waiting game.

Last week was a caray-zzzz one. I'm shocked I didn't go into labor. Really. From sunup to (hours after) sundown I was on my feet keeping a 19 month old happy and entertained while moving, cleaning, organizing, you name it, while electricians, carpet and closet installers, floor refinishers, and cabinet makers made our home their second. Let's just say it was one of those weeks where the minute I felt everything was clean and put together, I would turn around and boom. The mess was back. 

As of today, we are still waiting on the vanity countertops to be installed. Therefore, we are still waiting on the plumbers, as well. The painters are going to have to come back to paint said vanities and to patch and paint the gillion new holes and scuffs on our walls. I hope that by the end of the week all of this mumbo jumbo will be coming to a close because...this baby is coming soon. I can feel it and my doctor agrees. 

I had my 38 week appointment this morning and am over 2 centimeters dilated, 50% effaced, the head is in -2 station, and my cervix is ripe and ready for showtime, go-time. She thinks this babe will come within the week, but I'm taking that with a grain of salt. Remember my progress with Brooks? ...and I still had to be induced. This time, I am going to try to wait to go into labor on my own. Dr. Stradtman said that she will let me go to 41 weeks before intervention. Let the waiting game begin! 

In the meantime, I am relishing sweet moments and snuggles with my first baby. Yesterday, he refused his afternoon nap and fell asleep in my arms. Instead of putting him in the crib, we rocked and I breathed in every ounce of him. Today, he is my little shadow and I don't mind it one bit. 

Oh, and here are some snippets of the progress made on the master and nursery:

 We haven't hung any art on the walls in the nursery, yet. And we won't be adding details, such as pouf and crib bedding until the baby arrives. Stay tuned for a peek into the upstairs space! It turned out to be one of my favorites. 

sprinkled.

Last night, the babe (who is no longer referred to as "no-name" because we finally decided on a boy name and a girl name) and I were sprinkled by my bests of the bests. We went to Bottega Cafe for dinner and had the best time. I felt (feel) so honored and loved by these ladies and their generosity. They really are keepers and I am so blessed to call them my friends.

Thank you again, my loves! 

On an another note, it's FRIDAY! Yesssssssss. The day of the week that I look forward to most. 

Brooks and I ran some errands this morning since the rain kept us away from our walk and a trip to the park. We did brave the weather to head up to Homewood Library before lunch for Water & Melon Day. I thought Brooks would go ga-ga over the firetruck, but he was pretty terrified, yet intrigued (as long as he was in my arms). We still had a great time with our buddies, despite the rain. I just love our city! 

While we were out and about, my favorite floor guys put on a coat of sealer in the bedroom and a coat of stain upstairs. It's looking good! 

Have a great weekend!

third trimestering.

I am almost 31 weeks pregnant. 30 weeks, 3 days to be exact. I think it's time for a little update, right? Because before we know it our peanut will be here and gone will be the days of feeling this precious life inside of me and stretchy pants. Let's stay in there for at least 9 more weeks, okay little bit? 

Last week I had the dreaded 28 week appointment where I had my glucose screening test, got the Tdap vaccine (oooooooooouch),  and another RhoGAM shot.

The good news is, I passed the glucose test. The bad news is, I could barely pick up Brooks for two days thanks to the vaccine. It got me good. I rubbed lavender and peppermint oil on my arm like whoa. And speaking of whoa, here is a bump shot at 30 weeks. Please excuse myself as a whole in this picture. I'm pretty sure I am going on day three of dirty hair, I'm sporting hormonal acne, and my get-up? I don't bother getting dressed up these days. Not with sticky icky fingers pawing at me all day, every day.


Some things that I want to remember about this pregnancy:

My biggest cravings have been popcorn, cereal, and mozzarella cheese (I typically despise cheese).

I weigh 11 pounds less than I did with Brooks at this point in my pregnancy. Thank goodness the weight gain has slowed down a bit, because I was averaging 2 pounds per week in the second trimester.

My current tenant is a mover and a shaker. This baby is so active, especially when I eat.

I haven't had any dreams or intuitions about the gender. It's a toss up. 50/50. If you held a gun to my head, I would say it's a girl. With that being said, it's probably a boy. I'm not sure if I have mentioned this or not, but of our three ultrasounds, none of the techs were able to see in between the baby's legs so no one knows at this point!

I typically wake up at 4:00 every morning like I did when I was pregnant with Brooks. So odd. I am also getting up at some point in the night to go to the bathroom.

I have suffered from sciatic nerve pain this go-around.

We have a girl name picked out, but can't seem to agree on a name if it's a little lad.

Brooks loves to love on the bump. He points to my tummy and says, "baby" and will come over, lift my shirt, and gives it a kiss. It's the sweetest.

Happy Friday!

cayenne pepper.

