Birth Predictions

Now that we are in the home stretch we have started making our predictions on Jackson's arrival. Here are our thoughts:

Danielle:

Jackson's birthday: Originally I was thinking September 12th but recently I have started thinking he will come in August- August 22nd.

How long will labor take? 8 hours in the hospital

How long will it take Danielle to get an epidural? 7 cm

Time of birth? 7am

Weight of baby? 8 pounds 9 oz

Length of baby? 22 inches

Jamie:

Jackson's birthday: August 30th. He is convinced he is coming in August.

How long will labor take? 8 hours in the hospital

How long will it take Danielle to get an epidural? First he said 8cm then he said 4.. he's not sure

Time of birth? 2:30pm

Weight of baby? 7 and 1/2 pounds

Length of baby? 18 inches

Time will tell who was right!

30 weeks~7 and 1/2 months!

Baby Loves Daddy!!
Size of cabbage~approximately 3 pounds
*George Mason T-shirt and my FSU shorts still fit :)

How far along? 30 weeks

Total weight gain:

21 pounds total

Maternity clothes? 

Mostly maternity. My regular t-shirts are getting very short! See above.

Stretch marks? 

Nope just nice blue veins on my belly

Sleep: 

So much better! I haven’t had any leg cramps this week. I am having nightmares now and not about the baby or labor. Sunday night I dreamt that something bad happened to Oscar :( 

Best moment this week: 

Having a great doctor’s appointment! Working on the room! I would say we are over half way done. 

Miss Anything? 

Being able to get my to do list done in one day without getting really tired and swelling up like a balloon. Friday I about threw a fit because my body will just not let me do everything I want it to. I swear Saturday morning I was watching my fingers and feet swell by the minute.

Movement: 

This will never get old! He was very distracting during church doing gymnastics in there. Saturday night I felt a foot pressed against my belly, when I told Jamie to feel it Jackson gave a huge kick right at him! Jamie was like WHOAH! 

Food cravings: 

Sugar cookies with strawberry icing. Devil cookies. 

Anything making you queasy or sick: 

Meat

Gender: 

BOY!

Labor Signs:

Nope. Possible Braxton Hicks but I'm still not 100% sure. The doctor explained what I'm looking for so I'll start paying more attention.

Symptoms: 

Physically tired, swelling in my shin and ankle, swelling in my hands. My legs are getting very tired. I have figured out if I do go for a walk anyway they seem to feel better. I am propping them up as much as possible.

Belly Button in or out? 

It’s mostly out. The bottom part is still in which is so weird because that is where Jackson hangs out. I really don’t mind it though.

Wedding rings on or off? 

Off. My fake ring has been getting several comments! hahah 

Happy or Moody most of the time: 

Oh boy I spoke to soon last week. The hormones are back! I am EMOTIONAL. Apparently at 30 weeks you are going through a surge of hormones again so the books tell me. I have really enjoyed running in the strangers who are pregnant and talking with them. I met a woman due right after me, married to a Jamie, and having a boy. 

Looking forward to: 

The next ultrasound! Lets see how big he is! 

Workout:

4 days even threw in the elliptical only because it was RAINING again. 

Reading:

Finally finished the Breastfeeding Book. 

Furry Babies:

Loving every second they get to spend in the baby’s room. One of them has to attempt sleeping in the crib at all times. Stella has been a little lover this week. She attempted to sleep on my belly a few times but couldn’t get comfortable.  I wonder why?!

To dos:

Let’s see I cleaned the couch ( I mean with soap and water) and all the vents... Nesting much?! I need to: organize diapering station for the top of the changing table. Finish the decorations for the room. Pack hospital bag. Find a pediatrician. Have 2nd baby shower.. it keeps going. Possibly hire a doula. 

Worries:

None! We find out how big he is in three weeks!! And the doctor says he has six more weeks before he needs to turn. The cramping is fine as long as my uterus isn’t tightening. 

