A Long Walk

In a further attempt to induce labor, I have taken two long walks on the treadmill both yesterday and today.  I can go so much further and longer when I'm not fighting the heat.

Yesterday, I walked for 40 minutes.  

Today, Layla wanted to join me.  She hoped right on the treadmill and started walking.  At first, I jumped off the treadmill to let her have a turn, but then I could tell she wasn't leaving any time soon.  We have trained her to walk on the treadmill when its rainy, too hot or too cold outside, or when we don't feel like walking her ourselves so she didn't want to get off any time soon.  So, I joined her.

We walked side-by-side like this for an hour!  

She was such a sweet companion and we were both very happy doing it together!

Now, let's just hope this gets labor going!!!!  I'm ready!!!

40 Weeks

Here I am again...belly shot at 40 weeks.  BIG belly!

Apparently Annie is very, very comfortable right where she is and has no plans of coming out!  I ate eggplant parmesan last night and nothing happened.  Brad and I have also been taking long walks all week despite the heat but to no avail.  My biggest rush for delivery by today was in hopes that my doctor would still be in town.  But, he is leaving to go to the beach for a week today so its just not going to happen.  I am very sad and disappointed that he won't deliver Annie but there is nothing I can do about it.

So, now I will just relax and see what happens.  One good thing with all of this extra time spent waiting is that we just keep getting more projects done.

First, I finished the chandelier for the nursery and the electrician is coming this afternoon to hang it!  I am really happy with how it turned out and can't wait to see it in the room.  It is all white with pale pink flowers and a gold rope around the bouquet stem.  (I couldn't get the candle sticks all the way back on but the electrician needs to check the wiring today anyways so I will wait until later to get these back on.  You are seeing some brown cardboard that goes underneath the candlesticks.)

Before

After

I also appliqued this cross to a burp cloth.  It is far from perfect, but good enough for me to use.  

I want to do an "A"also.  (Please excuse the terrible iPhone pic)

And, like I mentioned before, Mom finished the gorgeous day gown that 

Annie will wear home from the hospital!  I love it so much!  It is beautiful, white lawn cotton with hand sewn entredeux and lace, hand embroidery, and hand sewn button holes.  My Mom is so talented and can really do anything!!

Hand embroidery and entredeux and lace around the neck

Puff sleeves with entredeux and lace

Hand sewn button holes and embroidered bullion roses on the buttons!

Now, Mom is even working on another day gown...since we are still waiting:)

At this rate, we may also get the crib bedding made before Annie comes along!

Feel free to keep guessing Annie's 

Birth Day & Time

Weight & Length

I love hearing from everyone!!

40 Weeks & 4 Days

So I am 40 weeks and 4 days pregnant.  Wow!  I really never expected to still be pregnant at this point.  I am a little more uncomfortable with each passing day as its just hard to be pregnant in this heat and my belly just keeps getting bigger which makes everything harder.  But, the hardest part about still being pregnant is not even the physical aspect - I know physically that I can keep waiting - it is the mental aspect.  It was very hard when my due date came and went as if it was just any ol' day.  I also keep thinking I won't be pregnant this time next week.  Or this will be the last time I go the grocery store pregnant.  Etc, etc. 

Like, I have said before, I thought my body was making good progress and showing signs that it would "know what to do" and go into labor before or close to my due date.   Even my doctor thought this too.  But, ever since I finished up at work and have had time to relax, I feel like my body has stalled out.  The contractions seems less frequent and not at all painful and my body has just not progressed much at all over the last several weeks.  

So, I am learning a lot of patience and being constantly reminded that I am absolutely not in control of this situation.  God has known all along each and every detail of Annie's birth and I am very comforted by that.  None of this is a surprise.  He knows the answer to every question: Will my family be in town?  Will my doctor be in town?  Which doula will be available, if at all, to help with the labor?   When will it be?  

Honestly, I am hoping for a Friday delivery :)  I like the date 7.22.11 and my Dad will be back in town from his business trip and my sister and brother-in-law can most likely make it back from their conference in Nashville.  My doctor will also still be in town.  Unfortunately, my doula, Melissa would not be here, but her back-up will most likely be available.  (Hi, Melissa!)

