Dear Owen,

Tuesday came and went - you know that was my birthday, and I told my mom I wanted a baby brother for my birthday.  So you're late, but that's okay, momma said you wanted me to have a few books.  Somehow you already knew I love Elmo, and I really enjoyed the Big Brother book.  

But I am not writing you to thank you for the books, I am writing you to let you know it's okay if you're nervous.  I know you still have time to cook, as momma says, but as a toddler, you have to understand I am a little impatient and am ready to meet you.  

Do you know that I kiss momm'a belly? I also often give her belly hugs.  I tell her I am hugging Owen, and I am ready to actually kiss and hug you, baby brother.  Momma has watched me hold my baby doll, give him his pacifier, and feed the baby.  I am ready, Owen, ready to be the best big brother ever, I just need you here.


When I wake up in the middle of the night and go to momma and daddy's room, I make momma go back and get my baby doll.  When I watch Elmo at night, I have my baby doll right beside me, and when I go to sleep, I hug my baby doll.  Owen, I can't wait to cuddle you like momma cuddles me.

One day, I noticed momma had set up some new furniture in the nursery.  She said the swing was for a baby when I tried to sit in it.  So I grabbed my rocking chair from my room and put it in front of the swing.  Then I yelled for momma to bring me my baby doll.  I put my baby doll in the swing, then pushed the swing back and forth.  But then I realized I was sitting in a rocking chair, so I grabbed my baby doll and rocked him in the chair.

You see Owen, I am preparing myself for the role of a big brother.  I know I will have to make adjustments, and there will be times I don't think I like you, but I know I'll love you from the moment I see you.  I will help momma and daddy take care of you.  I'm ready, I promise.  I know it's hard for you to understand, and while I have enjoyed the past two years having momma and daddy to myself, I am ready to have a buddy I can play with every day.  I know I have to wait for you to grow up before we can run together, but there will be other activities we can do in the mean time.

You see, Owen, I know how to jump, and when you're old enough, momma can put you in my old jumper.  You can jump it in, and I can jump on the floor beside you.  I can teach you how to roll over, pet Bo, and when the time comes, I will show you how to crawl.  And Owen, I can't wait to hold your hand when you're ready to take your first steps...but I'll keep holding your hand and keep you safe as you learn to navigate our world on your two feet.

We also have a cousin Owen, and momma can tell you how I kissed her, how I behaved when momma held her, and how I wanted to hold her.  Momma says I have to work on my baby holding, but I am practicing, baby brother.  I want to be able to hold you.

So please, don't be nervous.  I'm ready to be a big brother.  I'm ready to run to your room and get momma whatever she needs, and I can help feed you when momma lets you have a bottle.  But most of all, I'm ready to love you.  So please, don't make me wait much longer, I can barely contain my excitement.  Plus, momma's lap is getting too small for me to sit in, and I promise it will be easier for us to share it when you're here.

Can't wait to meet you - Love,

Big Brother Aidan

Week 37

College football has returned, and Owen has decided not to make his debut on the opening day for Clemson Tigers as his brother did.  Whew...my heart was racing during the game, and I was nervous, but no extra surprises!



How far along: 37 weeks 6 days

How big is baby?: According to the APP, I'm Expecting: Started the Week 37 as the size of a Leek and is about to be a Celery Bunch.

Weight gain?: 0 this week, 32 total

Stretch marks?: Still lucky - none so far

Sleep?: Sleep was better this week - I was able to get more comfortable most nights and sleep through the night.  Though there are some nights I would wake for no reason and have difficulty falling back asleep.

Best moment?:  Celebrating Aidan's birthday with our families!  We elected to do a small gathering this year due to everything we have going on - pregnancy and the house.  We really enjoyed spending the time with our families and more time with my new niece!

Worst moment?:  Nothing that I can think of this week.

Food cravings?: I  wasn't craving melocreme pumpkins until I went grocery shopping and was ecstatic that the Halloween candy was on display!  Here's to two months of bad-for-me candy.

Symptoms?:  RLP, some morning sickness, acne, exhaustion, little swelling, and a very itchy stomach sometimes

Though I looked at my blogs from Aidan's pregnancy, and I had cankles by this time and couldn't fit into my steel toed boots.  Well, this time around, I haven't had that issue yet.  However, I have been diligent about drinking my water, usually around 200 ounces a day, especially if I am at work. I keep the bottle caps at work (16.9 ounces per bottle) so I don't lose track!

