Tucker's 1st Christmas

Christmas is my favorite time of year and we had so much fun celebrating Christmas this year with Tucker.  It's Tucker's 1st Christmas and I think he's enjoyed himself as much as Mommy and Daddy have enjoyed watching him and playing with him.  We started the Christmas Season this year with my Dad's family on the Saturday before Christmas.  The Tucker Christmas is very special to me and our family.  We started a tradition when my Grandma Tucker passed away in 2006 to start exchanging gag gifts.  It helps the family laugh and enjoy the time together even with our Mother or Grandma not there to celebrate with all of us.  Tucker had a wonderful time playing with his cousins and family.  The big gag gift this year that everyone wanted was a "flash light cow". It was a big hit with all the kids.

Tucker and Ethan playing cars together.

 Tucker loved playing with the tissue paper and tearing it into little pieces.

 Grandpa Tucker opening his gag gift.

 Tucker opening his gift from Jenny and Ethan.

 Dad, Grandpa, Aunt Susan, and Uncle Steve.

 Grandpa Tucker and all his Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren.

 

Keith and I wanted to have some friends over for Christmas because it's nice to get old friends together but unfortunately everyone was very busy this year.  Our friends Matt and Neva Helms and their two children were able to come over Thursday night, 12/23, we had a great time visiting and catching up with Matt and Neva.  We were able to share some parenting stories that were pretty funny and just watch our babies play together which is so special.  Matt and Neva have two children Van (2) and Ada (1). 

Tucker and Ada playing together in our living room.

On Friday, 12/24, Christmas Eve, Keith and I relaxed together with Tucker and just enjoyed being together as a family. My husband travels a lot so we don't have a lot of family time together during the week so it's nice to relax together and enjoy moments as a family.  I did have two close friends over for lunch on Christmas Eve, Heather and Lauren.  We enjoyed lunch, talking and playing with Tucker.  It's always nice to have your girlfriends over and catch up on life.  Keith went to his parents house and cut down two large trees on the Wingard Farm and then chopped wood with his Uncle and Dad.  Later that day Keith put Tucker's Radio Flyer Wagon together from Santa and I worked on organizing all Tucker's other toys from Santa and wrapping the last minute presents.  Keith and I cleaned up and went to church with my family that evening for Christmas Eve Service. What an amazing service and it was a wonderful day filled with family and friends.

Tucker before we left for Christmas Eve Service at church.

Christmas morning was so much fun!  I carried Tucker down the stairs and sat him down in the living room.  He looked at me and then at his Daddy and then he just stared at his Radio Flyer Wagon and all the toys left from Santa.  He was so HAPPY and he crawled over to the wagon and started picking things up and smiling from ear to ear.  He was a good boy all year so Santa was good to Tucker.

Tucker's Chrismas from Santa!

 Tucker excited about all his goodies!

 Tucker opening his stocking.

 Tucker playing with his new vtech toy.

Tucker opening some Christmas presents from Mommy and Daddy.

 He's so happy!

 Tucker loves his push and ride Mickey Mouse car.

 Christmas morning breakfast: eggs, bacon, grits, muffins, ect...Mommy spoiled her boys!

Tucker loved his scrambled eggs!

 

 Tucker crawling around checking out his new toys.

We had a wonderful Christmas morning celebrating Jesus and watching our son enjoy all his treasures from Santa and Mommy and Daddy!

Isaiah 9:6-7

(6) For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (7) Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.

Christmas Portraits

I scheduled Tucker's Christmas portraits last Saturday at JCPenney in Pineville, NC.  I used JCPenney for Tucker's 4 month old pictures in the Spring and they turned out pretty good and I knew going in that I just wanted to purchase a small package and some Christmas cards.  Keith and I arrived a little behind schedule but all the sales people at JCPenney were so nice and friendly they worked us right in.  Tucker was such a good baby while we waited our turn and he did really well with his pictures but I wish they could've capture a BIG smile from him!

  

Here are a few of Tucker's Christmas portraits. 

Which Christmas picture do you like the best?

Sweet Baby Boy & Giggles

I had so much fun this weekend with Tucker!  He's really developing a sweet personality.  He is laughing more and interacting with me and everyone around him.  He points to objects and says, "This" and he really wants to know what it is.  He has started to say "tree" and "ball" this past week.  I think since the Christmas tree is up he's been pointing to it a lot and I will tell him that it's a tree.  He also loves to point to the ornaments and I call those balls or ball since that's a lot easier for him to say than ornament. 



This past weekend I was feeding him some bananas and pears for lunch and he was so animated.  We've been reading a book about farm animals and the noises that a Cow, Horse, Pig, and Roster make.  He has recently been laughing anytime I "oink" like a pig.  He loves it and he thinks it's hysterical!  I decided to capture this belly laugh on video and I placed a few picture and the video below.  It really melts my heart and I'm so glad that Tucker is such a sweet and loving little boy.



...Here's a quick video...

