In the car...

I'm taking part in Emily's, from Lived a Charmed Life,  project 52...a picture a week that follows a specific theme.  This week, in the car...

This was our last weekend as a twosome!  We spent the entire weekend just hanging out and getting ready for Mason to make his appearance.  Sno Cones was a must...this was Mason's last sno cone until he can actually have one on his own.

Maternity Pictures

Here are a few of my favorite maternity pictures:

Thank you Kristal!

Mason's Birthday

The last appt. I had with the Dr. we decided to go ahead and induce at 39 weeks.  This meant that on Thursday we would call the hospital at 6am to see if they had room for us.  Obviously, the women who were in actual labor would take precedence over me.

Thursday, June 16th:

We got up at 5:45 to start getting ready to go, and then Nick called the hospital to see if we were good to go.  Unfortunately, they said there was no room and they would call us later when/if they could fit us in.  We both got really disappointed and didn't know if we would get to meet our boy or not.  I wasn't able to eat or drink since midnight the night before so I was also not happy about sitting around hungry and thirsty for no reason.  I decided to take a nap because there was no way of knowing how our day would go.

Nick woke me up from my nap at about 8:40 with the best news ever...it was time to go to the hospital and have this baby!  As soon as we got there they assigned us a room and a nurse.  They immediately had me change, hooked me up monitors, started an IV, and had me sign all my release forms.  Once we were all situated the nurse asked me if I knew I was having a contraction.  I told her no, I thought that Mason was just pushing up on my stomach.  She laughed and said it was definitely a contraction!  My Dr. came to check on me and let the nurse know what the plan was.  They started the pitocin in my IV, and my Dr. said she would be back in a couple hours to break my water.

At 10:57 (Nick has his "notes" that tell what was happening and what time it happened, he's awesome!) the Dr. came in and broke my water.  She said I was dilated close to 5cm, upped my pitocin, and said she would be back to check on my throughout the day.  From this point it was just a waiting game.  My parents, Nick's mom, and my best friend all came to check on me and visit.  Once my water broke it didn't take long for the contractions to truly kick in.  I was quickly having them two minutes apart.  They were painful but doable.  It wasn't until the contractions were stacked one on top of the other that I was really uncomfortable.  The contractions weren't necessarily the most excruciating pain, it was the fact that there was no break or a chance to breathe and relax between them.  Therefore, I got an epidural at 12:29 according to Nick's notes.

Let's just say that epidurals are heavenly, and I highly recommend them!  At this point we were just kind of hanging out, I took a short nap, and we just waited.  My Dr. finally came to check on me again around 4:50 and said I was ready to go!  She was going in to do a C-Section at 5, but since she is really good it wasn't going to take long so she wanted me to get set up and start pushing and she would be back soon to deliver our boy.  Apparently, I am an expert pusher according to our nurse.  I started pushing at 5:03 and then the nurse said we were going to have to slow down because I was doing so well that the baby would be here before the Dr. got back if we didn't.

My Dr. came in and was very impressed with my progress and told me to give her one good push and we would have a baby!  Mason Rhys Santowski was born at exactly 5:30!

Side Note:  We had the best labor and delivery nurse on the entire planet.  She was perfect and incredible.  I was her only patient so she took care of anything and everything I needed.  We were lucky enough to have our entire labor and delivery happen during her shift so we never had to change nurses.

That is a quick run down of my delivery.  I will share more info slowly but surely; however, right now I am completely in love with my little man and most of my time is spent staring at his precious face!

Our first family photo!

Right after he was born...about an hour old.
No he is not flipping you off... that's his bracelet!

How cute is he?

Happy Birthday Mason Rhys!

Dedicated to the one I love!

I have said over and over again how incredibly lucky I am to have the best husband in the world.  This pregnancy has been no exception whatsoever!  No matter what I needed or wanted, he was always right there to make sure it happened.  Being a full time middle school teacher combined with the early exhaustion of pregnancy meant that things changed early on in our house.  Before, I cooked dinner every night.  That was a huge change for Nick because by the time we got home I was just too tired to still be on my feet doing much of anything.  Nick never complained though, he started cooking dinner or helping me cook.  As the chores and the cleaning got to be too much or something I wasn't supposed to do, he started to do it without any hesitation.

