39 weeks, Welcome Charlotte!

 

After 39 weeks of counting down with our chalkboard pictures I am finally able to announce that our little bundle of beauty made her appearance :)

I can't even begin to describe the happiness, love, and pure sense of emotions I felt the moment our little one entered the world but I am just so happy and thankful for a healthy beautiful baby girl :)

Thank you all so much for following the journey, now onto our biggest adventure yet.... keep following for month to month updates!! :)

I felt it was only right to introduce Charlotte to the world with the infamous chalkboard :)

Charlotte's Birth Story

Let me just say... this whole day wasn't as I had imaged or thought it was going to go... but I am just thankful for my baby girl and that we are both healthy and happy!! :)

After being up all night with extreme back pain I decided to call the hospital to speak with the doctor on call to see what she recommended since I didn't want to go into the hospital unless I was for sure in labor, haha. After speaking with her off and on for about 20 minutes and explaining what I was feeling... She advised "come on in and lets check things out." So at 5:30am I walked into our bedroom and woke Andrew up saying "Babe, I think this could be it...its time to go to the hospital." We gathered the bags just in case and got ready, arriving at the hospital around 6am, which just happened to be during a shift change so I seen about 4 different nurses in 30 minutes before I finally met my nurses (Sally and Ashley) who would share one of most life changing moments of my life with... The monitoring began and we waited for the doctor...

7am - The doctor finally arrived and came in to check on me. After checking me she decided since I was fully effaced and 3cm dilated she would have me walk the halls for an hour (right away I had a feeling we were going to meet our baby girl today since they don't usually have you walk unless you are close)... which meant walking the 5th floor maternity floor for an 1 hour, Andrew and I walked 10 total laps before returning back to our room.

10:30am - Is when the doctor finally came back in.... and gave us the choice : I could start the inducing procedure or I could go home and sit with back pain and be back in later that night or at least within the next 48 hours in labor... with being in some much pain Andrew and I decided we would just begin the inducing procedure....

Last picture before our family became 3

11am - They started me on Pitocin,
12pm - The doctor broke my water, HELLO CONTRACTIONS! My contractions went from 10 minutes apart to every 2 minutes once the doctor broke my water...
3pm - By this time, I was becoming exhausted from the never ending contractions and lets just say I was not so pleasant to deal with either... so at 7.5cm dilated I decided it was time to get the epidural because I would have never made it through labor without it...
4pm - By 4pm, it was time to have a baby.... thank you to the epidural for relaxing me enough to speed everything up :)
After an 1 hour and 49 minutes of pushing, Andrew and I welcomed a beautiful baby girl into the world at 5:49pm weighing 5lbs and 14 ounces at 18 inches long.


There is our story... nothing crazy but its ours :) and we are truly blessed!!

Our family of 3 :)

Our little beauty

Holding my little one for the first time after she was cleaned up :) Such a priceless very emotional moment!

Daddy watching over his daughter :)

Yep, within in minutes of being born she was a daddys girl :)



37 Weeks

How Far Along:  YAYYY! 37 Weeks, I can't believe we are officially FULL TERM! Which means I can go safely into labor any day now. Baby is fully developed and is practicing breathing with her lungs for when she makes her debut!

How I'm Feeling: I am trying my best to enjoy these last few days/weeks of my pregnancy because although I am completely tired of being pregnant (mentally and physically) and I beyond excited to meet our little one, I also know that I am gonna miss this bump soon because of sincerely enjoyed it!

Weight Gain/Loss: Holding steady at 21lbs gained.

Cravings: No real cravings, thank goodness!!

What I miss: Being able to sleep through the night, which isn't that bad I suppose.

Gender: Baby girl, Baby girl, Baby girl!

What I Am Looking Forward Too: Our little girl to make her debut into the world and meet her!

Other News:  Labor signs --- I started having contractions a few nights ago nothing consistent though. Hoping for good news at our next check up on dilation.

Hospital bags --- Our bags are officially finished (Charlotte and I's)

Bed Rest --- Still on bed rest, feeling good though just been trying to keep myself busy watching movies, reading, and writing on this blog plus doing some fitness networking. :)

36 Weeks... Hello Bed Rest!

How Far Along:  36 Weeks. Baby girl is about the size of  a melon. By the end of this week, she should be fully developed minus packing on extra pounds until her debut!

No chalkboard this week, sorry!!

How I'm Feeling: Mentally and Emotionally : Anxious, Nervous, Impatient, Excited... Honestly my emotions are running wild getting ready to meet this little beauty! So many things are going through my head... "Are we ready?" "Does she have everything she needs?" "What all do I need to do before she arrives?" but truth be told... I know we are as ready and prepared as we can be, she will have everything she needs when she gets here... LOVE, diapers, and milk ;), and no matter what I think I need to get done before she makes her debut... there will always be stuff that needs to be cleaned, organized, ect...


