D-Day has Finally Arrived!

Looking back, the time with Brooks in my belly has really flown by!  But the time for him to be in my arms is here!  At my last appointment, Brooks was measuring 8 pounds 12 ounces!! With him being so big, and me being relatively small... the doctors have decided to induce me a little early :)


So... Friday was my last day at work for 12 weeks!  Don't worry- I know I'll have my hands full :)  Monday I had my last doctor's appointment, and Tim and I went to eat at the legendary "Scalini's."  The guarantee is that the eggplant parmesan will have me in labor within 48 hours (and if so, you get a baby t-shirt and a $25 gift card).  This evening (Tuesday) we were told to call the hospital to see if there is a bed available in Labor and Delivery at 4:30.  I've made the call- and they instructed us to call back at 6:30PM.  I hope this doesn't continue all night!  Once there is a spot for us, we will check into the hospital!  The doctors will start getting my cervix ready (sorry if that's TMI), and then Wednesday morning they will induce the contractions! 

Last pre-Brooks belly picture!

40 weeks pregnant!

Therefore, Monday and Tuesday were my last "free" days before baby Brooks changes everything (I can't wait).  The plan was to spend these days relaxing and sleeping so that I am fresh for Wednesday.  But if you know me, I have been busy getting last minute things in order.  Monday I re-packed our hospital bags, washed sheets, did dishes, organized our guest room downstairs where we will stay for the first days home, grocery shopped, picked up a few things at Home Depot, visited the doctor, and then had my last dinner date with my husband without a precious baby on my mind!  Today was finally my chance to relax... and I took advantage of it!  I spent the day sleeping, reading, taking a bath, and just resting.  It was the perfect way to prepare for Brooks- now I can't wait until he is here!


All in all, I am overjoyed to know that my baby boy will be in my arms in the next few days!  We have waited so long to finally see his face and hold him! Look out for updates to come, although no promises on how soon my next blog post comes out!

33 on 12/13/11

Countdown is on!

So t-minus..... who knows!  Brooks is already showing that he's in charge and will come when he's good and ready.  So now we just wait.  His due date is 2 weeks away, but I won't be surprised if it comes and goes with no sign of baby!  I know God has a special birthdate planned just for him, and I have to be patient while waiting for that day to get here :)


Brooks should now be about 6.8 pounds and over 19.5 inches long.  What do you think?

                                            38 weeks!

I will find out his size on Tuesday during an ultrasound (at least the tech's estimate).  If they feel he is getting too big, then they will consider inducing me early.


Not too many new developments in this and the coming weeks, besides getting all the baby fat.  He now has a firm grasp and has been practicing on the umbilical cord.  His intestines are filling up with meconium (his first poopy diaper will prove this).  The circumference of his head is now equal to his abdomen and the long bones in his arms and legs have now hardened!

When Brooks finally arrives his crying will be tearless. A baby's tear ducts do not work for the first few weeks of life.  It will be a few weeks before we see the tears, but I have been assured by everyone that his cries will not go unnoticed!

The biggest piece of advice given in the last few weeks has been the importance of sleeping right now... apparently we won't sleep again until he's 18!

31.5 on 12/3/11

Swollen Feet :)

For all you moms out there... I think you know how I feel!
Officially 9 months along and very ready for this sweet boy to come into the world!  My best friend said it best: "God made the 9th month for a reason."  I suppose if we felt cute and comfortable throughout the entire pregnancy then it would make the transition a bit more difficult. 


At the same time, I am trying to cherish the last few weeks with Brooks.  Soon enough I will have to share him with the rest of the world :)  Here he is sleeping in my belly, hehe!

 36 weeks!

Speaking of being ready for baby- we have all his linens washed and ready to go, the car seat is installed, and my hospital bag is packed!  Some of you may be thinking I am way ahead of myself- but both my sisters went into labor 4 weeks early (which means if I followed the pattern I would be having a baby this week).  With my personality, being prepared is a MUST!  I am beginning to believe that with all my preparing he is going to wait until I have to be induced a week after my due date (December 16)!


Brooks' immune system is all set, his kidneys are functioning, and the vernix/lanugo are disappearing.  He is weighing in at a whopping 6 pounds, and right now he is simply working on gaining weight and allowing his lungs to mature.  On Friday (at 37 weeks) he will be considered full term and healthy to come into the world!


