34 weeks

Currently: 34 weeks and 5 days
Left to go: 5 weeks and 2 days

Can't believe I only have 5 weeks to go. Maybe less than that!

Me at 34 weeks and 4 days
Robert said he didn't realize I snuck a watermelon back to Tampa under my shirt.

This week has been good - mainly due to the good report I got at the Doctor for my 34 week appointment. I had to reschedule it for Wednesday, Sept. 25 since I was out of town until then. 

I talked to the Dr. about all the things that had happened over the previous week. Thankfully my blood pressure came in at exactly normal (120/80). 

Side note on blood pressure: The doctors had brought me in on Tuesday morning (Sept. 17th) before we flew home for Momma. Just to ensure I was ok to travel and discuss any concerns I had about the baby during stressful life situations. It was nice for them to see me in person and check on me and Bea. My blood pressure was elevated that day which is understandable. I was stressed about my mom, but the blood pressure elevation was more related to catching our flight out of town. I always get so nervous if we're running late to the airport since there are SO many factors that can slow you down.

Anyways, I was relieved to see normal blood pressure. The only thing the nurse commented on was that I had lost weight since the last visit. I think it was about 3-4 pounds? Not surprising as up until the funeral was over last week eating was just not something I could do. Too much anxiety and nerves. I did make myself eat somethings for Bea's sake as I had medicines and vitamins to take. Apple slices and cheese seemed to be the easiest. When the funeral was over my dad took me/Matt/Andrea and Robert to eat at O'Bryan's in downtown Tuscumbia. I polished off a plate of chicken fingers, loaded baked potato and a salad bar run. Obviously the anxiety had decreased.

Ok - back to the appointment details. The Doctor was very sympathetic about my mom and very reassuring about Bea. She measured my belly and said I was actually measuring a little big. I was already measuring 35 weeks at 34 weeks and 2 days. Not a huge difference since it's only a few days, but they'll monitor it. I laughed to myself because on my 32 week appointment I measured right on track (between 32 and 33 weeks) and now after losing 4 pounds I'm measuring a week early. I guess Bea's Marmee is fattening her up. :-) 

Her heartbeat was strong and steady at 150 - which is a bit faster than it was on the 32 week visit. I think she was asleep in the last visit because she was def. NOT asleep in this one. She was moving around so much the Doctor had trouble catching a spot to get a good reading on her heartbeat. We could hear the movements on the heartbeat monitor and and I could feel her rolling around at the same time. It was pretty funny. She's never been a fan of the ultrasound wand and now it seems the heart monitor was bugging her too.

The Doctor warned me about making sure she's moving and cautioned me not to panic as over the next few weeks as her movement would change as she slowly starts to run out of room in there. It was a good reassurance for me. The Dr. basically said any bump or nudge counted as a movement because some of the bigger, rolling movements wouldn't work anymore as she will just get too big to do them.

The next visit on October 8th - 36 weeks - is a big one. They're planning an ultrasound to determine Bea's size and position. They'll check me for any labor signs or progress and I'll have a culture done for Group B Strep. 

Had to throw in this belly shot from my work "photo studio".

Mommy's Feeling:
Tired, occasionally sad, excited, nervous, ready.

The last two weeks have really been something. I couldn't describe them accurately because my emotions would run between completely devastated to laughing hysterically. I said goodbye to my mom, celebrated her life and had some WONDERFUL time with Daddy, Andrea, Matt and Robert. I had to go home for sad reasons, but because we were there - we were able to celebrate Matt's birthday with his family. We got to visit with family and old friends out on my parent's back deck and enjoy the wonderful cool weather. (And the bugs which made a feast of my toes and ankles.) I think we made the most we could out of the sadness and I am so glad I was able to enjoy the company of some very beloved people. So while the week sucked (for lack of a better word) - at the same time it really didn't. 

That's where the occasional sadness comes in. Of course I'm still dealing with missing my mom, coming to terms about what that means in my life, worrying about my dad and my sister, etc. But those feeling come and go pretty quickly. I have a couple moments a day and giving into that moment makes me feel better as I am able to move on afterward. It's a little time for prayer, reflection, a few tears and quiet and even though the thoughts are sad, the feeling afterward is always that of relief.

