Oh the Joys of Pregnancy...

Well.. this past week had some wonderful moments and a few.... not so wonderful.

I try not to complain about things because I know that pregnancy isn't always wonderful... but it is still a miracle and blessing. Thursday started an interesting 4 days. (if you get any way queasy or disgusted by medical things, stop reading!)

**After HOURS of research on the following topic and finding out it is pretty rare and hard to find information about, I decided to share my experience. Feel free to skip over.**

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On Thursday I got a strange bump (pea size) in my private area. Well... it wasn't painful, so I called Natalie... my friend in medical school. She said to take a warm bath. (check!) Well, Friday came and it was worse. It was bigger. It was starting to hurt. lovely. (I was not amused and very annoyed!) So.. I called the OBGYN. She called and said the earliest she could get me in was Tuesday. Well... I was already scheduled to be there Tuesday, so I just had to suck it up in a sense. She told me two Sitz baths a day. 20 minutes each. She said it was probably a glad or duct that was clogged. (gross) Saturday came around and it was officially PAINFUL and the size of a grape. It was red, but no 'head' on it. ((The doctor said it would get a head like a zit and probably pop... double disgusting!)) So... I sucked it up. It had kept me up all Friday night and I got about 3 hours of sleep. (google at 2am can scare the crap out of you. I figured out it was a Skene gland that was abscessed and the doctor was going to have to cut it out and pack it with gauze. I started weeping in fear. John re-assured me I would be ok. Whew!)  I was in trouble. Sunday rolled around and it was excruciating. I even stopped at Walgreens on the WAY to church and bought Dermoplast in hopes it would help numb the pain. People at church were concerned... I think they thought I was literally giving birth. I had to walk funny and it was hard to sit. So painful. After church, we headed home and I took a long nap. I was running on 6-7 hours sleep for two days. I slept for a while, woke up and am excited to share that it popped! I peed, saw a little bit of blood (sorry, gross again), double checked where the blood was coming from and started jumping up and down because the pain was GONE! As if it were magic. Completely gone. It was so strange how quickly it was pain free. I continued with my Sitz baths and talked to the doctor about it on Tuesday.
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Moving along...
Saturday I got to have lunch with my friends, Michelle and Courtney. It is just nice to sit down, get served food (that you don't have to cook or clean up) and talk. While we were hanging out, John went shopping for some deals at Dick's. He got his car cleaned and then, when he picked me back up... we headed to a few stores to get a few little things, take some things back, etc. Michelle joined us at Hobby Lobby. I found the PERFECT fabric for little baby Edmonds' tent. I can't wait to get it and use it in her newborn pictures! I found her Easter basket too! I am excited to decorate and celebrate holidays with her. It is going to be so fun to start new traditions and share the ones we have already started. When we got home, John brought in all the goods, and he 'hid' a GELSHINE kit in the Easter basket. WHOA!!! I was so excited. I have wanted it for a while and he snuck to Sephora and got it for me. He told me he has been saving all his tutoring money so he could get it for me. :) What a blessing he is. He said it was a "birthday, Valentine's day, and 'thank you for carrying our baby'" gift! Woo Hoo! I was a little skeptical because I am new to having nails. Alissa did a gel manicure on me before my first baby shower, but now I can do it myself. I followed the directions and new the importance of making sure to keep it off the side skin (because it creates a 'flap' that will peel off). I worked hard! haha. Super focused and I may have had a flashlight in my mouth so I could see better. Don't judge! They turned out great... even my off hand. It was easy to do... and I think it will get easier the more I practice!

I was super excited for church on Sunday because it was the new rotation for the older group of kids met with me to talk about the previous week's sermon and service projects! It was so nice to hear their ideas for service projects and how they want to help those around us. It is a small group of 3 girls, but they are determined and energetic. Makes it easy.

MLK Jr. Day came around and it was a pretty low key day with all the kids. They didn't fight, were relaxed and Karmon took them to Lazer Craze for some fun while Stella napped. John came over and Stella woke up a little bit later... well, sort of. She fell back asleep when her best friend John got her out of bed. <3 sweet girl. They both fell asleep on the couch... but I couldn't get a good picture.

disregard the creepy smile. haha. (and Yes, she dressed herself)

Yesterday, I had my doctor's appointment. I was kind of nervous because of two reasons: 1. The whole gland thing/still scared of cutting it out. 2. First internal check for little baby Edmonds. The day was very low key because everyone was at school except Stella. She was worn out for some reason... and may have fallen asleep in her high chair eating her lunch. I woke her up, sent her to the potty, and then into her bed. I patted her back for about 3 minutes and she was back asleep. The big girl bed is a HIT!

