6 weeks

Our little man is now 8 pounds 13 ounces and 20.5 inches. Looking at him it is hard to believe a lot of babies are this big at birth! Poor mommas! He is now sleeping so much better at night, 5-6 hour stretches. He has been really fussy and uncomfortable during the day so the doc is going to start him on Zantac. I just hope it helps. There is nothing worse for a mom that to feel helpless in making her baby feel better.

We are getting his pictures made on Saturday and I cannot wait. He is probably going to have to change clothes a couple of times and since it is Halloween he might just get one picture in his costume. Here are some pics I took on a dark sheet just playing around with my phone. I think they turned out great.

I love this little guy more than anything.

Growing so fast

I can't believe how much Daniel has changed over the few weeks he has been in this world. He went from 5lbs 10oz when we left the hospital to 7lbs 12oz at one month. His personality is starting to show. He has started smiling and cooing. Most shocking is that he is rolling over. One night I laid him on his back to go to sleep and he woke up on his stomach. He is so strong.

Mommy and Daddy are starting to figure things out too. I love watching Brian take care of him it is so sweet. There is nothing that can prepare you for this experience. It is exhausting, frustrating and the most wonderful thing I could have imagined.

I can't believe it has been a month!

Well I know it has been a while. Daniel is a month old. He has gained about 2 pounds since he left the hospital! He is a little pig. It is an amazing feeling to be a mom. No matter how tired I am or how much he cries I can always smile when I look at him.

Daniel's Arrival

to continue where I left off... After they broke my water I really did not progress any further so they decided to start Pitocin. By about 6:30pm I was dilated to 5 but when the doctor checked me she said she thought she felt either fingers or toes instead of a head. She did an ultrasound and found out that Daniel was head down but he had his hands on his head. She tried to move his hands but had no luck. She told us that we needed to do a c-section. It was a little shocking. I was really scared but knew that I really had no choice. Daniel was born at 7:27 pm and weighed 5 pounds 15 ounces. He was 18 1/2 inches long and just perfect. We are so blessed.

Today Is The Day!

We came to the hospital last night with my contractions about 5-7 minutes apart. They gave us the option to go home and let everything progress. We decided to stay in the hospital. This morning they checked me and I had progressed a little. They decided to break my water at 8:30 am to help things get going. The doctor will be here in a minute to check and see how everything is going.

38 Week Appointment

The appointment went well. I am now 2cm dilated and still 70% effaced. Everything looks good and if I make it until next week we will have another appointment on 9/15. Daniel's ultrasound went well and he is an estimated 6lbs 6oz and in the 20th percentile. He has some big cheeks and still really likes his hands and feet in front of his face. That was the last ultrasound we will have so the next time we see him will be in person! Here are some of the pictures we got. The first one is a picture of him looking at us and you can see his big cheek!

38 Week Cartoon!

38 Weeks!

How Far Along? I am 38 weeks and 2 days
Total weight gain/loss? 33lbs
Maternity clothes? I am counting down the days until I get back into my normal clothes!
Sleep? I am not sleeping well at all! I finally fell asleep last night at 11pm and woke up at 3am. I could not go back to sleep until 5:30am. I have no idea what was going on.
Mood? I am in a pretty good mood, I think. I am sure I have my moments : )
Best moment this week?
Movement? He is still very active. I would not be surprised if mommy has some serious internal bruising. He really likes to stretch his foot out as far into my right side as possible. He is so accurate, hitting the exact same spot every time.
Food Cravings? Anything cold, cereal, sandwiches, ice cream, etc
What I miss? nothing really right now.
What I am looking forward to? Our ultrasound tomorrow to check on Daniel's growth and the appointment directly following. I want to see if I progressed! Even if it is just a little bit it is encouraging. Also, Friday is my last day at work! YAY
Milestones? As you know, you've arrived at the final leg of your pregnancy journey, and if you're still carrying your little love around, they've just about reached their birth weight (somewhere between 6 to 8 pounds is average depending on whether they're a boy or girl). There really isn't a lot to report on baby this week, so lets do a quick recount of where we're at: all internal organ systems are pretty much ready for the outside world, they've got their meconium stockpile building up (their first black baby poo), lots of healthy baby fat, a rapidly developing brain (that'll keep growing with them for years to come), and they've more or less reached official baby status-- all they need to do is "head out" and say hello to the rest of the world and especially their ready-to-pop momma.
Other notes? Brian painted my toenails for me last night and did a great job!

