December 17, 2012

I'm exactly one month away from my due date. I feel like this pregnancy has gone by so fast and I can't believe it's coming to an end. I'm ready and not ready at the same time. I'm excited to see her sweet face, hold her hand, snuggle with her and see Dell with his baby girl. But, it's crazy to think that literally everything is going to change from the moment she's born. I know we'll have challenges and things will be hard at times, but I also know it's going to be worth it. I think my body is ready to have this baby. My feet are swollen, my weight is climbing and my back is giving up. I know I will miss feeling her move in my belly and always having her with me wherever I go. And when she's here at least the sleepless nights will be spent holding her instead of just tossing and turning trying to get comfortable (someone can remind me of this when I'm complaining at 3 in the morning one day here in a couple of months). If I'm being honest, I'm scared and very anxious about this new adventure, but most of all I'm excited and feel very blessed to experience it.

 35 Weeks

 Her face at 32 Weeks

    

December 6, 2012

We went to the doctor today and had a great visit. Our little girl has a tiny bit of hair already and is quite the little chunk. She's measuring almost two weeks ahead, and she's in the 75th percentile for growth. The little hungry caterpillar already weighs 6lbs 2oz. She's going to be a big baby, just like her mama. I won't tell you what my doctor said to me as a joke, but it made me cover my face in horror. I have 6 weeks until my due date, but I'm hoping she comes out early ... happy, healthy and smaller than a 9lb bowling ball. 

November 20, 2012

We had an appointment this morning and were so excited to see how much baby Nola had changed from our previous appointment. Last time we weren't able to get a good picture of her face because her hand was in the way, so our doctor gave us a nice shot of her bottom. Dell wasn't amused. So, I had been talking to Nola and asking her to show her face at the next appointment. We just love seeing her. So, she did. I can't get the pdf to upload here, but trust me when I say she's adorable.  She's weighing about 4lbs 4oz, which is apparently right on average for her age. It was a great appointment and we're going back again in two weeks. I can't believe how close it is.

However, on the way in to see the doctor, I saw something that I have not forgotten about. As we pulled into the parking lot, we saw a woman crying hysterically and the husband comforting her. I don't know her story, but I know her pain. It quickly reminded me that not everyone is coming to that building and leaving with good news. I was her several months ago when I received the news of the cyst and thought I may never be able to have biological children on my own. I was her in Arkansas when we lost the last baby at 8 weeks. I haven't forgotten what it feels like to receive disappointing news, instead of the happy news of a growing, healthy baby. I wanted to hug her, to let her know that she's not alone in feeling sad and that it's normal to be upset. I started to cry just thinking about her heartbreak and knowing that, even if I did hug her, there's nothing I could've said to make her feel better. So, I just silently prayed that God would give her comfort and peace to help with whatever she's suffering through. And that I would never lose my sense of gratitude for my situation. I am so thankful to be where I'm at today.  

Maternity Pictures

November 7, 2012

Things have been very busy lately and I've not done a good job of keeping up with the blog. We have been building our house for months and the end is drawing near. That's one thing that keeps me up at night. While I feel truly blessed to have this opportunity, it has also been painful at times and I'm ready for it to be settled. Growing up, and even as I got older, I never imagined being able to build a home, so I am grateful to be in this situation. But I have mixed emotions about it all. Since moving back to Tulsa, we have been staying with my sister and her family for the past year and a half. In reality, the situation couldn't be better. We literally thank God for them and the way they've opened their home to us all the time. It's such an unselfish thing to do and it could've been very painful for everyone involved, but it hasn't been. Not at all. We have two (and a half now) humans + two dogs living in ONE bedroom and sharing a bathroom with all our necessary belongings. In total, there are four adults, two children (with one on the way), three dogs and five vehicles sharing a house, a refrigerator, a pantry, parking, living room, kitchen and everything else you can think of. It's not normal, but it has actually worked for us. I think we're beyond lucky we all get along as well as we do and we've managed to stay friendly throughout the entire process. 

