36 Weeks

36 Weeks

How far along? 36 weeks... Only one week until she is considered full term!

Total weight gain: 23lb.- No change in weight this week at the doctor! Yay!

Maternity clothes: I am getting tired of wearing maternity jeans. Because they have the elastic at the top, I have to pull them up everytime I stand up. I wish they stayed up well like normal jeans. This will give me lots of motivation to get back in my normal size jeans quicker! Haha!

Stretch marks? No

Sleep: I did the SAME thing this Saturday night that I did last week- how strange! I woke up at about 5 and couldn't go back to sleep. I didn't get a nap that afternoon though, so I slept VERY good the next night! 

Best moment this week: Blake's family was in town so we had so much fun with them!! They all got here Friday night. Saturday, we went to lunch and then spent the afternoon on the beach. We also took some family photos that night on the beach. Here is one of my favorites!

Tatum is so active it is hard to get her to not wiggle in a picture. Haha! One of my favorite moments this weekend was when I asked Tatum where baby Caroline was and she pointed at my belly!! Here is a picture of it! It was so cute! 

Then we asked her to give Caroline a kiss so here is her "kissy" face! :) 

My sister-in-law, Summer, also took some maternity pictures of me! I will have to make another post to show you some of my favorites later!

Along with a great weekend with family, Blake and I also joined a church!! We joined Olive Baptist Church in Pensacola. It is a large church, but immediately felt like home when we visited. The Pastor (Ted Traylor) is not ashamed to preach the Gospel and holds nothing back in his sermons. He has been teaching from Revelation, and it has been so powerful! I have learned so much in just the few weeks that we have been there. I am so excited the Lord led us here and can't wait to see how He grows us in the years ahead through Pastor Traylor's leadership. This is a much needed answer to prayer. Praise the Lord!!

Miss anything? I have wanted to lay on my stomach soooo badly this week!! My back has been hurting some and I just feel like if I could curl over and lay on my stomach, it would feel so much better. Well, that is incredibly impossible right now, so I have just been dealing with it. Haha!

Movement: Of course! It was fun for Blake's family to get to feel her wiggle and kick so much this weekend too!

Food cravings: I have wanted green grapes for a few weeks but couldn't find any that looked too good. Well, I found some this week and they were DELICIOUS! :)

Anything making you queasy or sick: No

Gender: Girl!!

Labor signs: Feeling those contractions more and more. It is making it more and more real that I could go into labor at any point now. Because of that, I am much more conscious of my contractions and how close together they are. 

Symptoms: I have noticed my hips hurting this week. I am assuming they are just moving and adjusting for childbirth, but it is quite uncomfortable some times! Blake said he thinks they are looking wider (THANKS!) these days too. Haha! He didn't just come out and say that... I specifically asked him since they have been hurting, so he wasn't in trouble for his answer. 

Belly button in or out? Out

Wedding rings on or off? Off

Looking forward to: I am feeling more ready for Caroline every day! We now have her monitor all set up and ready to go, even though she will probably be sleeping in our room for a little while. I am starting to pack her bag (and my bag) for the hospital. So, I am looking forward to just being more and more ready for her! :)

35 Weeks

35 Weeks

How far along? 35 weeks

Total weight gain: 23lb - This week at the doctor, my weight was actually down a pound, but I think it was just the time of day. Haha!

Maternity clothes: Anything stretchy and big is GREAT! All of my normal t-shirts are too short now, so it is either one of Blake's t-shirts or a maternity shirt these days.

Stretch marks? No... hoping I can keep this going for just a few more weeks!

Sleep: I have slept pretty good this week. Saturday night, I was asleep less than 4 hours and then woke up WIDE awake!! I have no idea why! It was crazy! I made up for it with a great nap that afternoon though.

Best moment this week: My baby shower is Mobile! It is so great!! I got to see so many friends and family, and we were so blessed with an insane amount of amazing gifts for our sweet Caroline! She is one loved little baby! I am thankful for all the family that made it such a special shower. No detail of overlooked, and it was perfect!! I could not ask for better hostesses! Here is a picture of me with all of the wonderful ladies who made my day so special!

This next picture gives you just a little taste of how many gifts Caroline was given at this shower.

Miss anything? I can't think of anything specific this week that I have missed. 

Movement: Yes! She is so active! Every time I go to the doctor, she goes crazy!! I lay back, they put the doppler (to listen to her heartbeat) on my belly, and she starts kicking and punching like there is no tomorrow! The nurse is always so amazing at how hyper she is! Haha!

