2 cent dialated & 50 % effaced!!!

Hey! I am so excited, I got the tree done, well the tree and a few animals and that's it. I would like to get a few more animals done but for now the squirrel, bird and owl will do. The owl is by far my fave. I am open to ideas on animals, I have a bunny fox, bees and more birds...any thoughts?

I took a pic of our really cool monitor. I got it as a wonderful gift from someone I can't name. It's a video monitor and seems to work pretty well. Jay went in the baby room and danced around making loud noises and I saw everything from our bedroom. I am really thankful for it, it seems really neat.

I also took a pic of my cute bookshelf I put up in the hall... Just to show that I am trying to accomplish something while off.

I also have sewn two swaddling blankets for the big boy. I really just bought some flannel at the 40x40 size (what the recommend for big babies and no one really sells it) and sewed the edges. But I feel crafty none the less.

Jay and I are planning on splurging and getting a camcorder for the wee one so we can document everything. I hoping for a great deal day after thanksgiving. I took pics of the neato diaper bag I got him alongside mine. He wasn't supposed to get it til I went into labor but nosy-nosykins saw it and asked about it today. It's packed ready for baby along with treats for him while I'm in labor like Mountain Dew Amps, granola bars, yummy almonds etc.

I put some cute animals up on the wall above the changing table, pics included but honestly it didn't turn out how I pictured. I am really on the hunt for some cutesy farm art that I can hang. Tractors animals etc. Above his crib I will do his name with a verse that I haven't decided on... I am thinking a verse from Samuel "for this boy I prayed" and then his name. Too bad he doesn't have a name cause my hubby and I can't agree to save our lives.

I also took pics of the birdie art (I originally bought for the nursery cause I was sure it was a girl!!!) that I hung in my upstairs bath. They are so cute they count to 10 and have different types of birds on them. I have an obsession with birds so I was thrilled when I could at least do one room with them in it. I was originally going to frame each one but I put those cutie little metal holes in them, pink and brown and tied white ribbon. I then found cute needles with yellow balls on the end and pushed those into the wall. Again, crafty for me...

That's it for now... OH wait no it's not!!! We had an ultrasound yesterday he's weighing in at 8.1 lbs so with 2 weeks left he could weigh up to 10.3 lbs according to Jay's math (which I trust) if he's that big a definite c-section is in order. Baby with broken clavicle (which could happen if I do vaginal) doesn't exactly sound appealing. I imagine cranky baby in a new world with broken bone, can't be good! But, they checked me yesterday and I am 2 cent dialated and 50% effaced all ready!!! That could mean a whole world of things but it could mean labor early. Which I am praying for. He's full term so no worries there and he's lighter so vaginal delivery!!! Last night I was having contractions every 10-12 minutes for 4 hours but they never got more rapid and eventually faded off to irregularity around 3 am. DANG IT! I hit the gym today and ran/walked on the eliptical. Anything to get things stirring.

I hope he's here soon and I'm not going to lie, it would be fun to have a November baby so he never gets mixed up with Christmas!

Maternity Leave

Well, here it is the moment I have been waiting for... 12 weeks off and more projects that I want to accomplish than I probably ever will. This weekend it just felt like vacation...Monday morning felt real. No more Monday morning meetings, no more drives to the tech center in the dark. It felt good. I spent the whole day cleaning. WOW can the house get messy. 3 dogs and a cat really does it in. I guess the constant flow of sawdust from Jay's busy saw doesn't help either.
The hardwood is almost done. It is peaking into the study, or third bedroom, as I sit here and type. Jay's office will be tough, it's a tad cluttered and full. I think we will work on it this weekend. Maybe the lifting will put me into labor. I wouldn't mind at all. I will be 37 weeks on Friday, considered full term, and I am ready. I am sure all the moms out there reading this are smiling to themselves thinking, ya, I wanted that too and it sure didn't happen. A girl can dream, and pray right?!
The baby is doing great. Another ultrasound at 38 weeks is needed to be sure he's not 10 lbs. If he is, hello c-section, they won't even let me try to have this guy vaginally. See, it's not totally selfish that I want him a tad early, the earlier, the lighter right?
Pictures, don't have any new, but this sight will be full of them once he comes. I am really excited and really scared at the same time. I know I can do it but my world is really about to change. No more lounging around for hours doing what I want to do when I want to do it, not that I lounge but I will probably feel like I did when I look back at these days. I am responsible for another life.
I am still organizing his room?! Where to put the tiny socks and hats and bibs and binkis and...
I am also working on a tree to put on the wall made out of felt. I think I will do that today. I will take pics and let you all know how crafty I want to be and how crafty it may turn out not to be.
Here's to no more working and to lots of projects!

