Wow! I completely can't keep up with blogging once a week like I originally wanted to, so I'll just do the best I can.
Everything here is fantastic! We are so blessed & love Gracie more & more every day. She's 18 weeks now, but we're switching to months - so she's 4 months! People always try to calculate how old she is if I tell them in weeks, so this is just easier. When I weighed her last week, she was exactly 14lbs. She's growing like a weed & so alert. She giggles, loves to play, picks things up, rolls over & has even started reaching out to "pet" the dogs. They are doing great with her as well.
We have lots of nicknames for her...We're most likely to call her Gracers or Cookie. The whole Cookie name somewhat annoys me because Jared calls her pacifier "cookie" then started calling her Cookie-Girl! Cracks me up because someday, she'll be happy to learn what a real cookie is.
People told me that things would change after she arrived, but it never occurred to me that EVERYTHING changes, not just some things. Priorities are so different now & it really took me having a baby to understand that it's ok if everything on the list doesn't get done. It's ok to say no to friends. And, it's ok to ignore phone calls. I'm not superwoman & not going to try to be! As long as I can spend time with family, I'm happy! Learning this new balance has been a challenge, but it's very rewarding.
This week was my first full time week AT the office & it was ok. Not as emotional as I expected but I think it was good that I was very busy at work so I never had time to twiddle my thumbs & wonder how she was doing for too long. And, our nanny, Courtney, is doing so great with her. She sends me videos & text messages throughout the day with updates. On top of taking care of Gracie & the dogs, she's super helpful with housework. Surprisingly helpful with housework actually, far beyond my expectations but I'm not complaining. Less I have to do then! I am so happy it's the weekend though & love spending time with her. I'd like to wake her up from her nap just so I can talk to her & we can play, but I figure I better let her rest!
It's shocking to me that it's already November, and Gracie is already 4 months old. We'll be looking for her first Christmas dress soon & I can't wait to start shopping for her (don't tell Jared!) The weather has turned cold and it smells like fall and time is passing by so fast.
Hope this update finds you all doing well!
xoxo
Sara
Friday, November 5, 2010
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Gracie - 15 weeks
Well, writing every week hasn't been going so well. Time just goes by so fast! Gracie is 15 weeks old today & it's so amazing to see her grow, develop and change every day. She is very vocal and loves to giggle. Sometimes I swear she's even yelling at the dogs! She's weighing in at 13lbs and wearing 3-6month clothing.
On Sunday 10.10.10 was Gracie's baby dedication at Grace Orlando. It was a beautiful service! Me, Jared, Gracie, Evan (the godfather) and Dana (the godmother) all got on stage while Pastor Mike prayed for Gracie and asked us and the congregation to help raise Gracie in a Christian home & guide us in life. Of course, I was all teary eyed. There were about 14 friends of ours that attended the church service and 25 people came over to our house in the afternoon for the celebration. We all had a great time!
We also hired a full-time nanny, Courtney. She is great with Gracie and the dogs plus she even does light housework. She's working part time until Nov 1 when I'm back in the office full time. She sends me texts throughout the day to keep me posted on what they're doing. It's been a great experience & makes us very happy that Gracie isn't sitting in daycare.
I am shocked that it's already mid-October & can't wait for the holidays. This year will be very different for us as a family in a very good way!
Have a great week!
Sara
On Sunday 10.10.10 was Gracie's baby dedication at Grace Orlando. It was a beautiful service! Me, Jared, Gracie, Evan (the godfather) and Dana (the godmother) all got on stage while Pastor Mike prayed for Gracie and asked us and the congregation to help raise Gracie in a Christian home & guide us in life. Of course, I was all teary eyed. There were about 14 friends of ours that attended the church service and 25 people came over to our house in the afternoon for the celebration. We all had a great time!
We also hired a full-time nanny, Courtney. She is great with Gracie and the dogs plus she even does light housework. She's working part time until Nov 1 when I'm back in the office full time. She sends me texts throughout the day to keep me posted on what they're doing. It's been a great experience & makes us very happy that Gracie isn't sitting in daycare.
I am shocked that it's already mid-October & can't wait for the holidays. This year will be very different for us as a family in a very good way!
Have a great week!
Sara
Thursday, September 23, 2010
11 weeks old today!
Gracie is already 11 weeks old. I can't believe it. It's bitter sweet because that means I'm headed back to work full-time VERY soon, Oct 4 to be exact. So, today we start our transition to a diet of both formula & breast milk. We're using Enfamil Premium per the doctor's recommendation and think there's such an advantage to nursing so I'll continue that as long as I can. Formula though will add a great convenience while we're on the run.
October is already looking like a very busy month. On Oct 10, Gracie will attend our church's baby dedication service where she is dedicated to God. It's similar to a baptism, without the holy water & Christian's believe that a child doesn't have to be baptized to be "saved" if something horrific happens to him or her. Gracie will then grow up & make the choice to be baptized on her own. Many children at our church make this choice between the ages of 8-10 years old. We've done a lot of research about it & are very happy with our Pastor, church & very educated friends on this topic. After the baby dedication during the 1015 service, we're having a luncheon at our home to celebrate our decision to raise Gracie in a Christian home. Evan, Gracie's godfather, is also making the trip from PA & we're excited for him to meet her.
This week the plan is to catch up on housework, laundry & also put a TON of photos of Gracie I just got in the mail (408 to be exact) into albums. I fear if I don't keep up with this, I'll never do it. Hey, it only took me 4 years to get our wedding photos in an album LOL!
Have a nice weekend everyone!
Sara
October is already looking like a very busy month. On Oct 10, Gracie will attend our church's baby dedication service where she is dedicated to God. It's similar to a baptism, without the holy water & Christian's believe that a child doesn't have to be baptized to be "saved" if something horrific happens to him or her. Gracie will then grow up & make the choice to be baptized on her own. Many children at our church make this choice between the ages of 8-10 years old. We've done a lot of research about it & are very happy with our Pastor, church & very educated friends on this topic. After the baby dedication during the 1015 service, we're having a luncheon at our home to celebrate our decision to raise Gracie in a Christian home. Evan, Gracie's godfather, is also making the trip from PA & we're excited for him to meet her.
This week the plan is to catch up on housework, laundry & also put a TON of photos of Gracie I just got in the mail (408 to be exact) into albums. I fear if I don't keep up with this, I'll never do it. Hey, it only took me 4 years to get our wedding photos in an album LOL!
Have a nice weekend everyone!
Sara
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
It's been a while!
Well, Gracie is almost 10 weeks old now & I can't believe it. She's so amazing & I love watching her grow everyday.
We have successfully learned to venture out quite a bit on our own to go to Publix, Target & lunch with friends. Gracie is amazing & usually sleeps. We've only had one break down in Target. I was a bit embarrassed at first to be honest, but what can you do!
Last week we took our first family vacation to Daytona Beach! Jared's client hooked us up with a suite with a huge terrace, kitchen & living room. Way beyond what we needed or could afford. We realized though we needed the space - bottles, blankets, towels, the stroller, her travel bed & so much more. For once, I wasn't the one that took the most stuff!
Here is a link to some of the beach pics: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=81898&id=1452882215&l=bdc62cf1d2
Since I'm a busy body, I did start working from home part time about 3 weeks ago. I go in to the office about once a week & work 15-20 hours. I'm loving the adult communications & realized I missed thinking! But, it's bitter sweet. I'm back to work full time on Oct 4, which I realize is just a few weeks away. I'll miss seeing Gracie every hour of every day, but know she'll be alright. There's an advantage to daycare & interacting with other kids, but I'm not ready for her to go there yet...which I thought I would be. Maybe this whole motherhood thing has changed me. Now, I'm just a big, emotional softy! How long can I blame the hormones?
Overall, we're adjusting very well. And, we're very lucky. Since Gracie was 6 weeks old, she's slept through the night (1030pm or 11pm until 530am or 6am) every night but one. I probably just jinxed it for tonight, but that'd be ok. In the morning, I typically wake her up & she just smiles at me. It's the best sight!
Hope you are all doing well & we thank you for reading our blog. I'm going to do a better job updating, I promise!
Love,
Sara, Jared, Gracie & the hounds
We have successfully learned to venture out quite a bit on our own to go to Publix, Target & lunch with friends. Gracie is amazing & usually sleeps. We've only had one break down in Target. I was a bit embarrassed at first to be honest, but what can you do!
