36 Weeks

Two weeks have gone by since I last posted.  My sweet RES first grade team hosted me a wonderful shower at school on Thursday, September 13th.  We received lots of goodies for Ella Kate at this shower and I am so thankful to work with such a wonderful group of people.  We are truly blessed.  On Sunday, September 16th, Hunter's family hosted a drop-in shower for me at The Summer House in Reidsville.  It was so good to see some friends and family that I have not seen in a long time.  Ella Kate is one lucky little girl to have so many people that love her already.  Yesterday, I packed our bags for the hospital and they are ready to go.  Today, we're finishing up the house in preparation for Ella Kate's arrival and cleaning my car so that Mrs. June can install her car seat for us.  We are getting so anxious and ready to meet our sweet girl.  My doctor is going to do one more fetal ultrasound in two weeks to get Ella Kate's weight again and then we will decide if I will have a regular delivery or schedule a c-section- depending on my pelvic area and her weight.  My last day of work will be on Thursday, October 4th.  I can't believe I only have 9 more days of work left but I am so ready to stay home with our little girl.  Below are some pictures from the past two weeks!

RES Shower Invitation- CUTE!

 My mom and I at my RES Shower- September 13, 2012

 Gift Table

 Some of my RES Family!

 Opening gifts.  This bib is from Violet Claire Shuman.  I can't wait for Ella Kate to meet her!

 Cute little Christmas pajamas from Linda.  They are adorable!

 Wonderful goodies from 2nd grade!  Love all of the owl things!

 My mom searched high and low for this piggy bank for Ella Kate.  She already has $2 in it from my grandma! :)

 Here's a close-up of the cute Christmas pj's!  I just love Christmas time!

 And a close-up of the bib from Violet Claire! 

 Kindergarten gave Ella Kate some much-needed goodies! Love these girls!

 Georgia hat, towel, and wash cloth from 4th grade!

Cute little Boo-Bunnie and Socks from Mrs. Kim.  She loves spoiling Ella Kate!

Precious bib and burp cloth from Kayla & Amy in Pre-K!

Adorable- from 2nd grade!  :)

 Humidifier for the nursery from 3rd grade! 

 Precious little outfit, photo album, and bear from 5th grade!

 Love the pink dress and bloomers from Tinsley Alexander.  She will be arriving in December!  

We had fun spending the gift cards we received from everyone at my RES Shower.  We are still waiting on some things to arrive!

Invitation to the drop-in shower at The Summer House!

 I was so excited to see Mrs. Lyn!  Love her so much!  I am 35 weeks, 4 days in this picture!

 My sister, Misti, has been such a big help throughout my pregnancy.  She helped me register for things I needed and always gives me just the right gifts.  I'm so excited our little ones will grow up together!

 Are they not the most precious people in the world!  Loved seeing Lindsay- it had been way too long.  And Wilkes is just adorable.  

 My mom and Hunter's mom!  Don't know what we'd do without them!

 Floor play mat from Patricia & Cherry!

 We received our travel system at this shower!  So excited to get the carseat installed and put the stroller together!

 Burp cloth and bib from Mrs. Cindy Sikes and made by Lindsay.  She's going to give me some monogram lessons- watch out world! :)

 Onesie and matching burp cloth from Lindsay!  She's amazing!

 Back in April, I was so blessed to meet Kristin, the wife of one of Hunter's fraternity brother's.  We met at the wedding of one of Hunter's other fraternity brothers and we're about 3 weeks apart.  She is having a little boy TOMORROW!  She sent these cute little outfits for Ella Kate.  Can't wait to get Hatcher and her together for a play date!  What a sweet family!

 After a day of cheer judging (that's why I look so rough)!  36 weeks, 3 days in this picture!

And last is one of Ella Kate's newest frames that I received in August that I had not uploaded.  Robyn is amazing!

