you don't know what you have, until it is gone

Saturday Owen started feeling sick. He went to the after hours clinic yesterday so he could get a shot and a z pack in order for him to get well soon. The doctor told him not to hold Andrew for 2 days and to stay at least 6 feet away from him. Having a sick husband is never fun, but now not having help with Andrew has made having a sick husband 100% worse. Owen has been a big help and an involved dad from the beginning. I know I am lucky, but I just didn't realize how lucky until I can't depend on him. I wanted to clean the house when my parents left, but couldn't get motivated b/c my sweet Andrew needed me more. Usually either I will clean and Owen will play with Andrew or Owen will clean and I will take care of our little guy. But Owen can't do either so our house isn't clean and I am tired! HA!

Christmas was great. My parents came into town and spending it them was so special. Andrew slept from 11 pm until 4:30 am on Christmas Eve. We called it a Christmas miracle. He hasn't done that since.

We went to Owen's parents for Christmas dinner. His sister and brother (and family) came into town so there was a big crowd. Andrew was perfect while we were at their house. When we got home, Owen went to our bedroom and noticed that we had a hole in our ceiling. Talk about a shock!!! We have had a roof leak since hurricane Katrina and we have had roof guys come out to "fix" it. Apparently they did not do a good job. Anyways, Owen put a bucket in our attic to catch the water that comes in when it rains. Well it has rained alot this month and we forgot about the bucket. The bucket became too heavy and fell through our roof. So our bedroom is a mess. Hopefully today Owen will be able to get a real roof guy out to permanently fix our problem.

Here are some pictures from Christmas...


Andrew in his "Santa's Favorite" outfit for his 1st Christmas


Andrew in the same night gown I wore on my first Christmas


On the 23rd we took Andrew out to eat for the 1st time. My parents came into town and I didn't have anything for us to eat for dinner. So we took Andrew to a non crowded restaurant and we sat in the back corner. No one noticed Andrew and he slept through the dinner - so it was a successful 1st outing in public.

Thanks

I wanted to thank you all who help me with my million questions about breastfeeding and other baby things I get confused on! It is so nice to have friends who are there for advice...THANK YOU!!!

Merry Christmas.

2 week check up

Andrew had his 2 week doctor visit yesterday. He is now 9 lbs and 8 oz. He is not only at his birth weight but surpassed it a little. I guess breast feeding is going well for us. However, this week I have noticed he is not latching on as good as he was. I am hoping this passes.

Night time is becoming a little difficult. At first he slept great at night, but this week he has been more fussy so we haven't been getting too much sleep. It is neat to see him changing.

My parents are coming into town tomorrow for Christmas. I am excited to see them. I can't believe Christmas is this week. Time is flying by. Usually I have a date that I can't wait to get to. Now the only date lingering in my life is Feb 8th, which is the day I have to go back to work and drop Andrew off at daycare. Needless to say, I am not looking forward to that date and wishing time would slow down.

Here are some recent pictures of Andrew. These were taken by the photographer that took Owen's baby pictures.

visitors

The other day two of my aunts and grandmother came to visit Andrew. They live in Mobile. It was nice visiting them. I think it is special that my grandmother got to meet Andrew. Andrew is lucky to be able to get a picture with his great-grandmother.


Andrew and Great-Grandmom


Aunt Kathy, Grandmom, and Me

Santa came early

I am back with internet and a computer!!! YIPPEEE Santa came early to the Munton house. Last night Owen gave me my Christmas present. I debated on whether or not I wanted it early, but I had a feeling it would be a computer so I went for the early present.

We are adjusting to life with a newborn. Andrew is such a sweet baby. He is changing everyday and that confuses me on a daily basis. We go to our first pediatrician visit on Monday. I am curious as to how he is developing. I think he is getting bigger, but I just need affirmation that everything is going well. I am going to practice with the breast pump today. The only thing I am confused and can't seem to find an answer for is, do I serve Andrew cold breast milk? All I can find is how to thaw out frozen breast milk and that I can refrigerate breast milk. But I can't find what do with the refrigerated breast milk. Do I warm it too? I am so confused...

I am glad to be able to write on the blog again and to be able to keep up with all my blogging friends.

Baby Andrew Hamilton Munton

Today we found out that tomorrow we will go in for a C section to deliver Andrew. My doctor told us last week that this could be an option b/c he is weighing in at 8 lbs plus. She thinks a C section is the best scenario for us. I am a very nervous about it and still in shock that this is the way I am delivering my baby. It just wasn't in my plan. But I know in my heart and I have prayed about it that having Andrew healthy and with us is much more important than a plan of mine. Our surgery is at 1 pm tomorrow. Then we will be parents!!! I can't believe it. I have so many emotions right now.

I am not going to be able to post anything for a while. Our home computer doesn't work. Maybe Santa will bring me a new one :) If not...I will post pictures and updates when I go back to work!

Love Erin

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy (late) Thanksgiving!!

