Month Two

Weight: 12 pounds 10 ounces

Length: 23 1/2 inches
Head: 15 1/2 inches

Another month has come and gone, too quickly I might add! Cutter does more and more each day, so that means we learn more and more as well. The holidays proved to be a slight challenge, more for us than him. Luckily, he adapts well and is flexible. At least as much as an infant can be. We had two weekends in a row of traveling and he hung in there. He just ate a lot more than usual. Traveling is pretty easy. Let's just say that I can still climb from the front seat into the back seat when necessary.

At his 2 month appointment today, Dr. said things are going very well. He was amazed at Cutter's weight gain. Almost 4 pounds in a month! Needless to say, all of the feeding we've been working on has paid off. We even weighed a second time to make sure, just because Dr. said he didn't look it. I wondered why the diapers were getting snug. Some stats for those curious: his head is in the 30th percentile, up from 25th last month. Length is in the 70th, down from 80th. And most of all... weight. He went from the 25th percentile up to 85th! If that wasn't some rapid weight gain!

Some things we've noticed:
~ He holds his head up very well.
~ He LOVES to cuddle! Instead of just laying on your shoulder, he'll hold onto your arm as well.
~ He is mesmerized by Chris' voice. He becomes so alert and searches for him when he hears him.
~ His cries are more distinct and recognizable: hungry, tired, hurt, whiny. Then there's the "Im ticked off at you" one that makes you laugh more than feel bad.
~ He smiles and laughs often, mostly in his bouncy seat and when I'm talking to him.
~ He's been known to lead singing and smack your face, due to much use of his arms. He's not doing much other than flailing, but we're working on it. He will hold the bottle with you on occasion.
~ He's sleeping a little longer during the night, going about 5 hours the first stretch and then about 3 the second.
~ He's almost out of a 3 month outfit. I'm trying to make sure he's worn everything at least once so I don't feel it's been wasted!
~ He uses his legs A LOT. He's either scooting, wiggling, standing or mad to where he stiffens his entire body and you can't bend him.
~ He has rolled from his stomach to his back! He goes from his side to back often, but has gone from his stomach only once. We tried to video him doing it again, but he hasn't yet.
~ He interacts more with Rush, or vice versa. Rush sets his ball in Cutter's lap and waits for him to throw it. Too bad he's going to wait a while!
~ He loves Bible class. I'm going out on a limb with this one, since he sleeps through most of them. I've only been called out of class once and that's because he was hungry.
~ He still looks JUST LIKE Chris. I've decided he has my nose and ears. Chris' face was a little more narrow when he was little, but I guess the roundness came from me. But still, a mini-Chris.

He had his first round of shots today. I don't know who I felt the most sorry for- him or the poor nurse! She did them as quickly as she could, but I still saw new shades of red in his face. I made it through too. I think I was so busy trying to calm him that I didn't have time to get upset. He passed out right after he calmed down, and has been sleeping ever since. Poor guy! I'd scream that much if needles that long went into me (yes, I looked, and couldn't believe that each of the three were over an inch long!). Hopefully, it won't throw him off too much.

I start back to work on Monday. I'm slightly mixed about this. I've enjoyed the time off, but at the same time, I'm ready to get back going again. So when people ask, I say sure as I shrug my shoulders. Yes, I'm ready for a slight break, ready to see my kids, but now quite ready to give him up all day long. He's gone a few times already to get all of us adjusted and I know he will do just fine. I think I will too!

About Time

After a long 7 weeks, we are making progress. What kind? Fattening up. No, not me, but Cutter.

I haven't been TOO stressed about it (right!), but just trying to make sure we are on track and doing what the doctor said. After his 1 month appointment, we added in formula in the evening to supplement. Sure enough, it worked! After 13 days, he went from 8 lbs 15 oz all the way to 10 lbs 11 oz. We skipped the 9s altogether! If you are doing the math, that's 28 oz in 13 days. About 2 oz a day, when the doctor said the goal was 1 a day.

It's about time! Now, if we can only get his feedings a little farther apart...

