The journey began one year ago

One year ago today, after stopping to visit my aunt in the hospital and taking her some apple crisp, I stopped and bought some pregnancy tests.

Anyone who has tried to use the cheap internet test strips to see if you are pregnant knows how hard it is to tell if there are two lines or if the one line is darker than the other one. So I decided to get one pack of the regular lined ones and one pack of the digital ones that would give me a straight answer...none of this fuzzy maybe you are maybe you aren't stuff.

I got home, went into the bathroom, did my thing....and waited. It seemed like those five minutes took fifty. But then I looked down at the stick and saw the word I had been dying to see for so long.

PREGNANT.

I called for my husband to come in, and started shaking my head and smiling and crying and said...we are going to have a baby! We hugged and let out some deep sighs and hugged some more.
It was amazing to know we were getting ready to start an amazing journey.
Then the next day I tested with some different brands, just to make sure it was real.
Yep....they all were saying the same thing...we were going to have a baby!

So last year at this time I was looking at this.....

and now I am amazed to look at this.....

I am so blessed and thankful for those little sticks for giving me some of the best news I have ever received! The fact that my little girl had begun to grow inside of me.
And that our lives were about to change in remarkable amazing ways.

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Dear Baby Grace

***In the midst of everything, I realized I had this post saved in draft status and never posted it. Oops! So before I post our birth story, I thought I would go ahead and post this last letter to our baby before she was born. Stay tuned for how Miss Grace was brought into this world later this week***

Dear Baby Grace,

Tomorrow is the day we have been waiting for...we will be going to the hospital to meet you! Since it doesn't seem like you are in a big hurry to make your way out before you get too big, the doctor is ready to get things rolling at 4:45 in the morning. I'm sure that it will be scary for both of us, but the end goal is to get you here safely and sometimes we need a push in the right direction. So we are going to induce labor in the morning to get Mommy's body ready to help push you out!

I said a prayer the other night before our doctors appointment. I know that God is aware of what my body is capable of and that if he wanted you to come into this world naturally then I knew that my body would be able to get thru it, if it turned out that you were too big and we had to bring you into this world by c-section, then I was fine with that too. And at our appointment it was decided that we would try to get you here naturally.  So there is someone up there that knows how you are supposed to be born, and I'm just thankful to have a knowledgeable doctor who won't push things too far if he thinks you are in danger.

I can't wait to finally meet you tomorrow....we have been waiting a long time to hold you in our arms. Not just the 10 months that I carried you in my belly, but in the years that we waited to have you. I know that you will just be perfect. And I hope that I can make you the happiest baby ever! We are all new at this parenting thing, just like you are new at this baby thing. So please be patient with me while I learn your cues and get better at trying to predict what you are going to want or need before you try to tell me. I know it will get easier with time, but at first Mommy might be a little confused.

I apologize in advance for any screaming or crying that I may do tomorrow before you make your way out of my tummy. They tell me its gonna hurt more than anything that I can imagine, so I'm sure that its gonna take everything that I have to push thru it. But just remember...Mommy isn't yelling at you. Its not your fault and I hope you don't remember any of it if it stressful at all.  But you are so worth it and to be able to hold you and look into your eyes at the end of this amazing process is something that I was fearful that I would never get to experience. What a blessing we are about to receive!

But now its here...and your daddy and I can't wait to meet you. Our little girl.

We are about to start an amazing journey together!

We love you to the moon and back! See you tomorrow sweetheart!

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39 wks

How Far Along am I: 39 Weeks

 

Size of baby: Baby Girl is the size of a watermelon

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Gained 36 lbs since conception

Maternity Clothes: yes, thank goodness

 Gender: It's a GIRL!

Movement: She is moving around mostly in the mornings after breakfast and then randomly throughout the day. Once I lay on the couch for the evening she normally gets her moves going again and then settles down for the night.

Sleep:I am tossing and turning alot these days, it literally feels like I am carrying a watermelon when I flip over at night. And my back has begun to get a little achy in the mornings.

