to the bathroom. Sometimes, I can fall right back to sleep.  Other times, my acid reflux is so bad that it can take 30 minutes to an hour to go back to bed (Tums have become my side kick and one of my best friends).  Then, Piper wakes up with the sun at 6:30.  I haven't had a full sleep cycle in a while.

I joke, but I am partially serious, when I say I may get more sleep once Henry gets here.  I doubt I'll be getting up every hour to feed him (hopefully).  I definitely think it's God's way of preparing my body to not be in shock with the lack of sleep once Henry is born.

Even with the lack of sleep, I was in full nesting mode this weekend.  I cleaned the entire downstairs, including scrubbing the kitchen appliances and the bathrooms. Brett helped me move furniture so I could Swifter Piper's hair from underneath it.  I think there was enough hair for a whole second dog!  I tried to take it slow, but once I got in the mood, it was hard to stop.  I shouldn't have done as much because my back is really feeling it right now (plus I'm having a Braxton Hicks contraction as I write this). 

I've been having a lot of thoughts the past couple days as Henry's due date is approaching.  I hope to write about it this week. 

If you have the time, please pray for me to have the energy to work, as I'm working full-time up until I go into labor.  Thankfully, Brett has shown me much grace in the evenings despite me being exhausted and sometimes moody and irritable.  Enjoy my weekly update (where I have popped a bunch and dropped some).

Week 37

We're in the final countdown.   I have started to make a list of things to pack in our hospital bag.  Thank you to everyone who commented on my Facebook post about what to bring or what I can leave at home.  It was really beneficial.  I've washed a couple of outfits for Henry, but am leaving most of his clothes unwashed until he is born, that way we know what size he'll be.  My mom said my brother Chris was in newborn for only a week, while I was in them for over a month.  We don't expect Henry to be huge since both Brett and I were around 7 pounds, but you never know.

Brett is home from recruiting after being gone all week (I survived!), and actually said that it looked like Henry dropped a little bit.  I thought so too, but if Brett sees that, I definitely think it's true.  Henry's movements aren't really quick kicks anymore, but more like waves.  His new thing to do is push what I think is his foot into the side of my stomach so you can see it sticking out.  Sometimes it's so uncomfortable that I lightly push back, and he moves. 

He's still a pretty active little one, especially at night.  However, this afternoon, I think Piper woke him up while we were playing.  He had been really still for a while, but he started moving when she laid down on my stomach and started barking.  Both Brett and I are praying that they will be best pals.  Piper is great with the little girls across the street, so I think we'll be fine.  She's also pretty gentle with Oba, like she knows she can't be rough because of Oba's age and instability when on her feet.  Hopefully that translates to Henry when he's a baby.

We are in the weekly checkup phase now in the pregnancy.  The last two appointments, I have progressed in dilation and effacement.  I hear it's better that it gradually happens over time than real fast.  I'm getting Braxton Hicks contractions more frequently so my body is definitely gearing up for the big show.  Shouldn't be much longer until we meet our son!

Baby Showers Galore

A couple weeks ago, the Gardner-Webb football wives decided to host a baby shower in honor of our little Henry.  Brett's and my parents were wonderful enough to make a day trip to go to the shower.  I didn't expect either to come because it is at least 7 hours of driving in one day, but we are very thankful they could make it. It made the day that much more special having our parents there.

Almost all of the wives were there, along with the oldest GWU child (teen actually) and the two youngest.  In true GWU wives' fashion, there was a great spread of food.  Y'all, these women can COOK!  While I ate almost everything, I gravitated to the desserts.  So good.

The weather was so nice that we were able to eat in the screened-in back porch.  We socialized, opened presents, and played some shower games.  The wives all pitched in and bought us the Ergo carrier that was on our registry.  I was shocked!  Brett and I were going to buy it if we didn't receive it because having something to carry Henry will be really beneficial when walking Piper, during football season, and while I do household chores.  There were plenty of other cute gifts and necessities that we received too. 

Quanza came up with one of the games that we played.  She filled three sippy cups with the punch that Angel made.  Whoever drank it the fastest won the prize. As the game went on, no one could get any punch from the cup!  Little did we know that the pineapple from the punch was clogging lid.  Lots of laughs were shared over the struggle.

Thank you to the wives for hosting a wonderful shower.  I'd be hard-pressed to find a group of women who are more giving, selfless, and loving than this group of women.  We are blessed.