I hope you enjoy it as much as me and please forgive my horrible laugh!~

Nike Shoes

It's been so cold here in Charlotte, NC that I decided it's time to start placing shoes on Tucker's feet on a regular basis.  He can't walk by himself yet so I've only been placing shoes on his feet for special occasions.  This morning I found a pair of Nike shoes that my sister gave me.  The Nikes used to be my nephew Jacob's shoes when he was a baby.  I placed Tuckers foot against the shoe and luckily his feet fit.  I guess I really need to go and buy Tucker some shoes but I haven't made it a priority since he isn't walking and he'll grow out of them pretty fast.  Tucker always pulls his socks right off when I put them on his feet.  Not even a minute will go by and he's already pulled his socks off and he's eating them.  Yes, he eats everything or puts everything into his mouth so I have to be very careful and make sure the floor is clean.  This morning when I placed Tuckers socks and shoes on he was so funny.  He looked at me like "Mommy what the heck are you placing on my feet?" These were the 1st real heavy soled shoes I've placed on his feet.  He actually did pretty well walking in them going up and down the table in the den.

...Here are a few pictures of Tucker and his little Nike shoes...

Mickey Mouse

Tucker is completely in love with Mickey Mouse.  He loves watching the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse on Disney and he is fascinated with all the characters but he especially loves Mickey Mouse.  My parents and sister's family went to Disney in Orlando, FL this past Summer and Nana or Nannie (my mom) bought Tucker a large Mickey Mouse stuffed animal.  Tucker loves that Mickey Mouse so much and he's always hugging him and carrying him around the house. Christmas is just around the corner and I've been eyeing the Fisher-Price Dance Star Mickey in the stores (they have one in a display case) for awhile but there is never any available to purchase. The Dance Star Mickey is a HOT Christmas item for kids this year so they've been sold out since November.  Thursday morning I decided to call ToysRUs and just see if they had any available before I drove all the way over to the store on my lunch hour.  I called and spoke to a sales woman and she said they had one Dance Star Mickey left.  I was so excited I literally screamed over the phone and I asked her if she could hold it for me.  She said that she is not supposed to hold anything for customers but since I was so excited about the toy for Tucker she decided to hold it in customer service where she'd be working for the next hour.  I told her I could be there within 30 minutes and I'd see her soon.  I didn't have her name but knew she was at customer service.  I drove to ToysRUs in Pineville, NC and waited in the customer service line (there were two long lines running parallel) and eyed the Dance Star Mickey toy the whole time.  Finally, I made it to the front of the line and told the sales woman that I was there to pick up the Dance Star Mickey.  She said sure and handed the toy over to me.  I smiled so BIG and I was so happy to have Mickey for Tucker!  I don't think I've been that excited about a toy since I was a little girl.  All the shoppers were starring at me and I thought I was going to need security for a minute because some people can get a little crazy this time of year over toys for their kids.  Dance Star Mickey is home now and my parents are going to give Tucker the Mickey toy for Christmas!  

...Here's a picture of the Fisher-Price Dance Star Mickey...

I can't wait to see Tucker's face when he opens his toy and can play with Mickey! 

Watch Me Grow

...Watch Tucker Grow...

Here are a few pictures of Tucker

growing up over the last several months.

...Tucker coming home from the hospital...

I bought this outfit way too big & he ended up wearing it until he was 5 months old.

...Tucker is a few weeks old here with Nana and cousin Jacob...

 ...Tucker and I are just waking up from a nap together...

 ...Happy Valentines Day sleepy head...

...An early Sunday morning before Tucker was dedicated to the Lord...

 ...Tucker's 4 month old portraits...

 ...Tucker about to eat rice cereal for the first time...

...Tucker went through a phase where he always had his pj's unbuttoned by the morning...

 ...Tucker having a little play time...

 ...A few of Tucker's 6 month old portraits on the Wingard Farm...

 ...Tucker getting ready to hit the beach...

 ...Tucker is such a sweet and happy little baby...

 ...Tucker and the pumpkin patch...

 ....Happy Halloween Tucker...

He was a little horse for Halloween.

...Tucker enjoying his 1st Thanksgiving with his Papa...

It was such a beautiful day we spend a lot of time outside at my sister's house.

...Tucker turned 10 months old on November 23, 2010...

It's hard to believe that Tucker is already 10 months old.

Where has the time gone?

...The End...