Mommy has been busy preparing for her maternity leave as well.  I officially have a supply teacher and have met with her to share how my classroom runs.  Teaching is a very unique profession- one of the only ones I can think of where I must rely on someone else so heavily during my leave.  I'm sure once Brooks arrives I will have my hands full and my mind on him, but its nice to know that my students are in good hands!

Yesterday Tim and I put some final touches on the nursery, and made some changes to Brooks' bathroom. 

Here is the shelf in his room, now all set up to change diapers!  Big thanks to Brittany for the cute baskets!

The blanket that matches his bedding came in and is across the back of the glider, and I put together this shelving to organize Brooks' books, toys, lovies, etc.

  

Here is Brooks' bathroom.  It used to have sliding doors on the shower, but Tim took them down and put up the shower curtain.  Check out the adorable elephant soap dispenser!

31 on 11/18/11

Upside Down!!

Good news... my BIG boy is head down!! He is definitely getting ready to join our great big world!  Now over 5 pounds and in the right position- he could technically come anytime.  Although, we are hoping he waits another 4 weeks :)  In the next few weeks he will hopefully start "dropping!"  He will also add about half a pound per week, so if he waits until 40 weeks we could be expecting atleast an 8 pound baby!

With this watermelon permanently attached to me, it getting quite difficult to roll over in bed!

34 weeks:

My doctors appointments are now every 2 weeks and will begin every week very soon!  I have found 1 doctor and 1 midwife that I actually enjoy seeing, but there's no telling who will deliver Brooks (it depends who's on call).  But for now, I will continue to make my appointments with the ones I like!

Brooks' room is officially finished, although his bed sheet needs to be washed and put on the mattress.  Here are a few pictures (although I don't think it captures it all):

 

In the past 2 weeks, I have also had 2 very special showers!  My fabulous mother-in-law, Sandy, threw a shower for Brooks and me, as well as my 4 best friends: CJ, Marie, Laura, & Jackie!  A HUGE thank you to every one that was so giving and generous.  Tim and I feel so blessed to have so many people that love us and are helping to welcome Brooks into the world!  THANK YOU!!

  

 

Now that's a belly!

Exhausted!

I'm 32 weeks now and the exhaustion is kicking in!  I can definitely tell I am carrying around an extra 25 pounds- my feet are beginning to swell and my bladder is constantly full!  This Monday has me a little down... I'm pretty sure it all started when I spilled a bowl of milk all over my belly (already at school so I couldn't change my shirt, and it only got worse from there).  But I know it will all be worth it in the end when I hold my lil' man in my arms and know that God created him just for us.   


The 32 week belly:

Brooks is about 4 pounds this week (ya, let's not do the math to find out how much of this weight gain is just me, hehe).  At this point, I am certain he has not flipped head down- considering he likes to nudge his head in between my ribs and hip bone.  Then, he tops it off with some upper cuts to my ribs- such a sweet little boy :)  His skin has been slightly transparent during his stay my belly, but now it is becoming more opaque as he packs on the pounds.  He is reaching his full length but will continue to get fatter in the weeks to come (gotta love a fat baby)!


We mounted his name in the nursery above his crib.  It ended up being quite a project, but we are happy with the finished product.  What do ya think?  (For all you teachers- especially my first critic...you know who you are, I am aware that his name is a proper noun and should be capitalized.  But we like the aesthetics of all lower case.  I will be sure to teach him the proper way to write his name)!

With our busy calendar, Tim and I have been quite the travelers.  We spent a weekend in Helen with my family- beautiful wedding, changing leaves, and good times! 

                           

And last weekend we headed to Kentucky!  It was a fun-filled, fabulous weekend as well!  We had a baby shower Friday night (a special thank you to all my KY family, especially Angie for all your hard work), went to the University of Kentucky game on Saturday, and were there for our God-son's baptism on Sunday.  

Time is really beginning to fly and I believe it's about time for me to pack my hospital bag.  All of you with experience- let me know what MUST be included! 

Little Stinker!

Brooks is already acting up!  I visited the doctor last week (for the pain in my upper abdomen) and while I did not get any answers about my pain, I did find out he is breech!  They performed an ultrasound to check on my gall bladder and discovered his breech position.  He is sitting with his legs folded up in front of him- which makes for lots of kicking!  This might also explain why is seems that I'm carrying so low!

