My first party....

BG went to her first party this weekend! She's 11 weeks old now and is so much fun! Here are some pics.....and yes, I know she really has no hair...but I couldn't resist the hair clip.

Here she is with Daddy, he just told her what her curfew was....

This is the birthday girl...Mallory...you can see why Bryson digs her so much!

And here is a group of pics that my brother's wife took of BG recently. Isn't she gorgeous!!! They are beautiful!!!! And yes...I am totally vain!

2nd day of day care...SUCCESS!!!

Mommy made it without a tear!!! Ha! Ms. Nicky said that BG was great and she wished all the babies were like her....(she's just trying to make me feel better). She also told me that BG laughed so much thru her feeding that it took them 45 minutes to get 5 oz. in her! She does that at home too....and I didn't even have to read The Happiest Baby on the Block!

BG is truly a blessing and has been a joy these last few weeks. She's such a happy little girl.

Remember, I had an immense craving for tomatoes while pregnant with BG...check out her outfit below....
Doesn't she look peeved in this pic...its like - Dad, I don't care about this computer stuff....

BG is 10 weeks old!

She's such a happy girl! We took her to day care Monday for a couple of hours. She did well. She'll go again tomorrow.....I can't send her full time just yet...it makes me too sad. But she's doing great!

2nd post of the night...

So I laughed so hard the other night I almost wet my pants....and I cried!!!! We were on the speaker phone with MB, he was traveling home from training after 3 weeks being gone. He yells "OH CRAP!" Mr. B runs to the phone and yells "DADDY?! WHYDOYOU HAFTA CRAP?!" OK, like I said, I almost wet my pants laughing so hard...it was bad...really bad...I'm a horrible mother I know, but I warned most of you. I can't help but laugh! Finally I did ask him if he knew what that meant, and he said no. So I feel a little bit better at this point...

More photos from trip home...

We had fun stopping by Metropolis, Illinois - home of the one and only Man of Steel! We pulled around the corner to see this statue - which Mr. B calls GIANT and screams out COOL!

Not much time left on leave...kinda sad I only have two weeks left. I remember these feelings with Mr. B. It is so hard to feel like you don't have a choice in this decision...money is a necessary evil unfortunately. But I see Mr. B and how well adapted he is to day care and I know BG will be too. I just hate it sometimes-- but deal with it.

Check back soon!!!!

9 weeks old...

BG is 9 weeks old now! I can't believe it. It makes me sad, just to know that so much time has passed so quickly. I'll blink and miss this, I'm afraid. BG is hysterical! She's smiling like crazy. She wakes up with a grin, she looks at nothing and smiles. Her brother makes her laugh by tickling her feet.

Some things I have learned this week:

1. Don't travel with two small kids for 9 hours by yourself.

2. when one of you has to take a bathroom break, you all have to take a bathroom break.

3. Illinois Rest Area's are awesome - they have playgrounds

4. Mommies don't glisten, they sweat!!!!

5. Cracker Barrel makes me happy.

We've just come back from a great trip to my parent's house in St. Louis. We spent some time with my sister too. We took Mr. B to Grant's Farm. I've included some pics below!

Funny story of the road trip: Mr. B's Gagaw (that's Brysonspeak for Grandpa) loaned us the Magellen GPS for the trip -- which was AWESOME! SO as we are driving along, "Maggie" told us to turn left. MB has been working with Mr. B on his directions and he's very good with them....so he says "MOOOOOOOOM! Which way did we just turn?" I told him we turned right. In a most persistant voice, he replies "Mommy, YOU WERE SUPPOSED TO TURN LEFT!" Very funny.

So here is Part 1 of the photos. ENJOY! I'll post more later:

8 weeks are gone...

I can't believe BG is 8 weeks old already. Time has sure flown by. Here are some pictures, since I haven't posted in a while:

I really need to get somenew updates on Mr. B's funny comments. He's not been so hysterically funny...but maybe that's because i can't remember anything other than feeding a baby and changing diapers!! My goodness...that's all I do!! here's some soccer pics...

Just some new pics...

BG is doing great. She's plumping up and looks to me like she's getting bigger. She's on a great schedule with lots of alert-time during the afternoon and early evening. We are getting better at reading her cries/needs... and for the most part, she's a content little kid. Here are some cute pics of her from the past week or so.

Mr. B had his first soccer game on Saturday. We didn't get pics, but got lots of video. They had this huge tunnel for the kids to run through and when they announced his team, I was ready to get some photos of him running in....and he never came through. Turns out he had a little bit of a freak out on the other side. Luckily MB was with him so they walked back to the field together. But Mr. B would play the part of the game because he was scared. But I have some funny video of him and MB on the field together because MB had to get out there with him....remember folks, this is Upwards Soccer - no one cares as long as everyone is having fun!!! ANYWAY! He ended up getting out on the field and having a blast. I don't think he scored any but it was fun to watch. Here's an old photo of him from Easter that I pulled off my cell phone....

Hope you all have a great day! I'll post more soon.

Because we can't leave BG out of the "Game"....

Mattie doesn't want BG to be left out in the cold! Check it out!

NEW VIDEO! Just figured this out!

I'm so excited! I just figured out how to upload a video onto my blog! I hope it works! ENJOY!! Bryson is the one in the blue shirt...and no, he's not mad at the end....it just looks that way.

