Peyton's Arrival

As you're probably well aware, Peyton James joined this world on March 27th at 4:38am.  Our world has been magically changed ever since that special day and we couldn't be enjoying it more!
Needless to say, life is definitely a little busier and finding time to blog is rare.  :)  I've been trying to finish this single post for the past week during his nap breaks.  Since he's now SLEPPING THROUGH THE NIGHT (Yay!!), he's taking less naps during the day, but I'll definitely take the trade off!  =)
Looking back at these pictures I'm about to share, I must admit I have a few tears in my eyes.  ;)  It's incredible how fast time flies with this little man.  It seems like all this happened just yesterday and he's already 7 weeks!!  Yikes!  Brad and I are both doing are best to enjoy every little moment as we know time is not going to slow down.
So onto the fun!  Here's a picture of me right before we started to push.  I was SO ready to get him out by this point!  I had been in labor for about 12 hours by the time I started pushing.  It definitely could have been worse, but I was ready!

After 2 hours of pushing, our 9 pound 9 ounce, 21.5 inch bundle of joy finally decided to come out and join us!  =)

 

Like all new moms say, all the pain, discomfort and waiting I went through was 100% worth it once I had Peyton in my arms.  It was definitely love at first sight and hard to capture in words the feeling exactly.  Here are a few other pictures from the first couple of days in the hospital:

 

Very first cuddle time right after birth  :)

Proud daddy  ;)

Precious baby boy ;)

Check out his precious face and hands.  :)

Snoozing on mommy

First family photo:

A close up of the little guy in his owl hat  ;)

Nap time for daddy and baby :)

Morning chat with daddy  :)

Bright-eyed precious boy ;)

 I just love this one...looks like he has a little smile.  :)



We also took a few short videos.  Here is one Brad took right after Peyton was born as he was getting cleaned up.  I'm having technical difficulties getting the video to appear within this post so you'll need to click this link to view it: Peyton's Arrival

 

Here is another video of the little guy's first bath in the hospital: Peyton's First Bath 

 

I have pictures and updates on our first 7 weeks at home, but I'm out of time for now.  I will share more updates soon.  To close, here are a few pictures of us leaving the hospital and heading home to start our new life as a family of three.  :)



 All dressed and ready to go!

 First trip in the car seat. 

 Snug and cozy as can be.  :)



 

Much love and big hugs to all!!

XOXO













38 Weeks



How far along? 38 weeks

This week's highlights:  Fetal development is nearly complete as baby tends to a few last-minute details like shedding the skin-protecting vernix and lanugo. He's also producing more surfactant, a substance that prevents the air sacs in his lungs from sticking to one another once he starts to breathe. Most of the changes this week are small but important: He’s continuing to add fat and fine-tuning his brain and nervous system (so he can deal with all the stimulation that awaits him once he makes his entrance into the world).

Stretch marks? Nope! :)

Best moment this week:  Knowing that we're going to be meeting our sweet Peyton in 2 weeks or less (hopefully!) 

Miss Anything?  While this 9+ month journey has been incredible, I'm ready to be back to my normal self again.

Food cravings:  Nothing too crazy.  We're pulling out all the stops with eggplant parmesean and spicy hot wings...so far nothing though.  :)

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope.

Happy or Moody most of the time:  Happy most of the time.  Only one small emotional breakdown this week...these final few weeks are quite a mind game.  Ready to have our little guy out and settle into our new, exciting life together as a family of 3.

Looking forward to:  Meeting Peyton!!!  Can't seem to come soon enough!  :)

37 Weeks



How far along?  37 weeks!!!  Full term!!!  =)

This week's highlights:  Baby is now full term!!  While I'm still 3 weeks from my due date, if he happened to be born earlier it would be ok.  The final 3 weeks provide time for final growth and development, which I'm all for...  I'm also not wishing to give birth to a 10+ pound baby so if he came early that would be fine by me.  Especially considering he's estimated to be around 8-8.5 pounds already!