So.. doctor's appointment. I went in with a new insurance card. I had to call and fill out the paperwork again for the OBGYN office in case of any changes. So... I am on the phone and get called back. Ooops. Sorry sweet nurse who I like so much. She let me finish the call and sent me to the bathroom to give my sample. Then the scale. I have gained another 1.5 lbs. Not bad at all! I am up to 22.5 lbs. total. She then took me to the room, and asked if I had anything specific. I told her about the issue and how I wanted the doctor to check it. And... mentioned how she said she was going to do my internal/StrepB test too. So... that is what went down! For the record, the stupid paper blanket they give you is a WASTE. I mean... I tear it every stinking time. And... really, what is it covering? You are going to look in my business... so I am covering my legs? pointless. She and I talked about the gland issue, I told her I googled it and think it was the Skene gland. She said that seemed accurate. On to the good stuff.... She checked it all out and it was COMPLETELY gone! I was really excited to know that it has healed and there isn't anything left. Then it was time to do the internal exam. I was a bit nervous that it was going to start my labor... as I have heard stories. So... she does her thing... and she immediately says loudly... "WHOA, her head is really low!" I was not expecting that reaction. I knew she was low because of the 3D ultrasound, but her reaction blew my mind. She said there is nothing else going on down there. So no dilation and no effacement. We talked about her potential size and scheduled an extra ultrasound for Monday to check to see how big this little one is so far. I can't wait to see her again! 

As for the check up, it wasn't too uncomfortable. I think I was just more in shock of the reaction from the doctor. It was interesting how baby reacted. When she was checking me, little lady was kicking me SO hard. She continued all night, and I really feel like she is frustrated with her lack of room. She kicks me so hard in the right rib. Yeesh. I can't complain. I still love to feel it. It is fun to watch my belly move. 

At this point, this little girl could join our family at any point. We are 95% ready. Still need to pack that hospital bag... ooops. I did get the paper from the doctor about what to do when labor starts with her number. The opening line, "Congratulations, you are 35 weeks pregnant!" (She is allowed to stay until 40... trust me). ((I would also not be opposed to a March baby---spread out the birthdays a bit))

I will post pictures on Monday of the Ultrasound of little baby Edmonds. I am excited to see what the doctor has to say about her current size. :) 

-Alexis

Surprise! It is a BABY SHOWER!

Well, let me give you a quick background, and then I will get to the fun stuff.

I worked at a small private school in 2008-2009. While there, I met amazing women. Khadine, Christine, Susan and Jennifer. We have all stayed in touch over the years and remained great friends. We used to go out to eat lunch at least once a month just to catch up and sit and talk. (these lunches would last hours... we have a lot to talk about!) About a year an a half ago, our friend Jen was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig disease). It was a shock to us all, but we knew she had been sick, so an official diagnosis was better than nothing. She seemed to progress slowly at the beginning, then had a health scare, and started to progress a lot faster. As a group of friends, we make it our priority to visit her every Wednesday. We go to the nursing home where she is staying, and hang out... and you guessed it... talk. Jennifer has a bright spirit and is an amazing woman. I am so blessed to even know her and be surrounded by her positivity. She isn't able to communicate verbally anymore, but we can see the happiness in her eyes when we come to visit. She laughs, cries, and loves. It is great to go every week because everyone gets to keep updated on little baby Edmonds. It is funny to see how big my belly is now compared to the day I told them. (That was a fun day--I just kind of sprung it on them.. hehe) So... when you see these pictures, you know where we are and why. Because Jen can't leave the nursing home, my friends all decided to have a SURPRISE baby shower for me in her room! How awesome! I got to have Jen there and was surrounded by my other friends as well. <3 I am blessed. 

I will recap the events through pictures. I look a hot mess... yikes. It was rather dark, so the pictures look a little crazy due to auto enhance on my computer. But, the moments were captured and that makes me happy.

Well... I caught Christine mid-sentence. (sorry) BUT, we played games! And.. of course, Jen won both games... classic. Way to go Jen! haha. 

Jen giving Christine her answer for baby wipes cost for BABY Price is Right!

With my main lady: Jen! <3

I tried and tried to get little baby Edmonds to kick while I held Jen's hand on my belly... no such luck. 

Blessed with presents!

Opening some from Khadine and Jennifer!

I am a poser.

Baby on Board sign... Currently labeling my belly! 

Opening gifts from Christine and Jen! Just wait until you see the amazing mittens for the hospital! To die for!

Cheese! Opening gifts from Susan and Jen! <3

<3friends<3

I don't know what I would do without their love and support. 

