Baby in a Week!

Today our doctor scheduled my c-section for July 23rd. We'll have one more visit to check for dilation/effacement but he said not to get our hopes up. Of course, I serve a God who is able to do abundantly more than all we ask or imagine- and I know if anyone can make a cervix dilate it's The One who created it! :) So, we hope you will join us in prayer for that this week. I do know that God is completely in control and His plan for Dane's birth is so much better than any that I could create. Does that mean I don't work myself into a tizzy? No. Hello! I am a control-freak! In fact, even my doctor laughed at me today because I'd already called his nurse to check his schedule for next week. I knew if he was on call next weekend he could do the section on Saturday. He probably thinks I'm crazy... oh well. :)

July 23rd was my Papa's birthday. He would have been 93 this year. Dane's first name, Perry, is in honor of him. My grandfather was an exceptional man. He loved his wife, his family, every animal that ever walked the planet, and most of all, he loved Jesus. I hope that sharing his name and birthday gives Dane just an ounce of his character and gentle spirit. While a section is not my ideal way to birth my baby, I am glad to know that all of our family will be able to be there with us and share in this special day. I have been stressed since my parents drove off for Arizona ten days ago that my mom would miss Dane's birth. Even though she won't be in the room with us during surgery, she won't miss the specialness of the day. And if he does decide to come early, they left Arizona this morning so I know they'll be back in time to see the big debut!

It's beyond exciting (and a little nerve-wracking!) to know that our sweet boy will be here in ONE WEEK! His room is now completely finished. I've spent the last few days working on all the little finishing touches.

I found this cute lion cookie jar at a little junk shop in town. I thought he was so precious and would make a great place to throw all those random little items that pile up. I painted him orange and he's perched atop the changing table. I think he adds a fun, whimsy touch along with the puppy paintings.

Speaking of puppies, Elphie loves to model in front of hers. I can't believe how well Jess captured her facial expressions! Love her heart. Does she even KNOW what's about to hit her house next week?

I looked far and wide for curtains and found some I like. I am obviously not a photographer and should work with better equipment than a Blackberry camera, but these at least give an idea. The burlap panel with the leather chair makes the room feel a little more rugged, I think. Great for a boy's room. The banner on the toy basket was made by a friend for one of our showers. It was so fun and cute I had to find a place to display it. Tevie loves to sit in Dane's room... we both do, actually. It's a calming, nearly surreal place. It's still hard to believe we're having a baby!

The lamp cost me $1.67 at Goodwill plus the cost of a can of orange spray paint! Each little bookcase if filled with books and special toys. The curtain panel behind one of the bookcases matches his bedding and adds just enough pattern that I don't feel overwhelmed by circus animals. I learned last weekend that Tevie's room was done in jungle animals too. His mom gave us two of the stuffed animals she kept on his shelf. I love that Dane has some special toys that were once his daddy's. 

Finally, this mommy is ready to have this little boy! :) Tevie and I talked this morning about how blessed we've been to have a pregnany free from complications. Sure, my feet are swollen and my heartburn is yucky and no, I haven't slept in about a week, but I'm textbook normal (ha! how many times do I get to say that about myself?!) as far as pregnany symptoms go. 

Mom and I spent the afternoon together while she was in town and got pedicures, I had my hair highlighted yesterday, our bags are packed and in the car, carseat is installed- I think we are ready for this boy! It's exciting- and really hard to believe that it's nearly over! When you're pregnant you feel like you're going to be pregnant forever. I wonder if people will still offer to carry my groceries, let me cut in line in the restroom, and just be generally nice- hopefully as long as I'm toting my chubby little baby they will! :)

The real reward is holding my sweet, perfectly healthy baby boy in one week, but this momma is also eager to have a glass of wine, go out for sushi, wear shoes because they're cute not because they're all that fits, sleep on my belly and go for a run! Of course, with a c-section it may take some time for some of those things on my wish list, but, ahhhh, it won't be long! :) 

One more week, Dane! Unless you want to come a little early, which wouldn't bother us one bit!

