Brady's Birth Story

Brady Walker Anderson

Born on June 28, 2014

7 lb, 13 oz and 20.5 inches long

This photo was taken shortly after Brady entered the world.

I have been struggling to write this post for the last two weeks. (Maybe it's because I have a newborn that needs most of my attention, who knows.) But, in true mama form I have rallied and made time to capture all of the significant details of the best night of our lives. 

Friday, June 27 was actually a great day.  I hadn't had a single contraction.  For those of you that have followed my pregnancy you know that I had been having Braxton Hicks on and off for almost two weeks. I wasn't at a breaking point yet, but one thing I did know was that I REFUSED to go to the hospital with false labor again.  

Brian left for work around 5 pm.  I was kind lonely and mostly bored so what better way to spend my time but to go shopping.  I hit up the local Old Navy. I decided that nothing in the women's section was going to fit and buying anything maternity this far along was pointless. Sooooo, I left in a worse mood than when I had gotten there. I grabbed a bite to eat (McDonald's cheeseburger and coke: my go-to pregnancy meal) and headed home. (YES! Things are super bumpin' on a Friday night when you are alone and 41 weeks pregnant.)  Around 8 pm Brian's mom and dad insisted on coming over to take the dogs for a walk and check in.  His mom said she had a feeling that I needed someone to stay with me. I told them that I felt great and that they were welcome to stop in, but that I didn't need anyone to stay.  Well this ended up being partially true...

Around 9 pm Brian's parents walked in the door.  At the same exact time I had my first contraction of the day. WHOA! The difference was this contraction was way harder than any other contraction I had had in the past few weeks. In the back of my head I was somewhat excited because this could be it. However, the thought of being sent home again still lingered. I decided to shake it off.  I did ask Brian's mom to stay for a little bit to see if anything else happened.  She camped out on the couch and I headed to our room to time the contractions. Sure enough they began shortly after, but were totally bearable and were at crazy intervals. Nothing regular. 

I came upstairs and showed the timer to Brian's mom. She thought it couldn't hurt to just call the triage nurse and see what her thoughts were.  Because I was already at 4cm at the last doctor's visit we thought maybe, just maybe, they would keep me. I called triage and the nurse said that I didn't sound like I was in active labor, but she would stay on the phone with me for 15 to 20 minutes and we would see if anything progressed.  We chit-chatted about random stuff related to my pregnancy.  About ten minutes in another hard core contraction hit.  I could barely talk to the nurse.  She was great despite my apparent agony! She was so calming and let me just breathe through it without saying a word. Not even a minute later I had another one and then another one.  I could tell the nurse was a bit panicky.  She told me to find my ride and get to Presbyterian Hospital ASAP.  

Instantly I knew there wasn't going to be any laboring at the house. We had to go NOW. I drug my duffle bag upstairs, fell on the floor and told Anne to call Brian because I didn't think I was going to be able to.  Contractions were coming strong and hard every 30 seconds to 1 minute.  She called and it was such a God thing that Brian just so happened to be right near the phone.  I had previously worried about him being somewhere hard to reach in the plant. However, he was taking his dinner break and was easily reached.  He said he would be home in 10 minutes. They were the longest 10 minutes of my life! I literally layed in our foyer with my duffle bag the whole time screaming "When the hell is he going to be home!"     

I am pretty sure I freaked Brian out looking like a possessed woman as he entered the doorway. He grabbed our stuff and we were off.  I don't really remember the 25 minute drive to uptown, Charlotte. The next thing I really do remember is being in triage and the nurse checking me saying that my contractions were super close together, but that I was still only at a 4.  This was around 11:30 pm.  She wanted us to go walk for an hour and come back to see if I had dilated any further.  I was pretty discouraged.  I knew that if I didn't dilate that I would most likely be sent home. I couldn't fathom the idea of being in this much pain for much longer.