37 Week Appointment

This appointment went so much better than last weeks! I am still dilated to 1 cm but am now 70% effaced, oh yeah! Daniel's heart rate is right where it should be and he is still very active. Next week we will have another ultrasound to make sure he is still growing properly and check to see that mommy is progressing. I can't believe we only have 19 days left until his due date. Mommy and Daddy are so excited to finally meet our little man.

Something For Daniel (and Daddy)

I ordered this monogrammed burp cloth for Daniel from a lady in New Orleans. I finally got it in the mail yesterday and I am so excited it turned out so nice!

37 Weeks

How Far Along? I am 37 weeks and 1 day
Total weight gain/loss? 32 lbs
Maternity clothes? I think there are some that I am going to miss after Daniel's arrival but for the most part I will be happy to be in regular clothes again.
Sleep? I have been sleeping great the last few days. I am not sure what is going on but I love it!
Mood? I am doing pretty good this week, although Brian might say different : )
Best moment this week? Hitting the 37 week mark and finding out that I do not have Preeclampsia! I was so stressed thinking that something was wrong. I am just happy to know that Daniel and Mommy are doing well.
Movement? He moves a lot lately. It has become pretty painful and he will go non-stop for an hour at a time.
Food Cravings? Not much of anything. I have not been that hungry.
What I miss? Walking straight, comfortably and without waddling.
What I am looking forward to? My appointment tomorrow and seeing if I am progressing anymore.
Milestones? Congratulations — your baby is full term! This means that if your baby arrives now, his lungs should be fully mature and ready to adjust to life outside the womb, even though your due date is still three weeks away. Your baby weighs 6 1/3 pounds and measures a bit over 19 inches, head to heel (like a stalk of Swiss chard). Many babies have a full head of hair at birth, with locks from 1/2 inch to 1 1/2 inches long. But don't be surprised if your baby's hair isn't the same color as yours. Dark-haired couples are sometimes thrown for a loop when their children come out as blonds or redheads, and fair-haired couples have been surprised by Elvis look-alikes. And then, of course, some babies sport only peach fuzz.
Other notes? Belly button is still an innie! Wow, I keep waiting for it to pop!

36 Week Cartoon!

Pediatric Consultation and My Appointment

Meeting with Daniel's pediatrician was good. We made sure he was on the same page as us with circumcision, vaccines, breastfeeding and other things. It is a small private practice with 2 docs and the staff seemed really nice. I guess we will really get to see how we like the practice once Daniel gets here they have a over protective new mom calling them everyday asking them stupid questions.

Well my appointment did not go as well as some. The good news is Daniel is doing great and I am dilated to 1cm! The not so good news is that I may have preclampsia. I had some labs drawn yesterday and today I am doing a 24 hour urine test. Hopefully everything is ok but if it is not the worst thing that will happen is that they will induce me. I am a little worried about the results because I really want to go into labor on my own. I would like to experience the "honey it is time to go to the hospital" kind of labor. Hopefully I will know for sure what is going on tomorrow. Whatever happens, I am excited to meet Daniel.

