Wild Things Farm

This is just going to be a post of pictures.... My mom and I took Christian to Wild Things Farm last weekend and he loved it... He especially enjoyed the petting zoo!  We had a lot of fun!

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 "Sheeeeeeep"

 "Peeeeeeeg"

How handsome is he??!

 Picking out baby pumpkins with Nana

35 Weeks & Growing...

I'm not going to go into detail about the struggles that came along this week because my past two blog posts were about that.  However, things do seem a little better.  My blood pressure has been normal unless I'm being really active.  The air conditioning in my classroom has been out for about a week so I have started getting really swollen through out the day but as soon as I cool off it goes back to normal.  I had a few days of really feeling sorry for myself and last night I started reading other blogs and came across a blog about a husband and wife that had their baby boy really early and ended up losing it.  I spent at least an hour reading through all of her posts, sobbing in bed.  I cried and prayed so hard while I read that blog and all of a sudden nothing that I am going through felt important at all.... Things like that really puts things into perspective.  I thought to myself, here I am feeling sorry for myself because I'm "uncomfortable" and having to stay in bed just for the next few weeks until we meet our perfectly healthy - that we know of - baby boy.. and there are others out there that would give anything to have a healthy baby or even get pregnant.  So, I feel much stronger now and I know we will make it through the rough times in the next few weeks thanks to God always putting me in the perfect situation to see things clearly.  

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This weekend is going to be busy... We have a LOT to accomplish in order to be ready for H's arrival.  We are working on his room, I need to do a lot of laundry, pack our hospital bags, and buy some big last minute items we need.  We also have maternity pictures on Saturday! I hope Christian cooperates... I will be happy if we just get ONE really great family picture so I can hang it in the house.  

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This is the item that I'm on a mission for!  The Chicco double stroller.  Has anyone had this one and if so, what is your review?  I've researched a lot of them and this seems to be one of the best options for us.  We bought the Chicco travel system for Christian and Harrison is going to be using his old car seat so we pretty much have to go with the same brand so that it will click right in to the stroller.  I am a bit concerned that this huge thing will not fit in the trunk of my car.  I'm really not ready to upgrade to an SUV just yet.... I really love my Lexus and can't afford to buy a Lexus SUV! ha!  I'm really loving the new Acadia's though... but gosh, I really don't want a car payment!!!  Btw... I am not a major car snob but it is paid off and very nice so why in the world trade it in??  Wow, I got really off topic there... went from strollers to cars, but anyway, if you have this one please let me know if you think it will fit in a trunk! =)  I'm not a huge fan of it costing $300 either but I guess this is something we will have a long time and get a lot of use out of it so I'm justifying it being a bit more than what I thought I would spend on one.  I still haven't decided on which monitor to buy.  Do I want two separate ones or do I want one screen with two cameras?  Lots of decisions to be made.. however, I will be able to take my time on this one because Harrison won't even need a monitor for a couple more months at least because he will be sleeping in the room with us.

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Let's finally get to the exciting 35 weeks facts...

Harrison is over 18 inches long and weighs a little over 5 lbs.

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This week's major developments:  His kidneys are fully developed now and his liver can process some waste products.  Most of his basic physical development is now complete - he'll spend the next few weeks putting on weight.

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I'm seeing the doctor every week now so I will post exciting updates as I get them! =)  5 more weeks to go, 4 if we induce, and 2 1/2 if he comes when C did!!!  Crazy!

Update

First of all, I am overwhelmed with how many phone calls, texts, and messages I got today just from people checking on me.  I even got a card and surprise from my "secret pal" at work which brightened up my day!  I honestly didn't know so many people read my boring ole' blog but that also makes me happy! =)  I also want to apologize for not being the best writer in the world and probably not the most entertaining either! haha!!  But thank you so much for all of you who took the time to check on me or say you're praying for me... makes things a lot better!

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So today has been much better... so far it looks like I'm able to control my blood pressure.  I took my cuff to school today so I could keep track of it every couple of hours and write it down.  I stayed off my feet for a good portion of the day and it was normal.  I did walk to the cafeteria and back for lunch and that was the only time it went up.  It wasn't dangerously high or anything but much higher than normal.  I have stayed off my feet for the most part tonight and rested and I'm feeling pretty good.  I would say that today's progress was MUCH better than yesterday's! =)  It really helps that I have a mom that would do anything for us, a husband who is doing absolutely everything he can to make things easier on me, and about 10 more "moms" at work! ;)  If things change, I'll keep ya posted... since I know people actually care enough to read this!