10 more weeks!!

7 more weeks until he is full term!!

6 weeks left hanging out horizontal mr. jackson then it's time to turn.

3 weeks until the next/last ultrasound!

3 weeks until the baby shower!

Project Nursery 1

Picture 1: Love at first sight picture~ made by me

Picture 2: Whale Mobile

Picture 3: One wall finished! You can barely see the starfish but they are there

Picture 4: Second wall finished! The crib is complete! Dust ruffle on~Made by my mom~ It matches perfect!

Picture 5: Not done at all. We still have to remove the bottom shelf and then move the top one down a notch. Putting the changing pad on. Get a diaper organizer- where the basket is now. Maybe put some decorations on top of the hutch. 

Picture 6: I have idea for the top shelf but I'm still working on it. The big shelf the Neptune Beach picture needs to be framed. I'll take a close up picture when it's finished. We have little car with a surf board on top- so cute! Maybe something else to go on the other side. And we need a lamp for the side table. 

Progress!! Obviously a lot will change over the next couple of weeks but it's getting there. And I swear the wall color is a slight off white not the yellowish shade it shows up in these pictures. 

Jackson's Closet

The closet!

As you can see Jackson's closet isn't full of all his goodies but here is what we have so far. The pictures are from Jamie's nursery! Since they didn't match the nautical theme I thought they would be cute in the closet. I also found on Pinterest a great way to organize baby clothes- the door hangers. They are organized by newborn, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and a year. This was a great idea because looking in the tiny weenie clothes for the size has already gotten annoying so this perfect! The last picture is his laundry basket. It needs some clothes in to make it sit up right but I'm sure it will soon! This was such a cute bag and way cheaper than a wicker basket.

Observations: way too many BLUE clothes and I have nothing for 9 months or a year! And he has only two pair of shoes.

Next: Project Nursery. My super helpful and patient Dad and Husband are currently running around finding the right tools. Jamie is going to be a pro at hanging stuff after all of this! Good thing my dad is close to help us!!!!!! And my mom was so kind to go shopping for all the decorations this morning at the beach shops. I would say the ladies got the great end of the stick! Shopping, lunch, frozen yogurt (we were so happy today that we live close enough to do these things). I better buy the boys some beers!

Happy Father's Day! And trip to Fairhope!

No I didn't forget Father's Day, we actually celebrated it a week early because we knew we were going to be out of town on Father's Day. Jamie got his present 2 weeks early because I am terrible at keeping presents. He got the buck hunter game he REALLY wanted for the xbox. And he was surprised about it too!! For Father's Day we had my parents over for some BBQ. I only took one picture (I wasn't feeling very good that day).

BBQ was in the crock pot on some yummy buns, cole slaw, potato salad, salad, and some dip for appetizers. We had strawberry and cream cheese cupcakes for dessert. And I was so nice to buy some fun beer too! And because it was father's day the boys had to do some handy things like fix my car and attach the hutch to the dresser in the baby's room :) And I'm pretty sure my dad taught Jamie how to change a tire. Very handy handsome men if I don't say so myself :)

And for actually Father's Day we spent the weekend visiting my brother and his wife in Fairhope Alabama. I had never been to the state of Alabama before! On Friday we took a walk on the bay.

I love this house!

Or this one :)

Awesome docks

Dinner on the water

At dinner

Check out this house. Looks like it's straight from Dr. Seuss

Saturday we walked around Fairhope and checked out all the really cute shops! We bought Jackson some cute shoes, Jamie got a pair of shorts, and we got an ornament for our tree (we buy one everywhere we go so we can remember our trips). We went to the pier...

On the pier

My brother and Laura

Touring the museum.. :)

Old firetruck

Sunday we drove around Mobile and then headed back. It was a great trip!

29 Weeks

Size of an acorn squash..who knows what that is?!

How far along? 29 weeks

Total weight gain:

 17+ I’ll find out next week

Maternity clothes? 