Now when it comes to actual labor - that's where the excitement - the nerves - and the readiness come in. We missed our prepared childbirth class while we were out of town, but were able to reschedule it in October. (Let's just hope Bea doesn't come before then.) The class gives you a tour of the birthing facilities, goes over some late pregnancy and labor details, and teaches you a relaxation and breathing technique for labor. I'm mainly going to see the hospital facilities and the other tips are just extra. 

So there's my gamut of emotions for this week. Probably going to stay that way for a while though the percentages of things felt are def. going to change. (I know excitement and readiness levels are only going up!)

Had some fun in the antique mall with my Dad on Monday.
He wouldn't let me by these nuts for Bea.....I can't imagine why...

Bea's Feeling:
Still kicking away. Some of these nudges are pretty big. I feel her get the hiccups a lot. Andrea got to feel a good case of the hiccups when I was home. It's pretty adorable. 

Matt felt her rolling around in there on Wednesday night and declared it "creepy" and said I was keeping a snake in there! I told him to imagine what that felt like on the INSIDE! 

Still can't catch a video of her playing around. I was glad Daddy and Andrea got to see my belly bumping around when I was home. We say she's playing with my mom in there. If the bumps I'm feeling those times are any indications - then they're having a blast. She also sleeps a lot too, so I know my mom is rocking her - and getting her time in before it's time to send her down officially.

I have no idea how much she weighs - but if my belly is measuring 35 weeks then she's probably over 5.5 pounds. According to my baby app on my phone she is the size of a large cantaloupe (I've also seen honeydew mentioned.) Another website, which uses actual items instead of fruit, said Bea was the size of a ukelele. She'll move up to beach ball status next week.

Daddy's Feeling:
I hope she arrives in the next four weeks. I am ready to see her. 
She keeps getting bigger - I think she is going to be taller than me.  
And Ashley is a cute pregnant lady.

Wil, begging Beatrice's pardon, to reach across my belly and beg for more candy corn.

Upcoming Events:
Sept. 29th - Baby shower with Tampa friends. I am excited to see what baby fun my two friends, Heather and Jessica have come up with.

October 8th - 36 week appointment

October 11 - My last day at USF

October 12-13 - Prepared Childbirth class at St. Joseph Women's hospital

I almost forgot! Bea has hit the 34 week mark - which, according to my Doctor, means that if I were to go into labor they wouldn't stop it. Bea is mature enough to do ok outside my belly! Yay BB!!

33 weeks

Currently: 33 weeks

Left to go: 7 weeks

Me at 33 weeks and 5 days.

Week 33 of my pregnancy was/is the most difficult time of my life.

My mom very suddenly passed away on Monday, September 16, 2013. She had no symptoms that day. It was very sudden, unexpected and caught all of us completely off guard.

I am comforted knowing she didn’t hurt. I am comforted knowing she never had to deal with an illness that slowly took her from her loved ones and her sense of self. I am comforted knowing she didn’t have to deal with painful medical procedures or medications.

I know Jesus and my Grandpa greeted her there and immediately introduced her to all the relatives she’s missed since she was little. They probably said things southern relatives are known to do, like, “We haven’t seen you since you were ‘this’ high!”.

She was a book worm, a seamstress, a decorator, a crafter, a great cook, and pretty much a renaissance woman.

The thing I have noticed about my mom this week is that she really had no favorites of anything. I couldn’t tell you her most favorite color, she wore it all. I couldn’t tell you her favorite food, she’d try anything. Her favorite book? She’s read so many she probably has no clue. Her favorite craft? She’d have a cross-stitch, a dress pattern laid out, a jewelry experiment AND a tie for my dad all going at the same time.

She was so equal and balanced. She always showed love to me and my sister equally and using personal ways of showing that love for each of us.

This week has been devastating, but I haven’t been brought down. I know exactly where she is. I know she loved me with all her heart and that I had made her proud. I know she felt the same for my sister, my dad, for Matt and for Robert. We were her joy and now she’s got a view on what we’re up to whenever she likes.

I strive to keep myself equal and balanced for Bea’s sake, too. My mom was so excited to finally be a grandmother. As soon as I heard the news she was gone and was able to process things a bit Matt and I talked about how Momma was already in heaven and had met Bea. She’s already held her for me. She held her first.

