30 Weeks!

**Warning- long post ahead**

It has been a big baby week! I think I have all the artwork for the baby's room squared away. I bought several things off etsy.com (a great website where you can buy handmade stuff), and I even made some myself!

I knew I wanted something with the lyrics to "You are my sunshine," cause my mom used to sing it to me as a baby. I looked online for ideas, and while I liked what I found on etsy, since it was just the words I wanted, I figured I could make something cute myself.  Here's what I came up with:

What do you think? I got one of each printed up at Staples in 16x20 size! It's not perfect, but hey, I'm not a graphic designer am I? However, I was able to get exactly what I wanted, in the colors I wanted, in the size I wanted. Not to shabby. After I made these bad boys I was feeling cocky. So, I made two more (not gigantic size) pieces of "word art" for Baby Seerley.  The first one is from Bambi- when Flower the skunk falls in love, Thumper the rabbit tells Bambi that Flower is twitterpated.  It's totally cheesy, but I think it's cute! 

Plus, I think it fits in with our new country lifestyle. Doesn't twitterpated sound like something they say in rural areas? It certainly would explain why a bunch of animals in the middle of the cartoon woods use it.  

The  last print that I made was Rob's idea. I am NOT AT ALL a morning person. I hate waking up early. If the sun is still down, I should still be sleeping. Actually, if the sun is up, I should get a grace period for a couple hours. Rob- not so much. I don't know if I would say Rob is a morning person, but he is the type of person that can hit the alarm button, hop out of bed and immediately be AWAKE. I know this because he crashes around the house every morning, reaffirming my hatred.  Back to the story at hand, the last print has the words to a song that Rob sings in the morning to torture me.  After he saw the "You are my Sunshine" prints, he pouted and asked why I didn't make one with his song.

Imagine Rob, really excited, singing this song to you at 6am while ripping all the blankets and sheets off the bed. He's done that to me, more than once. I really love him, but there are times I want to punch him in the face. However, I do think the print came out really well! Rob liked it too!

Despite my amazing graphic design skills, I cannot do everything! Plus, It took me all day to make those four prints (I had a big learning curve, so cut me some slack!). As I said earlier, I had found some great stuff on etsy!  The first thing I ordered I saw on pinterest ages ago when I first started looking for nursery ideas. 

I found this on etsy.com, in the Pink Puppy Paper Co. owned by Becky. The minute I saw this print I knew I had to have it. First of all, it is freaking adorable. Second, my grandmother loves elephants and how they value staying with family their entire lives. When I saw this print, there was no question about using it somewhere in our nursery. Best part- Becky was incredibly friendly and helpful (and the Pink Pupper Paper Co. has loads of adorable prints that are perfect for nurseries)! I originally saw this elephant family print in brown and green, but Becky can customize with any colors you want! Above is the one she made for our baby. I absolutely love the way it came out, and I would recommend her services to anyone looking for cute prints!

The next thing I ordered off etsy was the giant giraffe for the wall. I ordered it from Janey Mac Walls on etsy. I mentioned it here on the blog before, but let me refresh your memory: 

The last thing, or things I should say, I ordered from etsy were actually inspired by my father in law.  He enjoys hunting, and at the farm house he has lots of.... taxidermy animals. They really really creep me out. I'm creeped out just thinking about it actually. Anyway, once everything was all moved into our new place, my F-in-L said, "All you need now are some deer heads!" I said NO WAY. A few days later I found some mid-ground on pinterest. Apparently, faux taxidermy is very trendy right now. Before you freak out, no I am not having (once upon a time) live animal heads on my baby's nursery walls. HOWEVER, I did buy some hilarious ones made out of resin, painted white, and are all smaller than life-size (only about 9-9.5 inches tall), ya know, so it's obvious they're not real.

They're awful right?! I know, I know, but they made me laugh and they go with our safari animal theme. Rob looked at me like I was crazy the first time I showed him. I thought that was a bit unfair since he enjoys hunting and has lived at the farm house, among the real taxidermy. That seems more crazy in my opinion.

