Well, It's official. I have become a crazy, neurotic, obsessive, hypochondriac, worry wart!!! With all that happened with Hudson and me over the past few weeks, every little thing sends me flying off the deep end. My doctor is going to HATE me by the end of this pregnancy!
Last night I started feeling more cramping, and then a dull pain that comes and goes. This morning I was still feeling it. Also, I haven't felt Hudson moving as much lately, which I'm sure is normal... Anyway, after yet another call to the nurses triage line at my OBGYN's office (this week alone I have called 3 times) I am heading in for ANOTHER doctors appointment here in about 30 minutes. Hopefully they will tell me everything is fine, and that I just need to mellow out, relax, and stop being so crazy! They could literally call me crazy, and I wouldn't be phased at this point. I think I just need my own personal doctor to come live at my house for the next few months so I can have them at my beck and call to answer all my questions and ease my mind.
IS BEING CRAZY ANOTHER SYMPTOM OF PREGNANCY???????
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Inspiration
Dear Hudson,
As you grow up, I hope to teach you many things. One of the most important things I hope to show/teach you is compassion. There is a poem that I found when I was little and have held it near and dear to my heart ever since. I truly believe that you should always be looking for ways to better the world around you, help others when you can, and be kind. Everyone is having trouble with something in their life, and you never know how a small act of kindness can brighten someone's day. I hope that you become the type of person who is always looking for an opportunity to do something nice for someone else. Take action! Don't procrastinate. Always do your best. It doesn't have to be earth shattering, just letting someone know that you care can be enough. Be true to yourself and do what you know in your heart is right! I know you will make me proud, because I know you are a good person. I love you so much my sweet boy!
Love,
Your adoring mom
As you grow up, I hope to teach you many things. One of the most important things I hope to show/teach you is compassion. There is a poem that I found when I was little and have held it near and dear to my heart ever since. I truly believe that you should always be looking for ways to better the world around you, help others when you can, and be kind. Everyone is having trouble with something in their life, and you never know how a small act of kindness can brighten someone's day. I hope that you become the type of person who is always looking for an opportunity to do something nice for someone else. Take action! Don't procrastinate. Always do your best. It doesn't have to be earth shattering, just letting someone know that you care can be enough. Be true to yourself and do what you know in your heart is right! I know you will make me proud, because I know you are a good person. I love you so much my sweet boy!
Love,
Your adoring mom
The Sin of Omission
by: Margaret E. Sangster
It isn’t the thing you do, dear,
Its the thing you leave undone
That gives you a bit of a heartache
At setting of the sun.
The tender work forgotten,
The letter you did not write,
The flowers you did not send, dear,
Are your haunting ghosts at night.
Its the thing you leave undone
That gives you a bit of a heartache
At setting of the sun.
The tender work forgotten,
The letter you did not write,
The flowers you did not send, dear,
Are your haunting ghosts at night.
The stone you might have lifted
Out of a brother’s way;
The bit of heartsome counsel
You were hurried too much to say;
The loving touch of the hand, dear,
The gentle, winning tone
Which you had no time nor thought for
With troubles enough of your own.
Out of a brother’s way;
The bit of heartsome counsel
You were hurried too much to say;
The loving touch of the hand, dear,
The gentle, winning tone
Which you had no time nor thought for
With troubles enough of your own.
Those little acts of kindness
So easily out of mind,
Those chances to be angels
Which we poor mortals find
So easily out of mind,
Those chances to be angels
Which we poor mortals find
They come in night and silence,
Each sad, reproachful wraith,
When hope is faint and flagging,
And a chill has fallen on faith.
Each sad, reproachful wraith,
When hope is faint and flagging,
And a chill has fallen on faith.
For life is all too short, dear,
And sorrow is all to great,
To suffer our slow compassion
That tarries until too late:
And it isn’t the thing you do, dear,
It’s the thing you leave undone
Which gives you a bit of heartache
At the setting of the sun.
And sorrow is all to great,
To suffer our slow compassion
That tarries until too late:
And it isn’t the thing you do, dear,
It’s the thing you leave undone
Which gives you a bit of heartache
At the setting of the sun.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Hudson's Nursery!!!!
I am one happy mama to be! At 23 weeks 3 days, Hudson's nursery is practically done (minus a few decorations here and there)! I am so relieved that all the BIG jobs are finished! This past weekend was a whirl wind! It went by so fast! My wonderful parents came in town Saturday around 11:00am. While Steve and my dad moved furniture and wiped down the walls, my mom and I ran to Sherwin-Williams to pick up the paint and supplies. Earlier I posted some paint color options we were looking at. I wasn't really excited about any of the colors we had found. So, mom and I were browsing at some other options when an interior designer (who was there with another client) came over, looked at Hudson's bedding and pulled a paint card out saying "This color would be perfect". Mom and I were ecstatic!!! The color was PERFECT!!! It wasn't even close to the colors I had been looking at. How lucky are we?!? The color is called Languid Blue. It is more gray than bright baby blue and it is awesome!
You can really see the difference in the color we ended up choosing and the colors we were looking at. The new color work so much better with the bedding! I just love it!
Once the painting started, I was not allowed to be in the room. My parents are so cute! They are so protective of me and Hudson. It is hard for me to let other people do things for me. I'm not going to lie, I got yelled at by my parents a few times this weekend for trying to jump in and help move things or paint.... It is just so hard to watch other people working so hard and not do anything. I am so thankful I have such wonderful parents who offered to paint Hudson's room for us.
My parents (Grandma and Grandpa Smith) painting the nursery. My dad is wearing his Father's Day gift from a year ago! haha He says it helps him see better when he does the edging!
My dad did all the edging!
My mom did all the rolling!
While mom and dad were working hard painting, Steve was in the basement working with some of his man toys, and Jessica and I were watching a movie on TV. It was a great day!
Steve had an audience while he was working!
After the painting was done, my dad and Steve moved the furniture back and hung Hudson's adorable curtains! I couldn't be happier with how his nursery turned out! We couldn't have done it with out my parents! I am so lucky to have such a wonderful family!
Mom fixing the curtains and doing the finishing touches!
Our other baby liked Hudson's bed too!!! Otis snuck in the room without us knowing and this is where we found him.
Steve and I could not be more pleased with how Hudson's room turned out! It is better than we could have ever imagined. Now all we need is our sweet baby boy to get here, not for another 15 weeks or so though! Here is a before picture of the Nursery!
Before AND....
TA DA!!!!
I just can't get over how AMAZING Hudson's room turned out! Thanks mom and dad, or should I say Grandma and Grandpa! I love you both so much! Hudson is so lucky to have such wonderful and loving grandparents!
My parents standing in front of their handiwork!
After a long day of hard work, we met up with Steve's mom (Grandma Farmer) and headed to dinner at Halls! It was a beautiful evening! We dined for 2 hours on fried pickles and banana peppers, bear cheese, hush-puppies, and other fried foods! It was the perfect end to the perfect day!
My parents are getting ready to go on a vacation, so this week Steve and I will have a house guest!
Aren't they so cute!!!! Sadie loves having Rocky here to play with!