He is probably about 3 1/2 pounds and will continue to gain half a pound EVERY week from here on out!  He's around 16 to 17 inches long and his brain is continuing to develop.  His asleep/awake cycles are very obvious to me now!  He has times when he is wide awake and extremely active, and then times when he is asleep.  While hanging out in there, his eyes are often open and becoming prepared for the 20/400 vision he will have at birth.


It's becoming reality that Brooks will be here before we know it.  All of the sudden, I feel like my pregnancy has flown by.  I really want to treasure these last 6-10 weeks of having him with me all the time.  Besides, for the rest of my life I will never have the priviledge of having him with me 24/7.  Right now, I know he is safe with me!  Here are few pictures of Brooks safe in my belly :)

30 weeks pregnant!

With my pregnancy well into the third trimester, I have lots of fun stuff to come! My sisters are throwing us a family shower this weekend!  Also this month we are spending a weekend at a cabin in Helen for a wedding, and taking a trip to Kentucky for a shower with Tim's family!! We are so blessed to have so many people that care about us- thank you!!


Last weekend we bought the "details" for Brooks' room and I am very excited for our plan to come together.  We will be adding lots of cute, rustic stars (to match the stars in his bedding).  They are brown, wrought iron and give the room a good masculine feeling for my little man!  Also, his letters for his name finally came in the mail today.  I still have to stain them, but here they are:

This is what the stars look like!

A cute coat hanger for his room!

These will be on the wall eventually!

Brooks has a full name now: Brooks Daniel Hourigan!

I will be seeing the Doc every 2 weeks now, and I should have atleast 1 more ultrasound to check if he has turned (hopefully we'll get some good pics, he was shy during this last ultrasound).  My next appointment is next week, so I'll keep you updated!

21.5 on 10/7/11

Now That's A Belly!

People keep telling me, "just wait" when I comment on my large belly, but we'll let you be the judge...

28 weeks and counting! 

Yup, that's what I thought.  You think it's huge too!  But as long as he is in there growing healthy and strong, I can handle it.

New this week: Brooks' nostrils are now clear and he is inhaling amniotic fluid.  This causes him to get hiccups... which I had the gift of experiencing last week!  It was very neat to feel his rythmic hiccups in my belly (knowing it doesn't bother him)!

It's officially time for Brooks to pack on the pounds (well, baby fat that is).  His skin is filling out and he is beginning to shed the lanugo as he grows.  And believe me... his momma KNOWS he is packing on the pounds (I can feel it in my back)!  This week he should be about 2.5 pounds, but I am pretty sure he is closer to 3 pounds (let's call it mother's intuition). 

Bud is beginning to blink more and more, but now with eyelashes and eye color! Those beauties are also being put to use during REM sleep.  This new sleep cycle means he is now dreaming (about me of course)!  Dreaming is a new development, as well as the grooves he is getting on his brain.  Up until now, his brain has been smooth.  With each passing week his brain will get more grooves and look like the brain as we know it today!

Around this time in pregnancy the baby begins to turn downward and get ready for birth.  Brooks was head down at my last appointment, so let's just hope he doesn't make any sudden turns in the opposite direction :)  All in all, I would say I am feeling quite fantastic.  My biggest complaint at this point is a burning pain I have in my upper right abdomen (let me know if you experienced this and have any advice)!

I had my first shower this week and it was fabulous!  A huge thank you to all my friends and colleagues at Fair Oaks for being so generous!

FYI- Brooks is jumping around as we speak (or type)... I hope I never forget this feeling!


20.5 on 9/23/11

Third Trimester!

Bud can see!! After having his eyes fused shut for the last 26 weeks, they are finally beginning to open!  Along with this developing sense, his ears are also becoming more useful.  Brooks is now able to recognize our voices! 

As he gains body fat and his lungs are more prepared to breathe, Bud's hair is now obvious on his head (with color too)!  Will he be blonde or brunette?  Taking bets now....

His movements have continued to increase, but I still enjoy every moment when I can feel this special boy moving around.  Rumor has it as he grows in the next few weeks that his movements will decrease :(
As Brooks is becoming more coordinated, his mommy is becoming more clumsy!  This big belly tends to find any object poking out, and the shift in my center of gravity makes tripping a daily activity!

26 weeks

Tim and I have been trying to take advantage of these last few months without so much responsibility- so we have entertained ourselves at Georgia games with friends and fam the last two weekends!



