2 months!

Almost 3 months in to this whole mommy thing and I think you can already see how these monthly updates are going to be.... LATE each month. Sorry, not sorry - I am crazy busy with moving, unpacking, studying, her doctors appointments and keeping this little love bug happy and healthy.

So, just a few weeks late....Anne Douglas turned 2 months on May 4th (which also happens to be the birthday of my favorite youngest sister!)  I weighed her on a borrowed infant scale on that date and she was about 10 pounds...FINALLY in the double digits - and we fought for every single ounce of that.

Month 2 was much more fun and easier than Month 1.  Our strict nursing schedule loosened up a little bit, plus baby girl was only getting up once a night (and was sleeping through the night shortly after 2 months yay!)  So, both baby and mama were happier and better rested and I feel I had more time to just enjoy being Annie D's mommy rather than obsessing over if she was eating enough!

Plus, we got to see more and more of baby girl's sweet personality this past month - so far, she is friendly, generally happy, a little bit silly, down to earth - BUT when she is angry, she will let you know.  She has a temper - it doesn't come out over every small thing, but it does come out sometimes! (She is just opinionated) She also has a stubborn streak, particularly when eating-- when she is done eating, she pinches her little lips closed tightly and you can't get her to finish. Or, if you give her a bottle when she wants to nurse, she will refuse - or nurse when she wants a bottle, she will refuse. She is rarely mean about it, just determined in what she wants and doesn't want.

This month, Annie D started noticing things around her a bit more - especially items that hang like mobiles or toys. It is so much fun watching her take in the world!  She also has crazy woman hair most of the time - as it grows longer, it sticks up and I have basically given up on brushing it. Luckily we think her crazy hair is adorable!! Her older cousins, Jack and Gil, visited again and she was just mesmerized by having older kids around! She has 5 older cousins and I think she is going to adore them all!

Sweet girl had to start wearing a harness/brace during her second month for (correctable) hip problems.  We had a rough few days of adjustment - but she quickly adjusted.  She is pretty flexible.  It has restricted some of her wardrobe options, but no worries, we accessorize with bows!  She wears the brace 23 hours a day and after a couple months, she will move to part time wear and then eventually she will quit wearing it at all.  We think she is pretty cute in the harness and I call her "tiny tim."

Her dislikes: wearing her brace, the first nap of the day and eating right before bed.

BUT - she loves more things than she hates! LOVES: breakfast, the mobile on her mammaroo swing, mommy singing to her, SMILING, being held high on daddy's shoulder, strolling, riding in the car and when we let her fall asleep in our arms.

Daddy calls her "lil' bit" or "lil' nugget" and I call her "sweet pea" or "little love bug."

I get sad each morning thinking that she is one day older - and yet, each day she gets more fun! She changes drastically week by week and it's fun to see her little personality and appearance form. We love our sweet girl to the moon and back and are so grateful to be her parents!

One Month

For the record, I do not plan on being a "mommy blogger" - I have a baby and will talk about her but I hope I still write about other subjects as well.  But, many of the next few posts will be about motherhood and my daughter as I catch up after nearly 2 months of inactivity.  So, if babies aren't your thing, I totally understand- then check back in a couple weeks :)

Anne Douglas turned one month old on April 4th. She was FINALLY past birth weight - 8 pounds 8.5 ounces at her 4 week appointment - and close to 22 inches long. Despite being a little chunky monkey at her birth, Annie D is not a big eater at all.  When she is hungry, she will gulp down the milk, but only if she is very hungry. She doesn't seem to be one of those babies that eat for fun...and often she will get "enough" to take the hunger away, but no more.

At one month, she was still in newborn diapers and mostly newborn clothes. After a couple weeks of feeding on demand, we moved into a 2 hour feeding schedule (to encourage my milk supply and encourage her weight gain).  At night, she usually was getting up twice to feed.

Anne Douglas' first month went by so slowly - and so quickly all at once!  I must admit, that first month was much harder than I had expected- I was weak from surgery and blood loss and we had nursing setbacks and weight gain issues - but by the end of the month, we had started to find our groove - AND were able to drop our crazy intense every 2 hour nurse and pump schedule.  This gave me more time to enjoy being AD's mommy instead of just feeding her or worrying about feeding her all day long.

The first part of the month, she was mostly sleeping and eating but by week 3 or 4, we started seeing glimpses of her personality. She is sweet and seem mostly relaxed and happy (and we are grateful for this temperament) - however, when she does get mad, she is very angry! She is also extremely observant, taking it all in!

Anne Douglas enjoyed visits from her Bella, Aunt Marley and Uncle Bech (and cousins Jack and Gil), Gran and Papa Sug, Aunt Kimmie and Aunt Beth and Aunt Annie - as well as many friends!

She also took her first stroll through the cherry blossoms and celebrated her first Easter!

Our little "Annie D" loves her Mammaroo, paci, bath time, being held high on Daddy's chest, being held while you are standing (don't dare sit down she will know it), her little lamb that plays music and her rock and play. She dislikes late afternoon, being cold when she gets out of the bath.