We had such a great weekend. My parents came into town on Wednesday and we enjoyed Thanksgiving lunch with my in-laws. My mother in law is a great cook and she always has a fantastic meal planned. In fact for Thanksgiving it is the same meal. Luckily it is all my favorites. After dinner and visiting for a while Owen, my parents and I left to see the movie the Blind Side. Unfortunately it was sold out so we went home. They watched a tv movie and I feel asleep. Lately, 8:00 is my new bed time.

I didn't have anything planned for Friday but we found ourselves very busy. We woke up pretty early and ate breakfast and then we decorated our house for Christmas. My parents helped and it made decorating so much more fun and bearable. I say bearable b/c my energy level is pretty low so having extra hands was nice. I forgot to take a picture but will do that tonight to post. We got a fake tree this year and it looks really good. After we decorated we made a trip to Sam's for my parents. They don't have a Sam's in Selma so she likes to go to ours when she is in town. After Sam's we went out to lunch and then made it back to watch the Iron Bowl. The 4 of us did not care who won the Alabama/Auburn game but it was a fun game to watch. By the time it was over we headed over to the Munton's for Italian Night. Mrs. Munton has coined the Friday after Thanksgiving Italian night. We have all been in to Italy so it is a fun night to remember our trips and eat really good Italian food. This year my parents contributed with making cappuccino's. My dad makes a great coffee!!! Before we knew it was 10:00 and time for bed!

My parents left bright and early (actually I think it was still dark) at 4:45 am to head to Starkville for the Egg Bowl. What a great game!!! They had a blast and Owen and I enjoyed watching it on TV. After the game we met up with Owen's family to see the Blind Side! It was amazing. I cried for the 1st hour of the movie. I love a feel good movie.

All in all this past weekend was filled with family visits and good food. I couldn't ask for a better Thanksgiving. I am thankful for so many things...here is my top 10 things to be thankful for this year.

10. I am thankful I have a job that is flexible and enjoyable
9. I am thankful my parents are able to visit me and do so frequently
8. I am thankful for my precious puppy dog who is getting better and better every day.
7. I am thankful for my friends who are there for me when I need to talk, vent, and to celebrate with.
6. I am thankful for being an American. I really am...even though I am nervous for our country in many aspects...I am always thankful for my freedom and for being born in the USA.
5. I am thankful for my brother. I am thankful he is my brother but also thankful he has listened to his calling and is serving our Lord, Jesus Christ.
4. I am thankful I have had a non stressful pregnancy this year.
3. I am thankful I am having a baby this year and will be a mom to Andrew Munton
2. I am thankful for being able to be myself and for having a family (immediate and extended) who love me and help make my life a better place.
1. I am thankful for a husband who I can depend on, love, and appreciate on a daily basis.

Again, hope you all had a nice Thanksgiving!!!

Life

Well...life as I know it is well...not comfortable. I can't believe we have 2 weeks before Andrew's arrival. I don't know how I am going to make it. Current symptoms these days are swollen ankles (actually I am just swollen) and it is so hard to walk. He has officially dropped so I have the pain associated with that. Good news is my body is progressing the way it is supposed to so hopefully I will be able to deliver in a non complicated way.

Other things going on in Munton Family are:

1. Owen's special day was yesterday! Yippee!!! I am so glad he gets into the special day spirit. I woke up and made him blueberry muffins (out of box...so nothing too strenuous). I went to church and he went to work. After church I picked him up from work and we went out to eat at Qudoba's. New mexican grill in Hattiesburg. It was very good. Owen loves Mexican grills...so this fit into the special day celebration. After lunch we went and got a fake Christmas Tree. We got a great deal on it so we were both happy about that purchase. Then off we went to buy a new TV!!!

2. Buying the new TV...Owen has wanted to get a new TV since the official switch to digital cable. Our old TV had HD channels but when we would watch the shows in HD it would shrink the size of the program. This became annoying. After much debate and looking at TV's we decided that yesterday would be the day we would purchase a new one. We found one at Sam's that seemed to fit our personality. Our personality you ask...yes we found a TV for people who only watch cable and on demand movies. We have discovered through this TV purchase that Owen and I really don't care about being on the cutting edge of technology. We don't play video games and we don't have the budget for the new "thing" in the TV world. So we bought our new 40" LCD TV and love it!!! Happy Special Day OWEN!

3. Back to our fake Christmas Tree purchase. I decided that with an infant in the house we needed to go the fake tree route this year. I had to promise to keep the tree for 3 years. I agreed to this since Andrew will be too little to understand how fun getting a real tree can be. By the time he is old enough to take to the Christmas tree farm...my 3 years will be up :) I am excited about our new tree because we are going to put it up tonight. YES before Thanksgiving. I can't believe it myself. I just want to get everything ready so I can enjoy my new baby and the holidays. I have finished my shopping with the exception of getting my father-in-law a gift. We have no idea what to get him.