Well, the house is a bit of a mess after this weekend, but that is OK with me! I have the next few weeks to clean, clean, and clean some more. At least all the big stuff is done! After everyone cleared out, I spent a long time just sitting in Hudson's room looking at everything and thinking about all the great times to come! I thought about Hudson's birthday, Thanksgiving, and getting ready and celebrating Hudson's first Christmas... We are so lucky to have such wonderful families and great support system! We have so much to be thankful for.
Friday, June 24, 2011
Well Hello 23 Weeks!
Hudson,
You are a big mover these days and I LOVE it! You move all the time, but especially in the evenings. I have herd that you have a sleep schedule now. From about 5-10 must be your awake time! haha Today I was sitting on the couch and you started kicking like crazy. So, I lifted my shirt up just above my belly and for the first time I could see your movements! IT WAS AMAZING! I yelled for your daddy, but as soon as he got close, you stopped! I think you are just trying to keep your kicks our little secret for now! Pretty soon though, you need to let your daddy feel you kick. He has been waiting so patiently...
You are now almost a foot long and weigh a little over a pound! I can't even believe it! Some websites compare you to a mango and others an ear of corn! It's hard to believe you are so big already! It feels like just yesterday I was talking to my mom (your grandma) about you being 3 inches long and getting rid of your tail (starting took look human). It is truly amazing! Your sense of movement is also pretty well developed. According to all the baby websites and books, when I move around you can feel it. Last night I sat in your room and rocked you in your glider for about 30 minutes. You really seemed to like the rocking motion. Hope you like it when you are out too.
This past week I have found sleep to be difficult to get. Between the increasingly more frequent potty breaks, leg cramps, and sore arms, hips and shoulders... it is impossible to get a full night sleep. I still haven't noticed any stretchmarks, but the belly is getting pretty big! My belly button is getting closer and closer to popping. Ahhhhhh I have gained a total of 15 pounds since the beginning of this pregnancy and am on track to gain a grand total of about 30! It sounds like a lot to me, but my doctor seems to think that it's pretty good. My blood pressure seems to be good so far too. I still haven't herd anything about the glucose test. According to other moms that should be coming up soon.... We will see!
This weekend, your Grandma and Grandpa Smith are coming to paint your nursery. They offered to purchase the paint and do the work soon after we found out about you! Its hard to believe the day is already here. We are still not 100% sure on a paint color, but between your grandparents, aunt, your daddy and I, I'm sure we will make a decision that works! Your Grandparents are also going to help me hang your curtains and wash some of your baby clothes and bedding. Your room is almost done!!!
I recently found out that there will be a total of three baby showers held in your honor!!! We will be having a family shower for your daddy's side of the family, a friend shower, and a shower back where I am from with family and friends from my hometown!!!! What a lucky little baby you are! I'm so excited and can't wait to celebrate you!
You are a big mover these days and I LOVE it! You move all the time, but especially in the evenings. I have herd that you have a sleep schedule now. From about 5-10 must be your awake time! haha Today I was sitting on the couch and you started kicking like crazy. So, I lifted my shirt up just above my belly and for the first time I could see your movements! IT WAS AMAZING! I yelled for your daddy, but as soon as he got close, you stopped! I think you are just trying to keep your kicks our little secret for now! Pretty soon though, you need to let your daddy feel you kick. He has been waiting so patiently...
You are now almost a foot long and weigh a little over a pound! I can't even believe it! Some websites compare you to a mango and others an ear of corn! It's hard to believe you are so big already! It feels like just yesterday I was talking to my mom (your grandma) about you being 3 inches long and getting rid of your tail (starting took look human). It is truly amazing! Your sense of movement is also pretty well developed. According to all the baby websites and books, when I move around you can feel it. Last night I sat in your room and rocked you in your glider for about 30 minutes. You really seemed to like the rocking motion. Hope you like it when you are out too.
This past week I have found sleep to be difficult to get. Between the increasingly more frequent potty breaks, leg cramps, and sore arms, hips and shoulders... it is impossible to get a full night sleep. I still haven't noticed any stretchmarks, but the belly is getting pretty big! My belly button is getting closer and closer to popping. Ahhhhhh I have gained a total of 15 pounds since the beginning of this pregnancy and am on track to gain a grand total of about 30! It sounds like a lot to me, but my doctor seems to think that it's pretty good. My blood pressure seems to be good so far too. I still haven't herd anything about the glucose test. According to other moms that should be coming up soon.... We will see!
This weekend, your Grandma and Grandpa Smith are coming to paint your nursery. They offered to purchase the paint and do the work soon after we found out about you! Its hard to believe the day is already here. We are still not 100% sure on a paint color, but between your grandparents, aunt, your daddy and I, I'm sure we will make a decision that works! Your Grandparents are also going to help me hang your curtains and wash some of your baby clothes and bedding. Your room is almost done!!!
I recently found out that there will be a total of three baby showers held in your honor!!! We will be having a family shower for your daddy's side of the family, a friend shower, and a shower back where I am from with family and friends from my hometown!!!! What a lucky little baby you are! I'm so excited and can't wait to celebrate you!
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
22 weeks 6 days Doctor's Appointment
Today was ANOTHER doctor's appointment day! After the events that took place this past weekend, my doctor thought it best to have an ultrasound done to make sure everything was ok. She wanted my cervix measured to see if the contractions I had been having were causing any problems. After having the exam done, it was determined that my cervix is measuring short. Apparently it is supposed to be between 2.5 and 3 inches long and mine is right at 2.5. So, my doctor has told me to take it easy eliminating all unnecessary standing, exercising, lifting.... I am not on bed rest at this point, but I have to go back in two weeks to repeat the exam. If I am not measuring any better my doctor said we will have to take a more proactive approach because a short cervix can cause preterm labor. Ahhhhh
After getting that news, I feel so worried!!! My little man just needs to stay put for now! He's not done cooking!
In other news I have gained 6 lbs since last month and a grand total of 15lbs!!!! I still don't know what I started at and what I weigh now, but I do know I'm doing good so far! Also, Hudson's heart rate is 138! He is a little mover and shaker! It just makes me so happy! I am so thankful that Hudson is a healthy little guy!!!
After getting that news, I feel so worried!!! My little man just needs to stay put for now! He's not done cooking!
In other news I have gained 6 lbs since last month and a grand total of 15lbs!!!! I still don't know what I started at and what I weigh now, but I do know I'm doing good so far! Also, Hudson's heart rate is 138! He is a little mover and shaker! It just makes me so happy! I am so thankful that Hudson is a healthy little guy!!!
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
SLEEP DEPRIVATION...NO MORE
Last night I finally figured it out!!! I found a comfortable way to sleep while pregnant! For the past few weeks I have been waking up ever 30-45 minutes, tossing and turning. When you get farther along in pregnancy, you are told not to sleep on your back or stomach. This only leaves your right and left side to sleep on! Normally I sleep on my back all spread out, so this is a huge adjustment! Well, last night I found the most comfortable way to sleep EVER!!!!! It takes some pillow arranging, but it really works! I didn't wake up one time and had the most restful sleep I have had in a long time!
To get into position, you will need 1 pregy pillow, 1 body pillow, and 3 or 4 regular pillows! Basically you arrange the pregy pillow under your head, belly and between your knees. Then you add an extra regular size pillow directly out in front. Put two regular pillows under your head as well. Then, snugly place the body pillow behind you creating a wedge so that you can't roll over on your back, but you can lean back and still be at good angle (and it supports you). BLISS
You may think I'm nuts, but when you wake up nightly because you are uncomfortable, your arm falling asleep, neck hurting, leg cramps, or something else, you too will get overly excited when you find something to cure your insomnia.
