Happenings

oh the drama...

this week has been CRAZY and I'm so ready for the weekend. We have plans to spend a LOT of time in the nursery. I'm so ready for it to be done. We just got all of the fabric yesterday and the lady that is making the bumper pads and crib skirt is coming by this weekend to get measurements and start creating! I am so excited! I've been an etsy addict and have to keep my finger away from the add to cart button. I am looking for baskets and artwork to finish the room. I want to create something ourselves but fear we are running out of time. I'd like to hang some artwork over the crib but am not sure which way to go. I know it's not everyone's cup of tea but I really love sayings and letters. I'm also thinking a cool collection of wall clocks but not sure that I have enough time to curate that. I'm craving a day spent antique hunting for cool nursery accessories. 

I'm feeling more and more pregnant and had my first wake up to tinkle last night. I was so confused when I looked at the clock and realized it was 3am. I went to bed at 9:30 and felt completely rested when I woke up. I really needed some catch up on sleep. It can't believe that baby will be here in 6 weeks omg. I'm working on scheduling newborn pictures and just ordered some outfits for the family to wear. We haven't had professional pics made since September and it's time to capture these crazy toddlers with their sweet little brother. I'm having internal debates over what to spend on newborn pictures. I want quality photos and all of the digital negatives but don't want to spend what we did on the twins. I found an amazing photographer (she is shooting my sister's wedding) but unfortunately, she isn't taking new lifestyle clients right now. Any suggestions for a natural-light photographer in Charlotte?

I guess I can officially declare that I decided to give up "highly" processed foods for lent. I originally was going to give up all processed foods but mama ain't got time for that right now :) I'm basically giving up fast food and sweets that I didn't make myself. People have accused me of using lent as a kick off to a diet but really it is amazing how many times I reach for a piece of candy or other processed treat and I think about why I can't have it. Each time I think about Jesus and the sacrifice he made. So far (only day 2) I like how this is working out for me. I'm also planning to try a Sunday School class. Attending church is great but I'm really feeling a need to get plugged in with our church and not be just another body in the pew. 

I've been tutoring a LOT after school and it's wearing on me. I miss seeing my babies and keep them up a little later just for some quality time. I have sweet students that have requested tutoring and it's hard to say no (and the money doesn't suck either). I feel like we're going balls to the wall knowing that come April 18th we will have a MAJOR slow down (I know most people are thinking that a newborn will not slow our lives down but I'm pumped to be at home everyday and hanging out with my babies... not being at work will majorly slow our lives down) and I am so excited for it!

Jay and I are trying to plan a staycation babymoon for sometime within the next 4 weeks. We have dreams of sleeping in the heavenly bed at the Westin and going to a nice dinner uptown. I'm trying to decide if a night uptown, or a weekend at the Ballantyne Spa would be a better bet. Anyone been to the spa for an overnight? Any suggestions of other great Charlotte staycation ideas? My main goal is to eat great food, relax, and spend some quality time with Jay.

Good News!

On Friday afternoon, we saw a maternal fetal specialist to learn more about Shep's kidney. Our ultrasound lasted around an hour (which seemed so long for just one baby). First of all we were so shocked when she told us that Shep was head down. I guess he can still move around in there! With Shep in that position, she was able to have a really clear view of the kidney. The tech was easily able to find blood flow to the kidney and that made us feel so much better. The tech was so sweet to turn on the 3D and take a few "just for fun" pictures of our baby for us! I can't wait to share!

The doctor came in next and did a little ultrasound of his own. He did confirm that Shep has a *mild* (yay!) case of hydronephrosis. He explained that there is probably a blockage in his kidney and possible reflux. He told us to call the pediatric urologist and let them know about our situation and that they would probably want to perform some tests during his first few days in the hospital. There is a chance that Shep will need surgery to remove the blockage (if that is the case) but it also could heal on it's own. At this point, we won't know any more about kidney function until the tests are performed once Shep is delivered. We are still praying for Shep's health but thankful that this seems to be an issue that won't affect his long-term well being.

we think he looks a LOT like Holden

my sweet little nicu baby

Baby #3 Week 33

This has been an interesting week. We learned that Shep may have an issue with his kidney. We have a doctor's appointment this afternoon to learn more. We continue to pray for this little guy and that the problem resolves itself. I'm anxious to learn more at our appointment today.

I'm feeling a little frazzled about delivery. I really wanted to try to go into labor on my own but have feeling they will try to schedule something early. I'm trying to hold out as long as Shep wants.

We made some major nursery progress last week and I'm excited that the crib is in place. I spoke with a lady that will be making his bumper pads yesterday and am excited to get the ball rolling on those! We're taking a break this weekend but will hit the nursery hard next weekend and hope to have it complete within the next four weeks.

I've ordered a bunch of personalized things for Shep this week and am so excited for the packages to start arriving!

I'm really finally feeling pregnant. I have to sit back in my chair to give Shep room to move. If I sit up straight he moves around a ton. I feel like he's trying to stretch out :) It is taking me a little more effort to roll over and bend over. After a long day I'm ready to hop into bed for some rest. I get a little out of breath when I lay on my back.

Again, it is crazy to compare this pregnancy to last time. At 33 weeks with the twins I was 2cm dilated and 60% effaced. I was sent to labor and delivery because my blood pressure was high, I was having pre-term labor and they thought that I might have preclampsia. The twins also got steroid shots at this point to mature their lungs for delivery. I am so thankful that this pregnancy continues to be uneventful, that I am able to continue caring for the twins, and able to be at work.

33 weeks with Shep

33 weeks with twins

Pregnancy Highlights:

Today's Date: Friday, February 28th, 2014

How Far Along: 33 weeks

Pregnancy Countdown: 49 days or less

Size of babies: A Durian (what is that?) The babiy weighs between 4.2 to 5.8lbs (Measuring in at 5lbs as of Tuesday afternoon) and should be between 17.2 and 18.7 inches long. 

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Still at 20lbs (I was up 44lbs at this time with the twins)

Maternity Clothes: Yes, the tops are getting tiny! I had a little belly hanging out incident at lowe's this past weekend. My poor mother was so embarrassed. I need to get a few new pieces to get me through!

Gender: Boy- Arthur Shepherd Carroll

Movement: A TON! Shepherd has become crazy! Especially during 9-11am. I have to sit far away from my desk or he'll kick it and it hurts! He flips and rolls and I can see body parts sticking out of my stomach.

Sleep: Sleeping pretty well. I woke up last night in the middle of the night and it took me awhile to get back to sleep because Shep was so active. I am still staying up until 11 and waking up around 6:15.

What I miss: sushi... I cannot wait to have some!

Cravings: salads. It is so weird. I totally hate salad normally but that's all I've wanted recently (well that plus dessert). I've definitely not been eating as much because I get full really easy. I can eat a pretty big lunch and then just a small snack for dinner.

Symptoms: I am getting more frequent braxton hicks. the acid reflux let up for a little bit but comes back if I eat anything with tomatoes. I just start getting incredibly hot in the evenings and I had to dry my hair with the window open (it was 32 outside) this morning. I've been having some round ligament pain on my lower left side for the past two days.

Best Moment this week: all of the sweet prayers, comments, texts, and phone calls we've received from friends this week. Shep is one very loved little boy and everyone's concern for him has been heartwarming.