Week 38

Well, this very well could be my last update before Hutton makes his grand appearance into the world. I might be able to squeeze one last post next week, but we will just have to see! I am not a very patient person. I am aware of this. Well, I shouldn't say that. There are certain things I am patient with. I can be very patient with people, but with events or things I am excited about...yeah, no patience whatsoever! So waiting for little guy's arrivial has been torture. I have honestly had an easy peasy pregnancy. It really has been very laid back. I have not had many of the normal symptoms of pregnancy, have had no complications and have not gotten sick once. I really can't complain. But the last month of this pregnancy have been hard. You just get to a point where your tummy is so big that it is extremely hard to get comfortable. It's hard to sit, sleep, walk. Really do anything! You have to constantly hear things like "Wow, you are about to POP!" and "He STILL hasn't come yet?" Yes, I know my tummy is huge and I do feel like I could pop. NO, he is still not here. Thanks for reminding me :-( And not to mention, you are just so anxious to meet your baby. Someone I know put it this way, "It's like waking up everyday and constantly having to look at a present for yourself, but not getting to open it." Yep, that is how I feel. I just want him to be here! But I know that him cooking a little longer is not a bad thing and maybe him staying in longer will just mean he will come out with a few more baby rolls that I think are absolutely adorable. So as uncomfortable as I am, I think I can wait. Think is the keyword there! :-) I had an appointment yesterday with my OB. I have progessed some, but still not a lot. She didn't want to talk induction for the end of this week quite yet, because she thinks it would most likely be a hard and long labor that could ultimately end in a c-section. She said to continue my walking this week and hopefully that will help me progess more and then at my appointment Monday we can talk induction if he still hasn't come. We are hoping that if he doesn't come on his own, Friday June 21st is when we can schedule his induction. As ready as I am to see my little guy, I think waiting is the best option! Staying positive and trying to keep my patience!


**Update: When I talk about being induced, I would like to share that I have my reasons for being okay with this. Obviously my first choice is for him to come on his own naturally and that is still how I would love for it to happen. Always have and always will be first choice. But because of Shane's current schedule with Firefighter rookie school, it is very hard for him to get off. I completely understand this because the training they are going through is very extensive and it is imporant that they don't miss multiple days. Because of this and the fact I am not progressing very well on my own, induction on a Friday is an option for us. I trust my doctor and her decision on when is the best time for this. She will not induce me if she thought it would be unsafe. If you don't believe in induction that is perfectly okay with me and I respect that, but please respect my situation and feelings as well and remember how your words can be offensive and hurtful. Thank you!**

A few pictures from my friend Katies baby shower this past weekend. She is due August 10 with little Parker!

How far along?: This picture was taken at 38 weeks and 3 days

Baby is the size of a: pumpkin! Hutton is about 18.9 to 20.9 inches long and weighs about 6.2 to 9.2 pounds. His head is now about the same circumference as his abdomen.

Development this week: He may have about an inch or so of hair already. He's slowly shedding that white goo on his skin (called vernix caseosa) but you might see some of it at birth.

Best moment this week: Hearing that I have progressed SOME. I was starting to think I never would!

Food cravings (or drink): Strawberries

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope!

Symptoms:  Back pain, lower abdomnen pain. Really just lots of pain. Not sleeping well at night anymore.

Happy or Moody most of the time: I am very happy, but this last month has taken its toll on me. I've broken down and cried ALOT. I am okay with admitting it. I am just so excited and ready for him to be here! I am very thankful for Shane and his patience with me and my crazy rollercoaster emotions lately!

Looking forward to: Hutton!!!!

Week 36

Well we are officially in the home stretch! Less than a month till little Hutton will be here. Unless he is really stubborn and goes past his due date. But don't worry, I have already talked with him and told him we aren't going to do that. We are so ready to meet him!

How far along?: 36 weeks

Baby is the size of a: Honeydew! He's still in the 17.2- to 18.7-inch and 4.2- to 5.8-pound range and continues to beef up.

Development this week: He's getting closer and closer to being able to breathe on his own. His skin is getting smooth and soft and his gums are rigid. His liver and kidneys are in working order. Circulation and immune systems are basically good to go, too.

Best moment this week: Finishing up Hutton's room and getting our hospital bag all ready to go! This is getting real!!

Food cravings (or drink): Pineapple

Anything making you queasy or sick: I should probably just take this question off, because I never have anything to put by it.

Symptoms: Back pain, lots of pressure in my lower tummy and groin. The waddle has definitely started! 

