The Best Christmas EVER!

I hope everyone had a fabulous Christmas!!! Our first Christmas was more than we could ever imagine! Even though Whitley is too little to open gifts, she was still showered with so much love and fun toys to grow into in the next year. We got a camcorder (woopwoop!) and I got 2 new lens for my camera, but my favorite gift was from Dusty. He ordered this necklace for me except it has Whit's name on it instead ;)

Here's a few pics to share with you of of first Christmas! Enjoy!!!

Happy 1 month birthday Whitley!!

Sweet Girl,

I can't believe its been 31 days since we welcomed you into this world. You are growing more and more each day. The bigger you get the more I cherish you snuggling up on my chest and falling asleep in my arms, because I know that wont last forever. In the blink of an eye, you will be walking and talking, and gaining your own sense of innocent independence. Mama and Daddy can't remember what life was life without you. You have filled a hole in our hearts that we didnt even know existed.

It seems like you are going through a growth spurt this week because you're eating alot more frequent and sleeping alot more that usual, but you still go down for bed at around 11 and then wake up anywheres from 2-3 to eat again, and then back down till around 5:30-6. You just made the move to size 1 diapers, but you're is still mostly in newborn clothes. We go for our one month check up on Friday, and I can't wait to see how big you have grown. I hope that you're gas pains start to subside, because it breaks Mama and Daddy's heart to see you in pain.

You definitely love to be held, especially when I hold you on my chest. You will fall asleep almost anytime someone rocks you. You aren't too fond of your swing, you tolerate it for about 10 minutes and then start fussing to be picked up. You have started to like your bouncer more and more, but like the swing, you have your limit of 10 or 15 minutes. Taking you paci hasn't been a problem, but you insist on someone holding it for you.. Your personality is showing through more and more everyday. Although you haven't smiled at mama or daddy personally, your little laughs and grins in your sleep are what I live for. Andddd, you make the FUNNIEST faces sometimes! You are quite the talker.. in your sleep, after eating, or just sitting, and you always have your "crazy hands" out in front of you, (daddy says you get that from your Mama, who wouldn't be able to talk if her hands were tied..) Going for a ride in the car or even in your stroller does wonders for calming you down, usually you are asleep within minutes. ;)

Speaking of things you get from your Mama and Daddy, you definitely look just like your Daddy! From everything from your adorable dimple chin to your little nose and ears, your Daddy definitely marked you well. Since your daddy and I both have blue eyes, you really don't have a choice in that department, but I think they're shaped like mine.

Please continue to grow strong and healthy, and always know that Mama and Daddy love you with all our hearts!

Love, Mama

Whitley's first Thanksgiving!

Even though we couldnt eat the turkey or the dressing, we still looked pretty darn cute!

Turkey picture try #1: FAIL

Ah, the nunnie fixes everything..

Daddy has making her smile by tickling her cheek..

3 weeks already!

Whitley is growing soooo fast. We took her newborn photos today, and I'm so glad we decided to do them. She has already changed so much already since we brought her home.

BF is still going great. I am trying to pump after each feeding during the day, but I will say it now, a single pump sucks. It takes forever, and by the time I get done with burping,  more burping, waiting to see if the gas is going to kick in to give her drops, lay her down.. the last thing I feel like doing is taking 30 mins to pump. But I know if I ever want to have an evening out with just the hubby in the next few months, then I must pump.

Post-partum recovery... I am feeling great, still having some spotting/ bleeding, but overall I was sore for about the first 5 days after having the c-section, and then each day after that got better and better. I am into one pair of my jeans, but I still have 14 lbs to go to be back at my pre-preg weight.

 I will leave you with a few pics of the cutie.

Meet Whitley Kay!

**I know I'm late on this, but I have tried 3 different times to post this, and each time, Whitley has had other plans!**

Whitley Kay arrived on October 30th, 2009 at 2:16 pm. She was 6 lbs 12 oz and 18 3/4 inches long.

I will try my best to post the birth story when I get some time, but for now here is a picture of our adorable doodlebug. Oh, and I have my last belly picture to upload also, its just on my other camera.

38 weeks!

Picture to come shortly.. patience people.


