Our Little Turkey has Arrived!!

Adalyn Faith was born on Monday night!

She was 7lbs 9 oz and 21" long. 

She is so precious and we are soooo in love.

We arrived home around noon and are adjusting well!

There will be many more photos and details to come!

Thanks for all the prayers and encouragement through out our journey!

We are beyond blessed and extremely thankful for our little miracle. 

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Daily Agenda

It didn't work yesterday {although I did have consistent contractions for a few hours, they were just a little too far apart}, here's to hoping it works today!!

Please, Jesus. 

Waiting Game Continues....

Thanks for the birthday wishes! I had a wonderful day! :) 

Today was my 39 Week check up, the one that I was so anxious for, that I lost sleep over because this appointment would determine if she was breech, transverse or head down. 

If I would have her tomorrow or at Target. 

It was also my first pelvic exam {I thought I was going to have one last week and I didn't} so I was extra nervous.

So glad it's over with! For now... I know the worst is yet to come. It wasn't quite as bad as I thought, but I was pretty animated. And for as nervous and tight as I was she managed to make her way up there and feel around, so that's a good thing I guess....

Anyways the results are in and Adalyn is....

Head down.

I know this is suppose to be good news. 

And it is, I was just hoping she would be here tomorrow. 

I'm really ready. 

And tired of throwing up.

And the heartburn.

But if she was head down I at least wanted there to be some progress and thankfully there was!

So I am 1.5 cm dilated and 70% effaced. 

Still not convinced this really means anything, but at least it's something!

So now I try everything in "my power" to get her here before Thanksgiving!

I'm about to go out and buy a birthing ball and walk til the sun don't shine no mo'.

Any other ways work for you? 

Did you go from 1 cm to labor quickly? 

Do you think it means anything?? 

I forgot to ask my Dr. about the membrane sweep...did that work for anyone??

Birthday Gift

24 years ago today my mom gave birth to me

And today I anxiously await the arrival of my little girl. 

So desperate for her to come that I am even willing to share my birthday with her.

But so far it seems like she is more interested in having her own special day.

Which I can respect.

Either way, I will be experiencing one of the greatest gifts I could ever receive or ask for

and I can not wait.

Seriously, I can't.

This is way too suspenseful. 

I don't know how people do it! 

And this birthday is extra special because it gives me a greater appreciation for my own mom and everything that she went through. 

It really should be a joint celebration. 

Although, I'm not gonna lie- It is nice to have your own special day :) 

The Nursery

Here is the official "tour" of Adalyn's room. 

This is mostly a thrift store/DIY nursery.

Hindsight I am not sure I would do again since I am really an amateur when it comes to these things. 

I have learned why people spend money on themed nurseries and bedding etc.

But I am really pleased with the end result!

This is really like 3rd {and final!} design. 

They all had the same idea and pieces, but it didn't really come together until the very end. 

And of course, I got a lot of idea off Pinterest :) 

I knew I wanted gray walls and kept going back and forth between yellow accents or coral accents.

So the first time it was just gray and yellow, but I wasn't loving it.

Then I decided to go with coral accents and a tiny bit of yellow. It was getting better, but still didn't love it.

Then I went with coral, yellow and teal {and found the perfect curtains} and now I love it. 

I still wish the walls were a tiny bit darker, but oh well :) 

-I got most of the hoops from a thrift store- they were like $2 for 6 of them! I got the rest from AC Moore.

Painted them white and placed various coordinating fabric scraps inside. 

-The letters are from Hobby Lobby {SO happy that we finally got one and it opened just in time!} and I painted those white too. 

This is the view from our room. We live in a pretty small duplex and her room is right across from us. 

- The lamp is from a thrift store for $2.99 and the lamp shade was also $2.99. I covered the lampshade with fabric and then glued on some coral ribbon and a rosette flower made out of scrap fabric. 

- I was so excited to find that little wooden giraffe at a thrift store too. It was $1.99 and its actually a pencil holder. I painted the bottom with some acrylic coral paint {it was dark green and said "Pencils"}

-The "Faith" sign is from Hobby Lobby. I wanted something that said Faith since it's her middle name and for the most part, the colors coordinated well.

-The 2 teal vases, the elephant, crates and bottom vase were all purchased from the thrift store/yard sale too. I painted the crates yellow and the bottom vase coral. The other stuff came in the perfect colors :)

-The shelves on the left side were purchased from Ikea. Everything on the shelves are from....thrift store. Duh.

- And the super cute awesome elephant hamper was a gift from Mama K for our shower and can be found here. 

This is the view from part of the kitchen. 

- Rug is from Ikea- only $20!

