37 Weeks 3 Days

I am officially full term.  YAY! This baby girl is welcome to come any time she wants now.  I had a doctor's appointment on Tuesday and everything was great.  Just a few of the things we covered were:

• I LOST 3 pounds! Over the Christmas holiday at that! Don't have any clue how because I can't even do that when I'm not pregnant.  Puts me at a total weight gain so far of 34 pounds.  I may be able to stay under my 35 pound goal after all if I don't gain anymore or keep losing.


• I am still 1 centimeter dilated but moved from 70% to 80% effaced.  Almost completely thinned out, YAY!


• He is going to strip my membranes next week to stir up things a little.  Not looking forward to the pain of it but if it can speed things up I'm all for it.


• After my appointment Tuesday, that night I started to lose my mucous plug(gross yes, but exciting!).  Then the next morning lost more of it.  Not sure if it's all gone or not but I haven't noticed it anymore in 24 hours.  I have noticed stronger contractions since it happened but nothing in sequence.  I just think she is preparing herself for the world.


• My blood pressure was great still.  So thankful for no health issues this pregnancy.


• My Group B Strep test came back Positive.  Which means when I get admitted to the hospital for delivery they will immediately hook me up to antibiotics so that it doesn't pass to the baby.


• As for me, I'm feeling pretty good.  I want to sleep all the time though.  I am sleeping about 10 to 12 hours a night and it's actually good sleep.  I guess my body just knows to get rested up now!


• The nursery is completely ready.  Well we do need to get a bookshelf still and that's in the plans for this weekend.  I also need to finish packing my hospital bag.  It's only half way done.


• We have another appointment next Wednesday so I will update then.

I keep wanting to rush the end of this pregnancy but then think to myself, I need to enjoy and cherish this last two weeks just being a family of two.  Go on some dates with my hubby, enjoy my sleep, watch lots of movies...but it is hard to control the rushing.  I have been carrying her for nine and a half months inside of me and I'm ready to hold her on the outside.  I finally had my first dream about Emma.  I had just given birth and they had cleaned her off and wrapped her up and brought her to me.  She was so beautiful.  It felt so real and when I woke up and she wasn't in my arms it was upsetting but I know she will be here soon enough.  Can't wait to meet her precious face.

 

 

Boo to the Sniffles

I unfortunately have a pretty rotten cold right now, which is not making the end of pregnancy any more fun than it already was.  I somehow seem to catch any bug my two-year old nephew gets.  I even avoided kisses and still got it.  I thought pregnant women were supposed to have superhuman immunities to block sickness? Obviously not.  Besides the horrible cold things are progressing nicely with this pregnancy.  I'm 36 weeks 2 days today but feeling more like 40 weeks.  I had a doctor's appointment yesterday and in bullet point fashion this is how things are going:

• I gained 2 pounds.  Definitely not the 1 I was wanting to see but oh well.  I'm almost to the end and am tired and grumpy and don't care too much :)


• My blood pressure was 118/72.  Perfect.  Has been the whole time.


• Belly is measuring about 37 weeks.


• Baby's heartbeat was 144 bpm.  Nice and strong.


• Baby girl is LOW LOW LOW.  I'm dilated to 1 and 70% effaced.  He was able to touch her head yesterday which blows my mind.  I knew there was a reason I feel like I have a bowling ball in between my legs! He also in so many words said I have good hips...guess that's a good thing for giving birth!


• I am hoping she comes on her own but if not we are talking about inducing on 1-11-11 (pretty cool birthday right?).  He seems fine with it which I'm excited about.  Having a set day is great for me since I'm a bit OCD anyway.  However, as low as she is maybe she will come sooner than that!


• I'm OVER pregnancy.  I'm sure I've mentioned that before but I need to say it again.  Over it.  Sleep was excellent last week and now sleep doesn't exist.  I can't get comfy, my brain will not shut off, I am peeing more this week, I'm crampy and she likes to keep me awake all night and I am having hot flashes at night again.  Crazy how it can change so much just in a week!


• I'm noticing more contractions.  Nothing back to back but she's definitely working her way out slowly but surely.  Yesterday after being checked for dilation, I'm pretty sore today.  Add that to my cold and you can imagine what kind of mood I'm in today.

It's just hard to believe that this LONG journey is almost over.  I am not even scared of labor at this point.  I'm excited and READY for it.  I know the day of delivery I will be extremely nervous but BRING IT ON.  This girl is ready for motherhood :)

Merry Christmas everyone! I hope everyone has safe travels and has a wonderful spent with loved ones.  Let us not forget what the real reason for Christmas is! So thankful for the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.  What a wonderful gift to celebrate at Christmas.

Chicken Noodle Soup

Nothing beats a warm delicious bowl of soup on a cold winters day.  I decided to try a chicken noodle soup recipe and I'm so proud of its turn out.  I had never made it before (pretty sure opening a can of Campbell's doesn't count!) and was a little nervous but it was amazing! I just used a simple recipe I found with Google.  Here's what you will need:

• 3-4 stalks of chopped celery


• 3-4 chopped carrots


• Half of onion chopped


• 1/4 cup of butter


• 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped


• 12 cups water


• 9 chicken bouillon cubes (yes NINE, seems like a lot but just do it, trust me!)


• Dash of dry Marjoram


• Dash of dry bay leaves (you can use fresh if you prefer, I only had dry and it worked just fine)


• 1 teaspoon of black pepper


• 2-3 Large Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts


• 8 oz of Egg Noodles

To start, boil your chicken until done.  Drain and cut into big chunks or shred (whichever you prefer).  In another large stock pot saute' your celery and onion in 1/4 cup of butter.  Then add the 12 cups of water, bouillon cubes, carrots, bay leaves, parsley, marjoram, black pepper and chicken.  Bring to a boil for a few minutes and then simmer for about 30 minutes.  After soup has simmered add egg noodles and simmer another 10 minutes or until noodles are tender.

Then ENJOY! Just try not to burn your tongue like me and Dustin did because we were impatient and couldn't take the time to blow it! It's so very simple.  It's pretty much just a little bit of chopping and adding stuff to a pot.  Just so you want to make it even more, here's a picture of what it looks like!



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Right after this picture I crunched up some crackers in mine, talk about heaven!

