Friday Randoms

I am ready to be done with my maternity clothes.  They are boring and repetitive.

I am looking forward to shopping for a dress for a wedding in August.  Of course in a couple of weeks I will be worrying about/dreading shopping for a dress for that same wedding as I deal with my post-pregnancy body and breastfeeding curves!

I am craving a snickers ice cream bar and the last two times I have been to the grocery store I couldn't find them.  Instead I got Blue Bell Fudgsicles which are amazing also but still not satisfying that craving. But the last of those were eaten on Wednesday.

The spaghetti sauce I made earlier this week turned out delicious! It takes a ton of ingredients and a little time but totally worth it.  Plus I was able to put some away in the freezer for meals once Casen gets here.

It stinks knowing that if Casen doesn't come today (and quickly) then it isn't likely my doctor will deliver him.  She will be out of town through June 9th. He BETTER come before then.

I was originally afraid of my water breaking somewhere (especially in my bed) and now I catch myself praying that my water breaks so that I know it is actually time and no more false alarms.  I am also afraid now that I will stay at home too long with contractions and have my baby on the side of the highway because I don't want to have another false alarm. 

Ok those are more fleeting thoughts than actual fears so don't worry about me too much.

I have a fear of my garage door not closing all of the way or it closing and then bouncing back up.  3 times this week I have turned around to make sure it closed because I didn't wait to watch it close all of the way.  I have talked about this fear before and it had gotten better but the recent pregnancy brain has made me question it and worry.

By the way- each time it was safely down...of course! And it has never messed up before so I really have no reason to worry but I do.

Last night I was craving either a grape cream slush from Sonic or a snickers ice cream bar, but based on my snickers ice cream dilemma mentioned above I decided it was easier to go to Sonic (hello drive thru!).  I headed to Sonic with my boys and the line was sooo long.  Just as I said that my ice cream was melting inside waiting on us the guy decided to bring our order out to us and sure enough he dropped my ice cream (see the puddle behind the green pole).

Of course Kyle's was fine and they remade my drink.  I was hoping it would be free due to our long wait but no such luck.

Cooper and I shared the ice cream and we both thought it was very yummy!

I am so checked out of work that I forgot to bring snacks today and this pregnant girl has to have her snacks.  Then within 15 minutes of eating my morning waffles I was already thinking about lunch.  I really want a burger from Rodeo Goat again!

This morning I didn't want to go to work and after I dropped Cooper off I actually prayed that my water would break (I have a towel down in my seat).  Guess where I am typing this blog from....work!

I really hope that sometime this weekend Casen makes his appearance.

Happy Friday!

Weekend Recap

I took a lot of pictures this weekend.

Friday night we went to Cantina Laredo for dinner because once again Kyle and I were craving their queso.  Cooper was very good and we had a nice time.

Saturday morning my mom came by and we took Cooper to take some pictures for his birthday invitation and party...sneak peek to come.

After that we headed to Ennis to spend time with family.

Melisa's family also went to Ennis so I got to cuddle with sweet Tinsley! I got to play cards (after much delay!) and my Granny made one of my favorite meals of homemade Frito Pie! Yum!!

Cooper was so sweet with her.

These two were very busy and had lots of fun! I took 5 pictures of them in the rocking chair and each are blurry!

Sunday morning we went to mass early and then I headed home to get some things done.  On the way home I stopped to check on our house site and it looked the same as the week before.  We were told they might get the foundation forms down but I guess not with the rain we had.

Sunday afternoon we headed to Mimi and Grandpa's house for a cookout.  Cooper got to fly a kite and though it was a slow start it worked out and Cooper loved it.

The food was wonderful, the weather was perfect, and the company was great! We had such a fun time with everyone.

Monday morning we decided to get Cooper a motorized vehicle to play with.  He doesn't have any ride on toys and when he has been exposed to them he loved them.  Here he is checking out the $400 four wheeler...Mommy said no!!

He loved testing out this scooter and daddy was so patient with him (in hind sight we should have bought the $25 scooter!)

We settled on a jeep that was on sale for $50. When we got home the boys got busy putting it together. 