Even one month in, I can't imagine life without this little girl - and I can't remember not knowing what she looks like! My days are tiring but so blessed.  I am often glad for a little sleep and "me" time (without a baby attached) each evening and yet when she wakes up in the morning, I find myself saying "I missed you!"

Just Peachy

So, for those of you who aren't my facebook friends, a few weeks ago we announced that Miss Anne Douglas is going to be a Georgia Peach....and she is most excited about being able to attend SEC football games (as you can see, her gear is ready!)

Thats right folks, we are moving to the ATL, Hot-lanta, A-town. We decided that having a baby wasn't a big enough life change so we should add a new city, job change, short stint in stay at home mommyhood and a bar exam to the mix.  What can I say? We like to keep in interesting!!

We always planned on moving back south EVENTUALLY- in a few years, maybe. Then when we decided to have a baby, we begin to talk about moving in a year. Dave always liked the idea of moving early, but I was less keen on it - particularly while we were pregnant and my doctors were in DC and  I had great insurance, etc. We would at least be staying here until AD was born! So, when he brought up applying for a firm in Atlanta (which turned into interviewing with a few firms in atlanta) when I was 39 weeks pregnant, I said sure. I mean, with just beginning to look, surely we wouldn't be moving so soon right? It would just be the start of our search - but one of the jobs turned out to be a great fit for Dave - and it seemed that moving right after baby would be the best possible time for me (if you must have a gap in your resume, why not make it an extended maternity leave....) and so after much prayer and discussion - and some negotiating on how soon we could get down there, Dave accepted the job. We are CRAZY. As I said, why not take on one more life change? GO BIG OR GO HOME right???

I will be honest--- Atlanta, while a nice place to live, was not my first choice.  I had always hoped we would move to Birmingham - a city I love that is a good size, familiar to me, not far from home and perfectly situated between Auburn, Oxford and Starkville (priorities!!)  But after we did some research over the past 6 months, it seemed Atlanta had more opportunities for us. Plus it has the added benefit of being near family (Dave's sister and her family live in the area).  In fact, I believe years ago, I said "I will never live in Atlanta" (no offence Atlanta citizens, the metro area is just so large that I thought I would stay away) - but God had different plans than me! And, surprisingly, I am getting excited about it! This move will provide us with a chance to lay down some roots, buy a home, see friends and family more often  - and personally, for me, the opportunity to spend a few more months at home with my sweet girl!

We have really enjoyed DC.  I always wanted to live here - and I always wanted to work at BGR. Now, I have done both.  Leaving this city will be bittersweet. But, in all honesty, DC never felt like home in the same way that Jackson did.  I have friends here, but the city is transitional and we are constantly saying goodbye.  Also, we want to buy a house in the near future -- and as we have been saving the past few years and "browsing", we realized that in DC, we would either overspend when buying a house - or have to purchase a small condo.  Finally, while we love adventure and are fine living away from home, we are both very family oriented and wanted to live a little closer to home so that our kids could grow up seeing grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles, etc a bit more often.

So, if I have been a bad blogger for awhile, its due to a new baby AND packing...and I will likely be a bit busy for the next few weeks so give me grace if the posts are few and far between, although I promise to try.

Prayers... please say a prayer for us as we move, particularly for me.  The move is a bit scarier when you are the one moving without a job.  I will be studying for a bar exam and eventually looking for a new job all at once, plus I will be staying at home in a city where I only know a few people. So please say a prayer for open doors, community and friendships, trust that this is the right decision and a smooth easy transition!  And come see us in Atlanta friends :)

**Meeting our girl**

I apologize for the delay, but as you can imagine, we have been quite busy!! Our sweet girl, Anne Douglas, was born on March 4th at 9 am.  She was 8 pounds, 7 ounces and 21 inches long - and she has the most beautiful head full of hair.  We are smitten and so thankful for this little gift.

I am not a big "birth story" person.  I think sometimes they are way more descriptive than they should be for social media.  So, I will give you a "clean" version of our birth story - no talk of centimeters!

If you know me well, you know that my biggest birth fear was not a c section -- my biggest fear was an induction.  I trust doctors and knew that sometimes a section is the healthiest way for the baby to arrive so I was prepared for a planned section if needed. But, having heard so many horror stories of inductions being painful and unproductive and resulting in a section, my prayer throughout my 3rd trimester was not to be induced. However, in the end, that's the path God had in plan for us -- I still can't say I am happy about it, but I am grateful that it was His plan and not mine.

Anne Douglas was measuring average and maybe even a little small until third trimester.  At 36 weeks, they warned us she could be large - and at 39.5, they believed she was already nearing 9 pounds.  I was showing signs of progress so we hoped I would go into labor already.  Also, I was a good candidate for a successful induction (according to my doctors), so we scheduled an induction for 40.5 weeks and prayed that it wasn't needed and/or that it would be successful. I shared this date with a few friends and family - but didn't announce it to the world.  Additionally, since we were full term and had experienced losses in the past, one of my doctors phrased it well: "let's not risk it. let's get a healthy baby here." Every day she was in there was a chance something could happen - and we wanted to bring home a happy healthy baby.