Tucker's Arrival

Since I previously blogged about my pregnancy with Tucker I felt like I need to catch everyone up on Tucker's Arrival. Before you read about Tucker's arrival below I would like to say that I had the most amazing pregnancy a girl could ask for and if you're pregnant and reading this remember that every pregnancy story is different.
Labor Story
Tucker's due date was Friday, January 22, 2010 and sure enough I went into labor on January 22nd around 2pm. I had taken the day off from work on Friday since I was scheduled to be induced on Monday, January 25th if Tucker wouldn't have come over the weekend. I called my sister and unfortunately she had her children and wasn't able to come over right away so I called my sister-in-law Kim. Kim was available and she came over and we walked around my neighborhood until Keith got home. My husband Keith travels every week and of course he would be out of town the day I went into labor but luckily he got home around 3:30pm. Keith's sister Kim left and Keith and I hung around the house and I labored until about 6pm. The pain really wasn't that bad but the contractions were coming every 5 minutes and I wasn't sure when to go to the hospital so I called the nurse line and she asked me a few questions and told me to come on to the hospital. Keith and I arrived at the hospital around 6:30pm and were sent to a room and basically a nurse asked a lot of questions and checked to see how dilated I was at the time. Unfortunately, I was only 1cm dilated and when the Dr. saw me he said that I had two options: 1.) I could stay and walk the halls until my labor progressed more or 2.) I could go home and wait for the contractions to be so unbearable that I would not be able to talk when I came back. Now if your Dr. told you this what would start going through your mind? My mind was racing with a million things that were going to be happening over the next hours/day(s). For any pregnant woman who might be reading this stay at the hospital and walk the floors because Keith and I left and were charged about $1300 (which ended up being paid by my insurance but still) for just those few hours. Keith and I left the hospital around 9pm and went home. I labored at home with Keith until 3am and we decided it was time to go back to the hospital. The contractions were coming a lot faster and lasting longer. I knew it was time to head back to the hospital so we arrived at the hospital around 3:30am and a nurse checked me and I was 3cm dilated (I had dilated 2 more cm)so she checked me in. The nurse immediately made me a really hot bath and I relaxed in the bath for about an hour to an hour and a half. The bath helped me relax a lot while I was having the contractions. The nurse came and told me that the Anethesiologist was next door and if I would like my epidural now would be a good time since he was on the hall. I really was fine and even had a second thought about having the epidural since I was in pain but at the time it was tolerable pain. I felt like the nurse basically talked me into the epidural and I received my epidural around 6:30am and the Dr. broke my water at 8am. Everything was moving right along except I wasn't dilating. I was still only at 3cm and lunch time went by and I moved to 4cm and then to 5cm. The nurse by this point had given me so much pitocin (drug to help speed up labor) that it caused me to swell beyond belief. The epidural in my opinion slowed my body down and I wish to this very day that I would've waited on my epidural. Unfortunately, I never moved past 5cm through labor and I ended up having an emergency c-section because I was starting to have complications. I had an extremely high fever and Tucker's heart rate was increasing and the Dr. said that he had to get the baby out. I seriously lost it. I don't think I've ever cried that hard in front of so many people in my life. I am such an emotional person in general but I did not want to have a c-section. I was given morphine and they topped off on my epidural and prepped me for the c-section.
Surgery
The moment I was wheeled into the "OR" I had a bad feeling. I don't know why but my heart sank. Keith was on my right side and the Anethesiologist was on my left. I didn't feel anything going on while the Dr. was preforming the C-section. I did heard the Dr. ask Keith if he'd like to see his son and as the Dr. pulled Tucker out I didn't hear anything and all the sudden I thought my life was going to be changed forever. I looked at the large clock on the wall and it said 6:53pm, January 23, 2010. Tucker was born the day after his due date. Unfortunately, when Tucker took his first breath he swolled his merconium which can be very dangerous. Merconium is a baby's first stool and it's black and tar like. When Tucker swolled his merconium it went into his lungs. I was still lying on the hospital table and watching the Neonatel (NICU) nurses rush in as well as other phsycians. Basically the "OR" was filled with white coats and no one was saying anything to Keith and I. We are both crying (me = dramatically) unbearably and trying to figure out what was going on. We just watch as they worked on our son and I prayed that everything was going to be fine with Tucker. When a baby is born they are given an APGAR score for a baby's Heart Rate, Breathing, Grimace, Activity, and Appearance. The baby is given a score between 0-2 for each with 2 being the best. Tucker was given all 0's which means he was really bad (no color, no heartbeat, no breathing, ect... Tucker was given a 1 for Grimace and I believe that is only because they were shoving long tools down his throat and scrapping his lungs out. They ended up taking Tucker from us and moved him to the "NICU". I had to stay in the "OR" and finish my surgery. The Dr. kept telling me not to worry that my baby was in good hands I would see him soon. I had Tucker at 6:53pm on Saturday and I didn't get to see my baby until 2am Sunday morning. Talk about heartbreak! I was so exhausted and given so many drugs that I passed out after being wheeled back to my room. I was placed in a wheel chair around 2am and Keith and I were finally able to see our little baby. What a blessing! I will never forget it and even though Tucker was hooked up to so many machines and had wires all over him he was the most beautiful baby I had ever seen. I always remind myself that "Every good and perfect gift is from above" - James 1:17 and I am so thankful to the Lord for His answered prayers over Tucker. Tucker had a very hard first three days in the hospital. Babies are generally born with 150,000 blood platelets and Tucker was only born with 88,000 blood platelets which basically meant if he were cut he would bleed to death because his blood platelets were not strong enough to clot. Tucker also had jaundice while we were in the hospital which is very common for babies so I wasn't as concerned with the jaundice as I was with his blood platelets and him being monitored concerning his lungs. The results came back that his lungs were clean and by the time we left the hospital his blood platelets were at the right numbers. Since Tuckers blood platelets had stabilized he was able to have his circumcision before we left the hospital. We waited at the hospital an hour after his procedure and headed home as a family.  It was a beautiful day.

...Here are a few pictures from the hospital...

Tucker in the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit)

 Tucker sleeping in his hospital carrier

 Our first family picture



Tucker with an ultraviolet blanket to treat his jaundice.

He was my little glow worm.

I hope you take from this blog that "Every good and perfect gift is from above" ~ James 1:17  I thank the Lord every day for blessing my life with such an amazingly happy, beautiful, and most importantly healthy baby boy.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made ~ Psalm 139:14

Blogging again...

I can't believe it'll be December 1, 2010 tomorrow? Where has the year gone? It's hard to believe that I haven't blogged in almost a whole year. I'm looking forward to starting my blog back up and writting again about my baby boy Tucker and life in general. Goodnight for now...

