Quick Update

I'm getting ready to go to bed but I wanted to give you a quick update!  My medicine worked wonders last night.  I took half a pill before going to bed SUPER early.  I didn't wake up with any contractions.  I slept so well.  I've felt much better today.  I think my body needed rest!

Our appointment went well this afternoon.  We had an ultrasound and our little Stella was precious.  She's head down and measuring ahead of schedule at 33 weeks and 3 days.  She weighs 4 pounds and 4 ounces.  Isn't that exciting?  She looked perfect.  I had the ultrasound tech check to make sure she was still a girl...and guess what?  She's still a girl.  I told my doctor about my recent contractions.  She checked my cervix and it was completely closed.  That was a relief.  She said to stop by ANY time I want to be checked.  She's great!

I'm off to bed.  I hope each of you have a wonderful night.  I'll update more later.

Contractions Galore

I've almost been "contraction free" for a few weeks now.  I've had a few here and there but for the most part they haven't dominated my daily thoughts.  It's been nice not worrying about going into preterm labor. 

But guess what?  Things changed last Friday night! 

I woke up Friday morning with swollen ankles.  I couldn't see my ankle bones.  I have CANKLES!  I've taken the advice of elevating my feet.  It hasn't helped much.  I'm trying to stay off my feet as much as possible.  It's hard staying off your feet when your teaching first graders.

My contractions, or maybe there are just braxton hicks, are back in full force.  They started on Friday night as we drove to Raleigh.  I had about four or five within an hour.  I decided to take my prescription for Terbutaline.  It worked wonders.  I didn't have any more contractions that night.  I had a few more over the weekend though.

Last night I woke up with several contractions.  I'm not sure how many but they always woke me up.  Today at school I had several in the afternoon.  I almost went by my doctor's office after school but I decided to go home and rest.  I thought that would help.  It helped a bit but now they are back.  What is going on?  I'm getting ready to take Terbutaline again.  I really hate having to take it but I think its needed.  I should have taken it last night and this afternoon.

Josh and I have an appointment tomorrrow afternoon.  We're having an ultrasound to check on Stella's growth.  I'm sure my doctor will check my cervix after all of this uterine activity.  I'll keep you posted.  Let's all hope for the best!  I can't WAIT to meet Stella but I want her to stay inside until she is full term.  I want her to start her life as a healthy little girl.

Stella's Shower

My sister and two of my friends from high school hosted a shower for me last weekend.  Josh and I drove to Raleigh, North Carolina for the celebration.  It was everything I wanted and more!  Several friends from high school and college came to celebrate.  We were given so many nice, thoughtful and CUTE gifts.  We are so thankful.  We unpacked everything on Sunday night.  We're getting it all set up, washed and in its place.  It's been so much fun!

Curtains for Nursery

The curtains for Stella's nursery arrived yesterday.  They were made for us and given to us by a very special person!  We are in LOVE with them.  They just make her nursery complete.  I knew they were going to be impressive but after Josh put them up they became more than impressive!  

30 Weeks

Josh and I had an appointment this afternoon.  We became a little concerned when my doctor measured my baby bump.  She said it measured two weeks behind, at 28 weeks.  She said we shouldn't be concerned but of course, we're concerned.  Actually, I'm more concerned than Josh.  My doctor said she would measure me again in two weeks.  She added "Let's just do an ultrasound at your next appointment!"  It's exciting to know we will have an ultrasound.  We love seeing Stella in action.  Hopefully she will measure perfectly and all will be fine...until then, I have to admit, I will be a little worried.  But like I said, my doctor said not to worry.  She said she only becomes concerned if the baby measures 3 weeks behind.

I told her I was still having contractions, usually a couple each night.  She said having one or two a night was fine.  We asked her about traveling in the near future.  She said if I was having a lot of contractions or other labor symptoms to come by the office before we leave. 

We talked about our birth plan for a few minutes. 

After a long day at work and a two hour Lamaze class...

