2 Weeks

Wow, I cannot believe it has been 2 weeks!  We are adjusting well to our new addition...well, except for Rocky.  He is scared of the little guy.  He will come up and sniff for a second and then runs off.  I know they will be best of friends once Brody gets a little bit older, it is just going to take some time.  We go to the doctor on Friday for Brody's check-up so I will have all the stats then.  We did go to the hospital today to get some lab work done, his PKU test.  I went all by myself and I thought I was going to get teary, but I surprised myself and didn't.  I think it is because Brody did so well.  He screamed right after the prick and then whimpered a little.  I am so proud of my baby boy, taking it like a champ!

A Life Saver

Could this be the greatest invention?  It seems to be working wonders here in this household!  Last week, we had 2 long nights of no sleep, thanks to our sweet baby boy!  Gabe did some research and got the idea to invest in a sleep positioner.  We went to Babies R US that day and bought one, pictured below.  I think it is the best $30 we have spent in a while.  Everytime we put him down in the cradle to sleep at night, not a peep!  Before the positioner, he would be completely asleep in your arms and the second he went flat on the cradle matress, he began to cry.  I am getting more sleep thanks to this wonderful invention!

1 Week Old

Time flies when you are having fun.  I cannot believe it has already been a week.  We are all doing good, I'm extremely tired and feel completely worthless!  Brody sleeps non-stop except when it is time to go to bed.  I think he does this on purpose :)  Gabe has been amazing and so helpful.  I knew he was going to be all things wonderful, but each day he surprises me more and more by his willingness to help, the love he shows for Brody, and how well he takes care of us.  I think I have changed maybe 3 diapers total, he changes them all!  He bathes Brody too!  I am going to be lost and not know how to do anything when he goes back to work.  

Brody is the best snuggle bunny in the world!!!!  It is the most calming thing to have him sleep on your chest.  Instantly makes me want to sleep and nap!  We sure are enjoying him and have loved all the visitors we have already had, and hope more come.  He is cute in the pics but cuter in person!

Baby Brody is here!

What a whirlwind of a week it has been since Sunday.  So let's start at the beginning.  I basically cried all day Sunday since I was extremely nervous of what was to come, "the unknown!"  We check-in promptly at 5 pm.  They were expecting me!  I changed my clothes, got into a beautiful hospital gown, and get hooked up to some monitors...fun stuff. 

I was to be given something called cervidil that night to help soften my cervix (sorry if this is TMI) and begin a petocin drip in the AM to begin my labor (induce).  After about 2 hours of receiving the cervidil I begin feeling really strong cramping in my lower abdomen, this medicine is not to induce labor.  Gabe says I have a high pain tolerance, I am not so sure, anywho...this pain was getting more and more uncomfortable, putting me into tears.  Finally we decided to call a nurse and I was given nubane, which works instantly!  I could hardly feel the pain and was drowsy before she finished inserting it to my IV.  That worked for about 20 minutes!!!  Next thing I knew, an anesthesiologist was called into give me my epidural since I was in active labor...no petocin will be needed.  This is all about 10-11 pm Sunday.  None of this was to happen until the next morning.  We decided it was best to call the family out to McKinney, especially since one of the nurses said I would have a baby by 3 am!  (That by the way, didn't happen).Everyone shows up around midnight and no dilating progress.  We are up pretty much all night.  I dosed here and there, along with my mom.  Not sure if anyone else slept too much.  The next morning, I had made some progress but not much...still having regular contractions that I cannot feel (thank goodness!).  I was laying on my right side the whole time.  Every time they went to move me to the left side, Brody's heartbeat would drastically drop, which made me so nervous.  Early-morning it was decided to go ahead and put some monitors inside and on the baby's head to see how strong the contractions really are.  At this point we are really talking C-section delivery...which I am becoming more ok with.  My doctor had a scheduled surgery at another hospital that morning and she was heading back to deliver Brody shortly after.  Another doctor from the practice I go to came in to check my progress.  She gave me the best news ever, that I had dilated and we were going to have this baby the way I wanted to and shortly!  Dr. Chin, my fabulous doctor who I cannot say enough wonderful things about, comes in and we are ready to go. 

The L&D nurses had me already for when Dr. Chin walked in.  I began pushing around 10:30 am and Baby Brody entered this world at 11:09.  Gabe and my mom were so encouraging and helpful the whole time, I am so glad they were there to help me along the way, 15 hours of labor and 35 minutes of pushing.  Brody weighed in at a healthy 8 pounds 1.8 ounces and measured 20.5 inches.  He was a good sized baby.  

