Waiting for Baby V: Thirty-Nine Noteworthy Weeks!

WOW! Just days away, and I will be a "Momma" for the very first time. That is so crazy and amazing, but it also seems like I've waited forever too! We are so excited, and cannot hardly believe that this time next week, we will most likely be home with our tiny girl, Eloise Marie. There have been a few ups and downs this week, but it definitely has ended happily. I have felt really good these past few days, and my blood pressure has been a lot better too. Last week on Sunday night, we went to the hospital, thinking my blood pressure was too high, and feeling fearful of what was happening. They sent us home though, and we were so happy. With that in mind, I tried to relax the next few days. We then had a doctor's appointment on Tuesday, where my blood pressure was still high, and so they decided to do some blood work for toxemia/preeclampsia. If it came back that I was having those issues, the plan was going to have to be bumped up to Wednesday to have her, and possibly via c-section. I was pretty upset that day, but heard back that all was looking good and to proceed with my next appointment on Friday. Then, Friday, we finally had some better blood pressure measurements! All the relaxation and down time had paid off! Since then, I have felt really great, and less tired than I have in a while. I am so thankful that I have had this little spurt of energy here at the end, and now I hope it lasts me until Wednesday night. Most of my big "to do's" are done, but I'd like to have a few more days to myself, or to Chris and myself. We had a wonderful weekend together, just doing the simple things, and I love just being with my sweet sweet husband.

I am so excited to meet Ellie, but I have also REALLY loved being pregnant too. There are so many things I am going to miss about it...
   You can get away with eating/wanting to eat most anything you want! Okay, okay, within reason, but it has been SO NICE to not have to worry about every little thing! I will have to get back to work, and work hard after Ellie gets here, but this has been the most awesome eating season of my life. And my wonderful husband has indulged me every step along the way. What a sweet man!
   You can be bit lazier than usual! You are supposed to rest, rest, rest, and I have enjoyed doing this. I have gotten bored a bit this past week (though I swore I would never say that), especially when I find the motivation to get stuff done, and then know that I shouldn't do it and relax instead. Such a silly problem to have.
   Pregnant ladies have always made me smile, and I have found that others smile a lot more at me too. Waddling ladies with big round tummies have always made me a little happier, especially when I would think about being one myself someday too. I can't fully explain why they have brought joy to me, but I hope I have done the same too. I have noticed people of all types giving me a smile, and it is so sweet.
   People want to do things to help you. It is amazing how people have helped and been there for us during this exciting, and sometimes stressful, time. Even strangers have gone out of their way to do little things for us, and we are so very grateful. It's easy to focus on the negative stuff and people in life, but it's been more difficult for me during this time to forget all of the good and unselfish people. I have loved it!
   And the most important reason of all... There is a tiny person growing in my tummy, a tiny miracle from God. It has been incredible to experience this little miracle grow and change and move on her own, without me having any control over what she does. She is her own little person already, and I can't imagine not having her. I am going to miss feeling her wiggle, kick, and punch, hearing her heatbeat, and trying to figure out what is her foot, her elbow, etc., but I will actually get to see her in just a FEW DAYS. That is simply amazing!

The last episode of the pregnancy diaries...

1. Total weight gain: +43 lbs. (I lost 1 lb. this week! WOW! Maybe lost some extra fluids?)

2. Maternity clothes?: Yes, and I have worn the same outfit multiple days in a row, because I feel the cutest in it. So there. 

3. Stretch marks?: Nope! YAY!

4. Sleep?: Though I don't sleep solidly for more than 3 or 4 hours, I am thankful that I have been able to sleep in and take naps as needed. Like they say, my body is preparing for Ellie's arrival! 

5. Best moment this week?: Hmmm...Maybe a three-way tie, when they said I didn't have to deliver Wednesday, better blood pressure report on Friday, and the great day Chris and I had together yesterday? It's been a full week, full of many blessings for sure.

6. Miss anything?: Cutting my to do list down has again been difficult this week, but I've also gotten quite a bit done already. I just miss getting to do what I want when I find the motivation to do it! Guess that will have to wait for a while now too...