- I already had the chest from my room when I was younger. We painted it white, added some padding and stapled on some fabric. 

- The pillow was from a thrift store too and I just made a new cover for it and added some ribbon. 

- Curtains {one of my favorite things in the room!} I found last minute at Bed, Bath and Beyond. After making 2 different types/colors of curtains and not totally loving them I decided I would see if there was anything out there that would catch my eye. Originally I couldn't find anything- I didn't want the curtains to overpower the room since I had a bunch of different fabrics everywhere else in the room. It was starting to become really busy. Too busy. I didn't find anything in the curtain aisle, but decided to check out the shower curtain aisle to see if they had anything. 

And then I found these beauties and decided I do want the curtains to overpower the room and that I could tone down other things instead.  Although they were a little more expensive then I originally wanted to spend, at this point I was done with the whole "homemade" nursery thing and wanted something to look good. 

They were $39.99 each, but the width was way more than needed so I knew I could cut it in half and hem the edges to make 2 curtains out of the one shower curtain. I also had a bunch of BBB coupons for 20% off so it really wasn't too expensive. Then they didn't have another one on the floor, so I asked if I could take the floor model. They said yes and gave me 20% off since it was opened, and I still got to use another 20% coupon. So I cut them, hemmed them, bought some blackout liner and sewed that onto the back and they are perfect! 

-Faux wood blinds were also a last minute touch to the room and add a lot! They are from JC Penny Home Store and were on sale for $15/each- originally $45!

-Mr. B's dad made the beautiful changing station- that was the final piece of furniture that her room needed and it looks wonderful in there! 

-The frames and crates are from thrift stores that I painted. I brought the curtains into Home Depot with me and looked for some paint to match and then I purchased "sample paints" for just $3. 

-The yellow baskets are from Babies R Us

-I made the changing pad cover with some fabric that matched perfectly and was on sale at Joann's {which is where all my fabric is from btw}

-Trash can from thrift store {already in coral!}

-Hamper from thrift store and I added a fresh coat of white paint and covered the top with fabric.

-Mr. B made the bookshelf {and it still needs to be painted}

-I love our friend, Gia the giraffe and I hope Adalyn will too! She was bought with gift cards and can be found here 

-Pillows I made

-Chair is from Ikea

-Lanterns are from iParty and Hobby Lobby

-Mirror and frames are from a yard sale we went to this summer. 

-The crib: one of the most unique parts of her room and one of the first things I found on Pinterest when I had no idea what Pinterest was or what I was doing. It was pinned from this blog. It is the only one on the internet that I have found. I think I'll save the dets on this for a post of it's own.

- Bow holder: Hoping she has lots of hair! Already had the wood painting- repainted it white, glued on ribbon. 

-Saw these pictures on Etsy, decided I could make my own. Made the verse on "Pages" and then had it printed at Walgreens when they were having their "poster sale". It was only $1.99 and I love how it turned out. Frame was a yard sale find that I painted {and distressed} and the matte was white that I also painted with the sample paint from Home Depot. 

-I added some knobs to the changing station. Found these at Hobby Lobby. 

And that completes the detailed tour of her nursery! 

Although it's a lot easier to just buy nursery gear or have other people make it, there is a sense of pride in knowing that YOU made it and how you transformed things! 

And best of all, created something on a cheap budget! 

Wordless Wednesday: Big Mama

I took this beautiful self-portrait the other day out of boredom. I think it's equally funny as it is scary. I sent it to everyone and didn't want any of you to feel left out. So there ya go. 

 

P.S:  DREADING my first cervical exam in an hour!! But anxious to see what is going on in there!!

Baby Update

I have been slacking on these pregnancy updates, I think my last one was at 28 weeks or something!

I have been faithful with my weekly pictures though! 

My maternity pictures were at 34 Weeks, here's 35 and 36:

So first off- I am officially full-term!! Wohoo!! 

AND

The due date countdown is in the TEENS!! 

A couple weeks ago I posted about when I went in for my 34 Week checkup we discovered that Adalyn was breech and a scheduled c-section may be needed if she remained that way. 

This was actually good news for me because I really wanted her to be born before Thanksgiving because Mr. B's family is coming to visit and my brother is coming home from college for the week. If I was due any other month I would be trying every trick in the book to try and get her to turn, but in this case....I'm hoping she stays put.

Well...at my 36 week appointment I thought for sure she was still breech or transverse, the Dr. felt her and agreed, then we had an ultrasound to double check her position and to our surprise she was head down. I'm not gonna lie...I was a little bummed! I wasn't convinced she was realllly head down though. Her head was down, but she wasn't low low and in position, ya know? So I felt like she could turn again.
Mr. B thought I was just in denial. 

