6-9 Months ... but only 3 1/2?

I spent last night taking tags off a whole new set of clothes for Finley.  She has hit another growth spurt and her 3-6 month clothes are getting snug.  So, laundry was done and drawers unloaded and reloaded with 6-9 month clothing.  Yes, she is only 3.5 months ... a little ahead of schedule, but she is a healthy, growing girl! 

Finley is also back to talking again, which is refreshing.  I love listening to her talk, especially since Pappy only has another week here, it's about to get awfully quiet around here.  But now my girl is entertaining me and I love it.  She's so sweet and getting so active.  She did amazing with her head this week while on her belly - I couldn't believe how high she got it and it stayed for so long! 

By the way, for Christmas, Finley does not need clothes!  We need books and toys believe it or not.  She loves her ocean play mat and seems to spend all her time under it because that's all she has besides some stuffed animals, which does not excite her at this time.  Things that roll or make noise, or are different fabrics and bold crazy patterns she loves.  We've also been reading a lot lately.  I brought some books from school that I own (the classics: Stone Soup, Tortoise and the Hair, Elves & the Shoemaker, Cinderella, Princess & the Pea, Three Little Bears, Little Red Hen, etc) and we recently purchased some Dr. Seuss (Cat in the Hat, One Fish Two Fish, Mr. Brown Can Moo, Ten Apples up on Top, ABC Book, Tooth Book, etc), and a few P.D. Eastman (Go Dog Go, Are You my Mother?)  We could use some Eric Carle or even more Dr. Seuss - there's so many to collect!

No news

Sorry there hasn't been any updates in forever.  Life has been rather busy and I don't see Finley much, so my time is spent soaking her up and it's been rather simple around here.  She's doing great  - talking a lot (although we can't understand her), she's increased how much she's eating to 6 oz, but only eating 5 times a day.  She sleeps at least 8 hours every night, sometimes more, but she's been doing that for over a month now.  She's working on getting better on her tummy - she needs lots of practice though!  She's still very happy in her car seat and sleeps most of the time she's in it.  I know I'm always bragging about her, but honestly there are no complaints when it comes to her except that I don't get enough time with her.  Being a working mother is definitely the hardest job in the world.  I would give up so much to be able to stay home with her and take care of her.  Luckily she has her Pappy a few more weeks and then the dreaded switch comes.  We're so blessed to have such wonderful people to watch Finley, but it's still not good enough.  So, anyone that knows of any legitimate internet jobs out there .... I'm available!

Gulf Shores vacation

My sister, her family, and my parents were gracious enough to allow Finley and me to crash their annual vacation all because my school system switched calendar dates that messed me up.  Brian had football mini-camp and I was not overly comfortable with being left alone for much of the day with Finley.  She's still a perfect angel and a very easy baby, but it can be a little exhausting having full responsibility. 

Anyway, we pushed Finley to the max with a 10 hour car drive (which she only cried for 5 min of) and many loud restaurants (and not quite on her schedule).  She exceeded every expectation I had for her.  Not that I want to continue to live that lifestyle, but glad she could make it all work.  We had a great time and unfortunately had to leave early so I could get back to work. 

My dad has moved in now to help care for Finley while Brian and I are at work.  That has made the transition to work SO much smoother than I know it could have been.  I miss her terribly but she's in the best hands possible and in her own crib and environment.  It's nice having company here also through Brian's crazy football schedule.  Makes me wish we had family close by all the time. 

We also bought Finley's first car.  I sacrificed my dream car, the Jeep Wrangler, for a family vehicle that is much safer for my baby girl to be riding in.  I got the GMC Acadia which I am extremely happy with.  It's a great vehicle and has so much space.  Once again, having my dad, the grizzly bear, as Brian calls him, here to help us make a great deal happen really paid off.  Couldn't have done it and felt as good about everything as I do, without his help. 

Jekyll Island Vacation

We got home Friday from our first vacation.  We met Brian's family on Jekyll Island for our annual vacation there, but with one big change ... Finley!  She did an amazing job being around so many people and in a different environment.  We even managed to go out to two meals, which was very frightening for me because Brian has always said how he would never take a baby to a restaurant and I wanted things to go smoothly so Finley didn't ruin him trying it out.  I even had a terrible upset stomach worrying about it ... should have known my baby girl would do wonderfully - she slept like a champ the whole time, both times!  We even managed to go shopping (outdoor shopping) and to the beach (twice!). 