I am on a blogging roll today! Two posts down and, I feel like, a million to go. Maybe I need to stop taking so many pictures that I feel obligated to share for Brooks' adult self's sake. I can't help it, though! Big things are happening over here! 

For one, I put together the new babe's rocker for the nursery while John was at work one afternoon last week. To be honest, I was tired of seeing boxes galore cluttering my dining room so I took matters into my own hands. It went from looking like this...

...to this...

Big brother gives it a seal of approval (just don't tell John I could only get 8 screws drilled in halfway. Or maybe I should? Decisions).

We had to take one of our precious kitties, Goose, to the Greater Birmingham Humane Society last Tuesday. Since we moved into Lancaster, he started having major behavioral issues that we weren't able to shake. We searched high and low for a home for him, with no such luck. I am absolutely heartbroken, but thankful that he made it through to the adoption process. So, if you know of anyone needing a sweet kitty to love on, please spread the word.

On Sunday, we took Brooks to the Galleria for his first carousel ride. He loved and hated it all at the same time.

The glorious weather has forced us outside and Brooks to wear his first ever t-shirt. 

Oh my, big boy. He needs to stop growing and being so darn cute. 

I am also 21 weeks preggo today. We had our "big" ultrasound yesterday and the baby is perfectly healthy and growing, weighing 13 ounces and looking like a string bean all stretched out...and still breech. I learned that I have a anterior placenta this go around, so that explains why I haven't felt much movement yet. The kicks and jabs are definitely becoming stronger, though, and I love it! I also learned that there is not one baby, but TWO in there. 

No, not really. April Fools. 

Lastly, my wild man dumped an entire bottle of cayenne pepper out on the floor this morning. 

Life. I love it. 

Therefore, we spent all morning and afternoon outside getting out all of our sillies, which is why I am able to play catch up right now. 

He kills me. HAPPY Tuesday, y'all!

proof.

Spring being right around the corner has added a little spring to our steps these past couple of weeks. The snippets of warmer days have made me want to 1. shout hooray 2. do a happy dance 3. spend all afternoon outside 4. go on lunch dates with my little man and 5. nest. The not so warm days have made me want to 1. curl up with Brooks and watch cartoons 2. take lots of selfies with my main sqeezette 3. build forts and 4. take siestas.

Proof.

Today is yet another crisp day, so here I blog. JBB and I also did a little bit of St. Patrick's Day crafting earlier this afternoon. Successful? Eh. Let's just say that he wasn't as into the paint this go around. It could be the restriction. Yes, definitely the restriction of his green paws.

The handprint four-leaf clover doesn't really look like a four-leaf clover. Therefore, we will meet daddy at the door with big smiles and present it to him. It will then make it's way to the fridge. The thumbprint clover, though, turned out too cute. 

While I was cleaning up in the dining room, Brooks went exploring around the house. It was really quiet until I heard his hands and feet climbing up the stairs. When I approached the stairs to scold him, he heard me make my way around the corner and said, "uh oh!" Next thing I know those little extremities moved at the speed of lightening trying to get back down to safety. It was so funny. I then popped his little bottom and he walked around for the next minute rubbing his hiney. Can we say, dramatic much?!

So, that scenario and this... 

...pretty much sums up my life these days. (I'll save that for a whole new post on life with a 15 month old).

And just so we don't leave out shweet wittle baby no-name, here is an 18 week bumpdate. 

How far along? 18 weeks

Size of baby: 5 1/2 inches (the length of a bell pepper)
What is Baby No-Name up to? This little one is busy flexing his or her arms and legs—movements that I should start noticing more in the weeks ahead. Baby's blood vessels are visible through thin skin, and his or her ears are now in their final position. A protective covering of myelin is beginning to form around the nerves; a process that will continue for a year after our babe is born. 
Weight: 116. I have only gained 4 pounds at this point in the game.
Maternity clothes? Yep. But, still rocking most non-maternity tops and some bottoms. I typically live in maternity leggings and tanks.
Sleep: Sleep is so/so. I wake up around 2:30 every morning. Some nights I get up to go to the bathroom and some nights I take a sip of water and lay back down. The nights that I get up, it's pretty much game over. I also have been having vivid dreams. John said I was talking in my sleep the other night and flailing my arms in the air like a mad woman.
Movement: I definitely thought that I would be feeling jabs already this go-around. This ain't my first rodeo. But, I really haven't felt much. There have been a couple of instances where I thought I felt some movement, but I'm not 100%.
Best moment this week: The 78 degree weather we had on Tuesday. Glory glory! I had too much fun playing with Brooks outside and taking him to lunch that day.
Cravings and aversions: Umm, I am leaning towards salty and savory food lately. Cheese puffs, popcorn, blood orange juice, and granola are high up on the list of yummies. I have also enjoyed a sweet...or ten. *Cough. Fun Dip. Cough.*
Gender: I am leaning towards girl, but the rest of mankind (and the Chinese Gender Calculator) thinks boy. I have had two dreams, now, that it is a baby boy. Time will tell. Literally.
What I miss: As far as food goes, I don't really miss much because I am not as much of a freak about what I put in my body as I was with my first pregnancy. If I had to pick something it would be energy. I miss not feeling tired all of the time.
Symptoms: Round ligament pain, cramping, constant insatiable hunger, utter exhaustion, and breakouts.
Mood: So happy. Too much to be thankful for to be bitter.
What I am looking forward to: Feeling the babe move and our beach trip next week!!!

