39 Weeks

I am trying to be very patient! I feel fine and don't really feel like labor is around the corner, of course I am ready to meet my new baby boy, but I am very at peace just waiting right now, I know the more I do to force labor, the greater my chance is of having a c-section.

Dr. Apt this morning:

• No weight gain, so still +32
• I honestly don't remember if she measured my belly or not, I had Carson with me so I was a little distracted
• Colin's heart rate was 146
• All my other stats were good
• The Dr. offered to strip my membranes, but I declined. I will be more willing to try some natural induction tactics after my due date has passed, I don't want to do anything too early.
• I am 1cm dilated and cervix is very thin she said. A lot of what I have read says that cervical progress is no indication of when labor will start, some women can be dilated as much as 2-3 cm for 2 weeks before labor starts, and some don't dilate at all until they have real contractions....so I am not getting too excited, just being patient. I haven't seen or felt any other signs of labor coming. 

Other preggo news:

• I also remember feeling just HORRIBLE at 39 weeks with Carson, but I don't feel that way at all this time. Maybe its because I haven't gained so much weight and have been chasing after a toddler during this pregnancy, or I am not as swollen...who knows. At this point I have no idea when this baby is coming. But we are prepared in case he does come on time. 
• Heartburn is still bad
• Sleeping is getting tough, SO hard to roll over and even though baby is head down and dropped, its hard to breathe well while laying down.
• I encountered a horrible hillbilly in Kroger the other day, and for once I put one of these "rude strangers" in their place. She basically yelled at me in the check-out line asking when I was due (I guess I didn't hear her the first time she asked), I replied "one week" and she said something like "yeah it looks like it". So I just smirked and shook my head to sort of let her know that was inappropriate. Then she said "well you're just not a happy camper are you?"  That really annoyed me, so I said "Actually I don't prefer to discuss my pregnancy with strangers" and then she finished with "well, we just good ole country folks trying to share the joy that's all" ..................I did not respond, I was so pissed, I have been so happy with this pregnancy and simply because I don't spill every detail to strangers doesn't mean I am not joyful about my new baby, I just happen to believe in boundaries and MANNERS. This baby is still in MY body and I don't welcome comments about MY body from strangers.

So here is my JOYFUL belly picture at 39 weeks, 2 days, please excuse the hair this was at the end of a busy day:

38 Weeks

Dr. Apt:

• I lost a pound, so that makes it +32
• Belly measured 39cm
• Baby's Heart rate was 150's
• No dilation or progress (not surprised since I am still 2 weeks from due date, and I didn't really see any "labor signs" with Carson until around 39 weeks)
• Head is still down

Other pregnancy news:
Well, the discomfort has officially set in!

• Colin's movements have become painful on me sometimes, and he loves to rest and move his head on my urethra (ouch).
• Every time I stand up, I have to stand there a minute to get use to the pressure down there.
• The groin pain is really bad and it still stops me in my tracks and I have to reposition my legs or hips to help the pain.
• Oh the heartburn...there are no words.
• Can't go in public with out some sort of comment from a stranger.
• I am driving myself crazy trying to keep my house "presentable" in case I go into labor (for my friends and family that will be caring for Carson), I am the type that must clean if anyone is coming over no matter who it is. 
• I am also trying to stay stocked up on all of the food, drinks and essentials for Carson just in case. 
• I question every single feeling I get in my stomach and south of there, its really annoying not knowing when I will go into labor. I am a big planner and I love being OVER prepared, so this is the hardest part for me.
• I haven't really seen any labor signs, other than some cramping here and there.
• I signed up for a hospital tour (will be 39 weeks at that point), I am hoping Murphy's law will kick in and I will have the baby before the tour! No such luck :)

Our Hospital Bag:
We are pretty much packed for the hospital, we are taking:

• Camera
• Slippers/house shoes for us both (Cory's feet froze last time, and I was constantly sending him for apple juice and crackers, so he had to take off his socks to put on his flip flops, it was annoying for him)
• Cory's pillow - he has a certain one that he sleeps on every night :) 
• Toiletries
• Couple of outfits, pajamas, undies and socks for Cory
• 1 outfit, socks, grandma undies, a couple of nursing bras and 4 gowns for me in case I have a C-section (longer stay)
• I will probably throw my hair straightener in my bag in case by some miracle I feel like looking nice, I also am keeping my make-up in my purse, I did manage to put some on last time for the hospital pics
• We just need to throw our phone chargers in our bag and grab Colin's stuff and we are set.