Mostly maternity. 

Stretch marks? 

Nope! 

Sleep: 

LEG CRAMPS OW. My calf still hurts and it’s been 2 days.. Less hip cramps. My chiropractor suggested taking my magnesium vitamins at nights to help with the cramping so I just started doing that. 

Best moment this week: 

Feeling him move around. I could watch my belly for hours. Small progress on buying things we need and getting things for his room. 

Miss Anything? 

Sleeping on my back! Working up a sweat, especially running. A glass of wine or a really good beer. Breathing. Being comfortable.

Movement: 

Love this! I still can’t identify what body parts are what or I least I’m not quite sure. I’m going to ask the doctor next week. 

Food cravings: 

Sugar. Sweets. Jolly Ranchers (I still haven’t eaten them but I want them). I really enjoy Wendy’s when we are traveling. TEA. Fruit.

Anything making you queasy or sick: 

Nothing this week.

Gender: 

BOY!

Labor Signs:

No and let’s keep it that way for at least 8 more weeks.

Symptoms: 

Leg cramps at night. Riding in the car gets pretty uncomfortable. I can’t breathe!! I know it’s the uterus pushing up on my lungs because baby boy loves to hang out really low. Picking up things off the floor forget it. And getting up off the floor or lying down or in really low chairs has been getting pretty difficult. 

Belly Button in or out? 

It’s mostly out. The bottom part is still in for the moment. It’s not bothering me as much as I thought it would.

Wedding rings on or off? 

Off. BOOOO

Happy or Moody most of the time: 

Very happy! I think the moodiness was the worst during the first trimester. I don’t really feel moody at all anymore.  

Looking forward to: 

The next doctor appointment- I got a lot of questions! 

Workout:

Same as usual.

Reading:

With our long car drive I skimmed the Birth Book for Jamie and myself. This helped us start thinking about our birth plan. We are really on the same page YAY! I have also started going through the breastfeeding book again.  We also read parts of The Happiest Baby on the Block theories. I’m a little torn on these books- people swear by them but I kinda want to see how Jackson is first. That could be a mistake but we’ll see! 

Furry Babies:

They got to spend the weekend at my parents which they LOVE! Mimi and Poppi spoil them rotten. They love the kitties as much as we do. Although the cats still miss us at night. 

To dos:

We met with another pediatrician Monday and have our last one to meet with in a couple weeks. We have a lot of work to do on the baby’s room. I keep getting emails about packing my hospital bag (WHAT?!) but I was planning on waiting until August to do that.. Every week I have been trying crock pot recipes to use once the baby gets here and I have no time to cook! I don’t even know the list is end less! 

Worries:

That Jackson is going to be a big baby! I’m not really worried about it as long as I don’t have to have a C-section we are good :) 

11 more weeks!!

28 Weeks ~ 7 months

Oops belly got in the way.. Size of an Egg Plant

How far along? 28 weeks

Total weight gain:

 20 pounds~ official weight check at 30 weeks 

Maternity clothes? 

Mostly maternity. 

Stretch marks? 

Nope! 

Sleep: 

Same as last week

Best moment this week: 

1st baby shower at work! Having Jamie, my dad, and my mom feel the baby kick! My mom even got to feel the hiccups..which Jamie said I was lying about but I got proof now.

Miss Anything? 

No.

Movement: 

He’s kicking everyone- chiropractor, Jamie, my dad, my mom, and the cats! I can predict when he is going to kick now so other people can feel it! I also have been feeling hiccups for a while but I wasn’t sure until my mom confirmed it. His kicks have been moving higher up- apparently this week he is suppose to get in position.. not so sure why he has to be there so early!

Food cravings: 

Still sweets. I was going through some major cravings one night but I can’t remember what it was.. 

Anything making you queasy or sick: 

Chicken. Taco meat I haven’t eaten since I can’t even remember.

Gender: 

Baby boy

Labor Signs:

NO thank goodness! 