What I miss:This week I would have to say shorts or capris. Its been in the 90's here most of the time and the best summer clothing I have are yoga capris. And they aren't very breathable but they are much better than jeans or yoga pants.

Cravings: I've been wanting hot fudge sundaes....more specifically peanut buster parfaits.
Yum. Chocolate and Spanish peanuts. 

Symptoms: I mentioned the swelling, it continues, especially in this heat. And for some reason when I get up at night it seems like my right heel is broken...lots of pain in that foot.

Measurements: Zero Dilation and effacement. We had an ultrasound on Tuesday and they are estimating Grace to be at 8 lbs and 5 ounces right now!
Her abdomen is measuring about 2 wks ahead and her head and femur are about a week behind.
So looks like we've got a little fluffy baby on our hands!

Best Moment this week: It has been a pretty good week overall.  Had 2 contractions last night, about half an hour apart, so nothing to call anyone about, but at least its the start of something.
We go back to the doctor on Monday and see how things are coming along.
Can't believe we are just one week away from the due date! 

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38 wks

How Far Along am I: 38 Weeks

 

Size of baby: Baby Girl is the size of a watermelon

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Gained 35.5 lbs since conception

Maternity Clothes: yes, thank goodness

 Gender: It's a GIRL!

Movement: She s still getting her kicks in bout 2-3 hours, but I have noiticed the phases of movementsd have decreased some.  She's not as active as often. I'm sure its because she is running out of room in there!

Sleep:I am tossing and turning alot these days, my hips are getting so sore and my lower back has been hurting towards the morning hours.

What I miss:This week I have been wanting some wine...not sure why, nothing to stress over or to celebrate, just has been looking goof at the market.

Cravings: Sonic andburgers again...this little one wants some protein!


Symptoms: I mentioned the swelling, oh the swelling! Its basically around all the time once I stand on my feet for the day. Flipflops are my friend, its getting too hot to wear my tennis shoes.  I have been having BAD heartburn when I go to bed and in the middle of the night again, but not right after I eat like I was before.

Measurements: Zero Dilation and effacement. She's still camping out with no signs of leaving early. Go on Tuesday for an ultrasound to get an idea of how big Miss Grace is going to be and make sure everything is going smoothly!

 Best Moment this week: I had another strong contraction this week, happened right before bed. It lasted over a minute and thought it was the start of something, but then it went away and didn't invite any friends over. And we spent some time taking some maternity pictures which we are continuing to edit.  The picture above is from 37.5 wks and the one below is from 38.5 wks...so you get an idea of where I am at 38 wks!

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37 wks

How Far Along am I: 37 Weeks

 

Size of baby: Baby Girl is the size of a watermelon

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Gained 35 lbs since conception

Maternity Clothes: yes, thank goodness

 Gender: It's a GIRL!

Movement: She has been moving alot more in the mornings than she used to. Still rolling from side to side, which I love to watch! Who would have thought it would make me smile to stare at my belly for so long each night after dinner?

Sleep:I am doing alright with the sleeping. Normally I fall asleep on the couch watching tv with my husband, while Emma rests on what is left of my lap that she can fit on. Then I go upstairs and manage to get some shut eye between my trips to the bathroom which is roughly every 2 hours at this point. But I'm sleeping good when I go back to bed, so that makes it easier.

What I miss:Having multiple shoe choices. And not being out of breathe after climbing the stairs.

Cravings: Back to ice cream this week. Butter Pecan to be exact. Oh and lemon iced tea...which I NEVER drank before. I've splurged on a few of those this week.

Symptoms: I mentioned the swelling, but besides that and the tightening of the tummy, I haven't really had too many problems. I have occasional heartburn right before bed, but mostly its gone from the daylight hours. This week I have had some dull pains in my lower right side, thinking its maybe due to her dropping a little and getting ready to make her way into the world!

Measurements: Zero Dilation and effacement. She's not in any rush to leave the womb.

 Best Moment this week: It would be a toss up between getting back and foot rubs from my husband on multiple nights. He is so wonderful about taking care of me when I am achy. I'm a lucky girl.  This week was my first internal check at the doctors (not fun at all btw) and also the first time I will start seeing him weekly.  This made me realize just how close I am to having this baby! 