I take SO much comfort in this. Bea has one AMAZING guardian angel. Momma is taking care of Bea along with my future babies and Andrea’s future babies. She’ll send them down to us officially when the time is perfect. I cannot ask for better assurance than that. Momma’s working directly under the Big Guy in charge.

Bea will know ALL about her Marmee. I used my mom’s example in my marriage and will continue to use it as a mother. I’ll use it 1. Because I don’t know any other way and 2. Because she was really good at this job. 

We are all doing ok as a family right now. And I believe we will continue to do so. The hardest part is that we’re all aware of this missing presence. It’s stressful to your body as you’re just so aware something isn’t right. I know this feeling will never go away. I still feel it with my Grandpa – but I know it will get less sharp as we all adjust.

God blessed me with Momma for 32 years. She taught me, inspired me and loved me. She’s safe in eternity now and I know I’ll see her again. My dad told her he’d see her “afterwhile”. So until then I will work to remember and live by her example.

She was praised as the Proverbs 31 woman at her funeral service. I remember reading that passage several times when I was younger. I tried to think of women I knew of who fit that description. I tended to look toward famous or well-known women to see if the descriptions and actions matched. They never did.

I hate that I never thought to look into my own family – to my own Momma – because I know I would have found that lady in her.

And now, I will place those Proverbs 31 words in my heart and carry on my Momma’s amazing personality, sense of humor, love for kids, crafts, and all of her renaissance lady ways to be the example for Bea that she was for me.

Me, Bea and Poppy.

We may be sad, but our family is great at finding reasons to smile through it.

Case in point:

One of these is not a watermelon.
Uncle Robert, Aunt Andrea, Me and Poppy.

Can't wait for this precious arrival to make her debut!

32 weeks

Currently: 32 weeks and 3 days

Left to go: 7 weeks and 4 days

Me on the porch at 32 weeks and 2 days
Sept. 11, 2013

This week has been a rough week in comparison to the others. And it's hasn't been THAT bad, which tells you how blessed I've been the previous weeks. Of course I'm far enough removed from the first trimester sickies to think that it's been easier for a while now. If you went back in time and asked me how I was feeling I'd probably laugh at your question and then gag because you smelled like food.

This weekend I woke up on Saturday with my head and nose completely stuffed up and I just had this gross feeling. I decided it was because our bedroom was too dusty. We store bins of extra clothes and other stuff under the bed which makes sweeping and dusting down there impossible. We had a "warren" of dust bunnies that needed to GO. So me in my eight month pregnancy nesting phase woke Matt up at 8:30 a.m. and told him to get dressed, we were going to Lowe's for supplies. 

We ended up going ahead and purchasing paint to paint the bedroom while at Lowe's. We'd painted it brown when we first moved in and I have regretted that decision so much. If I was going to clear out the room for cleaning we figured it would be the best opportunity to just redo the entire thing. I let Matt pick the color and we got home around 10 and immediately started emptying the bedroom, covering furniture and getting it prepped to paint. Bless Matt - he painted the entire room by himself as I was not allowed anywhere near the fumes. He did a spectacular job and actually got the entire thing finished in one day. He picked a very bright light blue. It's like a bright blue sky in there. If we painted some clouds on the walls we'd have a floating bedroom. 

While he painted, I worked on sorting clothes, purging items and dusting/vacuuming. I even bought a brand new vacuum just for this cleaning spree I was on. (I knew I'd need it when Bea was here, anyways.) 

We painted, sorted, purged, hung shelves, organized, swept, vacuumed, dusted and generally worked super hard all day. Matt finished up in time to settle down and eat some chili with me to watch the Auburn game. We slept in Bea's room that night to keep avoiding the paint fumes. 

Sunday I woke up and still felt horrible and actually felt worse. I had promised Matt after his busy work day that'd I'd go to Orlando with him for some waterpark fun - but I just couldn't do it. I felt terrible. I slept most of the day and vowed to call for a Dr. appointment first thing Monday morning. My terrible feeling had nothing to do with Bea - she was kicking away and seemed just as happy as ever. It was all sinus pain, pressure, fatigue, sneezing and just generally feeling icky.