Last week we took our first family vacation to Daytona Beach! Jared's client hooked us up with a suite with a huge terrace, kitchen & living room. Way beyond what we needed or could afford. We realized though we needed the space - bottles, blankets, towels, the stroller, her travel bed & so much more. For once, I wasn't the one that took the most stuff!
Here is a link to some of the beach pics: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=81898&id=1452882215&l=bdc62cf1d2
Since I'm a busy body, I did start working from home part time about 3 weeks ago. I go in to the office about once a week & work 15-20 hours. I'm loving the adult communications & realized I missed thinking! But, it's bitter sweet. I'm back to work full time on Oct 4, which I realize is just a few weeks away. I'll miss seeing Gracie every hour of every day, but know she'll be alright. There's an advantage to daycare & interacting with other kids, but I'm not ready for her to go there yet...which I thought I would be. Maybe this whole motherhood thing has changed me. Now, I'm just a big, emotional softy! How long can I blame the hormones?
Overall, we're adjusting very well. And, we're very lucky. Since Gracie was 6 weeks old, she's slept through the night (1030pm or 11pm until 530am or 6am) every night but one. I probably just jinxed it for tonight, but that'd be ok. In the morning, I typically wake her up & she just smiles at me. It's the best sight!
Hope you are all doing well & we thank you for reading our blog. I'm going to do a better job updating, I promise!
Love,
Sara, Jared, Gracie & the hounds
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Our Birth Story
Well, our nearly 39 week appt didn't go exactly as planned on June 29. We were expecting to go in, have the sonogram, be shocked at how big they thought she was and get our induction date for the following week. The sonogram was good. The tech estimated Gracie at 7lbs 11oz and noticed the amniotic fluid was low. When we got into see Dr. Thatcher, she entered and said "Surprise! You're going to the hospital today!"
After our jaws lifted off the ground, we headed home, got our things together, made phone calls and made final arrangements for the dogs. We arrived at Winnie Palmer Hospital around noon & we were admitted. The rest is an amazing adventure we'll never forget...
Tuesday, June 29
815am Sonogram
9am Dr Thatcher appt - found out we're going to the hospital!
10am - home to pack
Noon - arrived at Winnie Palmer Hospital
2pm - I was induced with cervidel, a drug that is time released for 12 hours.
6pm - I started having contractions
Overnight - contractions 2-4 minutes apart, but only 2cm dilated
Wednesday, June 30
7am - given medication to slow down contractions so dilation could catch up
730am - second round of cervidel given
230pm - moved to Labor & Delivery - at this point I was sure she'd arrive overnight! Stronger contractions, dilation progressing. On the right path.
7pm - thank God for epidurals!
Overnight - contractions continued & dilated to 9cm
Thursday, July 1
745am - Dr Thatcher came in to check me & I had gone backwards. Cervix was swollen & we were back to 7cm. I was not happy. She informed us that it was time to consider alternative means to the delivery - that's doctor speak for "you'll need a c-section". ARGH!!!!
After the tears, I realized that the only thing that mattered was that Gracie arrived safely. If a c-section was necessary then so be it. I thought of my motto "life's tough, but I'm tougher". Somehow it wasn't very consoling at the time. They quickly switched over the epidural medication to something that made me numb from the chest down & prepped me for surgery. I thought, surgery?!?! Wasn't planning on that this week! Here I had planned to finish cleaning the house in preparation for Gracie's arrival!
Having a c-section was not in the birth plan. In fact, I skipped that chapter in the "What to Expect when you're Expecting" book. Though I logically know that the birth plan has to be versatile, I was ok with lots of things changing, but ultimately not interested in a c-section.
About 10 years ago I had an intestinal resection due to Crohn's Disease. I had about a foot of my intestines removed and recovery was very difficult. The thought of a c-section reminded me of this hard time and something I definitely didn't want to repeat. Moreover, the thought of not holding our baby right away always tore me apart. I think this is why I never considered it for us.
Around 815am we were prepped and off to the OR! Once everyone and everything was set up, they let Jared come in. I remember being VERY cold, to the point my teeth were chattering & feeling some tugging on my stomach. I kept repeating to Jared to go with Gracie as soon as she arrived & to take lots of pictures. I didn't want to miss a moment of her first few moments of life!
Dr Thatcher asked Dr Scott, a partner at her practice, to join in on the c-section because of the intestinal resection. No one was certain as to what they'd find in there after all these years. The surgery started & after only a few short minutes, we heard Gracie cry for the first time. We both teared up and off Jared went to see her. What seemed like an eternity later, Gracie was all wrapped up like a burrito & brought over to see me! A nurse snapped a few photos of the 3 of us as a family & just moments later Jared & Gracie were off to the recovery room.
At this point, I was very out of it. The surgery was really taking a toll on me & I could barely stay awake. The anesthesiologist was asking me questions like "What color is the nursery?" just so I would say something. Still very cold and feeling like I was having some crazy out of body experience, I just laid there thinking of Jared, Gracie & the dogs - excited for our new life!
After about an hour, Dr Thatcher came around the curtain & said that she used the same incision doctors 10 years earlier created. That is a vertical incision and she explained that even so, my uterus is cut horizontally. They took out the old scar tissue & some other scar tissue inside my body.
While I was getting put back together Jared called our parents & let them know what had happened & that Gracie had arrived! A healthy baby girl!
Gracyn Paige Lamason
July 1, 2010
8:46am
20.50 inches long
7lbs 5oz
I got wheeled into recovery & finally got to really hold Gracie. I just took apart all of her blankets, counted her fingers & toes. Though I didn't know it at the time, it was the most defining moment of my life to date. There I was - with a great man and a beautiful and healthy baby girl! Seriously, what more could one ask for?
The next few days in the hospital were spent with a few visitors and mostly just Jared & I being in awe that we created a new life. And, that she was finally here! We were cleared to leave the hospital on Saturday morning & were released Saturday afternoon.
The nursing staff at Winnie Palmer Hospital is incredible. In antepartum (the first 1.5 days) the nurses were very supportive & always explained what was happening. In labor & delivery, the anesthesiologist was very nice, professional, caring and I was shocked how little getting the epidural actually hurt. Amanda, our labor & delivery nurse for the overnight shift 6.30 into 7.1 was fabulous. There was a shift change as we were going into the OR and she stayed til we got to the OR and really made us feel like she truly cared about our situation. At no point were we a number. We were always people that were being cared for by professionals that love their jobs.
Camp Lammy...
C-section = no steps. no driving. no lifting anything heavier than the baby.
For the first week we slept downstairs at Camp Lammy. Jared moved the bassinet, glider & all of our supplies so that I wouldn't have to do the steps - other than to shower of course. It was convenient that's for sure!
Recovery...
Recovery from the c-section has been a challenge. I struggle with the fact there was no "here's your baby!" big moment after delivery & that my insides hurt no matter what I do. Thinking back I'm not confident I would've had enough energy to push after more than 36 hours of laboring anyway. I just try to remember that everything happens for a reason and as long as Gracie is healthy, I'd go through as many surgeries as needed.
I went to the doctor Wednesday & got my staples removed. Since, I have been feeling better each day. Still taking it easy overall and not pushing myself. We moved back upstairs yesterday & sleeping in my own bed is incredible - even if Jared has to push me to sit me up.
Gracie went to her first pediatrician appt on Tuesday & is doing great. I was worried that she wasn't eating enough, but she is! She's very strong & nearly rolled herself over on the table during her exam. We go back on Wednesday for her second check up.
Jared has been, and is, the most amazing husband. He is handling the housework, helping with Gracie and just loves spending time with her. Being home is very different from the life I was leading at work, but different in a good way. I'm still adjusting to it, but happy I get to wake up and look at a beautiful, healthy girl each day.
All & all, things didn't go as planned - but I guess that's our life now!
Thank you so much for following along during our pregnancy & helping us welcome Gracyn into the world. I'll keep updating the blog and share lots of stories about Gracie as she grows!
Photos from Gracie's first moments:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=62698&id=1452882215&l=2208c3c899
Love,
Jared, Sara, Gracyn Paige & the hound dawgs
newborn photos courtesy of Kelly Jeck
www.kellyjeck.com
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Wishing and Waiting
Today is 38 weeks! YEE HAW!
Tuesday was our appt with Dr. Thatcher. She said everything is great, Gracie has a strong heart beat & just needs to move down a little further. She explained that this could happen very quickly or in a few days or weeks. Our next appt is Tuesday 6/29 where they'll make a decision about inducing me, based on how big she is on the ultrasound. We're still hoping that she'll arrive on her own though.
