39 Week Update

Well, the news is in. Absolutely nothing has changed since our last visit except that Brooks is still gaining weight! During our ultrasound we learned that they believe Brooks to be 8 lbs and doing well. Our technician was amazed at how big Brooks' feet looked and I was amazed at how little room he had!  The poor guy looks like he has absolutely no space to move. 

Our doctor doesn't really look for Brooks to come by his due date, although it could happen. He said that if he hasn't arrived by the 21st or 22nd that I will be induced. We go back next Wednesday to check on things again and schedule our day (if something hasn't happened before!) Maybe, just maybe, my water will break................ :)

Yummy Breakfast!

I wake up this morning to find Jeff in the kitchen cooking me breakfast! Yummy bacon, eggs and toast- what a husband :) Jeff sure has been taking great care of me, the dogs and the house these past few weeks. Once I get home from school, and even on the weekends, he tells me to go sit on the couch and relax while he does the work.  This morning he cooked breakfast, finished all the laundry and loaded/unloaded the dishwasher. He definitely earned his soccer time today :) He is at the park enjoying this beautiful day playing pick-up (with his phone nearby just in case!) while I am at home watching tv.

Friday night was my first night of bad sleep. About a month ago my hips and butt began to get numb while I was sleeping, causing me to have to flip from side to side about every 2 hours. But Friday night it was the worst it has been. I flipped and flipped but it absolutely killed me. I even got more pillows, but nothing helped. Needless to say, Saturday was a very laid-back day for me. I took two naps and probably left the couch a total of 3 hours the entire day. I thought this was the beginning of bad sleep (hey, I'm not complaining- I have been EXTREMELY lucky enjoying every aspect of my pregnancy) but last night I was back to sleeping just fine. Let's hope this continues until Brooks decides to arrive! Only 11 more days until my due date. How did time go by so fast??

We finally put up our alphabet flash cards in Brooks' room!

Check back Wednesday night to hear what the doctor says!

Why Leave Your Warm House??

I think Brooks is going to be a lot like Liz and I. When it's cold (cold for Savannah that is) we do not leave the house if possible. I think Brooks feels he has no reason to leave the nice warm place he is now and I can't say I blame him. I have a feeling we might have to induce this big boy for him to come out.

It's amazing how close we are now. Two weeks will fly by because the last 9 or so months went by in the blink of an eye it feels like. I was much more nervous about a month ago and now I kind of have the attitude of "let's just do this." I guess we are as ready as we will ever be (the car seat is in the car already and there is a crib and clothes for him to wear).

Liz has been a star as always even this far in. My school threw a shower for us which was great and even though Liz (at 9 months pregnant) was introduced to more people than she could remember after she had worked all day she had that trademark Liz Smile. Of course I heard the whole range of "Your wife is so great!", "Liz is so nice", "Why is Liz with you??!?", etc. Yeah, yeah - heard it all before people. She's alright I guess.

In other news I got my last haircut as a non-father last weekend. Weird.

38 Weeks

"Absolutely nothing has changed," our doctor said to us today. Although Brooks' heartbeat looked good on the monitor and I had a few contractions just like last week, my cervix had done absolutely nothing over the past week. Dr. T said he would see us next week to not only hook me up on the fetal monitor and examine me again, but to also have another ultrasound to check the size of Brooks. I think he may try to stay put as long as possible!

37 Weeks

Brooks is still hanging in there and doing well! We had an appointment yesterday and heard all good things. First, I was hooked up to the fetal monitor for about 30 minutes. Sadly, Jeff wasn't allowed in during that and had to leave for coaching before we met with our doctor. Brooks' heartbeat was strong and steady and I even had about 5 contractions while I was hooked up. I was texting Jeff the whole time and I think he about had a heart attack when the message read, "and I am even having some contractions!" He nearly ran home to install the car seat (which we are doing THIS weekend) and get the 'go-bag'. I think he was a bit relieved when I told him that I wasn't IN labor, but my body is just doing what it is suppose to- preparing for labor.

After my time on the monitor they did the usual: checked my weight, blood pressure and measuring of my uterus. All were good, especially my blood pressure (right, Jeff???). Then the doctor checked my cervix. He said it was thinning out and a dimple was starting to form, which I assume means it is about to start opening up.

