38 week appointment

Thank you all so much for all of your encouragement after my post about last week's appointment. I'm very happy to report that this one went much better. Though I hadn't made any more progress (still 3, 50%, -1),  I didn't leave sad this time. Part of it has got to be accepting that contractions, even good ones, for me don't mean labor is imminent, and another part is feeling a little better after taking my midwife's suggestions and therefore having some relief from the swelling (and therefore crazy weight gain). Getting to see all of our families in Nashville (on a quick 24-hour visit) and NOT birthing on the side of the road in the snow helped too. :) Regardless, it was just very nice to leave the appointment knowing, after all the ups and downs of this pregnancy, this little guy is so happy, healthy, and peaceful in there, and I need to take a page out of his book and just relax and wait and enjoy the time until he's ready to arrive.

My doctor was great in reminding us that a due date isn't an expiration date, and that by definition half of women should deliver before that date, and the other half after. That said, he did predict that the baby will come the first week of January. We'll see!

In the meantime, Luke and I are going to enjoy his fantastic FMLA that he's worked very hard to save up for. We are going to use our Christmas money to see a matinee a day until the baby gets here or the money runs out. :) We'll keep you updated!

Recent Life from Luke's Perspective

Luke recently uploading the pictures from his phone onto my laptop. As I was looking through them, life from his perspective just made me laugh...

Pay no attention to the two kinds of Bruster's ice cream. I swear I just had a BITE of each before I put them up.

37 weeks

Yesterday Luke and I went to our 37 week appointment, and the good news is: baby looks great, my bp and levels were great, and I've made more progress (3cm now). The doctor said it could be any day now!

So, why did I feel like crying as I left the appointment? Ok, I'll admit that five of those reasons may have been the FIVE pounds I've apparently gained in a week -- not to mention the fact that I've apparently started to swell, so my little toes are looking more like sausages, my belly button can only hold tight as an innie for about another millimeter,  and I think I may be seeing the start of a stretch mark. All of these are vain, awful reasons to be upset, I know, but I think they are also indicators of how I'm starting to feel in general - like I'm trying so hard to hold it all together -- whether it's a good attitude, or my weight, or patience, or my belly button, or staying flexible on travel for Christmas, or trying to prevent stretch marks, but the truth is, its getting to be more challenging. I'm tired. I'm huge. I want to go home for Christmas. I've spent way more time the past two nights timing contractions than sleeping. But more than anything, I want to meet my little boy.

I just find myself tired and ready to know -- is it safe to travel to Nashville for Christmas, or are we going to be the idiots birthing a baby on the side of the road? Are we going to get to meet our little guy any day, or do I need to settle in for weeks more of waiting? Are these contractions going to speed up, or let up - surely one of the two, right?!

In these days, I can't help but think how Mary must have felt, traveling with her baby so close to due, far from family and anything familiar. God sustained her, and she praised him, even while birthing unattended and outside. It kind of makes my worries look pretty small, huh? 

I know soon I'll be holding my sweet son, and this will seem like a distant memory. And, I know we will have a very Merry Christmas - whether it's just the two of us, or if we get to be with our whole family. In the meantime, I'll be over here learning about patience, letting go, the joy in the journey, and the beauty of waiting on God and his perfect plan for us, and for our sweet baby. 

Luke's 32nd

Luke is one of the most hard-working, sacrificial people I know. He works very long hours to make sure me and baby Jack have everything we need, and never complains about it. When he gets home, he happily does the things I can't right now -- whether it be scrubbing the bathtub or painting baby furniture. So, it was extra fun for me this year when his birthday rolled around to get to take a whole day and celebrate my amazing husband.

Those who know Luke knows how much he LOVES a good steak, and he has always wanted to try Fleming's Steakhouse. Thanks to a gift card from Ed and Melda, we were able to do just that! It was delicious, all the way down to the dark chocolate raspberry cheesecake. Then, we headed over to the Sommet Center for the opening night of the Garth Brooks concert series in Nashville! Luke has always said he'd love to hear Garth Brooks live one day, and when we heard he was doing a flood relief series, tickets were sold out before we could even get online to check prices. Thankfully a high school friend ended up selling some she had for face value -- for the exact night Luke had off that week!

To be honest, I wasn't personally very excited about the concert - just about Luke getting to go. But, we all three enjoyed every minute of the fantastic show. (Baby Jack danced the entire time.) Garth Brooks is a world-class entertainer, and every single song he played was a top hit.

That night Luke drove back, listening to his new CD while I slept. While I was relieved to see St. Vincent's Hospital as we slid back into town, I was able to have an awesome time, too. What a fantastic last big date before this little guy comes! Happy, happy birthday, Luke!

Bring Something Blue or Buy Luke a Brew!