27 Days To Go!

How Far Along? I am 36 weeks and 1 day
Total weight gain/loss? 30lbs at 34 week visit. We will find out tomorrow how much more I have gained.
Maternity clothes? I cannot wait to wear normal clothes again! The only things that are comfortable anymore are my maternity tank tops, sweats and dresses.
Sleep? I am getting the restless legs while I am trying to go to sleep. I sleep good from about 10pm to 3am and then can't fall back asleep until about 5am. At least I will be used to it when Daniel arrives.
Mood? I am still pretty emotional and stressed. The only thing that seems to calm me is completing tasks for Daniel's arrival. I finished packing my "Go Bag" and sterilized Daniel's bottles and pacifiers yesterday. That gave me some relief.
Best moment this week? Having a relaxing weekend Brian, Mimi and Pops. It consisted of going to the pool, shopping, going to the movies, getting a pedicure and napping. I also realized that the float I have for the pool allows me to lay on my stomach in the water! It was so relaxing.
Movement? Getting even more crowded in there. He still moves a lot at times. He is definitely on a sleep schedule now. He reacts a lot more to me touching my belly. I started singing the other morning and he started moving all over the place. He now does it pretty much every time I sing :)
Food Cravings? Cereal, Ice Cream, anything cold. Food is not all that appetizing to me anymore.
What I miss? Being able to get up from a sitting position with out having to pull or push on something for leverage.
What I am looking forward to? Seeing my little man and trying to figure out who he looks like.
Milestones? Your baby is still packing on the pounds — at the rate of about an ounce a day. He now weighs almost 6 pounds (like a crenshaw melon) and is more than 18 1/2 inches long. He's shedding most of the downy covering of hair that covered his body as well as the vernix caseosa, the waxy substance that covered and protected his skin during his nine-month amniotic bath. Your baby swallows both of these substances, along with other secretions, resulting in a blackish mixture, called meconium, will form the contents of his first bowel movement.
Other notes? Belly button is still an innie! Maybe it will stay : )

Finally!

It has been a month since the baby showers and I have finally gathered all the pictures and sent out the thank you notes! I feel like it is taking me so long to get things done these days. The littlest things seem to be overwhelming and I am so emotional. I am taking everything personally even though I know what I am feeling is not realistic. I am attributing it to pregnancy hormones and anxiety. I almost hung up on my mom, which I never do. She was not doing anything wrong, I just did not like what she was saying LOL. Oh well, I just have to focus on Daniel and it makes everything better. Thank God for an amazing husband as well. I know he has to take some deep breaths with me lately.

We are both so excited to meet Daniel :)30 days and counting!

Anyways back to the showers...We are so blessed to have such great family and friends. Here are a few of the pics...enjoy...

35 Weeks

How Far Along? I am 35 weeks and 1 day
Total weight gain/loss? 30 lbs! WOW and people say I am all baby! LOL
Maternity clothes? I can still wear some of them. Things just don't fit all that well with your belly is like a slippery ball.
Sleep? Sleep is actually pretty good the last couple of days. I can't nap anymore though. That probably helps with sleeping better at night.
Mood? I am very sensitive, irritable and starting to stress more about when I am going to go into labor. Where will I be and will Brian be with me?
Best moment this week? Seeing our baby on the ultrasound! He is so cute! Of course he will be the most handsome boy I have ever seen = )
Movement? More like jabs! He is getting really strong and kicking or stretching in my ribs and side. Sometimes it makes me jump!
Food Cravings? Wraps, smoothies, potatoes
What I miss? being able to shave my legs and cut my toenails. I know that sounds gross but it is very difficult.
What I am looking forward to? next week's appointment when they check me to see if I have started dilating or effacing.
Milestones? Your baby doesn't have much room to maneuver now that he's over 18 inches long and tips the scales at 5 1/4 pounds (pick up a honeydew melon). Because it's so snug in your womb, he isn't likely to be doing somersaults anymore, but the number of times he kicks should remain about the same. His kidneys are fully developed now, and his liver can process some waste products. Most of his basic physical development is now complete — he'll spend the next few weeks putting on weight.
Other notes? My belly button is still an innie!!!

Almost Forgot - 34 Week Cartoon

Bedtime Routine

For about the last month or so we have been reading to Daniel at bedtime. We received so many great books from the baby showers it is hard to pick which one to read. It is the most amazing thing, I will sit in the glider and Brian will sit in the chair. Daisy always has to be a part of it and lays on the floor while I read. For some reason I feel like if I rub my belly while I am reading Daniel will know I am talking to him. It is our first little family routine and I love it!

34 Week Appointment and Ultrasound Pics

The appointment went well today. Daniel is head down and growing fine. He weighed about 4lbs 11ozs and is in the 26th percentile. The ultrasound tech caught him on the ultrasound using his diaphragm so we got to see him practice breathing. She said that is a good sign of a healthy baby! He also did better getting his picture made today. That made mommy very happy. We go back in 2 weeks for a regular visit and Strep B test and then we will have another ultrasound at 38 weeks.