How far along: 36 weeks, 4 days

Total Weight Gain/Loss: + 16 pounds 

Baby Bump: Yes

Maternity Clothes: Yes!  Not so much in shirts, but definitely have to wear maternity pants.  I can still wear most of my dresses and flowy shirts.

Stretch Marks: No

Sleep: Is getting much harder to come by these days!  I am up at least two times during the night to use the restroom and can't get comfortable at night.

Best Moment this Week: Putting things away and organizing things in Ella Kate's nursery and packing our bags for the hospital.

Miss Anything: Eating without getting heartburn.  I eat Tums like candy!

Movement: All the time!

Food Cravings: Anything sweet (as usual)

Anything Making You Queasy or Sick: No

Labor Signs: At our doctor's appointment this past week (September 19th) I was dialated 1 cm.

Symptoms: Swollen feet and legs and some cramping up high in my legs.

Belly Button (In or Out): Out

Wedding Rings (On or Off): On

Mood: I have to say I've been pretty happy throughout this pregnancy.  No mood swings. I think I do get irritable when I'm tired though.

Looking Forward to: Our weekly doctor's visit and Ella Kate's hutch arriving this week hopefully!  Once we get it in, I'll upload pictures of her nursery.  

Doctor's Appointment updates...
At our appointment on Wednesday, September 12th, Ella Kate's heartbeat was 143 bpm.  At our last appointment on Wednesday, September 19th her heartbeat was 159 bpm (the nurse said it was high because she was moving all around).  At this appointment I was dialated 1 cm!

34 Weeks

Where do I begin?  Becoming a mommy is becoming more and more real.  I feel like I still have SO much to do to get ready for Ella Kate's arrival.  We went to the doctor last week- Tuesday, September 4th and had our last ultrasound.  We didn't get many good photos because Ella Kate is much bigger now but we did get to see her face and of course I made them check to make sure she was still a girl! :) Her heartbeat was 157 bpm.  At this appointment they were able to get her weight which was 5 pounds and 3 ounces.  She should gain 1/2 pound each week until my due date.  Hunter says there is no way I'm having an 8 pound baby.  They also said she already has a head full of hair!  No wonder I've had so much heartburn.  We will now go to the doctor on a weekly basis.  I can't believe it's so close.  I'm feeling very nervous, anxious, scared, and excited!

This past weekend, I had planned to get a lot accomplished around the house and in her nursery but my exhaustion and busy schedule got the best of me!  In the fall, I judge GHSA Cheer Competitions and have one pretty much every Saturday until October.  I asked for the month off in October so that I can enjoy our little one.  And I'm sure cheerleading will be the last thing on my mind when she comes.  I can't wait to take maternity leave and spend these special weeks at home with her.  I know that I will miss my 1st graders- they are one of the sweetest classes EVER!!  But, they will be left in very good hands.  Speaking of school- my sweet co-workers are hosting me a shower on Thursday of this week (Sept. 13th).  SO EXCITED!

I did write as much as I could in Ella Kate's baby book and the rest will have to wait until she arrives.  I can't wait to fill it with special memories.  I also organized all of her clothes and put them away.  Her ultrasound album is also complete.  Yesterday, we had maternity pictures made with the amazing Amberly Foster.  I've shared some of them below.  We plan to put a few in her nursery and one in our room. I am glad that one day Ella Kate will be able to look back on this blog and see how much we have loved her since we found out we were expecting.  I plan to update it as she grows so she will always have this as a keepsake.

This coming weekend we plan to get the house deep cleaned, finish the nursery, and "baby-ize" the house with the bouncer, pack-n-play, tub, bottles, etc.  I also plan to pack both of our bags.  On Sunday, Hunter's family is hosting a shower for me and I can't wait to see everyone.

And let me just say I'm not very good with the chalkboard pictures each week.  With mine and Hunter's crazy schedules, we never have time to take pictures like we wanted!  We are always on the go!

Ella Kate's head (September 4, 2012)

We have LOTS of hair!

You can never be too sure!  Made her check again!

