Showing & Glowing

Yesterday, Zach and I attended our first preparation class. We both actually enjoyed it a lot. We are one of 3 couples, so a very intimate class. We all introduced ourselves and got to know each other. One woman is 2 weeks ahead of me and the other is a couples weeks behind me. We of course are the only ones not finding out the sex....the other were having a boy and a girl.

We went over some of the old wives tales and some other myths. One that I thought was true but the instructor reassured me it wasn't was that you CAN get pregnant while breastfeeding. I thought you couldn't.....Thank Goodness I found this out NOW! Another thing that I am looking forward to looking more into is Sign Language for infants. There are classes provided so I may be signing up for this one. We also practiced different exercises on mats, the wall and the exercise balls that will ease pain in our backs and joints now and during labor. We learned symptoms of preterm labor....hopefully we won't have to worry about this and how to avoid or deal with gestational diabetes....don't have to worry about this.

The other helpful hint I got from the class is that babies will block out noises while sleeping once they get used to them (as early as two or three days after birth)....which means when you have the house completely quiet during a nap or bedtime, the baby is not able to learn to sleep through things and will wake up to anything. Note taken! Everything was very informative and I am glad I signed us up. Our next class is on the 12th.

Update

Yesterday, the baby had hiccups for the first time. It was such a weird but cool feeling. Cravings are gone...thank goodness. Those milkshakes tasted so good, but were not a positive thing for the growing hips. My mom, sister and I went for a walk around a local park yesterday morning. The extra weight is definitely putting more pressure on me but it felt so good to get out there and exercise.

From Baby Center, they let me know that our little one will be opening and closing their eyes soon. It also said to not lie on my back. This may be a problem....that is how I am most comfortable right now sleeping. Before it would pull and was very uncomfortable, but now it is the way I get the most rest. I do sleep on my sides too, it just always seems like I end up on my back.

This is my last week with Phoebe, but I am so blessed to have another job already lined up. I will be starting with a new family next Tuesday. They live in Loganville, about 15 minutes north of Snellville...a much better commute! The little girl is 2 years old and so adorable. I am very much looking forward to staying busy these next couple months. After sitting around my whole 1st trimester, I can't do that again.

Last note.....It's Carson SOOOO cute!

Allow Me to Introduce......

CARSON ANTHONY PHILLIPS

Carson is absolutely Adorable! He was born this morning at 9:21. He weighs 7 lbs 10 oz and 20 inches in length. Kimberly was doing great when we visited and Cory was just beaming! Carson has the most precious little nose and a full head of blonde hair...I have never seen a baby with so much hair!

I cannot wait to see this little man grow....he is going to be surrounded with so much love!

101 in 1001

The Mission:
Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days.

The Criteria:
Tasks must be specific with a result, that is either measurable or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and stretching.

I love this concept. It is a way of improving your life, achieving goals, and make life interesting and fun. My 1001 days starts today!

Start Date: August 1, 2009

End Date: April 28, 2012

My 101 in 1001:

