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!!!