In other news, tomorrow is WEDNESDAY!!!! That means that the week is 1/2 over, tomorrow is a half day at work, and we have another doctor's appointment. I wasn't supposed to have an ultrasound at this appointment, but after this past weekend my doctor though it best to do one. I'm not complaining. It is always wonderful to see my sweet baby Hudson and hear/feel him moving! YEA!
Hudson is moving more and more every day! Hopefully soon, Steve will be able to catch Hudson in the act!
Sunday, June 19, 2011
What a weekend!
First off, let me start by saying Happy Father's Day!!!! I may be bias, but I think I have THE best dad in the whole world! He made me breakfast every day while I was in school, he taught me how to throw and hit a ball, he came and supported me when I ran, swam, played tennis, and soccer, and he was/is my rock! I am so lucky to have him as a father! Hudson has no clue yet how lucky he is to have my dad as his grandfather! Also, Happy Father's Day to my husband who in a few short months will be a daddy to the most perfect little boy on earth! I know Steve will make a wonderful father and have such a good relationship with Hudson! He is looking forward to playing with him and teaching him all sorts of things!
This past weekend Steve and I made the trip to my home town for two reasons! First, on Saturday night was the Brad Paisley concert and I was going with my two best friends from high school. Second, to celebrate Father's Day with my dad and Great Uncle! I had no idea what was to unfold....
Steve's flight got in around 7:30pm Friday night. He had been away on business all week! I missed him very much and was so ready to be home!!!! I had the car packed and the dog with me so when Steve emerged from the air port lobby we could take off. We left directly from there to head to my hometown! It was a long drive! Steve and I both had crazy long weeks, so it made it even more difficult! We arrived home around 11:30ish. The next day, my mom, sister and I prepared a yummy meal to celebrate Father's Day! My wonderful Great Uncle made a three hour drive in just to eat good food and spend time with us! It was such a wonderful afternoon! We talked, ate, and talked some more! I love seeing him when he visits! It happens less and less as the years go by, but that just makes each time I see him more special!
After my Uncle left to head home, my good friend Brooke came to pick me up for the BRAD PAISLEY concert!!!!! Once at the music center, we met up with our other counterpart Alana and some of her friends! She made me the cutest shirt to wear at the concert! On the front it said "The Farmer's Wife" and on the back it said " And Baby Too"!!! I had so many people touching my pregnant belly it was nuts! I also had a lot of drunk people come up to me and say "congratulations" and I even got a few " Your Pregnant" statements! haha It is now completely obvious to the whole world that yes, I am in fact pregnant!
Luckily the weather was not nearly as bad as the news reporters said it would be. It sprinkled a little, but nothing horrible! We had lawn seats and had a pretty good place to listen and dance along with the music. There were a bunch of headliner bands ahead of the main act! Blake Shelton was on right before Brad. It was his birthday and his wife Miranda Lambert made a surprise appearance, and even sang a few songs with him! It was awesome!
Before Brad came on, my friends and I decided to take a quick trip to the bathroom. While there, I noticed a little bit of blood you know where. I had also been experiencing some cramping, tightness, and pressure in my lower abdomen throughout the evening. So, needless to say I freaked out a little. I immediately informed my wonderful friends that I would need to leave and go to the ER due to the cramping and blood. Steve and my dad came to get me and my mom and sister met me at the hospital around 10:00pm. I called my OBGYN and she said that it was a good idea to go get checked out as well. While driving to the ER all I could do was pray and speculate what I could have done to have caused this. Maybe it was all the standing, maybe the dancing shook him loose, maybe Hudson didn't like the loud music.... Once again, all I could think was the worst, while hoping for the best.
At the hospital they did some tests and hooked me up to two different monitors. One monitor was to measure the baby's heart beat. The other was to measure uterine activity. Immediately after being strapped to the machine, Hudson's little heartbeat rang loud and clear! I was so relieved! He not only had a great heartbeat, but he was moving around like crazy! MY BABY WAS DOING OK! His heart rate was in the 140's and must have LOVED the country music!
The nurse at the hospital was wonderful! She was so friendly and nice. I wish I could say the same thing for the doctor who examined me. I have never had a male doctor, and had always been terrified and repulsed by the thought, but not this time. This time, all I wanted to know was that Hudson was okay and in no danger. Anyway, he was rude to me and my family. He made inappropriate comments and was just so cold. I am so thankful that the doctor that will be delivering Hudson is not only a better doctor but a better person! I feel so sorry for any pregnant woman or not who has the misfortune of coming in contact with that JERK.
To make a four hour story short, after the exam, tests, and monitoring, it was determined that I was having mild contractions that were probably the cause of the blood I had seen earlier. The nurse assured me that at this point the contractions had not caused any serious problems! YEA She also informed me that I was dehydrated and had been standing for too long! Apparently these coupled with some other things were the cause of the contractions I was experiencing. I was told to take it easy for the next few days and that I needed to make a followup appointment with my regular doctor. Luckily I have an appointment already scheduled for Wednesday!
Saturday definitely didn't go the way I thought it would. I feel horrible that I made my husband and family worry for no reason and stay up at the hospital with/for me until 2:00am. On the other hand, I thought there was something wrong with my baby and nothing could have kept me from finding out what was going on. I would have worried until Wednesday that Hudson was hurt or worse and I never would have been able to live with myself if something was seriously wrong and I didn't go get it checked out. I am so thankful for having such a wonderful family. Words can't even begin to describe how I feel. Thank God for my family and Thank God Hudson is alright and doing GREAT!
Sunday was a lot more laid back! We got up a little late due to the events that took place the night before. My parents, Jessica, Steve, and I all made a wonderful breakfast of hash brown casserole, pancakes, sausage, and eggs! It was AWESOME! My dad got to open his Father's Day gift and we spent the next few hours talking, laughing, and spending time with one another.
Now, I'm back home wondering where this weekend went! Surely it can't be time to start a whole new week?!?! I'm not ready to go back to work. Ugh! I am looking forward to next weekend though, because my parents will be making the drive to come visit Steve and I! They will be painting Hudson's nursery for us! After next weekend, his room will be pretty much done (minus some pictures)! It's hard to believe that in about 3 months we will have a new member of our family! I am so excited!!!!! There is no doubt in my mind that this little boy will be the most loved child ever!
I pray that this is good week! I pray Hudson continues to grow and develop. I pray that my family and friends are safe this week. I pray for Steve to have a low stress first week back at his office. I pray that I have a stress free week without any physical pain from my job.
This past weekend Steve and I made the trip to my home town for two reasons! First, on Saturday night was the Brad Paisley concert and I was going with my two best friends from high school. Second, to celebrate Father's Day with my dad and Great Uncle! I had no idea what was to unfold....
Steve's flight got in around 7:30pm Friday night. He had been away on business all week! I missed him very much and was so ready to be home!!!! I had the car packed and the dog with me so when Steve emerged from the air port lobby we could take off. We left directly from there to head to my hometown! It was a long drive! Steve and I both had crazy long weeks, so it made it even more difficult! We arrived home around 11:30ish. The next day, my mom, sister and I prepared a yummy meal to celebrate Father's Day! My wonderful Great Uncle made a three hour drive in just to eat good food and spend time with us! It was such a wonderful afternoon! We talked, ate, and talked some more! I love seeing him when he visits! It happens less and less as the years go by, but that just makes each time I see him more special!
