Almost Here

Well these last few weeks have flown by, I stopped working this past monday so I have had all week to get things ready and hang out. Last Tuesday June 22nd, we did our NST test and another sonogram. They stated everything looked great with Allison. The doctor didnt seem nearly as worried but still told me to get my 10 kicks per hour in one day. And wouldnt you know baby Allison was pretty active on our appointment day :). But again we went through the next couple of days barely getting our kicks/movements. I was definitely still re-assured when dr.harmes said we were looking good. They think she was about 6lbs 10 oz on Tuesday the 22nd, so by now she maybe be another pound bigger. She was gaining about a pound a week. Me on the other hand stopped gaining weight so far, dont want to rejoice just yet. But I was about the same at the doc, so I am about 20 pounds heavier. Anywho, I cant tell you how excited I am to be able to see and hold Allison. Although I will admit I am completely nervous as I dont know what to expect and I keep thinking bad thoughts like something bad might happen between then. But I am praying and thinking positively just waiting to get to Tuesday. :) I am so excited I just cant believe its almost here. We are being admitted on Monday night so they can begin the induction process. I am only dilated to 1 1/2 at this point but am having many contractions. Each time I go into a contraction I keep thinking maybe I will start having them every five minutes and she will be here sooner. I would love to go into labor now so I can meet her and start this journey. This week has been nice to be off work, I got a lot of errands done and took some stuff back to the baby store. I also got my hair done as well as manicure and pedicure. I have also managed to have naps and go out to eat a lot. :) I cant believe I will get to hold her and meet her in about five days. WOW!!! how exciting.

Oh Allison Allison

We went to the doctor yesterday. We had a sonogram and everthing looked good. She is weighing 5lbs 10 oz at this time. Its hard to see what your looking at on the sonogram I guess b/c she has gotten big. I have defintely grown a lot but feeling good. Baby Allison wasnt moving too much on the sonogram and when Dr.Harms asked me about her activity she was concerned regarding her decrease in fetal activity at different times. Its so strange b/c she will be so active for like 4 days and then she goes through a "quiet phase" where I dont hear much from her. I defintely feel some movement but I dont get as much acitivty as I do on the other days. I have always written it off as though she is more tired and usually right when I get worried enough to call the doc she starts moving more. But when talking with Dr.Harms she seemed very alarmed that I might not be getting enough movements. She stressed how I have to get 10 kicks in one hour each day and if I dont that I need to call her. She wants to do another non stress test and sonogram for next weeks appointment. It stresses me out as I am not worried that maybe I should have been calling a long time ago and I havent. Or maybe I have been negligent. I will say Allison has been crazy active since yesterday and today. She hasnt really stopped all day nor last night. I think sometimes she wears herself out and then goes to sleep for a little while. Who knows, I pray that everything is fine and she is okay. The doctor said everything looks good, but now I am just worried. I am just going to make sure I get my 10 kicks in an hour and if not then I will call the doc. I have started having contractions and the doc says I have dilated a small amount. I still need to do some things for instance pack my hospital bag and Allison's. We also need to finish the nursery and get the closet organized as well as figure out where to keep diaper warmer and other items. I have this weekend where I want to get everything done. I cant believe we have less than 3 weeks left until she could be here. We will induce labor on July 6th unless she comes before. I cant wait for this journey to begin I cant wait to see her and what she looks like. I am nervous though too as I have no idea what to expect. I just cant believe its all about to happen. HOW exciting. My last day of work is next friday june 25th. I am trying to get everything done so that the week before she is due I can relax and enjoy our last week before our baby is finally here. :)