Symptoms: 

My legs really bother me after a long day. I’ve been getting more uncomfortable and tired lately. My face is breaking out again. not happy about that at all.

Belly Button in or out? 

The top part is out the rest is still hanging on for dear life!! 

Wedding rings on or off? 

On for the first half of the week but not anymore :( 

Happy or Moody most of the time: 

Very happy! And feeling very blessed! 

Looking forward to: 

Going to Alabama this weekend to see my brother and sister-in-law! 

Workout:

Even though it was monsooning outside ALL week and our gym was closed I got in 3 days. 

Reading:

Fun books.

Furry Babies:

Oscar got to venture in the baby’s room this week (the crib was covered with a thick blanket). And he flew in that crib as fast as he could and went straight for the mobile.  Then he parked his fat booty on the rocker and looked around like he owned the place LOL.

Stella had to take a trip to vent because she started peeing on the floor. She was so happy riding in the car and being the only kitty. She was showing off for the vet and then they touched her ears...sad mad kitty came out. She was so upset! I hated every minute of it.  The vet thinks she has IBS so we have new food to try and she wants to put her on some anti anxiety drugs. But first we have to make sure she doesn’t have an urinary tract infection.. 

To dos:

We met with one pediatrician and we still have another to meet in a couple weeks. I want to reread the breastfeeding book so I know what I’m doing. Keep deep cleaning the apartment...yep I cleaned the baseboards, light fixtures, and made Jamie clean all the fans.. :) hahha next the vents and carpets. 

Worries:

None

12 more weeks!!

Baby Shower #1

Baby Shower #1 
27 weeks~3 days




Saturday we had a baby shower at work for three of us- all having boys- in the next three months! It was so much fun! We played several games, ate lots of yummy food, and had the dirty "baby" gift stealing game. Everyone was very generous! I got lots of fun new goodies for Jackson! I came home with balloons, cake, and so many gifts Jamie had to carry all of them. I forgot my camera for the actual shower (all the decoration were very cute) but I did take pictures of the gifts and my growing bump. My belly is getting so big I can't image what it's going to look like in 13 weeks.

 A sweet little soft bunny blanket, really cute bib and burp rag, bath/diaper stuff, a teepee cover for the wee wee (love this), really cute wipe case, and I won the guess how many M&M's are in the bottle.

 Stud Muffin shirt- of course he will be :)
Little man tie and leggings- they look just like daddy's! Jamie thought they were his socks..
And a sweet hat and booties.

This came wrapped up like little cupcakes!  

How cute!!

2nd Trimester Must Haves

2nd Trimester Must Haves

1. Maternity Clothes. 

• The thing with maternity clothes is at some point you can fit into anything anymore so you need all new clothes. Unless you work from home or don't work at all this can really add up. Like I said before I could probably survive all weekend in my old comfy clothes with a few cute maternity outfits. But if you work, you can't go to work looking like you stuffed yourself in your old clothes with your belly showing. So here is what I did.
• First I sorted all of my clothes I didn't mind getting stretched out or where big to begin with and reorganized my closet. I was pretty picky about not wanting to ruin all my old clothes by stretching them out but that's up to you. 
• Second if someone offers you their maternity clothes take them! And wear them- if they fit! This really saved me. I have tons of clothes from other people and I wear them ALL the time. I still have a stack of stuff that doesn't fit yet.. but I'm sure it will. 
• Third if you have to buy your own clothes buy only things on sale. All maternity clothes go on sale at some point so just watch for them. My favorite shirt was $13.00 from the GAP. 
• Fourth you need: Cami's- I seriously go through these like crazy and I have three white ones and a black one. Leggings. Dresses- especially the wrap ones. An iron for some reason everything needs to be ironed. But I'm getting really good at ironing now. And a steamer for any dresses that are for formal occasions. Think about the time of year you are going to be pregnant in- originally I was like oh I really need a pair of skinny jeans.. no. I live in Florida and it is a million degrees and I would have worn them for the month of Feb and that's it. I'm really glad I didn't buy them. Swimsuits: Right now I am wearing a non maternity one piece that is two sizes bigger than my normal size. I hoping that will make it through the summer but I'll let you know. I spent $30.00 on it vs the $100.00 ones at the maternity store. 
• Undergarments: just get ready to buy bigger. Don't buy from Victoria Secret unless you really love spending $60.00 on a bra you will wear for three weeks- no joke on that one. Not appropriate for the internet conversation but you can talk to me if you have questions.
• My favorite stores: Asos.com, Destination Maternity, Target. GAP is great if it's on sale. I have gotten somethings in a bigger size at TJ Max. I was also told to look at outlet stores and Kohls. 

