Baby Shower and Cooper's room

On January 7th my family and friends had my baby shower.  We are very blessed to have some wonderful friends and family, thank you all!  We got lots of things from our registry and have been able to stock Cooper's room!  Now all we are waiting on is his arrival!  Here are a few pictures from the baby shower and a few pictures of his room:

Cooper Eugene McDaniel's Room

Picture from the doorway

Our handmade crib bumper and handmade blanket to match

Dresser Full of Clothes and...

A closet full of clothes

Toys

Lil' Buckaroo

Rocking chair and Cooper's rocking horse

Catching up!

I know I have been bad about updating the last few weeks, Reid had finals, we celebrated my birthday, then we traveled for Christmas and not to mention two snow storms.  So December passed us by very quickly!  As far as Cooper goes he is doing great.  We had an appointment December 22 and everything went well.  I was very concerned about the last appointment because I was measuring 6 weeks ahead.  In this practice you see three different midwives and so this time I saw a different lady and she assured us that everything looks great.  I was still measuring ahead but only by 3 weeks.  She said that they always give a 3 week window both negative and positive so I am within that window.  She found Cooper is head up and said that this can attribute to the measurement and once he flips I should measure just about normal.  She said she is not concerned about him still being head up, she said if by 36 weeks he has not flip we will discuss other options.  My blood pressure and urine were great and she is very pleased with my weight gain.  She said we have a very active boy who likes to move from any type of disturbance in my belly.  He continually moves from the doppler when they try to find his heart rate...little stinker! 

How far along?:  31 weeks 4 days

Total weight gain: +7

Stretch marks?: No new ones just the ones I have carried on my body for years.

Sleep?: My hips are really hurting now so sleep comes and goes.  I can sometimes go for 2 or 3 hours but it is rare.  Here recently Cooper has woken me up by playing kickball on my body, which I really don't mind! 

Best moment this week?: We were able to get the crib and changing table built and after our baby shower this weekend will be putting the room together. 


Food cravings?: I can officially say I have had a craving...GRAPEFRUIT!!!  I love it and can't get enough of it!  Although I have had to slow down the last few days because my tongue is killing me from all the acid.


Labor signs?: Over the last week when I go walking or vacuum I have some braxton hicks contractions but once I stop the activity they go away.

Belly button in or out?: It is completely in


What I miss: Again being able to do things on my feet.  Reid was very sweet and bought me a pair of slip on ropers for Christmas and it has helped because it has much more cushion but it is still hard to go shopping for long periods. 

What I'm looking forward to: Our baby shower is Saturday in Albuquerque.  I am looking forward to seeing friends and family and celebrating Cooper! 



We have our next appointment on Friday and really hoping we can get a glimpse of our little guy on an ultrasound!  We registered for our Childbirth class which will be February 11.  Seems like time is flying by and we are very excited to meet our little guy!

Okay here are some pictures:

29 Weeks

30 Weeks

31 Weeks



Here are a few pictures from our most recent snow storm on December 23.  Our house got about 8 inches of snow when it was all said and done...let me remind you we live in southern New Mexico where they don't know how to handle a snow storm! 

Here is a picture of our crib and changing table put together.  After the baby shower this weekend we will finish putting the room together and will take a picture of the entire room!

Lastly, here is our picture we took on Christmas Day!  We were very happy to be able to spend the holiday with my family.  We spent the day eating, opening gifts, watching football and playing card games.  To highlight a few gifts: Reid got a meat grinder, a watch, and a coat.  I got a charmed memories bracelet, slippers, and a new pair of shoes.  Cooper got a new outfit and bath robe, an ornament and money.  The money will be buying him his cloth diapers...yes we are choosing to do cloth diapers!    This is the website we are ordering from:  http://www.alvababy.com/index.php&zenid=28c67s6m5auovrf6arrh6mecp1

Well, I wish you all a very Happy New Year!  We look forward to our little guy making his arrival!



27 Weeks and OB checkup

How far along?: 27 weeks


Total weight gain: According to the doctor's scale I am up to +4.5 pounds

Stretch marks?: No new ones just the ones I have carried on my body for years.