 All dressed for the beach - bathing suit & matching hat - all SPF protected, of course!

Finley and Mommy relaxing at the beach!

 Safe in the sun tent that her Aunt Leslie & Uncle Garry let us borrow - THANK YOU JENKINS!

 Getting fed in her pretty Antigua dress from Grammy & Pappy  - kept her nice and cool!

 Out to dinner for the 1st time - horrible restaurant, but Finley did amazing!

 All dressed up with Daddy!

 Dinner by the lighthouse with Daddy - he loves his baby girl!

She has two more trips coming up before the summer is over - her cousin's 5th birthday party next weekend and another trip to the beach at the end of the month.  So many adventures for our little one, but that's our life! 

While on vacation, her cord finally fell off, so when we got home, we were able to give Finley her 1st bath, and being Finley, she did wonderful - no tears, no fussing.  Brian took over and I assisted with pointers - she is Daddy's little girl after all and I know better than to turn a willing to help Daddy away! 

After snuggling with Daddy all swaddled up in a blanket to warm up from our bath, we all enjoyed some play time with her toys and on her ocean mat - Thank you Loren & Matt Mathews for our playmat, we love it!

2 weeks old

Our baby girl is 2 weeks old today.  We visited the pediatrician for her 2 week update and had many questions ready to ask.  I was able to breastfeed Finley for the first 9 days, but then I seemed to quit producing and we had to make the switch to formula.  Making the switch when we did ended up being a good thing having my parents around to help with the transition and getting the "proper procedures down" as my dad would say :).  With the switch, Finley's body had to adjust and we had a few concerns that the switch went well for her ... without getting into details - needing poopy diapers and such. 

Anyway, Dr. Nave assured all of our fears away and we have a healthy baby girl who is up to 8 lbs 10 oz.  She's gaining as she should and looking good.  We're still massaging a blocked tear duct, but that's very common in newborns the Dr said.  Grammy & Pappy left today after we got good news from the Dr so Brian and I are on our own now.  Getting good updates from the Dr though has me feeling pretty good about taking care of her.  Brian's schedule is good too with football only Mon - Thurs from about 4:30 - 8:30 so I can handle that pretty well.  All in all, it's been a great 2 weeks and I'm loving life with our precious baby girl.

Welcome Finley Jane!

Our precious baby girl arrived AHEAD of schedule!  I love that she waited till I had a plan and then decided to make her debut on her own time ... which is what we wanted!  I'm so relieved that my water broke and my body was ready rather than going to be induced and have it all occur through medicine.  I was ready for inducing, but this was better and more fun for us.  Fun, until the medicine wore off, or whatever it was that went wrong.  I didn't plan to sign up for a natural child birth, but that's exactly what I got!  Now that she's here, I wouldn't have it any other way 

  She has been unbelievable this first week.  Her pediatrician visit went well ... all good news except for a blocked tear duct - a very simple problem to deal with.  Finley doesn't even fuss when given her eye drops, thank goodness!  In fact, she only fusses if she's hungry, dirty, or gassy.  She's been quite the dream baby, and I'm hoping this fabulous pattern continues.  Our only complaint is that she sleeps ALL the time!  We're trying to keep her a little more stimulated during the day to get her on a good schedule. 

Life with Finley is so much more amazing than I realized it would be.  I'm trying my best to relax a little more.  The first few days were a little rough trying to be perfect and have it all figured out.  After a scary little incident with some blood in her spit-up (I'm breastfeeding and had to work on positioning with a lactation specialist - got it all solved and good to go), I've felt much better.  Having my parents here to give me support and offer guidance has been unbelievable.  They're not getting to help with all the feedings and stuff like I think they thought they would be, but just the security of them here for questions and reassurance has been invaluable.  I'm a bit afraid of the day they leave and it's just Brian and me.  Then when Brian leaves for football each day and I'm home alone with her. 

