37 week appointment

On Tuesday I went for my 37 week check up. I am now considered full term- meaning Owen can come any day! As soon as the doc started to check my cervix, he said, "Wow his head is right here!". In other words, Owen is ridin' low and in a great position to come on out! He estimates I will have him early, he just didn't say how early. If we make it to our due date, the doctor said he will probably be around 7 1/2 pounds. Oh yea, I am still only dilated 1 centimeter.

Next appointment: Monday

36 weeks

Belly shot at 36 weeks:

Couples Baby Shower at Buffalo Wings and Rings 10-23-10

Hosted by Dawn and John Burrows

Sympathy Belly

During our birthing class last week, Pat got to wear the sympathy belly. He finally got to see how it feels to carry an extra 25 pounds around!

Maternity Pics 10-10-10

Survey

I found this little survey on the internet and thought it would be fun to fill out:

How far along: 36 weeks
Total weight gain: 20 pounds
Maternity clothes: of course!
Stretch marks: nope
Sleep: sleeping with an extra pillow in between my legs, tossing and turning, 3 bathroom breaks per night
Best moment this week: we installed the car seat, put the baby swing together, completed our birth plan, and took a tour of the hospital, which made it all seem "real"
Belly button in or out?: ½ and ½ (it’s definitely stretched to the max!)
Craving: nothing
What I am looking forward to: our couples party on Saturday and meeting Owen, whenever that may be!

Labor progress: dilated 1 centimeter, 60% effaced

Homework

Each week for our birthing class we are assigned homework. Pat's homework for the last two weeks was to give me three massages a week. Simple math here: 3 + 3 = 6. Due tomorrow.

Well, here is Pat's progress: 1 + 1 = 2. Something doesn't add up right...

Good thing grades aren't involved!

Last night I was lucky enough to get massage number two. Considering I can't lay on my stomach, the next best position is sitting on the floor. Needless to say, Raleigh was super excited the minute I sat down! I got comfy, put my pillow on my lap, and here is what happened for the rest of the massage:

He has no idea what is about to happen...

Yard work

This past weekend we did some major yard work. We ripped out several bushes, pulled weeds, moved some plants around, planted new greenery and flowers, cut down/trimmed trees and bushes, and got out our fall/Halloween outside decorations. What we thought would take a couple of hours actually took all day! Thanks to the help of Kathryn and Lamar, our yard is looking good!

2 planters on either side of the garage:

The lime green/yellow bushes are new:

This is what's left of the Crape Myrtles that were taking over both sides of our house:

Here you can see both Crape Myrtles- one on the right, and one on the left. To give you an idea of how tall they were, the one on the left used to block part of the window upstairs!

A few pansies by the road (we also planted pansies around the mailbox but didn't take a pic):

Tons of rubbish:

Doula

Yay! Another thing checked off our to-do list!!

After much research/thought/consideration, we have finally chosen our doula, Jacqueline Messick. She has been attending births for the past 12 years and was DONA certified in 2010. Jacqueline also has experience as a lactation consultant. To learn more about her, you can visit her website.

Pat and I are very excited about our decision to hire a doula. Like most people having their first child, we experience feelings of anxiety, curiosity, wonder, and nervousness. We personally believe that having a doula will help us cope with these mixed feelings, and feel somewhat prepared for what we are about to experience. Not only does Jacqueline assist with the labor and delivery process, she also provides physical, emotional, and informational support to Pat and myself. During the next few weeks, we will work with Jacqueline to construct a birth plan, start packing the hospital bag, and inform her of any progress towards labor.

Labor Day= 5 weeks from today!

Remembering General Johnson

We learned today that General Johnson from Chairmen of the Board passed away. Pat and I were big fans of this popular beach music band. Here are some pics from the last time we saw them (2009) at Myrtle Beach for Mayfest:

34 weeks

Belly at 34 weeks:

Maternity pics to come soon :)

Game day at Carter-Finley!

NCSU vs. Boston College
Final score: 44-17

Saturday morning we arrived at the stadium around 9:00, ready to tailgate. Kickoff was at noon. Pat and I sat with Mr. and Mrs. Crisp (Sam's parents). I literally lasted 10 minutes in the game because it was SO hot. I felt myself getting dizzy and knew it was time to leave. I felt bad for not being able to make it until half time, but I listened to my body and went back out in the parking lot. Watching the game in the shade, on a tv, was a much better idea! Oh well, I tried. No more football games for me this year!