Baby R - 33 weeks and more house projects

So, what have we been up to? Trying to get ready for a baby and working daily on little (or big) house projects.

Remember from one of my previous posts that we had an uninvited critter in our house while we were away? It hung around for a month. Turns out it was a RAT! Opening up walls and disturbing its habitat apparently brought it inside our house for snacks and comfort. For a bit we thought it was a squirrel, then a mouse, but then after several weeks of trying to catch it in a cage or mouse trap to no avail, we put a rat trap in the attic. Not 30 minutes after putting it up, we had a dead critter on our hands. That heavy duty rat trap snapped its neck right in half. We could hear it writhing around trying to die for a bit and all I could do was laugh while Scott sprinted upstairs. Then I heard him beating it to death with a board, saying "die you stupid idiot!" I don't normally encourage that kind of talk around Baby R, but I'm sorry, I didn't feel sorry for it. That's what you get for coming into my house! After much disinfecting and sanitizing, I think I am finally feeling a little less violated in my own space.

Yes, yes, it's true, I am growing a baby whale! But, I am feeling great! During the past several weeks I had been dealing with round ligament pain, but it has seemed to have dissipated for now. I am getting weekly chiropractic adjustments to keep all lined up. Baby R is constantly moving around and growing. I had an appointment with the midwives last week. Everything checked out just perfectly. Baby is head down and pushes off the right side to stick its little booty out on the left. The kid has some strength. We folded hand-me-down and some new baby cloths last night. I put Scott in charge of folding the socks. We are pretty sure some of those socks would barely fit on his big toe! I am looking forward to fixing the antique dresser that a friend gave us so that we can put these cloths away. Sounds like a weekend project....amongst many others, including painting the baby's room and putting the shelf back together under the kitchen sink where they tore it out to do the plumbing several months ago. I have gotten used to living in a bit of disarray around here.

Daddy R has been keeping busy other such house projects too. He installed Baby R's closet system. We finally got the right paint delivered today after waiting more a couple of months. This weekend he is going to paint while I enjoy friends and fun at another baby shower.

He was also very proud of himself for installing a vent in the living room ceiling this morning. He is working in the attic to get the air flow and duct work just perfect before we put the flooring back down up there. It is at least 10 degrees warmer upstairs than down. My massage room is upstairs and I am quite sure it is getting to the upper 80's while I work. Dripping wet is not a good feeling to have while giving a massage. I think once Baby R's room gets painted, I will move back downstairs to work through May until I cannot do massage any longer before the baby comes.
I got inspired and started making more baby shoes again. A few for friends and I am sure Baby R will end up with a few as well. I also found some cute new and easier patterns that I am going to try too.
Well, thanks for stopping by!

birthdays, weddings, and showers....oh my!

Last week Scott turned 32! Thankfully he says he still feels like he's in his 20's. Don't wan him feeling too old to be chasing after Baby R.

Saturday we went to Tulsa to a wedding for a friend I went to college with at Oklahoma Christian. I hadn't seen her in 7 years. It was really fun to see each other again. So much life has happened between now and then.

My sister and friend, Katie, hosted a shower for me on Sunday. I felt so truly blessed. Some of the guests brought a blessing bead to share. Each bead or charm on this string represents a blessing shared by my cherished friends. I can wear this in labor to feel supported by the women in my life or while breastfeeding for the baby to play with.

Heidi made a delicious carrot cake that said We (heart) Baby! (and many other tasty foods) The cake had pink frosting! Yummy! And, we recycled "It's A Girl" plates from her shower a couple of years ago. It will be funny if Baby R is a boy. By the way...have you voted yet? Under my baby ticker is a poll. Curious as to what you think Baby R is..Boy OR Girl???

Katie and Jessica (college roommates from U of A).

An exhausted Mommy and sick baby Joely after the shower. I got to use my new ear thermometer to take Joely's temperature. Poor thing had a fever and really didn't care at all for getting her temp taken, but the thermometer sure is cool!

Easter and Baby R gifts

Thanks to many family and friends, Baby R will not be without! We were so excited to receive a Pack N Play from Scott's cousin that we decided to set it up that night. Then we realized we still had two and a half months to go and we packed it pack up for now. Thanks to all who have sent us gifts. We feel so blessed!