Physically : My body is ready for this little one to arrive as well, I am physically exhausted, my belly is extremely heavy which causes my back to hurt a lot (especially in the evenings). However now that I will be on bed rest until the end of my pregnancy I won't be having a lot of that.

Weight Gain/Loss: I lost 2lbs since last weeks doctor appointment, so I've gained 21lbs.

My nike jacket is getting pretty tight around my belly ;) but I can still get it zipped up!!

10 week difference... baby girl has POPPED out for sure!!

Cravings: No cravings, just my current obsession... French toast and watermelon...YUMMM!!

Gender: Baby girl!

What I Am Looking Forward Too: Meeting our little girl soon!!

Other News:  HELLO BED REST! Alright, for the 2nd week in a row at my routine ob check up my blood pressure was running extremely high again so they decided I needed to be monitored at the hospital again just to ensure baby and I were ok... several tests (urine, blood, sonogram) and hours later the doctor finally came in to explain what was going on with me and baby girl. I have a blood pressure condition called hypertension, which is a  step above normal and step below preeclampsia. So after she explained that this condition and that doesn't require them to induce me immediately because my blood pressure levels regulate when I am laying down or slightly reclined... is when she broke the big news to me... "You will need to be put on bed rest for the rest of your pregnancy. We want to keep this little one baking as long as possible, at least until 38 weeks." So I will be now having 2 ob appointments a week to check on my blood pressure level, starting this Friday (when I'll be considered full term at 37 weeks).

Relaxing with my puppy on the recliner :)

35 Weeks

How Far Along:  35 Weeks. Baby girl is about the size of a coconut. At our sonogram this week, we found out that she is weighing in at 5lbs. 3 oz. and is in position, which means she is almost ready (our little over achiever).

Her little feet :)

How I'm Feeling: Mentally and Emotionally, I am starting to feel a rush of emotions from excitement to nervousness to super anxious!



First load of her laundry

Physically, I am ready for this little one to be here. I am ready to be able to lift and move things I use too. Sleeping has become very uncomfortable (which is normal). Bending over is not impossible but lets just say its very difficult, which makes things challenging to the point Id rather just leave whatever I dropped where it is, haha.

Weight Gain/Loss: 23lb weight gain, right on track :)  I won't lie though... I've finally finished writing out my post-pregnancy workouts of for 6 weeks after and I have some new goals too!! I'm ready to become a FIT MOMMA!!

Cravings: Honestly no, at least nothing unusual.

Gender: Baby girl! Which I made sure of at our 35 week sonogram :)

What I Miss: I miss... my body, sleeping comfortable, not having back pain... the list could go on forever but the truth is I wouldn't have it any other way!!!

What I Am Looking Forward Too: Meeting our little one in just a few short weeks & our next check up on Tuesday (36 week appointment).

Other News: We had a bit of a scare this week at our 35 week check up, my blood pressure was extremely high so they sent me to the hospital to be examined for a few hours to ensure that baby and I were ok and that my blood pressure would go back to normal. After several hours the doctors determined that baby is healthy as ever and happy as a clam so I was cleared and released from the doctors care just I was told to RELAX and make sure I am putting my feet up when possible.

Nursery Strides: The nursery is coming together and is almost complete...

Her crib, The quilt was made by my great grandma whom Charlotte will be named after and
I've never used but it seems to fit her room perfectly!

 

 

One of my favorite pieces of her room, her binkies in a vase :)

 

 

Her changing table

34 Weeks

How Far Along:  As always (lately) I am posting this a week late, 34 Weeks Along. Baby girl should be close to weighing in at 5 whole pounds and 20 inches long. She is the size of a cantaloupe.

How I'm Feeling: Mentally and Emotionally, I am ready to meet our little beauty.

 Physically, As I've said before I have had a pretty "easy" pregnancy with no serious complaints, as the countdown gets closer to the BIG day I am having some uncomfortable moments so I'll just share what I'm experiencing maybe you'll be able to relate...

• Braxton hicks (STILL painless and spontaneous).
• Back pain (possibly the way she is positioned)
• VERY Itchy Belly (Due to a growing baby but I am using lots of coconut oil as moisturizer)
• Midnight and 3AM bathroom runs.(Which I think is preparing me for feeding times)
• Heartburn, I've had the entire time. (Hopefully she is born with hair, according to an old wives tale)
• Her movements are much more noticeable which I believe is because she is starting to run out of room in there. (Which would cause me to become anxious and move a lot too)
• INSOMNIA, Pinterest has become my best friend when I can seem to get back to sleep after those bathroom runs or just have trouble falling asleep.
• Vision problems :: Holy crap I though I had blurry vision before pregnancy (which I wear glasses for to drive) but now its all the time, THANKS HORMONES! (The doctor said it will return to normal after she arrives.)
• Leg cramps (YUCK!) I hate these with a passion. ( My friend recommended that I DRINK COCONUT WATER and let me just say if you are getting these go get some... its helps so much!!)

