Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Happy Due Date Baby Nowell
So today marks 40 weeks and a due date that we have been waiting for since March! I cannot believe that today is that day! Although Baby is not here yet, and it could be another few days, I know that Baby will come when God has allowed for Baby to come. THe waiting is not easy and the anticipation is, for lack of a better word, killing us, but I know that the end result will be something I, nor Josh will ever be able to fully explain. Since May 1st I have struggled on and off with many things because of the loss of my job. However, from the moments I heard I was being let go I had an overwhelming peace that God had better things for me and that even through the pain God was glorified. I clung to this peace and understanding day in and day out until it got easier, and it did get easier, and God is still here. The thought of becoming parents and our whole lives changing has been a hard concept to wrap my mind around, but I truly believe that God gave me all of that time to fully prepare physically, mentally, and spiritually. All of those things I don't think could have been better orchestrated had I had a demanding and draining job. Overall, this journey over the past 5 months and the entirety of this pregnancy has been a great blessing to my life and one that I will never forget.
How far along? 40 weeks. Due Date!
Total weight gain/loss: scale at home reads 176 which is 38 lbs gained. the scale at the dr office today will probably top me out at 180 which would be 42 lbs gained. i will still with the out home number thank you very much!
Maternity clothes? need warmer close. only have two pairs of pants and one is packed for the hospital. i am enjoying these past few cold and rainy days but its not been so fun going out in it espeically since cute dresses and leggings dont really go with my running shoes. normally i dont care but sometimes its just frustrating i cant be as cute as i want to be. haha.
Stretch marks? belly button piercing has gotten a little out of control with its stretch marks but i am definitely not complaining because i know that i am fortunate not to have them all over my giant belly.
Sleep: had a dream last night that baby was next to me. eeee! however, the aches and pains of getting out of bed and feeling like my pelvic bone is broken is not fun and i am excited to be moving on from that. hopefully soon!
Best moment this week: my wonderful husband celebrated his 29th birthday on monday! we had lunch together and then his parents joined us for dinner that evening. we also did a maternity shoot with our friends Bryan and Jenna Hamel last wednesday together, and then i went back and did my own little shoot with Jenna on thursday.The pictures turned out amazing and we had a great time!! last week i also got to spend time with truly, heidi and kendall. we went to moes and then truly heidi and i went to see Hotel Transylvania and then got us some pumpkin spice lattes. i have seen them all individually after that day and each time i get to see them sans baby is so precious and wonderful to me.
Have you told family and friends: i have told them that i am feeling good and that as of this morning i am estimated to be about 50% effaced and 1-2 cm dilated.
Miss Anything?i feel bad always saying beer, wine, liquor because i dont miss it that much. i just miss having the option. i also miss sleeping on my stomach!!! i cannot wait to sleep on my stomach!!
Movement: some nights the Baby attacks my insides with kungfu kicks. i like when i feel a knee or elbow or even a possible foot. sometimes i think baby is even trying to tickle me.
Food cravings: pumpkin flavored anything. pumpkin delights, pumpkin muffins, pumpkin spice lattes, mmmmmm
Anything making you queasy or sick: still stuffed up enough not to be able to smell. so much for that super sensy nose i was supposed to get.
Have you started to show yet: my belly is 40 inches and right on target.
Gender prediction: boy or girl.
Labor Signs: braxton hicks are the most frustrating things ever. such a tease. i get all excited, and then, nothing.
Belly Button in or out? mercedes sign. depending on where the baby is at the time it can be more out than in.
Wedding rings on or off? around my neck. couldn't bare being without them any longer.
Happy or Moody most of the time: happy for the most part but that can definitely change quickly.
Weekly Wisdom: God's timing is perfect.
Looking forward to: BABY NOWELL'S ARRIVAL!
Friday, September 28, 2012
possible last survey as a preggy
How far along? 38 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: scale at home seems much nicer than the one at the doctors office...30-35 at home, but 35-40 at the doc
Maternity clothes? everything still fits well but as we enter fall I am pretty sure that after baby arrives i will still have to get more maternity clothes...jeans especially. not buying "normal" clothes until later.
Stretch marks? no belly stretchies but my little boobies have a few which dont make me smile but its just a little so i feel blessed.
Sleep: waking up nightly to pee. my knees, hips and entire pelvic bone pop before i completely exit the bed. my left hand has been overly achy for the past 3 weeks and after sleeping through the night its aches, some times to the point of tears. the co-sleeper is next to the bed now and i cant help but imagine that sweet babe being there soon, but its still surreal.