Tomorrow is my last day of work. I'm both excited & sad. I realized that I've had a job since I was 12 years old, even if it was just a summer job for a few years until I was 16. I'm going to miss the everyday challenges of business and the overall addiction to chaos, but I'm VERY excited to learn how to be a mom and spend time with Gracie for a few months.
This weekend, it's time to rest & relax by the pool. I'm sure I'll be wondering what I'm supposed to do with myself on Monday...
Tuesday was our appt with Dr. Thatcher. She said everything is great, Gracie has a strong heart beat & just needs to move down a little further. She explained that this could happen very quickly or in a few days or weeks. Our next appt is Tuesday 6/29 where they'll make a decision about inducing me, based on how big she is on the ultrasound. We're still hoping that she'll arrive on her own though.
Tomorrow is my last day of work. I'm both excited & sad. I realized that I've had a job since I was 12 years old, even if it was just a summer job for a few years until I was 16. I'm going to miss the everyday challenges of business and the overall addiction to chaos, but I'm VERY excited to learn how to be a mom and spend time with Gracie for a few months.
This weekend, it's time to rest & relax by the pool. I'm sure I'll be wondering what I'm supposed to do with myself on Monday...
Sunday, June 20, 2010
37 weeks 3 days
Well, time is really flying by now. So many people have said that the last 4 weeks go very slow, but I don't think that's the case. Maybe it's because I'm still working full time or we were a bit behind schedule due to the move getting things ready...It's a little alarming though seeing the floating baby widget say 18 days!
Overall, I'm still feeling really good. Not sleeping as much and have to pee every 30 seconds. Swollen feet. But all & all, I couldn't have asked for a better pregnancy. At the end of the day, all we need is a healthy baby girl!
Yesterday, a good friend Kelly Jeck, came over & took some amazing photos. She's breaking into maternity photography, but I think she's already a pro. There are a few photos below, but you can see them all at www.kellyjeck.com/lamason
We are so thankful that Jim with MacBeth Photography and Kelly were willing to document this amazing process for us!
We've spent the last week working, cleaning and the normal stuff. Today, I make turkey chili so we'd have something to eat once we're home from the hospital - it's a new recipe so we'll see how that goes. I also baked Hilary's Cinnamon Banana Apple Muffins, I renamed them Hil :) and can't wait for them to cool down. You can get the recipe at www.hilarywyatt.wordpress.com.
Hilary is so amazing & set up a Take Them A Meal so our friends can sign up to help us with dinners once we get home from the hospital. So thankful for this! I think cooking will be the last thing I want to worry about once we're getting settled.
The best news of the week is that Grammy has decided to fly!!! We are so excited about her making the trip with my mom. I'm very happy that she'll get to meet Gracie right away.
Well, have a good week! I'm off to try out these muffins! Next appt is Tuesday and I'll let you know how things are going then.
Thanks for reading!
Sara
Overall, I'm still feeling really good. Not sleeping as much and have to pee every 30 seconds. Swollen feet. But all & all, I couldn't have asked for a better pregnancy. At the end of the day, all we need is a healthy baby girl!
Yesterday, a good friend Kelly Jeck, came over & took some amazing photos. She's breaking into maternity photography, but I think she's already a pro. There are a few photos below, but you can see them all at www.kellyjeck.com/lamason
We are so thankful that Jim with MacBeth Photography and Kelly were willing to document this amazing process for us!
We've spent the last week working, cleaning and the normal stuff. Today, I make turkey chili so we'd have something to eat once we're home from the hospital - it's a new recipe so we'll see how that goes. I also baked Hilary's Cinnamon Banana Apple Muffins, I renamed them Hil :) and can't wait for them to cool down. You can get the recipe at www.hilarywyatt.wordpress.com.
Hilary is so amazing & set up a Take Them A Meal so our friends can sign up to help us with dinners once we get home from the hospital. So thankful for this! I think cooking will be the last thing I want to worry about once we're getting settled.
The best news of the week is that Grammy has decided to fly!!! We are so excited about her making the trip with my mom. I'm very happy that she'll get to meet Gracie right away.
Well, have a good week! I'm off to try out these muffins! Next appt is Tuesday and I'll let you know how things are going then.
Thanks for reading!
Sara
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Big Baby Lammy
It's official, Gracyn is going to be a big baby - or so the doctor and sonogram technician say. We had a sonogram this morning & they said she is 6lbs 10 oz right now at 35 weeks 5 days. Overall, they said it's pretty accurate but could be a pound off either way. That's fine by me if she's a pound less!
As far as the due date goes, it's still July 8 but we're to be prepared & ready to go to the hospital at any time. I am 50% effaced but don't have any contractions yet. We packed the diaper bag & hospital bag (mostly) over the weekend. I even installed the car seat in my car! I'm not guaranteeing it's in there correctly, but luckily, the hospital will check it for us before we're allowed to leave.
I'm hoping she can hold out until after June 20 so we have just a little more time! And, definitely don't want her to be born on our anniversary or birthdays as I already have to share with so many people!
Here are my 35 week pictures courtesy of MacBeth Photography: www.macbethphoto.com/clients/lamason/20100603
It's a big birthday for Jared this year. The big 3-0. He's not taking it very well, so we'll pretend he's 29 again :) I wish I was in a better condition to take him out or throw a big party for him but I can barely make it through the work day & typically have my pajamas on by 7pm anymore. Not a whole lot of fun!
The only thing we have to do this weekend is volunteer at the buff & puff where we help wash the senior bassets & beagles. Jared will be doing the work, I'll be petting the dogs! Other than that, I plan on going to the pool & relaxing! I think that we have earned it for our birthday weekend since we're not young bucks anymore!
Have a great week everyone & thanks for reading!
Sara
As far as the due date goes, it's still July 8 but we're to be prepared & ready to go to the hospital at any time. I am 50% effaced but don't have any contractions yet. We packed the diaper bag & hospital bag (mostly) over the weekend. I even installed the car seat in my car! I'm not guaranteeing it's in there correctly, but luckily, the hospital will check it for us before we're allowed to leave.
I'm hoping she can hold out until after June 20 so we have just a little more time! And, definitely don't want her to be born on our anniversary or birthdays as I already have to share with so many people!
Here are my 35 week pictures courtesy of MacBeth Photography: www.macbethphoto.com/clients/lamason/20100603
It's a big birthday for Jared this year. The big 3-0. He's not taking it very well, so we'll pretend he's 29 again :) I wish I was in a better condition to take him out or throw a big party for him but I can barely make it through the work day & typically have my pajamas on by 7pm anymore. Not a whole lot of fun!
The only thing we have to do this weekend is volunteer at the buff & puff where we help wash the senior bassets & beagles. Jared will be doing the work, I'll be petting the dogs! Other than that, I plan on going to the pool & relaxing! I think that we have earned it for our birthday weekend since we're not young bucks anymore!
Have a great week everyone & thanks for reading!
Sara
Monday, May 31, 2010
Nursery is Ready!
After opening countless gifts (thank you all!), clipping those annoying plastic things from the outfits & doing laundry for a week, we're as ready as we can be for Gracie's arrival! This weekend we went to Target & Babies R Us to get the necessities off the registry that we didn't receive so we'd have everything here & not have to worry about running out right after she is born. Jared was a trooper & I think he even enjoyed pushing the cart!
Here is the link to the nursery photos:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=59282&id=1452882215&l=b03c35364a
Jared even put together the stroller this weekend. Started out a little rough, but he figured it out! All we have left to do is install the car seats in both cars & I need to pack my hospital bag. Those are easy tasks for this week.
I feel relieved that everything is as prepared as possible. Now, we just have to hope that the hospital gives us a manual and take home instructions. We realized this week that neither of us have ever changed a diaper! Yes, please laugh! We did! I did receive the What to Expect the First Year book so I guess I should start reading that.
Our appt this week is on Thursday morning. Anxious to see if we're still tracking big and hoping that Dr. Thatcher will still want to do an ultrasound.
Have a great week & I'll post another update Thursday night.
xoxoxo
Sara
Here is the link to the nursery photos:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=59282&id=1452882215&l=b03c35364a
Jared even put together the stroller this weekend. Started out a little rough, but he figured it out! All we have left to do is install the car seats in both cars & I need to pack my hospital bag. Those are easy tasks for this week.