Colin's Bag:

• 4 gowns (much easier for diaper changes) and hats
• 1 blanket
• Brush and comb (they wouldn't give us anything in the hospital to tame Carson's crazy hair!)
• Cute outfit for the hospital pics/going home (I will order some of these pics so I want him to look cute)
• Breast pump, I had to wait about 24 hours to see a lactation consultant with Carson, so this time I will have my own pump in case I need it.
• His carseat and base are all clean and ready to go.

Just now noticing I wear this outfit a lot! I do love this shirt, I am going to be sad to put it away in a few weeks!

37 Weeks

I am very excited to meet my new baby boy soon! Hoping he won't be late :)

Had a check up today:

• Weight Gain - + 3 pounds! Total +33
• Baby's Heart rate - 140's
• Belly measured - 38 cm
• Head is down
• Blood pressure was good
• Progress - zip, I asked to begin cervical checks so that I can find out asap if he turns breech (abdominal exams aren't always correct) that way I can try some techniques at home to turn him instead of scheduling a c-section. They said if I was really worried next week they could do an ultrasound to give me piece of mind. 
• We also discussed options for the scenario of me not going into labor at a certain point. She said at 39 weeks they can strip my membranes and do the same at 40 weeks. At 40 weeks they will do an ultrasound to make sure he is ok, then they will let me go one more week after that. They don't like VBAC patients going to 42 weeks, and from what I have read its hard to find caregivers who will let you go that long. 

Other pregnancy news:

• I am definitely feeling a ton of pressure when I stand up, I can tell he has dropped. Sometimes when I walk, I get these groin pains and I have to stop walking to reposition my hips, or squat down, or lift my leg or something to get it to go away, strangers get very concerned when I do this :)
• People keep asking me if I am "done" and the truth is that I am a little sad this pregnancy is coming to a close. I have been fortunate to have pretty easy pregnancies (although not without their challenges), and I must say I have loved being pregnant. I love the whole process, and the best part is right around the corner! However, I am concerned about Carson's feelings and reactions to the new addition, I just hope I can show him enough attention still and that he feels as loved. 
• I can sleep pretty well, just have to get up a few times to go to the bathroom, turning over in bed and getting out of bed are tough. 
• I have some swelling, but nothing compared to my pregnancy with Carson.
• Felt some cramping this morning and an occasional Braxton Hicks contraction day-to-day, other than that no labor signs. My guess is that Colin will come right around his due date. Looking back at Carson's pregnancy, at around 39 weeks I began to see many signs of labor coming soon, I will spare you the details. I am hoping this is the case with Colin.
• I got all of the breast pump stuff, bottles and passies washed and put away in the "baby cabinet", that is such a task..I forgot how much crap a baby needs if he has to be bottle fed (and bottles are a must for daycare babies).
• I have a plan in action for someone to watch Carson until my mom can get here from AL. 
• I am waiting to see what kind of success I have with breastfeeding before I buy all the storage bags, nursing accessories, etc....
• I don't think there is anything left to do except pack, I have a couple of gowns, nursing bras, undies, etc...and my toiletry bag set aside, but I need to get some new slippers (mine are so old, stained and chewed up), and I need to get some hard candy, juices and snacks for the hospital bag. 
• Colin's bag is packed, for him I am taking a blanket, hats, some sleeper gowns, and a nicer outfit for his pictures. I am also taking his comb, brush and nail clippers. 
• I need to find my big yoga ball for labor, but if you know my son and his obsession with balls, I won't be able to utilize this until he is sleeping and when I go to the hospital!

Belly Pictures (feeling a bit more plump and whale-like these days):

Maternity Pics (DIY)

My sweet friend Kelly took pictures of me when I was pregnant with Carson and we met today at lunch to try and capture some of the same poses. Here are some of my favorites:

Thanks again Kelly!

36 Weeks!

We are almost there! 

Dr Apt was today:

• Baby's heartrate was in the 140's
• Belly measured 36 cm
• No weight gain since last week, still at +30
• Everything else looks good too
• Colin is head down
• I will go back on Monday

The most exciting part (pregnancy-wise) this week was the arrival of Colin's diaper bag set. My mother- in- law makes them for family members and close friends. I must say, she has out-done herself this time, they are even cuter than I imagined. I can't wait to use them! 