Food cravings: Nothing crazy to tell about this week.

Anything making you queasy or sick: No

Gender: Girl!!

Labor signs: More braxton hicks but not painful yet... just definitely more noticeable.

Symptoms: I think the only "normal" pregnancy symptom that I have not had is heartburn. I don't even know what it feels like! I am so thankful because so many people say how horrible it can be.

Belly button in or out? Out

Wedding rings on or off? Off

Looking forward to: Blake's family is coming in town next weekend for Memorial Day! I am so excited about seeing all of them and getting to spend some time at the beach too!

34 Weeks

34 Weeks

How far along? 34 weeks... 6 weeks to go!!

Total weight gain: 23lb.- I don't normally weight myself at home, so we will see what the Dr. says next week!

Maternity clothes: Right now I am loving wearing Blake's big t-shirts. Nothing is too comfy, so just having a baggie shirt on to relax is nice. I still enjoy dressing up in my cute maternity clothes when I go out though! :)

Stretch marks? No

Sleep: I am on a "regular" sleep pattern of waking up at about 3 and 5 every night.... wonder if this has anything to do with Caroline's sleep schedule. Haha! We will soon see!

Best moment this week: Blake was out of town at the beginning of the week... and no, that is not the highlight of my week. Haha! But because he was gone, I went to Mobile and got to spend a few days with my parents. Most of the time it was just me and Mom because Dad was also out of town! We had lots of fun girl time... I am so so thankful for my mom and all she means to me (happy late mother's day from the blog!). I have been so blessed to have a wonderful mom who I also consider my best friend. I really enjoyed this special time we got to spend together and look forward to having that mother-daughter bond with Caroline!

Miss anything? Comfort... of all kinds. Haha! Comfort in sleeping, walking, wearing clothes, bending down to tie your shoes, breathing a deep breath... Ok, I am done with my complaining list. I am really trying to have a positive attitude and not focus on the minor  discomforts of pregnancy. According to my phone app, Caroline is the size of a cantaloupe this week. A cantaloupe. Seriously--- think about carrying around a ~20lb. cantaloupe that wiggles and kicks in your stomach. Yes, that is what it feels like. Haha! I know she doesn't weight 20 lb, but having all that weight in my belly now makes me feel like the top muscles of my stomach are about to rip off, to put it nicely! I forgot what I was even supposed to be writing about. Ok. Back on subject... so I guess I just miss being comfortable.

Movement: Yes! I can definitely tell when she is awake or asleep now. Although she likes to randomly kick me all day, her most active times are normally in the morning around 8 or 9 and then at night around 9 or 10.

Food cravings: Pancakes... and we had them tonight for dinner! YUMMY!!

Anything making you queasy or sick: No

Gender: Girl!!

Labor signs: No... just some braxton hicks.

Symptoms: I am not sure if I have talked about this before... but I have the dark line (linea nigra, for those nurses out there) in the middle of my abdomen. It has been there for a long time now, but I couldn't remember if I mentioned it. It is so interesting what hormones can do to your body!! I wonder how long it will take for the line to go away after she is born...? Anyone know?

Belly button in or out? Out

Wedding rings on or off? Off

Looking forward to: My baby shower in Mobile is this weekend!!! I am so excited about getting to see everyone who is able to come and catching up with friends!

I forgot to tell about our hospital tour last week... It was a lot of fun! The lady who took us around basically did a mini labor class in the middle of the tour! Haha! Blake learned some new things and got to see some brand new babies in the nursery! It was a long tour, but I am glad we now know what the room will look like. It makes it easier to really picture her being born and being in our arms... I can't wait!! :)

33 Weeks

33 Weeks

How far along? 33 weeks... Can't believe it is getting so close!!

Total weight gain: 23lb.

Maternity clothes: Right now I am wearing a t-shirt and some yoga-type pants. I can't imagine getting any bigger than I am now, but I know I will in the next few weeks! My selection of clothing is getting smaller as I get bigger! At least I only have a few weeks left! :)

Stretch marks? No

Sleep: I have slept pretty well this week!! Can't complain!

Best moment this week: We went to Auburn this past weekend to see my cousin's graduation. Along with the graduation, we got to catch up and visit with friends and family in Auburn. It was strange being back in Auburn with it not being our home. That is where Blake and I met and started our dating relationship and our marriage. Auburn will always have a special place in our hearts, even if we don't live there. 