BG's 1st Bath....

...in a bathtub...she got sponge baths before! She's not been stinky for five weeks people!!! It cracks me up, the first pics we have of her brother in a bath were of him SCREAMING!! She's such a girl. She loves it.
Life is good....

LOL Moment with Mr. B

First the good news...BG is a month old and already weighs 10 lbs and 7 oz!!! She's two lbs and two oz bigger than her first pediatrician appointment after her birth! WOW!!! In just four short weeks she's gained a lot of weight. She's doing great!!!

So Ms. BG gets a little cranky sometimes...the joys of not being able to tell mom and dad what's wrong!! I was trying everything....rocking, bouncing, patting, burping...you name it. Mr. B was sitting close by trying to watch the latest Backyardigans episode, when I plainly stated, " Well Mr. B what are we going to do with your sister?!" He said "Take her back to the hospital." I nearly wet my pants laughing so hard....the love of a brother!

Have a nice day!

I'm ONE month old already!!!

I wish my job was just to lay around and be cute all the time.....doctor update tomorrow!

Our First Soccer Practice

Thought I would share...Mr. B started Soccer today!! I have waited for this day! I love the fact that my kiddo wants to play something, and I am ready to root him on (yes, I'll be the annoying mommy on the sideline!) I am so proud of him already. Check out the pics.....and GO TIGERS!!! OH, and BG is doing great too...she's four weeks old today!!!!

Happy Birthday MB!

Today is MB's 33rd Birthday! We had a Batman birthday (yes, Mr. B picked it out). And mr. B helped with the cake!!! It tasted good!!!!!

BG is 3 weeks old and doing well. She's getting a little fussier, but she's also staying up more during the day. We've all been getting good sleep at night so far! I am so glad. I don't know what I'd do without my sleep. I think I am sleeping more now than while I was pregnant!!!

Here's some cuties of the kids. Mr. B sure loves his sister.....

Everyone have a great day! Thanks for checking in!

WHAT A WEEK!!!

Hi everyone! Things are going much better......just for an update to those who didn't know, I went back into the hospital on Saturday night with a 105.5 degree fever!! Some sort of infection wiped me out completely and I spent a day and a half in the hospital. I am back on the mend. Feeling much better and ready to get myself back to normal. I've lost 30 lbs (only gained 25) and getting my energy back.



Thanks to everyone for the prayers and all who helped out around the house with the babies. I couldn't have gotten through it without you!
On to the stuff you really want to know....

BG is great. she's growing and eating great! I missed her Monday appointment because I was coming home from the hospital, but her Dad and Aunt took her. Dr. "Glub" (as Mr. B calls him) said she was great. She already weighs close to her birth weight at 8 lbs 12 oz. Overall she's an awesome baby.

Mr. B is slowly trying to test out what he can and can't do around her. He loves to help with the paci, but is starting to jam it into her mouth instead of being gentle. He's just testing the waters I know....I took BG to school to drop Mr. B off and all the kids in the class had to crowd around her. Of course Mr. B elbowed his way into the front of the class so that no one would touch his baby. He's very proud of her.

Off to cuddle with a crying baby!!! She's very vocal...especially when her Dad's not around!!! He can cool her down in a second...rascal!! Take care and I will try to be better getting pics and posting here!

A Quiet Moment....

After a pretty rough week...I've had spikes in fever and have pretty much been on my back since Monday....I found a quiet moment while both babies are sleeping. There's no sound in the house except the bird chirping outside my bedroom window...how many more moments like this will I have today??? Not many.

BG is still doing great. She has started sleeping five to six hours at a time at night. What a blessing. She did that several times at first and I thought it was just a fluke...but that is her trend. We feel very blessed because she's a good baby. She's also a grunter and makes these hysterically funny sounds when she moves around and when she eats. I still can't believe how pink and perfect she is.

Her brother, Mr. B, is awesome too. We have a hard time convincing him that he has to go to school in the mornings. He desperately wants to stay home...but he's been pretty agreeable so far.

Gonna try to get some rest before the day starts. Will try to post some new pics soon. Everyone have a great weekend!

4 day update!!!

Hi everyone...We are finally home. We thought we'd be home early yesterday but finally rolled in yesterday evening. So glad to be home!!!!! Mr. B is so excited about his BG. He laughs at her every time she coos or cries.

Mr. B had some GREAT comments at the hospital....he asked me if I am still "fragicle." I loved that!!! At least he understands that mom has to take it easy. He was so excited to take pictures of his sis to school on Tuesday. Apparantly he's a proud big brother.

We had a check up by the pediatrician in the hospital and Mr. B said "Is he hurting her, why is she crying?" Then he proceeded to run straight up to the doc, I thought he was going to wollop his leg!! But he didn't. He had to check her out in the bassinet while the doc was working on her. He turned to me and whispered "mommy, tell her not to be afraid..." So sweet and overprotective already.

I want to add more pictures...I will try to do that soon. My days are full with this little one. So far, she's a great sleeper and a very determined nurser. I finally got a few minutes today to check in.

HAVE A GREAT DAY!!! Also, check her out on the web....Click on the link below and then find WebNursery. You'll find her picture there...I can't get it to pull up right now, but maybe you can....

http://www.ehealthconnection.com/regions/tennessee/

Welcome to the World BG!!!