  But, again, its not up to me!  

So, we will wait and see...

Since I am still pregnant, I think we should start taking guesses on when Annie will arrive and how big she will be.  I did go to the doctor today and they estimated that she is about 8 lbs 11oz already.  OH MY GOSH.  PLEASE LET THEM BE WRONG.  She said it is very hard to estimate accurately this far along in the pregnancy, but there is no doubt that Annie keeps getting bigger every day!  So, will you play along and leave your guess in the comment section of the blog:

Birth Day & Time

Weight

(I know I have more readers than the few who leave me comments:)  Don't be shy!!)

Thank you again to everyone who calls / texts / emails me everyday to check-in.  I love hearing from each and every one of you and it is making the waiting so much easier!  

We will keep you posted!

39 Weeks

Here is my belly at the end of 39 weeks!  

Hopefully this is my last belly shot as I am due tomorrow, July 16th!

I have been feeling good still and sleeping pretty well.  But, I think as of today, I officially decided that I am ready to not be pregnant anymore.  I am ready to move around more easily, sit more comfortably, not be so hot all the time, and most of all, I am very ready to meet our little girl!!  I have no idea what she will look like and I can't wait to find out!  I also can't wait to hold her in my arms!  Brad is ready to meet her too!  He keeps asking me how I feel and is anxiously awaiting labor so he can hold her too!

We were hoping that the full moon last night might get labor started but no luck.  Also, we were thinking we might be in the same hospital on the same day this year as we were last year, but for a much happier reason!  We were there on the 16th and 17th so there is still hope for this one.

I have definitely enjoyed this past week of working on several small projects.  I appliqued a cross to a burp cloth, cleaned out my bathroom linen closets and drawers, and have been working on painting the nursery chandelier.  The chandelier still has a ways to go and I need more inspiration and help to get it done, but I'm making progress.  

Mom also finished sewing the hand-made day gown that she made for Annie to wear home from the hospital!!  It is absolutly gorgeous and so sweet!  I meant to take pictures of it when the light was still nice but its too dark to get good pictures now.  I will have to take some tomorrow.
I can't wait to see Annie in it!

So, for now, we are just waiting.  We are so thankful for all of you who have texted, called, and emailed to check on us this week!  It is making the wait very exciting as we anticipate her arrival, and we are so grateful to know how many of you are thinking and praying for us!  

We will keep you posted...

Before & After: The Den Rug

When we moved into our house almost 3 years ago, my Mom generously let us borrow this beautiful Pottery Barn rug for our den.  It was the perfect size and very pretty.

The only problem is that I am not much of a red person when it comes to decor.  

I have always wanted a seagrass rug in our den and have been shopping and waiting for a great deal.

A friend of mine from work bought hers from Natural Area Rugs and highly recommended them.

I shopped and found a fantastic deal!!

I bought this 8 x 10 seagrass rug with taupe binding for only $169!  

It was originally $219.  Then, I found a $50 promotional code as well as free shipping!

I love the new look and feel like it is more me!

I know the room is lacking in a little color and decor, but I honestly really like the neutral pallet.  

As time goes on, I will add in some more decor, pillows, and maybe one day, some curtains!

Lake

My family, minus my Dad who was out of town for a business conference, was able to get to the lake on Sunday for a little sun and relaxation!  We missed you Daddy! Unfortunately, the sun was not out very much between the rain and clouds, but we still enjoyed some time floating in the water and a wonderful boat ride!  

38 Weeks

Here is my belly at 38 weeks!  It is definitly lower as baby girl has moved down!

This week I had a slight scare because Annie had not moved much or at all on Wednesday.  I poked and prodded on her during the day in hopes to stir her up.  I also had both breakfast and lunch and even an iced latte to get her moving, but I was still unable to feel her move. .  So, I went to the doctor a day early and they did a biophysical profile to check on her.  Thankfully, everything looked good and she was moving, but just not doing her normal full punches that I feel so easily and often.  We watched her heart beat, her lungs expand as she breathed, her foot wiggle, and her lips open and close!  They also checked the amniotic fluid levels which were good.  All in all, it was a good report but not much has changed as far as my body progressing from last week.  So, the baby watch is on...  She will come when she is ready and thankfully we are much much more ready for her to arrive!