31 - 39 weeks

Where do I begin...the last several weeks have been very busy for me in a good way. I enjoyed the Thanksgiving Holiday with my family and Keith's family and I was very happy that at my doctor's appointment after Thanksgiving I only gained 4lbs which was a pound per week since my last appointment. I should gain a pound per week at this point so that is very healthy.

My doctor's appointment went really well on December 1st. The baby's heartbeat was 145. My blood pressure was 135 over 76 and the doctor told me that Tucker's head is down and ready to come. I'm anxiously awaiting his arrival. Since he's moved his head into the downward position he has placed a lot of pressure on me which I'm still getting used to at night. The doctor also told me to take some iron because I'm a little low on iron. After this appointment I'll see him every two weeks and then I'll start to see him weekly towards the end.

I had my friend baby shower Saturday, December 5th, and I had the best time with all my friends, mom and sister. My friend Neva hosted the baby shower at her house with help from my long time friend Laura. They both did a great job on the food, punch, decorations, games and everything turned out great! I absolutely loved my cake from Costco. Vanilla with Cream Cheese filling and Buttercream icing. YUM! I'm so glad that several of my close friends were able to make it to the baby shower and I was able to enjoy some time with everyone. I ended up doing a little shopping with Lauren and Heather Sunday and was able to purchase a lot of Christmas presents for family. It was so great to see and visit Lauren. She came all the way up from Jacksonville, FL. Thanks Lauren. My friend Maryanne also flew in from LaGrange, GA and as always it was great having her in town and catching up with her. Thanks MEM.

The rest of December is a BLUR. I had my work shower at the Aquavina Wine Room located uptown Charlotte on Thursday, December 10th and Bonnie and Jan did a great job with the punch, food, vanilla and chocolate booties/rattle cupcakes and organizing the event. I've been so blessed to have a family, a friend, and a co-worker baby shower. Tucker has received so many great presents and gifts from everyone. Saturday, December 12th we celebrated my nephew Jacob's birthday at Sports Connection and he and his friends had a great time playing on all the blow up/jumpie toys and playing games. It's hard to believe that Jacob turned 5 years old this past December 19th. Time is really flying by these days. I had another Doctor's appointment on December 14 and Dr. Solomon told me that Tucker will more than likely weigh 7.5 to 8lbs if I go until my due date which will more than likely happen. Tucker's heartbeat was in the high 140's and everything on me was fine as well. Later in the week we celebrated my niece Ashton's birthday with Keith's family and then that weekend had Tucker Christmas at my Grandpa Tuckers house. It's always nice to get everyone together, enjoy each others company, and catch up with everyone. We had a really great time opening the gag gifts and some people were pretty creative with their gift selections this year.

As you see December was very busy and I was literally doing something every weeknight and weekend thus why I wasn't able to keep up with my blog. Keith and I had a really nice Christmas together and with our families. We decided since Tucker is on the way and we really need a car that we'd skip Christmas gifts for each other this year. We celebrated Christmas morning with big breakfast together and then we went to my parents house Christmas afternoon and enjoyed opening presents and watching Maleea and Jacob open their presents as well. My parents bought Keith and I a lot of great gifts and we especially love our new camcorder (can't wait to capture all the baby moments of Tucker) and e-pad laptop desk. Tucker received a lot of Christmas gifts from Nana and Papa too. In fact he may have received more than Keith and I. haha. That's what makes it fun though. I can't wait to watch Tucker open all his presents next year. So much to look forward too!!! Keith went to the UNC bowl game the Saturday after Christmas so I just relaxed and spent the day with my mom and went and had a pedicure. It's nice to just relax and unwind sometimes. Sunday we celebrated Christmas with the Wingard's at Rhonda's house and all the kids enjoyed playing Wii. I think those kids are addicted to the Wii. haha.

December 28th, I had another Dr. Appt. and Dr. Solomon did a culture to check for Strep B and my results were negative which was great news. Tucker and Mommy are both doing well and now Dr. Solomon thinks Tucker will weigh up to 8.5lbs should he come at his due date. He's going to be a big boy! I just pray that he'll sleep better with his extra lbs. December 30th, we celebrated my brother David's birthday. We enjoyed dinner together at Fish Bones and then went back to Dad and Mom's for dessert. We probably enjoyed one of the best cakes ever!!! Nice pick on the cake David!

For New Years Eve Keith and I decided to keep it low key and relax. We were going to enjoy a nice dinner at Firebirds and a movie but Firebirds was packed and the movie we were hoping to watch was sold out. So, we settled for dinner at Chili's and then we went home and watched some college football, watched a movie on tv, and went to sleep. Our neighbors started shooting off fireworks at Midnight so we woke up and kissed and went back to sleep. haha. So romantic right?! The following weekend we went out to dinner with friends in the university area and then walked around IKEA twice looking for a white bookshelf for Tucker's room. We didn't have any luck. However, the night before Keith placed up the white shelves in Tucker's room that used to hang in my bedroom growing up. I had a lot of fun painting the shelves white to match the furniture. I'm so glad that everything is almost in order and ready for Tucker's arrival.