Best moment this week: again, since my last post there has been many "best moments" that i just must talk about. Baby Shower #2 was put together by the best friends a girl could ever ask for! Julia, Angela, Truly, Heidi, Kendall, and Jess put in a lot of hard work to make my shower so personal and special. so grateful! My Keem and her husband came all the way from SC to celebrate and it meant so much to me and Josh that they came! Afterwards we had a party at our house and everyone who came enjoyed great food and beer. My mom and dad, and close friends from richmond came down (in the crazy traffic) to celebrate, and I felt so honored. Josh and I spent a Saturday getting the rest of our baby needs and wants and the nursery is coming together, after more than several rearranging moments. Josh and I also went for a walk at Sea Shore State Park and not only was the day perfect but spending time together was wonderful.
Have you told family and friends: nope
Miss Anything? beer. been thinking about pumpkin ale a lot.
Movement: lots and lots of feet, knees, elbows, and butts pushing on me and my ribs, hips, and more at all times of day and night. sometimes it can be a little overwhelming but when i dont feel movement i get a little scared but mostly sad that Baby isnt trying to "hang out" with me. haha.
Food cravings: sweeeeeets. i want to eat them all. silly GD makes me think twice before eating them though.
Anything making you queasy or sick: nope
Have you started to show yet: my belly is 38.5 inches round.
Gender prediction: none because i dont want to set my heart on one and it be the other...so i stopped trying to guess.
Labor Signs: YES, FINALLY!!! 25% effaced which is not as cool as dilated but it means things are moving along. I have been having some contractions but they are not at all regular. excited for labor to actually begin!
Belly Button in or out? still in but just barely.
Wedding rings on or off? still off and it makes me so sad, daily.
Happy or Moody most of the time: moody, moody, teary, teary, happy, happy, overwhelmed..all over the place really.
Weekly Wisdom: Trusting God in everything is my sanity.
Looking forward to: BABY'S ARRIVAL! (as scary as that is i know that in my heart i am truly looking forward to the next stage in my life with my amazing husband and precious Baby!)
mini update
Week 38. 25% effaced. Random contractions. Baby is doing well and a little ahead of schedule, so Baby's debut may be sooner than later. Need to savor this weekend as much as possible...it could be our last as just the two of us. |
| I have been doing three photos at a time so I went ahead and added last week's "37 weeks" photo to my last post's Belly Bump update photo. |
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| Me and this amazing man are about to become parents. Excited, scared, but mostly feeling so blessed that the child I have been carrying for the last 9 months will be so ridiculously loved. This photo was from our 2 mile walk at Sea Shore State Park. Week 37.5 |
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| At the beginning of week 38, Josh and I completed our Birthing Class. This class was wonderful and we feel a lot more prepared. Bummed it is over, and still a little shocked that the last 6 weeks went by so quickly. The 7 other preggy ladies from class and I are now connected on the FB and will be keeping in touch during the next step of our baby journeys! |
Friday, September 7, 2012
its been a while
So a few weeks, months even, have past since I last posted and I am feeling bad about it. I know I have a lot more time on my hands but some how that time gets filled up faster than you would think. I can only imagine how much faster time will up when the wee one is finally here.
A lot has been going on the past few months and now that I am at 35 weeks the end is near....some days more overwhelming than others.
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| 31 and 34 weeks |
At the end of July I was apart of one of my closest friends, Erin Simon's Bachelorette Party in Dewey Beach, DE. I had a great time with the Bride-to-be, Bridesmaids, and other close friends of the bride. I think that the Bride-to-be also had a great time as well...lots of laughs, drinks (for the non-preggers), good eats, and a life time of memories. Erin and I LOVE the OLYMPICS so that was a great start to the weekend, even if the opening ceremony was so-so.
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| Bachelorette Party, Dewey Beach |
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| Matron of Honor and the Bride |
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| Preggy at her Shower |
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| Baby Shower prezies! |
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| Mama blowing out her candles. |
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| Mother of the Bride and the Bride at the Rehearsal Dinner |
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| The Beautiful Bride |
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| Drag Brunch the morning after! |
I was just glad that the sinus infection, pink eye, and almost uncontrollable cough (which had been plaguing me for a week..besides the pink eye, that sprung up on the ride to Chester) was under control Friday afternoon and throughout the day of the wedding. I had been in agony since the prior Friday and was over coughing all night and not being able to breath. When i got the pink eye the Thursday before the wedding I knew that Patient First and medication was more than needed. I had been trying to avoid taking meds but I hit my breaking point. I was prescribed cough medicine with codine and an antibiotic. After getting the meds I still considered not taking them until I spoke with the triage nurse who ensured me that me getting better with meds was the best way for me to keep the baby healthy too. This made me feel better, so i started taking the meds as directed. Even though the conversation gave me rest it also left me with the fact that I was diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes. This fact came as no surprise because nothing surprises me anymore after the year I have had, but I was still bummed and trying not to let it overwhelm me. A few days later I received some pamphlets in the mail for the GB diet plan, but had to wait, yet again, for more information until this week.