Backpack for small outings or when he gets older and we don't need as many compartments:

Duffle bag for traveling:

Main Diaper Bag:

Other pregnancy news:

• We had a big weekend, it was Carson's 2nd Birthday party (another post to come) and I wore myself out cleaning, hosting etc...I felt so awful on Sunday that I called my Dr. to make sure everything was ok, I felt like I was getting the flu or something. But after much needed rest, and some tylenol, I was back to myself on Monday.
• I finally convinced my hubby to get the car seat down from the attic, he was going to wait until I was in labor, ...men........
• I can definitely tell that Colin is dropping, feeling lots of pressure.
• I have a little cramping here and there, nothing alarming or painful though.
• I hope to get mine and Colin's bag packed by this weekend, just in case. I feel much better when I am prepared.
• I am pretty exhausted, at the end of the day yesterday, it was like a switch flipped and I HAD to lie down on the couch.
• I have lost my appetite in the evenings, I think its b/c I am so tired and I don't have the energy to think about or cook what I want to eat, so I just rely on Cory to throw something together and once I start eating, I just loose interest.
• The heartburn is all day now, not so much at night anymore.
• Not much swelling (especially compared to my pregnancy with Carson), just depends on the day.
• DIY Maternity pics tomorrow!

Colin's Room

Everything is done in the "baby room" as we call it, with the exception of a wall hanging that my mom is making for me to go above the crib (to match the bedding). I originally thought the room would be an owl theme, but I decided to keep it simple and frankly I thought a lot of owl stuff would be scary to Colin when he got a little older. Something about the big eyes...not sure...

So the only owl thing is the bedding and the rest is just stuff I liked and thought would look nice. I just wanted a calm/ relaxing theme, and I love sitting in there in my glider already :) I actually was able to use a lot of things from Carson's room since we are making his room more of a play room. Carson now showers with one of us each night, and I dress him and do diaper changes on our bed, so I just cleaned out a couple of drawers in my dresser for him until Cory gets his dresser made.

• I love gingham patterns for babies, the valance and the ribbon for the letters are gingham, I just picked colors that matched the bedding. 
• I got a decal from etsy for above the changing table.
• Everything else was migrated over from Carson's room.

This cradle was given to me by a good friend, it will go in our room when Colin arrives and serve as the bassinet.

I loved going through Carson's baby clothes, I can't wait to have a baby that tiny again! All of the newborn clothes, blankets, burp cloths, bibs, towels and rags are nice and clean and put away!

Other preggo news....

• Had a check up yesterday and everything looks good, will go back in one week and continue going weekly.
• Heart rate was 140's.
• Belly measured at 35cm.
• Weight gain is +3 lbs since last apt, so I think that totals it to 30 lbs.
• Colin is still head down (fingers crossed)
• I am hoping my MIL has finished the diaper bag that she is making for Colin and can bring it this weekend so I can show it off! And take it to the hospital (I had no idea how much baby stuff they send you home with last time!)
• I am so scatterbrained lately, July is such a busy month and that doesn't help this preggo brain.
• I bought a few things for my hospital bag so I can get started packing in a week or so.
• All we need to do for Colin now is get the carseat and swing down from the attic (wtg on hubby for this - he thinks we have all the time in the world!)
• Have a haircut scheduled and hopefully can do some DIY maternity pics next week.
• I picked up my hospital forms today!

35 Weeks

Where did the time go? It is weird to think I will be a mother of 2 in a matter of weeks. I am SO looking forward to maternity leave and spending time with my babies and family.

• I am not sure of weight gain (have a Dr. Apt on Wednesday, the 20th, will see then). Its insane that I will be going every week after this apt. 
• Heartburn/Reflux has gottten really bad during the middle of the night, I am have been drinking a ton of milk to try and help relieve it but as soon as I wake up to pee again, its back. I am going to ask what else I can do for that at my next apt. 
• I am feeling lots of pressure when I stand up in the lower regions, its hard to walk around or stand for a long time. We took Carson to the Aquarium and after all that walking I swear I felt the baby drop!
• Carson doesn't understand why he barely can fit in my lap when I sit in Indian Style, he keeps trying to back up against my belly, so I just have to sit him on one side, or sit him in the floor between my legs.
• Turning over in bed and getting out of bed are super fun tasks, Cory just laughs at all of my grunting.
• My ankles are starting to swell a little.
• The exhaustion at the end of the day is tough, I used to have a "sweet snack" after Carson went to bed, but now I am even too tired for that. I also get a big rush of exhaustion after lunch, I feel like I have been hit by a truck or something, but all I want to do is go home and take a nap..not an option :(
• Baby's movement hasn't really slowed down, not much room in there anymore, his hiccups always seem to come when I want to sleep.
• I need to get registered for the hospital! And in a couple of weeks get packed.
• It is really hard getting Carson in and out of his car seat every day since my car is so low, speaking of carseats, after Carson's birthday party we will be getting the 2 bases and Colin's car seat cleaned and installed. WOW.
• I get a lot of comments from strangers everywhere I go, people ask the same things, how much longer? And what am I having? Then they follow with their comments and opinions...that part I can live without.
• When I was pregnant with Carson, my friend took some pictures of me behind our work building (beautiful scenery), they turned out really good, I am hoping to get the same pose in the same spot for this pregnancy as well.  
• I can't wait to hold Colin and see what he looks like!