I may have gotten seconds...and thirds. So good!

It was a beautiful day to sit outside and socialize.

Can't believe this little boy is walking!  Henry is due a day after Daniel's 1st birthday.

Such a cute onesie from Britney: Chicks are all over me.

One of the shower games. Seeing who could drink the punch from the sippy cup the fastest.

Henry's mama, Grammy, and Nana

My GWU family

While the women were at the shower, the men (Brett, my dad, and Yogi) stayed at home. Yogi and Brett watched the Masters.  Dad ended up fixing our lawn mower, which hadn't worked this season, and mounted our monitor to the wall.  Seriously. I don't know what we do or our house would look like without him.  Plus, he has saved us a ton of money.  Before they left, we got some pictures, as this is the last time we'd see them before Henry comes!

Henry's Nana, Daddy, Mommy, Pops Man, and big sister

My dad (still trying to figure out a name for him), Daddy, Mommy, and Grammy

My little family

This past Sunday, our Sunday School class at First Baptist Church - Shelby threw us another shower!  We walked in from service to such a sweet display of (amazing) food, onesies, and gifts.  The shower was so much more than Brett and I expected.  We spent the first 30 minutes or so of Sunday School eating (I see a trend here), opening gifts, and fellowshipping.  We received a lot more of the essentials, like diapers, wipes, bottles, and shampoo.  You can never have too many of those things. Thank you to the wonderful women in our class who were so thoughtful in each of the details!

Katie, one of our Sunday school leaders, said that Henry must be special.  I would have to agree with her, but not for the reason that you may think (him having awesome parents like Brett and me).  He will be extraordinary because of the people who will be in his life and their influence on him.  From actual family to our GWU football family to friends and fellow church members, I know that Henry will be taught about the Lord from an early age. He will be taught to value God's Word, think of others first, be respectful of authority, be teachable, love those who aren't like him, and cherish family and friends.  We are so thankful for everyone who has been supportive during my pregnancy and our soon-to-come little boy.  We love you!

Week 36

Holy moly. 4 weeks left. That is less than a month, y'all!  Yesterday, I looked up what to pack in our hospital bag.  That definitely made it seem real.  We have the nursery almost all set up.  Just a few details left and some organizing.  I am getting around 2-4 Braxton Hicks contractions every hour.  Thankfully, I have only had a couple that have been so intense that they have woken me up.  Henry must be moving a bit lower because I'm waking up 3-5 times during the night to go to the bathroom.  I think that's God's way of making sure my body isn't in shock for those nightly feedings. 

Last week I didn't write an update because the GWU coaches' wives threw me a shower.  I'll write about it sometime this week.  Today, Brett's and my Sunday School class hosted a shower for us as well.  Katie, one of our leaders, said, "Henry must be special."  You know, she's right.  I know he will be because of the influence all of the people who have supported us through this process will have on him.  They are some of the most Godly, loving, caring, and selfless people I know.  I have been feeling blah lately, but the overwhelming love and encouragement from friends, family, the GWU football family, and our Sunday School class have really given me a boost.  So, thank you for making these last couple of weeks more emotionally and mentally manageable for me.  I love each and every one of you!

Inspiration for Henry's Nursery

The Theme
Henry's nursery continues to be a work in progress, but I'm hoping to get a lot of things done the next two weeks.  I wasn't sure what I wanted for Henry's nursery.  Do I do a neutral color or blue?  Animals or sports?  So many choices.  Brett settled this one for me though.  For a couple of weeks after Christmas, Brett kept asking when I would start Henry's nursery.  I would respond that we had time.  Finally, I asked if he had any input, to which he replied that he didn't.  He followed that statement with, "Well it has to be sports. Maybe footballs all over the walls. You know, something like that."  So there you go: a sports-themed nursery.

The Bedding
I started to look at bedding and kept on coming back to a set I saw at Pottery Barn Kids.  I was drawn in by the all American feel and the representation of different sports.  There wasn't a piece in the set that I didn't like.  We finally bit the bullet after weeks of talking about it.  I couldn't be more excited about the product.  Here are the pictures below of the set and the quilt.