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| teehee!! |
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| The Bride-to-be Stoked to be at the beach! |
So this week, I had a doctors appointment and was able to get more information, as well as a Blood Sugar tester for my GD. I have started the diet plan and am tracking my BS until the baby arrives. Even though the GD was diagnosed super late in the game my ultrasound proved that Baby is doing well and all is normal. Baby is 6 lbs 2 oz and in the 67% for weight which is way better than the doctor expected due to the GD. The baby's abdomen is also in the 67% for size and way better than expected. This was all amazing news, and to top it off the baby's head is down and ready to roll!! All this information was such an amazing answered prayer and a great, great weight lifted off my shoulders. At my appointment, before the ultrasound, I felt so overwhelmed and a little besides myself. I know I cannot predict how my labor and birth will go, but I want to be as prepared as possible, and I didn't want the GD to make things complicated. I know finalizing our birth plan (preferred options) will also make me feel better about the upcoming events.
We started our Birthing Class three weeks ago, which has also eased my mind about the upcoming events. Out of the 8 couples, we are due first! Its a little intimidating because during the last class the teacher asked me if I had any updates or signs of labor...which I don't. I kind of feel like this might happen each week until Sept. 26th...our last class and two weeks before Bean is due to arrive. The class is so informational and I feel that it is preparing us as much as it can. It's exciting!
4 weeks and 5 days until the due date!
Sunday, August 19, 2012
8 weeks away!
How far along? 32 weeks...almost to 33! eek
Total weight gain/loss: scale is working and i am happy to say i have slowed down on the weight gain.
Maternity clothes? just bought another dress from thrift usa..for the shower on the 15th. other than that i have been wearing all the same clothes over and over. at least i have an excuse.
Stretch marks? so far so good but i am getting "the line" down my belly so i wonder if stretchies are around the corner.
Sleep: oh sleep...week 31 was a rough sleeping week, but have since gotten better. however i still go in and out of the following: getting up twice a night to pee, my hips hurt, my arms fall asleep,my knees, hips and pelvic bone pop, turning over is a small feat, and i am stiff when i get up.
Best moment this week: since my last post there have been several great moments in the life of this preggy. Chester/Family baby shower which was wonderful, spending quality time with Josh, touching moments at Camp this past week and Josh felt the baby kick/move on his back while laying in bed this morning.
Have you told family and friends: hard to miss me.
Miss Anything? the past few weeks i have missed good sleep wear my body doesn't hurt, bending over without having to think about it, moving quickly, and not having to pee every ten minutes.
Movement: starting to be able to distinguish Baby butt and back, and the kicks are turning into elbow and knee swipes.
Food cravings: slowly getting back to thinking or seeing something and really wanting it. craved cinnamon rolls (made those saturday morning), wanted a Sunkist yesterday but didn't get it, but will soon. cheeseburgers.
Anything making you queasy or sick: there was an incident with the toilet at camp and i dry heaved about 4 times. truly had to swoop in to save the day but turns out i wasn't over reacting , it really was THAT bad. as far of "getting sick" none of that, but i do have a cold and its not fun. should be at the end of it but we shall see.
Have you started to show yet: baby will be about 4 1/4 lbs by the weeks end. giant belly. sometimes i am pretty sure there are two Babes in there.
Gender prediction: i havent really been thinking about it.
Labor Signs: none at this time but i am assuming some braxton hicks will show up within the next few weeks.
Belly Button in or out? still in but an outty may emerged by week 38...
Wedding rings on or off? off, and this saddens me more than anything. the swelling and heat of summer have won and i finally had to accept that my rings would not be on until after the wee one is here. i will be wearing them around my neck on Baby's birth day.
Happy or Moody most of the time: pretty happy, minus this cold making me a little sad.
Weekly Wisdom: God's timing is perfect. Enjoying alone time with Josh is priority and going out (when not feeling sick) is important before Baby arrives.
Looking forward to: Baby's room is coming together slowly, but surely, i am looking forward to getting that completed. Baby Shower number two and the Baby Nowell party are just around the corner and I am excited for those friend filled events.
Total weight gain/loss: scale is working and i am happy to say i have slowed down on the weight gain.