Rough Day...

So today has been an incredibly rough day.  It all started on Sunday around 5:00 when my blood pressure went up really fast... I started feeling light headed, got a terrible headache, felt like my face was on fire, and got sick to my stomach within about 2 minutes.  Thankfully my mom was there to help me out.  I never really started feeling that great again but after a long, hot bath and laying on my side with my legs propped up, I got my blood pressure back down.  I woke up this morning not feeling myself at all.  As soon as I got up and started getting ready my blood pressure went back up.  It makes me feel so disoriented and I hate that feeling.  I felt like I couldn't get my breath and my heart was beating out of my chest - such a scary feeling.  I went ahead and went to work because I knew today was a day that I would at least be able to stay off my feet in class.  It felt like it was 100 degrees in my classroom and my fingers started swelling and tingling.  I have never swollen during pregnancy so this also made me nervous.  I went home on my break and my blood pressure was still pretty high.  I called my doctor - he said go home and put my feet up but I really needed to stay at work because we had an important meeting after school.  I had several people tell me I looked terrible and by the time I got home I was done.  I went straight to bed and I feel like I don't even have enough energy to walk.  Thankfully my dad left work early to come over and let my mom go home so he could help out with Christian until Corey got home.  I honestly do not know what in the world I would do without my parents.  God has blessed me beyond means with parents that will drop anything to be there for me.  I feel like my mom has pretty much put her whole life on hold for us lately to help out because I haven't been feeling good.  She keeps Christian all day while we work, helps out in the evenings when I need to rest, and cooks dinner for us a lot because she knows I don't feel good right now.  God bless her... and that He will I'm sure of!  

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So anyway, I'm really scared that this little issue isn't going to go away but I am praying really hard that it does and would be very grateful for any prayers.  I don't want to be put on permanent bed rest for the next 4 weeks and really can't afford to start my maternity leave early - I would like to have all the time home with Harrison as possible.  I also don't want to run my myself and body into the ground though and I know I need to make the right decisions if this continues.  I need to do whatever I have to do to make sure Harrison stays put for at least 3 more weeks.  I'm also really upset that some of our family doesn't even know what's going on.... maybe I'm extra emotional right now because of the hormones but I'm such a huge family person and it just confuses me how some people view it.  I also don't know if I want a huge slew of people up at the hospital when I do go into labor... I have few people, family and very close friends, that have really been with me during this pregnancy and by that I mean checking on me frequently, calling to find out all the details after the doctors appointments, asking about H, and knowing when things like this are going on... so why in the world would all the others just show up for the big event?  Am I being irrational?  I've really thought hard about not making phone calls until after he is born.  Sorry that I'm venting and pouring out my feelings - this is usually such a light hearted and positive blog - it has just been one of those days and these are things that I have thought hard about.  I will continue to pray about these things!  

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As of right now, I've been laying down for about 4 hours and my blood pressure seems to be pretty normal... I'm going to try to go to work tomorrow but if it starts to go up fast, I will probably end up right back at home.  Please pray that everything works out just according to God's plan!  Thanks! 

34 Weeks & Growing...

I'm starting to reach that point.... the point of I'm ready to hold my baby, I'm ready to begin the craziness of a family of four, I'm ready to be comfortable again, I'm ready to have energy, I'm ready to be under 150 lbs (lol), I'm ready to get the inevitable over with, I'm just READY!  I have been way more patient during this pregnancy than the last... I remember around 25 weeks with Christian I started counting down the days.. haha!  This time I really wanted to take all of it in and enjoy every minute of it - but let's face it, there comes a point where it's just no longer comfortable and I'm there.  I also love the comments I've been getting lately... some of my favorites:  "Wow you are ready to pop!", "Gosh, you have such a short torso, I don't know where you're holding that baby!", "You're so tiny.. will you have to have a c-section?" - odd. and my favorite... "You don't look big enough to be in your 3rd trimester - Is that healthy?" LOL Seriously?!! How can I look ready to POP to one person and not healthy to another??  And how do people really have the nerve to say these things?  I can not imagine!  Just to answer these amazingly thought out questions.... Yes, I do feel like I'm going to "pop" but that's not exactly how it works.... I have an extremely short torso but babies are in a fetal position in case you have never read a book or watched a video.... I realize I'm a petite person but I made it though the first delivery just fine and I think I can probably do it again ;) Nor do I think it has anything to do with having a c-section.... And to answer my favorite, I am far from tiny... This belly is sticking STRAIGHT OUT and it's large and in charge!! But again, I'm pretty sure this has nothing to do with the health of the baby....    Okay, I feel better now!  By the way, I'm talking about complete strangers.. I am not at all offended or surprised in any way by the things that come out of my friends mouths.. That's just how we are! lol ;)

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Harrison weighs between 4-5 lbs and is about 18 inches long now.