THEN

I had my 37 Week appointment and she was transverse again! This girl...between moving all around until I have someone feel my belly to flipping all around and being very unpredictable- she definitely keeps us on our toes!  

So tomorrow I have my 38 Week check up. We will see where she is at. If she is still breech or transverse then next Wednesday we will check one more time and I will have a c-section on Thursday the 17th. {{NEXT WEEK!!!!}}.

I am really at peace with whatever way is needed, as long as she is healthy and safe! I actually think I am more nervous for natural delivery than a c-section! 

I am really anxious for my appointment tomorrow because I have definitely felt like something is going on, I just don't know what. I have just been feeling weird lately. Not like we need to go to the hospital weird, just not normal.  She is still moving around all over the place and it's hard for me to tell her position. But I have also been so sore "down there" and I feel like I have done some hard core inner thigh workout. And I promise you, I so have not.  So I don't really know what's going on, but after my appointment tomorrow if she is turned and is head down I will certainly be trying every trick in the book to get her here before Thanksgiving. 

Other pregnancy updates:

Tums are still my best friend- although I feel like my body isn't reacting to them as quick and good as it once was so sometimes I take Prilosec instead. 

I am still getting sick about 3 days a week and it is getting more miserable and harder the bigger I get. {But the end is in sight!!!}

I have some good nights of sleep and some nights where I feel like I don't sleep at all.

I am always so winded. Especially when getting ready or singing at church. Ha! Who knew singing takes so much energy?!

I am starting to get stretch marks on my stomach. Go figure, I made it this far! 

Her nursery is done!
(and I'll post more pictures another day}

The diaper bag and hospital bag are packed! 

We are very ready and waiting to meet our little miracle!!

One Question

How come when you're pregnant and whale-like you drop ever.y.thinggggggg?!?!

It could very well be more annoying than the nausea, throwing up {yes, at 36 weeks I am still getting sick} and heartburn.

It's definitely a close call.

And a symptom no one warns you about.

The other day I was at the Dollar Tree and I had about 5 rolls of ribbon....

and guess what?

The pile collapsed and sent every.single.roll every which way down the aisle.

I wanted to cry.

And lay on the floor for a little while I was crawling around picking them up.

But that would've been gross and weird. 

I did pause before picking them up just in case someone would walk by and feel bad for the helpless pregnant woman.

But no one was around {which made it even more tempting not to take a break on the floor}.

So pretty much anything that can be dropped-and requires you to bend your big fat butt over, while making obnoxious grunting noises and consequently taking your breath away making you feel like you just walked a mile- will be dropped.

It's all apart of this pregnancy journey, I suppose....

Maternity Pics

I only wanted a few maternity pictures and didn't want to spend a lot of money on a photographer,

so I asked my younger sister if she would take them for us. 

When you have a nice camera pretty much anyone can take good pictures. She did do a great job though. much better than I expected! I am so happy with how they turned out! I showed her a bunch of "poses" that I wanted and we went out and she snapped away for about an hour. Then I edited them and voila- they look pretty profesh to me! 

::Next up is our newborn pictures which we did hire a photographer for and I am soooo excited for them!!::

The photo session started out with a very naughty puppy.

We were making our way down to the barn and she slipped out of her collar and ran right into the muddy corral. 

We were livid.  

 So she had her fun and we continued with our photos.

 Mr. B hosed her off, she apologized and she was ready for Take 2.

Unique Shower

Mama K {my mother-in-law} lives in Texas and wasn't able to join us for the baby shower. 

She also really wanted to have one of her own, but with the distance it just wasn't something that could happen. 

So instead she sent out invitations to all her friends for a "Card Shower".  

Asking that they "shower" us with gift cards all through out the week. 

Let me tell ya, this has been SO awesome!! 

First of all,  getting real mail every day is exciting in and of itself. 

Add in cards filled with gift cards....does it get any better?!?!

I don't want it to end! 

 It has been so much fun to get something new every day and then head out to Target and get some other essentials {or fun things} for the baby. 

This is my kind of shower- I don't like being the center of attention and having people watch me open the gifts. So this is like win-win-win-win-win.

I'm loving it!!!

{Have I made that clear yet? ;) }

I am so amazed at the generosity of her friends- most of them have never even met us before and they are sending us these sweet cards and gift cards. How nice is that?? They have been such a blessing! 

So if you live far away from family and are looking for something fun and unique to do- this is it!!

Thanks Mama K for thinking of us and putting this together. 

I think it might even be better than Christmas. 