Another thing, our insurance only covers 2 ultrasounds at 100% but since these are for the health of Daniel we did not really consider the cost. Today was the first one we had to pay for. When I got to the checkout the lady checked to see how much we owed and it was only 30 dollars! How awesome is that. We learned that the insurance covers 80% and has a discounted rate! Thank God for insurance :)

Anyways, here are the pictures from the ultrasound!

34 Weeks

How Far Along? I am 34 weeks and 1 day
Total weight gain/loss? Will find out tomorrow!
Maternity clothes? I am just happy to wear anything comfortable right now. The pants that have the belly panel in them now roll down while I am wearing them. I think it is because my belly has stretched so much that it is shiny and slippery :)
Sleep? I am not doing so well with sleep. I have been having contractions at night and Daniel has gotten so big now it is hard to move.
Mood? I have been really emotional and can not seem to relax. Everything gets to me. Brian has been really helpful in making me feel better. I am feeling extremely overwhelmed at the littlest things.
Best moment this week? Someone telling me I looked too small to be due in 6 weeks! I could have given them a big hug!
Movement? He has slowed down a bit. He must be running out of room, I know I am!
Food Cravings? Cheesecake Ice Cream from Marble Slab!
What I miss? Not missing anything really, just ready to get this little man out!
What I am looking forward to? Our Appointment tomorrow. We are having an ultrasound. Pray that he is head down, growing properly and that I get some good pictures.
Milestones? Your baby now weighs about 5 pounds (like your average cantaloupe) and is almost 18 inches long. His fat layers — which will help regulate his body temperature once he's born — are filling him out, making him rounder. His skin is also smoother than ever. His central nervous system is maturing and his lungs are continuing to mature as well. If you've been nervous about preterm labor, you'll be happy to know that babies born between 34 and 37 weeks who have no other health problems generally do fine. They may need a short stay in the neonatal nursery and may have a few short-term health issues, but in the long run, they usually do as well as full-term babies.
Other notes? Feeling really blah. I hope these contractions and emotions don't last for 6 weeks :(

33 Week Belly Pic!

Getting Pretty Big!

Week 33 Cartoon

33 Weeks!

How Far Along? I am 33 weeks and 1 day
Total weight gain/loss? 26 pounds
Maternity clothes? I am getting tired of them!
Sleep? Sleep is alright. I have good nights and bad nights.
Best moment this week? My mom and dad brought the rest of the stuff for Daniel. They brought his diaper changer and we went shopping to buy stuff to organize! I will post pictures soon!
Movement? he is still pretty active but I can feel him roll more than kick. He also gets the hiccups pretty frequently! It is so cute.
Food Cravings? Brownies, Ice Cream
What I miss? I am not sure...I am starting to forget what it was like to not be pregnant.
What I am looking forward to? The carseat check tomorrow! The ultrasound on August 11th. (Next week!)It is another growth ultrasound to make sure the meds are not causing Daniel to grow slower. I am so excited, I hope he is more cooperative so I can see his sweet little face. I scheduled it at a time when he is more active.
Milestones? The baby is now 4.4 pounds (2 kg) and around 17.5 inches (44cm) in length. The diameter of the head is about 8.5cm. The baby fuzz, lanugo, is disappearing. Your baby drinks about a pint of amniotic fluid a day. You may gain a pound a week (500g) for the rest of your pregnancy. Half of your weight gain will go directly to your baby.
Other notes? I can not wait to meet him. I know I say this all the time but it seems like it is taking forever! My belly button is still in innie!!

Week 32 Cartoon

32 weeks!