So, after all these decorations there is still more baby news to share! Well, I guess it's not news, just stuff. Rob and I had our childbirth preparation class this past Saturday. With Rob's schedule, we took the one day class: 9am-5pm of all things labor and delivery! It was pretty intense, but I think we learned a lot. 

Here's an interesting tidbit, when our instructor asked how many of us (11 couples all together) were considering natural births, Rob and I were the only couple to raise our hands! We've decided to try natural, and to only use the epidural if I really can't handle the pain. The other moms in the class looked at me like I was completely out of my mind. I was really surprised to see that not one other couple was even considering it. The funny thing about the class is that most of the tips we learned really only apply to natural childbirth, or couples wanting to wait to use pain meds. Women who want the epidural right away pretty much have to just lay in bed from the minute the get the shot til after the baby's born and the medicine is stopped. That could be 12 (or more) hours! I would definitely go out of my mind sitting around that long, but who knows, I may change my mind. Of course, we learned about epidurals, all the other pain medicine available, and c-sections, and all kinds of other stuff.  The most interesting thing I learned in the class? After hearing about all the options and best and worst case scenarios, I was more committed to trying natural birth. I can't explain why, I just did. Actually, so did Rob. I'm pretty thankful that Rob and I both feel the same way about how we would like things to happen with our birth (of course we are open to changing plans as necessary). 

I also had a check up yesterday, nothing new to report. Me and baby are still looking good! Next big baby event? Baby Shower in NY/NJ on September 8th (if you need gift ideas click here!). I can't wait!

The first UGA game is this weekend. Rob is excited.

How far along? 30 Weeks- only 10 more to go!
Total weight gain/loss:  139, +16lbs
Maternity clothes? Finally starting to phase out my regular clothes. My dresses are getting a little too short in the front (although they still fit), and I can only wear regular shirts if they are on the longer side. 
Measurements: Waist: 38 inches, Hips: 39.5 inches. 
Stretch marks? Nope.
Sleep: Barely. I wake up multiple times a night, my back is killing me cause I can't get comfortable, and I have to go to the bathroom ALL the time.

What is Baby doing?  Baby Boy is about 3 pounds this week! He will be gaining about a half pound each week for the next 7 weeks. Good, now both me AND the baby will be getting fat! Also, his little brain is growing and getting wrinkly- that way he can learn all sorts of stuff once he's on the outside. 

Best moment this week: Beginning to get the nursery in order, and feeling more and more confident about having a natural birth.
Movement:. Baby Boy still moves ALL the time. Like last night at 2am, and at 4am, and at 6am. Clearly he's trying to prep me for over night feedings.
Miss Anything? Sleeping and being skinny (yeah yeah, I don't care how small you all think I am, being big is weird for me!)
Food cravings:  Still nothing.
Anything making you queasy or sick: No. 
Have you started to show yet: More and more people asking how far along I am. More and more people being shocked when I tell them.
Gender: Boy, I think we might be getting close to a name. I hope so anyway.

Labor Signs: In my class I learned that some of the stuff I am feeling might be small contractions. As long as they are not recurring, it's ok.
Belly Button in or out? Still just barely holding on to "not quite flat," status. My poor inner is a fighter!
Wedding rings on or off? Still on!
Happy or Moody most of the time: HAPPY!
Looking forward to: Working on the nursery and getting to see friends and family at my shower in a couple of weeks!

29 Weeks!

Things are finally calming down after our big move back to the states. Rob is here with me now, and we are pretty much settled into our new place. It's much smaller than our apartment in Cairo and the Dolphin House in St. Kitts, and we don't have a Nile River, Caribbean Sea, or Atlantic Ocean view... but hey, it's in America and that's something, right?!

As far as baby related news, there isn't a whole lot to report. Rob and I have our child birth preparation class this Saturday. Due to his class schedule, we picked a one day class. That means from 9am until 5pm we will be learning how to have Baby Boy! Oy, it's gonna be a long day!

Sorry for the pjs. I realized I hadn't written the blog right after I changed clothes!

How far along? 29 Weeks
Total weight gain/loss:  Not sure, we don't have a scale yet.
Maternity clothes? Still wearing both.
Measurements: Waist: 37.5 inches, Hips: 39 inches. 
Stretch marks? Nope.
Sleep: Some good, some bad. 