Truly Blessed

Wow, What an amazing few last weeks Will and I have had. We had our couples baby shower hosted by Natalie Dunbar, Jenny Amalfi, Andrea Doornbos, Emily Ziegler, Lynne Flippen, Tiffany Strickland, Sabrina Driskell, Melody Zuker, Amy Adkins, and Amanda Burnett. It was at Matts Rancho Martinez in Lakewood. We had a great turn out with great food, beautiful flowers, great company, and so many great gifts for little miss Allison. The nursery is almost complete, we are waiting on the beautiful rocking chair the Driskells bought for us that we ordered from Pottery Barn (procrastination on my part). We got all of the big items we needed from our shower and now that everything is coming together it makes me feel great and less anxious. We are truly blessed by all of our friends and family who came to support Will and I. Its also so wonderful to see how giving everybody is to shower us with so many gifts, truly makes you humble. Its so weird, that I always feel guilty after showers because I want everyone to know how truly thankful I am for how generous everyone is and truly makes me feel blessed and loved. Today we had our work baby shower. AGAIN, what amazing people. They went all out, beautiful flowers, beautiful cake, SOOO much fun, SOOOO many gifts, balloons, pink everything. Everybody was so generous and Allison got so much stuff, so many cute outfits, tons of diapers, and lots of other stuff. Will even got 2 a&m onesies. We got so much stuff, now its time to organize and make it all have a home in Allison's room. I cannot get over how thankful I am and appreciative of everbodys generosity and support they showed us. We also got our bedding from Chrisine, its gorgeous. She also made us bedding for the bassinett they gave us for Allison to sleep in when she gets home from the hospital. ITS all so wonderful.
I am getting much bigger by the day. We saw Dr.harms this past Tuesday. She said everything is looking great. I am measuring 34 weeks and we went ahead and decided to schedule our induction date for July 6, unless Allison decides she wants to make her debut earlier. Who knows!! I feel good. Little tired, and my feet/hands have started swelling some. Mainly at night when I have been real active and on my feet most of the day. Other than that, doing very well. No new cravings or symptoms. Allison has been kicking a lot granted a week ago she gave me a scare because she goes from being really active for like 3 or 4 days then you notice a big difference for like 2 days where she isnt active much. It scared me so I went in and got a sonogram and a Non-stress test. The doctor that saw me (wasnt Dr.Harms) felt like everything looked good, babys heartbeat would go up when she kicked and there was a lot of variability for her beats. She did notice that she was small at this time --
4 pounds 5 oz, but Dr.Harms felt like she was fine. We go in for our next appt June 15 for our sonogram and beginning of our weekly appointments where we see if I am dilating. I doubt I am but who knows. Everything looks good so far from this point forward.
I cant really describe the emotions I am feeling. Its very serreal- its like I can tell now where the baby is as I can see different parts of her body protruding through my stomach ( I know so strange)... but then at the same time I cant picture what we are about to go through. Makes me very nervous yet sooo excited at the same time. I cant wait to be a mom but at the same time I cant picture that I am actually about to have a baby girl. VERY crazy.. but so amazing at the same time.. What a wonderful time in Will and I's lives with everything new and changing. I cant wait to see Will as a daddy, I know he will be so caring and loving towards our little girl. I think it will truly be amazing.

Braxton Hicks and more

Well its been another busy 2 weeks, we are getting ready for our baby shower this weekend. YAY! I cant believe its this weekend. I am so excited. We are having a couples shower at Matts Martinez in LakeWood with all of our friends and family. We also have been getting our house together. Today we got all carpets cleaned and yesterday our new housekeeper, Maria, came and cleaned. I walked in the house and was like well this is what a clean house is supposed to be like :) oops, defintely havent been a good cleaner. Oh well!!! Last week, we got the kitchen repainted as well as the bathroom. We also got all the other stuff fixed around the house. It makes me feel good to finally get this all done. I guess you would say I am nesting. All painting is finished on the nursery and Will built the crib. It looks wonderful and he didnt even get that frustrated where he needed a beer :) We are putting the dresser together tomorrow. I also got to see all the bedding and things Christine (my sister-in-law) has made for Allison. It is absolutely great and adorable. She is very talented and I am so excited. She made her bumper, bed skirt, sheet, blanket, window curtains, pillows, and lamp shade. She is also making her bedding for the bassinett they are giving to us. She also gave us a lot of Maegans (niece) clothes from when she was a baby. They are adorable. I will say we are so thankful for both Tommy and Christine's generosity.
As for the braxton hicks I believe that is what they are, it feels like my stomach starts tightening and gets very hard. But then at other times I cant tell if its braxton hicks or the baby just pushing on me for a long period of time, like she is stretching. I can definitely tell she is bigger as it truly feels like an alien is in my belly. I also can tell what hiccups feel like. At first I thought it was just tiny tiny kicks over and over. But after talking to Christine she stated no that is hiccups. haha.... Allison is also very active at night. Everytime I wake up at like 3in the morning, she is just kicking like crazy. I think we have a night owl on our hands. Right now I am on antibiotics for a sinus infection and cough. Dont feel that great and very tired. I think its just a mixture of all sorts of stuff, but hoping to get a lot of rest this week so I can feel great to see everyone. I am very blessed to have such wonderful friends and family.