I feel relieved that everything is as prepared as possible. Now, we just have to hope that the hospital gives us a manual and take home instructions. We realized this week that neither of us have ever changed a diaper! Yes, please laugh! We did! I did receive the What to Expect the First Year book so I guess I should start reading that.
Our appt this week is on Thursday morning. Anxious to see if we're still tracking big and hoping that Dr. Thatcher will still want to do an ultrasound.
Have a great week & I'll post another update Thursday night.
xoxoxo
Sara
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
33 weeks 4 days
Yup, we’re now counting weeks AND days I guess! Saw Dr. Thatcher Monday morning, my “doctor rotation” is finally over! When the nurse was trying to get a heartbeat reading with their hand held doppler radar device, Gracie was not cooperating & the nurse even asked her, out loud, to “be a good girl”. I couldn’t help but laugh. Guess she’s going to be a stubborn one - nothing like me of course!
When she finally did cooperate, her heartbeat was 157, just perfect. Though we were at 33 weeks 4 days Monday, we measured 35 weeks. Gracie is approx. 4.5 - 5lbs now and Dr. Thatcher expects her to be between 8-8.5 lbs if we make it full term. I made her promise that she’ll induce me before we get to 8.5lbs!
Our next appt is on Thursday June 3. At that time, Dr. Thatcher will have a better idea of timeline and her size. They will most likely do an ultrasound as well.
Things are finally settling down & we’re hoping to begin a sense of normalcy at our new home. The dogs are definitely settled in and are doing great with the steps.
On Saturday, Dana, Kristy & Hilary hosted an AMAZING baby shower for us. I couldn't have asked for anything more. They thought of every detail. A wreath made of receiving blankets & pacifiers, a slide show of baby pics of me & Jared, fantastic food, refreshing drinks and a station for guests to make onesies for baby Gracie. My mom made the trip from PA and so happy that she got to share that day with us! Jared's mom, aunt & cousin also came down from PA to surprise me. I was very surprised & thrilled they attended!
We received a lot of gifts and are so thankful. This weekend we plan on going to get the other items we need before her arrival.
Here's a link to some pics:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=58709&id=1452882215&l=3d6236b042
How am I feeling? Really excited and nervous at the same time.
How do I look? More pregnant than I ever imagined possible.
What am I craving? Chocolate, peanut butter and coffee.
What do I miss? Having regular sized feet - between massive amounts of water retention and the heat, my feet hurt & are extremely swollen.
What am I looking forward to? Finishing all of the laundry & getting the nursery set up. I'm pretty sure Gracie has more clothes than me & Jared combined!
Weight gain? Not keeping track anymore.
Discovery of the week? Time is running out & we need to watch the child birth videos so we can be as prepared as possible.
Things I'm thankful for? Our friends & family. For support, attending the shower, the many wonderful gifts & everything you will do for us in the future.
Have a great week! Thanks for reading!
Love,
Sara
When she finally did cooperate, her heartbeat was 157, just perfect. Though we were at 33 weeks 4 days Monday, we measured 35 weeks. Gracie is approx. 4.5 - 5lbs now and Dr. Thatcher expects her to be between 8-8.5 lbs if we make it full term. I made her promise that she’ll induce me before we get to 8.5lbs!
Our next appt is on Thursday June 3. At that time, Dr. Thatcher will have a better idea of timeline and her size. They will most likely do an ultrasound as well.
Things are finally settling down & we’re hoping to begin a sense of normalcy at our new home. The dogs are definitely settled in and are doing great with the steps.
On Saturday, Dana, Kristy & Hilary hosted an AMAZING baby shower for us. I couldn't have asked for anything more. They thought of every detail. A wreath made of receiving blankets & pacifiers, a slide show of baby pics of me & Jared, fantastic food, refreshing drinks and a station for guests to make onesies for baby Gracie. My mom made the trip from PA and so happy that she got to share that day with us! Jared's mom, aunt & cousin also came down from PA to surprise me. I was very surprised & thrilled they attended!
We received a lot of gifts and are so thankful. This weekend we plan on going to get the other items we need before her arrival.
Here's a link to some pics:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=58709&id=1452882215&l=3d6236b042
How am I feeling? Really excited and nervous at the same time.
How do I look? More pregnant than I ever imagined possible.
What am I craving? Chocolate, peanut butter and coffee.
What do I miss? Having regular sized feet - between massive amounts of water retention and the heat, my feet hurt & are extremely swollen.
What am I looking forward to? Finishing all of the laundry & getting the nursery set up. I'm pretty sure Gracie has more clothes than me & Jared combined!
Weight gain? Not keeping track anymore.
Discovery of the week? Time is running out & we need to watch the child birth videos so we can be as prepared as possible.
Things I'm thankful for? Our friends & family. For support, attending the shower, the many wonderful gifts & everything you will do for us in the future.
Have a great week! Thanks for reading!
Love,
Sara
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Week 32
Ok, only 8 more weeks to go. Yup, kind of freaking out about it. We moved in our new home over the weekend & are mostly unpacked. Thankfully, my dad came down to help us for a few days. We got a ton of projects done & are very happy to be here. The dogs learned to go up & down the steps pretty quickly. I think it'll be good for their exercise plan! And, hoping it works for me too! Our fence is getting installed tomorrow morning.
All of the nursery furniture has arrived so Jared gets to spend the weekend putting it together! hehe
Jim from MacBeth Photography is so kind & is still taking my photo every couple of weeks. Here is a link to all the shots and a few highlights are below!
Week 32: www.macbethphoto.com/clients/lamason/20100512
All of the nursery furniture has arrived so Jared gets to spend the weekend putting it together! hehe
Jim from MacBeth Photography is so kind & is still taking my photo every couple of weeks. Here is a link to all the shots and a few highlights are below!
Week 32: www.macbethphoto.com/clients/lamason/20100512
Monday, April 26, 2010
T-10 weeks 1 day
Wow! I'm behind on posting. It's been a busy couple of weeks. We closed on our new home last Tuesday. It's still unreal to us. I can't believe the journey it took to get us to where we are, but it was well worth it. We've been getting estimates on flooring and looking at paint samples so we can get some things done before the big moving day. This new house is truly a home. A place where Gracie will be able to grow up in a very safe community and go to a great school. It's more than big enough for us so when you come to visit, you'll laugh at the lack of formal living room & formal dining room furniture we have. At least we have lots of dog beds!
We painted 2 coats in the nursery yesterday. Don't worry - low VOC paint is ok for me. I asked the doctor! And, we have a fan. It's pink & brown. In theory the concept of painting 2 colors was better than it actually turned out, but we'll see what it looks like when the 2nd coat dries. We decided that at the very least Gracie will know that we painted it with love even though it's not perfect!
We're going to move on May 8th. Lined up some people to help us get the big stuff over there & luckily my dad is coming down for a few days to help us with things we don't know how to do. Here are 2 pics of the new house. Everything is white inside so it's hard to differentiate the rooms. I'll post some interior pics when we have paint on the walls & furniture in place.
Back to the reason you all read this - baby Gracie! She's moving around a lot. My next appt is early next week. We have 10 weeks & 1 day until my due date. Time is really flying by!
How am I feeling? BIG! Oh, and excited of course!
How do I look? "Ready to pop" still, according to strangers. At least no one has reached for my belly. Would rather not have to smack anyone.
What am I craving? More time! haha
What do I miss? Being able to squeeze through a doorway or reach for something on the top shelf without worrying about hitting my belly.
What am I looking forward to? Getting the nursery furniture so we can set it up & move all of baby Gracie's stuff in.
Weight gain? No comment. (But, according to the doctor, still on track)
Discovery of the week? Same as last time...That we're quickly running out of time to prepare!
Things I'm thankful for? Believing in the impossible. Knowing that everything will be ok one way or another & being truly blessed in so many ways!
As always, thanks for reading!
Sara :)
We painted 2 coats in the nursery yesterday. Don't worry - low VOC paint is ok for me. I asked the doctor! And, we have a fan. It's pink & brown. In theory the concept of painting 2 colors was better than it actually turned out, but we'll see what it looks like when the 2nd coat dries. We decided that at the very least Gracie will know that we painted it with love even though it's not perfect!
We're going to move on May 8th. Lined up some people to help us get the big stuff over there & luckily my dad is coming down for a few days to help us with things we don't know how to do. Here are 2 pics of the new house. Everything is white inside so it's hard to differentiate the rooms. I'll post some interior pics when we have paint on the walls & furniture in place.