He told me I could continue working, but that once I get home I must sit on the couch and relax and have Jeff do all of the household things :) I didn't argue with him! Jeff has been wonderful this last week: doing all the laundry, loading/unloading the dishwasher and best of all, tucking me into bed by 8:30 every night!

36 Weeks

Good news from the doctor today! After checking Brooks out on the ultrasound they estimated that he is about 6lbs, 7 oz right now. For the remaining weeks he will be putting on about 1/2 lb every week; therefore, making Brooks about 8lbs 7oz- if I make it 40 weeks! They did mention that this is give or take 1 lb on each side. So we are looking at Brooks weighing anywhere from 7.5lbs to 9.5lbs.
We are having a healthy baby :)

The ultrasound also showed that Brooks is head down and in the fetal position. He is getting ready to join our family! After seeing Brooks again, I think he is going to look like his daddy. Although he was sucking on his hand during the entire ultrasound, we were able to get a look at his profile and he looked a lot like Jeff!

Next week our dr will begin checking to see if I have dilated any, as well as hooking me up to a fetal monitor for about 20 minutes to check on the baby to make sure everything is how it should be each week.

4 more weeks............

35 Weeks

Yesterday we had our 35 week appointment and everything is still looking good. We will now be going to the doctor every week until Brooks arrives! I remember way back in the beginning when he said once we hit 36 weeks we would be coming every week. It's hard to believe that time has already come! I can't believe we have only 5 more weeks (give or take!) until we meet our little guy. Next week we are scheduled for an ultrasound so they can guess how much he weighs (eh!), as well as see his position. 


How far along? 35 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: +26
Maternity clothes? Not much fits me anymore....
Sleep: Sleeping pretty well still
Best moment this week: Only having to work half a day today (Friday) and being able to organize/rearrange Brooks' room some more
Movement: Has slowed a little this week, although he was pretty active today
Food cravings: No
Gender: BOY :) 
Labor Signs: No
Belly Button in or out? Flat?
What I am looking forward to: The 3 day weekend ahead and our next appointment so we can see Brooks!

34 Weeks

33 Weeks & Room Update

The holiday madness is finally slowing down, our house is cleaned and Brooks' room is becoming organized and ready for him! We had our 33 week check-up yesterday and as Jeff said, everything is looking great. His heartbeat was 148 and he has been moving around like crazy the past few days.  I have become a lot bigger over the past few weeks and plan on taking an updated picture next week once I hit 34 weeks.

Here are a few updated pictures of Brooks' room. The walls are not quite as bare and things are beginning to find a home. Oh, and I am missing one curtain.

                                       

How far along? 33 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: +23
Maternity clothes? Only have one pair of maternity pants. Being off for Christmas break, I have only been wearing yoga pants and tshirts. Guess I will find out once I go back to school if anything fits me. 
Sleep: Sleeping pretty good. I am beginning to get a bit uncomfortable. My sides get numb really quickly and I have to flip every hour or two. 
Best moment this week: Feeling Brooks move so much
Movement: Lots this week. Mom and Dad both got to feel him while in town
Food cravings: No
Gender: BOY :) 
Labor Signs: No
Belly Button in or out? Flat?
What I am looking forward to: Finding out how big they think Brooks is! We should find out in a few weeks... . Will he be a fatty like me...or a normal size baby like Jeff???

Last Christmas as non-parents!

So our last Christmas as non-parents is over which means this whole having a baby thing is getting closer and closer. We had a great break so far and the only complaint is that it's been too short. We had our families come to Savannah which was great. It was strange not being at our respective homes at all for the Christmas season but it was good to see everybody. The Templetons (Liz teaches their youngest boy Ben) were nice enough to let us use their beach house on Tybee for a week or so. It was very relaxing in between Tasha's loud and crazy parties...just kidding Sissy!

