Happy 4 Months, Caleb!

Dear Caleb,

You're now four months old! Spring time is finally here and with it, so is the warm weather, beautiful blossoming flowers, and all things green. This month has been one of trial and extra stress since mom had to return to work. That first week back was the toughest--a lot of tears where shed on everyone's part. Mom cried the most especially when she had to leave in the mornings, but what kept her going was the fact that at the end of each day she got to see you!

Thankfully, others have been there to take care of you such as Dad on his days off, and when he has to work, Papa, Uncle Nathan, Oma, or GramMarty have been able to help as well. While the bulk of your days are now currently spent with the Chappelears, your GramMarty had the chance to come to town and spent an entire week with us! She and you enjoyed your days together and it helped ease the burden of gathering all of your stuff and lugging it off to Papa & Oma's. (Not that we're complaining about free babysitting by any means!!!!) Oma has been able to watch you about once a week and she loves her time with you as well. Between the two of them you're getting lots of spoiling by your grandmas and we know you're eating it up!

This month we officially found at that the red blotches on your knees, back, head, and elbows is eczema. At first we just thought it was cradle cap but as time passed it got worse and finally Dad took you to the doctor where it was confirmed that your skin is just super sensitive. It's been difficult pin pointing what the cause is and how to help you. We've changed laundry detergents, tried different bath time washes, lotions, creams, etc. The only thing that seems to help is hydrocortisone, but even the pediatrician recommends that only when absolutely necessary. She has advised Mom to watch what she eats to see if there may be certain foods that are causing you to outbreak more since you're still nursing. I'm sure we'll have more to update you on next month as we continue to battle manage it.

In other news, it's hard to believe that it was this month a year ago we found out we were pregnant with you! It was such a whirlwind of emotions we felt when we discovered we had a bun in the oven. You were our unexpected planned pregnancy :-) and we wouldn't change this journey for the world! So much has changed in just over a year, like the fact that you're now here!!! A year ago, you were about the size of a sweet pea. Now, you're growing in leaps and bounds and rolling over like a champ! You're growing right in front of our eyes and it's such a blessing to witness it.

You've also had a lot of firsts this month as well. You celebrated (via Skype) GramMarty's 51st birthday, met oodles of cousins, put your feet in the grass (and thoroughly enjoyed it), met and had dinner with your sweet Great Aunt Beatrice, wore your first cloth diaper--Charlie Banana, and met former U.S. Presidential candidate Virgil Goode at Subway with Ashley Warrick (though  you were too busy crying to care). Today you received your second set of shots and you handled it like a champ, pouting only a little while still pulling off a handsome toothless grin before we left the office. Mom is suuuper excited about next month since it means the end of school is approaching and summertime is right around the bend! You continue to amaze us! We're thankful for another month with you and look forward to next!

With love,
Mom & Dad

Happy 3 Months, Caleb!

Dear Caleb,

It's amazing how fast time is flying by these days! You've had quite a busy month. While last month marked your big debut, this month saw a lot of action as far as you getting out and about. We're much more comfortable now with taking you out than we were a month ago, and as we're learning it's getting to be much easier--of course you're a pretty relaxed baby, so you make things easy on us. (Of course it also helps that you like getting out and meeting new people, too)!

You're becoming much stronger, and you can hold your head up--we still have to support your neck in order to make sure you don't let it "flop" when you get tired, which we learned the hard way. You've gained 1 pound 4.5 ounces since last month! You're still lean, but you've grown 3/4 an inch, which is CRAZY- seriously slow down, you'll be taller than us before we know it! You've started bearing weight down on your legs and can hold yourself up so long as someone is holding on to you. Holding your head up is no longer holding you back, and because you can do it so well, you love to look around. You still aren't mobile yet, but you can roll onto your side. Pretty soon you'll be rolling onto your stomach! You're also starting to speak up more, but in spurts and not consistently, though we're sure if you're anything like your momma then you will be soon enough!

You experienced your first Easter, though we weren't feeling very well that day so we actually didn't make it out to church. We're hoping we'll find a church soon that we can call "home" so we can have you around other babies and be able to have some social interaction. We still call Redeeming Grace Baptist Church our home, and we're not sure we can even find a church home quite like it, but we are hoping to dedicate you there in front of family and friends this summer. Ultimately, we want to raise you the way the Lord directs us to. We want to be there for you, reading and encouraging you every step of the way. It is a privilege that God has allowed us to be your parents. We love you!