7. Movement?: Ellie is moving a lot still, and stretching and punching and kicking...But I love it. Reminds me of the tiny life that will be here very very soon!

8. Food cravings?: Cheese, chocolate shakes, sugar, and of course, fried food. 

9. Anything make you queasy or sick?: Nope!

10. Gender?: Sweet little girl will be here this week...

11. Labor signs?: I think so...My back is hurting a lot too, but I guess I'll find out what labor feels like soon enough!

12. Symptoms?: I get worn out very easily, especially after walking or being on my feet for too long. And my back hurts too! Oh, and still going to the bathroom A LOT. :)

13. Belly button in or out?: Still in!

14. Wedding rings on or off?: Off now. :( They are just too tight to wear.

15. Happy or moody most of the time?: Happy, but anxious. Each day my feelings change about when I want her to be here, but most of all, I can't wait for her to be here to know that she is okay and so am I. She's been a good baby staying in there for so long, just a few more days little Ellie!

16. Looking forward to most?: Meeting Eloise this week! Not much else I can think of, or plan for, since she could be here any time now.  WOWZA!

Well, as my last pregnancy blog, I wanted to make sure to thank all of you for all your love and support throughout this exciting adventure! I can't believe I will meet little Ellie in just a few days...Can't wait to share her with you all too! I know I will write again soon, but until then, much love to each of you!

Happy "Eloise-ter" from the Parents-to-be!

Waiting for Baby V: Thirty-Eight Elated Weeks!

My first day of maternity leave! Or if you count last week, the start to my second week. Today was kind of a strange day...I felt like it was the first day of my "babies" going to daycare or school, and I found myself being sad that I couldn't be with them. And it's a strange and bittersweet feeling that they will be okay without me. I am sure there will be more of this as time continues, but soon I will have a tiny girl in my arms that will make my staying home actually meaningful. This actually might be my last blog entry, if she decides to come even earlier! CRAZY!

Spring Break this past week was a wonderful week of sleeping in, relaxing, eating good food, and spending lots of time with friends and family. We got a lot of items checked off our pre-Ellie checklist too! The weekend ended with a little blood pressure scare though, and a trip to the hospital. My doctor told me on Friday that since my blood pressure has been creeping up, to start taking my medication twice a day and to come in again on Tuesday. He also said to watch for headaches, and go to the hospital if I had one. So, I took my blood pressure several times last night, even after laying on my left side and taking my medication, and it was still high. I wasn't feeling really bad, but we decided to go ahead and go in anyways. Just in case, we packed the car and gave each other some "Ellie gifts" that we had planned to give just before we left for the hospital. I loved mine and I think Chris did too! We also took a few last pictures, including one with my board and a few of my belly. This is why I look so sleepy in this week's board picture!

My favorite Easter treats, Gatorade, Burt Bee's and necklaces from Chris!

Two necklaces: The one on the left is an antique from Chris,
and the owl one Chris says is from Ellie. :)
Us three together on a tree branch, with both March and April birthstones, just in case.
I love these both so much... such a sweet idea!

Thankfully though, they sent us home with good news about both Ellie and myself, and to just continue to drink water and rest. So that's what I did today, as well as get the long awaited and much need pedicure and manicure. And it was as glorious as I thought it would be! So thank you, Ellie, from your Momma, for letting me get one before you decide to show up!

1. Total weight gain: +44 lbs. (+1 lb. this week again)

2. Maternity clothes?: Yes, and I don't even care about what looks good any more. Just what fits and is comfortable.

3. Stretch marks?: Nopey! My mom said if I don't have them yet, I probably won't. So YAY!

4. Sleep?: Still sleeping with a pillow under my tummy, which helps sleeping a lot, but getting up even more to go to the bathroom. It's so nice to be able to sleep longer too now, so in case I don't get enough sleep, I can sleep in! 

5. Best moment this week?: I am not sure if this counts, but last night, when they told us we could go home and that we weren't going to have a baby so early!