The last couple of weeks Keith and I have been really cleaning the house. We took down all the Christmas decorations, completely cleaned the downstairs, and cleaned the master bathroom which was a major workout. Keith also placed the travel system (stroller and carrier) and the pack-n-play together. We're trying to have everything nice, clean, and ready when Tucker comes home. My Dr. Appt. January 4th went really well. I actually lost 2 lbs probably from all the cleaning Keith and I had been doing and Dr. Solomon said everything looked good and he informed my that at my next appointment he would check to see if my cervix was dilated or effaced any. Keith and I had childbirth classes Friday night, January 8th, from 6:30-9pm and Saturday, January 9th from 9am until 5pm. We learned a lot about labor and delivery, breathing, and how to care for the baby up to 6 weeks old. It was a great class and I'm so glad Keith and I participated in the experience and my friend Sherry Cook and her husband were also in our childbirth class which made it all the better.

My Dr. Appt. on January 12th was very interesting. I knew Dr. Solomon was going to check my cervix but I had no idea what I was in for. Tucker's heartbeat was 145 and I didn't gain any weight which was also good news. My blood pressure was a little higher than it's generally been but that could be because I was nervous/anxious about the Dr. checking my cervix. Dr. Solomon checked my cervix which felt like a lot of pressure and a little bit of a burning sensation but I made it through and he told me that I'm 1 centimeter dilated but my cervix is still very thick. My cervix needs to thin before the baby will come. I have 9 more centimeters to go - I pray they go by fast but generally not the case with your first pregnancy. I also told Dr. Solomon about my back pains which have been very intense almost to the point of not being able to walk or move. He told me that those are the beginings of labor pains which is fine with me because I'm ready for my little baby Tucker to arrive.

Today, I'm 39 weeks pregnant and I can't believe that Tucker will be here so soon now. I can actually count single digits until his arrival - 8 days until the due date. So exciting! If you're reading this please pray that Tucker will come soon because my tummy literally can not grow any bigger or give him any more room. I'll be in touch upon his arrival and my next Dr. Appt. is January 19th!!!


Today's mood - tired and anxiously waiting for Tucker to arrive

30 weeks

30 weeks and only 10 weeks to go!!! I'm so excited and anxious at the same time. I came home Thursday night to a home cooked spaghetti dinner from Keith complete with garlic bread. Yum. He knew just what Tucker and I wanted for dinner. He's been really great throughout the whole pregnancy and I'm so lucky to have such a caring and loving husband. I know he's going to be a great daddy and father to our baby Tucker. Friday night we ate dinner at Showmars and enjoyed watching a movie on tv together. I can't seem to remember the name of the movie now. That's another thing that goes when you're pregnant. Memory. Saturday, I woke up early and relaxed around the house for a few hours and then I met my mom and she and I went shopping at Concord Mills. We shopped until we literally dropped. We shopped from 11:30am until 4:30pm and I was able to get some early Christmas shopping done. I finished my sister-in-laws, mother-in-law, and my little niece Maleea. I also bought a few small things for Tucker - I couldn't resist.

Tucker is very active these days. He is constantly moving around and seeming to enjoy himself in the womb. It's unreal how responsive he already is to my voice and touch. I can generally say good morning to him and ask him if he's hungry and he'll move his foot or hand almost to say yes. haha. I know I am crazy but I like to think he can understand me. He weighs about 3-4lbs now and will really start putting on some weight in the next couple of weeks and he's around 15in long. Let's hope he doesn't make my face retain any more water weight. That's the one thing I hate right now - all the extra water weight. Tucker really enjoys apples and bananas these days. I've also noticed that he really like apple cider. I generally have a cup of hot apple cider every morning and he loves it. I'm still sleeping pretty good. Although Keith says that I've started to snore some. haha. I guess it's Tucker sitting on my diaphram and lungs which makes it harder to breath. I did have another muscle spasm the other night although it wasn't as bad as the last one and I jumped right out of the bed and started walking to get the circulation going again. Otherwise everything is going great and I'm just awaiting his arrival.

I'm looking forward to 31 weeks which is only a few days away.

Today's mood - content

29 weeks

Well, since my last post I've been very busy. The Thursday night after my last post I woke up in the middle of the night crying in pain because I had a horrible muscle spasm. I think I scared Keith to death and he thought I was going into labor. Poor guy. I had tears streaming down my checks and he kept saying, "Where does it hurt?, Where does it hurt?" and finally I got out that my left leg hurt and I couldn't move it because it was all cramped up. Finally, I was able to get out of the bed and walk on it until it stopped cramping. That was not a good night.

Saturday, Halloween Day, I spent cleaning the house and getting some much needed groceries while Keith worked in the babies room and finished the striped walls which turned out perfect. I love Tucker's little baby room. It's absolutely perfect. I can't wait to spend time with my little man in his room. I went and visited with my sister and her family Halloween night and saw my other little babies Jacob and Maleea. They dressed up at a lady bug and a spiderman. I'll post a picture on here when I have a free minute. It started to rain and I wanted to see my other niece and nephews so I drove over to the Wingards and hung out with everyone for about an hour. I made all the kids a goody bag for Halloween and I enjoyed seeing them all dressed up and spending time with them.

I had my Doctor's appointment Tuesday, November 5th, and took my glucose test which turned out to be normal/good. So I'm very glad that I can still eat sugar and drink sweet tea from time to time. I also had my RhoGAM shot which was given to me in my upper butt which wasn't fun at all. It felt like someone stabbed my butt to be honest but I was lucky that it only hurt for about an hour and I was fine. Tucker looks good and he's measuring to be right on time at the moment. He's also been very active these last couple of weeks which I love so much. My next Doctor's appointment is December 1st, and then I'll start seeing Dr. Solomon every two weeks. It's getting down to the wire now.

