Life changing

I should be taking a nap with Grayson right now since he's asleep, but I'm not. He's asleep on my chest and all I want to do is watch him sleep. Its the most precious thing. Earlier he was making the cutest noises. I should seriously be sleeping. I keep telling myself he won't be this small for long so enjoy it now. I don't want to regret not taking time to enjoy the small things with him.

Grayson has been so much fun to watch. He's smiling more now. Sometimes he will actually smile back at you. I love it! There have been times where his smile has brought tears to my eyes. I get so overwhelmed with the love that I have for him that I can't help but cry.

He has been making some of the cutest sounds such as arrrgh(like a little pirate) and grrr. He usually follows those sounds with a smile or a smirk. I hope to catch it on video one day. He's doing so great at holding his head up longer. Its amazing that he's been doing that since the day he was born. The difference now is that he's not near as wobbly. He does get a bit wobbly if he's been holding his head up for a longer period of time. Yesterday I laid him on his play mat for tummy time. I moved his arms to help him be propped up. He did great at holding his head up. I tried to get a video but it died. Later last night while Nathan was holding him, he used his arms to push off of Nathan. Grayson had himself propped up on his Daddy for a good 5 minutes. He's used arms before but this was different. My boy is growing up! He will be 2 months old next Tuesday.

Grayson has also chuckled some. There have been times where it seems like he is laughing at me. Especially if I've done something not so smart. :)

One of the funniest things about him is how much gas he has. I know I sound terribly childish perhaps but its hilarious. You may be sitting there holding him having this tender moment and then all you hear is this loud roar. I never knew something so loud could come out of somebody so small. He passes gas like a champ. Those stretches really bring it out. I catch myself giggling when he passes gas while nursing. I laugh even harder when he hikes up his leg and lets one rip. If he only knew. Then again I do have a boy. haha

There have been times now where he will beat on me while nursing. It was funny at first but now its starting to hurt. Okay I still laugh some. He seriously has little hands of furry. He's always moving. He's going to be so active when he grows up. Heck when he starts crawling I probably won't be able to even catch up with him. Sometimes I wonder if he will pass crawling and go right to walking. Whenever he's being held upright he will use those legs and hold himself up. He's climbed up me a few times. He's so strong. Its unbelievable.

Motherhood is life changing. Its the best feeling in the whole world!

Family Picture

We had our first official family photo taken December 6th. Grayson had some adorable 1 month photos taken too. I had him in his First Christmas outfit. I had originally planned on doing Christmas cards and putting our family photo in it. However, I've had no time to do it. So.....

Merry Christmas from the Gary's!!

Cookie extravaganza

Wow it has been forever since I've posted anything here.

This Saturday my Mom and SIL Korey are coming over to bake cookies. We started this new tradition last year. Our hubbies like it. Especially mine. Last year Nathan was on call so that meant he was home the whole time. He enjoyed eating cookies straight out of the oven. This year he is on call again and probably will do the same. I've chosen to make a couple batches of Magic Cookie Bars. The recipe is in the post below. I'm not sure if I'll be trying another recipe or not. During all of this I'll be taking care of my infant son. I'm eager to find out what recipes my Mom and Korey choose. I plan on taking pictures and hope to post them here.

Let the baking begin!!

One Month

Our little Grayson is already a month old. Time sure has flown by. He has changed so much. When he was born he weighed 9lbs 2oz. When we left the hospital he weighed 8lbs 11oz. He had his 1 week wellness check on November 13th. He was down to 8lbs 9oz. Dr. Whittenberg said he looked great. Here's some pictures from his first appointment:

He wasn't too happy about this.


Dr. Whittenberg holding Grayson.

Grayson's 2 week wellness check was November 20th. It was also the day I was able to start driving again. He gained 1/2oz in a week. When the nurse measured him she said he was 20 3/4 inches long. Which is weird because the hospital measured him at 21 1/2 inches long. She said they always get different measurements than they do. Weird. I still need to try measuring him myself. While we were there he went there he went through several diapers. At one point he started spraying everywhere. lol That's a boy for ya.


