25 and Anxious

So it is safe to say that I got a little anxious this week about the little ways off but still close arrival of our little Eli. 2 thoughts hit me this week- What do I know about babies? and Eli has to come out eventually! Now mind you I did think about all this before I got pregnant, but have found up till now that it is easier just to put these thoughts in the back of my mind. AND just assume that the stork was coming. With my wonderful friends bringing there babies into the world last week it was time to re-address these anxious thoughts.What can I do about any of these concerns? Well, I did do some reading up but I know ultimately that I will have to trust God and pray that those motherly instincts will kick in. I know they will. As for getting him out I just need to pray and not worry. Worrying will not help anything!

On a lighter note we have officially begun preparations for Eli’s room. Nick cleaned all of his stuff out of the closet in there and I hauled off several trash bags of stuff that needed to go to Goodwill. We have a little more cleaning out to do, which I hope to do before the weekend. Then, Nick can start painting and install the new lighting this weekend. It feels so good to have his room underway and I can not wait to have it finished. AND finally have the crib up! Speaking of cribs we still have to order a mattress. Anyone have any recommendations on that?

Now on to the main events . . . .

Weekly Bump Pic . . .

Here we are at Week 25!

Week 25

Size:  EGGPLANT baby! 13.6 in to 14.8 in long and weighing in at 1.5 to 2.2 lbs.

Physical Features & Development: Eli’s sense of equilibrium is kicking in and he is learning to distinguish right side up from upside down. Baby Eli’s hands are now fully developed and he is exploring.

Baby Movement:  Well, I can definitely tell that Eli is in explorer mode. Giving my expanding belly I actually felt him up a little higher a couple of times in the last week. I can also tell that he can hear sounds. He had a pretty good reaction to the fireworks Nick set off at a friends house last night. The best, thus far, was his reaction to Dr. Enuf.I had decided to try out some Dr. Enuf to help my continuous calf cramp. So I went and bought some not knowing the caffeine content or that they made it caffeine free. Dr. Enuf actually has more caffeine than Mellow Yellow, I drank 1/2 of a 10 oz and Eli went kind of crazy in there. Granted it was around one of his normal activity times, but his movements were definitely heightened. Needless, to say if we try Dr. Enuf again we will be searching for the caffeine free

What I Miss: Being able to eat tomato based foods and sauces without getting heartburn!!!

Cravings: Movie theater popcorn was kind of a biggie over the weekend. I literally just wanted to go to a movie to get the good popcorn. So Nick being the wonderful husband he is took me to see Pirates 4 and ordered a large popcorn. It was wonderful- the popcorn that is. The movie was okay. I am also still into watermelon pretty heavy and have taken to eat some red raspberries! I am going to seriously miss berry and fruit season when it is over. Ohhh and I have had an up tick in my appetite in the last few days, Eli must be growing!!!

Overall feelings: I know I say this every week but I honestly feel blessed! I still feel good, I do have some issues, but really it is all just a blessing! In the last week I did feel anxious about Eli coming but I think that is normal for any mom to-be.  My heartburn and indigestion did seem a little worse this week. I have also had some issues with leg/calve cramps as mentioned above the movement section. Congestion in the morning has also been a bit of a problem but it is hard to tell if it is pregnancy or just allergy. I know this sounds like a laundry list of problems but I really feel great!

Appointments & Coming Events: Nick and I both are very excited about our Ultrasound on Monday. Can not wait to see Eli again, praying for a happy/healthy baby! So make sure to check us out next week we should have new pics of Elijah Nicholas.

What Did Eli do on Vacation?

So I am still working on the official “Vacation 2011” blog. I always find it hard to blog big trips and keep it interesting so I think for this one I am going to break it down into several smaller blogs.  Starting with Eli’s part of our vacation! So of course Eli went everywhere that we did, and we did try to capture a pic of him everywhere. I mean we had to have proof that he did go to Disney World! Here are the pics . . .

Eli was in a Wedding

Eli went to the Magic Kingdom

Eli (and some other random people) at Cinderella’s Castle

Eli went to Epcot

Eli rode the Nemo ride

Eli went to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Eli got to meet Flick at the Animal Kingdom

 

So not only did Eli get to see and do stuff he got some souvenirs as well:

  Tigger Onesie (back &front)

Something for our Future Nerd!

A Safari Tigger to go with our onesie

There were so many things we could have gotten Eli, but these were our favs! Particularly the Tigger Onesie, Nick loves it! Can not wait for Eli to play with it and wear his stuff.

We had a great time on our trip and can not wait till we can take Eli again when he is on “this side” so he to can experience everything! So exciting to think about!