Monday I called and got a Dr. appointment for that afternoon. Dr. diagnosed me with a sinus infection, probably related to seasonal allergies and gave me a Dr. excuse to miss work Monday and Tuesday. I'm taking antibiotics now (approved by my Doc. and my OBGYN) to get rid of the infection and they are slowly kicking in. I'm noticing pregnancy keeps you from quickly bouncing back after getting sick. I used to feel great after the first dose of antibiotics, but this time has been different. I'm feeling better - but it's a much slower process for sure.  

Other preggo symptoms: Nightly potty breaks (3 or 4 a night), trouble getting comfortable in ANY spot, fatigue, heartburn, swollen ankles/feet and sore hips.

Mommy's Feeling

Still feeling very congested in my head. I described myself as "phlemy" to Matt last night. Having lots of drainage, sinus pain and a very stuffed up nose. My lips are chapped from all the breathing through my mouth. The symptoms are SLOWLY diminishing which makes me happy the meds the Dr. prescribed are working. I came back to work on Wednesday feeling rough and I'm back at work today feeling about 10% less rough. I'm not complaining though, I'll take slowing getting better over slowly getting worse any day.

Had my 32 week OBGYN appointment on Tuesday morning, Sept. 10th. They took my vitals which were all fine. The Dr. listened to Bea's heartbeat which she said sounded great and was in between 140-150 bpm. She measured my belly and I was between 32 and 33 weeks which is RIGHT on target. I'll start my two week appointment now - going back on Sept. 23rd for my 34 week check-up. 

Mr. Pick, our chihuahua, posing with me.
I said I could use him as scale to show my belly size.

Bea's Feeling

She's been kicking away as usual. She'a a busy gal in there for sure. I was glad to feel all her normal kicking when I was feeling so bad on Sunday. I knew that even though I was feeling horrible, it wasn't bothering her and that was good. She doesn't need to know what sinus infections or colds feel like for a VERY long time. 

Speaking of Wil, our chihuahua in the photo above (he has several names/nicknames), I have been laughing at him trying to crawl up in my quickly disappearing lap. He's gotten to where he'll lay across my belly - propping up on it - to reach my face and beg for pets. Bea never kicks at him when he's doing this. I don't know if it's because he moves so quickly or if she and he already have an understanding. I have no doubt he'll quickly adopt her into his pack and be just as protective of her as he is of the rest of the household. 

She does kick at my hands when I rest them on my belly to look at my phone or read a book. I tried to read a magazine yesterday and had a difficult time figuring out a comfortable position to hold it so I could read it. My belly was in the way!

Still trying to catch the baby movement on a video. I tried two videos when I was home and resting in bed on Monday. She'd moved around so I got out my phone to try to catch the movement. I decided just to let the video run and then I could edit around the boring parts to catch the movement later. I let it run for over a minute - nothing. And this was JUST after she had poked me so hard my whole belly shook. I tried another minute of video.....nothing again. So, I sighed - deleted those files - and then immediately she kicked.  I think I actually said out loud, "Seriously?". She's a pistol alright. Here's hoping she cooperates at SOME point.

Poor Matt missed her coolest movement to date. I watched a bump move across my belly and then curve back to the other direction the other night. Cracked me up.

One thing Matt has noticed along with me is we are starting to be able to tell which way she's laying. I believe she's already head down so we can feel where her bottom is poking. Most of the time it's in the mid belly area, sometimes it's over to my right. It's just cool to connect with her in these little ways.

Me this morning - 32 weeks and 4 days
Sept. 12, 2013

Daddy's Feeling

I was able to tell a client about the baby and they were all excited. They hadn't seen me since the spring so they didn't know the news. They asked if we had run any races lately and I said, "No", because we were about to have a kid.

A lot of my coworkers are working very late nights (3 a.m.) and their significant others are not handling it well, but I think I won't have a problem taking care of Bea if you (Ashley) had to work like that.

Final thought: I think you (Ashley) look good. It's nice to have a pregnant wife that looks sexy.

(Mommy note: Aw, thanks sweetie!)

Belly shot from above with Daddy's hands.
I think it's getting harder and harder for him to reach.

Upcoming events:

Sept. 14 - Charlie's Birthday party in Pass-A-Grille and Bama vs. Texas A&M - I only mention the game because I want to remember how big this is being hyped up. Poor Bea will be hopping around in my belly due to gameday adrenaline I know. Dale and Gray are coming down on Saturday for the birthday party and Matt has plans for Gray on Sunday so it should be a busy but fun weekend. Glad I'm feeling better.