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy and Moody. I really have had an easy pregnancy and for that I am forever thankful, but I am just getting so uncomfortable and anxious to meet our little man! I wish I could fast forward the next four weeks.

Looking forward to: Hutton's arrival! Could really be anytime now! :-)

Week 34

34 weeks. Oh.my.word. Is this for real? We are now only three weeks away from being considered full-term and 6 weeks away from our official due date. I am literally giddy with excitement. Although I know Hutton needs to cook a little bit longer, I am just so anxious/excited/ready to meet him and give him an endless amount of kisses. At our appointment last week, my OB said that we are pretty much to that point where if I go into labor they will not do anything to stop it. I think that is when things got really real for me. We will have a baby in a month (give or take a few days). A MONTH. So I've been a busy beaver getting things done. The nursery is basically finished, with the exception of a few little finishing touches. My hospital bag and his are pretty much all packed. Yes, I know it's a little early, but I am a planner and helps with my anxiety to know it is already done :-) Car seat will be installed this week and I think that covers most of the essentials to get done before his arrivial. Now we can rest easy!

How far along?: 34 weeks

Baby is the size of a: Butternut Squash. Hutton weighs in at about 4.2 pounds to 5.8 pounds and measures about 17.2 to 18.7 inches.

Development this week: He's recognizing and reacting to simple songs, if you're singing them. (If you're not, start! He may find them soothing after birth.) He's also urinating about a pint a day. Hmmm, interesting...

Best moment this week: Having our showers!

Food cravings (or drink): Coke. Ugh, why? I didn't even like Coke before I got pregnant. I was always a Dr. Pepper girl and that was only on the few occasions that I drank soda. But don't worry, if I do have a soda I only have one. Never more than that in one day.

Anything making you queasy or sick: nope, nothing.

Symptoms: Leg cramps still and lots of pressure in my tummy. I am trying so very hard not to waddle, but it is definitely becoming more difficult to walk. Most of the time I feel like I have pulled both groin muscles. I am assuming this is normal?

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy, unless I have a leg cramp. They are the worst.

Looking forward to: Hutton being here! I think this answer will stay the same untill the time he gets here :-)

Shower Time!

Well, I feel like I just went through one of the busiest months of my life! And I am well aware that things won't slow down once little Hutton gets here :-) We were so blessed with THREE baby showers in one week. It might have been a little hectic, but we couldn't be more grateful for everyone's amazing generosity and love showering us with everything we could ever possibly need for this little addition. Our cups runneth over!

It all started with a shower in San Antonio. I loved getting to see all of the people that impacted my childhood in San Antonio. Such amazing ladies who have been so supportive for so so many years! Love you all!

AMAZING cupcakes made by my favorite cake maker, Susan Perry!

a few of my sweet hostesses!

Then I had a sweet little shower at work. I don't have many pictures, only of the cake. But that is all that is important right? ;-)

Last was our Abilene shower. This was hosted by two of my best friends from college, church friends and friends of my mother-in-law. Even though I have not lived in Abilene for very long (well college and then 2 years) you would think I grew up here after this shower! We are so blessed by the community here in Abilene. It was a wonderful shower and great way to end our shower week.

This shower was sock monkey themed. Isn't it all so adorable? I might have a slight obesession with sock monkeys :-)

Thank you all who made these showers so special! Hutton is already so loved!

Week 31! Holy moly where is the time going??

Yeah, you read that right. 31 weeks! I remember back when I first found out I was pregnant, anything in the thirties seemed like so far away. But here we are! We are getting so anxious to meet our little boy! But I am getting a little nervous. Not necessarily about being a mom (suprisingly, I am just really excited about that) but more about the birth and making sure we have everything ready and prepared before he gets here!

We have been ridiculously busy the last couple of weeks and I know it is just going to get more crazy around here! So let's get to the good stuff..

Three weekends ago, we celebrated Easter with my parents. They came up to Abilene and it was really awesome having them here and of course having my mom help me decorate the nursery. It is just about done!

On Tuesday of last week.....we found out that SHANE GOT THE JOB WITH THE ABILENE FIRE DEPARTMENT!!! I havn't talked a whole lot about this on here, other them him finishing the Fire Academy last August. But in January, Shane started the application/hiring process to be a Firefighter here in Abilene. It has been a LONG four months waiting to see if he got the job. I really can't put into words how proud and excited I am for Shane. He has found something that he is so passionate about and I love seeing him follow his dreams. Hutton sure has a good daddy to look up to!

