10 on Tuesday

1. Lately, I've been having issues with coming up with 10 random thoughts for this post. So, here I am at the end of the day...to fill you in on what will now be 9 random things I've done today!
2. I tried to post baby shower pictures earlier; but the internet was being extremely slow so that will have to wait for another day.
3. I got my hair cut and colored and it feels so nice! I went a shade darker with the color and I like it! I'm also no longer sporting a forest of eyebrows, they got waxed and look so much better!
4. We had a friend and his son over for dinner. His wife will be gone for a few days and so he's not eating PB&J I cooked for him! We had a great time visiting with him.
5. I think I finished getting Klayton's room cleaned and ready for his arrival!
6. On a random side note...yesterday I had my 37 week check up! I am still dropping and am dialated to half a centimeter! Which I know doesn't matter necessarily, we just don't know how fast or slow I'm going to progress. Klayton also weighs approximately 6 lbs and I tested negative for Group B Strep!
7. I'm trying to be in the habit of going to bed with a clean kitchen...so, I still ned to tend to my kitchen tonight-sad.
8. You know you have put on weight when you sit on a dining room table chair and it breaks! Yep, tonight at dinner I broke a chair...I've had my dining set for 10 years so I guess it's time for it to start biting the dust.
9. It was fun having a baby around tonight! It makes me anxious for my baby to be here! But, I will try to be patient and keep enjoying him in my tummy until he makes his appearance!
10. So, what did you do on your Tuesday?!

The Final Weeks...

It is hard to believe that I am in the final weeks of pregnancy! Wow! Sometimes it feels like my pregnancy dragged on for forever; but then other days it feels like we just announced that I was pregnant yesterday! Nonetheless, I am so excited that God gave me the gift of pregnancy-a baby in MY tummy! There was a time, I never thought I would be able to enjoy this gift of life, that I would only long for and dream for it. Now, I enjoy this gift as he twists, turns, rolls, jabs, kicks….in my belly! What an amazing feeling to know that God is allowing me the privilege to carry this life within and the privilege to raise this child! Klayton is truly an answer to prayer!
As I prepare for child birth, fear is no longer my number one driving factor as I approach it. I admit there is definitely some apprehension-I have never done this before and have no clue what to expect! I’m just ready to get it all over with so I can enjoy the reward at the end-my baby boy! I find it funny though, especially as I draw closer to the time how the opinions of how I should experience my personal labor are being expressed more than ever. My friend Lindsay and I were texting about this yesterday…we decided that the advice is never going to end; but just because we do it one way and another chooses a different way, doesn’t mean either of us are wrong we just have different preferences. I am to the point where, I have my birth plan…discussed it with my doctor…have researched out my ideas and have peace with how I plan to proceed and hope to proceed if everything goes according. Not everyone is going to agree with my choices; but that is okay because at the end of the day…whether I use pain medications or not, if I birth at home or at the hospital, if I use a midwife or a doctor…I still experienced child birth-the miracle of bringing someone into this world!

P.S. I am going to try and post pics of my baby shower; but the internet is being really slow right now, so it may or may not work!

Baby Shower Tomorrow

Well, I must admit I am getting really excited about my baby shower tomorrow! I've been getting nervous pregnancy hormones that no one will show up; but it sounds like I will have a decent turn out!
My parents came into town today! My dad took some maternity pictures of Joseph and I at the Japanese Gardens here in Sioux Falls and then we had dinner together at Johnny Carinos! I will post pictures next week!
Again, I am so excited for my shower and thankful that I am being given a baby shower to help celebrate my Klayton!

Surprise Visit to the Doctor

Apparently, my lil Klayton doesn't like Wal-Mart! We discovered this yesterday as I was already gettin spasms of pelvic pressure before we entered the store. When it kept happening, we decided to call the doctors office from the baby department. They told me if it persists to head to the hospital. Nothing happened for a few minutes, then it happened 3 more times. We left our grocery cart of food and I called maternal and fetal medicine at the hospital to tell them we were on our way. Joseph proceeded to drive us over there like a mad man-which I think put more fear in me than the pelvic pressure.
We got to the clinic and only had to wait a few minutes. I was sent to ultrasound and there we found Klayton was moving around and his heart beat was 134! Klayton now weighs 5 lbs 2 oz, overall he is now in the 43 percentile and his belly is in the 34 percentile-the doctor said he is growing beautifully! And because he's growing so well I no longer have to visit the specialist! After the ultrasound the doctor checked to see if I'm dialated yet because of the pelvic pressure. I am not dialated, however, the pelvic pressure that I was experiencing was Klayton beginning his downward descent and snuggling in. The doctor said it didn't take much for him to feel Klayton's head! The doctor also came across as if he would be surprised if I go past my due date. So, with this new knowledge be sure to vote in my poll!
Oh and did I mention my baby has hair!