'Tis the Season

My favorite holiday in the world is Thanksgiving. Love it, and never overlook it. Now that the turkey has come and gone, it's time to gear up and get ready for Christmas... finally!

There is SO MUCH I have to do. I plan on lugging all of the crates down from the attic and transforming my house this weekend. Shopping for gifts? Barely begun! I have to first figure out what we're going to need to buy. Travel plans... need to at least put the idea in my head.

Most importantly, Christmas cards! Some years, I forget. Other years, I sign our names to a generic card and mail them out. This year? Cards have a high priority.

2 Reasons:
~ The cutest baby to share with friends and family,
~ Shutterfly's Christmas promotion of their 2010 Holiday Collection

I am so excited, because by sharing this with you all, I will be able to get 50 Cards for FREE! More importantly, I will start accessing so many other items: birth announcements, photo books, and calendars. I have tons of pictures and want to make sure they get put to good use. That, and Cutter is too cute not to share with others!

Depending on how long it takes me to get it all together, I like this one because of the Happy New Year on it. I'm covered if they are late getting in the mail!

Not only is this child adorable, I love the lines and it uses my favorite font! If I could only narrow it down to just one picture...

I found this folded card and am intrigued by it. It is not normally one that I would pick out, but it has several aspects that I like. I like the initial as well as the multiple pictures. I also like how I can customize the inside, though I do not know exactly what I would say without sounding too commercial. However, this might be the one I choose!

As you enter this holiday season, I hope yours is merry and bright, and full of great deals!

Month One

Weight: 8 pounds 15 ounces
Length: 22 1/2 inches
Head: 14 1/2 inches

What a month it has been! We've done a lot of changing, growing, and definitely adjusting. After seeing even younger ones at the doctor's office today, I can really see how much he has grown and changed. He looks JUST LIKE Chris and acts just like him as well. The only thing from me? His long and lean body! He's in the 80th percentile for length, but only 25th for weight. Needless to say, we're having to try and fatten him up!

Some things we've noticed:
~ He's awake and alert a lot more each day.
~ He focuses on objects- any lights, bright things, big shapes.
~ He tries to hold his head up and can on his own for a little at a time.
~ He sleeps pretty well at night, waking once and then again early in the morning.
~ He sleeps through the phone ringing, dog barking, and doorbell.
~ He'll hold your hand for a long time.
~ He grabs onto things, especially my hair.
~ He likes to cuddle- sleeping on your chest has become a new favorite.
~ He scoots a bit by pushing with his legs.
~ He's woken up in a different location in his crib a few times.
~ He likes to sleep with his hands by his face and a cover draped over his head.
~ He does not like his feet to be confined, so swaddling is about over.
~ He will smile at you on occasion.
~ He makes the funniest faces!

This funny face most recently came after Chris took out his paci so we could get a picture. He shot him a look and held it for a while. I can only imagine what he was thinking!

When they say they grow so fast, I can see. Not day to day, but looking back. We love him so much and take each day as a blessing. We can't wait to see what changes another month will bring!

Like Father...

... like son in so many ways: looks, personality...


I am so thankful and blessed to have Chris by my side on this journey. He amazes me with everything he has learned so far and is willing to do. What a great dad, and getting better every day!

Holding him for the first time.

Having a staring contest.

Changing the first diaper... and has done many more since!

He is so excited!

Watching tv together.

Going to a softball game... first of many, I feel!

Football Saturdays...

First Alabama game- Roll Tide!

Cutter's Story

4 weeks ago, I had no hint of the events that were to soon transpire. I had my 38 week appointment the previous day where to ALL of our surprise, I was already dilated 3 centimeters. We knew it would be soon, but had no clue as to exactly when. It was just a waiting game.

I left school with sub plans ready for the next day. My students were going on a field trip, and there was no way that I could hike, nature trail-it, and fish on slanted slopes being as big as I was. My maternity leave sub was taking them on the trip. My maternity plans and folder were done. I left everything I possibly could give her to allow the transition to run as smoothly as possible. I walked out that day, unsure if I would be returning the following week. At that point, I hadn't decided.