Oh, and we graduated from our Lamaze and Baby Basics classes.  We only have one class left.  It's our breastfeeding class which is next Thursday night.

Nursing Bras Update

After reading your comments, reading online reviews and talking with a few people, I made a decision!  I decided to splurge and order two nursing bras by Bravado.  They are a little pricey but they seem to be the best.  Even celebrities are wearing them...like that matters!  Haha!  Everyone says you shouldn't waste your money on cheap nursing bras because they are uncomfortable and they don't last long.  Everyone also says once they purchased a Bravado, they fell in love.  So we'll see, won't we?  I'll keep you updated on my adventure with Bravado's nursing bras.  I love their web site.  It helps you decide what size you will need during pregnancy, right after birth and a couple months after birth.  Anyway, several of you recommended a nursing tank so I went with Bravado's Essential Nursing Bra Tank. 

I also went with Bravado's Lifestyle Microfiber Nursing Bra.  Julie Roberts was caught wearing it with her little one. 

If you are getting ready to make a Bravado purchase, google "promotional codes for Bravado Designs."  I found a promotional code for 20% off.  Actually, let me just paste the link and code on here:

http://www.retailmenot.com/view/bravadodesigns.com

Code for 20% off: CSR-155

Better Late...

...Than Never!  Here are a few family pictures from NC.  I was 27 weeks!

Yes, that's snow in the background.  Not much but enough to enjoy.  We never get snow at the coast.  I've missed it.

Christmas morning is always special!  We loved all of our presents this year.  One of our favorites was from Mom and Dad.  They gave us a Keurig Special Edition Home Brewing System.  It's AMAZING!  It's brews the best coffee in just a couple minutes.  We love it!  How did we ever live without it?

Lamaze and Baby Basics

Josh and I went to our first Lamaze and our first Baby Basics classes this week.  Each class was two hours long.  We're going back next week to take our last Lamaze and our last Baby Basics classes.  We laughed a lot and had a lot of fun.  Both teachers were Labor and Delivery nurses at our hospital.  They told us everything we could ever want to know! 

Since we were given so much information I became a little stressed.  I like to be prepared and organized.  I left the classes thinking we had some things to do!  This weekend I took all of the information we were given and I made a few lists: Stella Still Needs, Our Hospital Bag, Stella's Hospital Bag and Other "To Do" Stuff.  I feel better now!  Josh has already taken care of a few things on the Other "To Do" Stuff list.  He's the best Daddy!

Here are a few of my thoughts after our classes:

I can't believe my cervix will dilate 10 centimeters.  Check a ruler...that's HUGE!

Forget my old ways of thinking; if I'm in pain, I'm getting an epidural. 

How am I supposed to remember all these breathing techniques for each stage of labor?  Josh and I couldn't stop laughing when our class started practicing the first breathing technique. I was supposed to breathe in through your nose, out through your mouth.  I was so focused on the teacher I was breathing in through my nose, out through my nose.

29 Weeks

We're ALMOST to 30 weeks!

I'll be 30 weeks on Tuesday...EXCITING! 

Just so you know...

Stella weighs about two and a half pounds.  She's about 15 inches long.

29 weeks from babycenter.com

7 months from thebump.com

Additions to Nursery

Josh and I have added a couple things to Stella's nursery.  I went to Michael's over winter break to purchase wooden letters, paint and ribbon.  The ending product is above! 

Stella has a small bulletin board above the twin bed.  I bought some clear push pins and tied pink and green ribbons on them.  I thought they turned out cute!

Josh hung her mobile above the changing table and mirror. 

Here's a close up of the birds on her mobile.  They are super cute!