Dress From ASOS.com 

2. Decaf Tea

• If you love waking up to your morning coffee or drinking you mid day diet coke I say buy some decaf tea. I keep trying decaf coffee (ok maybe only 3x's) and it just doesn't taste the same. I do not drink caffeine free diet coke because it has fake sugar in it which isn't good for anyone especially the little peanut.
• Decaf tea is awesome! It tastes just like real tea and put some real sugar in it and yum! I don't care what anyone says you can't drink water and milk all day everyday. Sometimes you need something else! 

My preferred tea

3. Baby Books and Baby Blogs

• Let's get real people get really sick of the baby talk quickly and unless you know someone pregnant the same time as you (which I don't) you need someone to talk to or at least read about baby stuff. Because all you think about it baby. It's almost like the wedding but worse..or maybe better because the wedding stuff is really stressful.. 
• So read the baby books to be informed and to tell you husband all these things you learned- he probably won't listen but it's worth a try ;)
• Then find really cute blogs or websites to read. This is my favorite pass time now. I don't even know these people but we could be best friends. I frequent the bump.com but I know there are other good websites as well.

4. Yoga

• Join a yoga class or get a yoga DVD. It's good for you! And I don't like it so if I can do it so can you.

5. New Tennis Shoes

• I was running in the five finger shoes (love them) but don't do that when you are pregnant! I went out and got my favorite regular running shoes- 1. You are going to be putting a lot of extra weight on these shoes so you need NEW ones (you are suppose to buy new running shoes every 500 miles anyways) 2. Your ligaments and everything gets loose 3. You body changes so much you owe your feet some comfy shoes 4. Tie them loose because those piggies will swell!
• Start walking! Everyone I have talked to suggests walking not running and you can look back at my attempts to decide for yourself. 
• Get some really good music because walking takes a lot longer than running and surprise you are going to get slower and slower each week!

Love these shoes!

6. Cupcake Mix and/or cinnamon rolls

• I'm pretty sure after the 1st trimester I quit wanting the salt and moved onto the sugar. I haven't wanted a pickle in WEEKS. But I freaking love cinnamon rolls and cupcakes!! 

I could eat these right now!!! Mine def. don't turn out like this..

7. Chiropractor

• Can't sleep? Your hips/back/ribs/neck hurt? Go see the chiropractor! I can't tell you how awesome I sleep after I see her. I was drooling last night I was so comfortable. I also think my end of the day whining fits over being SO uncomfortable have gone down. You may want to check with my husband on that one. 
• And if your baby is turned the wrong way you already have appointments set up to fix it! But she keeps telling me my delivery will be much easier now that we are giving him more room to move and turn around. He seriously was only hanging out on my right hip and now he is centered most of the day and visits the left side too! 

8. Organic Cleaning Supplies

• This should have been in the first trimester or pre pregnancy tips but you really shouldn't be using harsh chemicals/cleaning supplies (especially bleach) when you are pregnant. Buy organic or use vinegar- you can use vinegar to clean anything and everything. I have also read baking soda but I haven't tried that one yet. 

The second trimester is so wonderful these are fun must haves! I can't wait to see what the last trimester brings!