And just for fun...a look back at my pregnancy with Brooks at 18 weeks:

How far along? 18 weeks
Size of baby: 5 1/2 inches (the length of a bell pepper)
What is Baby Bryant up to? Baby Bryant is busy flexing arms and legs—movements that I should start noticing more in the weeks ahead! Baby's blood vessels are visible through thin skin, and his or her ears are now in their final position. A protective covering of myelin is beginning to form around the nerves; a process that will continue for a year after our babe is born.
Weight: 126. WOW. However, I did weigh myself this morning and my weight is down to 123—I think I'm just fluctuating at the moment.
Maternity clothes? Yes! But, still rocking most maternity tops, dresses, and some bottoms.
Sleep: I have been falling asleep pretty quickly this week—I have been working more, walking more, and not resting as much on the couch in the evenings so I have been more tired come bedtime. I have been waking up around 3:00 a.m. each morning and then it takes me a good 30 minutes or so to fall back asleep. Still having some pretty crazy dreams.
Movement: I am almost 97% sure I felt Baby Bryant kick this week! It kind of felt like a little tickle from the inside. It happens around dinner time when I'm sitting down on the couch. LOVE IT.
Best moment this week: Hearing Baby Bryant's hearbeat at my 18 week appointment and scheduling our 20 week ultrasound—July 27! WOOHOO!
Cravings and aversions: Sweets, sweets, and more sweets. Will this ever change?! Provide me with dessert each night and I am one happy camper. My appetite is definitely increasing too.
Gender: I am still leaning towards a girl. I had a dream last night that we had a little precious petunia.
What I miss: Hot dogs, again. And turkey sandwiches—they would be so convenient!
Symptoms: Cramping...lots of cramping. I have also been feeling some round ligament pain here and there. I had a moment this week in the grocery store—my stomach cramped up so tight that I had to bend over. It was kind of scary! My face looks awful—I'm breaking out again (forehead, around the mouth, chin, nose, under my eyes...you name it).
Mood: Happy! I feel so blessed.
What I am looking forward to: More consistent kicks and jabs! And of course, finding out what our little one is!

fit for a king or queen.

Alrighty then. I know you are probably sick of looking at this rug and I solemnly swear that this will be the last time that I post a picture of it on this blog...until the big "real life" nursery reveal, of course, which won't happen for months, seeing that we haven't even started the financial pursuit to see if we can even get approved to add on the master suite, which will take eons to build if approved, and, and, AND. 

Have I mentioned that the little peanut will be here in five months? 

I put together a little nursery design board to make sure that my "vision" actually looks okay mumbo-jumbo'd together. I'm a fan. John? Well, his reaction went a little something like this: "A black crib?" Yes. "A blue dresser?" Yep. "Hmm, I like it!" For the love. Get on board the baby no-name train, hubs! 

I will wait until the baby is here to add either more masculine or feminine touches to the room. For instance, the crib sheet, foot stool or pouf, art, etc. But, in my opinion this room if fit for either a king or a queen and I really cannot wait to see it all come together in person. One day. Soon. Within this year, hopefully. 

non-existent nursery rug.

So, I previously said that one of the reasons why we weren't finding out the gender of baby no-name is because we don't have an actual room to call the nursery, and we still don't, but that hasn't really stopped me from designing one. It also hasn't stopped me from starting to make a few purchases here and there. Go figure. Our plan is to turn the existing master bedroom into baby no-name's nursery and add on a master suite off the back of the house. Therefore, I kind of have a room for the wee tike. Right? There's just no telling when and if the new master suite is going to come to fruition...

I am wanting to really pull back the reigns on our future gender-nuetral nursery seeing that we are financially drained from Phase 1 of our renovation and are going to have to plant a money tree in the backyard to get started on Phase 2. I had initially ordered a rug from the Land of Nod that both John and I really loved (OPTION TWO, below. It's the IronTribe logo...of course JB was going to love it), but we, more so John than myself, felt convicted about spending so much money on a rug when there are still a gillion other priorities we need to take care of first. So, I am trying to come up with another option that won't break the bank. 