Weight Gain/Loss: I weighed myself on the scale at work last week and it said I am up to 20lb weight gain... (we shall see at my next appointment).


My little baby bump!!

Cravings: No crazy cravings this week...

Gender: Baby girl!

What I Miss: I miss... my body, sleeping comfortable, not having back pain... the list could go on forever but the truth is I wouldn't have it any other way!!!

What I Am Looking Forward Too: Our 35 week sonogram on FRIDAY!









Other News: Our 2nd and last baby shower was this week. It was ABSOLUTELY beautiful and perfect. Charlotte is beyond loved and spoiled already... I'll be sharing more pictures from the shower soon, but here are some highlights!!

Highlights from the shower :)

Our Maternity Pictures

At 34 weeks and a few days, my husband, our furbaby (Maverick), and I ventured off to Pittsburgh for the afternoon/evening on a Tuesday to shoot our maternity pictures. I couldn't wait to share them with you all because I AM IN LOVE with how amazingly beautiful they turned out... considering the weather was so crazy the whole day... one minute it would downpour and the next the sun was shining... thankfully during our shoot the sky was overcast and no rain so it made for the perfect weather!

Our photographer: Alyssa Ann Miller, Be sure to go check out her website HERE. She is
simply the best and I am so thankful to have met her! :)  Also to see more from our shoot check out her blog HERE.

Snapshot of Our Photos :




Our little family!

I've always wanted a picture like this, PERFECT!!!

I am totally framing this photo in her nursery :)

31-33 Weeks and Our GA Baby Shower Highlights!

33 Weeks, Baby is the size of a pineapple. Sorry my belly cut off the "P" in the one picture haha

How Far Along:  At 31 Weeks, baby girl was ranging from 3.5 - 4 lbs and 16 inches long. Also during week our baby girl's all five senses are fully developed and in working order. At 32 Weeks, she's increased in length and weight a good bit this week at 4.2 and 19 inches long. (Which is showing on momma too.) and This week at 33 weeks, starts her gaining phase, gaining a 1/2 pound each week from now until her debut. 

32 Weeks Photo : No chalkboard because of traveling
My wonderful husband took this photo.
 

How I'm Feeling: Mentally and Emotionally, I am feeling great for the most part! I've had some very emotional days last 2 weeks due to being exhausted. Oh and remember that thing called pregnancy brain? Well it has come back into my life full swing hahaha!

Physically, No serious complaints, but I'll share what I'm experiencing...

• Braxton hicks (painless and spontaneous).
• Itchy abdomen (Due to a growing baby but I am using lots of coconut oil as moisturizer)
• Midnight and 3AM bathroom runs.(Which I think is preparing me for feeding times)
• Heartburn, I've had the entire time. (Hopefully she is born with hair, according to an old wives tale)
• Her movements are much more noticeable, to the point my whole belly shakes depending on what she's doing in there, haha.

A few things that have become rather difficult to do lately...

• Bending over and tie my shoes or basically do anything... so lets just say if I drop something its gone forever or at least until Charlotte arrives haha.
• Getting up from lounging on the couch, Andrew usually has to help me up.
• Rolling over to get out of bed.
• Crossing my legs while sitting is over for now.

33 Weeks, More round each day! :)

Weight Gain/Loss: I've gained a total of 15lbs so far. As my co-workers and patients at work say "Hunny are you sure you 8 months along, you are so small but you look amazing!"  I guess that's a good thing but I always reply with "yes I am sure, and don't worry I am gaining more by the day now! :) "

Cravings: Watermelon (this kid LOVES fruit).

Gender: Baby girl! FINALLY found her hospital attire, I was going to buy her these sweet flower headbands for the hospital but instead I found these super adorable knit/cotton flower hats on esty instead :) I cant wait to get them in the mail. (Yes, I must have her looking stylish).

What I Miss: I miss my body, I honestly and sincerely enjoyed pregnancy fully and I am not rushing the next few weeks however I am ready to meet our little girl and get my body back to myself.

What I Am Looking Forward Too: Our baby shower here in PA, our sonogram on the 9th ( I just love being able to see her and knowing she is doing well), and oh yes.... her debut into the world (4 weeks until FULL TERM)!!

