Josh and I are leaving this afternoon to celebrate Hunter's graduation from law school in Memphis! We are so proud of all of his hard work and are keeping our fingers crossed that everything pans out in the next several months - preparing and taking the bar and of course, to find that great job! He deserves it.
I went to my 36 week appointment yesterday - more progress! I've almost dilated a cm and she is still head down! She's also began to drop, which I can tell through how my belly looks (even Josh and my Mom mentioned it) but also because I'm feeling lighter up top, but more pressure below in my lower back and pelvis. Don't worry- I did get permission from my OB to travel to Memphis this weekend, especially after I told her we were only staying a night. Still, we have hospital bags packed and her car seat in place, just in case.
Speaking of "nesting," we are in full force. I have washed all of her newborn to 3-month clothes, her socks, swaddle me's, gowns, towels, wash cloths and receiving blankets and put them away. We have her nursery ready to go with everything orgranized that we will need when she first arrives: diapers, wipes, accessories (which this child definitely has), shoes, nursing gear, etc. Plus, like I said, we are packed and ready to go for the hospital.
I had 2 reality checks yesterday: the first after I saw that my sorority sister had her baby on Tuesday night...and she was due only 2 days before me; the second when my doctor said, "We won't stop labor is she decides it's time." YAYYYYY!
I know I've said this 100 times, but we cannot wait to meet her! I will definitely miss being pregnant (no, seriously, I will) but we can't wait to have her here.
Have a great weekend - J, K & Baby A
Friday, May 11, 2012
Monday, May 7, 2012
Welcome, Month #9!!
36 weeks tomorrow - WOW.
Everything has still been going well! My 35 week appointment was last Wednesday and although I haven't dilated at all, she said my cervix definitely thinning and softening (effacing) and that she thinks I'm about 30%! I'm happy with any kind of progress - hopefully we'll keep it up! The only SLIGHT concern from both my physician at the 34 week appointment and the other MD I saw this past week (I've seen all the doctors in the practice during my pregnancy) was an elevated blood pressure, and it was only considered high for me compared to other appointments. I haven't been having headaches, eyesight issues, severe swelling, protein in my urine or reflex issues, so they aren't overly concerned about preeclampsia. Hopefully, though, it will be lower on Thursday at my appointment.
We have continued to prepare for AG's arrival over the last several weeks. Her curtains, pillow and dust ruffle are still with the seamstress and I don't have a lot of wall decor, but we love her nursery thus far. I have been washing her teeny tiny wardrobe (cutest.things.ever) and Josh put all of her big stuff together. He also converted the guest bedroom into our new office and it looks awesome.
I'm now just tying up loose ends at work (and finishing up her to-do list as well). I meet with my manager on Thursday to go over plans while I'm on leave. I'm really trying to get all of our ducks in the row in the next week, as that's 37 weeks aka FULL TERM (they wouldn't stop labor). We are also packing for the hospital! I cannot believe how close we are to being parents!
On another note, we've decided to keep the hospital trip (as in Avery Grace's big arrival) to only immediate family (us, our parents, siblings and grandparents). We decided to keep things as intimate as possible, giving our close family a few days of solo bonding with Avery. Plus, we have so many family, friends and family friends, it would just be too wild for a couple of days at the hospital. So, we're asking for everyone to come visit us once we're home and we can enjoy visiting a little more (unless you or your kids/fam are sick, ha!).
I'll update everyone on the doctor's visit later this week :-)
Here are a couple of pics from the last week:
Everything has still been going well! My 35 week appointment was last Wednesday and although I haven't dilated at all, she said my cervix definitely thinning and softening (effacing) and that she thinks I'm about 30%! I'm happy with any kind of progress - hopefully we'll keep it up! The only SLIGHT concern from both my physician at the 34 week appointment and the other MD I saw this past week (I've seen all the doctors in the practice during my pregnancy) was an elevated blood pressure, and it was only considered high for me compared to other appointments. I haven't been having headaches, eyesight issues, severe swelling, protein in my urine or reflex issues, so they aren't overly concerned about preeclampsia. Hopefully, though, it will be lower on Thursday at my appointment.