Many updates!

Colin:
Time is really flying, it has been a very busy week at our house. Last week my husband changed jobs, we are changing insurance, and we bought a new vehicle! At my Dr. apt today, she asked how I was feeling and I said fine as usual, I also said that the pregnancy was the least of my drama these days! :) While we have had some significant changes over the past week, I believe these are good changes and we will all be much happier.

Dr. Apt Stats:

• Colin's heart rate was in the 150's
• I measured at 33 weeks, right on track (I will be 34 weeks tomorrow)
• I only gained a pound these past 2 weeks since my last visit, so that totals it to +27
• Today Colin was head down, and I am hoping he stays that way!
• Everything else checked out great, and I will go back on July 20th

Other than just exhaustion at the end of the day, I really can't complain. Cory even mentioned to me the other day how relaxed I am with this pregnancy. I explained how the 1st pregnancy is very hard b/c so many changes are occurring and you don't know what to expect, its just a whirlwhind. This one is more like "been there, done that". After I gave birth to Carson, I loved having him here but I also missed being pregnant and I swore I would never take it for granted again. And I know that if this is not my last pregnancy, it will be at least 3 or 4 years before we have another one. There is no way I can pay for 3 daycare tuitions!

As for other symptoms:

• I haven't had any swelling yet on my ankles, I can tell a slight difference in my fingers, b/c I can wear my wedding rings, but they are not very comfy like usual, so I went ahead and put them away. I have always liked my rings a little loose.
• I do have to pee often, but that's just part of the game.
• Turning over in bed is difficult, but I sleep pretty well.
• I have a few Braxton Hicks every now and then.

Other preggo news:

• I am trying not to lift Carson as much so I can avoid any pulled muscles or back injuries, etc...but when he looks at me with his hands up and says "Mommy picky up" I just can't resist. More on Carson below.
• The strangers are really starting to comment, its hard to be the "bigger person" and not tell them how rude their comments are.
• I am getting nervous about the labor and delivery..simply b/c I have not done that part before, Carson's birth was a planned C-section.

Here I am at almost 34 weeks:

CARSON!

Adorable just doesn't do his personality justice!

He turned 23 months a few days ago! I can't wait for his little party. He needed some new sandals so I ordered him some squeaky ones, he is gonna be so excited! And his little outfit has a yellow bus on it :)

• Carson is talking so well, I am amazed every day at the sentences he can put together. Our dog, Haley, stole one of his stuffed dogs, and he told her "no, no Haley" and then later looked at us with a very serious face and said "that not Haley's dog" 
• He still eats great and sleeps well in his todder bed (knock on wood).
• He loves having visitors, Nana is visiting now. He gets so excited to show people his room and toys.
• He still loves birds and other animals that he can see from our windows, we saw a rabbit near the woods and he still talks about it. He will sit in front of the window and watch the birds eat at the bird feeder and he says "Don't fall bird"
• He watched a parade on the 4th and is still talking about how the "choo choo trains went bye-bye" (they had old steam engines, etc... in this parade)
• He is a little bossy :) He will take my hand and say "walk, walk" then lead me to his room and say "Mommy sit down" so we can play is his room. 
• He can say his name much better, it went from "Carkin" to "Cossin"
• Every morning when we brush his hair and teeth, he likes to "put on his cologne" and he makes the spray noise, it is hilarious to watch. After we brush his teeth, we brush his tongue and he laughs - I guess it tickles.
• He adores watching toddler songs/videos on you tube, he likes to pick the videos out himself. His favorites are twinkle twinkle, wheels on the bus, and if you're happy and you know it.
• He discovered what money is, he found a quarter and dime the other day and would not part with it for a while, I was very nervous the entire time, but it was so cute hearing him say the word money. We might need to get him a piggy bank, I think he would enjoy putting coins in it. There is a baseball piggy bank at hobby lobby that I am considering getting for him.
• He can put his crocks on all by himself.
• His favorite books at the moment are the ones about dogs and another about dinosaurs, I love the way he says dinosaur, sound like "dine-a-saw"
• He knows many of his letters and all of the basic colors.
• He will now tell us he loves us w/ out us asking him to, talk about your heart melting when you hear "I wud you Mama"
• I wish I could remember all the cute and sweet things he does, he brings so much joy to our lives.