Gabe and I couldn't be happier and more thrilled with this little guy.  We are still adjusting to our new life and everyday we get more and more attached to the miracle that he is.  Here are a few pictures, there will definitely be more to come.

A big day!

We are about to head out the door and make our way to Brody's birthplace (aka: Medical Center of McKinney). Today has been filled with many emotions thanks to the all so wonderful preggo hormones. One last day of having a big 'ol belly, peeing every hour, and sore feet. Gabe and I were talking last night about it seems so long ago that we found out we were pregnant and we can't believe the day is finally here. I know our lives are about to change in the best possible way, so how can I be so terrified?  We are so anxious to meet this little miracle. Next time you see us, we will be parents!  How crazy is that????

WISH US LUCK!  :)

Exhausted!

I am totally beat.  This has been such a busy week and just got home from open house!  yea, fun times for being a teacher!  Half way through it, I realized I had forgotten to change my shoes... oops!  I was still sporting my tennies!  haha.  Oh well, hopefully, if any one noticed, they gave me a break since I am "overdue!"  :)

To give everyone the latest, I am feeling great (except for complete and utter exhaustion after teaching all day) and Baby Brody is still cooking in my extra large, super-sized belly.  I am not really having contractions and if what I feel are contractions, they are not regular or consistant by any means.  The hardest part about my day is figuring out what I can wear since I my tummy has outgrown almost all of my maternity shirts and I do not want to buy anything more for a few more days!  I am hoping for one last weekend of rest before my life is forever dedicated to this little man that is about to enter this wonderful world we have waiting for him.

Love to you all, I am going to rest.

Last Doctor Appt

We had our last doctor appointment today before we meet our little guy.  He is due tomorrow, but seems to be extremely comfortable in my belly.  Me...not so comfy!  My belly gets very heavy at the end of the day.  My back and feet are taking the brunt of it.  I only worked a half day and I am still exhausted and completely worthless.  I told Gabe I would clean out the trunk of my car this afternoon with my extra time, and I probably took out 5 little items.  You should see my trunk! I still have stuff in there from when we moved out of our house in October!  I forgot what my trunk looks like when it is clean, seriously. It is time to move things out so I can fit the stroller in there, not to mention better gas mileage!  :)

I know mine and Gabe's families are becoming more and more anxious to meet Baby Brody, as we are too, but he is on his own schedule and will come when he is done cookin'.  If he continues to be stubborn and then he will be here on Monday, the 16th.  I cannot get over all of the emotions I am feeling.  Not only am I nervous about the delivery, but now I am beginning to think about what happens after he enters the world.  Will I feel a connection with him?  Will I want to hold him?  I hope I am not giving myself post-partum even before he comes.

Update

Brody and I are still hanging in there.  He seems to be mighty comfy.  I am really seeing a difference in my belly "dropping" so I believe he is starting to get in position.  It could be any time.  I just have super sore feet at the end of everyday.  I am looking forward to relaxing this weekend!  My next appointment is Monday afternoon.

We went to go see mommy Brooke and baby Gavin last night.  What a cute little guy!  He was so sweet and sleepy.  It was perfect since it was

 all of our really good friends there at the hospital.  I am in awe of how well Brooke did and how she is already reacting to motherhood.  Gavin is lucky to have such a wonderful mommy.  We kept passing the little one around like a hot potato.  Here is a picture of daddy Stephen and the new addition to the Long family.

Our house is coming along great.  We stopped by it last night to see progress and we have water!  How exciting!  Here is the latest pic:

Baby News

Looks like my friend Brooke will be having little Gavin sometime tonight or early in the morning!  We went to see her and she is doing great!  Can't feel a thing!!  :)

I will head back out to see her and the little guy tomorrow after work!  Send them happy thoughts for a pleasant birth!

No New News

Nothing to report from the doctor.  Baby Brody is very comfy where he is and isn't ready to come out.  Not to say that he isn't coming for a long time, but my doctor is fully expecting for me to be induced in 2 weeks.  I am fastly approaching the 30 pound mark, which is not what I wanted, but my doctor assures me I am all baby.  I'm not so convinced.  I took a belly shot yesterday and I am too embarrassed to post since I feel like a huge cow.  I cannot believe I will be a mom in less than 2 weeks!  CRAZY!

Mooyah

My step-brother just opened a Mooyah Burgers in Little Elm, TX.  If you are ever in the area, or know people that do, I know he would love a recommendation.  We just got word that his opening day (today) was the biggest in Mooyah history!  We ate there last night.  It was my first time to have it and it was delicious.  If his success continues, he plans to open a couple more in McKinney! 

