Nursery Inspiration for Baby Boy #2

Things with this pregnancy are progressing so slowly, we haven't picked a name (mostly because we can't agree on one) and we have done nothing to the nursery yet....although lets be honest baby boy won't even be in the nursery until he is a couple months old.

BUT I do know what I....it's just all in my head.
The plan is to paint a dresser we already have, order a new crib, and either repurpose Camden's rocker or buy a new one.

I really do not have a "theme" in mind just some words that are floating around in my head to describe the feel/vibe I want for the nursery

Manly. Eclectic. Vintage. 

For our littlest man's room I am currently obsessed with gray furniture, pegboards, and all things neutral. I also LOVE the wooden dog in the bottom right corner....it might be the only thing I have actually purchased for the nursery so far!!! 

Of course we will add some kind of shelving to hold books and a rug, but at least I have organized all the thoughts in my brain.

One Month Update

I can't believe we are here, I can't believe I am actually writing this post. I feel like time is flying at warp speed and all I want it to do is slow down. 

Our little man is One Month Old today yesterday.

Weight/Height: At our last doctor's appointment Camden weighed 9 pounds and 13 ounces and is still 21 inches long.

Sizes: he can wear anything from newborn to 0-3 months and currently in size 1 diapers...right now pampers are my favorite!

Routine: he is actually a really good baby, but we don't have a set routine yet. Usually we wake up between 8am -9am, change diaper, and then nurse. Mornings seem to be when he is most alert, lately he has been staying awake for a couple of hours then napping around 11ish. He nurses about every 2 to 3 hours during the day. He is always in bed by 8pm or 9pm and is sleeping anywhere between 4 to 5 hours (his momma is not complaining)!!  I usually get up with him around 1am or 2am to feed and then again around 5ish. 

Sleeping: Camden is sleeping in his pack-n-play next to our bed right now AND taking naps either on me, in his bouncer, or on the couch. Hopefully this week we will move nap time to the crib...I will be testing my mommy skills.

Eating: exclusively breast milk right now, happy momma and baby!

Milestones: not too many but here are some of the things that I can think of

• he discovered his hands, in particular his thumb
• loves to play on this playmat, he can hit the toys that hang
• pulling my hair...he has even pulled corey's armpit hair
• gaining more control of his neck
• starting to smile!

25 Days of Camden

...which is total better than 25 days of Christmas!

These first few weeks have been a total whirlwind and a huge blessing.

We have been blessed with so much love and support, it makes my heart swell just thinking about it. And we couldn't have made it through these first few weeks without our family and friends, so a HUGE THANK YOU to all of you, we LOVE you!!

Things Camden Loves: Cuddles. His Playmat. The puppies. His paci is a life saver...even though I will probably regret it later.
Burping your baby cures all problems. If something is wrong, burp him and then burp him again!
He hates being swaddled and always eats with one leg locked.

Days 1-12 were a breeze but at day 12 things got a little scary. We thought Camden had a granuloma in his belly button so our pediatricians treated with silver nitrate unfortunately our bundle of joy has a really deep belly button so she said we might have to do the same treatment again. Well she was right four days later his little belly button was still bleeding, so back to the doctor's office we went and she did the same procedure again (which takes a total of five seconds and is totally painless).
When we woke up the next day his DEEP belly button had a little puss in it, soo I called our pediatricians once again BUT this time things weren't so simple. He had an infection in his belly button AND since he was only 17 days old we had to be admitted into the hospital. This was just a precaution to make sure the infection didn't spread into his blood stream, they wanted to start an IV so they could get fluids and antibiotics into his body as soon as possible.
Our doctor was concerned that he might have an urachal cyst, so while at the hospital we had an ultrasound and it showed that he was cyst free, YAY!
About 8 hours into our hospital stay Camden decided he no longer wanted an IV and somehow his IV came out. Then about 8 million nurses tried to get another IV started but nothing ever work, every time they would get one started his vain would collapse. After what felt like the 80th stick I couldn't take it any longer, so we gave up on the IV and decided we would just do oral antibiotics.
Our pediatrician wanted to keep him at least 48 hours with antibiotics in the IV but since the IV was a no go, we could go home in 24 hours if all his blood work came back normal. One sleepless night later and a fever free baby, we were FINALLY cleared to go home. HALLELUJAH!