O come, let us sing unto the LORD

I grew up in church my whole life and gospel and christian music have been apart of my family since I was born.  I grew up singing in my children's choir and adult choir in church.  My mom sings and plays the piano and both of my sisters sing.  It's always been a huge part of who we are.  In my teenage years and after, I fell away from Christian music and didn't think much of it.  In the last year I have recently found my way back and I can't believe I ever stopped listening to it.  I had forgotten how wonderfully amazing it is.  It just makes me feel GOOD.  If I'm bummed or upset all I have to do is turn my radio on Way FM or pop in a Selah, Sanctus Real or Third Day cd, just to name a few.  I stopped in our local Family Christian Bookstore today for a Beth Moore Bible Study and came out with two cd's.  Even if you don't have a close relationship with Christ and have been pushing him away or have never heard of the wonderful love of Christ, I highly recommend purchasing the new WOW 2011 cd.  The music on it is incredible.  Also, for the holiday season I recommend O Holy Night by David Phelps.  It will bring tears to your eyes, make you smile and give you chills! It's a great deal too.  Not only do you get a cd but you get a dvd as well!



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rejoice in the LORD, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright. Praise the LORD with harp: sing unto him with the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings. Sing unto him a new song; play skilfully with a loud noise. For the word of the LORD is right; and all his works are done in truth. Psalms 33:1-4


O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. Psalms 95:1-2

Did somebody say FREE?

In Christmas's past I have usually sent out your typical boxed Christmas cards and I finally decided this year it was time for a change.  I recently learned that Shutterfly is offering 50 (you heard me correctly, 50!) FREE holiday cards for posting a blog on your site about their amazing products.  I am new to the Shutterfly experience and after browsing their website I am completely in love with their products.  I have several friends that send us Christmas cards every year created by Shutterfly and they are always great.  I love that you can personalize your card with your own words and photos.  It makes it special to those family members we don't get to see very often.  I am so excited to share the card that I have picked for our family this year.



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What do ya think? Pretty amazing quality I must say.  I browsed the website today looking for the perfect card for our family and when I came across this one I knew it was perfect.  I think family and friends will love them! You may see that I added Emma's name to the card and it's because she is already a member of our little family even though she's still growing in my tummy.  Who knows, it's a possibility she could be here at Christmas! To look for your own perfect Christmas Photo Card just click here.  You won't be disappointed! Also, if you love the Christmas Cards you will love the desk calendars.  With baby Emma arriving at the first of the year I'm thinking I may just have to order some 2011 calendars for our home and for the grandparents, aunts and uncles! You can check those out here.  If you want to partake in this wonderful offer just head on over to Shutterfly and get started!

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

This holiday season is particularly special to me this year.  Why you ask? Well, because of sweet baby Emma growing inside me.  To experience the holidays through all of this is definitely a different experience, but a good one.  We traveled six hours to Virginia to spend Thanksgiving with Dustin's family.  It was not the easiest drive being over eight months pregnant.  I was very thankful to arrive Wednesday night safely and with very little swelling in my feet.  We had such an amazing time with his family.  I was so thankful we were able to spend some time with them before Emma arrives.  Dinner was wonderfully delicious on Thursday.  I look forward every year to his family's Thanksgiving dinner.  It is literally a feast.  I feel like I did well with food.  I had a huge plate of food but didn't go back for seconds! I could have but didn't.  The day after Thanksgiving we skipped Black Friday (because getting in that madness is plain MADNESS!) and his mother threw me an amazing baby shower.  We are so blessed to have received so many wonderful gifts from his mother and other family members.  They were all so generous and we are so thankful.  We got so many of the big items we still needed including the stroller, jumperoo, boppy, shopping cart cover, moby wrap, avent bottles and so much more! We are pretty much set on everything she needs.  There are still some last minute items we need to purchase but she can come whenever she is healthy and ready!

After returning home we got busy with decorating the house for Christmas.  I have been waiting months to put up the tree! I've had all these milestones in my head since I got pregnant to count down until Emma's arrival.  All these holidays keep passing and it's only making labor day closer! She could be here anytime after the Christmas and New Year holidays and I couldn't be more ready and excited.  This house is looking like Christmas around here and I love it.  We even have half of our shopping done and presents wrapped under the tree.  I'm determined to get it done as soon as possible just in case Emma decided she wanted to join us for Christmas :)

Yesterday, I had a doctor's appointment.  It went great.  Still no issues in my health or babies health.  We have been really blessed with a healthy pregnancy.  Her heartbeat was 144 bpm.  My blood pressure was perfect and I'm measuring about a week ahead at 34 weeks.  Wonder if that means she could possible come early? My next appointment is in two weeks and they will start checking my cervix for dilation.  I really can't believe we are already at this point.  I start going every week after that! We are really in the home stretch now.  I think I should probably start preparing a hospital bag...I already have her diaper bag in the works but I should probably work on one for myself! Being in the third trimester is awesome just knowing she will be here soon but it's a pretty rough trimester.  I'm really tired and don't sleep well.  Everything is much harder these days, tying my shoes, shaving, getting off the couch, getting out of bed...I could go on and on.  I just keep reminding myself that it's only for around 6 more weeks! We'll meet you soon baby girl!

Baby Shower Christmas Tree :)



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The cake was yummy! Only one piece for me though.



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Me at 33 weeks with my sister-in-law and sweet Parker.



Dustin practicing on Thanksgiving day with  two week old Hudson.  He looks like a pro!



Christmas Time!

