Christmas Time!

Well I can not believe Christmas is already over... I always get a dose of reality as I shop for milk. I know that sounds silly, but the date on the milk carton reminds me of how quickly time goes by. Today at Wal Mart the milk was dated January 10, 2010! As I look back at the year I wonder where the time has gone. I found out I was pregnant in February, had a tremendous pregnancy, delivered in October, had babies first Thanksgiving and Christmas, and boom the boy is 12. 6 lbs and two and a half months old! Now its back to work, back to praying for a good wedding year, and back to rushing through another season. I can't believe it, life truly is gone in the blink of an eye.

We did take a few pictures of Gabriel on Christmas before he blew out his Christmas outfit (poop up the back..eww!), but none on the professional camera. By the time we got to mom and dads Gabriel was in his nightgown "back up" outfit. Anyway, here are a few pics from Christmas:
Gabriel LOVES his sleepy wrap: www.sleepywrap.com that is in the first picture. He goes on walks with me and helps me around the house while in the wrap. It really allows me to carry out life as usual and keep him happy at the same time.

At Gabriel's two month appointment we found out that he has acid reflux. Since that appointment he has choked a few times and has really scared me! I am trying my best now to make him more comfortable by keeping him upright after feedings, laying him on his left side while napping, and keeping him at a 30 degree angle while he is on his back. This seems to be helping with the reflux. He is 12.6 lbs which means he almost gained 3 pounds in one month. It is definitely getting harder to tote the little guy around and I can't feed him and walk around any longer.

At two months Gabriel has:
*Smiled and laughed (not a full out belly laugh yet though)
*Improved his motor skills and has learned to suck on his hand (and find his hands obviously)
*See at greater distances
*Roll over
*Lift himself completely up during "tummy time"

I continue to be amazed by my little angel. Today I rocked him in his sleepy wrap and could not help but tear up. The love I have for him is beyond words. I can not believe God has blessed me so richly. I am one happy momma!!!!!

I hope you all had an amazing Christmas and I will write again soon.

Love,
Sarah B.

Almost 2 months!

SO its almost been a month since my last post..I have definitely been a slacker on this blog. I have tried to keep the company blog up because winter is SOOO SLOW, but that takes time away from this blog. Gabriel is doing wonderfully now =). At about the 6 week mark I thought I would pull my hair out because he would cry NON STOP ALL DAY! I work with dad and he kept saying, "wow, that baby definitely isn't an Annabelle!" haha! Annabelle is my perfectly content niece who doesn't cry almost ever. I guess some babies are just born with "colic" and some are not. I like to say that Gabriel just knows what he wants, and he isn't happy unless he has it his way! At least he will be decisive. That is definitely not a trait he got from me if he indeed has it. Its good for a man to be decisive though and I would be happy with that characteristic in him. He is 8 weeks now though and has gotten over a bit of that non stop crying. The most exciting thing that he does is smile, giggle, and coo. I can not even begin to describe how he brightens up my life as he smiles and coos at me. I would do absolutely anything for him, he makes me sooo very happy! I wish I could catch him on camera smiling but I can't tear myself away from him when he is doing it. I just want to capture that moment and keep it in my mind forever!

Gabriel is getting a little chubbier now! I weighed myself and then weighed him and he is about 12 pounds! His next appointment is the 21st so then I will know for sure. I have to decide on shots by next week. I have been researching all of the different vaccines and their effects. I am a bit concerned that the CDC has the HPV vaccine on the list for 11 and 12 year old girls. This makes me question the other 40 or so shots they force upon us. Some things we have to take responsibility for. Little girls shouldn't be having sex and if they do they get diseases. Its God's punishment on the human race for our foul behavior. Aside from that, the vaccine has only been around for 2-3 years and we have no idea of the long term effects on woman. In yet, doctors can smugly say that there are no long term affects because, afterall, they know everything. Anyway, enough ranting.. Here are some pictures of my little man recently:
In other news, all of Gabriel's great grandparents have now gotten the chance to hold him! It is amazing how life works and how time just ticks on by. My grandparents were telling me tonight that they remember when I was a baby, like Gabriel, and now I have a baby of my own. This is why I changed my mind on having kids. I couldn't imagine being old and not being a grandma or a great grandma. How much joy kids and family bring to the lives of so many people! It would be a shame to miss out on such a blessing. I guess it just took having one to really grasp the trueness of the verse, "Children are a heritage from the Lord!" I am blessed beyond measure!!!!

One Month Stats!

Gabriel had his one month appointment today and the doctor says, "all numbers look GREAT!" Gabriel is growing beautifully! He is now 9 lbs 12 ounces (I can't believe the little guy is almost 10 lbs!) and 22 inches long. Also, here are a few firsts during the first month:

*Holding head up and looking around in all directions
*Tracking toys and faces with his eyes
*Cooing! Gabriel Cooed at great grandpa Lee while in the mountains (November 2009)
*Smiling!!! Gabriel first smiled deliberately for daddy but has since smiled for me and great grandpa

I can't believe he is one month but look forward to sooooo many more!!!!

One Month

It is hard to believe but Gabriel is now one month old! His official one month appointment is tomorrow at 11:00 a.m.. I can not wait to see how much he weighs. I know he is definitely heavier, and he is eating like a little piggy! Right now he is screaming in his crib and it is breaking my heart. Until now I have carried him 24/7, but I have been informed by many people that I need to break that habit! I understand he needs to know how to soothe himself but I like to be the one who soothes him. I will have to go get him soon!!! I am not ready to let him sleep the night in the crib so the plan is to get him used to it gradually. In other news we just got back from vacation in Boone! We had a great time with great grandma, great grandpa, and Gabriel's great great aunt Joan. It was a very relaxing trip and we can not wait to go back!!!!!