The longest walk ever began.  We made the same loop over and over, all the while every 5 minutes I would ask how much longer we had.  Brian was amazing! He was so encouraging and knew exactly how to push me without pissing me off.  It was the perfect balance of coaching and love that I needed. Around  1 am we made our way back to triage.  I was checked and in my opinion I don't think I really dilated at all, but the nurse said I was "just over 4". She called the doctor and was told to admit me. THANK GOD! 

Things moved so quickly after that.  My orders for an epidural were put in and my IV fluid bag was started. By 1:30 am I was officially transferred into the nicest L & D room.  The lights were dimmed and the hallway was super private. We also were alone with just one nurse, Ashley, who was simply amazing.  She was around our age and so personable.  I felt like I was hanging out with a friend. It made the pain a bit more bearable. 

The anesthesiologist had a few other patients before me, but our nurse told us it shouldn't be much longer. This was around 2 am. At this point I asked her when she thought our baby was going to be born.  She said due to us getting the epidural it would probably be around noon later that day. I began to wrap my head around laboring for another 10 hours! 

Finally, around 2:30 am the anesthesiologist showed up.  As he was starting the process my water broke. (Seriously the most disgusting feeling ever!) He asked the nurse if she wanted to check my progress and she said it had only an been hour since I was at 4 cm.  Plus she wanted to wait until I wasn't in pain to check me again. By 3:15 am my epidural had kicked in and I was LOVING it! It was seriously a great epidural.  I could still move my legs and feel the pressure of contractions, but no pain! I was even allowed to have all of the popsicles I wanted! Say WHAAAATTT?!?!        

Around 3:30 am Ashley said she was going to check me.  She was hoping I was at a 6.  I watched her face as she checked and I could instantly see the shock.  She said I was a full 9 cm dilated and the baby's head was right there! Sure enough you could see a head FULL of hair that was perfectly shaped into a mohawk.  She ran off to page the on-call doctor.  Literally minutes later Dr. Belle, another doctor from the practice, came in.  She was so excited and energetic (not to mention she had the coolest Jamaican accent) that it made us that much more excited and energetic.  I felt so empowered in that moment.  She said that she wanted us to do some practice pushes with Ashley and that she would be back in about an hour to deliver our baby! I couldn't believe it. We had been at the hospital for less than 5 hours!

From 4:00 am to 4:30 am we did a couple sets of practice pushes.  Ashley said I was doing great and that she wanted me to rest for about half an hour while we waited on Dr. Belle to return.  The three of us just hung out and talked. She had Brian and I tell her the story of how we met and what brought us to Charlotte during our engagement.  It was the most perfect conversation before bringing our son into the world.  

At 5:00 am Dr. Belle returned and said I was fully dilated, fully effaced and baby boy was a station 1 ready to go.  I pushed for exactly one hour and at 6:07 am Brady Walker entered the world with a little fuss and full head of hair. He was laid directly on my chest for an hour of skin to skin while Ashley cleaned him up and the pediatric nurse did all of the possible assessments.

We were so in love from the moment we laid eyes on him. Not only do I understand more fully the love my parents have for me, but I have somewhat of a better understanding of how much Christ loves us.

We were given alone time with Brady for about 2 hours after delivery.  Both sets of grandparents stopped in to say hi.  Then we were transported to recovery where we spent the next two days welcoming visitors and showing off our little guy. 

                  

     

I know that we have said this quite a few times, but Brian, Brady and I are so extremely grateful for everyone that has loved on us.  We had so many wonderful visitors at the hospital and home.  A HUGE thank you to our best friends Austyn and Paul for the meals they provided.  (I am eating the spaghetti with Austyn's homemade sauce as I type this and it is fantastic.) Also, we can't thank our e-group from church enough.  All of the couples brought over meals and gift cards.  It was so nice to be loved on and taken care of.  This is one of the many reasons we love that group of people! 

