39 weeks

Well tomorrow is the big day!!  I can't believe it is already here.  I just got home from the pre-admission testing, so we are ready to go!  My parents are coming tonight so they can stay with Anna Riley in the morning and bring her to the hospital.  They are going to keep her tonight so Riley and I can go out to eat by ourselves.  :)  Please say a prayer for us for a safe delivery and healthy baby...and that I can get some sleep tonight!!

Symptoms:

I honestly feel so good for it to be the end!  I mainly just have bad back pain in the evenings and at night.  A hot shower really seems to help. 



Weight Gain:

28lbs.  I didn't keep up with everything as well last time so I am not for sure the exact amount I gained, but it was at least 40..so I did a little better in that department this go around.

Sleep:

Sleep has been pretty good.  Anna Riley hasn't slept too well this week because of her cold but it hasn't been too bad.  Last night, it took me forever to go to sleep...I couldn't stop thinking about everything! So I don't imagine I will sleep well tonight either and I have to get up at 4am.

Movement:

It has slowed down but I often can feel her bottom and she presses her feet out a lot...to the point where I could probably almost count toes!  She has had the hiccups a few times also.

The top picture is 39 weeks with Anna Riley and the bottom is today.  I feel like my stomach is probably just as big but I didn't gain as much in my face this time.

Our last weekend...

   This was our last weekend as a family of 3!  We are so excited that our little family is expanding and soon we will have two precious girls.  But, there will be a lot of changes, especially for Anna Riley.  She is really too young to understand what is going on but I think she already senses that things are about to change a little.  This week has been pretty difficult with her.  She has been acting out a lot more and her the tantrums have been horrible and frequent.  I know that a part of this is due to the fact that two of her eye teeth finally popped through and I am pretty sure the other two are not far behind because they are look swollen and a part of it is just simply the terrible twos entering at full force.  But, I do think she senses change.  I have also been a little emotional thinking about the alone time I spend with AR coming to an end but I am overjoyed thinking about all the fun things that are to come with my two girls!!  Hopefully, adjustment will go smoothly for all of us! 
    We wanted to plan a few fun things to do with Anna Riley this weekend.  So, Friday, Riley took a long lunch and we went to the Barnyard and to Jalepenos for lunch.  I could tell a big change in her since we took her in April.  She loves animals and knows all their names now.  She was so excited and just ran from one animal to the next.  She was saying the sounds that all the animals say. She loved riding the pony and feeding the baby pig with the bottle.

Saturday, she woke up with a little cold. We took her to the Airport Park in Northport, so we could watch the small planes land and take off. Unfortunately, we didn't get to see too many and the wind was blowing too much to stay out there too long. I think most of the planes had probably made their way to Gainsville for the game. She did get to play on the playground for a little bit and then we headed to Chick-Fil-A to play for a while.

When we got home, we played in the yard with Maggie, one of our neighbors. 

These two are 4 months apart...I predict they will be getting in lots of trouble together when they start school!

They were having a yard sale and Maggie's two older siblings set up a Lemonade & Cookie stand that the young ones decided to take over!  When Anna Riley went down for a nap, I went for a much needed prenatal massage and pedicure...so relaxing!!  :)

Saturday night, we celebrated Granna's birthday and went to Cypress Inn to eat.  Anna Riley was still not feeling all that well and her feelings were on her shoulders so everyone pretty much took turns taking her to see the fish.  She was just pitiful and anytime anyone would say anything to her she would curl her bottom lip and start crying.  I had made dessert, so they came back to our house to eat dessert and so Mom could open her presents.  After all of that, it was game time!!

Today, we are just laying around.  We decided to stay home from church since AR didn't feel well and none of us really slept all that well. 

We had a wonderful weekend together and I can't believe that next weekend we will be a family of four!

38 weeks

I can't believe we have less than one week to go!! 

Symptoms:

I have felt pretty good this week!  I just have lots of back pain, mostly in the evenings and at night.  I haven't had any swelling or anything like that.  I am feeling more pressure also.  But considering how close I am, I really feel great!

Weight Gain: 28 lbs.

Maternity Clothes: 

Dresses or tunics and tights are the most comfortable and of course my pjs!!

Sleep: 

I have slept pretty good this week.  I have been able to go back to sleep pretty well after getting up for the bathroom.  I still have to get up at least 3 times during the night to pee though.

Movement: 

Movement has slowed down a bit but she still gets very active at times!  I really feel like she has no more room to move!

Cravings:

  I don't have as much of an appetite anymore so I really haven't craved anything lately. 

Drs. Appointment: 

 I went to the doctor yesterday and everything still looked great.  Her heartrate was 152.  We mainly talked about what would take place next Thursday with the Csection and he answered any questions that I had.  I have to be at the hospital at 5am and my surgery starts at 7. Can't believe it is almost time!!