Exercise?: I walked a lot for work, but I was only able to lift weights once this week.  Just taking it easy.  Soon I'll be able to return to my normal routine, but I know it's best I take it easy.

Movement?: Owen is rolling, kicking and punching.  I swear he was going to knock the wind out of me this week with one of his kicks.  I also woke to a punch that caused my leg to charley horse. :/ 

Belly button?: 100% outie.

What I miss?: Football season is here, so I'll say beer.  I'll take to smelling AJ's.  

Labor signs?:Silly Braxton Hicks contractions - they really mess with your mind, but as soon as I stood and walked, the BH disappeared.  I had a cervix check on Wednesday, and while the doctor said I was 1 cm dilated, I know I could stay that way for several weeks, so not getting my hopes up!

TMI: So in addition to having my cervix checked, the doctor informed me I had a yeast infection. Really? Y'all just checked me on Friday.  She asked if I had noticed the swelling...um, I have had swelling that was confirmed as pregnancy related, so no, I didn't think the additional swelling was out of the ordinary.  Plus, I have never experienced a YI, so I had no idea.

Also, never trust a fart...not sure what's going on, if my body is purging like it did last time a few days before labor, but yeah.  That's all I am going to say about that.


What I'm looking forward to? Meeting Owen...

COLORS, Colors, colors!

When I first received the selection spreadsheet from the builder, I was quite overwhelmed with all the selections AJ and I would have to make, but it seems like we are closer and closer to being done.  We feel like we have made some great choices, and it appears everything is meshing well together.  And no, that's not garnet shake, it's barn red.



These next few weeks should really be telling of our decisions and whether we made the right one or not.

We recently chose the the exterior paint color, the finishes on the beams, columns, wood paneling, bead board, ceiling, trim, interior doors, and wall color.  Picking some of the colors required buying numerous samples, staining wood samples, and running back to the store for more colors.

We're really excited with the exterior paint color since the painters have begun the work outside, and it makes a tremendous difference to the overall appearance of the house.  The color really helps the house come alive.

I believe the only exterior color left to choose is the front door.  However, the front door needs to coordinate well with the floor, ceiling, and columns inside.  So we have a lot to consider.

Here's a look at our vaulted ceiling with only a few of the beams installed.  The beams were installed because they penetrate the drywall, the others are going to be sanded and stained prior to installation.  The next picture is the bead board ceiling in the kitchen and breakfast rooms.

The office will have a ceiling like the kitchen and an accent wall like the vaulted ceiling.  The dining room is a hitchcock ceiling, and the foyer is like the kitchen, only vaulted.

So here you see the bead board choices (top left), the accent wall choice (top right), the paint colors (bottom left), and the door stain choices (bottom right).  Not pictured is the vaulted living room and the beams/columns color.  We'll show you those choices as the house progresses. :)  For now, you'll have to guess what we chose.  :)  You know how some people have opinions on baby names when you're set on it, and then they make you feel bad for your choice?!  Well, if you don't, there are people like that, so we'll let the house come together and share it.  You can always share your thoughts and maybe we might consider changing out minds.

The front and back porch will also have stained concrete.  The porches were placed this past Thursday, but it will be stained near the end of the job since a lot of foot traffic is still expected.  Staining it at the end of the job will allow it to go undamaged, at least until we become the official homeowners.  We are really excited with the concrete and how it really adds character to the house.

I can't remember if I shared tile samples or not, but soon the tile work will begin - we've heard right behind the interior painting.

We chose a dark tile for the shower (top left) and paired it with a lighter tile for the master bathroom floor (top right).

The other rooms will go with a more solid, lighter tile.  Some of the rooms are smaller spaces without windows, so we couldn't have a lot of dark colors without worrying about adding lights or something to help the room out.  So the guest bath, laundry, boy's bath, and the sun room will have something like the bottom left tile.

I think from an interior standpoint, we need to choose the hardwood floor color and the carpet for the boys' room.  The timing to be done with most of the major selections is perfect since I am near my due date and will have limited time to run around town looking at different things.

We're really looking forward to all the exciting changes! So stay tuned and find out what we selected. :)

Week 36

I am trying to think of ideas for the 100% loaded picture...and it's now less than 4 weeks today! Like whoa, where did time go?


