The Finishing Touches

First of all, I hope everyone had a fantastic Christmas and that you all were able to spend quality time with family and friends.  Kevin and I were lucky enough to enjoy a whole week off leading up to Christmas and while I have an excuse for resting and saving up my energy, Kevin decided to sympathize with me and get enough sleep over our break for the both of us. Below is our one and only picture from the holiday, but it may have been the first time we were both up and dressed at the same time all week.  And, I wanted to send a quick Happy Birthday shout out to my amazing baby daddy who celebrates his day-o-birth this week.  I love him so much now, I can't imagine how much I am going to love seeing him hold our baby boy.

Now that the Holidays are behind us, it is time to put the finishing touches on all things Cameron.  After a visit to the doctor the week before Christmas we found out that his development is tracking almost two weeks ahead of his due date.  I know that that could mean something, or nothing, but I am going to be ready either way.  Our due date is 2/11, but we were told that it will not be a surprise if he joins us first thing in February.  Knowing this, I kicked it into high gear.  After about 32 trips to Walmart for the essentials we were still missing including hospital snacks for Kevin, I started to feel better.  This weekend we finished up all the little details.  My mom drove down for a day of shopping where we picked up lots of last minute items, and Kevin and I spent today putting together Cameron's swing and stroller, not to mention getting his car seat bases loaded into both cars... just in case.

Kevin was so impressed that I had picked out such a manly set of wheels that he decided to be a good sport and take a spin...

 

I just can't believe that tomorrow is the last day in 2012 and then we roll into the year we will welcome our first baby.  I don't know who is more excited, me, my mom or my sister-in-laws!  Either way, Kevin and I are just so thankful that we have had a fairly easy pregnancy for the most part and that our little man is looking healthy and strong as we enter our last few quiet weeks.  Who knows, we may even stay up past our bedtime on New Year's Eve to celebrate... ok, probably not.  

Last but not least, I felt the need to post a belly picture update as I am astounded at how people react when they see the recent growth.  FYI to all men out there, yelling, "Oh wow - you can't hide that thing!" is not a great way to point out that yes, I am getting a bit rounder. Yes that happened and you know who you are.  HA!

Read on for the FAQ!

How are you sleeping?: Sporadically.

What was the best moment this week?: We had a great Christmas... Santa was very good to me so I have been enjoying some generous gifts. 

Do you miss anything?: Hard to do the family holidays without a beer or glass of wine... It's what we do. :)

Cravings?: Nothing lately, but when I want to eat, you better feed me!

Mood lately?: Pretty good.  I have yet to enter the OMG phase as a friend of mine put it - as in oh my God, I am going to have a person I am responsible for or oh my God, I actually have to go through labor.  I am not necessarily worried about labor, or taking care of Cameron once we arrive home, I am just ready to get this show on the road and meet him.

What are you looking forward to?:  I am starting to picture Cameron in our lives more and more as we get closer to delivery and I am really looking forward to seeing my husband become a father.  It will be interesting to say the least, but it is going to be amazing!

Maternity Clothes?: Still not a single pair of maternity pants to my name thanks to the belly band, but every outfit comes complete with a camisole and a stretchy blouse.

Stretch Marks?: Still no, and it better stay that way!

Finally, a big congratulations to my good friend Angela who just found out she will be on team pink when her baby girl arrives in a few more months. 

Happy New Year!

Closing in on it...

It really feels like we are closing in on Cameron's arrival now.  It has been a super busy couple of weeks and we have marked a couple of major events off of the pre-Cameron list.  

First up, Mr. and Mrs. Nangle.  We headed to St. Louis last weekend to celebrate one of my best friend's weddings.   We had such a good time celebrating with friends and I could not have been more honored to stand up as Morgan became Mrs. Nangle.  Let's hear it for the weird last name club!

The beautiful bride.

Ready to walk down the aisle!

Kevin being a good sport.

Next on the list was my office baby shower.  My co-workers were so generous and we were outfitted with plenty of diapers and gift cards among other things to help us prep for baby boys arrival.  A big thank you to everyone who had a hand in the event.  Kevin and I greatly appreciated it!

Finally, we have our last major delivery for Cameron and my comfort, his super awesome remote controlled recliner from Bedtime Stories.  I was not sure when Kevin pointed it out in the store and was sure that the remote control was the only reason he thought it was a good idea, but after a few late night feedings laid back in this bad boy, I am sure I will be thanking him!  This thing was worth every penny and it makes me feel like we are really ready for Cam to arrive now that it and his cradle are situated in our bedroom.