Well!!! The girl has finally arrived!!!!!! We are so excited. After a short labor/induction...Miss Carleigh Elizabeth is here!!! She was born at 6:16am on July 23rd. She weighed 8 lbs 14 oz (7 oz bigger than her brother) and 21 inches long. She's beautiful.

Because I don't want to think about this tomorrow...

41 Week post from babycenter.com:

How your baby's growing:A bit over 20 inches long, your
baby has continued to grow and may now weigh almost 8 pounds. As cozy as he is,
your baby can't stay inside you forever. For your baby's safety, your
practitioner will talk with you about inducing labor if your baby isn't born in
the next week — earlier if there are any problems. Most practitioners won't let
you wait more than two weeks past your due date to give birth because it puts
you and your baby at increased risk for complications. About 5 to 6 percent of
women have prolonged pregnancies that extend three or more weeks beyond their
estimated due dates. Babies born at 42 weeks and beyond can have dry
parchment-like skin and are often overweight. Waiting that long to deliver also
increases your chance of developing an infection in your uterus that could be
dangerous for your baby or of having a stillbirth. What's more, your labor is
more likely to be prolonged or stalled, both you and your baby have an increased
risk of injury during a vaginal delivery, and you double your chances of needing
a c-section.

Offically 7 days late tomorrow....ugh.

5 days overdue....

OK...so I am now five days overdue and still no sign of baby. Thanks everyone for being so patient with me. I have been really grumpy but the end is near. My doc is going to induce me on Monday, July 23....if she's not here yet. Which looks the case at this point.

Check back soon. Definitely after Monday!

40 weeks...yes, full term...today's the day and still no baby

Yup, you guessed it...she's officially NOT HERE!!! That's all I can say. All we can do is wait. Here's what babycenter.com had to say today:

How your baby's growing:It's hard to say for sure how big your baby will
be, but the average newborn weighs in at a little over 7 pounds and is about 20
inches long. His skull bones are not yet fused, which allows them to overlap a
bit if it's a snug fit through the birth canal during labor. This so-called
"molding" is the reason your baby's noggin may look a little conehead-ish after
birth. Rest assured — it's normal and temporary.

I'll check in tomorrow after my doc appointment. I'm healthy, baby is still moving, but getting really low, I can't imagine she's feeling good right now. Doing fine. Just pray that she comes soon. I knew she wouldn't be early, I can only be so lucky....I am having a girl, so that is where the luck ran out I guess.

Have a great day!!!! Keep your fingers crossed.

4 days left....or more....

OK...so I haven't posted in a couple days because I just can't deal with the reality that NOTHING IS HAPPENING!!!!!! Went to the doctor on Monday, nada...nothing...no change. But I did lose 2 lbs! WHAT?! So, I am just letting you all know that I am still here and nothing has changed and I am so over it. (I promise Dear BG, that I really do love you immensely already, but you are already turning out to be stubborn like your brother! SO GET YOUR LITTLE SELF MOTIVATED!)

Soooo, since I have had no progress and every morning I wake up wanting to cry, I thought I would post some pics here for your viewing pleasure!

Mr. B wasn't sleeping, he was hiding in his sister's bed!

OK...now, some great pics of him at VBS eating an icee....

HOLY COW!!!!! 39 Weeks!

babycenter.com update:

Your baby's waiting to greet the world!
She continues to build a layer of fat to help control her body temperature
after birth, but it's likely she already measures about 20 inches and weighs
a bit over 7 pounds. (Boys tend to be slightly heavier than girls.) The
outer layers of her skin are sloughing off as new skin forms underneath.

Um, yeah...based on personal experience...the first statement is a LOAD OF CRAP!!!!! Last night, I started having contractions...and I don't mean just little pains here and there, but intense contractions that caused me to stop while they were going on. So from 7pm until midnight, I would make little mental notes and talk with MB about them. I was SOOOO hoping they were for real. Unfortunately, we laid down around midnight, after sending Mr. B off with his grandparents, hitting Wally World for some last minute hospital items, ice cream and a good trash magazine, packing our bags completely and running around crazy trying to get everything done so we'd be "ready"-- and they stopped. KAPUT. Just like that. Nothing.

So here I am this Sunday morning, just 7 days prior to my due date (which is just an uneducated guess anyway) with no Mr. B at home, MB is gone to work, wondering....DON'T YOU WANT OUT BG?! Had your chance sister....let's get the next one right!!!!

Doc appointment in the morning, could give us some more good news -- and then again maybe not. Maybe those contractions helped speed things along a bit. Will update with a progress report tomorrow. My Doc will be out of town the 11th and 12th....so that is probably when she will make her debut. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH ALREADY!!!

Y'all have a lovely day! Keep your fingers crossed for a baby sighting!

Happy 4th!!!

Happy Fourth of July everyone!!!! I hope you all enjoy a restful day with fun and fireworks.... we don't have much planned. I don't want to spend the day outdoors doing the normal fourth stuff. I would rather just rest. But we will certainly have fun with Mr. B.