Back to the reason you all read this - baby Gracie! She's moving around a lot. My next appt is early next week. We have 10 weeks & 1 day until my due date. Time is really flying by!
How am I feeling? BIG! Oh, and excited of course!
How do I look? "Ready to pop" still, according to strangers. At least no one has reached for my belly. Would rather not have to smack anyone.
What am I craving? More time! haha
What do I miss? Being able to squeeze through a doorway or reach for something on the top shelf without worrying about hitting my belly.
What am I looking forward to? Getting the nursery furniture so we can set it up & move all of baby Gracie's stuff in.
Weight gain? No comment. (But, according to the doctor, still on track)
Discovery of the week? Same as last time...That we're quickly running out of time to prepare!
Things I'm thankful for? Believing in the impossible. Knowing that everything will be ok one way or another & being truly blessed in so many ways!
As always, thanks for reading!
Sara :)
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Week 28 - Last trimester has arrived!
Got a hold of the doctor yesterday...glucose test was "normal"! Not really sure what that means but we'll take it! I go back again Monday for my regular check up. Can't wait to see the scale. HAHA!
We're now on the every other week appts plan until the end of May then we start going every week. At least I work pretty close to the office so it's a quick trip! And, there are only 12 short weeks to go! We've been getting some presents at the house, which I love! All this great stuff is coming in for Gracyn. Now, we just need to figure out how to put it together then determine how it works ;)
A few week 28 photos are below, courtesy of Jim Hobart with MacBeth Photography.
To see all the images...
Week 28 click here: www.macbethphoto.com/clients/lamason/20100412
Week 25 click here: www.macbethphoto.com/clients/lamason/20100322
Please join the MacBeth Photography fanpage on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Orlando-FL/Macbeth-Photography/215374798029?ref=ts
Have a great week!
We're now on the every other week appts plan until the end of May then we start going every week. At least I work pretty close to the office so it's a quick trip! And, there are only 12 short weeks to go! We've been getting some presents at the house, which I love! All this great stuff is coming in for Gracyn. Now, we just need to figure out how to put it together then determine how it works ;)
A few week 28 photos are below, courtesy of Jim Hobart with MacBeth Photography.
To see all the images...
Week 28 click here: www.macbethphoto.com/clients/lamason/20100412
Week 25 click here: www.macbethphoto.com/clients/lamason/20100322
Please join the MacBeth Photography fanpage on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Orlando-FL/Macbeth-Photography/215374798029?ref=ts
Have a great week!
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Beautiful Spring Weekend
It has been a beautiful weekend here in Orlando! Today I went to a Folk Art Festival & had some lunch on Park Ave with Dana. We stopped at two super cute baby stores - not that we can afford the high end stuff, but it sure was fun to window shop & eat lunch outside. The guy next to us at the cafe had a black bunny on a leash - that was comical & we didn't really know what to think. That's the second time I've seen people put their bunny on a leash, strange to me, but to each his own!
Jared has been parked in front of the TV for the Master's so I've been organizing & cleaning! Regardless of where we live, we need to make room for Gracie & her massive amounts of stuff! On Thursday we received the first approval from the underwriter. That was VERY exciting. I'm taking it with a grain of salt even though we have a commitment letter from the lender. They did ask for a few more documents, which were submitted Thursday & now we wait til Monday or Tuesday. The seller wants us to close on Friday so if all goes well (cross your fingers!) we'll be able to make that. Either way, we need to get a move on with the nursery!
How am I feeling?
Still feel pretty good. However, I'm not sleeping very well & having a LOT of acid reflux/heart burn. I'm staying away from the foods on the 'to avoid' list, but that's not helping. I still have the cough, but it's going away slowly.
How do I look?
Very pregnant according to tons of strangers.
Milestones
Still having lots of movement which is fun! I wonder what she's doing in there.
What am I craving?
Nothing really this week.
Aversions?
Still some vegetables. Thank goodness for V-8 juice!
What do I miss?
Being able to lift & move stuff on my own. I've been very reliant on Jared, but he's a great helper without me even having to ask.
What am I looking forward to?
A few things this week...First, meeting baby Gracie! I've been wondering what she looks like - especially because we don't have any more ultrasounds scheduled. Next, having my mom here for the baby shower! Very excited to see her & share that important day. And finally, getting the nursery furniture! I'm hoping we can order it very soon so we can attempt to assemble it without injuring each other ;)
Weight gain?
HOLY MOLY! 24lbs. I told the nurse I thought the scale was broken, she laughed at me. Why does she always do that?!?! The doctor said it's normal & all in my belly + some water retention in my legs & feet. Thinking I'll probably gain another 10-15lbs. Really hoping we get the new house so I can get a treadmill!
Discovery of the week?
That we're quickly running out of time to prepare!
Things I'm thankful for?
Great friends & family who have been listening, praying, wishing & hoping for us to get the house. And, thankful that the pregnancy is going well of course!
Have a great week! As soon as I hear about the results from the glucose test, I'll post.
Lots of Love,
Sara
Jared has been parked in front of the TV for the Master's so I've been organizing & cleaning! Regardless of where we live, we need to make room for Gracie & her massive amounts of stuff! On Thursday we received the first approval from the underwriter. That was VERY exciting. I'm taking it with a grain of salt even though we have a commitment letter from the lender. They did ask for a few more documents, which were submitted Thursday & now we wait til Monday or Tuesday. The seller wants us to close on Friday so if all goes well (cross your fingers!) we'll be able to make that. Either way, we need to get a move on with the nursery!
How am I feeling?
Still feel pretty good. However, I'm not sleeping very well & having a LOT of acid reflux/heart burn. I'm staying away from the foods on the 'to avoid' list, but that's not helping. I still have the cough, but it's going away slowly.
How do I look?
Very pregnant according to tons of strangers.
Milestones
Still having lots of movement which is fun! I wonder what she's doing in there.
What am I craving?
Nothing really this week.
Aversions?
Still some vegetables. Thank goodness for V-8 juice!
What do I miss?
Being able to lift & move stuff on my own. I've been very reliant on Jared, but he's a great helper without me even having to ask.
What am I looking forward to?
A few things this week...First, meeting baby Gracie! I've been wondering what she looks like - especially because we don't have any more ultrasounds scheduled. Next, having my mom here for the baby shower! Very excited to see her & share that important day. And finally, getting the nursery furniture! I'm hoping we can order it very soon so we can attempt to assemble it without injuring each other ;)
Weight gain?
HOLY MOLY! 24lbs. I told the nurse I thought the scale was broken, she laughed at me. Why does she always do that?!?! The doctor said it's normal & all in my belly + some water retention in my legs & feet. Thinking I'll probably gain another 10-15lbs. Really hoping we get the new house so I can get a treadmill!
Discovery of the week?
That we're quickly running out of time to prepare!
Things I'm thankful for?
Great friends & family who have been listening, praying, wishing & hoping for us to get the house. And, thankful that the pregnancy is going well of course!
Have a great week! As soon as I hear about the results from the glucose test, I'll post.
Lots of Love,
Sara
Monday, April 5, 2010
Week 27
So far week 27 isn't going so well. I caught the office funk last week, can't stop coughing and now Jared is achy and has a fever. I'm sure the baby loves me hacking up my lungs all night long. I'm very lucky that I can work from home & everyone at the office is very supportive of me getting healthy - and fast! Jared, however, went to work even though I told him to stay home.
Yesterday was my 27 week check up and glucose test. I had to drink 5oz of super sweet fruit punch then while I had to wait for 1 hour for the drink to take effect, I saw the doctor. Since Dr. Thatcher works with other folks there & whomever is on call delivers you, yesterday started the meet & greet of other doctors at the practice. They did the belly measurement & said I was measuring 26 weeks, my weight gain was on track and he had to try a few times to get her heartbeat. Every time he put the wand on my belly, she'd move away. She was not interested in cooperating! After I saw the doctor, I had to wait a bit longer then they took my blood. They'll call with the results in a few days.
Gracie is an active baby! She likes to move around and kick/punch me. Jared is still calling her The Little Gremlin. He says she's going to be a soccer player. I said she'll be a cheerleader!
The REALLY funny thing happened when I was leaving. Well, not that funny. After JUST being told that I'm on track & measuring nicely, some woman sitting near the door says "Aren't you cute!?! You look like you're going to pop any second!" Now, you're thinking this had to be an old lady right? Maybe someone that doesn't have kids? Nope! Calmly I turned and said, "Yeah, in about 13 weeks." She continued to tell me that she's 30 weeks and not as big as I am. I wanted to say - "Well, that's because you gained weight all over your body & you're bigger than me to begin with. You just hide it better." Instead, I politely said "I gained all of my weight in my belly. Good luck!"