My first wedding is this weekend and I think I will be heart broken. I have been pumping milk so that I do not have to give Gabriel formula. So far my milk supply has kept up very well which is amazing! God is truly amazing that he created a mother with the capability to sustain life! Anyway, I am going to go grab Gabriel before I go nuts (its been about 45 minutes now). Here are a few recent pictures:
3 weeks, first bath! He liked it once I figured out he was chilly and put a wash cloth over him. I probably won't use this tub again though. Gabriel and I took a bath together and he liked that MUCH better because I could keep him warm.
Grandma and Gabriel in Boone, November 2009!
watching the motorcycle races with daddy!

Love,
Sarah, Josh, and Gabriel

David Gabriel in Daddy's Helmet!

Soo I thought this picture was AMAZING and too cute not to share =0). This is David Gabriel in his daddy's helmet at around 2 weeks of age. I found that babies are great to take pictures of during their "sleepy time!" Dad and I wondered how these professionals were always getting sleepy baby pictures because we always seemed to get the awake babies. Well the trick is to determine when the infant's "sleepy time" is and take photos then. At that time the babies are mold able and it makes the photographers job EASY! Anyway, so here is the pic:
We love that little guy so much!

Love,
Sarah B.

Birth Pictures!

I figured it would be easier to post the birth pictures in a new blog instead of inserting the pictures within the other blog. SOOO here they are!!!!
This can be my 40 week picture! I was admitted into the hospital because my water broke and I was having contractions very close.
Hooked up to all the machines! I have two monitors on my belly, one on my finger, an IV with antibiotics for the Group B and Ringers Lactate, an arm cuff, and an epiderul! Wow!
I love this one of Josh kissing my forehead! He was very attentive to my needs, such a great husband I have =0).
mom feeling the contraction with me...
Hmm...when are you coming out little guy?!
Ready for surgery around 9:45 p.m. on October 15th!

Pictures!!!!

This morning I got to take some pictures of David Gabriel! He has "sleepy time" every morning so I am able to torture him a bit and take some sleep pictures =0). He did wake up half way through our little session and I only had a few seconds to snap pictures after stealing my pinky from his mouth! haha! I learned that I can stick my pinky in there, let him suck for a minute, and pull away for a few great shots! He is going to be tortured his entire life..poor kid!
Mommy's angel!
Love those lips and his little eyes too! This was right after the pinky came out, notice the pucker!
First ever "picking boogers" shot! hahaha! He wasn't really BUT I'll tease him when he is older about it!

Post more later..enjoy!

David Gabriel Odelle Barnett is HERE!!!!!

SO, I have been meaning to sit and type this post for some time now! Any new mommy will know that it has been incredibly hard to find the time to sit down and do anything, much less type out a birthing story. It is important though because I am using this blog as a record of David Gabriel's life. I am sitting at my mom's computer as Josh watches motorcycle racing with our son. Gabriel is sleeping now but one day he will enjoy the races with daddy (Josh hopes at least!). I will add pictures when I get home but I wanted to type this with the few spare moments I have!

On Wednesday October 14th (at 10:00 a.m.) I went to the OBGYN for my 40 week appointment. I saw my midwife in the elevator and told her I was ready to have my little boy. She looked at me and said, "we can work on that!" When we departed from the elevator she said, "see you soon." Once in the room she told me she was unaware that I was 40 weeks. She thought I was 38 weeks and we would strip a few membranes and hope he came early. When she found out I was 40, however, she told me she could get VERY vigorous with the "stripping of the membranes." So, I gave her the go ahead and we were on our way to labor!!! As soon as she was done I felt the cramping contractions. I went to the lobby after checking out and paced back and forth until deciding to run to the mall for some more walking. I had some chick fil a (by the way, chick fil a has free breakfast items every day at Cross Creek Mall!!!) and walked laps in the mall. By the time I went back to my parents house I was cramping pretty badly. My contractions were running about 5-6 minutes apart and they HURT. Pain was good at this point though so I didn't mind. I just stood up with the contractions and felt better!

The contractions were getting progressively worse but I ate dinner, chili, and we prepared to go to the hospital. Josh ran home to get my bag because we knew labor would be soon. Around 7:30 p.m. my water broke. I knew it this time because it was a big gush! I am pretty sure that my water had actually broken on Sunday BUT the doctors said no. It was, however, the very same feeling. I think that Gabriel's head was just blocking the water from coming out unless I was lying in a certain position (usually sleeping!). Anyway, we left for the hospital right away because I was told once my water was broke that I needed to get in right away (I had group B strep with this pregnancy). We got to the hospital around 8:00 p.m. and were admitted into the birthing room! I was 3-4 centimeters dilated and 90% effaced. I decided to get the epideral an hour later because my body was progressing so well, and they would not let me walk around with my water broken. I had dealt with the pain at home by walking but once in the bed it hurt terribly. My sister, Rebecca, also told me tha t I should get the epideral as soon as possible. There is no reason to endure the pain, truly! So, my labor went on, and on, and on, and on!!! I threw up my dinner (yuck, chili) and could not keep down anything else. Even water came up once I drank it down!