He has also been there every step of the way which was probably the most important thing.  There isn't a single Dr. appt. that he has missed!  Back rubs, lotion on my belly, helping me up, bringing me something.  He has been my support throughout this entire process and always made sure that I was taken care of.

I truly married my best friend and the person that makes me who I am supposed to be.  Without him nothing would be the same, and I can say with all my heart that he is my soul mate.  He told me recently that he was talking to my dad and their conversation turned a little more serious.  My dad told him that when he had a little girl he thought that no matter what no one would ever be good enough for me.  My dad then said that he was wrong because he couldn't have asked God for a more perfect person for me and he was so thankful that we had found one another.  (I love my daddy!)  After Nick told me about this I asked my mom if she knew that daddy had that talk with Nick.  She said no but she was glad he did because they often talk about happy they are for us and how they truly feel like we are meant to be together.  She then proceeded to tell me that Nick was too good for me and I should be nicer to him.  Thanks mom!  I love that my parents adore him as much as I do!

With all of this being said, I decided that I wasn't all that concerned with a "push present".  However,  I felt like Nick totally deserved a 'push present' so to speak for everything he has done the past 9 months.  I could never thank him enough for all that he has done for Mason and I during the pregnancy so I felt he was deserving of a gift.  I mean I signed up to carry and have the baby so getting a present for it seems a little silly to me.  I ended up getting him a Sony Bloggie, it is a video camera similar to a flip but supposed to be better.  He loves it and rather than calling it a push present, he has so kindly re-titled it a putting up with present.  I love my husband more and more every single day and I look forward to our growing family and many more years of love together!  Hopefully, Mason will be here for Father's Day to make it even more special!

38 weeks...

How Far Along: 38 Weeks…the countdown really has begun!

Baby Size: Watermelon…around 6.5lbs. and close to 19-22 inches

Gender: BOY!…Mason Rhys

Maternity Clothes: Whatever is comfortable at this point. Sometimes it is maternity, I have a few things that I can still wear, and I have now started to wear Nick’s t-shirts around the house.

Sleep: Been really good this week, and it probably helps that I am done with work so I can sleep in and take a nap if I want!

Best moment this week: Wrapping up the school year and my school gave me a surprise baby shower the last day too!  I am both looking forward to and totally dreading next school year, but for now I am going to enjoy every moment I get with my little man both inside and outside of the womb!

Movement: Still moving quite a bit, but he has slowed down just a bit.

Food Cravings: Nothing in particular, I just tend to get really, really thirsty.

What I miss: Not getting asked every day, every 20 minutes if I am ok, how I'm feeling, or if the baby is here yet.  Trust me, I will be the first to tell you if any of things has changed.  I know they ask because they care but it can get annoying.  

What I am looking forward to: Mason's birthday, of course!  Also, getting my body somewhat back to normal...the belly is getting more and more in the way.

Milestones: Lungs are ready to breathe real air, and he is considered full-term!

Pregnancy Symptoms: Period-like cramps, my first Braxton Hicks contractions, and the insane pressure in my pelvis because he has dropped. Overall, I have thoroughly enjoyed my pregnancy and can’t complain a bit; I truly feel blessed with how well this pregnancy has gone!

Stretch Marks: Not yet, we have been using Palmer’s Tummy Butter and are on our second one.

Belly Button: It is a slight outie…I can’t wait to have my normal belly button back!

Dr. Update: Everything still looks awesome!  I am dilated close to 4cm and about 90% effaced...she said  if there is much more of a change it will most likely mean that I am in labor!!  The Dr. also said that it is awesome that I have been able to progress so much with my first baby without any real labor occurring and it should help my actual labor progress pretty well on its own.  Since he has slowed down she hooked me up to some monitors to make sure that he was happy and not in distress.  While he ended up being fine, I thought I was going to pass out!  So, when all of the books and everything say don't lay on your back for too long, they aren't kidding!  I guess the nurse had me flat on my back for too long while on the monitors because all of a sudden I got an awful headache, super hot, was sweating, lightheaded, and just felt horrible.  Luckily, they let Nick sit with me so he was fanning me and then I finally just sat up because I couldn't handle it!  When we went back to the Dr. she said that is exactly what happens when you are on your back too long and why you are always told to lay on your side.  Once I was up moving I started to feel better, but the whole no back thing is no joke!

Pregnancy Survival!