Closet somewhat starting to be organized, didn't Jay do a good job on the shelves?

Crib and you can see the changing table, which is in process

So here is the beginnings of the nursery. The walls are a light blue. We painted them dark blue and hated it so spent way too much time changing it to light. The chair isn't up nor is anything on the walls. So...as said before I will get more pics as progress goes on!

More shower pics/nursery progress

This could quite possible be the softest blanket ever, little greener boy is spoiled all ready! Thanks mom and dad!

Oh la la!!! Petunia Pickle Bottom diaper bag! A lovely present from my mommy! It' gorgeous! Thanks mom and dad-sickle!

Seriously, how cute is the balloon? My husband was obsessed with it's 'teats' should I be worried?
Here is the nursery, the hardwood is done!!! Jay is going to put up the trim this weekend and do the shelving in the closet too! I can't wait!!! My hubby is a carpentry stud :)

1st shower!

I have so many pictures from the shower that are so cute. Mostly of other people and of gifts but I broke down and put a FEW of me in their just to satisfy the requests before I even get them. My partner at work and great friend, Jessica, threw it for me and had the brilliant idea of doing a farm theme! I was thilled and it was overwhemingly adorable! We threw it at my house, the poor girls from work, all living in Broomfield, had to drive up. It's a drive but I do it everyday so you won't find a lot of symathy here :) We had around 25 + people in my little house and it was crowded! However, no one else seemed to be quite as hot as me. I had windows open and I noticed women going around shutting them behind me. Here are the pics!

He has a huge what???

BELLY! That's right, I went in for an ultrasound on Friday (I did so because I am measuring 35 weeks not 32) and sure enough he's a big boy. Head - normal Legs - normal Arms - normal Belly - HUGE in the 97th percentile to be exact. Jay is quite proud yet worried? Will he have a beer belly cause his dad does? No honey, he hasn't had the opportunity to develop a BEER belly in utero... Anyway, he is measuring at 4 lbs 13 oz so I will have a giant baby. It's all good but for those of you that are imagining a dear sweet 5-6 lb baby go ahead and kiss the dream goodbye. Rather picture yourself holding a small toddler that can speak and you'll have my newborn. There are many ways to look at it... I won't feel like I am breaking him while changing diapers or getting his stubborn little arm in a onesie, he will hopefully eat/sleep well and I will have incredible biceps. I remember toting around little teenie Ayla when she was small in the car seat, I am not looking forward to the burning sensation I felt with a teenie baby let alone a horse baby. I love him all the same and honestly can. not. wait. for him to come! Thought you all should know how giant he is and please, if you have purchased 0-3 month clothes, go ahead and return them or shower them on a dainty little belle that will have a small child!!!

In Loving Memory of my aunt Karen

Karen, Greg's wife and my aunt passed away suddenly on October 7th. It was a blood clot that traveled from her knee to her lungs. An unexpected and heartbreaking death I wanted to just honor her on my site. The funeral service will be Sunday, October 11th. Here is a link if you would like to see more pictures. But I will just name a few of my very fond memories of her here. Karen was an incredible woman that was on top of everything. Her heart was so big, giving and genuine. She was a woman to admire and respect. She was so fun to chat with and made you feel so important. She was really excited about this baby boy on the way and offered well really told me that she was going to babysitt any chance she got. Last time I hung out with her was just 3 short weeks ago when her and Greg came up to visit is us in Fort Collins. She gave me advice on raising baby boys, complemented my decorating and then treated Jay and I to lunch. She was always such a joy. There were many a laughs shared at their house and many yummy meals and holidays spent together. My baby boy will know what an incredible woman she was. All my prayers go to Greg, her 3 boys, my grandparents, and my cousins that thought of her as an incredible second mom. Here is a link to her blog if you would like to see more pictures or find out more about her funeral. http://www.karensampier.blogspot.com

My current babies

Here they are, my current babies! Oliver, trying to get comfy, Winston the small grey one and Ruby being smashed by her big bro Ollie. They are all enjoying the la-z-boy that daddy bought for the nursery. It is currently in teh family room. I wonder how they will do with the new addition? They are all getting quite irritated with how big the belly is getting, mom is not so comfy to lay on anymore. Not so much lap room. Only 9 more weeks! I scheduled the rest of my appointments today for the midwifes. It's starting to get real.