The night passed and around 6:30 a.m. on October 15th the nurse checked me to find I was 100% effaced and 6-7 centimeters dilated. She instructed another nurse to get the baby room ready and went through the pushing with me. Josh got incredibly excited along with my mom, sister, and mother in law as the thought of seeing David Gabriel seemed like a reality. Well, the pushing never came. I felt pressure but it was a terrible pain i n my side! The epideral didn't take this pressure pain away in my side (I found out later it was because the epideral wasn't pushed in deep enough and was only numbing my legs!). So Josh was faithful and applied counter pressure to my side with every contraction. I labored some more....The doctor arrived at 7:00 p.m. on October 15th. At this point I had been in labor for 24 hours (actually longer but I am only counting from when my water broke and I went to the hospital. This is when the real pain started anyway..the rest was sissy stuff! haha). Dr. Shutzer checked me and I was 9 cm and 100% effaced. He thought it would be any minute that I would be pushing so he tried to stretch the cervix to ten. I labored for another hour or so when they checked me again, no progress. Dr. Shutzer went to get the ultra sound machine because at this point he realized something was wrong.

The doctor told me that if we looked at the ultra sound and the babies eyes were looking at us then we had a problem. Well, we had a problem! The ultra sound picture came up and there was my mans little eyes staring right at us! Dr. Shutzer said I could labor for 2-4 more hours (whatever I wanted to endure) before we made the call to have a C-section. We were in shock to say the least. I cried and Josh went into the bathroom, dropped on his knees, and prayed that our baby would turn into place and come out. My mother in law also prayed over us. God had other plans, however, because baby never turned. I decided to labor for another hour and a half with hopes that he would turn. At 9:30 p.m. they checked me and my cervix had swollen. They told me he wasn't coming out vaginally. I made the decision to have the c-section because I hadn't eaten in about 26 hours and threw up all the food I ha d eaten before that point. I felt that even if he did turn, and the cervix swelling went down, I would not have the strength to push him out.

They prepared me for surgery, pushed the epideral further in my back, and strapped me down to the operating table. My arms were spread open like a crucifixion and strapped down. I felt the scalpel, the pressure, the squirming, and finally my baby being removed from my body. It was the most amazing and different feeling I have ever experienced!!! It was 10:11 p.m..Josh showed me my baby and I got scared! That sounds terrible but I was drugged, and my babies head looked like it had been stretched into a cone! His nose was squis hed onto his little face and he was blue. Josh will have to write his emotions at a later time. He was not drugged so he got to experience the fullness of the moment. I got to get wheeled off to recovery for 2 hours and 45 minutes!! I didn't even realize I was a mommy until the nurse told me I was. At that point I cried uncontrollably! FINALLY they came and got me, I went to the room where Josh and I waited another hour for our son to get out of the nursery. I asked the nurse for food while we waited and she told me no. I was not allowed to eat because they were afraid I would throw up after the surgery and bust my stitches. Ok, so now its been like 30 hours since eating and I got a little smart mouth with the nurse (I felt bad about that later because she was so nice). I ended up not eating until 8:00 a.m. the next morning when they brought me breakfast.

Four hours after the birth of my son I got to hold my precious little angel! I forgot about eating at this point because the moment was so surreal. I breast fed for the first time and felt the overwhelming love and joy of a mom.

The next morning, October 16th, I bonded with my baby! Gabriel looked me in the eyes and I was taken for the rest of my life =0). The little guy has a very strong neck and was able to prop himself up on my chest and look me straight in the face. Below is a picture of that experience:

I can not even express in words the love I have for that little boy! He is so amazing and I am so proud to be his mommy!

We left the hospital on Sunday October 18th around 1:00 p.m.. My doctor was going to release me on Saturday, but the pediatrician thought it best for us to stay until Sunday because we would have been released so late (11:00 p.m.) Saturday night. She didn't think it was safe. As much as I wanted to leave I agreed with her on that point. It was not so bad staying another night at the hospital. The first two nights were terrible with people coming in and out but Saturday they had slowed down a little bit on the visits. I still had the vital checks every four hours but the other checks stopped after two nights there.

Well, I am not sure what else to say about the labor.. I look forward to telling many more stories about my little prince (daddy said he can't be a king b/c he is the king!). Love yall!!!!

Official 39 week blog!

So I am 3 days away from my due date but just now getting to the 39 week blog! I assume by the time I get to the 40 week blog I will have a baby boy?! That is my hope at least =). Here is me at 39 weeks:
I was a ball of emotions last week. I went from anxious, to slightly depressed, to excited, and back again. I assume my hormones are playing a roll in all of this because my face also broke out a wee bit. Today is a brand new day though and I feel excitement! I am accepting the fact that there is nothing I can do to make Gabriel come faster, and I am thrilled to know I am less than 2 weeks away from holding my son! So far I have no stretch marks and my tummy still feels like it could stretch a bit more. I go through spurts when it is SO tight I get really uncomfortable, and that is generally when I am moody, but for the time being I am fine. I can't imagine what people pregnant with twins feel like. I don't want to experience that honestly! One is enough in the belly at a time!

