Update time and a little scare!

      This week I went to the OB on Tuesday.  I was feeling great, aside from having burnt feet from my trip to the beach the day before.  I was 38 weeks and 4 days into the pregnancy.  Her heart beat was 145 and strong.  She's moving the appropriate amount.  Everything was looking right on track unitl they measured my fundal height.  My measurement had stayed the same for the past 3 weeks.  My doctor told me that she thought everything was fine but suggested we do an ultrasound to take a look at Avery to make sure that she was alright and had not stopped growing.  She suggested we do it at my next weekly appointment, but I was not going to be able to wait that long.  I said, "well... how about we do it now."  They did not have a ultrasound tech available, so I scheduled my ultrasound appointment for the next day.  My doctor keep telling me that it was probably nothing, but it would be best to take a look to make sure all of our bases were covered.  

       I held it together during the rest of my visit, but had a breaking point when I left the office.  There wasn't much I could do at this point, so I went back home, prayed and took a nap before I had to go into work that evening.  I wasn't able to nap very well because I kept thinking of everything that needed to be down around the house.  I was able to do some serious cleaning before heading into work that night.  Trey was such a rock for me and he even did a lot of cleaning around the house while I was at work. 

       Work wouldn't not have been so bad if my back wasn't hurting so much.  I have been having a lot of pain in my upper back over the past 2 weeks.  It comes and goes, but always seems to occur at the most annoying times.  I have found that the Icy/Hot patches work best and have been using them frequently while at work.  I was able to get some really good sleep Wednesday morning and woke up that afternoon to get ready for my appointment.  I was very relaxed and knew that it was all in God's hands.  I put my faith in him, got ready and even pack a small bag in case we need to go to the hospital.  Trey took the afternoon off and meet me at the OB office.  By this point, I had secretly decided that I kind of wanted to get the ball rolling on this labor thing.  The ultrasound tech was awesome.  She took a bunch of measurements, looked at Avery's major organs, and did one last double check to reassure us that our little angel was indeed a girl.  That was refreshing as I had some dreams about her being a boy.  People would see my stomach and say things like, "oh your definitely having a boy."  She informed us that everything looked good and according to the measurements on the ultrasound, Avery was measuring about 6lbs 12oz.  We were relieved and now it was time to see the doctor.  The doctor was fabulous and informed us that everything was fine.  He said that he didn't expect us to have an 8lb baby, but he hoped to see me progress into labor in the next week.  He explained that my fundal height measurements aren't getting bigger because Avery is descending further into my pelvis.  I was put at complete ease, but slightly bummed that we were not going to meet Avery quite yet.  So instead of getting my packed bag out of the car, I grabbed my grocery bags and headed to Trader Joes. 

     Looking forward to a good OB visit this Wednesday, and we will be sure to keep everyone updated on any progress.  Until then, I am going to be walking a lot, hanging out by the pool, eating the foods they say help induce labor and anything else to get the process going!

Me and Avery at 38 weeks

Summertime is calling me!

The weather has really started to feel like summer.  I am very glad that I will not be pregnant the entire summer, but for now I am thoroughly enjoying the weather.  Sunday, we spent the day at the pool.  It was so nice to sit and relax.  The water was a bit chilly but felt great after sitting in the sun.  Trey and I have had so much special time together over the past couple weeks and we are truly ready for this little girl to join us.  Sunday evening we went and got an ipad 2.  We are having so much fun playing with it.  We even had some face time with Trey's parents the other night.  It will be so much fun to let them see Avery. 

Monday morning Robyn and I packed up and went to Wrightsville Beach for the day.  I know many of you are thinking that I am not suppose to be traveling.  It was just a quick day trip and I go to Wilmington a lot for work, so I figured it would be good for me.  The doctor never said I couldn't go, but I never really asked or told her I went.  At least my sister is a nurse and could be of some assistance if labor were to have started.  Again, we picked up some lunch at Sweet and Savory before making our way to the beach.  The weather was perfect, sunny with a gentle breeze, and we had a very relaxing day. 

Could not have asked for a better view. 