Maternity clothes? just bought another dress from thrift usa..for the shower on the 15th. other than that i have been wearing all the same clothes over and over. at least i have an excuse.
Stretch marks? so far so good but i am getting "the line" down my belly so i wonder if stretchies are around the corner.
Sleep: oh sleep...week 31 was a rough sleeping week, but have since gotten better. however i still go in and out of the following: getting up twice a night to pee, my hips hurt, my arms fall asleep,my knees, hips and pelvic bone pop, turning over is a small feat, and i am stiff when i get up.
Best moment this week: since my last post there have been several great moments in the life of this preggy. Chester/Family baby shower which was wonderful, spending quality time with Josh, touching moments at Camp this past week and Josh felt the baby kick/move on his back while laying in bed this morning.
Have you told family and friends: hard to miss me.
Miss Anything? the past few weeks i have missed good sleep wear my body doesn't hurt, bending over without having to think about it, moving quickly, and not having to pee every ten minutes.
Movement: starting to be able to distinguish Baby butt and back, and the kicks are turning into elbow and knee swipes.
Food cravings: slowly getting back to thinking or seeing something and really wanting it. craved cinnamon rolls (made those saturday morning), wanted a Sunkist yesterday but didn't get it, but will soon. cheeseburgers.
Anything making you queasy or sick: there was an incident with the toilet at camp and i dry heaved about 4 times. truly had to swoop in to save the day but turns out i wasn't over reacting , it really was THAT bad. as far of "getting sick" none of that, but i do have a cold and its not fun. should be at the end of it but we shall see.
Have you started to show yet: baby will be about 4 1/4 lbs by the weeks end. giant belly. sometimes i am pretty sure there are two Babes in there.
Gender prediction: i havent really been thinking about it.
Labor Signs: none at this time but i am assuming some braxton hicks will show up within the next few weeks.
Belly Button in or out? still in but an outty may emerged by week 38...
Wedding rings on or off? off, and this saddens me more than anything. the swelling and heat of summer have won and i finally had to accept that my rings would not be on until after the wee one is here. i will be wearing them around my neck on Baby's birth day.
Happy or Moody most of the time: pretty happy, minus this cold making me a little sad.
Weekly Wisdom: God's timing is perfect. Enjoying alone time with Josh is priority and going out (when not feeling sick) is important before Baby arrives.
Looking forward to: Baby's room is coming together slowly, but surely, i am looking forward to getting that completed. Baby Shower number two and the Baby Nowell party are just around the corner and I am excited for those friend filled events.
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Auntie Juju Birthday Time!!
This past weekend Baby bump and I went to Raleigh to celebrate my Best Friend and Auntie-to-be's Birthday! I had a wonderful time and I think the Birthday Girl did too!
I was able to drive down Thursday afternoon, Julia's day of birth, to celebrate! We celebrated with Julia's sister Aimee, and her niece Gretta and nephew Cody, and homemade tacos. After the fam left Ju and I walked downtown for a loco concert. We arrived later than planned so the fun was over shortly after we arrived, but that was okay because we were having some great quality time.
Friday we woke, made breakfast and smoothies for the ride, and got ready for a day at the mall. Now, this is not a super treat for either of us, we would both rather be at the flea market or fun little craft store around town but the mall was going to provide Julia with a free bday gift from Sephora, and a party dress of sorts for her Birthday Dinner that evening. We had Moe's for lunch, of course, and wrapped up our shopping adventures just in time to shower for the evenings festivities. Naturally, dinner was at a Mexican restaurant, of which I could not pronounce the name. We were accompanied by 11 of Julia's closest friends in Raleigh. The food was delightful and the bday girl got a Jumbo Margarita. This mama-to-be was sad not being able to partake in this portion of the dining but by now has gotten used to it. After dinner we went back to Ju's apartment for some quality time with friends and the completion of a Birthday Mad Lib created by Ms. Kristi. Quite entertaining!
Saturday was our day in the sun! We started our day off with some breakfast and another smoothie for the road! We went to the Ero River Quarry! I was a little wary of the quarry because of the potential bacteria but this was a naturally made quarry with a river and creek near by so I felt confident that we were safe. There were also multiple children in the quarry with their families so this comforted me, and besides, the 20 (well 30, with my slowness) minute hike in warranted a dip in the cool water. After the quarry we showered and then rested a bit before heading out for the night. We ended up at a friends house for a delicious cookout, with tacos! It was a nice time meeting some new people and eating great food. Afterwards we were pooped from the day so Julia and I had some quiet time at home followed by a quick trip to Krispy Kreme! Hot doughnuts!