The nursery appears ready, everything I think I need from the attic has been pulled, and my mom sterilized all the pump and bottle parts.  I have stuff set aside for the hospital bag; I won't be washing a Clemson blanket at 2am while fighting contractions this time!  Ready...I think.


Football starts back, and I realized I have nothing to wear for the game!  Yes, I will be watching the games at home, but trying to fit into my jersey wasn't comfortable.  It fits, but it's not something I want to sit around for  3+ hours wearing.


How far along: 36 weeks 6 days

How big is baby?: According to the APP, I'm Expecting: Started the Week 36 as the size of a Coconut and is about to be a Celery Bunch.

Weight gain?: 1 this week, 32 total

Stretch marks?: Still lucky - none so far

Sleep?: Sleep has not been great this week.  One thing I did not experience with Aidan is waking up to go pee in the middle of the night, though I am drinking a lot of water right before bed, and it's only one time.  In addition, my hips and lower back ache, so getting comfortable is not easy.  I almost lay on my stomach, using a pillow to prop me up some, but side lying is not comfortable.

Best moment?:  So many great moments this week!  My niece, Rosalind Elise, was born on my Pepaw's 81st Birthday.  Aidan met his cousin for the first time, and I celebrated an old friend's birthday before he moved away (retiring).  In addition, Owen received a wonderful gift from some very special friends this week!  Oh, and I also had an hour long prenatal massage, it was heaven and alleviated a lot of the hip and back pain.

Holding Rosalind just a few hours old!

Aidan met Rosalind at 5 days old

Great friend and coworker

Worst moment?:  Having to say good bye to my friends/coworkers.  I have known them for almost 10 years, and who knows what career path I would have chosen had it not been for them.  They knew me before I could have my first beer, before I was engaged/married/having kids, congratulated me on two different occasions for college degrees, and were there to celebrate my professional license.  We worked hard, been through some tough career choices, and enjoyed a round of golf and a swig of beer together.  I know we'll keep in touch, but it was so nice having them 20 minutes away to visit and catch up.  However, I know they're a phone call and email away, and I always cherish their advice and friendship.  Best of luck to both of them as one retires and the other heads home after 23 years on the road! 



Food cravings?: CHEEEEEEESEBURGERS!  I had Five Guys twice in one week, which is crazy rare for me to do.  However, my hemaglobin levels are still low, and I take plenty of iron supplements, so it doesn't hurt to consume more iron.  And if I'm going to splurge, I should go for a good cheeseburger, ya know?!

Symptoms?:  RLP, some morning sickness, acne, exhaustion, little swelling

Exercise?: I lifted weights twice this week.  No extracurricular walking, just the normal job walking.

Movement?: Owen seems to have dropped a little, which I suppose allows him to stretch those legs (or arms) a little more.  He had jabbed me in the ribs on multiple occasions causing me to say "ouch" aloud and having people look at me weird.

Belly button?: 100% outie.

What I miss?: Being able to easily pick stuff up off the floor.  Even at the gym when I have to bend over to pick up my keys as I move to the next exercise is burdensome.  Plus, Owen likes to remind me that I have a stomach in the way, so I can't bend over as far.

Labor signs?:None

TMI: With Owen sitting lower, the 'rhoids have turned from inconvenience to major pain or a better way to put it from raisins to grapes.  I upped my magnesium intake once more, but it doesn't seem to help that much, especially with the additional iron.  So I gave in, and on mornings I feel like it's been too many days in between BM's, I drink coffee to help things along.  I avoided caffeine for as long as possible, but I need some relief, and 'rhoids could cause permanent damage, so I gave up.  Coffee, hi, I missed you.

Also, I had the GBS swab this week at my OB appointment, and I don't remember it being quite so painful.  The doc said he really angered my cervix, and I had to wait around a while because it was bleeding more than normal.  Fun fun.


What I'm looking forward to? We are celebrating Aidan's birthday as a family this weekend, so I will get to see my grandparents, siblings, and parents!  We're keeping things low key, and while we will miss celebrating with Aidan's friends, I am not up for planning a big party of having lots of kids to entertain. Could have something to do with my due date being about 2 weeks away when we celebrate.
Also, this coming weekend is a 4 day weekend!  Woohoo.
College football RETURNS! Clemson has a big game against Georgia...it's been ten years since they were in Death Valley.  I remember that game very well - it was the first game AJ and I ever attended together, but let's not talk about the score.