Brian and I also want to say thank you to both of our parents.  All four of them were ready and willing to help with whatever we needed and we can't express enough the gratitude we have for them during such a wonderful transition. 

Lastly, to our precious baby boy, Brady.  You have changed our world and we can't thank you enough.  You have been such a sweet tempered boy and have really taken it easy on us.  (Much easier than we anticipated.) We love you to the moon and back. Daddy and Mama can't way to see what amazing things you do with your life! 

1 Week and 4th of July Fun

Brady: 1 Week

Where has the time gone!? This time last week we were experiencing a full on adrenaline rush like no other.  These were the first few hours with our baby boy. I am still working on Brady's birth story and will post soon.  I want to remember and perfectly describe every detail. (... well maybe not EVERY detail, but you mamas know what I mean.) 

Brady has done so well at home and has really made this huge life change pretty easy on Brian and me.  We are in what I call "survival mode" right now.  There is no set schedule/routine right now.  We are taking the first few weeks to get to know Brady's needs, as well as letting him get to know us.  The pattern seems to be eat/change diapers, read a book or swing, and then back to bed for a few hours until I wake him to make him do it all over again. 

Weight: 7 lb. 7oz.

Height: 20.5

Likes: 

Laying on daddy's chest

Getting his hair washed/massaged 

SLEEPING A LOT (on his tummy seems to be his favorite)

Watching mama read to him

His Wubbanub

The swing, but only if the mobile is moving

Dislikes:

Being moved 

Having his photo taken (that comes from his daddy)

Diaper changes

4th of July

Brady's first holiday was full of fun. We spent the first part of the day making one of our new favorite festive desserts, white chocolate dipped strawberries with blue sprinkles. Early afternoon led us to Brian's parents' house for a cook-out. We were able to spend some quality time with Brian's sisters, Lisa and Kristen, as well as our brother in-law, Bob. 

Brady spent most of the day sleeping.  Later that evening we hit Lake Wylie, which was absolute madness. Despite the insane parking we were able to find  a spot and then watch fireworks.  Brady was not amused by all of the sparkly noises. He slept through the entire thing. I am interested to see how he does next year. After the show Brian and I took Brady for his very first trip to our favorite coffee shop, Bagel Boat, for ice cream. I would definitely call his very first holiday a huge success! 

 Happy Independence Day and a huge thank to all the service men and women who serve us and our country.

Welcome Brady!!

Brian and I are so blessed to announce the arrival of Brady Walker Anderson to our family. He made his debut at 6:07 am yesterday morning, June 28, 2014.

He weighed in at 7 lbs. 13 oz. And 20.5 inches long. His head is full of dark wavy hair and he has the most perfect smelling skin! We have had the absolute best experience here at Presbyterian in Charlotte, NC and will be sharing more details soon.

Again, we are so very grateful for all of the gifts, calls, and texts! We couldn't be more blessed by all of our family and friends.

With Love,

Brian, Randi, and Brady

41 Weeks

                 

I contemplated starting a blog after finding out I was pregnant.  I knew that I would be really slack in keeping a baby book since I had tried my hand at scrapbooking in the past and failed miserably.  A blog not only allows me to put pictures and memories together for our family, but it has allowed us to stay in touch with family and friends we don't get to see on a regular basis.  This is definitely a win in my book. 

When initially setting up the blog I didn't put a ton of thought into the domain name.  I am not trying to start a business or become cyberspace famous. I just wanted to document our pregnancy and keep pictures and updates in one place.  So, I nonchalantly chose the name "waiting on baby a".  BOY, OH BOY! I had no clue what that title was truly going to mean nine months (or has it been years) later.  Today marks 41 weeks preggers! This post has a ton of updates so buckle your seat belt... here we go! 

How far along: 41 Weeks... also known as a bazillion days pregnant!

Gender: Better be a boy at this point. I have only said it enough times.