Sunday we had a cutie pancake breakfast and then headed to the flea market. We didnt get to do our usual Flea Market looking but we got what we went for and then some. After that I headed back to Norfolk. It was very very sad to leave my most precious friend that day. The thought that I probably wouldn't be back in Raleigh until 2013 and then when I did make it back I would be with child left me with mixed emotions. Very weird and very sad.
I am glad that we were able to have such a wonderful time together and make some more BFF lasting memories. Until we meet again Raleigh!
Here are some fantastic photos from the trip! Yay!
I was able to drive down Thursday afternoon, Julia's day of birth, to celebrate! We celebrated with Julia's sister Aimee, and her niece Gretta and nephew Cody, and homemade tacos. After the fam left Ju and I walked downtown for a loco concert. We arrived later than planned so the fun was over shortly after we arrived, but that was okay because we were having some great quality time.
Friday we woke, made breakfast and smoothies for the ride, and got ready for a day at the mall. Now, this is not a super treat for either of us, we would both rather be at the flea market or fun little craft store around town but the mall was going to provide Julia with a free bday gift from Sephora, and a party dress of sorts for her Birthday Dinner that evening. We had Moe's for lunch, of course, and wrapped up our shopping adventures just in time to shower for the evenings festivities. Naturally, dinner was at a Mexican restaurant, of which I could not pronounce the name. We were accompanied by 11 of Julia's closest friends in Raleigh. The food was delightful and the bday girl got a Jumbo Margarita. This mama-to-be was sad not being able to partake in this portion of the dining but by now has gotten used to it. After dinner we went back to Ju's apartment for some quality time with friends and the completion of a Birthday Mad Lib created by Ms. Kristi. Quite entertaining!
Saturday was our day in the sun! We started our day off with some breakfast and another smoothie for the road! We went to the Ero River Quarry! I was a little wary of the quarry because of the potential bacteria but this was a naturally made quarry with a river and creek near by so I felt confident that we were safe. There were also multiple children in the quarry with their families so this comforted me, and besides, the 20 (well 30, with my slowness) minute hike in warranted a dip in the cool water. After the quarry we showered and then rested a bit before heading out for the night. We ended up at a friends house for a delicious cookout, with tacos! It was a nice time meeting some new people and eating great food. Afterwards we were pooped from the day so Julia and I had some quiet time at home followed by a quick trip to Krispy Kreme! Hot doughnuts!
Sunday we had a cutie pancake breakfast and then headed to the flea market. We didnt get to do our usual Flea Market looking but we got what we went for and then some. After that I headed back to Norfolk. It was very very sad to leave my most precious friend that day. The thought that I probably wouldn't be back in Raleigh until 2013 and then when I did make it back I would be with child left me with mixed emotions. Very weird and very sad.
I am glad that we were able to have such a wonderful time together and make some more BFF lasting memories. Until we meet again Raleigh!
Here are some fantastic photos from the trip! Yay!
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| Smoothie and bump |
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| inner-tube bump! |
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| The quarry |
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| no caption needed |
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| most regal niles |
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| hannah montana "tattoo"butt |
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| we are friends |
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| Mr. Nutty's day in the sun |
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| no words |
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| besties and the bump |
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| inner-turd-face, i mean tube-face |
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| berfday drank |
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| hike to the quarry |
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| hot app! |
Michigan
Two weeks ago Josh and I, and the bump embarked to Michigan for a family reunion and memorial services for Josh's Grandpa. The trip started with a drive to Baltimore, arriving at 12:45 AM at Kyle DS's house, in which he had to go to work by 5AM, and we had to be up and gone by 6:30AM. Needless to say being only 30 minutes from the airport was the smartest thing we could have done. We were able to park at a hotel for the week for only $5 a day, had a shuttle take us to the airport, got through check-in with ease, had breakfast, and then almost missed our flight. Whoops. We forgot that normal boarding begins 20 to 30 mins earlier than the actual flight, so we were coming in right before the plane was about to take off.
The flight to Grand Rapids was a quick hour and a half but we still had a visit to my Aunt and Uncles in Holland and a 4 hour rental car ride to the farm.
By the time we arrived in Holland my feet had swollen up more than ever before, I attributed this to the flight, but figured they would go down with the car ride to the farm.