With only 2 weeks until my due date I thought I would share a few of the things that I loved and helped me survive my pregnancy!  You never know what will happen and how your body will respond, but here are some of the things that made life a little easier and allowed me to enjoy my pregnancy more...


I was not going to get a 'pregnancy pillow' because I figured it was just a glorified body pillow and would make no difference.  Well, Nick decided I should try it (I really do have the most incredible husband) so we got one, and it turned out to be a life saver!  I totally recommend it!!  It makes getting comfortable so much easier, it really does fit your body better than other pillows, and it makes for a much better night sleep.  I can only speak about the Boppy total body pillow, but this is the one I suggest over all the others.  There are a lot of options on how you can position it and sleep with it, and I am in love!  Nick even kind of uses it and plans to steal it when I am no longer pregnant!

Cardigans!!  I kinda love them anyway, but they are perfect for when you are pregnant.  You can stick to buying regular ones...no need to waste money on maternity ones.  For a while they will still button over your belly, they will even stretch some, and then you can wear them open.  They work throughout the whole pregnancy, plus you can still wear them after the fact.  It also allows you to have light layers because you never know when the pregnant hot flash will occur.  They gave my lots of clothing options without having to drop loads of money on maternity clothes that I won't wear again for awhile.   Comfort, style, practicality, and ease all in one!

Palmer's Tummy Butter!  I know they say you can't prevent stretch marks and that lotion companies say you can, but whatever the case I love this stuff and, finger crossed for the next two weeks, I have no stretch marks!!  So, I am a full on believer of the stuff.  More than that though, it keeps your skin super moisturized, soothes itching, and keeps your skin firm all at the same time.  I originally had no idea that my stomach would itch because I was pregnant.  My mom and Nick would yell at me if I scratched at all, but sometimes I just couldn't help it.  The tummy butter totally helped with that!  It also made my skin so soft and helped it from getting dry while it was stretching to ridiculous limits.  Plus, it helps to also keep your skin firm.  I will keep using it for a little while after Mason is born because of this.  I still want moisturized skin, and this will help firm it up while it is trying to shrink down.  Again, I love this stuff and didn't get any stretch marks while using it!  Nick wasn't the biggest fan of rubbing it on me, but he was an excellent sport and did it every time I asked.  It does start out kind of greasy but that goes away once your skin starts to absorb the moisture it needs.  The smell is good too; however, Delilah, one of our dogs, tries to lick my stomach when she can smell it on me.

What to Expect When Expecting App!  I have an I-phone and I love this app!  It gives you weekly info about the baby and your body, and it has daily information too.  I loved reading my little daily info each morning to start my day.  It also has a place for your weekly pictures so you can see your belly getting bigger.  Plus, it keeps track of how far along you are, counts down how long is left, tells you about how big the baby is getting, and gives you a wonderful fruit reference for the baby's size.  Nick and I both have it and love reading it and having a daily update/suggestion/information/idea.  The picture is not of mine but this is exactly what it looks like.

Linen Maternity Pants!  I got mine from Motherhood Maternity, and they are the best and most comfortable thing ever!  Once you get a full on belly these pants are wonderful.  They are super comfortable, light and cool, you can dress them up or down, and they are cute and fashionable too!  These pants have seriously been amazing in my last tri-mester because they allowed me to be comfortable yet work appropriate.  Highly recommend that you find a pair if and when you are pregnant!

These are a few of the things that helped me survive my pregnancy.  I would recommend them over and over to anyone expecting.  I know several bloggers have shared things they are loving the first few weeks and months of their babies lives and thought I would share something for those who are still waiting on their little ones to arrive!

This is the month!

9 months pregnant! I can’t believe we will have a baby this month!

How Far Along: 37 Weeks…less than a month to go, only 3 more weeks!

Baby Size: Watermelon, I can’t believe I am carrying around a watermelon …around 6lbs. and close to 19-21 inches

Gender: Baby boy…Mason Rhys

Maternity Clothes: Whatever is comfortable at this point. Sometimes it is maternity, I have a few things that I can still wear, and I have now started to wear Nick’s t-shirts around the house.

Sleep: Typically pretty good, but there are times when Mason decides it is not time to sleep. Working out seems to make me super tired which makes me sleep really well at night.