30 Weeks-

We are almost in the second month of our third trimester, CRAZY as I cant believe we are getting so close.

Well I have definitely not kept up with the blog, but to my defense my computer crashed and I havent had access to a computer at night. With the said we have been really busy. First there was Easter which we spent at the Driskells. It was a lot of fun as the entire family was there. Its always so fun to be with all the kids during a holiday. We went out to the farm and went fishing and hung out in Crockett.

So many things happening, we have been busy mainly with wedding stuff for Emily and Lynne. Lynne had her bachelorette party in Ft.Worth at the StockYards. We went to eat on Friday night to a fun place downtown and then the girls went over to the White Elephant Saloon afterwards until the bar closed. I will admit that Allison and I were headed over there to celebrate Lynne's weekend, but the bar was entirely too smoky, so I sent my pregnant self home. I have to realize that now that Im noticeably pregnant its probably not a good idea to be in a bar as you get many different looks :) Saturday we went to a brunch over at Laura's and then walked around the stockyards until the lingerie shower at the hotel. We then went to Joe T Garcia's for dinner. It was great to see everyone. We have also been back and forth to Longview for different engagement parties etc. Its been great to see everyone.

Last weekend was Emily and John's wedding in North Carolina. It was so much fun. We got into NC on Thursday, Will was already there on an audit for work so he picked Natalie, Lynne, Jody, and I up at the airport. We spent the night in Raleigh then drove to Pinehurst Friday. We had a bridal luncheon that we threw for Emily before her big day. We then hung out and got ready for the wedding rehearsal. It was a jam packed weekend but so much fun. Especially to hang out with everyone as we all stayed together in these houses. I also got to see both Andrea and Jenny who are both pregnant with me. Jenny is 20 weeks, and Andrea is 17 weeks. Jenny found out a couple weeks ago that she is having a little boy. Andrea's doctor predicted she will be having a girl but she doesnt know yet for sure. Its so fun as we all talk together via email about all of pregnancy questions and/or stories.

As for me I have been feeling good. I have been getting more and more tired after work then I was during the second trimester. I have defintely gained more belly and its quite obvious that I am pregnant. We have now moved to seeing the doctor every 2 weeks. I went to the doctor last week and everything looked good, the baby's heart rate sounded good still ranging from 135-145. I am measuring about 30cm which is good as it corresponds with the week we are at. Next week, Will and I are going to do the 4d sonogram, I am very excited as we havent seen her in a while and the doc said we wont get another sonogram until 36 weeks. I am sleeping well which is good as I hear horror stories about trying to get comfortable etc. I have to remember that we still have a good 8 weeks so I dont want to celebrate yet. Allison has been kicking a lot, although there will be days she is completely opposite and I barely hear from her. But at times you can look at my stomach and different bursts (feet,arms whatever) are popping up and down on my belly. Will painted the nursery a couple of weeks ago (I tried to help but the fumes were quite potent so I stopped. We still have to go over the baseboards with white. We painted the nursery green and pink around the top part of the ceiling. Christine (sister-in-law) is making the bedding and she says it will be done towards the end of may. Next step is Will/Jim setting up the crib. Then I will have to get shelves and letters to put on the walls. Hopefully it will all come together.

We are headed to Houston tomorrow to celebrate Mothers day with Mom and Fred. Natalie and her boyfriend and Jampa are going to be there as well.