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His fat layers - which will help to regulate his body temperature once he's born - are starting to fill him out and make him rounder.  His skin is also smoother than ever now.  His central nervous system is maturing and his lungs are continuing to mature as well.  I also read this week that babies that are born anytime after 34 weeks are usually fine and only need a short stay in the NICU but normally do as well as full-term babies.  (This is a relief to hear just in case something does happen!)

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We had a doctors appointment today.. Update:  blood pressure great, H's heart beat was in the 150's and he was moving around so much he could barely get a reading, total weight gain - 27 lbs, and baby H is measuring around 31-32 weeks, which is about 2-3 weeks behind.. He said that was still perfect and everything looks great!  I have one more bi-weekly check up and then it's every week until Go time!!! =)  People have started asking me if I want to go early... The answer is No.  I want to go when God feels like it is time, but ideally I want to be completely FULL term.  I had C at 37 weeks and a few days and he was just perfect, but I would be fine if H decides to stay in a while longer.  We still haven't made a decision on inducing if he isn't here at 39 weeks but definitely leaning towards going into labor naturally as of now.  Nothing can replace the excitement of not knowing one minute when you'll have your sweet baby and then you are rushing to the hospital the next!

Fall Festival

This past weekend was perfect!  Friday night me, my mom, and Christian went shopping... and finally got a house full of groceries!  One thing I hate is being out of food - especially while pregnant! ha!  Saturday morning, Corey and I got up and took Christian to Neumeier's Fall Festival.  We have been the past three years so it's going to be our thing every year... It is always so much fun!  The first year we went there I was pregnant with Christian and we picked out his first little pumpkin!  He had a lot of fun this year running around the pumpkin patch!!  He wasn't as big of a fan of the horses this year as last but he loved them before they started moving and he made it a couple of laps - he was really not a fan after the first lap though.  After the festival we went and had lunch at Friday's and then did some Christmas shopping.  We got two of C's presents from "Santa" and some ideas of other gifts we want to get him and H!  I also found the perfect book that I've been looking for.  I wanted to give Christian a book the day Harrison is born from Corey and I that we are both going to write in.. I found one that is called "Big Brother" and it's just perfect!  I thought it would be special for him to get a gift that day and it be something he can keep forever to remember that day. It makes me teary eyed just talking about it, geez!  

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Sunday was also a great day... We went to church and then came home for a bit and ate left over chili that I made Saturday night, put C down for a nap, then we just rested until I left to go to Amanda's baby shower for baby Graham.  It was a great shower and decorated so cute by some talented ladies! =)  Baby Graham is due 2 weeks after baby Harrison and I could not be more excited about this... His momma is one of my best friends and it will be so much fun raising our boys together!!  I went home after the shower and Christian was still napping so I hung out with Corey - while watching football, of course!  I did a little work in H's room getting things cleaned out to where you can now see the floor.  C's nana came and got him for dinner and I was just super lazy other than cleaning the kitchen and doing a load of laundry.  When Christian got home it was bath time and bed time.  I feel like I didn't get to spend much time with him and I'm missing him REALLY bad now!  Corey and I watched a couple of our shows last night and I barely made it through the last one before falling asleep - I can not stay up late anymore... I guess I'm officially old and pregnant! ;)  Speaking of.... Baby time is getting REALLY close!!! ahh!!  Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend... We sure did! =)

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The pic on the left is our first year when I was pregnant with Christian, then C's first time to go, and his pic from this year... Gosh, time flies!!  He has changed SO much!

33 Weeks & Growing...

7 weeks left or 6 if we decide to induce!!! =)  I am getting sooo excited to meet our new little man and even more excited for Christian and Harrison to meet for the first time!!  I keep thinking about how amazing that moment is going to be when Corey brings C into the room.  I'm starting to feel VERY pregnant.... I have back problems when I'm pregnant and geez it hurts so bad!  I'm also starting to feel a LOT of pressure, so much that it almost hurts to walk.  I'm hoping that if I do have him early, I can at least make it to 38 weeks.  Ideally I would like to make it to 39, but I didn't with C so I'm kind of doubting I will this time, too.  We had a doctors appointment a few days ago....  Blood pressure was great, weight gain was great, H's heart beat was great, and that's about all there was to it!  We go back next Thursday and I'm pretty sure the weekly visits will start soon!  We also had a wonderful church shower on Sunday... we got a lot of great stuff and a TON of diapers and wipes (YAY!!)  However, his room looks a crazy mess with bags, tissue paper, gifts, and hangers, and tools that Corey is using to build the shelves EVERYWHERE!!!  I'm not lying when I say the only part of the floor you can see is the part the door swings open and under the crib... LOL!  My weekend is going to be dedicated to getting his room cleaned up and organized! =)

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Harrison weighs between 4-5 lbs and has passed the 17 inch mark!