6. Miss anything?: Still being able to do whatever I want, when I want. With my blood pressure creeping up though, I have had to cut my to do list each day to just one big "to do" and a lot of sitting or laying down. Sounds easy right? But I don't like it! I want to do stuff!

7. Movement?: She's still moving, and with the little amount of space in there, her stretches kind of hurt sometimes! Silly baby

8. Food cravings?: Still dairy and dessert, and of course anything salty, since I know I really shouldn't. Gah.

9. Anything make you queasy or sick?: Nope!

10. Gender?: GIRL! Excited to meet her!

11. Labor signs?: I think I might have had a contraction the other night, but not sure. Things are starting to feel different though, which is good I think!

12. Symptoms?: I feel tired easily and at night feel like my tummy muscles are being stretched in strange ways. I am getting to the uncomfortable stage, where I will just be glad to have her here when it's time. 

13. Belly button in or out?: Still in!

14. Wedding rings on or off?: Off now. :( They are just too tight to wear.

15. Happy or moody most of the time?: Happy overall this week, because I got to do several of my favorite things, spend time with my favorite people, and eat my favorite food. But I am also somewhat worried/stressed, not knowing when Ellie will make her arrival! I am sure me worrying really helps the situation. I just want to fast forward a week or so, have her here, and know that we both are okay!

16. Looking forward to most?: Well, I am mostly taking it a day at a time. Each day we make it through is another taking she gets to grow a little more, and I get to relax and be selfish. 

So maybe I'll see you next week with my for sure last blog at 39 weeks, or maybe the next time I post will be with a tiny baby Ellie in my arms! I guess we will see! But most of all, thank you so much for reading and following along with me as I become a momma for the first time. I would not be here without all your support, and I know I will still need you! Please, keep reading! :) Much love to each of you!

Waiting for Baby V: Thirty-Seven Sunny Weeks!

Hello friends! Ahhhh Spring Break! And for me now, MATERNITY LEAVE! YAY! Though the weekend is over, and I never want my time with Chris to end, I am also looking forward to the next two weeks of getting items checked off the to-do list in preparation for baby Eloise. Her room is basically ready to go, but there are a few touches I would still like to add, as always. And of course, I need to get those thank you notes out! But, I am certainly not complaining, since each thank you note I write, represents the love someone has shown us during this very exciting time! So THANK YOU for all you have done for us! This is one lucky little girl!

This past weekend Chris and I planned a bit of a "staycation" or "babymoon". We did several of our favorite things, and just spent time together. First, we had a little picnic at OU with Lucy and just spent some time outside in the beautiful weather. Then, what we had been looking forward to for weeks, we went out to a fancy dinner at Melting Pot, where we took 3 hours to enjoy our 4-course meal. This is by far our favorite (and most expensive) place to eat, and I was glad I had enough room for each course! We also got to go watch a movie in the balcony at the Warren, and have dinner served to us there. These were the two main events this past weekend, but we also just got to be together, doing regular things, like sleeping in and grocery shopping. I love being with Chris, just doing whatever. What an amazing husband I have!

On our last picnic as a family of two plus Lucy!

At the Melting Pot!

In the balcony at the Warren

This past week was a pretty big one too, and I had been praying to at least get through it with no surprises from Ellie. It was big because it was my last week at Norman High, and possibly the last week of teaching for me. Wow. It was packed full of trying to get last minute things done: meetings held, lessons taught, hugs given, and every moment savored. It went by so quickly, but each moment I started to get a bit sentimental, something really annoying would happen, usually by a mistake I made. But the last day was so good it was astonishing! We read the first chapter of my most favorite book, To Kill a Mockingbird. The kids were the sweetest, gave me hugs, and paid attention amazingly! And so many colleagues gave me smiles, hugs, and kind words. I ate lunch with my favorite people in the lounge, and had some good laughs, and we got to eat dinner together too before parent/teacher conferences. One of my students even brought me flowers to the conferences, and the office ladies made sure I was taken care of with ice water and a fan. It was a really wonderful day, and I left feeling much Tiger love. I am sure going to miss this place, and most of all, the people. The people are amazing, and I don't know a better group of people to work with! I have a feeling another blog post will come in the near future about Norman High and all it has been for me, but for now, I'd like to look to the exciting new adventure awaiting me...

