Patience is a Virtue

Well, today means I am 38 weeks and 4 days. We are definitely playing a waiting game at this point. I finished up at school on Thursday and it's amazing what a sense of relief I felt walking out of the building with all of my grades and plans ready to go for January. Things have already slowed down and I've been able to relax, spend time with family & friends, and finish up all the last minute Christmas and baby things I had on my to-do list. At this point, Elliott and I are both so ready to meet our daughter. Everything has been completely ready for weeks, but somehow I keep managing to find other things to put on the list. But now I really don't think there's a single thing to do. That kind of makes me more nervous because I have nothing to distract myself from the waiting game. Thank goodness we get to spend the weekend with our family to take our mind off of things for a while. Speaking of which, it doesn't look like we're going to have a Christmas baby, but we can still hope for New Year's! 


At our 38 week appointment on Thursday, I was 2 cm dilated and 90% effaced. She was also at a -1 station, which means she's not quite engaged in the pelvis, but she's very close. Basically, she's right on track and doing everything right. We are making progress and she could pick up the pace anytime, but for now she's right where she needs to be. However, I couldn't help but leave the appointment a little disappointed. I was hoping they'd say she was ready to go and we should check into the hospital right away. Haha. I wish! I really haven't experienced any contractions and they keep asking if I have, which makes me think that I should be at this point. I told them that maybe I just have a really high pain tolerance and didn't even notice them. Yeah right. Anyone who knows me would find that thought pretty comical.

 It seems like lately everyone I know has not made it to 40 weeks before they've had their babies. We are so thankful that we've had such a healthy pregnancy and baby and that I have been able to carry her (almost) to 40 weeks. However, I can't help but be a little anxious to meet our daughter and start this parenting thing. Also, the last few weeks have gotten progressively harder and harder. My body is physically strained to its max and that is starting to wear on me emotionally as well. It's hard to rely on everyone else to pick things up off the floor and tie my shoes. I'm so ready to be independent again! Elliott has been so great about helping me physically and emotionally. I really don't know what I'd do without him!


Elliott and I have had a few discussions about inducing labor at some point. We had discussed the idea of inducing on December 31st, but we've gone back and forth with it. I think right now we really want to wait it out and see if she'll come on her own. She's making her way on her own so far, so we are thinking at this point we'll just let her choose her own birthday. However, if January 4th comes and goes, we are definitely going to discuss it again. Our hope is that she comes on her own next week (between Christmas and New Year's). 

Biggest Cravings: peppermint ice cream from Brahms (which I have yet to have, but it's on the list...)
Clothes: Since I'm done with work, I've been living in yoga pants, t-shirts, and tennis shoes.
Body: My body is pretty tired! I've had a lot of middle back pain and pain under my ribs. Every time I eat, Reese loves to stretch out and push her legs into my ribs. Ouch!
Energy/Mood: I've been trying my best to relax and prepare for Reese's arrival. My mood has been pretty good most days, but I do have moments of exhaustion and frustration. I think I've been hanging in there pretty well though!
Movement: She doesn't kick as much as she shifts around. My stomach looks lopsided when she shifts from side to side. There are lots of lumps and bumps that protrude at different places in my stomach. I think we've identified most of the parts as they shift around. It has been fun to watch her move and stretch (and it's sometimes a little painful).
Sleep: Ever since my doctor said I could take Benedryl to help with my pain at the end of the day and to help me sleep, I have been sleeping pretty well. I have had trouble sleeping in lately because once I'm awake, my aches and pains start coming back and it's hard to get back to sleep. But, I've gotten a lot done in the mornings lately!

Best Moment this week: Driving to work and realizing that Elliott installed the car seat the night before and left it in the car. It was fun to drive around and get used to having the car seat back there. I can't wait! 

Miss Anything? being able to wrap presents on the floor...I had to move my gift wrapping station to a table this year.
Looking forward to: spending the holidays with family, relaxing before Reese arrives, and hopefully some changes at our next doctor's appointment.

We wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! We are so thankful for all our blessings this year and we can't wait to meet our newest blessing very soon! We will continue to update everyone on Reese's impending arrival!

Love,

Erin, Elliott & Reese

 

Like Mother, Like Daughter

My daughter and I already have something in common. She doesn't know it yet, but we both have a love of SHOES! She has 8 pairs to her name at this point (about 6 more pairs than her father). Ironically, I only have 2 pairs of shoes that fit me right now because of my new cankles. Check them out.

So, I am currently living vicariously through her shoe collection and dreaming about the day we can both wear lots and lots of different pairs!


Here they are!

I love a cute pair of shoes, but she also has a few accessories, too. Since she's a winter baby, it has been fun to pick out winter hats and baby leg warmers! Here are some of her accessories! Check out the sock monkey hat!!!! Stinkin' adorable!!!!