I had a very rough afternoon with Cooper.  He didn't want to nap, was very whiny, and we were just not in sync.  I had things I wanted to get done but Cooper wasn't having it and once I finally got over my schedule things worked out. 

We charged the jeep and took it to the school down the street to try it out.

After about 30 seconds he was done! Kyle showed him out it worked and Cooper jumped out saying 'I not like it!'  He spent the next 10 minutes or so throwing rocks in the parking lot before we loaded the jeep back up and went home!

What a let down!!

The good thing is that he has since decided that he likes it and is figuring it out.  Now we just have to teach him to steer.

The weekend had wonderful moments and very challenging moments, but overall it was a nice weekend.

For those of you wondering...I am still pregnant : )  and I made it to work : (

False Alarm

Well last night just after 11pm I woke up and thought I needed to pee.  As I tried to get out of bed I realized I was having a very strong contraction.  After it passed I went ahead and got up to pee.  I went back to pee and next thing I know I am being woken up by another strong contraction.  I looked at the clock and realized it had only been a couple of minutes.  My back was killing me and I felt like I was having bad stomach cramps so I thought I might need to go the bathroom.  I didn't need to go to the bathroom and as I walked back to bed I had another contraction.  I had 3 within about 7 or 8 minutes. 

I tried to get back in bed and realized that I was way too uncomfortable.  I walked around the room and tried to stretch my back because it was killing me.  After about 20 minutes I told Kyle that I thought this was it and we needed to go to the hospital.  I called Aunt Jen Jen to come stay with Cooper and then called my parents so they could head up if they wanted to.

Kyle was rushing me so I forgot Casen's bag of stuff, the boppy pillow, our snacks, and Kyle didn't even worry about packing himself a bag. I think he wanted an excuse to go back home later. He did remember a sweatshirt after freezing his butt off when Cooper was born.

I did take the time to give Cooper a quick kiss, get teary-eyed, and head out the door.

On the way I continued to feel the pain and told Kyle that I now understand why women get an epidural early because my back hurt so bad and it felt like the contractions were on top of each other.

We got to labor and delivery at 12:10 and they hooked me up to the monitors.  The contractions continued to be 3-4 minutes apart and were pretty intense. After a million questions the nurse checked my for progress and said I was a 2 which is what I was the week before at my doctor's appointment.

The doctor came to see me and they said they would check me again in about an hour and if no progress then I would be sent home.

Sure enough after being there about an hour my contractions slowed down to about 7 minutes apart and weren't as intense.  They checked me and confirmed that I was not progressing.

At 2:30 we were headed back home.  They gave me some pain medicine that helped me relax and get some sleep.

I went to my weekly checkup today with my OB.  Still at a 2 and no progress.  She said it couldn't happen at anytime or I may go past my due date.  She no longer sounded confident that it would be soon.  So we are back to the waiting game.

I must say that I am DONE! My back hurts, I am tired of being at work, and most of all just tired of everyone talking about how big I am or asking a million questions.  As much as I feel done and am ready for Casen to be here I am also feeling very stubborn.  My doctor is willing to induce me on Friday, but I am sticking with the plan to just wait and see.  I really want to just let Casen lead the way.

So I will sit at my desk wishing I was at home and continue timing my contractions hoping for a pattern.

39 Weeks and still pregnant

How Far Along: 39 weeks! 7 days until Casen's due date! At this point in my pregnancy with Cooper I was at the hospital being induced.


Size of baby: Casen is the size of a watermelon (19 to 22 inches and 6.5 lbs) This estimate doesn't mean anything at this point because Cooper was only 6lbs 4 oz at 39 weeks.
Total Weight Gain/Loss: 33 lbs.
Maternity Clothes: Yes

Gender: Sweet boy Casen Andrew!
Movement: Yes
Sleep: Pee twice a night now. I still shift from hip to hip and last night I was having contractions during the night.  But obviously they weren't too close together or strong because overall I slept through them.  But I am very tired today!