Before we end this letter, there's one thing, I as your mother would like to say: I've truly enjoyed these past three months at home with you and I can't imagine going back to work. I've been so blessed to have had such a long maternity leave with you. It breaks my heart to know I won't be here with you like I want, but I know you'll be in good hands--you're dad, Papa, and Oma will be taking care of you throughout the week when I return to work, and even GramMarty is planning to stay a week or two to help us out. I'll have to work for seven weeks before summer vacation and then we'll get into all kinds of shenanigans then! I love you my wonderful boy! We can't wait to see what next month brings!

Love,
Mom & Dad

Happy 2 Months, Caleb!

 Caleb,

What a privilege it's been to watch you grow and start truly coming to life this past month! Your father and I have loved every minute of seeing your little personality starting to come out. It's hard to believe how fast another month has gone by, and this month you experienced a lot of firsts (see picture below)! We were thrilled to get out and about with you as the month of January kept us indoors. I'm not sure if we intended to keep you inside for six weeks like some suggest, but you didn't seem to mind spending day-in and day-out with your mama and daddy.  And boy did we get you out!

We had some company the second weekend of February (2/8)--we hosted a Pampered Chef party and later that night your Great Aunt Mary and her sons Grayson and John Wilson stayed the night with us. Your Aunt Mary is a superhero! She helped us with breastfeeding and gave us some insights into making it easier. She also managed to take care of you in the middle of the night and still get up early the next morning to fix breakfast and buy us some much needed items like baby wipes, soap, laundry detergent for you. What a joy and blessing she was to have around, we can't wait to see her again and for you to meet Caitlin!

Your first official outing was to Roanoke, but your biggest and first real trip was to your PawPaw and GramMarty's in Mobjack. Within a matter of minutes of getting there Great Granny and Great Grandpa stopped in to meet you. We stayed indoors much of the weekend since it was too cold to really take you out in your stroller, but we did take you out to eat with us for the first time with our good friends, your "Uncle" Marcus and "Aunt" Gina and their little boy (who we hope will be your best buddy) William. We also had breakfast with you Great Aunt Kim and Great Uncle Dru as well as with my cousins Ashley, Allison, and their families (your second cousins: Logan, Parker, and Madeline). You were pretty zonked for most of that visit since the car ride there was an hour to and from Yorktown. We made a quick pit-stop at Chick-Fil-A to meet Ethan & Ashlee, then we jetted out of there for the Leverett family get together. Though not everyone could make it, you met: Kelly, Gavin, Mallory, Peyton, Great Aunt Cindy, Great Uncle Dennis & Great Aunt Joanie.

The next day we took you to church for the very first time! There you met a lot of great and wonderful Christian people, who all enjoyed meeting you. You stayed in the service with us until you wet your diaper then the waterworks were on! However, April kept you in the nursery so I could sit and enjoy the sermon. It was like music to our ears to hear Van preach again! That day they had a special guest, Beky (a missionary to Togo whom you met in January) who spoke to the church and they hosted a luncheon immediately afterwards for her. You got passed around all over the place while we ate. When we finished lunch we drove up to Richmond to spend time with the Davis family. There you met Great Grandma, Great Aunt Kathy, and Great Uncle Maurice, Luke's friend Scott, and some of Adam's friends: Kyle & Fio (who recently got engaged) and Katy. We hung out at Uncle Luke's house while he, PawPaw, your dad, and Luke's tenant Logan put up the rock wall Uncle Luke has been dying to put up. We believe when you're old enough you'll probably climb that thing all the way to the top! Your dad got a call that he would actually have off the next day so we drove back to Mobjack that night and hung out a little more with your grandparents before jetting off to see "Uncle" Marcus and William again and then we headed home! We, and you, were completely exhausted and it felt great to be back in our own home again!

Some things we've learned this month include:

• How to distinguish the different cries you have (mainly between fussing and when something truly is wrong)
• You love getting your diaper and clothes changed 
• You love to coo (we figured that's your way of "talking" at the moment)
• You are always uncertain of taking a bath at first, but then you warm up to it
• When you're awake and in someone's arms you constantly like to look around to see what is going on---we've bumped heads on many occasions

Unfortunately, you did get "cradle cap" this month. It's basically really dry skin that apparently lots of babies get. It doesn't seem to bother you, but it is a pain seeing it all over your head.When we visited GramMarty & PawPaw though it started going away, wahoo! Your doctor's visit for this month went really well. We found out you're in the 11% for head circumference, 26% for weight, and 92% for height. So you're definitely long and lean--in fact it's difficult finding pants that fit you, we're hoping that changes soon! Don't forget to check out the collages keeping track of your stats, milestones, and fun facts for this month. We love you and can't wait to see how much you grow and change next month!