Other than those three exciting things our life has been a waiting game for Andrew. I know my due date is not until Dec 9th, but my OB thinks he may be a week early. I know I don't know what I am talking about, but I also think he will come early. I am so anxious about it all. I know people say to enjoy these last few weeks...but I am very miserable with being uncomfortable. I hate to complain but my energy level is low and I want my body back. I know it won't be the same body...but I just want to regain a center of gravity...

I hope you all have wonderful Thanksgivings!!!

Love Erin

Family

This past Sunday my Granddad (my mom's dad) passed away. He went to the hospital a week or so ago complaining of back pain. They were going to do a small surgery to help his back, but ended up not doing the surgery b/c of other complications. This past Friday my mom called to tell me they had put Granddad in hospice. Not sure what that is, but she said it was the stage where they made sure he was comfortable, but would not "help" him recover from any ailments. He was on pain medicine so at least he was pain free.

My Granddad was a unique man. He had been sick for quite some time now. When we would visit him or my Grandmother you would hear him pray to die. Serious prayers...my Granddad was a very religious man. I always wondered what had to happen in our world for him to be at peace enough to leave us for Heaven. I am not sure I will ever know...but I do think it was Adam becoming a priest. I think having a family member of his become a priest was an accomplishment for my Granddad. Adam is even coming back home to do his funeral. His funeral is Wednesday. It will be a sad day, but sad because there is a void in our family now. I am not sad he has left us b/c it is what he wanted for so long and he is not in pain anymore. My Granddad was also 90 years old and lived a full life. I just hope he was at peace with his world when God took him to be with Him. In away it is comforting to know he is in Heaven with Our Father and that he is with his brothers, sister, and parents. That has to be a very sweet reunion.

too many count downs

Hey! Well we have 26 days until baby Andrew's due date. At our visit on Wednesday she guessed we will have him in 3 weeks (which is actually 21 days). That would be Dec 2nd...which sounds like a great date to me! This weekend we will put the car seat in the car and the hospital bags in the car (yes...I am packed and ready to go).

Another count going on in my world is I am on day 6 of having a head cold/head congestion. This is not fun. I am taking Tylenol products (approved by my doctor)...which seem to help. Well, actually no I don't think they are helping. I have taken 2 days off of work b/c of this funk and I am ready to feel normal again.

Also this weekend, I hope to convince Owen that we need to go get our Christmas tree. I have decided to get a fake one so we don't have to worry with the maintenance of a real tree this year. By the end of the season both Owen and I usually get sick b/c we are slightly allergic to real trees. This way no one gets sick in our house due to a Christmas tree. However, I am definitely not closing the door on real trees. I love picking out a tree and the hustle and bustle of getting the tree into the house. I will miss that, but for now I am committed to a fake one for at least the next three years!

Hope you all have a great weekend.

Holiday Spirit

I think I have mentioned this on the blog...but I am gearing up for the Christmas Holidays. Mainly because I want everything to be done and in place before Andrew gets here. I am not leaving out the blog in my quest for perfection...so I have changed my blog to reflect my excitement for the Holiday Season!!! I can't wait for the Christmas cards to come in, to put up the tree, decorate the mantle, and see my little guy experience Christmas for the 1st time. So many special days ahead...and I can't wait!!

Please know, I have not forgotten about Thanksgiving...and will be enjoying turkey and dressing with everyone else...I am not just going to decorate for Thanksgiving this year.

Happy Holidays!

35 more days

Hey! I can't believe I am going to post more pictures of my growing body...but it is in the name of documentation and you all know I love to scrap book. I can't wait for Andrew to come so I can post pictures of him instead of me!

Here I am at 35 weeks pregnant!

Results

Sleeping with out the snoogle was a bust! I went and got it an hour or so after I went to sleep. :( just 36 more days of uncomfortable sleeping. I do realize that I won't be sleeping when Andrew is here, but that will be b/c my baby needs me...not because I can't get comfortable.

5 weeks and counting

That's right, I am 35 weeks pregnant this week. Has time stopped? I feel like it has. Maybe that is b/c my days run together b/c I am not sleeping. The snoogle is not even working, in fact the snoogle and I are no longer friends. It is so hard to get out of bed now to go to the bathroom every hour. Yes I made sure to look at the clock ever time last night to make sure I was on an hour rotation. And I was. The snoogle takes up so much space and I have to exert so much energy getting around it at night that I am thinking of not using. Yep...I am going to do a little experiment.

I also have not taken a picture in a couple of weeks. I guess the main reason is I have forgotten, but maybe another reason is I am not sure I want proof at how large I really am. I was reminded how big I was when I was at Target on Saturday looking for new pants b/c I don't fit into my maternity pants anymore. Well I fit into them, but they aren't comfortable and I want to be comfortable.