How far along: 38 weeks, 1 days
Total weight gain/loss: +40 lbs
Maternity clothes? yes and my belly hangs out of all my shirts
Stretch marks? 2 small ones on my right side, and the two squiglys in between my belly button peircing
Sleep: counting down the days to be able to sleep on my side again
Best moment this week: it was actually last week, but getting to see baby Sadie and scheduling my induction was fabulous!
Movement: just rolls and pushes..
Food cravings: cheesecake!

Food aversions: none
Gender: GIRL!!!!
Labor Signs: 50% effaced, 1 cm dilated, lost MP this morning, light contractions
Belly Button in or out? outtie
What I miss: getting out of the tub on my own
What I am looking forward to: umm Whitley making her big arrival of course!
Weekly Wisdom: nothing new..

Milestones: We get to meet our girl in 4 days!!!!!

We have a date!!

As long as all goes well, Whitley will be making her big appearance on November 3rd! Because of the gestational diabetes, Dr. K is wanting to induce one week early. I have so many feelings and emotions running through about it all, but I trust him 110% and know that he will do whatever is best for Whitley and I. I can't believe that in one week we will be meeting our sweet girl!

On a different note, my cousin in law was induced Fri night and at 7 pm Sat night they finally decided to do a c-section. She was 37 weeks to the day. Wyatt came out a big 8lb 3oz baby, but unfortunately had to be put in NICU because his lungs were not fully developed and he was having trouble with feeding. He is now in the special care nursery until he has 24 hours of good feeding. He is breathing better on his own but please, PLEASE keep him in your prayers.

36 weeks

We are two days away from being full term!! Whitley is welcome to make her arrival any day as long as her little lungs are fully developed!

How far along: 36 weeks, 5 days
Total weight gain/loss: +38 lbs
Maternity clothes? so ready to be back in my old clothes..
Stretch marks? still just the loner on the right side and the one between the belly button peircing holes
Sleep: I miss it.
Best moment this week: seeing Whitley on the u/s screen
Movement: we had a bit of a scare Thursday bec she decided to turn and I wasnt feeling much movement, but since then she has been going crazy in there as usual..
Food cravings: hot fresh donuts

Food aversions: none
Gender: GIRL!!!!
Labor Signs: 0 dilation, sporatic contrax mostly at night
Belly Button in or out? out
What I miss: my old body and sleeping on my stomach
What I am looking forward to: umm Whitley making her big arrival of course!
Weekly Wisdom: enjoy the 20-30 week period!

Milestones: Whitley is healthy as can be and all vitals are looking great!

Getting Ready for Whitley Kay!

We were so worried that the weather would be nasty for our shower Saturday, that and combined with it being only two hours before kickoff time of LSU vs FL, we were shocked at how many friends and family actually showed up to celebrate with us! The cake and food were fabulous!! We had a great time, and feel more than blessed by all the gifts we received!

Here's a few pictures from Saturday!

Oh, and did I mention the awesome cake?

A huge thanks to all that made it so special!

it's the little things...

like homemade quilts from Dusty's grandma:

and crocheted blankets made with all the love in the world for our little girl:

that make me feel so truely blessed to have such amazing family and friends who are as anxious as we are to meet this sweet baby girl!

35 Weeks!

Geez freakin louise.

This little girl is going to be here before we know it. Making the 35/35 makes things feel like they are moving at lightning speed. Her nursery isnt finished, clothes arent washed, bags arent packed... we are not ready yet, dammit!

How far along: 35 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: +30 lbs
Maternity clothes? yep
Stretch marks? one new one on my right side, and one developing one between my belly button peircing holes
Sleep: getting up 3-4x a night to pee, waking up from a dead sleep from a contraction, oh and on top of that trying to work 10 hour work days.. just not happening..
Best moment this week: celebrating an amazing 1st anniversary with Dusty!!!
Movement: everywheres
Food cravings: no new cravings this week

Food aversions: none
Gender: GIRL!!!!
Labor Signs: a few contractions, lots of BH, dr is insisting on doing an internal this Friday, so we shall see if they have done any good...
Belly Button in or out? out
What I miss: a day without back spasms and hand numbness
What I am looking forward to: shower this Saturday!
Weekly Wisdom: nothing new
Milestones: 35 weeks along, 35 days to go!

33 weeks..

Forgive me, I totally slacked on getting a 32 week picture or even finding the time to make a 32 week post..

