She's here!!

I started having contractions around 11:45 pm on Thursday, 12/17, shortly after getting in bed. I turned to Craig and told him I thought I would be going into labor soon. I really had no idea - just thought I'd keep him on his toes, well that and I hadn't had these kind of pains before.

By about 2:30 am Craig said it was time to start timing the contractions b/c they were coming more regularly. (You have to be 5 minutes apart before they want you to go to the hospital.) They started about 10 or so minutes apart for a short bit and by 3:30-4:00 am we were ready to go to the hospital. By the time I got there my contractions were 2-3 minutes apart and I could barely walk.

We got to the hospital around 4:30 am and I was 4 cm dilated. By 8:30 am I was 10 cm and ready to go - except the baby hadn't dropped for me to start pushing. So I had to lay around, switching positions for a couple hours hoping she would drop... but she never budged. They told me to go ahead and start pushing, thinking that might help her out but after an hour and a half she was still in the same place. Guess somewhere in the middle of it all she changed her mind about coming out. :)

By this time I was running a fever of 102.4, on oxygen (almost the whole time) and the baby's heart rate was high. The Dr. finally dropped the bomb that I would need a c-section, not only b/c the baby wasn't fitting but b/c my fever was endangering her. A c-section was the last thing I wanted but in birth you have no control on how your body responds, you just do what's best for the baby.

So at 1:58 pm on 12/18 - baby Addie came into this world weighing 8lbs 5oz and 20" long - looking just like daddy.

Week 40 - GO TIME!!

Can you believe it, I actually went into labor on my due date! Here is my last oh so beautiful belly pic taken at 3:20 am, in the middle of some heavy contractions and about 1 hour from being at the hospital for the big sha-bang.

weeks 37-39

Weeks 31-36

I know, it's been a long while since the last post. Sure it doesn't take long to throw a few pics and words on this blog but honestly, I've been SO busy getting ready for the baby and now she's here - so time is even more limited.
So here are my last set of belly pics before I unleash all the baby pics! :)

I have cankles...

and they are amazing to look at!!

(PS - promise to update this blog soon, with pics and everything!) Woo-Hoo!

Sleep? Why, no thanks.

I knew I would jinx myself by telling people that I am still only getting up 1, sometimes 2 times a night to use the little girls room. Dang it!

Last night marked my first time having to get up every 2-2.5 hours to pee. That makes 3 trips in the middle of the night.

Guess my body is finally saying - 'It is time, must prepare for mommyhood.'
Actually I think my body talks more like this: 'Yo lazy! Sleep is for the weak. Gotta get ready for the little one or you're gonna be hating life in a few weeks!'

Plus thinking maybe the baby has dropped some, which means we are 1 step closer to meeting her!

Have an appt with the Dr. this Thursday. First 'exam' to see if we are making any progress for the big day or still need a little cooking time. :)

It's finally happening...

It was so nice today that I decided I would wear a dress to church instead of my customary frumpy pants. I tried on my normal comfy 'pregnancy' shoes but they just didn't look right. So I dug around until I found a little pair of slide sandals that have maybe a 1" heel.

1" heel - that's nothing right?! So I thought, and boy was I wrong!

Didn't even make it half way through church and I had to take them off, to give my feet a little break. When church was dismissed I slid my 1" heels back on and starting walking to the back when my dear, sweet husband tells me..."Your feet have muffin tops."

What?? My feet have muffin tops?! Like it's not bad enough I'm already sporting a muffin top around my waist and a floatie (or two) around my neck! I looked down and sure enough, my feet had blown up like the stay puff marshmallow man and were squishing over the tops and sides of my shoes. Not only were my feet nice and puffy, my ankles were quite rotund as well. Then I noticed a big purple spot above my ankle bone like a big bruise. All the signs my poor ankles have graduated into cankles. :)

I knew the 'swollen' days were coming but thought it would be a few more weeks away. Maybe it's a temporary visitor but so far my feet and ankles are still pretty swollen. However, 'tis not all bad. Craig felt so bad for me he told me the only thing I was to do today was take it easy, meaning no house work or errands for me. Yay! He took care of everything that needed to be done in the house and the yard while I sat outside all afternoon painting. It was pretty nice! Thanks honey!!

Boob Talk...now that I've got your attention

Tonight Craig and I attended a breastfeeding class so that we are somewhat prepared for the all-you-can-eat buffet I will soon become. It was, shall I say, very informative. I think the videos in this class were more disturbing than in the labor and delivery class. I know it's 'natural' and definitely something I want to do but that doesn't mean I don't find it a little uncomfortable to watch.