We are in our 32nd week now and head back to the doctor next week for a checkup.  We will have an ultrasound done to get a better estimate on how developed he is as they believe he is measuring ahead of schedule.  I am convinced that they were way off and he will actually be late but that is probably just the optimist in me coming out.  We also have to check up on some of my levels as baby boy is literally sucking the life out of his Momma and caused a few problems in the last month.  After being put on a moderated rest schedule that included reduced hours at work, no more Crossfit and a specially designed diet I am starting to feel a bit better, but am prepared to ride out whatever Cameron throws at me for these last few weeks.  

Onto the FAQ!

How are you sleeping?: If I was sleeping, I would tell you how it felt, but that is just not the case.

What was the best moment this week?:  We had a lot of great moments in the last few weeks, but the best was celebrating Morgan and Drew!  Their big day was beautiful and the Ool family had a great time.

Do you miss anything?: I miss being able to have a drink with my girlfriends after the wedding.  Sparkling grape juice was just not the same. :)

Cravings?: Not much... and it's a good thing now that I am focusing on eating foods that my body will process which are not nearly as exciting as what I would want to eat.

Mood lately?: Kevin and I have a week off leading up to Christmas, so I am really looking forward to that and in a great mood!

What are you looking forward to?:  I am just ready to meet our little guy. Now that he is getting so much bigger and I am so much more aware of his presence in there, I am beyond anxious to hold this little person that Kevin and I have been waiting on.

Maternity Clothes?: Bought a couple more tops this week after realizing that even some of the maternity clothes I have are getting tighter... we will see how these last few weeks go.

Stretch Marks?: Nothing yet and hoping it stays that way.

Thanks for reading.  Have a great week and a very Merry Christmas everyone!

The countdown is on!

Well, I think we can officially say that the countdown is on!  As of Wednesday we will only have 10 weeks left until Cameron arrives...possibly less.  We got a chance to check on baby boy last week and our doctor thinks that he is measuring ahead of where my due date is.  This is good for a couple of reasons...first of all, Cameron may arrive earlier than expected.  Second, they called for an ultrasound at our next appointment to verify his size, weight and development level so that means we get to catch another peek at our sweet baby.  I can hardly wait!

As everyone knows, last week we celebrated Thanksgiving.  This pregnant woman was lucky enough to get two dinners, one at my Grandma's house on Thursday, and another once Adam and Megan joined us on Saturday.  Both meals were delicious, and I am so thankful to have been able to spend so much time with our family.  Not only did we celebrate Thanksgiving, but we also exchanged sibling gifts because we won't be able to all get together for Christmas.  I scored this awesome t-shirt from Megan and can't wait to wear it proudly.

At this point I am fully aware that I am not in control of how I will feel when I wake up everyday and that will only become more true as this pregnancy progresses.   With that said, I have decorated minimally for Christmas because who knows if I will have any energy at all once Christmas passes to take decorations down. All presents for the holidays and Kevin's birthday in January are purchased, wrapped and ready to go!  I was the poster child for pregnancy for a solid 26 weeks but as we near the finish line, it is like someone built a brick wall in front of my face that I repeatedly run into.  There are the normal symptoms of constant bathroom breaks and sleeplessness, but as back pain and extreme fatigue set in I have gone ahead and accepted that Cameron is making his presence known.  I just keep focusing on the fact that I have been lucky to have had so little trouble up to this point and that there is definitely light at the end of the tunnel and not to mention a snugly baby boy!  What comes before snugly baby boy you ask... the answer to that is simple - great big baby belly.  Check it out!

Onto the questions...

How are you sleeping?: Poorly.  I will be more than prepared for sleepless nights!

What was the best moment this week?:  Anytime all of my immediate family can get together in the same place it is always a good time.  We were lucky enough to have a nice long weekend relaxing together.

Do you miss anything?: I miss feeling like myself.  It is difficult to go from intense workouts and high energy to grunting every time I try to sit up without help.  Luckily Kevin has been incredible and he is always there to get me up off of the ground if I can't do it alone. :)

Cravings?: Nothing special, but I do have to eat often... not really eating a lot, but trying to get something on my stomach every couple of hours.

Mood lately?: I had a four day weekend this week... I was in a great mood!

What are you looking forward to?:  Having the holidays arrive is getting me really excited about the fact that this time next year we will have a super fun addition to the family to play with in the form of one Cameron Ool!

Maternity Clothes?: Just trying to stay comfortable at this point, regardless of what it is I am wearing.

Stretch Marks?: So far... so good. Keep your fingers crossed people!

Shower Time!