I know that God has put people in my life for a reason. All of these woman support me at all times... especially when it comes to my teaching 'career'. I haven't had much luck with finding a job, but I know that there is a reason. Not sure what it is. They are still encouraging and loving through all of it. We have a great friendship and I am so glad that I seem them every week!

<3

Alexis

-Feel free to always include Jen in your prayers- 

Little Baby Edmonds' Bucket List 2014

Well...I love Pinterest. I got an idea to do a Bucket List by asking guests at the showers one thing they think we should do with little baby Edmonds BEFORE she turns one. I have had the idea to create a book on snapfish or shutterfly that has a page for each activity. Then, just upload the pictures and have it ready to go by her first birthday! It is definitely going to be an undertaking. I will also post a picture when she checks something off her Bucket List.

I finally sat down, went through the cards and compiled the list. John and I added a few as well.

Here is the board... and then here is the list. (I will try to keep up and scratch them out when we complete them--no promises)

-Little Baby Edmond's Bucket List 2014-

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go to the park

mommy & me class

columbus zoo visit

pittsburgh zoo visit

read, read, read

ice cream at dairy queen

ride a carousel

shop at toys r us

go sled riding

take monthly pictures

visit another state

say "grandma"

feed the ducks

start a tradition

go for a walk

paint my nails

have a tea party

nap

listen to music

get my handprints

rocking chair snuggles

get pictures with gg, gp, and papa

go on a date with daddy

get my ears pierced

go to church

have a picnic

go swimming

walk

sing

dance

visit santa

watch baseball (go braves)

play dress-up

That is a list of 33. We can do it! I am determined. <3

Thank you to everyone who added to the list. I appreciate all the wonderful ideas and am excited for the adventures that are to come. :)

-Alexis (& John)-

The Calm After the "Storm"

This week seemed to me to be jam packed. Looking back at my pictures, I don't think it was too crazy. Who knows. I could potentially be losing my mind.

The kids (and John) finally went back to school. The polar vortex was over! Whew! It was nice to decrease in size by two. The week went quickly and we made a few big changes. Stella had her baby bed replaced by her big girl bed! She loves it and is so proud. We figured we should get her used to it now and make sure she can transition before baby as to not make her mad at the baby for taking her 'bed'. Well.. no worries. She loves it! The first few days I made sure she fell asleep in the car, and then placed her in her toddler bed. Today... we laid in our bed and I patted her back until she was asleep. It only took 3 minutes!

FIRST DAY IN MY BIG GIRL BED!

All tuckered out... and it only took 3 minutes to fall asleep! :) 

I also worked on a few filing things that I needed. I created a filing system for all things "little baby Edmonds". I saw a pin on Pinterest, and I decided I should make one for organizational purposes. It has  19 sections that include (I made some changes and created different ones):

1. Birth Certificate/SS Card Information

2. Immunization Records

3. Other Health Records

4. Pediatrician Info and Visits

5. Mommy Doctor Information

6. Birth Plan

7. Insurance Information

8. Medical Consent Forms

9. Milestones

10. Hospital Information

11. Nursing/Feeding Information

12. Receipts/Warranties

13. Parenting Articles/Pamphlets

14. Manuals

15. Miscellaneous 

16. Mailing List

17. Keepsakes

18. Photographs/CDs

19. Emergency Numbers/Contacts List

Some of these are already in use. Some will be great for the hospital when we are inundated with random paperwork. Some will be helpful for a while after she is born. It was simple to put together. Just got a few cute folders and a file box. Decorated and started filling it up! I found a few resources online for immunization record sheet, tooth chart, birth plan, and I ended up making my own Milestone page. It was easier because I knew what I wanted. 

The Outside (I put a note on the bottom: "If Found please return to Alexis or John Edmonds and listed our address" Just in case. 

A view of the multiple folders. Notice some have already been stuffed!

Had to show you the pretty folders I found at Wal-Mart for $1 a pack! SCORE!

Worked on the birth plan today... I am not going to be a crazy woman/stickler to follow it to a T, but I would like to have it as a guideline. I know all births are different and I also know that the end result is my healthy baby girl. I am not one who is against medicine, but I want to make sure that I try my best to get to a certain point before medication. I know I am a sissy... so I am being realistic. haha. I will be sure to share my birth story when the time comes. I plan to write it all down shortly after baby's birth so I don't forget the details. (I will spare you any nasty/medically gory information!)

We did a lot more organizing in the nursery. I feel like the baby clothes are NEVER ending. We have been so blessed. But... the sizing is obnoxious. So, when we took the tubs of clothes that were not NB or 0-3 down to the basement to store, I found more bins that needed sorted and combined. BLAH! We knocked that out and took down the Christmas decorations in one swoop! 