Another highlight of this week for me was getting Caroline's carseat and stroller!! Thanks, Gigi and Pappy for helping us get it!! I feel much more prepared and ready for her to come now that we have that!

Miss anything? I miss sleeping on my stomach and back. I wasn't too much of a stomach/back sleeper before, but when it is not an option, it makes you want it that much more. Haha!

Movement: Of course! My little wiggle worm is doing cartwheels in there! I have no idea how she is positioned now because she is moving around so much! Maybe she realizes that she is running out of room and wants to take advantage of wiggling as much as she can now. Haha!

Food cravings: Since I knew we were going to Auburn, I was of course planning out where we would eat days before we left home. Well... I got my craving satisfied when we ate lunch at Mike and Ed's Barbeque on Saturday! YUMMMY!!! I have missed me some Mike and Ed's! We have only been to one BBQ place in Milton, and it was just ok. We need to venture out and try some other places, but it is hard to compete with Mike and Ed's.

Anything making you queasy or sick: No

Gender: Girl!!

Labor signs: No... just some braxton hicks. I have been noticing the braxton hicks contractions more, but it is nothing painful.

Symptoms: My belly getting bigger and bigger by the day! It was so fun to go to our old Sunday school class in Auburn and for everyone to see how much I have grown. Haha! They haven't seen us in almost 2 months, so it was a big difference!

Belly button in or out? Out

Wedding rings on or off? Off

Looking forward to: We have a tour of the hospital this week to see what the labor and delivery unit is like! I can't wait!

32 Weeks

32 Weeks

How far along? 32 weeks... 8 more weeks! Ahh!! :)

Total weight gain: 20lb+... haven't weighed at home this week

Maternity clothes: T-shirts are pretty much the only non-maternity clothes that still fit. I actually laid out one day this week in my maternity bathing suit. I felt a little ridiculous sitting in our drive way in a beach chair... but we live in Florida now so I guess that is a little more acceptable. Haha!

Stretch marks? No

Sleep: I had one night this week that I woke up at 3am with a headache and was wide awake for about an hour or so. I made up for it with a great night of sleep last night!! I went to sleep a little bit after 10 and slept until 8... of course with a few times of waking up to turn over or use the restroom.

Best moment this week: Blake and I spent part of the weekend in Mobile with my parents, my brother James Robert, my sis-in-law Leslie, and our sweet niece Mattingly!! We had a great time relaxing and getting to hold their precious bundle of joy!! I especially liked seeing Blake hold and talk to Mattie and just imagining how he will be with Caroline soon. I already know he is going to be an amazing Dad!! I can't wait for him to hold our Caroline! (He says I get to hold her all the time now so he will get to hold her when she gets out. Haha!)

Miss anything? I am ready to be able to wear some of my normal clothes. I think this will give me lots of motivation after delivery to lose that baby weight and get into those clothes!

Movement: So much! I am so thankful for the constant reminder that she is healthy and growing in there... the miracle of carrying a life inside of you is something that is truly indescribable!! I feel so blessed that God has entrusted me with this amazing responsibility and miracle!

Food cravings: I was so hot one day this week (yes, I get random hot flashes) and wanted something cold so badly! And it just happened to be happy hour at Sonic... YESSS!! Watermelon slush was my choice and $1 later, I was one happy pregnant lady! :)

Anything making you queasy or sick: No

Gender: Girl!!

Labor signs: No... just some random braxton hicks.

Symptoms: My hot flashes that I mentioned have probably been the biggest thing this week as it is getting much warmer outside.

Belly button in or out? Out... more of an "outie" than ever! Haha!

Wedding rings on or off? Off

Looking forward to: We are going to Auburn this weekend for my cousin Rachel's graduation!! We are excited to be back in our "old hometown" and see some friends and family! Can't believe my "little cousin" is graduating college!! Congrats, Rach!! :)

31 Weeks

31 Weeks

How far along? 31 weeks... only 9 weeks to go!! Single digit countdown! Woo hoo!

Total weight gain: 20 lb- I hit this milestone at my Dr. office this week... but at least I only have 9 more weeks! :)

Maternity clothes: Anything big and stretchy... haha! I went looking around at Target and LOVED some of the "normal sized" clothes but knew I shouldn't even try them on because they wouldn't fit. Haha! I will love being able to fit into non-maternity clothes after Caroline is born and after that baby weight comes off!