I got a manicure and pedicure on Friday. I met the pediatrician. We went to Holiday Market and walked. Saturday? We walked and I got a massage. On Sunday, went to church and walked. Can you tell I was ready to get the process started?

Sunday night at church, we talked to tons of friends. I even remember sitting on the back of a pew while talking to others. No feeling, no nothing. Figured I'd still be waddling around a few days from then. I called my sub to tell her to go ahead and start the next day. I figured I would take a few days off to rest and relax. That would also keep me in town instead of in Wetumpka in case something were to happen.

We went to eat Mexican afterwards. Still nothing. We got home at about 8:30 that night. We started getting ready for bed after straightening around the house. It was about 10:30 when it all started.

They say that when contractions hit, you'll know. And trust me, whoever "they" are, they're right. When they started, I knew it. I had been having Braxton Hicks for months and this was a different feeling. I did my breathing (yes, I really did!) and counted. After the first one, I started keeping track. We went ahead and went to bed, not knowing how long it would be. I had on Chris' watch so that when one would hit, I could see how they were progressing. When I didn't even put down the pen and paper, Chris decided that we probably weren't going to bed that night, so he got in the shower while I called the doctor's emergency line. Yes, he showered, not me.

When I told them they were coming every 5 or 6 minutes, they told me to come on in! We arrived right after 12:00 and I walked in. Walked... remember this later on. I told the ER what was going on, and then had to wait. Yes, wait while he finished the lady he had just called up to the desk. Then I had to STAND there for about 10 minutes while he asked all kinds of questions. All the meanwhile, I'm still having contractions. He asked me about one when I had it. Trying to speed things up, I told him they were about 3 minutes apart. No help. FINALLY we finished, I got Chris, made him go back and get the bags, and we went upstairs.

After changing and settling in, they checked me. I was already at 5 centimeters! All I could think at this point? Epidural! They had to get fluids in me first, and my awesome nurse thought fast, because the anestesiologist was on the floor and she didn't want me to miss out. She doubled up the fluids I was getting and soon after, I got my epidural. It was awesome! It didn't hurt at all and my pain was gone. Granted, she said I had a high pain tolerance, especially walking into the hospital at 5 cm and not being phased by it. My contractions had been manageable, except for just two. Those two were a little more than I could handle. Chris' poor hand! I think I squeezed his fingers off while I lay there shaking and trying my hardest to breathe. But that was it!

They checked me right after, and I was already at 8 centimeters! That was only 2 hours later, at about 2:00. They thought he was going to come pretty soon after that. My water finally broke and then it started. Not speeding up, but slowing down! We had to wait until I was fully dilated, then we realized his head was turned the wrong way, so nurses had to turn him. Didn't work! Shift changes happened at 7, and still no baby.

Funny note: I was happy during this. Laughing, making jokes and carrying on. Folks would walk around the curtain and all my shining glory was there to see. When Dr. Martin walked in, I remember waving and with the biggest smile, called out "Good Morning!" He wasn't so happy, and he meant business, a complete 180 from his normal outgoing personality.

He got to work, trying to get Cutter's head to turn. There was a time where no one was talking, and they just looked at each other. Made us nervous, because I knew that if he couldn't get his head through, he wasn't coming out that way. LUCKILY... he decided to cooperate because the next thing we knew, they were uncovering the tool table, moving around the room, and Dr. suited up ready to go. I knew it was close, because they started calling for a baby nurse to come in the room.

I could tell I was pushing, I could feel the pressure, but finally they told me to look- Dr. was holding Cutter! Chris had backed away from me at this point. Later on, found out it was a little much for him and he had sat down for only a moment before Dr. asked him if he was cutting the cord. It really came down to a game time decision. He hesitated, stood up, and did it. I know I had the biggest grin. I was so excited for him!

The first thought through my mind when I first laid eyes on him: That's him. He's mine. Once they cleaned him up and gave him to me, I couldn't help but stare. He was looking right in my eyes. To think that after all this time, he was finally here. It was kind of overwhelming, surreal. It didn't seem like all of that happened. Though reaching over several hours time, it seemed to fly by. We were working over just a little nap there in the room, but went that whole day on cloud nine.

