Five on Friday!

I would say Thank God it's Friday, but every day this week has been a great one! I am thankful for Friday though because Ryno will be home soon and we can enjoy the weekend together!

~ONE~
I am in love (read obsessed) with the photo session Ryan, Vann, and I had last night with Michele! I was praying, texting Mom and Ryan to pray, and trying not to stress out because all day the weather report was storms, heavy winds, and cloud to ground lightning beginning at 4! Thankfully, it held out for our entire session, and I really could not ask for more! Here's a special sneak peek!

~TWO~
Pumped doesn't even explain how excited I am about Father's Day! Ryan has an awesome gift coming his way. He thinks he already knows what it is, but I am thinking he will be surprised when he opens it up! He is going to be the best Daddy. Blessed I tell ya...I am blessed!

~THREE~

One more weekend until my brother and his sweet Alexis get married! The details of their wedding are precious! Mom and Alexis are crafting nightly to make it have a special touch. I loved taking their pictures a couple of weeks ago to document this time in their life!

~FOUR~

The past couple of weeks in church have been so applicable. The series is called Future Family (click the link and you can check it out). This Sunday, Andy and his wife, Sandra, are going to tell us all they know about being parents. I would say perfect timing for my and my hubby! Grateful doesn't even describe my heart for Athens Church and the work that goes into making it an acceptable, fresh, and positive environment that truly shows God's love and deepens our relationship with Him. 

~FIVE~

I don't know if you can tell from my posts on my blog, but I LOVE MY MAMA! Holy cow she is amazing. I showed her a pin of a maternity sash and she just made it...just. like. that. Whipped it up exactly as it was! I loved wearing it last night in our photos. It truly made them that much MORE special! 

Head on over and link up and share your Five on Friday! Happy weekend!

Lyla...you scared us!

On Saturday, Ryan was continuing to finish up the dock and I was reading after our Childbirth Preparation Class. It was an absolutely gorgeous day and of course flooded with the GA heat. Lyla loves the pond and entertains herself for hours on end. You'd think she would just relax after an hour or so, but she was made to swim. 

She was pouncing around the edge of the pond keeping us entertained and then got super quiet. I looked up and made the comment, "I have no idea how we keep finding ticks on Lyla" because she was crouched down low. When I called out her name and asked her why she was being silly, she popped her head up and peeked out of the tall grass at us. I didn't think much about it because she likes to "sneak up" on frogs or fish, so we figured that's what she was being dramatic over. 

Then, she cautiously walked over to an open part of the neighboring field and just stood there. She started acting like she was hacking up her lungs, and that's when I got scared. When I called she wouldn't respond, and we couldn't see her because she had completely laid down in the field. I got Ryan's attention and started towards her. Every time I called her name there was no response. When we got to her she looked pitiful. I held back the tears, but panic came through my voice and Ryan took over. He had her stand up and walk back to his 4 Runner. We loaded her up, and I called the vet's emergency line. He agreed to meet us in 15 minutes, so away we flew. 

Lyla's breathing was fast and she was sprawled across the back seat. If we talked to her she continued this behavior. When Ryan spoke to her, she'd look up with her puppy eyes. Ugh...dagger to the heart. Feeling helpless, I climbed in the backseat and wrapped her wet body up in a towel. We thought it could be a snake bite, but had no idea what the signs were for that. (Now we know!)

Of course we got caught behind every slow vehicle on the road, but arrived at the very same time as the vet. Lyla climbed out and was a bit out of it trying to figure out where she was, what to do, and who to follow. She made it in the office, had her temperature checked, got blood drawn, and sat on her towel. We could tell she felt a bit better the way she was sniffing around, so what was wrong with her? 

The doctor said her blood work was fine, temperature was a bit high, and came to the conclusion that she had Heat Exhaustion. Thank GOD! She didn't get to the point of having a stroke, but came as close as I ever want to see again. We paid the bill, got back in the car for the ride home, and were so relieved. She was going to be ok. I couldn't bare to lose her. She's our first baby and has to be around for Vann and teach him the ropes when he arrives like only a big sister can. 