This weekend was a busy one for Josh and I. Sunday morning I thought my water broke! I woke up around 2:00 a.m. with a "gush" of fluid and then again at 6:00 a.m.. At 6:00 a.m. I called triage and they told me to come in. I was having no contractions BUT I have group B Strep (bacteria all people have but in pregnancy it flourishes. It can be passed on to the baby and cause severe problems after birth. They will give me antibiotics during labor to prevent passage to baby. I have it with this pregnancy and may not have it with the next.), so I wanted to get into the hospital right away IF it were indeed my water. Once there the fluid was tested twice and both times it came back negative for amniotic fluid. I did NOT pee on myself, however, as is now the new family joke! Its even grosser than that if you ask me..its just natural, but for me these new fluids meant a new experience that I wanted to get checked. It was also partly the prim rose oil that I had used the night previously. Anyway, too many details.. The doctor didn't want to let me go easy once I was there, so they had Josh and I walk around the halls for an hour. Josh and I believe this was punishment for coming in early (i.e. not in true labor). I do NOT want to experience getting sent home again! I am determined to be in true labor next time I decide to make a trip to the hospital! Today I am having that wonderful "show" as all other mommies will know about. I don't think I need to go into detail... But this means I could go into labor TODAY or any day now. It means that my cervix is opening and softening and that my baby boy will be here before I know it!

Oh, I didn't write about Josh yet. He is the sweetest man! Not often do I get to experience his tenderness, but at the hospital yesterday he was so amazing. He grabbed my hand and just comforted me as I was being checked. He also made sure to comfort me throughout the rest of the day. He would kiss my head and rub my back. I think it is hitting him that soon I will be delivering his son! It will be such a wonderful experience to hold our son together. I know Josh will be in complete amazement, and I can't wait to see that on his face!

Well, keep praying for us and for baby Gabriel. Soon he will be making a trip into this world that I'm sure isn't all together enjoyable for me or him. I'll try to keep you updated! Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers! Love, me!

39 Week Update!

I went to the OB today for my 39 week appointment. Basically I have made progress =0). I am 3 cm dilated, -1 station (means his head isn't totally engaged in my pelvis but only has to drop a little more. Zero station is fully engaged and the +1, +2, etc. are actually birthing), and 80% effaced. So, I could go anytime or I could be another 2 weeks. Good news is my due date is next week and I hope they won't let me go much later than that! I am feeling pretty tired even though I got a good night sleep last night. My body is working I guess, so it makes me tired...

Anyway, I will write more for my "official" 39 week blog. I just wanted to give an update on the appointment!

38 Weeks!

Well the beginning of the 38 weeks was exciting but things have calmed down in the past few days. On Wednesday I had a doctors appointment and I was -2 station, 2 cm dilated, and 75% effaced. After the appointment I had contractions all day so we were sure Mr. Gabriel would be here any day. I continued to have contractions all Thursday as well, so we got my pictures done Thursday night. Friday the contractions pretty much stopped and I have not had any since. I have been walking BUT still nothing. I have been sleeping better the past few nights though, so that is one advantage to having no contractions! I got excited and then anxious, so I am trying to get "un excited" again and just wait this thing out. The time went by a lot faster when I wasn't excited that something might be happening.

My next appointment is Wednesday of this week, so we will see if anything has changed. Tonight is a full moon but I don't think anything will happen at this point. The family and I went walking after Katerina's birthday celebration and that was really nice. I very much enjoy the crisp October air at night. During the day it is still hot but at night the weather is amazing! I am excited about fall. I LOVE the colors, I love the way I can decorate my house with browns/reds/and greens, and I love the cool breezes! If I could find a place that was like fall all year long I would probably move there =). I am also getting excited about fall festivals. The Gillis Hill Farm is having a festival on October 31st and I really want to be there. Gabriel will definitely be here then, so it would make for great pictures on the hay ride and festivities. Josh wants to dress him up like a plucked turkey for Thanksgiving, so that will be interesting..hahahaha! I'm kidding about that of course. We were joking because I wanted to dress him up like a candy cane for Christmas and he said, "well if your going to do that then we might as well find a plucked turkey costume for Thanksgiving!" Our poor son...he has no idea what type of dad he is getting! I am perfectly normal of course, it is him (dad) we have to watch out for ;)!

OH! Another exciting note is that I went to a consignment sale and found some wonderful items! I got a bouncer for $20.00 and a brand new (in the box) vibrator/rocker for $25.00:
I also got some great clothes for super cheap! I looked for the more expensive brands like Children's Place, GAP, and Gymboree because the Carter and Gerber are pretty much at every yard sale you go to. I originally bought a swing from the sale as well but when I got it home it stopped working! Mom and I brought it back and I thought I would splurge at Babies R Us and get a new one of those. I want the thing to work, so I used some of my gift cards and bought one that I really love!

Cathy and Morris, my mother and father in law, also brought over a high chair for us! I was about to put it together but then I realized that I was not giving birth to a toddler, nesting does weird things to you, and I didn't need to put it together right away! I believe Stitch is already a little overwhelmed with all the new toys around. He doesn't like that they make noise and he barks at them when he walks by! I can't wait until Gabriel is in the toys, I hope Stitch remains well behaved with children.

Pray for me and a safe delivery..now its time to sit and wait! If I have time I'll update on Wednesday after my appointment =0)!

37 Weeks is FULL TERM!

Sooo I am full term! This means that Gabriel's lungs are fully developed and he is ready to meet the world any week/day now =0). I have been having contractions but nothing too serious. I actually didn't realize I was having contractions for a while until I caught on to the tummy tightening. I noticed I have them when I sleep and even though they don't hurt I wake up and turn, so I end up tossing and turning all night now. Apparently I keep Josh up too b/c he does not feel well rested either. At my last doctors appointment I was 1 cm dilated and my cervix is "soft" which means easily flexible = good for labor! I go again on Wednesday to find out about the Group B Strep test and to be checked again. I went on a walk today and had some contractions so we'll see if I've progressed at all. I am drinking the Rasberry Tea Leaf nightly and I took my first prim rose oil pill tonight. The doctor wanted me to wait till 38 weeks but I figure I'm close enough ;)~. I have plenty of newborn clothes to put him in anyway, so if he's small that is good for a myriad of reasons, but most importantly because I HAVE TO PUSH HIM OUT...AHH!