1. Join a Bible Study.
2. Send 50 cards in the mail for random reasons (1/50).
3. Travel outside of the United States.
4. Take a family vacation to the beach.
5. Attend an Alabama Football game.
6. Go to a cooking class.
7. Run 3 Half Marathons (0/3).
8. Join the Library.
9. Make new friends.
10. Volunteer to a cause I feel strongly about.
11. Start a daily devotional.
12. Send Christmas Cards.
13. Get a dog.
14. Buy a House.
15. Pray more.
16. Take “me” time.
17. Join a Church (not just attend).
18. Do something special for my husband on the 6th of every month.
19. Visit my Pop Pop.
20. Visit my Grandma.
21. Go to the park for a picnic.
22. Go to Six Flags and ride roller coasters.
23. Try sushi (it may take me all 1001 days).
24. Pray every night with our child before bed.
25. Read 10 Books (0/10).
26. Take a weekend getaway with my Husband.
27. Start a new hobby.
28. Go on a mission trip.
29. Lose 40 pounds after November 2009 (30/40)....and then 10 more!
30. Learn to Sew.
31. Participate in the Peachtree Road Race.
32. Forgive and ask for Forgiveness.
33. Let people know how much I appreciate them.
34. During Lent, really give up something that matters.
35. Make sure my child understands the true meaning of Christmas and Easter.
36. Send someone flowers.
37. Go Whitewater Rafting.
38. Pay off all our Debits.
39. Go to the dentist at least once a year (1/3).
40. Get portraits made of our baby for every birthday.
41. Save $10,000.
42. Join or start a book club.
43. Go 1 week without Television.
44. Go Camping.
45. Start family traditions.
46. Watch all of the Masters.
47. Go on a date night once a Month (3/33).
48. Make someone’s day.
49. Have a Mom and Me day.
50. Get a massage.
51. Not go out to eat for 1 month.
52. Go to a concert at Chastain.
53. Watch a Doris Day movie that I have never seen.
54. Start a coupon binder and actually use the coupons.
55. Wear heels once a month (0/33).
56. Exercise when watching The Biggest Loser.
57. Stay in a hotel for absolutely no reason but to stay there.
58. Plan a daycation.
59. Think before I speak.
60. Plant tulips.
61. Make smores.
62. Take vitamins.
63. Go to a strawberry farm.
64. Have a live Christmas Tree.
65. Buy a new lens for the camera.
66. Throw a party.
67. Get a year pass to Stone Mountain Park.
68. Make cannolis from scratch.
69. Read What to Expect in the First Year.
70. Give my husband and baby a kiss and tell them I love them every day.
71. Only shop along the perimeter of the grocery store for 1 month.
72. Get a facial.
73. Take my contacts out every night.
74. Never put my husband or marriage second on my priority list.
75. Have a pajama day with chick flicks and chocolate.
76. Instead of giving gifts to all the children in our family at Christmas, let them pick a gift out to give to a child in need.
77. Buy a bedroom suit in cash (even if in stages).
78. Watch a scary movie with Zach without complaining.
79. Fill out the Baby Book.
80. Find a MOPS or other Mom’s group to get involved with.
81. Take care of my nails.
82. Go to a Midnight Movie.
83. Wear earrings more.
84. Send out Birth Announcements before December 20, 2009.
85. Do 10 different crafts from Family Fun Magazine (0/10).
86. Finish The Twilight Series.
87. Buy a Nativity Scene.
88. Get our own Kroger Plus Card.
89. Attend Mass at least twice a week during Lent.
90. Make a birthday cake every Christmas.
91. Leave the Credit Card at home for 1 month.
92. Make Monkey Bread.
93. Buy a new Designer Purse.
94. Save some $ Amount from every paycheck.
95. Go to 20 places I have never been before (0/20).
96. Visit a vineyard and participate in a wine tasting.
97. Take a girl’s weekend with my friends.
98. Receive no speeding tickets.
99. Purchase a Calendar to stay organized.
100. Make dinner for a friend in need.
101. Keep a Journal of Photos and Thoughts for every task completed on this list.

Italics = In Progress

Strickthrough = Task Completed

I've done a Very Bad Thing

I went shopping! And bought outfits for both genders! Crazy...I know...but there was an itch and I had to scratch it. The way I see it is that I have a ton of friends that are pregnant...and someone will be able to use the clothes of the gender I am not having....Totally justified right?!?! Anyway, it wasn't like I spent a fortune on the newest styles at Gap. I went to a local kids consignment shop and spent a whopping $25 on 7 adorable outfits. Not too shabby.

Easter outfits for both sexes.

My favorite part was the person checking me out looked at me very confused and asked "So...are you having one of each?"

SHOW US YOUR LIFE

Every Friday is show us your life over at Kelly's Korner...I enjoyed participating so much last week that I will be again this week. This week is Wedding Party and Details.
I chose a deep red for the bridesmaid dresses...one for the wonderful crimson color...Roll Tide...and two they were included in an Amazing sale at David's Bridal for only $89 or 99 (I can't remember)...you can't beat that! I had 7 bridesmaids, 2 are my sisters, 2 are great friends from grade school, 3 are my best friends from college (and 1 is now my sister-in-law too). A great group of girls that I treasure so much in my life. I also had 5 flower girls (all mine and Zach's nieces) and 1 ring Bearer (our nephew).
Since the town was so small, we all walked to the Church. I loved this picture....our take on the Abby Road Rendition.
My dreamy husband. This is one of my favorite pictures from the whole day!