We have continued to prepare for AG's arrival over the last several weeks. Her curtains, pillow and dust ruffle are still with the seamstress and I don't have a lot of wall decor, but we love her nursery thus far. I have been washing her teeny tiny wardrobe (cutest.things.ever) and Josh put all of her big stuff together. He also converted the guest bedroom into our new office and it looks awesome.
I'm now just tying up loose ends at work (and finishing up her to-do list as well). I meet with my manager on Thursday to go over plans while I'm on leave. I'm really trying to get all of our ducks in the row in the next week, as that's 37 weeks aka FULL TERM (they wouldn't stop labor). We are also packing for the hospital! I cannot believe how close we are to being parents!
On another note, we've decided to keep the hospital trip (as in Avery Grace's big arrival) to only immediate family (us, our parents, siblings and grandparents). We decided to keep things as intimate as possible, giving our close family a few days of solo bonding with Avery. Plus, we have so many family, friends and family friends, it would just be too wild for a couple of days at the hospital. So, we're asking for everyone to come visit us once we're home and we can enjoy visiting a little more (unless you or your kids/fam are sick, ha!).
I'll update everyone on the doctor's visit later this week :-)
Here are a couple of pics from the last week:
Another pic from our session with Cortney Smith Photography
Josh and Layla relaxing at DeDe's pool
The pool is the perfect place for the preggo and the lab :)
HAVE A GREAT WEEK!
-J, K & A
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Sneak Peek from Maternity Pics
Here is our very first maternity pic -
love it and cannot wait to see the rest!!!
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Our Cup Runneth Over...
Josh and I have the BEST family and friends. We have had 3 baby showers for Avery Grace over the last two weekends and they all were wonderful. The generosity of our loved ones has been so greatly appreciated and we have knocked out a ton of "must-haves" for her and the rest should be covered by gift cards (have I mentioned just how much I love gift cards?!). We are beyond blessed to have SO many people anxiously awaiting her arrival.
I have spent today after church organizing clothes, blankets, toys, pacifiers, bathing supplies, bibs, books, etc. while Josh put together the stroller, car seat, swing, pack-n-play and bouncer. We absolutely put a dent in the work, but there is still plenty to be done!
Another big event taking place this Thursday: The last of my 2-week doctor's appointments! Which means, YES, next Wednesday begins my weekly visits! It is unbelievable how fast the time has flown. We are beyond ready to have her here! I told Josh this morning: "At the earliest, she'll be here in 3 weeks and at the most, only 6." (<---Yes, positive thinking goes a long way, ha!) It's just mind-boggling to believe we will be parents in no time!
Other than that, I'm trying to wrap up all work's loose ends before taking a few weeks off for maternity leave. At my company, we get the usual paid 6-8 weeks (depending on C-section) then FMLA (up to 16 weeks in Tennessee) if we new moms so-choose. I've pretty well decided (90% sure) that I'm breaking that time up, since you have up until 12 months after birth to take the family leave. So, I'll take the initial 6-8 weeks, then go back on leave either late 2012 or early 2013. Until then, I'm planning on working up until her big debut, unless my doctor disagrees with that plan. I think it will be fine, minus driving 2+ hours from Murfreesboro after the beginning of May and that I don't have any issues in the upcoming weeks. So far so good!
I'll be posting pics of both the nursery (and showers) once I get them all ready. The nursery is painted, thanks to Josh's wonderful grandfather, and we got the fabric we were hoping for, which is now with the seamstress for curtains, a pillow and a dust ruffle. Once it's all put together and furniture is in it's final resting place, I'll post the pictures.
HAVE A BLESSED WEEK!
xoxo.
