Welcome back to reality :o)

I suppose it is about time that I update this blog.... whoops - its been 5.5 weeks since our little one was born and way too long since coming back to this site to update my fellow readers/stalkers ;o) hehe.

Looks like I won't have much time to write up crazy long stories or rant about the new parenthood life that has been thrown at us, but I'll try to update much more often, with more photos and tips and tricks of what we're learning along the way. AKA... I can only do what I have time for, between feedings, naps and a child screaming in the next room.

Here's what you've missed so far:

Cohen Christopher Richardson was born on June 21, 2011 - yes, the first day of Summer! What a great way to start off the season, with a newborn - stuck inside the house while we get through the heat wave of the Summer months. It has been such a blessing - although I miss the sunshine and the feeling of a sauna when I walk outside to let the dog out, I see this as an excuse for another year without skin cancer! I would most likely be hanging out at a friend's pool, soaking up the sun in baby oil and bronzer instead of SPF 30+ or staying inside like I should. So - thank you in advance, Cohen, for keeping us safely indoors, and pale as hell :o)

Just a couple of hours old. Proud Daddy holding his son :o)

Daddy dressing Cohen before we leave the hospital.

Holding Daddy's hand

Already liking a 'binky' - YIKES!

All wrapped up and ready to rock 'n roll.

 

First car ride home.

Cohen gets to meet his big brother, Cody...

And now... here come the last few weeks:

First tummy time (cheating on the Boppy pillow)

Cohen got this awesome owl hat from our friend Amy! Love!!

He's just chillin'

3 weeks old - hanging out on the changing table.

That's all for now - more photos and updates will come later. Now it's time for Mommy to get on her treadmill and try to burn off the large thighs that decided to stick around after this pregnancy was over!

Playing the waiting game

Aww...

Just wanted to do a quick update of this week. Week 39 has come and ALMOST gone - and still nothing. I keep getting phone calls and text messages for people, which I totally appreciate - but I'm much more impatient than they are and I just keep telling them 'no news really means... NO NEWS!'

I finally had my week 39 check up. Lost 3lbs since last week (must have been retaining water for the last month like crazy) and my blood pressure was abnormally high for the first time of this entire pregnancy. It was a hot day yesterday, and I spent some time outside in the sun. I'm not in the medical field or anything, but I didn't notice anything out of the ordinary of how I felt... even though the doctors started asking me tons of questions, trying to rule out preeclampsia. Just to be on the safe side, I had my blood drawn for tests and am collecting my urine for 24 hours. Gross. Once I started actually paying attention, I realized that even though I was going to the bathroom a million times yesterday, nothing much was coming out. Not to mention, my urine was really dark for all of the water I had been consuming throughout the day.

At this appointment, I am progressing - but nothing too exciting. I am dilated 2cm, 50% effaced and Baby is at 0 station. We're finally engaged! Maybe this means I'll stop feeling the banging around in there while the head was floating. It was still a little disappointing to hear that I am only at 2cm, but that is better than still being stuck at 1cm - which is where I was a month ago. I keep telling the LO that we're running out of time and on deadlines here, so lets kick it into gear and get the show on the road. Literally. Once Baby R has arrived, we have weddings to attend. July 2 is officially 2 weeks away and I have a bridesmaid dress to fit into!

Brook and I spent the evening trimming tree branches and loading them in the truck to take out to the landfill. When I say that WE were working... I mean Brook. I wasn't trimming, just dragging branches across the yard trying to keep myself busy. Otherwise I'd be pacing the house looking for something to do with myself. I could do laundry, maybe clean - but I'm not that type of nester. I'm more of a cooking/baking type and we don't have room in the fridge. Not to mention, my urine is being stored in there :o) mmMMmm

No photos have been taken lately. So I have no belly updates. I guess I could take them myself, but maybe I'll take one tonight and post tomorrow. Probably not ;o) hehe I'll just add a few images from our pregnancy photoshoot a few weeks back. Kelli Jo Heimer is awesome - and even though it was raining out when we were doing outdoor shots - it was still a bunch of fun. We had photos taken in Nora Springs, Iowa. This is the town I grew up in, and where KJ lives - so we spent some time in the park, in her studio and by some good 'ol fashioned grain bins. I love them - I just can't pick which ones I like the most to actually purchase!

Heart.

 

My favorite book as a child.

Are We There Yet?

This week marks the final stretch... I've made it to 37 weeks, and then some. Baby R is full-term and will be perfectly healthy if we decide to have an early arrival. As I keep checking my non-existent wrist watch, any time now... would be great.

