A little bit of this....

Well....I went to the doctor this morning. I asked him to check me again, but he said I was too calm for anything to be going on, so he isn't going to check me again till next week, assuming I'm still pregnant. I kind of want to go into labor tonight just to prove him wrong, ha!

I still can't tell if I've had contractions.....there have been some tightening feelings that feel more intense sometimes, but it's not painful.

So since we're basically just waiting around for Paige to come, and I wouldn't be surprised if it's at least another week, I thought I'd do a catch up post of things I haven't posted about yet, before life gets pretty busy.

So let's backtrack......

My sweet MIL, Sherry, gave me a baby shower back in December. It was SO fun and a so cutely decorated! Look at the cupcake!

Sherry, me, Daniel's grandma

Daniel's cousin made the cupcakes and the large cupcake. I loved it!

Paige was so spoiled, and got the cutest things!!!

At the end of December, we had a mini reunion with some friends that we lived overseas with. We love this group and any time we get to spend with them. They're the kind of people that just get you and we're so thankful for their friendships in our lives.

We all went out for dinner for NYE, and then Daniel and I called it an early evening. It was fun to get dressed up, but also nice to spend a quiet evening at home. 

Before we left Oklahoma, we went out for a family dinner to celebrate my birthday. This is my SIL, Laura-so not only do we have the same name, but we're both pregnant! She's due on Easter and also having a little girl!

We also got our stroller and I'm pretty excited about it! We went with the Phil & Ted's Dot stroller, and I love how small it is! I think it will be great for all of the walking we'll be doing with Paige when we go back home. 

We don't have too much planned this week. We went to an infant care class last night and were able to see a baby that was just born get her first bath-it was so cute! I can't wait for it to be little Paige's turn!

love

laura

All Adelyn

Last weekend, Sarah flew up with my 6 week old niece, Adelyn. I was SO excited to finally get my hands on her and give her fat cheeks some kisses! I pretty much snatched her up as soon as she got here.

She's a small baby, but she has got some cheeks!

If this picture of Daniel doesn't melt your heart and convince you how great a dad he will be....love it!  How precious!!

I can't wait for Adelyn and Paige to meet! I can tell Adelyn is already counting down...

Love this face!!

This picture was taken about 2 seconds before she fell asleep.  Just call me the Baby Whisperer, ha!

Adelyn even joined me in a little exercise- I think she enjoyed the bouncing. 

So the last time Sarah and I saw each other, I was about 7 weeks pregnant and she was 15. This was last June.

I guess we've changed a little bit......

I only hope I can look as good as Sarah 6 weeks after having a baby!

love

Laura

38 Week Recap

Can I just say...it has been a WEEK!!

I had a few brutal days of pain, the doctor said I probably pulled or tore a rib muscle. I was so scared I would go into labor and not be able to do it with how bad I was feeling. But thankfully, PTL, the last two days it's been getting better. 

I was checked at the doctor on Tuesday-I'm 75% effaced but zero dilated. Not shocking...I'm still not feeling much and not sure if I'm having contractions or not. I feel a tightening in my stomach sometimes, but it doesn't hurt. And I don't think she has really dropped yet. I'm thinking Paige still has at least a week before she comes....which is fine by me. The doctor told me to snack and nap...which I am more than happy to follow the doctor's orders!

I packed my diaper bag and hospital bag today. My hospital bag is pretty empty, because most of the stuff I plan on bringing is more last minute-like hair dryer and make up.

It's so weird to think that really, I could go into labor at any moment, or it could be 3 weeks. So weird.

We went to the childbirth and breastfeeding class, and go to the infant care class on Monday. I've really enjoyed them and learning new things, or reinforcing stuff I've already read. Daniel has been a trooper and been by my side at each class and helping me up and down the stairs, putting on my socks, and encouraging me. He's going to be my labor coach, and I know he is going to do great!

Here's the recap!!

How far Along: 38 Weeks

Size of Baby: Pumpkin-18-20 inches long, 6.5-8 lbs. It's really a guessing game at this point!

Weight Gain: No idea....32-35???

Gender: Girl-Paige Olivia

Movement: Yep! I can tell she's moved one of her arms, because it keeps poking at my belly button and it's the first time I've felt her there. It's so fun!!

Sleep: It's getting better as the back pain gets better.  I do wake up sweating a lot.

Maternity Clothes: Of course!

Symptoms: I think my legs have started swelling?

Aversions: Not much

Cravings: Ice cream, chocolate

What I miss: Sleeping on my back

Best Moment of the Week: Having my new niece Adelyn, and sister up for a few days. I'll do a separate post on that....it was SO good to see them!! And random, but buying our baby memory book today. I've been insanely picky and trying to decide if I even want to do one, but I found this one today and love it!
Daniel and I have been trying to be more intentional with our time together and having mini dates before we become an official family of 3.

What I'm looking forward to: Going to the doctor again on Tuesday and the infant care class.

