Baby Shower #1

 

28 weeks and a Baby Shower!

Saturday afternoon was Hudson's first baby shower!  It was at my in-law's house and was hosted by my mother-in-law (Grandma Farmer)  and sister-in-law (Laura Farmer aka Aunt Laura)!  This shower was a family shower for Steve's side of the family!  My parents and sister came too! All in all about 30 people were there!  As luck would have it, it started raining cats and dogs the minute the festivities started.  Luckily, the rain stopped after just a few minutes and people were able to enjoy the outdoors!  It turned out to be a beautiful evening!

My MIL and SIL worked so hard putting this together!  The food was fantastic, the company was great, and everything was beautiful!  I am so thankful that Hudson (and myself) are a part of such a wonderful and loving family!

At 28 weeks, before we headed over to Baby Hudson's First Baby Shower!

Some Family Pictures!  It was so nice to have everyone together!  

Me with Grandma Farmer and the delicious food!  We had BBQ, pimento cheese sandwiches, fruit, veggies, pasta salad, potato salad, beans, mac and cheese...

Yummy cupcakes, brownies, and the cutest mini cakes in the world!

They had little blue baby booties on them!!!!  Not only were they adorable, but they were delicious!

My MIL and SIL even had water bottle labels made for the shower!!!  What a cute idea!

Opening the gifts!  Hudson got so many adorable things!  We are so fortunate to have such a generous family! 

My Sister-In-Law's mother made this for Hudson! It is breathtaking!

Hudson received a play-yard from my parents! 

The soon to be parents!  What a wonderful day!

Hudson's gear!

Hudson got a diaper pail and a changing pad!  

Hudson got adorable sleepers, outfits, his pack n' play (thank you Grandma and Grandpa Farmer, Uncle Frank, Aunt Laura, Andrew, and John), strollers, a play yard, diaper pail, bottles, hats, mittens, blankets, an adorable bathtub, hooded towel, tote, bumbo sitter and tray, toys, a picture frame, Baby Einstein CD's and DVD's, pacifiers....  What a lucky little boy!

Exhausted after a long, but very fun day!

We are excited for Hudson to get here!  After this shower, I feel so much more prepared!  We have pretty much everything we would NEED to take care of him!  Again, I can't stress enough how thankful we are to have such a wonderful family and support system!  One thing is for sure, Hudson will be loved! I can't wait to see everyone again very soon!

Third Trimester Here We Come!

We made it...to the third trimester that is!  28 weeks we are finally here!

Hudson, if you were born today, your chances of survival would be pretty good!  Obviously we don't want you joining us any time in the near future, but it's nice to know that if that situation occurred, things could still turn out well! You are about 16 inches long and 2 1/3 lbs.  Your eyes are fully developed and can open and close!  You have been moving a lot lately!  It is really fun to sit and watch you toss and turn.  I bet it is getting cramped in there!  You also like playing tricks on your daddy!  You move and kick really hard frequently, but as soon as your daddy comes close to see, you stop!  It never fails!  He can be sitting right next to me while you are tossing and turning and as soon as he looks over or puts his hand on my belly to feel you, you go into hiding!!!!   haha  I love that your little movements are something special for you and me!  In just a few short weeks you will be here with us, and while I am very excited about that, it brings a tear to my eye that I will no longer feel you moving around in my belly....  Time is just going by so fast! 

This past week has gone pretty well!  Thursday however took an interesting turn.  I had been unusually tired this week (among some other things I won't go into) but didn't think much of it.  Yesterday I woke up feeling "off", but shook it off and went into work.  Well, minutes before my first patient arrived, I started feeling extremely dizzy.  I thought, maybe I was dehydrated, so I drank a few cups of water and went on with my day.  As the morning went on I felt worse and worse.  So, I called my doctor just to see what I could do to fix the problem.  My doctor wanted me to come in to see if I had high blood pressure or something serious was going on.  So, I had to leave work early and get checked out.  From my doctor's appointment they sent me over to Labor and Delivery triage where I was admitted.   The nurses there hooked me up to an IV and did blood work (along with other tests).  By the way, that was the biggest needle I have ever seen!  It hurt really bad too...  I can't even imagine what getting an epidural is going to be like....  That needle is about a million times bigger and will be going into my spine, not my arm.  O JOY!  Luckily the nurses were all really nice and good at what they do. 