Owen's wisdom tooth surgery went well on Thursday. I am glad he had it done. The healing process is going as well as it can. He still hurts and he knows something is missing in his mouth, which is an odd feeling for him. The doctor told him to eat real food by Saturday. He eased into that but by Sunday he ate two real meals. I am not sure how well he enjoyed the real food...but he at least tried.

Maybe I will get a pregnancy picture up soon. It wouldn't be right for me to quick my documentation towards the end.

Halloween Dragon

Here are pictures of Ralphie as a dragon for Halloween. He loves to dress up - it is so funny. He helped give out candy and even made an appearance at our neighbor gazebo party. He was a trooper. I think he loved the special treatment and attention.

Quiet Week

I can't believe it has been a week or so since my last post. I guess things are quiet around the Munton house.

I got a manicure/pedicure on Saturday. I think the pedicure actually helped some of the swelling in my feet. I thought it would be easy to get this done on a Saturday morning...but I was wrong. The first place I went to b/c I had a gift certificate told me I had to make an appointment. Please note, I went to a nail salon in a strip mall...that has on its door, "Walk ins Welcome" and I was there right when they opened. So I decided to try another place. They were also busy, but let me sit in a pedicure chair and soak my feet. It was very relaxing and even though I had to wait 30 minutes for my pedicure, I did not care.

The rest of the day was pretty relaxing as well. We watched the MSU game on TV. It was a good game...alot of ups and downs...but we were competitive and I was happy about that.

Sunday...I wore myself out! I went to church and then decided to go to Wal-mart. I actually over did it at Wal-mart. I am at that stage of pregnancy where simple chores aren't so simple. I came home and decided to push the limits even more by vacuuming and doing laundry. If that wasn't bad enough I had the urge to wrap all of the Christmas presents I had bought so far. If I haven't told you...I have a goal of getting all of my Christmas shopping and wrapping completed by Thanksgiving. I am well on my way to accomplishing that goal. Needless to say all the activity on Sunday made me very tired and I was in bed by 8 pm. I even missed Desperate Housewives b/c I couldn't keep my eyes open.

Today will be an active day. Owen has to get a wisdom tooth out at 2:15 pm today. He is not happy about this, but it is swollen and needs to come out. In fact the oral surgeon said it needed to come out 15 years ago. Poor Owen will not have a fun Halloween this year.

Hope you all are having a good week.

Love Erin

not a duck but a penguin

I am now waddling...that is right. It takes me so much longer to get to point b from point a now. As I waddle I had an image of a duck in my head. But no...I am actually a penguin. This is how I feel...



Hello, my name is Erin and I am 33 weeks pregnant. Yes, I realize I have 7 weeks to go but I feel as if my precious baby who lets me know he is well and alert by constantly kicking me (P.S. precious baby...keep kicking me...momma loves it) is ready to come any day. Yes, I do tell myself it is too early. I even tell my precious baby Andrew it is too early. Mom and Dad haven't had our birthing class yet. We don't go for another 2 weeks when I am 35 weeks pregnant. Maybe you can be a Thanksgiving baby and come at 38 weeks??

On a serious note...I am not having any early labor symptoms, but that fact that I am waddling and I had to bring in an extra pillow to the bedroom b/c my snoring is out of control makes me wonder how in the world I am going to carry this baby for 7 more weeks. Of course I can and will...but the new symptoms of being a pregnant lady in her 3rd trimester is like nothing I have experienced before. I debated even writing about my discomfort because I don't want to sound ungracious for this miracle. I thank God everyday for the gift of motherhood. I know it is precious and I don't want to take it for granted.

Well...here's to 7 more weeks of growing a baby! I wonder what other symptoms and feelings I will have in the future weeks.

Love Erin

YAY Andrew's room is complete

I am so excited to write that Andrew's room is complete!!! I posted pictures on facebook, but here are few pictures.











Phase 5 is complete!!! Now we just need Andrew! He will be here in 7 weeks (give or take a few days or so).

I am feeling pretty good. I get very tired by the end of the day. Sleeping is still a battle, but last night for some reason I slept great. I don't know if it was b/c it rained or because the weather is cooling off a little. I still woke up tired, but am so appreciative of the good nights sleep.

Also, HOORAY!! It is Friday. We don't have big plans this weekend except watching the MSU game on Saturday.

Hope you all have a great weekend!

32 weeks

It's official...I am huge. Yes I know I have said that in the past but I don't even recognize myself. Here is a picture of me at 32 weeks...which is the start of my 8th month. We go to the doctor tomorrow for our biweekly check up. Nothing new to report except I am feeling pelvic pressure more than I have before. I am getting more anxious about the changes my body will start going through to prepare for Andrew's arrival. I have become very in tune with my body lately which is not a negative aspect of pregnancy.



Andrew's bedding will be here Thursday. I can't wait to see it all put together. This is last thing we need to do for his room.