Days 20-25 have been much better and a lot less stressful. You would never know that our baby boy was sick, he is as happy and content as can be.
The only down side, the antibiotics give him gas, which can make him fussy around bed time and after feedings.

Hopefully we will not be in the hospital for the next fiftyish years, this momma can't take the stress!

Camden's Birth Story

Well after a week and a half at home with my sweet baby boy I am finally sitting down to write his birth story.

Being that this is a birth story it might be a little long and have a little to much TMI for some people, BUT it's a story I will cherish forever and something I never want to forget. 

Camden's birth story starts on Monday, August 5th.

We were scheduled to be induced Monday morning and had to be at the hospital by 4 a.m., so we woke up around 2 o'clock and headed to the hospital at 3 o'clock (because it took us about 45 minutes to get there.)

Once we got to the hospital, they admitted us and we were sent to the labor and delivery wing. After I got hooked up to all the IVs, they checked my cervix (I was already dilated to 3 cm) and started my pitocin. Then we sat and waited. At 7 my OBGYN came in and broke my water. At this point I was still dilated to 3 cm. My doctor was confidant that we would have a baby by lunch, I wasn't as confidant. I knew that since this was my first pregnancy it would probably take longer.
We also went ahead and got an epidural at this point because once my water was broken, I wasn't allowed to leave my bed AND that was the only reason I was waiting.
I had hoped that once my contractions got stronger I would be able to walk around to ease the pain and help labor progress, but my nurses informed me once my water broke I was stuck in bed....
After I received my epidural I felt no pain at all below my waist, it was heaven. Contractions are no joke and I was feeling every one of them up until that point.

Around nine all of our family started arriving and all I could think about was food, I was STARVING, I hadn't had anything to eat since dinner the night before.. Also around this time my nurses checked my cervix again, I was 4 cm dilated. Not much progress, but as least we were improving. Then we sat and waited and talked. My family helped keep my mind off labor and I didn't even notice how long my labor was actually taking....we were up to hour 5 at this point.

Around 11 o'clock I started noticing my contractions more and more. My toes weren't tingly like they were when I first received my epidural and I had a lot of moment in my legs...at one point my nurse even commented on how much I was able to move around.  Then my mother-in-law noticed some water on the floor, only it wasn't water...
Yup, your thinking right, it was my medicine. Somehow my anesthesiologist forgot to hook my epidural medicine into my IV and it was dripping onto the floor instead of in my body. My poor nurse (who I loved) felt terrible and immediately got him back into the room, where he promptly pushed medicine right into my back and started my drip again...this time correctly. About 5 minutes later I was pain free and a happy camper .

Around lunch my doctor recommended that I get monitored internally, they wanted to monitor the baby's heartbeat and to see how strong my contractions were. Because I wasn't progressing as quickly as my doctor's would have liked me to and our little man's heartbeat wasn't cooperating.
His little heartbeat would get really low, sometimes it would drop down into the 100's and then go back up to the 130's.

If my contractions weren't strong enough, that meant more pitocin. If my contractions were strong enough, but not helping me progress we would have to consider a c-section. I didn't want a c-section. I was very adamant about having this baby natural. Since I was already being induced I wanted to a vaginal birth so bad!
So the plan was to monitor me for 45 minutes and then see where we should go from there. Those were the longest 45 minutes of my life, and we just prayed and prayed that I would progress before the doctor came back and checked me again.

At 1 o'clock I got checked again and I was still 4 cm, closer to 5 cm...9 hours of labor and I had only progressed one maybe two cm. My worst fears had come true, my doctor told me we would have to proceed with a c-section and I LOST IT. I had a break down, I couldn't stop crying and my body wouldn't stop shaking. I felt like I had failed my baby, and I was terrified of surgery. Corey was such a trooper because he held it together (at least on the outside) and reassured my everything would be okay.