Some of the wonderful people I ate lunch with everyday...
One of the biggest things I am going to miss!

Today was the first tiny taste of being a stay-at-home momma, well except for not having a baby to take care of. :) But I am more than thrilled that I don't have to be sad on Sunday nights because I know I have to go back to work. I especially would feel that way if I had to leave Eloise! I know there will be many many things I miss about teaching, and I will be honest about them as the time comes, but as for right now, I am so excited to just be a momma. I know it will be a new challenge, but I can't believe I am finally here! Almost 30 years of dreaming, and now I can finally live it!

Preggo details:

1. Total weight gain: +43 lbs. (+1 lb. this week)

2. Maternity clothes?: Yeppers! Looking forward to putting my old clothes on again soon too though! 

3. Stretch marks?: Eeek! Don't want to jinx myself, but none yet!

4. Sleep?: I now am sleeping with a pillow under my tummy, and it helps me sleep for a few hours at a time at least. This past week has been rough with sleep because I have some kind of allergy induced head sickiness going on, but now that I can sleep in, I am feeling much better! 

5. Best moment this week?: Like I said, the last day of school was really AMAZING! But also getting to spend so much time with Chris this weekend was really wonderful. Lots of good moments!

6. Miss anything?: Being able to do as much as I want to, when I want to. I get tired quickly and my blood pressure creeps up on me. Looking forward to Ellie being here, so I can exercise, do yard work, and do the things I have energy for!

7. Movement?: She's still shaking and moving! It's so fun to be able to feel her tiny bum, her foot, or her elbow move, as well as see her move!

8. Food cravings?: Dairy and dessert! That's what I love!

9. Anything make you queasy or sick?: Nope!

10. Gender?: GIRL! Had a dream I had a boy though...That was scary!

11. Labor signs?: I have to go to the bathroom more often, but I don't think she still has moved down, which is a relief to me! Stay in there until we're induced little girl!

12. Symptoms?: I get tired really easily, she moves a lot, and my back hurts often. It's okay though!

13. Belly button in or out?: Still in!

14. Wedding rings on or off?: On but they're getting too tight. I can only wear them for a little while, but they get tight as the night wears on.

15. Happy or moody most of the time?: Happy! This has been a great week, and I am looking forward to week of fun doing all of my favorites before Ellie gets here (hopefully)!

16. Looking forward to most?: Just doing fun stuff this week! Trying not to look too far ahead, in case she decides to come earlier, but hopefully, I'll get to do lots of my favorites, as well as get some things checked off the to do list.

Going to have a great week, and I hope you all do too!

Waiting for Baby V: Thirty-Six Sweet Weeks!

WOW! I can't believe this week is finally here! This is my last week at Norman High School, and it is very bittersweet. It will be filled with many "lasts", some that will make me happy and some that will make me so sad. It will be my last spirit week, my last papers to grade, my last IEPs to write, my last classes to teach, my last morning duty, my last lunch with my friends in the lounge, my last parent/teacher conferences, and my last classes with my kids. I am so excited about these new "firsts" that I am about to embark on, but I miss so many things about being a teacher. So here's to my last week!

This past week was a good one again, filled with both ups and downs, as well as checking the to do's off of our list. It was another stress-filled week at school, but I have learned to come home and seriously take it easy. Put my feet up and take a nap! AND eat whatever sounds good to eat. :) Last week was my last week with my sweet student teacher too, and with just one day without her, I already miss seeing my friend everyday. She helped some of the kiddos throw a baby shower for me too, which was a dream! The kids were so excited and cute! We also had our last and final baby shower, hosted by my sweet sister, Jennie, and best friend from junior high, Joellen. It was amazing! I have more details of them both below. And Lucy's 3rd birthday was this week! We celebrated with party hats, a new bone, and a new owl toy to get her used to all the new owl stuff that will be around for her sister. Tee hee...