So, no more hours on end at the pond when it's that hot! We all learned our lesson. After some TLC and a relaxing night, Sunday was a much better day.

Take care of your 4-legged friends this summer. It's a scorcher!

31 Week Bumpdate!

How Far Along: 31 weeks & 2 Days

 

Sleep: It's so much better this week! I have definitely gotten my money's worth out of the Boppy Total Body Pillow. I wake up when Ryan heads to work and feel so refreshed which is a nice change from before.
 

Best Moment This Week: Hmm! I loved our birthing class once again. It really has eased any fears that I had before. It feels nice to have done a lot of research, reading, and have it confirmed by an experienced teacher.

I loved Friday! I had an awesome morning with Carrie and got my hair done. I could seriously fall asleep in her chair. She is blessed with a gift. Then, I met Mom for lunch at Cream & Shuga. It has become one of my favorites. When I got home the Dossinator was really wanting to play golf, so I asked if he wanted some company in the golf cart. He was in, so I got to enjoy watching him play, spending time with each other, and catching a nice rain shower around hole 15. Dinner afterwards was great as well.

 

Saturday, after our class, Ryan was finishing up some more of the dock and I was reading in my chair enjoying the sun. Then, Lyla gave us a real scare...not talking about that in the "best moment this week" category, so it will be in another post.

 

I had fun last night with Gabby. We had some laughs and learned a lot about nursing our little babies. There were 17 moms and 5 of us didn't bring our spouse. Ryan said that's where he draws the line. Haha! I don't blame him. I can see why it would be super uncomfortable for the daddy's with all of the other women, holding baby dolls, and the lingo in general. I brought home info and stories and we feel great about Vann getting awesome nutrition that only I can provide! How cool are our bodies?
 

Food Cravings: Healthy, fresh, and cold! I can't do warm food right now...too hot! Salads and cut up fruit have been calling my name. I haven't been on a pickle kick like I was at the beginning, but the cucumber, tomato, and vinegarette summer salad has been awesome!
 

How’s Mama? Excellent! I am seriously enjoying pregnancy. It's such a different world that no one can possibly prepare you for. Vann's kicks are what I love. I can see his little body sliding and moving all around. Ryan heard our teacher say the fact about babies who listen to music and are spoken/sung to have a higher IQ. So, this week he asked me to play Mozart for Vann, but requested that it not be too loud. I love him. He is going to be the best daddy. Vann and I say our prayers when we are riding in the car and in the morning laying in bed. When I say his name he will move all around!

What I miss: I haven't really been missing anything until I went shopping for our maternity photo session and realized the stylish selection for pregnant mamas STINKS! I mean really. I walked into J Crew and got a bit sad when I saw all of the cute patterned shorts, tanks, and fun dresses. I am sure they wondered what an 8 month prego was doing in there! I turned around to walk out and the sweetest lady came in the store and exclaimed, "Oh, you are precious! When are you due?". She seriously made my day, y'all. We talked for a couple minutes and she shared that she had a 17 year old son and boys were amazing. Thank you God for your whispers to make me feel better right in J Crew!

What I am looking forward to: I am extremely, fabulously, amazingly excited about our maternity shoot tomorrow! I can't wait to see Michele and get our photos taken! Prayers that the weather is perfect!
 

Our Baby in Veggie/Fruit Terms:

This week Vann is compared to the size of a pineapple and is around 3 lbs. He is growing and is almost full length from what he'll be when he arrives!

He's going through major brain and nerve development. (that's why I have been taking awesome prenatals that help with his DHA level and brain development)

Eye development, too. His irises now react to light!

All five of his senses should be in working order.

Fun Facts:

• weight gain: yes. yes. yes. 24 lbs right now!
• stretch marks: as of now, no! As soon as I post this, I will find like 10. haha.
• mood: generally very happy. I have had a couple of tears this past week just from hormones when something doesn't go my way. I should really get over it.
• belly button: It's not in or out...it's sort of incognito ... flat.
• wedding rings: yep! I haven't had any swelling in my hands.