Love,
Mom & Dad

Happy 1 Month, Caleb!

Caleb, 

I can't believe a month has passed already! Our journey from birth to home was a rough one. You can read about that here. We're so thankful for all that God has done in your life and in ours. First you made your grand appearance at Morehead Memorial Hospital, but due to a complicated delivery were transferred to Brenner's Children's Hospital which is part of Wake Forest University Baptist in North Carolina by helicopter! I can't believe you got to have your first helicopter ride already, dad was jealous, but not for the reason of your transference. You stayed four days at Brenner's and were discharged to go home on December 31, 2012. You made it home just in time to ring in the New Year. And ring it in you did, with lots of crying and adjusting to life at home.

That first week home was a bit rough on us all. I experienced the typical baby blues, but it only lasted a week thank goodness! What was really tough was that Oma wasn't able to stay with us like we'd hoped because she got bronchitis. Instead, GramMarty stayed with us taking care of some household chores like washing dishes, keeping up with the laundry, fixing dinner, and taking care of you so we could get some rest. Auntie Hazel also came down that week and boy was she a big help!!! She came in and took care of getting all the Christmas decorations down (almost) single-handedly, got the house sparkly clean -- I mean cleaned everything to a "T," and even took on some of the night shifts of feeding and changing you so we could get some extra sleep. Your Papa & Uncle Nate came over a few nights to visit as well. Once Oma was better she did her share of seeing you and your Pawpaw stayed until he had to go back to work and returned as soon as he could to see you and take GramMarty home. It did us good to see so many people and to have so much help because by that Friday (January 4th) Dad had to return to work. It was a bit scary being home alone, just the three of us. We weren't sure we'd be able to do the job, but God provided us the skills necessary to be your parents and we've LOVED it!

We went to the doctor three times this first month. You had your first visit on January 3rd second on January 10th and both with Dr. Self at Martinsville Pediatrics. Your third visit was with the NP on January 22nd (we had you checked out because I thought you had thrush but you didn't). At that first appointment you were 8lbs 12oz, 9lbs 5oz by the second, and 9lbs 12oz by the third! It'll be  interesting to see how much you gain by next month! We call you our little piglet for a reason. ;-)
Be sure to check out both the banner pictures which include some fun facts, stats, and milestones from this month!

Some things that you'll probably want to know when you're older is "Was it tough taking care of you?" And the answer is: yes and no! You're an excellent baby, you're not colicky which is great, and we're following the "on-demand"  schedule which means we take care of you, when you show signs that you're hungry, sleepy, want to play, etc. although you've pretty much set your own schedule (e.g., you wake up every night around 4-5am). You're not fussy and you're pretty relaxed no matter what's going on. Plus, you didn't pee on us, which was awesome, although you did get your Oma pretty good the first time you met her! You sleep through practically anything thanks to all the noises that you heard at Brenner's Children's Hospital when you were in their nursery. The only thing you seem to struggle with is burping--you hate that and always cry when it comes time to do so (especially since we burp you after every ounce to two ounces). You also struggle with latching on for breastfeeding--you prefer the bottle for sure! You hated your first bath and cried all the way through it, but after that first one you realized it's not so bad after all, especially since we're there with you! All in all it's been a good month, we're looking forward to more sleep in the next and of course making more memories! We love you and we thank God for Him allowing us to be your parents!

Love,
-Mom & Dad

Preggo Stats--38 Weeks

How far along: 38 weeks

Total weight gain: 12 1/2lbs (I've gained another pound and a half)

This is the holiday outfit I mentioned in last week's stats.

How big is baby: The size of a pumpkin!

Maternity Clothes: Yep! In fact, I really could buy some more because even what I do have is starting to become uncomfortable, but I refuse to spend more money with Christmas so close, and since I won't be like this forever (though it sometimes feels that way)

Sleep: Still bad...although I was able to sleep in this weekend with Adam for the first time in a long time and it felt glorious!