Look for a post soon of little Adelyn!

love

laura

37 Week Recap

I just finished 37 weeks, less than 3 weeks to go! We went to the dr and had an ultrasound this week. The fluid has continued to increase on Paige's kidneys, but we're still hoping for it to go away after she is born. I've been sick this past week...mostly sinuses and cough. I've coughed so much I think i've bruised my ribs or pulled something-I have a really bad pain on my left backside near by ribs. I can't even lay on that side, it is seriously one of the most painful things I've ever experienced. I'm really hoping my cough will go away and then my muscles can heal quickly before I have to push out little Paige.

I go back to the dr on Tuesday and he'll check me to see if anything is going on. Honestly, I won't be surprised either way... I haven't had any contractions and she is still pretty high.

I bought my nursing cover, diaper bag, diapers, and breast pump this week. And oh my gosh, if I wasn't convinced already to do cloth diapers, I am now. I cannot believe how expensive they are!!!! Our plan is to start using cloth diapers when we get back to East Asia or when she is close to 3 months old. I don't want to use cloth until she's a little older, just so I'm not doing laundry every 5 minutes. 

How Far Along: 37 weeks

Size of Baby: Watermelon-19-20 inches long, 6.5 lbs

Weight Gain: 31 lbs

Gender: Girl-Paige Olivia

Movement: She has been such a mover at night lately! I love feeling her move!

Sleep: It hasn't been great-not because of Paige, but between the coughing and back rib pain, it's been pretty miserable.

Maternity Clothes: yes!

Symptoms: Some back pain and just general discomfort

Aversions: Nothing

Cravings: Ice cream, chocolate

What i miss: Moving around

Best Moment of the week: Seeing Paige on the ultrasound-it was the first time we got to see her little fingers!

What i'm looking forward to: My sister is flying up tomorrow and I get to see my niece, Adelyn, for the first time! I can't wait to give her kisses and hold her! And, I'm not expecting to go into labor, but it would be wonderful if I could while Sarah was here!

We go to an all day childbirth class tomorrow. We're planning on doing the Bradley method, so I'm interested to see how the class goes!

I'm sure I'll be posting pics of my niece soon!

love

laura

Happy Birthday.....to ME!!

January 5th, I turned 31. Shocking I know. I don't feel even 30....I think I can still pass for 29, ha!

I was able to celebrate my birthday with my in-laws, parents, Daniel, and my 2 nephews that were at my parents house for the week. Daniel's parents drove us from Oklahoma to Illinois (where my parents  live) on Friday. 

My nephews really wanted to bring me breakfast in bed, but Auntie Laura wanted to go to IHOP, so I they brought me a glass of orange juice and sang to me. It was so sweet!!

When I woke up, I was greeted with balloons and flowers....I LOVE balloons!!!

We all went to IHOP and I got my new fave-the cinna stax french toast. It is beyond good!!! 

We spent a kind of lazy day at home. It snowed a little bit, which made me really happy! To get snow on Christmas and my birthday-it just doesn't get any better than that!

After opening presents, we went to Chick fil a. My happiness really can be bought :)

For dessert, my mom made my fave-White Almond Wedding Cake. It is SO good, and I have zero self control when it comes to this cake!

We kept the celebrating going all week, and this past Thursday Daniel took me to Cheesecake Factory...yum yum! 

The next birth day we'll be celebrating is little Paige's!!!

love

laura

36 Week Recap

I just finished 36 weeks, I can't believe I'm almost full term!! It's also weird to think that Paige could possibly be inside me for 4 more weeks! I think I'm emotionally ready to deliver, but there's still a lot to do. We're going to Babies R us this week to get all of the last minute things we need. I want to make sure my hospital bag is ready by this week and we have all the essentials. 

We met the pediatrician, doctor, and chose our hospital this week. We signed up for a childbirth and breastfeeding class, and are trying to get into an infant care class, depending on when Paige chooses to come!

I have to say this past week is the most uncomfortable I've been. Physically I'm feeling more discomfort, and I've been sick with sinuses for a few days. Let's just say, tylenol, is not cutting it. i'm really hoping it will go away soon, but am thankful to be sick before she comes.

Here's the recap!

How far along:  36 Weeks

Size of Baby: Honeydew -19 inches long, close to 6 lbs!

Weight Gain: 30 lbs

Gender: Girl-Paige Olivia

Movement: Sometimes it seems like she moves nonstop, but then she'll have a day where she is pretty mellow. Lately she's been pushing herself up really high into a big ball, and it feels like her entire body is sitting right below my ribs!

Sleep: With being sick, it hasn't been great.

Maternity Clothes: Yep, except for Daniel's t shirts I've been wearing around the house.

Symptoms: Heartburn, aches, discomfort in general

Aversions: Nothing really

Cravings: Ice cream

What I miss: Sleeping and moving

Best Moment this Week: Picking our hospital-I feel better knowing where to go now if I go into labor. We really like the hospital we chose to deliver in and the staff was really nice.