Nursery status...the hardwood is looking great! Jay worked really hard this weekend and I can honestly say it's ALMOST done!!!

I really have been psycho about how much the baby is moving. Was anyone else like that? I didn't sleep a wink last night I was just a worry wart. He moved a lot today during the corporate meeting so I felt much better.

Nothing else to report! Besides...HAPPY 25th BDAY SIS!

A few thoughts

Above is our neighbor Mitchell. He is all ready sporting his Halloween costume. It's a chipmunk or squirell, I'm not sure... Anyway he is 4 and he is probably THE most athletich hilarious boy I have ever encountered. It has been so much fun interacting with him. I think he is getting Jay and I really excited to have a little boy! This morning he came racing out his door, dressed as a squirell, on his bike (he has almost ran me over like 5 times) looking specifically for Jay. Jay is his hero. So the morning consisted of him popping wheelies over a piece of bark mulch, showing off his squirrel costume, and finally showing off the drawing he did on the pumpkin we grew in our yard and let him come and pick. He treasures his pumpkin so much he brings it inside at night so it "won't get rained on." Very important! Jay is wonderful with him, yesterday Jay was breaking down boxes so Mitch came over and helped further break them down by riding his bike over top of them, popping quite a few wheelies as well. This kid also rollerblades, skateboards and rides a "motorcycle" (the motorcycle is a 4 wheeler so not AS impressive, ha! Watching Jay with Mitch assures me Jay is very much ready to be a daddy.

Totally different topic:
One of my best friends Ash called me yesterday and left me a really touching message... She just encouraged me by telling my how beautiful I look and not to dwell on whether I am getting "too big" but to really enjoy this super unique and special time with my son as he moves and kicks inside me. It brought tears to my eyes cause I will be honest and say pictures of me should go straight into the fire at this point. Thanks Ash for the encouragement!

I am also going to post a really neat email I got today from my friend Meg. Being preggers maybe makes this a tad more touching but I seriously started bauling after I read it and realized if a customer comes in to my office to buy a house today I would probably scare them off. Ok here it is:
A Newborns Conversation with God

A baby asked God, "they tell me you are sending me to earth tomorrow but how am I going to live there being so small and helpless?" God said, "Your angel will be waiting for you and will take care of you." The child further inquired "But tell me, here in heaven I don't have to do anything but smile and be happy." God said, "Your angel will sing for and will also smile for you, and you will feel your angel's love and be very happy." Again the child asked, "and how am I going to be able to understand when people talk to me if I don't know the language?" God said, "your angel will tell you the most beautiful and sweet words you will ever hear, and with much patience and care your angel will teach you how to speak." And what am I going to do when I want to talk to you?" God said, "Your angel will place your hands together and will teach you how to pray." "Who will protect me?" God said, "Your angel will defend you even if it means risking their life." But I will always be sad because I will not see you anymore." God said, "Your angel will always talk to you about me and will teach you the way to come back to me, even though I will always be next to you." At that moment there was much peace in Heaven but voices from Earth could be heard and the child hurriedly asked, "God, if I am to leave now please tell me my angels name." God said, "You will simplly call her, Mom."

I thought that was neat and I hope it touches some of you.

The 4-D Ultrasound At Last

Well, here you have it ladies and gentleman, the little boy inside me is shaping up to look just like his daddy!!!

If your having trouble "seeing it" it is just his face in all of these, she (the ultrasound gal) really focused on the nose and lips. He has big lips with very clear peaks (similar to mine but too big to be mine) so as we are looking at Jay sure enough they are his! His nose, is well I'm not sure whose nose, it's a bit smashed a little button nose and very cute. His eyes were closed the whole time, which is good cause I guess it looks scary if they open them.

