Like Christmas Eve, But Only Better

Well friends, we've reached the end!  I cannot believe how excited, anxious and nervous I am.  This is my last night at home before we head to the hospital tomorrow and the anticipation is enough to keep me awake all night tonight.  The hospital bag is packed and all we do now is wait.  We are over the moon to meet our sweet baby girl Avery.  

I can't wait to see her sweet face and to count all of her fingers and toes.  I am so overwhelmed by joy to see my husband hold his daughter for the first time.  The thought of it brings tears to my eyes. The pain and agony of the labor process will be worth bringing my sweet angel into the world.  I am so proud to be able to be her mom!  God chose us to be her parents and Avery to be our daughter.  It's the most precious gift we could ever be given.  

Thank you for your prayers for our family!  We will be admitted at 5 pm tomorrow evening after the lung maturity results.  We are confident, along with our doctors, that she will be ready to enter this beautiful world on Thursday.  So like I said, it's just like the anticipation on Christmas Eve, but only better.  

38 Weeks and We Have a Baby Date...

**In lieu of the "weekly" baby post, here is what is really going on!  

We had a weekly checkup yesterday with a growth/fluid ultrasound and now officially have a date that baby will (hopefully) be here!  If all goes as planned, Avery's birthday will be October 27, 2011.  I can hardly contain myself. 

Our ultrasound was confirmed that we are having a baby on the larger size, so my specialist suggested a lung maturity amnio to confirm lung development.  I have done a lot of research on the matter and the only major risk is that I go into labor, which is going to happen anyways!  The specialist said that this is a routine procedure that he performs all the time.  He's even offered to let Justin do it...just kidding here but those were words straight out of his mouth.  He knows how to keep the humor in sweaty situations.  So, please no "amnio" horror stories of a friend's, friend's, cousin's sister.  Thanks.

After the amnio we go to L&D for a bit to be monitored to see if it does put me into labor.  If everything looks good we get to go home for the afternoon and wait for the lung results.  I am praying at this point that her lungs are ready and that she is able to make her debut.  If they nice and ready, we go into the hospital at 5 pm for the start of our induction.  They will start the Cervadil that evening and Pitocin in the morning.  We cannot believe how close we are to meeting our baby girl.  

I feel like I am against the clock to get everything finished.  We still need to put up the window treatments, pick up the chair, put together the bookshelf and have some art work hung BUT it's all going to be okay if it's not done (repeat to self 20 times).  The important things are done and for that I am so happy.  She has clothes, diapers, sleepers, wipes and the big stuff.  And for now, I am okay with that.  

This baby will be born before Halloween now, so I am very happy that I purchased a few pumpkin things that she can wear to be festive.  We cannot wait to dress our sweet little pumpkin up for her first Halloween.  

So, there is my baby brain dump.  I feel a bit out of sorts that everything is moving so fast now.  I would like to ask for prayer for a friend if you would please take a moment to lift her up.  A dear friend from church, who I am in the praise band with, lost her mother very unexpectedly this morning.  I cannot imagine such a loss, so I ask you to pray for her and her family.  They are dear Christians and I'm assured her mother is rejoicing in heaven (what a wonderful day that must be), but a sad loss for the family members.  Thank you for keeping her in your prayers!  

Chew Beads

Have you heard of Chew Beads?  I saw them in a local boutique and was so intrigued by these colorful necklaces, made for babies to chew on.  This past weekend a friend received a pair at her baby shower and it convinced me that I will need a pair to wear with Miss Avery, especially when she starts teething.  

Features of Chew Beads (from the Chew Beads website):

• Beads are made of 100% silicone
• Soft on baby gums and teeth
• Clean with dish soap and water (dishwasher safe too)
• No BPA, PVC or other chemicals
• Have a breakaway clasp for added safety
• And there's more on their website

There are two styles of necklaces and several bracelet styles as well.  My favorite is the Jane necklace and I especially like the emerald and grey colors.  Perfect for fall and winter.  Each retails for $29.50.  

Chew Beads in action! 

So what are your thoughts on Chew Beads?  What color/s would you choose?

I'm Loving...

These "Super Moist Low Fat Chocolate Cupcakes with Chocolate Glaze" by Skinnytaste.  Could they look any more delicious?  And under 200 calories each?  I'm sold.  The glaze is optional too which would leave the cupcake a mere 93 calories, but what fun is that?

Fraser Fir candles by Thymes.  This scent will knock-your-socks-off because it smells just like a Christmas tree.  We burn it during the Christmas season and I even put the hanging air fresheners inside of our *cough* fake tree since my hubby doesn't want to pay for a real one.  At least it smells like the real deal.  This scent is awesome y'all.  

These headbands from Casual Cutie on Etsy.  Have you seen baby headbands this cute before?  I purchased the turkey band for Avery to wear on Thanksgiving.  I will kick myself if she comes before Halloween that I didn't buy the whole set.  The gingerbread girl is next on my list.  They're just as cute in real life too!  Check out her shop because everything is precious.  