Sept. 21- Matt's Birthday!

Sept. 21-22 - Prepared Childbirth Class at St. Joseph Women's Hospital - We'll get some childbirth coaching, some tips on late pregnancy and labor and get to tour the hospital where I'll deliver Bea.

Sept. 23 - 34 week appointment

Sept. 29 - Tampa shower with my sweet friends!

A busy month for sure!

Closing out with a photo compilation of me at 12, 22, and 32 weeks.
I laugh at how much perkier I look in the 12 and 22 photos.
I could blame the sinus infection, but I also know it's the nightly potty breaks and inability to find a comfy position.

Maternity Photos

While I was home in August for the family/friend baby showers for Bea, I was lucky enough to schedule some maternity "belly" shots with my favorite photographer, Hannah Sumner.

Hannah did Andrea's wedding photos and I still love looking at them even today and remembering the day, the people, the look, the decor, etc. Hannah captured it all so vividly and perfectly.

I looked around at baby and children's photographers here in Tampa, but I just couldn't bring myself to book them. I knew what I wanted to see in the photos and I knew Hannah could fulfill my vision and more.

I contacted Hannah about booking the maternity shoot and booking a baby plan where she and I would schedule photo times when I was in town visiting family. We may not catch the newborn, 3mo, 6mo, etc. dates exactly, but we'll get close enough for me. I'd much rather have Hannah's talent on WHATEVER date than settle for photos I don't really like on specific dates.  Hannah very sweetly gifted this maternity photo session to me as a baby shower gift.

These are the first professionally done photos Matt and I have done together since our wedding! I wanted to capture the belly, the excitement over being pregnant and the happy expectations we have for welcoming B.

Hannah captured all that and more. I love the photos and can't wait to introduce her to Bea to see her wave her magic wand (camera) over those moments as well. She truly has a great talent and gift and I feel very lucky to know her well enough to BEG her to do my baby sessions. :-)

Here's her website: http://photographybyhsumner.com/
Her facebook: https://www.facebook.com/photographybyhsumner

I don't know her availability as she does photography stuff part-time to her "real-life" job as a nurse in Florence, AL. But, I can tell you she is completely worth the investment.

She made me feel like a magazine model!

Matt is comfy with her too so that makes family photos that much easier.

He's a proud daddy.

Belly comparison. hahaha.

Belly peeking out from behind the tree.

Peeking at the belly.

One of my favs.
Name banner made by Karen King of KK Creations.

This belly kiss shot was for Andrea :-) and I ended up loving it too.

Me at 27 weeks and 5 days.

We took the photos on the banks of the Tennessee River in our hometown in Alabama. This particular park is called McFarland Park and I am SO grateful the clouds cleared up enough that day to catch these shots.

I love how happy we look in this photo.
Because we really ARE that happy and excited.

Can't wait to get BB here and get some photos of her!

31 weeks

Currently: 31 weeks and 3 days
Left go to: 8 weeks and 4 days

31 weeks and counting!

Also, I can't believe how those single digit weeks keep counting down. 8 weeks!!?

This week has been a very busy one. This past weekend we were in Charleston, SC to celebrate Martin and Maggie's wedding. I am worn out from all the festivities, but I was very glad to be able to help out and participate in all the wedding events. I grabbed any chance I had to sit down or lay down and rest and that turned out to be very smart.

Matt at and I at the reception.
My mom made my dress and I got TONS of compliments on it and
even some disbelief that she had made it for me.
Good job Marmee!!

Crockett gals - Margaret, Maggie and Ashley
(funny I'm the only one in this photo NOT named Margaret....)

I stayed at the reception until Martin and Maggie left which was something I really wanted to do. I even danced a bit with Matt to "Sweet Home Alabama". The wedding was beautiful, the bride and groom were so so happy, and we really enjoyed being a part of their very special weekend.

Mommy's Feeling:
Still having to get up to use the bathroom about 4 times a night. Fortunately, I don't wake up too much when I go. I've learned not to turn on the bathroom lights and I fall back asleep pretty easily. This does make me very tired the next day. I know the getting up in the middle of the night stuff will never really end since Bea arrives soon and will need my attention for the next 18 years, at least - but, I will have an advantage after she's born in that I won't have to get up and get dressed for work after a rough night.

