Getting closer

Well today is Carter's official due date.  This pregnancy has been so different from Garrett.  I was miserable by this time with Garrett and he ended up being three days late.  When I was pregnant with Garrett I was 1-2cm dilated FOREVER.  When I went into labor with Garrett I was 4cm dilated and it was game time.  I jumped to 7cm pretty quickly.  I have dilated very quickly with Carter.  Around 36 weeks I got them to check and I was already 1-2cm dilated.  At 38 weeks I was a full 3cm dilated.  As of yesterday I am 4-5cm dilated.  The difference is I am not having strong contractions.
Yesterday I went and got a pedicure and manicure that was so nice.  I met Josh at Harris Teeter and while we were there I though my water had broken.  I called the doctor's office and they said to come on in to the hospital (it was a Saturday). 
We dropped Garrett off with his grandmother and made our way to the hospital.  When we got there they put me in the wheelchair...ha.  I asked if I had to use it and they said yes so I just enjoyed the ride.  Unfortunately the other person that was in triage with me had the GI bug...hello germs.  Luckily the nurse was so sweet and let me change in their bathroom so I wouldn't get sick too.  Praise her!  They hooked me up to some monitors and checked to see if my water had broken.  NO SUCH LUCK!  Oh well.  They did check to see how far I was dilated and I was 4-5cm.  They were picking up contractions but they are baby ones.  Apparently he is to high up at this point to bring on full labor.  They told me I could go walk the halls because I am so close to being there to see if anything would change.  It was around 2:00 and Josh and I had not had any food since breakfast so we were starving.  We went to get some food and it was a disaster.  They lost our order and I was walking circles trying to get as much in as possible. 
We got our food and walked the halls for around 40 minutes.  I went back to get checked again and there just wasn't enough of a change for them to keep me.  Boo!  They said I am so very close.  I have an appointment tomorrow with my midwife and she had said she would not make me wait until 41 weeks so hopefully this week we will have a date that he will either come on his own or he will be induced.
If I am induced apparently I'm in pretty good shape since I'm already dilated.  I feel like a ticking time bomb.  I am going to try and get out and do some good walking today to see if I can get things moving.  Time will tell...

Randoms....

I've done a ton of Carter updates but I don't want to forget all the things Garrett has been up to lately.  This is going to be very random and in no particular order.

 

Garrett loves Dual Survivor.  Basically it's a show  with two guys Cody and Joe based on surviving in random places (that you would never end up, but total boys show).  Sometimes they have to eat animals to survive.  We usually fast forward through these because they can be a little gory.  Well one day we were not in the room and he saw them eat the animal (parent fail).  Well this past weekend he said  "Mommy how come Cody and Joe ate Jesus?"  This was a few days later and we hadn't been talking about it so this was so very random.   I said what do you mean?  He said "They ate the heart out of that animal".  Bless his heart he knows that Jesus lives in our hearts (and animals I guess) and he thought that they ate Jesus.  I explained that they didn't eat Jesus.  Shew.

 

That same day we were talking about marriage (it was Josh and my anniversary).  He was telling me about the two girls he was going to get married to. I told him that you only get married once.  His response:  "BOOOOOO".  Well we have some work to do on him!

 

He is obsessed with age.  He knows that Josh is 30 years older than he is and that Josh is a year older than me.  He knows that he is 5 years older than Carter.  Well about 5-10 times a week we do a "when I turn (insert age) Carter will be (insert age 5 years younger)"; "when daddy is 68 you will be 67".  This goes on and on and on.  Just keep changing the ages.  We let it continue because he is doing math.

 

He is funny about telling us how much he loves us.  It used to be to the moon and back.  Now he says things like "I love you to the very back desert behind Jesus all the way in the corner" and it gets more and more creative.

 

He will also ask who I love the most.  I will tell him "you and daddy" and he says "no mommy, Jesus the mostess"...sweet boy!!!

 

He is obsessed with Tom and Jerry.  He laughs uncontrollably most of the way through it.