We even went up to the pool at the Sun Spree and hung out there.  I hope that we will be able to make a trip back this summer with Miss Avery.  It sure will be different.  Three mothers with their children sat near us and we watched them in action for most of the day.  These easy day trips are going to require a bit more planning and I am going to have to learn to tolerate kids covered in sand one day.  My preggo friend, Robin, joined us towards the end of the day.  Again, it was great catching up with her and seeing her progress.  Robin and Chris are expecting baby Wyatt in September.  I do not think I will be making anymore beach appearances before our delivery day, as they are not as easy and my back really hurt by the time we got  home.  I am very greatful that I have been able to enjoy these warm and sunny days.

Celebrate Good Times

This past weekend we were very busy.  Friday night we went to Mebane for a cookout with a bunch of my coworkers.  We had a great time hanging out with everyone.  Taylor and Andrew got into town later that evening and we were able to hang out with them for a little bit.  I was very excited to see Taylor, as I had not seen her since she and Andrew got engaged.  Her ring is gorgeous and we are very excited about their wedding in April.  Taylor and myself went to Victorian Rose Saturday to look for her wedding and bridesmaid dresses.  She looked gorgeous in the gowns, but I cannot share those pictures as you will have to wait till April.  

Later in the day, I headed over to Grant's 3rd Birthday Party.  Grant is obsessed with garbage trucks and thus it was the theme of his birthday party.  Karla did an amazing job with all the planning, activities, food, decorations and games.  I wish they still had the bouncy house so I could try and get Miss Avery to come join the world.  Karla placed trash in the yard, gave all the children "picker-uppers" and they ran around picking up trash.  It was hilarious and they had so much fun picking up trash. 

Grant in his garbage truck t-shirt.

Grant going at the pinata!



Parker, Avery's future buddy, in her adorable garbage truck t-shirt and tutu.



I rushed home from Grant's party and got ready for Kelly and Whitney's Engagement Party.  Trey stayed at home and got a bunch of yard work completed.  We were excited about hanging out with a lot of our friends one last time before Avery's expected due date.  Kelly and Whitney are getting married this September and were glad that we could be there to celebrate their engagement.  Whitney is a very lucky man, and we look forward to their big day.



Megan and myself. 
I was lucky to get some great advise.  Megan just had Lily James in January.  I look forward to some future play dates with us girls.

Me and the Bride-to-be

Trey and myself with Avery in the belly (just over 38 weeks). 



All the girls!  It was great seeing everyone.

She not ready yet!

    Today's weekly OB appointment went well.  No sign of Avery coming early, but all they do is weigh me, measure me and listen to her heart beat.  These weekly appointments are kind of a big tease because you feel like you are getting closer.  However, they don't do much at the appointments.  I am very appreciative that everything has been right on track and we have not had any big scares.  I am measuring normal and Avery's heart rate is 140 beats per minute, very strong and normal.  I was given the okay to keep working, which was a relief as I don't want to use up much of my vacation before she gets here.  I am in class for the next 2 days and then we have a very busy weekend.  I like having things to do because it helps keep me distracted.  Since Avery is not ready to come out, I might just have to go back to the beach one day next week.  Hope you all have a great rest of the week and I will keep you posted on any progress.  Back to the OB next Tuesday!

Just the Two of Us

     Trey and I took a day trip to Wrightsville Beach the other day.  We had been wanting to have a day with just the two of us to go hang out and enjoy sitting on the beach for a day.  Trey had the day off work and we made our journey down I-40 in the morning after he cooked a delicious breakfast.  We knew it was not going to be a very hot day and they were forecasting for clouds, but it was better than staying in the triangle where it was suppose to be raining all day.  When we got into Wilmington, we went by campus to see our old stomping grounds.  We both went to UNCW, but Trey graduated 2 years before me and we never knew one another while he was in school.  The campus looked amazing and has grown so much since our college days.  We had a great time walking around and going into the bookstore. 
     Then, we made our way down Eastwood toward the beach, but made a quick stop at Sweet N' Savory to grab some lunch for our afternoon on the beach.  It was one of my favorite restaurants during my 4 years at UNCW, but it was Trey's first time.  We decided to go make our spot on the beach near the Sun Spree  Inn for convenience of a restroom (water was too cold).  We were able to get into their parking garage, which is nearly impossible during the summer months.  We sat on the beach for about 4-5 hours and just enjoyed relaxing.  It might be a long time before we are able to sit on the beach just the two of us, so we took full advantage of the opportunity despite the over-casted skies.  It was nice to relax, catch up and watch everything around us.  There was a lot of surfing going on that day. 