J, K & Baby A
I have spent today after church organizing clothes, blankets, toys, pacifiers, bathing supplies, bibs, books, etc. while Josh put together the stroller, car seat, swing, pack-n-play and bouncer. We absolutely put a dent in the work, but there is still plenty to be done!
Another big event taking place this Thursday: The last of my 2-week doctor's appointments! Which means, YES, next Wednesday begins my weekly visits! It is unbelievable how fast the time has flown. We are beyond ready to have her here! I told Josh this morning: "At the earliest, she'll be here in 3 weeks and at the most, only 6." (<---Yes, positive thinking goes a long way, ha!) It's just mind-boggling to believe we will be parents in no time!
Other than that, I'm trying to wrap up all work's loose ends before taking a few weeks off for maternity leave. At my company, we get the usual paid 6-8 weeks (depending on C-section) then FMLA (up to 16 weeks in Tennessee) if we new moms so-choose. I've pretty well decided (90% sure) that I'm breaking that time up, since you have up until 12 months after birth to take the family leave. So, I'll take the initial 6-8 weeks, then go back on leave either late 2012 or early 2013. Until then, I'm planning on working up until her big debut, unless my doctor disagrees with that plan. I think it will be fine, minus driving 2+ hours from Murfreesboro after the beginning of May and that I don't have any issues in the upcoming weeks. So far so good!
I'll be posting pics of both the nursery (and showers) once I get them all ready. The nursery is painted, thanks to Josh's wonderful grandfather, and we got the fabric we were hoping for, which is now with the seamstress for curtains, a pillow and a dust ruffle. Once it's all put together and furniture is in it's final resting place, I'll post the pictures.
HAVE A BLESSED WEEK!
xoxo.
J, K & Baby A
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Project Nursery/Office/Guest Room Switch-a-roo
After several minor set-backs over the last couple, we are finally tackling the room and nursery project. All I can say is luckily we aren't really utilizing our formal dining area AND we can close it off because right now it is storing baby furniture and gifts, all of my marketing materials for work and other odds&ends that are being transferred from room-to-room. Again, we are converting the office into AG's nursery and turning the guest bedroom into the office. We really thought long-term planning through when we moved in, clearly...ha!
Many of you have asked about nursery colors and I know we have been pretty vague. There were several ideas that I liked but overall, we have been pretty set on neutral colors and having a classic and simple theme. I didn't want to do animals and anything too crazy, color-wise.
Mom and I went fabric shopping in Chattanooga yesterday while Josh got the nursery cleaned up. This was the fabric that had the biggest impression on me and they are checking to see if they can get enough to do two sets of curtains and a pillow for the chair. Josh went to Lowe's this morning to compare paint samples since our wall color now has too much of a yellow undertone in the beige.
I am spending today painting a bookshelf and end table that will match the dresser/changing table. That will make all the nursery furniture antique white and the crib (and wood on the glider/ottoman) espresso. As far as decor, here are just a couple of ideas for inspiration (see Pinterest for the whole nine yards):
I am also planning to buy a small chandelier to take the place of the current light fixture in the room.
I am very excited that all the plans are falling into place. We are on track to accomplish theme of the clean, classic simplicity of a sweet nursery we were going for from Day 1, though I am as shocked as you are that the one "color" we have to offset the neutral color scheme is light pink. It will be gorgeous, though! ...if they can get the fabric :)
Have a blessed weekend! And Happy Easter
...He is risen, indeed!
Many of you have asked about nursery colors and I know we have been pretty vague. There were several ideas that I liked but overall, we have been pretty set on neutral colors and having a classic and simple theme. I didn't want to do animals and anything too crazy, color-wise.
Mom and I went fabric shopping in Chattanooga yesterday while Josh got the nursery cleaned up. This was the fabric that had the biggest impression on me and they are checking to see if they can get enough to do two sets of curtains and a pillow for the chair. Josh went to Lowe's this morning to compare paint samples since our wall color now has too much of a yellow undertone in the beige.
Our current wall color is on the left, Josh's match is on the right.