Weekly www.babycenter.com update - 38
weeks - How your baby's growing: Your baby has really plumped up. She weighs
between 6 and 7 1/2 pounds (boys tend to be slightly heavier than girls), and
she's nearly 20 inches long. She has a firm grasp, which you'll soon be able to
test when you hold her hand for the first time! Her organs have matured and are
ready for life outside the womb.Wondering what color your baby's eyes will be?
You may not be able to tell right away. If she's born with brown eyes, they'll
likely stay brown. If she's born with steel gray or dark blue eyes, they may
stay gray or blue or turn green, hazel, or brown by the time she's 9 months old.
That's because a child's irises (the colored part of the eye) may gain more
pigment in the months after she's born, but they won't get "lighter" or more
blue. (Green, hazel, and brown eyes have more pigment than gray or blue
eyes.)

Was hoping to see some progress over night, I ate eggplant parmesan for dinner to see if it might kick start some contractions (old wives tale). Still can't do the spicy foods which is really supposed to help. Walking hasn't done the trick either!!!! I realize that I technically still have 11 days left until my due date...so if the average delivery is around 41 weeks, I am still looking at over two weeks :(!!!

Had a doc appointment on Monday. Have progressed to 2.5 cm dilated, so things are happening. Sometimes I think my doc is just trying to make me feel better.....so he's lying to me. I gained 3 pounds, which puts me back up to about 25 lbs gained. My doc suggested 27 so I am doing ok. I had also just eaten lunch (chinese food) about an hour before my appointment.

Anyway, BG is hanging in there. I am feeling good, only working short days and trying to take it easy. It's working at least to keep me from being totally exhausted. Mr. B is out of school for the holiday the whole week, he spent the day with MB yesterday. They went to his favorite place "chickforlay" and to the "black playground."

BG's nursery is done and GORGEOUS!!!! I don't have pics ready yet to post but I will put them up soon. All the furniture from Mr. B's nursery is in there, but decor and colors are totally different. It is amazing...not too baby girl, will definitely grow with her as she gets older. Mom did a great job!!!!

So, other than sitting here on my butt wondering when baby is coming...we've got our bags packed, baby clothes washed, work stuff settled, etc. It's been a busy nine months...time to enjoy her!!! COME SOON BG!!! WE ARE READY!

HAVE A FANTASTIC HOLIDAY!!! Check back soon for updates.

Can I get an AMEN!

Whoever said no two pregnancies were alike was right on the money. For instance, with Mr. B, I felt great all the time, had no cravings, was barely affected by him making his home in my belly. I was never sick, according to MB I had major pregitude, ate all kinds of spicy foods and even though I gained way toooo much weight, I felt quite lovely!


Now BG comes along and I have been sick, gagging constantly, constantly craved tomatoes, have gained very little weight but feel like I have been beaten by the ugly stick!!! And every ounce of my being aches!!!!!


However, one good thing though that my sister was kind enough to point out is that I have already begun the labor process!!!!!!! I never really dilated or progressed with Mr. B. I was sent in to be induced with the help of cervadil and some 28 hours later, Mr. B made his mark on the world, and his mommy's heart. So after a bit of a freak out session on Thursday, I went to the doc and discovered that I am dilated 2cm already!!!! YEA FOR BG!!! WAY TO BE READY TO GET IT DONE!!!! This makes me very happy. But I must also point out that my sis was dilated at 5cm for several weeks at the end of her second pregnancy....so this doesn't mean she's headed here now. It just means that my body is more ready today than when I went to the hospital with Mr. B. And again.... that makes me very happy.

So on to the Thursday freak out session....I like to think that I was just making sure that my office could handle the pressure if I go into labor here...you know, could they pass the test/trail run!!! AND THEY DID!! And if you know me well, you know I am not the biggest fan of my Thursday club meeting that I won't name here, so it was opportunity to skip out on it AGAIN!!!!...all kidding aside, I was quite worried Thursday morning when I had a continuous sharp pain in my belly on the right side, I decided that I needed to check in with the doc, because this didn't feel normal. Doc decided to see me right away just to be sure that nothing was wrong. Turns out it was probably a contraction. BG's heart rate was around 139, my blood pressure was normal and things look fine. I had a contraction right in the middle of the exam, which I didn't even know I was having!!!

This was all exciting news because my Dad's birthday was coming up on Friday, and there was a full moon (if you believe in that stuff) and no offense to my friends at work....but I am just tired of being there. Really because most everything is done and I feel like I am a lame duck for the next few weeks. Alas, Dad's birthday has passed, the full moon is no more and I am working today (Saturday). Still no baby. I am sure she is perfectly happy snuggled inside there. And if you heard screams from her brother like she does every day, and barking dogs and such, you'd want to stay in where it is safe too.

So before I go, I just want to pay homage to my favorite little boy. I was going through some videos from his birth and into his first year, which I haven't watched much at all. I can't believe the miracle of a child and how it impacts your life. This little being who is so fragile, but yet soaks everything in is amazing. I can't believe he's closer to four than three and is going to be a big brother!!! It is so funny to watch because I am heard in the background, coaxing him to say ball or tractor or truck....and now there are days when I think to myself, does this kid ever shut up?!!! HA HA! I do think think that some days, but he truly cracks me up most of the time. He's got such a wit.



So I thought I would share my sweet boy's first picture. My how the time has flown. What a sweet little guy!!! I can't wait for him to meet his sister!!!!!!!!!! We will keep you posted! Only 2 weeks left! YEA .