What I'm looking forward to: Buying the last minute things and getting ready for Paige!

I'm still behind on some posts, hopefully I can post my birthday recap tomorrow.

love

laura

35 Week Recap

Happy Birthday to me! I turn 31 today. Crazy.......I'll do a birthday post soon.

I finished 35 weeks and am a few days into week 36! We drove up yesterday from Oklahoma to Illinois, where my parents are. The drive actually went by pretty fast. I meet my pediatrician and the doctor who will deliver Paige this week. I'm pretty excited that this being the last doctor I have to meet. 

This week I plan to organize everything I have for Paige, get my diaper bag, and prepare my hospital bag so I don't have to worry about it. There are a few last minute things I want to get..I want everything to be ready to go so I don't have to worry in case labor comes earlier than expected. I just started reading Healthy Sleeping Habits, Happy Child, and I am loving it! Has anyone read it or used it??

I'm planning on starting BabyWise this week too. I've heard several people swear by it.

Here's another belly pic!

Here's the recap:

How Far Along: 35 Weeks

Size of Baby: Coconut-around 19 inches long, 5 lbs??

Weight Gain: No Clue....26 or 27 lbs??

Gender: Girl-Paige Olivia!

Movement: Today she hasn't moved as much, but the last few days, she's been moving non stop! For the first time her movements actually kept me from falling asleep, they were so strong!

Sleep: It's okay, i know it could be worse, so i'm happy for what I can get!

Maternity Clothes: yep!! i'm running out of shirts that cover the tummy though. 

Symptoms: Some nausea this week, hip/back pain, and of course....dry skin

Aversions: Not too much

Cravings: Fountain drink coke, ice cream, lots of water!

What I miss: Nothing really

Best Moment of the Week: Celebrating my birthday! Also, there were several presents waiting for Paige at my parents house, it was so fun to see all the cute things she got!

What I'm looking Forward to: Meeting the dr and seeing the hospital where I'll deliver. Also shopping! 

love

laura

2012 Recap

Here is a highlight from each month of 2012!

January-celebrated my 30th birthday!!

I hope that a year from now I will be back to that size. It seems SO long ago!

February- vacation in Malaysia!

March- I think this was Easter, it's the only pic i have from March. Apparently not much else happened that month.

April- Daniel catching me licking the glaze while making TPW's cinnamon rolls. 

Able to visit a local orphanage. 

May- Daniel's parents came to visit!

Travelled to the mountains.

June- found out we were preggers!!!!

Went to the US for Caroline's wedding!

July- Did a lot of travelling!!!

August- discovered Instagram and the local Babies R Us

September- Mom came to visit!

Found out we were having a little girl!

October- Passed my glucose test!

November- Had my first baby shower for Paige!

Celebrated Daniel's birthday and being married 3 years!

December- quickly put the nursery together before coming to the States for 4 months!

SO much has happened this past year! I remember at my birthday party last year, a friend asked me what my hope for 2012 was. I told her I was hoping to be pregnant....i had no idea if that meant 1 month or 9 months, but my hope was that by January of 2013 I would be pregnant. It's crazy that I am 8 months pregnant and in America. We love our life in Asia and have been blessed like crazy this year. I'm so excited to see what next years post will look like-especially with an 11 month old!!

Happy New Year!

love

laura

Christmas & Travel

Let's back up a bit.....

Daniel and I traveled to Dallas a few weeks ago. My parents moved from Texas to Illinois right after we moved to Asia, and my aunt actually bought their house, which is where we stayed. It was fun to stay in my parents old house...even though it's changed some, I love the familiar!

Me with Aunt Patty!

My aunt and husband took us to an amazing restaurant called Boo Ray's. OMG, the best fries I have ever had in my entire life. Seriously, if you live in the fort worth area, it is delish!!!!!!!!

I also got to spend a few hours with one of my best friends, Jen. We were both bridesmaids in each other's weddings. Her little girl was born in early November. And yes, Jen is one of those annoying people that looks like they've never had a child. 

One thing I love about Jen is that no matter how long it's been since we've seen each other, we instantly pick right back up and can easily talk for several hours and be just getting started! I loved getting to see her and her little one!

After we returned from Texas, we headed to Kansas. I didn't take a single picture, but it snowed overnight while we were there, and it was beautiful!

For Christmas Eve, we went to Daniel's grandparents house and celebrated with the whole fam.

Christmas morning was spent at Daniel's parents (where we've been staying.) Daniel's 2 brothers, their wives, and kids came over to eat brunch and open presents. 

Santa was really good to me this year :) I got several movies I asked for and gift cards. I usually like to get clothes, but who are we kidding, it's going to be a while before I go clothes shopping.

It snowed a little on Christmas, so we spent a lot of the day next to this.

Here I am with my little candy cane self.

Last Christmas just the 2 of us!

Happy New Year!!!!! I can't wait for 2013!

love

laura