Last week we had the cultures tested for Strep B. I haven't heard anything back, so I'm going to assume as always - no news, is good news. If you've ever experienced this, you know how I felt at this dreaded appointment. Enough said. Anyway - I was also 1cm dilated! Whoop Whoop! Not that 1cm is anything to be excited about - I still have a ways to go, but it was good to hear we're somewhat on the way to a delivery. Some extra walks were put into our weekly schedule and maybe a few more next week will help get this little one moving.

The doctor ordered yet another ultra sound to make sure baby was in a good position and to check the size/weight. I am apparently measuring a little smaller these last couple of visits and haven't been gaining much weight. I look at this as a good thing - as my stomach kept gaining inches around, even if the scale wasn't moving. Less for me to work off when we're done right?! :o)

This week's appointment and ultra sound went as everyone thought it would. Baby is growing just fine, we're measuring a few days ahead of schedule - which means nothing. We could go into labor any minute, or wait out the 40+ weeks. I've been trying to coax the little one out, bribing my belly with all sorts of fun promises. He/she just hasn't been listening. I may get a kick here or there, "Shut up mom... I'll be there when I'm good and ready.' Seems to be taking after me, and not Brook. I'm not sure this is a good trait - as I am ALWAYS at least 10 minutes late for everything. I can just see our family trips going down hill from here as Brook is impatiently waiting in the car for the rest of us to finish packing and pacing the house to make sure we don't forget the pack of gum we just bought. Good luck with that hubby.... I'll sympathize for you now, but I can't promise to be better prepared tomorrow.

The ultra sound also estimated that this little one is about 7 lbs, 4 oz at the moment.... which means I could have over a 9 lb. baby if we go to the full 40 weeks before delivery. I know this baby's cousin was 10 lbs., but I"m just really praying they're way off with the prediction and I'm not actually going to have a baby that huge the first time. Wanting this as natural as possible without epidurals or pain meds, we may be in BIG BIG trouble! Let's just hope for an early delivery.

I'm off to do some squats and maybe go walk on the treadmill for a bit. I'll check back in next week with an update. With my luck, I'll still be dilated to 1cm and this baby won't want to come out until July. In the meantime, here are some belly shots. These were taken at 36.5 weeks (last weekend).

36.5 weeks

36.5 weeks

 

 

 

Belly stats: At 36.5 weeks I was measuring 37 inches around. Oh, and I've gained 28 lbs so far (on a good day) LOL

Epic Fail...

Once again, I managed to avoid this blog for far too long. I apologize. It's a huge FAIL on my to-do list of things that have yet to be checked off as 'done'. The more I thought about all of the things that I should have written in this blog every week, the more I wanted to avoid coming back - lol... oh well. The excuse of - "Hey, I'm busy baking a bun in this oven" has been used way too much lately, so I'm back and finally ready to update. I think :o)

Not a whole lot has changed. Doctor visits have been uneventful and kind of boring. The typical stomach check, hear the heartbeat (still way cool every time) and then measurements and we're out the door. Last week, I finally met the LAST doctor in my clinic - who ironically is from NC, southern accent and all. We made a few jokes, talked about the good 'ol days of real southern BBQ, and said our goodbyes. I liked him, but I'll be excited to get back to my main doctor and into my once a week visits until this little creature inside arrives.

I've been feeling EVERY move the LO makes. Every move. I'm not sure if this is a sign that maybe this baby is bigger than we think, I'm further along than we think, or I'm just THIS lucky to be able to feel every stretch, kick, roll, and hiccup throughout the day. Most are not painful, but I can definitely tell where his/her feet are hanging out while I'm trying to sit. A few days I've been convinced that it's toes were stuck in my ribcage. Again - nothing painful, just uncomfortable. I'm actually really surprised at how well this pregnancy has been going for me. I'm not the warm cuddly type, and get totally claustrophobic when I'm uncomfortable in certain situations. I always thought that pregnancy would be awful for me, but oddly enough - I enjoy when Brook comes up and talks to my belly or wants to touch my stomach. It makes it fun, especially to know that he is just as excited to finally see and hold this little girl/guy that we're having.