We arrived at Aunt Marilyn and Uncle Nate's house where we received a quick tour of the house, a welcome sign, a bottle of water, and a Sophie Baby teether! Presents are always fun especially when they are most unexpected. Josh and I were given a car tour of the beautiful city of Holland, followed by a delicious lunch on the water, and a trip into downtown Holland. Aunt Marilyn and I went into Tip Toes, a baby boutique, while Josh and Uncle Nate went to the Brewery next store. Tip Toes was where Marilyn purchased Sophie for us so she wanted me to see more of the store and possibly pick out an item or two. We left with A&A swaddle blankets and a teething bracelet. All very cute and practical. By the end our of short shopping trip my feet were more swollen than ever, for real this time. They were cutting into my flip flops like nobodies business. It was about that time to go and with my feet the way they were it was even more appropriate to get on the road, so I could put them up.
I felt very spoiled by my Aunt and Uncle and wished we could have stayed longer to repay them in some way. Never get to see family enough, its pretty sad.
We made the treck up to East Jordan, with my feet still swollen and slightly budging, and arrived by 7PM. It was so wonderful to see Mum and Dad Nowell, hugs every chance we got, and lots of talk of baby and their soon-to-be Grandparenthood.
Our week in Michigan had officially begun.
The week flew by, like most vacations do, but we were able to spend a lot of quality time with family and extended family. Ping-pong tournaments, ATV rides, target practice (no picture was taken of this but there totally should have been), 4th of July Fireworks, AMAZING food daily, lots of laughs, lots of canines, old old old home videos of the 5 Sanderson's and cousin Sandy growing up (I watched it twice), and so much more!!
There was many days spent on the lake and just lounging around but there were a few days where Josh and I were able to go into both Boyne City and Charlevoix for some quality time with each other. In Boyne City we were able to go to a Craft Fair where Josh bought me a Ammonite necklace, we stuck our feet in a creek, well river, and we went Antique shopping. That day both my feet and hands decided to swell. That made me sad because my rings had to come off, for the first time, and apparently not the last. In Charlevoix, we rode the ferry over and back, walked the strip and did some window shopping, had a delightful meal on the water, and went to the light house and ended our day with a rhubarb pie a la mode.
We ended the week with a Memorial services for Grandpa Sanderson which was beautiful in more ways than one. So many wonderful stories were shared by Dean, Mike, Lisa, Jason, Heidi, and Grandpa's cousin Parker. The Sanderson clan is an amazing, loving and caring family who I am so very very blessed to be apart of.
Monday morning, bright and early at 530AM, Josh, Aunt Jan and I embarked to Traverse City where Aunt Jan was to catch her flight home. This was a lovely drive! We had non-stop conversation which not only made the ride go by quickly but we were able to spend some extra quality time with an Aunt we rarely see. It was truly a blessing and a wonderful way to begin our long travel home.
We arrived in Grand Rapids and actually had to wait to board the plane for a while. Had another quick hour and a half flight, and before we knew it we were back in the car homeward bound. The trip from Baltimore to Norfolk was a lot longer this time, and we made the mistake of stopping to eat lunch in NOVA so we didn't arrive home until 7PM instead of 530PM. That wasn't too bad considering we did stop to eat for almost an hour. Oh, and this trip, my feet were only slightly swollen...maybe it was that Michigan air?!
All in all the week was a perfect vacation and just what we needed...before Little Bean arrives.
Below is a recap of pictures from the week! Enjoy!
The flight to Grand Rapids was a quick hour and a half but we still had a visit to my Aunt and Uncles in Holland and a 4 hour rental car ride to the farm.
By the time we arrived in Holland my feet had swollen up more than ever before, I attributed this to the flight, but figured they would go down with the car ride to the farm.
We arrived at Aunt Marilyn and Uncle Nate's house where we received a quick tour of the house, a welcome sign, a bottle of water, and a Sophie Baby teether! Presents are always fun especially when they are most unexpected. Josh and I were given a car tour of the beautiful city of Holland, followed by a delicious lunch on the water, and a trip into downtown Holland. Aunt Marilyn and I went into Tip Toes, a baby boutique, while Josh and Uncle Nate went to the Brewery next store. Tip Toes was where Marilyn purchased Sophie for us so she wanted me to see more of the store and possibly pick out an item or two. We left with A&A swaddle blankets and a teething bracelet. All very cute and practical. By the end our of short shopping trip my feet were more swollen than ever, for real this time. They were cutting into my flip flops like nobodies business. It was about that time to go and with my feet the way they were it was even more appropriate to get on the road, so I could put them up.
I felt very spoiled by my Aunt and Uncle and wished we could have stayed longer to repay them in some way. Never get to see family enough, its pretty sad.
We made the treck up to East Jordan, with my feet still swollen and slightly budging, and arrived by 7PM. It was so wonderful to see Mum and Dad Nowell, hugs every chance we got, and lots of talk of baby and their soon-to-be Grandparenthood.