Oh then it gets better. As I walked from the parking garage into my office some crazy homeless man decides to yell "Hey baby momma!" as he tried to catch up to me to ask for money. What is with people?!?!
So, needless to say Monday was interesting. Hopefully the rest of the week will get better!
xoxoxo
Sara
Yesterday was my 27 week check up and glucose test. I had to drink 5oz of super sweet fruit punch then while I had to wait for 1 hour for the drink to take effect, I saw the doctor. Since Dr. Thatcher works with other folks there & whomever is on call delivers you, yesterday started the meet & greet of other doctors at the practice. They did the belly measurement & said I was measuring 26 weeks, my weight gain was on track and he had to try a few times to get her heartbeat. Every time he put the wand on my belly, she'd move away. She was not interested in cooperating! After I saw the doctor, I had to wait a bit longer then they took my blood. They'll call with the results in a few days.
Gracie is an active baby! She likes to move around and kick/punch me. Jared is still calling her The Little Gremlin. He says she's going to be a soccer player. I said she'll be a cheerleader!
The REALLY funny thing happened when I was leaving. Well, not that funny. After JUST being told that I'm on track & measuring nicely, some woman sitting near the door says "Aren't you cute!?! You look like you're going to pop any second!" Now, you're thinking this had to be an old lady right? Maybe someone that doesn't have kids? Nope! Calmly I turned and said, "Yeah, in about 13 weeks." She continued to tell me that she's 30 weeks and not as big as I am. I wanted to say - "Well, that's because you gained weight all over your body & you're bigger than me to begin with. You just hide it better." Instead, I politely said "I gained all of my weight in my belly. Good luck!"
Oh then it gets better. As I walked from the parking garage into my office some crazy homeless man decides to yell "Hey baby momma!" as he tried to catch up to me to ask for money. What is with people?!?!
So, needless to say Monday was interesting. Hopefully the rest of the week will get better!
xoxoxo
Sara
Thursday, April 1, 2010
It's here!
The crib bedding that is! I was so excited that we could find bedding both Jared & I agreed on for a reasonable price. We found it at Target.com but it wasn't available to see at the store. I ordered it when it went on sale & it arrived today. Now, I just have to refrain from purchasing all of the other items on the registry Jared says. The bedding is very nice quality and is exactly what we wanted. It's starting to feel very real. Now, we just need to know if we're to get the nursery ready here or wait to move! haha
We have been so lucky. Heather Fritz gave us a lot of nice stuff including a bassinett, swing, Baby Einstein playmat, Bumbo seat with tray and Boppy pillow - all gently used and in great shape. Dana bought Gracyn a lot of super cute outfits & shoes and Casey gave us a ton of gently used baby clothes (plus some maternity clothes for me)! We also received our first gift this week from Logan & Lindsay - they sent a little Lammy (ok, Sheep) for Baby Lammy! It's adorable and has sounds to help put the baby to sleep.
I'm so excited about Gracyn's arrival in a little over 13 weeks. Now, we just need to get it together & get organized!
This weekend, we're volunteering at Senior Houndsabound Saturday morning to help get the big yard sale on April 24th organized. Last year over $5,000 was raised in one day to help the hounds medical needs. Soooo worth it! On Easter, we'll head to church and we need to start going through the closets and stuff we don't need/use. Mostly to get ready for the baby but also to add more to the Senior Houndsabound yard sale!
Hope you all have a great weekend & Happy Easter!
Love,
Sara
We have been so lucky. Heather Fritz gave us a lot of nice stuff including a bassinett, swing, Baby Einstein playmat, Bumbo seat with tray and Boppy pillow - all gently used and in great shape. Dana bought Gracyn a lot of super cute outfits & shoes and Casey gave us a ton of gently used baby clothes (plus some maternity clothes for me)! We also received our first gift this week from Logan & Lindsay - they sent a little Lammy (ok, Sheep) for Baby Lammy! It's adorable and has sounds to help put the baby to sleep.
I'm so excited about Gracyn's arrival in a little over 13 weeks. Now, we just need to get it together & get organized!
This weekend, we're volunteering at Senior Houndsabound Saturday morning to help get the big yard sale on April 24th organized. Last year over $5,000 was raised in one day to help the hounds medical needs. Soooo worth it! On Easter, we'll head to church and we need to start going through the closets and stuff we don't need/use. Mostly to get ready for the baby but also to add more to the Senior Houndsabound yard sale!
Hope you all have a great weekend & Happy Easter!
Love,
Sara
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Lazy Sunday
Hi Everyone!
This weekend, we tried to take it easy, but somehow still got a lot accomplished! Yesterday we went to the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill. Jared goes to watch the golf, I go to get a tan. It was a long day and a lot of walking but so nice to be outdoors on a perfect Florida day! We're heading into week 26 (Tuesday) and nearing only 100 days to go.
How am I feeling?
Pretty good. Finally caved & got a body pillow. Found one at Ikea & it's pretty comfortable. Plus it was $10 where the ones at Babies R Us are $60+! Hoping that helps me sleep a little better. The baby and/or my organs are resting on my sciatic nerve so that acts up & is painful from time to time. Overall, can't complain as long as the baby is healthy.
How do I look?
More & more pregnant!
Milestones
Baby Gracie is moving A LOT these days. Especially right after I eat. I wish I could tell if she's kicking me or punching me.
What am I craving?
Cereal.
Aversions?
Some vegetables. I used to LOVE broccoli. Now, the thought of it makes me sick to my stomach. Trying to eat as many veggies as I can & luckily V8 juice is helping when I'm not up for it.
What do I miss?
This week was WMC in Miami. Bummed I couldn't go but so excited to start this new chapter in our lives.
What am I looking forward to?
The bedding to arrive! I had to order the bedding off the registry. It was on sale & I just couldn't miss out on it not being available come closer to Gracie's arrival.
Weight gain?
15 lbs as of 2 weeks ago. I don't weigh myself at home so guessing 18lbs?
Discovery of the week?
This baby is going to grow much faster & bigger before she arrives. Which only means so will I! I was reading in one of the pregnancy books today & it said that within 2 weeks my uterus will be the size of a basketball. This news was shocking to me. No wonder my organs are on my sciatic nerve. There's no where for anything to go!
Things I'm thankful for?
Weekends. By Friday, I'm exhausted from work. I look forward to sleeping in, spending time with Jared & the dogs and getting things done around the house.
We hope that you are all doing well! And, as always, thanks for reading!
Sara
This weekend, we tried to take it easy, but somehow still got a lot accomplished! Yesterday we went to the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill. Jared goes to watch the golf, I go to get a tan. It was a long day and a lot of walking but so nice to be outdoors on a perfect Florida day! We're heading into week 26 (Tuesday) and nearing only 100 days to go.
How am I feeling?
Pretty good. Finally caved & got a body pillow. Found one at Ikea & it's pretty comfortable. Plus it was $10 where the ones at Babies R Us are $60+! Hoping that helps me sleep a little better. The baby and/or my organs are resting on my sciatic nerve so that acts up & is painful from time to time. Overall, can't complain as long as the baby is healthy.
How do I look?
More & more pregnant!
Milestones
Baby Gracie is moving A LOT these days. Especially right after I eat. I wish I could tell if she's kicking me or punching me.
What am I craving?
Cereal.
Aversions?
Some vegetables. I used to LOVE broccoli. Now, the thought of it makes me sick to my stomach. Trying to eat as many veggies as I can & luckily V8 juice is helping when I'm not up for it.
What do I miss?
This week was WMC in Miami. Bummed I couldn't go but so excited to start this new chapter in our lives.
What am I looking forward to?
The bedding to arrive! I had to order the bedding off the registry. It was on sale & I just couldn't miss out on it not being available come closer to Gracie's arrival.
Weight gain?
15 lbs as of 2 weeks ago. I don't weigh myself at home so guessing 18lbs?
Discovery of the week?
This baby is going to grow much faster & bigger before she arrives. Which only means so will I! I was reading in one of the pregnancy books today & it said that within 2 weeks my uterus will be the size of a basketball. This news was shocking to me. No wonder my organs are on my sciatic nerve. There's no where for anything to go!
Things I'm thankful for?