About 5 hours later I was released and told that I have vertigo (whatever that is??), am dehydrated, and my electrolytes are off balance.  All in all, it was good news.  HUDSON IS FINE!  I just need to regulate water/electrolyte intake.  Thank God!  My doctor told me to take it easy, take off work Friday (my doctor even wrote me a doctors excuse... who knew they did that even after you were out of school????), drink plenty of water, get a lot of rest, and come back Wednesday of next week for a followup appointment and more tests. After 2 IV bag drips, 64 oz of Gatorade (that's an entire Family Size container) , 50oz of water, and hours upon hours of sleep, I'm starting to feel better. 

Here is my picture of 28 weeks!  haha  It's from the hospital yesterday...don't want to forget all the fun we had during this pregnancy! 

Only about 12 more weeks until our little bundle of joy is here with us!!!!!  We can't wait! xoxo

Confessions of a pregnant lady

Well, today started off funny and slightly embarrassing so I'll start with that!  Hudson will hate me for writing this later, but it is all part of pregnancy, life, and the story of him/me/us.  Maybe someday when he is getting on my nerves (years from now) Ill be able to remind him of all that I went through to have him (ya know, guilt him into being a good little boy).  I had my first sneezing accident this morning.  Luckily I was at home and alone when it happened.  It completely took me off guard.  I was getting ready for work, dressed, and putting my hair in a ponytail when a giant sneeze caused me to... pee!  I stood there in disbelief for what seemed like forever before I started my nervous laughter...  haha  All I can say is thank God I was alone and home at the time!  I will never leave this house without an extra change of clothes with me from this point forward!  Could you imagine having that happen out in public?!?!?  I think I would just die!  I probably just jinxed myself...great. 

Also, along with the above story, I did something completely stupid today!  I don't know what I was thinking!  My phone has so much random stuff on it, so I thought I would clean it up!  Without a second thought, I erased everything on my phone and started it over.  Not really sure what was going through my pregnant brain but it never crossed my mind that ALL my contacts would be lost along with notes, important text messages, and my calendar....  I can be such an idiot sometimes!  O and did I mention all my pictures and videos....GONE!  That means pictures from vacation, finding out the sex of our baby, baby's nursery, my baby bump photos, family photos... they are all gone!  Girrrr 

As far as Wednesdays go, this has been a very low stress one!  Usually I have some kind of doctor's appointment in the afternoon, but not today!  It was so nice!  I wish I could say I got a lot done, but I didn't!

A week from today is the dreaded Glucose Tolerance Test...  I am starting to stress out about it.  It just seems like it is inevitable that I will be diagnosed with gestational diabetes!  I have been eating like crazy, and not healthy food... CANDY, ICE CREAM, FRUIT (healthy but all sugar)....  ugh  It feels like in the past week my apatite has quadrupled and so has my weight/size.  Speaking of food....

This weekend is our first baby shower!  It is going to be so nice to see everyone!  I'm so excited!  Hopefully the weather will be nice and it won't be too hot! Because it has been so hot outside and I have been working over the summer, I am completely pale!  I am thinking of getting a spray tan so when we take pictures this weekend I don't look like the living dead!  Hope it doesn't turn out orange.  I'm not sure what will be worse, being a ghost or looking like a blond pineapple!  Well that's all for now!  Only a few more days until we are no longer 2nd trimesterers....