Girls Weekend

So, I am really looking forward to a weekend with the girls.  Dustin had to go out-of-town for work this weekend so I will be spending my time with my friend Jayme (who so sweetly drove up from Tennessee to spend time with me) and Erin.  Perhaps even my baby sister if she's able to come up from Tennessee.  I always miss Dustin when he goes out-of-town and look forward to his return but this weekend I get to have a little girl time.  I'm looking forward to a trip to the movies, dinner, playing lots of board games, laughs, sleeping in, junk food and just some good ol fun! After the somewhat depressing week I had it is much needed.  Something also snapped in me yesterday.  I believe it has something to do with the prenatal massage I got.  I have had so much energy ever since I had it done.  We did about 4 hours of Christmas shopping yesterday and I still had energy left afterwards.  We attended our breastfeeding class last night and it has made me a "wee" bit more hopeful.  I'm not going to lie, I'm still terrified but I CAN DO THIS! It's such a huge dedication but I am going to give it 110 percent! Today I got up and started in on our filthy house.  I've sort of let it go this week due to the whole depressed attitude.  I probably shouldn't have vacuumed the house and bathed the DOGS, but I did and I felt good doing it.  I haven't given the dogs a bath since I found out I was pregnant.  They are big and heavy and just a pain to bathe and bending over the bathtub is not fun for a pregnant lady, but I pushed through and did it today and am so proud of myself! I finished getting the house straightened up because I'm hosting a Lia Sophia jewelry party tomorrow afternoon and didn't want people walking in to a dirty dog smelling house.  I feel so good today...maybe the nesting is slowly finding me :)

I'm so ready for a wonderful weekend, fun times with friends, meeting the 8th month mark in pregnancy and getting ready for Thanksgiving...MMM TURKEY oh and deviled eggs.  I'm craving my mother-in-law's deviled eggs so bad I can't stand it! I hope everyone has a happy weekend! Enjoy this beautiful fall weather!

To be honest...

This pregnancy is beginning to wear on me.  I never intended for this blog to become my pregnancy/baby outlet but I don't do anything but sit at home these days and dwell on baby clothes, baby room, baby cuteness, baby weight, baby hormones and baby's arrival.  I guess I just can't help it, plus this baby is the biggest part of who I am right now which results in baby posts.  I never wanted this blog to bore people but honestly it's just the biggest part of what's happening in my life right now so until baby arrives these will be my main posts.  Then I suppose it will be posts about baby is crying constantly and I'm exhausted, baby cuteness, baby's first bath, baby rolls over...somewhere in there I will just have to make time for posts about other things.  Plus as long as I'm doing this for me as an outlet it doesn't really matter, right?

Today I need to vent.  Lately, I have been feeling really guilty because I'm not enjoying this pregnancy as much as I should.  When I was young, my dream and ultimate goal in life was to be a wife and mother.  I couldn't wait to be pregnant.  I would play house and have a big pillow under my shirt pretending I was pregnant.  I can now say that it's definitely not what my 10-year-old mind thought it would be.  When I found out I was pregnant I was immediately over the moon happy.  I started thinking about what it was going to be like and if it would be anything like what I'd dreamed it to be.  It didn't take long to realize I would be wrong.  I have no reason to feel this way which makes it even harder to understand.  I have had the EASIEST pregnancy of all time.  No sickness whatsoever, no medical issues and a very healthy and perfect baby growing inside me.  I do not take that for granted and am so thankful for it but I just wanted to be this jolly and glowing pregnant lady.  It has literally made me feel like a completely different person.  Almost like I don't even know who I am sometimes.  I look in the mirror and don't even recognize myself.  The weight gain is a part of this, I know that, but it's hard for me to accept.  I've never been a small girl anyway and adding an extra 25 to 40 pounds is a lot for me to carry.  Rolling over that 200 pound mark really hit me hard and made me feel even worse about myself.  I have not one single stretch mark on my stomach, which is awesome, right? Well, the ones on my legs and sides make up for it and it's just so frustrating.  Stretch marks and I go way back so it's not like they are a shock to me.  When I hit my senior year of highschool I started to get them on my inner thighs and a few on my sides but I was still in shape.  I assume I got them from playing soccer but they have caused me to be self conscious ever since.  Now they are triple what they were and it makes my hate for them even stronger.  I look at pictures of just a year ago and thing I wasn't skinny but I felt good and thought that Hey! I'm pretty in that picture, but now ugly is not even the word for what I feel.  I just feel like if I can't change my thinking and attitude that these last nine weeks are going to drag and I'm going to be miserable.  I have heard of women that absolutely love being pregnant and that is what I always wanted.

Along with image issues, I'm starting to get nervous about birth, breastfeeding and everything that comes with parenting.  With her arrival coming up fast I realize that she has to COME OUT.  I really am praying hard for a smooth labor.  I do not want a c-section.  I would just be so disappointed if that happened.  Surgery does not sound like any fun so I'm hoping that I can push this baby out on my own.  I also plan on breastfeeding but am worried I won't be able to do it.  My mother did not breastfeed and my older sister only did it for a short time before switching to formula and I really want to be able to do it.  It's so much better for her and cheaper so I'm really praying that I am able to bear the initial pain of it and become a pro.

One last thing to discuss is probably just a woman topic but my libido is at a negative 10 and has been since the beginning of this pregnancy.  I've read books and talked to other woman and I know each pregnancy is different and that some women are extremely active intimately and others could care less.  I'm the later of the two and man does it make me feel guilty.  It's not even that I don't want to it's more that I can't without wanting to cry because it's painful.  I can't even imagine having to get a baby out at this point.  I'm even nervous for my 36 week appointment for when they start checking me for dilation.  I feel totally and completely sorry for my husband.  I feel like I'm a terrible wife for being so distant but it's not on purpose! I just keep reminding myself that it's only nine more weeks and that this will all be over in the blink of an eye.  I am trying my hardest to enjoy these last weeks but it's really not easy.  I am definitely ready to meet this baby and finally start feeling normal again.  I need to give this to the Lord and trust in him.  I know he will get me through this and that I will look back on it and wonder what I was so worked up about when I'm staring at a beautiful baby girl.  Faith and belief that it will all be ok is what I need to focus on and not all these petty things.

Does anybody else out there feel this way or did you feel this way when you were pregnant? I feel alone in this.  Like an alien has taken over my body.  If you have any advice or support it would be great!  Also, prayers would be very much appreciated.

And just to make 31 weeks official here's a belly pic...



 

30 Week Appointment

I just can't even believe we are already at the 30 week point in this pregnancy.  I can't even tell you where the time has gone.  I am actually closer to 31 weeks right now and that means single digit weeks are just around the corner.  Some days I think to myself that she will be here in NO TIME! Then other days I think the day will never come.  I really just can't wait to meet her.  Technically I'm already holding her but I want to hold her in my arms.  Once again, I remind myself, soon enough.  So let's get to appointment details shall we.