It has been a busy couple of weeks and we have gotten a lot accomplished toward being able to bring our baby boy home.  Thanks to some amazing women in my life, Cameron was honored in a big way at his baby shower.  We came home with lots of great outfits, tons of new books and plenty of other loot to get Cameron started.

Baby boy's banner

Loved the milk bottles for drinks!

Delicious cupcakes

Cameron's wreath from his Aunt Megan

Beautiful Hostesses, Aunt Megan, Aunt Sarah and honorary Aunt MoMo

Once we got home from the shower we were able to put the final touches on the nursery. Cameron may not be ready to make his appearance quite yet, but he will have somewhere to have his diaper changed and lay his head down when he gets here.  Now all we are waiting on is the fancy remote controlled recliner we ordered for feedings and we are all set.    Here are a few pics!

Bookshelves - he is going to be super smart!

This is how I roll. :)

Diapers and burp cloths stocked

His bicycle bedding is very manly 

And after another picture loaded blog post... onto the questions!

How are you sleeping?: Ok, but everything I read says I am about to get very tired... that sounds promising.

What was the best moment this week?:  I was so excited when Cameron's bedding arrived.  It finally feels like the nursery is complete.

Do you miss anything?: Being able to breathe... does that count if technically I am breathing it just takes extra work?

Cravings?: Not much lately.  I am at the point where I am really not terribly hungry anymore.  Smaller meals is the name of the game from here on out.

Mood lately?: Good week.  Probably means next week will be a bad week.  Someone warn my husband.

What are you looking forward to?:  Next week I will officially enter my third trimester.  It is the last big hurdle and the beginning of the downhill slide so I will be happy to be over that hump. 

Maternity Clothes?: Heading to Motherhood today as a matter of fact to see if I can find something that is not terribly maternity looking, but allows Cameron room to breathe.

Stretch Marks?: So far... so good.

Showers, Nurseries and Heartburn... OH MY!

It has been an exciting couple of weeks since I last posted!  So much to talk about and so little time, not to mention that I have begun an ongoing battle with heartburn so every 30 minutes I am on google to see how many tums I can take without somehow overloading Cameron with calcium. Every symptom gets us closer to his arrival.  Today marks week 26 meaning only 14 weeks left!  Moving on... let's start with showers, both wedding and baby.  A couple of weeks ago we got to celebrate Miss Morgan and her upcoming nuptials.  It was a great weekend in STL with good friends.  We toasted to the bride...

  

                                          

   

We caught an NLCS game...  

                                      

                                      

  

and Kevin ran his first marathon!

Now we are preparing for Cameron's shower this weekend.  I can't wait to celebrate his arrival with family and friends.  We are starting with a girls spa day with my Momma and amazing Sister-in-Laws, then head to my Grandma's house for the big party! Cameron is one lucky little boy already as he has already gotten a couple of deliveries.  Thanks to the awesome Chicago Langdons Cameron will be riding in style in his stroller and car seat!

Also, Cameron's honorary Auntie Angela supplied him with a mix of essentials that we will soon put to good use.

A big thank you to both of them for thinking of our baby boy.

Next up, nursery preparations.  Cameron's Grandma and Grandpa Ool sent his nursery set last week so Kevin got to spend some solid man time assembling the furniture.  Once it was all in place, my Mom came down for a visit to get started on some decor.  We have a long way to go, but it made me feel better to get started.  A few pennants and picture frames later... the picture frames have clips glued in holding his initials, but can be subbed out for pictures once our little man arrives!

I also scored an awesome iBaby video monitor that feeds directly to my iPad for more than 50% off.  Add a few prints and a mason jar full of pacifiers and what baby wouldn't want to chill in there.  It is a work in progress, but becoming more baby friendly with every trip to Hobby Lobby.

Now that I have overloaded the post with pictures, onto the questions.

How are you sleeping?: Sporadically after working overnight for a few days in Denver, but working on getting back to normal.

What was the best moment this week?:  I was so excited to see my stroller and car seat show up this week.  Making sure we have the big items like that sets my mind at ease.

Do you miss anything?: I miss being able to sit comfortably.  At this point I am better standing than sitting.

Cravings?: Sweets... always sweets.  We will see if the candy I bought for trick-or-treaters lasts until someone shows up.

Mood lately?: Pretty good.  No irrational breakdowns over sappy commercials or old movies so I think I will call that a win. 

What are you looking forward to?:  Cameron's shower not only means getting him outfitted for his pending arrival, but it means spending time with all of the people I love.  I can't wait!

Maternity Clothes?: Becoming more and more common in my weekly lineup.

Stretch Marks?: Nothing yet.  Hoping it stays that way.

