Gender ultrasound

We couldn't wait to find out if a baby boy or girl will be joining the family in January.  Our gender determination ultrasound was finally here.  The baby was awake and moving around but pretty happy in this position.  The ultrasound tech was able to get a few shots, but she couldn't get us that full on money shot of the private areas.  We got a few quick glimpses over 45 minutes.  After trying tons of poking and wiggling, she was 80% sure it was a boy. We were expecting to hear it was a boy, so we weren't shocked.  We both just had this little thought that it would be a girl this time. She set up an appointment for the following Thursday to confirm.

We are having a boy!

We had a 3D ultrasound this evening to find out the baby's gender, and we are having a boy! It was a wonderful experience, and we couldn't ask for better news. The baby didn't want to cooperate at first, so he wouldn't move to another position to give us a look. The ultrasound tech started lightly pushing on my stomach to move the baby. Ryland was standing on the stool right beside me, so he started poking my stomach also. It was his first few whacks to baby brother to show him who is the boss. It worked. The baby repositioned, so we could clearly see a penis. John Chris and I expected a boy and are excited about our growing sports team.

Visit to the pediatrician

Ryland made a visit to Dr. McCoy for his little boy procedure. Since he was in the NICU, he was unable to have it done at the hospital. Everything went well, but I was so sad when the doctor brought him back to me. I could tell he had been crying and screaming because his face was blood red and his eyes were swollen. It broke my heart to see him upset. I felt like it hurt me worse than it hurt him.

Ryland is released from NICU

Ryland is going home! After his bath, he was decked out in his going home outfit. He wore a special gown that was worn by his daddy as a baby. John Chris and I are beside ourselves with overwhelming joy and excitement.
The nurses in the NICU were amazing! They were full of helpful information and knowledge. They were a great source for John Chris and I, and they spent time showing us how to care for Ryland. Before he came home, he got a bath. He was not very excited or happy, but he his so darn cute.

So fresh and so clean, clean!

Final appointment???

John Chris and I went to the doctor today for the final ultrasound and a check up. The ultrasound looked great, and the baby has really put on some weight. He is estimated to weigh around 8lbs. The doctor is very concerned about my blood pressure getting higher. On this visit, my blood pressure has reached 140/100!!!
She told us she would like to go ahead and induce for the baby's safety and mine as well. She told us we would be having a baby tomorrow. What?!? We are not fully prepared, but I guess we will be having a baby. Oh my gosh!

Texas baby shower

What a great side shot! I was looking for a pen, and my mom snapped this picture. It is one of the few side shots I have while pregnant. My belly is so huge.
Emily, Liz, and myself before the shower.

Me and my mom. Next time I see her I will be a mom and she will be a grandmother. Crazy!

The cake was from Society Bakery in Dallas. It was delicious red velvet! Thanks to Valerie for the cake. Mmmmmmm. The punch was Chanda's recipe, and it was the best.

I don't know what we were grinning about, but it must have been funny. I am opening gifts, and Chanda is being the best hostess making notes. I had a great group of people at this shower. I felt so very blessed to have such great neighbors and friends.

Furniture is here!

The crib and dresser arrived today, and we were so excited to get it in the nursery. It only took 17 weeks! John Chris and I really enjoyed putting the crib together and unpacking the dresser. We are very happy with the finish and overall size. The rocker/glider chair and ottoman still haven't arrived, so we are using a chair from the office for the time being. The letters are striped and polka dotted, and they look great with the bedding.
We put all of Ryland's clothes, socks, blankets, diapers, and other necessities in the drawers. The changing pad is now attached to the dresser, and the cover is so very soft. One of my favorite things in the nursery is the airplane picture. It is dramatic, and the colors are perfect.

This shot is from the nursery door. We can't wait to bring our little man home. We sit in his room at night and talk about our family's future. It is nice to dream and try to vision what our lives will soon be like. The nursery feels cozy and inviting. We love it!

Great news about the furniture

We were told by the manufacturer that our furniture has shipped! Hooray! The trucking company says it will be delivered on Tuesday or Wednesday of next week. It is the crib and dresser, and they will make such a huge difference in the nursery. We will be able to put his clothes in the dresser drawers, and we will be able to put out all of his crib bedding. We are thrilled beyond words with this good news.

We purchased the curtain rod, hooks, new drawer hardware, baskets, and a lamp. We are ready to put this nursery together. I have charged the video camera battery, and I am ready to capture the moment.

The lonely nightstand

Yes, this is the only piece of furniture in the nursery! So sad, but so exciting. Since we have been unsuccessful in getting our other furniture, I can not begin to describe what an exciting moment this was. I picked up the nightstand and the letters today, and I could hardly wait to get them in the nursery.