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He's rapidly losing that wrinkled, alien look and his skeleton is hardening.  The bones in his skull aren't fused together, which allows them to move and slightly overlap, making it easier for him to fit through the birth canal. (The pressure on the head during birth is so intense that many babies are born with a conehead-like appearance. - Yes, that was my child!!  I wasn't sure his head would go back to normal... he has his daddy's head for sure!  Sure enough, a few MONTHS later, he had a perfect head with a perfect head of hair! :)  I'm wondering if Harrison will be the same way... If so, it won't bother me a bit this time! :) 

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32 Weeks & Growing...

It was a very busy week and weekend so I feel like I just finished posting my 31 week post and it's already time for a 32 one.  I feel like things are starting to change... my body feels different, my belly feels much tighter and heavier, it even feels like he's dropped a bit but maybe he has just finally flipped to head down (praying).  I'm still sleeping really good and I'm feeling pretty good other than just being tired.  I wish there was maternity leave before and after the baby so I could get some rest before he gets here!  Overall, I'm feeling pretty great considering I'm 32 weeks pregnant, working full time, and have a 20 month old toddler to chase around! =)  My next doctors appointment is tomorrow - I have a lot of questions so I hope he's ready.  I usually have no questions or comments and they last a total of 5-10 minutes so I plan on getting my moneys worth this time. ;) 

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Harrison weighs near 4 lbs and is between 16-17 inches long.

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He will gain a third to half of his birth weight during the next 7 weeks as he fattens up for survival outside the womb.  He now has toenails, fingernails, and real hair (or at least respectable peach fuzz).  His skin is becoming soft and smooth as he plumps up in preparation for birth.

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Two Under Two...

It really hit me today that we are coming to an end in this pregnancy... Today is October 1st which means we can officially say that we will be welcoming baby Harrison into the world NEXT MONTH!!!  I can not believe how fast it has gone by and it makes me kind of sad.  Sad that life goes so fast and before we know it, I'll no longer be pregnant... we won't be enjoying the excitement of feeling him move around in my tummy and the excitement of "when will it happen and what will we be doing??" will be over.. Don't get me wrong, the excitement of having him here with us will be so much greater.. It's just sad that it goes by so stinking fast.  And last... it makes me very sad to know these are the last weeks we will spend as a family of three.  Christian will no longer be an only child and our time will have to be split in two... I know that once Harrison gets here none of that will matter but right now it does  make me sad to think about.  I hope that is normal.  Christian is my baby, my angel, my absolutely pride and joy... I pray every night that he doesn't feel left out or ignored when the baby gets here.  We try to talk to him about "bubba" a lot but the truth is, he's just not old enough to truly understand what's going on.  I'm warning everyone right now... so if you are a close friend or family member reading this - It will NOT be all about the baby... it will be all about BOTH of my babies... or else, don't come visit! haha Just kidding - kind of. ;)  I want Christian to feel included in everything and not that he has been pushed aside because all of the attention is on the baby.  However, I do think he is going to be beyond excited about having a little brother!!  He is such a loving, gentle, and caring little boy and he will make the best big brother in the world!!!  Harrison is sooo lucky to have him! =)  

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So, let's talk about how insane it just might be having TWO baby boys under the age of two!!!  I mean, we planned this, but sometimes I think we are crazy! ha!!  It was important to us that they grow up together and hopefully are super close.  I would love to have a baby girl someday (we will see...) but honestly we really wanted two brothers close in age.  If we ever do have another it will be later... not this close together!  It seems crazy that it's all coming true... that we will have two precious little boys, only 21 months apart!  Things may be chaotic at times but I know the memories are going to be ones that we never ever forget.  I can not wait to start our life together as a family of four!!  It sounds so weird saying that!  If you are reading this and you have little ones that are that close in age - boys in particular - I am open for any kind of advice and suggestions! ;)