I'm officially 35 weeks and 2 days and feeling every bit of that. Finally slowing down and losing my breath when walking up and down the stairs. Ugh - what a drag. 2 weekends ago we had the annual Race for the Cure 5K which Brook and I, and my mother walked in. My mother has such long legs that I was actually needing to jog for a few seconds just to keep up. It was fun. Brook and I decided to jog the last mile to the finish line and it felt AWESOME to be able to do it. The weather has been so nice lately and I haven't been able to get out and just RUN like I used to. Walking our dog Cody is great, but nothing like the exercise I used to do on a daily basis - aka 3-6 mile runs. Oh...the joys of my new life to come! At least our stroller is capable of jogging in, if we want to.

Here are some pics to keep you updated.

Kisses from Cody!

Side view of 30 weeks

Getting big (and super excited about it)

Belly view! 30 weeks

Baby shower at 31 weeks - Saturday before Easter.

My belly at 31 weeks

Diaper smelling game = guess the melted chocolate candy

Me thinking... I know this, but it looks gross.

Soon to be grandmas - also playing the diaper game :o)

Taryn helping open the gifts

Having trouble bending over... yes.

My Boppy!

Aunt Sheila hoping this kid will be a Twins fan...

Thanks for all of the gifts and the mess to clean up after!

Since Easter weekend, I have been busy landscaping the yard (yep... major overhaul), turning 26 (on week 33!) and having another shower with friends here in Ottumwa. More photos will come.... if I ever get them from those with a camera :o)

Where did March go?

Oh my gosh... I just realized that I haven't posted since March 8th! My bad.

It has been so long, I can't even remember what we've done in the last few weeks :o) We had yet another ultrasound last week and got to see the little one in in action. Baby R was caught on the ultrasound taking a big gulp! It was pretty cool to see, but of course it was only for a second - I blinked - and it was over. Bummer.

After a few measurements were taken, we had the all clear from the doctor that Baby R is growing just as it needs to be. I'm finally growing as well, not that I'm ready to see the scale creep up. According to the ultrasound images, Baby R is still feet down. Nothing to worry about just yet, but we did have to sit down and talk options of a possible C-section if he/she decides to stay put. Not cool, considering I'm planning on doing this delivery as natural as possible. So the last few months we're going to be coaching the little one and just hoping that it will turn! I've read that babies usually will turn on their own between 37 and 40 weeks, so we'll see what happens.

I had the option of getting my glucola test over with that day as well, so I went for it. Drinking something that resembles a warm Mr. Freeze pop on sugar steroids and one hour later my blood was tested. It resulted in a normal range for sugar levels and I was told I have nothing to worry about. Phew! Turns out, no matter how much sugar I consume, I'll be OK. I kind of wish I had a reason not to eat cookies and Easter goodies, but bring them on :o)

I'm feeling the baby kicking multiples times throughout the day and he/she just happens to love punching my ribs at night. Last Sunday I woke up to what I thought was an earthquake going on inside of me. It must have been the baby punching with both arms from side to side screaming, "Let me out of here!" It was entertaining, but definitely frightening at first. Playing punching bag isn't going to be much fun as the baby gets stronger, but if it means we're developing and staying on track - I can handle it. I think!

In the past few weeks we have been doing a little traveling. We spent St. Patty's day (actually weekend) celebrating with friends and watching the river turn green. This year we stayed at the Sheraton Hotel downtown and actually watched the neon green coloring be dumped and spread out with the boats from our hotel room. It was pretty cool to see, especially not having to be standing outside in the cold weather! We did some shopping, bar hopping and ate at Giordanos. AMAZING pizza place that is famous for their stuffed crust pizza. Yum. It was well worth a long drive and a great weekend out of Ottumwa with friends.

The photos below were taken on March 22nd. I was 27 weeks, 1 day. Not too much has changed since then (at least my weight hasn't in the last week) but I feel MUCH MUCH MUCH larger and round this week! It is definitely starting to get uncomfortable to sit - sleep - breathe. Just a few more months....sigh.

Side shot... 27w 1d

Front shot... 27w 1d

Where did my abs go?

 The abs went away just as fast as the month of March I think! Tomorrow (March 31st) is my big brother's birthday! We'll be celebrating at a wine and chocolate fundraiser for the Jefferson County Hospital. Wine tasting for Brook, chocolate for me! I better get in a few extra minutes on the treadmill before we go :o)

A Work in Progress

Lately I've been working on the back bedroom. A little bit here and there, and we're hopefully half way done...hopefully. After much deliberation and total convincing from a friend, we decided to reorganize the bedrooms in the house. When I say 'we' I mean that I decided and had to then convince the hubby it was for the best. In the long run, changing up the rooms will make perfect sense, but moving furniture up and down the three staircases and making room for baby things has been a bit overwhelming!