Stretch marks?  Nope!  :)

Best moment this week:  Feeling the little guy move and picturing him joining us on the outside.  His movements, by the way, are getting quite strong.  There have been a few times when I seriously thought he was going to kick right through my tummy.  Might have a little athlete on our hands.  :)

Miss Anything?  Being comfortable.  Everything they say about the final few weeks is spot on...pretty impossible to get comfortable.  Ready to have this watermelon out of my tummy.
Movement:  All the time!  Quite an active little guy.  ;)

Food cravings:   Blueberry has been the name of the game this week.  Let's see...I came home from the grocery store with Kashi blueberry waffles, blueberry cereal, blueberry bagels, and of course some fresh blueberries.  =)  And Girl Scout cookies...pretty sure that's not just a pregnancy craving though.  ;)

Anything making you queasy or sick:  Nope.

Happy or Moody most of the time:  I would say mostly happy and excited anticipating our sweet little guys pending arrival.  :)

Looking forward to:  Meeting Peyton!!  Holding him, kissing him, loving him.  It's all becoming very real as it could be ANY day now!!!  =)  CANNOT WAIT!!!

36 Weeks

Let the countdown begin!!  23 days and counting!!!  =)  This has been quite an exciting and fun journey, but I'm ready to meet out little guy!!

 

Quick update from my latest doctor appointment this past Friday:  Doc is predicting Peyton weighs around 8 pounds already!  Knowing that my mom had to have a c-section, the doctor is hoping Peyton comes within the next WEEK OR TWO!!!  This is all because we know he's not going to get any smaller as the weeks go by.  Here's to hoping the little guy cooperates with the plan.  =)  This Thursday will be 37 weeks, which is FULL TERM!!  After that I say bring it on!!  It's all up to God's perfect timing at this point and when he wants to bring this angel into our world.  CANNOT WAIT!!



How far along?  36 weeks

This week's highlights:  Not much new going on this week.  Everything is pretty much in place and ready, aside from the digestion system which will continue to develop over the coming months as typical with all babies.  He's supposedly still gaining about a 1/2 pound a week and preparing for birth (resting more, moving lower in my tummy, etc.).

Stretch marks? Still none! Thank goodness!

Best moment this week:  Getting another great doctor report and finding out I may meet our sweet little man sooner than expected!!!

Miss Anything?  Normal clothes - can't wait to get back to my norm again.  Sushi.  Wine.  Turkey sub from Publix.  
Movement: All the time!

Food cravings:   Girl Scout cookies (samoas and thin mints) and asian salad from Panera.  I had the salad 3 times this week!  I think that moves it to the 'craving' category.  I suppose craving a salad balances out the Girl Scout cookies?  =)

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope :)

Belly Button in or out? I would definitely say out now. That sucker better pop back in as soon as this is over!
Happy or Moody most of the time:  So happy!  Pretty much everything is set and in place.  We finished up our baby classes.  Now, we just sit, wait, and enjoy our last few days/weeks as a family of two before sweet Peyton joins us.  =)   

Looking forward to:  Meeting Peyton!  It's so close and could be even sooner possibly!  The excitement and anticipation really hit Brad and I this weekend when we both realized we're really ready now.  Everything is done, hospital bags are packed, etc.  We absolutely cannot wait!!



35 Weeks

I first want to say a very HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY to all!  Mine is off to a great start thanks to a super sweet hubby.  He surprised me with two dozen GORGEOUS peach roses and a delicious heart-shaped sugar cookie from my new favorite bakery last night.  Then I woke up to a delicious breakfast in bed this morning...scrambled eggs, turkey bacon, and half of a frosted donut with Valentine sprinkles/half a blueberry muffin from the same fabulous bakery.  He knows the way to his 8 month pregnant wife's heart this Valentine's Day.  :)  I think Peyton's also loving daddy's breakfast as well as he's doing some crazy kicks and shakes in my belly this morning.  :)

How far along? 35 weeks

This week's highlights:  Peyton's real estate is getting much tighter as he's continuing to grow.  His kidneys are now fully developed, and his liver can process some waste products.  Most of his physical development is now complete.  He'll basically spend the next few weeks putting on weight...hopefully not TOO much.  ;)

Stretch marks?  Still none!  Thank goodness! 