Relaxing weekend

This was the first weekend in a long time that I can honestly say I RELAXED!  Up until now I have been cleaning, painting, running errands, picking out updates for our kitchen...  BUT NOT THIS WEEKEND!  We did get some things around the house, but nothing too strenuous.  I worked on the baby registry and guest lists for Hudson's baby showers.  Also, our washer decided to die on us this week, so our new washer and dryer arrived Saturday!  Steve and I spent hours playing with it and washing everything we could find!  Who knew that doing laundry could be so entertaining!  hehe

On Saturday we went to visit one of my very best friends!  It was so nice seeing her and her husband!  It is always so nice to get together with them!  Her husband is actually the very talented person who is building our kitchen cabinets!  While at their house we got to see some of his work... AMAZING!  We are so lucky to have such talented friends! 

It is hard to believe that next weekend is the first of three baby showers for Hudson!  It is a family shower for Steve's side of the family!  My wonderful Sis-In-Law and Mother-In-Law are throwing it!  As far as I know, the whole family will be there!  It will be so nice spending time with everyone!  I can't wait!  This week needs to go by fast!!! 

27 weeks.... my how time flies

Well my dear Hudson, you are 27 weeks today!  I really don't think a whole lot has changed from this week to last, except now you are over 2 lbs, somewhere around 15 inches, packing on more weight each day, and this time next week we will be saying farewell to the 2nd Trimester and HELLO 3rd! 

It is so hard to believe that we are almost to our 3rd and final trimester of this pregnancy!  The last lap if you will!  Today I feel extremely calm about everything (preparedness, birth in general, all the changes taking place).  I am more excited than anxious, which is a nice change from the recent past.  On Tuesday of this week I even got your daddy and I signed up for two classes at the hospital we will be delivering you at. 

The first class is an infant CPR class.  Your dad and I both thought this was something very important to learn before your arrival.  You can NEVER be to prepared when it comes to this stuff!  The second class we are signed up to take is called First Steps.  It teaches 1st time parents what to expect at the hospital, how to bathe and feed their new baby, change diapers,...  I think they also give us a tour of the Women's Birthing Center where you will be born.  I got a quick tour at a maternity fair a few months ago, but Steve has yet to see it.  I am pretty excited about these classes and I think your daddy is to secretly! 

AT 27 WEEKS

Food Cravings:  SUBWAY, anything chocolate, cheese, and Graters Mocha Chip ice cream

Belly Button:  Still in, but making its way out

Stretch Marks:  None that I can see...  but lets be honest, I'm not looking very hard for these little things

Movement:  Hudson has had his days.  Sometimes I won't feel him for what seems like an entire day.  Other times he is moving so much it takes everything I have to fall asleep.  I love feeling him, but the kicks are getting stronger each day...  Most of the time they don't hurt, but every once in a while he gives me a good punch that hurts a little.  I haven't gotten kicked in the ribs...yet, but hear that is something I have to look forward to!

Weight Gain:  I don't know an exact number, but if I had to guess I would say that I have gained around 20lbs so far.  My OBGYN says I'm on track to gain between 30-35lbs total, so that's good.

 
Well that's all for now!  I am going to enjoy this last week in the 2nd Trimester, but am very much looking forward to the 3rd! 

Just one of those days...

So, today was one of those days...  I AM going to complain (even thought I know I have so much to be thankful for) and I AM going to vent, so if you don't want to read this.... DON'T.  It's not that I take all that is good in my life for granted... it's just one of those days!