Sunday, November 8th, I had my first baby shower (family shower) given to my by my sister Melissa, and my sister-in-laws Rhonda, Kim, and Cathy. The shower was held at Kim's house on the farm and I think everyone had a great time. We had about 25+ that were able to make it and everyone was very generous. Baby Tucker has so many great things to play with, wear, use, snuggle with, ect...I'll post some pictures from the shower once I've downloaded all the pictures. I also took a few pictures of the nursery this weekend too so I'll post a few of those as well.

I can't believe I'm going to be 30 weeks pregnant in 2 days!!! 10 weeks to go....almost there.

Today's mood - hungry and sleepy (is that possible to be hungry and sleepy at the same time?)

26, 27, and 28 weeks...

Where do I begin... Week 26 was a pretty good week until I woke up Sunday with congestion, running nose, and an ear ache. Let me back up to the beginning of the week though...Tuesday night, I visited my cousin Jenny and her baby boy Ethan. I had a really good time visiting with Jenny, her husband Josh, and baby Ethan. Jenny gave me some baby advise should breast feeding not work out and I have to use formula. We just enjoyed talking and catching up with each another. Ethan was a sweet boy the whole time. I hated to leave but since it's getting darker earlier these days I had to get home before it was too dark. Keith came home early Thursday and we had a good night relaxing together. I love to watch Vampire Diaries on Thursday nights and Keith always trys to turn the channel because I'm so jumpy during the show and it gives me nightmares but I love to watch it. Friday night Keith and I had a date night and I was a real cheap date because we went to Subway for dinner and then we went to Lowes and picked up some paint for the baby's nursery. While we were there we ended up buying a white ceiling fan for the nursery as well. Saturday, I worked the Promenade Fall Festival from 10:30am until 3:00pm for work and it was really cold and wet. I ended up getting my shoes and socks soaking wet and had to throw them away. Luckily my parents, and my sister and her family came to the Festival and I had my gym bag in my car with some tennis shoes and warm socks. Thank goodness but unfortunately I still woke up Sunday morning feeling horrible and with an ear ache. I ended up keeping my cold for a whole week which is why I haven't written on here in so long. Since I'm pregnant I can only take certain medicines and I was luckily able to take sudafed which helped a lot although didn't dry me up until a whole week went by. Week 27 was work on nursery and clean baby closet week. I was able to clean the room and and closet so Keith could paint the room this past weekend. He painted all four walls blue and the ceiling white. Keith also hung up the ceiling fan which was a lot of work. He also placed about 10 containers of my clothes, high school, and college stuff up in the attic that I packed away earlier in the week. He worked really hard on the babies room. This weekend we'll be painting one of the blue walls with white stripes, putting the crib together, and moving the changing table/dresser up stairs. It's finally all coming together and I can't wait to place baby Tucker down in his crib and give him sweet kisses good night.

Today, I'm 28 weeks pregnant and starting the 1st week of my third trimester. I am so excited!!! The baby weighs a little more than 2lbs now and is about 14.8 inches long. I can't believe it. He is really strong these days and I can feel him really well now. I can even see him moving around in my belly which is completely unreal but amazing. If I wear a plain colored shirt you can see him kicking or moving around in my belly. I just look down and stare at my belly and watch him while he's moving around - Pretty cool. I have my next Dr. Appt. Tuesday this coming week and I'll be tested for my glucose test and I will be given my RhoGAM shot. I hope all goes well and please pray that I will not have diabetes. :)


Today's mood - completely tired

25 weeks

Well, I officially only have 15 more weeks until I reach 40 weeks which is kind of scary and exciting all at the same time. I had a very busy week at work so the work week went by really fast. Unfortunately, I had a tear fest at my desk Wednesday afternoon though. I forgot to mention in my last blog that I will have a RhoGAM shot at my next doctor's appointment which is standard for negative blood types. This shot is doctor recommended and needed since I'm an A - blood type. Since I'm Rh-negative I must have the RhoGAM shot to prevent my body from building up antibodies that could potentially harm my baby if he is a positive blood type. Should my baby have a positive blood type then I will receive another RhoGAM shot within 72 hours from birth so my body will not build up antibodies that could potentially harm my next baby if it were to have a positive blood type. I've posted a link for anyone that may be interested in reading more about the RhoGAM shot -
http://www.justmommies.com/articles/rh_negative.shtml.

Saturday, I went to the Cherry Farm in Rock Hill, SC with my sister Melissa and her two kids Jacob and Maleea and my cousin Chelsea and her little girl Leslie. We enjoyed lunch together at Chick-fil-A before heading to the farm to enjoy a hay ride, pumpkin painting, feeding animals, playing on trackers, and a corn maze. I don't think my sister and I knew it was going to be so hot outside Saturday and I was sweating to death chasing the kids around and being in the sun. We had a great time together though and Jacob and Leslie play really well together. I was glad that we were all able to get together and catch up and enjoy the day with each other.