I did everything to induce labor- eat pineapple, walk long distances for weeks before labor, run stairs, bounce on the birthing ball, eat eggplant, foot massages, etc. A lot of these caused contractions but did not lead to labor.   Meanwhile, I had spent the last several weeks of pregnancy getting bigger and bigger - and not in the "traditional" sense.  My legs and feet looked like they belonged on a 400 pound woman. None of my shoes fit but I managed to "stuff" my feet into one pair of shoes.  There were weeks where I "gained" 4 pounds (of water weight). I also had dizziness and fatigue. My doctors checked me for pre-eclampsia which I did not have and we chalked it up to just being incredibly unlucky to have such extreme swelling and fatigue. WELL --  It turns out that I had pretty severe anemia that we didn't catch.  This anemia ended up causing some complications with labor, breastfeeding, etc.  If I could do this over again, the main thing I would do differently is treat the anemia and see if labor went differently.

We checked into the hospital on a Wednesday night -- I made the mistake of not eating before we went in, assuming that we could pick up subway at the hospital since I wasn't starting pitocin until 4 am the next morning. (which meant I started labor famished and didn't get to eat until Friday evening, this is a big deal when you are almost 41 weeks preggo haha)  In my gut, I felt induction might fail but I tried to go in hopeful, arming myself with other women's success stories and the fact that I was such a "good candidate".

On Thursday, we started Pitocin - and I walked around the delivery ward, bounced on the ball and eventually had my water broken.  We upped the Pitocin - then backed off - then upped it again twice, hoping to get my body into labor.  I definitely labored -- but my body never actually went into labor. It just did not respond to the pitocin.  Anne Douglas did not struggle with the Pitocin like some babies do -- no dropped heart rate - in fact, it was the opposite: I could tell a contraction was coming by watching her heart rate on the monitor. It always got a little higher right before a contraction hit.  I held off on the epidural in hopes of speeding up labor - but finally after I was in a lot of pain at midnight, I opted for the epidural so I could sleep until the morning - all while having regular contractions.  This was our last shot at getting into labor - and I knew there was a chance that it would not work.  But, in the morning I would either be pushing or having surgery, so I needed rest.  When I woke up the next morning, my doctor checked me again and there had been no more progress over the night.  I didn't even question her - it was clear at this point that labor was not working, so I looked at her and said "So I guess this means that we need to prep for a c section."  If I had progressed at all, I would have wanted to continue with labor - but no progress overnight made it pretty clear for me.

The doctor turned off the medicine and gave me time to cry, pray, talk to Dave and call my mom and sister who were at home for the night.  We let my body rest for a couple hours before surgery- but two hours is not quite enough time to come to terms with things going so differently than you had hoped.  I always knew a failed induction was a real possibility but I think to get through labor, I had to always tell myself that it was going to succeed. Everyone kept trying to cheer me up, asking me if I was so excited to meet my daughter, and my response was "Yes- but I am kindof irritated with her." And that was the truth - she wouldn't drop and I was PISSED.  All that work and Miss Stubborn just wanted to chill inside me a bit longer.

After receiving some more medicine, they wheeled me back. I was crying and shaking (yay medicine) and nervous. I was so grateful that Dave was in the room with me, able to sit by me and hold my hand and calm me down. The c-section didn't take long - and before long, they were handing over a beautiful baby with a head full of dark hair. Dave says that my demeanor completely changed then - I had been so upset, but now I was just so happy and grateful she was here. After she was weighed and measured and checked by the doctors and nurses, Dave was able to bring her over to me and I finally was able to meet my daughter. Sadly, I couldn't really "hold her" due to my constant shaking - so Dave held her next to me and we were able to spend a few minutes together before being wheeled to recovery. Also, one of my favorite things is that one of the sweet nurses grabbed our camera and started taking pictures. I love those pictures- they show the moment we became a family, even if it didn't happen as I hoped.

Once we were in the room, I had to quit shaking and then was finally able to hold her and nurse her.  My rule was that no one but Dave could hold her before I did - and my mom and sister were kind enough to wait.  Meeting her was hands down, one of the best moments of my life - even if it didn't go as planned. She was amazingly alert and was eager to look at us and nurse.

The rest of the day and the next morning, I was very dizzy, shaky and weak.  I was often nervous to hold AD because I didn't want to drop her.  I thought this was a result of the medicine-  but it turns out I had a large blood loss during the surgery (probably as a result of the 24+ worth hours of pitocin) which took anemia and made it even more severe.  We discussed transfusion to help fix the levels more quickly and decided against it (a decision I sometimes still regret as I later struggled with milk supply issues resulting from anemia). Because of my tendency to dizziness and weakness, I was nervous to be home alone with baby girl for awhile - but thankfully I had my mother with me and then my mother in law, so by the time it was just AD and me, I was no longer so weak. I am thankful for their help - and although my levels are still low, they are the high end of low (thanks to the very HIGH IRON diet my mom put me on).

This birth - and honestly, this entire journey to have Anne Douglas went so differently than I would have planned in several ways. But, after having lost a baby last February, I am just grateful she is here and healthy.  Birth is just one day (or 2 in my case) - and being a mom is a lifetime!

Due to the long induction and a few complications for both AD and me, we stayed in the hospital for 5 days but finally took our baby girl home in grand fashion -wearing a new daygown with mommy's baby bonnet and booties made by her great great grandmother. We are loving life as a family of three!