You can see his cute little belly button. His umbilical cord fell off the night before.
Notice anything out of the ordinary? Perhaps the huge wet spot. He some how leaked out of his diaper as I was taking his picture. I noticed the wet spot through my view finder.

Grayson had his 1 month wellness check on December 4th. He is now back up to his birth weight 9lbs 2oz. The nurse measured him and he was 21 1/2 inches long. The doctor checked him over and said he looked great. That's exactly what I like to hear.







Grayson now will follow you with his eyes, at time's sounds like he's trying to talk to you, grab onto you, and smiles often when he's awake. I've probably missed something. One not so good thing he's doing is not sleeping well through the night. Right now he has his days and nights mixed up. There's the update on my little boy.

About the monitor

I know some of you were wondering why we had to have an apnea monitor. I wrote several months back how we were getting one because Nathan had SIDS. We wanted to take precautions and get one just in case. I thought it was called a SIDS monitor but its actually an apnea monitor. When hooked up to the machine it will make a loud sound if he stops breathing. I'm praying that never happens.

It was hard leaving Grayson last night. I started crying immediately after I got back in the car. I was able to pull myself together and get to the Red Cross for my certification. It went well. I missed one question and passed with a 90. I'm officially certified in infant CPR. They gave us a book and some cards. They are good refreshers. I was thrilled that we finished up early. I hurried to the in-laws. As soon as I got through the door I went over and got my baby. Best feeling in the world.

Someone will be coming out on Monday with the monitor. They would have today but the guy whose supposed to bring it was out today.

Leaving my baby

When Grayson was born he was supposed to have received an Apnea monitor(for SIDS just in case he has it). Nobody ever brought us one. I talked to the pediatrician about it and he said he'd take care of it. Then recently I found out I was supposed to call my insurance company to find out what companies they cover. I talked to a insurance representative on Tuesday. The man acted like had no clue about the issue. He came across some companies and numbers for me. As soon as I got off the phone with him I called the doctors office to give the nurse the info.

Wednesday morning I got several phone calls from the nurse. The good news is we should be getting the monitor soon. Then later I found out in order to get the monitor I had to be certified in infant CPR. It would have been nice if I was told that before Grayson was born. I spent rest of the day searching online for places that offer infant CPR. I finally found one that isn't too far and wasn't full. The class is tonight 6pm-9:30pm and costed $45. That means I will be away from my son for 4 1/2 hours (that includes the time it will take to get there and back). I have no choice but to leave him with his grandparents until Nathan gets home. The idea of leaving him breaks my heart. I keep telling myself that this is all for him. I pray I don't break down when I leave. In order to get prepared for me being gone for several hours, I'm trying to pump enough milk to sustain him. I pray I get enough.

Next Friday is Nathan's work Christmas party. He wants me to go so bad. I want to go but I didn't won't to leave Grayson. I had planned on taking him with me, but his boss insinuated it wasn't a good idea. Nathan still wants me to go. I'm going to see how tonight goes before I make my decision about going. If I do go then he will be staying with his Uncle Franklin(that is if he isn't working) and Aunt Korey. They don't live far from Nathan's work (where the party will be held). If I go then I plan on going in late and leaving early. I'd actually be away from him less time then I would be tonight. I'll have to see how things go. This whole leaving my son thing isn't going to be a regular habit. I always want him to be near. Its one thing if he's in another room but to be miles away from me. I need strength.

Back to the monitor. Once I receive my certification tonight I will call the doctors office in the morning and they will contact the company. Then someone is going to bring it out to my house and show me how it works. I have to give them a copy of my certification. Lets just pray I never have to use CPR on Grayson and that he never has SIDS.

Losing weight

Thank you everyone for the sweet comments. I get so many compliments about how I look great for just having a baby from people in every day life. I probably blush every time. To be honest I do weigh less than I did before I got pregnant. I can actually fit into jeans that I haven't been able to wear in over a year. Its amazing! I was very blessed to only gain about 12 pounds during my pregnancy. I was pretty much all baby. Breast-feeding has also helped me lose weight. Another one of its benefits. :)

On another note, Grayson went to his first church service Sunday night. We had planned on going that morning but we overslept. Grayson decided to sleep well and we took advantage of that. He did great at church. He was awake some but mostly slept. He does very well with noise. We go to a pentecostal church so its not quite by any means.