Today I got a wonderful and amazing gift! Well wait, Saturday I did too! People have been so good to me. Saturday I met a friend, Angela Culver, at Barnes and Nobles and she gave me two gifts *one from her mom, Donna Gray, and one from her.* Angela got me a blanket with "Gabriel" embroidered on it and other various baby items, and her mom gave me another embroidered "Gabriel" blanket (I packed this one for the hospital!) and a bib with embroidery! Then today my mom's friend, Connie, sent a box of hand crafted burp cloths, a crochet blanket, and a blanket to hang on the stroller! Here is a picture of these hand made items (The picture does not do them justice!):
Everything is soo adorable and I know a lot of thought and love went into those things!

I woke up a little under the weather today. I think I make myself so anxious to do things that when I have nothing to do I feel sad! Its the first day that I woke up and felt sort of depressed, but I feel better now. I took a walk with the dogs, spent time with the family, and opened the great gift from Connie. I think I just fill my life with so much that when I think about settling down for a month it makes me nervous. Like I won't have anything to do with my time.. I will though, I'll have a baby to take up all my time! I guess its just the unknown that is scary. Josh and I are going to be parents in 3 weeks tops! That is a crazy feeling and stirs up lots of different emotions in me. I have actually loved being pregnant, its been grand, and in certain ways I don't want to give it up. In other ways though I want to see his little face and look forward to pouring my life into him. I am nervous though. I don't want to mess up! I know all parents do, nobody is perfect, but its still a daunting task ahead. Maybe I'm thinking too seriously too soon...at least they start out little and you can learn as they grow and get smarter. One of Josh and I's good friends was telling us that his little girl takes off her bibs now even though they don't want her to (for obvious reasons!). She has learned to maneuver different ones to get them off her head, so now they buy the ones that pull over and for now she can't get them off. I just thought it was funny how parents have to be one step ahead as the kids learn ways to make our lives a little more complex!

Well, here is me at 37 weeks:
I have gained 22lbs so far. I lost a pound last week but I am pretty sure I've gained it back by this week, haha! When I learned I had lost a pound Josh and I went to Coldstone and I've been getting Pumpkin Spice Lattes as often as possible. Not that I'm being careless, I just figure I might as well enjoy the last 2-3 weeks before I turn myself into an exercise slave! I'm still snacking healthy on fruits and such though. My tummy is also being squished by this little munchkin which makes it harder to eat a full meal. Well it makes eating a full meal severely uncomfortable b/c my tummy gets so tight.

I also said I would post some baby shower pics. I still have yet to edit them all, but here are a few (They take FOREVER to load and place on this blog so really there are only a FEW):
If you want to see more then join Facebook ;)! I had a great time at the shower, thanks again everyone who helped and brought me gifts! I think I am going to start writing thank you notes. I will update you all at 38 weeks or if anything exciting happens!!!

Oh, preggo pics are scheduled for Wednesday! Dad gets new lights in at that time, sooo we are waiting until then. Figures I would get them done when I feel BIG, my feet are mildly swelling, and my pelvis hurts because the little one is pressing on my nerves! Oh well, that is life right?! I'll have pics up in about a year..you know how we do! hahahaha!

36 Weeks!

My baby shower was at 36 weeks and it was really great! A lot of people who thought they could make it couldn't, but it still worked beautifully. The room came together very nicely and the cake was really really delicious. Mom scared me with the first news about the cake because when she picked it up the top was squished and the first tier wasn't too stable. It was a HUMID day but we still didn't think the presentation was very nice. I had to live with it though and once we tasted the cake all reservations went out the window. It was incredibly moist and delicious! I got a lot of gifts but most were not on my registry so Sunday I went about bought a lot of the essentials. I am very very happy with my gifts though. I got blankets, clothes, toys, and "cutsie" items. I guess it is no fun for people to buy wipes, diapers, breast pads, light switches, etc.! They want to buy the adorable baby stuff =0). So that is what I got and I'll post pics with my 37 week post. I am full term this week (its Monday and I'm full term on Wednesday!). I go for my 37 week check up on Wednesday and then I'll be in the office once a week until labor. I am going to get my primrose oil and Rasberry Tea after my appointment on Wednesday. I am hoping that kicks my uterus/cervix into shape and I do not have to get induced. It would actually be nice to go into labor at like 38 weeks because as of right now I have no stretch marks. Rebecca says she got hers at 41 and 42 weeks before they induced her. With Annabelle she went into labor naturally for the first time and she contributes this to the tea and oil. So I think its very important that I start that regimen NOW!