Some things were a little frightening to see actually, like women 'expressing' their milk and engorgement. Also being told that I will need to feed the baby every 2-3 hours, and time starts once you start feeding not when they are done - so I could feed the baby and in 1 hour turn around and have to feed her again. Yikes! It's seriously like a commerical milk factory - mass production. The straw that almost broke the camels back was when the teacher said I can't pump for 4 weeks! That means mommy dearest gets to enjoy ALL the feedings, night or day, for the first 4 weeks. Seriously?! What the heck is Craig supposed to do, catch up on beauty rest while I walk around like a zombie? It made me almost think twice about this whole 'experience'.

But, no. I am woman, hear me roar. I will not only sacrifice 10 months of my life to carry the baby, giving up normal life pleasantries like morning coffee, evening wine, hour and half long spin classes, skinny jeans and 4 inch heals for boobs the size of canteloupes, pregnancy acne, a thermal body suit that makes me sweat when it's 60 outside, and thighs that not only rub together but could probably start a fire if I walk fast enough but I will also give up those first 4 weeks of sleep so that I can ensure the best health for our daughter. I will do all of this with a happy heart and hardly any complaining... (ok so the complaining part is not so true).

BUT come week 5... it's game time for good ol daddy, who has had to sit on the sidelines and watch the game. He will be the star quarterback, running back, wide receiver and punter (and whatever other positions there are in football).

In all seriousness, if breastfeeding will give our daughter a healthy start in life, that is the most important thing. Even more important than sleep, and for those of you that know me well... that's saying a lot! :)

Just for Giggles

I was searching for one of those fancy quote decals to put in Addie's nursery and came across one that I thought was so cute, I just had to share it:

"I wish I were a glowworm, a glowworm’s never glum. It’s hard to be downhearted, when the sun shines out your bum."

Anything that talks about lights shining out of your bum - I find inspirational. :)
Hope you've been inspired too!

Jeepers Creepers, Where'd Ya Get Those Peepers?

An interesting fact I came across about a newborn's eyesight:

At 30 weeks the babies eyesight continues to develop, though it's not very keen; even after she's born, she'll keep her eyes closed for a good part of the day. When she does open them, she'll respond to changes in light but will have 20/400 vision — which means she can only make out objects a few inches from her face. (Normal adult vision is 20/20.)

I found this interesting because, I too, have 20/400 vision!! That's right, I'm as blind as a bat and couldn't tell you apart from a hairy ape without my contacts! Luckily, Addie's eyesight will get better with time but for a while we will be looking at the world through the same eyes.

The BIG 3-0

A milestone week - with only 10 more weeks to go. We are pushing single digit weeks people!
Lots of updates:
- She is between 15.5-16 inches long. The pokes and thumps have turned into full blown jabs and extreme rolling around since she's running out of room in there.
- Weighing in at over 3 lbs - she is now compared to a Head of Cabbage. Oh, it just makes a mom proud.
- She has had the hiccups 3 times. I thought she was tapping to a tune or something the first time I felt it and then finally realized the small, rhythmic beats were hiccups.
- Had my doctors appointment at 30 weeks and she says it's a "Textbook Pregnancy". Everything is on track - even my weight. She told me to keep doing whatever I'm doing (which is eating!). I told her it's getting increasingly hard to exercise and that even if I walk too long/far my back hurts like crazy afterwards. She told me to stop doing it if it's uncomfortable. When I left, I put everything she told me together and basically came to this conclusion: Keep eating and stop exercising! Sweet!!
- Got the office cleared out and painted the nursery this weekend. (Thanks Craig!!) I know it looks like it's still orange in my 30 week picture but I promise - it's a light yellow. The other 2 walls are a creme color. Just need to paint the trim. Next weekend planning on getting the furniture. From there - got to start moving in all her 'stuff' - and believe me the girl has got some 'stuff'!
- We had our Birthing Class on Sat. The videos were pretty graphic and to my surprise Craig did really well with it all. He never even turned his head. He also took lots of notes, which I thought was really cute - since I'm the one doing the labor and delivery and I didn't write one thing down. hehe
Then when it came to the breathing exercises he was very serious and I just giggled. I told him he was much better at all of it so I think he should have her. Wouldn't that be a nice option.