This past weekend we went to Arkansas to celebrate my grandparent's 60th wedding anniversary. The actual date is August 1st, but my cousin and I are having babies this summer and this was a more convenient time for everyone. We stayed in some very nice cabins and lucked out with wonderful weather. There were 4 wheeler rides (which I unfortunately could not participate in), hiking, biking (or extreme biking if you look closer at my sisters road rash), an awesome mega Easter egg hunt, Bingo, Easter stories, and so much more!

Bingo was scheduled for 6:30 on Saturday night. Joely won twice and picked out two bunnies. One was just about the size of her! She obviously loves them.

Andrew won this toy and I believe several others. Grandma sure brought enough for everyone to win something!

Jacob and Joely playing peek-a-boo with the bunnies.

Grandma shared the Easter story on her felt boards. Andrew listened very intently and wanted more stories after she was done.

Heidi lovin' on her baby girl.

Jacob and Joely being crazy. This is what happens to a little girl's hair after playing hard with cousins and family all day.

My cousin, Sarah, and I are 6 weeks apart. She is due in late July. We shared bump stories. We are both going to be surprised by the gender. That will be so fun!

Cousins!

Joely trying to catch some bubbles!

Henry and Erica are drawing a picture to put in the scrapbook for Grandpa and Grandma.

Heidi and Andrew are doing the same.

A very nice picture of my grandparents with their four children.

And, one with all the grandchildren and their spouses and children.

And, two of my brothers with their nephew.

My cousin, Joanna, with her precious little guy, Elijah.

The crazy Easter Egg Hunt Extravaganza! Note to self: Next year don't let your sister hide Easter Eggs...the hunt will last forever! Scott and I did however make out with two of the three eggs that had $$$ in them! Go Reasoners!!!

When we arrived home last night, we discovered that some sort of critter must have been in our house while we were away. It had chewed up the hot pad hanging on the island and tore a tiny hole in a bag of rice in the pantry. I am feeling slightly violated! We think it must have been a mouse (EWWW!!!) because it wasn't bit enough to set off the alarm. So strange....

Baby R - 29 weeks

29 weeks...for real??!!!???
Scott tells me I look cute these days even though I am feeling the far from it. Well, I do have to admit that this little Baby R bump is sort of cute.

Sleep is a thing of the past.

And, the end of massage is coming faster than I expected. I have been getting my Fertility Awareness classes together and have taught one class so far. I have three more lined up before the baby arrives...possibly more.

We are looking forward to a trip to Arkansas for Easter to celebrate my grandparents wedding anniversary a little bit early. They have their 60th in August, but it was easier to get everyone together this coming weekend. It will be fun cousin and family.

My brother, Nathan, turned 18 a couple of weeks ago! I can't believe that he is getting so old. I was just shy of 12 when he was born. I remember so clearly waking up and my parents being gone and my aunt telling us that they had gone the hospital in night and we had a new baby brother. Then, at breakfast, Dad told us he had red hair! That didn't last long, but it was kind of shocking since we were siblings of blond thus far. My parents were here in Texas visiting and helping us with our floor so they didn't get to celebrate his birthday with him. We will have a belated celebration for him when we get to Arkansas.

I just have to brag on my husband (and dad) once again. Several people have come to the house and just marveled at the floor. They think it looks so professionally done and they all are shocked when I tell them it isn't real wood. One of my clients yesterday told Scott he is in the wrong profession. As much as he loves home improvement, it is a bit to much on his knees and body to be doing it for a living. But, I am so thankful that he is able to fix up our home and we don't have to hire it done (well, other than the major plumbing...ugh).

the fabulous new floor

Remember the before?

They got hung up on fixing the door first because it was leaking water.

Then they started laying the floor.

Scott laying the last piece.

Working on the finishing touches. I thought I had taken a picture of the whole kitchen, but you get the idea.


And, finally, a 26 week pic (yes, I am two weeks off). But life has been going and going and going.

updates and Baby R - 28 weeks

I am just going to blog and update with pictures later....

Sorry for the weeks it has been since my last post.

I have been starting a birth network, getting things done around the house, working a lot, preparing to teach a Fertility Awareness class, and nesting.

So, here's what's new.

We have a beautiful new floor in our kitchen and hall! (pics to come) Thanks to my dad and husband who worked very hard to get it down while Mom and I did fun things like register for the Baby R. My clients are coming over and are amazed at how wonderful it looks and even more amazed that my family did it. It is laminate wood, but it could definitely pass as a wood floor. It is just so pretty. We feel like we are in a whole new house. Scott is doing the finishing touches with the baseboards and transition pieces as he has time. I like the fact that he gets a bit anal about new things. He has been sweeping the floor constantly...hey, I can't complain.