Weekends. By Friday, I'm exhausted from work. I look forward to sleeping in, spending time with Jared & the dogs and getting things done around the house.
We hope that you are all doing well! And, as always, thanks for reading!
Sara
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Week 25
Only 15 weeks to go! Doesn't seem like long enough and I can't believe how fast time is going by. The day after my last post, Jared felt the baby move. It was pretty cool but now he calls her "Little Gremlin"! She's very active. Grammy was telling me that they used to say the baby moves around in the womb to primp & prepare for delivery. Guessing she'll be high maintenance then!
I've been trying to take it easy when I can since I know soon I won't be comfortable enough to sleep and then when Gracyn arrives she won't let us sleep! Especially if she's anything like me. My parents always said I never wanted to sleep or take naps when I was little.
Our friend, Jim Hobart of MacBeth Photography, kindly took some more pics to track my progress.
HOLY BELLY!
Hope you all have a great week & thanks for reading!
I've been trying to take it easy when I can since I know soon I won't be comfortable enough to sleep and then when Gracyn arrives she won't let us sleep! Especially if she's anything like me. My parents always said I never wanted to sleep or take naps when I was little.
Our friend, Jim Hobart of MacBeth Photography, kindly took some more pics to track my progress.
HOLY BELLY!
Hope you all have a great week & thanks for reading!
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Going on to week 24
Hi Everyone -
Hope this post finds you all well! If you're up North, I've heard the snow is melting. Maybe that means spring will arrive sooner than expected! All is going well here. We've had a few stressful weeks, but most importantly baby Gracie is doing great & progressing nicely. I was at the doctor on Monday and her heartbeat was 161. I scheduled the rest of my appts and holy moly there are a lot of them! I'm very grateful my work is accommodating and understanding!
How am I feeling?
Feeling great! Energy is closer to normal & seems like my brain is functioning better these days. I still get tired faster, but that's par for the course. The pinched nerve in my right foot has gone away so I'm very happy about that but now I'm getting leg cramps at night. Yuck!
How do I look?
Pregnant!
Milestones
Baby Gracie is moving around more & more each day. She likes to rest right behind my belly button & I keep trying to figure out if she's kicking or punching me. I think over the next few weeks I'll be able to tell. I am also very excited for Jared to be able to feel her moving around. She is strong in my opinion, but not strong enough yet that he can feel it.
What am I craving?
Nothing really. Well, sleep I suppose!
Aversions?
Smoke.
What do I miss?
Happy Hour with friends!
What am I looking forward to?
Finding out if we're moving or not so we can start the nursery.
Weight gain?
15 lbs
Discovery of the week?
Babies need a lot of stuff. I've been reviewing & updating the registeries & can't believe how much stuff there is out there. My strategy is to only get what we'll need and also register for things that can be used for Baby Lammy #2 (someday!)
Things I'm thankful for?
Jared. He is so amazing! During a very stressful week, he has been jumping in to talk to mortgage people just so I don't have to. He's doing so many things around the house (he was very helpful before) before I even think of doing them.
We've been spending the last two weekends trying to relax, hanging with the hounds & doing housework. Yesterday we volunteered at the Buff & Puff (wash the dogs day at Senior HoundsAbound). I love it but boy was I tired! Afterwards, we just hung out on the patio & enjoyed the beautiful 70 degree weather. Finally, it wasn't raining!
Last week was rough with the new home stuff, the lender had some extremely last minute issues and we are now working with a new lender. We're praying that it goes well and fast so we don't keep the seller waiting too much longer. Plus, the new home will be better for our growing family but at the end of the day, we do have a nice little home to live in.
Hope all of you are doing well! Thanks for reading!
Sara
Hope this post finds you all well! If you're up North, I've heard the snow is melting. Maybe that means spring will arrive sooner than expected! All is going well here. We've had a few stressful weeks, but most importantly baby Gracie is doing great & progressing nicely. I was at the doctor on Monday and her heartbeat was 161. I scheduled the rest of my appts and holy moly there are a lot of them! I'm very grateful my work is accommodating and understanding!
How am I feeling?
Feeling great! Energy is closer to normal & seems like my brain is functioning better these days. I still get tired faster, but that's par for the course. The pinched nerve in my right foot has gone away so I'm very happy about that but now I'm getting leg cramps at night. Yuck!
How do I look?
Pregnant!
Milestones
Baby Gracie is moving around more & more each day. She likes to rest right behind my belly button & I keep trying to figure out if she's kicking or punching me. I think over the next few weeks I'll be able to tell. I am also very excited for Jared to be able to feel her moving around. She is strong in my opinion, but not strong enough yet that he can feel it.
What am I craving?
Nothing really. Well, sleep I suppose!
Aversions?
Smoke.
What do I miss?
Happy Hour with friends!
What am I looking forward to?
Finding out if we're moving or not so we can start the nursery.
Weight gain?
15 lbs
Discovery of the week?
Babies need a lot of stuff. I've been reviewing & updating the registeries & can't believe how much stuff there is out there. My strategy is to only get what we'll need and also register for things that can be used for Baby Lammy #2 (someday!)
Things I'm thankful for?
Jared. He is so amazing! During a very stressful week, he has been jumping in to talk to mortgage people just so I don't have to. He's doing so many things around the house (he was very helpful before) before I even think of doing them.
We've been spending the last two weekends trying to relax, hanging with the hounds & doing housework. Yesterday we volunteered at the Buff & Puff (wash the dogs day at Senior HoundsAbound). I love it but boy was I tired! Afterwards, we just hung out on the patio & enjoyed the beautiful 70 degree weather. Finally, it wasn't raining!
Last week was rough with the new home stuff, the lender had some extremely last minute issues and we are now working with a new lender. We're praying that it goes well and fast so we don't keep the seller waiting too much longer. Plus, the new home will be better for our growing family but at the end of the day, we do have a nice little home to live in.
Hope all of you are doing well! Thanks for reading!
Sara
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Week 22
Week 22 has begun! We can't believe we're more than halfway. No doctors appts until Monday and they'll just check her heartbeat. Everything here is going well! Jared took another job with Hershey's to get him out of sales so he's back home now everyday. Having him in Jacksonville 3-4 days a week was really hard, but most of all, sad since me & the doggies missed him so much!
Dana & Hilary braved Babies R Us and Target with me so we could get the registry done. As some of you know, we are trying to purchase a new home. If all that goes through (we'll know this week) we'll be busy painting, moving and getting set up so we wanted to get a jump start on anything we could.
I started asking Bailey "where is the baby?" he just tilts his head and looks at me funny. I think all of them can sense something is changing. Molly loves to lay right next to me with her ear near my belly, like she knows the baby is there. It's very cool & I think they'll love having her around. Well, until she's on the move & pulling on their floppy ears!
Jim kindly took some pics yesterday (21 weeks, 7 days). He's very talented & I appreciate that he works me in to his busy schedule so we can track the progress - and by progress I of course mean how much bigger I am than the time we took pics before.
Have a great week!
Jared, Sara, Gracyn & the hounds!
Dana & Hilary braved Babies R Us and Target with me so we could get the registry done. As some of you know, we are trying to purchase a new home. If all that goes through (we'll know this week) we'll be busy painting, moving and getting set up so we wanted to get a jump start on anything we could.
I started asking Bailey "where is the baby?" he just tilts his head and looks at me funny. I think all of them can sense something is changing. Molly loves to lay right next to me with her ear near my belly, like she knows the baby is there. It's very cool & I think they'll love having her around. Well, until she's on the move & pulling on their floppy ears!
Jim kindly took some pics yesterday (21 weeks, 7 days). He's very talented & I appreciate that he works me in to his busy schedule so we can track the progress - and by progress I of course mean how much bigger I am than the time we took pics before.
Have a great week!
Jared, Sara, Gracyn & the hounds!
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Baby Lammy has a name
Surprisingly, it was pretty easy for Jared & I to pick a name for Baby Girl Lammy! We had three girl names picked while we were struggling to agree on boy names.
We are pleased to announce that her name will be Gracyn Paige Lamason though we may call her Baby Lammy for a while :) We plan on calling her Gracie then she can grow into Gracyn or Grace when she gets older.
Talk to you all soon!
xoxoxoxo
We are pleased to announce that her name will be Gracyn Paige Lamason though we may call her Baby Lammy for a while :) We plan on calling her Gracie then she can grow into Gracyn or Grace when she gets older.