These flower tables by Pottery Barn Kids.  I purchased the one in white this week to go beside the rocker in the nursery.  It is so sweet and we have her duck Jellycat sitting on the bottom shelf.  We're also really loving duck Jellycat.  Justin helped me pick it out.  I cannot wait until it all comes together.  

Courageous

I want to encourage everyone, if they haven't, to go see the new movie Courageous.  It's from the creators of Fireproof, and even though it doesn't star any big name celebrity, it's worth the trip to the movies.  Courageous was so moving and powerful and Justin and I both thought it gave valuable life lessons, especially for men and fathers.  

I love that the movie is based on men made a courageous effort to lift up their families and become wonderful fathers, loving husbands and all around good Christian examples.  Maybe our world would consider these men "wimpy" but I love how these men stood up for what was right. You will laugh and you will cry.  Okay you will cry a lot.  And don't just wad up a bunch of toilet paper and stick it in your purse like, ahem, some people.  You may walk out of the theater with TP fibers all over your face.  Classy.  Stick with tissues.  

We highly recommend this movie to anyone!  We were also fortunate to get free tickets since J is a "first responder."  Thank you to Noble Warriors for the generous donation!  

Halloween Decorating

It's Fall y'all and I've been busy trying to organize the house and decorate for Halloween before our "big arrival." I finally found the perfect place for my Halloween rag wreath.  You probably remember from this post that I found the cutest rag wreath tutorial via Pinterest.  It's originally came from the Sassy Sanctuary blog so if you'd like the tutorial, please visit Krystal for all the how-to details.  

Here's what  I used:

1 - Wire wreath form from Ben Franklin

2 - Two yards of four different fabrics from Joanne Fabrics (1/2 yard of each)

3 - Wooden letters from Michaels Crafts

4 - Happy Halloween glitter sign, Martha Stewart from Michael's Crafts

To note, I actually only tied the fabric strips on three of the four bands of the wire wreath.  I would have run out of fabric if I covered all of the bands.  I also did not double knot my fabrics like in the original post.   There wouldn't be such long fabric strips on the wreath, they would have been a lot shorter.  

I found the glitter sign and it was originally hanging on our back door.  Then I placed the wreath over top of the sign and thought it looked really cute together so I kept it like this.  It turned out pretty cute, if I do say so myself.  

This week I got real creative and decided to clear off my kitchen shelves (from Ikea) and make them Halloween themed.  Overall I like what I've done but I feel like something is still missing on the bottom shelf.  Perhaps in the middle?  I'd also like to fill the two vases with something fun, like Spanish moss and mini pumpkins, but suggestions are welcome.  

I have a candy dish that my friend Rachel gifted me and it had a blue and white polka dot ribbon woven through the sides.  After a thorough ribbon finding mission I found this plaid at Ben Franklin and wove it through the dish.  It was finished off with mini pumpkins and gourds from a local church pumpkin sale.  Great prices on the minis.  

I bought these wire vases at a yard sale last year at $15 for the pair.  Until this past Friday the inside vase was a sky blue, mostly to coordinate with the window treatments in the kitchen.  On Friday I bought some black spray paint and went to town.  Not only do they look perfect on the shelves now but I'm not sure why I did this last year.  I just love them.  Don't pay any attention to the Garden Ridge tag.  I'm keeping it classy.  

The frames are from Marshalls and are usually in our living room.  I swiped them up and put them on the shelves.  The colors work great.  The wedding pictures inside of them did not.  So, the photos were removed and I replaced them with homemade art.  I have a drawer full of Halloween scrap booking supplies, so I put them to use.  

So there you go, all of my Halloween decorations so far.  I knew if I waited too long to do it all then I wouldn't get it done (especially if the baby comes early).  I'm enjoying the new shelves and wreath and I'm looking forward to changing it all out for Christmas!  

I Live For Tees

When this baby is born, I know that I'll want to buy a few new pieces (perhaps in a few weeks after birth) so that I'll feel comfortable and presentable in my clothes.  This is where tee's come in.  They are forgiving and comfy and if I need to run out of the house I won't feel like a complete slob.  And I don't want to keep wearing my "ruched" side shirts.  Dead giveaway of a preggo top.  I've run across a few options and wanted to share.  

This Perfect Fit Ruffle Henley from J.Crew would be a great everyday piece.  I've decided not to play around too much with colors that just won't look great on me, even though I like the color in general.  It's gotta look good and complementary to a pale, winter complexion.  Great layering piece too.  

Another J.Crew find, the Factory Ruffle V-Neck tee would be great for everyday.  I'm drawn to how neutral the color is.  Perfect to pair with jeans or darker pants.  

Could this not be anymore perfect with jeans and a sweater?  Factory Stripe Tee from J.Crew.  I've found that the Factory items are just as nice quality and usually carry a great deal.  

Ann Taylor Loft Ruffle Henley in Passion Red.  I love Henley's and the overall look of this one.  It appears to be forgiving.  

