I haven't blogged in a while but here's the latest!
On Sunday, February 22nd my very best friends Raven and Heather hosted a baby shower for me! It was so much fun and Caroline received so many cute, wonderful, and much needed baby items such as adorable clothes, books, mittens, socks, hats, bathtub, diaper genie, boppy, umbrella stroller, blankets, stuffed baby animals, changing pad cover, sleep positioner, pink and white polka dotted rubber ducky (it's just so cute- I've included a picture), towels, washcloths, letters for her name and much more ! It was also very nice to just get together with family and friends to celebrate this very special time in my life! Here's some photos! Doesn't the food look yummy! Raven even made homemade chicken salad and it was out of this world! Thanks girls!

Week 36!

On Wednesday, February 25th I had my 36 week appointment. This was the first time that I would be checked for any signs of progression- dilation or effacing. As usual, Sheron took my vitals- BP- normal, urine- normal, weight- stayed the same- I couldn't believe that I didn't gain any weight this time. I am eating less in my opinion, though not on purpose but I'm just not that hungry. So after my visit with Sheron it was time to get "checked". I saw Dr. Salley this time and he like all the other doctors in the practice was fabulous! When he first walked in and made introductions I felt like I already knew him (he took very good care of my friend Heather during her pregnancy even though she delivered at 25 weeks gestation- Morgan Kate, her daughter is now 6 months old and thriving). He first asked me if I had any labor questions. I told him that we'd just completed the birthing class (the one offered at the practice) and he said great! He then handed me information on labor-guidelines for when to know if you're in labor- and another on being induced. He said the practice does not believe in inducing women just because they're tired of being pregnant but they do induce if you're over your due date of course and for other health related issues! For an induction to take place you have to be "favorable"- showing some signs of progression. I thought this information was pertinent and even further believed that this practice believes in being very professional and medically sound when making decisions about their patients. After all of this it was time to get "checked". I was dreading it a little because I'd heard stories of how uncomfortable it was to be checked while pregnant, but it didn't bother me a bit. I was also swabbed for B strep, (normal procedures for being 36 weeks) and we'll get the results when I go this Wednesday for my 37 week appointment- this too didn't bother me. I asked Dr. Salley how much he thought she would weigh at birth and if she was head first. He told me that indeed she was head first and that she would weigh between 7 and 8 pounds at birth (he assured me though that the weight was a guess since she wasn't on a scale- funny). I measured at 35 weeks and questioned this because if I'm 36 weeks I should be measuring 36. He said this was fine and that he'd rather see me measuring a little small than big- he commented that there are too many big babies being born. I took a sigh of relief because I was beginning to worry that something could be wrong. After he wrote down the notes in my chart he commented that I had only one page of notes in my chart and that was good (meaning I was in good health) because some patients have lots of pages with lots of notes. This got me thinking and praising the Lord that I've had a great pregnancy and that my body has handled these new changes very well. I'll be going back on this Wednesday- so I'll post more then!

Caroline's first Build-A-Bear!

Finally, my coworker and friend, Lynn, and I went to make our Build-A-Bears for our babies on Friday, February 27, 2009! This was so much fun! We got their heartbeats recorded on special Build-A-Sound devices at one of our doctor's appointments. Today we took the devices to Build-A-Bear where we picked out the bears and then had the sound devices inserted inside of the bears so that when we mashed the paw we can hear their heartbeats! We had a lot of fun making the bears- naming them was the hardest. We called our husbands for "cute" bear names but they couldn't think of any. After some thought we came up with "Moo" for Caroline's bear and "Huggs" for Matalyn's bear! I've started to give Caroline the nickname of Missy Moo so this is why I chose it for her bear! I'm sure the nickname won't stick but the name will still be cute for the bear although she'll name it what she wants I'm sure! Lynn treated me with Caroline's bear and that was so sweet of her! We had a lot of fun and we recommend it for any expecting parents!

Baby shower at WKE!

Today, my school gave me a baby shower! We had such a great time! My team did an awesome job preparing for my special day! I had several friends that I use to work with but are now in other schools in my district come to the shower and it was so nice to see them- thanks Jenna and Kelly! Caroline got so many things like onesies, sleepers, clothes, diaper warmer, toys, receiving blankets, socks, baby legs (Heather I'm so excited about these baby legs), hamper, wipes, handmade monogrammed diaper bag with matching monogrammed changing pad, tummy time boppy mat, gift cards, books, bibs, etc, etc. I am so appreciative of all the things we got today. I can't wait to organize all these new baby things in Caroline's closet!