Tubular 24

How often do you see the word “tubular” ins a blog title?! How 80’s is that! Or maybe I am just getting desperate for “T” words that go with 24. Either way we have reached week 24 and I know some of you have to wondering, “What happened to week 23?” Well, I must apologize for the lack of a week 23 update. We were on vacation last week and totally taken over by the magic of Walt Disney World so there was not and will not be a week 23 baby update. HOWEVER there will be vacation blog that will reference Baby Eli so be on the look out for that.

Now lets get right down to it with the Baby Bump Pic:

So it is safe to say we have had some growth in this area! I am still able to wear my regular pants. This week I did wear a couple of pairs with the BeBand which was very helpful.  For those of you not familiar with the BeBand it is meant to help you continue to wear your regular pants while pregnant. Basically, you wear them unbuttoned with the band over so know one can tell. Very helpful! I feel the BeBand could really be marketed to the masses especially around those major eating holidays. Eli did not seem to like the pants I put on Monday, he started going crazy. He must have been squished so I put on the band with them, which  gave him more space.

Update time . . . .

WEEK 24

Size:  Eli is still PAPAYA sized this week. Apparently, they run out of fruits for the baby comparison.  Length 10.5 to 11.8 inches and weighing in at 12.7 to 20.8 oz

Physical Features & Development: Baby Eli is beginning to get the fresh pink baby skin this week. Also inside baby's skull, the brain is dividing into lobes, and the nerve portion is growing and beginning to fold over, making those wrinkles called gyri. All the neurons our little one needs in a lifetime will be in place this month.  Facial features are becoming very distinct and individual, and eyelids and eyebrows are more defined. Little Eli’s hearing is becoming more defined and he may be recognizing the voices around him.

Baby Movement:  Eli is quite the little mover and those movements are getting bigger and harder. In fact sometimes I feel he might be moving around on my bladder. Either way I still get a kick out of feeling him move around. So sweet and wonderful!

What I Miss: Perhaps being able just to wear my regular pants. I know getting bigger and putting on weight is part of pregnancy but it is still a little disheartening at times. I know Eli is growing and it is going to happen. Still working on the acceptance.

Cravings: Well, a couple of days ago I had a crazy need for MILK! And for that reason I thought maybe I needed to have cereal for breakfast for a while. So I bought some cinnamon Cheerio's thinking and I tried that for one day and then I remembered that whenever I eat cereal it never sticks with me. I am usually hungry an hour after having cereal. So cereal is out so and an occasional glass of milk is in. I also have been crazy about my berries and fruit this week. I think that is mostly because I did not get enough at Disney.

Overall feelings: Still feeling great and very blessed! I have had some issues with round ligament pain. I actually had to cut out of Zumba about 5 minutes early because of it. I also have had some indigestion issues this week. But all of this is totally manageable!

Appointments & Coming Events: Looking forward to our next appointment on July 11th. We got another peek at our little guy! In other news Eli’s friends that I mentions in the last blog will both be joining the world this week. Baby Tank was actually born yesterday and TR will be coming tomorrow. So happy for both families and can not wait to meet the new babies!!!

We Love you Eli!!

22 and Still Tickled Blue

Well, here we are folks at 22 weeks and time is flying by at a rapid rate. I wasn’t actually sure this blog post would happen this week due to our vacation which is about 1 1/2 days AWAY! On Friday we leave for Orlando where we will being in our good friends wedding on Saturday and then on to Disney World! Yes, we are flying which my doctor has assured me is no problem. She did however caution me about not getting overheated or dehydrated in the parks. So I am gearing up to take it easy and have all the fun I can! One thing I do plan on doing is some SHOPPING! I am almost certain that our precious little Eli will be getting plenty of Disney things. Full disclosure it really would not matter if it were Disney stuff or not I am almost powerless against cute baby things right now. I do feel I have managed to control myself pretty well thus far, but Disney will be tough. It is so fun to be ‘Tickled Blue” and excited about have a baby boy.

Now before I have to head back to packing lets have the Weekly Update . . .

Week 22

Size:  Eli is PAPAYA sized this week!  Length 10.5 to 11.8 inches and weighing in at 12.7 to 20.8 oz

Physical Features & Development: Our baby can furrow his brow. And now he's actually getting eyebrows to do it with! These fine hairs, like the hair on his scalp, don't contain any pigment yet—they're pure white. His eyelids are completely developed too, though they're fused shut until about 28 weeks.

Baby Movement:  Still lots of movement here! One of the weekly update e-mails I receive said that baby actually develops a sleeping/waking pattern that I can detect by his movements. At this point I am not sure if I can detect a real pattern, but I have noticed that he does get pretty active around 10pm. I have also noticed that the movements are getting harder. I had one instance this week where Eli seemed to be somewhat unhappy that he had a seat belt on him. Know matter how hard or uncomfortable they get I still love to feel Eli moving around.

What I Miss:  I did have one longing for some sushi this week. specifically a California Roll.