How Far Along? I am 32 weeks and 1 day
Total weight gain/loss? 26 pounds
Maternity clothes? My largest pants are starting to become uncomfortable :(
Sleep? Not so good. My mind is racing, I have to pee all the time, I have heartburn, lower back pain and groin pain make it hard to sleep.
Best moment this week? Washing all of Daniel's stuff that he will use the first couple of months and having a wonderful birthday weekend with Brian.
Movement? Is sometimes painful now. It is amazing to watch him move all over the place. My belly looks as if it has waves when he moves. It is incredible! I am sure I will miss it when he is here.
Food Cravings? Sweets! Cinnamon Rolls, Ice Cream, Chocolate, etc
What I miss? sleep, I know, I know, I gave that up when I got pregnant
What I am looking forward to? The ultrasound on August 11th. It is another growth ultrasound to make sure the meds are not causing Daniel to grow slower. I am so excited, I hope he is more cooperative so I can see his sweet little face. I scheduled it at a time when he is more active. I also found out that at the 29 week ultrasound he weighed 2 pounds 12 ounces which is a perfect weight for that age.
Milestones? As a preparation for breastfeeding, your baby has learned to root for the breast. The baby will turn its head if touched on the cheek and open its mouth if the bottom lip is tickled. By this time the baby can also suck and swallow in a coordinated way.
Other notes? I love reading to Daniel and rocking in the glider in his room. I am always looking for something to work on in his room :) It is the best feeling knowing that in 55 days my baby boy will be here.

Daniel's Stuffed Animals















Daniel's Room Coming Together















Daniel's Closet

Week 31 Cartoon

31 Weeks

How Far Along? I am 31 weeks and 2 days
Total weight gain/loss? will find out on Thursday
Maternity clothes? Can't wait to get into my regular clothes again!
Sleep? I am getting lots of pains when I lay down and Daniel likes to move all night and kick my bladder. Sleep is great when I get it : )
Best moment this week? The baby showers! Daniel is so blessed to have so many people that care so much for him! We received almost everything we need for Daniel. We are so thankful!
Movement? He is running out of room so every move he makes I can see and feel. He is very active.
Food Cravings? Cinnamon Rolls and biscuits! Carbs, Carbs, Carbs!!!
What I miss? Being able to walk up stairs without hurting.
What I am looking forward to? Working on Daniel's room tonight. I hope to get all of his clothes hung up and sorted.
Milestones? Baby's going through major brain and nerve development these days. His irises now react to light, and all five senses are in working order. (He won't pick up anything from his nose until after birth, though -- smell is transferred through air, not amniotic fluid.)
Other notes? I can't wait to deliver him! Partly because I am uncomfortable all the time but mainly because I want to meet him!

30 Weeks! Three Quarters of the way there!

How Far Along? I am 30 weeks and 1 day
Total weight gain/loss? 18 pounds down 2 pounds
Maternity clothes? I am fitting into ones that I have always thought would be too big. I guess I didn't realize how big I was going to get.
Sleep? I am sleeping ok. Still really uncomfortable and I am sure it will only get worse. I have been sleeping in longer strides. That is nice.
Best moment this week? Getting Daniel's ultrasound and seeing his chubby little cheek. I get so excited to see him on the ultrasound, I can't imagine how I will be when I finally get to see him in person!
Movement? He is still moving a lot. He reacts to outside noises pretty frequently now. He has gotten so big that when he changes positions I can see his every move. It is awesome and a little freaky at the same time.
Food Cravings? I am craving sweets a lot more. Anything chocolate.
What I miss? Nothing :)
What I am looking forward to? The baby showers this weekend! We have one on Saturday and another on Sunday. I can't wait to see what Daniel gets!
Milestones? The brain will start to develop convolutions. A convoluted brain contains more cells - and is thus more powerful than a brain with a flat surface. Nerve cell transmission will begin to speed up with the aid of myelin, also known as myelinization. Myelin is a fatty substance which coats the outside of the nerve cells and helps to improve the efficiency of nerve messages being sent to and from your baby's brain.
Other notes? I think I have started the nesting phase. It is hard to relax. All I can think about is getting everything ready for Daniel. My belly button is not protruding yet. My belly is getting really hard now, I think he is running out of room.

Daniel's Bouncy Seat

We were surprised with this Bouncy Seat for Daniel yesterday. It was delivered to our house. I put it together last night and put batteries in it. It vibrates, lights up and plays music! Thank you Linda! I wish you could come to the shower.

