Our Two Year Anniversary!

Today, I am so happy to say, is mine and Travis' two year anniversary! The last two years have flown by and so much has happened. We've purchased our home and began our family. There is something to be said for falling in love and marrying your best friend. It makes even the most mundane chores - fun! Each day we laugh, love and appreciate each other... and I feel so fortunate to have found someone like Travis. He's an amazing partner and someone I admire so much. I love each and every day I get to spend with him and cannot wait to celebrate the next 75 years of marriage together!

Tonight we continued with our anniversary tradition and went to Tony Mandola's for dinner. It was delicious, as always... and such a fun tradition for us to do!

I had another appointment with Dr. Schmidt today. I am still only 1cm dilated, but am now 50% effaced... so things are still progressing. We scheduled the induction for next Monday, the 28th. So if Blair doesn't decide to come on her own, we will finally get to have our baby next week! We are so excited and cannot wait. I am going to be cutting back on my hours this week, to make sure I don't overdue it. Doesn't hurt my feelings at all! :)

38 Week Stats:

Total weight gain - 26 pounds

Waist -38 inches

Glad this is the last week since sleeping is now difficult, the swelling (in my legs and feet) is ridiculous and the overall feeling of discomfort is at it's peak. At least we are almost there...

Happy Anniversary to my amazing husband!!!

Still Waiting...

So this past week, we have been waiting for that "sure sign" that Blair was on her way. We were optimistic after the Monday appointment that my progression could mean we'd be seeing our little girl soon. Despite having random contractions here and there, nothing has gotten me up and concerned with it being the "honey, it's time" moment.

As I don't have to tell most mothers... by the last few weeks (or even sooner!), you are 'done' being pregnant and just want to hold your baby. I am no exception. I am glad that we planned the pregnancy for the cooler months, since dealing with the heat (on top of ALL the other side effects - including the dreaded swelling) would probably put me over the edge. So, I can't complain about the weather (hello first day of spring!). I will say that we have tried just about every way possible to naturally induce labor. From foods to exercise to reflexology
.

Speaking of spring... we are very excited because despite the multiple freezes we had this winter, our azaleas and gardenias survived! Every year, the azaleas bloom for about 2 weeks in March, and ours are no exception! They are so beautiful and it is so nice that spring is finally here!

Yesterday we visited with George, Roslyn and the "Brazil" Wrights. Uncle Ben and Aunt Andressa came into town to visit Daniel and Paul and to visit Granny, GrandDad and Lori. We even got the chance to meet Jourdan's little puppy Charlotte. Charlotte was adorable and would throw herself at your feet, tummy side up and wait to be pet. After lunch with the Wrights, we had dinner with the Almons. It was nice to see the whole fam, including my adorable little niece. Zoey is growing like a weed and is now smiling, which couldn't be cuter. I am so excited that Blair will have Zoey to grow up with... they are going to have so much fun together and will likely plot the take down of the family pets. Watch out Kingsley, Raleigh, Sam and Dex!!!

Today was spent relaxing and taking it easy (including taking a nap or two). I checked the hospital bag again, re-evaluated what I had already packed, and added some more stuff.

Tomorrow I have my 38 week appointment with Dr. Schmidt. Since the earliest Dr. Schmidt will induce is 39 weeks, unless I slip her a $100 (kidding), this should be my last appointment with her until I see her at the hospital. We are hoping to induce on the 28th, provided everything with Travis' work goes ok. Hopefully she will just come on her own this week!

37 Week Update!

Yay! We have made it to the 37 week mark, so Blair is considered "term" which means she can be born at anytime and be completely healthy!

Today we visited Dr. Schmidt for the 37 week checkup. After some contractions and feeling a little 'cramp-y' today, I was looking forward to seeing Dr. Schmidt. We received good news! I am dilated 1 cm (hey, I'll take it!) and Blair's head is "very low." Dr. Schmidt also says that my cervix is soft, so everything is progressing! Who knows - our little girl might be here sooner rather than later. I would sure love it if that were the case! Our hospital bag is packed and we are ready!

36 Week Update

Today we had our 36 week appointment and ultrasound. We found out that Blair has gained about 3/4 of a pound since our ultrasound last month... not quite what we were expecting. We thought she would be weighing close to 7lbs, not 5lbs, 12oz! Good news is that she hasn't gotten as big as we thought, but bad news (if you can call it that) is that we have no idea when Miss Blair will make her debut! Looks like we'll play the waiting game. If we decide to induce, the soonest Dr. Schmidt will induce will be 39 weeks. They are back to using her original due date of April 4th... so it's all a waiting game. I guess she is going to take after her Momma, and not the girls on the Benson side of the family like we thought. :)

Dr. Schmidt checked to see if I was dilated at all... nada. So we'll go back next Monday for our 37 week appointment.

There was something attractive at the thought of being able to schedule a C-section and being totally prepared... but I am happy in any way we can get Blair here. I know that the end of the pregnancy is nearing, so I try to keep that in mind as the level of discomfort increases. Sleeping is a bit of an ordeal, but luckily Travis rubs my back on a nightly basis. He is an amazing partner!!!

Last weekend Travis and I spent time finishing up the bathroom and Blair's room. We got Blair's glider put into her room (yay!) and have finished most of the decorating (minus a few pictures). We are very excited that in a few short weeks we'll actually have our baby!

Swollen ankles...? Check.

First, a very happy update! Granny made it out of the surgery and is recovering! :) We know that the rehab phase is going to be difficult, but we know that she's going to do great!

Now let the discomfort begin...

Swollen feet and ankles. Literally, it started today. To add to the 'fun,' Blair is really kicking hard. She seems to be aiming at my right lung (who needs it anyway?) and isn't letting up. It seems like she is definitely trying to kick her way out. I have her speakers on (now) to hopefully calm her down a little and to give me some reprieve.

Tuesday's appointment cannot come soon enough! I haven't gained anymore weight (still a total of 20 pounds since the start of the pregnancy), so I am very curious as to how much Blair is weighing. She has to have gained more weight, right? At least one of us better be. I'm eating every and anything, so I hope she is getting the benefits of the calories. :)

I am feeling very ready and prepared for Blair's arrival, but anxious in not knowing when we'll get to meet our little girl. I'm ready. Trav is ready. Our families and friends are ready. And by the way B has been kicking, I think she is ready too.

A Prayer Request

Yesterday, we found out that Travis' grandmother, Granny, fell on Monday and fractured her hip. Travis took off work today to drive to Tyler to see Granny and Grandad before Granny's surgery this afternoon. He was able to get to Tyler around 2pm and spend a few hours visiting and giving lots of hugs to Granny before her surgery at 5:30pm. As soon as she went into surgery, Travis headed home and should be here in the next couple of hours. It's been a long day for Trav, but he made a very important trip and I know that Granny loved seeing him!

Please, please, please say a prayer for Granny that not only surgery goes well, but that she has a speedy recovery. We love you Granny!