Best moment this week: Finding our that we are 1cm dilated and 30-40 effaced!

Movement: Same as last week's: Despite not having as much room, he's still a pretty active fella.(Although he did give us a scare this morning--he didn't move for the longest time--he was probably just sleeping, but needless to say my heart wouldn't stop pounding and worrying until we prayed and he finally moved!)

Food cravings: Christmas goodies--not that I really want to eat a ton of baked goods, but the smells are heavenly, especially almond extract (it's like catnip for me right now)!

Food aversions: None.

Gender: BOY!

Labor signs: I finally had a random contraction on Monday during my first block class (maybe it was a Braxton Hicks?)--it took my breath away and stunned me for a minute or so, but then passed. I haven't had one since which is kind of upsetting because I wish he were here already.

Belly button in or out: In

What I miss: Good sleep and having the motivation to really get stuff done, like crafting, sewing, scrapbooking, reading a good book, watching a movie, cooking (although I am finally getting my stride back), etc.
What I'm not loving: (1) His feet are all the way up under my ribs, which is killing me! (2) That we still have two weeks of school! (3) Having to be patient awaiting his arrival.
What I’m looking forward to: (1) Obviously, the birth of our son! (2) We only have two weeks left of school--which is glorious since I have only nine of those ten days left with freshmen!

What I'm loving:That I was able to spend some time this weekend with my hubby (he took me out to breakfast yesterday which was a treat) and my mother and I were able to bake away the afternoon today!

Milestone(s): We're finally dilating/effacing which means we're slowly getting into the process of labor!

Baby's Development - Week 38

We're in the final stretch now and honestly, it's amazing I can function as well as I am at school--I've been so absentminded and I hate it, especially since my teenagers think they can take advantage of it! Thankfully, we have two weeks left of school so I'm beyond excited about that, plus the fact that our little one could come any day now has me anxious and on edge, though I know better than to be anxious about anything according to God's Word.

If you remember last week's appointment (read here), you'll recall that I had an unpleasant encounter with one of the doctor's at the practice I am going to. Thankfully, I was able to see the sweet NP at our office this week--her beside manners are awesome and she listened to my concerns and about how that last experience made me feel. She also explained what I could do while I was being checked to be more relaxed so I wouldn't be as uncomfortable and it wouldn't be as painful! I wish she could deliver our little boy!!!

Anywho, at our appointment this past Tuesday we found out that we are 1cm dilated and 30-40% effaced!!! Woohoo! I'm trying not to get too excited because I know several women that were dilated this way for 2 weeks, but I also know a few others who wam-bam-thank you-ma'am continued dilating quickly and had their baby a day or two later! I wish that had been us this week, but it seems like this little one wants to "cook" a little longer. Our next appointment is with the actual doctor I'd love to deliver our son, so I'm hoping things actually turn out that way and he's not on vacation or something. Oh yeah, before I go, I also found out the results of my Group B strep test--it was positive--so as soon as my water breaks I have to come in to the hospital where they will hook an IV up to me and run an antibiotic to prevent the baby from receiving it, if he's born vaginally. And, our little one is teeter-tottering just under 7lbs! As always, check out the rest of his development below.

Courtesy of http://pregnant.thebump.com/pregnancy-week-by-week/38-weeks-pregnant.aspx

Preggo Stats--37 Weeks

How far along: 37 weeks

Total weight gain: 11 (I gained three pounds from all that hearty Thanksgiving food!!!)

How big is baby: The size of a winter melon

Maternity Clothes: Yup! I just got some wintery/Christmas-y clothes--a turtleneck, red cardigan, and silver sequined shirt (you'll see this outfit in the next post) but what's great is that none of those items are maternity so I'll be able to wear them after the baby's born.

Sleep: Getting worse! I feel like a zombie most mornings--groggy and all out of sorts because I'm not getting enough sleep and what I am getting isn't good.

Best moment this week: Having a Happy 26th Birthday :-)

Movement: Despite not having as much room, he's still a pretty active fella.

Food cravings: Moose tracks ice-cream(thanks Mom & Dad)!

Food aversions: None this week.

Gender: BOY!

Labor signs: None and still no Braxton Hicks (which surprises me)!