2587 FM 423, Suite 404

Little Elm, TX 75086

(Hwy 423 and Eldorado Blvd.)

11am - 10pm,  7 days a week

We are ready...

We are ready, at home anyway.... I am the furthest thing from being ready at school.  I would be absolutely mortified if a sub had to walk into my classroom tomorrow.  Cleaning up and organizing my classroom is a priority this week!  I cannot believe TAKS is finally here!  I am so nervous for my kiddos.  They have been working very hard and hope they will all perform well!

Our mattress came in late last week and were finally able to finish setting up Baby Brody's sleeping quarters.  My dear MIL gave us the bedding for one of my showers.

  

I am a little late, but here is a picture from last weekend and Bella's 3rd birthday party.  She is too cute and very much on the go.  

And the latest pics of our house taken yesterday.  I cannot believe we have a roof.  We were able to walk through all the framing and go upstairs.  I am excited to see what comes next.

(this is our framed kitchen)

We have an appointment tomorrow afternoon, we shall see if Baby Brody is making any progress yet.  A close friend, Brooke, is due March 6th so we are expecting her delivery here any time!  I am so excited to meet little Gavin.  It should be fun to have 2 little ones so close in age.

Until next time, hope everyone had a great weekend!

A lot can happen in a week...

On Friday, I was blessed to have a baby shower thrown for me at school.  Baby Brody was spoiled rotten with all the wonderful, thoughtful gifts.  He got some adorable clothes, and other practical and useful items.  I am lucky to have such wonderful women (and men) on my campus.  After the fun of the baby shower coming to a close, Gabe and I headed off to Addison to meet some good friends from Tech that we do not see often enough!  We had a great time with girls on one side of the table chatting and gossiping, while the boys were on the other side of the table reminising about a spring break trip they all took together many years ago!  Thanks to the 3 who drove up from Houston!  We had a great time with everyone and we enjoyed eating yummy fajitas from Blue Goose!

Saturday was B-U-S-Y!  I got up and went to meet some girls to plan a baby shower for my friend Amber.  We got lots accomplished, and I think it is going to turn out adorable.  Then, I ran home for a quick minute to pick up my hubby and off we go to my school for a bit.  After an hour, we headed over to Bella's 3rd birthday party over in Arlington.  Bella is mine and Gabe's adorable niece.  Unfortunately Chris had the flu so he couldn't even enjoy his daughters birthday party.  He had to stay outside since there were so many kids around, and me and my preggo belly!  I cannot believe how grownup little miss Bella is.  She will be a great cousin to Brody.  And she is hilarious...she told me that she had Brody in her tummy too.  How cute is that?  After we left the party, Gabe and I headed over to Babies R Us and Target to get a few items we needed that were still necessary to have before our new family member arrives.  Thankfully we had some giftcards to spend.  

Sunday was almost as busy as Saturday, but we were home most of the day.  All of Brody's 0-3 month clothes are officially washed and ready to go.  We have our bags packed, the car seat installed and moved the cradle upstairs.  After our mattress comes is delivered, we can finish setting up his bed.  

Yesterday, after work I met up with some of my friends from Fossil, who I miss dearly.  It was our last dinner before I become a mommy.  How weird is that?  I always enjoy their company and love to hear the latest gossip from Fossil.  While I was gabbing and eating delicious Pei Wei, Gabe went and took some photos on the progress of the house! His pictures were really dark since it was so late, but luckily our wonderful sales manager had gone over today to see the progress and sent us some pictures that were taken in the daylight.  She is so thoughtful to do that since she knows we are a little farther away and is sometimes tricky to get out there.  This picture is the one that Dana took today.  

**DISCLAIMER**

Please do not be jealous of all of the sexy men working on my house, ladies!  ;)

Baby Update-  No news.  No progress to share, which is alright by me considering our magic day is the 14th!  We are hoping for the 14th so I am able to maximize my time off from school.  No other reason than that.  Yesterday, while at my weekly appointment, we asked our doctor about how big she thinks our little guys might measure.  Her comment back was, "I am sure you will have a good size baby."  Her guess was 8.5 lbs.  Bigger than I am hoping for!  haha.  We love our doctor and know we are in good hands when she is around.

Progress

Here is our house!  1 week into the build process!  Many more weeks to go...