Maternity Favorites

Now that's I'm seven months pregnant, I'm officially wearing maternity clothes at all times.  I started wearing maternity clothes around two to three months because I was excited about being pregnant and they just felt more comfortable.  I started with maternity dresses.  They are the best!  I still wear the dresses I was wearing at two to three months.  I can't imagine trying to wearing anything but maternity clothes.  My regular clothes will NOT fit.  My shirts and sweaters aren't long enough to cover my baby bump.  I made the mistake of trying on a pair of my favorite jeans last week.  Bad idea!  They wouldn't zip and then of course, I started feeling like I had gained too much weight.  Josh reminded me that I was seven months pregnant and I had a two and a half pound baby growing inside of me. 

I am looking forward to losing my baby weight as soon as possible so I can be "one, hot momma" as Josh sings.  But until that time comes I'll be wearing my favorite maternity clothes!

Here are a few must-haves you should consider if you are looking for some basics.  I purchased most of these around two to three months.  They still fit great but I've been told nothing will fit during that last month or so.  We'll see though...

My ABSOLUTE Favorite Top

The 3/4 Sleeve Scoop Neck Side Ruched Maternity T Shirt from Motherhood Maternity.   I've got a couple of these tops in fall colors.  The store near my house just put out the new spring colors.  I LOVE the ruched sides.  They are very flattering.  I wouldn't recommend the plain, cotton ruched T shirts from Motherhood.  They aren't stretchy and do not fit as well.  This style above, that I absolutely love, only comes in stripes.

 

My ALL TIME Favorite Jeans

The Secret Fit Belly™ Super Stretch Boot Cut Maternity Jeans by Motherhood Maternity.  I love these jeans.  I could wear them every day.  I'm a huge fan of the Secret Fit Belly band.  I folded it down during the first few months, almost like a Bella Band.  Now I wear it all the way up and it's very comfortable.

My Favorite Dress Pants

The Secret Fit Belly™ Twill Boot Cut Maternity Pants by Motherhood Maternity.  I love, love, love these dress pants.  They are perfect for work.  I bought them in black and loved them so much I went back to get them in dark brown and khaki.

Dresses, Dresses, and More Dresses

Any and all maternity dresses from Old Navy and Motherhood Maternity.  I prefer the cotton dresses.  Motherhood Maternity has a clearance section in the back with designer brand mark downs.  I've found some great deals on dresses.

                                                

My Pink Bella Band

I ordered a light pink Bella Band by Ingrid and Isabel online.  I can't remember what web site but I have LOVED it.  I still wear it occasionally.  I was able to wear a few of my regular pants in the beginning because of my Bella Band.

                                           

My Most Comfortable Gown

Any and all gowns by Eileen West.  You can find her gowns at Dillards, and I'm sure other department stores.  My Mom introduced to me to her gowns.  She gave me the same gown that Angelina Jolie wore in her photo shoot with Brad and their newborn twins.

                                     

She just gave me a new one for Christmas.  They aren't maternity gowns but they have plenty of growing room.  They are so soft and comfortable.

Nursing Bras

I've decided it's time to purchase a new bra or two.  I've considered purchasing nursing bras instead of regular bras.  I've been checking out my options in stores and online.  I need help!  There are too many styles out there.  How am I supposed to know which are the best?  I've read reviews online but they have just confused me.  I'm very close to ordering a few online and returning my least favorites.  Any recommendations?

Oh if you haven't tried on nursing bras before please know that it's a comical experience.  Mom and I went to Motherhood Maternity to check out their selection.  We laughed until we cried.  I felt so unattractive in their bras.  I tried on every style available.  They didn't fit right and they all felt uncomfortable.  They just seemed cheap.

Josh and I went shopping in Savannah yesterday.  We saw Medela bras at Babies R Us.  They looked comfortable.  We just decided to purchase my favorite regular bras at Victoria's Secret.  As soon as we arrived we realized their semi-annual sale was starting the next day, which is TODAY!  So we decided to go back today, which we haven't done yet.  We looked online this morning and guess what?  Victoria's Secret sells nursing bras!

If you are looking for nursing bras, here are a few options to check out online:

Victoria's Secret

Medela

A Pea in the Pod

Bravado! Designs

Motherhood Maternity