Getting Ready: 

 I mentioned in my post on Monday how I have been in full force nesting mode!  I feel like things are pretty organized and ready and then of course I find some other cabinet that needs cleaned out!  I guess this is the spring cleaning that I didn't do in the spring!!  I started back at the end of July planning our meals months at a time and it has worked out SO great for us.  I am not longer waiting until Sunday night to figure out what to cook and what groceries I need for the week.   So, I decided to go ahead and do our "menu" through December!  It didn't take long at all (I only cook 2-3 days a week and we eat leftovers the other and often go out or grill on the weekends).  I also stocked up on all of our toiletry items (thanks to Soap.com) and bought the non-perishable ingredients I need for all the meals until November!! haha!  I love planning and getting things organized and I know how busy we get during the fall not to mention having an extra member of the family now so that is one less thing I have to think about!  :)

Dads of Daughters

I saw this on Pintrest and wanted to share.  Click here for the actual link.
I am so thankful that my girls will have such a great Daddy!  Relationships between fathers and daughters are just so special! 
 Here are 50 rules for Dads of Daughters:

1. Love her mom. Treat her mother with respect, honor, and a big heaping spoonful of public displays of affection. When she grows up, the odds are good she’ll fall in love with and marry someone who treats her much like you treated her mother. Good or bad, that’s just the way it is. I’d prefer good.


2. Always be there. Quality time doesn’t happen without quantity time. Hang out together for no other reason than just to be in each other’s presence. Be genuinely interested in the things that interest her. She needs her dad to be involved in her life at every stage. Don’t just sit idly by while she add years to her… add life to her years.

3. Save the day. She’ll grow up looking for a hero. It might as well be you. She’ll need you to come through for her over and over again throughout her life. Rise to the occasion. Red cape and blue tights optional.

4. Savor every moment you have together. Today she’s crawling around the house in diapers, tomorrow you’re handing her the keys to the car, and before you know it, you’re walking her down the aisle. Some day soon, hanging out with her old man won’t be the bees knees anymore. Life happens pretty fast. You better cherish it while you can.

5. Pray for her. Regularly. Passionately. Continually.

6. Buy her a glove and teach her to throw a baseball. Make her proud to throw like a girl… a girl with a wicked slider.

7. She will fight with her mother. Choose sides wisely.

8. Go ahead. Buy her those pearls.

9. Of course you look silly playing peek-a-boo. You should play anyway.

10. Enjoy the wonder of bath time.

11. There will come a day when she asks for a puppy. Don’t over think it. At least one time in her life, just say, “Yes.”

12. It’s never too early to start teaching her about money. She will still probably suck you dry as a teenager… and on her wedding day.

13. Make pancakes in the shape of her age for breakfast on her birthday. In a pinch, donuts with pink sprinkles and a candle will suffice.

14. Buy her a pair of Chucks as soon as she starts walking. She won’t always want to wear matching shoes with her old man.

15. Dance with her. Start when she’s a little girl or even when she’s a baby. Don’t wait ‘til her wedding day.

16. Take her fishing. She will probably squirm more than the worm on your hook. That’s OK.

17. Learn to say no. She may pitch a fit today, but someday you’ll both be glad you stuck to your guns.

18. Tell her she’s beautiful. Say it over and over again. Someday an animated movie or “beauty” magazine will try to convince her otherwise.

19. Teach her to change a flat. A tire without air need not be a major panic inducing event in her life. She’ll still call you crying the first time it happens.

20. Take her camping. Immerse her in the great outdoors. Watch her eyes fill with wonder the first time she sees the beauty of wide open spaces. Leave the iPod at home.

21. Let her hold the wheel. She will always remember when daddy let her drive.

22. She’s as smart as any boy. Make sure she knows that.

23. When she learns to give kisses, she will want to plant them all over your face. Encourage this practice.

24. Knowing how to eat sunflower seeds correctly will not help her get into a good college. Teach her anyway.

25. Letting her ride on your shoulders is pure magic. Do it now while you have a strong back and she’s still tiny.

26. It is in her nature to make music. It’s up to you to introduce her to the joy of socks on a wooden floor.

27. If there’s a splash park near your home, take her there often. She will be drawn to the water like a duck to a puddle.

28. She will eagerly await your return home from work in the evenings. Don’t be late.

29. If her mom enrolls her in swim lessons, make sure you get in the pool too. Don’t be intimidated if there are no other dads there. It’s their loss.

30. Never miss her birthday. In ten years she won’t remember the present you gave her. She will remember if you weren’t there.

31. Teach her to roller skate. Watch her confidence soar.

32. Let her roll around in the grass. It’s good for her soul. It’s not bad for yours either.

33. Take her swimsuit shopping. Don’t be afraid to veto some of her choices, but resist the urge to buy her full-body beach pajamas.

34. Somewhere between the time she turns three and her sixth birthday, the odds are good that she will ask you to marry her. Let her down gently.

35. She’ll probably want to crawl in bed with you after a nightmare. This is a good thing.

36. Few things in life are more comforting to a crying little girl than her father’s hand. Never forget this.

37. Introduce her to the swings at your local park. She’ll squeal for you to push her higher and faster. Her definition of “higher and faster” is probably not the same as yours. Keep that in mind.

38. When she’s a bit older, your definition of higher and faster will be a lot closer to hers. When that day comes, go ahead… give it all you’ve got.