My parents came up to see him as well so my mom, dad, sis and hub and I were all in one small room. It was so much fun and the tears came welling to my eyes. He is going to be wondeful for sure. He is wiggling all around today so a strong healthy one at that.

We had Nikki's shower yesterday, she's due on Dec. 24th (12 days after me) and it was gorgeous. She's having a girl, Adison Nicole. I'm afraid her girl may beat up my girl, for those of you who know Nikki, you would agree! I am so excite for us both. It was fun to see everything she got as well.

One of the now coveted items by me is called a "hooter hider" they are a nursing cover but you can look down and see your baby while they munch away on milk. I must have one, now I have to decide what print to get. So many choices! Another coveted item, super soft barefoot dreams bath towell, Oprah endorsed Barefoot Dreams a while back, they sell them at Nordstrom and I have the robe. The baby will be living in luxury.

My showers are in a just 4 short weeks and after looking at the calendar today my maternity leave starts in 8 weeks!!! What that means for those of you who don't work for Richmond American Homes, only 8 more Monday Morning Meetings at the Tech Center and only 2 more Call-a-thons (dread). I really can't tell you how much that makes me want to get up and dance around excitedly and sing songs at the top of my voice. Both are torture and both will be out of my mind for 12 weeks!!!

STRETCH MARKS

Oh my goodness, they are here! So that one little one I told you all about at after the doctor visit turned in to 10-12 teenie ones all around it. I just stared at my stomach in the mirror forever this morning trying to remain positive. Oops, there they are on the other side too. Little devils! You gotta love genetics. I have been "lotioning and oiling" my tummy for months and they still popped out, I hear that it all lies in your genes. Thanks mom! Oh well. When I am holding the little peanut I won't care nearly as much right?!

Aftershock of Ultrasound

So, the so looked forward to ultrasound was really just...OK. I know that sounds really stupid but I was so excited and then the ultrasound tech was like, oh, this is just a vaginal ultrasound to see if the placenta has moved. I was crushed, I don't get to see my baby??? She gave me a quick peak with a real ultrasound but she was moody and irritated and was like, here he is...and then printed crappy pics. I was able to see his little feet and hands but she didn't give me pics of those. So, to all who were super excited about new pics don't hold your breath cause I'm not even going to bother to put them on here.

I have however figured out how to put a cute background up on my blog, which is oh so satisfying, I have tried for weeks! Thanks to Brittany and Heather, my little blogging experts, I finally got it.

The baby is doing great! His little heart beat is so strong and everytime he kicks I am thrilled. I don't mind if he keeps me up (I say that now...)

I finally finished my registry at Babies R' Us!!! I went and took one more walk through the store assuring myself that I have everything I need, but not what I don't need, cause I need/want the practical stuff like boogar suckers and bottles :)

The floors...are still not done. I am panicing a tad, well a lot but patience is a good lesson to learn right before the baby comes right?!

I have my first stretch mark...I thought it was a vericose vein (not that that's much better) but my midwife told me I am crazy and it is indeed a little purple stretch mark that has reared it's ugly head. I have also gained too much weight (you mean I can't eat whatever whenever?) so needless to say the overall experience on Thursday was dim. I actually cried when I got home. Selfish but true.

When I get the nursery even somewhat started I will post some pics.

We do have our 4-D ultrasound on Thursday of this week so let's hope I leave smiling rather than crying!!! Those pics I promise to put up.

Until then...

I am so thankful! Wishing for proper OCD!

Just recently I have heard of two tragedies that have really made my heart so thankful for my life, husband, and baby boy kicking me as I write. Our neighbor lost their little girl in labor, she was a stillborn. It shattered my heart for them, I really can't imagine what that would be like, to go through 9 months of pregnancy, have a name, nursery and an expectant heart and the little baby is dead. They are in my prayers. It makes me so thankful, undescribedly so, everytime our little guy kicks or flips.

The next is a young husband with 4 little boys and a lovely wife passing away in the middle of the night due to a sudden heart attack. WOW! That can really rock your faith and really make you ask why? Sometimes hubby's can be tough (wifey's can be too :) but this reminds me that I am so blessed to have a wonderful, loving, husband that constantlly provides and uplifts me. I know he will make such a wondeful daddy. This family is in my prayers as well.