What is Baby doing?  Still packing on the weight (maybe it's a good thing I don't have a scale!), and he is starting to grow really fast now. Even though he has a lot of weight to gain, he is probably within about 3 inches of his birth length already! 

Best moment this week: Rob passing all his classes at Ross, moving back here with me, and starting at UGA Vet School!
Movement:. Holy cow Baby Boy is moving a lot! Since he is getting bigger, when he is wiggling around he moves my whole stomach- kinda like in the Alien movies. It is very weird to see it happen.
Miss Anything? I still miss St. Kitts a lot. Athens is an adjustment for me, plus I have absolutely no friends here yet. Hopefully once Rob makes some connections in his class I'll be able to meet some people too.
Food cravings:  Is it weird I still haven't had any cravings?
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope. 
Have you started to show yet: People are asking me how far along I am, so they know I'm preg. However, when I tell them I'm 7 months they are shocked.
Gender: Boy, and he remains nameless

Labor Signs: Nope. 
Belly Button in or out? Still just shy of "flat as a pancake" status.
Wedding rings on or off? On. Sorry ladies, I'm taken!
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy, mostly cause Rob and I are back together! For good this time!
Looking forward to: Oy, there is so much to do! One pregnancy website was saying that my nursery should be finalized by now, and I should start putting together my hospital bag. I still have 11 weeks! Isn't it kind of early for that stuff? Guess I better kick it into high gear!

Third Trimester here we go!

Ok, ok, I know I usually post on Tuesdays, but this week has been crazy! I flew home last Wednesday, the rest of the week flew by as I organized all of our stuff and ran errands before moving day on Sunday.  The actual moving went pretty smoothly- my parents, brother, father-in-law and stepmother-in-law, and a couple friends all helped out. I am planning on redoing my adventures in paradise blog (seeing as how I no longer live in paradise... sad sad), and will write more about our new place there soon!

In baby related info- I had a dr appt on Monday. I had my glucose test, and I do NOT have gestational diabetes! Yay! My doc told me my weight gain and the baby's size are on target. Double Yay! Ready for Triple Yay- Only 2 days til Rob is stateside!  I also got my invitation for the baby shower my aunt is throwing me in NY/NJ! I am so excited to see all my family up there as well as some friends I haven't seen in a long time AND my friends from England! Getting presents is always exciting, but never as exciting as seeing people you love!!!

How far along? 28 Weeks- Officially in my third trimester!
Total weight gain/loss:  138, +15 pounds.
Maternity clothes? Still wearing both.
Measurements: Waist: 37 inches, Hips: 38 inches. 
Stretch marks? Nope.
Sleep: Eh, I don't sleep well without Rob, add the baby- not so hot.

What is Baby doing?  Baby Boy is starting to build up his fat, so his wrinkly skin is getting smooth and baby soft- and hopefully making cute fat baby thighs! His lungs are developed now, so he could survive outside the womb! (But he better stay in there for another 3 months!)

Best moment this week: Being told I didn't have gestational diabetes! My doc was concerned with my family history that I might get it, but nope- I'm good!
Movement:. Baby Boy is still moving, but mostly he pushes. It feels like he is pushing his whole back out against my stomach, and almost always on the right side. Makes me look like I have a creepy lumpy tummy.
Miss Anything? I miss Rob and St. Kitts. This girl was not made for rural living (and I live less than 2 miles to downtown Athens!), but at least in SK I had a wicked view and easy beach access!  Also, I don't know anyone my age here in Athens, so I am missing my SK friends and my Atlanta friends!
Food cravings:  Still no cravings. I did have sensory overload at the grocery store today though!
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope. 
Have you started to show yet: Loads of people ask me when I'm due now.
Gender: Boy! Sorry folks, still no name!

Labor Signs: Nope. 
Belly Button in or out? Almost flat, not quite flat as a pancake yet, but I don't know if it would classify as concave anymore.
Wedding rings on or off? On- they actually fit better than they did in St. Kitts, must have been the heat, humidity, and no A/C.
Happy or Moody most of the time: I've been so busy I haven't had time to think! Now that I am 96% settled in the new digs, I feel pretty good.
Looking forward to: Rob getting here on Friday (Saturday morning), and finishing up the nursery!