Pregnancy,... it doesn't get easier as time goes on.  All those little things I did just fine about 5 months ago like picking things up off the floor, getting out of bed, getting out of my car, sleeping....  are no longer coming easy to me.  Here is how the past 24 hours looked.  Sleep, yea right.  I woke up ever 45 minutes to an hour all night long, had 3 separate leg cramps that sent me jumping from my bed in pain, back pain, hip pain, muscles I didn't even know I had in my leg pain, lower abdomen pain, exhaustion, ....  The list could go on forever!  All I want to do is SLEEP!  Work, even though today was a breeze, is getting harder and harder.  I am so uncomfortable sitting hunched over people for hours... Today it took everything I had not to walk with a visible limp due to pain in my hips and groin area (do women even have groin areas??)  Even sitting brought nothing but pressure and pain.  UGH I just want to cry!  MAYBE I WILL!  haha

With that being said, God knew what he was doing today.  This morning I was in a blah type mood and in pain.  He knew I wouldn't be able to handle difficult patients.  So, he had them forget to come!   I was frustrated at the time, but looking back it was probably a good thing.  I guess I needed some time to collect myself, put on my big-girl panties and get over my self pity.  

I thought about treating myself to a pedicure (since I can't reach my toes myself anymore) but decided to wait until next week before my very first baby shower!!!  I did have my hair appointment today.  It is amazing how much better a trim and some highlights can make a person feel!  Ahhhh  I feel like a brand new woman!  NOT but I do feel better! 

Tomorrow will be better...PLEASE GOD LET TOMORROW BE BETTER!

Dear Hudson,

You aren't here yet, well, you are, but you aren't....  and you are already such a joy for your daddy and I.  We are preparing for your arrival each day!  Whenever I feel overwhelmed, I go into your room, sit in your rocker, and talk with you.  I know you can hear me because you start kicking almost instinctively.  It always brings a smile to my face. 

Lately, I have been having some anxiety about being a mom and all the changes that are getting ready to take place.  Please don't read this and take it the wrong way.  I am so excited, but the reality of it all is starting to really sink in.  From this moment forward, I am no longer just responsible for myself.  My actions will not only affect me, but will have an impact on you as well.  We will be together, God willing, until I take my last breath.  That is a lot to take in.

What's more frightening to me is not being a good mom.  What if I do something or don't do something that irreversibly screws you up!?!  How am I going to protect you every day and keep you 100% safe?  I'm going to be honest with you.  Babies always cry when I hold them.  I have no clue how to change a baby's diaper or give a bath.  I panic when I hear a baby cry.  New babies scare me because they are just so helpless....  I know, as a parent, I am going to make mistakes.  I just hope you will understand that it is a learning experience for your daddy and I.  We are doing our best.

You may not always like the decisions we make, just know everything we do, we do because we love you.  Your daddy and I want you to grow up to be a good man with good values.  You may dislike us at times, but know we ALWAYS love you.  Again, you aren't even here yet, and we love you more than anything.  You will grow up being told every day how much we love you, getting hugs, and kisses.  It is important that you know that and that you learn to love others as well.  A parents love for their child begins even before they are born, and it is never ending, unbreakable. 

I have been thinking lately, and want you to know that the world is not always as scary.  If you are smart, the world can be a wonderful and beautiful place.  There is so much to enjoy and experience.  I hope you take advantage of every day you have to learn, grow, and build relationships.  Do not waste a single second of your precious life.  It goes by so fast.  I am 25 and your daddy is 27, time seems to fly.  I remember my childhood as being full of fun and excitement, magic and love.  I hope you remember your childhood the same way. It seems like just yesterday I was playing Barbies with my sister in our living room and jumping out of our tree fort (the hide out)  pretending we could fly.  Anyway, never take a single moment for granted.  Always look for the good in other people.  Put yourself in their shoes.  Never pass judgment without first looking at your own imperfections. 

These are just a few things I have been thinking about over the past few days.  I know it is random, but what can I say...  I pray that you have nothing but happiness and joy in your life.  Even though I know this is impossible, I hope you realize that you control your own destiny, your happiness. 

I love you very much Hudson!  Your daddy loves you too!

ps. You are kicking and moving right now!

26 weeks, projects, and baby baby baby

26 weeks!  We are now down to the double digits!!!  This is what Hudson and I look like right now!!!!

From the front

 And from the side!