After my Uncle left to head home, my good friend Brooke came to pick me up for the BRAD PAISLEY concert!!!!! Once at the music center, we met up with our other counterpart Alana and some of her friends! She made me the cutest shirt to wear at the concert! On the front it said "The Farmer's Wife" and on the back it said " And Baby Too"!!! I had so many people touching my pregnant belly it was nuts! I also had a lot of drunk people come up to me and say "congratulations" and I even got a few " Your Pregnant" statements! haha It is now completely obvious to the whole world that yes, I am in fact pregnant!
Luckily the weather was not nearly as bad as the news reporters said it would be. It sprinkled a little, but nothing horrible! We had lawn seats and had a pretty good place to listen and dance along with the music. There were a bunch of headliner bands ahead of the main act! Blake Shelton was on right before Brad. It was his birthday and his wife Miranda Lambert made a surprise appearance, and even sang a few songs with him! It was awesome!
Before Brad came on, my friends and I decided to take a quick trip to the bathroom. While there, I noticed a little bit of blood you know where. I had also been experiencing some cramping, tightness, and pressure in my lower abdomen throughout the evening. So, needless to say I freaked out a little. I immediately informed my wonderful friends that I would need to leave and go to the ER due to the cramping and blood. Steve and my dad came to get me and my mom and sister met me at the hospital around 10:00pm. I called my OBGYN and she said that it was a good idea to go get checked out as well. While driving to the ER all I could do was pray and speculate what I could have done to have caused this. Maybe it was all the standing, maybe the dancing shook him loose, maybe Hudson didn't like the loud music.... Once again, all I could think was the worst, while hoping for the best.
At the hospital they did some tests and hooked me up to two different monitors. One monitor was to measure the baby's heart beat. The other was to measure uterine activity. Immediately after being strapped to the machine, Hudson's little heartbeat rang loud and clear! I was so relieved! He not only had a great heartbeat, but he was moving around like crazy! MY BABY WAS DOING OK! His heart rate was in the 140's and must have LOVED the country music!
The nurse at the hospital was wonderful! She was so friendly and nice. I wish I could say the same thing for the doctor who examined me. I have never had a male doctor, and had always been terrified and repulsed by the thought, but not this time. This time, all I wanted to know was that Hudson was okay and in no danger. Anyway, he was rude to me and my family. He made inappropriate comments and was just so cold. I am so thankful that the doctor that will be delivering Hudson is not only a better doctor but a better person! I feel so sorry for any pregnant woman or not who has the misfortune of coming in contact with that JERK.
To make a four hour story short, after the exam, tests, and monitoring, it was determined that I was having mild contractions that were probably the cause of the blood I had seen earlier. The nurse assured me that at this point the contractions had not caused any serious problems! YEA She also informed me that I was dehydrated and had been standing for too long! Apparently these coupled with some other things were the cause of the contractions I was experiencing. I was told to take it easy for the next few days and that I needed to make a followup appointment with my regular doctor. Luckily I have an appointment already scheduled for Wednesday!
Saturday definitely didn't go the way I thought it would. I feel horrible that I made my husband and family worry for no reason and stay up at the hospital with/for me until 2:00am. On the other hand, I thought there was something wrong with my baby and nothing could have kept me from finding out what was going on. I would have worried until Wednesday that Hudson was hurt or worse and I never would have been able to live with myself if something was seriously wrong and I didn't go get it checked out. I am so thankful for having such a wonderful family. Words can't even begin to describe how I feel. Thank God for my family and Thank God Hudson is alright and doing GREAT!
Sunday was a lot more laid back! We got up a little late due to the events that took place the night before. My parents, Jessica, Steve, and I all made a wonderful breakfast of hash brown casserole, pancakes, sausage, and eggs! It was AWESOME! My dad got to open his Father's Day gift and we spent the next few hours talking, laughing, and spending time with one another.
Now, I'm back home wondering where this weekend went! Surely it can't be time to start a whole new week?!?! I'm not ready to go back to work. Ugh! I am looking forward to next weekend though, because my parents will be making the drive to come visit Steve and I! They will be painting Hudson's nursery for us! After next weekend, his room will be pretty much done (minus some pictures)! It's hard to believe that in about 3 months we will have a new member of our family! I am so excited!!!!! There is no doubt in my mind that this little boy will be the most loved child ever!
I pray that this is good week! I pray Hudson continues to grow and develop. I pray that my family and friends are safe this week. I pray for Steve to have a low stress first week back at his office. I pray that I have a stress free week without any physical pain from my job.
Friday, June 17, 2011
22 weeks!!!!
Hudson, you are 22 weeks today!!! According to all the fun baby websites you are the size of a spaghetti squash (11 inches) and have finally made it to the 1 pound mark!!!!! Your senses are developing this week! Supposedly, you can feel! This mean that when I press on my belly you are aware of it! :) You are a little wiggle worm, but some days I feel you moving more than others! I have my next doctors appointment next week.
Steve has been gone on a business trip this whole week, so I have no pictures of my growing belly!!!! It is growing though, along with every other part of my body. My belly button is even changing. Steve thinks its so gross, but I think its kind of cool. I have always had an inni, but over the past few weeks it is getting more shallow and starting to pop! It is by no means an outie yet, but it is definitely changing. As far as pregnancy symptoms go, Im pretty lucky! I have no really negative symptoms.
This weekend, I (and baby Hudson) are going to a Brad Paisley concert with some of my girlfriends! I am so excited! Before attending college in Kentucky, I was not a country music fan at all! Brad was of the the first country music artists that I fell in LOVE with! It is going to be so fun! Because Hudson can hear now, maybe this will be the start of his LOVE of country music!
Thursday, June 16, 2011
First Week At My BIG GIRL Job!
I am the luckiest person in the world!
I have the best JOB in the world (hope I don't jinx it) hehe!
Each day I learn something new!
I work with the nicest people in the world!
This week started off a little rough, but each day that passed got better and better!
I love my patients, and I love helping them solve their problems! There is no better feeling!
Tomorrow is FRIDAY! I have never been so thankful for the weekend!
I LOVE WHAT I DO!
I LOVE DOLLY!!!!!