HELLO DUE DATE: 40 week update

Well, hello due date. I really hoped that by the time you arrived, I would be (a little) smaller with a cute fat bundle of joy in my arms - but my stubborn daughter had other plans???? (She gets it from her daddy....)

I am hoping she is a rule follower like her mamma and decides to arrive today since that's the day she was told to arrive. or at least by tomorrow, LEAP DAY (which would be an awesome birthday)

How I am feeling..........

Everyone keeps asking how I am feeling --- ughh, I am feeling every bit of 40 weeks of pregnant! Sore, crampy, some contractions, can't sleep, swollen, etc.  and GRUMPY!

I also am just a bit down (as in cried in the doctor's office Friday - its okay, I am sure that they have very pregnant emotional ladies cry all the time ha) because I am incredibly swollen and really wanted a February baby (and have 2 more days to have one)  Last February 's loss was so tough for us, it just felt like having a baby this February would be redemptive.  But, on a positive note, March has a prettier birth stone...... so maybe AD just wants a blue stone instead of a purple one???? (BLUE is a better color....)

And since lots of people have told me she will be late (sometimes unsolicited), I really really had the goal of proving everyone wrong. All the walking and bouncing on the yoga ball has helped me progress - but not there yet.  Hopeful soon!  I am accepting that my plans might not work out - but if not, we will just wait to meet her on her eviction date.

Eviction date

To our surprise, at our 36 week appointment, they predicted that baby girl is a bit on the fluffy side - and we can't wait to see her sweet fat little cheeks - but every day she spends "on the inside" is another ounce I have to try to push out. So, we do hope she comes soon. Plus we just really want to meet her!!!  She has as an "eviction date" scheduled so we do have an end date - but my prayer is that she arrives on her own.

My mom arrives tomorrow - which I keep telling AD so hopefully she decides to arrives then!  If not, we have several days of walking, movies, pedicures, etc planned.

I really had hoped not to induce - I am scared of induction the way some ladies are scared of c sections.  However, I really trust my physicians and want what is best for AD so if induction is the way to go, I will put on my big girl (maternity) panties and deal with it.  We pray that this little girl arrives on her own - and that if she doesn't, we can be at peace about it.

The good news...

Whether she comes on her own or is encouraged out on her induction date, she will be here soon.  Hurry up baby girl - we are so so so excited to meet you!! You are already so so so loved!

"I think I can, I think I can" -- 39 week update!

Updates to our blog have been sparse lately. I have been busy wrapping things up at work before maternity leave, getting the final things ready for Anne Douglas, enjoying a few last date nights with Dave - and honestly, sometimes sitting on the couch watching TV when I am just too tired to do anything else!! Hopefully after baby arrives and we settle into a new normal, I will be back up to writing.

I mentioned in my last pregnancy post (36 weeks) that I would try to post weekly until baby girl arrives--- well that was a lie, sorry.  But hey, a 39 week update, yay for me!

Today I am 39 weeks, 1 day - we had a good apt today (although it did not reveal any clues to when baby will arrive) and have an ultrasound on Wednesday to see how big she is and when we should schedule an induction date.

Here is a 39 week bump shot

39 weeks at Mt Vernon - trying to walk this baby out and enjoy a little history on our rare warm winter day this weekend!

Some pictures from the past few weeks....

37 weeks - after Dave and I spent an hour making laps at the mall trying to get ready for labor (too cold to walk outside!)

38 week Valentine date to Botanic Garden

38 week volunteer shift for JLW

8 weeks v 39 weeks - same dress, much different belly

We are eagerly awaiting baby girl - due SUNDAY so hopefully she will arrive within the next week, although she most likely has until around 41 weeks before we take her out by force.  Her car seat is in, her nursery is *mostly* finished, her clothes are washed and her bag is packed.  Now, she just needs to decide to show up. And, yes, I realize that I have a good chance of her arriving late since she is a first baby.  I feel this is a fact that every single person feels the need to tell me.  I am aware, I even will say "she will probably be late" but goodness, I get up hoping every single day that today is the day --- AND I am starting to try some of the "induction" methods - long walks, bouncing on the yoga ball, massage, etc.  I might as well be proactive right? Worst case scenerio - I took a few long walks and got a massage and still had to be induced.  SO the best thing to say to a 38-39 week pregnant lady: Oh wow, you are almost there, any day now! She will be here before you know it! (Also, it never hurts to tell me that I look great! haha)

I am in the weekly appointment stage - so lots of time with my doctors. My body is starting to prep for labor some, but it doesn't appear to be happening at lightening speed. So I am not expecting a baby tomorrow but maybe in a week would be nice!

I am feeling okay, all things considering. I am cramping and sore, extremely swollen, use the restroom every 5 minutes and sleeping maybe 4 hours at night. So yes, uncomfortable and irritable - but not in severe severe pain, etc. I don't have much energy so trying to motivate myself to "nest" and "clean house" before baby's arrival is hard. A little at a time - and if its not done, its not done. I doubt she notices an unmopped kitchen floor, anyways.