Sunday, Keith and I went to the early service at Weddington United Methodist Church and enjoyed a very lazy afternoon together. It's always nice to relax but next weekend we'll be painting the nursery and getting the baby's room ready for baby Tucker. Tonight we toured the Maternity Center where I plan to delivery baby Tucker which was pretty interesting. We toured the Maternity Center with a lot of other mother's to be and it was good to hear other couples questions and concerns. I'm glad Keith and I were able to do the tour. We ended the night with dinner at Wendy's and are relaxing at home and getting ready for bed now.

Week 25 has been pretty busy and I'm hoping week 26 will slow down for me a little.

Todays' Mood - Grateful

24 weeks

I'm 24 weeks along now and everything is going really well these days. Keith took me to dinner at Outback Steakhouse Saturday night and then we went to Babies-R-Us and added a few more things to our baby registry. We had a great night out together and I couldn't believe that Keith almost ate the whole bloomin' onion at dinner. Sunday, Keith and I cleaned all day downstairs and I brought out some of our Fall decorations. I think I dusted every piece of furniture yesterday which was much needed and Keith vacuumed, did the laundry, and the dishes. I also worked on the nursery which is still a work in progress but at least it's coming a long and you can almost see the whole floor now. Last night, I watched my little niece Maleea while my sister Melissa and her husband Jamie took Jacob to Awana's at church and then they went on a dinner date. Maleea was a little sweetie and sat on my lap the majority of the night. I love the age she's at and that's she's becoming more snuggly with me.

Today, I went to my 24 week doctor's appointment and everything went really well. My blood pressure was 110 over 70 and the baby's heart beat was 155 BPM. I asked the doctor if I could listen to the heart beat longer and he said sure. I love hearing Tucker's little heart beat. It's amazing. I also had my flu shot today and my left arm is still incredibly sore. It's been hurting me all day but I'm praying that tomorrow when I wake up the throbbing will be gone. My next appointment is Tuesday, November 3rd, and I'm already looking forward to it!!! Tonight I ate dinner with my Mom and Dad. My mom made steak, baked potatoe, green beans, and some cresent rolls. Yum. Thanks for the yummy dinner Mom and Tucker enjoyed it too!!!

Today's Mood - Happy

23 weeks

I'm 23 weeks pregnant now and my belly is really growing these days. I'm carrying baby Tucker pretty high which I guess is common with a first pregnancy and while carrying a baby boy. I'm really getting sore in my lower back and my pelvic bone has been pretty sensitive as well. I'm still smiling and getting through some of these new pains because I know it'll all be worth it when Tucker arrives. My sister Melissa gave me all Jacob's (my nephew) clothes when he was a baby earlier this week. Keith and I have been washing and organizing all the clothes this weekend which has been a lot of fun. I'm truely blessed to have such an amazing sister. Melissa is you're reading this - Thank you for everything. You really mean a lot to me and I appreciate all your help, love, and support.

Unfortunately, Keith's Grandpa "William Joseph Grant" (Mother's father) passed away Thursday morning. He was 89 years old and he lived a long, good, healthy life. We celebrated his 89th Birthday this summer so Keith and I have a happy memory to remember him by. I'll never forget Grandpa Grant clapping his hands as the family sang "Happy Birthday" to him. He was so excited to have everyone together and you could feel the energy in the room. It was a great day!!! I'm glad that we have that memory to cherish of him now that he's gone. I am a little sad that baby Tucker will never have the chance to meet his Great Grandpa here on earth but I'm praying that one day Tucker will meet his Great Grandparents in Heaven. Grandpa Grant was the last living Grandparent that Keith had. I have two Grandparents both my Grandpa's that are still living and doing well. Unfortunately, both Grandma's have passed away but I look forward to seeing them again soon one day in Heaven.

On a happier note...Here are a few signs that you know your pregnant.

You know you're pregnant when:
1. You notice people staring at your belly before they look at your face.
2. You look down after you eat something and notice food or crumbs on your belly.
3. You never have to lift a finger because someone is always offering to help. This is really nice.
4. You find your husband doing all the chores around the house. I love this.
5. You get out of breath while walking around the house talking on the phone.
6. You forget what you're going to do before you even turn the corner or stand up.
7. Your husband will go get you anything you ask for because you're having his baby (not always true but 95% of the time true).
8. Your bras are busting at the seams but you don't want to spend more money on another bra...especially since you're still growing.
9. You notice people always smiling at you and your growing belly.
10. People are always wanting to touch your belly. I thought I wasn't going to like this but I honestly don't mind at all.

I'm sure over the next 3 months I'll think of more items to add to this list but this will do for now.

Today's mood - content

22 weeks

I'm now 22 weeks and I'm really feeling pregnant these days. I feel like there is a bowling ball in my belly and it's getting harder to get out of the bed. I also found that it's hard to get in and out of Keith's truck since it's higher off the ground and my belly is bigger. I'll need to keep that in mind since Keith and I are looking to buy a SUV sometime before our baby boy arrives. Tucker is still very active these days and he kicks me a lot at night. I've picked up a bad habit of going to McDonald's every morning and ordering a large half sweet/half unsweet tea. It's my caffiene for the day and it's only $1.09 right now! Can't beat the price. Tucker usually kicks me a lot when I'm drinking my morning tea as well.