Talk to you all soon!
xoxoxoxo
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Baby Lammy is a GIRL
This morning was our 20 week appointment at Winnie Palmer. Last one with the high risk doctor since everything checked out nicely. After some trouble getting baby out from underneath my belly button, the doctor told us she's a GIRL! At the 11 week appt, they said "maybe a boy" but we knew it was too early to tell.
Her heartbeat was 163 today and she's measuring in the 63rd percentile. They think she'll be around 7.5lbs at birth (but I'm not going to rely on that). They took tons of pictures and gave us a disc. I picked the best four as it's hard to tell what you're looking at on some of them.
Now, it officially feels real! On Saturday, Dana & Hilary are braving Babies R Us with me in attempt to get organized and figure out what we need.
Full side profile - you can see the leg (far left), body, an arm and head (far right):
Close up profile:
Face (on right), body on left - frontal view
Bottom of foot, measuring just over 1" from heel to toe:
Her heartbeat was 163 today and she's measuring in the 63rd percentile. They think she'll be around 7.5lbs at birth (but I'm not going to rely on that). They took tons of pictures and gave us a disc. I picked the best four as it's hard to tell what you're looking at on some of them.
Now, it officially feels real! On Saturday, Dana & Hilary are braving Babies R Us with me in attempt to get organized and figure out what we need.
Full side profile - you can see the leg (far left), body, an arm and head (far right):
Close up profile:
Face (on right), body on left - frontal view
Bottom of foot, measuring just over 1" from heel to toe:
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Week 19
Wow! Today we reached week 19. How time is flying by!
Went to the doctor yesterday & Baby Lammy's heartbeat was 161. Though the old wives tale is a higher hb means a girl, everyone seems to think boy. Good news is we'll find out on the 16th! I'm feeling pretty good overall. Energy is back but I get tired faster than I'm used too. Doesn't help my personality is to go-go-go! Guess I'll have to adapt now since we'll soon be on our baby's schedule!
Jim Hobart from MacBeth Photography kindly took some more pics for my tracking. Hope you are all well!
Went to the doctor yesterday & Baby Lammy's heartbeat was 161. Though the old wives tale is a higher hb means a girl, everyone seems to think boy. Good news is we'll find out on the 16th! I'm feeling pretty good overall. Energy is back but I get tired faster than I'm used too. Doesn't help my personality is to go-go-go! Guess I'll have to adapt now since we'll soon be on our baby's schedule!
Jim Hobart from MacBeth Photography kindly took some more pics for my tracking. Hope you are all well!
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Week 17
Getting closer & closer to the halfway point. Feeling a little behind schedule, but I'm sure we'll figure it out. It's been challenging having Jared work in Jacksonville so much, but me & the dogs are doing the best we can!
How am I feeling?
Feeling under the weather today & hate that I can only take Tylenol for a headache, but it'll all be worth it in the end.
How do I look?
Definitely look pregnant! See pics below by MacBeth Photography. Jim Hobart is taking my weekly profile shots. Thank you Jim!
Milestones
Trying to patiently wait to feel the baby moving around & a bit worried that I won't notice it.
What am I craving?
Nothing really this week, other than sleep!
Aversions?
Still smoke.
What do I miss?
My energy!
What am I looking forward to?
Starting the nursery...as soon as we find out if we're having a boy or a girl.
Weight gain?
I went to the doctor yesterday for routine bloodwork & lost 2 lbs. I seriously don't know how that's possible. So, that makes the total weight gain 8lbs.
Discovery of the week?
That I have to get up and go to the bathroom in the middle of the night.
Things I'm thankful for?
Very thankful that Kelly had a pretty fast & safe delivery this morning & welcomed a healthy, baby girl into the world! Congrats to Kelly & Eric!
How am I feeling?
Feeling under the weather today & hate that I can only take Tylenol for a headache, but it'll all be worth it in the end.
How do I look?
Definitely look pregnant! See pics below by MacBeth Photography. Jim Hobart is taking my weekly profile shots. Thank you Jim!
Milestones
Trying to patiently wait to feel the baby moving around & a bit worried that I won't notice it.
What am I craving?
Nothing really this week, other than sleep!
Aversions?
Still smoke.
What do I miss?
My energy!
What am I looking forward to?
Starting the nursery...as soon as we find out if we're having a boy or a girl.
Weight gain?
I went to the doctor yesterday for routine bloodwork & lost 2 lbs. I seriously don't know how that's possible. So, that makes the total weight gain 8lbs.
Discovery of the week?
That I have to get up and go to the bathroom in the middle of the night.
Things I'm thankful for?
Very thankful that Kelly had a pretty fast & safe delivery this morning & welcomed a healthy, baby girl into the world! Congrats to Kelly & Eric!
Monday, January 18, 2010
Week 16
We've made it to week 16! Everything is going really well, other than getting bigger by the minute.
We can't wait to get to our next appointment on Feb 16. It'll finally be ultrasound time and we'll find out if Baby Lammy is a boy or girl. Everyone still seems to think it's a boy but I'm not sure yet. I guess I'm just waiting to think about it too much since technology can give us a pretty definitive answer! Then, we get to start arguing about names.
Photo: 15 weeks and 5 days
We can't wait to get to our next appointment on Feb 16. It'll finally be ultrasound time and we'll find out if Baby Lammy is a boy or girl. Everyone still seems to think it's a boy but I'm not sure yet. I guess I'm just waiting to think about it too much since technology can give us a pretty definitive answer! Then, we get to start arguing about names.
Photo: 15 weeks and 5 days
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Between Appt Update
Happy New Year everyone!
It just dawned on me that Baby Lammy will be arriving this year! In October when we found out, 2010 seemed so far away, now it's here and July will be here before we know it. A good friend of mine, Kelly, uses this great little Q&A below so I stole it from her since there's no appt this week & thought it'd be a fun update! Thanks Kelly!
How am I feeling?
Overall, pretty good. Mostly feel like myself except my pants don't even come close to fitting anymore.
How do I look?
Starting to look pregnant!
Milestones
I can definitely tell there's something in there. No movement yet but it feels like there's a grapefruit in my belly. It's more evident when I'm laying on my side.
What am I craving?
Ice cream floats! Even though it's been high of the low 40's and at night in the high 20's.
Aversions?
Smoke.
What do I miss?
Being able to lift stuff and not having to think about bumping in to stuff. Oh and going out dancing!
What am I looking forward to?
Finding out if baby Lammy is a boy or a girl and feeling the baby move. In non-baby news, I'm VERY excited about our new Sleep Number mattress!
Weight gain?
When I was at the dr about 10 days ago, I only gained 5lbs. I'm pretty sure it's gone up since then (most likely because of the ice cream floats).
Discovery of the week?
That we have to start touring daycares & getting on waiting lists NOW!
Things I'm thankful for?
I sent an email to some friends that have recently had babies asking for advice on products, items, etc. Everyone responded with great information that will help me decide what we need or don't need right away.
Our next appointment is on Monday, Jan 11th & I'll post an update after that. Have a great week!
These pics are being posted for you Allison!
It just dawned on me that Baby Lammy will be arriving this year! In October when we found out, 2010 seemed so far away, now it's here and July will be here before we know it. A good friend of mine, Kelly, uses this great little Q&A below so I stole it from her since there's no appt this week & thought it'd be a fun update! Thanks Kelly!
How am I feeling?
Overall, pretty good. Mostly feel like myself except my pants don't even come close to fitting anymore.
How do I look?
Starting to look pregnant!
Milestones
I can definitely tell there's something in there. No movement yet but it feels like there's a grapefruit in my belly. It's more evident when I'm laying on my side.
What am I craving?
Ice cream floats! Even though it's been high of the low 40's and at night in the high 20's.
Aversions?
Smoke.
What do I miss?
Being able to lift stuff and not having to think about bumping in to stuff. Oh and going out dancing!
What am I looking forward to?
Finding out if baby Lammy is a boy or a girl and feeling the baby move. In non-baby news, I'm VERY excited about our new Sleep Number mattress!
Weight gain?
When I was at the dr about 10 days ago, I only gained 5lbs. I'm pretty sure it's gone up since then (most likely because of the ice cream floats).
Discovery of the week?
That we have to start touring daycares & getting on waiting lists NOW!
Things I'm thankful for?
I sent an email to some friends that have recently had babies asking for advice on products, items, etc. Everyone responded with great information that will help me decide what we need or don't need right away.
Our next appointment is on Monday, Jan 11th & I'll post an update after that. Have a great week!
These pics are being posted for you Allison!
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