• We were supposed to have a 3D ultrasound done yesterday but when the technician started rolling the little probe thing around we realized we weren't going to get to see her precious face after all.  She was really low and head down, with her head facing my back so there was no way to even get a side view.  We did however get to see her body and she's a big girl! The last ultrasound seems like forever ago and the change in her size is crazy.  She's definitely running out of room in there.  Even though we didn't get the 3D picture we wanted, we still got to see her moving and kicking around in there and that's all that matters!


• I gained a total of 2 pounds in two weeks.  They say that a pound a week is about normal for the third trimester so I feel like I did ok.  However, my doctor still seems worried about my weight gain.  I'm up to 28 pounds total right now and I'm actually proud of that number.  I thought it would be much worse at this point.  He wants my goal to be under 35 and I'm all for that and will work my hardest but with 9 weeks left that may be a hard goal to meet.  We will see how it goes!


• Baby girls heartbeat was 153 bpm.  Still strong and doing great!


• My blood pressure was 102/60 which is really good.  Health wise I've done great.  No blood pressure, sugar, or cholesterol issues to speak of.  Yay!


• I got the all clear for travel at Thanksgiving, which means I will be able to visit Dustin's family in Virginia and attend the baby shower his mom is throwing us.  I was glad he said it was ok to go.  Just have to make sure and walk every 2 hours.


• I also got the all clear for some prenatal massages that my hubby so sweetly bought me.  I will be scheduling one for next week! So looking forward to it.


• As for me, I'm doing well.  I am losing energy daily but trying to still keep it around for as long as possible.  I am sleeping terrible at night.  I rotate sides at least 20 times a night and I'm pretty much miserable at night laying there.  I'm also swelling some most nights, hands and feet.  Thankfully it's just mainly at night though.  Other than that things are dandy.  Can't wait until January!

Messy Husband Vent

So I thought I had my wonderful husband trained pretty well when it comes to keeping our house clean.  If you know me, you know that I am ocd when it comes to keeping a clean house.  I will give him credit because he is such a good helper and really does do so much around here, HOWEVER, there are certain things I can not break and it drives me crazy.

Such as:

• Not stealing my hand towel at my side of the sink.  It takes two seconds to grab your own.


• Dropping off his work folder and papers on our kitchen counter every single night instead of taking it to his office.


• Junking up his night stand with the 50 items he keeps in his pockets.


• Starting laundry and not finishing it.  (Although I am pretty bad about this myself)


• And my biggest, most annoying, wanna choke him pet peeve is......

Shoes! Shoes being kicked off wherever he plops down at night, which is normally in the recliner in the living room (which is where both of these pairs are right now) or in the bedroom by his dresser.  I tell him all the time that this is what closets are for, but it just hasn't clicked yet.  I guarantee he will add his third pair to the mix tonight when he comes home....I'd almost bet money on it!

Baby, we are in the home stretch!

Today I have a really bad cold and can't seem to shake it, so be glad you are getting a post.  I've been procrastinating because my head feels like it weighs as much as my pregnant body.  I am thankful however that this cold did not set in until after my baby shower on Saturday.  It was such a beautiful day.  I was so overwhelmed with the love of family and friends.  I had people traveling in from even several hours away just to attend.  I was able to visit with friends I haven't seen in awhile and it really made me realize how much I miss them.  We received presents galore, ate some yummy food until we could no longer eat, played lots of fun games and then ate cake (and I only had ONE piece! oh yeah until later that night I may have snuck in another piece, shhhh don't tell anybody).  Thanks goes out to my sisters Jennifer, Leeha and Rachel and my best friend Erin for making the shower such an amazing and special day.  I will post some pictures at the bottom for your viewing pleasure.

As for life currently in the Salyer house things couldn't be better really.  I complain A LOT and sometimes forget that I should be very grateful for what I have.  Dustin has been working a lot more than usual lately which makes me a little bummed but I know it's needed right now.  With a new baby arriving in TEN WEEKS, Thanksgiving travels, Christmas shopping and last minute purchases for the nursery money is definitely tight, so I just need to be thankful that he has such a great job that allows him to work overtime.  I just get lonely sometimes sitting in this house all day.  I visit my mom several times a week and we spend hours talking, drinking coffee and playing yahtzee and scrabble which definitely helps me with my walls closing in on me, boredom.  I don't know what I would do if she didn't live ten minutes away!

As for how baby and I are doing.  Great.  I had a rough day yesterday with this cold.  I think it was causing her to feel bad as well.  She was tense all day and had her little elbows dug into my bladder and lower abdomen all day and would not relieve me for even a minute.  It was pretty painful and didn't help that I was already feeling terrible anyway.  I am also starting to hit that third trimester fatigue and not sleeping well at night.  I slept great during the second trimester besides getting up to use the bathroom.  Now, every hour I am having to rotate sides because I'm going numb on the side I'm laying on.  My feet and hands are starting to swell at night and I'm having night sweats.  Oh and we can't forget the lovely potty breaks.  I guess it's all just to prepare me for a future of no sleep anyway.  You're all saying "Amanda, get over it.  You will never sleep again when Emma comes!" Honestly, that's totally ok with me.  At least I will be waking up with purpose and for a good cause.  Right now I'm waking up because my body has been taken over by an alien!

Thursday I have my 30 week check up and I'm not going to lie, I'm nervous.  My last appointment I was determined that my weight gain would be perfect and right on track and for the last two weeks I just haven't cared.  Maybe it's because I am in that third trimester funk.  I didn't eat like I should have and haven't been on the elliptical as much as I should have.  I didn't get on there all weekend because of the baby shower and didn't yesterday or today because I feel like poop.  I just don't want to get on that scale and be totally bummed.  For two weeks I really shouldn't have gained anymore than two pounds but I feel heavy.  We will just have to see what happens I guess.  On a happy note, we are getting our 3D 4D ultrasound done that day (FOR FREE!).  I can't wait to see this precious angel up close and personal.  To be able to see all her features makes me smile like a kid waking up at Christmas morning.  I will update with a 30 week post and pictures on Thursday or Friday, so be looking out for that one.

Now for some shower photos!















 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oh and my husband crashed the shower at the end but it was totally ok because he brought me a Salon gift card for two prenatal massages...he's the sweetest :)

28 Week Appointment

I realize I am two days late on this post and I have no real excuse.  Just laziness and not really wanting to take the time to write it.  You would think that I would want to seeing as though my appointment went so great!