Baby Tucker is about the size of a papaya and he's able to hear outside noises from inside the womb. I read books to him at night "Goodnight Moon", "You Are Adorable", and "I Love You This Much". He was really kicking last night when I was reading him Goodnight Moon. I sing to him on the drive home from work which is usally country music. I think he enjoys that as well because he'll give me a few good kicks. Every morning and every night I tell him "Good morning" and "Good night" and I pray for him everyday that he'll be a good boy for Mommy. He should be sleeping about 12 to 14 hours everyday now and I think that's mainly while I'm at work and perhaps some while I'm sleeping. His little baby face is fully formed and his nipples are starting to sprout out on his chest. I still can't believe that I am creating this little miracle inside me. Amazing.

Yesterday, I went on a Retail Division outing and we had lunch together at BlackFinn and then we all went bowling at Strike City at the EpiCenter. I had a great time with everyone in my division yesterday but it was so hard to bowl. I had no idea it was going to be that different with my belly in the way. I played one game and I had to stop because my back and sides were really hurting me. Everyone else played about 3 more games and it was very entertaining to watch everyone. I had a really good time!

Today's mood - Thankful

21 weeks

I'm 21 weeks pregnant and almost 6 months along and it's been a busy week...

Tuesday, September 8th I went to my 20 week Dr. Appt. and he said that everything looks great. My blood pressure was 124 over 71 and the baby had a good heartbeat as well. He asked Keith and I to tour the hospital where I plan to deliver and sign up for some pregnancy classes together. He also asked me to call a pediatrician and meet the doctor's. He recommended his pediatrician for me. The doctor and I live pretty close so he recommended the pediatrician that his children see. He told me that it's a smaller practice but the doctor's are more personable with the children which sounded nice. My next doctor's appointment is scheduled for Monday, October 5th and I can't wait to hear my little man's heart beat again - those are the moments that I treasure.

Wednesday, September 9th was the first time that a stranger noticed I was pregnant and asked me what I was having. I was at Chick-fil-A ordering a chicken salad sandwich and some fruit and he said, "What are you having?" and I told him my order again and he said, "No, what are you having?" and I said, "Oh...I'm having a boy". It took me off guard because a stranger hasn't said anything to me yet. I guess I'm really starting to show these days. On the way back to work I rode up the elevator with a man and I complimented him on his flowers that he bought for either his wife or girlfriend and he asked me how far along I was and I told him 5 months and he told me that I looked great and then he said you really do look good. That made me feel really good and I really needed a compliment that day. ;)

Thursday, September 10th Keith came back in town and we were watching tv upstairs. I was in the bedroom laying in the bed watching a show and Keith was in the bonus room watching football. Our baby boy started kicking his little heart away and was very active so I called Keith into the room to feel him. Unfortunately, he missed it the first time but I asked him to stay with me and I know that when I roll over or re-adjust myself that Tucker will start moving again. Sure enough he started kicking again and Keith felt his baby boy for the first time. Keith loved it. He smiled from ear to ear. Keith calls him baby Ray. The men at Keith's work call Keith -Keith Ray so he's always rubbing my belly and saying, "Hey baby Ray".

Today, Saturday, September 12th I woke up early and went to a little consignment store in Waxhaw called Sweet Repeats. The store has a lot of really great things for babies and children. I saw a Snap and Go stroller that I've been looking for and unfortunately it wasn't a universal one so I was able to place my name on a list for them to call me when a Universal Snap and Go arrived. I did a little shopping while there and I bought about 7 outfits which only cost $20.00. I know I need to stop buying baby clothes but it's so addictive. Keith said the baby is going to have more clothes than him before he's even born. haha. I'll take that as a hint to stop shopping for baby boy clothes. Unfortunately, after I was shopping at Sweet Repeats my Father-in-law was taken by ambulance to Presbyterian Hospital in Matthews. Keith, his family, and I have been at the hospital all day waiting on tests results for my Father-in-law. They didn't find anything concerning but they're going to keep him overnight and continue some more tests tomorrow. He has a heart murmur and they are trying to determine if he may have a blood clot or what is causing the heart murmur. Please keep my Father-in-law in your thoughts and prayers.

Today's Mood - Exhausted

20 weeks

Well, I've made it....I'm half way there!!! I'm super excited and I can't believe that the last 20 weeks have just flown by. My baby boy "Tucker" is very active these days. He kicks me a lot in the mornings (hungry) and a lot in the evenings (active at night) when it's time to go to bed. I just lay in bed and wait for him to kick me. It's something that I look forward to and cherish everyday now. My family and I went to Hilton Head Island, SC last Friday and came home yesterday. We had a great time enjoying the beach and weather together. The men played golf Thursday and while they played golf the women and kiddo's went shopping at the HH Tanger Outlets. I bought a few really cute outfits for my little man and I can't wait to see him wearing them. I ate a lot while on vacation but Keith and I walked a lot on the beach to work it off and I would swim a few laps in the pool everyday. I think Tucker really enjoy the pool because I would always feel him move around a little when I would first get in the water - or perhaps he was cold?...not sure but he was a little swimmer himself it felt like.

I went through some old baby pictures and little boy pictures of Keith last night with his mom. He was a little cutie. As a baby Keith was very long with long skinny legs. I have a feeling our baby is going to have really long skinny legs just like his daddy. I think he'll be very active and athletic too. Both Keith and I had long legs growing up and we were both very athletic and kept very active in sports. I think we might have a little athlete in the making.

20 more weeks to go...I can't wait!!!

Todays Mood - Relaxed