But in other news.... 33 weeks! well technically, 33 weeks, 5 days...

(sorry for the blur!)

How far along: 33 weeks, days

Total weight gain/loss: +28 lbs

Maternity clothes? Old Navy Gauchos and a really cute pink top will be arriving at my door on Friday!

Stretch marks? none on the belly, but the ones on the side of my girls are def making an appearance

Sleep: what's that??

Best moment this week: falling asleep with baby Tynes in my arms, I can't wait for that feeling of comfort with Whitley

Movement: her feet stay in my boobs, she constantly feels the need to punch my right side, and I feel hiccups in my butt.. she is beating me up from the inside

Food cravings: sweet tea, brownies

Food aversions: none

Gender: GIRL!

Labor Signs: no new contrax..

Belly Button in or out? the edges are out but the inside is still flat.

What I miss: not needing help to get out of the bathtub, off the couch, etc

What I am looking forward to: my 1st anniversary this weekend!

Weekly Wisdom: nadda

Milestones: still can't believe she's so close to being here!!!

31 weeks!

I am back from the beach! No sunburn, thanks to the oh so lovely weather we had (insert sarcasm here) but Sunday the sun came out with full force, and we were able to get a few really good maternity photos! Hopefully I'll finish editing them by the end of the week, so I can upload them for everyone to see!!
How far along: 31 weeks, 6 days
Total weight gain/loss: +24 lbs, go to the dr on Fri for official weigh in
Maternity clothes? I really need more shirts, I just really dont want to buy them with only 2 months left..
Stretch marks? no
Sleep: it actually hasnt been to bad.. This weekend I got to sleep in a king size bed at the condo, and I seriously did NOT want to give it up...
Best moment this week: relazing at the beach and taking maternity pictures!
Movement: yes, and she is now kicking/ punching so hard that it hurts!
Food cravings: boiled peanuts and cream cheese caramel dip with granny smith apples... together...
Food aversions: none
Gender: GIRL!!!!
Labor Signs:had my first contraction Sunday night.. pretty freaky there..
Belly Button in or out? its pretty much flat, just depending on how she is turned
What I miss: eating a huge breakfast and not feeling guilty about it bec of my sugars..
What I am looking forward to: my shower this Sunday at church!!
Weekly Wisdom: nothing new
Milestones: it totally freaks me out that she could be here in a matter of 6 weeks.. and there is SOO much left to do to get ready for her arrival!

The view from above..

Since I totally slacked and wasnt able to post my 30 week belly pic in a timely fashion, I am including an extra belly pic on this one. I will be 31 weeks tomorrow, lets hope we can get a 31 pic in before next Monday..


I present you with the 30w6d belly pic, sunburnt and all:

How far along: 30 weeks, 6 days
Total weight gain/loss: +24 lbs
Maternity clothes? my shirts are getting too short...
Stretch marks? no new ones
Sleep: it sucks. it just plain sucks. it should be mandatory that you must automatically upgrade to a king size bed once you become pregnant. There just isn't enough room in our queen size bed for the both of us.
Best moment this week: having a lazy day at the river
Movement: other than feeling her kick me in my boobs, she is still a little wiggle worm..
Food cravings: I had the worst craving ever for Pizza Hut's stuffed crust pizza on Sunday, and my awesome in-laws brought it to us on their way home from BR! They are the best!!
Food aversions: none
Gender: GIRL!!!!
Labor Signs:none
Belly Button in or out? its pretty much flat, just depending on how she is turned
What I miss: beer. especially after yesterday.. my BF had Mich Ultra's new Pomegranate Raspberry.. I wanted it sooooo bad!
What I am looking forward to: my last minute beach trip getaway this weekend!!Weekly Wisdom: lets just say lotion and aloe vera will be my bffs this week..
Milestones: Whitley hits a growth spurt this week, she should start gaining about 1/2 a pound each week till I deliver!

29 week post

got lost in iforgottotakeaweeklybellypicanditstoolatenow land...

but I promise to have 30 weeks belly pic up tomorrow or thursday.

speaking of 30 weeks... whiskey. tango. foxtrot. this is just going by wayyyy to quickly!

countdown to 40 weeks: 70 days to go..
countdown to 37 weeks: 49 days to go...

belated 28 week belly pic

Sorry this is so late, it just seems like I have been non-stop these last few days. I went to the dr Friday for my 28 week checkup. Dr. K said just from measuring the size of my uterus, he believes we will have a fairly large baby come November. After hearing that, I'm fairly certain that my girl parts shuttered in fear. Hopefully the u/s in the coming months proves otherwise.