35 weeks

Today is actually the beginning of week 36, but I'm behind with week 35 stuff, so I figured I better post that first. Friday is our 36week appointment so I'll have another ultrasound picture and updates on our little man... and hopefully some idea of when to expect him! 

We had a wonderful baby shower last week thrown by some special ladies I work with. I was worried about the little guy not having enough tiny clothes, but this shower helped complete his little stash and get us prepared. I spent the weekend washing loads of tiny laundry. Why is it so much more fun to wash little clothes than it is to wash my own? :) My parents were in town too and we were able to enjoy some great quality time together before Dane's arrival. We spent the day in Lexington buying those last few needed items off our registry and mom and I enjoyed an afternoon pedicure. Much needed for these tired feet which pretty much stay swollen now. 

The Lord knew Tevie and I were not in the mood to finish the big landscaping project we started a few weeks ago so he sent thunderstorms on July 4th. We gladly curled up inside together and played board games, watched Netflix and just enjoyed what very well could be our last day at home "just the two of us". The next few weeks are full of doctors appointments, weddings and other things so it was nice to just spend a day together.

The one thing I haven't been able to find in store is his crib skirt. Once we have it I'll feel like his bed is complete. Fellow overprotective moms, fear not! While his bumper and blanket are adorable, I don't foresee them staying in the crib once he starts sleeping in there. I know the likelihood of him smothering is slim...I'll sleep better if there's nothing soft and fluffy for him to get caught against.

Toys and books and baskets of blankets. Tevie helped pick out this curtain. I love that it adds a different texture and helps darken his room which will help during those afternoon naps.

Another little bookcase filled with special toys that can't wait to be played with!

Dresser/changing table stocked with the cutest clothes and cloth diapers you've ever seen. Just need to frame and hang his puppy paintings.

A late afternoon view from the door. Can't wait to poke my head in to check on my sweet sleeping boy.

We've purchased everything you could possibly need for a baby but I still feel so unprepared. How do I know what he's going to like or if I have enough blankets, outfits or  burp cloths? We'll learn as we go, I know. I don't think I've ever been more excited and scared for anything in my entire life. I can't wait to hold my little guy, read him stories and give him baths in his tiny little tub. I have a feeling that once you see those ten tiny fingers and ten tiny toes, all of the swollen feet, heartburn, aching back and sleepless nights will be worthwhile.

34 weeks

We're halfway through week 34. I've been warned that this stretch feels the longest, and so far I believe it! This morning our Great God fulfilled another amazing promise as Kate Elisabeth Sexton made her entrance in this great big world! You may know her momma from here. I can't wait to snuggle that precious girl. 

Since Kate's due date was July 2- exactly a month before ours (Aug 2) I have been beyond excited all day realizing that in just a month we could be welcoming our little guy! This morning we had our 34 week appointment and all was great. His little heart rate is a strong 153. He measured large at the last ultrasound- 80th percentile for weight and 95th percentile for head circumference, so the doctor ordered another ultrasound at 36 weeks to check for growth. We also pre-registered at the hospital and took a quick tour of labor and delivery and the nursery.

This weekend I'm steam cleaning carpets, we may get to finish up work on our back deck (thanks to my very helpful in-laws!), and I think it may be a good idea to buckle that carseat in and pack our bags... just in case. :)

Here's the 34 week belly. My mom said I've moved from baby bump to baby mountain. :)

This hurrry up and wait part is going to be difficult. I haven't been able to shake this anxious feeling. We're nearing our fiscal year end at work which means lots to do to meet goals and deadlines, couple that with wondering every day if these are just Braxton Hicks contractions or the real thing and you have a momma who doesn't sleep well anymore. We're so excited to snuggle our little boy. 

I would have never believed it until I saw it myself, but I'm definitely convinced that men have some weird instincts that kick in when they are about to become fathers. Tevie has taken on every project with excitement and a determination that I've never seen in him before. He eagerly rips out boxes and assembles baby items and every night he sits in Dane's room... just because he likes being in there surrounded by his stuff. Doesn't that melt your heart? It does mine... I tear up just thinking about it! He also has some crazy dreams about rescuing/protecting- everything from saving baby kittens from sharks to protecting his boyhood home from that big termite from the Terminix commericals! The counseling major in me sees all sorts of psychology in those dreams. Our weekly baby update e-newsletter says that baby can hear and will recognize simple songs, so Tevie has taken that has his permission to sing silly and loud. :) Which really isn't all that different from how he normally sings, now he just aims his songs and baby talk at my belly. 