Those are not the greatest pictures, but you can tell we are getting bigger!!!  There is no question that I am pregnant now!  I even had my first stranger rub my belly at work this past week.  I'm not sure how I feel about strangers touching my stomach....  It caught me so off guard!!!!  O-well, now I will just have to be more aware and watch for the roaming hands reaching for a belly rub!  

26 weeks has brought all sorts of fun!  I am moody, irritable, excited, happy, crying, uncomfortable and amazed all at the same time.  This past week I have spent hours watching Hudson move and wiggle in my belly!  Steve has even had the pleasure of seeing Hudson move.  It has become something I enjoy and look forward to seeing every day!  I can't believe in 14 weeks I will be holding you in my arms instead of carrying you around in my stomach!  It is crazy to think about.  Hudson is about 2 lbs and 14 inches long.  All the baby websites compare him to an English Cucumber.  haha  Apparently his eye's are no longer fused shut and he can see light and dark.  Also, he can hear more than just me talking.  He can hear other outside sounds, like Steve's voice!!!!!  I guess we really need to watch what we say now!  haha 

 This is how I feel right now!  People I don't know have been coming up to me, wanting to offer all sorts of AWESOME advice and information, most of which is terrifying...  Thanks....

I am starting to realize that I know absolutely nothing about babies...  A good friend of mine recently had a baby and this past week I went to visit her.  Her baby girl is only about 4 weeks old and is still so little.  I held her for just a second and was terrified the entire time!  She was so fragile and helpless... it really freaked me out!  Everyone says it's different when you have your own baby.  Well, I sure hope so.  I want nothing more than to be a great mom and be comfortable holding and taking care of you....  It's a learning experience!  Don't worry Hudson!  We will figure things out together!   It's crazy that no matter how many books you read or people you talk to, you still don't feel prepared enough to be completely responsible for another person's life! 

Steve and I have decided to move forward with our kitchen update!  So, I have been busy picking out cabinets, counter-tops, sinks, faucets, painting...  There is so much work to do just to get ready for the "REAL" work to start!  This weekend my goal was to paint the red wall in our kitchen (where we will soon have cabinets and storage), paint the ceilings, paint doors, touch up walls and baseboards, and spray paint the oven hood.  It was a very productive weekend!  Here are a few pictures of what I got done!

This is the red wall serving no purpose at this time!  That will all change soon!!!!

After priming the first wall, I noticed little air bubbles.  This was 5 minutes into my DIY weekend project.  UGH!

No worries, I let the paint/ primer dry, sanded it down and primed again..  IT WORKED!!!

After two full days of work, I was finally finished!!! The door got primed and painted too along with three other doors, baseboards, a basement wall that was scuffed moving furniture and....

The stove hood got a new coat of paint!  It was white (all our kitchen appliances are black) and now it works!  Not perfect, but not bad either!  I will say it is NOT a good idea to spray paint inside.  The fumes sent us running.  They were so strong... I had no idea it would be that bad!  Needless to say, Steve and I spent the next few hours out of our house.

This is the HUGE mess I made this weekend....  O well, at least this 6 month pregnant lady can still get around!  My fear was if I waited until September I wouldn't be able to do it!  My doctor would kill me if she new I was up on chairs, painting for hours, ...  HUDSON is fine, moving and shaking at this moment! 

After all the work was finished, Steve went down to the basement and found a giant pool of water in the unfinished part of our basement!!!  If it isn't one thing....  Anyway, as it turns out it was just a pipe sweating due to the extreme heat.  We had the air off and windows open while I was working upstairs...  YEA crisis averted. 

Well, it's Sunday.  I enjoy being a dental hygienist, but I am starting to get so tired.  Pregnancy is really starting to take it's toll on me physically and mentally.  September can't get here soon enough.  I am praying that this week is a good one, everything goes right, people are friendly, everyone is safe, happy and healthy! 