Best moment this week:  I would still have to say feeling his movements and baby hiccups.  They can be inconvenient when they happen in the middle of the night, but I know I'll miss them when he's out. 

Miss Anything?  Being my normal size...getting really tired of feeling blown up like a balloon. 
Movement: All the time!

Food cravings: Nothing to note this week.  Although all the sweets that come with Valentine's day are pretty nice.  ;)

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope :)

Belly Button in or out?  I would definitely say out now.  That sucker better pop back in as soon as this is over!   
Happy or Moody most of the time:  Happy!  Most of the 'baby to do list' is complete, which makes me feel much more at ease and happy.  :)  Bring on baby!   

Looking forward to: Hearing that that sweet heart beat this afternoon at our appointment.  We also might get more details on his current size.

Hope you have a fabulous Valentine's Day full of love and sweet surprises!  :)

34 Weeks

Another week closer.  :)  I'm definitely feeling so ready!  While Brad and I are enjoying these final weeks as a family of two, we're ready for our little guy to be out of my belly and here with us.

In addition to the weekly update, I have included some updates from the nursery as well.  I am obsessed with his nursery.  Hopefully he'll feel right at home.  ;)



How far along? 34 weeks

This week's highlights:  So apparently, if baby boy was born this week, he would have about the same chance of survival as a full term baby.  However, we're quite keen to keep him in the oven to roast a bit longer.  ;)  Peyton is preparing to join the world by practicing breathing with the amniotic fluid, and sucking his fingers...thus, all the hiccups.  :)  They're so cute to feel...except for when they occur at 3am.  ;)  Except for the lungs, Peyton's organs are now fully developed!  He's growing and getting stronger everyday and I can confirm that by his movements.  It's obvious the real estate is getting tight in there.  :) 

Stretch marks? None! Using that cocoa butter like crazy to keep them away! ;)

Best moment this week: Feeling his crazy movements and cute hiccups (daily).  Still my favorite.  :)

Miss Anything? Sleeping comfortably...both sides are still hurting.  Add a sore back to this week's list.  Can't wait to sleep comfortably again.
Movement:  All the time!

Food cravings:   Nothing to note this week.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope :)

Belly Button in or out?  Still more out than in.
Wedding rings on or off? Real one off, fake one on.
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy most of the time. A few mood swings simply due to stress. Luckily few and far between for the most part.

Looking forward to:  Hearing that that sweet heart beat at our next appointment on Valentine's day.  :)

 

Now for some nursery updates.  As promised, I wanted to include some pictures of the new shelf and picture we've added.  The nursery is really finished for the most part, which is a great feeling!  All that's missing is a sweet little baby boy.  :)

 

Here's the new shelf.  It's from IKEA.  I love, love, love the way it both hides miscellaneous items in the baskets and creates cute shadowbox frames.  

These adorable animals are on top of the shelf for now, since we can't put anything in his crib except a fitted sheet.  I have a good feeling Peyton is going to love these little friends someday soon.  :)

You can tell we're going with a bit of an owl theme.  :)  Here's an adorable picture my mom (''Mimi") recently found.  I have to give her the credit.  It's perfect!

It looks pretty darn cute over the dresser/changing table. :)

 

This is one of my favorite parts of the nursery and an area where I think we'll spend a lot of bonding time with little Peyton.  :)

And finally, one view of everything put together (minus the shelf - couldn't fit everything in the view of the camera lense)...

 

Hope everyone has a wonderful week and HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!! 