Dane's room is just missing a few things- namely a mattress and bedding, but we'll get to that. The amazing paintings from his Uncle Jess need to be framed, curtains bought and hung, and his new stash of gDiapers washed and prepped.

Hoping the next 40 days pass quickly!

it's beginning to look a lot like...

we're having a baby! I guess because we are having a baby. Daily we are assembling, washing and organizing more baby gear. Dane's room is now just short his bedding and the curtains. 

Those precious paintings were done by Dane's amazing Uncle Jess. They'll be framed in cherry frames and hang there above the changing table.

Tevie wanted to be sure he got every corner of the room. Notice me trying to stay out of the picture. :) Elphie is every picture, she loves Dane's room and rolling around on his big, cozy rug. 

Thanks to my amazing aunts and uncles and Gramma Chuck for the travel system! Which, btw, is Consumer Reports best safety rated for infant seats.

Thanks to the Prathers for our super-cool swing :)

I'm not worried about being uncomfortable during those late night feedings. The rocker/recliner has now been sleep-tested by Papa J and Elphie. :)

I found some random article on the internet the other day that said a woman's pregnancy is usually the length of nine menstrual cycles- the average is 280 days, but for some women, based on the length of your cycle, it could be shorter. For me, it would be 261 days... which means he could arrive as early as July 14- that's ONE MONTH AWAY!!! Of course, I began googling this concept and could not find a SINGLE other credible source, so I shouldn't put much stock in it. However, I would be 37weeks which is considered full-term, so he could make his appearance around then. 

There are soooooo many decisions to make when it comes to having children. The first one is WHEN to have them. Then you spend the next few months researching healthy eating, ways to boost fertility, etc. Once you're pregnant, you research what foods to avoid, stalk Consumer Reports for items with the best safety ratings and write a birth plan and find a pediatrician. Now that we have a few weeks before he arrives, I'm overwhelmed with all of the choices we have to make for him- immunizations, circumcision, day care, toys, paci or no paci, TV or no TV. While some of these we decided on a while ago, the shear weight of knowing I am responsible for the moral, ethical and psychological development of this precious little person is a lot to carry. 

In pregnancy-hormone-induced tears I looked at Tevie and said, "What if we screw him up?" To which my dear, loving husband said with a smile, "We will screw him up..." Thanks, dear. My sweet neighbor and friend made my day by giving me a little article about raising boys. The main idea was being a modest mom to model modesty for your son and to protect his purity, but one line in particular hit home with me because of the thoughts that have been racing through my mind daily. Whatever he sees me do, I send "the message that it's the norm for Christians, too." 

And, with that, God again removed the stronghold satan continues to try to heap on me and (as of this moment!) I am no longer afraid of making the wrong decision when it comes to raising my son. My chief goal is to raise him to love God, love the least of these, and to live radically according to God's word. Whatever I do, I send the message that it's the norm for Christians too. Am I going to screw up? Yes. Am I going to screw him up? Probably. What I pray for is that Dane sees a momma who prayerfully considers all options and decisions, a momma who tearfully and humbly admits when she's made a mistake... and a momma who always had God's glory and my son's best interest at heart. 

And that load is a little easier to carry.

weekend update

It's never good when you end the weekend more exhausted than when you started out! With just 9 (*gulp* NINE!!!) short weeks until Dane makes his big arrival, there was a lot to accomplish around the Gooden home.

We started out Saturday morning with pancakes, a tradition that has fallen by the wayside in the last few months. It's so nice to enjoy the company of my sweet husband and start our day without being in a hurry to get anywhere. The blistering heat was no match for the two of us. We sanded and painted the dresser/changing table, assembled the crib, washed the first two loads of baby clothes, weed-eated, and pressure washed the back deck in preparation for staining later this week. We even snuck in some time for a family reunion/ cook out, watched the whole first season of "Justified" and finished out a season of "Swamp Monsters".