Last week, the ladies at work had a baby shower for me. It was such a sweet shower. I loved the game we played- Price Is Right (Baby Edition). We got lots of beautiful blankets, toys, clothes, and other necessities. Reese now owns her own K-State Cheerleading outfit!!! Thank you to everyone who helped plan the shower. You made me feel so special. Here are a few pictures from the shower.

 

Here are a couple other pictures from the last few weeks. 

We got the cat a new bed! So she thinks...

KSU v. West Virginia- 8 months pregnant

We have been visiting the doctor every week. Each week the appointments are quick and easy. My blood pressure has been fine and I'm still measuring perfectly. At 35 weeks, I was dilated 1 cm and at 36 weeks I was dilated 1 1/2 cm. We go again for another appointment tomorrow. I am anxious to see if we've made any progress. About once a week I have really bad cramping (Braxton Hicks?). On Saturday, it was the worst yet. It just keeps me awake at night and very uncomfortable. The bathtub and heating pad are my best friends during this time (but not together at the same time). :-) 

We are 37 weeks this week, so she is full term! That also means that we can deliver at the Birth Care Center like we've planned. This also means she can come anytime. I'm torn because I have to start counting my 6 weeks maternity leave as soon as she's born, so although I want her to come asap, I would really love her to come between December 30th and January 3rd, so I can get my whole 6 weeks off work. I hope she's listening!!!!

Here's my 35 weeks picture. We didn't get the other picture because I kind of had a melt-down about how big I looked in the first picture and about how I couldn't fit into my boots. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yikes!

 

Biggest Cravings: hot chocolate, french fries, ice cream
Clothes: Glad it's winter and colder and trying to get creative with my limited wardrobe
Body: I finished Physical Therapy last week and also had a prenatal massage the week before. Both of those things have really helped! As long as I keep up with my posture and stretches, my back hasn't been too terrible. My heartburn stopped for a few weeks, but it's back in full force. Yuck! 
Energy/Mood: Our to-do list is almost done. I've either been less tired or "nesting" has overridden my fatigue. Either way- I'm happy with my new energy. My mood has been hit or miss- ask Elliott. ;-)
Movement: Her movement has slowed down a little, but man when she kicks...she really kicks! Elliott and I watched her kick this weekend and she pretty much shifted my whole stomach...it's still so crazy that there's a little person in there!!!
Sleep: Since my back has been better, so has my sleep. I still have to get up a million times to go to the bathroom, but I can handle that. The only other time my sleep is interrupted is when I am having cramping. This seems to always happen at night.

Best Moment this week: When Elliott refers to Braxton Hicks contractions as "Rosen Higgenbockens." He's so goofy.

Miss Anything? wearing my shoes!
Looking forward to: meeting our little girl in 3 weeks!!!!

Thanks for reading!

Erin, Elliott, and Reese

 

Where Did November Go?

Everyone warned me that the last few months of pregnancy seem like forever. However, October and November completely sped by in my world. I've been so busy, stressed, tired, and overwhelmed that I haven't even had time to count down the days. Well, maybe not...we actually have 40 days to go as of today!!! Between Parent-Teacher Conferences, Halloween, my baby shower, friends' baby showers, doctor's appointments every two weeks, 4 sessions of physical therapy and Thanksgiving, I think I've had 2 days to relax in the last two months. I think that has been a big contributing factor to my stress, fatigue, moodiness, and the frequent meltdowns that come with all of these emotions. The good news about all of these not so great emotions is that it is almost December and we only have 6 weeks left before we meet our little girl (maybe less- She is welcome to come anytime!)!!!

My last few doctor's appointments haven't been too exciting. Everything is right on track as far as my blood pressure, measurements, etc. I think I spend more time in the waiting room than I do in the actual exam room! I go back next week, so we'll see what that brings! Along with my OB appointments, I have also been visiting a physical therapist. I've had a sciatic nerve issue on my left side for a couple months now and she has shown me some good exercises to help relieve the pain and she has also shown me some things to help my posture while sitting and standing with this huge basketball in my abdomen. I guess I expected my pain to go away instantly and that has not been the case. I think it's making a difference and I'm sleeping much better, so I just need to be patient. I'm going to meet with her one more time in a few weeks and then I'm on my own before the baby arrives. 


On to some more positive news! My sister and sister-in-law hosted a baby shower for me on November 6th. It was absolutely perfect! The theme was "sugar and spice," which was so fitting, since I've been craving sweets this whole pregnancy. There were tons on yummy sweets (thanks to Courtney) and beautiful decorations (made by my sister). My sister also designed the prettiest shower invitation. She is so talented. I was amazed at the turnout and how many people came from out of town (and across town) to celebrate with me. We got some wonderful things for Reese and we are so appreciative. These are some of my favorite things from the shower...