10 on Tuesday

1. This past weekend took us to Grand Forks, ND for 2 great meetings! Both churches treated us wonderfully!
2. I must admit I'm thankful that we are done with long distance traveling until November!
3. Tomorrow I will be 35 weeks! Yay! Were getting closer to due date!
4. Saturday is my baby shower! I'm so excited!
5. Every time I visit the mall I have to visit the Nerd gumball machine! I love Nerd gumballs! Well, I'm very happy to have made the discovery that our Walgreens sells packages of Nerd gumballs at their checkout stand!
6. So, I'm taking donations for my day of pampering which I have scheduled for October 5th! Really looking forward to that day and getting maternity pictures taken!
7. Friday I get to have an ultrasound and hoping that Klayton cooperates enough for us to get a 3d ultrasound picture!
8. So, I'm thinking way ahead into the future. I have decided that when I become a mother-in-law that if Klayton's wife decides that she doesn't feel comfortable calling me 'mom' that I want her to call me 'bonus mom'!
9. It's 1 a.m, my husband is out like a light and here I am working on this post wishing I could sleep too. I need my rest, I have lots to accomplish on this day. I hate sleepless nights.
10. Question for all mommies out there that might happen to read my blog...what items for baby would you simply not go without and why? Leave me a comment!

Preggo Friday...Er...Sunday!

Baby Progress:
Your baby continues to grow and develop inside of you. Measuring over 17 inches long, he now weighs over 5lbs! And from this week, until 2 weeks before birth, he will continue to gain about a half pound of weight every week. Unlike the first trimester, the weight between all babies in the third trimester is much more variable. Some babies weigh more and are taller; some babies weigh less and are shorter.
Also unlike the first trimester, by week 34 not much is changing. Your baby continues gaining weight through the development of subcutaneous fat and with that weight, is probably gaining strength in his movements. You may even be startled by a sudden jab to the ribs or be able to see a punch to your belly from the outside!

My Progress:
How far along? 34 weeks as of this past Wednesday!
Total weight gain/loss: +18 lbs.
How much does baby weigh? 2 lbs. 11 oz as of last ultrasound
Symptoms: Swollen ankles, legion, pregnancy brain, no energy, shortness of breath, backaches, nosebleeds, leg cramps.
Maternity clothes? Pretty much everything.
Stretch marks? Their horrible!
Sleep: Not very good.
Best moment this week: hearing his heartbeat, it was 140!
Food cravings: nothing really as of this week!
Food aversions: chicken, sausage, processed onions and green peppers!
Gender: boy! Klayton Matthew!
Labor signs: 1 contraction!
Belly Button - in or out? flattening.
What I miss: Cherry Coke!
What I am looking forward to: ultrasound this Friday!
Milestones: he has flipped to the head down position!

Thursday Update

Sitting here at Dairy Queen, enjoying a hot fudge sundae. We needed to come into town and get on internet so Joseph could email a picture of us for a brochure that will be handed out for a Fall Program that he will be preaching at in a couple of weeks! Yeah, were pretty much famous! haha! Can I just tell you that even though I am just sitting here virtually doing nothing, I am exhausted. Some days I can just be full of so much energy and then other days complete exhaustion-there is no in-between.
We have been doing good. This past weekend my parents spent Friday and Saturday with us! They took us to dinner at Cracker Barrel-my dads favorite restaurant! I think we go there every time they come for a visit! My mom was also such a blessing to us, she took me grocery shopping and now our cupboards are full once again! I am so thankful for that blessing-it really did mean so much to me and Joseph. I guess, you never really stop being parents...always watching out for your kids,even when they are grown.
This past Sunday morning we were in Canton, SD and Joseph had the surprise opportunity to preach! Afterwards, we were able to have lunch with the Pastor, his wife and some friends of ours and really had such a great time! We felt right at home! In fact that is where we will be once again in a couple of weeks so Joseph can kick off their fall program!
The last few days have not been extremely exciting, rather than the fact that we went to the doctor yesterday and heard Klayton's heart beat! It was 138-140! It was a good visit and its hard to believe that from here on out I will be seeing some type of doctor until my baby arrives! Maybe it will help the time to go faster; but probably not because I am getting impatient and anxious to meet my baby boy! But, maybe what will help the time to pass is that this weekend we will be off to Grand Forks for our final 2 meetings on the road until November and the following weekend is my baby shower! There is also many finishing touches to get ready for Klayton's arrival and a few things to do in an effort for final pampering before I go through labor! Joseph is going to let me get my hair cut and colored, brows waxed and pedicure...maybe a manicure too! I can't wait! That though isn't scheduled until October 5th, when we will also be getting maternity pictures done! Fun times ahead!
Happy Weekend!