Today was some kinda day- let's call it bittersweet. It all began when I woke up at 5 am with a yucky stomach bug. It was also Sam's 32nd birthday! I stayed home from work and he decided to stay home and take care of me (he's such a sweetie). After watching Madagascar 2 (again) and getting some rest I decided that at 3:00 I needed to meander out of bed. By 4 I felt like a human again and decided that I was going to try and make it our first lamaze class! This class was very interesting- Tammy- my OB's nurse led the session and gave us along with a room full of other expecting parents very good information on how this whole birthing process WILL WORK. I was a teensy bit nervous seeing diagrams, (especially when she first walked in the door and asked "Whose doing natural birth"- not a girl in the room raised her hand), pictures, brochures, and handouts on how my body will somehow birth a baby but afterward I thought that it was useful- after all I might just somehow remember this one session when I'm in the second stage of labor and remembering how Tammy taught me to breathe through a 90 second contraction- just think 2 commercials! Tammy was wonderful in her presentation and left no one in the dark so to speak about what would happen in each stage and phase of labor- somethings however were very interesting like: most women will only be in labor 15 hours (I'm thinking false I know people that have labored nearly 2 days), some women come into the doctor's office needing/wanting to be checked and they'll say "If I take my pants off I'll have to push", you'll get a second dose of an epidural after your baby's head and shoulders have entered the birth canal (we'll turn down the first epidural so you can feel when you have to push), husbands- don't let your wife hold your hand just make a fist and tell her to clench it, and so on and so on. After the posters were shown and presentation made some dad's to be looked white as ghosts- I'm sure they were thinking about the part when Tammy said some dad's- the biggest ones- just pass right out after seeing their wives give birth.
Seriously, it was a very good session and we have one more next Tuesday where we'll learn about c-sections, more breathing techniques, and tour the hospital. It just seemed like what she explained in an hour an a half- all the stages and phases of labor/birth would take a woman in labor forever to accomplish- but I keep reminding myself that God made our bodies so that we could do this miraculous thing- give birth.
Tomorrow makes five weeks from our due date- Tammy mentioned that most women give birth seven days before their actual due date- again interesting! Sam and I have bets as to when Caroline will be born and how much she'll weigh, etc. We are just so excited to be going through this experience and think that its the most wonderful thing ever.
I'll be posting more later!

Happy 32nd Birthday Sam!

Tomorrow Sam turns 32! So let's all sing to him:

H-B-T-Y

H-B-T-Y

H-B-D-S

H-B-T-Y!

We went out to eat tonight with our neighbors to celebrate Sam's birthday early because tomorrow night we have our very first lamaze class! We are very excited about the class! After Wednesday we have five weeks to go! According to this man at church when told that I was having a baby in five weeks he commented that I needed to grow! As you can see from the photos- the new one at the top (Raven- he, he) I have certainly grown! These past eight months have gone by pretty fast! I hear however that the last month is the hardest! Caroline is so busy now- yesterday was the first time that we actually saw the outline of her body parts through my stomach- I think it was her elbow- this was very painful but funny to watch! Sam was so amazed! He says that she's getting anxious to meet us as we are her!

This past weekend was a treat! This weekend we kept our 15 year old niece Courtney! Sam had 2.5 dates all day long for Valentine's! We had so much fun together! For our valentine's dinner Sam cooked us steaks and the fixings!

34 and Still Growing!

Today makes week 34! I had my 34th week appointment today and everything is still looking great! This includes blood pressure, weight, and measurement! Yes, this time I did say weight- I only gained 1/2 pound! I was so happy when Sheron told me this bit of news! Today ends my two week appointments- I do go back in two weeks for my 36th week appointment but then after that I'll be going weekly until Caroline's born!
On rotation today was Dr. Stands- next to Dr. Holladay he hangs the moon! He's so nice and will spend as much time with you as you need him to! I had two concerns/questions today for him. One, I'm so thirsty all the time- just like I was in the first trimester- he said I could be dehydrated- I don't see how this could be for someone that drinks over 60 oz. of water a day but we'll increase the water intake! Two, could he tell already what position she was in. After checking her heart rate he said he found it on my left side so that means she's getting into "the position" so he felt around my belly and noted that he didn't feel anything hard at the top of my belly (her head) but thought that she was in the transverse position- head on one side of my body feet on the other. He told me that she had plenty of time to move into the birthing position! I was happy to hear the latter.
We begin our birthing class on Sam's 32nd birthday- Feb. 17th! We're very excited about taking the class and I'm sure we'll be loaded with lots of information from general hospital info to relaxation techniques (hopefully for the both of us!!).Here's also a picture of the polka dots! They are finished and Sam's so proud!