• I only gained 2.6 pounds in a 4 week period! I WAS SO NERVOUS stepping on that scale.  I can definitely handle that kind of weight gain.  Much better than 9 pounds.  My doctor was so proud of me and I was pretty proud of myself.  I guess the exercise and watching what I eat paid off.


• Baby's heartbeat was a strong 150 bpm.  Lower than what it normally is but still perfect.


• I am measuring right at 28 weeks which is perfect.


• I start going every TWO weeks now! Where has time gone?


• At my next appointment we get to see Emma up close and personal.  We are getting a FREE 3D/4D ultrasound.  My doctor is the best :)


• I also realize that I'm in my third trimester now so I really need to keep up with my exercise routine and diet, regardless of being tired again.  I'm still holding on to my energy by a thread.  I just don't know how I'm going to continue exercise when I'm 9 months pregnant!


• When does nesting kick in? I definitely haven't found it yet.


• Overall, everything is perfect.  My doctor says that I'm having an amazing pregnancy and couldn't be happier with my progress.  Now if it just leads to an amazingly easy delivery :)

 

Hello Monday

So how did your weekend go? Hopefully swell.  Mine was wonderful.  We went to our Ready, Set Go! tour at the hospital on Thursday, left for Virginia on Friday, visited with his family that evening, wedding on Saturday and trip home Sunday.  Here is the weekend in a nutshell bullet point style (because that's how I roll on a Monday).

• Seeing the maternity unit and nursery really makes everything SO REAL.


• Seeing the newborn babies made me melt.  I was really close to sticking one of them in my purse.  They were just that cute :)


• Dustin was so calm, cool and collected.  I asked if walking through the unit made him scared at all and he casually said "Nope".  Lies, Lies I say!


• Our drive to Virginia went so smoothly.  My feet and hands did swell just a little but not bad.  I even stayed awake 99.8 percent of the trip.  Honestly, I don't think a 10 minute cat nap counts.  Especially when you get woke up to your husband braking hard every ten minutes.  I don't know how many times I have to tell him to LIGHTLY tap the brakes...


• Seeing his family was so great.  The weather in Abingdon was wonderful.  Really makes me love Fall even more.  His mom definitely spoiled us.  She ironed clothes, cooked us breakfast, took us to dinner and pretty much waited on us hand and foot.  It was much appreciated!


• His brother's wedding on Saturday was gorgeous.  It was an outdoor wedding and the weather was perfect.  Bride and Groom both looked terrific.  I'm so happy for them and wish them all the love and happiness in the world! Welcome to the family Leah!


• Sunday we made the 5 1/2 hour trek home.  Once again I only got about a 10 minute snooze.  Mainly due to the fact that I had to stop every hour to pee, eat, listen to the Titans game on the radio or the dogs had to pee :)


• I went to bed at 9 last night and didn't wake up until 9 this morning.  Yep, that's right, I slept 12 hours and I loved every minute of it.


• I did a mile on the elliptical earlier and it almost killed me.  Too much Coca Cola and chocolate wedding cake this weekend.  Shame shame.


• Oh and did I mention I'm 28 weeks today, that's 7 months if you can't multiply! I am officially in my third trimester.  It's surreal.  We are in the home stretch baby girl.  Almost time to meet your precious face!


• Tomorrow is my 28 week appointment.  I will update tomorrow with the details.  I'm hoping my weight gain is right on track this time.  I really have been working on it so it better be a number I want to see!

Picture time!

*Cancel the pictures.  WordPress is being stupid and won't upload anything.  If you want to see pictures from the wedding they are on my Facebook page anyway.

Pregnancy Emotions

Why is it when you are pregnant, there is no controlling your emotions? For the past two days I've been a wreck.  Moody, touchy, tearful, emotional, angry and so sensitive.  The smallest things can set me off.  And big things really get me going.  When I get upset I try calming myself down because I really shouldn't get myself so worked up but once I start crying I just can't stop.  Being an emotional wreck is one of the symptoms I've figured out that never goes away.  I've had it since I found out I was pregnant.  I just don't know how to control it.  It's really making me depressed.  I also feel extremely cooped up in this house which makes me even crazier.  Fortunately, we are leaving for a trip to Virginia this weekend so hopefully two days away will help.  This week is just really getting to me.  I need to remember that I can't fix everything and that God is in control.  I need to turn these emotions over to him and put him in control.  Hopefully, the remainder of the week goes better than the first part.  Crossing my fingers...

Sorry for the ho hum blog today.  Just really needed to vent and release some tension.

Third Trimester here I come!

I'm 27 weeks today and still feeling pretty good.  Woo Who! I've been longing for the third trimester to get here.  It's so close! However, I am definitely starting to lose all the energy I have had in this second trimester.  I'm desperately holding on to it for dear life.  I still have three months left, so if I can hang on to my energy I'm going to.  I feel healthy though.  Still no complications so far.  Everything has gone so smoothly and I'm so grateful.  I do think my mood is starting to shift back into the grumpy, I'm pregnant, don't make me mad attitude.  I'm really trying to watch it and make sure it stays in check but it's tough.  With pregnancy comes crazy emotions so it's definitely hard to keep them under control but I'm working on it.  Still trying to be more active.  I wouldn't consider using the elliptical twice a week very active for a non pregnant person but if I'm getting in two times a week I'm happy with that.  I'm also still trying to eat better.  During the week I'm pretty strict on what I eat and I give myself a few treats on the weekend.  Still, it's not easy but I'm working on it and feel like I'm doing better.  I'm trying to stay positive and look forward to all the great things coming up.  We have a wedding next weekend, the baby shower in three weeks, Thanksgiving, Christmas and then baby.  My previous post had mentioned wanting a babymoon but I'm almost positive that isn't going to happen.  We are just running out of time for a trip and really don't need to spend any extra money on a mini vacation right before we add a third member to our family.  I suppose we will just take a trip as a family of three after Emma arrives.  Maybe in the Spring.

How Emma is changing:

• She is around two pounds now and plumping up by the day!


• Her lungs are capable of working outside the womb with the help of doctors and medicine (finally starting to get out of the scary stages!)


• She is around 15 inches long.


• She can hear and recognize voices.  Mainly mine I'm sure, since she hears me talk all day long!


• She's opening and closing her eyes and sucking her fingers.


• Hiccups are a daily occurrence and TOO CUTE!