Gorgeous baby shower invite, designed by my sister!

Wishes for baby: Every guest filled out a sheet offering wishes for baby Reese. I read them when I got home from the shower and could not stop crying. We're going to bind them together into a little book and keep them for her to read someday. 

Books for baby Reese's library: Every guest also brought a book for Reese instead of a card. Now we have a shelf full of memories and love from all of our friends and family. It will be so fun to read all the books to her and read all the comments inside them as well. She will be able to feel all the love from our family and friends every time we open a book. 

Here are some pictures from the shower...

I loved the pom-pom balls and tutu table skirt!

YUM!!!

The pink bubble gum cigars were adorable!

Homemade salsa by Courtney!

I love all those pink packages!

Me with the hostesses- my sister, Alice, and my sister-in-law, Courtney

Lots and lots of gifts!

Beautiful blanket made by 2 of my favorite former students- Josie & Savannah Goodpasture

Some of the guests...

More guests...

and more...

I loved chatting with everyone!

My sister and mom

So many great friends!

My pregnant friends Shannon and Jill.

Posing with my mom and sister

My cousins Ashley and Allison, my aunt Pat, my mom, me, and my sister, Alice

My sister-in-law, Courtney, me, and my mother-in-law, Matilda

We also started childbirth classes a few weeks ago. We are halfway through the 6 sessions and we've learned a lot. Most of all, it has been fun to spend that quality time with Elliott. Every week while we're sitting in the classes, I realize why I chose him to start a family with. He has been so great throughout this whole journey. During our first class, we got onto a laughing spree where we could not stop for anything! Every time we looked at each other, we would start laughing even harder. And there was nothing going on in the class that was remotely funny. I'm sure everyone else in the class thought we were ridiculous, but oh well. It makes me smile every time I think about it. :-)

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, here is just a small list of everything I am thankful for this year:

-Elliott and I both have stable jobs in the same city. :-)
-Our baby girl is growing and healthy and we get to meet her in less than 6 weeks.
-My family and Elliott's family, who have been so supportive and excited throughout this whole experience.
-My amazing husband, who makes me laugh and does things he doesn't want to do, just because I ask (with hardly any complaining...).
-Our home, which is full of love and all the memories we will make in it (plus, the fact that we are able to refinance it for a super low interest rate).
-That everyone we love is happy and healthy.
-Our beautiful nursery that I can't wait to rock Reese to sleep in.
-Our pets, Lucy and Sophie, who are both good at cuddling and making us laugh.
-All of our friends, who we love spending time with and who are enjoying this experience right along with us. We feel very loved. 
-And many more...

Here are some other pictures...

My latest purchase...the most adorable coat from baby Gap. This might be part of her Valentine's Day outfit...

Art for the nursery that my sister made

More art that my sister made

A bracelet for Reese from the Horsch family.

Lucy's favorite chair. She is going to be such a good big sister.

Humongous!

Reese is 4 3/4 lbs. and is the size of a  cantaloupe.

Biggest Cravings: cinnamon & sugar toast, McDonald's (gross), and cereal
Clothes: I'm getting tired of wearing the same things...
Body: I take a concoction of Tylenol and heartburn medicine every day. My PT exercises and heating pad have been staples every night to combat sciatic nerve issues and just general backaches.
Energy/Mood: My energy has plummeted and my mood is struggling. I just feel so self-conscious about being so huge. I feel like I've been getting things checked off my to-do list though, so that is helping.  
Movement: She is still moving around a ton. Sometimes my whole stomach shifts to one side. It is so fun to watch. Elliott and I have been trying to guess which part of her is moving. Each part feels and looks quite a bit different. I hear the movement slows down as they have less room to move. I'm not looking forward to that. :-(
Sleep: The nerve pain was causing me to have issues sleeping, but those are getting better. Mostly I'm just really stiff in the mornings and as soon as I wake up, I can't get back to sleep. No more sleeping in for me. I guess I might as well get used to it now.

Best Moment this week: Elliott and I put up all our Christmas decorations last night. I guess the fact that we're gearing up for Christmas makes me realize that our little girl is almost here!

Miss Anything? my regular fall/winter clothes...can't wait to fit into them again!
Looking forward to: washing and putting away baby clothes with Elliott on Sunday. I'm sure he is going to be just as excited about this!


Happy Thanksgiving everyone! We love you all!

Erin, Elliott, and Reese

10 Weeks and Counting!

October has proved to be a crazy busy month for us! I just realized I haven't posted since October 1st! This upcoming Wednesday will make it 10 weeks until we meet our daughter. Let the countdown begin! 