Source: Pottery Barn Kids

Source: Pottery Barn Kids

The Furniture

We had a dresser from Brett's grandmother that we weren't using, and Mimi gave us a little bookshelf for Henry's growing library, so we saved a lot of money by not having to buy those items. Over Christmas, Mom and I went to register at buybuy baby, and we found the crib that I liked.  Below are the crib and changing table that we registered for (Child Craft Wadsworth Collection).  The cherry-colored crib converts into a toddler bed and a full-size bed.  I love that it can grow with Henry as he gets older.  We also received a glider with an ottoman.  I wasn't able to sit in the chair before it arrived, but I was pleasantly surprised that it is extremely comfortable.  That's really important to me since I've had some back problems in the past.  Goes to show that you don't have to spend an enormous amount of money for a high quality, comfortable glider.  All the pieces of furniture were really easy to put together too, which was a plus given that Brett just got done with spring practice. 

Source: buybuy Baby

Source: buybuy Baby

Source: Walmart

The Decor
We didn't have to paint the room because it is already a beige with a hint of green or blue depending on the light.  Because we have hardwood floors throughout the house, I knew that we would need a rug for Henry's nursery.  I looked at the bedding and decided to pull out the navy for the rug, curtains, and changing pad cover.  I searched high and low for a rug with a subtle design that wouldn't overpower any of the other details in Henry's room.  Gail, my mother-in-love, found the one when they were visiting a couple weekends ago.  My mom's best friend, Gina, was so generous and purchased it for us as our baby shower gift.  I really love the color, design, and texture.  It's thick enough that it doesn't need a rug pad underneath, and I think it will withstand some of Piper's crazy habits like chasing her tail.

Source: Amazon

As for wall decorations, I think we have those picked out but I'm not sure where to put everything quite yet.  I'm hoping to figure that out this weekend.  Thankfully, a lot of the wall decor came from my shower two weekends ago.  I did purchase one piece that I LOVE.  My neighbors are extremely talented working with wood and made a sign that is even more beautiful than I imagined.

Made by Jody and Jes Raduly of J4 Creations

This saying has so much meaning to me.  For as long as I can remember, my mom said this to me every night before I went to bed.  Even when I'd come home from college, she would say it to me.  She probably said it until I moved into my own place after college.  I get a little teary-eyed knowing that I can continue that tradition with Henry. Like it says, I'm still her baby; and Henry will always be my baby boy.

I hope you have enjoyed getting a little sneak peak into what is going on in Henry's nursery.  I plan to write a post with pictures of his actual nursery once it's completed. 

Week 34

Before I start this post, I want to say Happy Easter.  Today marks the day that we celebrate the Risen Savior.  Today is the day that the tomb was found empty.  Today is the day that we celebrate that we can receive the free gift of salvation and relationship with God because Jesus conquered sin and death once and for all.  Today is a celebration of LIFE!  Today is a good day.

With that being said, Henry has been pretty full of life the past two weeks since my last update. The past couple of weeks, I have said that Henry likes to press out against my stomach really hard.  Little did I know that it was something else.  Hang with me for a sec. 

Last week, we had our first baby shower, which was amazing.  I hope to write a blog post about that this week.  If not, I'll get to it eventually.  Well I told Laura about Henry's pushing.  She felt my belly and said, "Girl, those are Braxton Hicks contractions!"  I seriously had no idea that's what it was.  I try not to read much about my symptoms online because I undoubtedly think I'm dying, have cancer, or Henry isn't doing well (I learned that early in my pregnancy).  I had no idea what contractions felt like.  I told our doctor at the last appointment that I haven't been experiencing any contractions.  Now I can say that I am, and have been for about two weeks.  They seem to come around when I eat or when I am still then get really active, especially when I'm playing with Piper.   

Aside from the contractions, Henry's been moving around a lot, getting hiccups, and starting to stick legs and arms under my ribs.  His sleep patterns seem to be a little more distinct, but he likes to move around at night after I go to the bathroom.  Makes falling back to sleep a little more difficult.  I still seem to be carrying him high, but I'm sure he will be dropping a little soon.  We are only 6 weeks away from his due date!  The days are long but the weeks seem to fly by. 

Enjoy my update and weekly progression below.  Have a blessed Easter y'all!

Week 32

8 more weeks! 8 more weeks!  This week has been a little better with the dizziness spells.  I'm going to talk about it more tomorrow with my doctor at our appointment.  Hopefully we can figure out something that will help.