 

He is obsessed with Sandy.  Praise God she is a gentle dog because he is always in her face and hugging and hanging on her.  He can't pass her without touching her.  Obsessed!  She loves him...on her terms ;-)

 

Lego's, transformers and cars!  He loves them all equally.

 

He is obsessed with smoking/smokers.  We were teaching him that it is bad and you can die from smoking.  Well he is now the police of smokers!  He will call you out in a heartbeat, so just in case you are a smoker and G see's you...he will call you out!

 

He can not do Face Time without making crazy eyes and faces...EVER!

 

He loves to snuggle with me and I hope he continues it for a long time.

 

He looks forward to books and stories EVERY night.  For the boy that would not look at a book when he was little (it stressed me out to no end) LOVES a book now!

 

He still HATES with a passion green beans, cantaloupe and pear.

 

His laugh is just AMAZING.  I get so tickled listening to him laugh.

 

He is so excited about being a big brother.  God has truly warmed my heart and reassured me about having another baby through his excitement.  It is just awesome.  He has the biggest heart and it melts my heart daily!  He is just the sweetest.

 

 

I'm sure there are more, but wanted to jot these down!

 

 

38 weeks plus a few days...

How Far Along:  We are 38 weeks and 4 days today!  I'm starting to feel every bit of it as well :-) 

 

Size of Baby:  Babycenter says that he is a little over 19 inches and almost 7 pounds...I've had two doctor's appointments since my last blog update.  They were with two different midwives.  They both gave me an estimate of what they thought he would weigh full term.  They both said 9 pounds.  HOLY CRAP.  I was hoping for like 8lbs 5 ounces or something along those lines...ha!  We will see what happens.

Maternity Clothes:   Yes and am limited on what covers the belly.  It's hard to believe that we are getting to the end.

Gender:  Boy!!!  Baby Carter.

Movement:  Yes and I LOVE it...I'm trying to enjoy every second of it since we are not planning on having any more children.  It is by far my favorite part of pregnancy.  A little after 9pm every night I can set my clock to some good movement.  Even if I'm exhausted I try to stay up to feel all the moves he makes :-)

 

Sleep:  My sleep is on and off...Last week I woke up starving and had cereal in the middle of the night.  Then I had a few nights where I would wake up between 2:30 and 3:30am and not be able to fall back asleep for at least 2 hours.  My mind was going NON STOP.  Last night I had the most intense Charlie horse cramp in my leg.  I don't know how Josh did not wake up from my mini scream and deep breathing.  My leg hurt until lunch time today.  CRAZY!

What I miss:  My clothes fitting, exercise and I am so excited about a Jersey Mikes Deli sub once Carter comes!  Ha!!!  Of course with this warm weather, a nice ice cold beer will taste amazing.  I also am looking forward to just being able to eat without looking to see if things are OK to eat or not.  All worth it...

What I'm looking forward to:  Spring time.  Today was the first official day of Spring and supposedly we are supposed to have another cold snap next week.  Everyone is OVER winter.  Schools are having to go on Saturday's right now.  I have a feeling that this November/December there won't be many people praying for snow! 

I'm also looking forward to life as a family of four.  While I know that it will have challenges and exhaustion and crazy emotions, I am ready.

Josh and my 11 year wedding anniversary is Saturday.  that is pretty exciting!

Cravings/Food Aversions:  I crave orange juice in the middle of the night.  I honestly think I could chug an entire 64 ounce bottle.   

Symptoms:  I have been out of breath, swelling has started a little (not much at all, but a little something) and exhaustion.  Oh and my belly button is going from an "inny" to an "outie"...ha

Workouts:  Workouts are same ole same ole.  I will miss the other moms that I've gotten to know and a few of the student workers.  they really are amazing and have made working out fun. 