I was going to write more but Grayson is actually falling asleep now. That means its time for me to get some rest.

Thanksgiving

We had a wonderful first Thanksgiving with Grayson. He was the main attraction of the day(probably will be for a long time). This year I didn't have to cook anything(I missed it). All I had to do was focus on getting myself and Grayson ready. I was thrilled that he was able to fit into his Thanksgiving outfit. He looked absolutely adorable!

We had dinner at Nathan's grandparents first and then later that evening we had another dinner at Franklin & Korey's. There was so much good food and good company.

Here's a few pictures from the day:

Quick Update

I haven't had a chance to really update like I wanted to. I was able to write up a quick list of things that has been going on. Pretty much some of Grayson's firsts. :) IF I remember to I may go more into detail about some of them. I still have so much to catch up on. Eventually this blog may turn into more than just about Grayson. Well, actually it will still be mostly about him. I'm just not sure if I want to keep up 2 blogs...even though my dreaming in technicolor is hardly ever updated. We'll see.


Tuesday, November 11th
Korey took us to his lactation appointment at the hospital. It went well. The lady weighed him and he was 8lbs 9oz. Grayson went to his first restaurant "La Fogata" and first store "Target".


Thursday, November 13th
My Mom drove us to his 1 week check up. He weighed 8lbs 9oz.

Wednesday, November 19th
Grayson's umbilical cord came off while I was changing him. All he had on was a diaper and I picked him up to lay out his clothes. As I put him down I noticed his cord was stuck to the top of his chest. I had blood on my shirt. It really freaked me out but I was happy it came off.

Thursday, November 20th
I drove for the first time in a while. Went to his 2 week check up. He weighed 8lbs 9 1/2 oz.

Sunday, November 23rd
Grayson went to his first family gathering. We celebrated an early Thanksgiving at Nathan's Aunt Marci's house. There were 10 other kids there and it was insanely loud. Grayson slept through the whole thing. He wasn't bothered one bit. Several family members held him. I was a bit nervous, but they stayed close to me as they held him. That made me feel better.

Monday, November 24th
Went to see the Occupational Therapist. He weighed 8lbs 14 1/2 oz.

Tuesday, November 25th
Grayson usually smiles a lot while he sleeps, but today was the first time I ever noticed him smile while he was awake. He wasn't looking at me when he smiled. He was focused on the newspaper I believe. He was looking at it and then the biggest smile came across his face.

Wednesday, November 26th
Grayson went with me to the dentist. Everyone loved looking at him. He did very well. When at home I laid him in the floor on his blanket. He rolled to his left side. That was the first time I've ever seen him do that.

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving. Its going to be a LONG and EXHAUSTING day. Despite that I'm looking forward to celebrating Grayson's first Thanksgiving. I have an adorable outfit for him to wear. I hope he's able to stay in it all day. We have 2 dinners to go to. One at Nathan's Grandparents and the other is at Franklin & Korey's. The grandparents is at 1 and Korey's is at 5pm. We will be doing a lot of eating tomorrow! :)

Grayson Video

Grayson Allen's Birth Story

Wednesday, November 4th at 12 midnight I got a shower and noticed I was bleeding. I was very concerned. I ended up calling the on call nurse at my doctors office. She said it would be best if I went to the hospital. Nathan and I went straight to the hospital. I had to finish signing some papers and then I was admitted. I was then taken to a room. I had to give a urine sample and then change into a hospital gown. I was asked so many questions and then the nurse checked me. I wasn't dilated at all. She wanted me to walk around the wing for an hour. Nathan went with me. It was very difficult to walk since I've been having major problems with my siactic nerve. We walked around the wing 2 times and it was only for 15 minutes. We went back to the room so I could lay down. I layed down for a few minutes and then walked around my room for 30 minutes. Nathan fell asleep. Finally after an hour the nurse came back. I hadn't dialated any. She told me I probably lost my mucous plug. It was time to go home. I believe we left sometime after 3am.