3 Weeks left!!! WHOOPEE!!!

Our friends who were due two weeks after us had their baby on Friday....please keep Ryleigh Ann, her mom and dad and brother in your prayers. She's a tiny little thing, only 4lbs and 11oz and is five weeks early. I got some pics of that beautiful little one today and she looks great. She's breathing on her own and it will be a little bit before she comes home. But....welcome to the world little one!!! She and BG will be neck and neck with eachother I imagine. They'll be in school together someday.

Time for the Babycenter.com update...

How your baby's growing: Congratulations! Your pregnancy is now considered full term — meaning your baby is developmentally ready to handle life outside the womb. (Babies born before 37 weeks are pre-term and those born after 42 weeks are post-term.) Your baby probably weighs a little over 6 pounds at this point and measures between 19 and 20 inches, head to heel.Many babies have a full head of hair at birth, with locks from 1/2 inch to 1 1/2 inches long. But don't be surprised if your baby's hair isn't the same color as yours. Dark-haired couples are sometimes thrown for a loop when their children are born blonds or redheads, and fair-haired couples have been surprised by Elvis look-alikes. And then, of course, some babies sport only peach fuzz.

Had my doc appointment today, no change really. Doc says that I am barely 1cm dilated...doesn't mean much at this point. I have gained 1 pound, for a grand total of 25. I'm feeling ok, just trying to get last minute loose ends tied up at work and ready at home. The nursery is almost done. Mr. B thinks its pretty cool and has already tested out the crib. I'll post pics once every detail is in place.

Pray that she stays put this week, doc is out of town until Friday, MB has so much going on. So staying put is a great option!!!! However, my Dad's bday is Friday, June 29 and he seems to think that's a great day to deliver a baby...I must say Dad, I agree!!! Doc will be home that afternoon. So, it could happen!!!!!

Happy Birthday today to my Nenanny (grandfather to you Northerners!) who passed away several years ago. I know he's looking down laughing at all of his grandkids who are now having kids....I'm sure he's thinking we all deserve every 'tude we get from these kiddos!

Husband for rent....

This pic was taken at the Secret City Festival....thought it was very humorous! Mike did a great job with the sound and production for the bands, which included Starship and the Oak Ridge Boys. It was an awesome event.

I PASSED!!!

NO need to worry...I passed my 3 hour test (ok just barely). But I passed!!! YEA!

Latest doc visit...

Am writing with one eye closed...I'M SO TIRED!!!!!

So, Sunday started off the crazy week with the A/C downstairs getting clogged and leaking all throughout one area of the room. YUCK! Lucky for us, we caught it really quick and were able to get things sorted and mopped up. However, now it looks like a bomb went off down there because of all the stuff spread out drying. But we were saved with the floors and several boxes that had little of importance in them soaked up the water.

Monday, I made my 36 week trek to the dr. We had an Ultrasound that turned out to be pretty great! I wasn't expecting much after seeing the incredible images from the 4D machine, but lo and behold, little BG blew us some kisses! It was so cool. Must of been sucking in the amniotic fluid but it looked like she was greeting us with kisses. So cute! So the tech tells us that she is measuring at 6lbs and 13 oz. Now, what that means is....NOTHING! These numbers are never on target. They could be off by 8oz either way. So I don't get my hopes up that she's gonna be right in line with Mr. B. It just shows that she's doing well. Thank goodness.

I took my Glucose test again on Monday. This is a follow up after the 20 something week one. Just I guess to test any last minute changes. I failed....boo hoo. Now, for those of you who don't know about the glucose test visit here: http://www.webmd.com/baby/Oral-Glucose-Tolerance-Test. Thank goodness for my sis, she's here and went with me to my 3hr test today. She failed this with both pregnancies so she talked me through what to expect and went today and cheered me on. Basically, if I failed the 3 hr test today, that means I have gestational diabetes. View this link for more info: http://www.webmd.com/baby/guide/pregnancy-gestational-diabetes Bottom line: this really is no threat to my health after the baby is born and BG should be just fine, just a little bit big. Now, it is an inconvenience, sure...my eating habits must change drastically and I'll have to prick my finger four times a day. But, again, thanks to my sis, I have very little worries as I know that this is manageable...and thank goodness -- I only have a few weeks left. Imagining that you find out in early pregnancy and are required to do this daily for 20 or more weeks. So, just another hurdle to my day. No biggie. And no worries please.

Really, I am about to pass out...going on to bed. Mr. B has been having the time of his life at bible school this week. He's a mess. Thanks for ready all!!!!

36 weeks..less than 30 days to go!!!!

Here's the latest updates!!!
From www.babycenter.com
How your baby's growing: Your baby is still putting on the pounds — about an ounce a day. She now weighs almost 6 pounds and is a little less than 19 inches long. She's shedding most of the downy covering of hair that covered her body as well as the vernix caseosa, the creamy substance that covered and protected her skin during its submersion in amniotic fluid. Your baby swallows both of these substances, along with other secretions, which will stay in her bowels until birth. This blackish mixture, called meconium, will become her first bowel movement.At the end of this week, your baby will be considered full-term. (Babies between 37 and 42 weeks are considered full-term; a baby born before 37 weeks is pre-term and after 42 is post-term.) Most likely she's in a head-down position by now, which is optimal for a smooth delivery, but if she isn't in the next week, your provider may suggest scheduling an "external cephalic version," which is a fancy way of saying she'll try to coax your baby into a head-down position manually, by manipulating her from the outside of your belly. (OUCH)

OK...so I AM READY! I tell ya, so ready to get this baby here. I am pooped. Our big community festival was this weekend, my office handles all the publicity and we were busy busy busy. We are vegging with dad today for Father's Day. Mr. B was sick with a bug on Saturday, he is definitely better now, he's acting like his crazy self again.

