Baby Wenger!

We just got home from meeting baby Cohen! Congrats to Ben and Leah!! Hope the meal was good and that your nights get a little better than the last 2. Our little guys are going to be great friends in their matching car seats and rhyming names! :)
Aww, Ben is in love:

Isn't he just adorable?! I cannot wait until OUR little man is in my arms!


The car seat is ready to go! Yes, I'm a dork and was practicing on the teddy bear. It's hard to believe that at any moment. . .we could be headed to the hospital to put a real baby in there! Woohoo!

hospital bag

Just asking all the already-momma's out there any things I MUST pack for the hospital. I'm really trying to keep it the bare minimum, because let's face it. Birth is messy and the fewest things of my own that get this mess on them, the better. So here's a few of the things. Let me know if you would cross anything off or add anything:
• take off rings and jewelry before hospital
• Put pump in car (just in case)
• Boppy pillow
• Nipple cream
• Toiletries – face/body soap, shampoo/conditioner, toothbrush/toothpaste, hair brush/elastics, contacts/case/saline solution, make-up bag, deodorant
• camera with full battery AND flash cards (and charger)
• ID and insurance card
• heavy duty maxi pads?
• chap stick
• flip flops for shower and post-birth
• tucks pads/witch hazel wipes
• nursing bras /shirt
• nursing pads
• underwear (ones I don't mind throwing out if I need to)
• pillow
• snacks
• car seat
• 2-3 roomy outfits (yoga pants, t-shirts, etc)
• laptop

Baby's bag
• 2 sizes of onsies
• 2-3 outfits (I can't decide)
• light weight hats
• a few receiving blankets
• pacifiers (still unsure what we're doing about that one)

38 weeks!

(credit: my cousin Alli had this on her Facebook. Love it!)

How far along? 38 weeks today! We are pre-registered at the hospital, the classes are done, my bags are somewhat packed, and the car seat is installed. Any time little man. We're ready (well, as ready as any new parents are).
I'm feeling: better this week than last! I account that to not being at school. I went by school Monday to say hi and pick up a few things. I was only there for about 45 minutes and was drenched in sweat and ready for a nap. Today, I went for the first grade picnic and to tie up a few things that still needed to be done. But I am so thankful that my maternity leave worked out with a great sub who is dealing with the furnace, and the outside field day, instead of me!
Movement: He's really slowing down. Still has hiccups, but I only feel a few jabs instead of the constant movement. Maybe he's getting ready to make his descent?!
I'm thankful for: almost being done. But so much more. I was telling a friend, I really wanted to try to THINK about this pregnancy this week. It's easy to just go on with life and not actually process this whole thing that's been happening the last 9 (10) months. I am so thankful that my morning sickness ended around 16 weeks. I know some of you ladies puked until your little person made their appearance. I'm thankful I've only has heartburn a handful of times and have only used 1/4 of a bottle of Tums. I'm thankful for a boring, non complicated pregnancy with no gestational diabetes or GBS. I think the conclusion I've come to is that I like being pregnant. I thought I'd be one of those people who loved it and I don't think I am. I love being able to feel him move and I love that my body can do this. But I'm really ready for the him being here part!
Weight gain: ok, I'm all for transparency here. And I'll need some accountability when this weight needs to come off. So more for my record, this little man has added about 35 pounds to my body. Hello lots of long walk with my new stroller.
Labor Signs: still none. I really don't know if I've even had any Braxton Hicks contractions. You can go into labor without any previous signs, right?
And a belly pic from this week: My wardrobe is really getting low on choices!

Aunt's Shower

What an amazing morning!! My aunt's/cousins are known for throwing pretty darn good showers and this morning was NO exception!! I really cannot thank God enough for having such an amazing group of ladies in my life. This little man has so many people praying for him that he's going to meet so soon! The food was delicious, the games (courtesy) of Julie were fabulous, the prayer so meaningful, and the gifts. . .well this little man is going to be the best dressed guy on the block!