 

Your daddy said you were a genius this week when you started dancing to the music we were playing. I still think you are head down since I can feel your little feet near my ribs and your fingers/hands make a smaller movement lower in my tummy. I read you are more comfy that way. 9ish more weeks until we get to hold your tiny hands and watch you yawn (my favorite baby move) out here in the big world. Until then little Vann man keep growing big and strong so we can play and love on you soon!

 

 

 

30 weeks!

How Far Along: 30 weeks & 2 Days

Sleep:So, last post I shared that sleep was just uncomfortable...I found a solution! After I met with a new 24 Day Challenger on Thursday, I called Ryan to let him know I was going to Target and there may be a pricey purchase on the bank statement. He knew how bad my sleep had been and said ok! I am the good sleeper out of the both us...now nearly 8 months pregnant...I toss and turn, make weird noises, and often wake at 4 am for an hour or so. Target had just what I was looking for (don't they always...sometimes TOO much) and I scooped it right up. I was happy that a lady in front of me in the checkout line confirmed on how this contraption was a life-saver for her daughter. Needless to say, I am SOLD! It is a God-send for sure! Welcome to the bedroom Boppy Total Body Pillow. I have slept great since Thursday night . . . even if it does take up a LOT of space. Little Vann can kick all he wants!

Best Moment This Week: I would have to say we had a blast on Saturday at our Childbirth Preparation Class. There was a reason Ryan and I haven't had a single class together. He cracks me up. At one point I was holding back the biggest snort and hiding behind another classmate. It wasn't because of the graphic videos, body parts being talked about, or pictures...it was from a simple made-up word that kept being used. Ryan thought it would be cute to illustrate our book using the word and give one of the ladies in the book a nice barbwire tattoo. I lost it. We have one more class on Saturday and then I can reveal the word...never know who's reading this little ole blog!

Sunday, I edited pictures from the sessions I had the two weekends prior. Hannah had her sweet graduation party. Friday was Erin's birthday, so yesterday I took her to lunch and we shopped for a bit. I bought Ryan a Father's Day gift. I'm pretty sure he's going to LOVE it. We had a fun night of games with our small group.

Today, I went to the OB and had my two-week check up. Everything looked great and Vann's heartbeat was 148 bpm. He is seriously kicking all around and he's big enough now that I can just poke and feel him at any given moment. SO COOL! Then, I visited Danielle and Jase. He is so sweet with his little coos and Danielle is a born-to-be-mama! She looks phenomenal and always gives great advice! This afternoon, I caught up with Mal and got the most precious video of James Douglas pushing a toy while walking behind it. I can't wait to see them soon!

Food Cravings: Still on my healthy kick with fruits and veggies. This is normal for summer time. Ryan is a champ and has been cutting up squares of watermelon that are easy to grab in the fridge. I have been chopping up tomatoes and cucumbers and adding red wine vinegar, tiny bit of olive oil, oregano, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of sugar. It is something my Daddy does every summer, and I couldn't resist doing it this year. Try it!

How’s Mama? I feel like I am a sweaty mess. I mean, I walk outside and my face to my toes start glistening. I DO NOT like sweat unless I am doing some major workout. It's definitely something that I am not used to. The sweating along with trying to catch my breath in this humidity is another thing. I walked down to bring Ryan his lunch when he was painting more of the dock on Sunday and it was like I ran a 5k. This is totally par for the course, so I will deal with it and welcome it because it brings us closer to the day we meet lil Vann! 

What I am looking forward to: There are a couple more books that were recommended to me from a sweet mommy friend, and I can't wait until they arrive. I love learning about how to prepare for this little bundle and what to expect in labor and deliver. I am not sure if I have mentioned this before, but I am planning (I know...I must be flexible) to deliver all natural. My mom is definitely my inspiration as she did it with all three of us. I feel very good about it, and Ryan's 100% on board.

I have started nesting, so that definitely has me working at home more than normal. Today I just deep cleaned part of the house and tomorrow I plan on organizing the nursery before my next couple of showers hit. I am feeling very goal-oriented this summer and have lots to do before Vann man arrives. Will it be done? YES!