One of my favorites! I think we're putting this one in her room!

LOVE!

Another favorite!

Showing off the belly!  In this picture I am 34 Weeks, 4 days!

We're so ready to meet you!

Our first load of baby clothes- August 25, 2012!

All folded!  This past weekend I lined her dresser drawers and organized these by size and put them away!

How far along: 34 weeks, 5 days

Total Weight Gain/Loss: + 15 pounds 

Baby Bump: Yes

Maternity Clothes: Yes!  Not so much in shirts, but definitely have to wear maternity pants.  I can still wear most of my dresses and flowy shirts.

Stretch Marks: No

Sleep: I'm always exhausted but am waking up about every two hours to use the restroom or turn over.  It's so hard to get comfortable these days.

Best Moment this Week: Writing in Ella Kate's baby book and taking maternity pictures.

Miss Anything: Jeans without bands? HA!

Movement: All the time!

Food Cravings: Anything sweet (as usual)

Anything Making You Queasy or Sick: No

Labor Signs: None

Symptoms: Swollen feet and legs and some cramping up high in my legs.

Belly Button (In or Out): Out

Wedding Rings (On or Off): On

Mood: Happy/Tired

Looking Forward to: LOTS- Doctor appointment on Wednesday, Baby Shower on Thursday, getting the house "baby-ized" this weekend, and my last shower on Sunday!  

32 Weeks

It's been a busy, exhausting, but FUN two weeks since I last posted.  On Saturday, August 18th, my sweet sisters and "second mom" hosted a shower for me.  My mom also helped with the shower.  We received so many wonderful gifts for Ella Kate and are so thankful for our sweet friends and family who have been so good to us through this pregnancy.  In the pictures below, I am 31 Weeks, 3 days.

I have been VERY busy with school these days and Hunter gets on to me for staying up so late and working on "school" stuff.  But, I have the sweetest little class in the world, so it's all worth it.  I try to catch up on my sleep as much as I can on the weekends.  I'm also preparing for maternity leave so trying to plan ahead that far in advance is difficult to say the least.  But, I have one of the most wonderful long-term subs that I know will take wonderful care of my students.

On Monday, August 20th, we went for Ella Kate's check-up and all was perfect.  My sugar levels were off a little but it was because I had a Pepsi on the way to the appointment (OOPS!).  Ella Kate's heartbeat at this appointment was 163 bpm.  We go back on Tuesday, September 4th for an ultrasound so that we can get her weight and measurements.  We haven't seen her on ultrasound since July 10th so we are anxious to see how much she has grown! I had gained 5 pounds from my August 3rd appointment to this one.

As I'm writing this post, we are in the process of washing our first load of baby clothes and sheets for the crib.  Hunter and I put the clothes in the washing machine together and I wanted to cry!!  Her nursery chair and her mattress also came in this week.  And SWEET Mrs. Jody met us at our doctor's appointment to deliver Ella Kate's monogrammed bumper and some little monogrammed outfits.  She's the best.  Everything is starting to come together.  Hunter and I had so much fun going through her things in her nursery tonight.  We are so ready to meet our baby girl!

 Baby Shower Invitation

 Back of Invitation (EK's 3D Ultrasound)

 I thought this picture was sweet- all of my sister's feeling Ella Kate kicking...

 My sweet Emma, one of my students, came to my shower.  I've loved this girl since she was a baby!  

 Cute little outfit for the beach next year! Thanks Mrs. Coleman!

 My long-term sub and my first grade teacher- Mrs. Coleman!

 Grandma's and Great-Grandma's!

 So glad Lyndsay could come.  Her baby, Sarah, was born in January and this was the first time I got to meet her!

 Aunt Sarah showing off my belly!

 My niece, Macy, and me.  :)  I got lots of baby practice with her when she was born!

 Lynn got EK some pom poms.  She knows me too well.  Little cheerleader in the making!

 Aunt Brittany got Ella Kate this cute bow holder!  I love it!