It's so hard when I have to, and so easy when I want to.  ~Annie Gottlier

A person who has good thoughts cannot ever be ugly.  You can have a wonky nose and a crooked mouth and a double chin and stick-out teeth, but if you have good thoughts they will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely.  ~Roald Dahl


If you don't like something change it; if you can't change it, change the way you think about it.  ~Mary Engelbreit
 
Every thought is a seed.  If you plant crab apples, don't count on harvesting Golden Delicious.  ~Bill Meyer

And The Countdown Begins!

As of today, we only have 100 days until our little bundle of joy will grace us with his presence!  That means we have 100 days to:

• Relax without the responsibility of being parents
• Stock up on baby supplies (diapers, wipes, lotions, soaps...)
• Clean our house from top to bottom (multiple times)
• Take infant CPR and infant care classes
• Preregister at the hospital
• Pack my bags for the hospital
• Make a decision about our bathroom kitchen update
• Cook and freeze food for after Hudson arrives
• Wash all the baby's clothes, bedding, and blankets
• Get car seats installed in cars
• Put together all baby accessories (pack n'play, swing...)
• Run errands without having to back up a baby
• Save money
• Sleep as much as possible, sleep in, sleep all night (or close to it)
• Eat!  Eat what I want, when I want, where I want!
• Go see a movie...with my husband... at the theater.  
• Put the finishing touches/organize Hudson's room
• Clean the cars
•  Hang out with friends without a baby....
• Get any attention what-so-ever....  When Hudson's arrives, it will be all about him!

In some respect, 100 days seems like such a long time, but I remember when we were getting ready for our wedding when we hit the 100 day mark!  Time really started flying!  I can't believe we only have 100 days to finish preparing as best we can to be parents. 

LET THE COUNTDOWN BEGIN to the start of a new chapter in our lives! 

Weekend Recap

So, my giant to do list didn't even come close to being completed....  BUT that is alright!  I set the bar high, and did end up getting a lot accomplished! 

After a crazy Friday at work (Not the best day I have ever had... to put it nicely) Steve and I had dinner at Texas Roadhouse where I stuffed my face full of their AMAZING rolls!  Yummm from there we made our way to BuyBuy Baby and Baby's R Us to add and subtract things from our baby registry.  Now that we have a better idea of what we need/want it is much easier to run through the store scanning only the necessities.  It only took about an hour total to get this done.  Steve was so happy about that!  When we got home we decided to watch Hall Pass.  Neither one of us has seen the movie.... it had funny parts, but I was less than impressed.  O-well.  At least we got to put our feet up and relax for a few hours!

Saturday started with a visit bright and early from a contractor we are working with to fix up some things in our house.  We chatted and brainstormed for about an hour.  From there Steve and I took off to go look at countertops, tile, sinks, pick up a soap dispenser, pick up Hudson's bed rails for his full size bed, and make a Key for my parents....  we got everything done except the last one.  COMPLETELY FORGOT ABOUT THE KEY, and we were even at the store.....  Pregnancy Brain I guess. 

I made dinner last night!  It was the first time I have REALLY cooked anything other than spaghetti or hamburger helper in months!  We had meatloaf, mashed potatoes, broccoli cheese casserole (from cheddar's, why mess with perfection) and mac and cheeses.  Ill be honest the only thing homemade was the meatloaf.  It turned out pretty good!  YEA!  SUCCESS!  Saturday night was punctuated with another movie Steve picked out.  It was called Takers.  It was action packed and full of eye candy!  I would totally recommend it!  hehe

Well it's now about 11:00am on Sunday.  So far today, other than getting to sleep in (which I am soooo happy about), I have eaten breakfast, converted my American Dental Hygienist Association membership from student to Active Member, and attempted to register for an infant CPR class and an Infant Care class through the hospital where Hudson will be borne.  The website was having some technical difficulties, so I guess Ill try again later today.  A good friend is coming in town today with her Husband to hand out and catch up for a little bit.  Then after that, maybe we will do some yard work, wash the cars, take Sadie on a short walk.... who knows.