First Baby Shower!

Today we had our very first baby shower! We have been looking forward to this day all week long! It was a family baby shower given by my two sister-in-laws, Missi and Angela! We received so many nice things and it was great being in the company of our families! I cannot possibly list all of the gifts that Caroline got but she did get her very own pink Bible, piggy bank, crib, boppy travel swing, baby monitor, clothes, receiving blankets, baby wash, shampoo, wipes, diapers, hiney cream, clothes, onesies, sleepers, shoes, monogrammed burp cloths, washcloths, bottle washer, toys, monogrammed hairbow wall organizer, and lots lots more! Her mommy even received a few items! We are so appreciative of all the gifts and are very blessed to have family members that traveled many hours to share this day with us. Thank you all!

Yoo-Hoo Feet...Where Are You?

Yeah, week 32! I had my 32 week appointment today! Everything is still looking great! All of my vitals were wonderful- normal blood pressure, 146 was Caroline's heart rate, measuring 32, and finally minimal weight gain- yes only 2 pounds! Ever since my last appointment I tried doing some things differently- I changed my breakfast cereal- from Cinnamon Toast Crunch to Frosted Mini Wheats, I've been drinking less milk and more- yes even more water (with a little, I mean a lot of Crystal Light flavoring), eating less yogurt and snacking on more fruit. I feel like I am going to turn into a Pink Lady apple (they are the best in case you've never eaten one). I was in and out of the doctor's office in 20 minutes.
I came home from the doctor's office to find Sam drawing polka dots on one of Caroline's walls. I was really excited to see how these polka dots would turn out. After dinner Sam began to paint them and I love it!! He's still not finished but he's worked hard on them all afternoon. He's really excited about being able to draw and paint them- when he's finished I'll send more pics! We ordered our baby furniture last Friday and Sam just got the call saying that it was in! So tomorrow we'll be making a trip to Babies-R-Us to pick it up! Oh, I am so excited!
Here's a couple of pictures! My belly is well- BIG! We just had our maternity portraits taken and from them I think my belly looks like the shape of an egg- it makes me laugh to look at it! We had fun taking those portraits and I can't wait to get the prints we're ordering!
I think in the beginning of my pregnancy I've shared some typical "pregnancy symptoms". Well today I got a new one! This morning I woke up and could barely walk- it was more like a wobble from a stretching pain/sensation "down there". As the day progressed I found myself beginning to think that I was waddling- yes, yet another stymptom that I said that I would never get- Waddling! I wasn't bothered by this symptom- somehow pregnancy has calmed me down a bit- because another friend said that she had this same symptom! I did however mention this "pulling/stretching" ache to my doctor and he said that this was very normal and that it would only get more dramatic. I'm thinking that I'm going to be in a wheelchair because it REALLY hurts to walk- however I'm not complaining! Also, look at the last picture- what do you think it is? This is the my view of my feet Yoo-Hoo Feet...Where Are You! I use to be able to see my whole foot now its only a mere peek of the toes- another thing that makes me laugh! My belly doesn't just affect my view of my feet- I need help getting up off the floor, I can't easily bend over, I'm unable to shave my legs, put on socks, tie my shoes, and squeezing through spaces is almost impossible! I love being pregnant! It's fun to see and feel all of these exciting and new changes!
Caroline is a busy bee! The doctor asked me today about her fetal movements- was she moving a lot, etc. Since my last appointment she's gotten a lot busier. He told me that she would be moving less often now because of the amount of space she's inhibiting! Her kicks are really hard and I'm feeling them on both sides- I'm thinking at times that I'm being kicked near my back almost (I've read in the famous pregnancy book "What to Expect When You're Expecting" that I would feel harder kicks because there is more fluid than baby)! Also, my ribs- my poor ribs- at times I think they are going to break. Under my right rib is her favorite hang out spot! If you look closely you can tell that she's hiding there- most of the time!
Also, here's a picture of me and Mr. Kitty! He's noticing that his mama has changed- he seems very attached to me- he NEVER wants to sit on my lap and tonight he just decides that he has a big pillow to lay on! He's so sweet! When Sam works in Caroline's room he just walks around her room and meows!