We are most definitely ready to meet her.  Everyone says not to rush it and I even tell myself this but it's impossible.  I can only hope that these next three months don't drag by and January will be here before I know it.  I told Dustin the other day that I'm ready to decorate for Christmas.  It's not even Halloween yet!

Speaking of decorating, we are almost finished with the nursery! All we have left to purchase is the rocking chair! We got the mattress for the crib, so bed is ready and over the weekend I made the letters to hang behind her bed (because I'm so crafty like that!).

Pictures anyone?

27 weeks!





Nursery







 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have to say, I'm very proud of myself.  I was NEVER crafty before this baby, but as soon as I found out it was a girl something came over me.  I love that I put the time into her room and am hand making most of her decorations.  Instead of spending $50.00 on letters I only spent half that.  I think they turned out pretty good :)

Oh babymoon, where art thou?

Really wishing I were here right now....

I have this urge to want to travel because I know my days are numbered on the whole traveling thing.  I have been craving Gatlinburg ever since the leaves started changing and the weather got cooler.  We usually go once a year and around this time and I can't stop thinking about the mountains, the shops, the restaurants, sweaters and jeans for walking around downtown, candy apples....Oh the list goes on and on.  We are going to Virgina for Dustin's brothers wedding on the 22nd of this month and it's a shame we won't have any extra time to stop in Gatlinburg on our way since we pass right by there anyway.  We have talked about a weekend that would work for us but most of our weekends are booked and we really hate to spend any money right now with the baby coming in January.  However, I think the trip is a great investment.  It will be our last trip as a family of two.  After Emma arrives it will be hard to find time for ourselves.  I would say our limit on traveling would be middle to end of November so maybe, just maybe we can squeeze a trip in before then!

Dreaming of a trip to the mountains...

Best Shoes EVER!

Yesterday one of best friends in the world came up from Tennessee to visit and we had such a great time.  We went to dinner and a movie, but before that we went to Shoe Carnival and I bought the best shoes in the whole world.  I DO love my Uggs (they may still be my favorite) but these shoes are amazing.  I have a very wide foot and fortunately they make these in wides, so  they fit perfect.  They will be even more comfortable when my feet are swollen in a few months! I recommend Sperry's to all.

Productivity

Recently, I have really been struggling to find motivation.  I don't work so sitting at home all day has really been making me lonely and bored, yet I have no energy to get out and do anything.  The weather has been amazing recently and I haven't even been outside walking.  I haven't even wanted to clean my house which is totally unlike me.  Somewhere along the line in this pregnancy I forgot that I have to stay active and watch the weight I gain.  In the beginning I did so well and as time went on I decided I didn't care anymore.  I took the whole "I'm eating for two" attitude, which has added unwanted pounds and laziness.  At my last doctor's appointment I gained NINE pounds (GASP!).  I think my mouth hit the floor when I saw the numbers on the scale.  I hadn't even been keeping up with my weight at home because I didn't want to see the damage.  My doctor nicely told me that at this point in my pregnancy I will start gaining the most weight so I may want to watch it from here on out.  Especially my carbohydrates.  The only problem with that is carbs are my absolute favorite.  I am a potato anything, bread and pasta eating fool.  After the appointment I really started thinking about what I had been putting in my body and how lazy I have been.  In the last two weeks I have really been watching what food I put in my body.  Portion size is a huge problem for me and I'm measuring things out now.  I never realized how much cereal I put in my bowl until I started measuring out the serving size.  I'm also incorporating a lot of fresh fruit and veggies, as well as limiting my bread intake and fatty carbs.  I even started using our elliptical again after two years! It had about 5 inches of dust on it, but I just figured if I'm going to lose this baby weight after she arrives I need to start being active now.  Two days in a row I've done a mile on the elliptical (which isn't much but it's a start) and I feel so much better.  I really just hope that I can stick with it.  I'm not going to lie, it's extremely hard.  I wasn't even exercising or eating right before the pregnancy and now I'm starting a healthy life style...I sound crazy! Everyone tells me to eat what I want, that I have an excuse and I'm pregnant so it's ok, but in reality it's not ok.  Not at all.  I am 6 1/2 months pregnant and have to get in gear now or I'm going to be in trouble come January.  Just wish me luck that I can stick with it.  As my third trimester approached I'm afraid I'm going to lose all of my energy and all this hard work will be for nothing.  Crossing my fingers I stay motivated.

Today has been a great Friday so far.  I worked out (go me!), I cleaned the entire house and finished (as in washing, folding, putting away) all of our laundry, we got the pool closed up for winter, and I am going to dinner and a movie with one of my dearest friends tonight.  I'm so looking forward to a wonderful weekend with Dustin (since he's finally off work after 7 days straight).  Hope everyone else has a wonderful weekend as well!

SIX MONTHS!

Today we had our 24 week appointment.  All looks great.  Baby is growing perfectly and I'm measuring right at 24 weeks, so we are right on target.  Her heart rate increased which the doctor said is great at this stage of the pregnancy.  Her little heart was beating at 174 bpm! We had another ultrasound today and she had FINALLY rolled over on her back so we got some great pictures of her.  During the ultrasound she was kicking up a storm.  Dustin said it looked like she was riding a bike.  I had a really good feeling she had finally untucked herself because for the last week or so she has been a very active baby.  Her kicks are super strong and very aggressive on my bladder.  At this point I will need diapers by the eight and ninth month.  I don't know how I can possibly hold it by that point! Right now Emma is around a foot long and over a pound now.  She has her taste buds so sometimes she can taste what I'm eating! Her skin is still very thin but will she will start to plump up in the upcoming weeks.  Everything so far is going great.  No complaints.  I do however need to watch my weight from here on out.  I only have about five to ten pounds before I reach my weight gain goal.  I did really well up until this point but as the baby is growing the more I seem to eat, go figure.  I think as long as I cut down on my carbs (goodbye cereal, bread and potatoes) I should be ok.  My goal for the next four weeks is to get control of my food intake and with this beautiful weather we are having walking everyday.  I also had my Glucose test today.  I really wasn't looking forward to drinking that orange drink but I must admit, it was GOOD! Maybe I was just thirsty and hungry from having to fast but I actually liked it.  I will get my test results back shortly.  Crossing my fingers no Gestational Diabetes for me! So far all is swell in babyland!