Weight gain: 28 lbs in total at last week's apt. I started at 119 lbs. and weighed in right at 147. That number was kinda hard to see, but I find comfort in knowing that a good chunk of that is going to be coming off of me soon.

Maternity clothes: I did find the energy to dress up a few times here and there this week. I am still loving my Victoria Secret pocket t's. (Which with the semi-annual sale are marked down big time right now!)

Stretch marks: THANK GOD NO! I am still slathering on that Palmer's multiple times a day. I am pretty sure you could have a slip n slide party on my stomach by the end of the day.

Belly button in or out: Flat

Sleep: Decent, but not the best. False labor has really screwed by sleep schedule up lately.

Best moment this week: Spending the day at the lake with the fur babies and hubby. We spent a whole day together and it was just what we needed to unwind.

Worst moment this week: Thinking I was in labor only to find that I am victim to this hellish reality known as prodromal labor. (*See labor update below.)

Miss anything: The feeling of not being pregnant. I can't quite remember what that felt like, but I do know that my clothing fit, body parts didn't stick to other body parts, and I didn't feel like I was about to be admitted to either a nursing home or insane asylum at any given moment.

Movement: Apparently da club opens up from 8 pm to midnight nowadays and Brady gets his mad dance skills on. We are definitely not going to be doing all that when he arrives.

Cravings: Water, water, water.

Queasy or sick: Nope. All infections are officially gone! YAY!

Looking forward to: Birthing this baby!!!!

Labor Update:

Friday started out as a great day! Brian's mom sent me a text that said "Today is a great day for a birthday." I couldn't have agreed more. I just knew it had to be today. She treated me to the BEST pedicure ever. The owner of the shop knew I was overdue and told me that he was going to have the tech give me a pedicure that worked specifically on pressure points that induced labor. So away she went rubbing certain points in my feet and ankles. IT. WAS. AMAZING. 

Before she was done I began to feel light cramping. I was ecstatic. Maybe this was it?! We grabbed lunch and did a little bit of shopping. It was around 2 pm at this point and the cramping was ten times worse. All I wanted to do was go home and lay down. There were no contractions that I could tell, just continuous cramping. By the time I got home Brian was up and getting ready for work. He suggested I call the hospital and just see what they said.  

I got an on-call nurse who asked me two questions. First, how far apart were my contractions? I told her I wasn't sure because I was just having this one big continuous cramp. Her second question was when was the last time I felt the baby move? I couldn't remember. That morning maybe? Definitely the night before. Instead of calmly suggesting that I come down to be monitored, she full on panics and tells me to get to maternal triage immediately! Cue my mini panic attack. I began crying telling Brian I wasn't ready. He basically told me to chill out and that we were going to the hospital. (This is why I love him so!)

At the hospital we were again the only ones in triage so things moved pretty quickly. My nurse was super sweet as she began to monitor me. Sure enough I was having contractions exactly 15 minutes apart. She checked my cervix and I was slightly over a 2. Neither of these were enough to admit me so we were sent home and told to call back when the contractions were 3 to 5 minutes apart. DUH! I already knew this. However, it was reassuring hearing that Brady was super healthy and in a great position.  

As we approached home I just knew that we were going to be having this baby in the next day or so. Grandparents were informed and I settled in to the thought of laboring at home for as long as I could. Brian and I decided he should go to work since there wasn't going to be much action for the next few hours. I enjoyed the alone time to rest and pray and meditate on what was going to be happening soon.  

I had my timer going and by midnight I could actually feel the contractions. They were 10 to 12 minutes apart. By 6 am they were 8 to 9 minutes apart. I started to get confused though. These contractions were getting closer together, but they weren't getting intense like everyone says. I was able to get up, walk around, and eat without problem. Maybe I am one of those lucky ones! Brian finally arrived home from work around 6 the next morning and I told him I still wasn't sure if this was the real deal or not. 

