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July 29, 2010

My husband is amazing!

Ok, I usually hate mushy "I am the luckiest person in the world" blog posts.  But, I have to take a minute to brag on Alex.

These past several days have been rough.  Starting with feeling like crap this weekend and then our less than stellar doctor's appointment on Tuesday, we have just had lots thrown at us.  And, everything points to me needing to slow things down and take it easy.

I am still working (some from home some in the office) so by the time I get back to the house at 5 or 6, I am beat. 

Alex automatically tells me to go sit down and rest.  He has cooked every meal this week, did the grocery shopping, has cleaned the house, done all of the dishes, walked and played with the dogs, and gotten me anything I needed while resting on the couch.  He has done all of this without me nagging or asking. 

He is doing all of this on top of working probably 60+ hours a week since he is swamped right now.

I feel horrible that I am basically a lazy bum but, it is wonderful to know that all of my normal responsibilities in the house are being taken care of.  He has also done a wonderful job at calming my nerves about everything that is going on.  I need those calming pep talks about once a day and he rocks at them!

So, thank you Alex for being so wonderful - Kate and I are so blessed and lucky to have you to taking such great care of us! 

July 28, 2010

35 Weeks!


How Far Along: 35 weeks!


Total Weight Gain: 30 pounds - thanks to a 4 pound gain in less than 6 days.  Good thing my doctor thinks it is fluid - bad thing it may mean possible issues.
Maternity Clothes: I'm pretty much over all of my clothes these days.  I am dying to get back in my old wardrobe.  I am so sick of everything maternity (and non-maternity that still fits) in my closet.

Stretch Marks: None on the belly but I did find some on my hind quarters.  Not happy about them.

Best Moment this Week: Setting Kate's birthday!! August 19, 2010!!

Movement: She is very active - and has her butt and knee crammed up in my ribs - talk about pain!

Food Cravings: None really

Labor Signs: Some contractions and I am making some progress from them.

Belly Button Innie or Outtie: It fluctuates between an innie and being completely flat.

What are You Looking Forward to this Week: The furniture we had refinished for the nursery is almost done and will be picked up on Saturday or Sunday!!!  Then, the nursery will be about 95% complete!

July 27, 2010

Appointment Update

So, I had an interesting appointment today.  There were two major things discussed:

1. Possible preeclampsia
So, I am gaining weight, tons and tons of weight.  I thought it was 3 pounds but it really was more like 4 pounds in less than a week.  Add that to last weeks 2 pound gain and I am up 6 pounds in less than 2 weeks.  That is a 20% increase in total weight gain during my entire pregnancy - in less than 2 weeks.

I am also a bit puffy - I wouldn't say I am having major swelling but, I am definitely puffier in my fingers, toes, ankles, and face than I have been thus far.  My blood pressure was also a bit elevated for me.  I usually hang out around 100/60 but today I was at 120/75 - so not high, but on the rise.

My mom talked to my sister (who is an L&D nurse) about all of this and her first question was "Are you having pain under your right breast?"  Well, yes I am.  I thought it was all related to the contractions I was having but maybe it is something else.  Turns out that type of pain is sometimes knowns as epigastric pain is a big symptom of pre-e.  I had no clue and didn't know to alarm my doctor about the pain I've been having.
 
I've put a call into my doctor (all of these realizations came after the office closed) and hopefully we can figure out what's up.


2. Kate's lack of growth
The pre-e talk was put to the back burner because of the results of our growth scan.

If y'all remember, I was carrying a giant baby at 30 weeks - she was measuring well over 4 pounds and per my chart was in the 67% for size.

Well, it looks like something (not sure what - or if it even something to be concerned about) is causing her growth to slow down.  Her measurements today put her in the 26% weighing in at barely 5 pounds.

Meaning, she has gained less than a pound in 5 weeks. 

My doctor isn't to the point of taking any action (she doesn't start taking action until a baby measures below 20%) but, said we will have another growth scan in 2 weeks to make sure she is staying above that threshold. 

In the meantime I am trying not to worry.