Best moment this week: Getting to see a good friend! We haven’t seen a friend of ours since our wedding, and she came into to town over Memorial weekend and we spent the afternoon with her. It was so good to catch up with Katie!

Movement: Still moving like crazy even though there is no room. Sometimes it gets a little painful since there isn’t much ‘extra’ space for all the moving he does.

Food Cravings: Fruit has been the thing for the whole pregnancy, this week it was cantaloupe in particular.

What I miss: Having ankles, haha. My feet have started to swell, and it really isn’t attractive. My hands only swell if I get hot, so as of right now my rings still fit, yay!!

What I am looking forward to: Obviously, meeting my little man! Plus, we now go to the Dr. every week. I just can’t wait to hold him!!

Milestones: He is full-term!!! He could be born anytime now and it would be ok!

Pregnancy Symptoms: Nothing horrible…backache, pressure type pain since he has dropped, and some swelling. Overall, I have thoroughly enjoyed my pregnancy and can’t complain a bit; I truly feel blessed with how well this pregnancy has gone!

Stretch Marks: Not yet, we have been using Palmer’s Tummy Butter and are on our second one.

Belly Button: It is a slight outie…I can’t wait to have my normal belly button back!

Dr. Update: Everything looks awesome!  I am dilated 3 cm and 80% effaced...she said much more progress will mean that I am in labor!!  She said he probably weighs in the low 6lb range and will most likely only be slightly over 7lbs when he is born.  Thank goodness for no 10lb baby! We are so ready for this wonderful blessing to be here and more than anything I just can't wait to hold him!

36 weeks...and counting!

How Far Along: 36 Weeks…and only 4 weeks left!

Baby Size: Large Cantaloupe …around 5-5.5 lbs. and close to 19-21 inches

Gender: Handsome little man! Mason Rhys

Maternity Clothes: Mostly maternity except for some flowy dresses.

Sleep: Generally pretty good until I try to re-position, it is quite painful to roll and turn.

Best moment this week: Getting things done and knowing that means we are one step closer to having Mason here.  Hospital bag is ready and we have pretty much everything we need for him.  Also, our maternity pictures are done, and we got to see how incredible they look!

Movement: No slowing down yet, even in his tight living quarters he is all over the place!

Food Cravings: Fruit, as usual, and a root beer float!

What I miss: I guess doing anything with ease, but I am really enjoying my pregnancy.

What I am looking forward to: My baby boy’s birthday! I can’t believe how close it is getting!

Milestones: Getting fatter!

Pregnancy Symptoms: Since he dropped this week I have some pain and lots of pressure in my pelvis and below. I hear it will only get worse, but at least that will mean he is ready to make his exit!

Stretch Marks: Not yet, Palmer’s Tummy Butter is working and we are going to have to buy more this weekend.

Belly Button: A little bit of an outie…I am already over it and want my original belly button back!

 Right now it is a lot of the same, but we are enjoying my pregnancy as much as possible since it will soon be over.

Weekend Success!

With our weekends as just a couple coming to an end extremely soon, Nick and I are making the most of our time together, as well as, getting things ready for our little man!  This weekend was no exception; we had a blast and got some last minute things accomplished. Friday we had kind of an impromptu date.  Let me preface this with some background information…  Nick and I had our hearts set on attending the Haute Wheels Festival (aka, Houston food truck festival).  We were so excited to try all of the fun, different food trucks; however, it didn’t happen.  Needless to say we were pissed, plain and simple!  We then decided to make it our quest to follow and find the food trucks as they make their way around Houston so we can still try them all out.  This is the way you are actually supposed to do it, right?  So, Friday night we knocked one food truck off of our list!  Bernie’s Burger Bus was amazing!  Seriously, one of the best burgers I have ever had, great people run the bus, and as a teacher I love their theme!  Every burger, side order, etc. has fun school related names.  From there we decided to lose our beignet virginity since we were so close to Crescent City Beignets.  I can’t believe we have never had this amazing, incredible dessert/pastry.  It was incredible and totally added to our fabulous meal! From there we got a few items for Mason.  We got a carrier and a pump.  We went with the pump that goes with our bottles to make life easy, and it was on sale which made it even better! Saturday we were able to accomplish are last big thing…coming home outfit.  There are clothes for girls EVERYWHERE, boys not so much.  I couldn’t find what I wanted at all because we did not want just a regular onsie.  We headed towards my parents' house, picked them up, and headed to a boutique in their hood.  It was awesome, and we actually had choices there!  Coming home outfit, check!  We also got to spend the day with my parents which was fabulous.  Plus, my mom is getting closer to having the bedding finished!  Sunday was more of a slow moving day at home and running errands in our neck of the woods.  To finish off Mason’s room we got some true mason jars that actually say ‘mason’ on them!  We were able to get all the little things we wanted to fill them so they could act as decoration for his room.  Everything from barrel of monkeys monkeys to army men to ninjas to cars and more.  His room is done except for the bedding, which should be done in the next couple of weeks.  We of course had sno cone Sunday, did our grocery shopping, and went to church.  Definitely a successful weekend, and we are one week closer to having our baby boy in our arms!