I am no longer anxious about having everything done. I have everything I need to bring the little guy home! I bought bottles, nipples, diapers, wipes, lotions, powders, burp cloths, NB clothes, receiving blankets, blankets, and everything else I think I could possibly need. I also have our bags packed! His includes mittens, socks, clothes, diapers, and a cap in case he is bald and mine has everything + snacks so I don't have to waste change in the vending machines. I am getting excited! Now it seems it is time to sit and wait. I also need to get pregnancy pictures before I escape my very first pregnancy with no professional images. I am going to Wilmington for an engagement session on Friday so I may get a few shots there on the beach? I also want to schedule Becca to take some belly photos. I don't know how comfy I am about dad taking those. That is the last bit on my agenda though. Hopefully that will happen this week. I am starting to feel much bigger and am happy that I have only felt "fat" for the last week or so. If I felt like this the ENTIRE time I would be miserable. I am happy though and I am going to miss him moving around so much. Josh kissed my tummy on Sunday after our nap and I cried. It was the sweetest moment to me =)! I know when I see him kiss our son it will be even sweeter! These next three weeks will fly like the wind and that is if I make it to 40.

Here is another picture of me at 36 weeks! I figured the sassy face would take your eyes off the HUGE bellyOh, I also made it through the Duke Chapel Wedding so all the worries are off and we are good to go for labor! It was a beautiful wedding, I very much enjoyed Duke Chapel!!! I think that is all for now, I'll be writing soon for 37 weeks (full term!! YAH!)!

35 Weeks!

This thirty fifth week has been great fun! Josh and I left for Boone on Friday night and came back Sunday night. It was a quick, but refreshing and wonderful, trip! We figured it would probably be the last before Gabriel was born and complicated travel a wee bit. We thoroughly enjoyed every minute though and the mountain air was so amazing! Saturday we enjoyed a sandwich outside Blowing Rock, drove on the parkway, shopped at the Tanger outlet for some baby Osh Kosh and Gap clothes, and then to the Mast General Store and park where everyone but me splashed in the stream. I was protected from the chilly waters by my pregnancy! Katerina got dunked in and I am pretty sure I would have too had I not been preggers. Sunday we drove to an Apple Orchard at Altapass and went on a Hay Ride and got some great fudge. Here are some pictures of the mini vacation:
My lap top is about to die and I don't know where the plug is, so I will post more later! I am almost full term!!! This week I will be 36 weeks. I was laying in bed last night amazed at how quickly this pregnancy has flown by. Soon we will have a son and we are incredibly thrilled!

34.5 Weeks!!!

I told you it would probably be this week for the 34 week post! I had a BUSY weekend working with the hubby and dad. Saturday was a Barclay Villa wedding (always beautiful!) and Sunday was a Catholic church wedding. I worked hard at both, and the bridal party was pretty amazed that I could lay down on the floor to get shots and get up on my own. I was pretty sore when I woke up Sunday morning but upon moving around I shook off the soreness and got back to work for another 5.5 hour wedding. It is sort of like cheer leading camp when you are SOOO sore you don't think you can go on but you wake up the next day and do it all again. The body is amazing! Anyway, I took Monday off. Josh and I relaxed until late afternoon and then had lunch/dinner at On the Border, a coffee at Barnes and Nobles (YUMMY Pumpkin Spice Lattes are back!), and registered at Target. My baby invitations will only say that I am registered at Babies "R" Us. Target really does not have much in store, and I don't think people will be buying much for me online with only two weeks until the shower. I figured it would be good to register for coupons and I will go back later and get what I want. I'm happy for Babies "R" Us though, they have everything I could ever want/need!

It was a sad week for me because we got rid of our little Peter Rabbit. Josh and I talked about it for about a month and then he found someone at work who wanted him for her kids. I was and still am skeptical about him being with kids. Kids tend to hurt little animals...Not purposely but still. Josh told me he will diligently ask how Peter is doing since he sees this lady at work often, so that makes me feel better. Even though I didn't play with him much its still weird leaving the house without checking on him, feeding him, or buying him fresh veggies at the store. I learned a lot about him and his little quirks while he was here. We figured it is for the best though because we are already running out of room with just one baby. I would like to have another baby in about 2 years and when I found that rabbits live to 10 years or more in captivity, I thought it would be for the best to give him away while he is still young. Anyway, so that was pretty sad for me and is still bothering me now. I'll get over it I'm sure when Gabriel gets here and fills up all my time.

All the friends that I was pregnant with have now had their babies, so I am next! The last of them delivered her baby on labor day. Soo congratulations to Shelley, Tiffany, Amy, Angela, and Suzzanne! I was pregnant with several women that I knew from school. It has been fun for sure reading everyone's blogs and keeping up with their pictures! There are more pregnant now but they are pretty newly pregnant, so its not the same keeping up with them... Its just weird to know I'm next. I'm becoming a bit more anxious about the birth itself. I have sharp pains sometimes in my GI track (I guess because Gabriel is squishing my organs!) and those scare me as I think of those in relation to labor. I am not good with sharp pain. I am fine with dull/aching/squeezing pain but I can't do sharp pains. Mom has informed me that labor doesn't involve "sharp" pain, so I hope that is true in my case too. I guess there is always the epidural if I can't take it! I hear its absolutely wonderful =).

Here is a picture of me at 34 weeks:
I am amazed at how large my tummy is when I compare it to my 11 and even like 21 week pictures. I didn't realize how much I had grown until I looked at those. Really makes you miss your flat tummy! I'll have it back soon though and then I'll miss little David Gabriel in there moving around... I really do love feeling him, it is the most amazing thing in the world! He is hurting me pretty bad these days though. I walk around and my legs are numb sometimes because he is on my nerves. Or he will rub his feet in my rib cage. He is just getting too big! Its fine though, I read elephants are pregnant 600+ days and we, humans, are only at like 280. So, no complaints there! God could have made it worse! haha! I think you have to go this long in order to bond and then feel the desire to actually have the baby out. If I could have had him at even 30 weeks I would have been terribly sad I think with the "baby blues." Now though, now that he is hurting me and I still have 5.5 weeks, I know by 40 I'll be thrilled to be pushing him out! God is great like that, He knows these things and He has perfect timing =0)!!!!