Belly button in or out: In

What I miss: Good sleep!
What I'm not loving: That we still have three weeks of school! Long car rides: we went to get our glider this week and I couldn't handle the hour ride to Roanoke! 
What I’m looking forward to: That we only have three weeks left of school! Getting our Christmas decorations up! I love this time of year!

What I'm loving: We got our Christmas tree--it makes the house smell amazing!

Milestone(s): (1) We FINALLY got a glider (see picture)! This was the one item Adam really wanted and we've had the most difficult time finding one since we refused to pay for a brand new one that would cost too much! Adam finally found one from a lady off Craiglist in Roaonke for $60 with an ottoman, too! We drove up Thursday night and got it, it's perfect--the size is a bit larger so it's more comfortable and the material is super soft! Way to go hubbs! (2) The nursery is finally complete (a post to come on that later)!

Baby's Development - Week 37

**Disclaimer: this post contains some embarrassing info; I'm just being honest about the latest doctor's visit...proceed if you dare!

Geez Louise we've made it full term! Praise the Lord! At this point, if our little fella decides to show up he'd be able to leave the hospital with us when it's time to go. Our next appointment is a few days away and I'm excited to see whether or not we've dilated or effaced any! It's hard to believe we have less than 3 weeks until he could possibly be here--thankfully we at least know for sure he'll be born before the end of this month so he'll be a 2012 baby! And, can you believe today's December 1st?! I finished the last of my Saturday classes, so at least I'm good to go for meeting re-certification requirements for the next five years! It'll be interesting to see if I stay at BHS in the next five years or if God will have other plans.

In the meantime, we met our goal of having everything ready for the baby before December--the last thing we really wanted/needed was a glider w/ottoman--and praise the Lord we found one in Roanoke for $60 and it's in the BEST condition of any we've seen! Wahoo! With everything ready, I'm hoping this means we'll be able to enjoy the last of our time together as a couple before the baby arrives!

Also, I had an appointment on my birthday (which kind of sucked but oh well)--it was the first one Adam wasn't able to make it to so I was a bit uneasy to begin with. Well, the doctor I saw wasn't the one of my choice--he doesn't have bedside manners, but I was stuck with him for this week. His nurse came in all cheerful to say that he would be checking my cervix, and forgive me for saying this, but I thought all he would do was look down at my lady parts; I had no idea he would jab, yes JAB his fingers up inside of me (btw I found out I wasn't dilated or effaced any)!!! Let's just say I wanted to crawl in a hole and die! He gave no mention of what he would do and what to expect and it hurt like crazy! What a jerk! I know it made my husband feel terrible, too since he couldn't be there and had to hear me complain of this second hand, but let me be clear, I will not be seeing this doctor for the rest of our pregnancy and I pray to God he's noth the one that delivers our little boy! Welp, now that you've got the lowdown on our latest appointment, it's time for me to run--the hubbs is about to get off work and we're gonna go get our Christmas tree! As always, check out our little fella's progress below!

Courtesy of http://pregnant.thebump.com/pregnancy-week-by-week/37-weeks-pregnant.aspx

Preggo Stats--36 Weeks

How far along: 36 weeks

Total weight gain: 8 (probably more now that I've had my fill of platefuls of Thanksgiving food)! 

How big is baby: The size of a honeydew melon

Maternity Clothes: Yup!

Sleep: I had the best night's sleep at our friends the Vaughan's house, but ever since it's been kind of crappy (which I knew was something to expect)

Best moment this week: Going to Mobjack to spend Thanksgiving with our family, seeing some friends we haven't in a while, putting up the Christmas tree with Adam's family and then making it back safely to spend Black Friday aka our "Thanksgiving" with my family as well. 

Movement: TONS -- especially after eating Thanksgiving food!

Food cravings: Ham and stuffing which was graciously eaten this week!

Food aversions: Celery--it was in Granny's stuffing and I couldn't eat it :-(

Gender: BOY!

Labor signs: None and still no Braxton Hicks (which surprises me)!

Belly button in or out: In

What I miss: Good sleep!
What I'm not loving: That we still have four weeks of school! And car rides! I found out that the trip coming home from Mobjack nearly drove me insane so we can say for sure we won't be taking any more trips until this fella arrives!
What I’m looking forward to: That we only have four weeks of school! And my birthday--I'll be the whopping 2-6 this year!

What I'm loving: Thanksgiving leftovers! We have less than a month to go until the due date and only one month until Christmas!