It's getting really close to showtime and we are getting really excited!

29 Weeks

Here's my little 'Butternut Squash'. Looks more like I'm sporting a Butterball Turkey! :) Ha!
Weighing in at over 2.5 lbs - so 'they' say but remember my little girl weighed approx. 2.10 oz at around 28 weeks according to my doctor.
Growing like a weed!

Ever wonder...

the growth rate of a baby during pregnancy? Me too! So each week I read every article, book, and website I can get my hands on that gives updates on the progress of my pregnancy and baby for that weeks time period. It's amazing how much goes on week to week with not only the changes in my body (those seen and unseen) but the changes in my little girl. She is really working hard in there, definitely not a slacker!

What I find the most interesting though are the weekly references to the baby's size. I can see my belly getting bigger so know that's a sign little Addie is getting bigger as well, but just how big is she getting in there I wonder? Thankfully (insert sarcasm), there are the limitless size comparisons of my precious baby girl to what else - fruits and veggies! So week by week I read my updates and learn what fruit or veggie my daughter has grown into for the week. Guess that beats saying she's as big as a cow or a fat as a pig! :)

So here's the list I've compiled since I found out I was pregnant. What a journey Addie has been on! (some are weight and some are length comparisons)

Week 5 – Sesame seed

Week 6 – Lentil bean

Week 7 – Blueberry

Week 8 - Kidney bean

Week 9 – Grape

Week 10 – Kumquat

Week 11 – Fig

Week 12 – Lime

Week 13 – Medium shrimp

Week 14 – Lemon

Week 15 - Apple

Week 16 – Avocado

Week 17 – Turnip

Week 18 – Bell pepper

Week 19 – Large heirloom tomato

Week 20 – Banana

Week 21 – Carrot

Week 22 – Spaghetti squash

Week 23 – Large mango

Week 24 – Ear of corn

Week 25 – Average rutabaga

Week 26 – English hothouse cucumber

Week 27 – Head of a cauliflower (almost 2 lbs)

At week 27 she weighs in as much as a head of cauliflower - so they say. I went to my doctor on Monday (9/14) for my check-up and he estimates her weighing in around 2.10 oz. That's one healthy head of cauliflower!

Craig estimates she'll weigh as much as a gallon of milk when she's born - that's 8.3 lbs for those who didn't know. I sure hope he's wrong! :)

Camping - 27 Weeks!

This weekend marked my 27th week of pregnancy - what better way to celebrate than to go camping! Craig and I went with some friends (Marcus and Liz) to Clinton Lake in Lawrence. It was a really nice site and the weather was PERFECT! We had a lot of fun playing cards, hiking on trails, sitting by the fire chatting and cooking over the campfire. I know, you're asking, "Why in the world would someone 27 weeks pregnant want to go camping?" Well, in short, there are only 13 weeks (+/-) left until we will officially welcome our baby girl into the world. I don't suspect there will be a lot of time for camping or other such activities for a while so I figure - might as well enjoy the 'Craig and I' time we have now, no matter how big my belly is. :)

All in all it really wasn't that bad to sleep outside with a belly the size of a watermelon. The only down side to camping pregnant is the frequent trips to the bathroom, especially the middle of the night trips when I had to wake Craig up to go with me. Hehe.


Check out the Twinkies! And to think - they did this on accident!


Me and Liz


Cheese!


I swear this is my head on someone else's body! :)


27 Week belly shot

Weeks 24-26

26 weeks!



25 Weeks!



24 Weeks!

Dance of the Bladder Fairy

Addie is becoming more and more active everyday and her little bumps are becoming quite strong. Sometimes it actually startles me. Seems her prime time is between 3:00-5:00 pm, so everyday around that time I know the acrobatic show will begin to which I have VIP tickets to every event.

However, last night she decided she would do an encore presentation at 11:00 pm while I was trying to get to sleep after a long birthday outing with Craig. (Happy 35th Craig!!) This show was different, not the normal leaps and flips. Oh no, she changed her routine completely and decided to do a little tap dance number on my bladder for about 15 minutes straight. It felt like she was standing right on my bladder just going to town. Luckily I didn't have to use the bathroom but it sure didn't feel good even on an empty bladder.

I tried turning over a couple of times and then wiggling around really fast thinking it would slosh her around and make her move - nope didn't work. I had to let her finish her gig and when she was done we were all allowed a peaceful night of rest. (Notice I say 'we were allowed' - you think I'm going to let Craig sleep while I'm getting the crap kicked out of my bladder? I think not!)