Cravings: Blue Bell Fudgesicles! Yum! Chipotle, burger from Rodeo Goat, fiesta dip, lots of spicy things, banana pudding milkshake from Chickfila which is not in season right now so I don't get to indulge in.
Symptoms: Lots of contractions but they don't stick around.  At times they have been as close as 6 minutes apart, but after a bit they just stop.  I know sometimes the contractions have to do with me needing to eat. Other symptoms that aren't consistent but I have dealt with this past week are my back hurting, hips hurting, bloody gums when brushing my teeth, swelling, thirsty.
Best Moment this week: It is very exciting waiting to see when Casen will arrive.  I like not knowing and the build up. 
Hardest Moment this week: The fact that Casen hasn't arrived.  I am ready for him to be here.  I am ready to be off of work.  I am tired of the contractions. I am not miserable just anxious.  So whenever he decides to show up I am ready at this point.  Kyle is still hoping we make it to June 10th.  If I could sit at home and do nothing then I might be up for that.


Next Appointment: Due to the holiday I have to wait until Wednesday for my next appt.
4/22 11:40
5/6 11:20
5/13 11:20
5/20 11:20
5/29 12:50

Happy Friday Randoms

The invitations for Cooper's 2nd birthday have been designed and are adorable thanks to the fabulous and fast Emily. I can't share yet!

We are taking pictures for his party and invite tomorrow morning. I have some fun ideas so I really hope they turn out!

I have designed Cooper's birthday shirt and am waiting on the approval from Laura so that we can get it started.  You can see Cooper's tractor shirt from last year here.

I am going to use my mom's cricut this weekend to work on his 'happy birthday' banner.

Things are moving right along for his party.

I made cookies one night this week for my coworkers as a thank you for all of the gifts for Casen.  Cooper loved helping and was in charge of cleaning the spoon at the end....no complaints there!

Last night Cooper was playing with a toy that shoots balls and Daddy gave him a quick lesson in gun safety because Cooper kept looking up the barrel to load the balls.  It was both adorable and scary hearing my son use the word 'trigger.'

Ranger was supervising!

Aunt Jen Jen stopped by to give Cooper a quick haircut for his pictures this weekend!  He did so good just sitting there and being patient.

Jen asked him to look down and he folded completely in half.  We were all cracking up!

He was rewarded with a Tweety Bird ice cream from the ice cream man thanks to Aunt Jen Jen.

I found out yesterday at 4:15 that I needed to pack up my cubicle at work because while I am gone I am moving locations.  They want someone else to sit in my cube while I am gone so it can't wait.  Luckily I didn't have Casen last night, but now I have a lot of work to do today!  This is what happens when I don't stay organized!!  But it should keep me busy and help the day go by fast.

Last night I shot this video of Cooper during bath time.  I can't help but brag on how smart he is!  Then during bedtime he started singing his ABCs! OMG it was the cutest thing.  I will video that soon hopefully!

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend and maybe sweet Casen will make his debut soon.  I might start doing some squats and walking if he isn't here by Saturday afternoon : ) But then again maybe not : )

Sign for Cooper's party

Remember this sign that Kyle made for Cooper's first birthday?

Well I have been brainstorming for his 2nd birthday and I wanted it to look like a sign at a baseball field "Cline Field' or 'Cooper Field' but I can't find any inspiration.  When I look online the signs for Wrigley field or the Ballpark in Arlington are metal signs and not anything exciting.

Today I came across this sign on Etsy!

I love that this is made from barn wood or fence posts like the one above. And I LOVE that it is the shape of home plate!

I can picture it saying Cooper or Cline Field and being perfect.

It looks easy enough.

Now I have to see if Cooper's daddy is up for the job! Or maybe Cooper's Grandpa!

Randoms

1. I am so tired of being at work.  I am at the point that my body feels very sore at times. I continue to have contractions and they can be very strong at times and last a minute or so but then they taper off.  It isn't horrible, but I am ready whenever Casen is. 

That being said I am not doing anything (like the wives tales) to try to get him to come now.  I am not walking in the evenings, doing exercises, eating certain foods, etc.  As much as I want him to come now I am also okay with him waiting until this weekend or even later.  I love the excitement of not knowing when he will come...except the whole water breaking thing!  I did put a towel down in my car seat just in case : )

2. Monday when I returned from my doctor's appointment I found this surprise from my amazing coworkers!!

We also enjoyed this yummy cake!