Holiday:

Our Saturday consisted of shopping for Daddy a new truck, Carson was a trooper all day, he had to nap in the car and I was so glad we had this little pillow for him, he looked so cute.

We went to the park on Sunday, but it was just too hot to stay for more than an hour!

Reaching for a balloon, the kid loves balloons!

Then on July 4th we went to the local parade, Carson loved it! He was a little scared of the loud steam engines at first but he got used to it.

Eating breakfast at the parade:

Holding his ears, his earplugs would not stay in.

They handed out flags during the parade, and I was hit by Carson's flag in the face a few times :) He got a little excited.

Hope everyone had a great Holiday!

32 Weeks

Only 8 or so weeks to go!

I feel very prepared for Colin's arrival, all we need to do now is get the car seat installed, wash everything, register for the hospital and pack our hospital bag. My goal was to have all of this stuff done by 36 weeks, so I have a few more weeks to do these "finishing touches". I am not too worried about the dresser getting built in time, I only use a few drawers in Carson's dresser, so if needed they can share, no big deal, that would just mean more room for Carson to play in his room and more room for the many toys he will get for his Birthday coming up! Nursery pics to come soon.

• I am starting to waddle - I was told today by a co-worker :) 
• My tailbone and lower back are sore, and I am dealing with the usual pressure where Colin's head is.
• I am SO exhausted, I go to bed pretty early, usually very soon after Carson. I toss and turn a lot.
• I have been noticing some Braxton Hicks contractions, very weird feeling, I never had these with Carson. 
• I don't really have any cravings these days...I really am just craving a personal chef and a maid to do the work for us :) I just look at the dishes in the sink, the laundry piling up, realizing a meal time is approaching and I could literally cry...I just don't have the energy to do any of it. 
• I would give anything to have a week at the beach right now!
• I was a loyal follower of babycenter.com, but I am now into a site called http://www.baby-gaga.com/. Check it out if you are pregnant. This site is much more informative than the others in my opinion and it gives you pros and cons of your decisions in labor when you read about the last few weeks of pregnancy. Love it! I am still amazed at all of the procedures hospitals do for their own convenience at the expense of the mother and baby wellness.
• My next Dr. Apt is next week on July 6th. She said we would discuss what to do if I didn't go into labor...I wanted to say "Thanks for the vote of confidence lady!" Anyway this should be an interesting conversation. 
• I have no idea what my weight gain is this week, I haven't thought to check it. 
• Movement is consistent, even though this is the 2nd pregnancy, Cory is still amazed at the crazy shapes of my belly when he moves.

31 Weeks

Wow...this baby will be here before we know it!

Signs that the end is near.....

• My rings no longer fit comfortably 
• My shoes feel a bit tight 
• Pretty sure I will need a belly band in a couple of weeks, my belly feels so heavy already, I feel like I need to hold it with my hands to be comfortable.

Other pregnancy news....

• Some nights I sleep well, and other nights I am awake every hour trying to get comfy
• My lower back muscles are starting to get achy from time to time - I am trying not to pick up Carson as much, but that is so hard for me :(
• No cravings really...just love having sweets around; I did love all the "ballgame food" we had this weekend - hot dog, nachos, funnel cake....YUM (need to get my pics uploaded for the Fathers' Day post)! My little family is in for a rude awakening after this baby is born...in order to "be good" and eat right, I just can't have any temptation in the house :)
• At my check up today everything looked good, heart rate was 138. I go back July 6th.
• I was telling Cory that this baby hardly ever sleeps anymore...he is constantly moving!
• Weight gain is +26, Baby Center mentioned a growth spurt coming, so here we go! I remember toward the end with Carson I just quit keeping track b/c it was so depressing gaining so much weight so fast! This time, I really don't care, I know that most of the weight will come off, my body will NEVER look the same and I am ok with that, there are worse things in life than not having a perfect body. My babies are worth it!
• I cannot wait to get some final items checked off my list, and then get the nursery "set up" and take pictures...this is such an exciting part! 
• Carson loves playing in the "baby room" he loves to look out the window at the birds, etc...and then we sit in the glider and he jumps to me from the foot rest, not sure how long I will be able to keep that up! I swear that kid is always on the look out for a place to jump. He also enjoys throwing balls in the crib for me to fetch.
• Must get registered at hospital! As long as I get this done by 36 weeks we should be fine, I will probably go during lunch one day and then just poke around instead of taking a formal tour - they only offer the tour at 4pm on weekdays and that just doesn't work for us at all. 