Pretty decor:

Some of the yummy food:



The HUGE pile of gifts:

Me and my grandma:

Me and my mom:

The guests:
Oh ladies, you would kill me if I posted some of the pictures that Audra captured. :) Just take me word for it that there were lots of beautiful ladies there to help me celebrate.
The big gift:
The aunts/cousins/and a few other dear friends went in for my stroller/carseat combo. I think this might be one of my favorite baby things. I LOVE it! William did a great job getting it all together in record time. Now I guess we're ready because he can actually leave the hospital:

I think the ONLY thing I have left to buy is crib sheets and a few bottles. And that's it. We have been so blessed by other people. I love when I hold up little clothes and things and think about the people they are from. Alright little guy, we're ready for you (I think).

Eviction Notice

Dear Baby,

I am hereby issuing a 20 day notice for eviction. Tenant will have 20 days in which he can either gather his belongings and promptly vacate the premises, or wait until the final day. After which, he will be physically removed from the property.

He's being evicted due to breech of contract and destruction of property. Expansions only to the FRONT of the house, within reasonable limits, were discussed. Not only have these limits been exceeded, but additions to the back of the house were also made!

Remodeling and gutting of the home was never approved, nor was changing the initial layout and base structure. And due to property damage, there are now leaks in both the upper AND lower levels of the home. On top of which, the landlord has received numerous complaints about nightly disturbances.

After 20 days from this day that he doesn’t comply with the notice will result in immediate and forceful removal at my discretion.

Love,
Your Momma

YAY!

I'm super excited because the nurse midwife, Anne (love her!) just called and my Group B Strep test came back negative! I'm so thankful that it's one less thing I'll have to worry about and one less chance for needles. Ahh, they scare me. Not that pushing this 9 pound watermelon out doesn't scare me more. . . 20 more days until due date!

37 weeks

How far along? 37 weeks today. I'm considered full term! With that 2 week window they give you that means that I could meet him in 1 week. . .or 5. But we won't think about that later one.
News from the midwife: William and I met with Ellen on Monday. We had a nice discussion about my bottom and leaky boobs. Then she tested me for the Group B Strep. Haven't heard the results yet, but praying it's negative so I don't have to have antibiotics from the first minute we're at the hospital. His heartbeat is great and he's laying in a funny C position which is why I'm getting so many kicks and jabs on my right side.
I'm feeling: kinda ready! Getting more uncomfortable by the day, but am so thankful that I'm done with school! It's much more doable without having to deal with my sweet little Deandre.
Movement: Does shoving his head into my bladder and twisting count?
Food cravings: just enjoying popsicles of any kind and pineapple. Really running out of room and am not loving food a ton.
Belly Button in or out? It's determined to stay an innie.
Labor Signs: nope. And Ellen said she wouldn't check me unless I really wanted it. Which I didn't. I know you can be 4 centimeters and still be pregnant for weeks and others can be 0 centimeters and have a baby that night. No need for the extra pain of getting checked and getting my hopes up or down.
Great highlights from the week: On Friday, I left school at lunch and drove to Lafayette to visit my Cumberland ladies! They threw me a shower. I know, even after not being there for a year, they are still like family. Look at all the great things! Loving the clothesline and look at that cute bathrobe. It was so wonderful to see all the people I miss so dearly.



And a few pictures I stole from Angie:

The wonderful ladies who put it all together! Kassi, Teresa, Angie, and Brianne. I can't thank you guys enough. It was so great to get to spend time with you!

And last but not least, a couple belly pics from this week:

Ready for the bare belly?


Oh, and did I mention that I'm writing this from my couch while in my pj's!?! Hope Mrs. Pearson is surviving with the rugrats.

36 weeks

Just a few more pics from our maternity shoot to start off this week. I'm having such a hard time figuring out which ones to print! I'm definitely making a digital scrapbook of them all!