Brad and I worked non-stop all weekend over the July 4th holiday to really get ready for Annie!  We did start out the weekend at Hot and Hot Fish Club on Friday night to celebrate our 4th anniversary!  We had such a fun night at dinner and then came home and watched all 4 of our wedding videos - my favorite anniversary tradition!!

Saturday morning, Tom and Joanne came over to help us get started.  Joanne ironed baby clothes - they came out of the dryer so wrinkled - and they look beautiful!  Tom and Brad sanded, primed, and caulked the new bookcase.  I painted the first coat of paint on the nursery dresser and did several more loads of laundry.  Thank you Tom and Joanne for your help!!

Brad and I kept working all weekend and got so much done.  We finished painting both the bookcase and the nursery dresser, finished all loads of baby wash, cleaned up the junk room where everything baby has been stored, and I even go to nest!  I have had such a strong urge to clean out closets and drawers around the house but have just not had the time.  Finally, I was able to do this and it felt great!!  It is also one of Brad's favorite parts about me being pregnant :)   The nursery is getting close to being done but I am not quite ready to show it yet - I am still working on a few things.

Tuesday morning, The Maids came and cleaned our house from top to bottom for 3.5 hours!  What a miracle!  This was our (very romantic) anniversary gift to each other!

Last week, I forgot to mention that I got my car cleaned out.  Brad gave me a gift certificate at Christmas that I saved to use just before Annie was born!  It looks great and feels so good to have it clean too!

My bags are mostly packed for the hospital and I plan to finish packing today.

And, my Mom finished the cradle bedding and it looks absolutely beautiful!!!   We all slept in this same cradle when we were born.   I have never seen a prettier one!

Mom made the mattress and the bumper pads and then all of the bedding!  The bumpers are white pique with pink ribbons and the mattress sheet is white with little pink roses!  She even embroidered bullion roses on each ribbon - look closely and you can see.   Thank you Mama for your labor of love!!

I now have the cradle sitting by my bed and love seeing it every time I walk in the room.  

I can't wait to see Annie sleeping in it :)

So, we had a very productive week and are feeling super excited to meet our little girl!  

Mr. & Mrs. Flachsbart - Friday

Friday, June 17th started off with Elizabeth's bridesmaid luncheon hosted 

by her Godmother at Daniel George!  The food was delicious and the flowers were gorgeous!  

Look at the huge orange peonies!

Elizabeth & Mom

Elizabeth & her new mother-in-law 

Anne, Melissa, Aunt Laurie, Aunt Janet, Holly, Alston, & Lauren Taylor

Aunt Janet & Melissa were both bridesmaids in Mom's wedding so it was fun for them to be there! 

Caitlin, Laura, Dr. Morgan, Ann, & Anna 

Emily, Elizabeth, Mom, Aunt Judy, & Michelle

I was taking the picture!  And later, Aunt Mariska also joined us.

Emily, Maid of Honor

Me, Matron of Honor

36 weeks pregnant

Aunt Laurie was so excited to get to be here for all of the festivities!

The Bridesmaids!

We each gave Elizabeth a special item or memento along with a little speech about a memory together or something special with Elizabeth.  I gave Elizabeth the garter that Mom made for me when I got married so that she could wear it for her big day as "something borrowed."  Then, Elizabeth gave each of us a Vera Bradley small, monogrammed duffel bag and Hanky Panky that matched our bridesmaid dresses!

After the luncheon, we all went to get manicures and pedicures.

Friday night, we started with the rehearsal at the church and then the rehearsal dinner at The Garden Cafe at the Botanical Gardens!  

Unfortunately, on the way from the rehearsal to dinner, Brad and I got a flat tire.  Thankfully, we were able to pull off the interstate safely and change the tire.  Brad did a great job and had us going again in under 20 minutes!  I wish I had a picture...Brad in his suit, me 36 weeks pregnant in high heels on Friday night, downtown, changing a tire!