Yesterday was my sweet husband's 32nd birthday, and the day his work celebrated this little guy on the way! Some of the wives, Vicky and Molly, put together an awesome night with the theme of "Bring Something Blue or Buy Luke a Brew", complete with a yummy cake with blue booties, an adorable diaper cake, some things we needed for the nursery, sweet presents, and several rounds for Luke! :) What a nice night of celebrating with some of our favorite people from the department! (I was having so much fun, I didn't get any pictures -- sad!) Thank you ladies and friends for a wonderful night!!!

36 week appointment

Today Luke and I got one last peek at our little guy, and he's not so little anymore! Dr. Stone guessed he was 6 lbs, 15 oz -- still on the growth charts, but a big boy at 73rd percentile. Also, my bp was back down to 120/80, so we were very happy about that! I've made some more progress (2.5, 50%), and actually was having a good contraction when he came in to see me. Dr. Stone basically said that he guesses 50% that things continue to progress and baby comes in the next few days, and 50% things slow down and baby waits a few weeks, so we'll see! When we go back Tuesday, we'll get the word on if we are allowed to head to Tennessee for Christmas -- fingers crossed one way or another we get to be there!

36 week belly!

Ed and Melda's 25th!

Any of you who know us well know what Ed and Melda mean to us. They are truly second parents to Luke. Growing up, when his mom's nursing work schedule was long and required holiday work, Ed and Melda provided a home where a place was always set for him at the dinner table, a stocking was always hung over the mantel, and a listening ear was always available. This week they celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary -- in style! An evening of hors d'oeuvres, dinner, dessert, dancing, drinking, and fun was the perfect thing to celebrate how much these two love each other, and how much they love to have fun! We are just glad baby Jack and Luke's work schedule cooperated so we could be there to celebrate this very important occasion. We love you, Ed and Melda! Here's to many, many more! (And, here are some photos of the evening, courtesy of Sarah Gilliam Photography.)

Ann Wade Parrish Photography

One of my favorite things to do in Birmingham is spending time with our wonderful friend Ann Wade Parrish. She also happens to be a fantastic photographer who has built a very successful business over the years I've known her. She is so kind, fun, laid-back, passionate, and great at what she does, she has success every time she goes out to shoot.


Ann Wade has been very kindly bugging me for awhile to let her take some pictures of me and Luke (and baby Jack). She is a good enough friend to know that though I may feel as large as at least a small manatee, I will want this special time in life recorded. 


So, the other day, when she called and said she had some time and asked if I could meet her at Aldridge Gardens in 45 minutes, I woke Luke up, asked him to shower and dress, and I put on a dress, and then makeup in the car, and we made it to the gardens just as the sun was starting to set. In about 30 minutes of laughing and talking with Ann Wade, she got these shots. 


I don't know if any 36 week pregnant lady is going to feel awesome getting her picture taken, but Luke and Ann Wade made it fun, and we ended up with some pictures I'll be very happy to show baby Jack of our last little bit of time waiting for him. 


Thank you, Ann Wade! You continue to amaze me with your kindness and talent.

35 week appointment

Today Luke and I went in for our 35 week appointment, and I was not surprised, after this past week of some decent contractions, to find out we've made some progress! (1.5cm and 25% for those who want to know/that doesn't gross out. :) ) Also, baby is low -- at a -1 station (on the -4 to +4 scale) and is doing great. Dr. Stone was very sure that baby's head down now, so Luke and I stopped and thanked the Lord after that our big, breech baby has tapered on size and in a good position -- just as we prayed he'd be! Basically, it sounds like our little guy will be here any day, in 6.5 weeks, or somewhere in between. ;) The only slightly negative thing was that my blood pressure was up some -- still within normal range, but I'm hoping it's not up any more next time. We go back Monday and find out if the test for group B came back pos or neg, how my blood pressure is, and if we've made any more progress! Plus, I think they'll do one final ultrasound to confirm what they think about size and position. We'll keep you updated!

35w1d

In the mail today...

Would you look at what arrived in the mail today?! I just love having little warm, handmade things for this January baby, and these "boots" and hat are so fun! My grandmother was an awesome knitter/crocheter and she's no longer with us, so having things like this that others make for him make me so happy! I can't wait to put them on him! If these contractions keep up, maybe sooner rather than later. :)

Giving Thanks

This year was our first year not to have Thanksgiving at our Granny's house, as she has recently moved into a retirement center. With traditions changing this year, it was extra special to have the continued tradition of a Chattanooga Thanksgiving with my mom's side of the family. It all started with us all meeting up at Brad and Deb's house from eight different cities for a carbo-loading dinner to prepare for the big race the next day! 


Then, at 9am Thanksgiving morning, for the 4th year in a row, we all ran, walked, or, in my case, waddled, the Sports Barn Turkey Trot -- all in our matching, homemade hats! People had so many comments on our group and the way the walkers cheered for the runners - especially our first-year runner,  (as denoted by the tan hat), Savannah. At 5 miles with some good hills, it isn't an easy race, but it's still a lot of fun, and a great way to start the day -- before eating all of the wonderful food Aunt Deb had made for Thanksgiving lunch! The turkey, three kinds of dressing, Brussels sprouts, sweet potato casserole, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and rolls were fantastic -- and I think my favorite part was the pumpkin torte! 