My sis is coming in for the week...YEA! Just talked to her and she's about an hour away....I am looking forward to having her here because MB will be out of town. Mr. B also has Vacation Bible School with his friend Logan, so Sis and I will have some time together in the evenings...which will be really nice. We don't get that much.

BG's room is in the process of being painted. It is Cotton Candy pink...I didn't know how hard I would take all this pink!!!! I am not a really girly girl, definitely not high maintenance, so I just always thought I would have boys. I am thrilled to have a girl, don't get me wrong....it is just kind of a shock to me!! I guess every little thing makes it more of a reality...geez!!! Imagine how I will be when she gets here....ok, so that all sounds really weird I know...I can't explain it!!!! Let's just say that all this pink looks like a pepto bismol bottle exploded at our house!

Well off to enjoy the day with MB. Hope you all have a great Father's Day! My doc appointment is tomorrow...we are having our last Ultrasound and first internal exam, both of which will be able to give us some progress on BG. Will let you know!

35 week check in....YEA

So I am getting closer and closer to reaching the summit!!! WOO HOO! I must say I will be glad when this is over. Here is my 35 week www.babycenter.com update:

How your baby's growing: Your baby's getting big. She weighs a tad over 5 pounds and is just over 18 inches long. Because it's so snug in your womb, she isn't likely to be doing somersaults anymore, but the number of times she kicks should remain about the same. Her kidneys are fully developed now, and her liver can process some waste products. Most of her basic physical development is now complete — she'll spend the next few weeks putting on weight.

We had a great weekend....BG's room is cleaned out and ready to paint!!! YEA. Mr. B and I went to a friend's birthday party. He had a blast playing with Olivia. It was great fun, Mr. B loved the water so we went and bought a little blow up pool...its a frog and it has a sprinkle on it. It's cool.

The Secret City Festival is this weekend, I am super busy but ready for it to be over with. I vowed NOT to go on air this year for any promotions, but alas my co-worker NR couldn't go on because she was going to Chattanooga...so, here is a link to the story. http://www.wbir.com/life/programming/local/liveatfive/story.aspx?storyid=46159
In an effort to look LESS pregnant by wearing all black, I made myself look more fat. OH WELL!!! And what the heck is with my hair? It looks like a grease pit! OH, who said the camera adds 10lbs...more like 110!!! I will be GLAD when this kid gets here and I can work this off.

Everyone have a super day!!!!! NOT LONG NOW!!!!

Finally posting...

Yeah, it has been a long while since I posted. I apologize...we are crazy. Our big festival is happening next weekend and by the time I get home at night I am POOPED!!!! So here is a whirlwind update....

Babycenter.com update:
How your baby's growing: Your baby now weighs about 4 3/4 pounds and is probably almost 18 inches long. Her fat layers — which she'll need to regulate her body temperature once she's born — are filling her out, making her rounder. Her central nervous system is still maturing and her lungs are well developed by now. If you've been nervous about going into preterm labor, you'll be happy to know that 99 percent of babies this age can survive outside the womb — and most have no major long-term problems related to prematurity.

I am feeling ok. I went to the doctor on Tuesday and he's ready to talk about induction at a about 39 weeks...but I am a little terrified about it. I guess we will just see how things progress. I thought I was going to have the baby in Wal-mart on Sunday. I had to sit down I was in so much pain.

I've scheduled all of my doc appointments until she gets here. My next one is on June 18th. I'm scheduled for another Gestational Diabetes test and for a final ultrasound. This will give us a good idea about size...

I'm off to hit the sack...other than being exhausted and feeling like the baby has dropped into my pelvis, I'm doing ok. Thanks for looking!!!

Momma's boy...NO DOUBT!!!

So i had to take Mr. B to the doctor with me today. Routine two week checkup, BG's heart rate sounded good, I lost a pound (secret little yea for me!), we talked a little about "the end," usual stuff.

Mr. B behaved well, he took some cars to play with and wanted to look out the window to see what was going on and such. So when it came time to get my blood work done (which I already despise) I groaned a little. I sat Mr. B on a little bench across from me so I could keep an eye on him and prepped him that I needed a shot today. "No mommy, you don't want a shot," he said. " I know, but I have to. I'll be okay," I reassured him.

So as the tech whipped out the syringe with needle on the end, Mr. B gasped, his eyes welling up with huge tears and belted out "WAAAAAAA, I DOOON'T WAAAAANT MY MOOOOOOMMY TO GET A SHOOOOOOOOOOOOT!" (this happened over and over) He cried for a good three minutes with HUGE crocodile tears, I got a good giggle out of it (with a few tears myself). It took much convincing that I was okay. Even when I picked him up he freaked because I sat him in the arm that got the shot (right in the bend of my arm). So I let him touch it to make sure it didn't hurt.

He lucked out and got a lollipop (me too) for his traumatic experience. Hey, it feels good to be loved I tell ya!!!! And I am very happy that I have a momma's boy!!!