 

Best moment this past week:  I had a few GREAT moments.  First Garrett and I had a date night and it was just awesome.  The weather was perfect that day.  I picked him up from school and we went to the park.  From there we went to Zaxby's and then to ColdStone.  He reached up while at ColdStone and gave me the biggest hug and ice cream kiss.  He just told me he loved me and thank you for the ice cream.  It was just a very sweet moment that about brought me to tears.  He is just such a sweet boy with a HUGE heart that I just love with all my heart!

I've had a few doctor's appointments.  Around 3 weeks ago (I think my 36 week appointment) I asked if she would check to see if I was dilated.  I wasn't expecting to be, but to my surprise I was already 1-2cm dilated!  WAHOO.  I went back yesterday (2 weeks later) and was a full 3cm dilated and 50% effaced.  She told me she was VERY impressed with my progression.  I'm just excited we are headed in the right direction.  I also lost 1 pound from last week to this week which was a SHOCKER esp since I have been eating in the middle of the night.  My midwife told me that was a good sign and an old wives tale that labor will be coming soon.  He is still head down.  I am still hoping that he will come next week while my midwife is on duty at the hospital.  I would so love for her to deliver :-)

Lastly I am almost done with wrapping things up at work which is a huge relief off me.  Oh and the hospital bag is officially packed.  Minus the stuff I can't pack yet!

Here is a picture of 38 weeks and 3 days.  Bless Garrett, he can basically play hide and seek behind my belly...ha!!!!!

 

 

 

 

35 weeks

How Far Along:  We are 35 weeks and 6 days today. It is also March 1st the month Carter is to arrive! How in the world did it get here so fast???  Wow!

 

Size of Baby:  As of Tuesday we had an ultrasound (more on that later) and they said he weighs around 6.1 pounds.  They say give or take 3/4 of a pound.  Garrett weighed 8 pounds and 10 ounces when he was born and that was big enough for me!  I hope that Carter is a little over 7pounds...ha.  We will see!  The books say that the baby is around 5 1/4 pounds right now and around 18 inches long.  The size of a honeydew...

Maternity Clothes:   Yes and I am bringing sexy back let me tell you...pretty much wearing tennis shoes daily because it just helps.  Not having terrible swelling, but trying to wear flats or clogs just wears after a long day.  My Meredith ring is about to be retired for the rest of the pregnancy.  I just don't want it to get stuck.

Gender:  Boy!!!  Baby Carter.

Movement:  Yes and I LOVE it

 

Sleep:  My hips seem to be hurting more at night which means I am continuously flipping from side to side...let me tell you this is not so easy with this huge belly.  It takes a lot of energy to move back and forth.  That mixed with getting up to go potty throughout the night doesn't make for a restful night...

What I miss:  My energy still.  Deli lunch meat.  Being comfortable...starting to hit the uncomfortable stages.

What I'm looking forward to:  Spring and the time change!  I am ready for it to be light out when we come home and warmer days.  These cold days seem to last forever.  I check the 10 day forecast religiously and am so ready to show 4-5 consecutive days of WARM weather.  This weekend we are packing the hospital bag and doing some freezer meals.  We are also updating Garrett's bedroom to a Pirate themed room and I am so excited!  We found a wooden wheel for his wall and pirate drawer pulls for his dresser, a cool lamp and am just waiting on a wall sticker of a pirate ship with Captain Garrett on it!  Josh is actually painting his room right now in preparation of getting it all done.

Cravings/Food Aversions:  I finally can eat pretty much what I want.  This is great, but probably not what I need.  I'm thirsty a lot...I drink tons of water. 

Symptoms:  I have been having on and off sciatic nerve issues.  Not terrible thank goodness, but it can catch you off guard.  I have been really hungry lately too. 

Workouts:  Workouts are going pretty good.  I did 2 this week and took today off.  Next week I'm scheduled for 3, but on one of the days they have to draw blood work and do body comps on me (pinch my fat, weigh me and take measurements...gross!  Luckily this is the LAST one before Carter comes).  That day I will have a shorter workout. 