Love, Erin

Never a dull moment

Last night seemed like it would go just like any other with the exception of good tv shows to watch. However, it took a different turn for Owen and me (and Ralphie). Owen decided that we had just enough time to cut Ralphie's toe nails. They were long so off we went torturing our poor puppy for the safety of our house. Ralphie hates getting his nails clipped, but I am assuming most dogs do not like it. I had Ralphie face and scratched his head while Owen clipped away. On the 3rd or 4th clip, Owen realized he cut Ralphie's nail too short. I saw a little blood, but didn't think too much of it. Since this is my first dog I didn't realize the situation of cutting a nail too short. Our poor puppy bled everywhere. He was a good patient about it all and I think we confused him more with running around trying to clean the kitchen than the pain. His poor nail would not stop bleeding. We had to put him his kennel just to clean up the kitchen without him walking around making more of a mess. After what seemed like forever...we finally decided to bandage his foot. I have to say he really was a good patient. When he is hurt, he will let us do anything to him. I had to take a picture of Ralphie's bandage. We went through 3 socks before the bleeding would stop. Ralphie even slept with his bandage on. I just knew he would chew right through it.

Another milestone happened last night. We put Ralphie in our bathroom and put his kennel mattress in there also. He slept all night on the mattress (bed). I didn't think he would do that. He likes to wonder around at night. But with my many trips to the bathroom I was able check up on him and each time we was on his bed. Maybe he is ready for a bed in our room???





Again, never a dull moment. We kept the bandage on him for the day as well. We took it off this morning for his walk and I think he stubbed it b/c it started to bleed a little more. Not much, but enough for us to be overly protective.

Interacting with Andrew

Last night was a first for Owen because Andrew was being very active. Since he is getting bigger and stronger his movements are stronger as well. Owen got to feel Andrew moving around more than he has in the past. In fact, Owen would push against Andrew and Andrew would push right back. It was so neat to play with our son before he is born. It was a special moment.

Breast Feeding Class

I went to a breast feeding class today. It was a one on one class with the lactation consultant. I found it be very informing and a little intense. Breast feeding Andrew is something I definitely want to do. I know there are numerous benefits and I feel it is one way I as a mother can give all the proper nutrients that my baby needs. In the same breath I am a little terrified of breast feeding. Mainly terrified of needing to feed my baby and having family over, being at our families house or when we are out in public. Any words of wisdom from my mommy friends about this part of breast feeding would be so appreciated :). I feel confident I can do it when we are home by ourselves. But what about in the hospital when friends and family are visiting...Do I feed baby Andrew when people are in the room? Do I ask people to leave? I have a cover, do I bring that and breast feed when people are visiting? This is the part that I have so many questions. I just don't know the right protocol. The lactation consultant did not give me a great answer. She basically said that when we are in public you will start to become familiar with the "good" places to go. Such as dressing rooms or in your car. She did suggest that we not have family come and see baby until we have our first breast feeding attempt. I thought that was good advice. Other than that I am a little clueless. I will be pumping b/c I have to go back to work. So that will give me some flexibility.

Again, any ideas or suggestions would be wonderful! Thanks.

Phase 3 of Andrew's Room

Here are pictures of Phase 3 of Andrew's room. Phase 4 should be completed by the weekend or early next week!!! Phase 5 is the last phase and that is bring Andrew home!!!



This is a picture my mom got us when she went to visit her sister Gini in Tennessee. It is painting of a lamb and her baby. We had it framed and I think it goes well with our "Noah's Ark" Theme.



We had this mirror custom made for Andrew's room. Well...I went to a framing shop here in Hattiesburg and they had these frames in bright neon colors. I love the finish of them but the color wasn't right. So the lady at the frame shop adjusted the color to match our room and put a mirror in the frame.



The changing table is now complete with baskets. The baskets are already being utilized. I love organization, so this step made me happy.

Monday 10/5/09

Yesterday I took the day off from work. Since I am getting closer to my due date my boss thought it would be a good idea to take Monday off so the person who will be filling in for me can get more practice. I of course loved this idea. I was lazy in the morning and then went shopping in the afternoon. I can't believe I am admitting this, but I actually wore myself out shopping at the mall. I really wasn't even gone that long, but I got so tired. Yesterday was the first day I actually felt too big to be wondering (correction waddling) the mall. How sad is that??? I did try to push through the uncomfortableness and went to a few more stores. It is good to walk. I have been trying to take Ralphie on mile long walks just to keep my blood flowing. I am not in the best shape of my life, but I don't want to be completely helpless when I give birth to Andrew.

My sweet tooth hasn't gone away. I thought it had for a week or two, but over the weekend it came back in full force...:( I am telling myself it is ok to give into my ice cream cravings now, but that it will and I do mean it will come to end when Andrew is here.

Andrew's room is almost finished. We are waiting on his bedding and some cubicles we ordered. I have been meaning to take pictures of phase 3 and hope to do that tonight so I can show you all the progress. Owen and I are so proud of his room.

Hope you all had a nice Monday and a good start to the week.