ATL sure makes it hard to use pictures from their website.  Makes me happy for my little Snipping Tool. It will make your life a lot easier when trying to use a picture from Adobe Flash Player.  Very off subject but necessary when blogging!  

A dressier option, this Catalon tee is from Anthropologie.  I haven't shopped much here because of the prices but I'm starting to believe in the "less is more" philosophy.  Meaning, less pieces in my wardrobe but these pieces will be nicer quality and hopefully last longer.  After getting rid lot a lot of clothes during my pregnancy, I've realized I could part with so many pieces that I need to choose my clothing more wisely.  

Another Anthro tee, this Renewed Folds Pullover seems forgiving and I love the color.  

Other places that I love to shop for tees are Target, Talbots and anywhere else I may find a great tee selection.  For the Fall and Winter I'd love to find choices in gray, gunmetal, plum, deep burgundy and taupe-y hues.  

So tell me ladies, where are your favorite tees from? 

36 Weeks

Pregnancy Highlights

How far along? 36 weeks (I say ninth month from a book I have, The Bump says eighth month)

Size of the baby?  We go for another ultrasound next week but I'd say she's getting closer to seven pounds.  We'll see on Wednesday.  Can't wait to see her sweet face again.  

Maternity Clothes?   This question is getting so redundant.  I have several shirts that still fit and I refuse to buy any more long sleeved shirts.  My wardrobe is quite boring these days.  

Gender?  Girl!  Avery Elizabeth

Movement?  It feels as though she may be slowing down a bit.  She's running out of room in there!  

Sleep?  Awful, awful, awful.  My legs ache all night.  

Cravings?  Dr. Pepper!  I was really bad last week and had a Dr. Pepper and Chickfila chicken sandwich and my blood sugar numbers skyrocketed.  It made me really nervous BUT Dr. Pepper is a miracle worker for, ahem, when it's hard to go to the bathroom.  

Symptoms?  Lots and lots of pressure.  Yesterday my doctor told me that she has dropped very low and it feels like I have a bowling ball in my pelvis.  It's such a strange feeling.  I do have a lot more room up top now so breathing is a bit easier.            

Best Moment of the Week?  Just knowing that we're entering the home stretch.  A girlfriend of mine who was several weeks ahead of me just had her baby this week, so I am the next one to have a baby out of all my preggo friends.  Exciting and nerve wracking at the same time!  

What's Been Going On (Pregnancy Wise)

• The ninth month is killer.  It hit me like a ton of bricks yesterday.  Why I thought months 6,7,8 were rough is beyond me.  This is God's way of getting you ready to embrace labor!  

• I had a prenatal massage at Red Door Salon this morning.  I have been in a half state of semi-sleep since I left.  The masseuse focused on my arms and legs and it was wonderful.  Every pregnant gal needs a good pregnancy rubbin! 

• We walked around the State Fair of VA yesterday for three hours.  Poor Justin carried the camera around and we didn't take one picture.  My priority was not to fall down while walking.  I did eat one piece of pizza and it was the best dag'on thing I've ever put in my mouth.  I'm paying for all of the walking today, as my legs are killing me.  

• My bladder has taken a beating lately.  I was never one to constantly "go" in the beginning or middle of my pregnancy, but now I feel like I go all the time day or night.  

• Also, for some odd reason my hands hurt in the morning.  Like, cannot grab my pillow and move it hurt.  It takes a while to work them out.  And now I sound like I'm 80.  

• Her movements are stronger than ever and I feel a lot of pressure from her moving her back and butt around. 

• Speaking of pressure, I've been having lots of low pressure and menstrual-like cramping over the past week (sometimes it gets very painful).  Does this mean that something could be starting soon?  It's also different from Braxton Hicks contractions.  I had about eight hours on and off on Saturday with those.  All I could do was lay down on my side and drink water.  

• I cry a lot.  For no reason.  The thing that really gets me are Pampers commercials.  And A Baby Story on TLC.  And when I think of J holding our sweet girl for the first time.  And pretty much anything else. 

Minted Holiday Cards

It's that time of year again, time to start thinking about Christmas cards (cue jingle bells)!  I'm thinking about them extra early this year because I want our first Christmas card with Avery to be extra special.  In my mind I wanted to send out separate Christmas cards and birth announcements, but with the timing of her birth it makes more sense to just send out one very special dual purpose card.  

My plan is to have newborn pics taken in the hospital and have a special little Christmas hat or headband for her to wear for several of the pictures.  So, I started looking at Minted's holiday card collection and I am so torn as to which design to choose.  They are even offering 20% off of Holiday cards from now through October 10th.  It's never too early.  I've attached a banner on this post and below my header so you can just click and shop.  Here are some of the cards in the running...

Told you, hard decision!  

I've used Minted before so I can guarantee that their quality is beyond the other invite/announcement companies out there.  We used them for our Save the Dates for our wedding and it was probably the favorite of any cards I've sent out.  If you're a new reader, here's the image I ordered from Minted.  It was perfect!