Around 6 that morning I started having real contractions. They actually woke me up off and on. Nathan slept in since we had a late night before. I informed him that I was having real contractions. I started timing them. I was told I should go in when my conctractions are 5 minutes apart and last 1-2 hours. I had planned on trying to labor at home as much as possible. Before Nathan went to work he waited on the exterminator to come. While the guy was here I sat on the deck having contractions. They ranged anywhere from 6-15 minutes apart. After the guy left Nathan took me to his parents house. We didn't feel it was a good idea for me to stay home by myself since this seemed like the real thing. His Mom helped me so much with my breathing. The breathing techniques really helped me. Although there were some contractions that were so intense that I didn't know if I was going to make it through. During contractions I couldn't talk or hear anybody around me. If I had one while standing I had to stay that way, same goes for sitting. It made it real difficult to eat or drink anything too. I could feel this weird cramping all the way in my butt and thighs. I had to hurry and get bites of food down to make sure I wouldn't choke. I never in my life have experienced so much pain. I kept reminding myself that with every contraction I was that much closer to meeting my little boy. While I was at Nathan's parents house I was able to take a couple of naps. That was when my contractions had spaced out a bit. We ate supper with his family that night. Then Nathan and I went home.

We went to bed around 11:30 that Wednesday night. I couldn't go to sleep because my contractions had gotten much stronger. I ended up getting up at 12:30 Thursday morning and going in the livingroom. I started keeping track of how far apart they were in notepad on my computer. By 3:11am my contractions were 4-5 minutes apart. They had been that way for about an hour. There was one contraction that was 8 minutes apart, but it was the only one. They became so intense that I started sobbing. I couldn't take it anymore so I went to wake Nathan up. I remember waking him up and him sitting up halfway in bed. He was so out of it. I kept saying, "Nathan its time, lets go to the hospital." All he would say is okay and stay in bed a bit longer. I had 2 contractions while waiting on him to get out of bed. He finally got up and took his sweet time to get ready. I thought I was going to die from all the pain and waiting on him. I had several more contractions while he took his time. Turn's out he thought it may be false labor again (even though the first time I went was the beginning stages of labor). I knew if he took the time to shave I would have hurt him. While he was putting on his shoes I told him I was going to walk out to the car before I had another contraction. I got the car door open and before I could even get in I had one. I couldn't even move. When it was over I was able to sit in the car and Nathan finally got in. By the time we left my contractions were 4 minutes apart. It took 20-25 minutes to get to the hospital. I had one every 4 minutes on the way there. The pain was FIERCE. Nathan went inside and a man came out with the wheelchair. Nathan parked the car and I waited in the lobby. Thankfully all our paperwork was all finished. Nathan took me straight up to the 4th floor and they took me to a room. I was hooked up to a few monitors and then the nurse checked my cervix. Her eyes got big and she said I was already 4-5cm dilated. She immediately said she'd be right back and that she was paging my doctor. It was official my baby was on his way. Nathan and I were so happy and nervous. When she came back she went over a few questions that have already been asked to me the night before. She asked if I still didn't won't an epidural. I told her I changed my mind and I wanted that epidural. I even asked her when could I have it. That wasn't my original plan. I wanted to go without an epidural but the pain was TOO much for me. I had to have it. I did labor almost 24 hours before going to the hospital and without any meds. I'm not ashamed for taking the epidural. More power to the women who can go without. Once the nurse came back I was taken to a new room.

