Baby Bump - Weeks 37 & 38 and an Update!

The swollen feet have returned! Weeks 37 and 38 were filled with many days of this, but I am very happy to report that my wedding ring still fits! :) Sleep has been extremely uncomfortable, and I've even taken Tylenol PM (recommended by my doc) a few nights just to get enough zzz's in. Cravings have sort of leveled off...so not much to report there.

While I thought about waiting to update you guys until I write Gavin's birth story, I figured I'd go ahead and write about yesterday's events now while I still have the time to blog. Yesterday when I woke up, I began having contractions. These contractions were 5-10 minutes apart but only lasted about 20 seconds each. From 7:30am until 11:00pm last night (when I wrote this post) I had consistent contractions. Keith and I went to my doctor so that they could check me, and I didn't get the news I had hoped for. (I thought contractions = labor/hospital/baby, but apparently not always) I am only 1.5cm dilated but I am 70% effaced and my cervix has considerably dropped! The midwife that I saw told us that I could go into labor tonight or two weeks from now. Since the contractions are very consistent and painful, I am praying that Gavin comes soon. I fear that if I have too many days of this, I will be too exhausted once active labor begins to achieve a natural birth. I will say that while the contractions are painful, they are tolerable. They definitely resemble the pain I experienced with Endometriosis, so it's a familiar pain. I know it's only going to get worse, but for now I can manage these. If Gav isn't here by Thursday then we're heading back to the doc to see my progress. So, that's all for now. I sincerely hope that the next post I write is a "He's Here!" one and not a "Still Waiting" one... 

37 weeks

38 weeks, 1 day

Our Bags are Packed, We're Ready to Go!

We are definitely entering the homestretch of this pregnancy! With 9 days left until Gavin's due date, the excitement around my house is getting pretty high. Keith and I are very anxious and any little pain or Braxton Hicks contraction is gaining tons of attention. So far, nothing has been serious. Both of our hospital bags are packed, I am officially finished with the spring semester (YAY!), and there isn't much for us to do but wait.

My baby sister arrived in Atlanta Saturday night and we've been talking a lot about my big belly and my hopes for a natural birth. She is on board with my plan and I am thrilled. After hearing so much negativity on the topic, it's nice to talk to someone who actually believes in me. :) On Sunday, we experimented with a belly cast and I have to say...I love it. Keith and I now a personal piece of art that will be a reminder of Gavin's home for his first 9 months.

While Gav's nursery isn't what I envisioned, it will do for now. Until we know where we'll be living in a few months, there isn't much of a point to painting, decorating, or setting up his crib. (By the way, we heard back from the company that Keith interviewed with and they will be calling on Tuesday to discuss the details!!!) For now, Gav has a bassinet in our room and a bassinet/play yard in his room. 

Every time I walk into his closet and see those tiny diapers, my heart truly melts. I am beyond ready to meet my son. I always thought that I knew what love was. I know that I love and simply adore my wonderful husband. I know that I love my God more than words can describe. But, the love that a parent has for their child is a different kind of love (so I'm told). It resembles the love that God has for us, His children. And it is a love that I am slowly becoming introduced to. Once that little body is placed in my arms and I look into my son's eyes...everything will be complete. Oh goodness I am already tearing up just thinking about it. 

I cannot wait. 

It's going to be the most magical moment of my life.

Wordless Wednesday

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Updating Life on a Miscellany Monday

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~ I want to start by saying thank you so much for all of your kind and encouraging words about my last post. I was so discourage by the crazy midwife, but after hearing from you guys I just know that everything will work out. :) I have a doctor's appointment on Thursday and I will be voicing my concerns about this midwife. I'll also be telling them that I will refuse treatment from her (in a civilized manner) if she is there that day, so please pray that the response I get is a supportive one. 