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
This week in a nutshell
Baby Hudson is still doing well as far as I can tell. He is moving around, but I feel him mostly at night. All I want is one really good hard kick once a day to assure me he is A-O-K. I hope they get stronger and more frequent as this week progresses. I have also noticed that I am not sleeping through the night.... I wake up every hour or so uncomfortable and have to change sleeping positions. It's weird. I thought pregnant = stomach pain, but in the middle of the night its my legs and or feet that will cramp and cause me to jump out of bed. Also, always sleeping on my side causes my shoulders to hurt. Booooo On the plus side, people are noticing the baby bump!!! It is always a proud day when people notice your little baby belly and tell you how cute you are! :)
This past Monday I started my first job as a Dental Hygienist. It went OK. Starting a new job is always scary and difficult, so I had done my best to be ready. What I wasn't prepared for was the physical pain I was in by the end of the day! I worked from 9-5 and by about 3 had to fight back tears! My back has been hurting anyway because of pregnancy, but after hours of sitting hunched over in a chair peering into someones mouth for 8 hours I thought I was going to die!!!! My hands were cramping, and my fingers were getting stiff! I felt so defeated!!! That evening I cried to myself and wondered if I picked the wrong profession, if this would be something I would need to wait until after Hudson was born to start.... Don't get me wrong, EVERYONE I work with is WONDERFUL!!!!! They are all so kind and helpful! It was just the agonizing pain and exhaustion that was causing this breakdown! Thankfully each day has gotten better and better! I am more comfortable with how things work at the office and my back is hurting less each day. So yea!!! VICTORY! Did I mention that I work with the nicest people ever? I really am so lucky. And YES, I did pick the right profession! The best part about what I do is getting to help my patients! O and on my way into work today I saw a cow loose in our neighborhood!!! haha MADE MY DAY!
It is that time of year again! VET time! So today, I had to take Milo and Otis into the vet for their annual checkup. It is always so difficult! Cats are not easy animals to control. I started trying to put them in their carriers at about 2:00 and by 2:30 could only manage to get Otis in. Milo was refusing!!! So, with one cat in a carrier and one in my arms I packed up the car and off we went! Neither one of the cats like car rides, so I got to hear the most horrible cat cries the entire ride! Because Milo was not in his carrier he was roaming all over shedding fur everywhere!
By the time we got to the vet's office I was covered in cat hair! It was disgusting! They both had to get shots which they were NOT happy about. After their checkup, the vet had to try and get both cats in my one carrier. It took about 15 minutes and 5 attempts, but he finally did it! I was sure one of my sweet cats was going to bite his hand off, but it went much better than I had anticipated. O the joys of owning pets. In a few weeks it's Sadie's turn. Luckily she LOVES car rides and is much more easy going.
This past Monday I started my first job as a Dental Hygienist. It went OK. Starting a new job is always scary and difficult, so I had done my best to be ready. What I wasn't prepared for was the physical pain I was in by the end of the day! I worked from 9-5 and by about 3 had to fight back tears! My back has been hurting anyway because of pregnancy, but after hours of sitting hunched over in a chair peering into someones mouth for 8 hours I thought I was going to die!!!! My hands were cramping, and my fingers were getting stiff! I felt so defeated!!! That evening I cried to myself and wondered if I picked the wrong profession, if this would be something I would need to wait until after Hudson was born to start.... Don't get me wrong, EVERYONE I work with is WONDERFUL!!!!! They are all so kind and helpful! It was just the agonizing pain and exhaustion that was causing this breakdown! Thankfully each day has gotten better and better! I am more comfortable with how things work at the office and my back is hurting less each day. So yea!!! VICTORY! Did I mention that I work with the nicest people ever? I really am so lucky. And YES, I did pick the right profession! The best part about what I do is getting to help my patients! O and on my way into work today I saw a cow loose in our neighborhood!!! haha MADE MY DAY!
It is that time of year again! VET time! So today, I had to take Milo and Otis into the vet for their annual checkup. It is always so difficult! Cats are not easy animals to control. I started trying to put them in their carriers at about 2:00 and by 2:30 could only manage to get Otis in. Milo was refusing!!! So, with one cat in a carrier and one in my arms I packed up the car and off we went! Neither one of the cats like car rides, so I got to hear the most horrible cat cries the entire ride! Because Milo was not in his carrier he was roaming all over shedding fur everywhere!
By the time we got to the vet's office I was covered in cat hair! It was disgusting! They both had to get shots which they were NOT happy about. After their checkup, the vet had to try and get both cats in my one carrier. It took about 15 minutes and 5 attempts, but he finally did it! I was sure one of my sweet cats was going to bite his hand off, but it went much better than I had anticipated. O the joys of owning pets. In a few weeks it's Sadie's turn. Luckily she LOVES car rides and is much more easy going.
Happy Wednesday!
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Playing Catch Up
The past few weeks has been CRAZY! We have been so busy, so much has happened! I don't even know where to begin. To be honest, I will probably forget half of it and remember the rest in a week or two!
So far, being 21 weeks pregnant has been GREAT! I'm feeling more movement in my belly, but no full fledged kicks yet. Steve keeps putting his hand on my stomach in hopes of feeling Hudson move, but so far he has had no luck! I don't think it will be much longer though!
On Wednesday, we FINALLY got our furniture! It has been a long time coming! For the first 2+ years of our marriage we had 15 year old mix-matched hand me down furniture in our basement! When we got pregnant I put my foot down, and said we needed to do something about it! I didn't want our baby going anywhere near the old stuff! Steve was more than fine with getting new furniture down there, because that meant he would finally have his "man cave". Well, about three months ago we got rid of the old stuff, cleaned and were ready the day we were supposed to get our furniture! The delivery people came and told us that the backs would not come off the furniture we purchased and they couldn't get it down the stairs into our basement!!!!! This came to a huge shock to us, because when we purchased the couches we were told that the backs would come off and it would fit just fine!!!! So, our clean empty basement sat with nothing in it. In order to find furniture that we liked and would fit down our stairs, Steve had to drive all the way to Ashland! We were PROMISED this time that this furniture would work! Well delivery day came Wednesday and the delivery people showed up AGAIN and said that the new furniture would not fit either! Let me tell you, this did not settle well with me! I made some phone calls, lost my cool, cried and waited to hear back from the store manager about what they were going to do about this problem! Being preggers, disappointed, hormonal, and angry is not a good combination! I truly feel sorry for anyone who had to deal with me that day! Well to make a long long loooonnnnggg story short, this was a new line of furniture and the delivery people were unfamiliar with how it worked. So, they came back later that evening with a furniture tech and got it to the basement successfully! I was glad to have furniture and Steve was excited to have the beginnings of his "man cave". Did I mention, he picked out the furniture?!?! YEA!
This past weekend Steve and I headed to Louisville, KY to celebrate Steve's success and hard work over the past year. He isn't the type of person who would brag on himself, so I'm going to do it!!!! WHY? BECAUSE I am so proud of my husband! He has been working so hard to provide for our family, and he always does it with a smile on his face! I am so lucky to have him! Anyway, we arrived Thursday evening and dropped off all of our stuff at the Seelbach Hotel! It is a beautiful old hotel downtown!
Then we headed to Jeff Ruby's for dinner with Steve's boss and co-workers. It was such a nice evening! The food was excellent! Steve is so lucky he works with such nice and fun people! While we were there we even met the CEO of the company he works for! It may not seem like a big deal to most people, but Steve was so excited! hehe
The next day while Steve was at work, I got together with some friends I hadn't seen in a long time! We went to Toast for Breakfast/Lunch. If you have never been there and are ever in Louisville, I would recommend it! After that I headed to the mall where I found some super cute baby clothes!
Speaking of baby! The rest of Hudson's furniture and bedding came in on Saturday! It is so cute! I can't wait to have his room completely finished and for him to be here!!
This is a picture of the bedding quickly put on to see what it looked like! I still have to wash it!
So far, being 21 weeks pregnant has been GREAT! I'm feeling more movement in my belly, but no full fledged kicks yet. Steve keeps putting his hand on my stomach in hopes of feeling Hudson move, but so far he has had no luck! I don't think it will be much longer though!