My shower is in 2 weeks, yah!!! Hope to see lots of friends and family there and get some really cool gifts =0) Love you all!

33 Weeks and 5 days!

So this week went by in a rush and I've finally got a few minutes to type a quick blog! The refrigerator repair man is working on our fridge as I type. I had been noticing the fridge not so cold but I thought Josh was playing with the thermostat. Being the energy saver that Josh is I have to wonder each time I'm sweating if he's turned down the thermostat to 80F upon leaving the house, or when I get into a shower and the hot water does not last long I have to go check the hot water heater to see if he has turned the knob to "A" (which is the least warm setting). This time Josh was not the culprit! This time the heating component went out in the freezer. Apparently an ice block forms in the coils behind the freezer, a heating component melts the ice, and the cool air travels to the fridge. So last week the repair man came out and told us the part would have to be ordered. We made it 4 days without a fridge (and the food in it because I had to throw it all away) and FINALLY he is here! YAH! Soo now I get to spend a lot of money at Wal Mart buying back all the condiments and such that I had to throw away. It will be good to eat some normal things though. We have been living off fat food like "Waffle House" and Ci Ci's, dry cereal, pretzels (dinner snack), and water bottles dethawing from the freezer (b/c our water here is really bad!). Its been fun. Its amazing to me though how much we take for granted. If he hadn't called today we were going to buy ice and start shoving things into coolers. I'm so happy its now fixed though!

Well, here is a picture of me at 33 weeks:
I am feeling great still! Josh and I worked at a wedding this weekend and I did great. I actually feel better when I'm up and moving around. This is probably why they say exercise is key. It keeps your back and legs strong for good support. Anyway, the repair man just left and I have LOTS to do today including a stupid car inspection and registration renewal. SOO check in later this week (or next if the trend continues) for a 34 week pic. I'm almost full term! Can you believe that?! I can not.. Oh, and the nursery should be done by this weekend. Well the paint anyway. I have 2 stripe colors down and only khaki/white to go. I may not get to the chair molding this week but hey, its progressing! It will be done before he gets here and that is all that matters. Shower is still September 18th and I'll have the invites out after labor day! I can't wait to see what I get =0) So fun!

32 Weeks and 5 Days!

It seems like life is moving at a faster pace these days! With seven weeks to go I feel like I have a lot to get done. It was decided that I will only have the one shower, September 18th, and then have a "Welcome Gabriel" couple shower/party in mid November. A friend of mine from church, Joy, wants to give me the welcome shower and the baby shower will be given by a combination of people to include Josh's mom, Kristen, Connie, and my mom. I am blessed to have people who love me and want to throw a shower for me! Sometimes you go through life and you don't realize how much people love and care for you, but at times like these, when people really step in and want to do something for you without anything in return, it really makes you feel good =0). So thanks to everyone who has made my pregnancy special!

I am sitting in David Gabriel's room right now (I am sure I will live in here soon) trying to visualize the stripes as I marked them off last night. The pattern looked great on paper but now on the walls I am not positive about it. I probably won't know for sure until I actually start painting (right now its just pencil markings and a bit of tape), but I wanted to be sure before I got to that point. The room is very small and is broken up by fairly large closet. So as of right now there are stripes on wall one, polka dots beginning wall two underneathe the window, stripes on the second half of wall two and into wall three, polka dots where the crib will be (not sure about this portion b/c its going to be covered), and then stripes finishing up. So as of right now polka dots are only on two walls (one of which will be covered by the crib), and I'm not sure how uniform that is? So the debate is whether to leave it as is or to spring for a uniform look of brown, white pin stripe, khaki, white pin stripe, dark blue, and repeat with 5" stripes. I'm going to have to bring mom in for this debacle!

In other news I have been extrememly HOT lately! I have hot flashes where my hair will frizz and I sweat all over. That isn't too fun, but I deal with it o.k.. I also felt like a duck yesterday because Gabriel was on my sciatic nerve and kept making my leg go numb! I would be walking and then all of a sudden the leg is numb or has like a sharp shock moving through it. I got him to move by laying down on my side and sort of pushing him away. I wasn't having a great time in the car though. I just can't wait until labor..ha! I have had a little anxiety about labor but not bad. I know there is nothing I can do about it. I told one of my friends its like the "Daredevil Drop" at Wet and Wild, because your slowly but steadily moving up the stairs higher, and higher, and higher knowing in your mind the only way down is by the slide. So your scared and a bit anxious the whole way up until it peaks as you lay at the top of the slide, cross your arms and legs, and prepare for the drop. Once down it is totally worth it, but the built up anxiety before the ride is killer! I feel like thats labor...Once over I will be incredibly happy for the ride, but until then I'm going to be a bit anxious. Not only about labor itself but having everything ready for the little guy to arrive. I bought a nursing bra yesterday to pack in my hospital bag, but my sister informed me that it won't be big enough and I need to return it. Although happy that my boobs will be getting even bigger (yah!!!!), I don't know if I like the terms "engorgement" and "pain!" Why when you finally have something you want it ends up hurting?! Life...always fun!