Speaking of work, I spoke with my supervisors to let them know I would not be coming back after the normal "maternity break" period. In fact, I'll basically just be resigning from my job in mid October. They were very understanding and supportive. They also assured me that when I was ready to start working again I would have strong recommendations from them. This is the best I could have hoped for. I wanted to be up front and honest with them regarding my plans. I haven't set my official end date for work, but it will most likely be mid-October (around the 10th or 11th as that's a pay period end). I'll be 36 weeks pregnant on October 7th so that seems like a good time to officially start taking it easy since I am lucky enough to have that choice. Matt and I will be strictly budgeting our lives, but it's a budget and sacrifice I am willing to make.

Power to those moms out there who want to work after baby and who need that social interaction. Right now, I just don't think I am one of them. After working at the preschool and seeing mom's heartbroken at having to leave their babies with us so soon after they arrive and watching how quickly those baby milestones come and go, I knew I wanted to be home with my babies. I may change my mind when I'm up to my elbows in diapers and wipes, but I don't think I will. I am looking forward to the flexibility of being at home with her and setting up our own perfect schedule. We'll take her Dad some lunch, rest, go on walks and enjoy each other. (I'm also realistic enough to know this rosy picture isn't perfect or will always happen. But some days it will and I'll revel in it.)

Symptoms include: Heartburn, fatigue, stuffy nose, sore throat, sore back, some Braxton Hicks contractions and the ever increasing need to pee. Apparently, this time in the pregnancy is a prime time for catching a cold and with summer colds going around and allergies starting up as the seasons change I can feel the change in my nose, throat and head. Def. doesn't help the fatigue.

Bea's Feeling:
Kicking away just as per her normal thing. I can tell room in there is decreasing because some of the kicks/movements are pretty sharp. Finally got Matt to sit still and just place his hand on my belly for about 30 minutes on Tuesday and he was able to feel how constant her movements actually are when she's on a roll. He normally will place his hand there for a few seconds and if he catches a kick we smile and if not he moves on - but I don't think he realized how much she likes to dance around in there. (Football season is what gets Matt to finally sit still for that long to feel her.)

I noticed this weekend during the wedding that she's still when I am moving. I was working a lot on decorating, getting ready, etc. and she didn't move much, but as soon as I sat down to rest she started the kicking started up. I'm glad I already have a nice baby sling for her to ride in when she arrives as my movements seem to soothe her - I can just plop her in the sling around me and hopefully she'll feel like she's back in my belly and will be happy.

Also a funny - I had been asked by Maggie and Martin to do a reading in the wedding. The preacher had planned to ask me to step up for the reading after they had made their intentions and the bride had been given away. So I had a few minutes after sitting down to wait before I had to go up - and Bea started up with the hiccups. I leaned over to Marg to tell her and we both started laughing. Her timing was great. It broke some of the tension for me before I did the reading.

She kicked a lot during the Bama v. Virginia Tech game on Saturday. I joked with Andrea and Matt that I'll probably go into labor during a Bama game now. I wasn't even tense watching the game, just enjoying myself and she was in there kicking away. A future football fan on our hands, no doubt. :-)

Probably need this....

31 weeks and 2 days

According to the guides, Bea is over 3 lbs. now and is the size of a pineapple. Another website describes her as being the size of a loaf of bread.

Daddy's Feeling:
I am very thankful she's healthy and that her mom has had no issues.
I didn't think it would go this smoothly.
But I don't think I will tell her boyfriend they can touch lips.
(Mommy note: this is a reference to a Duck Dynasty episode - when Sadie brings her boyfriend to hunt with Willie and Jase.)

Feet propped up and watching the second half of the Bama game in the beach house.

Ready for game day and beach parties with our swimsuits and team colors.

Upcoming events:
September 10 - 32 week doctor appointment (I'll start seeing the Dr. every two weeks after this!)

September 14-15 - Gray and Mimi are in town to help us celebrate Charlie's birthday (Matt's first cousin, Robert, is working in Tampa for a year and we have really enjoyed having them close by. We're heading to the beach with Rob and his wife, Mandi, and their families to celebrate Charlie's first birthday on Sept. 13.)

Charlie on the beach in Charleston. I think he'll LOVE his beach birthday party.

October 10 or 11th - My last days at USF!