3 weeks! Wow this last trimester has flown by. I had my first strong contraction today at work, which was my second all together, last Saturday I had a short one after a long day of shopping. But today was a real sign that I need to start slowing down a bit and not pushing myself if I want to keep calm and let my body tell me when things are going to be happening.

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You Capture-Motherhood

My First Mother's Day.

  I rubbed and stared at my belly extra long this day.

Can she feel the love and awe that I have every time I feel her move? 

I cried as I walked into her nursery that morning, filled with such love 

for this little girl that I am carrying in my womb.

I cried when her daddy gave me my first card, 

even before I opened it to see the words he picked just for me. 

Then I cried more after I read those words.

He loves us both so much!

Motherhood....I am so ready to begin this journey.

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35 wks

(Pardon the pasty picture....I've been sick this week)

How Far Along am I: 35 Weeks
(35 DAYS TO GO!!!)

 

Size of baby: Baby Girl is the size of a large cantaloupe

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Gained 32 lbs since conception

Maternity Clothes: yes, thank goodness

 Gender: It's a GIRL!

Movement: Tons of moves and kicks this week. She is getting higher and it kinda tickles my ribs. I am told this won't last too long. Soon it will hurt. But for now, it makes me smile.The Dr said she was measuring a bit bigger this week, but he would keep an eye on it and if it continues then we'll do another growth scan in a few weeks and see how she looks.

Sleep:I've been sick this week so the sleeping hasn't been the best. I've been tossing and turning more and tend to get kind of achy if I stay in one place too long. Sometimes I have to stretch out on my back but don't stay there for too long.

What I miss: Skinny ankles and being able to lift up my leg to put on my shoe while standing on one foot. Now I have to sit on the steps and contort myself just to get socks on. Its a beautiful sight.

Cravings: Nothing really too much this week, probably because I can't really taste anything.
Did try a piece of Hawaiian pizza because it sounded good....not so much.

Symptoms: I started getting a sore throat Sunday night and when I went for my appointment on Monday I was a sneezy runny nosed mess! The Dr gave me a Z pack to prevent it from turning into strept throat and told me to stay hydrated and rest. Spent Monday night on the couch falling in and out of sleep. Spiked a fever about 9pm and tried to cool down with a cool compress on my head. It went down some and spiked again at 100.5 about 1am. It wasn't a good night for resting. Slowly felt better everyday once the fever dissipated, but that was pretty scary. Not knowing how much of a fever was risky to our little one, I was worrying and eventually took a Tylenol to help move it along!

 Best Moment this week: This week was the fourth week of Lamaze class...and we had the hospital tour! It was very cool to go inside the room and get to see where we would be delivering our baby (well the kind of room, I think there are a dozen or so). It helped to see all the stuff and get an idea of how things normally flow. Then we went to the other side of the floor where the postpartum section was and got to see where we would me moved after delivery. The first room that we saw was smaller then the second, both of which were smaller then the one that my cousin had when she delivered in. So hubby and I decided we want that big room! (room 223....gonna request it when we go in...doubt it will help but might as well try!) Oh and this week I washed the first load of tiny laundry with the free and clear baby detergent. It is amazing how many things fit into one load. It also is amazing how much smaller some of them are after getting them out of the dryer! Just a reminder of how tiny she is!

I think the girls are getting excited about meeting the baby too!

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34 wks

How Far Along am I: 34 Weeks

 

Size of baby: Baby Girl is the size of a large cantaloupe

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Gained 30 lbs since conception

Maternity Clothes: yes, thank goodness

 Gender: It's a GIRL!

Movement: The little sweetie has been moving around a lot more this week. Seems like she is most active in the mornings and after dinner. Started to feel rolls from side to side more,
so hopefully she has a favorite spot.

Sleep: Next question. Sleeping well, but having trouble falling asleep after I get up at 3AM.
Rolling more often to get comfortable.