I am still working - and am trying to decide what day this week I will start "working from home" and when I will stop all together -- I would like to make it to the end, but its hard because I do not know when the end is! If she is late or we schedule an induction or section then I would likely take the 2-3 days before labor off. I just don't want to waste all of my maternity leave sitting at home waiting on baby.

My current least favorite symptom is severe SWELLING. Seriously, I feel like Violet from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. I have 3 pairs of shoes that fit because my feet and legs are so swollen.  I had a foot massage last week which helped (afterwards, my feet looked like I weighed 300, not 400 pounds so we will call it progress) but now I need another one.  Weight gain has suddenly sky rocketed --I went from a healthy/lower steady weight gain to a lot really quickly.  Its mostly water but still, nothing is more disheartening than working so hard to keep your weight gain down only to have it jump really high in the last few weeks of pregnancy.  I try to remind myself that it's worth it and that so many women would love to be 39 weeks and uncomfortable, so how can I complain too much?

One of the most frustrating things about this stage of pregnancy is that I am constantly looking for "signs" of impending labor - and goodness, ANYTHING could be a sign - for example.......

• swelling - well, apparently you retain water right before birth
• weight gain/weight loss - some ladies claim to pack it on the week before the birth (swelling) and some claim they start to lose it - so either way, you can "think" labor is coming
• cramps - this is your body getting ready for contractions!
• back pain - the beginning of back labor!
• a desire to nest - must be because she is on her way!
• a desire to rest - well my body needs to rest up because of her impending arrival!
• an active baby - she must be pushing her way down!
• fewer movements - baby is resting up for delivery, I read that babies are less active right before birth....

The truth is, all of these things - swelling, cramps, back pain - do indeed mean that baby girl will be arriving soon, but it doesn't mean she will be arriving tomorrow! So, I try not to get "too excited" when I have a long day of cramping.  All it means for me is that I am cramping and sometime in the next 2 weeks I will have a baby.

But, one of the best things about this stage of pregnancy is she is SO ACTIVE.  Although I occasionally wish she would "simmer down" haha!  I LOVE feeling her sweet those sweet strong kicks and realizing is soon I won't have that privilege.  For 9 months, for good and bad, she has been mostly mine - and soon I have to share her (In fact, my biggest reason to not want to have a c-section is that I don't want Dave to get to hold her first, I want to get to hold her! ha!)  I know that soon I will have her in my arms but I won't feel her every movement.  (This might make me a bit more comfortable but I will miss her little dance parties in my belly!) Also, I love walking into her nursery and knowing that SOON she will be home. Or obsessing about whether or not she will have hair for all her hairbows, ha!

I am hoping that my next update includes a birth announcement - but sadly, it may include complaining and a 40 week belly picture :) Fingers crossed friends - home stretch.  Our daughter will be here soon, praise the Lord!

Prayers are appreciated - for a safe delivery, healthy baby and healthy mommy! Also, we are praying we don't have to have a section and hopefully not an induction - but know that if that's what's needed when the time comes,  then we are in good hands! I am so thankful to have an all powerful God, doctors I trust and a husband that has my best interest at heart as I know labor can be unpredictable.

Oh and for those who care about my metro seat obsession.... 

#Metrogate
Mostly my metro rides have been quite nice - people offer me seats left and right.  I HATE being this big, but it turns out that a large preggo belly and swollen legs have some perks.  I did have one elderly woman snap at me the other day. I was being pushed from behind (as often happens while entering a crowded metro) and I barely bumped into her. I turned to my side to say I was sorry and before I could, she had sighed at me and snapped at me.  I have the most metro problems with elderly folks - I guess they think we are fighting for the same prime metro seat real estate?  I have no clue...

It's FEBRUARY: 36 weeks update

36 weeks - as in 9 months, folks.  Less than 4 weeks til her due date! CRAZY.  In the next few weeks, I will probably update weekly - until you know, she arrives!

SEATGATE 2015/2016: Still getting plenty of seats.  I even had an elderly lady defend my "pregnant" honor.  The other day, when I got on, there were several available seats. I unknowingly sat down in one in an area meant for people who need seats (ie, handicapped, elderly, very pregnant...) which technically I fall into the "need seats" category. Within a few stops, there were no more available seats. I was playing on my phone when an able bodied gray haired (but not elderly) man tapped me on the shoulder and pointed to a sign behind me. I was confused and he pointed again so I turned and looked above and saw the sign said the seats were for those who needed it.  He did not say please or excuse me can I have this seat, he was just demanding and self entitled. Although I felt I was probably in the intended category, I am able to stand so I started to get up and move- but the elderly woman next to me grabbed my arm and said, "Excuse me, but she's pregnant."  The angry gray haired man just looked at me and I told the woman "thank you but I can stand---" and she once again said, "She's pregnant, it's not safe for her to be standing and tossed around."  And so the grumpy man moved along and demanded a seat from someone else.

Yay for good people on the metro - and guess what? She was southern, no surprise there.  Of course, had someone really needed my seat, I would gladly give it up to him or her.  Also, I would have given up my seat to this man to avoid any scene. But, how demanding and entitled??? He was NOT southern, not at all.

How Far Along: 

36 weeks- countdown til baby girl is here! Here is a pic of our girl at Garth last night!