Liz is still doing great. We just went to the doctor for a check up today and came back with a good report. Dr. Toraya was out of town so we met with a nurse practitioner instead. It was good to get a good report from a new face. She said Liz's weight gain and belly size are exactly where they should be and that Brooks' heartbeat is exactly where it should be as well. Brooks must have heard her and celebrated with a kick/punch or two (maybe a high five??) in the doctors office. I keep waiting for Liz to "act" pregnant but I don't know if it will happen. She is her usual determined and independent self just with a really big belly. She has been better about letting me get stuff down for her if it's up high (it's easy when you are as tall as I am) and she has stopped trying to lift heavy things but other than that she really has not changed.

So these last 33 weeks have flown by. No, seriously, for real. It still feels like it's been about a month since we first found out. Feb. 17th will be here before we know it. I will admit that I have been more nervous than Liz has but really only about small things like do I know how to hold a baby. I'm sure I will learn as I go.

Ok I guess it's not the best idea to make your very pregnant wife clean the house by herself so I'll stop there.

4D Ultrasound

Mom, Tasha, Karen, Paul and Kevin all came with us today to check out little Brooks! We got a few good pictures but just like all of our other ultrasounds, Brooks had his hands (and feet) in front of his face most of the time. This is a lot of what we got to see:

He did move his hands a couple of times real quickly and we were able to catch a few good views. It was a lot of fun getting to see our little boy! Oh, and it looks like he has some hair :)

Brooks yawning

Such chubby hands! 

Baby Shower #2

What a great shower my Kindergarten team threw for us on Friday! We had a wonderful turn out of fellow teachers and parents of current/former students. Donna was nice enough to hold it at her house on Tybee and it seemed as though everyone had a great time socializing, as well as eating and drinking :) I know I had a wonderful time and was extremely exhausted once I arrived home. Of course I forgot my camera and we didn't take one picture! I did however take a few once I arrived home of all the gifts and cute cupcakes Donna made!

30 Weeks

Today I am officially 30 weeks- only 10 more to go and I have a feeling it is going to fly by with the holidays just around the corner! We have a busy weekend ahead of us: baby shower tomorrow night (thrown by my great Kindergarten team), child-birth class all day Saturday and then preparing for our family that will be coming and going for the next few weeks. Mom, Karen and Paul arrive on Wednesday- just in time for our 3D ultrasound and will be staying in Savannah for a while! Dad will then be traveling Christmas night to come hang out for a few days :) Luckily, one of my great families at school have given us their beach house for a week or so on Tybee which allows us all to be together under one roof doing nothing but eating, hanging out, celebrating Christmas, playing games and relaxing. We have been so lucky meeting such great people since we have moved to Savannah!

Oh, and my total weight gain is quickly approaching 20lbs..........

I'm back!

Well after a long time away from the old keyboard I'm back. I had a busy few months with finishing up my classes and coaching but now I'm ready to roll. Or blog. Or whatever sounds better. I think Liz covered our Thanksgiving trip pretty well but it was great to see everybody. Kentucky is cold. Enough chit chat.

Liz is still feeling great. She seems tired but that is pretty normal for a Kindergarten teacher in December anyway. I probably need to do more back rubs, foot rubs, etc but Liz is acting so normal I almost forget she is pregnant. And then I look at her belly... Speaking of - that thing is getting bigger and bigger. I felt Brooks move for the first time a couple weeks ago. Awesome feeling. It felt like a left foot so it could be a future Ryan Giggs in there. Brooks seems to enjoy lounging around and stretching out most of the time though. It seems like you can feel him on both sides of Liz's stomach when you feel him. Every now and then there is a big kick or punch and then he is back to lounging.

The baby preparations are coming along nicely. The room looks great and all that is missing (other than a baby) is the glider that my parents got us. It's in the mail and should arrive within a few days which will be great. After that we will organize the furniture and get some stuff on the wall. The good news is the US onesie and the kids Manchester United kit are in the closet and ready. I also forgot to mention that Auntie Tab got Brooks some baby Chucks. High top black ones. Rock. Slightly less cool - the team I coach got us a stroller which was very thoughtful. Brooks is ready to go.

Liz and I can't wait.

Innie or Outie?

Last night Tasha was over and was trying to see if she could feel Brooks move. Of course he didn't budge while she was here, but she did bring to my attention that I can no longer call my belly button an innie on my weekly updates. I think it is still kind of...barely...an innie, but she says there is no way. It isn't yet an outtie but simply flat. She took an up-close picture of my 'flat' belly button for the blog but I decided to post the one that is not so up-close and gross looking.