Things on my mind

This post maybe lengthy because I just read two very interesting blogs. One blog came from a college acquaintance of mine. We were not in the same circle of friends. She was older than me. However I went to a small school so even though you did not mingle in the same circle, you still had mutual friends and connections. I read her blog the other day and she posted about a friend of hers who had passed away. For some reason I am drawn to these stories. She posted a link to the friends blog and it was then that I read her story (and her husband's story). I do not know this couple. I have no connections with them (besides my college acquaintance), but I was drawn into their life and their story. Here is the blog in case you too are interested in what I am talking about.

http://www.bandssullivan.blogspot.com/

Reading the story of Sara and Brad is something I would never have comprehended 5 years ago...even 2 years ago...but blogging has become something that I enjoy and reading what other people have on their minds is a past time I have come to appreciate. It has made me realize people are very similar. Our stories may have different endings, but they way we think, connect to others, our hopes, joys, and even our struggles are basically the same. The underlying theme of Sara and Brad is their love for each other and for God. Brad writes about God in a friendly way. In a way that is not preachy, yet comforting. I personally feel I have a good relationship with Jesus Christ. I talk to him daily. I pray for my family and friends. Since high school I have been proud of the way I communicate with God (my communication...I don't always listen to him communicating back to me). There have been times in my life where I have put my personal self first and have forgotten to include God. Those are the times I regret the most in my life. I usually don't reflect on my relationship with God b/c I feel it is strong. But after reading the Sullivan's blog I realized I always need to reflect on my relationship because it is one that is ever changing. I know God will not let me down, but I also know that my expectations for how things happen is not always they way God has it planned.

Another reason I felt connected to the Sullivan's blog is because Sara was pregnant during her time with cancer. I can't imagine being sick and growing a baby. I am barely managing growing a baby with all the emotions associated with hormones and life changes. It was yet another reminder to me to Let Go and Let God. Sara did that many times in her pregnancy and during the fight for her life. I know I am talking about them as if I know them, but after reading their story I feel uplifted, sad, emotional and confused. I am using my own blog to sort out these emotions. Yesterday I didn't see the good in me reading the Sullivan's story. In fact I was quite sad and probably not fun to be around. But today is a new day and I am taking the approach of thanksgiving and happiness. I am thankful for Owen and our relationship. I am thankful for becoming a mom in the next 2 months. I am happy that my life has molded itself into the picture I have always dreamed. This brings me to the other blog I read today. I have her blog on my list of blogs, but today she wrote about being single and in your twenties. Here is the link to the post:

http://thebigmamablog.com/4041/the-waiting-is-the-hardest-part-of-waiting/

Being single and being twenty was by far the most challenging decade for me. Actually just 20-25 was challenging. During those years I was in a state of self discovery. Not really knowing where I fit into the world, but trying to make a spot for myself. This post is relevant to me b/c I too had a goal of being a mom and a wife at an early age. I also thought all of this would magically happen but it did not and thank God it didn't happen when I thought it should. I would be a mess if it did. Timing had to work out for me to meet Owen. But I did have to go through the struggles and life lessons to realize how to be the woman I am proud to be now.

Life is a journey and I don't always remember that. I think life is a guarantee and it is not. I am privileged to have the life I do and instead of having regrets or sadness because I don't always get what I want, I need to remember to enjoy the little happiness that life brings me. This is where I need to reevaluate my relationship with God. Knowing He loves me and He understands my deepest thoughts will get me through the challenges of life. Why is it so hard to remember that statement? Thankfully we live in a world now where it is so easy to reach out and read how other people interpret life and God. This week in particular has really helped me make sense of feelings and emotions I have been having. So as odd as it seems to some about reading blogs about people I do not know...they sure have helped me in my life this week.

Love Erin

Sleepy Ralphie

Here are two pictures of Ralphie taking a little rest on the sheets I needed to wash this past Sunday. I can't help but brag about him...I think he is too cute. It still amazes me how much I love this dog.

Comparing Pictures

Here are two pictures to compare. I wore the same outfit on purpose to get an idea of how much weight I have gained. These pictures were taken 9 weeks apart...I think it is amazing how different I look. The good news about the 30 week picture is my hair is getting longer. Something I am striving for. The bad news is I am not all baby weight and have my work cut out for me when Baby Andrew is here...


21 weeks


30 weeks

Long weeks, short weekend

Happy Hump Day!

I am glad it is Wednesday, but this week feels like it is moving at a snails pace. I am going to Starkville this weekend for the LSU/MSU game. I am going solo as well. Owen is going to hold down the fort and take care of Ralphie and the house while I am gone. It is a 11:15 am game, so I will only be gone Friday night and get home Saturday around 7 or 8. I am looking forward to tailgating with my family. I think this is the last game I will go to this season. I am getting a little too big to sit in a stadium for 4 hours. I am probably too big now, but wanted to give the season one more game before I called it quits on traveling.