All the groomsmen and our little ring bearer.
The flowers I loved. They included calla lilies, hydrangeas, roses and coffee berries. My bouquet also included Tulips....my absolute favorite flower. The boutonnieres were mini calla lilies...not too girly which was a request from Zach.I didn't decorate the church really because it didn't need it in my opinion. It was simple and I found that to be absolutely gorgeous. The church had stained glass windows down the aisles and the decorations the church had up, I liked and were free! Always a plus.The reception was at Wolf Mountain Vineyards...I am quite the wine enthusiast. The staff at the vineyard was phenomenal and I didn't have a care in the world once we arrived. They took care of everything! The dance floor was on the back deck of the vineyard looking out over the mountains. It was beautiful. The food was delicious (even though I didn't get to eat it until afterwards). The cake was designed by a local baker. I would suggest anyone getting married to always start local, rather that big names. The cake was so good and for a whopping price of $250. If you haven't noticed, I am also loved to save a pretty penny anywhere I could.

If you want to see the slideshow from the big day...here is the link: http://www.brendaupton.com/slideshows/rzwed/

Also....if anyone is looking for a photographer that is AMAZING....in the Altlanta area use Brenda Upton...because of her and her wonderful photography, I can relive my wedding day any day I want.

24 week Appointment

Today, I had my 24 week appointment...I changed it from Wed. I had the diabetes test....boy did that sugar liquid hurt my stomach. I don't think I will be having a milkshake today. I got my blood drawn and Nurse Nancy said no news is good news...so we will see if they call in the next couple days. I had quite a few questions to ask Dr. Pohl about some changes happening in my body and he answered them as I got measured and he took the heart rate....of course due to this....I didn't ask him the heart rate. But it seems as though everything is looking great. Next appointment is August 24th and after that I see the doc every 2 weeks....I can't believe we are almost to that point....Seriously time really does fly!

And since time seems to fly so quickly, I have really been thinking more and more about this whole LABOR thing that will be taking place in 3 months. I have been doing more research on the steps that take place during labor and trying to mentally prepare myself for the changes my body will go through...just trying to wrap my brain around the fact the a baby will be coming out of my body! I don't think anyone can truly prepare themselves for the pain that comes from child birth but I am definitely not naive to it. But there are certain things that I feel very strongly about...just knowing myself.

1. I do not want to be induced to fulfill a "plan" I have in my head...to meet a certain deadline or because it will be easier for my doctor's schedule. I feel that childbirth is a very Natural thing that woman have been doing for thousands of years! I want the baby to come when he/she is ready. The only reason I would ever agree to be induced is if the doctor strongly recommends it for the baby's health.

2. I hate drugs, medicine, needles....especially HUGE ONES. I know this about myself and I have always been this way. A bottle of Tylenol lasts for years in my cabinet. I don't like the feeling of not having control of my body. I am just not all about it. So...you can probably imagine my hesitancy with an epidural. I am not against an epidural....because once again...how can you really mentally prepare yourself for that amount of pain....I am just not one who is 100% for it and looking forward to it.

3. I am a very mentally strong, positive person. And on the day of labor and actually from here on out...I want to surround myself with people who are also positive. In talking with people about certain ways I feel about labor or choices I have made to do my best to have a natural labor, I get so many mixed reactions....You are crazy....We will see how long that lasts....You have never been through it before....Have fun with that....and the lists goes on and on of negative things I have heard about something I feel strongly about. But ultimately....It is ME who will be going through this whole thing and is it too much to ask for a little POSITIVITY? All I ask for is encouragement and people saying "I can do it" to help reinforce in me what I already know.

Here is a 24 week belly pic...

I also picked up this cd for the baby---

I think Jewel has a beautiful and calming voice. The cd is full of absolutely gorgeous lullabies. I will be playing this as often as I can remember before we go to sleep so the baby will already know it once it is born.

Aside from Baby, as you all know, my sister's girls are visiting right now. I cannot believe how much they all grow from visit to visit, but the biggest change has been in Rylee. One thing that hasn't changed is her love for Zach. I don't know if you remember a post back around Christmas about how much Rylee just absolutely loved being with her Uncle Zach. But it hasn't changed. It is so sweet watching them play.

Here are pics from Christmas