After all of the discoveries today, we had a candid discussion about Kate's birth.  My doctor was honest and said she really is most comfortable with a scheduled c-section given my heart condition, blood disorder, possible growth restrictions, and possible pre-e.  She wants to make sure the staff she knows and trusts is there in the delivery room when I give birth.  So, a c-section it is.

Kate will enter this world around 8:30 on the morning of August 19!!!  Now let's all hope and pray we make it 3 more weeks and that baby girl plumps up (and that momma stops getting so plump).

July 26, 2010

Working from home is dangerous!

So, we had an eventful weekend here in Houston.  Well, it wasn't eventful in a fun way - it was eventful in terms of thinking this baby may come early.

Alex and I headed to Babies R Us to pick up a few things Saturday evening.  The more we walked around, the worse I felt.  I started to have painful contractions that were starting in my lower abdomen and wrapping around to my back.  We came home and I rested and they went away.

Well, Sunday morning I woke up to the same pain.  It came and went from 7am until I was finally able to take a 1 hour nap around 11.  I woke up feeling so much better.  Around 5pm I was feeling so good that I got up and started doing things again only to start contracting within about 15 minutes of being on my feet.

So, I am now pretty much on modified bed rest.  I can go to work, sit at my desk, come home, and sit on my couch.

I went into this office this morning but started feel very off around lunch so I am working the rest of the day from home. 

Now, on to why working from home is dangerous...

I have full access to my refrigerator and pantry.  I have eaten so much - and baked some brownies.  And ate some brownies.

I'm hoping my half days in the office and half days at home don't result in a ridiculous amount of weight gain! 

But, anything to keep Kate cooking for 3 more weeks!  I'm anxious to have my appointment tomorrow and make sure everything is looking good - I'm praying that I am not making any progress on the labor front and that the contractions are just going to be aggravating until we deliver in August!

July 25, 2010

New Look!

So, my previous background disappeared when The Cutest Blog on the Block started their new website.  I have been searching for something new and haven't quite found a header and background that I love.  So, I'm sure my look will be changing several times over the next few days!

I think this current look (bright stripes and some flowers) is too busy.  Thoughts?

ETA: Ok - it was too busy.  I couldn't take it.  On to new look #2.  Much more my style.  Thoughts on this one?

July 21, 2010

34 Weeks

I had a quick appointment today.  it was scheduled for Friday until I realized this morning that it was smack dab in the middle of my work shower.  My doctor was able to squeeze me in but it meant a super quick ultrasound and appointment.  I'll have a big growth scan at my next appointment on Tuesday.


How Far Along: 34 weeks!


Total Weight Gain: 26 pounds as of today - Yes, I gained 2 pounds in one week - ugh - this has got to slow down or I will gain over 30 pounds before this is over.

Maternity Clothes: Still the same - bottoms are all maternity, dresses are a mix, and tops of pretty much all pre-pregnancy clothes! I have added in more maternity tops - specifically maternity tanks from Target - they are cute, comfy, cheap, and long!

Stretch Marks: Still none on my belly!

Best Moment this Week: My shower on Saturday was wonderful - such a great time with my friends here in Houston!
Movement: She is very active - and has her butt and knee crammed up in my ribs - talk about pain!

Food Cravings: Anything bubbly - like Coke Zero, Sprite Zero, Sparkling water, etc
Labor Signs: No

Belly Button Innie or Outtie: It fluctuates between an innie and being completely flat.

What are You Looking Forward to this Week: My shower at work on Friday!

July 20, 2010

Pear Tree Giveaway Winner!!!

Congrats to my sweet friend Megan - she is the winner of the Pear Tree Greetings note card giveaway!!!  I would link to her blog and show off her cute daughter (and cute belly - she is pregnant with twin boys) but, it is private.  So, take my word that she has a precious family!!

There were 10 entries and I used Random.org to select the winner:

Megan left the fourth comment:

Kate has received a note in the mail from Paige so, I know that she really does have her own stationery!!

Megan - I'll be sending you an e-mail within the next day or so letting you know how to redeem your prize!!

And to everyone else - don't forget about the free shipping on all orders greater than $29.  Just look to the right side bar for the code! 

I'm off to go shopping and pick out some new stationery for myself as I am running low!

July 19, 2010

GIVEAWAY: Don't forget to enter!

