Life update/ Baby #2

I loved the couple of years I spent blogging about my time during pregnancy and the first year of Carter's life. This past year I just haven't had time. Now that I am over halfway with our 2nd pregnancy (Surprise!), I'd really love to spend an hour each month writing about this pregnancy/birth/and new life that will be arriving around Thanksgiving! This baby is so precious and I want to remember just like I am able to look back and remember with Carter man!

I miss writing and the joy that it brings me, but with deployment (that Nick's been home almost a year from) and just being Mommy, I spent my quiet moments resting or catching up on things around the house. We recently bought a house, I worked on my Etsy shop a lot the past year, and now I am working on growing a human. That about sums up my life since last July!

Carter is almost two! He is my most precious gift. The bond of a boy and a mama can not be written on paper. I feel it takes away from the greatness of that relationship. There is so much that we have experienced together. The one that makes you Mommy.... you just can't put those feelings into words.

So, here we go with a new addition to our family! Nick and I were so happy to announce and we can't wait to see our first baby become a big brother!

39 Week Bumpdate

(39 weeks)

How far along?

39 weeks and 4 days!

Baby size?

A watermelon

Cravings?

Banana Pudding might be happening this weekend.

Aversions?

I wish.

Symptoms?

Im due on Sunday. I have them all. Though I have felt better this week than I have 36-38. My body knows its at the finish line.

This past weekend I had a little swelling in my ankles but it hasn't been back. I was kinda hoping it was a sign of labor! I take my ring off at night time just to be safe.

Mood? 

I haven't been crying. I feel like Ive had a pretty good attitude besides just ready to be done. Im soaking in all his little kicks because I know I will miss them. 

Looking forward to?

40 week (and 2 days) appointment on Tuesday. Its so exciting to not know when Carter will arrive! I have until September 4 to be surprised. I know it'll be any day now. I'm actually a little bored because nesting has come and gone and Ive gotten everything ready. Bags are waiting and food is in the freeze.

What's new?

I was 2 cm dilated last Tuesday at 38 weeks. We didn't check this week at the appointment, but he still hasn't dropped. Ive been walking a lot and doing all the cliche natural induction exercises I can. I have an exercise ball at home so I watch tv on that. Nick uses it as a foot rest. I'm hoping he will drop by Tuesday just for my minds sake. Tonight Im going to spin class in hopes that it pushes him in the right direction…DOWN. 

Nursery is done! Newborn photographer is booked! Family has all their plane tickets for September!

Nick this week?

Just waiting on Carter. Base is 5 minutes away so he can hop over here at any time. He's ready to be a daddy!

a precious read

Hey there! Im posting an actual non bump date, surprise! But it is all about pregnancy.

I feel like in the military its either really easy or really hard to make friends. And it really does depend on how involved you get in your community AND military community.

 I met Lauren (yep she blogs!) back in Florida and I really can't explain this friendship. Recently, a lady at church used the term "soul friend" and it clicked. Thats how to describe Lauren! Im not gonna get all pregnant hormonal crying behind this screen on you so I'll leave it at that.

I got two packages from Lauren last week. One was some adorable clothes that Eli, her new sweet precious perfect baby boy, has already grown out of. I almost cried just thinking of that. He is a little over 2 months and the cutest chunk you've ever seen. Anyways, the second package was a new mommy survival box. It had things you really don't ever dream your friends will send you one day…things that will help ease some pain following delivery if you get my drift (I am going to be so thankful for that box). 

But the best part of this box was 3 sheets of paper. These 3 fully typed sheets had 25 tips for Before Hospital/ After Hospital/ After the First 2-3 Weeks. I laughed and cried and became so excited about what is to come. It has literally been the best thing I have read in years. I felt like we were sitting at my house having a one on one conversation back in Destin, FL. After I read it, I immediately texted her and told her all this and that she HAD to post it to her blog. HAD TO. 

Well, she did!!! I wanted to share these sweet tips that is perfect for a mommy to be or a mom who has 3 kids and needs a little heartwarming read. Please go read these and follow her on bloglovin! You will not be disappointed!

Here are the links!

Twenty-Five Tips for New Moms/ Things I've Learned in Two Months: Part 1

Twenty-Five Tips For New Moms/ Things I've Learned in Two Months: Part 2

36 Week Bumpdate…Light at the end of the tunnel!

Yep, full on blurry bathroom selfie. Sorry, folks. Best I could do! And the belly can definitely look much bigger at different angles.

How far along?

36 weeks (and 5 days whoops)

Baby size?

Toddler…Just kidding. He's a Honeydew.

Cravings?

Sweet everything.

Aversions?

None.

Symptoms?

EVERY SYMPTOM.

  

Ok, the drama queen symptom. Not every symptom. My blood pressure is good. I haven't started swelling. I think Ive said it before but my goal is to where my wedding ring TO delivery. Still fitting fine so we will see!

My back HURTS. But its my mid back. I guess I shouldn't complain seeing as I go to my physical therapy appointment twice a week. It includes massage and chiropractor so yes. I get a massage twice a week. And its totally covered my insurance. 

Do you even realize how much you use your stomach/ core to do daily activites? Mostly getting out of bed. And I do that 3 times a night. I miss being able to sit up without help.

HOT HOT HOT. I am hot all of the time. Our friends let us borrow their portable ac unit to use in our bedroom. Praise Jesus. I don't even care about how much our bill will be at this point. Gimme that sweet air.