Around 10 am I got up to take a shower and eat something. That is when I began to notice that they were spacing out more to 9-10 minutes. I called the doctor's office around lunch and told the nurse my whole story. She said it sound like I was having prodromal labor.(Click here for more information.) Huh? She informed me that sometimes in rare cases women can go into what seems like legitimate labor for hours, days, and sometimes even weeks. The contractions never get intense enough or close enough to lead to active labor. I was in shock! There was no way I just sat there for 24 hours thinking I was in labor to be told sorry, kiddo, false alarm.

After a mini meltdown I strapped my big girl boots on and got over it, but it definitely opened my eyes up. I have repeatedly told myself I wasn't in control, but the false labor made me experience the inability to manage the situation; therefore, making me realize how out of my hands Brady's birth truly is.

As of today I am week overdue according to my updated due date at 20 weeks and 35 week ultrasounds. (They both confirmed June 14 as my due date). However, I should have taken the advice of my very wise friend and went with the latest possible due date. The date was originally set for June 25 at my initial doctor's apt. My doctor has scheduled me to be induced Tuesday, but there is a good chance it will be cancelled due to the medically necessary inductions ahead of me. If that happens my doctor and I have decided that due to Brady's estimated size that it would be best to be induce no later than July 1st. I thought about choosing to be induced long and hard and it seems like the right thing to do if that time comes. 

We are praying that little man decides to come on his own obviously, but we know that things don't always work that way. We are true believers in the medical profession and modern science. My doctors and nurses have been amazing so far and I trust their medical advice wholeheartedly. However, more importantly Brian and I know that God's provision will be fully present through Brady's entrance into the world. And so it begins... here is to waiting on baby a. He will be here before we all know it!

40 Weeks

40 Weeks: Fully baked and ready to bust

How far along: Officially full term at 40 weeks

Gender: Boy

Weight gain: 26 lbs. It may be a tad more once I go to my next apt. I am hoping Brady decides to make an appearance and I can change this section to weight loss!

Maternity clothes: Ummmmm.... duh. At this point I wish I would have bought more maternity. I survived most of the pregnancy with stretchy t's and Brian's clothes. As you can tell, though, from the stretching seam in my picture (Yikes, sorry shirt!) I am barely making it out with comfortable clothes.

Stretch marks: NOPE! I have heard that they start to appear once baby is born so I am definitely going to keep an eye on that.

Belly button in or out: Flat.

Sleep: I have actually been sleeping awesome lately! The last few nights have been total bliss and I feel super rested when I wake up.

Best moment this week: Father's Day was so special. Even though Brady isn't here yet we had the privilege of celebrating Brian's first Father's day with both of our very own dads.

Worst moment this week: This was by far the week of pregnancy hell for me. See my labor update below.

Miss anything: Breezy weather. I kinda feel like I am walking into a microwave everytime I step outside, but that could be the pregnancy talking.

Movement: Yes, especially in the afternoons/evenings.

Cravings: Nothing in particular. I have been eating lots of sandwiches, salads, and fruits. Trying to keep things light and healthy.

Queasy or sick: Not queasy, but definitely not 100% this past week.

Looking forward to: I know I will regret this, but labor! I am so ready for the real deal and to meet Brady.

Labor Update

As of the last two weeks I have been 2 cm dilated, but very little effacement. I started to clean out my classroom the last week of school and began to feel a lot of pressure. I attributed it to normal pregnancy pain and figured it was just baby boy getting into position. As each day came there was a bit more pain associated with the pressure. Again, I assumed it was normal. I have had such a "textbook" pregnancy and couldn't have asked for an easier 9 months!