On Wednesday, we FINALLY got our furniture! It has been a long time coming! For the first 2+ years of our marriage we had 15 year old mix-matched hand me down furniture in our basement! When we got pregnant I put my foot down, and said we needed to do something about it! I didn't want our baby going anywhere near the old stuff! Steve was more than fine with getting new furniture down there, because that meant he would finally have his "man cave". Well, about three months ago we got rid of the old stuff, cleaned and were ready the day we were supposed to get our furniture! The delivery people came and told us that the backs would not come off the furniture we purchased and they couldn't get it down the stairs into our basement!!!!! This came to a huge shock to us, because when we purchased the couches we were told that the backs would come off and it would fit just fine!!!! So, our clean empty basement sat with nothing in it. In order to find furniture that we liked and would fit down our stairs, Steve had to drive all the way to Ashland! We were PROMISED this time that this furniture would work! Well delivery day came Wednesday and the delivery people showed up AGAIN and said that the new furniture would not fit either! Let me tell you, this did not settle well with me! I made some phone calls, lost my cool, cried and waited to hear back from the store manager about what they were going to do about this problem! Being preggers, disappointed, hormonal, and angry is not a good combination! I truly feel sorry for anyone who had to deal with me that day! Well to make a long long loooonnnnggg story short, this was a new line of furniture and the delivery people were unfamiliar with how it worked. So, they came back later that evening with a furniture tech and got it to the basement successfully! I was glad to have furniture and Steve was excited to have the beginnings of his "man cave". Did I mention, he picked out the furniture?!?! YEA!
Look how happy he is with his new sofa with cup holders! haha
This past weekend Steve and I headed to Louisville, KY to celebrate Steve's success and hard work over the past year. He isn't the type of person who would brag on himself, so I'm going to do it!!!! WHY? BECAUSE I am so proud of my husband! He has been working so hard to provide for our family, and he always does it with a smile on his face! I am so lucky to have him! Anyway, we arrived Thursday evening and dropped off all of our stuff at the Seelbach Hotel! It is a beautiful old hotel downtown!
Then we headed to Jeff Ruby's for dinner with Steve's boss and co-workers. It was such a nice evening! The food was excellent! Steve is so lucky he works with such nice and fun people! While we were there we even met the CEO of the company he works for! It may not seem like a big deal to most people, but Steve was so excited! hehe
The next day while Steve was at work, I got together with some friends I hadn't seen in a long time! We went to Toast for Breakfast/Lunch. If you have never been there and are ever in Louisville, I would recommend it! After that I headed to the mall where I found some super cute baby clothes!
I think the little frog hat is so cute! Hudson is going to hate me! hehe
This is a picture of the bedding quickly put on to see what it looked like! I still have to wash it!
I start my new job tomorrow! This will be my very first Dental Hygiene position! I am so excited and nervous at the same time! Over the next few months I will be covering for another woman who is on maternity leave! It works out perfectly because when she comes back from maternity leave it will be about that time (Hudson's due date). I feel like the luckiest person in the whole world to have found a job that was just so perfect for me! WISH ME LUCK!!!!!
Friday, June 10, 2011
21 week update
Well its Friday again, which means we are another week farther in the pregnancy!!!! On a side note, it also marks my last work free day! I start my first job as a Dental Hygienist on Monday! I'm so nervous..... What if I screw up? Ahhhhhh ANYWAY, Hudson is 21 weeks today! My major pregnancy cravings right now consist of cheese, cheeses, and o yea CHEESE! Earlier this week I had an entire meal made up of the stuff! I'm not even kidding! Every day that goes by I am just getting bigger and bigger! I think I have finally gotten to the point where I don't care that I am gaining weight. This is a good thing, because the weight is only going to continue to pack on.
The only negative pregnancy symptom I currently have (other than breaking out) is leg cramps! I have been waking up in the middle of the night with these HORRIBLE leg cramps! The only thing I can do to help ease the pain is to jump out of bed, steady myself on the wall and lift my hefty self up on my tiptoes then bend my legs....Its a hippopotamus's version of ballet. BEAUTIFUL haha O well!
This week Hudson, you are 10.5 inches long and weigh about 12.7 ounces! Your skin is getting thicker and your tongue is fully formed now! Supposedly you are able to taste now! Your digestive system is developing and you are moving like crazy! It is getting easier and easier to feel your kicks! Most days I can feel you jumping around, but there are still some days that I don't feel anything at all. On the days I feel nothing, I miss you.
Last night your daddy and I went to Louisville, KY to celebrate your daddy doing such a great job at work! I'm so proud of him and I know you will be too some day! He works so hard to provide for our family and he is so good at what he does! You are a lucky little boy to have such a wonderful daddy!
Well that's about all the news I've got for now! We are just going to relax and enjoy this weekend! HAPPY FRIDAY!
The only negative pregnancy symptom I currently have (other than breaking out) is leg cramps! I have been waking up in the middle of the night with these HORRIBLE leg cramps! The only thing I can do to help ease the pain is to jump out of bed, steady myself on the wall and lift my hefty self up on my tiptoes then bend my legs....Its a hippopotamus's version of ballet. BEAUTIFUL haha O well!
This week Hudson, you are 10.5 inches long and weigh about 12.7 ounces! Your skin is getting thicker and your tongue is fully formed now! Supposedly you are able to taste now! Your digestive system is developing and you are moving like crazy! It is getting easier and easier to feel your kicks! Most days I can feel you jumping around, but there are still some days that I don't feel anything at all. On the days I feel nothing, I miss you.
Last night your daddy and I went to Louisville, KY to celebrate your daddy doing such a great job at work! I'm so proud of him and I know you will be too some day! He works so hard to provide for our family and he is so good at what he does! You are a lucky little boy to have such a wonderful daddy!
Well that's about all the news I've got for now! We are just going to relax and enjoy this weekend! HAPPY FRIDAY!
Monday, June 6, 2011
Vacation / Babymoon!!!!!!! WARNING VERY LONG
Last week Steve and I traveled to BEAUTIFUL South Carolina for a much needed vacation. We had a wonderful time! We went to Charleston almost every evening and spend most of our days by the beach listening to Jimmy Buffett! We went shopping, took tours, and ate at the most amazing restaurants! It is crazy how fast the week went by! Steve and I both decided that we need to get away more often! It's hard to believe that the last time we went on vacation alone together was on our honeymoon 2 1/2 years ago! Steve enjoyed all the tours and just relaxing by the ocean. My favorite part of this past week was getting to spend uninterrupted time with my husband and best friend! There was no work and no phone calls...it was AMAZING!
Saturday May 28, 2011
Steve and I got up super early (5:00am) loaded up the car and hit the road.
The drive was surprisingly easy. The thought of sitting in a car for 9 hours was not all that appealing, but it really went by fast! Around lunch, we stopped at FATZ! It is similar to O Charlies, but they serve the best poppy seed rolls! AMAZING! We finally reached our destination on the BEAUTIFUL Isle of Palm, South Carolina! Once we got there, we quickly unloaded all of our stuff and headed to the beach! We arrived around 3:30pm and had plenty of time to take a nice long barefoot walk on the beach! After that, we decided to stay in and enjoy the view/sunset from our deck so we ordered a pizza from a local pizza place! What a relaxing way to start a wonderful week long vacation!