Bump Progression:
 

Week 33                  Week 34                 Week 35

Week 35

On Friday, I spent a lot of timing organizing the nursery and actually making sure we're ready in case Owen decides to come early.  Now that everything is ready, it means he will stay until his due date or later.  But at least he won't come early AND catch us offguard.  Hah, mom is ready baby boy.


How far along: 35 weeks 6 days

How big is baby?: According to the APP, I'm Expecting: Started the Week 34 as the size of a Honey Dew and is about to be a Coconut.

Weight gain?: 1 this week, 31 total

Stretch marks?: Still lucky - none so far

Sleep?: Sleep would be great...if it weren't for a toddler who wakes early!  Seriously though, the kid wakes up at 4 am or 5am, and sometimes he doesn't go back to sleep.  Otherwise, sleep is still good.

Best moment?:  Feeling I accomplished a lot with the nursery!  It is weird seeing the crib bed up so high, but I feel like we're ready now.  Diapers stuff, laundry folded, and the room is organized.

Worst moment?:  Our garage door breaking. :(  The spring snapped, and it's one of those repairs that you have to call the person with the appropriate tools to fix.  It was a quick fix, but not a cheap one.  However, I cannot stand having to unlock my front door to go in and out of the house.

Food cravings?: Shrimp and ice cream, though not together!

Symptoms?:  RLP, some morning sickness, acne

Exercise?: I walked 3+ miles this week and worked out three times. 

Movement?: Aidan finally had the patience to feel Owen move!  Though he was not excited like I was.  Silly boy, doesn't he know how cool it is to feel his baby brother move?!

Belly button?: 100% outie.

What I miss?: I miss not worrying about how much water I consumed.  I try to drink 120 ounces per day, but I have a hard time remembering how many bottles of water I drank or feel like I need to chug water if I am behind.

Labor signs?:None

TMI: The 'rhoids are a royal pain.  I'm not sure if Owen is starting to descend, but I can tell a difference with the hemorrhoids.  Swelling, too...

What I'm looking forward to?We are patiently waiting on Rosalind to make her debut.  My sister was 40 weeks this past Wednesday, and is at the hospital since Sunday morning being induced.  Waiting, waiting, waiting.

I also have a prenatal massage planned for this Friday, and I am looking forward to it. 


 

and then there was Just Bo

I don't want to rehash all the details that led to our decision because I'd rather forget the night I had to come to the understanding that two of my dogs put the safety of my boys in jeopardy.  I was mad at them that night and the following day.  Mad that they were emotionally hurting me by forcing me to make the decision, even Bo was upset and refused to go into the room where the incident played out.

You see, we had to make the decision to rehome our two dachshunds.  Our dachshunds that we have had for almost nine years.

I cried, and I cried, and I cried. I still cry.

Cuervo quickly found a home with one of the veterinarian's technician on Monday when AJ took her in for her yearly shots and antibiotics.  She is a real sweetheart and loves to give kisses.  We hear she's happy and loving her new friends, one being a Yorkie she shares a bed.

Cuervo is local, and we get pictures and texts.  We can also stop by and see her, though right now, I know I am not strong enough to go see her and not take her home.  We can't bring her home, and I know I'll cry.

Aidan still asks for CoCo, and it hurts to tell him that CoCo went Byebye. Aidan doesn't understand that two of his dogs are not coming back home, and each day, when he rides home, he'll only have Bo to greet him.


Dachshunds tend to grow attached to a particular person in the family.  SoCo chose me. Maybe it was the walks, the cuddling, the treats, or that I was always up first so we always spent quiet time together.  Who knows, but I think her fondness of me is what caused the tension and jealousy that led to her aggression towards others and Cuervo.  So it was harder to find a home for SoCo.  We knew
every day that SoCo was at the house was a risk we were taking in regards to Aidan's safety.  AJ networked with a lot of horse folks, and we had two potential homes, but neither worked out.  So we found a dachshund rescue that does not euthanize and strives to find homes for all of the dogs it takes in.
We took one last ride together this past Saturday up to York, SC. It wasn't an easy ride - it started with me crying in the driveway and waiting for my tears to dry up so I could drive safely.  It ended with me crying as the GPS told me my destination was on the left in a quarter mile.  When I stepped out of my vehicle, I was already crying.  I cried when all the dachshunds came running outside - so many dogs who need a home, and usually I'm the one giving a home, not the opposite.   I cried when Aidan said "Coco"because they looked like his dogs.  I cried when he kept repeating "puppy" which he had not used previously. 