UGA vs. Boise State



UGA vs. South Carolina



The dresser finally came in and my "OCD" self has begun loading it up.  I have been so fortunate to have friends and family loan us clothes for Brooks to use!  I didn't realize how much I loved the smell of Dreft, sends me into a baby obsession!!  Here is the dresser:

We were able to register, with the good help of my sis and her hubby (thanks Lori and Wes).  We loved Bye Bye Baby... so much selection (for all you mom's out there).  We also registered at Babies R' Us (not as impressed, haha)!

I go to the doctor on Tuesday, so hopefully Bud is doing great in there!

16.5 on 9/9/11

The Age of Viability

Most of you know what the age of viability is, but for those of you who don't- its the time when our little Brooks has a chance at surviving outside of the womb!  He has a 50% chance of survival if he was born today.  With each passing day and week, the percentage will increase (but we want to keep him in there until he is ready... maybe 38 weeks)!

By the end of this week, Brooks will be 2 pounds and 15 inches long!  Which probably explains the belly....

24 weeks pregnant!

Along with the belly- comes EVERYONE'S comments!  It seems as though no one can walk passed me with out a, "How are you feeling?" or "Good luck with the baby!" or "When's the baby due?" or some type of HIGHLY important advice.  Advice ranges from what to rub on my belly to prevent itching and stretch marks to what I need to buy to prepare for baby!  I think I will have withdrawals once Brooks finally arrives... its so nice that everyone notices me :)

Brooks is very busy packing on the pounds now, but knowing how active he is- I think he is probably making that hard on himself :)  I am enjoying feeling all his movements throughout the day, and especially at night.  The "websites" stay that I should start reading to him and playing music for him- but my baby already has a foot up on the world... he sits through first grade math TWICE a day!!

Until now Baby Bud had no idea what was up or down, but now that his inner ear has developed he is starting to know the difference!  His lungs are developing surfactant- a substance that helps his lungs inflate once he enters the world (hence the age of viability).  
My forgetfulness is in full swing!  In the last 24 hours I have almost: left the car running in the garage, driven away without my ATM card, and driven right past 3 places where I was supposed to stop!

Tim and I put the crib together last weekend (without any fights I must add) and it looks perfect in the nursery!  For your viewing pleasure....

We are still kinda-patiently waiting for the dresser to arrive!

This weekend we will be doing our baby shopping and registering (so get your advice in fast, haha)!  I am so excited to finally pick out things for Brooks.  Our plan is to hit up BuyBuy Baby and Babies R' Us.  Yay!! 

14 on 8/26/11

He Has a Name!!!

I'm 22 weeks along and we have officially given baby Bud a first name! Are you ready?  Drumroll please.....

Brooks

We have some middle names in mind, but have not decided for sure.  I'll let you know when his full name becomes official!  I'm sure he will remain baby Bud for many of you out there ;)

I finally felt him move and Tim was able to feel him as well!!  I have to give credit to my BFF, CJ, who has come up with the perfect concoction for getting their wiggles out!  She first felt her son move while watching the Bachelorette finale and eating icecream with chocolate chips.  So... CJ brought over icecream and chocolate chips during the Bachelorette finale.  And guess what ?!?  He moved!! It was a very special moment!

After that night, I have begun to feel him more and more.  His kicks are still gentle, but continue to be sporadic (although this week he should begin to start a sleep and awake cycle).

Brooks is now about 11 inches long and weighs about 1 pound!!  He is being compared to a spaghetti squash or a package of oreos, yum!  His facial features are becoming more distinct, although his irises are still lacking pigment.  The bones in his body are now full of bone marrow that is able to produce red blood cells.  Brooks' sense of touch is more developed and he is busy exploring all the things around him.  He is putting fat on his body now which will help with brain development :)

The nursery is finally finished!  It was quite a project!  Here are a few pictures:

The furniture arrived (minus dresser), although we have not put the crib together yet.  You can see the nightstand in the picture above.  

The bedding will be perfect in the room.  If you're curious, here is the link of our bedding:
http://www.http//www.newarrivalsinc.com/Boy-Oh-Boy-Baby-Bedding-Set_p_2322.html


The pregnancy is going great, although starting school has really worn me out!  I have LOTS of forgetfulness and my belly is beginning to get in the way of my eating- not much room in there :)  Can't you tell:



And the covered belly!


All in all, feeling my lil guy move puts a smile on my face everyday :)

12 on 8/12/11