 

Best moment this past week:  I had a surprise baby shower at work and also had a few other showers that were just awesome.  We also had our ultrasound that I got through the study I'm doing at ECU.  While it was great seeing Carter, the experience was AWFUL!  Our appointment was at 4:30 and they agreed that Garrett could come.  This was so exciting for us because if you are under 10 at my OBGYN's office children can't come.  So we were so excited...well we got lost trying to find the place where the ultrasound was taking place.  We finally got there and was around five minutes late.  When I came in they said since you are more than 30 min late we aren't sure if we are going to take you.  I explained to them that my appointment was at 4:30 not 4:00.  Well they had me down for 4:00 apparently.  I luckily had printed out a paper showing a 4:30 time.  So around 4:50 they decided to allow me to have the ultrasound but were not friendly AT ALL.  they were pissed off I guess that they had to turn everything back on and do the ultrasound.  They wouldn't tell us what we were looking at unless we asked and I was told that hopefully they would get some pictures for me at the end.  I about hit the roof.  The woman was just RUDE.  I complained later because she shouldn't take it out on me.  Anyway it's over and we at least got to see Carter.  Garrett thought the whole experience was "BORING" which just made it that much more stressful.  the ultrasound tech did not help with making it a fun experience....

The weather today was AMAZING!  It was 70 degrees outside and was just such a tease!  Tomorrow it is supposed to sleet.  I think everyone from NC is OVER this weather!  If the weather could be more like for a while I think it would do wonders for everyone!

 

 

 

 

33 Weeks...when Carter found my sciatic nerve

How Far Along:  We are 33 weeks, 3 days as of today. 

 

Size of Baby:  As of 33 weeks he is the size of a pineapple...holy smokes!  He weighs a little over 4 lbs and is around 17 inches long!  WHOA.

Maternity Clothes:   I actually had to go and purchase a new pair of pants this week at work because the ones I were wearing were so TIGHT!  I only like maternity pants that cover my entire belly.  For those of you that aren't aware there are different types (and no this is not me in any of these pictures):

These are the type I prefer

 

these do NOT work for me

I had on a pair of the lower cute ones and the band kept rolling down and getting tighter.  I could no longer take it!  So I went to Old Navy and picked up a pair of yoga pants.  OMG so comfy!!!  I was in heaven the rest of the day....

Gender:  Boy!!!  Baby Carter.

Movement:  Yes and I LOVE it

 

Sleep:  Doing OK...I'm starting to wake up more during the night and am having a hard time falling back asleep after 3am.  Well I do fall back asleep but it is usually around 6am and the alarm goes off at 6:30.  Makes for sleepy mornings until I get my Dt. Mt Dew!  Also my hips are beginning to hurt again.

What I miss:  My energy.  I want to spend a lot of time with Garrett and Josh, but just get so sleepy.  My energy comes and goes.  Some days are awesome and others I can't take it.  My weeks are pretty busy these days.  I have to workout 3 days a week and then Garrett has gymnastics twice a week.  Josh and I split the time and he takes him one night and I do the other, but that puts me not getting home until late 4 out of 5 nights a week.  Kindof sucks.  It won't get any better because I have the workouts until Carter comes...and they are worth it, just exhausting.

What I'm looking forward to:  Spring!  I know that means Carter will be here, but we are on our 3rd snow in 6 weeks.  I did not sign up for this in Greenville, NC!  More post to come later on that.

Cravings/Food Aversions:  I finally can eat pretty much what I want.  This is great, but probably not what I need.  I'm thirsty a lot...I drink tons of water. 

Symptoms:  I have been having strange symptoms.  Last Friday after working out I came home and it felt like I had pulled a muscle in my right butt cheek (sorry if TMI).  Well I couldn't sit, it hurt so bad!  I couldn't figure out what had happened.  It felt better when I laid down.  After doing a little research I found out Carter had found my sciatic nerve.  Well it got better after the weekend and I haven't had any other issues until the past few days.  My legs have started getting tingly feelings going up and down them and my arms a little too.  Apparently Carter is on a nerve that is causing this.  It's very strange and I don't like it.  They gave me some exercises to try to get him off.  We will see how it goes.