So, I'm needing some help deciding on the right fit. I'm not sure why I put OPTION TWO and FOUR on my potentials board. TWO is really out of the question and FOUR isn't really a money-saver either...

OPTION ONE/ OPTION TWO/ OPTION THREE/ OPTION FOUR/ OPTION FIVE

Which one would you pick? Think: black crib, blue dresser, antique armoire, white rocker, mauve, gold, and natural wood elements...

...and this bad boy stealing the show:

John likes OPTION THREE, but for some reason I'm leaning towards OPTION ONE. Or am I? HELP!

And here is one more pitiful picture of my sweet sick baby, who I am relieved to report is feeling much better today. We had a couple of scares of high fever, diarrhea, and bloody noses, which prompted us to go to the doctor yesterday.

Luckily, Brooks was only diagnosed with a "fever virus" and not anything more serious. For that, we are thankful. Here's to hoping he is feeling 100% by tomorrow because it is going to be another beautimus weekend! TGI almost F.

hiccup and sore muscles.

Before I begin, can we please talk about the glorious Spring weather we had this past weekend?! Too bad it isn't here to stay (it's rainy and muggy today and the high tomorrow is 44), but I sure needed that reassurance that it's right around the corner. Brooks and I are needing a little bit more Vitamin D and fresh air in our lives these days.

Anyway, on to our weekend, which was wonderful with one minor hiccup and some serious sore muscles. Let me just start with Friday. 

Brooks and I were playing outside in the front yard when I started to feel a bit crampy. I went inside to go to the bathroom and without displaying too much information, I noticed a tiny bit of spotting. Now, typically this wouldn't be a huge cause for concern, but the fact that my blood type is RH-, any sign of bleeding warrants a call to the doctor. Unfortunately, my doctor's office closes at noon on Fridays so when I got a call back from Dr. Favor (whom I adore) urging me to go to the Emergency Room for a RhoGAM shot, I was quite peeved and a bit hesitant. And I had a right to be. What I thought would be a two-hour maximum visit, ended up being a 6 1/2 hour stay. All by my lonesome. For starters, never send a pregnant woman to an ER alone. I had no one to distract me from the ailing patients in the waiting room. My heavens. When I saw a woman fighting back tears while her 96 year old mother lay in her lap unresponsive my floodgates opened. And when I listened to a young girl tell the story of how she found her mom dead and buried her three months prior, my heart ached. This went on for almost THREE HOURS, people! I was finally called back into a room and asked to put on a gown. At this point, John showed up and so did a nurse with an IV and bag of fluids. Ummmm, what?! Yeah, doctor's orders. John had to leave to tend to Brooks, my phone died, and I didn't have any service. I just laid there checking the time, greatly condsidering putting my clothes back on, ripping out the IV, and blowing that pop stand. The nurse finally came in around 6:30 to take me to Ultrasound and the moment I saw little baby no-name on the screen, with a fast and strong heartbeat, moving all over the place, all was well with the world. Everything looked great, praise the Lord!

Our little breech baby at 15 weeks, 3 days.

When I got back to my room the nurse removed the IV and I was able to get dressed and warm (the ER was out of blankets). I then waited for my RhoGAM shot to arrive from the pharmacy. Finally, by 8:00 they inserted that 5 foot long needle into my hined region and I was good to go. OH. WHAT. A. DAY.

On Saturday morning we got up bright and early and headed to Sloss Furnace for the IronTribe 5K and Chili Cook Off to cheer on John as he competed in the Tribe 5K (a 5K run with intense workouts in between). John's entire family came to support him so Brooks and I enjoyed spending time with them while we waited for daddy to cross over the finish line. And that he did, coming in 2nd place out of 115 men!

John waiting to start the race.

About to cross the finish line!

We are so proud of Daddy!

Brooks had too much fun playing that he didn't last a second in the car on the way to lunch at Jackson's. Bless him, crumb on the lip and all.

After lunch and a long nap from Brooks and sore, worn out John, we went to the park as a family to run around with the ball, swing, and go down the slides. We even ran into Katie Beth, Brandon, and baby Gray! We weren't able to stay too long because John and I were going on a double date that evening with the Owens and sticking around afterwards for Chris Morrow's surprise 30th birthday bash. It was such a fun night and went out with even more of a bang since Brooks behaved for the sitter and went down with no problems. Win.

On Sunday we took Brooks to Bass Pro Shops for an afternoon of exploring and fun. That place never disappoints. Especially their ice cream. When we got home we played outside, took B on a wagon ride around the block, ate a yummy homemade dinner, and then called it a night. We didn't get anything done around the house as far as projects go, and I am a.o.k. with that. I would much rather spend my time with my boys, in the present, enjoying the sunshine.

Stay tuned for some updated pictures of the house and a new nursery predicament. I need some help!