 



31 - 33 Weeks

Well I can confidently say that time flies when you're growing a baby!  Yikes!  It's been a busy few weeks and this blog has gotten away from me a bit.  I promise I'll do my best to keep up in the final weeks leading up to 'D Day'.  :)

So everything is still moving along just as planned so far.  Peyton is growing healthy and strong.  What more can we ask for?  It's very evident in the most recent pictures.  :)  Here's one from a few weeks ago at week 31:

And here's last Thursday at 33 weeks:

At our 33 week check-up on Friday, the doctor had rave reviews for the little guy's growth which makes his momma quite proud.  :)  Now that we're down to the final weeks I'm working on tying up all loose ends.  Here are a few things on my 'to do' list just to give you an idea:  get car seat installed (apparently you have to have a professional do it these days), select pediatrician, pack bag for hospital (yikes!  can't believe we're to this point already!).  And then, of course, there are some of the most essential items on the list:  get hair done and schedule pre-natal massage.  After the past 8 months, I'm not going to feel the least bit bad about pampering myself a bit.  ;)

 

Brad and I are REALLY getting excited about meeting our little man.  One of our favorite parts of the day include watching Peyton do gymnastics in my tummy while we're watching TV after dinner.  It's surreal seeing that little body move my belly from side to side and realizing that's our baby in there!  And it won't be long until he's here with us!

 

We've made a few cute additions to the nursery.  Unfortunately, I don't have pictures for this post, but I'll work on getting them for the next one.

 

About a week ago, we also had some professional maternity photos taken.  I originally didn't think we'd do that, but thanks to a $25 Living Social deal it was too hard to pass up.  Here's a little preview:

 

I must say that I'm pretty excited with how they turned out.  I'll print a few to put in a frame in Peyton's room.  I think they're a nice keepsake to have and reflect back on someday.  :)

 

And finally, here are the weekly updates.  Again, I promise to do my best to stay on top of the exciting changes ahead in the comingn weeks by updating the blog.  :)

 

How far along? 33 weeks

This week's highlights:  Based on the ultrasound we had on Friday, Peyton is approximately 6.5 pounds!  The 'average' baby weighs around 4 pounds at this stage.  Just to give you a point of reference.  ;)  Antibodies are being passed from me to Peyton as he continues to develop his own immune system.

Stretch marks? None!  Using that cocoa butter like crazy to keep them away! ;) 

Best moment this week:  Feeling his crazy movements and cute hiccups (daily).  And, of course, hearing the doctors great feedback on his growth and development.

Miss Anything?  Sleeping comfortably...both sides are now hurting.  Can't wait to sleep on my back again.
Movement:  All. The. Time.!!!!

Food cravings:   Nothing crazy.  I get full so fast and food is digesting SOOO slow these days.  Heartburn is kicking in as well.  I think this is the stage of pregnancy everyone talks about where things start to get really fun and interesting.  :)

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope :)

Belly Button in or out?  It's definitely more out than in.  Pretty sure Peyton is sitting in there poking a little bit out each day and laughing because he know's it's freaking his mom out. ;)
Wedding rings on or off? Real one off, fake one on.
Happy or Moody most of the time:  Happy most of the time. A few mood swings simply due to stress.  Luckily that's few and far between for the most part. 

Looking forward to:  Meeting our sweet boy!  It can't come soon enough!  :)



 





30 Weeks

How far along? 30 weeks

This week's highlights:  I've merged weeks 29 and 30 into one, so here are some updates from the past two weeks...Peyton is packing on the pounds and now weighs over 3 pounds.  He's getting pretty close to his birth length, but will continue packing on pounds in the coming weeks.  Scary to think that he'll come close to doubling or tripling (according to the doctor) his weight in the next few weeks!  Peyton's brain is growing daily...funny, I feel mine is shrinking with this crazy "pregnancy brain".  :) 

Stretch marks? None yet! Using that cocoa butter like crazy to keep them away! ;)

Best moment this week:  Feeling our little guy move...there's nothing like it.  I know it's something I'll probably miss once I have him.