Our week in Michigan had officially begun.
The week flew by, like most vacations do, but we were able to spend a lot of quality time with family and extended family. Ping-pong tournaments, ATV rides, target practice (no picture was taken of this but there totally should have been), 4th of July Fireworks, AMAZING food daily, lots of laughs, lots of canines, old old old home videos of the 5 Sanderson's and cousin Sandy growing up (I watched it twice), and so much more!!
There was many days spent on the lake and just lounging around but there were a few days where Josh and I were able to go into both Boyne City and Charlevoix for some quality time with each other. In Boyne City we were able to go to a Craft Fair where Josh bought me a Ammonite necklace, we stuck our feet in a creek, well river, and we went Antique shopping. That day both my feet and hands decided to swell. That made me sad because my rings had to come off, for the first time, and apparently not the last. In Charlevoix, we rode the ferry over and back, walked the strip and did some window shopping, had a delightful meal on the water, and went to the light house and ended our day with a rhubarb pie a la mode.
We ended the week with a Memorial services for Grandpa Sanderson which was beautiful in more ways than one. So many wonderful stories were shared by Dean, Mike, Lisa, Jason, Heidi, and Grandpa's cousin Parker. The Sanderson clan is an amazing, loving and caring family who I am so very very blessed to be apart of.
Monday morning, bright and early at 530AM, Josh, Aunt Jan and I embarked to Traverse City where Aunt Jan was to catch her flight home. This was a lovely drive! We had non-stop conversation which not only made the ride go by quickly but we were able to spend some extra quality time with an Aunt we rarely see. It was truly a blessing and a wonderful way to begin our long travel home.
We arrived in Grand Rapids and actually had to wait to board the plane for a while. Had another quick hour and a half flight, and before we knew it we were back in the car homeward bound. The trip from Baltimore to Norfolk was a lot longer this time, and we made the mistake of stopping to eat lunch in NOVA so we didn't arrive home until 7PM instead of 530PM. That wasn't too bad considering we did stop to eat for almost an hour. Oh, and this trip, my feet were only slightly swollen...maybe it was that Michigan air?!
All in all the week was a perfect vacation and just what we needed...before Little Bean arrives.
Below is a recap of pictures from the week! Enjoy!
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| Lake Time! |
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| The Family |
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| The Tree |
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| Bump by the Lake/ Papa Josh in the blow up canoe |
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| Swollen in Holland |
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| Charlevoix |
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| Boyne City River |
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| waiting for fireworks! |
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| craft fair sweet drinks! |
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| The works! |
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| Bump by the light house |
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Grandparents-to-be
Mom and Dad came to visit two weeks ago. We planned to go to a Tides game as a belated Fathers Day present but the heat wave changed our minds.
Mom and Dad arrived around 10am and joined us at church at Alethia in Norfolk. Afterwards, we had lunch at Jason's Deli and did a little shopping for maternity clothes for yours truly.
We saw Brave instead of attending the Tides Game. It was a cute movie and left this mama-to-be in loads of tears.
We ended our day together at our favorite restaurant...AW Shucks. We got to see my precious Kendall which completed the day perfectly.
Almost forgot to get photos with the grandparents-to-be again, but we managed to remember just in the nick of time. Guess we should have thrown daddy-to-be in one of those pictures, huh!? whoops
I love the one with all of our eyes closed!
Mom and Dad arrived around 10am and joined us at church at Alethia in Norfolk. Afterwards, we had lunch at Jason's Deli and did a little shopping for maternity clothes for yours truly.
We saw Brave instead of attending the Tides Game. It was a cute movie and left this mama-to-be in loads of tears.
We ended our day together at our favorite restaurant...AW Shucks. We got to see my precious Kendall which completed the day perfectly.
Almost forgot to get photos with the grandparents-to-be again, but we managed to remember just in the nick of time. Guess we should have thrown daddy-to-be in one of those pictures, huh!? whoops
I love the one with all of our eyes closed!
4 weeks later
How far along? 27 weeks. 3rd Trimester!
Total weight gain/loss: glad our scale doesn't work.
Maternity clothes? i received some maternity clothes from my niece a few weeks ago. i was able to get a pair of capri jeans, several shirts and tank tops, and some dress shirts (just in case). my dear mother has also purchased several dresses and shirts for me <3
Stretch marks? asked my mom if i gave her stretch marks and she said "no", so i think i am in the clear as long as i stay hydrated and moisturize.
Sleep: weirdest dreams of my life. have started sleeping on my left side as much as possible and may have to perminantly switch sides of the bed with josh soon because i avoid getting up to pee even though its not until morning.