Sleep?: Depends on the night.  I still find sleeping on my back the most

Best moment this week?: Enjoying Thanksgiving with my family.  Reid and I woke up one morning and he was able to see my entire belly moving from Cooper swimming around. 

Food cravings?: I've enjoyed a lot of things over Thanksgiving so I can't say I am craving anything, getting back to eating better now. 

Labor signs?: Nope, too soon for that!


Belly button in or out?: It is completely in


What I miss: Again being able to do things on my feet, Thanksgiving was hard because I couldn't do as much as I would have liked and by the end of the day I was hurting pretty good. 

What I'm looking forward to: Hopefully our crib and diaper changer will be in this next week and we can set it up.





Doctor Appointment Update:
We had our monthly checkup this week and I was given my Rohgam shot.  They don't tell you ahead of time that the medication stings pretty good.  My blood pressure was good, always a little higher at the doctor's office but at home it usually runs around 118/75.  The midwife I saw this time was the same lady I saw a few months ago who told me it is not okay to not gain weight in pregnancy...well I finally have gained weight so you would think she would be happy.  She informed us that I am measuring at 32 weeks.  She was concerned because it is normal for some woman to measure big but not 6 weeks.  She said it may be a growth spurt but if I am still measuring large next time she will do an ultrasound to check on Cooper and make sure he is okay.  I told Reid last week that I felt like I grew all of sudden, so maybe it is just a growth spurt.  I was concerned about us measuring so large in the beginning but my family and friends have assured me that it is okay to measure big.  The midwife had to work hard to get a heartbeat because every time she put the doppler on my belly he would move and kick, I guess he wasn't a fan of her!  Reid now realizes how active our son is!  The midwife said she hopes he is not as active in real life as he is in the womb.  Our next appointment is December 29.
 
In other news, last night we (along with the rest of new mexico) had a severe wind storm.  I did not sleep much at all because it was so bad.  It is a day like today that I am thankful we rent because they will be fixing the problems.  I entire screen porch had all of the screen busted out, our back fence blew down and many shingles have flown off the house.  I was scared driving home last night because we live out in the country and there is lots of dirt around, which means blackout conditions driving home.  I was nearly hit three times while driving on our road because nobody else cared to slow down through the haze of sand.  Luckily, I made it safely and stayed inside the rest of the night.  They say that we might get snow this weekend, let's hope for it!  Today is the last day of classes for the semester and next week is finals, so Reid will be done with another semester.  Next semester will be his last semester of classes!

25 Weeks

How far along?: 25 weeks 2 days



Total weight gain: When I weighed at the doctors I was plus 2 pounds but I have since lost a little over a pound...I have this fear that my next appointment my midwife is gonna say something to me about gaining weight.  She did the last time I saw her and I felt awful.  But I promise I EAT LOTS, just trying to make better decisions on what I am eating.


Stretch marks?: No new ones just the ones I have carried on my body for years.

Sleep?: Some days are good some days are bad.  I feel bad because I seem to wake Reid up every time I move positions.  Also, Reid has started building fires at night so we don't have to turn the heater on.  The stove is in our office that is attached to our bedroom.  There have been a few nights that he gets the temperature up to 77 degrees at night and then I really don't sleep good!

 Best moment this week?: Reid finally got to feel Cooper kick...Reid had his head down on my belly and was talking to Cooper and he gave him a nice swift kick in the head!

 Food cravings?: I honestly don't crave much of anything, I think it drives Reid crazy because I never want anything in particular.  Lately, I have been loving me some sugar free popsicles.  Reid has asked me to pick something I really want to have for Thanksgiving and quite honestly there is not anything that comes to mind, crazy I know.

 Labor signs?: Nope, too soon for that!

 Belly button in or out?: It is completely in

 What I miss: Not being able to stay on my feet.  I go shopping and my feet end up killing me before I finish my shopping trip. 

 What I'm looking forward to: Thanksgiving with my parents and friends.  Also, getting our crib ordered and set up in Cooper's room.  Oh and of course for Reid to finish up this semester and be one step closer to graduating!