And, as much as I can't wait to have our own space, settle in, spread out and get Nola's room ready, I do realize I will miss the crazy living situation we had at the Corbin house. I've spent so much time lately focusing on how great it will be to have our own place, but I can't deny the fact that there are things I will miss about living with my sister. 

Some things I know will miss:
Coming home after a bad day to a greeting by my nephews
Hearing the boys play together downstairs
Having Gavin bring me my mail or the paper upstairs
Helping each other cook Sunday night dinner  
Always having my sister there to talk to
Seeing Chris and Dell bond over sports
Hanging out in our pajamas playing games, telling jokes or whatever
  
Some things I'm looking forward to: 
Unpacking and arranging both new and old things, furniture, etc.
Getting the nursery set up
Having a fridge and freezer to ourselves
Not sharing a bathroom sink
Parking in a garage this winter
Lighting the fireplace and putting up a Christmas tree
Sleeping in a comfortable bed, not on the floor
No train noises in the middle of the night
    
 I'm sure there is more to be added, but that's a start. To Starr and Chris, we can't thank you enough for what you've done for us. We love you and are so glad we'll still be close.

October 19, 2012

We went to the doctor this week and got some great pictures of baby Nola. She looks great and is bigger than average. She weighs 2 lbs. 9 oz. and almost two weeks ahead of my due date. She's adorable and I love her so much already. Dell and I couldn't believe her little face - it's so exciting! She is still in the breech position, which I'm hoping will change very soon. Pray for that...

October 5, 2012

It's been an interesting few days. Wednesday morning I woke up not feeling well, but came to work thinking I was just tired and being lazy. It didn't take long for me to realize I had a fever and I couldn't stop shaking, even though it was not cold in the office. I felt nauseous and couldn't eat breakfast. I left after lunch to rest and try eating at home. I wasn't feeling much better and sent a text to my friend to ask for her advice on what to do. She just happens to be pregnant with twins, plus she's a L&D nurse, so she's a very reliable source. She said if you have a fever, you should go to the doctor. After talking to her, I decided to make a trip to urgent care around 7p.m. that night. The doctor was great and he did a urine test and blood test to see what was going on. Turns out, I have a bacterial infection (possibly related to my kidneys) and they put me on antibiotics to help cure it. My back had been hurting so bad lately, but I assumed it was just pregnancy related. The antibiotics have helped with the back pain and it's nice to know that unbearable pain isn't normal (well, at least not yet anyway). I still had a fever the next day, but it went away and I was able to get some work done. 

Fall is my favorite time of year for many reasons. I love the weather change, football season and maybe most importantly, the Tulsa State Fair! Dell and I were able to go to the fair with friends on Tuesday night after work and I ate lots of good stuff. We had beer-battered cheese curds, cheese on a stick, fried Snickers, pineapple whip, chocolate-dipped cookie dough, fried macaroni and cheese, fried ravioli, fried pickles, fried mashed potatoes, ice cream, lemonade, etc. Don't judge - it was Nola's first trip to the fair and she WANTED all of these things. Also, there were many of us sharing these things so the calories were split multiple ways. However, while we were there I saw many things I wanted to try when we returned on Sunday. I was really looking forward to the return trip to the fair. Then, I got sick. After that, Dell thought that going to the fair wasn't the best idea for me - too many people, animals and germs being shared and I needed to focus on getting better. This was a big bummer for me, but I knew he was right. So, we canceled the trip with our friends from Arkansas and I'll have to wait until next year to try more fair food. I know this is one of many sacrifices for baby Nola coming my way and I'm okay with it. But, next year, we go big! 

Something else that's been happening lately is that Nola moves around a lot. She's active and feels very strong for a little 2 pound human being. It is weird sometimes to feel her random, rapid movements, but I really do love it. It's much easier for others to feel her now too, which has been fun for Dell. The one thing I don't like is the fact that she hangs out in my ribs sometimes. It's so odd that she chooses the right side of my ribs to poke around in. It's never the left side, only the right, and it hurts! I try to push her out, but she's stubborn like her momma and just goes right back. I haven't determined if it's her feet up there kicking around or what, but it's not pleasant. I imagine I'm not the first mother-to-be to think of this, but if I could have something placed there to block her from entering the no-wake-rib-zone, I really would. 