Can't Imagine

This morning I was looking through the photo album that Joseph gave me the night before our wedding. It has pictures from our courtship, honeymoon and everyday life moments. I love adding pictures to it and look forward to filling the rest of the album. It's crazy to think, when I look back at the days of our courtship I know I tried to envision what our life would be like together, what would life be like for us even now. But, the truth is I'm learning reality is so much better than imagination! The photo album has so many memories that I could never have fully imagined and in just a short time it will include pictures of Joseph, myself and Klayton-the baby boy that I know I can never begin to imagine just how much joy he will bring into my life!

10 on Tuesday

1. This past Saturday I had my 1st contraction. We were at the mall with my parents when, I started to feel my tummy harden accompanied with a side ache. The whole thing lasted around 30 seconds and I was telling a labor/delivery nurse and teacher about it and she confirmed it was definitely a contraction.
2. Tomorrow I will be 34 weeks and from here on out I will be seeing either my regular doctor or the specialist each week until my baby boy arrives!
3. I have been really unhappy with my dryer lately. It takes forever for things to dry and yesterday after having to restart the dryer for the 5th time, it suddenly dawned on me-I have never cleaned my lint trap since we've lived here! I was shocked that I never thought to do this. There was enough lint in the trap that I could have made a sweater! Needless to say, the next load was dry after the 1st try!
4. This past weekend my parents came for a visit and we had a great time!
5. I entered a drawing this week with JcPenney Portrait Studio and was a runner up! So, that means I won a free enhanced 10x13 and sitting fee. I have to do it before the end of October and I think Joseph and I will use it and get a nice maternity picture done! They also have the ability to save the session so when Klayton comes we could have pictures done again and use the maternity pictures as part of a collage! So fun!
6. Fall is definitely in the air and it is such a welcome change for me! I set out all my fall candles and some leaf garland this past weekend! Now I'm just eyeing some fall candles that I'm hoping Bath and Body Works would decide to donate to me! Haha!
7. My dinner menu tonight, chicken parmesean and broccoli! Joseph loves this meal and usually only gets it when we go out to eat...hopefully mine will be acceptable!
8. Friday night were having friends over for homemade pizza! It's been ages since we've had company for dinner and this may be it for a little while...
9. Saturday we head to Grand Forks for 2 meetings-our last trip before travel is off limits for me.
10. Tonight will find me organizing 2 kitchen cupboards and catching up on my pregnancy scrapbook! Happy Tuesday!

Before Baby Resolutions

So, I must admit I never make a New Years Resolution! Sometimes I muse aloud about what I would like to do that year; but it's usually just a waste of breath! But, here I am approaching the arrival of my baby boy and realizing I need to get with the program-my life is about to change! I'm very excited about this change in our lives! But, here are some habits I would like to create before Klayton arrives and have in my life when he is here:
1. Clean dishes/kitchen every night before bed.
2. A clean living room before bed each night.
3. Stay on top of my laundry.
4. Be current with my scrapbooking or at least my memory journal so I remember things accurately when I do scrapbook!
Okay, I seriously thought there was more than 4 things on my list; but I'm apparently at a loss of thought. Nonetheless, those are still things I want to establish as habits in my life! Hats off to good habits!

Next Month

Hello September! Now that you are here, I can now tell people that my baby boy is coming next month! Saying next month, makes me feel as if it's not forever away, because it really isn't anymore! So, the day of my Klayton to enter the world is soon approaching and that means it's time to tackle his room and get it ready for him! Now, when the 1st of October arrives I will be saying more than a simple hello...