Why is it that the weekend (THE BEST PART OF THE WHOLE WEEK) is the part that goes by soooo fast?!?!  I am so thankful that in a few weeks I am going to have more time to get everything that I need to get done, DONE before Hudson arrives.  There just aren't enough hours in a day.... 

O and Hudson is kicking up a storm lately!  Steve has now been able to feel Hudson move many many times!  Some of the kicks were so good, Steve was even impressed!  Last night, he kicked and wiggled until about 12:30!!!!  It was fun feeling him, but I hope he doesn't start doing this so late on a regular basis.... mama needs some sleep in order to make it through the work day! 

25 weeks

This past week can be summed up in two words....

Mood Swings

I don't know what the problem has been, maybe it is lack of sleep, or irritation with certain doctors I am seeing, or maybe it is that I am feeling really ugly and fat lately (I have ballooned into someone I don't recognize and my face is getting puffy).... I don't really know!  Whatever the reason, the result is the same....  CRAZY PREGNANT LADY MELT DOWNS every single day this past week!  I know it is silly, but I can't help it!  

I have so much to be thankful for, and that it makes it even more frustrating when I start crying and just can't figure out what is wrong other than I am sad....  I know, it makes no sense!  Weird...

Anyway, aside from the CRAZY PREGNANT LADY MOOD SWINGS, this week has been pretty wonderful!  Hudson has upped his moving and his little kicks are even visible from the outside.  Along that same line, Steve was finally able to feel Hudson wiggling around!  YEA!!!!!!  Hudson is about 13 1/2 inches long now and weighs about 1 1/2 lbs!  He is the size of a....Rutabaga!  Whatever that is, I have no clue!  

When I went to the doctor earlier this week, everything seemed to be going well!  I am stable and it looks like Hudson is planning on staying put for the next few weeks (preferable 12-15)!  I found a picture of what a 25 week old baby looks like.  THIS IS NOT HUDSON, but gives you an idea of what he may look like right now!  It is amazing how human and newborn babyish Hudson probably looks right now!!!  Look at those fingers and hands! 

Again, other than the mood swings, here is what is going on with me so far in pregnancy!  So far, I have no stretch marks!  YEA  That makes me very happy!  My belly button is almost level with the rest of my stomach.  I am definitely looking preggers and not fat (well maybe that too, but at least now you can tell there is really a baby in there).  My face looks completely different now.  I can't put my finger on it, but something just looks funny!  I am experiencing leg cramps almost every night, and I am finally noticing some pain where my ligaments in my legs are stretching.  On the plus side, my face isn't breaking out as bad.  My hair is growing so fast and is really thick.  I wish that would last forever!  All in all, the pregnancy has been very manageable and even enjoyable!  Some women hate being pregnant, but I love it!  

I have started another to do list and so far this is what I have!  This weekend we will be updating our baby registry now that we have a better idea of what we are going to need.  We will also be making keys to our house for my parents so when the big day arrives they can get in while we are at the hospital (they will be staying at our house when Hudson is borne).  Some other things that need to be done: 

• make a what to bring to the hospital list
• washing all baby bedding and clothing
• make a who to call list with phone numbers
• find birth announcement and get them ready minus pictures and baby info
• get newborn and family portraits scheduled
• start Christmas Shopping list (it may sound silly, but I won't have much time or energy to do this when the time comes if I don't start planning now)
• clean all baseboards, windows, carpets...
• look up recipes for foods that can be made in advance and frozen (for first week or two home with baby)
• stock up on baby basics:  baby diapers, wipes, lotions, shampoo....
• get more storage in house (still working on how to do this)

The list goes on!!!  Happy FRIDAY!!!!!!!!!

Wednesday Update!