In what seemed like seconds the prepped me for surgery and wheeled my back to the OR. They asked Corey to get dressed (in precious blue scrubs) and wait outside until they came and got him. Once inside the OR they moved me from one bed to the other, put a drape up at my waist, and made both of my arms stretch out beside me. All the while I was just trying to keep it together and not have a panic attack, I remember trying to distract myself and doing a terrible job of it. After what felt like hours, Corey was finally back by my side and I instantly felt such relief. Corey did such an amazing job of reassuring me, telling me he loved me, and distracting me during the entire operation. I couldn't of made it through without this his love and support.

Before I even realized what was happening the doctors had already started, and I only know that because they told me to get ready for pressure. They said it would feel like an elephant was sitting on my chest, only I never felt the pressure....I was too drugged at this point. Then the doctor yelled "boy, 14:14" and they asked Corey if he wanted to see his son. I remember my doctor telling me, there was no way I would have been able to have him on my own. He head and shoulders were too big, and that we had made the right decision. At this point I was balling my eyes out, everything was okay, our baby boy was here and he was perfectly healthy!

After what felt like forever, Corey brought our precious baby boy over. He wasn't crying at all, he looked so content in his daddy's arms. I am pretty sure I feel in love with that man all over again.
It was the single greatest moment of my entire life.

Camden was finally here, this tiny baby had just came out of me and I couldn't believe how much I loved him already.

His birth didn't got how we prayed and planned for, but I wouln't change it for the world. I will never forget those first few moments of his life. It is a moment in time I will never forget and I am so grateful to Corey and our wonderful nurses that were able to capture it on camera.

Happy Birthday Sweet Baby Boy, We Love You More Than You Will Ever Know! 

Third Trimester Must Haves

Well as most of you know our sweet little man has arrived BUT here are some things that helped me get through my final trimester. AND let me tell ya those last couple weeks are rough; one because you are terribly uncomfortable and two because you just want to meet that baby.
Luckily for me I was already out of school on summer vacation, so I didn't have to work through all those aches and pains.

1. Downton Abbey: I was searching through Hulu Plus one day and ran across this show. I remember hearing a lot about it when it first came out but I never caught it from the beginning, and I don't like to start watching a show if I am behind. Well all it took was one episode and I was hooked! It totally got me through those boring days of sitting and WAITING not so patiently for our little man to arrive. 

2. Nike shorts: I lived in these almost every day towards the end of the pregnancy. The only time I actually "got dressed" was if I had to go out in public for a doctor's appointment or to run some errands....then I would promptly come home and put these on again!

3. Corey's t-shirts: What they don't tell you, even your maternity clothes don't fit towards the end of your pregnancy. Soooo you have to get creative and raid your husband's wardrobe.

4. Ice: by the end of my pregnancy I was soo sick of water but you have to keep drinking it to keep you and baby hydrated. The only way I could choke down the recommended amount was to fill a huge cup with crushed ice and water...

5. Chocolate: throughout this entire pregnancy I craved chocolate. Hershey's was my favorite, especially if I put in the freezer first!

6. Pool: every pregnant gals best friend. It makes you feel weightless and bonus you get a tan while enjoying it!

38 Weeks

This week, Baby is the size of a: Pumpkin

How far along?  38 Weeks and 5 Days on Tuesday, July 30…I am a couple of days late on blogging..oops

Total weight gain/loss: I have gained a totally of 31 pounds (a little more than I wanted)

Due date: August 7, 2013 but we are officially being induced on August 5^th

Stretch Marks? Welp, I have three more small ones on my belly (which feels like it’s about to explode)!

Sleep: Sleep is still impossible and incredible more uncomfortable   

Best moment this week: I finally finished the nursery!! Pictures coming soon.

Movement: Still moving like crazy, he loves to kick!  