Our Baby in Veggie/Fruit Terms:

Vann can be compared to a cucumber or head of cabbage...confused? Me too. I guess one is the length 15-16 inches is a mighty long cucumber and the weight of a cabbage, about 2.5 lbs. All I know, is he stretches from the top of my stomach to the super-low bottom! His skin is getting smoother and brain is getting wrinklier. He's strong enough to make a good grip around a finger (if he were able)!

What a gift from God. So many people come up and just rub my belly in awe of the blessing and miracle you are. I love when I talk to you and you squirm around. Today, I took a nap and you curled up too. Normally when I rest it's night and you are a wild man, but during the day you like your sleep. Love you sweet boy.

28 + 29 Weeks...BUSY.

Time flies, doesn't it? It's already making me nervous because I know if it's zooming by now, it's really gonna fly when Vann is in our arms!

How Far Along: 29 weeks & 2 Days

Sleep: The last couple of nights were just uncomfortable. My bump has now gotten big enough that it pulls on me which puts pressure on my back and hips. I, thankfully, have been using my Boppy Wedge, but this weight is another issue.

Best Moment This Week: There are so many, so hang with me! 

My class and school threw sweet baby showers for Vann. He got some great gifts that will be so handy and helpful. We are so very blessed! Post on those soon! 

 

Wednesday was our last day of school with the kids. What an awesome class we had the privilege of teaching this year. After graduation, the kids enjoyed playing on the inflatable water slide, swimming in the pool from the fire dept, and enjoying food and friends. This was the day I experienced swollen feet. Gross! 

Thursday was my glucose test! I got my results back yesterday, and I passed with flying colors! My levels were all good, so now I can eat cupcakes the rest of my pregnancy...JUST KIDDING! 

 

I also got an awesome massage on Thursday. Thanks sis for my Christmas present. It was totally worth saving it until school was over. Sandy got all of those knots out and pressure in my lower back! 

Saturday was fun! I had been so nervous about having a wedding to photograph when I was over 7 months pregnant. I hadn't pushed myself to the 8 hours of shooting in a while. I drank some Rehydrate, Spark, kept plenty of water and snacks in my system. It was nice to come home and see that my feet weren't swollen! It was a gorgeous wedding with some great people who love the bride and groom. 

 

Sunday and Monday were days of relaxation (for me)!!  Ryan bought some Rustoleum Deck and Concrete Restore for the dock at the pond, so I layed out while he applied it. It's a big job, but that area needs it. It's going to look 100X better! Thanks to commercials on Hulu for introducing us to Rustoleum Restore. Sooo cool! He has also done a tremendous job, as always, on our yard! Way to go babe! 

 

We also enjoyed a photo shoot for Gabby and Daniel. Easton will be here soon! We had gorgeous weather on Sunday afternoon and ate a yummy supper afterwards! Thanks Gabby! 

Food Cravings: Watermelon and FRUIT! I have eaten so much watermelon, and I love that the price keeps going down. Keep 'em coming!

How’s Mama? Doing wonderful! Enjoying the time of summer break to get things ready for our new little man, spending time with Lyla, and helping family plan a wedding for my sweet brother and sis-in-law! I will be taking some engagement pics soon. The kicks and rolls that Vann does are amazing. Yesterday at his 3D Ultrasound he was a busy body giving us smiles, sucking his thumb, pressing back on the camera, and yawning. 

What a precious boy!

{Reading about what's gonna happen in 10 weeks and watching Vann move around

 - this may be my favorite shot ever.}

What I am looking forward to: I can't wait to have the nursery done. It's going to be here before we know it. Ryan and I will be going to Birthing Classes over the next two weekends. I have also started reading the Bradley books in preparation for D-Day! I am excited to do this with Ryan and allow him to coach me through.

Our Baby in Veggie/Fruit Terms:

*Baby already measures about 15.2 to 16.7 inches long. Right now, he weighs about 2.5 to 3.8 pounds but he's still got a ways to go!