 Mrs. Kim Jones got EK this outfit for Halloween.  Can't wait to see her in it.  PRECIOUS!

 Hostess Gift- our monitors.  We can't wait to use these!

 Mrs. Jody is the BEST!  Thank you so much for all of EK's outfits!

And last, I can't wait to wrap our sweet girl up in this blanket!

How far along: 32 weeks, 3 days

Total Weight Gain/Loss: + 14 pounds 

Baby Bump: Yes

Maternity Clothes: Yes!  Not so much in shirts, but definitely have to wear maternity pants.

Stretch Marks: No

Sleep: The last two weeks have not been great on sleep. I can't seem to get comfortable.  Hunter's dad picked up a Boppy Wedge for me yesterday and last night was the best night's sleep I have had in a while. I definitely recommend for all my expecting friends!

Best Moment this Week: Putting things away in EK's nursery and washing our first load of baby clothes.

Miss Anything: I miss not having to go to the bathroom all the time.

Movement: All the time!

Food Cravings: I've been on a brownie craving this week.  And Hunter has helped me eat them, too. :)

Anything Making You Queasy or Sick: No

Labor Signs: None

Symptoms: The swollen feet have started.  Hunter picks on my "cankles".

Belly Button (In or Out): Out

Wedding Rings (On or Off): On

Mood: Happy

Looking Forward to: Our next doctor's appointment on Sept. 4th and the long weekend next weekend.  Hoping to get some things accomplished.

30 Weeks

Well, it's been a while since I have posted.  Things have been super busy around here preparing to go back to school and getting my classroom ready so this will be a LONG update!  On Tuesday, July 10th, we had our 3D ultrasound and my 1 hour glucose test.  Ella Kate was pretty active in the ultrasound and moved all around so we were only able to get a few good pictures of her.  All of the ones we got have a shadow on different parts of her face because she was "smushing" her face against my belly the whole time.  The glucose test wasn't that bad, but I did start feeling a little shaky about 10 minutes before they drew my blood.  Ella Kate's heartbeat at this visit was 159 bpm.  We loved seeing her little face and weren't the least bit surprised that she didn't want her picture taken.

The next week, I get a call saying that my glucose test came back abnormal and my doctor wanted me to have the 3 hour glucose test at the hospital.  I had to be on a special diet for a couple of days before we went on Monday, July 23.  When I arrived (at 6:45 a.m.- UGH), I had to do all kinds of paperwork (I felt like I was buying a car). Then they drew blood to get a baseline and make sure we could proceed with the test.  After those results came back, I had to drink the "orange" drink.  This time it was double what I had to drink at the doctor's office.  I haven't wanted anything orange since about 6 weeks pregnant so this was not easy to do.  I made it through the first hour, barely, and they were able to draw blood for the first hour.  About 10 minutes after that, it went downhill and I felt clammy and nauseous.  Needless to say, I threw up all of the orange drink and we had to cancel the rest of the test because of this.  My doctor's office was contacted and they said that we would decide on whether to try again or not at my next visit on August 3rd.  Hunter was such a great sport for going with me and sitting through that.  I am so thankful to have him take such good care of me.

At our next doctor's visit on August 3rd, we saw Dr. Morgan.  We discussed the glucose test and he suggested that we just check my sugar levels at each visit instead of re-doing the test.  THANK YOU JESUS!!  At this visit, my sugar level was normal and Ella Kate's heartbeat was at 147 bpm.  We didn't have an ultrasound at this visit.  From here on out, I will go to the doctor every two weeks for a while, then weekly visits.  It's getting closer and closer and we cannot wait to meet our sweet girl!

On Saturday, August 4th, I had my first baby shower hosted by two of my sweet friends, Ellen & Casey.  We invited all of the cheerleaders I had coached at TCHS.  It was so good to see everyone and I'm so glad that they were able to come and be a part of this special time, even though I'm not coaching anymore.  I love all of these girls!