35 weeks in a Blizzard 

Baby Size:

Baby girl is the size of some type of lettuce (romaine, swiss chard, etc) depending on which "chart" you look at.  According to these charts, she is hovering around 5.75-6 pounds and 18.75 inches long. But, when we go in for our appointment tomorrow, maybe we find out more specific measurements.

Maternity Clothes:

Yes - and Dave's sweatshirts. I am a total FATTY now.  I am totally in that BIG stage of pregnancy - oh and the start to swell a lot phase.  So MATERNITY clothing only - and more specifically, maternity clothes that are looser or larger on me are great! (or stretchy!) My cute maternity "skinny" pants are often not an option anymore.

Sleep:

Not well at all. And Dave recently pointed out that I always breathe so loudly and get up a lot so he doesn't sleep too well either.  I guess we are both being prepped for baby girl's arrival and those sleepless nights - although honestly, I wish we could "prep" by having LOTS of sleep!

Movement:

Yes!! Girl seems to be moving more - which makes me think she is in no hurry to get out as I think one of the signs of impending labor is less movement.  To be fair, she may not be moving more than she was in the past - she may just be bigger so Dave and I can feel stronger movements.  As of the last appointment (34.5 weeks), baby girl is head down - so we are praying she stays that way.

Best Moments of the Past 4 weeks:

WORKING ON AD'S NURSERY!  My sister came and helped organize AD's closet and hang a few pictures and wash clothes - so that was great, because although I could do it by myself, she is much better at organizing. There is a point of organizing where it's messier than it is clean, and that is where I fall apart. But Marley can handle that part!  Also Dave and I worked on the nursery this weekend - we still have a couple more weekends of work but we are close!

Hand washing her smocked newborn daygowns.  That sounds so silly- but its true. During the snowstorm, I hand washed her NB gowns and bonnet and I was so giddy thinking that she will soon be here and wearing those clothes!

Hearing she was still head down! (Way to go, girl!!)

IT IS FEBRUARY!!!!!

Food Cravings:

Sweets. Cereal. Fruit. good Salads.  

Food Aversions:

Still don't like meat very much.....

What I Miss:

Moscow Mules, White Wine, Sushi

What I Am Looking Forward To:

Moving to the weekly appointments (36-40) - I know these appointments are not supposedly that fun, but to me, it signifies the end. Plus, maybe we can find out "progress" each week!

Putting the final touches on her nursery over the next week or two. Her bedding should be arriving this week (Thanks Bella!)

Finishing packing my hospital suitcase and having it by the door.  Let's be honest - AD's suitcase has been packed (mostly) because well patty gowns, bows and smocked dresses are WAY more fun to pack than "loose clothes" for a "post baby" body haha.

Enjoying our last few moments as a family of two.

Milestones:

AD attended her first concert last night- GARTH! She moved around a lot so she must love music like her daddy! He said "That's my girl."

36 weeks - home stretch. I know 36 weeks is not full term and I would prefer she bake in there a bit longer - but I feel like 36+ weeks is a safe normal time to arrive, so I feel comfortable knowing that if she starts to arrive anytime soon, we are in the "normal" zone.

Pregnancy Symptoms:

 Weight gain, achy hips and lower back, constant bathroom trips, lots of leg cramps, INSOMNIA, ribs hurt. Also, I am now very swollen.  I am trying my best to drink a lot of lemon water and eat healthy because I don't want anything to make me swell more.

I recently have had to to start pushing myself off my seat with my hands - like an old lady. Cant wait to be able to move like I used to again.

Gender:

A sweet baby GIRL!!! 

Weight Gain:

Ughh, can this be the part of pregnancy where I QUIT telling you my weight gain?  It's higher than I would like - and some of that has been recent.  My body was not gaining a lot and then BAM overnight I put on some weight this week.  (I will get an official number tomorrow but my guess is 25+) I think a lot of the recent weight gain is swelling but even so, I was motivated to return to healthy eating habits (after about a month off) so I went shopping and have a kitchen full of healthy snacks and meals - hoping this keeps my number down. But what I really want to eat is CEREAL.

Sweet baby girl, we will meet you this month! Your daddy and I are super excited and spend ridiculous amounts of time  talking about how ready we are to meet you. You were prayed for and wanted and you will finally be here.  Keep growing strong but know that a week or two early is fine by us! We will be waiting!

2016: Psuedo-Resolutions, Goals and Prayers

2016 is going to start out fairly BIG- we are having a baby in February- which may make elaborate goals a bit too tough of a commitment for the coming year.  I mean, I will be too focused on keeping another human being alive, fed and dressed. Plus, let's all be honest with ourselves - a new year usually brings very specific GOALS that aren't always obtainable.  I often have new years ambitions - and sometimes I follow through (run a half marathon, lose weight, cook more, etc) but generally, I do better with small goals - ie, last spring I committed to train for and run a 10k and I did - or this Christmas, I committed to staying on budget (-ish) for Christmas and I came within $25 dollars!

So, no lofty specific goals from me this January - but I can't let this new year sneak up on me without sharing some general goals, hopes, dreams, etc. 2015 was filled with ups and downs - and no doubt, 2016 will include the same - BUT, there is something about a new year - a fresh clean slate, pages of a book that have no tears or regrets or pain written on it yet....another chance for God to do big things in our lives and through our lives! I can't help but start this year hopeful - for we serve a POWERFUL Lord who can work in our lives in huge ways!