And thanks for having such awesome friends!

Falling in Love

I think it's finally time to blog about my baby shower that was almost 3 weeks ago!

Never mind the intentions I had to blog about our anniversary that was in July or the past 3 weeks of my belly updates! Time is going by so fast and I know it's not going to slow down once Adalyn arrives!

The theme to the shower was "Falling in Love with Adalyn Faith" and we certainly felt the love!

We are so blessed to have such wonderful and supportive people in our lives.

And I'd like to give a shout-out, once again, to Pinterest, for all the yummy recipes and decorating ideas- they were a big hit!

 

Thanks to everyone who showered us with love! 

Her nursery is almost finished!

Breeched Babe

Life has been very busy the past few weeks!

I still plan on posting some belly updates and photos from my shower,

but this morning my 34 week appointment gave me something else to post about.

My newest obsession.

I asked the Dr. if she could tell the position of little Miss A because there is always something super hard right around my belly button and I couldn't figure out if it was her bum or a foot. 

She felt around for her head down by my pelvis area and found it.

Then felt higher up on my belly and realized that that is her head and by my pelvis is actually her bum.

We made our way to the little ultrasound room and discovered that baby girl is indeed breech. 

Which is good news and bad news.

It's not really ideal.

She does still have time to move.

But to be honest, I was kind of excited.

I would need a c-section {which I am not opposed to anyways}.

It would be on November 14th- which is 11 days earlier than my due date AND 1 day before my birthday. 

And she would be here before Thanksgiving which is what I was really hoping for since my brother, my in-laws and sister-in law will all be visiting that week. 

So I couldn't help but grin as I was leaving because as un-perfect as this plan may be, it would work out pretty perfectly!

If I was to have a c-section I would definitely prefer it to be scheduled. 

I like how the timing works out, that we would have a plan and be prepared. 

I was obsessed with every movement before this news, now I am really obsessed with every movement- wondering if she is making her way down.

I am secretly{except not because I am blogging about it} hoping that she doesn't turn. 

We have been praying she would make her arrival a bit early to be here for the family visits and this may be it!

So I'm trying not to get my hopes up--even though they are-- I am trying to get myself back in the mindset that that is her butt and that she will be arriving in December. 

Just in case.

I googled a little and it seems like everyone is different. 

Some babies turn. 

Some don't.

So we will just have to wait and see!

I'm not going to do an ECV and I'm not planning on doing any special exercises.

Because quite frankly- I like this plan.

And although I don't really want to hear your "baby-turned stories", I kind of do. 

So....

Was your baby breech?

Did you have a c-section?

Did your baby flip in the last few weeks?

My next appointment is in 2 weeks and we will see what her position is! 

Baby Wearing

Since you were all extremely helpful with yesterday's post I decided to do another one today before we go make our returns/purchases this weekend.

The question today is: what baby wearing sling do you prefer?

We registered for the k'tan, I liked that it was really simple and not an overload of fabric.

I am only 5'1 and the Moby Wrap kind of intimidates me with all that fabric! 

Eventually we will buy a more structured baby carrier, like possibly the ergo baby, but I wanted her to be here to be able to truly test them out and see what feels the most comfortable for all 3 of us {unless of course it pops up on baby steals soon then I will snatch it regardless}

So anyways, what's your favorite? 

What did you hate?

Would you choose the Moby over the K'tan?

Thanks again! :)

Baby Monitor

I've been so busy the past week!

The shower  was on Saturday and was wonderful!

We completed our first birthing class yesterday!

And baby is due NEXT month!! 

My Grammie took a majority of the pictures from my shower and she will be giving me the CD of the photos today and I will be posting them sometime this week!

In the meantime, I need some advice on a baby monitor....

we registered for the Angelcare Video monitor 

which retails for almost $300.

So out of the many wonderful things we received this weekend- this item was not one of them. 

Now we are faced with the question do we really want to spend this much money on a monitor??

I know for sure I want a video one, but is the Angelcare mat worth the extra money?

I am a worry wart and know that I will be paranoid about SIDS so I like the idea of the mat, but does it even work??

At the moment, we are also planning on her being in her nursery from day one {Our apartment is small, as is our bedroom- and her room is right across from us so it just made more sense to have her there}. 

And yes, it makes me sad to already think about her sleeping in there. 

So anyways, do you have the Angelcare? Is it worth it?

What monitor do you have? 

What monitor did you hate?

Love?

Should we just do the Summer Infant Best View for $200??