I received a clean bill of health on my last doc. visit.  No progress as of this moment (in case you were wondering).  We shall see on Monday if there is more news to share.  If Brody doesn't come on his due date or anytime between it and March 16, then we have decided to have March 16 be the birthday.  Gabe and I are still hoping for the 14th!  Anyone willing to make a guess as to what day you think he will arrive?  I feel great, just tired feet at the end of a long day of teaching. Oh yeah and having the urge to pee every 30 seconds, that's pretty fun when you can't get up and go to the restroom at your convenience. Poor Gabe!!!  He gets to hear my complaints all the time.  He has been an amazing support to me, even with an easy pregnancy.  I cannot wait to see the dad he is about to become.  I can already tell he will be a wonderful one.  Brody sure is lucky!

Weekend Wrap-Up

Gabe and I had a very productive and enjoyable weekend.  Friday night we treated Gabe's mom to dinner at the delicious Taco Diner in Southlake.  She had ordered the bedding for the cradle Baby Brody will be sleeping in until we move.  We are going to be doing a monkey theme in the nursery, come June, and she was able to find the cutest sock monkey fabric (you know, those stuffed animals that are brown with the huge red lips??)  It is dressed up with brown and white polka dot trim.  Anyway, she brought it all over Friday night since it came in!  We were so thrilled with the outcome.  

Saturday, Gabe and I got up and took care of some car business!  Got my car's oil changed, washed, and tires rotated.  Gabe got his inspection done, car washed, and tires rotated.  We had a movie and dinner date beginning at 3:15 to see He's Just Not That Into You.  I really enjoyed i he movie and thought it turned out to be cuter than I expected.  I have such a great guy to always take me to see my chick flicks!  :)  After the movie, we dined at Silver Fox.  We had never been and we had very high expectations after all the personal reviews we have heard from family and friends.  We were sat right next to Mike Snyder from channel 5 news! Gabe and I joked the whole dinner that we can't go anywhere without sitting right next to famous people after all of the meals we have had with celebrities in LA!  hehe.  It was fun and made for some great laughs.  Guess you had to be there. ..After dinner we came home and barged in on mom and Ron's dinner. OOPS!  We hurried upstairs to let them finish.  Later Gabe and I came downstairs and I had more dessert!  I went to bed so full, it was hard to lay with this huge, massive belly protruding out of me!  

Valentine's Day is my anniversary of getting Rocky as my Valentine gift...can't believe its my fourth year with him in my life.  I like to think everyday with him is a gift.  He is such a sweet, adorable, energetic, fun-loving dog.  I am so attached to this dog it is unbelievable.  Everyone says, just wait until kids are in the picture, but Rocky will always have a huge piece of my heart (kids or not).

Sunday, mom and I went over to my sister's to help her put together some outfits for her new job.  She has to dress up everyday so we were able to organize some things for her.  We also went to get a few things at the store in order to fill in a few holes she had in her wardrobe.  I was able to go to school for a couple hours to get some things done.  While the girls were away Gabe was able to finish up staining, polishing, and putting together the cradle for the little guy.  It looks so good! He worked really hard and it definitely shows.  I cannot believe it is the same cradle Gabe slept in as a baby.  It looks brand new!  Now, we just need the cradle mattress and we are good to go.  I am excited to set the cradle up and find a spot for it in the room!  

I was lucky enough to have the day off from school today (Monday), but I still worked!  Fun fun!  I was able to get a few things done around the house, such as research pediatricians online, try to get Rocky's skin allergies under control by talking with the vet and deciding to have him tested at a doggy dermatologist.  Poor guy, we feel so bad for him, we know he is just miserable!  He is scratching and biting his legs and feet uncontrollably so we are having to put his "lampshade" on until his appointment in 3 weeks!!   

We go back to the doctor tomorrow and we are going to drive by the lot and see the progress on the house.  Hopefully we will be able to see it in the daylight this time so we can take a picture.  It's only been a week, but we are anxious to see what has been accomplished in the past 7 days.

Check-up

All is well at my 35 week check up.  Brody is measuring right on and his heartbeat is normal.  My weight gain is very average, a little more than I would have hoped for, but overall I feel as though I have maintained quite well.  I am definitely not skimping on any cravings though!  haha.   They said he is beginning to drop.  Everyone who asks me my due date tells me I am not going to make it that far, but I am actually hoping he is 4 days later than March 10. March 14 is mine and Gabe's magic number so I can maximize my time off from school. March 14 is Kelly's bday too!  :)  We are convinced our little dog, Rocky, is totally clueless and in the dark that his world is about to be shaken up with the new baby.  I think he will adjust well and will do so quickly.  