The Pear Tree Greetings giveaway ends tomorrow!  Don't forget to enter for a chance to win a set of personalized stationery from their new line!!!

I have turned off comments on this post to avoid any confusion.  All entries must be made on the original giveaway post that is linked above!!

July 18, 2010

In one month...

I will meet my baby girl! 

August 18 cannot come soon enough!!!

I'm ready to see who she looks like, what her little personality is like, and to smell her sweet baby smell!

All of the heartache, tears, and pain we endured while trying to start our family will be worth it when we see her face and meet our girl!! 

"He has made everything beautiful in His time."  Eccleisastes 3:11

July 17, 2010

Another Amazing Shower!!!

I had my second shower today and it was wonderful - just as amazing as my first shower! 

Four of my dear friends (Julia, Amy, Susannah and Melissa) hosted a baby shower tea at the Junior League of Houston's Tea Room!
Amy, Julia, Me, Susannah, and Melissa

We had a great girly lunch of chicken salad and orange rolls.  OMG - the orange rolls were amazing - I had 2!!


We received some wonderful gifts - tons of toys, a play mat, our car seat adaptor for the stroller, a cool rocking bassinet holder that our stroller bassinet fits in, tons of bath stuff, bottles, some clothes, a changing pad, and tons of other practical things!  We also got two diaper cakes so we have tons of little, soft diapers!

Here are some more pictures:
Me and the diaper cake Sus made!


Me and Mom


The diaper cake from Erin and Crystal - it was stuffed with goodies and had TONS of diapers in it!!


This is what most of the pictures look like - me somewhere (barely in the picture here) running my mouth!  I guess y'all know by now that I am quite the talker!!

Me with my yummy strawberry shortcake!!

My mom made Kate several cute things but I have to show off a precious outfit and burpies that she made.

 

How cute are these?  As y'all know - we have two dachshunds that we treat like humans.  This outfit and burpies are just too cute with this funky dachshund fabric!  I can't wait to see Kate in this outfit and use the burpies!!

I feel so blessed to have had two great showers for Kate already!  We have amazing friends and family and I just love knowing that they are excited to welcome Kate into this world!!  I have one shower left - a work shower this Friday!

July 15, 2010

Appointment Update!

Everyone looks good - I gained 2 pounds in 2 weeks so my gain is slowing down a bit.  This puts me at 24 pounds total gain at 33 weeks - I'm happy with that!

We just had a quick ultrasound but got a profile picture!  It is kind of hard to see since there is a lot of "noise" around her face due to the fact that she was putting her thumb in and out of her mouth.  But, look at that chin - or should I say chins.  Looks like my baby girl is sporting some chub on her little face!  We'll have a big growth scan next week to see just how big she is.

The biggest discussion during the appointment was delivery.  We are about 4.5 weeks out from having this baby and are working out some details.  Unfortunately, it is looking like a c-section may be in my future. 

I was born with a heart problem and had surgery to repair the issue in the mid-90s.  Due to the increase in blood volume during pregnancy, my doctor ordered an echo cardiogram to take a look at my heart and make sure everything was ok.  Well, it is looking like there may be a bit of an issue with the pressure level in the valve I had surgery on (we haven't confirmed this - just a first pass suspicion) and my doctor wants to meet with a Cardiologist to make sure my heart/ valve is strong enough to not give us problems during an induction.

I should know more about this at my appointment next week.  While I completely trust my doctor's decision as I know she will have my health and Kate's health at the forefront of her decision making, I am a little bit sad that I may not be able to experience labor and delivery. 

So, this week, if you have some extra prayers send them my way - for peace about a c-section and for a healthy heart for the remainder of this pregnancy.  I'm sure everything will be fine but, this little bump in the road was a bit unexpected.

July 14, 2010

33 Weeks!!


How Far Along: 33 weeks!


Total Weight Gain: 22 pounds at my last appointment - new weight tomorrow!

Maternity Clothes: Still the same - bottoms are all maternity, dresses are a mix, and tops of pretty much all pre-pregnancy clothes!  I have added in more maternity tops - specifically maternity tanks from Target - they are cute, comfy, cheap, and long!