Good news on the GD front. If my numbers continue to stay lower than the max number, I will only have to test twice a day instead of 4x a day! woohoo for less finger pricks! My only issue if my fasting numbers.. it seems like those are always right at or one point below that 95 number.

How far along: 28 weeks, 6 days
Total weight gain/loss: +22 lbs
Maternity clothes? I lucked up and found two really cute maternity tops at walmart yesterday for $1!!! 1 whole dollar!!
Stretch marks? no new ones, yet
Sleep: i am getting more uncomfortable at night trying to find a good sleeping position, and my body temperature goes nuts... one hour I am waking up from night sweats, the next I am stealing the covers from Dusty because I am freezing. Lets just say our electricty bill has been out the wazoo because I keep it on 68-66 at night.
Best moment this week: above maternity top deals!
Movement: im not sure if its her head or what, but I keep feeling pressure towards my pelvic bone. I also get feet lodged in my ribs and owww is all i can say!
Food cravings: nothing really...
Food aversions: none
Gender: GIRL!!!!
Labor Signs:none
Belly Button in or out? its pretty much flat, just depending on how she is turned in the ute.
What I miss: ...
What I am looking forward to: getting the crib put together..
Weekly Wisdom: enjoy these last couple months, because they will fly by!
Milestones: If Whitley comes before her due date like Dr. K is expecting her too, we only have about 8-9 more weeks! Of course, she is welcome to stay in as long as she needs to bake!!

decisions, decisions...

After hours and hours spent looking for "the stroller" we decided on the InSTEP Safari stroller. We definitely wanted the three wheeled stroller because of the rough terrain around the house, and feel the tires will hold up much better out here than the 4 wheel stroller. Between the three color choices, we opted for the brown/blue/ orange trim.

Originally when we started looking, there is only one or two travel system three wheel strollers, so I figured I would just have to buy the infant seat seperately. So I started on my quest for a infant carseat.. and this is where you come in.

I have narrowed my options down to two carseats. Both are rated very high in safety ratings and are gender neutral (really more boyish, but thats a whole 'nother post on neutral=boyish) and are compatible with the stroller.

Graco Safeseat in Birkshire

the pattern looks like this:

Then we have my next choice, Chicco Keyfit 30

Please tell me your opinions, good and bad on these two seats!

27 weeks!

This week has been good so far. My BS readings have been spread across the board but still maintained under the max number. Mostly thats due to trying out what I can eat and what I can't. I have had a huge sweet tooth this past week (hello, I baked banana crumb bread at 10 pm Wed night..)

Not to mention I have been craving chips and salsa and sushi (not together, thank goodness) like a mad woman.

I started having issues with bewbie leakage.. and thats never fun, but its mostly at night that the issue arises, so it hasn't been too bad!
How far along: 27 weeks, 2 days
Total weight gain/loss: +21 lbs
Maternity clothes? need some new shirts, all mine are getting too short
Stretch marks? no new ones
Sleep: eh.. same ole thing.. up at least twice to pee and turn the ac down
Best moment this week: scoring $1 6-9 and 9-12 adorable dresses at walmart!!
Movement: all the time
Food cravings: chilis chips and salsa mainly
Food aversions: none
Gender: GIRL!!!!
Labor Signs:none
Belly Button in or out? still in
What I miss: not having to watch every.single.carb.
What I am looking forward to: getting the crib put together..
Weekly Wisdom: nothing new
Milestones: Whitley should be weighing almost 2.5 lbs!!

26 weeks- officially in 3rd trimester!!!

Say it with me: OMG, OMG, OMG!!! Whitley will be here before we know it, only 3 months away!