One last thing... I want to wish  my baby brother a very happy birthday today!  I hope that if and when Cameron get's a brother or sister, he is lucky enough to get a Travis!  

23 Weeks... slowly but surely!

We are slowly but surely rolling along to Cameron's arrival.  Now that we know that our baby is in fact a boy, I can't seem to help myself when I am out shopping.  I am trying to get control until after our shower which my Sister-In-Laws and one of my best friends are graciously throwing in Cameron's honor in a few short weeks,  but come on, I am fairly confident that he has needed every bow-tie, sock set that look like converse all-stars complete with laces and sweater vest that I have invested in up to this point.

Luckily we have an early gift is on its way, Cameron's crib!  Due to the size, and the fact that my Mother-In-Law has to fly in for the shower, she has already had it shipped to the apartment, and we are busy cleaning out the room that will become Cameron's so that we can prep for his arrival.  Every baby needs a crib, but I thought Cameron also needed these super cute custom prints that match his bicycle bedding - both declaring, "This is how I roll!"

Also arriving next week are our Game 5 tickets to the NLCS!  After a dramatic Cardinal's victory, we couldn't help but scoop up some tickets for the series since we will be in STL for Morgan's bridal shower and Kevin's first marathon.  I can't wait for Friday because not only do I have the day off, but I will get to head to the game and visit with friends!  Please keep Kevin in your thoughts and prayers as he preps to complete the STL Rock and Roll Marathon.  I am sure he will do an awesome job, but he has worked really hard to prepare and I am just hoping for great weather and for him to have enough energy to get himself into the car after because the chances of me being able to lift him in... slim to none at this point.

Why might you ask can I not offer a helping hand to my hard working husband?  It is due to the fact that I have crossed over from the cute little belly of early pregnancy and into the rapid growth stage.  Cameron is getting increasingly stronger as is evidenced by his daily acrobatics.  What used to be tiny kicks and flutters have turned into somersaults that make my belly look like it is having its own dance party.  Kevin went from having to hold his hand on my belly for an hour to get any sensation from Cameron to watching him roll as we lay in bed.  Now I knew I had gotten much bigger in the last 6 or so weeks, but once I started involuntarily grunting every time I have to attempt to bend over and tie my shoes, I knew that my body is no longer my own.

Now that you have that lovely picture in your head, onto the questions!

How are you sleeping?: Great from about 8pm to 3am, then Cameron decides it is time to get moving and I can't seem to get back to sleep.

What was the best moment this week?:  This week I got to visit with my brother and sister-in-law who I rarely get to see!  Not only did we get to visit, but they got to feel Cameron for the first time.  I am so lucky to have such great brothers and sister-in-laws because they are going to be awesome aunts and uncles!

Do you miss anything?: Getting a little more difficult to move around... and to breathe.  Trying not to complain because I have had so little in the realm of morning sickness or the like, but this is a bit bothersome.

Cravings?: Nothing lately.

Mood lately?: Up and down. Lots going on for the next couple months so we are crazy busy which tends to make me a little, well, crazy.

What are you looking forward to?:  Still pumped for Cameron's shower!  It will be really nice to see my family and friends and share the excitement with them.

 

Maternity Clothes?: Stretchy is my new best friend!

Stretch Marks?: Still no, but if I keep expanding at this rate, I think I may be one giant stretch mark by Christmas.  Take a peek.

Have a great week everyone!

Well... that is definitely a boy!

At 21 weeks, that is how the nurse revealed that our bundle of joy will be wrapped in blue, and after seeing the evidence in the ultrasound it was in fact definite.  We could not be more excited to finally begin preparing for Cameron Keith Ool to join us.  While we had both agreed that whatever we were given, as long as he or she was healthy it would be perfect, I think my ex-baseball playing husband was overwhelmingly excited to see that there was in fact a he in there... so much so that he actually asked the nurse if she could tell us if he was left or right handed.  And so it begins.

The reveal was almost too much excitement to handle as we went as quickly as we could to the closest baby store to pick out a glider, diaper bag and sweet little outfit complete with corduroy pants and adorable cardigan - yes, I want him to look like a little old man! Not only did we score some great swag for Cameron, but our waiter at dinner comped my brownie sundae after I declared that we were celebrating that evening.  All in all, one super great day!

On top of everything else, we were given a beautiful gift from my parents... and technically, my Grandma too.  My family has a cradle that my grandparent's purchased to use for all six of their babies including my mother.  Some of their children have used the cradle as well, so I had asked if we may be able to track it down so that I could continue the tradition.  I was beyond surprised this weekend when my Mom announced that she had a gift for Cameron and carried out the beautiful cradle complete with new bedding she had custom made for us.  A little furniture re-arranging and it now has a perfect home in our bedroom awaiting our little man's arrival.  