The challenge was finding somewhere to store everything because with house showings we can't just leave stuff lying around.  But luckily we found spots and are excited to have all of the diapers, wipes, and other baby supplies!

3. Kyle's second batch of beef jerky turned out delicious. This one was a different mix and required 5lbs of meat which wasn't an issue but very time consuming.  This one is peppered and it is yummy!

4.  My friend Emily has recently started designing invites as a little side hobby/job.  You can see some of her work here.  She is going to design Cooper's birthday invitation and maybe Casen's birth announcement!  I love supporting small businesses and especially people I know.  I wish I had known about her hobby a couple of weeks ago when I was working on finding a bridal shower invite! If you have any needs check her out!

5. Here is a video of Cooper going down the slide last weekend. He goes down really fast but if you watch his face you will notice how it changes from a smile of excitement to a face of fear.

6. My coworkers gave a goodie bag for Big Brother Cooper and he got these two little trains.  He is OBSESSED with them.  We had to convince him not to take them in the bath, not to take them into day-care.  Yesterday as soon as he got home he walked up to me and asked for his trains which were in my car from that morning's day-care drop off.  He will sit and play with them for 20 minutes perfectly content.  I love hearing him make little noises and wonder what his imagination is doing!

6. This time last year I signed up for the Fort Worth Recyclebank rewards program.  It tracks how much you recycle and you get points for it.  Well since we are moving soon I decided to see how many points I had and see if I could redeem them.  Yesterday I redeemed some of my points for a $10 Walmart gift card!  I know it isn't much but it is a nice little perk for something we already did!

7. Finally here is a video of Cooper watching the Ranger game the other night before bath time.  I was cheering for Adrian Beltre and Cooper loved saying Beltre's name.  It sounds so cute coming from him.  We worked on the other players names too but I didn't catch them on video.  Seriously this boy knows how to melt his mommy's heart!

Weekend Recap

Friday was a very busy day for us because I worked a half day and then we had a meeting with our builder.  Unfortunately Kyle was on his way to pick me up for the meeting and we got a house showing request (which is great), but he had to turn around and put the dogs away.  We rushed to Midlothian for our meeting and then rushed back to FW to take Cooper to my in-laws for a slumber party.

After all of that driving I wasn't in a great mood, but I made myself get over it and we had a nice evening together.  Kyle and I tried a hole in the wall place that has burgers and philly cheese steaks.  We both thought ours were very good and would go back.

I got this sweet picture of Cooper during his bath time.

Cooper enjoyed breakfast on the patio with Mimi and Grandpa the next morning.

Saturday morning Kyle and I did a lot of stuff around the house and Kyle made his first batch of homemade deer jerky.  We have been wanting to do this for a while and finally got all of the equipment (which wasn't cheap, but hopefully is worth it!).  The jerky turned out great and passed the taste test according to the testers.

Then we went to a graduation party for Kyle's cousin Ryan.  It was a nice get together with yummy food (especially the punch!!) and Cooper got to play outside.

Kyle's uncle cleaned off their old fort just for Cooper and he loved it.  He did great going down the slide but man he went fast and after the third time he realized he was a little scared.

Sunday we headed to Ennis to spend time with my family.  Their church was hosting a May festival with lots of yummy food and games for the kids.  I got to hangout with my cousins and aunts which is always fun.  Kyle did some work for deer season (yes, already!) and Cooper was in heaven running around outside.

He LOVED this train and was such a big boy riding it.  We forgot a hat for Cooper so Grandaddy took him to Walmart and came back with a Batman hat and Spiderman sunglasses. I think he looked adorable and a little too grown up.

He got to ride the train with his cousin Adelynn

And with his cousin Quinn.

That evening he kept talking about Carsyn and Conner (he meant Quinn!)

He also LOVED the jump house which made me want to get one for his birthday but I am just not willing to spend that kind of money...I know I am cheap!

Maybe when my sister Angela's family comes this fall we can rent one to have at my parents house for a fun get together?  It could be dangerous with all of the kids but they would love it!

We headed home that afternoon and we were all stinky and sweaty! We all took early showers and baths and decided to let Cooper run around in his diaper. 

I was feeling very sentimental and couldn't believe how grown up my baby is! I love a baby in a diaper!!