Everything seemed to go so fast. I had Nathan to call our families and text several people. I was hooked up to a blood pressure cuff and other monitors again. The nurse gave me an IV. It didn't hurt that much since I was having contractions so bad. Finally the Anethesiologist came in. I was slightly nervous about having the epidural. Especially knowing your having this needle go into your back. They got me to sit up...which was so hard. I remember sitting on the side of the bed and praying, "Please dear God don't let this hurt. Let this be the right decision." In the middle of them prepping me I started to have another contraction. I never felt the needle. I was already in a lot of pain to feel anything else. Honestly, it was a piece of cake. It didn't take long for it to kick in. My legs felt numb and tingly. Even though that was a weird feeling it sure did beat the pain. I also had an extra bottle of medicine that I could push a button to receive it. Sometime after 5 or 6am Nathan's parents and sister came. Then sometime later Korey and my parents came. Every so often a nurse or the doctor would come check on me. At one point one of the doctors came in and broke my water. I was really surprised. I had so many plans and they changed. I know that's normal. Despite it all I believe things happened as they should have. That's just me. At one point they put an oxygen mask on me to give Grayson some more air. Sometime after 9am(not sure of specific time) it was time for everyone to leave the room. The nurse came in and she had me to start pushing. It was wonderful having Nathan there helping. It was a weird feeling to push since I had that epidural. She had me push several times during each contraction. Then I got to rest some. They were able to see the top of his head. She went to get Dr. Smith and that's when a whole team of people came into the room. Nathan stood by my side the whole time and he was the one who would adminster the oxygen to me. He became a pro. It was time to finally really start pushing. I'm not sure how long it took to get him out but I don't think it was long. Unfortunately they had to use the vacuum on him. The reason was because he had his arm against the side of his face. So he was coming head and arm first. Nathan saw the whole thing. I couldn't hardly believe it. It was also a weird feeling when he was actually out. Almost like a popping feeling. Grayson Allen was born at 10:14am Thursday November 6th. When I first laid eyes on Grayson Allen I was just in awe. I heard his first cry and was just amazed how that little human being was mine and Nathan's. We helped create him. Truly extraordinary. I was amazed when they laid him on my chest. All I could say to him was, "I love you!" I admit I didn't cry at the time but I have cried happy tears since then. I was so amazed by the love I have for him. After a few minutes they took him off my chest. They weighed and cleaned him up next to me. I was gobsmacked when they told me he weighed 9lbs 2oz and 21 1/5 inches long. I had no clue he would be that BIG!! Especially since I only gained maybe 12 pounds. It was a proud moment when Nathan was able to hold him. I'll remember that image for the rest of my life. He was smitten. I've never in my life seen that look in his eyes. It made me fall even more in love with him. I was anxious to hold Grayson again but I had to wait. After I delivered the placenta they had to sew me up. Turns out I had torn and they also did the episitomy before I tore anymore. I had no clue. I remember seeing a group of people staring at my lady parts and seeing the doctor sew with something that looked like piano wire. I actually said, "So what's going on down there." LOL That's when they informed of what happened. I gave myself a few shots of that medicine while they did that. I seriously don't think I could have handled all of that without the epidural. I was so happy when they were finished.

Nathan handed me Grayson and I was thrilled. I tried breast-feeding and it seemed to go well(even though it turn's out he never latched on properly). The nurse told me to feed him 1oz of formula to boost his sugar. She said it was usually low at first in big babies. After Nathan and I had some time with Grayson the family came in. The room was full! There was like 10 people. Melody and my Mamaw made it there in time. Sadly my brother in law Christopher couldn't be there. He's in Charleston and had classes. He was so upset. Nathan did text him some pictures though. Everyone was good about taking turns holding Grayson. It didn't take long for them to give Grayson back to us. The nurse came in to give him his bath. I was so happy they did it in the room. She washed him right next to me. Then I got him back. Everyone started getting hungry and left for lunch. It was nice just being the three of us. Nathan ordered us some food. Our first meals as parents. The food was actually pretty good. A while later some of our family came back. Then later that night our friends Cody, Adrienne, and Kelly came by.

If you read all of that, I applaud you. I still have plenty more to write about.

Life changing

Life has vastly changed forever in our lives. Its wonderful and exhausting. I haven't had time to write his birth story yet. I've been focusing on keep this little guy happy and trying to catch some z's whenever I can. As soon as I finish this post I'm going to take a quick nap.

Grayson turned a week old on Thursday. I can't hardly believe it. That week flew by. Even though I have been exhausted I can't imagine life any other way. Grayson has brought so much joy into our lives.

Grayson loves his fingers! He makes it difficult to be fed sometimes.
Mommy giving kisses.
Grayson in his going home outfit to take his hospital picture.
Cute feet.

He's Arrived!!