Mood? 

So you know when you used to look at your mom crazy when she would be reading some childrens book to you, and she just started crying.

Im that mom.

I cry. A lot. The other day, I asked Nick if he had seen My Dog Skip bc I want him to name our next dog (many years from now) Dink Jenkins... He has not nor does he like the name. Anyways, I go on to tell him about the movie and I get to the end… you know..where Skip has to be helped on the bed….and he just sits there waiting on Willie who is away at college… (Oh my gosh Im literally crying again). Anyways, as I was telling Nick, big ole crocodile tears started and I couldn't even finish. Nick looked scared and so confused. 

Also, don't watch Sweet Home Alabama during the coon dog cemetery scene. Something about dogs are just making me an emotional wreck. 

Looking forward to?

38 week appointment followed by Mommy Survival Training class. Im also going to do a infant CPR class at the hospital next week.

And of course, Carter's arrival in less than a month! (August 24 is due date)

What's new?

The nursery is almost completely done! I love how it turned out. Just a few last minute touches, but its ready when he is!

I got asked if I needed to skip ahead in front of 3 people at the bank this morning. I declined. I must look like its due date or something.

Im turning heads (not in a "hey girl" way) at the gym during Spin and Muscle Pump. Though Im skipping classes more these days. They probably think Im delivering when Im not there. I am working out until the end though!

Nick this week?

Playing in the ocean. Lots of diving. And we found out he does get leave when Carter arrives. Im soo excited for that bonding time between the 3 of us. 

Some new news that I have adjusted to and now really excited about. We talked and prayed over how we want to handle family and delivery. I always always pictured my mom being there but that was long before I knew Id ever live in CA. Since its so far away and I want Mom to have as much time with me AND Carter, we decided for her to book the flight 2 weeks after my due date. I would hate for her to come before his due date and him not arrive in time for her to have plenty time with him. Plus who knows the emotional roller coaster that I will be days before delivery. Now that I have let it marinate, I am so so excited to experience this time with Nick. Plus Mom will be here later to soak up time with Carter and help me when I need it most. Then the next week Nicks mom will be heading out to see us! I am so ready for them ALL to be out here. Life definitely does not go as you plan, but Ive learned flexibility and that God has good plans for this. I can't wait to see how it unfolds. Its going to be so so sweet and Im gonna cry just thinking about those first moments. So far, no induction date unless he goes 2 weeks over (which Im so happy about, hoping to stay away from it all together) and he will come when God says so! I just keep reminding myself that God already knows the exact second he will be here. I love that! Now to just stay as comfortable as possible (thank you twice a week massages) and sleep as much as I can. Im a rockstar napper right now.

So I guess jabber jaw is another symptom today, huh?

showers showers everywhere!

While I was in Mississippi, I had 3 wonderful baby showers! I was able to catch up with so many ladies and I was so thankful for that. Carter has been shown so much love already! I can't wait to bring him to Mississippi during Christmas! Since I have so many photos, thats what this post will be…Photos! 

The first one was hosted by my friends Kayla, Kelsey and Christen! These are the best quality pictures because of my friend Nicole that took my maternity photos (GO LOOK HERE!). It was such a sweet time with good food and friends!

My second shower was hosted by my aunt at her house! Some sweet ladies from my hometown joined us and we just had the best time! I received lots of Feltman outfits! My favorite!

 The last shower was in Tunica, MS (where Nick went to high school), hosted by a sweet family friend, Laura and the Tunica Lifepoint church group. Somehow I drove away from the shower without a picture with any of them! I LOVE me some Tunica bridal and baby showers. There is something so warm and traditional about Tunica, MS ladies. Its just too hard to describe.

my maternity shoot

While I was back in Mississippi visiting friends and family, I had the opportunity to have my sweet friend, Nicole, take my maternity pictures. I am so so so pleased with them! It was a HOT day in June, but we powered through it and got some great photos that I will be able to keep forever. Something about the first pregnancy. This has been one of the sweetest times in my life. Even though pregnancy is starting to get a little uncomfortable and draining, I really do love being pregnant. It's been an easy one I'd say. Almost 6 weeks (more or less) until Carter is here and our world is ROCKED!

 I was so excited to have my friend, Kayla, come along for the session. We three had so much fun together. Lots of laughs and lots of memories.. We started out at Nicole's house and chatted for a bit before we got started. We began the shoot with some bare belly shots… Sorry to disappoint ;) ... Those won't be on any post even though they were some of my favorites.. Probably my all time favorite was a silhouette in front of a (closed!) window. It completely shows off your baby bump in the best way! If you've been on Pinterest before, Im sure you know exactly what Im talking about.

We then loaded up Rosie and headed to Southern Roots Nursery just down the road. Its the quaintest little spot you can find around Hernando, MS! I was so thrilled they let us shoot there! Photos galore coming your way!

After our nursery pictures, we headed back near Nicole's house to a path that she knew about. These are my favorite backgrounds. The sun hit perfectly and it was beautiful over there!

So I know Nicole and her husband Tyler are focusing on video right now, but this girl has major talent in the photography category!! Please go visit her personal blog and their business blog, 314 Productions (that is their Facebook page)! Thank you, Nicole, for capturing such a precious time in our life! You were amazing!!

Next stop, newborn pictures. If you can't tell… I love pictures!

Victoria