Here are my spiritual, relational, financial and health goals or guidelines for 2016.  As you see, no specific plans, numbers or timelines - just goals of improvement in these 4 categories.  Over the course of a year, I will fail and improve in these areas at various times but my hope and prayer is that at the end of the year, I will see overall improvement and growth in each area.

SPIRITUAL GOALS

(1) GIVE IT A YEAR: PRAYING THROUGH 2016

I want prayer to be a big part of my life this year.  I want to document requests and struggles and confessions so I can see how God is answering in both big and small ways, to see how He is molding and growing me. I want to hope and believe that God can answer in over the top ways and pray for myself and others with this kind of boldness!

Personally, there are a few things in my life that I just want to see changed - circumstances, relationships, sinful struggles, etc. I know you can all relate!  And I have lived long enough to know that some change will happen simply by time and prayer.

Years ago, God placed a little personal motto on my heart - "Give it a year" and I have clung to that phrase ever since. I can do a year.  It's long enough to see change happen, but not so long that it can be daunting.  And, so when waiting and hoping for answered prayers- be it a spouse, a baby, a job change, relationships, finances, etc, I often tell myself that in a year, things could be better. So, in 2016, I commit to give it a year, to dedicate the next 12 months to faithfully praying - and to seeing how God chooses to act - and how He grows me in the process.

(2) READ THE (CHILDREN'S) BIBLE TO ANNE DOUGLAS

I know she will be too young to comprehend a lot of what we read - but I want scripture and prayer time to become a parenting habit.  I look back at my life and do not remember a time when scripture reading, worship and prayer were not a part of my life.  I am grateful that my parents started with Bible study even before I could comprehend - and this year, I want to start that with our daughter.

RELATIONAL GOALS

(1) IMPROVE MY MARRIAGE 

Dave and I are very happy together, but like most couples, we bicker and criticize and fail to show grace at times.  We both have areas where we can and should improve.  This year will be filled with lots of crazy good changes - and some of these changes might add stress to our relationship.  So, my goal is to still take time to focus on Dave - and to work on ways that I can love and serve him better. I do not want to forget to work on my marriage just because I am working at motherhood.

(2) GIVE OURSELVES GRACE IN PARENTING

Being mommy and daddy will be so new to us - and we will fail just as many times as we succeed.  I have lots of parenting goals - a happy well balanced baby, a child that sleeps through the night, breastfeeding, etc.  But the reality is that babies can't be controlled - and parents are humans that will fail and learn and figure out better ways.  So, my prayer is that we can give ourselves a little grace as we learn!

FINANCIAL GOALS

(1) SAVINGS AND BUDGETING

Dave and I have worked hard to save a decent amount of money over the past couple years- but we could always do better with our finances- especially with our budget! (we don't necessarily overspend, but we don't always stick to a budget).  My financial goals for 2016 is to keep saving (even if it's less because of baby expenses, just putting a little away each month helps) and budget better.

(2) TITHING

Confession: We are not the best at tithing.  This stems from the fact that we moved right after we got married and were not members at a church (and still aren't) so we mostly just gave our tithes monthly to various ministries and missionaries instead - with an occasional donation to the church.  I think this was fine for awhile, but the reality is that we are now invested in a local church and are involved in their programs and ministries - and need to be giving monthly to a church (members or not).  So as we learn to budget better this year, I want to add tithing to the church into our budget.

HEALTH GOALS

(1) LOSE THE BABY WEIGHT

Goodness, it couldn't be a new years resolution post without including some talk on weight and health right?  In case you haven't noticed, I have put on some weight over the past year (ha!) - and after AD arrives and we settle into our new life, I would like to get back in shape and lose as much of the weight as I can.

(2) RUNNING

Over the past several years, I have become a runner - not a terribly fast runner, but a runner just the same.  I quit for awhile, but managed to pick it up last spring and train for 10K with my friend.  Soon after the 10k, I became pregnant and sick and quit running. So, post baby, I want to pick it up again - train for a 5k, then maybe a longer race. Picking small running goals like races helps me stick to it!

(3) SCHEDULE BETTER

I am not sure where this goal "fits" in so I am including it in the health category.  Two things have become abundantly clear to me as I read about parenting and think about how we will both work full time, raise a baby, keep up with other activities, etc: (1) some commitments and fun things will get cut and (2) we will have to become schedule people (this will be harder for Dave than me as he goes with the flow a lot more than me!)  I am not sure what our schedule will look like - but we will have to work together with a plan of when things like gym time, baby, etc happen in relation to AD's eating and sleeping schedule.

Well, there you have it, folks - my "general" goals for 2016. I hope I succeed at improvement in all areas, but I am realistic so if I improve in half of them, I will be happy!  What are your goals for 2016?  Something big and specific? (run a marathon or save 10,000 dollars, etc) or general areas of improvement like me?