SoCo as a puppy

Before I left the rescue, the owner hugged me twice...and I let her.  She could see how much I was hurting, but also how much I loved my dog.  I had to collect myself before I was able to drive off - thankfully I was headed to visit a friend nearby, which greatly lifted my spirit.  I don't know how else I would have managed the drive home.  I needed something to make me smile, and Aidan was feeding off my emotions.  I saw tears in his eyes, too.  Though he probably only understood that I was sad, which is why he was sad.

Cuervo as a puppy

One week has passed since Cuervo and SoCo have been gone from our house.  It was weird when I rolled out of bed Monday morning, and two dogs didn't follow me to the bathroom, wait to be told to go outside, and wagging their tails for breakfast.

It's odd for me to roll over in bed and not have to push SoCo out of my space.  And I'm sad when I pick Aidan up, and we go through all the names and talks about going home to see "Bobo" and "Coco" and "SoCo". 

When I read a custom book to Aidan that talks about who loves him, I cried when I flipped to the page to read about his doggies who love him.  When I read an alphabet book, and I came to "C", I cried because I always said "C" was for "CoCo".  When Aidan wants to play with the dog book or the "That's not my puppy" book, I have to remind myself to hold it together for him.

SoCo and Cuervo were like our first kids, and having to rehome them has not been easy.  They have been with us since Clemson, seen us graduate & get married, moved to Utah, return to SC, marked our first house, and have played many times on our land where our forever home is being built.  We designed our house with a sun room that was heated and cooled for SoCo and Cuervo.  Sure, Bo can use it, but he likes to be outside a lot more than inside.  I know it made me cry (yes, more tears...) when I went to the house to take pictures of the progress; the sun room was their room, just like Aidan and Owen have a room.  I'm sure when we move in, I'll be sad again. Surprise, surprise, writing this blog made me cry - in fact, I had to take numerous breaks, and I can't bear to proofread because that means reading all of this at once.

To those who are currently loving our dogs, we thank you.  We hope the first 9 years are adventurous as their next 9 years.  We hope that they learn to love you as much as they loved us, and we already know that Cuervo is loved like we loved her.  We hope to hear that SoCo finds her forever home, but for now, we know SoCo is being well cared for and loved at the Dachshund rescue in York - I stalk the facebook page for updates and the Owner gladly takes my phone call to let me know how SoCo is doing.

Week 34

As I wrap up Week 34, it means I am embarking on the 35 weeks/35 days left to my due date!  Seriously, where has time gone?  I haven't worked on the nursery like I should, but I did find the rest of my cloth diaper inserts up in the attic, so I'm calling that progress.  Not having all the inserts meant I couldn't stuff any cloth diapers, even though I had most of the inserts...

How far along: 34 weeks 6 days

How big is baby?: According to the APP, I'm Expecting: Started the Week 34 as the size of a Cantaloupe and is about to be a Honey Dew.

Weight gain?: 1 this week, 30 total

Stretch marks?: Still lucky - none so far

Sleep?: I find myself waking up on my stomach and falling asleep is easier since the RLP isn't as severe.

Best moment?:  Spending time with a good friend and her daughter!  Aidan sure knows how to cheer me up, but he was a sweet heart giving lots of hugs and some kisses to his friend.  After a rough morning, talking with a friend and watching our kids interact was exactly what I needed!


Worst moment?:  Dropping off my dog of 9 years at a dachshund rescue. :(  It was a tough morning, but I know she's in a loving place who will help find her a good home without small kids.

Food cravings?: Ice cream, popcorn, shrimp

Symptoms?:  RLP, some morning sickness

Exercise?: I walked 3+ miles this week and worked out twice.  Still taking it easy

Movement?: Owen seems to move whenever I want to go to sleep or when I need to hold Aidan to put him to sleep.  Through out the day, he seems to roll and kick at least hourly.