Cravings: Ohhh cravings- I still do not truly crave anything , but I did rather enjoy eating some Mini Strawberry Fig Newton's today, something I have not had in years! AND I am looking forward to having some more tomorrow.

Overall feelings: Feeling good and ready to go on vacation so I can de-stress for a while! I have been suffering from some congestion mostly when I wake up in the morning not sure if it is pregnancy or allergy related, but either way it is not so bad that I can not handle it.

Appointments & Coming Events:  Of course my next appointment is not till July 11th where we do get another peek at our little blessing. I would also like to send a shoot out to 2 of my good friend that are expecting and have due dates that are rapidly approaching. Love both you girls and will be keeping you in my prayers! Can not wait to meet TR and Baby Tank- Eli’s buddy and girlfriend (only if they want to be)!

Please as always keep praying for us!

It’s A BOY!!!- Week 21

Wow, what an amazing week it has been! Well, for those of you who don’t know we found out yesterday that Baby Oaks is a BOY!! And we could not be more excited!!! Yesterday, was truly a wonderful day it is so great to finally know more about our little blessing. Going into the appointment most everyone including Nick and myself thought that our little acorn was going to be a girl. I even told the Ultrasound Tech that most people were guessing “girl” and about that time the important parts popped up on the screen and she asked- “Well, what do you think you are having?” I said It’s a Boy! It was OH So Obvious!  I am going to save those and share them with my sons’ date on prom night! (Just kidding, Kinda!) Nick and I are over joyed to be having a boy! Nick can’t wait to start teaching him all the manly stuff- hunting, fishing, guns, etc. I will make my mark as well, Football, Music, and just being Mama’s little man. And, yes we did buy him his first UT onesie on Wednesday! We have to start getting him ready because he could be here by the Alabama game! (Just to be perfectly honest this would have happened for a girl as well). So many wonderful things to look forward too! During our appointment Our little boy was quite a mover, as I suspected he would be based on all the movement I have been feeling myself. He would look at us during the ultrasound and then turn his head and just wiggle around, it was so sweet! It is really quite amazing all they scan for at these appointments. Everything looked good on our little man, the Doctor did tell us one of his kidney’s was a little full and she wanted to do another ultrasound at our next appointment to check on it. She also said it was nothing to worry or concern about and was common in boys. So naturally I am trying not to worry, but I do ask that you keep him in your prayers! He is weighing in at 13oz and is currently positioned head down. Now the moment I know you have been waiting for . . . .

Elijah Nicholas Oaks . . . .ELI

There HE IS our little Eli! Such a sweet and adorable face! So excited and over joyed! It is such a gift from God to have baby on the way! Can not wait to meet him! I know it is almost impossible to know , but we are already trying to guess who he will look like and color on the hair and eyes. Since Nick and I look kinda different (except for pale skin) our baby is bit of a wild card. Feel free to share your thoughts and guesses.

Now just to make this the longest blog EVER, I bring you . . .

WEEK 21

Size:  Banana Baby! Weighing in at 12.7 oz, and 10.5 inches long. Now as I already shared Eli is as 13.0 oz, and I did not get how long he was I will have to ask next time.

Physical Features & Development: Baby's digestive system is busy creating meconium (a tarry black substance made of swallowed amniotic fluid, digestive secretion, and dead cells), which will fill the first diaper after birth. Also little Eli is starting to sleep and wake in a subtle cycle.

Baby Movement:  Plenty of Baby movement happening! Nick has actually been able to feel him a couple of good times now, and is planning on poking him a bit tonight to see if he can get him to move. Not sure how that is going to work, but it will be sweet to see him do it.

What I Miss:  How could I miss anything this week. Too much to be excited about!

Cravings: This week has been a weird eating week since we have had VBS everynight so we have just been eating quick. We did have a celebration lunch yesterday at Cracker Barrel (My choice), where I got some wonderful Mac n’ Cheese. That really hit the spot!

Overall feelings: Doing well this week and the hormones seem to be in better shape. Indegestion has been bad this week, but I can totally deal with that! I have also had some of what they call round ligament pain. This is normal during pregnancy especially during the 2nd tri, according to the books I have.  It can be uncomfortable at times, but has been easy to manage thus far.

Appointments & Coming Events:  My next appointment is July 11th. Right now the next upcoming event is a trip to Florida complete with the wedding of some wonderful friends and a trip to Disney. So I am gearing up to battle the heat and stay hydrated! Also all those Eli room preparations will begin now so I am sure there will be a blog coming about that. Plenty happening! Such a blessing!

Ohhh I almost forgot . . .

Bump pic!

Please keep us all in your prayers!

Ohhh We’re Half Way There . . .

ohhh oo Naked I swear  . . .as my dear nephew Topher used to sing. I know he knows the correct words to that Bon Jovi classic now but that line never grows old for me. AND I am indeed “Half Way There” this week! That right my blog friends we are at 20 weeks! YAY! Lots of good baby related news to share with you going into the big 2-0! 1st we made our first major baby related purchase . . . .