I went to Brett's spring practice yesterday, while wearing my rings.  I typically just wear my rings when I'm out in public.  Within 10 minutes of being outside in the gorgeous 70 degree weather, my rings would not budge a millimeter.  After running some cold water over my hand, I was able to slip them off.  Needless to say, I may not be able to wear them much longer.  Sad day.

I was able to mow part of the yard today with no problem. Later tonight, I may say that it wasn't a good idea, but it was good for my mind.   I really enjoyed it because it was a return to normalcy in the midst of everything being out of whack with my body. 

I'll have a much longer post next week, or maybe a couple of posts, but that's it for today.  Now onto research more things for the nursery while Henry flips, pushes, and kicks in my belly.

Week 31

Since this blog captures my thoughts, I figured you'd want to know what I am thinking right now.  Third trimester is a beast, and I'm not even that far into it.  Maybe it's because I can be a little dramatic and a half glass empty type person (just ask Brett), but these have not been easy weeks. 

As someone who loves her sleep, it's been really difficult on me (I know, I know, just wait until Henry comes). I wake up a couple times during the night to go to the bathroom.  Friday night, I actually woke up at 3:30 with my stomach growling.  You know that feeling when you're so hungry you feel like you may be sick.  Yeah, that's how I felt. I have yet to find a position that is comfortable for sleeping, so I move around a lot.  Yet moving is becoming harder to do because of this little boy.  I kid that it's been easier to roll out of bed or off the couch instead of trying to sit up, but that is completely true. I've had big dizzy spells the past couple of days to the point of feeling like I was going to black out.  That time was actually a bit scary.

I know I'm complaining, but I'm trying to be honest.  I hear how beautiful pregnancy is from so many people, but sometimes...it's just not.  Don't get me wrong.  It is a supernatural thing that God is doing inside my body.  I am in awe every time I feel Henry move, which is a ton.  When I read about how Henry is developing each week, it's amazing in the truest sense of the word.  There are just times when it's difficult.  Especially when you aren't sleeping well and have these the raging hormones that you can't seem to control (again, ask my husband, he's been a trooper with my mood swings). 

Phew, now that that is off my chest, I can tell you how excited I am for Henry's first baby shower in less than two weeks.  I got the cutest invitation in the mail that the hostesses (my besties and sisters-in-love) made.  Most of my extended family is going to be there, including my brother and sis-in-love from Alabama and my grandparents from Florida.   Henry is so, so loved by many already.  He's lucky with the family he has on both my and Brett's side. 

Well, take in Henry's development and my growing baby with this week's update.  Any prayers for some more comfort and less dizziness would be greatly appreciated!

The cutest baby shower invitation

Week 30

Sorry I didn't post an update last week.  Last Sunday morning, I had to take Piper to the emergency vet since she was having a hard time opening one of her eyes.  The rest of the day was a little bit of a blur, and I didn't get a chance to write a post.  She is doing much better after a week with eye ointment and antibiotics.  The feeling of helplessness watching her hurt was not something I enjoyed.  I guess she's getting me ready for motherhood.

I try to be honest on this blog.  With that being said, the last two weeks have been pretty tough physically and emotionally.  It is getting harder to work for the amount of time I need/want to work.  I have to get up multiple times an hour to walk around (which is probably good for me), but it's hard with how busy work has been.  My bosses have been fantastic about letting me do what I need to do to be comfortable, but my sense of responsibility and also feeling guilty get in the way.  I feel like I should be able to do what I could do before, but that's not the case.  There is a human being growing inside of me.  Right now, I'm struggling with understanding that and not beating myself up for having to slow down a bit.

On a bright note, Brett and two of his football guys moved the spare bedroom furniture out of Henry's nursery and into our bonus room.  That took such a burden off my shoulders.  With the furniture moved out, I was able to assemble Henry's crib, so now the nursery has his crib, dresser, changing table, and stroller/car seat.  I have yet to figure out where to put each piece of furniture, but my mind is at ease knowing he has everything he really needs: a place to sleep and the means to travel safely (with the stroller and car seat).  Thanks again to Brett's and my parents for those amazing gifts. 

Starting this week, we go to the doctor once every two weeks instead of once every four weeks.  I look forward to hearing our little man's heartbeat every visit.  Only 10 weeks left until we meet our Henry John.

Week 28

Hello to the third trimester and my belly popping and dropping a bit.  Holy moly. I looked at today's update picture and it seems like it's capturing about three weeks of progress.  Alas, it was only one week. 