We moved the guest bedroom into my old office so it is now at the same level as the guest bathroom. My office has been moved upstairs to be closer to the nursery and is now in the brightest room in the house. Maybe it will be a bit more of an inspiration for me to have a new space. Maybe this means I'll finally get off of the couch and actually into my office again :o) We'll see!

Before shot of the nursery

We started with new paint in the nursery. The green walls were primed and painted a creamy beige. Yes, you read that right, I went with a light color! There is a first time for everything I suppose. My mother in law came over to help paint the walls one day and after 3 creamy beige walls, we decided to tackle the dark red. I went with a super neutral concept and wanted a pop of color in a dark red. I've been waiting to use a red color somewhere in this house - so I went for it! After all of the painting was done - it just wasn't 'finished' in my mind. So after a little research, I found a really cool idea using stripes and polyurethane. It gives the look of a flat color with a high gloss stripe. Turns out, if you tape the walls  in the stripe pattern that you like, VERY lightly roll on the poly.... then you better wipe whatever you can off before it drips! It was a bit difficult, but well worth the work. I removed the tape and did some touch up paint to give a clean line where anything may have run. It might be my new favorite room.

Dark red accent and creamy beige with the polyurethane stripes

Now you can see the flat vs. high gloss of the stripes

I only painted 3 of the walls with stripes because I had yet another inspiration for the last wall. I found an idea from a blog post on Project Nursery that rocked my world. As soon as I saw it, I knew I had to figure out how to do it! I rented a projector from the local library and spent an entire Saturday with my girl Kelli (another designer and my bestie) hand painting a mural of the alphabet and numbers. Monochromatic colors so it isn't crazy, but modern enough that if we decide to move the baby into another room, I have another office without having to repaint!

My Alphabet mural wall!

A-Z & 0-9 all there (even hiding behind the door)!

Here are the photos of the nursery. Just this weekend we set up the crib with my parents and the surprise early birthday present. I got an incline trainer! It's amazing... except my nursery has now become my nursery/workout room. We'll have to see how this goes... but for now - I'm ok with hanging out in the coolest room while kicking my butt at a 40% incline.

The crib all set up & my new incline trainer

I asked Cody if he wanted to learn how to W-A-L-K on the trainer.... he got on, until I turned on the machine and it started moving. I'll train him someday, but for now - I'll just keep getting this reaction whenever I ask if he wants to go for a ______?

Huh?

P.S. I finally got around the getting those belly shots done. I am officially 25 weeks, 1 day today!
Time just flies, but I'm going to try to keep the belly pictures up as I start to grow. The doctor said I'm finally hitting that rapid growth spurt - which explains my expanding cheeks. My face seems to gain more weight than the rest of me - so hopefully it will slow down so the rest of me can keep up. 

Cody and I posing

Pushing the belly out

Messing around with Cody

Where's the baby?

Drum Roll Please!

Intruducing Ms. Peyton Marie Richardson!

As of last Friday, February 25th at 11:05am I became an aunt to a beautiful baby girl named Peyton Marie. I traveled up with my in-laws to the quad cities on Thursday afternoon and we all spent the night in the waiting room at the hospital. Subrina was induced 5 days before her due date of March 2nd, so we weren't sure how long we would be waiting for Ms. Peyton's arrival after the doctors induced her. Unfortunately, things were done a bit different at this hospital and although she was induced at midnight, the doctor did not come in to break her water until after 9:30 or 10am Friday morning.

The good thing is - baby was healthy and Subrina only needed a bit of pain medication for the delivery. No epidural, she even looked great just after! Crossing my fingers here that our delivery is smooth and not too painful. I'd like to go as natural as possible as well, if I can avoid pain medication and epidurals, I will as much as possible!

Here are a few photos that I grabbed of the new edition to our family. Proud grandparents, Bill and Patty have been telling the world about her!

Grandpa Bill holding Peyton Marie

Proud daddy

Grandma Patty and Tim with Peyton

Peyton sleeping

Just leave me alone!

Her big feet!

I'm pretty sure she can grab a basketball with these toes

Finally opening her eyes

Grandma Patty and Peyton

Grandpa Bill rocking Peyton

Peyton Marie Richardson was born February 25, 2011 at 11:05am
She weighed a whopping 10 lbs 1 oz and was 22 inches long!

P.S. If this is the size Richardson babies are supposed to be, I'm in trouble!