In case you're wondering, it's been one month since we "cut the cord" and got rid of satellite or cable. It's been so much easier than I anticipated. While I am afraid we still spend too much time in front of the TV, it's not on for just background noise any more, instead we only turn it on when we have time to sit down and watch something on Netflix. We've decided to not watch anything rated R (though if "Justified" were a movie it most definitely be rated R!) which limits your programming more than you'd think. So, we end up watching lots of History Channel programs... which helps me "justify" watching 4 episodes in a row of "Swamp Monsters"- it's educational, right?! :) 

It's days like these that make me immeasurable grateful for the incredible husband I have. He's a hard worker and already the world's most dedicated dad. He's been such an amazing help this weekend and we've worked suprisingly well together- something these two bossy first borns don't usually do. :) Here are a few pictures of our accomplishments this weekend. All of the furniture is in, there are cute little clothes sitting the drawers, we need just a few more finishing touches in order for our sweet boy's room to be ready for his arrival.

Thanks to Uncle Norm for assembling the bookcases while we were on vacation. Ikea thinks they are doing you a favor by making their instructions mostly pictorial... but I think they are down right frustrating!

A close up of the most beautiful crib I've ever seen! Thanks, Easter Bunny (and Pop & Granna Pruitt)! This converts from a crib to a toddler bed to a full-size bed. I love that Dane could grow up in this bed, take it with him to his first home, and even convert it back to a crib for his first baby. :)

The dresser/changing table belonged to my brother, Chase. It's a beautiful pine, but I chose to sand and paint it to fit in with Dane's room. I love the way it looks next to the rocker-recliner. Even Elphie approves of my handiwork. Doesn't she make a cute model? :)

Happy Birthday to Me!

Why is it that after you hit 21, birthdays don't really seem to be a big deal anymore? I used to think 30 was old... and the closer I creep to that number, the younger it feels! For the first time in my LIFE, I am wearing my winter coat on my birthday because the high on the spring day is something like 39. Yuck! Apparently the weatherman didn't get the memo about it being my birthday- let along SPRING.

Much too early, I know- but my diaper bag arrived in the mail last week! An early birthday gift from my sweet husband. This morning I woke up to a brand new pair of slippers. I must confess that my old pair have really seen better days. The fluff falls out when I walk from the holes in the toes. :) My sweet hubby knows the way to my heart.

I've been eyeballing this little beauty for a while but didn't want to shell out the $113 Babies R Us had it listed for. My patience paid off and I got an Eversave (similar to Groupon) email that allowed me to grab this little beauty for nearly 50% off! Tevie thinks it looks entirely too much like a purse for him to carry it. Mom says that when a man has a baby on his hip, nobody cares what the diaper bag looks like. :) Still, we've registered for a more man-friendly bag for my handsome hubby to cart around when he and the boy are out sans momma. 

I may have also changed my mind on the bedding after seeing this too cute set in Target last week. 

The blue camels will work really well with the wall color... and since we want him to grow up with a heart for international missions, the safari theme will help put him in an African state of mind. :)

This weekend Tevie and I are getting away to Nashville. Our first date in too long. We're attending the Weekend to Remember marriage conference. I'm sure there will be a future post about all of the good stuff we'll learn while we're there. 

Finally, this is what mommy's looking like this week.

 And with that big ol' bump comes a lack of balance. Yesterday I fell out of the Expedition. In an effort not to fall on my belly, my knees took the worst of it. And no, I wasn't even wearing heels! Tevie said it's time to pack them up though. If I can't maintain my balance in flat riding boots, my sweet summery peep toe pumps are not an option. :( Maybe this means a trip to the store for some cute flats? Hey, can't fault me for trying. :)

--Allysa

spring awakening

Lots going on in the Gooden Home this week. I think I may be in nesting mode already. Over the weekend I shampooed the carpets, painted Little Man's room and painted our front door. We've also purchased some new light fixtures for outside. That's Tevie's job this weekend. :) 

The paint in the nursery came out a little bluer than I hoped, but I think it will still work. 