Also, here is the Dutailier Reclining Glider and Ottoman I found at a catalog return outlet - it was exactly what I wanted and we found a fabulous deal!
I am spending today painting a bookshelf and end table that will match the dresser/changing table. That will make all the nursery furniture antique white and the crib (and wood on the glider/ottoman) espresso. As far as decor, here are just a couple of ideas for inspiration (see Pinterest for the whole nine yards):
Monogram and Antique window (something I've had and onto for years!)
Simple, elegant decor on the wall
Ordered this in her colors!
And I'd like to dedicate it to Hunter, for his childhood love for The Wizard of Oz
I am very excited that all the plans are falling into place. We are on track to accomplish theme of the clean, classic simplicity of a sweet nursery we were going for from Day 1, though I am as shocked as you are that the one "color" we have to offset the neutral color scheme is light pink. It will be gorgeous, though! ...if they can get the fabric :)
Have a blessed weekend! And Happy Easter
...He is risen, indeed!
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Week of Craziness=1, J&K=0
What a wild week! I had an insane week at work, including a 14 hour day in Alabama working programs. I was ready for the weekend, to say the least, but Hey, duty calls! To top it all off, I got a call from Josh on Friday that his back was hurting. Less than 2 hours later, we were in the ER - kidney stones. Yuck. Neither of us had had them before, but apparently it is genetic and several members of his family have dealt with them. Anyway, our big weekend of working on the nursery turned into more of nursing poor Josh, but I'm learning to expect the unexpected. I'm praying hard he'll be feeling better soon. I keep reminding him labor won't last this long, HA! I've gotta keep him on his toes...
On the other hand, I'm still doing good. My feet are starting to hurt, but I still haven't had a lot of swelling or pain elsewhere, so I'll take a couple of nights of foot rubs :) I've watched the sweet cravings and have started letting myself do one dessert a day (rather than multiple and more multiple), although I sort of busted that this weekend, mostly out of boredom. I guess watching the Women's Sweet 16 and Men's Elite 8 will only entertain the preggo for so long.
On the other hand, I'm still doing good. My feet are starting to hurt, but I still haven't had a lot of swelling or pain elsewhere, so I'll take a couple of nights of foot rubs :) I've watched the sweet cravings and have started letting myself do one dessert a day (rather than multiple and more multiple), although I sort of busted that this weekend, mostly out of boredom. I guess watching the Women's Sweet 16 and Men's Elite 8 will only entertain the preggo for so long.
Pic from Friday - 29.5 weeks:
Avery Grace had a couple of new buddies born this week! She has a new cousin, Matthew Reece, who was born Friday (Josh's cousin, Ashley's, baby). Reece is the 13th and AG will be the 14th great-grandchild on that side of the family (Linz, correct me if my Smith math is wrong).
She also has a new neighbor and family friend, Aubree Kate, who was born Wednesday (my old friend, Jeff, and his wife, Rachel's baby girl).
Well, though the week was a little tough, I'm confident this one will be much more easy-going.
Hope you all enjoy another week of Spring weather!
J, K & Baby A
Sunday, March 18, 2012
First Week of 3rd Trimester - COMPLETE.
We just returned from our babymoon to Sandestin - it was a FABULOUS getaway. We got up around 1:30am on Thursday and made our way down to Florida. Sun, Food, Beyond Amazing Weather and of course, The Beach. I couldn't believe how lucky we got with the condo, the view, the location and the 75-80 degree weather. We cannot complain about a thing - it was all great...perfect, even!
Josh is an amazing photographer!
- Picture from last night's dinner-
Dinner at the Harbor.
A super-sweet (and tipsy) lady wanted to snap a pic of the parents-to-be :)
Next weekend, we are planning on working hard on the nursery, something that has yet to happen. We have to finish cleaning out the guest room, move all of the office furniture into the now-guest room, then begin placing furniture in the nursery (the now-office). Confusing, enough? Yes, it has been an adventure for us as well.
Have a great week!
J, K and Baby A
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