Needless to say, I didn't go to school that week, parents got "the call" in the middle of the night, and our world was turned around with the greatest blessing so far. Someone asked if it was what I expected. I don't know. I didn't know what to think throughout all of this. I had no previous experience, nothing to compare it to. I know I didn't want to be induced. I wanted that excitement of the "rush" to the hospital, and that's exactly what we got. I had a terrific pregnancy, a great delivery, and a fantastic bundle of joy at the end of the story.

Cutter James is finally here!

Made Me Laugh

I was rapidly scrolling through my files the other day, and could not help but to view this one over and over again. It made me laugh so hard to see my belly growing through the pictures. I got curious to see how it looked altogether, so made this collage. Wow- to think of how far I've come... and how far I have to go back once he gets here!

Weeks 8-38

Count Down Continues

I would say the the count down is one, but it has been for months now. However, recent developments put it all into perspective.

38 weeks now and just moments away. Unfortunately, Mother Nature likes to keep us guessing. So who knows exactly when Cutter will make his appearance. However, I can tell you these things:

- I am 38 Weeks along.
- I am already 3 cm dilated.
- Doctor says he'll probably be seeing me before next Wednesday's appointment!!!

38 Weeks

So much to say...

But not really the words. There is A LOT going on these days! I wouldn't say nesting has kicked in yet. Procrastination is still running too strong!

Doctor said at my 36 week appointment that Cutter weighed about 6.4-6.6, that he would probably be upper 7's/lower 8's, and would make his appearance around November 1st. In other words, we are still just waiting around for his chunky self to arrive.

I'm waiting on a few pictures from my sister to finish updates on everything else going on. Until then I've got a lot to say, not really the words, and less and less time!

34 Weeks

36 Weeks

(Don't mind the fanciness- I had a school shower that afternoon so I had to step it up a notch!)

Go, Chris, Go!

I am so proud of Chris! He has always wanted to run in a race, and today was his first chance. It's been a tough journey since his knee surgery back in January. He's worked hard and come a long way. He found out earlier this week that there was one at AUM today. He figured he was ready, so went for it. He didn't want me to take pictures until the end, so we don't have any good pre-race ones :)

The group lined up, ready to go.
(Please note all of the army people... just a little intimidating!)

Getting close!

Almost there!

He made it!

Michelle was running too. I don't know if she knows I took this, but I had to! She impresses me- I don't like to sweat, so running and myself will never be friends!

Great job to you both!

Picture Perfect

I have to start by saying that not only is my sister creative, but incredibly talented and amazing! When I put final pictures of Cutter's room on here, I'll have to include the canvas she made for me. That being said among so much not said, she is awesome!

The reason for this post comes from our most recent weekend's festivities. She had the weekend available and my church shower was Sunday, so she headed down to hang out and take my maternity pictures. Yes, MATERNITY PICTURES!!!

We had a BLAST doing them! There was only one stipulation, from all parties involved: no naked bellies. FINE by me! We got up on Saturday and headed out. It got hot, but I had my jug of ice water, changes of clothes, and an extremely cooperative husband.

I don't have all of them yet, but wanted to show some of my favorites that she left with us before trekking back to Charlotte. Thank you so much for a great time, some awesome photographs and ALL of your hard work. I can't wait for you to take more!

These pictures turned out perfectly! Thank you Morgan!

Tradition

Since Chris and I started dating, I have gone to at least one Alabama football game a year. Over the last two years, we've been fortunate enough to buy season tickets, so I can pick which one I want to go to and either sell the others or send Chris on his way.

This year, we decided I would go to the Alabama vs. Penn State game. It would be early enough that I would still be able to travel, and a night game so I would be more comfortable. Either one? Still not really in my favor!

When we got there at 2:00, it was HOT! After trekking to the quad, I had a ring of sweat around me. We met up with some friends. Luckily, it started raining to cool me down. Unfortunately, it made everyone around us stink!