I am going to buy baby hangers tonight after work and start washing Andrew's clothes so I can see what he owns and what he needs before he is born. I feel like there is so much to do, but then I feel like we have done so much as well. My mom gave us a sweet painted picture of a momma lamb and baby lamb that I got framed yesterday. We hung it up last night in his room. It is such a sweet picture. His room is coming along nicely. I can't wait to see the bedding. That should be here soon.

I think it is time for me to start counting Andrew's kicks. I haven't stared yet, because honestly I keep forgetting. Luckily he is an active baby so I feel him frequently during the day.

We have 10-11 weeks to go before 40 weeks, but I keep thinking...what if he comes early? Are we ready for him to come early? For some reason 36 weeks keeps sticking out in my mind and that is only 7 weeks away (single digit). I am full of many emotions...mostly excited. I am nervous about being a good mom. I am sure everyone is like that. I am nervous about knowing what to do and when to do it. I am told that my intuition will kick in...and to listen to my inner voice. I will do that...but again I just worry. I worry about having to go back to work. I have a feeling 2 months will go by so quickly. Will I have Andrew on a schedule in 2 months? How will I function on little to no sleep and be able to go to work? I do know things will work out, but I also know my personality and that little things really get to me when I am sleepy. I just hope I manage well and that Owen, Andrew, Ralphie, and I are all taken care of and happy during this time of transition. Luckily, I still have 2 months to get mentally prepared.

Baby Shower

This past Saturday a group of my friends threw me a baby shower for Andrew. It was such a fun party. The food was delicious and the company was fabulous. Andrew got a lot of great presents and I can't wait to organize it all. I am 29 weeks this week and feeling pretty good. I got my blood sugar results back and I don't have to worry with gestational diabetes! Yippee!!! But I do have low iron so I am taking iron supplements now. I hope taking the supplements will help with my energy levels. That seems to be the only symptom I have from having low iron.

Here are some pictures from the shower...


Blair and Jennifer (my MSU graduate school friends)
Fran, Jennifer, Lisa and Heather (my USM co-workers...now good friends)



Wanda (my mother in law) and my Aunt Kathy (my mom's sister)



The Hostesses!
Top: Deven, Jennifer and Julie
Bottom: Emily, Me, and Ann



Abby (my sister in law) and Wanda



Ann (Owen's cousin) and Abby

Again, it was such a fun day. After the shower, my Mom, Grandmother, Aunt Kathy and Aunt Ibby went downtown to eat lunch and shop. It was a good day to hang out with them and catch up. That night my Mom, Owen and I went to Owen's parent's house for dinner and to catch a little of the MSU game. Luckily MSU won which sealed the day on a perfect note.

28 weeks - start of 3rd Trimester

Here are pictures of me at the start of my 3rd Trimester...Goodness I am huge! I do think this is going to be a big baby or they have my due date wrong. I feel good. It is hard to get up from a chair sometimes and sleeping is more difficult, but other than that - I have no complaints. I go to the doctor Thursday for my last monthly visit (we start the every other week visits after this one). I am also getting screened for gestational diabetes on this visit - I think you all know my thoughts on this one...I am scared!!

Anyways, as much as I would like not to post pictures of my huge belly and well everything else...I figure I must keep documenting this pregnancy in all of its glory :)





My camera can take a good picture...but those times are becoming very far and few between. I don't know why but it loves to show our house in a very orange light.

Ralphie's new toy

Friday night/Saturday morning Ralphie woke up with a terrible cough. We had to put him in the bathroom b/c he sounded like he needed to throw something up. Poor little guy didn't sleep well at all that night. He still has his cough. We think it is a hair ball that is irritating him. Saturday we got him a chew toy to hopefully lift his spirits. He LOVED the toy!!! Ralphie enjoys a toy for 45 minutes to an hour and then starts to destroy it. Here is a picture of him enjoying his toy in Andrew's room.

Phase 2 of Andrew's Room

Owen and I completed Phase 2 of Andrew's room this weekend. We hung his Walter Anderson print and shelves. His chair is also part of phase 2. It is really coming together.

The Weekend

This past weekend was fun, especially since it was a 3 day weekend. Owen and I went to the 1st MSU game. I like going to the games, but I really like going b/c I get to see my parents. It was my dad's birthday so it was a fun day. However it rained during the game and I was wet the entire day. That was not fun. MSU won!!! so that made up for being wet.

Owen and I watched a couple of good movies over the weekend. We watched the "State of Play" on demand Sunday night. It was really good. Both of us were surprised at how good it was. I usually fall asleep during movies we watch at home, but I stayed awake the whole time. It was a conspiracy theory movie which had a lot of twists and turns all the way until the end. Highly recommend it. We also went to see "All about Steve" at the theater last night. It was good too. Definitely a movie to just sit and enjoy. I do think they showed all the funny parts during the previews, but it was still a fun movie to go to. It was a very rainy weekend, which made it the perfect movie weekend :)

Last weekend I went to Brookhaven, MS to see one of my dearest college friends, Casey and her husband Brian and new baby PJ. Casey has been in Japan for 3-4 years and they are moving back to the USA. Her mom lives in Brookhaven, which is only an hour and 20 minute drive from Hattiesburg. So I went to go visit last Sunday. It was so good to see her and her new baby.