We finished the day with all the ladies working on stockings for the new additions to our family. With two engagements and a baby on the way, we have lots of growth and lots to celebrate! And, I suspect a similar sewing circle will be needed in most of the years to come! What a wonderful 24 hours in Tennessee celebrating all that is most important to us.

All three of us Turkey trottin'!

Me and my very fast sister, Julianna.

My girls. Yay Savannie for your first 5 mile race!

The siblings who participated - we missed you, Annaliese!

Our whole crew of runners and walkers!

33 week appointment and 4D ultrasound

Today Luke and I went to our 33 week appointment where we got to check in again on our little guy - this time in 4D! It was slightly disconcerting how squished he looked, but amazing to watch him move around, open and close his mouth, "practice" breathing, and bring his hands to his face. My favorite part was seeing how well he is doing! He is head-down, moving well, just a little ahead on size, and weighs in right now at an estimated 5lbs 5oz and 17 inches long! Our ultrasound tech, Nancy, said with his nice, full lips he looks like his daddy!

We saw Dr. Sharp today, the third doctor in the practice, and he is very nice. He measured baby Jack at 34cm, or 34 weeks, which is pretty close to on target! He said he looks and sounds perfect, which is what I like to hear!

I feel very peaceful knowing that baby Jack is happy, healthy, in the right position, and just fattening up and doing some last-minute maturing before we get to meet him! I also feel great about my support team of Luke, Dr. Stone, and Jennifer, our midwife/doula, which adds to the peaceful feeling about the weeks to come. 


It's hard to believe he'll be full term in just under 4 weeks! (Even though I suspect baby Jack may take his time and hang out 'til closer to 9 more weeks.) Either way, he'll be here soon, and we are excited - and happy to soak in these last few weeks just the two of us in the meantime. We'll go back to Dr. Stone in two weeks, and then every week until baby Jack is here. We'll keep you posted!

33 week belly!

Gilman Thanksgiving

This past weekend, just after we all got back from the baby shower, Luke and I had the privilege of hosting my entire immediate family for a Thanksgiving meal at our place! Mom and Dad, Annaliese and Chad, Cassie and Ronnie, James, Philip and Stephanie, Julianna and Trey, Savannah, Will, and Rosie ALL got to join us - in our 1,000 square foot condo for a (rotating) sleepover Friday then Saturday night, and several great meals together, including a Thanksgiving meal on Saturday night with ALL 16 of us around our table!


Luke made the turkey, Annaliese the squash casserole, Cass the mashed potatoes, James brought the cranberry sauce, and my parents the drinks, and then we all worked together on the last dishes - dressing, green beans, apples and sweet potatoes -- and once you put it all together, we had quite the Thanksgiving meal - topped off by Bruster's pumpkin ice cream pie. 


I was a little busy in the kitchen to get ANY pictures of the day, but will borrow some from Mom when she gets them. It was a full, special weekend -- and a testament to how much we all enjoy each other that we could be in THAT close of quarters and still have a wonderful time! I am so thankful for my family. 

Birmingham Baby Shower!

My sweet Birmingham girlfriends hosted such a wonderful baby shower last weekend to help celebrate this little guy! It was such a lovely day of visiting with friends and family and celebrating. And, something extra special to me is that my mom, mother-in-law, and all of my sisters got to be there! Thank you all for the effort for coming from out of state!


The shower was just lovely and the hostesses left no detail unattended -- from the adorable invitations (thank you Ann Wade and Heidi!), to the sweet Mother Goose guest book, to the fantastic finger foods (who doesn't love mini shrimp and grits?! -- thank you, Allison!), to the awesome door wreath that we'll get to take to the hospital (I'm so impressed with Ellen for making this!).


We were overwhelmed with the generosity of our friends and family -- baby Jack now has his car seat, mattress, enough gift cards for us to get him his Pack N Play, outfits, blankets, a wooden Noah's ark, a Moby wrap, a photography session...the list goes on. Thank you, thank you, thank you, hostesses, family, and friends, for the love you showed the three of us on Saturday! We are even more excited and encouraged about all that is to come!

Me with all my sisters, - Cassie, Annaliese, Julianna, Savannah, Rosie,  and the newest addition - Stephanie, who will marry Philip in May!

My sweet hostesses, Rebecca, Ellen, Ann Wade, and Allison!

My wonderful small group girls.

The adorable invitation made by my very talented cousin, Heidi!

The sweet guest book that everyone signed!

Just a taste of all the wonderful food - petite fours and baby shrimp and grits!

The adorable wreath for our door that Ellen made!

Me and AW

His little car seat!

Me and my big sis.

Some of the sisters!

Some of the sweet gifts I can't wait for him to use!