Stretch Marks: Still none on my belly!

Best Moment this Week: It's been a pretty uneventful week - I'm just excited that I only have 5 weeks left!

Movement: She has been pretty quite the past few days but her movement has picked up today.  I think she was just going through a growth spurt!

Food Cravings: Just food - I'm a bottomless pit!

Labor Signs: Not really

Belly Button Innie or Outtie: It fluctuates between an innie and being completely flat.

What are You Looking Forward to this Week: My mom getting in on Friday and my Houston shower on Saturday!!!

July 13, 2010

Giveaway: Pear Tree Greetings Personalized Note Cards!!

What better way to celebrate my 100th post than to give y'all the deets of this months giveaway?


Y'all know that I love to send snail mail!  I absolutely love checking the mail and finding something other than a bill or a credit card application (we seriously get a million of these a week) waiting for me!  There is just nothing quite like knowing someone took the time out of their busy day to hand write a letter and put it in the mail!

Since I love getting hand written letters so much, I try to send them to my friends and family frequently.  Whether it is a thank you for a nice gesture, a pretty card just to say I'm thinking about you, or a heart felt note to a friend going through a difficult time, a hand written note can, and will, put a smile on any one's face!

Pear Tree Greeting's has recently rolled out a brand new line of stationery and thank you notes that is absolutely amazing! The designs are fun, fresh, and simply make me happy!  They are also great quality and affordable - meaning I can have several sets of these note cards (and matching address labels) on my desk and not feel guilty about it!

Here are a few of my favorites:

How wonderful are these water colored flowers?

These circle cards are super fun - and the matching address labels are so cute!


I really like these for something a bit more elegant - an added bonus to this design (and many of the new designs) is that you can customize the color of the design and monogram!

This month, I will be giving away one set of personalized note cards to one of my lucky readers!  This is up to 16 personalized (some designs are12 cards whiles others are 16) cards plus free shipping! 

To Enter:
Head on over to Pear Tree Greetings and take a look at the new collection.  Then, make your way back to this post and leave a comment telling me why you love sending (and receiving) hand written notes and which note cards are your favorite from the new collection! 

This giveaway will be open until Monday, July 19 at 7pm Central Standard Time.   I will announce the lucky winner at some point on Tuesday, July 20!

If I do not have your e-mail address please leave it in your comment so I can contact you to let you know you have won and give you instructions on how to redeem your note cards.  If I am unable to contact the winner by Thursday, July 22, I will select a new winner for the giveaway.

Extra Savings for all:
Please take advantage of the July coupon code!  All orders places by ATBT readers greater than $29 will receive free shipping by using the code PEARJUL10!

Happy shopping - and good luck!

July 12, 2010

I have no control

When it comes to food anymore.  None.  Nada.  Zip.

I'm guessing Kate is going through another growth spurt and my body is just telling me I need to eat more but man, I am a bottomless pit.  Think 14 year old boy raiding the fridge.  Except make that a 33 weeks pregnant women with a swollen ankle. 

Some things are healthy.  I have a new love for white nectarines - they are delish! 

I also threw together an amazing cucumber and tomato salad (tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, a touch of Italian dressing, lemon juice, fresh ground pepper, and a pinch of salt all mixed together - it is best after chilling in the fridge). 

My MIL brought some home grown tomatoes and cucumbers to Alex this past weekend (he went to a family wedding) and he brought them back to me.  It is so refreshing during this heat - I have eaten almost all of it but, keep telling myself that it is OK to eat it like I have never seen food before enjoy it because it is all fresh veggies and I needed to eat them before they go bad anyways!

However, the majority of the things I am eating aren't so healthy. 

Case in point:

That would be my breakfast Saturday morning.  No judgement please.  We went out to breakfast before Alex left town and I couldn't decide on just one thing that sounded good.  So I ordered everything that sounded good - biscuits and gravy, sausage, eggs, hash browns, and 2 pancakes.  I ate almost all of it.

Then, I had frozen yogurt with gummy bears for a snack that day.  I also had tons of other things.

Last night I ate almost half a pan of brownies.  Today I had Chick-fil-a for lunch.  And Alex is currently grilling me hamburgers and cooking up some bacon - that's right bacon cheeseburgers for dinner!