~In other baby news, I have decided to have a doula with us to support me at Gavin's birth. After the crazy midwife fiasco I called a doula that was recommended to me at the childbirth class Keith and I took a few weeks ago. Her name is Amber and she is coming over tonight for our consultation. We've only spoken once, but she comes highly recommended and sounds wonderful. Since I'm only 2(ish) weeks out we'll be fast-tracking everything and confirming everything tonight. I am so excited about this! Not only will she support me in my desire for a natural birth, but she'll also be the buffer between me and the medical staff. (Especially if the crazy midwife is there!)

~ I wanted to let you guys know that we still haven't heard anything about the job that Keith interviewed for back on February 1st. We didn't think it would take this long to hear back, but it's apparently a long process. We've heard from a little birdie that Keith is being highly considered...but that's all hearsay for now. We're hopeful that we'll hear something soon and that it will be good news...so fingers crossed! :) Prayers are certainly appreciated.

~ Today begins my final week of classes for the spring semester!!! YAY! Y'all, I was so worried Gavin would come early and I'd be stuck playing catch-up, but it looks like I'll be able to get everything completed. What's even better? The fact that I'll have an A in Criminal Evidence and (possibly) an A- in biology! I'm 1 point away from this A-, but I think I can pull it off. This is HUGE for me because I despise biology, but by the grace of God I pulled it off! Thank you Lord! 

~ My little sister Lacey is flying to Atlanta on Saturday and I am so pumped! She's coming to stay with me and Keith as we wait for Gavin to arrive. Since school will be over, Lace and I will be sending out baby shower thank you cards, doing a belly cast, and preparing for Gavin. :) 

How cute is my sis? :)

Warm wishes on this chilly Monday! :)

Help! My Midwife is AWFUL!

I have been seeing my awesome doctor during my entire pregnancy. He works in a practice with 7 physicians and 5 midwives. Recently, I found out that it will be a midwife, not my doctor, who will deliver my baby. The doctor will only be called if I need a c-section. 

So, there are 5 midwives in the practice and so far I've met 3. One was wonderful, one was nice but stern, and this last one...well she is just a awful. :( I met her today and I am now beyond terrified of going into labor and having her deliver Gavin! There's obviously a 1-in-5 chance that it will be her, but still...that is not comforting!

My visit began with her entering the room and casually announcing that I am positive for Strep B. No introductions, no nothing. Just "Well, you're positive for GBS." She proceeds to tell me that I'll just need antibiotics when I get to the hospital, but if my water breaks and I am not progressing then they will induce me. 

WOAH now. What?! Who says I won't progress? And what are you talking about?!?!

I asked her how much time they allow to track my progress and when exactly would they try to speed things up. She told me that she couldn't give me a time. I then told her that I do not want Pitocin and that is my last option. She immediately asks why I don't want Pitocin, so I tell her that from what I've read and from people I've spoken to it just makes things way more intense. 

Her response? 

"Well duh!! If you aren't having contractions and then you are given Pitocin, you will go from zero contractions to many, and therefore it will be worse." Welllll then, thanks for clearing that up! But that's not what I said!

I then tell her that I have a birth plan but am flexible to medication, an epidural, etc. This woman responds with this -- "You have a birth plan? You should just leave that at home! All the nurses are going to do is laugh about it at the nurses station!"

What. the. hell. At this point I responded with "Well in that case I'll just have my freaking baby at home!!!" 

Y'all, I was so upset. This lady knew that I had a birth plan and preceded to tell me that I'll be laughed at. REALLY??? The appointment went on like this for the next 15 minutes of her and I going back and forth. She was so negative, so rude, and so freaking mean. I left the office in tears and was just praying so hard that this woman would not be the one at the hospital on the day I go into labor. Because if she is, and I don't know how this would technically work, but I am going to refuse treatment from her. I will not have someone so negative delivering my child. 

At the childbirth class on Saturday I did get the number to a doula and left a message with her today. While this wasn't something Keith and I had considered before, I definitely think I am going to need one with me so that I can relax and not have to fight with the medical staff or, if this midwife is on duty, her!

I am so sorry for this rant, but I am so upset to a) find out that my doctor will not be the one to deliver Gavin, and b) that I will potentially have to deal with this mean woman. :( 

Prayers for everything to work out are much appreciated...