32 Weeks...YEA!

I'll start off with something funny...Mr. B used to tattletale A LOT, and we have tried to get him out of it, which has been working. If he isn't bleeding and someone didn't hurt him, then he's not supposed to tell. So today my friend "Marcheen" is in town (we'll get to that in a moment) and he decides to tell on one of us, not sure I remember who. But anyway, he says I'm telling.....Marcheen says "Telling who" and Mr. B says, "No Marcheen, I'm NOT telling Knock Knock jokes!!!!" That was a laugh out loud moment.

So yesterday, my staff decided to have a little surprise shindig to welcome BG and pamper mommy a little. Lo and behold, they tricked me!!!! I have been a big blabber mouth about NOT having a shower this time, since this is our second baby and we have been blessed by so many with Mr. B, we truly have such a great support group. So, as frustrated as my friends may have been, I demanded NO SHOWER!!!! My dear friend Jill who is expecting also, asked me to go see a house with her, and as we were pulling up the road...there in the middle of Nicky's yard was a huge red sign with pink balloons attached that said "It's A Baby Shower" on it! Good job leading the way Jill!!! I must say I was quite shocked to walk into a group of my dear friends, including Marcheen who had flown in from Philly, who were there to "shower" me with love and good company. It was nice to see the girls...thanks to Brooke, Marcheen, Tiff, Anne, Suz, Nicky, Jill and Terri (and Mallory, Ethan and Mr. B) for making my weekend a little brighter! I sure felt loved, and after all was thrilled that they all wanted to take time out of their busy lives to spend a couple hours with me. What a great surprise!!!! THANKS AGAIN!!!!!

32 Weeks - babycenter.com update:

How your baby's growing: By now, your baby probably weighs almost 4 pounds
and is almost 17 inches long, taking up a lot of space in your uterus. She has
tiny toenails now, and her fingernails have grown in, too. Some babies have a
head of hair already; others have only peach fuzz.

Right now, MB and I are cracking up at my lopsided belly as I sit here and type this. She obviously has found a warm spot and decided to stay there. According to the Ultrasound tech, she's head down on the left side of my belly, booty above my bellybutton, feet towards the bladder...which she happens to be pressing on RIGHT NOW! OUCH! But she sits for long periods of time and makes the left side protrude just a little bit farther out from the right.

You know, I must get a little sentimental for a moment. There is one thing I love about pregnancy....I love the fact that she and I are (or Mr. B and I were) in constant awareness of each other. That for a few brief moments, no one else is experiencing what I am with this child in my belly. Selfish?...nah, I think it is absolutely what makes a child/mom bond so strong. After 9 months of knowing that you are "everything" to this little being, it makes you want to live up to so much more once they get here. It is the coolest thing I have ever experienced...and I wish for all of my friends that they will have that opportunity too. AMAZING.

Off to bed....it seems as though things aren't getting any more relaxed, only worse until her due date!!! I think I am working harder than I ever have in my life, but I feel like suddenly I have more purpose than I ever have, and am extremely content with all aspects of my job! It is certainly a nice feeling that I am accomplishing something!

Good night all...my posts may be sparse for the next few weeks, but if something blog worthy happens, you'll be sure to know!!!! Love to each of you!

31 Weeks....

Update from babycenter.com:

How your baby's growing: This week, your baby measures about 16 inches long. She weighs a little over 3 pounds and is headed for a growth spurt. Se can turn her head from side to side, and she's beginning to accumulate a layer of fat underneath her skin in preparation for life as a newborn. As a result, her arms, legs, and body are filling out.

My only response this week: blech. Have a great night!!

New view of BG...

We had a 4D Ultrasound last night and got a great view of BG. It is a new way to get a great look of what your baby is going to look like. I was a little skeptical about this with Mr. B, and I still can't believe that this will be what she looks like, but hey...it was fun to see. She does kind of resemble her brother in these...especially the button nose. And the guy who did it for us had his 10 month old there, and also showed us his pictures from his Ultrasound... WOW! It was uncanny how much he looked like the photo. So who knows, we will see in about 2 months!!!! Check out their website: www.focusedwithin.com.

So the first photo you can see her foot and hand. Her foot is up against her forehead. She was like that for most of the U/S. It just doesn't look very comfortable! Then below her chin is her fist.

Two really cool things -- I could feel her move and see it while the U/S was happening. She streeeeetched really big and you could see her roll her head back. Then you could also see her flick her hand at the Umbilical cord during one point.

Now, I think she's got "NO room in the inn." But the technician went on and on about how much room she had, plus that I must drink a lot of water because of all the fluid that surrounded her...well, hate to say it, but I haven't done very well with the water drinking this time! I must say I am addicted to the caffiene!

She looked very peaceful and like she was playing twister in my belly. She's sitting correctly, head down and is DEFINITELY a girl!!! I won't expose you to the x-rated photos!!! But I feel much better now after seeing them.

I had my 30 week appointment this week.....My doc said I was perfect!! Although I had gained 4.5 lbs in two and 1/2 weeks - YUCK! I wasn't really happy about that, but wasn't surprised. Once MB came back in town after his two weeks away, I was ready to eat anything other than lunchmeat and yogurt!!!!!! Plus I'll say that not all that weight was legit either...because I usually go to my appointments 1st thing in the morning and this was right after lunch, OK, so that is just to make me feel better.

Anyway, things are going fine. I am still finding it hard to get around....just really sore, which is normal. But Mr. B and I are doing great, he's been such a helper and kisses his baby, and asks how she's doing. And doing great in school too...no trouble these days.