Workouts:  Workouts are hit and miss with this snow!  I was supposed to go last night, but canceled and  am supposed to go tomorrow, but that isn't happening either!  Hopefully next week we will be back on schedule and NO MORE SNOW!!

 

Best moment this past week:  Being showered by some sweet friends!  Spending time with family.  that is the benefit to the snow is that we have been able to spend time together!!!

 

33 week picture:

And the board does say 33 Weeks (with an "s", I was standing in front of the "s")

Again, I don't feel like my belly is that big.  Blows my mind every time I see a picture!

31 Weeks!

How Far Along:  We are 31 weeks (well actually 32 weeks tomorrow).  How in the world did we get here so fast?  We are now in the single digit countdown until Carter is here!  8 weeks left as of tomorrow.  WOW!

Size of Baby:  As of 32 weeks Carter should weigh around 3 and 3/4 pounds and is around 16.7 inches long.  I think it's funny that they say he is about 16.7...strange number.

Maternity Clothes:   Yes of course...

Gender:  Boy!!!  Baby Carter.

Movement:  Yes and I think he is starting to run out of room and getting a little snug in there.  I'm getting the feet in the side and under the ribs.  Sometimes it can be a little painful.  Garrett was with me during one of Carter's big movements that hurt and he pointed to my belly and said "Don't do that Carter!!!".

 

Sleep:  Doing pretty good.  Trying to take advantage while I can before I get to the very uncomfortable stage of pregnancy and it is even hard to sleep.  I still wake a few times, but seem to be able to fall back pretty easily.  I am most exhausted though first thing in the morning and then the late afternoon.  We wake up around 6:30 (thanks to Garrett...shew) and I could take a nap around 8:30am.  Ha!  I have had a few nights where I fall asleep on the sofa around 7pm and get a little catnap. 

What I miss:  My legs.  I feel like they have gotten HUGE.  I also am just ready for my body to be back to "normal".  Don't get me wrong, I love the belly.  I love the movement.  this is more than likely our last pregnancy so I am trying to soak it all in.

What I'm looking forward to:  We have pretty much put the nursery together.  The crib is up and bedding is in it, the room is painted.  The clothes have been washed and put away.  Josh did the majority of all this and I have joked with a friend that he is nesting.  Ha.  For those of y'all that don't know Josh very well he is OCD when it comes to cleanliness and I am NOT!  He did not know what he was getting into when he married me.  I've gotten a lot better, but still he is always cleaning.

Cravings/Food Aversions:  I really am not having any problems now which is great!  I am really trying to eat healthier starting this week.  We have had Holiday's, followed by tons of company lunches, followed by SNOW.  I am sooo weak and have avoided the talk with my midwife about weight gain.  I feel like the talk is coming though.  We will see.  We went shopping this weekend and I have lots of fruits and veges and healthy options.  Now I just need to stick to it!

Symptoms:  I am starting to waddle a little bit.  Still out of breath if I get going too fast.  I have a feeling that tying my shoes are going to start becoming difficult.  I can still wear my wedding bands and my Meredith class ring.  I am so excited about that.  There were some days pre pregnancy that I would not be able to wear my Meredith ring and I honestly didn't think I would be able to wear it this long.  I don't think I will be able to wear it the entire time, but my wedding bands I think I should be able to wear.

I am also sore by the end of the day if it is a busy day.  All over sore.

Workouts:  Workouts are pretty good.  I've mainly stuck to the stationary bike.  Going to attempt the elliptical this week and see how it goes.  This past week we had a lot of snow and so I wasn't able to go and workout at the gym.  We did however go for a LONG walk and played in the snow for about 2 hours and holy cow I was exhausted!  that was NO JOKE.   

 

Best moment this past week:  It was seeing Garrett practice being a big brother with a fake baby at the hospital.  Bless him he is honestly the most excited person I have ever seen about a baby coming.  I pray that this excitement continues!  I will post some pictures from the hospital. 