As you know, Gabe and I are building a house in McKinney and after the doctor appointment yesterday we drove by to see the progress. The official groundbreaking day was Monday, so it was really neat to see the lot cleared and the dirt all shaped and molded for the foundation.  The driveway was also sculpted out with dirt.  It was too dark to get any pictures, but we will take some next time we are out that way to keep everyone updated.  This is really exciting and very nerve racking for me, since this my first home building experience.  I hope the severe weather season is at a minimum this year.  Keep your fingers crossed!

34 Weeks

So here I am at 34 weeks...We had just gotten home from Rocky's first trip to the doggy park, so my hair is a little wind-blown!  

I had an amazing weekend!  I had a wonderful shower hosted by some fabulous girlfriends!  We had a great turn out and really appreciate everyone's attendance.  It meant a lot to have each of you there and I mean that sincerely.  Brody cleaned up with monkey stuffed animals, cute Texas Tech gear, a bath, warmers (bottle and wipes), swaddles, shoes, a swing, a jumperoo....and so much more. All the gifts were perfect and will definitely be used.  Here are a few pics of some of the cute girls at my shower.  I will post more pics later, but this is all I got for now!

The Hostesses - Amber, Brooke, Abby, and me

Fossil Friends - Alison, LeAnna, me

College Friends - Allison, Carli, me, Karley

Ice Day

Well, today is very icy outside and most school districts are closed. Yes, I am glad I have the day off, especially since I have a lot of work to do and I am "under the weather," but I am not excited about making this day up in June.  Gabe still had to go into work and I was worried the whole time.  I had him call me once he got there so I could be put at ease...I get this worried-ness from my grandma!  :)  Rocky and I just got up from a cat nap, but I feel as though I could sleep all day, thanks to my sinus yuckiness.  I must keep motivated to work, so I won't have so much to do this weekend, even with the tissue box and cran-apple juice by my side.

Mom is cooking away downstairs for the "Souper Bowl" get-together she is hosting tonight.  I will go down and help when I need a break from working.  I offered earlier and she told me to go get some work done.  She is still my mom, even though I am 25, so I guess I should still listen to her.  

Hoping everyone is staying safe and warm if you must get out today!

A Busy Weekend

Gabe and I had a great, yet very busy weekend! Friday I met some girls for dinner at the Melting Pot...Valerie, who I don't see as often as I would like since she is finishing school in Lubbock, Kim and Courtney. We had a great time catching up.  They are all so sweet and fun to be around!  Val brought Brody an adorable baby Red Raider onesie.  It is just precious!!!! Looking forward to seeing Kim and Courtney next weekend!  

Saturday was my grandpa's 90th birthday! We had lunch at the Waterford, the retirement home he lives in.  He was surprised by one of my aunts flying in from Arizona. We all kept the secret from him...I can't believe so many people were able to keep it quiet.  Another one of my aunts flew in from Virginia, 

but he already knew she was coming. After lunch, we all went our separate ways for a few hours, I went to work. Gabe went to the movies with his mom and we all re-grouped for dinner at the Cheesecake Factory.  We then went back to the Waterford to have yummy cake (from the Red Oven...YUMM) and champagne for those who were allowed!  Here is a picture from the end of the evening of my grandpa, we call him Pepere 

(sounds like: pep-pay). What an adorable 90 year old!  :) Love him to pieces and we (me and Gabe) are happy to be having his first great-grandchild in March!

Sunday I spent all of my time working!  ALL DAY!  I am looking forward to this busy week. Back to the doctor on Tuesday.  Mom is hosting a neighborhood girl's night Wednesday, which should be fun. We are calling it the "Souper Bowl" and serving 3 different soups and other finger foods. All the guests were asked to bring cans of soup so we can donate to a local food bank.  And I would like to see my 2 "out of towner" aunts one more time before the go home.  I am hoping this week goes by fast!

My Grandma is 81

Happy 81st Grandma!

Last weekend we went down to San Antonio to celebrate my grandma's birthday a little early. It was the first time to have all 14 of us together under one roof!  I love to catch up with my mom's side of the family and see my cousins.  We had a great time visiting and eating during the short stay.

January is keeping Gabe and I extremely busy, which passes time and makes the due date a shorter and shorter time frame away!  We have our childbirth education class this Saturday from 9-5!!!!  Should be interesting.....  And the following weekend is my grandpa's (dad's dad) 90th birthday!  So we will be celebrating will him all day.  Glad he lives in town though, the long car rides aren't so fun when you have a basketball growing in your belly.  :)

Gabe seems to be doing much better with his abdominal pains, haven't had any for about a week.  Good thing!  I don't like it when people are sick, makes me sad.

Hope all is well with you.  Until next time......