Here is the best picture from the rehearsal dinner!  It was a gorgeous room and very intimate setting!  

We started off with a great slideshow of Elizabeth & Alex!  I always love the slideshows and getting to see all the pictures.  Brad and I still watch our wedding slideshow and videos on our anniversary each year!  

After the slideshow, friends and family gave speeches.  Almost the entire wedding party gave speeches and they were truly some of the best and most well written speeches I have ever heard!  Emily & I wrote a poem titled "Twas the Night Before Your Wedding" that was fashioned after "Twas the Night Before Christmas."  

More to come about Saturday!

Elizabeth - The Bachelorette

On June 4th, Emily and I hosted Elizabeth's Lingerie & Bachelorette Party at Emily's house!  

Here is Elizabeth, the guest of honor and soon-to-be Mrs. Flachsbart!

We started off the night with cocktails and cupcakes! 

Alston, Anne, & Elizabeth

Caitlin, Maria, & Louisa

Then, we asked Elizabeth lots of questions about Alex!  We made it a drinking game - if she got the answer right, the girls had to drink and if she got the answer wrong, she had to drink!

Finally, she opened her lingerie!  She recieved some of the most beautiful lingerie I have ever seen!

From Emily's, we headed to Cocina for dinner and then the younger girls (!) went on to the bar!

The party was a big success and lots of fun!!

37 Weeks

Here is my belly at the end of 37 weeks!  

I am doing well just HOT.  Everywhere I go I feel like its 100 + degrees...inside, outside it doesn't matter!  There is not enough AC that could make me feel cool at this point.   I am sleeping okay.   Some nights I still sleep great and then some nights I will wake up and go to the bathroom and stay wide awake for 3 hours.  It's rough, but I think I am still getting more sleep at this point than some so I will take what I can get.  This past week, I have been hungry!!  During the day, I eat the same amount - usually 3 normal meals, no snacks - but then right before bed I usually have to have some cereal and if I wake up and stay up in the middle of the night, I usually will have some more cereal then too.  I guess baby girl (or maybe its just me) is packing on the pounds!  

Today was my last day of work!!!!  I am very, very thankful and excited to be able to stay home with Annie!  Thank you Bradley for taking such good care of us and allowing me to be at home :)  It definitely has not set in yet that I will not be going back to work.  I think that will take several weeks before I realize that today was it.

As far as being prepared for Annie, I still feel like we are behind and have tons to do.  However, I have made lots of progress this week and hope to make a lot more progress this weekend with Brad as well as next week with my Mom since I will be home.   I have so much more energy on the days that I don't go to work so hopefully this will be true next week.

First, I finalized my birth plan and went over it with my doctor.  He has been great and so open and understanding to what I want and he has never made me feel defiant or stupid for going against the "normal" way of birth these days.  He is also very laid back and gives me lots of confidence that everything will go well no matter exactly how it all goes.  We seem to be very much on the same page as far as what we hope for the birth to be like but open and understanding that ultimately, neither Brad and I or the doctor is in control at all and we will respond as needed to my needs and Annie's.  

Secondly, Emily came over one night and helped me get started on packing for the hospital.  Its actually very overwhelming because there is a lot that I need and I have no idea what its really going to be like!  It also hard because so many things I am still using and will be right up until we leave. 

Thirdly,  I finally found a bookcase for the nursery!  It is the perfect size and adds a sweet feel to the nursery.  I just quickly placed some items on the bookcase to see how it will look - they are not in their final place.  The lamb lamp on the top right is the night light.  I love it!  As you can see, the bookcase is green for now!  We plan to paint it this weekend along with the dresser.  Hopefully, we can get both pieces painted and organized.   

Fourthly, I washed my first load of baby laundry!  I have been so nervous that I would mess up some of her beautiful clothes, but I finally took the plunge since it has to be done.  So far, I don't think I ruined anything:)

Finally, my diaper bag came in the mail today!  I love it and am so glad that I picked it!  

Its the Dawn Convertible Bag by Timi & Leslie.

I am so excited to meet Annie but hopefully she will stay put for another week at least!  I think we can be pretty much ready with another week of preparation.  We will see...

Happy 4th of July!