Food cravings: I am just hungry ALL the time!

Gender:  BOY!

Labor Signs/ Symptoms: Still getting contractions, but nothing consistent. My pelvic region is very sore all the time, it hurts to move, walk, sit….

Belly Button in or out? It’s hanging on for dear life, it’s still an inbetweenie

Wedding Rings on or off?  Off most of the time, but I wore them yesterday.

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy and EXCITED and so nervous, can’t wait to meet our little man!

What I am looking forward to: D-day we are being induced on Monday!   

Prayer Request: Well it looks like he is completely comfortable and doesn’t want to come anytime soon. So since he weighs so much on the ultrasound, my doctor suggested we go ahead and induce on Monday. Please pray for a safe and uncomplicated labor. I am really nervous about the induction, just praying everything goes smoothly and I don’t have to have c-section.

           

It's Baby Shower Time

I was blessed with two incredible baby showers, one was with "my family" in Huntsville and one was with "corey's family" here.


Disclaimer: I am terrible at taking pictures at showers, I never seem to capture the moments...I am too busy talking (imagine that). Sorry the the lack of pictures...


First up the Huntsville shower: it was at my mom's best friends house and all my wonderful hostess did an AMAZING job decorating!

My favorite thing about showers, getting to see all my wonderful friends and family. Here is my momma, sister and me!

Dress: Maternal American.

We also played this amazing game: Bingo. I know right, sound exciting. HA! But it really was, here is how you play:

Pre-fill Bingo cards with items on the preggo lady's baby registry. Then give a card to all the guest and while the preggo lady opens gift, everyone checks it off their cards. Then when someone gets five in a row they yell BINGO and win a PRIZE! It was so fun because everyone was paying attention the entire time I was opening gifts, AND it made them involved. You should see how excited someone gets when you open a breast pump and its on their bingo card, haha!

I also got some pretty spectacular gifts: Britax B-Agile Stroller, baby bottles, humidifier, a Bumbo, pack-n-play, sound machine, Boon Grass Drying Rack, countless outfits, books, diapers, whipes, and much more! 

I can't thank everyone enough, our little man is spoiled rotten and it is because all of you!! 

Our Second Shower: was just as amazing, unfortunately I only had my iphone so the pictures aren't the best quality!

 

My wonderful hostess had all my pregnancy cravings (chocolate, fruit loops, and mexican), I was in preggers heaven AND ate way to much. 

We also played two fun games at this shower, I wish I had pictures of this diaper game. You know the one: 4 diapers, 4 strange substances, your best guess. It was hilarious and everyone had so much fun sniffing the diapers trying to figure out what was in each of them. 

We also played a game where they took my name and Corey's name and you tried to make as many baby names as you could using our letters. AND to my surpise you can make Camden's name using both of ours! 

The best part: both Grandmother's won the games. My  momma won the name game and Corey's momma won the diaper game. 

I got some more spectacular gifts at this shower too: baby gate, Britax car seat, baby bath tub, baby monitor, many many clothes, diaper, wipes, pacifiers, and toys! 

I also got this awesome blanket from my sister-in-law, it matches the nursery and was handmade.  How cute is this blanket?!? 

 

I just want to give everyone a HUGE thanks! We are truly blessed and I can't wait for Camden to meet all of you!!!  SO thank you, thank you, thank you AND we love you! 

37 Weeks

This week, Baby is the size of a: Watermelon AND he weighs approximately 7 pounds and 14 ounces.

How far along?  37 Weeks and 5 Days

Total weight gain/loss: I have gained a total for 30 pounds so far…that is 5 pounds over my goal weight. 

Due date: August 7, 2013, but it looks like he will be coming before his due date!

Stretch Marks? Still holding strong with three

Sleep: Sleep is getting harder and harder nightly; I get up at least twice a night to pee.  

Best moment this week: Our doctor’s appointment today. We had an ultrasound today that showed our little man is not so little, he is almost 8 pounds. SOO my doctor decided it would be best if I am induced, unless he comes before August 4^th.