Thursday we got a new puppy! I know people probably think we are crazy for getting a puppy two months before having a baby and thats okay. We might be a little crazy! BUT I've been really sad since Frank died and mostly because I feel so bad for Lucy. She has been SO lonley and is craving our attention all the time. So we decided that she needed a friend. We would like to introduce you to you, Miles! Yes he is a pug. Can you imagine me with any other type of dog? Of course not. He is 7 weeks old and just a tiny little thing. He is about 2 lbs and the sweetest little guy. He has being sleeping through the night (hallelujah) and doing really well!

Right after getting Miles we headed to San Antonio and spent Thursday-Monday with my parents. It was so nice getting to spend time with them, my sister Clarissa and getting to watch my nephews play Soccer!

So there is the last couple of weeks in a nut shell. Now you know why I havn't updated this in so long! Now, here are the latest stats!

How far along?: 31 weeks

Baby is the size of a: Pineapple! My favorite fruit :-)  He's about 15.2 to 16.7 inches long and weighs about 2.5 to 3.8 pounds this month.

Development this week: He's going through major brain and nerve development. Eye development, too. His irises now react to light! All five of his senses are in working order.

Best moment this week: Finding out about Shane getting the job! and getting Miles :-)

Food cravings: Jello. Super random

Anything making you queasy or sick: I have been SO lucky to really have nothing make me queasy or sick this whole pregnancy.

Symptoms: Leg cramps still, back aches and just feeling really uncomfortable. I know it is all so worth it though. I will just enjoy not feeling like an old lady anymore!

Happy or Moody most of the time: Very very happy!

Looking forward to: Our showers! Who ever evented showers was the smartest/nicest/best person ever!

Week 27

We are now in our third trimester! Wow, I really can't believe it. It seems like just yesterday we were just finding out about this little one and I remember thinking that the third trimester would never get here. But it is here and we are just so excited that in less than three months we will be meeting Hutton!

We are officially in baby mode. Trying to get everything that we already have in the baby room sorted, getting baby registries completed, showers are on the calendar, maternity photo session has been booked, birthing classes happening in two weeks. It's been crazy busy around here, but it is such an exciting time! Two weekends ago we headed to Coppell to visit my sister Marci and her family. They were giving us their rocker/chair that they used for their two kids and we were so excited to be getting it from them. The chair is beautiful and was just what we were wanting. Well on the way back to Abilene with the chair in tow....it flew out of the back of the truck onto the highway. Words can't really express the madness that was going on and how sad I was. I thought the chair would be ruined. I mean it flipped out onto the HIGHWAY. Miraculously it just suffered two minor holes in the fabric. I thought we would have to pay tons of $$ to get it reupholstered...which made me even more sad because I already loved the fabric that it had originally. BUT we were able to get the holes stitched up and you literally can't even tell what happened to it. And now we know we have one sturdy chair if it can handle what happened to it ;-)

I wish I would have taken before pictures with the holes in the chair, but I forgot. But here it is now! See...can't even tell anything happened to it!

 Speaking of my sister Marci, will y'all be praying for my nephew Joshua? He broke his leg (tibia to be exact) jumping off a jungle gym :-( Poor guy is only two so you can only imagine how hard it is for him! Be praying for quick healing! 

How far along?: 27 weeks 3 days

Baby is the size of a: Head of Cauliflower, around 16 in. and 2.5 lbs

Development this week: Hutton's practicing inhaling and exhaling with his rapidly developing lungs
. It's official: Baby's showing brain activity! And his brain will keep on getting more complex.

Best moment this week: Getting Hutton's Chair back from getting it fixed. It was such a relief that you couldn't even tell what happened to it!

Food cravings: Cinnamon Toast Crunch. Can't get enough!

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nothing this week.

Symptoms: Leg cramps...oh mama. They are bad. I have about three or four charley horses during the middle of each night. Not too bueno. 

Happy or Moody most of the time: Still happy. Although I do start getting moody when my back starts hurting :-/

Looking forward to: EASTER!

Sweet Frank

Today has been a hard hard day..

I am so emotionally drained that all I want to do is sleep. But I feel like writing sometimes clears my head. Even though I am not even a good writer... I think it just helps to get your words and thoughts out. Today our sweet little doggy Frank passed away :-(