If Finley continues on the path she's on, then every thing's going to be ok.  She's truly a wonderful baby and way more beautiful in person than in the pictures (which are gorgeous already!)  I'm so thankful for this wonderful baby and her terrific daddy.  Brian has amazed me already as a father.  She is definitely daddy's little girl.  He's there for every feeding with me, and he likes to handle all diaper changes and burping.  He's given up a few diapers for my parents, but he wants to be so involved and I don't want to turn him away from helping ... I need him desperately!  God has blessed me with a loving husband, a healthy and beautiful baby girl, 2 supportive parents, and a supply of family and friends that have blessed us with their presence and prayers. 

Cabin Fever

Brian and I have been going a little crazy lately with not being able to get out and go see anyone.  I wish family lived closer; instead, we've been having to improvise.  He was begging me yesterday to go to Tybee and I kept refusing because it was so hot.  Instead we hung around here and had the LONGEST day ever of trying to find things to do.  Today I gave him his wish.  Luckily it's about 45 min away and my hospital is about 15 min from it, so we took off for about 3 hours.  They had a swing on the beach where we spent the majority of the time just rocking and feeling the cool ocean breeze.  2 more days to make it through.  Thankfully my best friend, Loren, and her husband are in Statesboro so we'll see them tomorrow and then Mon we pack, go to Savannah, eat, and check in the hospital.  I can't wait!!!!

39 week update

Week 39 today ... yay!  I can not believe how close we are.  In fact, the closer we get, the further it seems away.  We keep running into itty bitty babies all over the place and then thinking, "wow, that size baby is in me!"  It's so surreal.  I just can't wait to meet her and hold her. 

Brian and I have done our best to phone/text/facebook the latest update, but in case anyone is not aware of the "latest" plan, here it is:  Monday, June 13, we will check into Candler Hospital at 6 pm.  They will begin induction Tuesday, June 14, at 6 am.  We are hoping to meet Finley sometime that afternoon.  We'll get to leave the hospital either Wed or Thurs, whatever day I'm told.  Thursday of course is our 5 year anniversary, so I'd love to be home with our new baby then.  Sunday of course is Father's Day and will be a very special day for Brian to be with his daughter! 

Many folks have talked to us about visiting and whatnot and we'd love to see anyone we can.  I'm washing bed sheets as we speak so we can be prepared for anyone.  If you're looking for a bed, call ahead ... if you'd like a bed reserved, call ahead!  We'll do our best, but as of right now, my priority is having this baby. 

Our ultrasound on Wed shows her measuring about 8 lbs with chubby cheeks, big lips, and a head of hair.  Sounds great :)  We could not be anymore ready right now.  For now, I'm getting my exercise while trying to relax and get some good sleep.  Will focus on mentally preparing myself for labor this weekend.  I honestly feel very good and relaxed ... similar to how I felt 5 years ago on my wedding day - the MOST relaxing day of my life!  Everyone jokes she'll come this weekend since I have a plan now - little do they know that would be perfect for me!  In fact, I'm hoping she comes on her own this weekend!  We are just absolutely ready to have our lives completely rocked and welcome all the love, challenges, and fun she will bring.  Stay tuned!

The Waiting Game

10 weeks till Finley's due date ... and our 5 year anniversary!  We go back to the doctor again Wednesday, the 8th, for an ultrasound and check on her status.  Dr. Barry and I discussed inducing on the 14th (because she's just not looking ready any time soon.)  I'm rethinking this decision (as well as Brian) for fear that she may not be ready even then and we don't want to rush her.  Not to mention, I don't want to end up in an emergency c-section because we tried to induce and it didn't work. 

The whole inducing thing came about because her due date is EXACTLY 6 weeks till pre-planning begins, which I really don't want to miss.  As much as I want more time with my daughter, our school is going through some significant changes next year that I don't want to miss out on understanding so I can begin the year right with my students.  Not to mention, even if I do take some maternity leave, I'll have to attend some pre-planning to put my room back together after the floors are waxed and get open house packets together to meet my new students.  I can't not meet my new students and parents ... for most of them, it's the ONLY time I ever see their parents, so it's rather important.   

So, I think I'll start working on some lesson plans this week for the just in case scenario and continue relaxing until Finley decides she's ready.  Brian and I are enjoying our time together as the last few days it will ever be just the two of us.  We're both so ready to meet her though, even though we're definitely freaked out.  5 years was a good amount of time to be alone together.  I'm so glad we waited until now.  I wouldn't change that for anything.