39. Holding her upside down by the legs while she giggles and screams uncontrollably is great for your biceps. WARNING: She has no concept of muscle fatigue.

40. She might ask you to buy her a pony on her birthday. Unless you live on a farm, do not buy her a pony on her birthday. It’s OK to rent one though.

41. Take it easy on the presents for her birthday and Christmas. Instead, give her the gift of experiences you can share together.

42. Let her know she can always come home. No matter what.

43. Remember, just like a butterfly, she too will spread her wings and fly some day. Enjoy her caterpillar years.

44. Write her a handwritten letter every year on her birthday. Give them to her when she goes off to college, becomes a mother herself, or when you think she needs them most.

45. Learn to trust her. Gradually give her more freedom as she gets older. She will rise to the expectations you set for her.

46. When in doubt, trust your heart. She already does.

47. When your teenage daughter is upset, learning when to engage and when to back off will add years to YOUR life. If you succeed in doing this, tell me how.

48. Ice cream covers over a multitude of sins. Know her favorite flavor.

49. This day is coming soon. There’s nothing you can do to be ready for it. The sooner you accept this fact, the easier it will be.

50. Today she’s walking down the driveway to get on the school bus. Tomorrow she’s going off to college. Don’t blink.

Miscellany Monday

NESTING:
I have been in full nesting mode the past couple of weeks.  I have cleaned out and organized so many closets and drawers!  There are still a few things I would like to tackle before next week.  I think its so funny that you go through this phase of nesting.  I mean the baby is really not going to know if her Mommy's closet is perfectly organized!  But...I am enjoying having the energy to get it done because I can't stand a dirty/ unorganized house anyway!

WEEKEND:
We had a wonderful, relaxing Friday night.  Riley picked us up food on his way home and we ate and spent the evening outside playing and socializing with our neighbors.  Anna Riley loves to play with them and I am so thankful we have such great neighbors that we love and our kids play together so well! 
My parents insited that Anna Riley come spend the night Saturday night.  They would get her every weekend if I would let them!  She LOVES going to her Granna and PawPaws and never is ready to come back home!  While she was gone Saturday, Riley and I met up with Cyndee and Dan since they were in town to see her parents.  Riley and I watched the 1st half of the game downtown and then came home to watch the 2nd half.  It was a very good game and another win for Bama! :)

BABY SHOWER:
Last Sunday, two of my friends and my two sisters-in-law threw me a monograms and diaper shower.  Ava Kate got SO many cute things and lots and lots of diapers!  She is one blessed baby girl!

Mom and I

My hostesses: Frances Ann, Leigh, Amanda & Peyton

A guests wrote a special note to Ava Kate on a onesie.

All the monogrammed gifts Ava Kate received

Diapers, Diapers and more diapers!!! :)

37 weeks

As of Thursday, I am 37 weeks! I can't believe how close we are!!

Symptoms:

  I have felt SO great until Thursday!  I had so much energy this week and just felt so good.  I was able to get so much done.   But Thursday, I woke up feeling not feeling so great.  I felt nauseous all day and got sick twice.  I also had some mild menstrual type cramping and was just so tired!  I felt somewhat better Friday and much better Saturday.  I have not had much of an appetite this week...I think I have ran out of room to put any food!!

Weight Gain:

Down one from last week...probably due to being sick and not having as big of an appetite. So I am now at 26 lbs.

Maternity Clothes:

Choices are very getting very slim!  I feel most comfortable in a tunic and leggings.

Movement:

I feel like at time she is dancing in my tummy!  We love to just sit and watch my stomach move...its a weird feeling but I love it!

Cravings:

Nothing really

Dr. Appointment:

I went to the doctor on Friday.  He said the nausea could be just have been a touch of a bug or just end of pregnancy stuff.  He said everything looked fine.  I am still measuring fairly big...I measured closer to 40 weeks.  He said he doesn't predict a huge baby but she will definitely be of good size!! 



Playtime

Last week, Anna Riley got to play with her friends Audrey, Emma and Caroline three days in a row so she was in heaven!  She loves those girls!! 

Wednesday, we met Mandy and the girls at the library for Storytime.  We really missed storytime during their break in August.  As soon as the girls got there and came to sit by AR, she started waving really big and said "Hi Guys!" 

After storytime, we went to ChickFilA for lunch and more playtime.

These pictures are with my phone so they aren't great!

She LOVES the cow!  As soon as we pull into ChickFilA she starts screaming "Cow, Cow, MOOO."  She would much rather sit on that cow the whole time!

Thursday, I had a doctor's appointment and my usual sitter had class and Riley had a meeting come up last minute so Mandy kept AR for me.  Mandy sent me this picture while I was at the doctor.  They got to make smores for a snack!  She didn't want to come home and cried when we had to leave! 

Friday morning, we went to Bama Bounders (a gymnastics place) for Preschool Playtime.  This was our first time going because you have to be at least 18 months to play.  I tried taking pictures but trying to keep up with her was hard enough.  Ane the ones I took didn't really turn out because I realized my camera was on the wrong setting the whole time!! 

She loved running up and down the long trampoline.

We then met Daddy for lunch at Tazikis...YUM!