22 weeks

Time seems to be flying by these days!  The last few weeks have been very busy for us both so needless to say I am TIRED!  Reid's Papa was in the hospital and we were not sure if we were going to need to make a quick trip back to Georgia, but thankfully he is doing much better!  We went back to Albuquerque the weekend of October 22 for a wedding.  I was able to have breakfast with two of my favorite ladies that I hadn't seen since Reid and I got married.  Then my sisters, niece, mom, aunt, Reid and I went through all of Braeden's old baby clothes and washed everything up so we could take it back to Cruces with us...we are very blessed to have received all of this!  I also went to Joann's fabric store that Sunday and with the help of my friend Pam I was able to pick out the material for Cooper's bedding.  When we got back to Cruces seems like things kicked into high gear.  We had three late night outs last week and a few this week.  Needless to say my feet have not been happy with me being out so much! 
Reid and I purchase our stroller and infant seat and will be purchasing our crib in the coming weeks.  This past weekend Reid and I went to Babies R Us with our friend Stacey and built our registry there as well as Target.  So all in all things are coming together very nicely. 
I had my checkup this morning and everything went well.  I spent some time talking with our midwife about the flu shot and whether I should get one or not.  The last one I had my entire arm had red bumps all over it.  She said that I am more then likely allergic to an additive not the actual flu shot.  She suggested I take the shot and put ice on it right away so the additive does not spread down my arm.  She said that Cooper is very high, but doing well.  His heart rate was 140 and very active for her.  She gave me the lab request to do our glucose screening and routine checks.  We schedule our next appointment for November 30 where I will receive our first Rohgam shot. 

Here is the fabrics we have chosen to use as the baby bedding...I am so excited to see it all put together!

Pregnancy Highlights:



How Far Along: 22 weeks and 5 days 

Size of baby: Spaghetti Squash about 1 pound

Total Weight Gain/Loss:I have officially moved into the positive side.  I weighed in today at the doctor +2 pounds. 

Maternity Clothes: Yep, still wear my gym clothes other than that everything else is maternity.

Movement: Yes!  I love to feel Cooper moving around, usually more active in the morning and afternoon.  In the evening he may move a little after dinner but afterwards he is pretty still.  Reid hasn't felt him yet but is VERY anxious to feel him!

Sleep: If I sleep on my back I sleep great just wake up to go potty usually two times a night.  I have tried sleeping on my sides with a pillow between my knees, a body pillow, you name it I tried it.  Problem is that I wake up every hour extremely stiff and have to change sides.  I talked to the mid-wife today and she said that I can sleep on my back as long as I stay propped up...HALLELUJAH!!

What I miss: Being able to stay on my feet doing things...seems like after two hours I really need to sit down otherwise I get irritable and not fun to be around.   

Cravings: Nothing specific...but I am looking forward to Reid making Thanksgiving dinner and all the wonderful sides that go along with it!

Symptoms: Cooper moving around, swelling in the ankles and feet in the evening, headaches on occasion.
 Best moment this week: After lunch I will play with Cooper by placing my hand on my belly and then he will come and kick it.  Cracks me up!

Cooper Eugene McDaniel

I know this post is a little late but we are officially having a boy!  On October 6th we had our ultrasound and he was not shy to share his jewels with us.  Although we did not get clear pictures printed out because my amniotic fluid was extremely thick.  The tech said it is nothing to worry about but to start drinking some powerade to help thin it out.  She wanted to reschedule another ultrasound so she can get a better look at all of his organs to make sure he is progressing great.  So, on Thursday this week we will have another ultrasound and hopefully have better pictures to post!  Reid and I began our name search and knew that the middle name would be Eugene in honor of his grandfather but the first name was a challenge.  Reid finally saw things my way :-)  and Cooper Eugene McDaniel he is!

Also, we have officially reached 20 weeks!  We are halfway there!  Things are still going well and I am definitely feeling Cooper move all around, and I love it.  I have had a little issue with anxiety popping up every now and again and I just breathe and do my best to not let myself worry about the issue at hand but to focus on my son that I carry inside of me.  I am sure many moms go through the what ifs and worries and I am doing my best to just let those thoughts pass.  We are headed to Albuquerque this next weekend for a wedding and will be going through all of my nephew's old baby clothes and baby items.  We are very thankful to Alice and Todd for saving the items.  Here are the weekly questions and my picture.