Family Vacation

Finley's first vacation to the beach.  We visited Hilton Head Island and I'm convinced Finley had a great time because I'm positive this is the week she turned.

Yes, we climbed all 114 steps to the top of the lighthouse... I was sore later, but it was a great workout!

Trying to import pictures ...

Finley's crib, mobile, cubbies, and toy basket

Finley's dresser and where her chair will be.... not the actual chair!

I gave up on trying to find the cord to my camera; instead Brian reminded me our cell phone comes with a cord, so here are images uploaded from my cell.  18 days till her "due date" and we are both extremely excited and ready for her arrival.  It's getting boring talking and waiting ... summer is here and we're ready to enjoy this little one before life gets hectic!  Doctor visit every week now ... still dialated just 1 cm, but meet with Dr. Barry Wed and we're going to discuss inducing and the possibilities there.  Hopefully these pictures upload so that when she gets here we have a way to show pics of her.  Also, we joined Skype so we can video chat with others since we're so far away from everyone we know.  Pray she comes soon (and safe!)





36 Week Update

Had an ultrasound today and was able to see my baby girl.  My how she has grown!  She's weighing 5.8 lbs ... not sure how long.  I was more concerned with her weight since she's usually measuring low in comparison with other babies her age.  She's on a good track with her weight and expects to gain more during her last month - which means I have more to gain!  Not looking forward to putting on any more weight.  As of today I've put on 19 lbs this pregnancy.  Wish I wouldn't have been heavy to start with cause that number would be a whole lot more impressive, but at least I'm not any more than that right now either.  I've dialated 1 cm, which is to be expected, of course.  That explains all the pain however! 

I begin going to the doctor every week from now on.  Wish gas prices could cooperate a little more for the long drive, but at least it's Savannah and there's much to do.  Hope Brian can get to another appt with me so I'm not always shopping along afterward.  It's been fine though.  I've exchanged a lot of duplicates and newborn items to get other items that we really needed.  I feel good and set as if she could get here tomorrow.  It's really getting unreal to think about having a baby in my life, especially as I keep seeing babies everywhere.  I couldn't be more excited to meet her, but it's getting to be really crazy to think about a new addition to our little family of 2 that has existed for 5 years. 

Brian's been amazing through this pregnancy and because of him I am even more excited to expand our family.  He's grown so much already and really taken great care of me.  Finley has already melted his heart and he hasn't even touched her yet.  He's always given me a hug and kiss everyday before I leave for work, but now Finley is sure to get her kiss from her daddy too and a little pep-talk about being kind to her mommy and taking it easy on me.  I'm definitely going to have to be the strict one around here!  It just reminds me why I knew I wanted to marry him and share my life with him.  I know that he'll always be there for the both of us and love us unconditionally.  God truly knew what he was doing when he brought Brian into my life, just like when God picked out this baby girl especially for us.  I am so truly blessed.

Doctor update

I'll be 34 weeks Thursday.  I went to the doctor today and they think Finley may have turned, but we'll know for sure in two weeks when I have an ultrasound on the 19th.  My nurse practitioner said babies typically turn by the 36th week, but there have been others that wait even longer to turn.  So, my c-section is still scheduled and I could still need it, but perhaps not.  Things are greatly picking up and the nursery is looking good with the crib and such.  I would post pictures on this website, but can't find my cord to plug my camera in the computer.  This pregnancy brain has truly gotten the better of me! 

I have two showers coming up ... Thursday is my shower at my school and Saturday is my shower with my college friends.  Then I'll be able to inventory everything, get it all set and just wait on Finley's arrival!  I'm getting ready for sure!!!

Room update

Ok, so I took pictures of Finley's room, but on my cell phone.  So, if you want to see the dresser and cubbies, check out my facebook profile.  Loving what her room is looking like so far, although I can't wait for the crib and seeing her bedding put together.  Most importantly, Finley herself.  She has been very moveable lately.  My stomach has been jumping quite often and it's highly entertaining to watch. 