Milestone(s): We received some lovely gifts from some family that didn't make it to the baby shower in October and they were some BIG ones: a swing and a bassinet! Thank you Kim, Dru, Allison, and Ashley!

Baby's Development - Week 36

We've officially made it to the ninth month! I'm so excited I could pee myself---actually I really could go to the bathroom....be back in a sec!

Phew! Anywho, praise God that we've made it this far--it's hard to imagine that in one more week our little fella will be considered full term! This week has been amazing! We've been able to travel and visit family and friends we haven't had the chance to visit in a month and of course eat lots of wonderful Thanksgiving goodies that we feasted on even days later. I believe our little fella truly enjoyed the experience as it felt like he did somersault after somersault when I fixed plates of the delicious goodness later! At our last appointment it was estimated that he's approximately just under/around the 6lb mark and he's still being estimated at 7-7 1/2 pounds at birth--a normal healthy baby weight! As always, I'll ramble more about our family shenanigans in the preggo stats this week, but please check out little man's development below.

Courtesy of http://pregnant.thebump.com/pregnancy-week-by-week/36-weeks-pregnant.aspx

Preggo Stats--35 Weeks

How far along: 35 weeks

Total weight gain: 8lbs 

How big is baby: The size of a coconut - but he's waaay cuter ;-) 

Maternity Clothes: Yup!

Sleep: Same as last week - it hasn't been too bad lately (probably because I fall asleep around 9-9:30 most nights)

Best moment this week: Celebrating a happy and wonderful 3 year anniversary to my favorite man!

Movement: TONS as always and we're both loving every minute of it!

Food cravings: Cereal

Food aversions: None.

Gender: BOY!

Labor signs: None and still no Braxton Hicks

Belly button in or out: In, but managing to shrink away.

What I miss: Spending the weekends with Adam...that is really getting to me :-(
What I'm not loving: Same as last week: my fourth block class, that is really my biggest complaint--but I'm trying to see them as an opportunity to persevere and find joy in the Lord (but trust me this is hard)!
What I’m looking forward to: (1) Going to the Christmas Craft Show at BHS and meeting up with some girlfriends for breakfast--it does my heart good to be with friends (2) Thanksgiving! Gah - gimme that ham and stuffing now!

What I'm loving: The approaching holiday season--this is my favorite time of year!

Milestone(s): Celebrating three wonderful years to my hubby, he's the best man and I'm so thankful God made him mine!

Baby's Development - Week 35

Today we are 35 weeks and have only 35 days to go, unbelievable! This time next week we'll be chowing down on some good Thanksgiving food and I'll be relishing time from school--those kids are starting to get to me! Baby boy has only two more weeks to go until he's considered full term so I'm hoping and praying he doesn't come before then. We had an appointment yesterday to have the Group B strep test. It wasn't as bad as I was expecting, but we were able to have the portable ultrasound brought in to our room. They said they don't typically do this, but since the last doctor couldn't determine if he really was head down (seriously, you're a doctor---how did you not know?!?!) and we found out he is---and apparently has been for weeks so maybe this little fella will decide to come, who knows?! In the meantime check out he's development below.

Courtesy of http://pregnant.thebump.com/pregnancy-week-by-week/35-weeks-pregnant.aspx

Preggo Stats--34 Weeks

How far along: 34 weeks

Total weight gain: 6 3/4 almost 7 lbs

How big is baby: The size of a butternut squash (which is perfect since it's Fall)

Maternity Clothes: Yessum! I'm hoping to get a few pieces from Motherhood Maternity for the holiday season

Sleep: It hasn't been too bad lately (probably because I fall asleep around 9-9:30 most nights)

Best moment this week: Having Election Day off was such a nice break from the regular work week!

Movement: TONS!

Food cravings: Mom's Hamburger Soup (it's more like vegetable soup with hamburger) and Japanese food (thankfully I had both of my cravings satisfied this week!)

Food aversions: None.

Gender: BOY!

Labor signs: None yet, but I am awaiting Braxton Hicks

Belly button in or out: In- but getting "smaller" according to Adam

What I miss: Keeping up with others when walking--I've definitely got the waddle going on ;-)
What I'm not loving: My fourth block class, that is really my biggest complaint--but I'm trying to see them as an opportunity to persevere and find joy in the Lord (but trust me this is hard)!
What I’m looking forward to: Thanksgiving! It is my favorite holiday and while we're not sure what Adam's schedule will be yet, I've got my fingers crossed hoping we'll be able to make a trip out to Mobjack again to see our family and friends!