Best moment this week: father's day josh felt the baby kick for the second time while in church. this made me cray especially since our friend bryan immediately said "happy father's day" after seeing the excited look on josh's face. the baby has been moving so much that josh was finally able to see my stomach move. josh is also becoming more comfortable with touching my bump on his own accord. this makes me smile.
Have you told family and friends: a stranger rubbed my belly two weeks ago so i think the word is out.
Miss Anything? i have had a few odoul's over the past few weeks so this is curbing my alcohol desire. i guess i miss soft cheeses from time to time, other than that i am not really missing anything in particular.
Movement: more and more every day. some have even caught me off guard to the point they have made me jump. being able to see the movement is the craziest thing.
Food cravings: had a lot of sugary treats last week while in michigan but i think they weren't so much cravings as they were being placed in front of me.
Anything making you queasy or sick: if i dont eat regularly i feel hunger pangs a little stronger than i used too. i am praying that the queasy and sick feelings of first trimester will not rear their ugly heads this last trimester.
Have you started to show yet: baby is 2 lbs now..hard to hide it. however, if i take a straight on photog it appears that i am just a little thicker.
Gender prediction: we have three girls names and only one boy name nailed down as viable options. i assume by this we are having a boy.
Labor Signs: tightness in my belly from time to time but most of the time labor free for another 13 weeks.
Belly Button in or out? i am amazed how much smaller my inny becomes each day.
Wedding rings on or off? i am swelling more from the extreme heat and humidity...my hands have fell victim to this a few times and i have had to remove my rings because of it. luckily, it is not a constant thing and i am able to still wear them. it makes me feel weird when they arent on.
Happy or Moody most of the time: i have had my moments but for the most part i am happy. the lower right part of my back has been aching a lot more lately so this leaves me in a grumpy mood by days end.
Weekly Wisdom: God is good all the time.
Looking forward to: fixing up baby's room is next on the agenda. i am looking forward to baby being here but i am also enjoying these last few moments as just husband and wife.
Total weight gain/loss: glad our scale doesn't work.
Maternity clothes? i received some maternity clothes from my niece a few weeks ago. i was able to get a pair of capri jeans, several shirts and tank tops, and some dress shirts (just in case). my dear mother has also purchased several dresses and shirts for me <3
Stretch marks? asked my mom if i gave her stretch marks and she said "no", so i think i am in the clear as long as i stay hydrated and moisturize.
Sleep: weirdest dreams of my life. have started sleeping on my left side as much as possible and may have to perminantly switch sides of the bed with josh soon because i avoid getting up to pee even though its not until morning.
Best moment this week: father's day josh felt the baby kick for the second time while in church. this made me cray especially since our friend bryan immediately said "happy father's day" after seeing the excited look on josh's face. the baby has been moving so much that josh was finally able to see my stomach move. josh is also becoming more comfortable with touching my bump on his own accord. this makes me smile.
Have you told family and friends: a stranger rubbed my belly two weeks ago so i think the word is out.
Miss Anything? i have had a few odoul's over the past few weeks so this is curbing my alcohol desire. i guess i miss soft cheeses from time to time, other than that i am not really missing anything in particular.
Movement: more and more every day. some have even caught me off guard to the point they have made me jump. being able to see the movement is the craziest thing.
Food cravings: had a lot of sugary treats last week while in michigan but i think they weren't so much cravings as they were being placed in front of me.
Anything making you queasy or sick: if i dont eat regularly i feel hunger pangs a little stronger than i used too. i am praying that the queasy and sick feelings of first trimester will not rear their ugly heads this last trimester.
Have you started to show yet: baby is 2 lbs now..hard to hide it. however, if i take a straight on photog it appears that i am just a little thicker.
Gender prediction: we have three girls names and only one boy name nailed down as viable options. i assume by this we are having a boy.
Labor Signs: tightness in my belly from time to time but most of the time labor free for another 13 weeks.
Belly Button in or out? i am amazed how much smaller my inny becomes each day.
Wedding rings on or off? i am swelling more from the extreme heat and humidity...my hands have fell victim to this a few times and i have had to remove my rings because of it. luckily, it is not a constant thing and i am able to still wear them. it makes me feel weird when they arent on.
Happy or Moody most of the time: i have had my moments but for the most part i am happy. the lower right part of my back has been aching a lot more lately so this leaves me in a grumpy mood by days end.
Weekly Wisdom: God is good all the time.
Looking forward to: fixing up baby's room is next on the agenda. i am looking forward to baby being here but i am also enjoying these last few moments as just husband and wife.
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