OUR GEORGIA BABY SHOWER :: Was absolutely LOVELY and BEAUTIFUL, all thanks to my sweet Mother in law! Charlotte is LOVED and ADORED by so many already!! We also stopped in NC to visit with my husbands step mom and dad (my other mother in law and father in law) since they were unable to attend the shower due to health problems which are on there way to getting better THANK GOODNESS!!! I am just so glad we were able to see them both on our travels.


My husband, Father in Law, and Myself in NC visiting. Super sad Linda (Andrew's step mom
and my other mother in law) was unable to join us in this photo.

Andrew and I before the shower :)



Meet my sister in law (Katie or Aunt K) who is SUPER duper excited to meet her niece!

Becca and I, I am so thankful this wonderful lady could make it to the shower. I feel like we've been friends for years!

My Mother in Law and I <3

"Papa Bear" and I (Yes he made his cup himself, haha



Shower Highlights :) WELCOME CHARLOTTE!!!

30 Weeks

How Far Along: 30 weeks. Our baby is girl is 3lbs and between 16 - 18 inches. However she is still has a lot of growing to do until she makes her entrance into the world. The vegetable/fruit comparison this week is to a head of cabbage which I literally held up at the grocery store this week and giggled.

30 Weeks, Only 10 Weeks to Go! Daddy turned 26 this week.

How I'm Feeling: Emotionally, I am feeling good minus the days where I wake up in this horrible moody mood  (We are definitely having a girl ;) ). I honestly feel so out of control of my emotions and mood sometimes, my poor hubby (who has been so wonderful during this whole pregnancy!)

I am feeling mentally more prepared this week, maybe because we have made huge strides with her nursery plus we bought her stroller and infant car seat (so we can bring her home) :)

Physically, The exhaustion is definitely back in full swing, some days my energy levels go from "I could take on the world" to "UGH! I could sleep all day and still wouldn't have enough energy! " Its so weird, but I've heard its pretty normal.



Taken Sunday April 6th

She "dropped" a bit this week or I guess is making her move to the ready position, which surprised me  A LOT considering I didn't know when this would happen, but on Saturday evening I could feel her moving more than usual but wasn't really sure what she was doing I honestly just thought she was being her normal dancer in there... well when I woke up Sunday morning and looked in the mirror.. I looked at Andrew and said "Babe my belly looks much smaller than yesterday!" and when he agreed I decided to send my mom and a friend a picture to get their input, lol. Sure enough I wasn't going crazy like I thought I was... because they both agreed as well saying "its ok she is just getting ready, which can take a few weeks." Oh and the reason I "thought" my belly was smaller was because she moved from laying stretched out across my belly to starting to move into head down vertical position.  :)

I've started experiencing leg cramps at night this week, which are very uncomfortable and painful at times, there is really no rhyme or reason for them or when they will occur.  And the braxton hicks have been continuing as normal.

I've been using A LOT more coconut oil this week as moisturizer applying it 3 to 4 daily because my skin is SUPER DRY and ITCHY, but the coconut oil is helping a lot, plus you can't beat the benefits of it. I am highly considering using it as Charlottes moisturizer too!



Weight gain/Loss: I will find out on Monday at our 32 week appointment, however I fairly sure I am gaining, at least I feel that way!

Cravings:  My "cravings" this week fruit, popsicles, chocolate, peanut butter, cinnamon.... Easter candy is the devil... dang peanut butter melt away eggs!!

Gender: Girl, Andrew and I are getting very excited to meet our daughter.

What I Miss: Nada! I'm very content!

What I Am Looking Forward To: Our trip to Georgia next week to see our family and friends, have our first baby shower, and enjoy some beautiful sunny weather! :)

Made with love... First Look at Charlotte's Nursery

As many of you know, I love DIY projects. So it shouldn't come to a surprise that almost everything in her room was made by Andrew and I. Which I feel makes her nursery that much more special and unique. Its coming together so nicely and thankfully Andrew is more than happy to help me tackle any project I say I want to do!

My goal was to make her room exactly what I envisioned but on budget and so far its been a huge success! Total cost of her room so far is less than 70.00 dollars, including furniture. We still have a few things left to do but I am sincerely beyond happy with how its coming along.

"Charlotte's room is starting to look nicer than ours." - Andrew

 

 

 

Room View 1

 

Room View 2

Flower Letter DIY Project.

Her DIY shelf (Andrew put together and I designed) & Her DIY Flower C :)

Mavey likes to test our everything, who better than our furbaby right?! ;) Plus I like to include him in this process.  

Andrew and Mavey playing with Charlotte's elephant.


More pictures to come later...

XO - Andrea