30 weeks!

I am little late getting this post up....things are crazy right now, work is very overwhelming and I feel like my house is never clean; these days I just make sure my kid is clean and fed and I am doing good!

• My last check up was a week ago and everything looked good. Next apt is Monday the 20th.
• I passed the glucose test, thank God!
• The baby gets the hiccups quite often, just like Carson did.
• I am SO exhausted by the end of the day.
• I feel like I have to pee all the time, especially when standing, just so much pressure on the bladder.
• We put the crib together in Colin's room now that Carson sleeps in his toddler bed. Carson enjoyed helping Daddy "fix" the crib. I don't know what it is about moving furniture, but Carson loves it when we do this, he screams out of excitement and hops around...so funny. He now knows that Colin's room is the "baby's room".
• Although I look and feel huge, my weight gain is only +23, I think this will increase greatly when the swelling begins. Oh how I dread the cankles...you have no idea how much I hate that part.
• Still able to wear my wedding rings, but I am sure that will pass soon too. Last pregnancy, when my rings got too small, I went and bought a fake big bling ring, I'll probably do that for fun again...I feel so naked without a ring on my left finger. Last time I did that, all my friends thought I got an "upgrade"...but I could never part with MY rings...I love them so much. I still get compliments on them from strangers all the time...mostly from men...odd.
• There is really not much left to do at this point, just getting Carson's dresser made, order my sling, get all the baby gear and clothes cleaned, buy a few small toiletry things closer to time, and we are all set! Oh yeah, we need to register at the hospital and take a tour...I keep forgetting this.
• When I get closer to the end I will get the bedding washed and put in, then post some pics of the nursery.
• I have been thinking a lot about the delivery lately and just like with everything else in the pregnancy, I am much more relaxed and ok with whatever. My "birth plan" is very similar to Carson's: wait to go into labor spontaneously, stay home as long as possible so I can eat/drink, relax in the bath and keep moving if I choose to; avoid IV narcotics, if I need the epidural I am ok with that, and I want this birth captured on VIDEO. Yes, you read that correctly. The only trick is finding that person (I don't want Cory worried about the camera) who I am comfortable enough with to video it for me, and keeping the staff from knowing we are videoing (most hospitals prohibit this b/c they are terrified of being sued). I have completely changed my outlook on the way I view birth and to me it is very sacred, so I am really hoping I can achieve this. My sons will never see this, it is really just for me to remember those divine moments of giving birth. I just really hope I don't have to have surgery this time, I just want to have an active role in the birth of my baby.

Here is the belly update, and these days my hair is usually on top of my head. :) 

29 weeks and our Memorial Day Vacation

Colin:

• I really hate Murphy's law right about now! Last week I stated that I wasn't experiencing very many leg cramps or carpel tunnel symptoms. But since then I have been having more leg cramps (more often and more intense) and my hands have been falling asleep more often while I am sleeping, so annoying. 
• This kid prefers the left side..a few times during each day there is a big knot right beside my left rib and Cory and I play the head or butt game like we did with Carson (basically just try to figure out if its the head or butt...duh)
• I can not get enough chocolate these days! Over the weekend I was specifically craving babe ruth and snickers ice cream bars. I think its b/c we were at the pool for 4 days and when I was a lifeguard I would eat candy bars on my break :) Good times, have to give a shout out to my friend Cyndee, those were some good summers weren't they Cyn!
• I haven't done much in the way of preparation, but we still have some time, I just want everything done by 36 weeks that way I can focus on Carson's birthday party and my friend's baby shower. And then attempt to relax in this heat until Colin arrives. I plan on many pedicures from 37-42 weeks. I don't think I will see a pedi for a long time after Colin arrives, daycare ain't cheap, and now that bill will double for us!

On to our "vacation"...we won't be going to the beach or anything like that this summer, since we need to save some vacation days for Colin so we made the best of a 4 day visit to Grandparents' pools in AL. We had so much fun since Carson loves the water and we had some time to relax now that Carson remembers his Grandparents, we get to sleep in and let them take care of him.

The water was pretty cold and I was worried he wouldn't want to play in it, but once he got used to it he had a blast playing with balls and cups on the stairs. He loved throwing his balls into the water and then "swimming" to go get them. He would say "kick, kick, kick" while we would help him swim. He also learned not to run beside the pool, he kept saying "walk slow, walk slow" it was so funny.