27 Weeks!

Oh 2nd trimester, I've really enjoyed our time together. You didn't make me sick or hate food, which I really appreciate. You did make me fat... but I'll let that slide. I wish I had more time to enjoy this last week with you, but I got a lot going on!

It's only Tuesday and it's been a big week. Sunday we had a small goodbye party here at the Dolphin House. The timing was awful, all the students have finals and have been studying like crazy. However, just about everyone invited made it out to the party. Rob and I really really appreciated all of our amazing St. Kitts family taking time out of their studying to spend one last day with me (Rob will stay throughout this week and next week to finish up his courses). Even more so, we were really surprised (and very grateful) to our friends who all chipped in and bought Baby Seerley some really really nice baby gifts! Thank you to everyone who helped make that happen, you are all the best ever!

I am going to miss my St. Kitts family a lot. It's hard to leave because I have no idea when I will see them again. Once our friends finish up in SK they could end up at any of the 20+ vet schools around the US for their clinical year. I am not so secretly hoping all our friends end up at NC State or Florida, OR against all odds, UGA will open up as an option for clinicals and EVERYONE gets sent to UGA. I would pee my pants if that happened.

Monday I took the kids to school and then went to Shipwreck Beach one last time, it's my favorite beach. Then, last night I went to the finals of flag football intramurals because the VIPs (their team is Vipers, get it? VIP-ers. Hilarious) were playing! (no they didn't win- bummer). Today Rob (with Trevor's help) has to drop our barrel off at the airport to get shipped back to the states. We figured since we were traveling separately, it would be easier to just ship some of the big awkward stuff back to the states. I am glad Trev is here cause I was not looking forward to loading an enormously heavy and awkwardly shaped barrel into our car. Tomorrow I head home. BUT before I leave I have to run a bunch of errands because St. Kitt's is celebrating Emancipation Day. The interesting thing about Emancipation Day is that it is actually August 1st, but St. Kitts chooses to celebrate this DAY over the first Monday and Tuesday in August,which is two days... the two days before I leave. So all the banks, court house, and grocery stores are closed. So I will be running around Basseterre tomorrow morning getting stuff done. THEN I will head to the airport around 1pm, and get back to Atlanta around 12:30 am. I have an insane layover.  The rest of the week will be running errands and getting all of the stuff in my parents basement sorted until I can move into our new place on Sunday! Oy, what a week!

Update: Rob and Trevor got back from the airport WITH our barrel. Even though the airport is open today, they told Rob he would have to come back with the barrel because, "It's a holiday." Only in St. Kitts is a business open, but not doing any business whatsoever!

How far along? 27 Weeks
Total weight gain/loss:  137, +14 pounds.
Maternity clothes? Still wearing both.
Measurements: Waist: 37 inches, Hips: 37.5 inches- I appear to be shrinking. 
Stretch marks? Nope.
Sleep: Not so bad this week. Getting out of bed is another story.

What is Baby doing?  Baby Boy is breathing! Well, kind of; he is breathing amniotic fluid in and out to help develop his lungs and get them ready to breathe real air in 13 weeks! His baby brain is also now showing signs of activity!

Best moment this week: Enjoying time with our friends at our goodbye party on Sunday.
Movement:. Baby Boy is constantly on the move.
Miss Anything? I already miss St. Kitts!
Food cravings:  Still nothing, although I am looking forward to easy access to food in the states I can't get here!
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope. 
Have you started to show yet: Yep- big ol' belly.
Gender: Boy! Rob's newest name suggestion is Syn, as in Syn Seerley (sincerely).

Labor Signs: Nope. 
Belly Button in or out? Still in, but getting close to flat.
Wedding rings on or off? On. 
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy to go home, sad to leave St. Kitts.
Looking forward to: If you have been reading this blog all along, you know I hate being away from Rob. I am already looking forward to him finishing at Ross and being back with me and Baby Boy in our new place