Thursday I went to the doctor with the assumption that I was going to blissfully be told I was 10 cm and fully effaced and would simply sneeze the baby out. HA! Right! The doctor informed me that pelvis was fully inflamed and that according to my lab results I was suffering a UTI and bladder infection. WHAT?! What I was feeling was most definitely not normal. Long story short (I will spare you all the gory details) I was given antibiotics that ultimately lead to another infection that was just as uncomfortable. After crying on the phone to my mom, she and my dad (like saints) drove down and stayed with me for the weekend while Brian worked.Once they had to go back on Sunday afternoon my college roommate/bestie drove down and stayed Sunday and Monday night with me!  I seriously don't know what I would have done without all of these amazing people taking care of me.

As of Monday I have finally felt back to my normal preggo self. According to the doctor due to all the swelling the dilation/ thinning process may have been slowed. We will be discussing induction options at Thursday's appointment. We are somewhat hesitant to schedule an induction, but we are willing to listen to the options and make an informed decision. Brian and I know in the end God will have His hand on this delivery no matter how Brady comes. I appreciate all of the calls and texts from friends and family. We are so blessed by you all.

Brady's Nursery

Photo Credit: Kristin Dustman Photography

This room has been one of the most enjoyable ventures we have had in our house.  As mentioned in the  nursery preview many of our home projects consist of labor intensive to-do lists. But, with Brady's room it has been so easy. We have had very little work other than moving furniture and hanging decor.

I had a ton of ideas swarming in my head. Being that we live close to the lake I thought about doing a sailboat theme.  I also loved the idea of keeping a more vintage look.  After looking thru my pinterest board I decided I didn't want to have a set in stone theme.  Rather I want to have a more eclectic mix of precious boy items. 

I started with a collage of pictures above the crib.  I thought I had them just how I wanted in the preview post, but then my sweet friend, Elizabeth, made the most adorable tux picture. (You can see it at the top righthand corner of the bottom picture.) I just had to add it in, along with the anthropology inspired "B" to balance the set out. 

Photo Credits: Kristin Dustman Photography

Sources

Wall Color: Writer's Ink Cup by Glidden

Crib: Jenny Lind (We found ours on Craigslist)

Bedding and Personalized Pillow: Pottery Barn

Assorted Frames: Mostly Goodwill, though a few did come from TJMaxx

Anthropologie Inspired Letter: DIY Project (Tutorial Here)

Glider & Ottomon: Bellini Brand (Another gem we scored on Craigslist though)

Nightstand: Garden Ridge

Curtain: Target

                         

Across the room is Brady's changing table and dresser.  We purchased it off of craigslist. The original plan was to paint it white to match the crib.  Yet, Brian and I discussed it and decided it was a such a great piece the way it was.  He liked the way it looked against the painted walls and I really loved the way the picture frames accented it from across the room. The beam is a special piece.  Brian took one look at my inspiration picture and said he could make one just like it. I think he did a fabulous job and I couldn't be happier with the way the changing area came out!

        

Sources

Changing Table: Bassett Brand ( Again we snagged it on Craigslist)

Compass Knobs: Hobby Lobby

Changing Pad & Cover: Pottery Barn

Brass Tray: Antique Shop

Lamp: Ikea

Wire Baskets: Walmart (They came with canvas inserts that I took out) 

Wooden Mantle: DIY project by the hubs

Lantern & Gum Ball Machine: Antique Store

Baseball Canvas and Teddy: These were both Brian's growing up.

No Sew DIY Flag Banner: Supplies from Hobby Lobby (Tutorial to come)

Rug: Marshalls 

To the right is Brady's reading area.  Originally I was going to purchase a spice rack or multiple long floating shelves for this area.  However, my mom gave me some awesome smaller ones so I went with what I had.  The rowboat is another great piece from Brian's childhood that I am glad we kept. Also, the green toy box was a $5 steal at a local yard sale. I painted it the vibrant green and it is storing all of Brady's one million books!  

Sources

Shelves: Handy-me-downs from Mom

Rowboat: Brian's from his childhood

Toy Chest: Yard Sale

Pillow: Target 

Not pictured is Brady's closet which is stuffed with baby gear, diapers and clothes.  I am hoping to get around to properly organizing it and posting later.  I also purchased an awesome woven basket to house all of his blankets and linens.  I am also planning on using it as a prop for his newborn pictures. 