Stretch marks? No

Sleep: Same as before... waking up 2-3 times a night to turn over or use the restroom. I have been more hot at night so I have been freezing Blake out recently. I told him it will probably only get worse from here. Haha!

Best moment this week: Getting lots of projects done in Caroline's room!! My parents came over this weekend and stayed Friday night. Friday and Saturday we worked on making curtains, a cornice board, and covering a lamp shade. Here are some pictures of our projects!

 The plain window before...

 After!!! :) Curtains made from painter's drop cloth (from Home Depot)! Blake and Dad made the cornice board and Mom and I covered it (with the help of Dad using the staple gun). I LOVE IT!

 Up close of the cornice board. We inserted a piece of the curtain material with her monogram in the middle of the cornice board to tie it all together. I did the monogramming and sewing of the cornice board material and mom sewed the curtains. Team work!

 Final product with the lamp!

Here is an up close of the lamp we covered. The fabric coordinates with the paisley pattern on her bedding! Perfect!

Miss Anything? Turning over in bed easily... As funny as it may seem, this has gotten more and more difficult. Haha! I never realized how hard this would be. I can't wait to see how much harder it is going to get over the next 9 weeks! 

Movement: I sometimes say she is doing karate because that is really what it feels like! She also LOVES to stretch out. I can feel her back on one side of my stomach and her feet on the other side. I can't wait to see her stretch like that after she is born and know that is what I was feeling inside too! Crazy thought...

Food cravings: Update on the pickled okra... I found some!!! Woo hoo!! I also had a craving for ice cream sandwiches. I know these are so gross together, but by themselves... I love them both!! I have been enjoying them lots this week! :)

Anything making you queasy or sick: No

Gender: Girl!!

Labor signs: No

Symptoms: Getting hot when I would normally be comfortable or cold. It was cooler at night this week so we had our back door open and the fan on in our living room. Blake had a blanket over his whole body and was so cold and I was sitting in shorts and a t-shirt and was comfy. Haha! We have switched roles for a little while.

Belly button in or out? Out

Wedding rings on or off? Off

Looking forward to: We are going to Mobile this weekend because James Robert, Leslie, and Mattingly will be in town! Yay!! This will be Blake's first time meeting her, and I know he will be so in love as soon as he sees her! :)

30 Weeks

30 Weeks

How far along? 30 weeks (forgot to take a picture this week... I promise to remember next week!)

Total weight gain: 17lb

Maternity clothes: I am loving my gauchos!! They are capris and super stretchy so they are the most comfortable thing to wear now.

Stretch marks? No

Sleep: I have been sleeping pretty well... I wake up a few times a night to turn over or use the restroom but nothing too bad.

Best moment this week: We went to a great church on Sunday here in Milton that we really enjoyed. We met a really nice couple in Sunday School that we sat with during church. After church, they invited us to go out to eat with them! It was such a simple thing that meant so much to me... more than they will probably ever know. We still want to visit a few other churches, but we really enjoyed the fellowship and teaching at church this week.

Miss anything? Simple things... like being able to roll over in bed easily, not running into things with my belly, and having more energy. It's those little things that you don't really appreciate until after you are pregnant and realize how easy some things were before having a big belly. Haha!

Movement: All the time!! She now gets the hiccups ALL the time too! It is so funny! She got them 3 times in one day this week. Love feeling her move around all the time!

Food cravings: I have been wanting some pickled okra... I know that is so random and weird, and I still haven't gotten any! I am definitely going to search for it this next week at the grocery store!

Anything making you queasy or sick: No

Gender: Girl!!

Labor signs: No. I have noticed the braxton hicks contractions more but it is always just random contractions that don't hurt at all. Blake said the other day when I was having one, "Are labor contractions going to hurt worse than this?" I just laughed and said... "These don't even hurt!! I can't imagine what real contractions are going to feel like!" Only 10 weeks until Caroline's due date... getting a little more anxious about the delivery part of pregnancy.

Symptoms: Nothing out of the ordinary for me. I have been getting "restless legs" at night more often and waking up with leg cramps some. 

Belly button in or out? Same with half out and half flat right now... Haha!

Wedding rings on or off? Off

Looking forward to: Mom and Dad are coming over to help make curtains and a cornice board for Caroline's room. I can't wait to post pictures next week to make the big reveal!! Her room is coming together so nicely! Now I mainly just have to decide where I want everything on the wall and hang it all. Can't believe we are so close to meeting our baby girl!