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

32 Weeks!

I can't believe I am 32+ weeks pregnant.  Seriously, we are under 2 months until baby girl is here. CRAZY.  It seems like it has gone slowly and quickly all at once.  Likewise, when I think of all we have left to do -  7-8 weeks seems like not enough time to get it done - and at the same time, how can we wait that much longer?

SEATGATE 2015/2016:  This is my "golden" time.   I look like I am with child- ain't no doubt about it.  There is no passing glance of "Is she just chubby?" or "Maybe she ate a big lunch"  I am clearly pregnant - and I would say, clearly very pregnant. So, bring it on, winter metro rides: I am CERTAIN to have several seat offers.  In fact, I was offered a seat TWICE this morning.  Laugh all you want - but there are few perks to being big, achy and swollen - so let me have my small joys, okay?


How Far Along: 

32 weeks as of this past weekend!

This picture was taken on Bourbon Street before the Sugar Bowl because my sister and I thought it would be hilarious to take a picture of a very preggo women on one of America's most notorious party streets. (Its okay if you think this is silly - pregnancy humor is not for everyone!)

The past few weeks....

31.5 weeks (maternity photos in Mississippi)

29 weeks (bridesmaid duties)

 Baby Size:

Baby girl is 3.75 pounds - the size of a spaghetti squash. (yum, I love spaghetti squash)  She is almost 17 inches long.  Baby girl will gain about a half pound a week now as she fattens up for delivery!

Maternity Clothes:

Nope, not really....haha, this is a joke question at this point right??  

Sleep:

Eh- not fabulous, but that's too be expected. I consider it preparation for sleepless nights during the first year of motherhood.

Movement:

Yes!! Lots - although baby girl is still pretty stubborn, so if I tell you she is kicking and you place your hand on my stomach, she will immediately stop.  I think she senses the pressure so she stops. I am convinced that she does this intentionally - which makes her brilliant or difficult or possibly both. This frustrated my family - and it frustrates Dave- although I think if you are willing to sit with your hand on my belly for awhile, you will catch her. 

She has also been flipping around a lot which is occasionally uncomfortable but is a good thing as the doctor believes that she is finally head down instead of transverse.

Best Moment of the Past 4 weeks:

Hmmm...  baby showers, reaching the less than 2 month mark, metro seats (I am sorry, my best moments are sometimes lame)

Food Cravings:

Sweets. Cereal. Fruit. good Salads.  

Food Aversions:

Still don't like meat very much.....

What I Miss:

Wine and sushi.

What I Am Looking Forward To:

Getting stuff done!! December was crazy - 3 showers, Christmas, a wedding, parties, travel.  January is my get ready for baby months!!  I LOVE LOVE LOVE lists so this week I am making a huge "baby to do" list - and we are crossing items off every weekend: decorating the nursery, taking our birthing class (all day Sunday), calling my insurance company, washing and sorting her clothes (and buying anything we still need), finding a newborn photographer, etc.  I feel a bit overwhelmed with all we have left to do- but I think as we accomplish a few things each weekend, I will feel a bit more ready.  Also, as Dave says - so long as we have a few clothes and a crib, we could make do if she came early and we weren't ready. But, you know how we ladies are - I want her to come home to a decorated nursery with her clothes neatly put up!!.

Oh, I am also looking forward to LOTS of time this month with Dave before I have to share him with another little lady. Plus lots of movies and eating at restaurants. Date night every weekend haha!

Milestones:

AD attended her first College Football Game (yay REBELS) and celebrated her first Christmas.  

Oh, and pregnancy-wise - she is now head down (stay that way please) and some would consider her 8 months (32 weeks!)

Pregnancy Symptoms:

 Weight gain, achy hips and lower back, constant bathroom trips, lots of leg cramps - AND my newest symptom: feeling like I am bruised in my upper ribs - or like someone kicked me in ribs.  The doctor said that my body is just running out of room for my organs - which, you know, is a perfectly reasonable explanation but also made me feel like I must be as big as a cow if there is so much baby and fat in me that my kidney or gall bladder is starting to feel squished. Pregnancy is so sexy.

Gender:

A sweet baby GIRL!!! 

Weight Gain:

According to the Dr's office, 19 pounds. According to my calculations, 21 pounds - but you know what, lets just go ahead and say that doctors know more than I do and call it 19!  My biggest accomplishment of the past 4 weeks is that I lost a pound between my 30 week and 32 week appointments.  It's funny the things I count as successes now....also, I am sure I will make up for it with a big ole gain at my next appointment!

Sweet baby girl, we are counting down and SO SO excited.  I keep thinking about who you will be- will you be quiet and sweet or outspoken and brave?  Prissy or a tomboy?  Athletic or artsy? Silly or serious? And, goodness, with our mixture of family genes, will you be blonde or brunette? (Also, please have hair because I really want to put bows in your hair!)    Honestly, based on who your parents are - you will *probably* be strong willed (like me) and stubborn (like daddy) -- which may get you into some trouble but would make you quite the leader!  

Also, know that you are very loved.  You were very spoiled over the past month with showers and Christmas.  I think your Bella bought you every smocked dress that Remember Nguyen had so you will be very well dressed!  Keep growing strong - and please know that we would gladly welcome you at 38 or 39 weeks, so you know, keep that in mind when deciding your birth date....