THE CRIB!

We purchased the Graco Charleston in Cherry. We made the purchase through Wal-Mart.com and got a great deal and free site to store shipping. Thanks to the book Baby Bargains we knew we wanted to go with a Graco brand crib. They were billed to be the best bang for the buck. Buying the crib was a little scary it made the whole experience “more real” somehow.  Now I can hardly wait to get it and start getting the Acorns room ready.

Now the next bit of news is more pregnancy related or should I say Maternity Clothes related. So I am still able to wear my normal clothes, Praise the Lord!  However, I had a very sweet person give me an entire tote of maternity clothes. This past weekend I went through the clothes and tried them on and I am going to be able to use almost everything, such a blessing! While trying on the clothes I discovered something wonderful MATERNITY SHORTS!  So this is love . . .do do do! Maternity Shorts are FABULOUS! So comfortable! I honestly feel that everyone should get some pregnant or not! You do not have that awful button/tab thing cutting into your stomach and  they do not ride up! Needless to say all the maternity shorts will be going with me to Florida in a few weeks!

Now time for the weekly update . . .

20 Weeks

Size:  Cantaloupe sized- weighing in at 10.6 oz and measuring 6.5 inches.

Physical Features & Development: Baby is still concentrating on getting bigger. Little Acorn will gain a couple ounces and an inch or tooth this month! Precious Baby Oaks gulps down several ounces of amniotic fluid every day, both for nutrition and to practice swallowing and digesting. And baby’s taste buds are beginning to work!

Baby Movement: Baby likes to MOVE IT, MOVE IT! No big painful movements but plenty of the small nudges, pokes, and flutters. As I mentioned last week Nick has been very anxious to feel the baby move and he finally got to. It was just a small movement and he had to kind of press down, but he felt it. He was so excited! So glad that he is able to share in the experience!

What I Miss:  Nothing at the moment!

Cravings: Hmmmm, it is hard to say on this one this week. Watermelon has still been pretty high on the list. Right now I am very excited about having Fruit Pizza at the Family Picnic on Saturday My Mom is making it for Baby! Baby likes the best stuff!

Overall feelings: Well, physically I am great! But man those pregnancy hormones have been in full gear. I do at times feel a little edgy and my fuse seems to shorter than usual. Some of this could be attributed to just normal life stress, but  sometimes I can just tell that the hormones are in full force and my filter is not working. That being said I would like to apologize in advance for anything I say that might just be a little insensitive! It is the pregnancy hormones talking! Still feel blessed to feel physically well!

Appointments & Coming Events: 5 DAYS till June 8th! Prayers for a healthy baby and a cooperative baby are requested!

Ohhh I almost forgot . . . .

Everyone wave hello to Baby Oaks! I do believe he or she is definitely making an appearance now!

Neat it’s 19!!!

Well, blog friends we have reached week 19 one week till the half way point! It is really going by waaay to fast! As you can see from the picture above Baby Oaks is still making his/her baby appearance. YAY! Such a blessing! Now for the weekly update:

Week 19

Size:  Aww we have MANGO baby! 6.0 inches long and weighing 8.5 oz

Physical Features & Development: Vernix caseosa, a greasy white substance made of lanugo, oil, and dead skin cells  now coats baby's skin, shielding it from the amniotic fluid. (Sounds icky, yet important!)

Baby Movement: Big news here- I have felt PLENTY of  Acorn movement this week. It is just kind of little flutters and pokes every now and then. At first I could only feel if I was laying down but now I can feel if I am sitting or standing still Not going to to lie at first it kind of scared me, but now I find it really exciting and sit in anticipation for the next little move. Dear husband is also very anxious to feel the movement from the outside, but Baby Oaks is not quite moving that strongly yet. I am sure it is coming soon though! Love feeling the movements!

What I Miss:  Watching the weight on the scale go down! I just keep telling myself it is all for the BABY!

Cravings: This week the appetite has been up quite a bit, got a growing baby to feed! This week I did have a strong need for pizza due to a conversation with a friend and I also had to buy a watermelon after having some fruit out of a watermelon bowl at a baby shower on Saturday. I have also been a bit fan of berries this week- strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, etc. I guess that is at least a healthy food need.

Overall feelings: Still feeling great! Another wonderful blessing! I continue to have heartburn and indigestion, and those wonderful pregnancy hormones are in full swing. BUT nothing I can not deal with!

Appointments & Coming Events: Well, we are still counting down till our big appointment on June 8th! I actually got a reminder card in the mail that I have a conflicting dentist appointment on that day. Needless, to say I will be rescheduling the dentist appointment! Can not wait to see Baby Oaks!