Baby Bump - Weeks 34, 35, 36 and a Baby Shower!

34 weeks, 3 days

Weeks 34, 35 and 36 were a bit more rough than I've been used to. During week 34, Keith and I traveled to Charleston to our baby shower and then to Charlotte, NC to Keith's job interview. During this time, my feet got extremely swollen and it was very painful. Luckily, after a few days the swelling went down and my feet returned to their normal looking selves. Sleep is becoming more uncomfortable, as I am constantly tossing and turning with my big ole belly. The hubs tells me that I'm apparently still snoring, but the good news is that I think he's getting used to it. :) Gavin's been very active and I'm loving it. My energy level is still pretty high and the only thing I'm still struggling with is random heartburn. Still craving oranges and as of recent tomatoes with Italian dressing. I am so thankful for this smooth pregnancy and hope that things stay like this through week 40!

As of our 36 week appointment, I am not dilated at all and everything is looking good!

34 weeks

35 weeks, 3 days

36 weeks

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Our co-ed baby shower was held in Charleston during week 34 and we had such a fantastic time! My mother-in-law Pam did an amazing job with everything and we are so unbelievably blessed to have so many wonderful people in our life. It was a great day and we can't wait until we can get back to Charleston so everyone can meet Gav! 

Love notes for baby boy

 Us as babies

I adore this man

Our precious niece

One of our cakes, made by Pam!

"My Dad is cooler than your Dad" bib...Keith loved it!

 Loved ones

Some of my favorite Charleston ladies!

Thanks again to everyone who made this day wonderful! 

We love you all so much!

Here We Go, Monday!

I tell ya...the days just keep going by faster and faster! Baby boy will be here before I know it and life will never be the same. :) AH! 

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~ On Saturday, Keith and I attended a childbirth class that focused on natural birth and it was such an awesome experience. I don't know if I've mentioned this before, but I want to try and go sans medication. (Specifically, no epidural or Pitocin) This really is a post within itself, but to sum it up I've never taken well to drugs and basically just don't want a huge needle stuck into my spine. If need be, I'll do whatever necessary, but the plan is to go au naturale. We learned so much at the class and feel much more equipped to tackle this beast called labor. I have confidence that my body will know what to do, and I can't wait to see it in action! 

~ As I'm sure you all know, Whitney Houston passed away on Saturday. Her death was one that didn't seem to surprise many since she has been known to struggle with drugs, but personally, I was shocked. Even more, I was outraged by the response I saw by friends on Facebook and people on Twitter. I get it -- drugs are bad, she did drugs, it seems like an inevitable fate. BUT, when did it become acceptable to respond to a death with so much hate? To all you cyber bullies/jerks -- STOP IT. This woman was someone's daughter, mother, sister, friend. She was 48 years old. And she was just a person like you or me who had her own demons to fight. That's all for my rant. Rest in Peace, Whitney.  

One of my many Whitney favorites. Love.

~ See these precious creatures?

They are my sweet girls, Torre and Abigail. And this is how they sometimes sleep. :) 

Oh, how I love them! 

~ To all you mommas and pregnant ladies out there...I'm in the process of packing my hospital bag and I'd love to get some input. Any must have items? Anything that I might think that I need, but actually don't?? I'll be 37 weeks this week and I'd like to get everything together soon. Thanks in advance for the advice! 

Happy Monday, readers!

One Month

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The lovely Audrey Hepburn. :)

As of today, there are only 29 days left until our sweet Gavin Josiah is due to make his appearance! While I know he may be a bit early or late, one month is all that's left until I'm considered 40 weeks pregnant. It's definitely an exciting time here in the Christmas household and we are ready to meet this sweet little boy. While excitement is our main emotion, we are also a bit overwhelmed.

You see, that curve ball that we were thrown at the end of December changed everything. With one month left I planned on having Gav's nursery mostly finished and really getting our house baby-ready. But, here we are with his crib in pieces and nothing set up in his nursery. Clothes, toys, diapers and wipes, furniture and decorations are everywhere! 