Alright little man, your room is all ready for you to go and so are we! Can't wait to meet you soon!

Love,

Mama

38 & 39 Weeks

38 weeks and 5 days

I had originally planned on making two separate posts for each week; however, by the time we clicked a 38 week photo I was so close to hitting 39 weeks. Plus at this point in the pregnancy all the days are starting to run together. I swear I have been pregnant for at least 3 years! Ha! 

How far along: 39 weeks tomorrow.

Gender: Baby Boy! Brady is right at 7.5 lbs and 21 inches!

Weight gain: 25 pounds as of Monday. My goal was to stay under 25, but as is life. I have heard that you begin to loose a little here and there right before labor so we will see what happens at this week's check up.

Maternity clothes: If you consider Brian's t-shirts and boxers maternity clothes then yes. I have my same shirts and borrowed pants for the last few days of work. However, anything fitted just seems so uncomfortable. You can see from this week's picture I am over the whole "I am a super cute preggo" idea.

Stretch marks: None still. I am upping the Palmer's body butter from 2x a day to 3-4x a day. Plus, I am making myself drink a TON of water. It is worth it to go to the bathroom 16 times a day if my skin stays in tact.

Belly button in or out: Completely flat. I don't think it will make its way completely out.

Sleep: In between potty breaks it's decent. Work is exhausting as we wrap of the school year. I think staying active and mobile at work has aided in me sleeping harder at night.

Best moment this week: Last week my favorite aunt came in for a visit. We had such a good time! We spend Saturday at Ikea and then spent the evening eating take-out and catching up. I am so glad I was able to spend that one-on-one time with her before the craziness happens. We kicked off this weekend with a night out. Brian has had a few days off so we headed to Belmont with a bunch of my friends last night. We had dinner at a great local restaurant and then grabbed a few beers (I double fisted it with water and cupcakes), and danced to some local bands that played in the center of town. It was such a fun night!

Worst moment this week: WAITING ON BRADY!!!!! It is so hard not knowing when he is going to come. I am such a planner and not being able to circle a date on the calendar has me on pins and needles.

Miss anything: Just keeping up with everyone else. I sometimes feel like I am slow motion. Everyone is moving so fast around me and I am over here all like "where is the automated wheelchairs and expectant mother parking?"

Movement: Lots and lots

Cravings: Water, water, water. I am not sure if it's the heat or my body craving what it needs, but I am thirsty for water all the time.

Queasy or sick: Nope. Thankfully I have kicked the nasty cough I had the past few weeks.

Looking forward to: The last day of school and kicking off what is going to be one of the best summers ever!

Labor Update:

As of my last appointment I was 2 cm dilated! YAY! I know that many women stay that way for weeks and it isn't consider active labor. Yet, it makes me feel like things are happening and that is definitely a step in the right direction. Brady is head down and in position to go. However, I haven't effaced at all (despite all the primrose oil). My doctor said there was no need to scrape my membranes at this point as originally planned. (Scraping membranes... ewwww.)

After last night's outing Brian and I got home around 11 pm and I grabbed a quick bath to help my one swollen foot. (Yep, just the right one. So weird.) Once I got into bed the contractions started. They weren't anything horrible just heavy cramping and tightening, but they were definitely regular. I timed them for over an hour. I really thought this could be it. Yet, just like the last time after about an hour they spaced out more and then eventually stopped all together. 

As frustrating as it may be and as ready as I am to get this show on the road I know that I need to enjoy every last minute with Brian and myself. I need to enjoy being pregnant and I need to be thankful for the wonderful pregnancy I have been able to experience. God has been so good and I must constantly remind myself to count my blessings. Cheers to the weekend and to hopefully meeting our beautiful son soon!