 I love Wrightsville Beach!

 My wonderful husband.

 Just the 2 of us (Avery in my belly).

Enjoying the view!

     Prior to leaving that evening we made a stop by the Waller household to see Robin and Chris.  They are expecting a little boy the first weekend in September.  It was very nice to see them and check out Robin's progress with her nursery.  Avery and I will definitely be making some trips to the beach next summer to hang out with Robin and baby Waller. 

You can always count on Robin to capture the moment.  I have been very bad about getting pictures of my progress throughout pregnancy.  Thank you, Robin!

 Me at 37 weeks and I believe Robin is 24 weeks.

Avery has definitely grown a lot the last couple weeks. 

Sleepover with Samantha

We had Samantha spend the night last Saturday while the rest of her family was out of town for a basketball tournament.  We always have fun with Miss Samantha.  She is so helpful and entertaining.  Every time she leaves, I find myself even more excited about having a little girl of our in just a few weeks.  Saturday night while she was at a birthday party, I had dinner with my parents.  Uncle Trey was out of town for Justin's bachelor party.  I was excited to have her company while Trey was out of town.  Friday night, she learned how to ride her bike without training wheels and was hooked for the rest of the weekend.  She even got me on the bike and we rode till dark on Saturday night.  I woke up in the middle of the night with some serious pelvic pain, so on Sunday we saved the bike riding for when Uncle Trey got home. 

 While waiting for Trey to get home, she helped me with some final touches on the nursery.  I added some decals to the walls that went along with the birdie theme in Avery's room.  I found a great company online through etsy that does really nice decals for walls.  I chose to do a decal over her crib in lieu of a picture, so that nothing comes crashing down when she gets big enough to stand up and reach for things.  After that I found some coordinating items for other areas in the room.

 Trey working in the yard trying to clear out the swing area.   Sadie has gotten the hang of our new electric fence and knows exactly where she can go without getting zapped.  This has been very convenient for us, and I am extremely happy thus far with our purchase. 

Uncle Trey and Samantha heading out for one of many bike rides that afternoon.  They did come back with some bloody knees, but went right back out after I cleaned Samantha up.  She was so brave and continued riding even after her little mishap with the neighbors shrubs.

 Before we know it, Avery is going to be doing laps around our cul-de-sac.

Avery Update...were going weekly now!

You heard it right, we are going to the OB on a weekly basis to check on Avery and myself.  I had my weekly visit this past Monday and will be heading back on Tuesday of next week.  I am very lucky that my blood pressure is great, I don't have any swelling in my ankles, and I am feeling great overall.  Aside from some occasional back pain, I have not reached the "I am over this pregnancy thing" phase.  This past week has been filled with many emotions.  Part of me wants to keep carrying her inside me because I know I will miss her precious kicks, hiccups and movements.  On the other hand, I am so excited for her to get here so we can love her, hold her, kiss her and start our adventure as a family of 3. 

The doctor was able to confirm that Avery is head down, so that is great news.  Let's just hope she doesn't try doing any flips before the big day.  I am measuring right on track for our June 3rd due date, but I am not going to be heart broken if she decides to come a few days or a week early.  Miss Avery's heart rate is regular, strong and normal rate.  It is always a great big relief to hear her heart beat.  They offered to check and see if I have started to dilate, but I do not think I want to know.  Women walk around for weeks slightly dilated before they actually deliver, and I do not want to give myself any misconceptions that she might be coming early.  Maybe I will have them check at my next appointment. 

Once, my mom finishes the window treatments for the nursery, I will post the final pictures of our progress. I am very happy with how it all turned out.  I go in there everyday and try and find new things that I can do and organize.  I hope my bursts of energy will continue once Avery arrives because I am going to need it.