What I'm loving: All the progress we've made in getting ready for the baby!!! 

Milestone(s): I got all the baby clothes washed and organized and made some more progress in getting the nursery ready thanks to my bestest Hazel!

Baby's Development - Week 34

Six weeks to go and our little one will hopefully be in our arms! It's crazy to think about how fast time has flown by--it feels as if it were yesterday we just found out we were pregnant! Between last weekend and this weekend we've been extremely productive in getting the nursery ready--we still have some work to do on the house (i.e., CLEANING). Hazel came down on election day and helped me wash a ton of our little fella's clothes and get them organized and put away as well--thanks Hazel! We had our doctor's appointment on Wednesday who said everything (again) looks absolutely great and both baby boy and I are doing well! She estimated him at just under 5 lbs and thinks he'll be around 7 lbs at birth (which is what the previous doctor said, too)--this is music to my ears because we received a ton of newborn clothes and I'd love for him to be able to actually wear them!

On a side note, today my father and I are going to Rocky Mount to hopefully meet a lady who has a glider for sale. All that Adam and I really need/want to get for the nursery at this point is a glider w/ottoman, a changing table---which we're going to get from our wonderful friends Marcus & Gina-- another lamp, some wall decorations (since ours are looking bare) and then I'd like to finish the skirt, bumper, and shopping cart cover since we have yet to finish those. Minus a few other items for the baby we've been making tons of progress which makes me all kinds of happy since my goal for the month is to have everything ready to go by December 1 so we can relax and enjoy getting ready for Christmas :-)

Courtesy of http://pregnant.thebump.com/pregnancy-week-by-week/34-weeks-pregnant.aspx

Preggo Stats--33 Weeks

How far along: 33 weeks

Total weight gain: 6 1/2 lbs

How big is baby: The size of a durian--don't worry I had no idea what this was either. Apparently it's some kind of fruit. You can see some images of it here.

Maternity Clothes: Yessum!

Sleep: Getting slightly better, but my back sure is killing me!

Best moment this week: spending Halloween with my hubby and friends!

Movement: Tons of it and I'm loving it!

Food cravings: Halloween candy, but I crave that every year at this time ;-)

Food aversions: None.

Gender: BOY!

Labor signs: Hopefully none for a few more weeks!!!

Belly button in or out: In- but getting more shallow

What I miss: Being able to sleep through the entire night.
What I'm not loving: My fourth block class, that is really my biggest complaint--but I'm trying to see them as an opportunity to persevere and find joy in the Lord (but trust me this is hard)!
What I’m looking forward to: Having Tuesday off for Election Day and having this presidential election done and over with!!! (I love teaching Government but there's only so many negative ads a girl can take!)

What I'm loving: The nursery is finally coming along! I've been worried/anxious to get it done for weeks now and we're finally able to work on it!

Milestone(s): We're now into the last six weeks at school and November provides us with lots of days off so I'm really really excited that there's finally a light at the end of this tunnel for school!

Baby's Development - Week 33

We've got 7 more weeks to until baby's debut! I'm honestly hoping he'll come after first semester ends. We found out that FMLA will kick in if I have him before we leave for Christmas break, but if he comes after school gets out for break then FMLA would start January 7 when teachers are suppose to report back to school. If baby decides to hibernate and stay in the womb a little longer then I'll be able to stay out (if I've done my math correctly) until after spring break which means I'd have to go back to work for about five weeks before summer vacation! Keep your fingers crossed that maybe this will be in God's plans! In other news we're headed back to the doctor next week. We're now on two week cycles, and they sure are flying by! My brother-in-law Luke is in town this weekend so we're about to hit Target up so we can start finalizing the nursery. We're a bit slow in this process, but that's ok; at least (as far as I can remember) we have all the BIG stuff with the exception of some bottles and a swing. Other stuff we can get later, but anyone reading this who knows us is more than welcome to chip in ;-) Oh and one thing I've been meaning to say is how wonderful it feels to feel him moving inside me! I love his little kicks, hiccups, and all around movement. Lately, it seems as if he's starting to get anxious as he's pushing out more and more and we can see (what we think) is his head push out, which is exciting and a bit painful, but very worth it! Ok enough with the update for now, check out baby's development below!