He wasn't a huge fan of floats or swimmies. He kicked around the swimmies like they were footballs! Typical Carson.

This is what he called "big jump" where Cory would let him "jump" off of the diving board. He loved watching Cory do cannonballs and getting splashed! I have never heard him laugh so hard!

He LOVED the slide, pretty sure this was his favorite thing. It made me super nervous at first, but Cory was tall enough to keep Carson above the water when they hit the water. Carson kept saying "more slide, more slide"

Then while we were at my in-laws house, my MIL dressed Carson up in a 33 year old outfit (cap, overalls and boots that all of her children and grandchildren have been photographed in) and we did a little photoshoot. We got some really good ones. Carson is so hard to photograph these days. He will rarely look at the camera. If I had a penny for every picture of the side of his face I would be rich!

We ended our trip by visiting my new nephew, Crewe. He is SO tiny and as I predicted, this made me very ancy to have MY tiny baby here soon! Carson was jealous, but not too bad. We will see how he does in August!

28 weeks

There is no better way to start the 3rd trimester than by lounging around a pool! That's where I'll be for the next 3 days! I can't wait!

Pregnancy Highlights:

• +21 pounds
• Took the glucose test on Wednesday, wtg to hear back. So glad that is over, its really tough getting up with a toddler at 6AM, running around the house for 2 hours trying to get him fed, ready for school, and get myself ready without eating a single bite or drinking a drop of anything until 9AM!
• Had my Rhogam shot on Wednesday as well since I have a negative blood type
• Colin's heart rate was in the 150's this time
• Nurse said I was measuring a little ahead this week
• Will be going to prenatal apts every 2 weeks now, I enjoy getting to hear the heart beat and all, but when you have a job, it gets old explaining Dr. apts all the time and lets face it, Dr. offices don't have very convenient hours for people who work full time. 
• The movement is insane...this kid is very active, I can't really remember if Carson was this active. I also started to feel him having some hiccups. 
• My lower back and hips have been a little sore, probably from sitting at my desk a lot. 
• I am tossing and turning much more at night and finally started using the full body pillow. 
• I am so happy this go round that I have not experienced the annoying carpel tunnel symptoms, I also have not had as many leg cramps yet as I did with Carson. 
• Still take my zantac everyday so I can eat whatever I want! I have really been wanting some of my homemade lasagna, but it will take an act of God to get me to cook a meal that requires that much time these days! We go through chocolate milk like crazy around here, all 3 of us drink it everyday! I always want sweets after a meal. And as usual, I could eat Japanese every day.
• My energy level is completely shot by the evening time, it is very hard on me with Cory working late these days (his busy season). If we have a 3rd baby, I will try to plan where the end of my pregnancy will be in the winter where Cory is home earlier!
• My rings still fit, I haven't really noticed any swelling yet (I don't miss that part at all, cankles are the most unatractive thing in my book)
• As far as the nursery and Colin's arrival preparation goes, I can't really do too much right now. Whenever Cory gets Carson's new dresser built, I can starting washing baby clothes and putting them away. Lately I have just been buying a few items here and there for Colin. I did get the letters for his name, just need to paint them white and hang them. Mom bought me the breast pump, so that is a huge relief!
• I can't believe that in just a few weeks we will be in full prep mode...b/c by 36 weeks I will be useless!

27 Weeks, Carson Lately, 2nd Birthday Plans

It has been one heck of a month for our little family, home improvement projects, pregnancy exhaustion, sick toddler, insane work stress.....all of these things do not go well together. We could really use a week at the beach right about now, but Cory needs to save his vacation days for Colin's arrival, and I need to save up my days for when my kids are sick in the future. Its tough being an adult sometimes. We are however going to visit grandparents over Memorial Day weekend, and thank goodness they both have pools!

COLIN:

• I will be 27 weeks tomorrow.
• +19 pounds
• Colin moves a lot during the day, especially after I eat and drink. Its a mixture of kicks, jabs and the rolling feeling. He will usually wake up after my night time bathroom runs too.
• I am definitely feeling the exhaustion from getting bigger and with the 3rd trimester approaching, its no surprise.
• I still get heartburn, I usually know when its Carson's bath time, b/c that is when the heartburn starts to occur every night.
• I love checking things off my list in preparation for him, baby shopping is the best! I just have a few things left: sling/wrap, breast pump, bath seat (won't be using a bulky tub this go round), the letters for his room, hamper, his baby book, curtains/curtain rod, and a few small items/toiletries closer to the end of pregnancy. 
• I have been thinking this whole time that I wouldn't purchase a single clothing item for him, but I just realized, I want to put the boys in matching outfits of course! So I will get a couple of those, probably at my favorite store...KOHL'S!
• My cravings lately have included: chick file' chicken minis, always japanese, and pretty much anything sweet.