Vann, you are a sweet boy that I love feeling kick around every day. We loved seeing your sweet smile and stretches yesterday. I think we know who you look like...handsome like Daddy!  Keep on growing in there and enjoy your time. We are all excited to hold your hands and hear your coos! Lyla can't wait for your arrival either! 

 

Loving like He does!

This song is beyond powerful to start out your day! I hope it blesses someone like it blessed me on the way to church yesterday. It's hard to go through life and love like Jesus does. His love is so full of mercy and forgiveness, but when we do big things can happen. Others see Him through us and we glorify God! 

My favorite lines are: 

Help us to remember we are all the least of these.

Let the memory of Your mercy bring your people to their knees.

Nobody knows what we're for only against when we judge the wounded.

What if we put down our signs crossed over the lines and loved like You did?

Oh Jesus friend of sinners,

Open our eyes to world at the end of our pointing fingers.

Let our hearts be led by mercy.

Help us reach with open hearts and open doors.

Oh Jesus friend of sinners, break our hearts for what breaks yours.

Check out the video here: http://youtu.be/rJXIugwiN7Q

Happy Monday! 

27 weeks and 3 days!

How Far Along: 27 weeks & 3 Days

Sleep: Yes, please. I want to sleep all of the time. Want is the key word here...I haven't gotten nearly the amount that I want! I feel SUPER tired this week. This is somewhat normal for the last week of school. 

Best Moment This Week:
Mother's Day gave me a sweet glimpse into what Mom does and how much she cares for our family. We were blessed to spend time together, and the impact of the role of a mom was so clear to me during the day. It's a gift and a celebration of all that moms mean. I'm so grateful that God has given me my mom. She is beautiful inside and out!

Jase (Danielle's son) arrived! He is stinkin' precious!! I am so proud of Danielle! 

Leadercast was awesome! I enjoyed every minute of it, from the free biscuit in the parking lot to Andy Stanley signing our book we are reading for small group. I will be back next year. 

Food Cravings: Nothing crazy. Thank God! I had my Chick-Fil-A fix on Friday at Leadercast. I am so happy that grilled chicken sits well with me now. I wasn't quite sure how I was going to survive. I am loving Chick-Fil-A's new salads. You have to try one! 

Lyla turned three on Sunday!

Mother's Day was the best. I loved spending it with my family and Ryan's family!!

How’s Mama? This week has been non-stop! It's flying by, and I need more time with my class at school. It makes me sad when I think about them leaving for the middle school. Time has flown by. 

Tuesday of last week was a stressful one...students who misbehave aren't always easy to deal with and it disappoints me beyond belief if they are disrespectful. Well...needless to say, the stress gave my body a reason to react. Enter Braxton Hicks. Those things are no joke. When I was stressed, my belly hardened and it was difficult to relax because of my anxiety. Then, Vann felt like he was doing the Jitter Bug. Holy cow... enough to put me over the edge. I called the nurse at my OB's and shared with her what was happening. I figured it was Braxton Hicks, but this being my first time...it's better to be safe! I explained Vann's movement felt like a seizure. Dr. Lake walked in and said, "so...your baby had a seizure..." and I explained I had read on the internet (bless his heart...wonder how many times that's been said) that babies in the womb don't have seizures. He gave me a medical term for that jolty movement, and let me know that it was ok. I checked out just fine. My weight, belly measurement, and Vann's heartbeat were great! THANK YOU LORD! 

What I am looking forward to: Summer! It's nearly here! What an awesome time to prepare for little Vann Hudson. There are also some great weddings this weekend and next for some super special friends! 

Our Baby in Veggie/Fruit Terms: Vann is GROWING and MOVING! He is a monkey. I love seeing and feeling him. I am constantly telling Ryan to look...then he'll stop kicking of course. He's the size of a rutabaga. 

• He's practicing inhaling and exhaling with his rapidly developing lungs.
• It's official: Baby's showing brain activity! And his brain will keep on getting more complex.

Vann Hudson, you are such a gift! You're our purpose and our drive! We don't have much more time until everyone will be giving you tons of love, hugs, and kisses!