Our bundle of joy arrived on Thursday November 6, 2008 at 10:14am. He was 2 days early. His name is Grayson Allen Gary. He weighed 9lbs. 2oz. and is 21 1/2 inches long. He's absolutely perfect. Nathan and I are so in love with him. Its amazing how much love I have for this little boy.

Here's pictures for your viewing pleasure:




Our beautiful little family.

I'll try to update soon. I want to write about his birth. Things are pretty chaotic but so worth it.

39 week check up & an update

I'm 4 days away from my due date. Its insane! There has been so much going on here. We closed on a house on October 30th and moved in November 2nd. Our new house is great, but very cluttered in certain parts of the house. So many unpacked boxes. Baby's room is filled to the brim. Some of his clothes are hung up and that is it. I probably would have more done if Nathan's Aunt(the one we bought the house from)hadn't left some of her stuff here. She's supposed to be getting the rest of it tomorrow since her building is finished. We shall see.

This morning I went to vote at 7:30. That was difficult. I wasn't hurting too bad at first while waiting in line. Then after 20 minutes that's when the pain began. I had to wait in line for 50 minutes. That didn't help at all, but at least I was able to vote.

Fews after voting I was in so much pain when I walked. It felt like he was on a nerve. The sharp pain starts on the left side in the middle of my back and works its way down to the back of my thigh. Its almost unbearable to walk. It made it difficult for me to get ready and go meet Nathan's family for lunch at 11:30.

I had my doctors appointment at 2:30 and Breanne went a long with me since I was hurting so bad. After the long wait I was weighed. I only gained 1 pound. Since it hurt so much to sit down and then get back up the nurse took my blood pressure standing. My blood pressure was 130/80. I was taken back to the room. When I sit down for a little bit the pain isn't as intense. The nurse took my blood pressure again and it was much better. It was 116/68.

Debbie the nurse practitioner checked my cervix. I haven't dilated any but the baby has dropped. She could actually feel the baby's head. I was so amazed by that. She also said how my cervix is thinning out. That's great news! She basically said he can come at any time or even be week late. Its a waiting game really. She told me that pain I'm feeling is the sciatic nerve and it is probably because he's so low. I was happy to hear that I can take Tylenol PM to help me sleep at night. I have another appointment for next Tuesday at 2:45. The lady at the desk said she doubts I'll be there next week.

It still hurts so much when I walk, but I'll get through it. I've been experiencing some more cramping. I do wonder when I'll go into labor. It may not be long.

38 week checkup

The appointment went well. I gained 1 more pound. My blood pressure is 122/68. After that was checked I was taken back to a room. I had to wait 40 minutes. That's the longest I've ever waited. I'm usually not even there 20 minutes. I met a new doctor today, Dr. Koefed. She's really nice. She measured me and I'm right at 38cm I believe. The baby's bpm is in the 130s. Then she tried to check my cervix. The nurse let me hold her hand. Dr. Koefed was having a hard time getting to it so she stopped. I was relieved because it was painful. She lowered the table and was going to try again. I had gotten so hot and then that made it worse. So I felt like I was going to pass out. They gave me a few minutes to recuperate. The nurse even laid her cold hand on my forehead to cool me down. It helped. The doctor tried again and she still had a hard time. She said, "I already know your not in active labor, so I'm not going to be the bad guy and put you through anymore pain." Basically I have no idea if I've dilated or not. However, I am so relieved she didn't try to push harder to get to it. Her and the nurse both were so nice about it. I talked to the doctor about the pain I've been feeling in my inner thigh. She said it could be caused by contractions and where he's hitting his head.

Dr. Koefed requested that I have an ultra sound done so that she can make sure baby's head is down. She said it was medically necessary. I was concerned about that since our insurance company only covers one. I was taken back and I got to see my baby. That made my day!! Thank the Lord he is head down!!! Which I knew he was. I can feel where his head and feet are. His feet like to stay in my ribs. I didn't get any pictures, but that's okay. Dr. Koefed said she made sure to add that this ultra sound is medically necessary. So I shouldn't have any problem's with the insurance company.

My next appointment is next Tuesday at 2:30pm.