As if that wasn't enough, this week is Kevin and my anniversary.  We have had three amazing years together, and are looking forward to celebrating the life-changing year that will make up our fourth year of marriage. A big fat shout out to my baby-daddy... I love you more every day and can't thank you enough for giving me this amazing wiggle worm that has taken up residence in my stomach.

Onto the revised questions... now that we are over half way, I think we can cut to the chase.  :)

How are you sleeping?: Better lately... finally.

What was the best moment this week?:  Being able to bestow a name on our baby boy after finding out his gender.

Do you miss anything?: Being able to engage my core muscles so that I can sit up without straining myself.

Cravings?: Sweets and more sweets

Mood lately?: Beyond happy this week for obvious reasons.  So thankful for my many blessings.

What are you looking forward to?:  My baby shower next month!  It is a bit early, but we wanted to have it before the holidays so I can't wait to get together with all of my family and friends to celebrate Cameron.

 

Maternity Clothes?: Favorite items this week are my camisoles.  They conveniently stretch over my constantly growing belly.

Stretch Marks?: Not yet... thank goodness.

Have a great week!

20 Weeks... Our Own Personal Holiday!

It's official... I have cooked half of a baby.  Since I am not sure which half it is, I will allow him/her to stay cozy in my belly until baby is fully cooked.  I am generous that way.  Kevin and I decided that... Ok, I decided that it should be a national holiday. Kevin thought it was just another week, but I was sure there would be a medal of some sort.  Instead, we settled for a bottle of sparkling grape juice and a good nights sleep.

Now that we are halfway, everyone wants to know if we are having a boy or a girl.  Finally, the week has come where we will have an answer.  This Thursday we get to go visit with the Doctor and find out if we are going to be buying bows or bowties.  Saying we are excited would not even begin to describe how we are feeling as I am currently counting down the minutes until we get the word.

This weekend though my focus was turned to another big event, the bachelorette party of Miss Morgan Becker.  She decided she wanted to celebrate her big celebration Eureka Springs style which meant whistles and straws that resembled the male anatomy, a great dinner at Emelios, lots of walking down stairs and a few drag queens.  It was an epic night and Morgan is pretty sure that judging by the pictures she had a blast so I am going to call the evening a success!  The countdown is on to the wedding in December and the hope that we can zip Baby O into the bridesmaids dress.

Other than that, no major developments.  Baby O continues to grow and his/her movements are becoming more and more prominent. I told Kevin that his prediction that the baby will be an Olympic swimmer may be right because sometimes it feels like the baby is swimming laps in there.  Also, I am getting excited about my baby shower that we are trying to squeeze in before the holidays this November and want to send out a pre thank you to my amazing sister in laws who are planning the fete for Baby O.  

Onto the FAQ.

Are you feeling sick?:  I only got 3 hours of sleep after the bachelorette before I had to get up and head back to Bentonville to get set up for a meeting so right now, I wouldn't say that I feel sick... but I do feel like a zombie.

Are you sleeping?: Now that I have dealt with the fact that I will have to give up a little space in the bed to make room for my giant belly pillow, I am actually sleeping much better.

What was the best moment this week?:  Celebrating Morgan was great because she is not only excited about her wedding, but she is pumped about Baby O and being able to spend time with my friends was awesome.

Do you miss anything?: 5 hour energy.  I have started enjoying a small cup of coffee every once in a while so caffeine is making an appearance on the scene, but I miss being able to do the major energy shots when I need a jolt.

Any cravings yet?: Nothing lately

Do you want to know if Baby O is a boy or a girl?: 4 MORE DAYS UNTIL WE KNOW!!!!!!!

Any other symptoms?: Feeling good.

Mood lately?: Well...  I can't figure out why this baby feels the need to not only take over my body, but has also decided to drive my mood off a cliff like we are Thelma and Louise!  I texted Kevin this week that I had an overwhelming urge to eat an entire cake... and then cry.  When he asked me why, I told him that I really had no idea, but both things sounded like the right thing to do.  I thank the good Lord everyday that Kevin just keeps smiling through this whole thing. :)

What are you looking forward to?:  Gender reveal day... have I mentioned that it is this week?

Baby Bump?:  Round.  My belly has gone from this pudgy mess between by bust and my waist to a nice round bump overnight.  

Need any maternity clothes?: Needing them more and more.  My regular clothes don't exactly fit in a way that makes me feel super awesome, so I am thinking it may be time to be a little more accommodating to my new body.

Have a great week!