 

Here is our 31 week photo.  Excuse again the scary faces.  Garrett is not ready for us to erase them yet.  Lovely.  I hadn't looked at these pictures yet and GOOD GRACIOUS look at that belly!  Whoa.  My goodness it is growing like crazy.  Garrett even looked at me one day and said "Carter is really getting big mommy".  ha!

 

 

Here are pictures from the hospital class on being a big brother.  He had so much fun but talked through the entire class.  Gracious he is just like me and talks all the time.  Ha! 

 

Um is this what Carter is going to look like? 

 

I think I have this!  (mommy is secretly thinking "don't forget to hold his head!!")

 

Learning to wrap up like a burrito or as Garrett said "I'm wrapping him up like a moo moo".

That's how you know you have gone to Moe's one too many times for a kids meal!  ha

 

He had a BLAST! 

 

This is a video from the class.

 

 

29 Weeks!!

How Far Along:  We are 29 weeks, 3 Days.  Hello THIRD TRIMESTER!!  Seriously this is FLYING by this time.  We have less than 3 months left.  OMG!

Size of Baby:  Well we had an ultrasound and Carter is about 2.5 pounds which is right on track.  The book says he's around 15 inches long.

Maternity Clothes:   Yes of course...

Gender:  Boy!!!  Baby Carter.

Movement:  Yes and there has been lots of rolling going on.  I LOVE IT!!!  The other night I had some nilla wafers dipped in buttercream icing.  Well I think that amount of sugar pushed Carter over the edge.  Good gracious he went NUTS!  My stomach was just bouncing all over the place.  It felt crazy!!

 

Sleep:  Still going pretty good.  I still tend to wake up around 5am and my mind starts wondering and I don't think I go back to sleep.  SO I wake up exhausted.  Luckily a Diet soda is waiting for me at work and seems to give me the energy I need.

What I miss:  Running.  Deli Meat.  Not getting out of breath from walking up the stairs.  Nothing major or nothing that can't wait for a few more months.

What I'm looking forward to:  We have scheduled a Big Brother class for Garrett at the Hospital.  I can not wait!  He is so beyond excited about being a big brother.  We've told him that he's going to be an amazing big brother and he just beams.  He talks all the time about Carter and all he's going to do with him.  It is just so heart warming.  God is amazing.  Also looking forward to going to my appointments every two weeks.  I love getting to hear the heart beat :-)

Cravings/Food Aversions:  I really am not having any problems now which is great!

Symptoms:  Feeling pretty good.  I am having some back and side pain.  Nothing too bad. 

Workouts:  Workouts are FINALLY going better.  We had an appointment last Wednesday and I almost passed out during our Ultrasound.  Pregnant women can't lay on their back long and some have issues if they lay too long.  Apparently I'm one of the few.  We were laying there looking at sweet Carter and I started getting hot...REALLY hot.  Then the sweat started and I finally said "Um I think I'm having a really bad hot flash".  Well everything stopped then and she asked if I was going to get sick.  I said possibly??  Well they made me roll over to my left side and within a matter of a minute I felt like normal again.  I explained that this is the same way I feel when I workout and my heart rate jumps.  So she said that standing straight up can also make you feel that way.  She suggested that I ride the bike or elliptical.  So I've tried the bike and have had NO PROBLEMS.  Praise!  Will try the elliptical next week. 

 

Best moment this past week:  It had to be having our ultrasound and seeing that sweet baby.  With Garrett we only had the gender reveal ultrasound.  With Carter this is our second and then when I'm 34 weeks we will have another one through ECU.  The study I'm doing does one for free.  Can't wait!  We also started on the nursery and started washing baby clothes.  I honestly can't believe that we are this close to baby Carter coming!  YIKES.  Very exciting!

 

Here is our 29 week photo.  We were in a hurry so we didn't have time to erase the 27 or the heads that Garrett drew that he said were Josh and myself.  So please excuse them!  I did my best to turn the 7 into a 9!