Mother's Day

Just wanted to take a moment to recognize some special women.  I know we all claim to have the best mom, and we all do.  My mother is amazing.  I am so glad that we are able to live in the same town.  This woman has done so many great things and assisted us in many projects over the last 8 months.  I cannot put into words how much we appreciate all her support.  I have learned so much from her and hope to do for Avery all the things she did and continues to do for us.  She is going to be an amazing grandma to Avery and we look forward to many memories to come.  Thank you for all your sacrifices and love.

We love you very much!

Cathy is everything you could ask for and more in a mother-in-law.  I am fortunate to have a fabulous husband, but overly blessed to have loving and supportive in-laws.  Cathy, thank you for welcoming me into your family with open arms.  I am so glad that I have become one of "your girls."  Thank you for the many desirable characteristics and life lessons that you've passed along to make Trey an amazing man.  You are going to be a fabulous grandma and we are so glad to have you in our life.  Thank you for all that you have done and continue to do for us.  We are very blessed.

We love you very much.

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Birthday Gigi

Today is a special birthday for Gigi, Trey's mother.  She is 60 years old today, but you would never know if I didn't say.  We hope she has a great day and knows that we all love her very much.  Looking forward to many more birthday and memories. 

Happy Birthday Gigi

Love,

Trey, Becky, Sadie and Avery(she'll be here soon)

Simplifying life

We have less than a month before Avery's due date, and we continue to spend a lot of time getting ready for this new adventure.  I have been working on some things to help make life a little easier.  We want to spend as much time as possible enjoying our new family of three and cherish the memories we will make this summer and for months to come.  I have been stocking up on household items such as toilet paper, razors, shampoo, cleaning supplies and so much more.  I got a huge thing of paper plates at BJs the other day.  I know it's not very green, but it's more fun holding a baby than doing dishes.  In the beginning of my pregnancy, I organized everything possible in the house, so now I am just stocking up on the essentials.  I prepared some meals the other day and placed them in the freezer.  I know we will have a lot of help from family and friends, but I want to have things on hand for when I go back to work or just don't feel like cooking.  You'd think I was preparing for some bad weather, but it is keeping me occupied while we wait for Avery. 


Future dinners!

I have packed some things for Avery while we are in the hospital and I am starting to work on a bag for myself.  I got some great advice on things I will and will not need from some experienced friends.  In the next 2 weeks, my goal is to have a bag packed for when the big moment occurs.  I am going to let Trey take care of himself and this is a big step for me cause I have always done both of our packing.  The hospital is only 15minutes from the house and he will probably come home to shower and check on the dog.  Speaking of Sadie...we purchased an electric fence last week.  We already have a fenced in backyard, but our sweet Sadie can clear it in certain areas of our property.  We decided with the stress of having a new baby we did not want to worry about if the dog was in the backyard or roaming the neighborhood.  Thus we bought the electric fence.  Trey did the initial training and I had to go inside because I didn't like seeing her get shocked.  So far it's working well, but we are trying to decide if it is going to work in the long-run.  She broke through it the other day while chasing a squirrel but came right back.   We are going to continue using it and deiced before our 60-day money back guarantee.

Trey walking Sadie around the parameter.

Sadie says, "I don't like this mommy and daddy."



She's trying to go back inside.



Finally getting comfortable with her new free roaming territory.

This past weekend Trey's parents came into town.  We celebrated his mother's 60th birthday a little early since we will not be able to be with her on the actual day.  On Saturday the guys did some more yard work and played golf, while Cathy and I did some shopping. We ate well and relaxed all weekend. 

Cathy opening her gift from Trey, myself, Taylor & Andrew

Sadie helping with the dishes after dinner.

Who needs a dishwasher when you have Sadie?

Sunday afternoon, we celebrated my Mamaw's 90th Birthday.  It's amazing how big that side of my family has grown.  Avery will be my grandparents 12th great-grandchild, and there will be a 13th great-grandchild in the fall.

Most of the family. It's hard to get this many people to take a good picture. 
I will have to get the good group photo from my dad or sister.

Mamaw and Pap