Now that I'm in the third trimester, my doctor appointments are every 2 weeks now.  Went last week for my Rhogam shot (since I'm A- blood) and had an ultrasound done to measure Finley.  Within days, I've already forgotten whether she's 2.8 pounds or 2 lbs 8 oz.  I CAN'T REMEMBER ANYTHING LATELY!  I was not properly warned for these problems.  I'm back to losing sleep, going the bathroom in the middle of the night, and getting much more stressed.  We have 3 to do lists around here with things to take care of and CRCT approaches next week.  If I can just make it to her delivery sane.  I need an assistant to keep me up to date.  Love love love my husband, but he's not the best at reminding me anything.  I'm his reminder on most tasks, so I'm struggling big time here. 

Keep your fingers crossed the crib arrives soon!  I would love to have it before her shower!

Preparing for Finley

Today I purchased the paint for Finley's room ... ladybug red.  It's dark and has me super excited!  The crib is expected in either this week or within 2 more weeks.  We've purchased the dresser and cubbies for her room, but have not assembled them yet so that we can paint safely around them.  My parents are coming this weekend to paint, and I'll get some pictures of before and after.  The only other piece of furniture we're needing to get is a chair and we haven't decided on what we're going to do in regards to that. 

Speaking of pictures, I got to see Finley today on ultrasound.  They were unable to get measurements of her because she was breached and not moving for them.  Instead, they are making an appointment for a 3-D ultrasound.  I don't see the need for that; however I'm super excited to see her again and in 3-D. 

I begin the 3rd trimester this Thursday ... time is really starting to pick up!  So much to do and time is ticking!!!

Registry Fun

Saturday ... loooooong day, but super grateful to my sister, mom, and dad taking their time to help me learn more about what Finley is going to need.  There was so much to listen to and take in, and I was able to get my registries going!  We spent countless hours at Babies R Us and then I was pretty worn out, but we hit up Target also.  I'm also registered at Pottery Barn Kids, although I'm pretty sure all the items on that are only available online.  It's all the big stuff I really need like Finley's bedding and curtains, and such. 

Still need to find where to get a good mattress and I haven't registered for a car seat yet ... 2 MAJORLY important items, but they just haven't been easy to add.  I also made a trip to Ikea with my parents and was able to get Finley's dresser and cubbies for her bedroom.  I think I've decided on a chair for her room too, I just want to get Brian's confirmation on it before it's purchased.  Super excited to get Finley's room painted in 2 weeks.  My parents have offered to come down and transform her beige walls into ladybug red!  Trying to prepare myself for the drastic change, but I know it's going to be gorgeous!

Thanks again Leslie, Mom & Dad for your all your guidance, help, and time.  I know it was tiring for everyone, but I am so thankful y'all were willing to help. 

Finley Jane Young

Finley,

Thank you for cooperating for your mommy and daddy on February 10.  You made us very excited parents to know for sure that all these converations we've already had with you, that we were calling you by the right name.  It was a wonderful joy to see you again in your mommy's tummy and how much you've grown since the last time we saw you.  We have gotten so much joy out of feeling and watching you kick.  We thought our life was already pretty great, but we know we are in for so much more as you join our lives.  You've already brought more joy to us than you could ever know.  We're busy getting ready for your arrival ... until then, know that you are loved by many people already who are anxious to meet you and we hope you are nice and comfortable for a while longer - no rushing!

How many more days??

Waiting for Jan. 13th to come was no big deal.  We knew the wait had to happen and we had a lot going on in the meantime to keep us busy.  But when we couldn't get a final confirmation on what the baby was and were told to wait 4 more weeks ... it's gone by sooo slow!  I have plenty of patience: I married a football coach, I live hours from any family, and I teach 59 insane 5th graders with hormones raging all over the place, but to wait 2 more weeks to find out if this baby really is a girl or not has me going crazy.  I'm doing everything I can to keep my mind off of it, but I really want to get started on this blank nursery that keeps staring at me. 

I know that in years before people didn't find out, and some people think it's just so special to wait till the delivery to find out, and I get it ... but I think it's the most special thing to be pregnant and since I've just started showing and I'm still not really feeling the baby (I maybe have twice, not sure) and I'm halfway there, I just want to keep the connection building, especially for Brian and the baby. 

At least this baby knows it's thought of and loved constantly already and we are so excited to have it join our family.  We're ready for this idea of a daughter to sink in a little more and I think a nursery will help.  The idea of a son just sounded so natural, but I love God's little suprises.  We're just eternally thankful either way.  So, two more weeks of waiting everyone.  February 10th is the big day (fingers crossed tightly). 