It has been a while since I last posted anything.  A lot has happened!  Over the 4th of July holiday weekend Steve and I went to my hometown.  We got to visit family, neighbors, and good friends.  There were cookouts, fireworks, concerts, good food, board games...  What a great way to spend the weekend!  I took tonz of pictures and videos, but can't seem to upload them to my computer.... boooo I'll work on it more and will hopefully post pictures later. 

The nesting instinct has started kicking in!  I want every thing clean and sanitized over and over and over again!   Not only, basic cleaning, but I want our home to be perfect.  When Steve and I first purchased the house we currently live in, we didn't think we would live there/here for very long.  Now we realize that we will be here a little longer than expected and have started thinking about making some much needed updates to our home.  For starters, our kitchen is lacking necessary counter top space and storage.  We don't even have enough room in our kitchen to store all the pots, pans, and bake-ware we have already let along baby bottles and all Hudson's things.... What better time than now, to do these updates than before our baby gets here. Anyway, we had someone come out yesterday to give us an estimate on some bath, kitchen, and flooring updates.  We will find out by the end of the week if this is something we can do right now.  Keeping our fingers crossed! 

Work is still going really well!  My back hasn't been giving me any trouble since that first week!!!!  YEA!  I LOVE that I work with such nice people!  I actually enjoy gong in and seeing everyone!  I also love my patients!  It is such a good feeling to help people solve their problems and answer their questions!  As far as work goes, I couldn't ask for anything better. 

Today was another doctors appointment.  I hate to complain, but I am getting REALLY tired of being poked and prodded all the time!  I hear it only gets worse, so I REALLY need to get over this!  Hudson seems to be doing REALLY well!  Today I had to get another ultrasound to measure everything "you know where".  According to my doctor I am at a greater risk for preterm labor, so I still need to take it easy.  They are monitoring me regularly now and added another test to the list that tests protein or something.  Apparently it detects the onset of labor.  We also set up our next appointment in a month at which time all the tests will be repeated and I will have the glucose test and blood work done....  It's going to be a long one!  I'm just glad Hudson is doing alright.  He has been moving around a lot.  Steve even got to feel him kick last night.  It was kind of anticlimactic though.  haha Steve was expecting some big punch to his hand, and when he realized it was only a slight bump and twitch he was like "that's it?"  haha O-well!  At least Hudson let his daddy feel him! 

Happy Wednesday!  I'm sooo tired! 

Happy 24 weeks Hudson!!!!

Well Hudson, we have arrived at 24 weeks!  I can't believe how fast time is flying by!  You are growing like a weed and it is apparent due to my every increasing belly!  I refuse to think it is because of the king sized twix bar I had to have over lunch or the doughnuts I had for breakfast this past weekend....(when did I become a junk food junkie?!?!)  Noooo  it is non of those things!  You must be growing!  Not only are you growing, but you are practicing your soccer kicks!  It seems you are already exited about playing on a team when you get older!  Speaking of the growing belly, this week I have noticed that it is becoming difficult to roll myself out of bed in the morning!  Not because I want to sleep forever (even though that is true most days) but because I have a basketball attached to my stomach making even the simple act of sitting up a little tricky without getting a a rocking start!  Don't even get me started on the task of bending over to pick things up that I drop!!!  I'm to the point where I won't pick it up until I have at least 5 things on the floor...  there is no point in me picking up every little thing when I know in a few minutes I will have dropped something else!  People have told me that as pregnancy progresses, there are some embarrassing and unpleasant things that start happening!!!  Up until this week I considered myself lucky not to have had to endure the embarrassment that pregnancy brings other poor souls.  Well, a few days ago it started!  It happens when I laugh, get startled, and/or sneeze!  Can you guess what it is?!?!  haha  Steve just looks at me, laughs, and says "ewww gross"!  O JOY!  This is one pregnancy side effect that I hope goes away ASAP! 

Hudson it is a joy carrying you around with me all the time, and I am enjoying our time together, but here in about 15 weeks I'm gonna need you to move out!  Take your time. I'm in no hurry. Just know that the day is approaching, so be prepared!