35 weeks and 35 days!

How Far Along: 35 Weeks…and only 35 days left!

Baby Size: Large Cantaloupe …around 5lbs. and close to 18-21 inches

Gender: Handsome little man! Mason Rhys

Maternity Clothes: Pretty much maternity, but today I am in a regular top.

Sleep: Generally pretty good until I try to re-position, it is quite painful to roll and turn.

Best moment this week: One of our best Dr. appts!! Mason is head down, yay for no breech baby! She told us his positioning…all on the right side with his head down, his back along my right side, and his butt under my ribs. This explained a lot about what Nick and I see and feel on my belly! He has dropped, and I am already dilated close to 2 centimeters! Very exciting, this doesn’t mean that I will go into labor anytime soon, but it means that things are on the right track and the more I can progress without contractions the better for me when it comes to labor and delivery! We are both doing great, she answered our questions, and it was just a fabulous appt.

Movement: No slowing down yet, even in his tight living quarters he is all over the place!

Food Cravings: Grapes and Blue Bell ice cream…boring I know!

What I miss: I guess doing anything with ease, but I am really enjoying my pregnancy.

What I am looking forward to: My baby boy’s birthday! I can’t believe how close it is getting!

Milestones: Getting fatter!

Pregnancy Symptoms: Since he dropped this week I have some pain and lots of pressure in my pelvis and below. I hear it will only get worse, but at least that will mean he is ready to make his exit!

Stretch Marks: Not yet, Palmer’s Tummy Butter is working and we are going to have to buy more this weekend.

Belly Button: A little bit of an outie…I am already over it and want my original belly button back!

Sneak Peek...

Mason's nursery is so close to being done!  We have a few things left to finish, but I thought I would give a little sneak peek into some of the things in his room.  I am in love!  It took a while to figure out what I wanted to do and how I wanted it to look, but I am thrilled with the outcome!  Nick actually told me that when I was describing things he was nervous but now that it is all together in the room he loves it.  So, here are a few pictures of some things in the nursery...

Nick putting up some paper lanterns...he was not really seeing my vision until the whole thing was complete.  Now, he loves it and totally trust me when I suggest things!

These are the main fabrics that we are using for his bedding.  My mom is still working on some pieces, so as soon as it is done I will share pictures.  It is going to be gorgeous!

Nick and I decided to make our own 'hanging shelf thing'.  I don't know what to really call it, but he cut the wood, I picked the knobs, and we took his fabrics and had paint made to match.  It is super cute on the wall...promise!

We were at Homegoods and I saw this awesome lantern.  I then decided it would be the perfect light fixture for the room.  Thankfully, Nick's dad is amazing and the two of them were able to transform it into the perfect light fixture for Mason's room.  This is it all lit up in the evening.

And, here it is off during the day.  I swear it makes the room and looks amazing in person. 

The bookshelf that Nick made, and, again, we got paint to match his fabric color.

A couple of prints we made, plus an M that I painted to match his room.  I will have to get a close up pic. of the prints...

Changing table/area/dresser.  The thing on the far left is a lamp that is perfect in his room, and the bulb isn't super bright so we will really use it as a nightlight for when we change or check on him at night.

We can't wait for our little man to arrive!  It is getting more and more exciting each and every day.  Our to-do list of things to get done before Mason arrives is getting shorter and shorter; I feel so accomplished with everything we have checked off.  It gets more real everyday!

34 Weeks!

How Far Along: 34 Weeks…6 weeks left, it is getting so close!