This visit reminded me how fast time flies. Casey now has a baby and I am pregnant! Her sweet husband Brian congratulated me on getting married and being pregnant. When they left for Japan, Owen and I were dating. WOW - a lot can happen if 3-4 years. I am so glad they are back in the USA so Casey can keep up with all of us from college now.

baby Andrew moves

Andrew moves all the time. I love feeling him. It makes me feel like he is doing well and growing like he is supposed to. His moves are more intense now. I can tell he is gaining strength. It is not to the point where my stomach shifts yet, but we are getting close. Owen was able to feel him last night for the first time. I love that the daddy can be apart of this experience. I feel like I know his movements. But in the same breath he is changing his routine a little. When he "kicks" I feel like I am going down a hill or on a roller coaster. That is how I explain the feeling in my stomach. It is so amazing and again I love feeling him. I am glad he is active right now. I wonder if this is a preview for the future. Watch out Ralphie...you may have your hands full with Andrew :) Oh wait...watch out mom and day (aka Erin and Owen) you may have your hands full with Andrew. :) I love thinking about life with him. Our calm, sometimes boring every day life will soon be turned upside down. In a way I am really looking forward to the change. I really can't wait to see what Andrew looks like. To see how much he weighs and how tall he will be? These curiosities will be answered soon enough (97 days to be exact).

Game Day Doggie

Last night Ralphie got into the spirit of football season. Owen and I did not stop his enthusiasm, in fact we decided to document the fun. In all actuality Ralphie was afraid of the cowbell and was so good b/c we were bribing him with puppy treats. The first home game is this Saturday. Owen and I are going up for it. It is also my dad's birthday, so I am looking forward to seeing him and the family.

The maroon shirt Ralphie is wearing is a design my cousin-in-law created. He made shirts for everyone to wear at the first game. Maybe our shirts will get noticed and he can sell them to a retailer. It is a real cute design. The picture is of a dog skeleton head and the phrase is bad to the bone. They play that song at the beginning of the games and it is also fitting since it is a bone dog on the shirt. Enjoy the pictures.

Snoogle

I thought I would write an update on my new snoogle. When we were in Mobile last weekend we went to Babies R Us to get the snoogle (a pregnancy body pillow). I have to say that my snoring has stopped and my I am now sleeping in a deep coma. I did promise Owen the snoogle would leave our bed once Andrew was here. It is quite large and does take up some bed space. However for the here and now the snoogle is not only allowing Owen to sleep better - I am sleeping fantastic. It is posing a slight inconvenience when I have to go to the bathroom 3-4 times a night. I am so nestled in the pillow that I have to crawl myself out to get out of bed. To bring another obstacle into my nightly routine is our precious puppy Ralphie who sleeps half away under the bed with his legs sticking out. He sleeps on my side most of the night. So after I juggle getting unwrapped in the snoogle, I am watching to make sure I don't step on Ralphie. I am also doing all of this in the hope that I am not waking up Owen. I would say I am successful 2 out of the 4 times I get up at night. Not too bad for a women whose center of gravity has shifted more than I could imagine.

Ella's Baptism

My cousin Nellie and her husband Craig welcomed their 2nd daughter into the world on 8/6/09. This past weekend they had her baptism in Chickasaw, AL. This is the church that we have all been baptized in and for Ella's baptism, Adam was the officiating priest. This was Adam's first baptism. He did a very good job. After-wards we had a brunch celebration at my Aunt Kathy's (Ella's grandmother) house. Later in the day my family and Owen and I went to eat a late lunch at Dew Drop Inn. This is one of Mobile's oldest restaurants. I have been there numerous times, but for some reason had a hard time ordering. I ordered a hamburger, which I thought could not be a mistake. I should have taken a picture of it. It was the saddest hamburger I have ever seen. It looked like a 49 cent hamburger instead of a $3.00 one. Oh well...you live and learn. It was a fun day visiting with my family and being able to see Adam one last time before he heads back to Rome. He leaves this Wednesday.

Here is a picture of my family at Ella's baptism.


Front Left to Right: Aunt Ibby, Grandmom, Aunt Kathy, Nellie, Ella, Aunt Mary, Adam, Me, and Owen
Back Left to Right: Mary Katherine, Emma, Craig, Uncle Jay, Mom and Dad

Phase 1 of Andrew's room

I took pictures of Andrew's room this weekend. This is phase 1 (paint color, rug, and furniture). Owen painted the room a couple of weeks ago. He did such a good job with it. The color wasn't what we thought it would be, but we love it.