Belly Pictures by Ashleigh

A couple years ago, Ash bought herself a fancy camera and with no professional training, she has become an awesome photographer. She offered to take some maternity pictures of me, and with two days to go before Colin's arrival, I decided, why the heck not!!! She hasn't touched up any of the below shots, and I'm already thrilled with the results. It was exhausting getting out there this morning, but so worth it. Thanks Ash!

Come and Knock On My Door

Nine months ago (Yes, you read that correctly!), Ash and Grant put an offer in on a short-sale home in our neighborhood ("short"-- ha, ha!). Last night, they learned the home FINALLY became theirs! This has been a HUGE roller-coaster ride, but they are now able to take a deep sigh of relief, and they are looking forward to moving in this weekend. The home is about a 1/2 mile from our house and while it needs a little TLC (mainly cleaning, paint, and new landscaping), it is going to be great for their family. Their current home is 1900 square feet and their new home is 3400 square feet. It has a great layout-- it's very similar to ours (maybe why I like it so much :)) with all living space on the main floor and a bonus room. guest room, and bathroom upstairs. It's going to be great for their family and it's going to look gorgeous in no time. We're so excited they are going to be neighbors! Congratulations Ash & Grant!!!

The Nursery is Finished!

So after weeks, and weeks, and weeks of waiting, Colin's dresser arrived last Friday and we have finally been able to finish putting together his room. I am so excited how it turned out! We still need to get some picture frames and misc knick knacks, but overall, it's now ready for his arrival...and not a moment too soon! Special thanks to Ash & Lys for their help in not only painting his pictures and designing his letters, but also helping us hang everything up. They are great aunties!!! Also, a special thanks to my mom for making the drapes.

Crazy Week

It's been a crazy, crazy week! After my May 10th doctor's appointment, I was sent to the hospital for a non-stress test. Everything checked out fine, but the nurse at the hospital told me my 19 week anatomy scan indicated that I had polyhydramnios, or extra amniotic fluid. I was never told this, so after researching this online (which is always scary), I asked my doctor about it. He said that my fluid levels were just above the normal range, so he wasn't worried. He said if I was concerned, I could go get another ultra sound done to make sure everything was ok. (This is now 18 weeks later!)

Kevin and I decided to go down to UCSD on Tuesday, May 18th and have an ultrasound done just to be on the safe side....And we are so glad we did! My fluid levels are now double what they are supposed to be and Colin was measuring 9lbs, 4 oz. WOW! The perintologist believed I had developed late-term gestational diabetes. My glucose test the next day, confirmed this. With my new diagnosis and my high "walking" blood pressure (it's prefect when I lay down), I have now been to the hospital for blood tests and non-stress tests four different times in the past week and a half. I was told there was very little I could do for the gestational diabetes at this point, but I should cut out all sugars and cut way down on my carbs...a lot easier said than done.

During this whole ordeal, my doctor was actually out of town. I was able to talk to him on his cell and his associate took good care of me. Regardless, we were very anxious for my appointment this last Monday, May 24th to find out what was going to happen next. We were told that babies with gestational diabetes tend to have slower lung development, so it is important they are not delivered too early. On the other hand, they also have a higher rate of still birth, which is very scary! There's also the issue of his size to consider. Keeping all this in mind, my doctor recommended I deliver Colin via c-section this Friday, May 28. He's afraid that Colin is at a high risk for shoulder dystocia--he's too big to slide easily through the pelvis, which could result in a broken shoulder, collar bone, nerve damage, etc. While a c-section isn't ideal, Kevin and I just want him to be here and be healthy, so whatever that entails, I am ok with.

So, to sum it all up, it looks like Colin's birthday will be May 28th!!! We're so excited!!!

Baby Avery

A few weeks ago, Kevin, Alyssa and I hosted a BBQ for Ash, Grant, and Carter to help welcome the future addition to their family-- Baby Avery! Baby Avery is due mid-July, but with Ash's pregnancy complications with Carter (now 2.5 years old) and his pre-term birth (33 weeks), we decided to throw them a little party early just in case. Luckily, Ash is showing no signs of pre-eclampsia. This pregnancy has been very different from her last. We are thrilled for Ash, Grant, and Carter, and so excited that baby Colin is going to have a cousin his same age! So fun!

Carter is going to be a BIG brother!