Baby Size: Pineapple …close to 5 lbs. and anywhere from 18-20 inches

Gender: Handsome little man! Mason Rhys

Maternity Clothes: Mostly maternity clothes now.

Sleep: Not too terrible this week! It has been relatively good, but I am definitely more tired in general.

Best moment this week: We did our maternity pictures, and I think they are going to turn out fabulous! I can’t wait to see them!

Movement: I swear this boy is trying to push out the front of my stomach! He is pretty much pushing or shoving non-stop…poor guy has no room in my tiny torso.

Food Cravings: Definitely Blue Bell!! Fruit is still there, though, too.

What I miss: Being comfortable in general…you kind of take it for granted until no position seems to be totally comfortable.

What I am looking forward to: Hospital class/tour on Saturday!

Milestones: Another week closer to being full-term!

Pregnancy Symptoms: Nothing new…backache, ligament pains, and pressure in general in and around
my stomach.

Stretch Marks: Not yet, let’s hope Palmer’s Tummy Butter keeps it up.

Belly Button: Just barely starting to turn into an outie…I am so not excited about this!


Last Sunday marked my first Mother’s Day, kinda. Nick was awesome…I got a hilarious card and my hospital bag! He got me a Vera Bradley bag and toiletry bag to take to hospital when Mason is born and then to use in our future travels!

33 Weeks!

I am behind I know, but should be caught up for now! How Far Along: 33 Weeks…a mere 7 weeks until my due date! Baby Size: Pineapple …around 4.5lbs. and close to 18-19 inches Gender:  Handsome little man!  Mason Rhys Maternity Clothes:  Still a mix of both, but typically maternity  There are few things long enough to cover my belly now that aren’t maternity. Sleep:  Just depends.  Some nights are better than others and some hours are better than others.  No huge complaints though. Best moment this week:  Doctor love!  We met and picked our pediatrician!  We are in love and know she will be absolutely wonderful for Mason.  Plus, we I had a Dr.’s appt. that went fabulously…we got some great news and everybody is healthy! Movement:  Lots of rolls, pushing, jabs, turns…watching my stomach has become both fascinating and creepy!  I can definitely tell he is running out of room though! Food Cravings:  I am still pretty big on all fruits, and I have been so unbelievably thirsty.  Ice cream is also starting to make an appearance! What I miss:  Not being sick…I was lucky enough to get yet another sinus infection.  Luckily, this one hit just in time for my Dr.’s visit and she already has me on an antibiotic.  What I am looking forward to:  Maternity pics on Saturday! Milestones:  His skeleton is hardening and he is one week closer to being in our arms! Pregnancy Symptoms: The usual…backache and ligament pains Stretch Marks: Not yet, but we are using Palmer’s Tummy Butter more frequently then before and may actually have to buy another one. Belly Button:  Just barely starting to turn into an outie…I am so not excited about this!

32 Weeks...Late

How Far Along: 32 Weeks…8 weeks and counting. Baby Size:  Head of lettuce…18in. and 3.5lbs. Gender: Beautiful baby boy! Maternity Clothes:  Still a mix of both…pretty much all of my pants/shorts are maternity though. Sleep:  Not too bad this week, the ligament pains haven’t been quite as bad. Best moment this week:  Getting some real work done on the nursery!  It is really coming along, and we are so excited. Movement:  Lots and lots…I can definitely tell when he is on my bladder. Food Cravings:  Fruit of the week was watermelon!  What I miss:  It is getting harder to do things, but I don’t really miss too much. What I am looking forward to:  I have a Dr.’s appt. next week, can’t believe I am already to the twice a month point! Milestones: Opening and closing his eyes! Pregnancy Symptoms: Getting out of breath super easily and backaches   Stretch Marks: Not yet, but we are using Palmer’s Tummy Butter more frequently then before and may actually have to buy another one. Belly Button:  It is flat across, not really in or out.  I don’t know how much longer it can hold on though…

31 Weeks

How Far Along: 31 Weeks…9 left to go, single digits!

Baby Size:  Head of lettuce…17in. and almost 3.3 lbs.

Gender:  My little man!

Maternity Clothes:  Mostly maternity, occasionally some things that are not.

Sleep:  Good and bad…I will sleep really hard and not move for a couple hours and then I wake up stiff and needing to switch sides.  The main problem is that when I go to roll over onto the other side I get ridiculously bad ligament pains and back pains and have a hard time falling back to sleep.  When I am asleep it is good though.