I felt a first from Henry this morning.  Piper heard a noise in the house at 3 this morning and starting barking. Maybe Piper's bark scared Henry because it was the first time I've ever felt him hiccup.  It lasted between 5 and 10 minutes.  For some ready, him hiccuping made him seem more human. I'm not sure if that makes sense or just sounds weird, but it's how I felt because hiccuping is something I do. After his hiccups were done, he was a wiggle worm for about an hour. Not fun for this mommy-to-be, especially with Piper waking up around 6:50 every morning now. Thankfully, we use Sunday as a day of rest so I was able to get about an hour nap.

This week, we received the crib, changing table, stroller, and car seat.  I told my mom that now we can have a baby since we have the essentials.  I'm glad we got the stroller early so Piper can get used to it.  She barked the first time I rolled it around the house, but now she is just inquisitive. Tiny steps towards her walking beside it. Our neighbors finished the sign for Henry's wall. Y'all I am IN LOVE with it.  It has such a special meaning to me.  I can't wait to show you in the coming weeks.

Keep me in your prayers on Tuesday morning as I have to take the glucose test.  Enjoy this week's update!

Week 27

Last week of the second trimester!  I'm a mix of apprehensiveness from the horror stories I have heard about the third trimester and excitement that there are only 13 weeks until Henry will be here.  This week has been full of some wonderfully fantastic things.  My neighbors are in the process of making the sign for Henry's room, and we found out we are receiving some more-than-AMAZING gifts from our parents.  Brett and I are truly blessed with parents who are as excited about Henry's arrival as we are.  He will be the first grandchild on my side, and the second or third on Brett's side (depending on when Weston arrives). 

I feel like I've also started learning a little bit more about our son.  In church, he seriously dances during the songs.  I'm thankful that I'm standing while he is dancing because his continuous movement can get a little uncomfortable.  I think he's going to be able to bust a move like his daddy.

Today is also the first time I've really wondered what Henry is going to look like and what attributes he will get from Brett and me.  Will he have my dark hair?  Will he have a birthmark like his Daddy?  What color will his eyes be?  Will he have his Daddy's hand-eye coordination and love for all sports?  Will he think analytically like me?  Will he have a knack for dates and historical events like Brett?  Soon we will know!!

Week 26

Less than 100 days until Henry's due date.  I remember counting down like that for Brett and my wedding.  Hard to believe we are now doing that for our son.  This week has been pretty uneventful baby-wise.  I picked out some wood for our neighbors to use to make a sign for Henry's nursery.  I'm ecstatic about it.  I know Jody and Jes will do a great job creating such a special piece for the nursery. 

We had a prenatal appointment on Thursday.  My weight gain slowed down this month, for which I am very thankful.  Maybe last month was a fluke because of Christmas and all the delicious food I ate at my parents' and Brett's parents' houses. I had no fever and my blood pressure was fine.  Henry's heart rate was around 160 instead of in the 150s, but too different.  The doctor actually had a hard time getting his heart rate because he was moving so much.  At one point, he kicked so hard that I jumped a little bit because I could visibly see my stomach move. It's was the most visible sign of his wiggling so far. We go in on February 24th for the glucose test.  The red drink is sitting on my kitchen counter right now, mocking me.

Well that's pretty much all the happenings from this week.  Brett should be home more since National Signing Day was last Wednesday. I am looking forward to Henry wearing his little GWU onesie that Daddy bought him two weeks ago.  Such a sweet, thoughtful surprise. 

I feel like I've grown a lot since last week. My back agrees with that thought too.

Week 25

15 more weeks left until Henry's due date! It's hard to believe that we only have 3.5 months left. Once I put the weeks into months, it doesn't feel like enough time to get everything ready.  We're slowly getting there though.  Last week, we got Henry's bedding.  I AM SO EXCITED! I had narrowed down the bedding to two different sets.  I'm so happy with the one Brett and I decided on.  Once we get some more of the nursery decorations down, I'll write about what we're thinking and give some examples.

Last week was the worst week of sleep for me in the entire pregnancy.  Three days in a row, I saw every single hour on the clock from 12 or 1 to 7 AM.  Sometimes, it would take an hour to get back to sleep; other times, it would take a couple of minutes.  Last night, I only woke up three times, which I now consider an awesome night's sleep (I never imagined myself EVER thinking that).  I guess God is preparing my body for those middle of the night feedings. 