23 weeks down, 17 to go!

A little late posting this picture since I'll be 24 weeks in 3 days but didn't want to mess up the flow of the belly growing pics by missing a week. Seems my belly is getting a little bigger everyday, at least I feel like it is. I have officially grown out of all my t-shirts and now have to raid Craig's closet for t-shirts big enough to wear to the gym. Only problem is all of Craig's t-shirts are in some way inappropriate to wear either as a girl or as a human! Today I had to wear a t-shirt to the gym that says something about Extra Spicy Pacos Tacos with a little Mexican man on it. It's about the only normal shirt he has. Craig and his weird t-shirt fetish!
I think it might be time for me to break down and buy new work out clothes. Bummer!

Hello from DC

After miles of walking and baking in the sun we finally arrived at 'The Mall'. I'm not sure why it's called The Mall because there was certainly no shopping, I could barely find a bathroom which is a real treat when you're pregnant! I know, how silly can a girl from Arkansas really be you ask? Well, all this time when people talked about 'The Mall' I seriously thought there were retail stores involved. Now I knew there would be historical things there too but The Gap and Pottery Barn also popped in my head. :)

We stopped in front of the Capitol (or as some tourists referred to as 'The White House' - see I'm not that dumb!) to take some pictures and someone else wanted to say 'Hi' to everyone too! If you look close you'll see little Addie giving a big wave!

Week 22 and the 'Push Present'

Week 22 coming to you from Washington DC. What a change my belly is undergoing. It's now hard to bend over to grab stuff b/c my belly gets in the way. Notice how I more frequently have to take my 'belly shots' wearing Craig's undies - b/c all my loose lounge pants now fit like spandex biker shorts. Not pretty to say the least!

Oh and this bad boy under my sexy belly pic is what I've decided I want as my 'push present'. That's right, it's the Hope Diamond! I don't think it's too much to ask for for all I'm going through right now to bring a healthy little bundle of joy into the world, do you?? I mean my middle name is 'Hope'. Our little girl's middle name will be 'Hope'. It's only fitting to get the 'Hope' diamond right? I 'Hope' Craig's been saving his pennies!

Weeks 17-21

Week 17 we were in Mexico, it was very sunny hence the crazy expression. :) For some reason I can't find my pics from weeks 15 and 16, but I guess that's ok since the real change starts around week 18.

Finally...

On Monday I finally felt Addie kick so hard that I could put my hands on my tummy and feel the bumps! I've been feeling her squirm around every now and again but never anything hard enough to feel on the outside. It was the weirdest but neatest feeling ever. Now all I do is anxiously wait for more kicks but they are far and few between. I try to get her to do it at night so Craig can feel it to but she prefers to show her acrobatic skills during the day while I'm at work. I don't blame her, work is no fun and I'd be bored too and do flips and kicks to occupy myself. :)
I promise to update my pics on here really soon! Won't be this weekend though b/c the hubby and I are going site seeing in DC. I think this will definitely be our last out of state trip before the little lady comes. Sept. 27th is my official 'No air travel' date so the Dr. says. We'll see. ;)
PS - Liz I could really use your ninja like skillz on this blog thing. I want to make mine all fancy schmany like yours.

Go Belly Go!

Here's weeks 12-14. It's so funny looking back from week 6 through these to see just how 'unpregnant' I looked because I was SO convinced that the moment I found out I was pregnant that everyone was going to be able to tell. Oh how I wish to go back to these prego bellies! Weeks 15-20 to come soon, just have to get Craig to get them off the camera and on to the computer. How things have changed since these!! :)

Baby bumpity-bump, bump, bump

We found out I was pregnant when I was almost 5 weeks. Here's the first installments of 'The Growing Prego Belly' in our 40 week journey.

Welcome to Addie's World!

Craig and I have decided to start a blog page to update our family and friends with news on how our little family of two is blossoming and will soon be three. Only 139 short more days are left until the expected arrival of our first baby, and daughter. While I keep saying that I'm not setting her name in stone until way closer to delivery time, I'm just not sure I can get away from the name we picked out months ago - Adeline 'Addie' Hope Maturey - (spelling still up in the air). So therefore, this blogs name is 'Addie's World'. Now I finally have a place to put all those weekly prego belly pictures people keep asking me for. Until she's born, sorry but you'll just have to look at my ever expanding belly to watch her grow. :)