Best moment this week: The shower at Nick's office was incredible!  We are so blessed to have so many people who care about us and Mason!

Movement:  He still loves to wiggle a lot!  It is more wiggling and rolling that kicking now.

Food Cravings:  Fruit, and oranges in particular. 

What I miss:  My back not hurting, I have never really had backaches, but they are in full swing now.  Other than that I have loved being pregnant!

What I am looking forward to:  My best friend is throwing us a "friend shower" this coming weekend that we are excited about.  Plus, we are making real progress in the nursery!

Milestones:  He is starting to fatten up!

Pregnancy Symptoms: Some seriously painful ligament pains and backache

Stretch Marks: Not yet, but we are using Palmer’s Tummy Butter more frequently then before and may actually have to buy another one.

Belly Button:  It is flat across, not really in or out.

As I mentioned the shower that Nick's office gave us was amazing and here are a few pictures...

His awesome cake!

Scott found the perfect potty!  It actually says GOAL when you use it!

Super cute "cake" that Nick's team lead got.  Each little slice had something in it!

It was a Dynamo themed shower, in case you can't tell!  They really went all out, and made it special!

30 Weeks...

Please ignore the light on the floor...it was sunny when we took the picture, obviously.

How Far Along: 30 Weeks…this whole pregnancy is flying by! Baby Size:  Butternut Squash…17in. and almost 3lbs. Maternity Clothes:  Still a mix of both, but I am on the hunt for reasonably priced, maternity, khaki shorts that are not grandma looking!  I have a pair of denim short from Heidi Klum’s collection that are beyond awesome, now I just want some khakis as well. Sleep:  Good and bad…I will sleep really hard and not move for a couple hours and then I wake up stiff and needing to switch sides.  The main problem is that when I go to roll over onto the other side I get ridiculously bad ligament pains and have a hard time falling back to sleep.  When I am asleep it is good though. Best moment this week:  Had a fabulous Dr. appt, I love my Dr.!  Also, I was able to rest a small bowl of strawberries on my stomach while sitting on the couch…Nick just laughed! Movement:  So much!!  Last night he decided he wasn’t ready for bed when I was so that meant I did not fall asleep for a while.  Mason also decided to wake up before I was ready to as well.  However, I love feeling him all day, let’s me know he is ok! Food Cravings:  I am still pretty big on all fruits, and I have been so unbelievably thirsty.  What I miss:  Not a whole lot...being able to get comfortable easily I suppose. What I am looking forward to:  My little man’s birthday, however he does NOT need to make that happen for a little while longer.  Baby shower at Nick’s work next week!!  They are awesome and so sweet to do this for us! Milestones:  His bone marrow has taken over production of red blood cells, which means he is more likely to make it if he pops out early.  Plus, he has about a 95% chance of survival if born now. Pregnancy Symptoms: Some seriously painful ligament pains and backache Stretch Marks: Not yet, but we are using Palmer’s Tummy Butter more frequently then before and may actually have to buy another one. Belly Button:  It is flat across, not really in or out.

29 Weeks!

How Far Along: 29 Weeks, only 11 left to go!

Baby Size: butternut squash…16in. and 2.5lbs.

Gender: Beautiful baby boy, Mason Rhys!

Maternity Clothes: A mix of both still, I have a few things that are not maternity.

Sleep: Really good this week, I slept pretty hard for once!

Best moment this week: I had a fabulous baby shower!  Nick and I felt so loved and know that Mason will be loved so much as well!

Movement: Tons, before when I was teaching he was pretty still and now he is pretty much going all day.

Food Cravings: Fruit, as always, lately watermelon.

What I miss: Being able to bend over with ease.

What I am looking forward to: We are going to the Dr. on Thursday!

Milestones: His brain is starting to wrinkle and grow!

Pregnancy Symptoms: Mostly just the back ache.

Stretch Marks: So far Palmer’s tummy butter has been doing its job! Let’s hope it stays that way!

Belly Button: Pretty much flat, but it still goes in just a little. Again, not very attractive…


My mom is in the process of making all of Mason's bedding.  For the shower, though, she gave us an awesome quilt that she made him and a gorgeous crochet blanket.  I have the best mom in the world!!

Also, it is strawberry picking season again!!