Belly movement

Very early yesterday morning I made a couple of videos of my belly movement. Baby was very active. In the first video I mentioned how I thought I may be in labor, because of the pain I was experiencing was so intense. Obviously I wasn't. I think it was just the baby pushing down really hard. I'm getting very close to him being here. I have 16 days till his due date!!

Magic Cookie Bars

As long as I can remember Nathan always would ask me if I would make him Magic Cookie Bars. I had never heard of them. He came across his Mom's recipe for them. I decided to make them for him last month. Boy was I surprised at how delicious they are!!

Cast of characters: Butter, Graham Cracker Crumbs, Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels, Chopped Nuts and Coconut. One important ingredient missing in this picture is Sweetened Condensed Milk.

Melt butter in baking dish in the oven.

Mix graham cracker crumbs in the butter and spread out.

Pour sweetened condensed milk all over the top.

Sprinkle as many chocolate chips as you want to. I added more than the recipe called for. You can never have too much chocolate.

Cover the chocolate chips with coconut.

Sprinkle with chopped nuts.

Magic Cookie Bars baked, cut, and ready to eat. Mmm so good!

Magic Cookie Bars
Makes 24 Bars (depending on how big you cut them)

1/2 cup margarine or butter
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 14 oz can Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk
1 6 oz. pkg. semi-sweet chocolate morsels
1 13 1/2 oz can flaked coconut (1 1/3 cups)
1 cup chopped nuts

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In 13x9 baking dish melt margarine in oven. Sprinkle crumbs over margarine, pour eagle brand milk evenly over crumbs. Top evenly with remaining ingredients; press down gently. Bake 25-30 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool thoroughly before cutting. Store loosely covered, at room temperature.

These are even better the next day. They remind me of the candy Mounds. I love those things. I'm going to make some of these soon. They don't last long in our house.

37 weeks and 2 day Pictures & Check Up

Yesterday was my 37 week check up. It went very well. I've gained 3 pounds. My blood pressure was a lot better this time, 120/80. I mentioned to the nurse how I had been having cramps on Sunday that would start in my stomach and wrap around to my back. She wanted me to give another specimen just in case I had UTI. I haven't heard anything so I apparently don't have one. I didn't think I did. I also mentioned how I had no energy on Sunday. She checked my hemoglobins and my iron count is perfect. Everything I'm experiencing is just because I'm getting to end of this pregnancy.

I met with the Nurse Practitioner. She checked the baby's heartbeat and his bpm is 139. She measured my stomach and I'm still at 36cm. She said that just shows that he's dropped further down. I asked her how much she thinks he may weigh when he's born. She said she thinks he will be 7+ lbs. That was my guess too. All in all it was a good appointment. I go back next Tuesday at 11am. Starting next week they will be checking my cervix until the time he's born.


Darlene took my pics yesterday. They turned out alright. I was so tired that it was hard to keep my eyes open.





Despite the fact he doesn't have much room to move, he's still a wiggly worm. He's been having more hiccups again. Its such a funny feeling.

36 week pictures & check up

Over the weekend I had 2 baby showers. My wonderful SIL Korey threw me one at her apartment. It was so much fun!! She did a great job. Her home was beautifully decorated. There was yummy food to munch on and even yummier faux margaritas. Mmmm. We played a game and it was so much fun. Hard but very funny to watch others play. We were blessed with many more gifts. I was very happy to receive a diaper bag, baby monitor, and Boppy pillow. Of course I'm happy with everything else I got. Those were items I was really hoping to get. I also received a lot more clothing, diapers, wipes, hangers, toy blocks, tug boats for his bath, & other various items. Oh yeah and Melody made adorable baby socks, burp cloths & a beautiful diaper cake (also as part of the decoration). I feel so blessed to have so many people care about us. :)

Sunday night I had another baby shower after church. I was amazed by how the gym looked so different. They decorated it in a jungle theme (that's what his nursery will be). It was so cute! I received more clothing, wipes, and other items. One of the cutest gifts is a huge stuffed lion. So cute and so soft. My baby will definitely have his pictures taken with it.