Size of baby: A small cantaloupe


Total Weight Gain/Loss: I have definitely gained the last few weeks but still 1 pound down

Maternity Clothes: of course

Gender:  BOY!  Cooper Eugene McDaniel

Movement: Yep, and I love feeling him

Sleep: It sucks!  I wake up about every two hours needing to switch sides because my body just aches after laying on it.  I have many many pillows I try to prop myself up but nothing really seems to help other then switching positions, at least I fall back asleep pretty quickly.

What I miss: My boots, now that the weather has cooled off I usually where my boots most days but my feet won't stand for it.

Cravings: I have been craving a hamburger and sweet potato fries for a couple of weeks and yesterday Reid and our friends Stacey and Gabe went to lunch and I loved my burger and fries!  I've also been craving salad and for the last few nights we have been eating a salad with our dinner.

Symptoms: some swelling in my hands and feet at the end of the day.  Cry when I am tired, cry when I am hungry, cry when...well anytime 

Best moment this week: Definitely finding out what we were having and seeing his little face and naming him


And I have to leave you with a cartoon I found in the newspaper a few weeks ago and I had to cut it out.  I told Reid this will be our son four or five years from now:

18 weeks and counting!

Size of baby: A sweet potato


Total Weight Gain/Loss: I have gained a little back but I am still down about 4 or 4.5 pounds.

Maternity Clothes: Yep, still can wear a few stretchy things I own.

Gender: We have our ultrasound set for Thursday!

Movement: I have started feeling movement usually after I eat.  It is not consistent every day but that is okay cause I know down the road the baby won't stop moving!

Sleep: I seriously hate sleeping on my left side.  I wake up multiple times to turn over or have to get up because I am hurting.  I love sleeping on my right side...and I love pillows!  Reid would tell you he can't stand how many pillows I use at night but hey gotta do what is comfortable!  Only getting up to pee 1-2 times a night so not too bad.

What I miss: wearing my shoes.  My feet have either grown or are swelling or both!  I have a select few pairs of shoes that I am able to wear right now, and none of them include my boots!!!  I will be shopping for a new shoes I can wear to work cause I can't go shoeless! 

Cravings: I was craving a bowl of pinto beans but low and behold Reid told me he was going to put a pot on this weekend!  So yesterday I got my bowl of beans with some cheese (yes you heard me right). 

Symptoms: headaches occasionally and starting to swell in the feet and hands. 

Best moment this week: Feeling Bean moving around.


Reid and I had a busy weekend.  On Friday we went to the Southern New Mexico State Fair with friends and had a lovely time...but man do I hate being on my feet for long periods of time!  On Saturday we got up early and started putting our office in order.  Now you might say well goodness you have lived in that house since April but it has taken us this long to finally get our nice heavy book shelves placed in the house.  Our friend Gabe came out on Friday and helped Reid carry them from the garage to the office so now we were able to put things where they belong.  If you know my husband you know he has a tone of notebooks from all of his classes so they finally have a home on the bookshelves they carried in.  We also decided we needed to drain our pool because we had lots of leaves and creatures in it and we do not have a winter cover.  We came to town and rented a pump and let the entire pool drain into our yard.  By the time it was all said and done we had 5 centipedes at the bottom of the pool and all were somewhere between 6 and 10 inches long...can you say NASTY!  Back in May we bought Alice and Todd's pop-up trailer that they purchased from Aunt Ruth and Uncle Kenny.  So on Saturday we pulled it around to the front and unloaded the baby items Alice, Todd, Braeden and Paege have passed down to Bean.  They gave us a stroller, swing, high chair, rocking horse, sun shade and a hiking backpack.  They also saved all of the baby clothes so once we know if Bean is a boy or girl we will go to Albuquerque to pick it all up.  Next up we will be picking out our crib and carseat!