For the past month (maybe longer) I've had the hardest time sleeping and getting comfortable at night. I'm exhausted and have sat up many nights and just cried. I started sleeping on the couch about a month ago now because that's the only place that is halfway comfortable and I don't want to keep Hunter up with all of my tossing, turning, and potty breaks. My back hurts constantly and I've tried almost everything I can to get relief. So, I'm ready for him to be here in more ways than one!
Ella Kate is getting very excited about Brantley and talks about him ALL the time. If she ever hears me sigh or make a noise getting up and down, she says "Is Brantley kicking you again?" And since the bathtub is about the only relief I get for my back, I take a few a day on the weekends. She always says "Is you back hurt? That why you need to take a bath?". What was really cute was when Hunter put the carseat in my car for Brantley and the next day when she rode in my car she stared at it and said "Mommy, I don't think we need a lot of babies." She also informs everyone that Brantley has to look the other way in the car and that he has to have a carseat so we don't lose him. I love her imagination and I can't wait to see her become a big sister. I know she will love him just as much as we do!
At the end of January (Sunday, January 31st), we took maternity pictures with Amberly Foster. They all turned out great but these are just a few of my favorites:
I've had three showers since my last post- we are truly blessed with a wonderful church, work family, and family! Brantley has received so many nice gifts and we are thankful for each and everyone of them. :) Here are a few pictures from each one:
Church Shower at Rehoboth: Saturday, January 23, 2016. Everything was decorated so nicely and the food was delicious. We received so many nice gifts. We are thankful for such a wonderful church!
All of the gifts for Brantley! :)
My students (and their Mom's) secretly went in on a gift from the class. I'm very lucky to have such wonderful students and parents!
Gift from my students!
Work/School Shower: Wednesday, February 17, 2016. Once again, we were showered with lots of special gifts and enjoyed some yummy food. Thanks to my first grade team for being such wonderful hostesses.
Most of the first grade team (missing a few)!
All of the gifts we received from my school shower!
Family & Friends Shower hosted by my sisters and sister-in-law: Sunday, February 28, 2016. We are very blessed to have so many people who came to shower us with gifts one last time! I am also thankful for my wonderful sisters for hosting this shower!
Such cute decorations!
EK demonstrated what Brantley should do in this!
These hats still make me laugh! :)
Lots of wonderful gifts!
We've also had four doctor's appointments since my last post and below are some pictures/updates on Brantley at each of those. Since I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes in December, we get an ultrasound almost every time we go to the doctor to check his growth.
January 28, 2016
(32 Weeks, 5 Days)
At this appointment his heartbeat was 145 beats per minute. We didn't get an ultrasound at this appointment though. I weighed in at 107 pounds (+9 pounds so far this pregnancy).
February 12, 2016
(34 Weeks, 6 Days)
Brantley's heartbeat was 147 beats per minute at this appointment. He was estimated to weigh 5 pounds, 8 oz. and I weighed in at 110 pounds (total of +12 pounds this pregnancy). Ella Kate joined us at this appointment to see "Bwantee on t.v." She also asked while we were waiting if they were going to "fix" my belly. During the ultrasound she kept asking where my shirt was. That girl keeps us laughing! I love her curiosity though.
Profile :)
Lips and Nose
Bump Shot: Friday, February 19, 2016 (35 Weeks, 6 Days).
February 25, 2016
(36 Weeks, 5 Days)
Brantley's heartbeat was 145 beats per minute. I weighed in at 115 pounds (total of +17 pounds). I had to sit with the monitor on at this appointment to monitor Brantley's movement. He was wild the entire time so I think I aced that test! :)
We were so surprised to be able to get such a good shot of Brantley this late in the pregnancy. Usually when we try to get a glimpse of his face, he has it covered with his hands and/or feet. I cannot wait to kiss those chubby cheeks and I have to say he looks just like his Daddy!
(37 Weeks, 4 Days)
Brantley's heartbeat was high today: 161 beats per minute. He was estimated to weigh 7 pounds, 1 oz. and I weighed in at 116 pounds (+18 so far this pregnancy which is how many I gained total with EK). Once again, I had to sit on the monitor. Hunter and I were discussing patio doors when the nurse interrupted and asked "Girl, how are you talking and smiling right now. You are having a big contraction." I don't really know what they feel like so I didn't know I was having one. I just thought the tightness/pressure was from him moving. Come to find out, I was having contractions every two minutes. When we saw Dr. Williams, she checked me and said I was dilated to approx. 2 cm and that my cervix was facing my back. That is where I was feeling my contractions- in my side and my back. No wonder my back has been hurting so bad!! She was concerned it may be a sign of early labor and sent me to the hospital for monitoring for about three hours. They ended up giving me a shot to space out the contractions and it completely stopped them thank goodness. They sent me home and told me to finish up work this week and that I shouldn't go back after that. I have a feeling we will meet Brantley before March 14th! I go back to the doctor on Tuesday, March 8th and we will make a decision then.
Profile :)
Showing us that he's a BOY!
Lots of hair on the back of his head already. I could have told you that with all of the indigestion I have! :)
All of our bags are packed (except Hunter's). We just have to add a few last minute things that we can't pack ahead of time. We are looking forward to adding to our family and meeting this sweet baby. Please keep us in your prayers over the next week as we welcome Brantley into the world and become a family of four!