Sunday May 29, 2011
Steve and I got up around 6:30am, ate breakfast, got our swimsuits on, and lathered up with sunscreen! We were on the beach by 7:00am with our awesome beach chairs, huge beach blankets, towels, and a cooler full of adult beverages for Steve and Water for me! We spent all day on the beach, laying out, sleeping, taking long walks, and playing in the comfortable water. It was seriously the BEST DAY!
At around 5:30pm we went inside to get ready for our evening in Charleston! Steve and I decided to try out a restaurant called Coast. We had read some great reviews and really wanted to try it out! Once in Charleston, we headed straight for Coast and found that it would be a 2 HOUR WAIT!!!! Everyone leaving the restaurant just kept talking about the awesome food! So, we spent the next 2 hours walking around Charleston taking it all in!
Well, the food was GREAT! If you ever go, they have the best crab cakes in the whole world!
Monday May 30, 2011
After our day on the beach, I got a nasty sunburn! No, I am not one of those confident pregnant women who can strut around in a bikini while sporting their baby bump! I wish I had the body to do that, but lets face it, that's just not going to happen! So, I spent my beach days in an ill fitting maternity tankini.... NOT pretty! In fact, there is only one picture of me on this trip and is definitely not of me looking like a beached whale in my swimsuit! Anyway, the point is, at least I had my belly covered the whole time so I didn't have to worry about burning my sweet baby (only a crazy pregnant woman would think that, right). It could have been worse, but I didn't want to be miserable the rest of our vacation, so we made this day our shopping, aquarium, and tour day! A few minutes North of Charleston there is a Tanger Outlet Mall! We spent a majority of our morning and early afternoon walking around and shopping! Because it was Memorial Day there were some AMAZING sales! Steve got some new shirts, and we bought tonz of new clothes for Hudson!
At Childrens Place we were able to get so many cute things at $2.00 each!!! Can you believe it! That is just awesome! They also had a Coach store where they were offering an additional 30% off due to the Holiday! I was drooling over EVERYTHING there! They had beautiful purses, wallets, and even diaper bags!!!!!!! It took all the willpower I had not to go crazy! Even with the 30% off the Outlet prices what I was eying was still more than I could justify spending.... Let's just say Steve was more than relieved that I passed on the purses! haha MEN
Around 3:00pm we went to the Charleston Aquarium! It was very interesting. Most everything there could be found in South Carolina! They had everything from birds, turtles, and owls, to an albino alligator, jellyfish, sharks and a bald eagle!
After the Aquarium, we walked around Charleston some more and came across a restaurant called Magnolias. It was a contemporary Southern place, so we had dinner there! They had the best fried chicken!
Tuesday May 31, 2011
Steve and I were feeling less crispy and were ready to lay out at the beach again! We spend the entire day there, and this time we reapplied sunscreen multiple times!
For dinner we went to a fabulous BBQ place called Sticky Fingers! It was sooo good! They had AWESOME sweet tea! Another wonderful day with perfect weather!
Wednesday June 1, 2011
Again, we found ourselves lounging by the beach all day enjoying the soothing sounds of the ocean waves crashing against the coastline. Sometime in the afternoon, we saw at least eight dolphins swim by looking for fish. It was so cool! It was funny watching some of the little kiddos on the beach scream and point at what they thought was a shark! Speaking of kids, all week Hudson was moving around and kicking!!!! It was unmistakable! I could put my hand on my stomach and feel him moving!!!! Steve still cant feel it, so for now it is our little secret. With all the practice Hudson is getting, I'm sure it won't be long before his little kicks are strong enough for the proud daddy to be able to feel them!
I have been having this horrible pregnancy craving for a McAlister's beef and cheddar spud! Well, this pregnant lady found a McAlister's and demanded that we have it for dinner! I had been dreaming of this meal for weeks! When we got there, I was disappointed to find that they didn't have beef and cheddar spud on the menu!!!!! They said they would make it anyway, but when it came to our table, it was NOT the beef and cheddar spud I have known and loved! Being the giant ball of raging hormones that I am, I almost started crying right then and there! Tears literally started filling my eyes. Poor Steve had no idea what was going on! I began to tell him everything that was wrong with my potato, and he quietly listened then got up, went to the counter, asked for everything I needed to correct the horribly made beef and cheddar spud, and brought it back walking tall and proud! He had prevented/stopped a complete breakdown! All in a days work! Then he took me out for ice cream!
The perfect end to a perfect day!
Thursday June 2, 2011
We had the best weather on this vacation!!!! I swear we are the luckiest people on earth! Steve and I had another wonderful beach day! Needless to say, we got a lot of good sun! We saw even more dolphins which was really fun! For dinner, we found this great Northern Italian restaurant called Al De La in Charleston. It was nothing like anything I have ever had before, but it was amazing!
Steve had been wanting to take a ghost tour while we were visiting Charleston. So, we found a tour through Bulldog Tours of an old Haunted Jail!
It was actually featured on the Travel Channel as one of the top ten most haunted places!!!! Steve made our reservations for the 10:00pm tour!!!!! It was very interesting and we learned a lot! For example, this was the first reformed jail in South Carolina, and the first women ever to be executed was publicly executed there. Steve really enjoyed it, and I even had a good time (and I hate all things spooky/scary). Aside from the extreme heat and nearly passing out, I had a fabulous time!
Friday June 3, 2011
Before we left for our trip, Steve and I looked on tripadvisor.com and came across a tour of Charleston by a man named Ed Grimball that had rave reviews! Seriously, I don't think we found a single negative comment. Most people commented on how this particular tour was the highlight of their trip. So, we booked our reservation over a week in advance so that all the spaces wouldn't fill up. It was a good thing we did too, because Mr. Ed Grimball was very popular!
Our tour started around 9:30am and lasted well into the afternoon. It was probably the best tour I have ever been on! Ed was a great tour guide! We would recommend him and his tour to anyone who was traveling to Charleston! Ed is a older man in his late 60's who is a 13th generation Charlestonion.
After our AMAZING tour, we ate lunch at this great brewhouse in downtown Charleston! We spent the rest of the day relaxing on the beach!
Saturday June 4, 2011
Steve and I got up really early and headed home! We only had to stop twice (the baby keeps thinking my bladder is a trampoline) and made it home in record time! We played travel games the whole way! I'm sure Steve really enjoyed that...but it made the car ride go really fast!
We had such a wonderful time together on our vacation! It was bitter sweet.... It was the last time we would be able to go to the beach or anywhere for that matter without being responsible for another human life! We will never again have the same relationship we do right now. With that being said, we are so excited to be parents and can't wait to experience all the changes coming our way! We are ready. We know that while EVERYTHING is getting ready to change, there is one thing that will never change. We will always love each other very much and will work hard to protect our marriage and our family. We have so much to be thankful for and SOOOO much to look forward to!
Saturday May 28, 2011
Steve and I got up super early (5:00am) loaded up the car and hit the road.