The best part about it all?  I don't care that I am acting like your typical eat everything in sight pregnant woman.  I have 5 more weeks to enjoy this state of being and apparently I am taking it to the extreme!

I'm just glad this started now and not 8 months ago - Sea World would be inviting me to be in a Shamu show had I been this way from the beginning.  And I wouldn't be a trainer - I would be the star if you catch my drift! 

July 10, 2010

July Coupon Code: Pear Tree Greetings

I wanted to make sure y'all noticed to new coupon code listed under my Pearista badge for this month! 

I also have an AMAZING give away from Pear Tree for the month of July - look for that post on Monday or Tuesday!  And, while you wait, head over to Pear Tree's website and check out the beautiful new stationery designs (these awesome new designs will be a part of the give away)!

July 8, 2010

Newborn Photo Session Booked!!!

I am so glad that I have finally booked Kate's newborn photo session!  Alex and I have decided that we are going to get pro pictures right when she gets here and then again for her first birthday!

I have a fancy (to me) camera and a few lenses (Nikon D60 with a kit lens, zoom lens, and 50mm) but, I just haven't taken the time to learn how to use it like I should.  I know some basic things and can shoot in manual but, I am just not comfortable enough with my abilities to capture sweet, little, newborn Kate!

We have decided to use Kelli Nicole for our session that is scheduled for August 26!  Kate should be about 8 days old!

Check out Kelli's blog if you get a chance - her work is so beautiful! 

I just can't wait to see what Kate looks like and how her pictures will turn out!!!

July 7, 2010

32 weeks - 8 months!!!

I am officially in my 8th month of pregnancy!  Definately on the downward slope of this journey!  Things have been going OK.  I have days where I feel great and that results in me over doing it and then having 2-3 days of recovering from doing too much.  The heat is also really getting to me lately and I am officially swelling daily.  It will be all worth it though - and only 6 weeks left!!


How Far Along: 32 weeks!


Total Weight Gain: 22 pounds at my last appointment

Maternity Clothes: Still the same - bottoms are all maternity, dresses are a mix, and tops of pretty much all pre-pregnancy clothes!

Stretch Marks: Still none on my belly!

Best Moment this Week: Clearing out the nursery and making major progress on KB's room (see post below for a picture)!
Movement: Lots! I ate bit more sugar than normal yesterday and it made her super active - she then quited down for a few hours.  I think she has officially experienced her first sugar high and subsequent crash!  No more sugary days for me while pregnant!

Food Cravings: No

Labor Signs: Not really

Belly Button Innie or Outtie: It fluctuates between an innie and being completely flat.

What are You Looking Forward to this Week: Hopefully getting the carseat installed on Saturday and that my mom will be here in less than 2 weeks for shower #2!

July 6, 2010

It's beginning to look a lot like...BABY!!

I wish it was looking like Christmas simply b/c it would mean I was no longer pregnant and it wasn't 100+ degrees. 

But, it isn't Christmastime - it is baby time here in our household!

The swing is up

The highchair is waiting
The pack n play is hanging out next to my side of the bed

And, the nursery is cleared and well on its way to becoming the perfect room for KB!

This baby is coming - and soon - only 6 weeks left!

And just for fun, a picture of Alex and I at the Pat Green concert this weekend - please excuse the way I look.  I was dying of a heat stroke and sweating more than any dainty Southern woman should ever talk about.

July 4, 2010

Cankles, Date night, and 4th Of July!!

Meet my cankle:

Yes, that would just be a singular cankle - I am only sporting this bad boy on my left foot/ ankle - and only after several hours of being outside or on my feet.  I mean, what better way to start a holiday weekend than with a cankle that is huge, painful, and ugly?  I'm thinking my new friend is here is stay for the next 6 weeks...

I rocked the cankle though and got all dressed up for date night with Al on Friday.  We headed to one of our favorite places to grab dinner here in town, La Griglia and ate way too much food.  I thought my super smooshed stomach that can only handle a few bites at a time would cowboy up and allow me to eat tons of yummy bread, seafood tortellini, and yummy dessert.  For the record, I was wrong and it did not cowboy up.  I was in so much pain by the time we left the restaurant that it took all of my strength to make it back to the house and get in the bed without getting sick.