Miss Anything?  Really starting to miss some simple things that easily get taken for granted...sleeping on my back, sitting/laying comfortably on the couch, being able to do basic stuff without getting out of breath so easily.  While I wouldn't trade this experience for anything...I am ready to have the old me back.  :)
Movement:  He's quite active!  Especially after meals, at night, and in the morning.

Food cravings:   The dairy cravings I had 1st trimester are back in full swing!  Wendy's Frosty, Menchie's, even just plain old chocolate milk.  Can't seem to get enough!

Anything making you queasy or sick:  Nope  :)

Belly Button in or out?  It's flat and part of it's starting to pop out.  Ah!  I don't know if I'm ready for this!  :/
Wedding rings on or off? Real one off, fake one on.
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy! :)

Looking forward to:  Another doctor appointment on Thursday.  I always LOVE hearing Peyton's heart and getting a positive report from the doctor.  :)

27 and 28 weeks and Nursery Update

Happy New Year everyone!  I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and fabulous New Years celebration!  It's been quite an enjoyable time around here...and busy to say the least!  Thus the reason I'm just getting caught up on the past two weeks!  :)  No doubt 2013 is going to be quite an exciting year for us.  We are SOOOO beyond excited to meet little Peyton.  78 days and counting today!  Here are some updates as well as a 'Nursery Special'.  Enjoy!



 

How far along? 28 weeks

This week's highlights:  Since we have a little catching up to do due to the holidays...in the past two weeks, Peyton has grown to an estimated 2.5 pounds and 16 (or so) inches.  We have a doc appointment this Thursday where we'll hopefully find out more exact measurements.  He's settling into the proper position for birth, with his head facing down (hopefully...again, should know more on Thursday).  He's also now blinking his little eyes.  His sleep also now includes the REM phase...some sources say he could even be dreaming!  How crazy!?  :)

Stretch marks?  None yet!  Using that cocoa butter like crazy to keep them away!  ;)

Best moment this week:  Feeling the little guy wiggle and shake!  :)

Miss Anything?  Well, not to state the obvious...but it's been odd not having wine over the holidays.  Sparkling apple juice isn't quite the same as champagne.  ;)
Movement:  The little flutters are turning into stronger kicks at times.  I think Peyton's starting to put some muscle on his bones!

Food cravings:   Nothing crazy lately...just enjoying all the delicious foods of the holidays!  Especially the sweets! :)

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope

Belly Button in or out?  Flat...still very flat.  :/  I have a feeling it's going to get worse before it gets better.
Wedding rings on or off? Real one off, fake one on. 
Happy or Moody most of the time:  Happy!  :)

Looking forward to:  Meeting Petyon!!  Now that the holidays are over, I feel like having Peyton is 'the next big thing' and it's all I'm thinking about (hence how quickly the nursery got put together this week).  I just can't wait to meet him!!  :)

 

As promised, I want to share a few pictures of the nursery.  Brad was such a great help with this project.  He's going to be such a great daddy.  ;)  I think he probably would have preferred we just purchase a dresser that's ready to go, but he supported my desire to do a DIY project.  Here are some highlights:

 

This is the 'before' of the dresser:

We took out the drawers and found a pretty aqua color to match the crib skirt.

 Starting with the paint...

 This was the hardware that came on the dresser:

 And this was the hardware I found at Anthropologie:

 Starting to apply the paint:

 Fast forward a few hours, and here's the final product:

 I'm pretty obsessed with how it turned out.  :)

 Here are a few pieces I found for the shelf above the dresser.  The lantern matched perfectly (Ikea) and I thought the owl was just too cute (West Elm).

 Peyton is just going to love this cuddly friend given to him on Christmas from his sweet cousin Kellen.  :)

 Here's a close-up of the crib and bed skirt.  I ordered the bed skirt from Etsy and I'm super pleased with how it turned out.  It was the first thing I purchased for the nursery and it really set the stage for everything else we did in his room.

 Aunt Kelli made this sweet painting for Petyon's room.  I just love it!  :)

 And last, but not least, here are some of Peyton's soon-to-be friends excitedly awaiting his arrival.  :)