For the venting portion of this post I start out by saying scheduling these early doctor's appointments has to stop.  In the beginning it wasn't bad but now that I'm up every two hours at night to potty I need my sleep in the morning.  It was not easy getting up this morning, plus having to fast (telling a pregnant girl she CAN'T eat, NOT cool).  We ended up arriving around ten minutes late because somebody (I won't mention any names...) couldn't get it in gear this morning and drove like grandpa.  It set us both into bad moods.  Neither of us had any caffeine in our systems and we were half asleep anyway.  We absolutely love the doctor we go to but the lab we have to go to every appointment for blood work and urine samples is the most unorganized and busy place I've ever been.  It doubled our bad moods but fortunately after seeing our sweet Emma's face we felt much better about our day.  After seeing the doctor I got sent to the shot room for my Pertussis Vaccine, the same arm that I got blood drawn from.  Now my arm is extremely sore and I realized on the way home that it's the side I sleep on....should be a fun night!

Sheesh! I really needed to get all that out.  I feel much better.  The day has definitely improved.  My mom made me breakfast, we did a little shopping and now get to put Emma's dresser together.  I might even squeeze in a nap :)

24 Week Profile



Her feet are precious.  She was kicking me like crazy in the ultrasound.  Guess that's why we got this picture:

Nursery (In progress)

We are slowly piecing together Emma's room.  We still have the dresser and the rocking chair to get but it's starting to come together.  At least it looks like a nursery.  I can actually picture her in there now.  I'm slowly getting pictures on the walls and still have to find letters to spell her name on the wall behind her crib.  I have been to Hobby Lobby, Wal-Mart, Target and Kmart and every store stays out of stock on their E's and A's.  I can't just spell her name M M.  Someone might think she's a piece of candy or something :)

Nursery in the works:



I put that changing table together all by myself! I was so proud.  Isn't it coming together! Now we just need to finish it and January to arrive.



I found this rug at Target.  It matches all the colors perfectly!



Wall decor!



Not sure why the wall color is a yellowish color in these pictures.  It's actually a pale version of lime green.

Items still left to purchase:

• Mattress


• Dresser


• Rocking Chair


• Name letters


• Lamp


• And clothes, clothes and more clothes (she already has some super cute clothes! I'm surprised I'm not in trouble yet!)

January hurry, hurry, hurry :)

Flu shots aren't so bad afterall!

So as you can see I've been M.I.A for awhile.  It's mainly due to the fact that I'm lazy.  In the Salyer household we are keeping it pretty calm these days.  Dustin of course is at work most of the time but on his days off we are spending our time preparing for Emma's arrival, housework, date nights, yard work, family time and church.

I got my Flu shot today! I was a nervous wreck.  I have never gotten a Flu shot before and have heard stories where they make you sick and can even bring on Flu symptoms so it took some guts for me to sit down and allow them to stick me with that needle! Thankfully, my sweet husband was the person who gave me the shot.  I was nervous at first but he made me very comfortable and he did an amazing job.  I hardly felt a thing! Good job babe! Besides a somewhat sore arm and a slight headache I'm fine.  So hopefully no Flu for this pregnant girl this winter! To any pregnant ladies out there you should definitely go get your shot.  They say that the number one person that should get vaccinated is pregnant women.  You can see Dustin at Kmart pharmacy for your shot, he did an amazing job and you won't feel a thing!

In other news, we recently joined a Small Group at church.  Since the church we go to is so large it was definitely a must to sign up to meet with a Small Group (which is 4-6 other couples in our age group that meet twice a month for fellowship and a Bible study).  We have been attending Living Hope since February and finally decided it was time to step out of our shells and make it a point to meet others and really get active.  Dustin is also taking initiative in getting active with all the men of the church and certain volunteer tasks that are going on right now.  It's great to see him opening up and stepping out of his comfort zone.  I think we all tend to make excuses for ourselves to avoid stepping out of our comforts zones.  This church has really opened our eyes to the possibilities out there to witness to others and fellowship with other believers.  It's something we have both wanted for so long.  A church we can call home and the opportunity to become the Christians we have been longing to be.  I look forward to what is in store for us at Living Hope.  I'm really looking forward to find where I belong, whether it be working with the young girls, or the nursery or the choir or all of those, who knows! I am so proud of where me and Dustin have come in a year.  Every couple experiences difficult times but we were able to push through them and put in the hard work and it's really paid off.  God has blessed us tremendously and we are forever grateful.  So many people in this world are non believers but I'm here to tell those people you aren't truly living until you live by Grace and the love of God.  Every time I see love in my husbands eyes, the joy of family and friends, the kicks of this precious life growing inside me, the sun shining in the sky, the rain that quenches the thirst of this earth, even the hardships put upon us to bring us closer to him and the feeling inside my soul because HE lives in me, I KNOW there is a God and he will forever be my Lord and Saviour.

I am very blessed and can't even  fully explain the joy I'm experiencing lately.  Last night Dustin finally got to feel Emma kick for the first time.  We layed there for thirty minutes just feeling the kicks get stronger.  How amazing is that? I mean, there is really a BABY in there! We had an ultrasound last Friday and she's as beautiful as ever.  We go back on the 27th for another ultrasound and my Glucose testing.  I get to drink a delicious orange pure sugar drink so they can make sure I don't have Gestational Diabetes.  Crossing my fingers that goes well.  Our ultrasound on Friday still didn't show Emma's entire face so once again we will have another one at our next appointment.  She is really cozy in her spot and hasn't seemed to want to budge.  Although, last night with as strong as her kicking was, I really think she has changed positions.  I'm feeling her almost all the time now and her kicks are very strong so maybe that means we will actually get some good pictures of her next time! We hope so anyway!

Ok, now it's picture time!

23 weeks :)



I think she's gonna be a big baby!





Yay me!

Birthday Weekend, Labor Day and Nursery Time!