Here he is showing me a gray block that he kept saying was b-uh-lack! OVER AND OVER again he said it.  What is funny is that he knows that it is gray and was just being a turd.  The next morning we walked out to my car and he says 'mommy's gray car.' Such a stinker!

At one point he was sitting in Kyle's lap and laid back like this.  I couldn't help but think back to Kyle holding him like this at only 6 pounds.  I told you I was feeling sentimental.

I love this boy so much I think my heart could explode!

And then he almost kicked me!

Our weekend was crazy busy as usual but it was also wonderful.

Dr Appt Update

My doctor's appointment went well.  Casen's heart rate was 169 and he wouldn't stop moving so I guess he was excited! My blood pressure was fine.

I am barely dilated to a 2 but my water is still bulging (a good sign).  At the last appointment she said bulging water could be temporary just because of the baby's position but it looks like that isn't the case for me.  She was able to feel Casen's head so he is in a good position.

She has me set to be induced on June 10th which would mean Casen is a week late.  Neither of us expects to need that date but it is on the calendar just in case.


Now we wait....

38 Weeks!

How Far Along: 38 weeks! 14 days until Casen's due date!

Size of baby: Casen is the size of a watermelon (19 to 22 inches and 6.5 lbs) This estimate doesn't mean anything at this point because Cooper was only 6lbs 4 oz at 39 weeks.

Total Weight Gain/Loss: 32 lbs. 

Maternity Clothes: Yes

Gender: Sweet boy Casen Andrew!

Movement: Yes

Sleep: Pee twice a night now.

Cravings: chips and queso from Cantina Laredo, sweet tea, chocolate chip cookies, homemade gorditas (I had then for lunch and dinner yesterday!) Big Red floats made with Blue Bell ice cream.  I had one every night last week.  I figured if I was going to gain the weight I might as well enjoy myself!

Symptoms: BHs as usual.  They seem to last longer when they happen now and can be quite uncomfortable but still not consistent. I am dealing with swelling but not nearly as bad as with Cooper.  Some days are better than others.  This morning my feet weren't swollen at all (with Cooper at the end the swelling never seemed to go down) but my face is definitely swollen/fuller looking.  My hips and lower back hurt when I woke up and I thought it was because I over did things yesterday but now I think it is because Casen is getting lower and lower.  Casen dropped last Wednesday though I wasn't uncomfortable.  Today I can tell a difference.  I also lost my mucus plug last Wednesday.

Best Moment this week: Meeting my newest niece Tinsley.  She is so sweet and makes me so excited for Casen's arrival!

Hardest Moment this week: The increase of symptoms has made me anxious about if my water will break, when, and where.  I like the excitement and unknown of waiting to see when Casen's going to come, but it is also a little nerve wracking!  I am a planner and can't help but think about it.  But overall it is exciting just anticipating.  I didn't go through this with Cooper because by now we had decided to induce at 39 weeks and I had no progress.  I just felt pretty sure that I would make it to the induction.


Next Appointment: Today at 11:20!
4/22 11:40
5/6 11:20
5/13 11:20
5/20 11:20
5/29 11:20


Things are moving right along and getting very exciting!  I can't wait to see when Casen comes, see how my labor and delivery will go, and most of meet my sweet boy!

A little bit of heaven!

Yesterday we headed over to Melisa's house to introduce Tinsley to Kyle and Cooper. 

Cooper climbed up on the couch and said 'hi baby' but overall wasn't too impressed.  This is exactly what I expected.  He just didn't think she was a big deal.

Smiling for the camera.

Holding baby.

Love this picture even if it is blurry!

Mac was at her other grandparents house so we didn't get to see her and I think Cooper was disappointed.  Once he found her playroom he was good to go.

Then we decided to recreate this picture of Mac and Coop.

Not so sure at first..

Then she got comfy and settled in. I don't know about you but I don't think the girls look alike.  I see Trent's side of the family in Tinsley but it will be interesting to see how her looks change.

She is soooo sweet! I could have cuddled with her forever!!

My parents came up because my dad hadn't gotten to see her since her birth.

He spent a lot of time like this and I think it was the perfect way to end his birthday!

Happy Friday everyone!