How far along? 36 weeks today. Only 1 more week until I'm considered "full term." Better start packing those bags.
I'm feeling: I hate complaining. . .but I think my quote of the week has been "I'm needing heat for my back and ice for my butt." Ouch.
My man: has lost most of the hair that has protected his body and is definitely getting comfy down low.
Movement: slowing down a bit, but he still has hiccups at least once or twice a day!
Swelling: my toes are showing the signs if I'm on them all day. But my rings can still spin!
Food cravings: haven't really been too interested in food this week. I've enjoyed tomatoes and decided I HAD to plant 2 tomato bushes in pots this week. William hates tomatoes, so I'm not sure what I'll do with them all if they actually grow.
Labor Signs: I've had a few Braxton Hicks, I think. They mostly happen when I overdue it, like lifting something too heavy or going for too fast on a walk. We have our final childbirth class this Saturday and I guess then they think we're ready. haha!
Great highlights from the week: I think I've covered most of them in other posts. I'm headed to Lafayette on Friday and I CANNOT wait to see all the ladies from school there!

Sorry, this is kinda a boring post. I'm obviously losing all motivation and am ready for a few days of sitting on my butt before this little guy arrives.

one thought

Umm, I have 7 more days of teaching.

That's all I have to say about that (but in my head, I'm doing a wicked cool dance and jumping up and down).

Mother's Day

I didn't really expect to have so many Mother's Day wishes today, but it was so fun! I'm due exactly 1 month from today which is so hard to believe! William got me some gorgeous flowers, a few boxes of Milk Duds and a super sweet card!



I just wanted to wish all the mommas out there a fabulous Mother's Day! And more than any other, Happy Mother's Day to my own mom! I know I'm biased, but she's the best one out there. I am so blessed to have not only a mom who gives great advice, prays more than I'll ever know, can sew like a professional, loves Jesus, but is also an amazing friend who I don't get sick of talking to everyday. She has already spoiled this little man and me rotten and I CANNOT wait for her to be a vital part of my little man's life. I love you Mom!!

PS - We still need a good alternate name to Grandma, which she doesn't love. Any ideas?

Shower!

Saturday was a SUPER busy day, but ohh so fun! In the morning, William and I attended our first childbirth class with the infamous Paula. Seriously, ask any woman in Champaign who has had a baby through Carle and she will know Paula. We have heard countless stories about the lady who speaks as if she's on a video and gets REALLY into the breathing and pushing scenes. She was a hoot and overall, it was a good class. We're excited because the H1N1 restrictions were lifted at the hospital this week which means next week, we get a tour of the labor/delivery rooms.

After class, I got the spend the afternoon with my most amazing friends as they blessed me with so many amazing goodies for our little man! Here's just a few of the pictures from the fun afternoon!

The invite:

The yummy food:

One the games where we had literally 30 seconds to look at everything in here and then write it down:

They gave sweet potted plants as favors:

A few of the lovely ladies (totally forgot to take one of the whole group):

And the little thank you gifts I made for the 3 gals who put everything together:


I am so thankful for such amazing friends. These ladies have changed my life and I am so blessed to have them in my life. I cannot wait to introduce them to baby (Owen?).

baby Mataya

This weekend kicked off with a shower for Aubrey and baby Mataya (oh and Gabe of course). Just wanted to show off the knitted gear I gifted. It was so fun to use some pink yarn this week instead of the blue I've been using as of late! :)

A sweater for the fall:


And a little hat to match her pink and brown snowsuit for the winter:

School Shower!

Yesterday, the first grade team hosted a baby shower for me. I really didn’t think that many ladies would come, but the whole library was full! They were so so generous and my whole trunk was filled with blue goodies when I left! Because I had VLI last night, I didn’t get to start putting it all away. I cannot wait to start after school today!