Maternity Photos

On last Saturday we took maternity photos with our photographer! Here's the link and password to get on to view them:
Here's the log-in for collages.net:
Go to www.collages.net.
In the "view an event" section, enter username: Melissa and Sam, Maternity
password: 10292
I'm still getting use to them! Its hard seeing yourself this way- I feel very vunerable!! Patty, our photographer recommended that we wear dark pants and said denim would be best; however I didn't realize that she'd be getting me in my tennis shoes (I wore those for comfort)! Let me know which is your favorite! I couldn't wait to take the ones with her blanket, blankie buddy, and her toy Raffe!

Out of the Double Digits!

Nine weeks to go and I am so excited! Today I met with HR at my DO to discuss my maternity leave! My last day for this year is Friday, March 20th! I have enough leave to take the rest of the year off if she doesn't come any earlier than March 13th! I am so sad about leaving my children- this is by far the best group of children that I've ever taught- but then I'll be getting Caroline!!

Tonight we're picking out pink paint to go above the chair rail! Originally Sam was wanting to have the brown and the navajo white but I told him her room wouldn't be complete without the top part being pink (even though he's already painted with the navajo white). Sam's also going to polka dot one wall to match her bedding with a deeper shade of pink. I can't wait to see it all finished!

Working on Caroline's Nursery!

Caroline's Take Home Dress!

I've been told that Caroline needed to be frilled up when she left the hospital for home! Sam and I did a little shopping today for her and this is what we found. Its not a Feltman Brothers dress (which is what Melinda and I wore) but we thought this one was a lot cuter and cheaper!! We had fun picking out this little white smocked dress (with bonnet) and thought that we'd use it for her dedication too! I know it looks a little big for a newborn but the saleslady told me that they don't run any smaller than 3 months and my oldest sister assured me on the phone that this size would be just fine- I'm needing a lot of reassurance these days (but if its too big then we'll choose another "Fru fru" dress).

While we were shopping Sam found this very cute watermelon jumper that he just had to have for Caroline even though it was more pricey than I thought we should pay. He told me that he wanted to pick her out something on his own and that his little summer jumper would be cute on her- how could I say no (even on sale it costs more than the take home dress)!

We had a lot of fun shopping for our baby girl!

Here we are: Week 30!

Today I had my 30 week appointment! I was weighed (we'll get to that in a sec.), had my blood pressure checked- it was normal, and had my belly measured- which measured exactly 30 weeks- we're right on schedule! I love going to my appointments- some people hate going to doctor's offices but I actually don't mind (yep, even going to the dentist doesn't bother me). Sharon- the nurse tech, as usual today checked my BP, weight, etc. Sharon is so nice- she's the kind of person that you could sit and talk with all day- somehow during my appointments she gave me the nickname of trouble- I don't know why- hope I haven't asked her too many prenatal care questions- but it seems like everytime my visits roll around I have a ton to ask- I like to be very informative! So, Sharon did her usual- then she weighed me- now up until my last visit I wasn't too, too, too concerned with my weight- the doctor's don't have any issues with my gaining 8 pounds in 5 weeks and then another 8.5 pounds in 4 weeks so why should I be? This time when Sharon weighed me she didn't tell me right away the weight gain number (I think she was hoping that I'd forget), so I had to ask her- she joked and said, "I'm not telling you." So I told her the whole story about how I've cut back- didn't think I was eating too much to begin with but it was a start. So she eventually told me my weight gain number and I nearly fell over from joking laughter- you know the kind where you laugh at yourself- putting hand over chest while at the same time not wanting to actually believe what you're hearing? Well this was me when she told me that I'd gain 6 POUNDS- mind you in 2 weeks! So we're at a total of 29.5 pounds. Oh my goodness- but I know it's for Caroline! A friend called me tonight and wanted to check on my appointment and she told me that she talked with a girl from church whose is 33 weeks pregnant and has only gained 6 pounds. I'm thinking wow- she must not have ever had those cravings- and yes they do exist- in the beginning it was pickes and cheese then on to garlic bread- ask Sam about the late evenings run to The Pig for some good ole' garlic bread! So after Sharon broke this news to me and I recovered it was time to see Dr. Holladay! He wasn't at all in dismay about my weight gain. In fact he said everything was great- weight, blood pressure, etc. After hearing Caroline's heartbeat my mind simmered down some about the weight issue and I'm only back on the issue so as to write it here. There's always tomorrow to start walking more (this is what I'm telling myself so as not to feel so guilty)- I guess walking the track at recess duty, in the building after school, and in the neighborhood isn't enough! I've come to the conclusion that you're body is going to do what it's going to do whether you like it or not- even stretch marks fit into this category (I'm knocking on wood because as of now I' don't have any on my belly- just other places)!