I had a doctor's appointment on October 13th. I measured exactly 28 cm, which is perfect since I was 28 weeks at the time. So far this baby has been growing absolutely perfectly! We also did a glucose test to test for gestational diabetes. I had to drink a really sweet fruit punch drink, wait an hour, and then they drew some blood to test. I guess no news is good news because they haven't contacted me about any issues regarding that test. Phew! I did not want to have sugar-free candy at my baby shower!!! The only issue I've been having is with my back. Towards the end of the day and during the night when I get up, I have shooting pain that runs up and down my left leg and back. It's bearable, but still pretty irritating at times. I mentioned it to the doctor and she set me up with a physical therapist here in Wichita. The only problem is that their first available appointment was November 15th, so I'm going to have to endure the pain for a few more weeks. I will now start visiting the doctor every 2 weeks and then as we get closer it will be every week. So, I have another appointment next week. It's exciting to get the updates more often and also to know that we're getting closer and closer to the big day.

Last weekend we spent in Manhattan with friends. We have lots of friends having babies right now and we got to hang out with 2 of those couples last weekend. Shannon and Travis are expecting a baby boy on February 12th and Jill and Derek are also expecting a baby boy on January 4th (the same due date as Miss Reese). We all had fun going to lunch in Aggieville and buying K-State gear for the future wildcats (class of 2034ish?). After that the guys went to the bars in Aggieville and the girls got pedicures and did some more shopping. We really enjoyed our little trip! Thanks for having us, Shannon and Travis!

Shannon, Erin, and Jill

Reese's Wildcat wardrobe!

I had parent-teacher conferences all week this week, so I have been incredibly busy and tired. This week is hard no matter if I'm pregnant or not, but I defintely felt extra exhaustion this time around. As soon as I finished my last conference, we began celebrating Adam and Krista's wedding weekend! Adam is Elliott's older brother. The rehearsal, wedding, and reception were all beautiful and we had a fabulous time.  I only wish my feet weren't so swollen by the reception, so that Elliott and I could have danced a little more. It was so fun to chat with family about the baby and everything else. We definitely don't see everyone enough! Congratulations Adam & Krista! Reese could use a few more cousins in the future! ;-)

Elliott and I at the wedding reception

And now for my favorite updated. Reese's room is coming along nicely. We're getting close to being finished with the big stuff and are ready to tackle some of the smaller stuff. My sister was home from college the other weekend, so we painted the nursery wall together and also made a cool bow holder for all Reese's hairbows. We found both ideas on an extremely addicting website called Pinterest. I highly recommend that website if you're a creative person who has a lot of time to waste!! We also went to the Carter's outlet in Newton and I spent way too much money on more baby clothes. I'm trying to slow down for now, but they are just so dang cute! Here's what we came up with for the nursery!

My sister, Alice, painting away in the nursery.

Miss Sophie had to join in!

Here's the finished product!

Close-up! Some of the flowers are fake flowers that we attached to the branches for a cool 3D look.

Another one up-close.

Here's the bow holder. We painted the frame red and added the strips of ribbon. I'll just clip her bows on the ribbons.

Another fun thing happening in the nursery is the arrival of our super comfy glider! We absolutely LOVE it and I'm pretty sure I will be taking some naps in this in the near future. I can't wait to create memories of rocking our daughter and reading to her in this chair! The matching ottoman arrives tomorrow!

We also put up a cute growth chart that matches our nursery theme perfectly! 

The glider!!!!

The growth chart

Biggest Cravings: We're back to sweets.... I can't wait for my Sugar & Spice baby shower! Yum!
Clothes: lots of leggings, boots, and comfy clothes. I'm hoping I can still squeeze my swollen feet into my boots as we get closer and closer.
Body: My friend heartburn is back, along with some back pain, and headaches. The headaches are my biggest complaint, but a little medicine usually does the trick.
Energy/Mood: Very excited and starting to get a little overwhelmed about everything left to do.
Movement: Tons! She's a busy girl. She loved kicking around during the wedding reception- I think it was the music.
Sleep: The only thing that's really bugging me is that kink in my back that shoots pain down my leg. Other than that, sleeping is still one of my favorite things to do!

Best Moment this week: I had a lot of fun decorating the nursery with my sister a few weekends ago. I love spending time with her and it makes it so special that she was able to help get the room ready for baby Reese.

Miss Anything? Being skinnier and dancing with my husband without swollen feet and back pain
Looking forward to: My baby showers in November! :-)

Here are the 28 week pictures. We haven't been very good about getting pictures taken. I'll definitely take one next week at 30 weeks!

28 weeks

Hello 3rd Trimester!

Here's my view every night. My amazing husband rubbing my swollen feet and cuddling with my pets. I feel so lucky and blessed! :-)

Love you all! Thanks for reading! Next up will be our Halloween costumes. ;-)

Erin, Elliott, and Reese