The reason? 

We may be moving again. 

Everything is up in the air at this point with Keith and his potential new job, and if he does get the job then it is likely we'll be moving in April or May. Where to? No idea, but we're preparing for this door to open. Keith had an amazing interview and if for some reason he does not get this job, then we trust it's because God has something better in store. So instead of getting the nursery perfect only to pack everything, we're going to use his bassinet in our room and play yard/bassinet in his nursery, and just wait. Once we know the plan, we'll either set up his nursery here in Atlanta or at our new home...wherever that will be.

I have to say, it's probably a good thing that this has happened, because not one bit of me wants to nest! The whole pregnant and nesting thing did not happen to me! All I'm trying to do is make sure that I stay on top of my studies, and that my semester comes to an end on February 25th and baby comes after! Although, I'm sure my professors would understand if a few assignments were late due to the birth of my son... :)

Just Another Miscellany Monday

~ Words cannot describe how happy I am that last week is over. It. Was. Crazy!!!! I'm ecstatic to report that I was able to get all of my schoolwork (a few discussion posts, 5 tests and a lab) completed and am now up to date on everything. Thank you God! Life is still busy, but the weight of being behind on everything is off of my shoulders...which of course means back to blogging. Yay! :)

~ Had I know that LSAC was going to email me the results of my fee waiver appeal, I wouldn't have stalked the mess out of my account. Unfortunately, my appeal was denied and I won't be getting any fee waivers. :( While it stinks, it's not the end of the world. Keith and I are in a pretty new, unique financial situation, and I can understand why they would deny me the waiver. Thankfully, it seems like things are looking up for us and we'll be a-okay paying for LSAT tidbits. Bring it on!!!

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I know I haven't destroyed the LSAT (yet), but this was just too cute not to post.

~ Okay, does anyone watch The Mentalist? Keith and I have been catching up on older episodes and we are completely hooked. It is so cleverly written and we just love Patrick Jane! We've just seen the season 3 finale and cannot find season 4 (the current season) online anywhere...except the Canada iTunes store! Lol we've tried to purchase the first episode, but low and behold, we're not in Canada and the transaction won't go through. Does anyone know where we can find these episodes?

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~ Taylor Swift and The Civil Wars recently released a song called "Safe and Sound" that will be on The Hunger Games soundtrack. It is absolutely beautiful, and in my opinion, the best that Taylor has sounded. But, there's a singer by the name of Savannah Berry who recently covered the song, and dear goodness she will take your breath away. This little girl is amazing and I can't wait to see her career take off. 

Happy Monday!

Is Today Really Thursday???

I cannot believe that it's been over a week since my last post. Things have been absolutely crazy and I don't even know where to begin. Due to the fact that things are still very hectic and I must play catch-up with my schoolwork, I'll make this post short and sweet.

* Keith and I left for Charleston, SC last Thursday evening. This was a planned trip, and we were heading to the Lowcountry for our co-ed baby shower/to spend time with friends and family.

* Our baby shower was on Saturday and it was absolutely lovely. We are so blessed to have such amazing people in our lives.

* After the shower, Keith received a call from a potiential future employer about a job interview! So, on Tuesday of this week, we headed from Charleston to Charlotte, NC for my hubby to interview with a new company. The interview went as well as it possibly could have...so now we wait. :)

* Two words: Swollen. Feet. After our drive to Charlotte this awesome pregnancy symptom kicked in, and boy is it uncomfortable. I shouldn't complain too much though...I've had a pretty easy pregnancy.

* Here's a sneak peak from our Maternity shoot. I adore these pictures and can't wait to see more.

all from here

That is all for today. I am overwhelmed by the amount of things on my to-do list for this week...and apparently today is Thursday, which leaves not much time for anything! I'll be back with a baby shower re-cap, an update on my LSAC fee waiver status, and hopefully fantastic news about the interview. Wish me luck!