Henry continues to be a wiggle worm. In church today, he was moving around a ton during the singing, but settled down during the sermon. He has started to stick his leg or arm under my ribs when I'm sitting a long time.  Takes my breath away.  Despite it all, I am thankful for his wiggling because it eases my mind.

The bump looks smaller this week, but I think that's because I'm actually wearing a fitted maternity shirt, as opposed to something that has more give in it like the past couple of week.  I definitely feel like the bump has gotten bigger this week.  Enjoy the update!

Week 24

This week has been a fairly calm week in terms of pregnancy.  I've had a couple of calf cramps in the middle of the night.  Last night, both calves cramped at different times. Not fun. I'm just glad I could stretch it out quickly. 

We, more like me, finally decided on a bedding set for Henry and purchased it last week.   It should be here on Wednesday! I am so excited to start to think of things for his nursery.  It makes things so real. Well that and him moving around constantly.  That's about it for this week.  Hope you enjoy the weekly update!

Week 23

Well really Week 23 day 2.  Sunday was the first day of Week 23, but I didn't get a chance to write a post then.

I feel like I'm starting to nest a little bit.  My dad came into town last week while Brett was recruiting to do some work around the house.  The bonus room upstairs was maroon.  The dark color really made the large room seem small, especially with the already angled walls and only one window.  Also, the guest bathroom was yellow, which didn't match the rest of the house (the previous lime green was peeking through the yellow too).

Dad painted both of the rooms in two days!  It was such a great help to me because I wanted to get the upstairs painted before Henry is born since we plan on moving the spare bedroom furniture upstairs to make room for the nursery downstairs.  Now I don't have to worry about painting while pregnant.  There's only one more room in the house that we haven't painted since moving in.  After 2 years, it's finally starting to look like "ours."

I'm starting to think of more decoration ideas for the nursery.  Per Brett's request, it has to be a sports theme.  When I have more of it together, I'll write a post about my thoughts.

Here's my 23 week update.  I'm pretty tired right now; hence the bags under the eyes.  Little Henry weighs more than 1 pound now, so I'm really starting to look and move like I'm pregnant.  He moves ALL the time.  It's a neat feeling but sometimes a little uncomfortable, especially if he takes aim at my bladder.  Only 17 more weeks until we meet you, little boy!

Week 22

Hello Week 22. We had another prenatal appointment last Monday.  Henry's heartbeat is still in the 150s, and the doctor says everything is good. I have been experiencing what I think are round ligament pains for the past month or so.  They are extremely uncomfortable.  The worst part is moving sleeping positions too quickly.  I feel like I've pulled an ab muscle (which I probably don't even have anymore).

Based on all the information I received from moms on Facebook, we decided to register at Buy Buy Baby.  Aside from registering when I went with Mom over Christmas, I've been updating and revising Henry's registry as we go.  I have narrowed down Henry's bedding to two different sets, which I'm excited about.  Registering for a baby is SO much more fun than registering for a wedding.  I absolutely love it.  I wasn't sure if registering for a boy would be as fun as a girl, but there are some pretty cute handsome boy things out there.

To finalize, Henry is continuing to tumble in my belly, which is really starting to pop now.  We are excited to meet you in May, little boy.

Week 21

Well, we are more than halfway there.  If you took some time over the holidays to stay off social media, you may not know that we are expecting a boy!  Click here if you want to read more about it.

I skipped on a weekly update last week because we were really enjoying our Christmas and New Years with our families.  One of my favorite memories of the break, really all of 2014, was going to Motherhood Maternity and Buy Buy Baby with my mom.  She was such great help with telling me what looked good and would last the entire pregnancy as my bump grows as well as what we need and could skip on when we were registering.  I will forever remember that one fun afternoon.

Henry is more and more active with each day.  He seems to like moving around a lot between 1 and 3 AM.  Not good for this worn out mom-to-be.  Although I haven't worked since Christmas Eve, I didn't get to catch up on my rest because Henry is so active during the night.  I have been able to sneak in some naps though.

Here is my Week 21 update below.  Please excuse the sweats and messy hair  We didn't get a clear picture after church this morning, and I was too lazy to change to look nice :) I think the sweatshirt makes me a little bigger than I actually am.

I'll be posting about our Christmas and New Years sometime this week so check back for some of the awesome gifts our families gave Henry.