Adorable cookies from Sweet indulgence:

We were so blessed with so many amazing gifts:

I think Stephanie caught every weird face I made in each picture, but here are a few that are postable. The first one isn’t great of me. But Cindy got a little outfit with horses and cowboy hats on it. In honor of William being from Texas. Aww. And you can see that my mom was able to there!

What a great idea to use a reusable shopping bag to wrap a gift in!

Mesh laundry bags. Great I hear for not losing as many baby socks in the dryer.

35 weeks

How far along? 35 weeks on Wednesday. The picture above is from Baby Center and says this is what I should be next week. But my midwife says he's big. . .so a crenshaw melon he is!
I'm feeling: well, not as bad as some of my other pregnant friends, but starting to get a little unconformable. It feels SO weird to have something the size of a large grapefruit burying himself, well, down there. It makes my waddling even more noticeable! But I only have 7 more days with students, so I can do it!!
My man: has hiccups all the time!! I wonder if he’ll have them a lot on the outside too.
Movement: Still moving lots. It’s fun to be able to push on a foot or butt and then feel him move in response to me.
Swelling: the feet are starting to show the signs! Mostly just after the long, warm day in my classroom.
Food cravings: nothing major this week. I had a mom bring me a milkshake after school when he came to pick up her son. How sweet is that?! He's getting all A's on his report card. :)
Labor Signs: none
Books I'm Reading: Only read "fun" books this week as I needed a break from baby books. So I read Precious, My Year of Knitting Dangerously, and Looking for Love. They were all very easy and cute reads!
What They Don't Tell You: well, I stocked up on some necessities this week. Tons of big pads, Preparation H, stool softeners, breast pads, and more. Ohh the not-so-fun baby things to buy!
Great highlights from the week: This weekly update is late because it has been a jam packed week. I'm feeling SUPER tired, but still have a long weekend ahead. But it's going to be fabulously fun and I can't wait! Last Saturday, we had a photo shoot with my sis. Although humid, the rain held out for us. See below for just a taste of the AWESOMEness that is my sister's work! My student teacher wrapped up being in our class on Thursday. We made a ridiculously cute bag for her with our handprints on it. Of course, I forgot to take pictures. William and I have been working hard on the baby room. Still needs quite a few touches before I can post pictures, but it's getting there! I've also been busy knitting this week for a friend's shower tonight. Can't wait to show off the girly cuteness. And then on top of all that, yesterday was my shower at school. So fun, but their generosity deserves it's own post! Ok, well, I leave you with the best:
A teaser from our awesome photo shoot with my sister. I can't wait to see them all! Really, you should book her to cut your hair and then take your picture. She has a couple more on her blog: Jennaration.

prayers for a friend

Just a quick post to ask for prayers for my dear friend, Jenn and her husband Josh. I don't know the full details yet, but Jenn was about 18 weeks pregnant and found out she had an infection in her uterus. Today, she gave birth to a little girl, Atlee, who was 9oz. and 8 ½ inches long. She had already gone to be with Jesus. Just pray for their family as they grieve the loss of their little girl and for a full health recovery for Jenn.

gooses

Not too much of a point to this post. I'm back in full take over as of today and forgot how tiring it was to teach on your feet all day. I'm hoping the swelling doesn't start! :) After school, I had a baby appointment with Vanessa, the new midwife. I love her and would be really excited if she was on call when Baby Pool decides to make an appearance. We had a good talk about the beginnings of my birth plan. She was so supportive and said she would just follow me around the hospital (be that walking, in a tub, etc) and just catch him when he came out. :) Oh if it were that easy huh?

My tummy is measuring 33 1/2 weeks, so still a little more than a week behind like last time. And his heartbeat was 140bpm. Everything looked good and we're in the home stretch!

On a totally not related note, we have lots of geese in our backyard. I mean tons. There's a nest really close to our back door and yesterday, we saw the little goslings had hatched! They were adorable! Here's a little pic and a video:



I can't wait to meet my little gosling!! :)