24 Weeks

Well we have been pretty busy since the last post although we have finally been in town for the last two weeks. We are 24 weeks today, I still cant believe how fast this has gone by so far. I have been feeling great. I am finally starting to show. Little Allison has been kicking like crazy. You can see her kick at times, but its very cool to feel her kick so much. She mainly kicks after meals and at night when I am getting into bed. So far its not keeping me up as we all know how much I love to sleep. Yesterday I woke up around 5am and she was kicking me in my side. It feels like a big thump over and over :) Still very sereal as you think maybe that was just something going on in your belly. Last weekend Sara McCarroll went with me to Babys R Us, I owe her big time as she helped me register for stuff I have no idea about. It was so sweet because we spent almost 3 hours in there with her cute little girl Kynleigh. Kynleigh did awesome and just hung out the entire time, very impressive. Wills brother,Tommy and his family came in on Tuesday March 16 for their spring break b/c Jack had a baseball tournament. They stayed with us last week, which was fun! We cooked and hung out with them as well as Will's other brother Jim and his family. Then my mom came in on Friday and we shopped literally until we dropped as most would say if the shopenator is with you :) She is great because she helps you think of great ideas and will help you get what you need done. We registered at buy buy baby and then looked for baby bedding. Will and I have so much to do as we havent done anything with the nursery. I have found the bedding but I need to order it. We also have to order the crib and furniture. I feel like I am running out of time, which I know we still have a little less than 4 months but I can feel myself getting anxious. Maybe that is the nesting stage coming up. Problem is that the next month we are out of town almost every weekend with weddig showers, bachelorette parties, easter etc. But I love being busy and getting to see all my friends. I still havent gone maternity clothes shopping, but with all the stuff coming up I think I will need to or at least figure out what I can wear with my belly band. At this point in my pregnancy, not too much has changed except for my growing belly. I still eat about the same although I will say I eat what I want. We go to the doctor next week for a check up and I will do the gestational diabetes screening where you drink this sugary drink, so that should be interesting rather than the typical appointment where you weigh in, pee in a cup, and get your blood pressure checked. Will finally felt the baby kick 2 weekends ago!! He was very excited... He had tried many times before but didnt have the patience when she wouldnt do it on cue but finally he felt her kick. Very Sweet!!!

22 Weeks

Well I meant to post last week as I am trying to post weekly from here on out but of course I have failed on that attempt. Oh well, back at it again. Last week we were in Crockett for Wills grandmothers funeral. Granny had been living at the nursing home for a couple of years now and around December started declining. We were actually in Crockett the weekend before last (feb 26-28) and we were at the nursing home when she passed February 28th. It was a very sad moment yet how thankful we were to have seen her that Saturday before and also to be with the Driskells and Uncle Bill when it happened. We left sunday night, Will and Jim went to Crockett on Monday, and Sabrina and I came on Tuesday early afternoon for the visitation. Will and I were talking about the fact that within these six months, we have lost both of our grandmothers during this pregnancy. Very sad as we would have loved them to meet Allison. Though we are thankful they both knew we were pregnant. Mama was so excited!!!! As for me, I am definitely showing more, although people are still shocked I am sixth months pregnant. They say Allison will be small. I am also carrying her pretty low. I have felt her kick everyday, and can always tell when she is moving. Everytime I try to get Will to feel her kick, it seems like she knows and quits kicking :)....Right now she is kicking but its still like a little flick. This past weekend Will and I traveled to Houston for Blane Webbs wedding so we got to stay at my moms house. Friday night we met up with Jenny and Patrick (they are pregnant 12 weeks :) ) YAY!!, Ned and Sara, and mom and Fred and ate at a restaurant in Houston. It was good to see everyone and got to talk to Jen some about her pregnancy and everything. Saturday, mom and I went shopping for ms.Allison, it was soooo fun. I hadnt bought anything yet, so this was a lot of fun to pick out some cute dresses. Mama Mel got Allison the cutest yellow dress from Baby Gap. She got some cute outfits, still very sereal they are for the baby inside me, as I still feel like I just have a big beer gut. No other symptoms, still feeling pretty good. My back is acting all weird, not sure if its pregnancy related, but it feels out of whack, like it needs to be popped. Everytime I try nothing budges, but when I walk I hear it pop back and forth. Obviously something is up, so I am going keep watching it and see if there are some type of stretches or something I need to do. Other than that I feel great. OH other great news, Andrea Mann now Andrea Doornbos is pregnant as well (they are nine weeks), All of our babies will be within 3 months of each other. HOW Exciting.... cant wait for the new chapters to begin.