Furniture drama

The nursery furniture ordeal is absolutely ridiculous. John Chris and I were so excited about all of the furniture we had selected and ordered. Even though we ordered everything months in advance, we still have not received anything. I would not recommend Ooh Baby at Stacy's to anyone! We have been getting the run a round for months now. After many calls to the owner and her not calling us back, we contacted the manufacturers directly.

Come to find out, the crib and dresser that we ordered back in October were not actually ordered with the manufacturer until the second week in January. We were told by the store that they had shipped, but that was not the case. We are now checking with the manufacturer every other day to get the shipping updates.

The chair and ottoman that were ordered back in December are not even in production. The store tells us that they have shipped, but the manufacturer says that they have not even been made yet. What is even better is that the chair and ottoman will not be made because the store has not paid their bill. NICE!

We had hoped that everything would be in by now, so we could finish the nursery and have some special moments putting it all together. We were hoping to spend time talking and dreaming about what it will be like when we bring him home in his nursery. We still do spend time in his nursery talking, but it is very disappointing. We hope we have furniture by the time he arrives. Cross your fingers.

Doctor appointment

My appointment went well today, but I was unable to see my normal doctor. She is now off duty to have her own babies. I met with the nurse practitioner, and everything looks great. My blood pressure was back down, and the swelling in my ankles and feet has reduced. Our little man had a strong and steady heart rate of 155 bpm. It is a little higher than normal for him, but I was assured it was OK. I will start seeing my new doctor on my next visit. I have heard wonderful things about her, and she was highly recommended by my doctor and friends.

Baby shower

John Chris and I headed to Louisiana for our couple's baby shower. We had such a great time visiting with family and friends. So many of the guests have known John Chris for most of his life, and it was cute to talk about old times and old stories. Our guests were very thoughtful and kind. We received so many nice gifts for our little man. We are very appreciative! Emily made an adorable diaper cake. She attached the cutest little bear and lots of Burt's Bees baby goodies. The Burt's Bees smells so good.
Emily and Liz were awesome hostesses. Pictured here wearing one of their hostess gifts. Thank you very much. Everything was delicious - the cakes, sandwiches, and fruit.

JLD expectant moms

I had a great time sharing stories and laughing with the girls tonight at the expectant moms' group get together. Katie was a gracious hostess, and she made the most delicious dip. Yummy! It is crazy to think that we are getting so close to our due dates now. Most of the group is due from March 15 to the end of May. Our group might be short a mom or two next month with soon arriving little ones.
We have now started talking about play group meetings. Even though it will be a while before our little ones can "play", it will be a great excuse for the moms to meet up and visit. I better teach my little man to play nice, because he is one of only two boys that is expected for the group. He will have so many girlfriends!

Doctor's appointment

I went to the doctor today for my check up, and everything looks great. I have gained 2 pounds since my last visit; the baby's heart rate was 135 bpm; and my belly bump is measuring 29 cm. My doctor went on and on about how perfectly textbook this pregnancy has been. I am hoping and praying that it remains this easy.

Childbirth class

John Chris & I started our childbirth classes tonight. The classes go for 6 weeks at the hospital where we plan to deliver Baby Allison. The class has about 10 couples that are expecting their first baby within the next 2 - 4 months. Our first class included group introductions and a few general things to expect in pregnancy and labor. We watched a funny skit by Bill Cosby from back in the day. It was hilarious! We look forward to learning more and getting prepared for our new family member. Stay tuned....

Third trimester!

I can't believe we have made it this far along already. I went to the doctor this week and everything is progressing right on schedule. I am now entering my third and final trimester. I can't stop thinking about how quick it has gone by, and how we will soon have a precious little boy. It is starting to hit me that I am not prepared, and I sometimes get a little panic attitude. The furniture is not here, the nursery isn't painted, we haven't packed for the hospital, we haven't decided on a name, and on and on. John Chris is really great about stopping my worries and reminding me that everything will come together.

We are so very fortunate that we have not had any health issues or problems come up along the way. We are excited to meet Baby Allison!

It's a boy!

We just found out that we are having a baby boy. We are both very happy and excited. John Chris has already made hunting and fishing plans with his "little buddy". I guess this officially means I will be a soccer, football, or baseball mom. (I will not drive a mini-van.)

We had a 4 D ultrasound done, and it was so amazing. We have lots of pictures and a DVD of him moving around. We were blown away to see him. He still looks like a little alien, but he is a handsome little alien.