I've wanted to paint our front door, but for some reason have just gotten around to it. Don't mind the empty flower pots and sad looking landscaping, as soon as we finish all of Kentucky's winters (according to the Farmer's Almanac there are 15) those pots will be filled with happy flowers.

Finally, in other big news. We bought a new car! Well, new to us anyway. I'm in love already and can't wait to be the coolest mom at the daycare pick-up line. :)

One last picture to make you smile. Three of our goofballs chasing leaves through the front yard on a beautiful spring day.

halfway there!

This week marked the 20-week point in my pregnancy. It seems like it was just yesterday I was reading my pregnancy books thinking I'd never reach the halfway point, now I'm afraid August is going to be here before I know it! Here's what Little Man and I are looking like nowadays:

 In a week I went from hearing, "So, when you are supposed to start showing?" to "Whoa! Look at you!" Again, I try to remind myself that they are complimenting me... even if that "Whoa!" sounds all too much like what we yell at the pregnant horses on the farm. :) I've had trouble getting comfortable because my back aches. (PS: To my friends who will be pregnant in the future, when you read about the pain your sciatic nerve can cause, don't think it won't happen to you. If this little guy lays just right I can barely walk! As soon as he moves though, I'm good to go again.) Last night was the first night I couldn't get to sleep because he was kicking and rolling. Coolest feeling in.the.world! However, when it's bedtime, Little Man, we have to settle down and sleep! :)

Momma D and Poppa T Gooden made the first purchase for Little Man's room this week! My mother-in-law is a bargain shopper extraordinaire! If you tell her what you want she can usually find it in better style than you imagine for a lot less than you imagined. Tevie and I are so blessed to have such loving parents.

This weekend the big plan is to move the guest bed and other furniture into the spare bedroom and begin painting the nursery. After that's done, this big leather beauty will be moved into the nursery and out of the living room, but in the mean time, Tevie (ok, and me) is enjoying it in the living room. :)

Wishing you a blessed weekend!

--Allysa

nursery ideas

Who knew boy stuff was so cute! I'm overwhelmed with all of the choices of stuff! So, dear friends and family, please know that I know that our registries (yes, more than one) are full of anything we could ever possibly want. And here's why- after your due date, each store will send me a coupon for a minimum of 10% off everything remaining on my registry. So, I'm working the system and adding everything I could ever think we'd need so I can buy it with a coupon after Little Man's arrival. :) We're registered at Babies R Us, Target, and diapers.com. I have a registry at Wal-mart, only because it's the only store in our town of 3,500 and some people won't order online. 

Here's our ideas for Little Man's room so far:

I have a fetish for antique glass containers and purchase at least one every time I'm in an antique store. I love this idea.

Our Awesome friends, the Fox Family, are creating this little number for us. Not that Pottery Barn doesn't do a great job, but who doesn't love a handmade, heirloom piece?

The crib. I love these convertible ones that will last for years... makes you feel better about spending that kind of money. :)

More bookcases. I love to read, and because he'll have countless books read to him, I assume my little man will like to read too. 

And, if there are books, you need bookends! Aren't these cute?! I don't usually like stuff like this but I HAVE to have these cute little guys. Plus, they coordinate really well with the bedding.

Here's an example of the wall color and the curtains we'll have in there. 

Perhaps Tevie's favorite addition to the room: a la-z-boy recliner. For those early morning feedings and late night snuggles. Plus, it's so much more functional and attractive than those gliders every one puts in their nurseries. After a few years, this piece can easily be moved into the living room. 

Here's the color scheme of his bedding. We didn't do the whole set because I don't like things being overly matchy-matchy. 

And, saving the best for last (Jess, I knew you'd approve). Tevie's brother, Jess, is creating two paintings based on this one I found online. He's going to use our puppies and incorporate the colors of the room. I think this will tie everything together and add just a touch of whimsy and be such a special piece to have as our little guy grows. 

These two pictures have kind of been my inspiration. One is very modern and the other very traditional. I'm hoping we get a balance of both. Both are classic rooms that a little boy can grow up in, you won't be replacing bedding and accessories every few years. 

As long as we don't end up with a room that looks like a Disney World parade threw up in there, I'll be ok. ;)