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!

Henry's Sports-Themed Baby Shower

On March 28th, my best friends and sisters-in-love threw me a wonderful shower.  I had mentioned that a sports-themed shower would be really neat and had pinned a couple of things on Pinterest to give them an idea.  Wow. They did not disappoint. Below are some of the amazing details.

Megan made this cute little banner. I love the colors.

Kelci had this sweet and creative cookie cake made.

I think Maggie made this banner for by the food.

Jessica and Meesh made diaper cakes! So fun.

Gail knows how much I love cupcakes from Ocean Isle, so she brought them as favors.

Because Brett's parents live pretty far from us and I would be doing the driving by myself with spring practice in gear (hello being a coach's wife), we decided to do one joint shower with my friends and family, my parents' friends, and Brett's parents' friends.  Needless to say, a ton of people were invited.  We ended up with around 25, which was a great number.  

The thing I loved most about this shower was that most of my extended family came!  We had family flying or driving from Connecticut, Boston, D.C., South Carolina, Alabama, and Florida.  It made me feel so loved that they would take the time out of their busy schedule to shower Henry and me with gifts, fellowship, and love.  Here are some pictures from before the shower.

Piper has learned what an Oba massage is from watching Sierra

Daniella and Mimi reading Goodnight Moon.

Uncle Rich and Aunt Nan seeing me with a belly for the first time. Love the reactions.

Our family patriarch. Oh, how I love him so.

Oba, because of her dementia, forgot Chris was coming. Her reaction was priceless.

The "kids" table. Just missing Brett, Kyle, Sam, Adrian, and Cassy.

My baby girl and my men, minus Brett.

Most of my family came in before lunch so I was able to hang out with them before the shower.  After lunch, most of the guys went to take naps since a lot of them had to get up early to make it by lunch time, while the women attended the shower.  The shower was so much fun!  Laura had planned a game where people filled out if Brett or I would want Henry to have an attribute from Brett or me.  For example, who did we want Henry to get his personality from?  Daddy. How about teeth?  Mommy.  Brett and I had filled out the answer key together.  There were some things where we said, "Oh definitely not Daddy" or "Definitely not Mommy."  We had a lot of laughs and fun thinking about what our little guy is going to look and be like.

There was also a there was a present with multiple layers of wrapping.  Each layer had a phrase from a poem that described a person in the room, like who has on clothing with the most buttons.  The person that matched the description would tear off one layer of wrapping, read the next line, and pass the gift to the person it matched.  At the end, the gift came back to me.  Inside was an NFL football that became the guest book!  I loved it.  The football, with names that would mean so much to Henry throughout his life, is sitting on his dresser in his nursery.  I'll treasure it forever. 

Guests also filled out little silver stars where they wrote wishes for me.  I've been a little anxious recently so reading them has given me a lot of encouragement.  They also wrote funny things on some diapers for some comic relief for me during those middle-of-the-night changings.  I haven't looked at those yet, as I want them to be a surprise.

Then came the gifts, which were more than I ever dreamed.  There were some really practical gifts, and also some really creative and heartfelt gifts.  After the gifts, we got some group pictures.

Me with the hostesses: Henry's aunts and honorary aunts (my besties)

Hickman women (and two little Hickman fellas too)

Fantastic four

Girl cousins!

The cousins that made the trek to Mom and Dad's

Silly picture

Grandchildren with Mimi and Pappaw

Henry and his great grandmothers. Such a special moment to treasure in my heart.

Laura and Weston. Me and Henry.

Henry with his Grammy (my mom) and Nana (Brett's mom).

My family stayed until the next morning, since we don't get to see each other much.  We just enjoyed each other's company and ate more food.  Isn't that what happens when all families get together?  One cute moment was when Mimi and Pappaw gave Daniella an Easter dress.  Daniella loved it!  She kept twirling around.  Growing up, Mimi always bought me a birthday dress for my birthday pictures. She still had great taste in little girl clothes. 

My bro

Daniella modeling her new dress

Excuse the tired looks. This was early in the morning.

Henry's first Easter basket (and some candy for Brett and me)

Thank you Megan, Meesh, Jessica, Laura, Maggie, and Kelci for hosting an amazing shower, and to my family and friends who made the weekend unforgettable.  I love y'all!

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.