Here's some 30 weeks pictures of me. Yes, I'm in my pajamas! One of the things that Dr. Holladay told me to do was to prop my feet up as soon as I got home from work. Yes, I'm starting to swell but its minimal and he said its very normal to swell during pregnancy- "it just comes with it"! So when I told Sam this today he immediately told me to go sit down and prop my feet up and even told me after using a pillow that they were not up high enough- I told him that I didn't need anymore back hurting issues and that using another pillow would only make me ache more!! He's so funny! So that's why in the pictures I'm in my pajamas! I was relaxing for the evening very early- I even went to the mailbox in my pj's! So he's starting to take over the cooking! His house chores lately have become extensive- from cleaning the whole house each week, tending to the yard- which if you know Sam- this is his favorite hobby anyways, and to now the cooking! He's a great chef by the way! Ask him to make his chilli for you sometime!
Caroline- she's so active! I don't understand how someone so tiny could really kick and move as hard as she does in such a little amount of space. Her routines are the same and have been since week 24. She's very quiet and still in the afternoons- she's most active in the middle of the night- I've become her punching bag in the wee hours of the morning- she's getting all those Caroline stretches then-, mid-morning, and early evening. Except for right now she's all bulged over on one side and my belly looks whoppsided- its really neat to look at and especially feel!
The nursery is being painted- and coming along nicely! We're going to be ordering her furniture within the month! I'm becoming very excited!!
I return for another visit on January 28th for my 32 week checkup. I'll keep you posted!

Caroline's Nursery- A Work in Progress!

Here's Caroline's daddy and granddaddy measuring the nursery for chair rail! Afterwards the chair rail and crown molding were added to the nursery for accents! We still have a lot to do in 11 weeks and I'm so excited about seeing the nursery complete!

Week 28- First Week of 7th Month

Today I had my 28th week appointment! I saw Dr. Stands today and he was just terrific! He was very nice and he answered all of my questions for this visit. I'm beginning to have indigestion (YUCK), some swelling-mostly when I'm working (I'm on winter break right now), and my belly size (just wanted to make sure that my belly isn't bigger than 28 weeks! Dr. Stands measured my belly and told me that I was measuring exactly 28)! He said that my belly size was perfect and right on target and even told me that I looked great!

I also took and passed the glucose sugar test with "flying colors" as Sharon, the nurse tech said. I was very nervous about this test in general even though my sugar has always been low, but when Sharon read my levels I was a happy girl! My hemoglobin was also great- Sharon said that I should not be tired since it was so high. I told her that I haven't even taken a nap in the afternoons since being pregnant- for one if I did I wouldn't be able to sleep at night and since I'm teacher I need lots of sleep!
Okay, okay the weight part- I've gained another seven pounds- for a grand total of 23.5 pounds. Now this does not upset me but I'm thinking that I'm going to increase my walking minutes to 30 minutes each day instead of just 20. I'll keep you posted on how this is working out for Caroline and her mommy!
At today's visit we were also able to record Caroline's heartbeat on the Build-A-Sound device from Build-A-Bear (I'll insert the build-a- sound device into the bear I make and forever I'll have Caroline's heartbeat)! In last month's blog I mentioned that it didn't record, but we have it now. I'm going to download it on my computer from the device, this will take out the static, and then I'll re-record it and then a friend and I are going to Build-A-Bear to make bears for our babies. I'm so excited. Now the trouble is- what name do I choose for the bear I make? I'm so excited and can't wait to do this!
This was the last visit for every 4 weeks! Now my appointments are scheduled every two weeks until I'm 36 weeks and then it'll change to every week! So my next visit will be January 14th!
I hope everyone has a happy new year! God Bless!

Merry Christmas!

We hope that you all have a very Merry Christmas! We sure are enjoying this day! Earlier in the week we had Thaxmas with my dad and stepmom and today we're headed to Orangeburg to spend the day with the Leviners. On Saturday we're headed to Chester to have Christmas with my mother and stepfather.
Caroline got so many things for Christmas- from books, to clothes and shoes, and even a rocking chair! We're so thankful to our family for thinking about her this Christmas. Next Christmas will be such a delight for me and Sam as well as our family! God Bless!
Caroline's Rocking Chair from her Nanny and PC!

Melissa and Sam