What I miss: Shoes that fit, my regular size ankles and not being out of breathe when I walk up the stairs.

Cravings: Still loving the burgers, but this week I've really wanted pop tarts. Not sure why the sugar cravings have popped back up, but I could literally eat a pack of cherry pop tarts every morning.

Symptoms: The swelling, oh the swelling! It now sometimes greets me in the morning, but most times doesn't make an appearance until after work. I've been having some Braxton Hicks contractions and feel my stomach tighten, mostly in the evenings. Need to start slowing down and not making sudden movements as I have been experiencing some muscle like pulls on the sides on my lower tummy. Take it easy lady!

Best Moment this week: Been a pretty calm week, but this week I would have to say it would be feeling her move so much after a brief scare Monday morning. She took her time and didn't get her 10 kicks in until 5 hours! Had my BP checked (normal at 103/70) and laid on my side in the clinic for a bit, and she finished but it was scary wondering why she was so quiet. I think maybe she was worn out from the weekend as well!

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33 wks

How Far Along am I: 33 Weeks

 

Size of baby: Baby Girl is the size of a honeydew

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Gained 30 lbs since conception

Maternity Clothes: yes please!

 Gender: It's a GIRL!

Movement: She has been moving all the time, and lately almost seems to be doing the conga in my tummy.  I had to start counting her movements this week and so far its been between 3-4 hours to get to 10 movements, but the first half of those happen in the first hour.  She's getting close to kicking my ribs but hasn't done any damage yet!

Sleep: Not the best, but I am getting sleep. It's probably worse for my husband who is a light sleeper so my tossing and turning is probably starting to get annoying.

What I miss: Bending over and ice cream and sweets. I have been really good lately.

Cravings: Still loving the hamburgers. I'm taking iron supplements so maybe I'm just needing more from red meat, I don't really know. But I can't seem to get enough!

Symptoms: The swelling has continued and by the time I get home from work my ankles have turned into lite kankles. Not too much in my face that I notice yet, but the extremities are starting to feel it. But on a side note, Miss G had her first case of real hiccups this week. It kinda freaked me out a little bit, she would have like 5 hiccup, then stretch and my tummy would move from round to almost oval...then she would repeat the process.I felt bad but I know its a normal part of her growing and learning to suck.

Best Moment this week: Hands down it would have to be getting the main decal done in the nursery.  My husband did a great job, I assisted by handing him the elements to apply, we are both so pleased with how it turned out.  Hopefully the last piece will be done next week and we can share it with you!

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32 wks

How Far Along am I: 32 Weeks

 

Size of baby: Baby Girl is the size of a squash

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Gained just shy of 30 lbs since conception

Maternity Clothes: yes please!

 Gender: It's a GIRL!

Movement: The last week she has shifted and now moves from left to right and sometimes hangs out in the middle. I have started feeling her kick me a little higher and even think she took a jab at my ribs the other day!

Sleep: Uh, not so good. starting to realize that whatever side she moves to suddenly becomes uncomfortable and I have to switch. My arm has been falling asleep more often. And last night I think she got the hiccups about 4am, so that kinda freaked me out and kept me up a bit.

What I miss: Bending over and sleeping on my tummy. And wine. I could have used a glass of wine last week after working for 14 + hrs.

Cravings: Lately its been SONIC. Loving me some burgers and tater tots. I've even opted for unsweetened tea instead of soda to help keep the sugar down. The pellet ice makes it all worth it!

Symptoms: This has been a pretty good week, with the exception of being more tired and feeling some tightness in my sides. I'm sure it's just growing pains and not contractions. My bump has grown so much in the past 2 weeks I know its getting snug in there for her. Some swelling in my feet after a long day at work.

Best Moment this week: Besides finding out last week that I passed my glucose test, I would have to say its been watching her move around in my tummy. Daddy was able to see her kick pretty easily the other da, so that's been exciting to watch his reaction. The nursery is almost complete, just waiting for the valance and decal and I'll be sharing her room with you.
We started Lamaze this week, so its getting serious folks...she will be arriving in just 8 wks!

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