How far along: 26 weeks, 4 days
Total weight gain/loss: +20 lbs-- I am terrified of the damn scale.. every time I step on it, it gets closer to that unmentionable number that I soooo didnt want to go too.
Maternity clothes? yep
Stretch marks? still just the newbie on the right side
Sleep: hasn't been too good
Best moment this week: seeing my best friend hold her little boy in her arms and imagining what it will feel like when I have Whit in my arms, just really thinking about it makes me tear up
Movement: all the time and all over
Food cravings: cheesecake..mmm
Food aversions: none
Gender: GIRL!!!!
Labor Signs:none
Belly Button in or out? still in, but its the freakest thing when I raise my belly just the slightest bit, it sticks out..
What I miss: cooking with butter
What I am looking forward to: my showers! I will be having one at church Sept 20th and a couples shower/ Dusty birthday part on Oct 10th!!!
Weekly Wisdom: cherish the time you have being pregnant, the kicks, the hiccups, all the little movements that remind you that she is safe inside, because before you know it she will be in your arms..
Milestones: realizing that now that Tynes is here, Whitley is next.. OMG!!

25 weeks

What a week.. on Friday I went in to do my 3 hour glucose test, and unfortunately, I failed. So from now until when Whitley is born, I do finger pricks 4x a day to test my blood sugar. So far it has been in excellent range, actually the highest it has been is 97, and that was even after a small amount of banana pudding.

Changing my dieting habits has actually been alot easier than I anticipated. Mainly, cutting out almost all of the butter usage when cooking (I will miss you Land O' Lakes) and substituting with olive oil, or butter flavored cooking spray. I recommend diabeticgourmet.com, that website is loaded with GD-friendly recipes that so far have been delicious!!! As I find award worthy recipes, I will try to post them for anyone looking.

The 25 week picture is somewhat late, but we have just been going and going, but I was able to snap a pic after getting home late Saturday night from going out to eat for Dusty's grandparent's 56 wedding anniversary! WOW! So please excuse the tired looking eyes..

How far along: 25 weeks, 5 days
Total weight gain/loss: +18 lbs
Maternity clothes? yes

Stretch marks? found a small one on my right hip
Sleep: was actually somewhat better the last week or so..

Best moment this week: well not Whitley-related, but my best friend is being induced on WEDNESDAY!!!
Movement: all the time, I feel her the most in the afternoons and late at night.
Food cravings: lets not go there.. all the foods I can't have basically

Food aversions: none
Gender: GIRL!!!!
Labor Signs:none

Belly Button in or out? in
What I miss: fried food..
What I am looking forward to: meeting Tynes Lee on Wednesday!
Weekly Wisdom: pretty much all the info the nurse gave me on GD
Milestones: wouldn't really call it a milestone, but I was diagnosed with GD on Friday. :(

Nursery progress!

I can't express how thankful I am for my husband, my family, and friends, because without them.. this post wouldn't exist! They have been so helpful with getting Whit's room ready and dealing with my "polite" requests.

Daddy Dusty nailing the rope on the walls

it's up and looking good!

armoire and the wall where the crib will go

dresser/ changing table

my mirror project, still in progress, but looks much better white!

24 weeks!

Woohoo for Viability!

Also a huge thanks to my friend Lyndsey who offered up her maternity clothes for me, a major help and nice way to save money!




How far along: 24 weeks, 1 day
Total weight gain/loss: I think I am up about 15 lbs, my scale at home keeps giving me incorrect reads, but I will know for sure tomorrow at my 24 week apt
Maternity clothes? yep, and I am so thankful for my friends that lent me theirs!
Stretch marks? my old school ones on my chest are becoming more prominent, but no new ones (that I have seen.. and I do nightly checks!)
Sleep: not so hot.. I wake up every few hours to pee, cant find a comfortable position, and a snoogle is too big to fit in a queen size bed with my husband...
Best moment this week: the reassurance of viability, knowing that we are this much closer to meeting our precious Whitley. oh and hopefully my best friend Rachel will be having her little boy any day now!!!
Movement: all the time, I feel her the most in the afternoons and late at night.
Food cravings: fettucine freakin alfredo! and brownies
Food aversions: none
Gender: GIRL!!!!
Labor Signs: been having a few Braxton Hicks, but its gotten better since I upped my water intake
Belly Button in or out? in, but still getting more and more shallow
What I miss: nothing really for the moment... I am pretty content being big and pregnant.
What I am looking forward to: dr's apt tomorrow, hopefully good news on the glucose screening!
Weekly Wisdom: nothing really..
Milestones: viability and hopefully getting the nursery painting finished over this weekend!