On Monday, August 6th I went back to work and school began on Wednesday, August 8th.  I have 22 of the sweetest first graders.  Ella Kate already has a little admirer in my room.  All day long she asks me about the baby and she puts her head on my belly and tells me she can hear her talking and blowing bubbles in there.  :)

And then there's the furniture ordeal...we ordered Ella Kate's furniture on April 20th from Punch-and-Judy in Savannah.  They said it would take 8-10 weeks for it to arrive.  We gave it the full 10 weeks before we started calling about it.  We were always given the line that "It would be on the truck Friday."  So after some tears and frustration, along with hearing this same story for about four weeks, Hunter called the company that made the furniture and they said it was out of stock until the end of September.  They did refer him to a retailer in Atlanta that had it in stock in their warehouse.  So, Hunter's dad went and got our money back from Punch-and-Judy while he was in Savannah.  We will never do business with them again!  We were able to get the same exact furniture from Georgia Baby and Kids in Atlanta for $500 cheaper.  He went and picked it up on Thursday of this week.  We also ordered her nursery chair with the extra money.  We were both so happy to finally have it here and we put it all together (with his mom's help) last night.  Whew! Glad that's over.

Below are various pictures over the last five weeks and my 30 week update!  Enjoy!

Ella Kate's 3D Ultrasound on July 10th.  She has such a sweet little face!

One of my sweet high school friends, Ashley Nelson, sent this to Ella Kate.  She knows me well...I love monograms.  She is so thoughtful!

This summer I was able to have lunch with one of my long lost friends from GSU!  She got this precious frame and outfit for Ella Kate.  Thanks, Erin!

Ella Kate's diaper bag!  

Baby Book and Ultrasound photo album!

This was one of the first things I ordered for Ella Kate.  The day we found out we were having A GIRL, I went online and ordered this.  I love Christmas and can't wait to see her stocking hanging with ours!  The other little gingerbread girl is an ornament. I ordered a few of these for her tree that will go in her room!

First baby shower invitation for August 4, 2012

My sweet hostesses- Casey & Ellen

Food! YUMMY!

Love all of these people! Thanks so much for coming!  I can't wait for all of you to meet Ella Kate!

Opening gifts.  

I loved all of my sweet cards and gifts!  Thanks everyone! 

Canvas for Ella Kate's room.  The colors match perfectly.  

Ella Kate and I are off to school for the 1st Day- August 8, 2012. 30 Weeks exactly!

Little birdie bookends for her hutch!

Big safety pin to hang in her room!

Baskets to hold her diapers and other things on her dresser!

Love the furniture! Can't wait to pack the drawers full of baby clothes!

And last, her beautiful crib.  It looks even better in person. I am one happy mom-to-be!

How far along: 30 weeks, 3 days

Total Weight Gain/Loss: + 9 pounds 

Baby Bump: Yes

Maternity Clothes: Yes!  I found a few pair of jeans at the GAP that I love and lots of dresses.  I have had a hard time finding pants that fit.  I also ordered a few maternity tops but have been able to get by with most of my "flowy" shirts.

Stretch Marks: No

Sleep: Sleeping great! I have been feeling some indigestion/heartburn when I lay down and I still have the nightly restroom break.  

Best Moment this Week: Finally getting Ella Kate's furniture! Such a relief.  And we couldn't be happier with how it looks in her nursery.

Miss Anything: I still miss sleeping on my belly.

Movement: Yes, and lots of it!  She loves to stretch from side to side and get me in both sets of ribs.  And she knows when I want to go to sleep, because that's when she is very active! HAHA!

Food Cravings: Not really.  Still loving sweets!

Anything Making You Queasy or Sick: No

Labor Signs: None

Symptoms: My major back pain has went away.  I guess because I'm finally working again.  However, I have had some lower back pain when I get up in the mornings but then it goes away.

Belly Button (In or Out): Out

Wedding Rings (On or Off): On

Mood: Happy

Looking Forward to: My second baby shower next weekend!