Thursday I turned 24! I look back and wonder where 16 went.  Time seems to be flying by and I can only imagine how fast it will go when we add kids into the mix.  I had a wonderful birthday.  It was spent playing lots and lots of games and cards, eating a yummy dinner at a hibatchi grill, getting Emma's room ready, spending time with all my family and friends and a home cooked meal and carrot cake from my momma.  Even though being pregnant limits my activities, I had the most amazing birthday/Labor Day weekend ever.  Oh it also doesn't hurt that the Wildcats won their first game against Louisville! :)

As for the nursery...In the beginning of all of this we decided to hold off on decorating the nursery until at least October or later, that is until my husband changed his mind this weekend.  Crazy enough, he was the one who got the idea to move the office furniture into the sun room and start painting.  I was shocked because he was the one telling me that I was going to be chomping to get everything done.  Looks like he was wrong.  It was him instead.  It's so crazy to see how anxious he is to meet this little girl.  Somehow I think he is more excited than me if that is even possible! We spent the weekend cleaning rooms, emptying the nursery closet, moving furniture and painting walls.  I even got crafty and made two decorations for Emma's room (I loooove Hobby Lobby!).  I think it's also another hobby I have found.  Arts and crafts and anything that looks interesting at Hobby Lobby.  It feels great to know that I personally made decorations for her room instead of just purchasing them.  I think it's special.  Thanks to my sister for all her help and the hard work my husband put into the nursery this weekend.  Now, pictures anyone?

This is the new office.  We moved it into our sun room and it turned out great.  Well except for the fact that it isn't heated or cooled.  We will have to get a heater in there so Dustin doesn't freeze his tush off this winter!



The walls were grey before we painted.  So here is a before shot.



A work in progress!



Finished paint job!



Time to stencil the walls.  I was going to do it but it hurt to stretch that much so my sweet husband got pulled into doing it.  He's the best! I sat in the room the whole time he did it and it wasn't easy so props to him.



Ain't it so pretty!?



Decorations for Emma's room!





It is really starting to come together.  I'm so glad we got the hard part of the room out of the way early.  Now we just need to finish getting all the furniture and things on the walls, but there is PLENTY of time for that.  19 weeks to be exact.  It seems like forever until we will be able to meet our baby but she will be here before we know it.  I'm really trying hard not to rush it.  I want to take the time to enjoy this pregnancy and the last little bit of it just being me and Dustin but it's hard because we both want her here so much! Soon enough though.  January isn't all that far away.

It's a Girl!

Our appointment went great.  Baby GIRL is doing wonderful! I can't even explain the feeling of seeing your child MOVING on a screen.  Thanks to some caffeine before my appointment (a little soda never hurt anyone, I wanted to make sure she was awake) she was definitely awake and active but only from her belly down.  She was kicking away and wiggling but would not turn her head.  She was tucked way down in my uterus and we were only able to get a blurry half profile picture.  After a 45 minute ultrasound and some shaking of my belly she decided to stay cozy in her position.  Stubborn already like her daddy :)

Since they weren't able to get a good look at her face or measure her length because of her position, they scheduled me another ultrasound for two weeks! I guess in the end it all worked out good.  We still got to see our little princess growing and in the end get to see her again really soon! Hopefully next time they can get some better pictures and I can post those on here.

Her heartbeat was strong at 159 bpm and the doctor said there is lots of fluid surrounding her which is wonderful to hear.  I must be doing something right because so far so good.  I have to say it is such a nerve-wracking thing to know you are the one making sure this child is growing and safe.  I would do it a million times over for this precious baby though.  We are ecstatic that we get to call her by name now.  We had a boy name and a girl name picked out months ago.  Some of my family members were even calling her by name months ago because they felt so strongly that she was a girl.  Guess they were right!

So here are two photos taken by my camera phone (because somebody forgot to scan them into the computer for me) to introduce our DAUGHTER Emma Marie:

Here is the only clear shot they could get of her profile.  It's small from where I took a picture of a picture but it shows just how cute she's going to be.  Look at that sweet button nose :)



And here is a picture of her all curled up in a cozy little spot not wanting to budge.  You can see her spine, her little legs tucked under and even her EAR(I think that's what it is anyway haha)! :)



I just can't wait to meet her! Is it January yet?

Starting to sink in.

I don't know why it's taken five months to really understand that we are going to be parents but it finally sunk in this weekend! I think it was due to me and Dustin really starting to discuss the nursery and start purchasing furniture.  We bought OUR BABY'S crib this weekend.  Just seeing Dustin putting it together brought so much happiness and joy into my heart.  I asked him if he could even believe that he was putting together a crib and he couldn't.  It's been very surreal but as days pass it's more and more real, that this is happening!

Today I am 20 weeks.  I would love to know where these last 20 weeks have gone! They have really gone by fast.  Now if the last 20 weeks will go this fast, that's the question.  They say that your last trimester goes by extremely slow but hopefully with everything we have going on in the next few months will help the time.  I will be busy with holidays, Halloween (already have our costume idea!), Thanksgiving, Christmas and weddings and shopping for baby and preparing nursery for baby...I think that should keep me busy!

Tomorrow is our doctor's appointment to determine gender! They will also do the in-depth ultrasound to check the baby's spine and brain and make sure it's growing normally.  It's definitely a big day for us! I've been looking forward to this milestone in this pregnancy since I found out.  I will definitely post tomorrow and give all the details!

Now, how about some pictures of the furniture!

Dustin putting the crib together.  He was so cute making sure every bolt was extra tight.  He was worried it wouldn't be enough support.  Worried dad already :)



This is it! Sorry for the fuzzy picture quality.  I took this from my cell phone.  Regardless of quality, soon there will be a baby sleeping in this :)

If you would like to see a better quality picture just click here.



I will admit, I have been a little crazy these last few weeks waiting on this 20 week appointment.  To pass time I chose to figure out themes for the nursery and all the furniture.  I spend days looking for the perfect rocking chair and just wasn't having any luck.  I do not want a glider.  I am not a fan of the motion of gliders and really want to rock my baby.  I also don't want a wooden rocking chair because they are uncomfortable and are noisy.  All I could find were gliders, wooden rocking chairs and very expensive rocking recliners.  I was about to give up when I came across a picture on one of my friends Facebook pages.  She recently had a precious little baby girl and in the picture she is sitting in the  coolest rocking chair I've ever seen.  I was able to get all the details of where she found hers and we have officially chose our chair! It's called a Puff Rocking Chair and I may just never want to get out of it.  Just the name alone sounds heavenly.  Thanks Grace for referring me to this chair.  Can't wait until we get it!



Make sure to stay tuned for the results of our ultrasound tomorrow!