The next task was the mobile. We had our good friend Jamie come over to help, again. I say again because a while ago I had her come over and I wasn't fully prepared for the mobile project, so we ended up sitting and talking. Who needs a mobile?! Well... another week we got the lanterns painted and John's parents came over. They helped hang the initial batch of lanterns. I then made some tissue paper balls to hang amidst the lanterns. Well.. they just didn't look good. Jamie and I tried and tried multiple ways to hang them, moving lanterns, puff balls, ugh. Super annoying. So... we were defeated once again by the lantern mobile. (It was worth a shot). So I got on Amazon and ordered another set of lanterns. They came in. I insisted they were painted immediately. That happened and we luckily had enough paint to finish them all. John and I took a different approach. We hung the plain lanterns until we liked it. Then, we stepped back and decided what lanterns should be what color. Then we numbered them. This seems a bit excessive... but let me tell you... it went so much smoother and made WAY more sense. We were on a mission! John took them to the garage, painted them, and then we waited. I was not patient. As soon as they dried... we hung them up! And.. they are PERFECT!!!! I am beyond excited! The gold/silver colored lanterns match a few things in her room as well as her name (still a secret) that will be right below the lanterns on the white ledge. We have the letters for her name, and they look AMAZING together. I am so excited to do a nursery tour! Here are a few pictures from the mobile events!

Before... (minus two puffs... because we couldn't manage)

Before painting.. with additional lanterns. 

The dogs are BEYOND annoyed with the mobile as well. They don't care to even partake. 

The process. Thank you John for painting! :) 

Finally COMPLETE!!!!!! Just imagine her name. It is amazing! :)

This is the baby's view according to John. hehe. He wanted to see what she would be staring at. 

Another thing I am doing for the nursery is decorating it for each month/holiday. I have an interchangeable "E" for our front door, but wanted to make sure her room was decorated too! So... I  have started and plan to have them organized in ziploc bags by month so they can be re-used every year. hehe. Here are the January decorations! 

Nursery Door Wreath (I have always wanted a wreath to decorate the door) with some crystal snowflakes! 

I made some yarn puff garland to hang on the mirror to celebrate the snow. :) 

Here are a few Instagram pictures that just made my week and I thought I should share:

She loves to read... It was adorable to watch her flip through the pages and say the same sentence for every page. Getting so BIG!

Adi stole a baby toy. It is officially hers. She takes it everywhere. To bed, to the living room, and she hasn't torn it to shreds. She is silly. That is the only one she gets. haha. 

This little one held her hand on my 'baby' the entire hour of watching Little Bear. It wasn't like she was feeling it move or anything. It is simply where her little hand landed and stayed. I can't wait to see how they react to each other! It is going to be amazing. 

I will do another post on the Baby Bucket List. Stay tuned. 

-Alexis-

Week.34.Questions.

How far along: 34 Weeks

Total weight gain: Holding steady... the ice cream is only good for about 3 bites.. and then I have to stop. 

Maternity clothes: The belly is hanging out of some of my tank tops. I am a stickler for wearing one under all my shirts.. It is kind of funny when I feel a draft! haha!

Stretch marks: Nothing new. 

Sleep: Still working on getting comfortable. I am very congested, making breathing a real treat at night.  

Best moment of this week: Finishing the stupid MOBILE! We have been working on it for a while.. it is finally complete! Whew! Also, a lot of things were crossed off the to-do list as well. 

Miss anything: I miss red sauce. It causes my heartburn, and it is amazing to me how much I actually ate it. Now... I steer clear. Can I get some spaghetti?!

Movement: She is still a kicking machine! My entire stomach moves. I think she is moving from left to right now... or something. It is strange. 

Food cravings: Anything I don't have to cook. I am too tired to care to cook and then do the dishes. 

Anything making you queasy or sick: Heartburn. Lack of sleep. I have had a bit of nausea in the mornings (just a few days). Toothbrush=gagging. Ugh. 

Have you started to show yet: Oh yea. Interesting to see the change in the shape of my stomach based on where she is laying. 

Gender: Little Lady! <3

Labor signs: nope. 

Belly button in or out: Still in!

Wedding rings on or off: on.

Happy or moody most of the time: Happy. I was jumping up and down when the mobile was finished. I can get moody when I have an agenda in my head and John doesn't know it (my fault completely)... but... get it done!

Looking forward to: Packing my hospital bag. So many little, random things to buy. Kind of an annoyance. But... I don't want to be in too much pain after.