Any advice is greatly appreciated! {When asked....which I did...so I appreciate it :) }

Misc. Monday

{one} As if the kicks, heartburn, sickness and ultrasound pictures weren't enough....I realized I am officially pregnant:

I no longer need a cup holder or TV Tray :) 

And sidenote: My belly isn't really that big, I think it's the pillows and angle making it look extra round.

{two} Friday  night was rainy and I wasn't feeling very well so Mr. B and I decided to get Boston Market for dinner because I was in the mood for some mashed potatoes. 

So I got a side of those...

Anything else?

And sweet potatoes.

Is that all?

And macaroni and cheese.

::Ummm I'll tell you when I am done sir. Please stop making me feel like a cow. Thank you. ::

Is that all?

And cornbread.

Is that all?

And baked apples.

Give the pregnant woman a break, puhhhlease! 

They are small little sides, you know!

And they were only $1.29 each!

I realized in that moment that this was the only time I could get away with getting so many sides. 

Clearly it's not normal. 

And between Mr. B laughing and the guy serving, they were me feel like I was going a little overboard. 

Geez. 

Sidenote: There are no pillows behind me and this isn't a weird angle so....let's blame the shirt :)

{three}  The weather here really needs to make up its mind. One day it's beautiful sunny and 60s, the next day it's rainy and 70s, then it's super humid and today is sunny and 80s. Not cool. Bring back the crisp fall air, pretty pretty please!! Especially since we put our AC away last weekend! 

{four} I made this cute wreath for our door. Was not even expensive and lots cuter than most I see at the store. I made one for Mama Grace too! Love it.

{five} Yesterday marked the two month countdown to Adalyn's due date! Today is 60 days! 

{six} This week will be filled with little nursery projects and baby shower decor. Mr. B's dad is making us a changing station and that should be coming within the next couple weeks. I am so excited about it, because it's the final/finishing touch to the nursery that {I am hoping} will really make the room feel complete. And more baby-ish.

{seven} I signed us up for childbirth class on Sunday. I figured it would be good bonding time for me and Mr. B and good learning time for him considering he doesn't know what dilating is and told me his sister's baby "has breached" meaning "is born". Yeah...he has need to work on his labor and delivery terms a little bit ;)

 

go link up!

Ramblings

I am long overdue for a post. I feel like I have a lot to write about, but nothing to write about.

Makes total sense, right?

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Today I am 31 weeks and still getting sick! I have come to the realization that it is probably here to stay. My Dr. told me that the cure for my back pain was to have the baby and I am thinking that is also the cure for my sickness. I am thankful that it is still not as bad as the 1st trimester all day nausea/sickness. Now I am only getting sick about 2-3 times a week. The unfortunate thing is I feel fine, I eat and I usually get sick after I eat- totally out of the blue. Which is gross.

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I never did a 29 or 30 Week update, but so far everything has been pretty consistent. I am sleeping a little better, Tums have allowed me to control my heartburn a little and I pretty much have constant back pain.  Oh yeah and I am officially getting/feeling huge. My newest symptom is feeling winded all the time. I know I was out of shape before, but this is getting pretty ridiculous.

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We've made it to the single digit weekly countdown- wohoo!! 

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We had a successful trip to Ikea last weekend and her nursery is kind of, but not really, almost finished.

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I've been doing other rearranging/decorating around the house. Thank you Pinterest.

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I'm excited for Footloose.

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Today is my last day of work! I pretty much have the easiest job in the world. I watch a really laid back, easy going, independent 18 month old at my house. I probably could have kept watching him for another month, but I have all the toys and crib for him in Adalyn's room so that needs to go so we can finish up. So that will be nice to feel extra free, but not so nice to not have the extra cash to be free to shop.

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My shower is next weekend! This weekend we are working on some fun fall decorations this weekend.

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I'm starting to get a little nervous of how Roxie will be with Adalyn. She really needs to learn personal space. I don't think she would ever hurt her on purpose, but Roxie doesn't know her own strength so I think we need to start training her somehow. 

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I'm happy about the fall shows being back! Although we are loving Friday Night Lights and now we have other shows to watch so I guess that will become our weekend show. 

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I'm still loving our new CR-V which I also plan on posting about in the near future. Maybe.

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Mama Grace and I went to a big consignment sale last weekend and scored some good deals. I wish that my shower was before the sale though because they had a lot of things on the registry for real cheap, but I didn't want to waste my money in case I did get them. I did snatch some things though and took them off my registry because the deal was too good. 

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I am so thankful for the cooler fall weather and the extra layers of clothes that are needed.

I am done with the little summer clothes. Let's get this mama covered up, please!

Except of course, when I am home and prefer to be as free as possible. 

Well...Adalyn does ;)

That's the randomness for the day!

Happy Weekend!!