Our boy is now roughly 15 inches long and 2 lbs! That's longer than a sheet of legal paper haha! Can you tell I work in an office :) I know he's getting big cause instead of occasional kicks I can feel him full on ROLL in my belly! Not for long, I hear he'll be running out of room to romp here soon.

Ultrasound - in 1 week and 1 day!

In the meantime I am sweating over my registry, wondering if I chose the right things, too many things, missed anything vital. It's torture I stare at it for hours. I wish I could be the OCD about my closet being organized or getting the laundry out of the baskets and into the dresser. My goal-to have my life somewhat organized before this boy comes in and I have no desire, nor anytime to organize. I truly do look up to and admire those that are OCD about the proper things in life.

Here's to those that are organized, if you would like to come over and help me I am ready willing and able to apply your advise to my scattered life.

much love!

Just checking in

Hi everyone, I have heard so much overwhelming praise for the blog I am so glad I did it. If there is anything you all want to know feel free to ask :) I was going to wait to post anything until my next ultrasound, but I have had quite a few people ask why I haven't typed anything in a while.

Jay and I start birthing classes this Thursday from 7-9, I have to admit I am super excited. I can walk in there, looking preggers and sit down with all the other mommy to be's and learn. I will let you all know how it goes.

I just finished reading a book called "The Baby Whisperer" one down two more to go. I have heard great things about "Baby Wise" and "The Best Baby on the Block." I feel like I can't soak up enough info. In the baby whisperer book she tells you there are different types of babies: textbook, angel, spirited, and grumpy babies. I am hoping for an angel baby of course, anything but a grumpy baby!!! We'll see when he comes out.

Jay is making great progress on the hardwood floors. I have to admit I am VERY anxious for him to finish so I can set up the baby room. We still don't have a crib yet. I feel as though that has been the toughest part. I just want a crib so I feel like I can get it ready for him. I will send pics of the nursery in progress as we go. For now, you'll have to sit tight cause the hardwood floor is slow-going.

I did find out today that our neighbor gave birth to a stillborn. How devastating. They are in our thoughts and prayers. It made me pray all the way to work for our little one. What a miracle life is and how quickly we forget that it can so easily go wrong. I am so thankful that God has blessed us with this little boy everytime he kicks it makes me smile. Daddy can feel him now too, I may have said it before but he may be a small gorilla. Jay thinks chances are high that we'll have a little hairy baby hahahahaha!

The ultrasounds are scheduled for Sept. 18th and Sept. 25th!!!!!!!!!! I can't wait!

Until then, much love, and if you think of it try not to comment on how FAT I am getting! I have had a few lovely coin phrases thrown at me lately that makes me want to hit someone. :)

Twenty Four Weeks and Counting

Hey everyone, we are so excited to share all the fun new info about our new boy on the way! So far so good. We had a ultrasound, see pics on blog, and sure enough he was not shy and showed us he is very much a boy. Jay and I were thrilled/surprised. I swore he was a girl, so much for mothers intuition!!! I cried and cried the whole ultrasound. He was moving all around, even sucked his thumb.

We did discover that I have a placenta previa, meaning my placenta is blocking the opening for the birth canal. It may raise, I hear chances are pretty good. We will find out on Sept. 18th when we do another ultrasound. I was thrilled cause I get to see my boy again! Sept. 25th the Womens Clinic of Northern Colorado will give us what's called a Peek-a-boo ultrasound, it's 3-D.

I am enjoying pregnancy so far... I really didn't get sick at all and now I am thrilled that I actually "look" pregnant!

We have all the nursery decor. We are going with the Pottery Barn Farm Patch set. Inspired by Daddies childhood (he grew up on a dairy farm)! It's chambray, cordoroy, and many more fabrics in blue, red and green.

I feel the need to nest and daddy is doing a great job at helping mommy. We are in the process of ripping out all our carpet upstairs and laying beautiful hickory hardwood. I should say, Daddy is laying hardwood, I mostly hand him tools!

Dad also plans to put up bead board, crown moulding, and special little boy shelves in the closet. He has his work cut out for him.

Dad even spoiled me with a beautiful and comfy la-z-boy for the nursery!

Can't wait to see the boy again...