3rd Trimester!!!!!

How far along? 27 weeks

Total weight gain:

 17+ 

Maternity clothes? 

Mostly maternity. Comfortable clothes/weekend clothes are still regular. I still wear my old running shorts- although I would like to buy a bigger size. I can fit into some on my old dresses but the “girls” don’t stay in so... I’ve been sticking to mostly maternity.

Stretch marks? 

Nope! I did buy some special lotion this weekend to help with that stretching/itchy feeling.

Sleep: 

It’s half and half. If I see the chiropractor it’s great! Hip and leg cramps are very common these days. 

Best moment this week: 

Spending time at the beach! The hospital tour- it was nice to see we liked the hospital and their rules! Getting his really cute whale mobile- I was surprise by how cute it turned out.  PASSING my glucose test!!!!! Whoohoo I can keep eating all that sugar. Also planning the decorations for Jackson’s room.  Top moment this week: being told that someone (very awesome) bought the car seat (the car seat you use after he is a baby or when he’s baby if we wanted- it but it’s not a carrier) off our registry and it is being shipped to us this week!! This was a huge relief! One carseats are $$ and two this is something we NEED. YAY! Best news ever!

Miss Anything? 

Wine. Just one glass of wine sounds so good right now! Sweet tea will just have to do :)

Movement: 

More BIG movements like whoa buddy movements. I swear I saw a leg extend from the belly the other night. It’s startling at times and then I start laughing. I’m sure people think I’m a freak.

Food cravings: 

Cinnamon. And now strawberry cupcakes. Grape Jelly. SUGAR. Luckily I’m still all belly but IF (or when) I start gaining weight in other places I’ll start to get worried!!!

Anything making you queasy or sick: 

Chicken. Pulled pork.

Gender: 

All boy :) So excited!! I even claimed the other day I just might want all boys. I’m not 100% on that but two boys would be really nice! 

Labor Signs:

I had some cramping during a workout the other day and that scared me. I didn’t like it one bit. I immediately sat down but my legs up and chugged water. He has to stay in there  for at least 10 more weeks! So no more prenatal strength training. It’s not worth the risk. 

Symptoms: 

Getting physically tired from moving around. The end of the day is brutal. My ribs/back/hip hurt and getting comfortable is impossible. SWELLING :( My fingers are sooo swollen. I mean it is 90+ degrees in Florida and I usually do swell in the summer but not this much. The wedding band is off :( Still attempting my engagement ring. And I bought a fake one but I really want to wear my real one. 

Belly Button in or out? 

The top part is out the rest is still hanging on for dear life!! 

Wedding rings on or off? 

Wedding ring no. I can’t even talk about it.

Have you started to show yet?

Uh... YES!

Happy or Moody most of the time: 

HAPPY!!! :))) So excited for him to be here! Secretly hoping the summer flies by..but trying to enjoy it all the same. 

Looking forward to: 

Meeting with our first pediatrician. Getting the stuff I ordered in the mail! This is every week! Hopefully going boating this weekend. And I think we are going to celebrate Father’s Day this weekend because we are going to be out of town next weekend.

Workout:

I made it to 4 times this week!! (Cheering). I even did the elliptical. With the heat I’m probably going to start working out at the gym booooo hisss....

Reading:

Fun books.

Furry Babies:

Needing attention as usual!

To dos:

The nursery. I have a giant list of to dos I just know I probably won’t get to them this week. 

2nd Trimester Collage

 

 

 

 

 

13 weeks to 26 weeks what BIG improvements! Like I said I didn't start feeling better until 16 weeks and I can tell in the pictures. My first chalk board died a slow death but I love the new one. And because we got baby furniture in the "picture room" the background has changed a bit. My bump seems to go back and forth in size- this just depends on what I have on and where/what he's up to.  Every week I feel "big" but looking back I still want to laugh at myself and I 'm sure this will continue into the next trimester too. Now for the last 13 weeks!!!