Grant and Ash

Thirty-eight weeks

Today is my first day of maternity leave...Yippee! It was important to me to finish state testing with my students and I did that last Wednesday. I have no idea when Colin is going to come, but based on my original due date (June 5) I am thirty-seven and a half weeks pregnant. Based on my new due date (May 28), I am thirty-eight and a half weeks pregnant. So if I split the difference, I think it's fair to say that I am now thirty-eight weeks pregnant....So really Colin could be here any day now. Or it could still be weeks...

My doctor originally told me I didn't like his patients going over their due dates, so if I got close, he would induce me. I've wanted to ask him more about this for weeks now (like which due date are we going off of here doc), but when I went to my appointment at the end of April, he said it was too soon to discuss. And at my last appointment on May 10, my blood pressure was elevated and he quickly sent me off to the hospital for more tests. I was confident everything was fine, but I know how scary pre-eclampsia can be after being a witness to the birth of my nephew, Carter. Luckily, I am showing no signs of pre-eclampsia at this time and my blood pressure came back down at the hospital. My next doctor's appointment is on Wednesday, but it will be with his associate because my doctor is be out of town until May 24. Hence, it will be a while yet before there is any talk of a "plan." I know this is normal for most pregnancies, but I actually appreciated the fact that he wouldn't let me go over my due date and there would be a definite end date. I am a planner, and my mind liked his organizational style. However, looks like I'm going to have to do things the old fashioned way...sit tight and wait! And yes, I know this is what's best for Colin. :)

Here is the description of what Colin's up to at 37 weeks: Your baby is now considered "full term," even though your due date is three weeks away. If you go into labor now, his lungs will likely be mature enough to fully adjust to life outside the womb. (Some babies need a bit more time, though.) Your baby weighs 6 1/3 pounds and measures a bit over 19 inches, head to heel (like a stalk of Swiss chard).

And at 38 weeks: Your baby has really plumped up. He weighs about 6.8 pounds and he's over 19 1/2 inches long (like a leek). He has a firm grasp, which you'll soon be able to test when you hold her hand for the first time! His organs have matured and are ready for life outside the womb.

My First Mother's Day

To celebrate Mother's Day, my mom, Ashleigh, Alyssa and I headed out to Palm Desert for the night. My mom's room mom at school gifted her a suite at the Hilton for the night, which we gladly accepted. There were a few mishaps long the way (like people using their key to walk into our room and the fact that the room only had one king sized bed and a pull out couch-- I called the "pregnant" card), but overall, it was nice to relax by the pool and drink pina coladas...virgin ones....unfortunately! (Have I mentioned that I can't wait to drink again? A big margarita on the rocks with salt...Yummmm) Here we are relaxing beside the pool. And yes, I did rock the two piece with my BIG pregnant belly. I figure it's probably the last time I will be rocking a two piece for quite some time. (No pictures will be posted! :))

When I got home, my husband had sweetly spent the weekend cleaning the house, doing laundry, and yard work. For me, this in and of itself was the greatest gift! He also bought me a gift from Colin and himself. Colin gave me a board book, a massage tool, and kid's photo look book. Kevin gave me a digital frame that he loaded up with pictures from the last six months of my pregnancy. He was incredibly thoughtful! It was a little weird to celebrate mother's day when I don't feel like I am really a mom yet, but Kevin would have none of that. He really spoils me!

Also, a special thanks to my mom and mom-in-law for the mom-to-be cards. They were really thoughtful! I'm lucky to have such wonderful moms.

Baby Shower #2

On May 2, I had a second baby shower for Colin thrown by my Southshore school friends. I was so happy that everyone was able to come...Jenny let everyone know about it weeks and weeks ahead of time and it was awesome that everyone could clear their calendars! The whole thing was so cute and thoughtful, and I felt very loved. Thanks to Jenny, the hostess, and everyone else for their parts. I really appreciate it!!

Two great girls: Jenny and Jenn

My first diaper cake! Jenny knows I love doggies, so she made a special dog diaper cake! It was so cute, and I love the puppy on top!

Some of the group. If you remember back in February, I posted that Jamie (near left) and Jenn (far left) were also expecting. Jenn had baby Addison on Easter Sunday (April 4th). Jamie, with baby Addison, and I are due within days of each other later this month.

This is Jamie's second baby, and she popped out more quickly than I did initially. However, I think I've caught up to her!