Well, I suppose I am done babbling for now. Here is a picture of me at 32 weeks and 2 days:Oh, and I guess I should tell you a little about Gabriel since this is a blog about "us" huh?! He is steadily growing and putting on fat now. In just 4 weeks (since today I am almost 33 weeks) he will be full term. So technically he could be born at 37 weeks and be perfectly healthy, but I would like him to wait for the 40 week mark to get through the weddings I am shooting in September. The little dude is supposed to be about 3.75 lbs and 16.7 inches long. This explains how he can be in my ribs and in my pelvic bones at the same time! He has real hair now, hopefully anyway, and not just peach fuzz. Oh, and I'm supposed to be gaining a pound a week. We will see at my next appointment but I feel like I've gained more like 3 pounds in the past two weeks. Last time I went in I was still at 19 lbs, but I feel like I've grown a bit here recently. People are now saying, "finally you look pregnant." Not sure if that is good of bad! haha! O.k. so enough really this time. I'll be writing again soon since I'm 33 weeks on Wednesday. Love yall!

31 Weeks!

I know I'm a bit late on this one but life has been BUSY getting ready for the Forever Bridal Wedding Show. I have been putting in late hours designing an album, choosing pictures for the display, and creating hand outs. Its finally over but we now have other work to get caught up on. Seems like we need to hire someone else! Anyway, here is a picture of me at 31 weeks (we bought new light bulbs and it made such a great difference! I'm going to replace the other three and see if I can get even better! haha):
My back is hurting a little bit but the doctor says that is totally normal as my bones soften and my hips separate. I feel great after walking around, its just when I initially wake up that hurts and I sort of waddle. I am still amazed though by this whole being pregnant thing. I love to watch him move around! I just lay around in the morning and watch him =). Josh loves to watch him too, its funny to see little body parts pop up everywhere. Josh likes to shake my tummy a bit and get him to move. I told him last night that I was going to shake his belly and he said, "its not as fun because there isn't a human in mine!" I think he's amazed by the whole thing too. If anything I guess we're stimulating the baby as he wonders why his home is shaking! Haha! (FYI, he doesn't shake my belly hard..just prods it and watches Gabriel kick back or squirm away..no child abuse going on at this house!).

At the doctor last Thursday I was measuring 32 weeks. This means Gabriel had a big growth spurt because he had been measuring two weeks small, and now he is one week big. I think the doctor's measurement can also make a difference because Midwife Barnes measured me the two weeks small and Dr. Shutzer measured me a week ahead only two weeks later. So, I'm not really concerned with the measurements because they don't seem to matter. David Gabriel will come when he wants to and hopefully that will be full term!

This is a short one because I have to get to work, but I wanted to give an update at least! As you can see the tummy is beginning to grow exponentially. I feel like its bigger every morning I wake up...Crazy how fast time is flying by! In a way I don't want it to be over but I know I'll be more than thrilled to have my little boy!!!!!

30 Weeks!!!!

Well Gabriel is now -10 weeks and I can not believe it! I drove by the Halloween store yesterday and just had to text Josh and let him know the Halloween store was up! This means that our baby boy will be here before we know it!!! His reply was "tell me about it!" I think we are both nervous and excited all at the same time. As Gabriel's things fill up our house we realize more and more that he will be soon to change our lives forever. I also had my last birthday (26th) without children this past Tuesday. That was a little weird to think about but I hear that birthdays only get better with a little one in your life. Someone wrote to me on Facebook, "just think, next year you'll have a little voice singing happy birthday to you," and that almost made me cry =). I would be surprised if he could actually sing to me, at not even a year of age, but the point is thoughts of future birthdays are happy! Here are a few birthday pictures of Josh and I. I'm 30 weeks!
On another note, Gabriel's room is fully painted blue! It is super pretty! I can not wait to get the stripes/polka dots up although I see it as a daunting task ahead of me. Here is a picture of just the blue:
I'm loving the room so far =). I think the blue goes well with the brown and tan animals, so I'm happy.

Soo today at church Josh wrote, "Josiah" on his program and when I asked, "what's that" he replied, "the next one's name!" So before his answer to, "are you having more?" was always, "we're taking this one at a time, " and now he's already got his next sons name picked out. We looked through the Bible a bit (we were listening to the sermon too!) and thought Josiah King Barnett would be a good name for the next son =)! Josh referred me to Psalm 127 and pointed to the part that read "sons are a heritage from the Lord." I want a few girls but Josh said the quiver = sons! He is silly to say the least! I think he is just getting excited about holding his little boy. We'll see what he says after Gabriel keeps us awake and sleepless for months!

My mom celebrated her 50th birthday yesterday! We had a lot of fun cooking out at Becca's. She made hamburgers and hotdogs and I made the cake. I decided on a "Black Magic" cake from the Hershey web site. It was REALLY moist and every one enjoyed it. I am actually craving some right now but it happens to be at mom's house right now...They may have eaten it all by now? I'll have to call! haha =). I'll hopefully post some pictures of the party this week. We actually took the photos in JPEG so we don't have to edit them. We are realizing that RAW file family photos never get edited, so its smarter to take them in JPEG format. See, we are an evolving family!

Well, I think that is all I can drum up for today's blog. I have a doctors appointment on Friday so I'll keep you updated on my size and all that. I know I'm bigger when he actually moves up because my belly button pokes out a bit. So I think we are still on target for mid October. I'm still going for the 20th! Becca said Annabel measured a bit small too (belly measurement that is..Fundal height), so I think I'll just have a small baby which is great for me and the whole child birthing process =)~. "Nothin' but blue skies from now on," Love yall!