Belly button?: 100% outie.

What I miss?: I miss getting through small spaces easily! 

Labor signs?:None

TMI: Iron causes darker stools which in turn causes darker skid marks, which I noticed are still there after washing.  Guess that means I get new underwear post pregnancy! 

What I'm looking forward to? I am hoping to get the call this week that Rosalind, my niece, is making her debut.  My sister will be 40 weeks on Wednesday!  Can't wait!


 

Week 33

How far along: 33 weeks 6 days

How big is baby?: According to the APP, I'm Expecting: Started the Week 33 as the size of a Pineapple and is about to be a Cantelope.

Weight gain?: 0 this week, 29 total

Stretch marks?: None so far

Sleep?: Sleep has been better despite the RLP. It seems all the help with the pregnancy belt and spanx underwear has made sleeping easier.

Best moment?:  My boss organized a baby shower for me at work on Thursday.  I was very appreciative of my coworker's generosity.  They had cake and gifts...I probably turned as red as a stop sign when I walked into the conference room to see everyone was gathered to celebrate the coming of Owen.  Plus, there was cake, and you know a day is better when it includes cake.

We also tried to surprise my mom for her 50th birthday by gathering at my sister's house in Charleston, but mom asks too many questions and found out about the party a few days before.  Despite mom knowing, we still have a great time, and she enjoyed celebrating her birthday.

Worst moment?:  My two dogs who were in a fight last weekend are being rehomed.  One found a home with a vet technician on Monday, and the other is meeting her new family this week. :(  More on this later...

Food cravings?: Back to wanting seafood, lots of seafood, esp. shrimp

Symptoms?:  Round Ligament Pain, though it was more manageable this week with the OB's suggestions.  I would say the pain never exceed a 3, and the 3 was short lived.

Exercise?: I walked 2+ miles this week and worked out twice.  Taking it easy, listening to my body

Movement?: Owen moves often, and it feels like he's rolling around.  Since it seems to be lower, I haven't had to push a foot out of my ribcage like I did with Aidan.  I think I would rather have a foot in my ribs than RLP, but I don't have a choice in the matter

Belly button?: 100% outie.

What I miss?: I really would like a nice cold beer on the weekend, but hey, small sacrifice. 

Labor signs?:None

TMI: It seems that the magnesium, fiber, and water combination is starting to fail me again.  I'm not sure how much more magnesium I should take, so some mornings, I drink coffee because it seems to be my only relief.  While I try to avoid caffeine, having the help with the relief has been worth it.

What I'm looking forward to? The arrival of my niece!  My sister is due August 14th, so I impatiently wait for the phone call.  Any day now, Rosalind.


 

Week 32

80% Complete!  And as I write this, I have approximately 7 weeks until my due date. 7...woah.

So this week, I would say my RLP peaked.  On Monday, though, I thought there's no way I can make it another 8 weeks.  I didn't want to move, and I swore I needed a walker or a cane to even walk down the hall to the restroom.  I didn't want to drink water because water meant I would have to move.  No worries, I drank the water and hobbled down the hall.  Regardless, I honestly thought that I needed to be on bed rest - I would put the pain on a scale from 0-10 as a 5, at least.  However, as the week went on, the pain level decreased.  In addition, I bought a pregnancy support belt and supportive underwear to help my ligaments out, which appears to help.  Some days the pain is a 1 or 2, but the pain in manageable.  Let's hope it stays that way!

How far along: 31 weeks 6 days

How big is baby?: According to the APP, I'm Expecting: Started the Week 32 as the size of a Bok Choy and is about to be a Pineapple.

Weight gain?: 1 lb this week, 29 total

Stretch marks?: Still fortunate, no stretch marks

Sleep?: With the RLP, falling asleep is more difficult.  My lower body aches, which makes getting comfortable extremely difficult. Once I fall asleep, I am good for the night.

Best moment?:  I was able to spend the ENTIRE day with some awesome people - Jen and Patrick - at the beach.  Aidan was shy at first, but he quickly warmed up to them.  He loved the ocean, loved the waves crashing into, running into and out of the ocean, and trying to chase after the birds.  From Patrick, he learned how to place his sunglasses on his shirt when he isn't hearing them, and he found that Jen would quickly dance along with him, throwing elbows and jumping just like he does.  So in the end, Aidan started telling Patrick how to wear his glasses and Jen to dance.  