Hopefully ... the key word

Well, as I assumed, our little bundle of joy is as stubborn as both of its parents!  I tried eating chocolate before the appointment to get the baby to move and be active, but no luck.  Apparently we have a very proper little lady on our hands that had her feet crossed at the ankles the entire time.  That is, that was the ultrasound tech's best guess ... a girl, but perhaps in a month, there could be a different result. 

In the meantime, Brian and I are thrilled to have seen our little one on the screen.  In fact, Brian had a much easier time watching the screen and detecting what was going on.  I was completely confused until BAM!  A big head was clear on the screen.  The photos are pretty cool to see "her" hand and body, a nose, and head, and what we think are the legs.  It's all so much more than we could see at 6 weeks.  There REALLY IS A BABY IN THERE! 

Neither of us could care less about the sex; although Brian's reaction was rather crazy.  He's truly freaked out.  He keeps asking me all about how in the world are we going to raise a girl?  How do you say no to a girl?  How much do we need to start saving for a wedding?  How do we keep the boys away?  But then he enjoyed when I began telling him all the wonderful things he's going to get to do with his daughter: take her fishing, get her big hugs after his football games that she'll be at, play tennis & basketball with her, take her swimming, read to her (before he leaves for video games!), etc.  That all helped calm him down. 

Whether we find out in 4 weeks that it's a boy or that we really do have a little girl growing, none of it matters. We are absolutely overjoyed at seeing this new little person growing and getting bigger by the day.  "She's" 8 oz. which is in the 75th percentile and even though I have only been losing weight since getting pregnant, "she" is getting bigger and is healthy with a heartbeat of 147 (right on target).

I'll see what I can do about posting some of these ultrasound pics we were given.  For now, we'll just continue praying that "she's" healthy and getting everything "she" needs.  No buying anything pink till the final verdict on February 10!  We're in no rush to buy anything anyway.  The room's plan is to be brown whether a girl or boy.  Now when we get it done is the bigger question!

Thursday is the big day ... hopefully!

The day is coming to find out what this little one is going to be.  At first I didn't really want to know, but the closer the day gets here the more I can't stop thinking about it.  Sleeping has been extremely hard lately ... I can't get comfortable, I have to go to the bathroom constantly, and I get caught up thinking about how our lives are going to drastically change.  I think if I was showing more rather than just looking "bloated" I would be more relaxed, but I can't wait to see the sonogram and actually see a little body growing.  I don't know how people did it before sonograms and heart monitors.  Hearing the heartbeat every 4 weeks is so comforting and I greatly look forward to it. 

Most people around us are convinced we're going to have a boy.  I think it's because Brian has so many brothers and they just expect a boy, but that's why I keep thinking we'll be getting a girl.  I really will be surprised if I hear "boy" because I have convinced myself it's a girl.  I know Brian will be a great dad to whatever is growing. I think he's scared to get a girl because he knows how much he gives in to me, and he's afraid of being the only man in the house. 

Hopefully our little Youngster will "cooperate" Thursday so we can find out, and we can really begin some planning around here.  I have to start sometime even though I won't see any major breaks in school before the baby comes to prepare. 

Finley Jane or Hayden Patrick ... we're excited to see you!!!

Save the Date!

A shower is being planned by my mother and sister for April 16, 2011.  It will be held at my home in Rincon.  Mark your calendars, I'd love to see you there!

A New Year

We welcomed the New Year with friends at our new home.  Brian and I have spent a lot of time lately cleaning and organizing the house more.  Today we cleaned out the office, which will become the nursery in roughly 165 days.  It still doesn't look like anything resembling a nursery, but I know in time it will be consumed with things that dramatically change that impression!  For now, it still has our tread climber, a TV, and my brother's massive painting hanging on the wall.  Clearly, we were not expecting to be transforming it into a nursery anytime soon!  I'm so eager to begin; although I feel like every time I get ready, it just becomes so overwhelming.  There's to do lists and to buy lists everywhere which are phenomenal to have, but definitely exhausting.  I feel like one of my SpEd students who needs a modified list to handle a few items at a time!  One day at a time .... for now, it's back to school tomorrow from our wonderful Christmas vacation.  It really was so nice, but definitely too short!