Yesterday I had an appointments with the midwives. Everything checked out ok...

28 WEEKS - WOW, I can't hardly believe it!
Baby R Stats: Size of a cabbage and about 2 1/2 lbs
Iron Test: Passed
Weight Gain: 21 lbs. (ugh)
Baby R's Heartbeat: 150 bpm
Blood Pressure: 122/62 (I guess my house being under construction for 2 months hasn't made my blood pressure soar)
Position of Baby R: believed to be head down and way in my pelvis. No wonder I feel so much pressure.
Mommy R: was reassured that they will do everything they can to prevent tearing during the birth. (one of my biggest worries)
Pregnancy Glows: love to feel the movement, baby likes music and when daddy reads stories at night. It is funny and very sweet how the baby will be still and Scott starts reading and telling stories, baby starts moving around. I still have good energy, although I can feel myself starting to slow just a bit.
Pregnancy Woes: heartburn, lack of sleep, stretch marks

I headed to my chiropractor after my appointment for my weekly adjustment. Thank goodness for Dr. Rachel! I feel like a different person after seeing her. My hips feel so good and she does a technique to release my round ligaments that give me so much trouble. She told me that she had read that women who receive regular chiropractic during their pregnancy have babies who are able to track voices and see people more clearly right after birth because the mother getting adjustments helps with neurological development for baby. This usually doesn't happen for several weeks after the baby is born. I plan to have her come just after the birth to adjust Baby R. Awesome!

I know you want belly pics and home improvement pics....I will get them out asap!

the house and Baby R - 25 weeks

Yesterday Scott came home mid-morning between work to find me scrubbing the kitchen cabinet doors. He said "what has gotten into you?" I told him that cleaning is the only thing I have control over in my house right now. We have so many projects. Note to self (or more to husband): One project at a time is less overwhelming!

I have had a least two emotional break-downs per week. Monday night I spent 10 minutes laying in bed before I fell asleep explaining to Baby R why Mommy has been crying so much. House Projects + Pregnancy Hormones = Not something you want to witness! Scott has been giving me lots of hugs though.

Scott has been making a big ruckus in the kitchen and down the hall taking up the tile floor. We are putting down wood. My parents are coming to help us next weekend. THANK YOU in advance!!!

This is the room I hope to have in somewhat order in the next week before my parents come so they have somewhere to sleep.

Baby R, this is your room...to be. I promise it will look very cute and be a cozy place by the time you arrive.

And, if all of that wasn't enough, Scott decided to take on the project of taking down the popcorn ceiling in the kitchen and down the hall. This all came about because he was taking out three spotlights in the kitchen that were awkwardly and randomly placed. The ceiling came off so easily so his thought was "I'll just take it all down." What can I say? The guy will fix anything that is broken or not "just right". I guess I should be thankful for such a handy hubby.

Only prayer and a lot of patience is going to get me through this renovation process. We HAVE to be done before Baby R, that is all I ask.

AND....

Baby is 25 weeks this week.

I am convinced the child has monkey arms and legs - practicing boxing or jump shots or something like that.

The appointment with my midwives went well this week. Although, it seems that I am not eating enough protein. I have to keep a food diary and looking for protein sources in anything else but meat.

Since Baby R is past 20 weeks, we are listening to the heartbeat through a fetascope now. I just don't know how the baby is affected by the doppler.

I've gained 18 pounds so far. My blood pressure and pulse are good. No more blood work until next visit when they I take an iron test at 28 weeks.

And, despite some pleads for gender, Baby R is still an "it". I haven't had a sonogram since 12 weeks when I was having bleeding and felt it best to check on what was going on. But, we aren't planning another sonogram. If we can wait, so can you! :)

This is also the time to do the glucose testing, but thankfully I can decline that test and the midwives are supportive of my decision.

Childbirth classes start on Friday. They are Friday nights for 12 weeks. I am so excited to start. Scott on the other hand....He'll adjust. Men just don't get into these things like we do.

And, finally, I am currently trying to locate a birthing tub. This is tricky because they can be $200 to rent and I would feel bad if I didn't utilize it like I am thinking in my head that I want to.