Hope everyone is great...Take Care!!!

2nd post of the night...Where babies come from, according to Mr. B

I hope you are all sitting down - I almost peed my pants at the restaurant tonight.....ok, well I almost pee my pants all the time right now, but who cares....This was too good not to share, and I was really afraid I would forget if I didn't write this in the moment.....you know, I really hope you all think this is as funny as I do!!!! I may be just humoring myself here...but I had a good laugh. That's what is important.

Back to the story..... Mr. B is eating fine, finishing off his dinner and his treat of ice cream that KP promised him last night. He stands up in his seat, grimacing and holding his belly...I am in panic mode --"what's wrong, do you have to poop, are you going to be sick," etc.....Mr. B says "My tummy hurts, I have a baby in my belly and it is kicking me," he proceeded to tell us that it was from the ice cream that he was eating...that's how the baby got in his belly...oh, and that is how the baby in mommy's belly got there....right....all the ice cream....right!!!! Well, he does know his mommy loves ice cream.

So did you learn something from this? Babies come from ice cream. For those of you taking other protective measures, don't worry about it...lay off the ice cream.

Oh, and he also made friends with Willy. Willy is the owner of the restaurant we went too. He thought Willy deserved a big hug. Willy was glad.

I am going to bed...hope you enjoyed the laugh!

30 weeks!!! 10 to go...

From www.babycenter.com:
How your baby's growing: Your baby's a bit more than 15 1/2
inches long now, and she weighs almost 3 pounds. A pint and a half of
amniotic fluid surrounds her, but that volume will decrease as she gets
bigger and fills out your uterus. Her eyes open and close, she's able to
distinguish between light and dark, and she can even follow a light source
back and forth. Once she's born, she'll keep her eyes closed for a good part
of the day. When she does open them, she'll respond to changes in light but
will have a visual acuity of only 20/400 — which means she can only make out
objects a few inches from her face. ("Normal" vision in adults is
20/20.)

On to more things....Mr. B is doing well. He's been really happy now that Daddy is home! And continues to be excited about BG too. I continue to amaze myself at how extremely HUGE I am getting...I mean, I KNOW I was huge with Mr. B, but COME ON!!!! This is HUGE huge. I really think this baby is going to be a toddler when she's born. Hmmm, wouldn't that be interesting.

Mr. B decided to do his rounds and give me a check up. He whips my shirt up to expose the huge belly, checks the baby with his stethoscope and sticks his finger in my belly button. I guess he could hear better that way. I asked him "B, what did you find out?" He walks over to the chair, and says, "Mommy, you need a pillow." Sweet thing brings me a pillow and props my head up. He definitely has a career in medicine some day....

My friend KP is in town working. She's in Philly now and it is always great to see her. Mr. B loves her, calls her Marcheen (long story). He's done his best to entertain us all with his antics. We love it!

Anyway, off to dinner. Hope everyone has a great day!!! I have some funny pics to post next time. I will do that soon! TAKE CARE!!!!!! 69 DAYS AND COUNTING!!!!!!!!

I WANT TO BE LIKE MOMMY!!!

Mr. B names his sister...again

So it isn't any surprise that Mr. B has a great imagination!!! I thought tonight that we would talk about "new" names for BG, since Mr. B's pick is Cannon. While I love the name Cannon...for a boy, hardly anyone has ever heard of it for a first name, and MB picked out the name we chose. Anyway, when I asked Mr. B to think of a new name he said "How 'bout Carpet?" Um, ok...so this was a pretty good lead in to Carleigh...which he promptly said no he didn't like. I asked him for his choice again...this time:

"SHEENA!!" As in Queen of the Jungle...



or as in....





Sheena "My Baby Takes the Morning Train" Easton



Um, not sure what he and his Daddy have been watching or listening to in the spare time, but this could be interesting....Needless to say, I told him we'd talk about it. Did I tell you that Mr. B claims he's carrying a boy? Yeah, I know, weird....

I think I laughed louder tonight than I have in a long time...Mr. B was running around with no skivvies after a trip to the potty (I was getting him some pants people...don't worry) and as I rounded the corner, he was hunched down playing with his toys. Up wandered Murphy, one of the two four-legged babies in the house, and did what doggies do...stuck a cold nose right on Mr. B's backside. Mr. B stood straight up, grabbed his bum with both hands and shrieked like a girl! I must say it was quite the site...and Mr. B's reaction priceless!!!!! We both had a good belly laugh after that one!

Mr. B has been sooo wonderful while his Daddy has been away for the last two weeks. I am very proud of him. We've had great school reports, he's behaved at home and out. However, I am sooo ready for MB to get home. I am utterly exhausted. Someone told me today that I looked like I needed a nap!! (Uh, ok, thanks...) But it is true too! I need to crash, I need a maid, I need someone who looks just like me...don't they call those Doppelgangers or something?...who can stand in for me for various speeches and events.

And if one more person comments on the size of burgeoning belly in regards to the amount of time left....75 days to be exact....I just may scream! I AM PREGNANT PEOPLE! MOST OF US DO GET FAT YOU KNOW!!!! LAY OFF...hey, thanks for the vent.

Have a great night...Mr. B is in bed, puppies are pooped and I am hitting the sack. Check back soon!!!!!!