Courtesy of http://pregnant.thebump.com/pregnancy/pregnancy-tools/slideshow/how-big-is-baby.aspx?page=30

Preggo Stats--32 Weeks

How far along: 32 weeks

Total weight gain: 6 1/2 lbs

How big is baby: The size of a squash

Maternity Clothes: Yessum!

Sleep: Good and bad depending on the night.

Best moment this week: Being able to take a 3 day weekend with the hubbs to go see family and friends in Mobjack/Mathews, VA where we were able to have Baby Shower#2 & 3!

Movement: Tons of it and I'm loving it!

Food cravings: None this week, maybe ice cream if that.

Food aversions: Nothing really sticks out.

Gender: BOY!

Labor signs: Hopefully none for a few more weeks!!!

Belly button in or out: In but getting more shallow

What I miss: Being able to sleep through the entire night.
What I'm not loving: How tired I am this trimester, I keep going to bed earlier and earlier!
What I’m looking forward to: Halloween--it's right around the corner and I love seeing all the different costumes kids wear, plus my friends Hazel & Amanda will be coming down--we're ordering pizza and gonna watch "Hocus Pocus" while trick-or-treaters come to our door.

What I'm loving: Baby Shower #2 hosted by my sweet mother-in-law and her dear friend Priscilla--it was amazing--pictures and post to come as well as Baby Shower #3 which was given to us by our church in Mathews, VA - Redeeming Grace--both showers really blessed us!

Milestone(s): We got several items we really wanted/needed from the baby showers!!!

Baby's Development - Week 32

We've made it to 32 weeks which means we're officially in the 8th month! I can hardly believe we have 2 months aka 8 weeks to until this little fella is due! I'm excited, anxious, and somewhat nervous just thinking about how our lives are going to change. We had our doctor's appointment this week and he says everything is great and he's very proud of me for losing weight and maintaining a slow and gradual increase that is really just the baby. Everything's normal and looks good--no high blood pressure, no gestational diabetes, and no swelling so all in all God has been very good to us! And our little fella is doing great, weighing in around 4 1/2 pounds! I thought that seemed a bit much but the doctor says he's just fine and he looks to be around 7 1/2 to 8 pounds at birth which sounds good to me! Anywho, be sure to check out more info on baby's development below!

Courtesy of http://pregnant.thebump.com/pregnancy-week-by-week/32-weeks-pregnant.aspx

Preggo Stats--31 Weeks

How far along: 31 weeks

Total weight gain: 6 lbs

How big is baby: The size of a pineapple

Maternity Clothes: You know it!!

Sleep: Good and bad depending on the night.

Best moment this week: We got the stroller my parents and brother got for us! Adam put it together and it looks fantastic, I'm very happy with our choice of stroller!

Movement: Oodles! Apparently its a party in my belly everyday ;-)

Food cravings: Japanese food! (I finally had this for dinner last night!!!)

Food aversions: I've noticed spicy foods are what is triggering (part) of the acid reflux so I'm trying to be more careful by not eating certain foods.

Gender: BOY!

Labor signs: Hopefully none for a few more weeks!!!

Belly button in or out: In

What I miss: Getting out and doing much; we haven't had much time to ourselves as a couple so I'm really looking forward to the end of this month!
What I'm not loving: How tired I am this trimester, I keep going to bed earlier and earlier!
What I’m looking forward to: Our second baby shower (which will be next weekend) and hosted by my wonderful mother-in-law, Marty! 

What I'm loving: Adam finished painting the trim in the nursery so we're done painting! In other news, I've been going to a Bible study with Sue (a colleague and great sister and friend) for the past couple of weeks and it's doing my heart lots of good!

Milestone(s): We got the stroller this week and today's our first baby shower!!!

Baby's Development - Week 31

Can't believe we've finally made it to 31 weeks, this officially means we are now counting down the single digit weeks we've got left until we meet our little fella! He's probably weighing in around 3 1/2 pounds now, though I honestly think he weighs a little more than that (just ask my bladder, which he has found comfortable to relax on)! He certainly enjoys kicking his mommy and I enjoy it just as much, so does Adam, especially since those little kicks are packing more punch! Today is pretty special because it's our first shower so expect a follow-up post within the next 24 hours!!! Until then check out how our little man is developing!

Courtesy of http://pregnant.thebump.com/pregnancy-week-by-week/31-weeks-pregnant.aspx