Oh, and Jeff has been saying for weeks that he is going to post a long entry since it has been forever. . . . .Be on the lookout. Surely it will happen before Brooks arrives.......

29 Weeks...11 more to go!

We have a check-up at the doctor tomorrow and after that, we will be going to the doctor every two weeks instead of four. It is crazy how quickly time has flown. I remember him saying at one of our first appointments how you begin coming every four and then once you get close it becomes every two weeks. I thought that seemed like forever away and here it is. I'm not sure if time is flying because I have a wonderful class this year (it always flies when you have a good class and drags when you have a not so good one) or if it is simply because I am pregnant (or maybe even the simple fact I am just getting old). I am still feeling well and actually told Jeff the other day that I think I 'might' miss being pregnant once we have Brooks. 


How far along? 29 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: +15
Maternity clothes? Still wearing my old dresses and skirts with tights......throwing in a maternity dress and pair of pants from time to time
Sleep: Sleeping well. Apparently Brooks is a night owl- he moves the most when I get into bed and throughout the night. If I wake up during the night it is hard for me to go back to sleep because it is so neat to lie and watch/feel him move
Best moment this week: Besides spending my sister's birthday with her ;) it would have to be having Monday off to do laundry and settle back in from being away for Thanksgiving, as well as putting away all of our wonderful gifts from our KY shower. 
Movement: Yes! More finally!!.......in the afternoons, at night and while I am taking baths. 
Food cravings: No
Gender: BOY :) 
Labor Signs: No
Belly Button in or out? Innie for only a few more weeks I think............
What I am looking forward to: Our 3D ultrasound in a couple of weeks! It has been forever it seems since we have seen little Brooks

Thanksgiving Break/Baby Shower

Jeff and I had a wonderful, quick trip up to Rome and Kentucky for Thanksgiving. It was great seeing our families and friends. I even got to meet Cass' little baby boy, Grey, who was born about a month ago! He is so precious and made me even more excited for our little one to arrive!

Somehow, in the midst of the craziness, we were able to squeeze a baby shower in while in KY. Thank you Mom and Tabitha for getting it all together- it turned out wonderful. Not only did we get a lot of awesome things for Brooks, we were also able to see a lot of family and friends that we haven't seen in a long time. It was great catching up with everyone and it meant a lot to us to have everyone there. Here are a few pictures of the shower:

Thankful 'Fours'

At school we always make our Thankful 'Fours'. The children cut out large fours and then write what they are thankful for on them. There were a couple of really cute ones that concerned Brooks that I thought I would share.

27 Weeks

I received a phone call a few days ago from my Dr. saying that my Glucose Tolerance Test results came back however they were suppose to! Therefore, I do not have to go back for the longer test. Woohoo! But they did mention that my iron was low and I needed to take an iron supplement daily.

Here we are at 27 weeks. Only 13 more weeks to go..........Time flies!
How far along? 27 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: +13
Maternity clothes? Not too much but my belly sure is bigger. I wear dresses and skirts that still fit! 
Sleep: Great...except for when Jeff wakes me up ten thousand times a night to tell me to roll over on my side! Apparently I am mean to him when he does it and I try to trick him by just turning my head to the side...........
Best moment this week: getting good news on my glucose test
Movement: More after school and in the mornings
Food cravings: No
Gender: BOY :) 
Labor Signs: No
Belly Button in or out? my innie is hanging in there...
What I am looking forward to: going to KY/Rome for Thanksgiving, as well as our 3D/4D ultrasound date slowly approaching 

26 Weeks

We had an appointment yesterday and Brooks' heartbeat was going strong at 145 beats/min! The doctor said that everything looked great and our next appointment is the week after Thanksgiving. After that appointment we will be going to the doctor every 2 weeks instead of 4. It is insane we are already this far into the pregnancy!
Oh, and let's hope my Glucose Tolerance test results come back however they are suppose to. I really don't want to go back and do the same thing again except drink even more glucose stuff then sit and wait for 3 hours.........