This weekend, we also got to get more ready for Ellie by organizing her room, putting up her decorations, and doing some laundry for her. I would say we are about 90% ready for her arrival, and after this week is over and more things are accomplished, I will feel more ready. I want her to stay in there for a few more weeks to have a bit more time, but also to make sure she is healthy and ready to come out!

Baby Shower #4

Hosted By: Becky and my students!

Decorations: A "Welcome Baby" banner, with bright baby owl plates and napkins

Food: Sausage balls, chips and dips, cake, and little smokies! YUM!

Activity: Becky brought little advice cards for each of the kids to fill out, and they were hilarious and sweet!

Guests: Students past and present, Becky, and some teacher's aides I've worked with. FUN! 

Gifts: Diapers, embroidered owl onesies, a leaf mosaic, herbal tea, and cute little outfits!

Our Favorite Part: The thoughtfulness of the kiddos, and all the at Becky did to make the shower possible! It was something I will always remember!

Baby Shower #5

Hosted By: Jennie & Joellen, with help from my Mom and Joellen's Mom, Diann

Invitation: A vintage and bright forest friends invitation!

Decorations: Oh my...There was so much! Bird mobiles and garland made by Jennie, flowers from Joellen, milk bottles to drink out of, sock and washcloth flowers, a clothesline with onesies made by my Mom, and little forest friends all around! It was so beautiful!

Food: Breakfast heaven! Crepes with all kinds of toppings, many homemade, deli meats and cheeses on croissants, hummus and veggies, and blueberry pancake cupcakes! Oh, and I can't forget, chocolate milk and orange juice! 

Activity: Joellen set up a fun station for everyone to decorate little wooden blocks for Ellie! There were several papers to choose from and cute stickers. We even made one too!

Guests: My family, high school gal friends and their babies, and some of my Mom's sweet friends too!

Gifts: Many cute clothes, blankets, toys, and play saucer!

Our Favorite Part: I love all the thought that went into each detail! The decor, the food, the activities were all so much of what we love. Thank you so much!

This weeks's pregnant details:
1. Total weight gain: +42 lbs. (+3 lb. this week...Oh dear!)

2. Maternity clothes?: Yep! Growing bigger and with warmer weather, my selection is getting smaller. 

3. Stretch marks?: Almost there, and no new ones!

4. Sleep?: Still not getting very good sleep at night because I cannot get comfortable. Annoying! But naps are part of the daily routine now, just trying to sleep when I can. 

5. Best moment this week?: The showers this week were incredible! It also feels so good to get so much done in her room. Almost done!

6. Miss anything?: Moving with some form of agility! I feel like an old woman when I try to get up and certainly sound like one too! That probably has something to do with my carrying around at extra 40 lbs!    

7. Movement?: Moving and stretching a lot which feels not too awesome sometimes! Goodness!

8. Food cravings?: Cheese, yogurt, and dessert!

9. Anything make you queasy or sick?: Nope!

10. Gender?: She has a girly room for sure! Excited to see our tiny one!!!

11. Labor signs?: Things are starting to feel different, but she hasn't dropped yet, so stay in there just a little longer Ellie!

12. Symptoms?: Exhausted at the end of the day, or pretty much after I do anything for more than an hour...Haha... 

13. Belly button in or out?: An innie still!

14. Wedding rings on or off?: On but they come off ASAP when I get home...

15. Happy or moody most of the time?: Happy usually, even when I get a bit overwhelmed from time to time. I am trying to enjoy each day just as me, and especially just as Chris and me. We are having fun looking forward to her coming too!

16. Looking forward to most?: Last week of school! YAY! So right now, I am looking forward to next weekend. We are having a sort of "stay-cation"/"babymoon". We have plans to sleep in, be lazy, eat at Melting Pot, and see a movie in the balcony at the Warren. Maybe a picnic or trip to Whole Foods too? Not sure, but we will see!

As always, I so appreciate you reading, and hope each of you has a great week. Spring Break is almost here...We can do it people!!!