Yesterday's Appointment

We had our ultrasound yesterday to make sure the medicine I am on is not causing any problems with Daniel. He looked just fine and is measuring perfect. He is in the 36th percentile so he might be a little baby. They said there is nothing to worry about unless he was in the 10th percentile or lower. Other news is that I lost 2 pounds! Crazy with all the brownies I have been eating lately!

I got upset during the ultrasound because he would not show his face. He has his hands and feet in front of his face! We did not get very good pictures because he did not want to cooperate. I tried everything to get him to move. I bent down and touched my toes 3 times, hopped like a rabbit, emptied my bladder and turned from side to side. Oh well, I guess I have just been really lucky with all of our other ultrasounds and had really good pictures to take home. Here are the pictures we did get.


Thumb's Up



His sweet little face!



















His little foot!

This is how I felt at the beach this past weekend!

29 Weeks!

How Far Along? I am 29 weeks and 1 day
Total weight gain/loss? 20 pounds
Maternity clothes? I am getting tired of wearing the same things!
Sleep? I have been sleeping ok. It is harder to go to sleep because I cannot get comfortable. I have the restless legs thing going on.
Best moment this week? Definitely getting Daniel's room closer to being complete. All I really need now is the letters (his name) for the wall and the changing table. That will complete the furniture. I bought a bottle of Dreft so I can start washing all of his stuff.
Movement? He moves a lot. He really liked the fireworks, or maybe he did not like them??? Either way he was moving and kicking non-stop. I have started doing my kick counts. You are supposed to count at least 10 in an hour. The longest it has taken him to get to 10 is 9 minutes!!! Most of the time it is like 2 or 3 minutes.
Food Cravings? I am craving pizza today. Not really craving anything out of the ordinary.
What I miss? I am starting to miss wearing regular clothes.
What I am looking forward to? Our Ultrasound on Wednesday and our first Lamaze class on Wednesday night!!!
Milestones? Your baby's permanent teeth have developed and are waiting in his gums. Your baby is very aware of his surroundings and his eyelids will open and close. He will even look around and turn toward light. We tend to think of the uterus as a dark place but the uterus actually can be light and dark depending on your environment. Your baby weighs almost three pounds now and is approximately 15.5 inches long. You may be able to distinguish sleeping and waking cycles in your baby. Although it usually seems as if the baby wants to sleep while you are awake, and vice versa, this is not indicative of a sleepless newborn. Your baby can not only hear your voice, but can recognize it. Also, he has a grip so strong it is capable of gripping your finger. At this point, your baby may be practicing nursing as he sucks his thumb. He has lungs that are capable of breathing air, although medical help may be needed. About 9 out of 10 babies born now will survive.
Other notes? It is really hitting that I am having a baby. I know that sounds crazy, but looking at his crib now is making it more real.

Daniel's room is coming along!

On Friday morning I went and had breakfast with my family at their hotel and afterward we went to Target. Memaw bought us the crib mattress, sheets, mattress cover and a sling for me to carry him around. I was so excited to go home and put it together! When we were walking in the door from Target there was a Fed Ex package waiting. I casually picked it up and sat it inside not really caring what it was because I wanted to get the crib together. After getting the mattress and sheet in the crib my mom asked me what was in the box. I said have no idea I better go open it. I opened it and it was the crib bedding!!! My mom had it delivered and planned on us having it so we could finish the crib! How awesome. They also brought us a glider and a bassinet. Thank you Mia, Poppy, Memaw and Pete! Here are the pics of everything!

Getting Anxious!

This weekend Mia, Poppy, Memaw, Pawpaw Pete, Aunt Kayla and Uncle Andrew are coming to visit. We are going to take them around Charleston and maybe to the beach. We will see how much energy we (I) have in this 100 degree weather. I am so excited.

They are going to bring a glider for Daniel's room. I think we are also going to get a mattress for his bed! YAY! His crib came in last weekend and Brian and I put it together. Every time I walk by Daniel's room I have to take a peek and it makes me so anxious for him to get here. I keep dreaming about what Daniel's is going to look like. Last night I dreamt that he was born with a head full of dark hair and bright blue eyes. I also woke up at 3am wanting to clean! What is up with that?!? I talked myself into going back to sleep. Thank God!