I plan on sharing pictures from both showers real soon. :)

36 weeks


36 weeks and 1 day




Today was my 36 week check up. I lost 2 pounds again. I couldn't believe it. The nurse said it could be just water weight lost. She said its normal. My blood pressure is 136/80. It is high this time around. I met another doctor today, Dr. Lebel. I like her the best so far. She is so nice. She measured me and I'm exactly 36cm. Then she checked his heart rate. His bpm is in the 140s. I was asking her about when will we know he's in the head down position. She said he actually already is in that position. She was telling me she knew he was because of where she found his heartbeat. I was very surprised. I mentioned to her that I was having a lot more Braxton Hicks contractions. She said it was normal. She asked me if I was having any spotting, frequent headaches, or blurred vision. She was asking that since my blood pressure was up and wanted to make sure I didn't have preeclampsia. Thankfully I haven't had any of those symptoms. She said I may have had a contraction when my blood pressure was taken. She was saying how contractions make it go up. Hopefully that's all it is. I did get some good news, I don't have beta-strep. I'm praising God about that. All in all it was a good appointment. I really hope she is the one who delivers our baby. I go back next Monday at 11:45am.

35 week check up

My appointment was at 11 this morning. I got there about 10 minutes early and signed in. I gave my specimen and then they took me on back. I was weighed and gained another 2 pounds. That bumps me up to 9 or 10lbs. gained this pregnancy. My blood pressure was 128/60. Its a lot better than last time. She reminded me of how I was going to have my Beta-Strep culture done. I did remember and wasn't looking forward to it. I asked her if it was anything like a pap smear. She said it was similar but without a specula. I was glad to hear that.

I was taken back to the room and only waited about 5 minutes before Dr. Bradley came in. He first measured me and I measured 35cm. Right on target. Then he listened to baby's heartbeat. His bpm is in the 140s. He didn't kick the doppler off this time. Then it was time for the culture to be taken. It wasn't near as bad as thought it would be. The nurse stood by me the whole time. It was uncomfortable but no so bad. Dr. Bradley kept saying sorry every time I flinched. I had mentioned to him about how I've been experiencing menstrual type cramps off and on. So he checked my cervix. That was what hurt so badly. The nurse held my arm and kept telling me to breathe. At one point I actually screamed out, "OH DEAR GOD!!!" Let's just say I was happy when it was over with. The good news is my cervix is still closed. Which I figured it was since I haven't lost my mucus plug yet. Sorry for the TMI.

I asked Dr. Bradley about what contractions feel like. He said, "Oh you will know it when you have one." I asked him when should I be concerned and need to go to the hospital. He told me that if the contractions are 3-5 minutes apart and last for 2 hours then I need to go to the hospital immediately. That's good to know. He informed me that from now on my appointments will be come weekly. My next appointment is next Tuesday 11:45am.

Get this it took me over 35 minutes to get to my doctors office and I spent 15 minutes at the doctors office. That was so quick. Even though it was a short appointment, I still had my questions all asked.

On my way home I stopped at the library. I got several book on childbirth and a few novels. I also got a video tape on lamaze. I thought it would be very beneficial since I'm not actually taking a lamaze class. Afterwards I picked up a quick lunch from Burger King. I was craving a Coke Icee. Mmm so good. I stopped by the Recycled Reader to give Anne(owner) a thank you card for the baby gift. Then I stopped by Nathan's Grandparents house to pick up another baby gift. We got 2 more adorable outfits and money. :) I stayed there for a little while talking and then I ran back home. Then I had to go to the post office to buy 2 books of stamps and send off Thank You cards. Afterwards I got some groceries and went home. I pretty much over did it today. I'm hurting so much now, but at least I got some things done. Too bad none of it was to the house.

35 weeks and 1 day

So far I've been experiencing more pain in the pelvic area. The doctor told me before its the softening of the bones getting ready for labor. It hurts worse when I stand after sitting for a bit. Its not near as bad after I start walking around some. Either way its a part of pregnancy. It reminds me how much closer I am to delivering this little miracle. :)

Here's some pictures taken in Charleston, SC at Folly Beach.
This is one of my new favorite pictures of us.

Even though this is blurry I love it. lol




Tomorrow I have my 35 week check up. I'll update about it.