Birthday Boy!

No, not the baby! But, my incredible husband celebrated another year of life yesterday! I want to take this moment to say how blessed I am to have such an amazing husband, partner and friend in life! Max, you are God's absolute best for me in every way! I can't wait to become parents together and embark on this new journey with you! Happy Birthday! May this be the best year ever! I love you!

Epidural or no epidural - that is the question?

Ok - not by choice! I am writing pleading for your prayers and good thoughts. Last Thursday, I went to see the high-risk doctor and he informed me that he did not think I was a candidate for an epidural since I have had to be on so many blood thinners. So, his recommendation - natural child birth and no epidural! For those of you who know me, this is funny! I do not do pain! I have not prepared myself to do natural childbirth nor do I want to prepare myself for this.

So, after much research this weekend with several anesthesiologists and some more questioning today, I have decided to punt to my OB and see what she can figure out as an alternative! And... we wait.

I see my OB on Wednesday and she said she would look into it for us. I just ask for your prayers that there is some alternative to natural childbirth. If there is not, we will need all the prayers we can get for me and really Max to get through natural childbirth. Ouch - can't think of anything worse!

We see the doc on Wednesday and hopefully we will have an induction date and an answer on the epidural by then. Until then...prayers please!!! :)

Heat=No Bueno and the Fly-In

Random, I know! But, have two things I want to share with you. First, the heat in Texas is not conducive to a comfortable summer while being pregnant. I have never had cankles before and let me tell you - the heat has made these puppies swell up! PRETTY!!! Can't wait for Fall and for the baby to be here! Sorry friends, no pictures until baby comes!

Also, my sister sent me the link from the photographer who took pictures at Jake's fly-in. I am posting the link for you to see! What amazing work! What warms my heart about these pictures is the expression on McCall's face when seeing her daddy! Hope you enjoy!

http://www.beauwomblephotographyplog.com/?p=785

Three-and-a-half weeks and counting

It has been a rough couple of weeks emotionally. Two fridays ago I got a call from my doctor saying she wanted to take the baby at 38-weeks. I don't know why I have had such a hard time with this, but I have. She informed me that I have some pretty significant risks with delivery and she is wanting to try and minimize my risks as much as possible.

I have really battled with feelings of guilt and frustration over the past two weeks. After all, I just wanted to carry my baby all the way to 40 weeks + and to not be able to do that for him has been devestating! I am still in negotiations with my doctor to see how long into my 38th week she will let me go. More to come on this.

As for some positive news, the baby weighs 5 pounds and is looking great! He is very healthy and the sonogram yesterday showed he is growing normally and has a big head (thanks dad!!). I am waiting on my curtains and then to put some finishing touches on the nursery and then I will do our final nursery diaries post.

In other great news, Jake, my brother-in-law, is back from Afghanistan! My sister had a video made of his fly-in and homecoming and as soon as I get it I will post for you all! McCall is so glad to see her daddy and we are all so relieved he is home! Welcome home, brother!

Hope you guys have a wonderful Friday and I will post more soon!

What not to say to a pregnant woman!!!

Being almost 6 feet tall, I have had the benefit of not showing as quickly in my pregnancy. This is my first pregnancy though. I really did not show until I was well into my 6th month and then – bam – a little ball! But, you would not believe some of the comments I have had from people wondering if I am pregnant or just gaining weight. Some of this material is too good not to share and some of it serves as a warning to all my fellow readers about “what not to say to a pregnant woman.”

Here are a few situations that I hope you find funny and also learn from…

1) Two-and-a half months pregnant and finally telling my bosses I am having a baby. One individual who I have worked with for quite some time was delighted and gave me a huge hug! Then the comment – “oh good, you are going to get some junk in your trunk finally like most normal people!” She comments frequently that she is still waiting for the “junk.” Who wishes “junk” on others???
2) Three months pregnant and walking into the line at lunch to get a sandwich. See a co-worker who I have not seen in a few weeks. You can tell they are giving me the one-over like “man is she pregnant or just gained some weight?” I tell this person the exciting news and they respond, “I wondered if you were pregnant or if you had just gained some major weight. Your cheeks really have gotten chubby.” Really??? Was that necessary?
3) Five months pregnant and meeting with a group of individuals right after lunch. Co-worker takes a look at me and hesitates, then asks “Are you pregnant or did you just eat a burrito for lunch?” I laughed and said, “No I am 5 months pregnant.” What I really wanted to ask was, do most people look 5 months pregnant after eating a burrito or did I just still look just look full? Well, I am guessing the latter.
4) Six months pregnant but pre-pop I am ordering a turkey sandwich for lunch. Turkey folks – not ham and meatball! There is a guy behind me in the line and the sandwich maker asks what he would like. He promptly says, I might have to switch lines because I am not sure if the pregnant lady is going to leave any for me.” OK – I ordered a 6 inch turkey sandwich with veggies. Not a party sub!
5) Eight months pregnant and walking to a meeting. See a co-worker who says “man you are all baby.” I said thank you and proceeded to ask how she was doing. She said, “let me take a look at you, turn around.” That was my first mistake! She comes behind me and says “girl, you are carrying this baby from behind too!” I looked at her in disbelief and just kept walking!

Fortunately in my 8th month, I am obviously pregnant.

This has been quite the journey and I have found the humor in the many comments. I am sure more lessons will be learned on “what not to say to a pregnant woman” and as they come about, I will be sure to share them. In the meantime, let me leave you with one piece of advice – never assume someone is pregnant! If they tell you they are, offer your congratulations and leave it at that!

Four for Four!

That is right! Baby Whax is officially the size of four navel oranges and is 4 pounds. The interesting thing is that he is 4 pounds and only 31 weeks. The doctor is predicting a rather large baby if he goes full term! Would love your prayers now.

I saw the doctor at the end of last week. I got the temporary ok to not use my crutches pending the fact that my pain and swelling in my leg stayed to a minimum. I am still doing the shots twice a day and will until the baby comes. She said he is measuring a week early, so possibly might come early, but that if it is my first baby he will most likely be late.

At this point, all I want is a healthy baby and an easy delivery! Prayers would be welcomed around this topic!

Mom and I worked on finishing the nursery this weekend. Max has been studying a ton lately. I am waiting to get my curtains hung and then I will post the final product. It has been a labor of love and I can't wait to get my precious baby in his new home!

A Long Distance Hug!

Anyone who has a sibling they are close to will understand! I have those days where I just miss my sister and miss being close in proximity to her. Today has been one of those days. The Lord gave me a sister to be close to and to love on. When I am a million miles away (not literally) it is hard!

I have had one of those days where I just missed my sis and sweet McCall and would give anything to be there with them!

So, remedy... I dug up some recent pictures I have of them and decided I would send her a hug from far away and tell her and baby that I love them! Miss you sis and McCall! Can't wait to see you in a few short weeks!

McCall playing peek-a-boo
Shelb and me when she was here a few weeks ago!

Sis in her element at the barn!

Shelb with mom and McCall! I love how McCall is waiving at the camera!