CARSON:
It is so exciting to see what each new day brings with Carson. This is an amazingly precious age where his language is just exploding! I love hearing him repeat everything we say even when we think he isn't paying attention, oh he is. The funniest thing is when Cory and I are having a conversation and I might say "um", Carson will say "um" too. He also does this when we say "sooo". Its almost like he is making fun of us.

• He has found a love for baseball lately. He calls it "beeseball". Cory taught him to say "go braves!"
• He asks to watch baseball almost everynight when we rock him to sleep.
• He loves to get on his little step stool and wash his hands and make faces in the mirror.
• He refers to his shoes sometimes as "cute shoes" he heard me say that a few times. When he wants to play outside, he say "sooz on" and "outshide"
• The child could literally eat yogurt for every meal, he loves it!
• He loves to put bandaids on his boo-boos, and he says "bye-bye boo-boo"; he used to call my freckles boo-boos :)
• He loves to get the tupperware out of the cabinet, and he says "I cook"
• He finally will try to say his name, he calls himself "Carkin"
• He finally tries to say "I love you" and it sounds like "I wub woo"
• He gets so excited to see birds hopping in the yard, and when we are outside he tries to chase them.
• He loves to pick out his shirts in the morning, he always choses something that has a ball or a truck on it.
• Every morning after he gets dressed, I have to wet and comb his hair, and I tell him how nice he looks and he says "me nice"
• He loves the Wheels on the Bus song, especially the Barney version, he calls him "Bonkey"
• I think its about time for some 24 month pj's, he is getting taller, and for night time I am moving to size 5 diapers.
• We have been letting him sit at the big table with us when we eat as a family and he loves it. I still need the highchair in the mornings for his breakfast so I can get ready for work.
• We have been starting to wean him a little from the passy. I no longer let him have it in the car, and at home he only gets it when its time to sleep. We have done good with this for about a week now. I think it helps that he understands what we say now, we tell him that passy is at home (if we are in the car) and if we are at home and he asks for passy, we tell him that passy is "night night". And he just goes about his business.
• He loves flowers, he always says "pitty wower" for pretty flower.
• He loves to sit on, and bounce on Chase....poor Chase, he just sits there and takes the abuse. 
• Its about time for a hair cut when he wakes up with this hair:

And..........Carson has his 2nd Birthday coming up! I have debated a few different places, but I think we will just do something small at our house. Probably cook out and have a fun baby pool and sprinkler for the kids since it will be so hot outside. I have chosen a Yellow/School Bus theme. He just loves the color yellow and he still is obsessed with yellow buses. He remembers where the buses are parked on our route home every day. Before they are in sight he talks about them! This has turned out to be a super easy theme, thank goodness!

Here is the cake pic I sent to my MIL and SIL so they can make it for us, I can't wait for Carson to see all these plans on his party day!

New Kitchen and Living room floors! And some other updates...

I couldn't wait until we were completely finished to post pictures (still need to put down the new molding strips and finish the laundry room), so here is a peek of what Cory has been up to the past week (he has done such an amazing job and it was hard work!):

Old LR floor:

Old Kitchen Floor:

NEW:

 Kitchen entrance from the garage:

View from Dining room to kitchen:

View from Dining room to LR:

Hallway to boys' rooms and extra bathroom:

View of LR from Dining room:

View of LR from front door entrance:

To-do:

We are so glad to be on the home stretch of this floor project! Cory will finish the molding and laundry room (I have a feeling we will be painting the laundry room walls) floor this weekend, and we will place another carpet order (we decided to do our bedroom now) this weekend to be installed on May 14th.

Colin:
We now have a full name for our new baby boy:

COLIN ALEXANDER PHILLIPS

-He will have the same initials as Cory and Carson.
-I am 25 weeks pregnant today! WHOA!
-I lost 2 pounds this week, that started my day off amazing! I am now +17 and not complaining at all!
-Had a check up yesterday, everything looks good. They gave me the glucose drink for when I go back in 3 weeks. Yuck.
-Heartrate was 141.
-Colin and Carson's rooms look so nice with the new carpet, I will post those pics later on, probably after we get our bedroom carpet done.

Carson:
Apparently all I need to do to correct a problem is blog about it! Carson finally got his appetite back, and has been in a much better mood this week! I guess he is finally feeling better and being back to his regular schedule probably helps.