I was babysitting for some friends last night and came home around 9 pm to a very sick dog. Frank had thrown up and was not acting like himself at all. Shane had said that after throwing up he let him go outside  but once outside Frank just collapsed. He got back up but slowly walked to a dark corner of the backyard. Looking back on it now we think he knew it was his time and he was trying to find a quiet spot to go in peace. After a while Shane went and picked him up (he wouldn't walk) and brought him inside and laid him in his kennel. This is how I found them when I got home. Shane just sitting by Frank petting him and trying to make him comfortable. I could tell he was not doing good. We had never seen him act this sick. He couldn't even lift up his head. He just laid there panting hard like he was trying to catch his breath. We didn't know what to do for him, so we just stayed with him for awhile. He did start to act a little better. Not back to normal, but he would somewhat lift his head and reposition himself. We decided there was nothing we could do for him at that point of the night, but in the morning if he wasn't feeling better that we would take him to the vet. I think we both knew it wasn't going to get better though. I didn't sleep much. I tossed and turned and kept wanting to get up and check on him. But I didn't in fear of how I might find him if I did. Finally Shane's alarm went off around 5:15 am and I told him to go check on Frank. I got up too but just waited for him in the hallway. When Shane came towards me he said Frank has passed in his sleep. He said he looked so peaceful though and looked just like he always does when he sleeps. We really think Frank died of some type of heart failure. Though we really will never know, this is what makes the most sense. We kind of knew this day would come, but we just didn't know when. We adopted Frank when he was 1 year old and shortly after adopting him we found out he had heart worms. Though we started him on some heartworm medicine once we found out, we knew that we would never really know the damage that had already been done to his heart. Looking back on how he acted, he had many signs and symptoms of heart damage from heart worms. Of course I feel very sad and wish there was more we could of done for him last night, I know there really wasn't anything we could do for him. This happens, often really. But it doesn't make it any easier. Especially with this crazy preggo hormones I am having. We know that he went the best way he possibly could. He didn't seem to be in pain for that long and the last thing we heard from him was his sweet snoring in his kennel before we went to bed. Please just be thinking of our family as we go through this. It will get better of course, but today we are very very sad.
Here are just a few of my my favorite pictures of the little guy...

My all time favorite picture of him. He always was just snuggled up on the couch.

The day we got Frank! What a cutie he was!

We will miss you so much Frank. You were such a sweet dog that wouldn't harm a thing. We enjoyed our last four years with you more than you will ever know!

Week 24

Well another weekend has passed but yet I still don't feel rested from it. I actually feel the complete opposite. How does this happen? Oh, I know....because cleaning when you are 6 months pregnant is not an easy task. I woke up with sore legs and a hurting back. The feeling I get after an intense workout. But there was no working out going on. Well, unless you count cleaning your whole house as an intense workout. Which I think I might start counting it as one..

Not a whole lot of new stuff going on here. Just going through the motions and still trying to prepare for this little one. Monday night was Dittos for Kiddos. If you are not from Abilene or not familiar with this, it is one MASSIVE kids consignment sale. I have had this on the calender for awhile now and was super excited about it. Shane on the other hand was not as excited. He said that just because things are cheaper, doesn't mean we need to go crazy a get more. Well guess who was the one going crazy at the sale? Shane. Yep, the guy was like a kid in a candy store. I think he might just be a little excited about Hutton ;-) We came out with some great finds! But we have now decided that we do not need to do anymore shopping for him till after our baby showers. This is going to be a hard task, but I am trying to stay strong.

So instead of shopping for the little guy, we will just build stuff for him! I had thought of this idea to make these shelves/holders for his books. Since Shane had made his name sign out of old fence wood, I thought it would be pretty neat to make the shelves out of this too. Well, I turned to etsy for some inspiration and sure enough they had something just like I was imagining....just for $90 dollars. Well Shane whipped this out in about 30 minutes for a grand total for $0 dollars. Man, I sure love my handy man!

I still need more books to fill them with, but I absolutely love the way they turned out!

How far along?: 24 weeks 4 days

Baby is the size of a: Cantaloupe. This kinda shocked me. To me cantaloupe's are big. I can't believe he is already this big! But it makes since now why I feel so big...

Development this week: His see-through skin is gradually becoming more opaque and it's got a new pink glow, thanks to the small capillaries that have recently formed.

Best moment this week: Dittos for Kiddos for sure...and our monthly checkup on Hutton. Heartbeat was great and he is measuring exactly on his due date. AND finding out that Hutton has a best buddie coming in August. Our friends Katie and Eric found out last week they are having a boy! Parker and Hutton are already besties and don't even know it!

Food cravings: ehh maybe fruit? Strawberries

Anything making you queasy or sick: Raw meat kind of grossed me out this week.

Symptoms: Not a whole lot of symptoms, but I am very tired. I have my days. Most days I feel pretty normal, but then I have my sleepy days. Today is a sleepy day.

Happy or Moody most of the time: Very very happy! Happier than usual.

Looking forward to: Seeing some of my family this weekend. I havn't seen them since Christmas!