Worst moment?:  Two of my dogs got into a viscous fight - over what, I'm not sure, but it wasn't pretty.  The fight was emotionally draining and put a damper on my weekend.

Food cravings?: Still salty foods over sweets, so weird to me.

Symptoms?:  Round Ligament Pain, or as the OB said, severe RLP. I've found ways to manage, and I am considering seeing a chiropractor to help, too.

Exercise?: None this week. If walking hurt, I was going to push myself.  Besides, the OB said to rest.

Movement?:  So much movement! 

Belly button?: An outie

What I miss?: A good walk or run!  

Labor signs?:None

TMI:  Baby powder is helping with the chaffing...liners have to be changed twice a day. Oy, not such a pleasant pregnancy this time around.

What I'm looking forward to?: My mom turns 50! Her birthday is during the week, but I'm sure we'll figure out something this weekend to celebrate.  Last year, before mom found out my sister and I were pregnant, the plan was to go to the beach for a week.  So mom said she would delay turning 50 for another year so we could celebrate next year...nice try, mom, you'll still be 50 this year.

Bump Progression:

                           Week 29                   Week 30    
Week 31
 

the Routine and the House

It's Sunday morning, and my early bird riser is up at 6 AM ready for the day.  After eating breakfast (or throwing it to the dogs), I dress myself and Aidan.  As I am putting his shoes on, Aidan looks at me and says "House?".  Yes, Aidan, we are going to the house.

Our Sunday Routine - Eat breakfast, Ride out to the House, and Go Grocery Shopping

Visiting the House is Aidan's favorite, in fact, he use to tolerate a long grocery shopping trip while riding in the car cart, but now, he's done halfway through.  He wants to walk and run all over the store like he does at our property and the House.

It's the House I want to focus on...right now it's shaping up to look like one, and one day the House will be our Home, and I can't help but think of all the memories we will make living there.  I can't wait until we can walk out our back door to play in the the large yard or run to the creek. Or sit on the back porch in the early morning drinking coffee and listening to the sounds of nature. Or walking the long driveway on the weekend to check the mail. Or taking the dogs for walks though the woods. Or teaching my boys how to shoot a bow and arrow. There are many things the country living will offer us, and I am excited to watch my boys experience it.  

But I don't always have time to daydream what living in the new house will be like...nope, we have selections, selections, and more selections to make.  Choose a color, a texture, a material - make a change, envision a layout, add and delete...the house changes so much it seems in a weeks' time that I would be crazy to miss one Sunday of taking pictures and walking through the house.

So what have we chosen?  Well, we (errr, I) knocked off a big portion of our list with finalizing plumbing & electrical fixtures along with the appliances.   Big decisions, such as the stone cap color, roof shingle color, cedar shake color, soffit color, brick color were made, too.   Color, color, color.  We attempted to have Aidan help choose when we couldn't decide between two colors, but he offered no help by choosing both.  Sometimes we went to the builder and had him weigh in, too.  In addition, we found a granite slab that we really like and will go well through out the house.  Finally, we made some selections for floor tile and shower tile colors, textures and layouts.  Making all these selections was very time consuming, and we are still pursuing bids so we can ensure we're getting the best price and value.

In addition, we've had electrical outlets moved, lights moved, lights added, and hvac vents relocated (when possible).  We try to imagine how we will use a space so that the layout of electrical, plumbing and hvac won't interfere and is convenient to what the need will be.  In addition, we opted to go against a trapezoidal column and go for a straight, rectangular stone column.  The top of the column was 2' by 2', and it would be massive by the time it was angled and reached the bottom.  We like the looks of the column, but we do not want them to overpower the front of the house.  These changes and decisions means there has been some great progress, right?!  So I'll share where we're at.

The framing crew worked to finish out the exterior while the plumber and electrician began roughing in their perspective trades.  The HVAC guys began installing the duct work and vents, and the masonry guys have begun the stone work.  The roof is complete and most of the windows are in - unfortunately one was broken during shipment, so they're waiting on the replacement.  The county inspector came out to approve placing the concrete for the garage.  The inspector also gave the go ahead for insulation...so I made sure to get pictures of the studs to show where plumbing and electrical is running - ya know, for future reference.