looking ahead...

I am so ready to wear non-maternity clothes, it isn't even funny. And why all of the sudden did this feeling come on? I went to GAP's website. Big mistake. I am loving their new items for fall.


Not to mention, it's only 70 degrees here, which totally puts me in the cardigan and comfy jeans mode. Hopefully it will warm back up next week and feel like summer!

tests are in...

...and everything came back normal, so that's good. Baby boy has 2 more weeks, unless he comes earlier on his own!

stubborn baby boy!

Still no progress...I am only a fingertip dilated...so baby boy is just pretty content being cozy inside! However, my blood pressure was a bit on the high side so I had to do a 24 hour urine analysis (everytime I peed for 24 hours I had to put it in this jug and keep it in the fridge-fun!) to check my protein levels. If my protein level is high in addition to my higher blood pressure, I would be on the verge of preeclampsia--meaning, a medical condition serious enough to induce labor before 39 weeks. SO hopefully I will get the tests results tomorrow and go from there.

In GOOD news, congratulations to Eric and Laura on the arrival of Caden Michael on 7/14. He's definitely a cutie-and I can't wait for many playdates to come!

technologically/blogger challenged

Anyone really good at formatting that would like to change my template so I don't lose my stuff? :) Pretty please?

nesting...

I feel like I may be behind most pregnant women when it comes to nesting. My house isn't spotless in preparation for baby (I mean- we still live in it). I have been attempting to start/finish thank you's for baby gifts, but I just can't get motivated. Not to mention, it took me forever to even pack my bag for the hospital, which is a pretty important bunch of items!

I guess I just expected a better spurt of energy about this time...but I think that energy is all being spent trying to will myself to dialate before Tuesday.

That said...thank you's, here I come...

the waiting game...

Well, the Dr. says she is ready for this baby to come as long as I am, and that he is ready as well- but the catch is, physically, I am not ready. No progress, no nothing. Close, she says...so I am hoping for SOMETHING by next Tuesday. We'll see!

nearing the end...

This is my 36 week picture, even though technically I am 37 weeks today-3 to go! As I near the finish line on my first pregnancy, I couldn't help but look back on the last 9 (10) months and share what I have learned/enjoyed/not enjoyed in preparation for motherhood...

• I really can't complain. I have had it pretty good this go around. Not a lot of morning sickness, occasional restless leg in my left side, and some mild acid reflux. Nothing that a piece of toast, Tylenol, and Tums can't help.
• Knowing that you have another life inside of you is one thing, feeling it is another. I think this is what I will miss most about being pregnant.
• The look on Brandon's face when I was on the phone with the nurse while she was telling me that I was, indeed, pregnant, is something I will absolutely never forget. It is almost the same look he gave me when I told him I was ready to start a family. He's looked at me that way ever since. I think he will miss me being pregnant!
• The weird range of emotions. They can be somewhat annoying, especially when Brandon would ask "Why are you crying?" and all I could do is sob and say "I don't know." I just think that those emotions make you human, and that it doesn't matter how much you cry, worry, laugh, etc. It's normal. If all I needed was a hug, Brandon was right there. Sometimes a trip to Dairy Queen was right around the corner. If that's not a temporary fix, I am not sure what is!
• Decorating the nursery. I turned out to be the most indecisive person when it came to starting this task. I love the idea of decorating a space, but when it comes right down to it, I totally lack in this department. It was a fun learning process though, and I am so happy with the end result. It's one of my favorite rooms in the house, and I look forward to lots of memories being made in that room.
  
• Belly touching. I think a pregnant belly is an open invitation for anything- a conversation, advice (good OR bad), and definitely touching. While for the most part it doesn't bother me, there are few occasions where it did, and I will be glad for this part to be over.

Our next appointment is Tuesday morning and I am hoping for progress!

a few things I am loving right now....

I love perusing Etsy on a relaxing weekend day such as today. Here are a few of my finds...

This gorgeous new mommy necklace from mncmoon.

This pretty milk glass footed bowl- perfect for holding jewelry.



This gorgeous silk lined clutch.

This bird's nest ring.

What do you peruse on a relaxing day?

have a happy 4th!

I hope all of you have a wonderful 4th of July holiday celebrating America's independence. The 4th of July has always been one of my favorite holidays, because I feel like the citizens of this country come together to acknowledge the blessings of living in a free country. Thank you to those who have served and are currently serving in the Armed Forces so we can still be free.

Our plans are just to have a family cookout here at our house. I am looking forward to a relaxing day at home! What are your plans?

do you have $38 million laying around?

If you do...you could be the proud owner of country singer Alan Jackson's mansion in Nashville.


I love that chandelier in this room...gorgeous!

The 135 acre property also includes (in addition to the 19,000 sq. ft. mansion), a 10 acre lake with boat house, 20 car capacity garage, 2 bed log cabin, and a barn with a 2 bedroom apartment. Gorgeous!

*photo credit: homesinnashville.com