But, it was all worth it since I got one of my favorite desserts ever - creme brulee with fresh berries served in an almond brittle bowl - it is heavenly!


We spent all day yesterday down in Galveston with some friends.  It was a ton of fun minus the down pour of rain that started while we were on the beach.  The guys got soaked loading everything up!  We spent the rest of the day back at our friend's house playing corn hole, that super hard rope and ladder thing (you know where you throw the ropes with balls on them and try to wrap it around the little ladder - yeah I suck at that game big time), and just hanging out!

Alex is out fishing this morning and I am cleaning the house up and working on KB's room (KB is my new compromise on what to call the baby - I say it stands for Kate B and Alex says it stands for Katie Beth - either way we can both just say KB and feel victorious).

We are headed downtown to see Pat Green play and to watch the most amazing firework show you will ever see tonight!  Houston has the largest land based firework show in the nation and it is wonderful!  We can walk down to the show so, I'm sure Mr. Cankle will be making an appearance as well!

I hope everyone has an amazing 4th of July - and please remember those that allow us to maintain our Independence!  Thank you too all of our friends and family that are working hard to keep us safe! 

July 2, 2010

So Blessed - Shower Recap!!!

I still do not have all of the pictures from my shower but, I have enough to do a recap and show y'all how wonderful everything was!!

Looking at these pictures, I am just overwhelmed with how blessed Alex and I are.  We have amazing friends and family that love Kate so much already. 

The shower was beautiful and we received so many wonderful things - monogrammed and handmade blankets and burpies, our swing, pack n play, high chair, clothes, bath tubs, books, and so much more!  Everything was so beautiful and so useful!

My friend Erin is queen DIYer and made some amazing things for the shower.  Katie and Amy did a wonderful job with the menu - the food was so yummy and setting everything up!  Katie also opened to house to us for the weekend which was much appreciated!  And my Mom did a great job with the games (they were actually fun and not horribly embarrassing), invitations, and just helping out in general!

On to pictures!

The best cake ever!  The lady that made our wedding cake made this cake and it was to die for -almond cake with a fresh strawberry and butter cream filling - all iced in homemade butter cream!


The spread - chicken salad, pasta salad, Mississippi State cheese, fruit, caramel and cream cheese dip with apples,  and a yummy strawberry punch with pink sugared glasses!

Personalized water bottles - Erin even put a longhaired dachshund on one label for Kate's furry brother and sister.

The favor table - it was a buffet of a few of my favorite things - strawberry cupcake bites, lemon heads (a fav during first tri - and really always), and pink nail polish since my toe are always painted pink!


My sister and grandmother

Me - in the guest of honor chair - right under the sweet onsie clothes line!

Mom, Me, my Sister, and my Grandmother

Alex's Grandmother, Me, and my Mother-in-law

Barbie (a good friend from college) and me!

LOVE this - Kate is going to be the cutest cheerleader State has ever seen!!


Erin (the DIYer), Barbie, me, and Mary - a few of my friends from college that were at the shower!

More pictures were taken of me and my guests but, I don't have them all and this post is already picture heavy!  I'm sure I'll add some more as I get them!

I was wonderful to see everyone and this shower just made me that much more excited for my shower here in Houston on July 17!  It's a tea party and I know it will be just as fantastic!!!

July 1, 2010

Appointment Update!

I had a routine appointment and growth scan today!  Despite the wait (which, I can't really complain about since my doctor always spends tons of time with me - so I should expect she does the same with others which means waiting), it went well.  The stats were as follows:

Blood Pressure: 110/60
Weight Gain: 1.5bs since last week - this need to slow down
Kate's weight: 4 pounds!

Yes, you read that right, I am carrying a giant baby.  She is huge!  Measuring almost 2 full weeks ahead of schedule.  It looks like we are going to be welcoming a chubby little girl! It's great that I absolutely love chubby babies!  Nothing is cuter than huge cheeks and thigh rolls on babies! 

Less than 7 weeks and we can see if these ultrasounds are correct about just how big she will be!!
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