We go back to the doctor next week for the glucose test and ultrasound. I just hope and pray that I pass! 

Belly pics

8 weeks

 

 10 weeks

 12 weeks

15 weeks

18 weeks

 21 weeks

 24 weeks

September 25, 2012

We went to the doctor last week and had a great appointment. Little Nola is looking good. She is measuring about a week ahead and weighs about 1lb 5 oz. Her heart rate is 157 bpm and everything looks great. We were able to see her little spine, but she had the umbilical cord in front of her face, so we couldn't get a good picture on the 4D. We did get a nice picture of her little mouth and nose. After I saw that, I couldn't hear anything else the doctor said. She has her daddy's lips! It is so fun getting to see her every month and I'm grateful for every ultrasound. Next month, we'll do the glucose test, so that should be fun.

She has also been moving around like crazy lately. Sometimes I am just wondering what she's up to in there because it feels like a dance party. It's really fun experiencing that and letting other people feel her too. 

We are building a house and we went over this week to write scriptures on the walls before they do the insulation and drywall. In her nursery, we wrote this on the wall "For this child I prayed and the Lord has granted me my petition which I asked of Him." - 1 Samuel 1:27. I can't wait to get settled in and get her room all set up. Until then, I'm dreaming of her little face ... and that glider I want to put in her room.

September 12, 2012

I thought it would be fun to share some of the cute things we've received for our baby girl. We are so blessed with an amazing family and group of friends. We tell baby Nola all the time that she is loved by so many - she has no idea!

This custom set came all the way from Colorado. Thanks Tracey! We love this and can't wait to see her in those little footies. (apologies for the sideways photos)

 

My mom made her these little headbands. They are so soft and cute!

 

These tiny shoes came from Dee and my mom. I realize they aren't practical, but who cares? They are perfect!

This is a newborn sleeper with a bee on the bottom. I can't wait to snuggle with her in this!

I can't forget her very first dress thanks to aunt Starr and these cute leggings Dell and I picked out.

This is probably Dell's favorite purchase - a Thundercats onesie. He says she'll be the coolest kid on the block with this.

Of course she'll be ready to Thunder up from birth to at least 9 months of age with these adorable onesies               from Dell and Chris. We plan to get a blue tutu she can wear with each one.

September 10, 2012

I fought through the cough without any medication, but now these allergies are kicking my butt! In general, I really can’t complain about pregnancy because it’s been pretty easy on me. I have the normal symptoms and can deal with those. You know, the back pain, sleepless nights, congestion, dizziness, swollen ankles (that one just started last week), extreme hunger, feeling like you can’t breathe, total exhaustion, etc. But, the allergies I’ve experienced the past few days are ridiculous. I’m constantly sneezing and can’t breathe at all through my nose. This makes for terrible quality or quantity of sleep at night (and probably makes me a bit cranky too). I’ve said no to Tylenol, caffeine and anything else I can avoid. But I might have to break down and get some Claritin D for this symptom. It’s no fun!

On a lighter note, Nola has been moving around like crazy lately. She’s so active at night and in the mornings. I love feeling her wiggle around in there and am enjoying this time we have, just the two of us. I pray she is growing healthy and strong like she’s supposed to and that I’m a good hostess for her for the next 18ish weeks. I’m looking forward to our doctor’s appointment next week and to making it to 24 weeks. 

August 21, 2012

We went to the doctor today. I am now almost halfway there. I’m about 19 weeks and can’t believe it. We got to see her little profile, but she had her hand in front of her face. As hard as the doctor tried to get her to move it, she was being stubborn and kept it there. Our little mango is weighing in at 10 oz. (already chunky). She must love food as much as her mama does. Her heart rate was 156 bpm and everything looks great. 

I’ve been sick this week. I have this terrible cough that won’t go away and my whole body is achy and sore. I’ve gone the entire pregnancy without taking any medication and I’d like to keep it that way. If this cough persists, that may change. 

It’s been a crazy busy week, so I’ll keep it short. But, I love appointment days. Waiting an entire month seems like an eternity, but it’s definitely something to look forward to.