The drive was surprisingly easy. The thought of sitting in a car for 9 hours was not all that appealing, but it really went by fast! Around lunch, we stopped at FATZ! It is similar to O Charlies, but they serve the best poppy seed rolls! AMAZING! We finally reached our destination on the BEAUTIFUL Isle of Palm, South Carolina! Once we got there, we quickly unloaded all of our stuff and headed to the beach! We arrived around 3:30pm and had plenty of time to take a nice long barefoot walk on the beach! After that, we decided to stay in and enjoy the view/sunset from our deck so we ordered a pizza from a local pizza place! What a relaxing way to start a wonderful week long vacation!
The view from our condo
The welcome basket we received upon our arrival!
Sunday May 29, 2011
Steve and I got up around 6:30am, ate breakfast, got our swimsuits on, and lathered up with sunscreen! We were on the beach by 7:00am with our awesome beach chairs, huge beach blankets, towels, and a cooler full of adult beverages for Steve and Water for me! We spent all day on the beach, laying out, sleeping, taking long walks, and playing in the comfortable water. It was seriously the BEST DAY!
At around 5:30pm we went inside to get ready for our evening in Charleston! Steve and I decided to try out a restaurant called Coast. We had read some great reviews and really wanted to try it out! Once in Charleston, we headed straight for Coast and found that it would be a 2 HOUR WAIT!!!! Everyone leaving the restaurant just kept talking about the awesome food! So, we spent the next 2 hours walking around Charleston taking it all in!
Well, the food was GREAT! If you ever go, they have the best crab cakes in the whole world!
Monday May 30, 2011
After our day on the beach, I got a nasty sunburn! No, I am not one of those confident pregnant women who can strut around in a bikini while sporting their baby bump! I wish I had the body to do that, but lets face it, that's just not going to happen! So, I spent my beach days in an ill fitting maternity tankini.... NOT pretty! In fact, there is only one picture of me on this trip and is definitely not of me looking like a beached whale in my swimsuit! Anyway, the point is, at least I had my belly covered the whole time so I didn't have to worry about burning my sweet baby (only a crazy pregnant woman would think that, right). It could have been worse, but I didn't want to be miserable the rest of our vacation, so we made this day our shopping, aquarium, and tour day! A few minutes North of Charleston there is a Tanger Outlet Mall! We spent a majority of our morning and early afternoon walking around and shopping! Because it was Memorial Day there were some AMAZING sales! Steve got some new shirts, and we bought tonz of new clothes for Hudson!
This is what Steve picked out... haha
Around 3:00pm we went to the Charleston Aquarium! It was very interesting. Most everything there could be found in South Carolina! They had everything from birds, turtles, and owls, to an albino alligator, jellyfish, sharks and a bald eagle!
After the Aquarium, we walked around Charleston some more and came across a restaurant called Magnolias. It was a contemporary Southern place, so we had dinner there! They had the best fried chicken!
Tuesday May 31, 2011
Steve and I were feeling less crispy and were ready to lay out at the beach again! We spend the entire day there, and this time we reapplied sunscreen multiple times!
This is my "I look horrible so this is the only shot you will get of me on the beach" picture
For dinner we went to a fabulous BBQ place called Sticky Fingers! It was sooo good! They had AWESOME sweet tea! Another wonderful day with perfect weather!
Wednesday June 1, 2011
Again, we found ourselves lounging by the beach all day enjoying the soothing sounds of the ocean waves crashing against the coastline. Sometime in the afternoon, we saw at least eight dolphins swim by looking for fish. It was so cool! It was funny watching some of the little kiddos on the beach scream and point at what they thought was a shark! Speaking of kids, all week Hudson was moving around and kicking!!!! It was unmistakable! I could put my hand on my stomach and feel him moving!!!! Steve still cant feel it, so for now it is our little secret. With all the practice Hudson is getting, I'm sure it won't be long before his little kicks are strong enough for the proud daddy to be able to feel them!
I have been having this horrible pregnancy craving for a McAlister's beef and cheddar spud! Well, this pregnant lady found a McAlister's and demanded that we have it for dinner! I had been dreaming of this meal for weeks! When we got there, I was disappointed to find that they didn't have beef and cheddar spud on the menu!!!!! They said they would make it anyway, but when it came to our table, it was NOT the beef and cheddar spud I have known and loved! Being the giant ball of raging hormones that I am, I almost started crying right then and there! Tears literally started filling my eyes. Poor Steve had no idea what was going on! I began to tell him everything that was wrong with my potato, and he quietly listened then got up, went to the counter, asked for everything I needed to correct the horribly made beef and cheddar spud, and brought it back walking tall and proud! He had prevented/stopped a complete breakdown! All in a days work! Then he took me out for ice cream!
The perfect end to a perfect day!
Thursday June 2, 2011
We had the best weather on this vacation!!!! I swear we are the luckiest people on earth! Steve and I had another wonderful beach day! Needless to say, we got a lot of good sun! We saw even more dolphins which was really fun! For dinner, we found this great Northern Italian restaurant called Al De La in Charleston. It was nothing like anything I have ever had before, but it was amazing!
Steve had been wanting to take a ghost tour while we were visiting Charleston. So, we found a tour through Bulldog Tours of an old Haunted Jail!
It was actually featured on the Travel Channel as one of the top ten most haunted places!!!! Steve made our reservations for the 10:00pm tour!!!!! It was very interesting and we learned a lot! For example, this was the first reformed jail in South Carolina, and the first women ever to be executed was publicly executed there. Steve really enjoyed it, and I even had a good time (and I hate all things spooky/scary). Aside from the extreme heat and nearly passing out, I had a fabulous time!
Friday June 3, 2011
Before we left for our trip, Steve and I looked on tripadvisor.com and came across a tour of Charleston by a man named Ed Grimball that had rave reviews! Seriously, I don't think we found a single negative comment. Most people commented on how this particular tour was the highlight of their trip. So, we booked our reservation over a week in advance so that all the spaces wouldn't fill up. It was a good thing we did too, because Mr. Ed Grimball was very popular!
Our tour started around 9:30am and lasted well into the afternoon. It was probably the best tour I have ever been on! Ed was a great tour guide! We would recommend him and his tour to anyone who was traveling to Charleston! Ed is a older man in his late 60's who is a 13th generation Charlestonion.
This is Ed!
The Pineapple Fountain at Waterfront Park
Fort Sumter
Rainbow Row
The beautiful cobblestone streets!
The Hat Man! He is made up of hats (ears, hat, feet, nose, mouth...). According to Ed this was painted shortly after the Civil War.
One of Charleston's many historic churches. BEAUTIFUL
This church has the oldest working bell in the country.
The Grave of John C Calhoun
The grave of the youngest man to sign the Deceleration of Independence.
Some of the $6 million homes along the Battery.
Saturday June 4, 2011
Steve and I got up really early and headed home! We only had to stop twice (the baby keeps thinking my bladder is a trampoline) and made it home in record time! We played travel games the whole way! I'm sure Steve really enjoyed that...but it made the car ride go really fast!
We had such a wonderful time together on our vacation! It was bitter sweet.... It was the last time we would be able to go to the beach or anywhere for that matter without being responsible for another human life! We will never again have the same relationship we do right now. With that being said, we are so excited to be parents and can't wait to experience all the changes coming our way! We are ready. We know that while EVERYTHING is getting ready to change, there is one thing that will never change. We will always love each other very much and will work hard to protect our marriage and our family. We have so much to be thankful for and SOOOO much to look forward to!
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