On the quad after the rain

We had tickets (compliments of Chris' boss) to the Scholarship Club, where we were able to sit inside and eat a nice dinner before the game. I enjoyed the sitting! Once we made it into the stadium, I had my own seat on the 40 yard line, about 2o rows up. No climbing ramps!

Best part: I had a great view, could sit in my seat and still watch the tv's around me when others stood, and Alabama won!

I spoke too soon when exiting the stadium: "I made it!" After hiking back to the car, I thought I was going to die! A two hour car ride with the cold air blowing on my feet helped, and I slept better than a baby that night.

I was able to continue my tradition during this football season. I don't know if I want to do it 32 weeks pregnant again!

Moving Right Along

In more ways than one! I looked at the Ticker today and it says I have 49 days left to go. That's less than 50! Of course it is, but less than 50 sounds really close!

I am trying to get things caught up before this weekend hits. My sister is coming to town to take my maternity pictures! I'm pretty excited about this. She does great work, and I think Chris should be fairly cooperative with it. We also have our church shower here this weekend. I am extremely excited about it too, but am trying to go ahead and brace myself for more things I will have to fit into that room. Pretty soon, I'll have to get pictures of the nursery on here. I love it, and can't wait to share it!

32 Weeks

We took pictures again last Thursday. Luckily, I didn't have to rush in the morning to get them done before heading to work. Unfortunately, there is a reason I had more time. At my appointment last Wednesday, my blood sugar was high. Again. Not extremely, but enough to raise an eyebrow and get it checked out. I had to go back after "class" that night and have it checked at the hospital. I then had to go back at 8:00 the next morning, after having NO FOOD for 11 hours. Do you know how hard it is to keep a pregnant woman from eating for that long? I might not have been the happiest person that morning, but I tried to not let it show. Things turned out to be fine. I think I'm just supposed to cut back on my carbs a little. ESPECIALLY leading up to those appointments!

I'm going every other week now, until October. Then I'll start going every week. Weight gain has leveled off a bit. Whew! Blood pressure is good. Emotions are in check, most of the time. I seem to get a little more tired, a little more quickly. Sometimes, my legs feel like giving out. I just sit down then.

School is going well. The girl doing my maternity leave is extremely excited to get in there, and has been in the room every day this week, just to get to know the students and how I do things so that we have as smooth a transition as possible. That is definitely reassuring! I'm still working on my binder for her. See my Confessions post to help understand what a process that is!

All things considered, we're doing well and moving right along!

Weekend Getaway

We decided that over Labor Day weekend, we would take one last trip as "just the two of us." That, and one before I have to stick around town. Sure, we know we'll go on trips together again, but it won't be the same: having to pack Cutter up and ship him off somewhere. (Not that I'll mind or anything.)

We left Friday, after Chris had just driven back into town from trial hours away. A quick and successful stop at Sikes and Kohn and we were off. We got there, got to the room, and crashed. Chris had us booked at the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort.

We spent Saturday and Sunday at the beach. Saturday followed by the Alabama game and Sunday followed by shopping at the outlet malls and lunch at Cheeseburger in Paradise. Sunday evening we went to Poppy's, there at the resort and enjoyed a beautiful sunset while eating dinner. Upon returning to the room, I discovered that my right hand had swelled. Not my feet, not my hands. Just the right one. So, we went down for a soak in the pool. Yes, the pool. It felt great!
We started making our way back on Monday and were able to take our time driving. We had the most relaxing and laid back weekend, one which I think we both needed and were very grateful for. I can't wait until Cutter gets here, but I can't wait for another weekend like this one!

This was the ONLY picture we took together this weekend!

Friends and Family

We are blessed to have such great friends and family. Chris' side threw us our first shower for Cutter at the end of August. We had a blast and received TONS of stuff!

Food, Favors and a Diaper Cake

About to get started!

Chris and the sweater he was brought home in... almost 30 years ago! It was fun to have him there for the games and gifts.

Jim, aka "Poppa", gave a gift of his own... denim jacket, Beatles onesie and a Pink Floyd onesie!

I've found places for it all right now, but we still have 2 showers left to go. It's getting more exciting as we get closer each and every day!