Movement: He still loves to kick his momma in the ribs!  

Food cravings: Mexican, I ate it four times alone this past week.

Gender:  BOY!

Labor Signs/ Symptoms: Unfortunately nothing too exciting going on, I am still only dilated 1 cm and my contractions are still irregular.

Belly Button in or out? I think it’s safe to say that it is not going to pop out, still just flat….

Wedding Rings on or off?  Off most of the time, I can still wear them in the morning but I usually end up taking them off before the end of the day :(

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy and Excited I cannot wait to meet our baby boy.

What I am looking forward to: Finally meeting this little boy!   

Prayer Request: That he comes before August 4^th. I really would love to have him without being induced, but I understand that him staying too long would increase my risk for c-section AND I want to try to have him as natural as possible.

36 Weeks

This week, Baby is the size of a:  Watermelon

How far along?  36 Weeks and 6 Days

Due date: August 7, 2013

Stretch Marks? I still only have three…not too ba

Sleep: I guess I can’t complain too much, I am still getting decent sleep.  

Best moment this week: All our bags are packed for the hospital, we are ready!!

Movement: He loves to kick momma in the ribs!  

Food cravings: ice

Gender:  BOY!

Labor Signs/ Symptoms: Contractions all the time (mostly at night) and I have another doctor’s
appointment tomorrow to see if I am dilated more than 1 cm.

Belly Button in or out? It’s a flatie.  

Wedding Rings on or off?  On, they are getting tighter…but I can still take them on and off.

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy!

What I am looking forward to: Finally meeting our little man, we are ready whenever you are!   

Prayer Request: That we continue to stay healthy for the remainder of this pregnancy and during 

labor!

  

36 Week Babbles

Holy Moly!!! I am 36 weeks, and only 1 week away from full term. Only a few more weeks until we get to hold our precious baby boy!

AND my to-do list keeps growing and growing, which keeps me up until all hours of the night.  

1. Finish the Nursery: hang name, picture frames, shelves, and wall decor.

2. Write a Birth Plan: which we haven't even thought about....

3. Wash all the Baby's Clothes...

4. Finish Buying Baby Stuff...I may need to get a second job to finish the registry. 

5. Organize the Changing Station.

 

 Hey Sweet Baby Boy,  

We will get to see your sweet face in less than a month. I can already tell that you love our new house, you kick like crazy anytime we are in your nursery. You also love to kick anytime you hear your daddy's voice. We love you more than you will ever know and you are our little miracle brought to life. Words can't express how excited daddy and I are to hold you in our arms. 

Love, 

Your Momma

35 Weeks

 Just keeping it real, I did the chalkboard in under 5 minutes, I have lived in Nike shorts for the past week, and I have no makeup on.... 

Even better this is an iPhone picture because my camera was upstairs. 

This week, Baby is the size of a: Large Cantaloupe...6 pounds

How far along?  35 Weeks and 6 Days

Due date: August 7, 2013

Stretch Marks? Still only have three...

Sleep: Sleep has gotten worse this week, I am so uncomfortable at night thanks to contractions

Best moment this week: setting up the nursery!

Movement:  He is always on the move

Food cravings: Sweets....and that's not good!

Gender:  BOY!

Labor Signs/ Symptoms: contractions, I actually had to go to the hospital last week to try to slow them down (hopefully more on that soon, waiting until we get internet). Also I am 1cm dilated.

Belly Button in or out? It’s hanging on for dear life, it’s still an inbetweenie

Wedding Rings on or off?  On, but they are getting tight.

Happy or Moody most of the time: So moody this week, oh hey hormones! Nothing fits, I am exhausted, and I am uncomfortable.

What I am looking forward to: Finally getting to hold our little man, this momma is ready!! 

Prayer Request: That we continue to stay healthy for the remainder of this pregnancy and during labor.

This week has been crazy, I am hoping to catch y'all up soon. Just waiting for internet because blogging from my phone is difficult. The cable man comes tomorrow!!