Something NEW Everyday

JCH is out of town and little man and I are having some serious “mommy and me” time.  No reason to cook or clean and no additional “wife duties” on top of my “mom duties”.  Yes, I am letting my “inner slob” out!  I’m reading “Brain Rules for Baby:  How to Raise a Smart and Happy Child from Zero to Five” by John Medina and it is a fabulous read.  A rather interesting fact that I came across in this book:

“…having a husband around actually creates an extra seven hours of work per week for women.  A wife saves her husband about an hour of housework per week.”

I think our household might actually be double that!  How did I not realize that having a husband is actually very similar to having a child?  I guess you must first be a parent to make the connection.  It’s not just me either.  I have several friends who are new to parenthood and the number one complaint is “house-work load”.  I’m not bashing men.  It’s a fact.  They apparently do not see messes.  Sure they can take the initiative at work, when driving, in the sack, but they absolutely cannot, when it comes to what needs to be done around the house.  So the big question is, how can a lady get some help around here?  I think this is where the “nagging wife” comes into play…and I do not want to be that.  Do you more experienced “homemakers” have any suggestions for us rookies?

Anyway, onto a much more exciting topic…Henry!  Mommy took a much needed weekend trip to NYC to visit one of my best friends.  Saturday morning before I left, Henry started crawling!  It was kind of a pirate/peg-leg crawl…but he was mobile!  When daddy left for work he waved “bye-bye” and Henry waved back!  Last week we had realized we hadn’t been teaching him to wave so I told JCH to start waving to Henry when he left for work.  Sure enough one week later, little man had mastered the idea.  Smart little cookie!  He also started giving kisses, open-mouthed slobber ones, but might be the best kiss I’ve ever had!!!  We’re not done there.  He is sitting up from a laying position, pulling up on furniture, walking around the house while mommy holds onto his hands, saying mama and dada and even calls his bottle, “bob”.  He plays “gotcha” with me, daddy and “brother” (yes we call Teddy-the dog his brother).  He is loving solid foods and anytime I’m munching on anything I have to give him a little taste.  Such a curious little booger.  He loves pickles.  Today he chased me around the house (crawling), while I vacuumed.  He loves the vacuum!  Meanwhile his “brother” hides perched on the couch.  Henry wants to climb on everything!  He pulls up on the tables, couches, his toys, the dog, the entertainment center.  He loves to play in the dirt outside.   The other night I gave him a bath and he had dirt under his finger nails…so gross and such a boy!  He is a little adrenaline junky!!! He LOVES to bounce, be thrown in the air, swooshed upside down, anything that gives him a rush he revels and finds so much delight in, and he’s been that way from birth.  I specifically remember having to tell daddy to be gentle with him when he was a newborn, and then watching Henry love it so much I couldn’t tell him to stop. Oh boy!

Well, I’m going to take advantage of Henrys nap time by watching my DVR’d episodes of Grey’s Anatomy and munching on some ice cream.  “Single girl” behavior while daddy is away! YAY!

Time to get serious

Hopefully you weren't expecting this post to be "serious". What I mean is that I need to get serious about getting back in the game. I have been a mess. Still not quite washing my hair everyday, pretty much wear sweats or yoga pants everyday, only get out of the house once or twice a week, and heavens...put on make up or curl my hair? Probably once every other week. Those are just the silly and easy transitions that I need to make...there's more...

Yesterday I had a much needed facial. It was amazing! I mentioned that my skin is really rough and porous "post baby" and she said that most women have to change up their "daily skincare regimen" in their 30's (hold up, I'm only 29). Sadly my "daily skincare regimen" is washing my face in the shower in the morning, and splashing cold water on at night. Yep we've got work to do. Starting my new (recommended) regimen today.

Another daily regimen I need to get on is exercise! I've lost the tummy, but weight is still lingering that I would like to shed...mostly in my thighs and butt, but even in my face and arms! GROSS! I'm very interested in enrolling in a boot camp to get back to my "ideal body" and then can go back to my "half ass" work outs (which usually consists of wii fit, riding my bike, running with the dog, or even on the treadmill- gasp) for my routine maintenance! Got to keep this motor running! Any suggestions? (and don't say p90x or whatever that other one is) Maybe crossfit?

Another laughable situation is with my breasts (yes I said breasts)! They never really got that big when I was pregnant or breastfeeding but for some reason, now that I'm not breastfeeding, my bras don't really fit (guess the boobs shrunk). Normally you would just jump down a size, but let's get real, VS doesn't make a bra smaller then what I used to wear. So I'm on the hunt and ready to invest in those little demi bras (that look like a training bra) but made with lace to "sex it up". If you are also a member of the "itty bitty titty committee" maybe you can share what your favorite bra is?

Lastly, gonna get out of the house more! I've enrolled Henry in a weekly "mommy and me" music class at Kindermusik! Pretty excited to see how he interacts with the other kids, and to potentially meet some "stay at home mommy's". I'm also going to be more committed to my Wednesday night hip-hop class...and see where this boot camp/cross fit takes me!

It's about time a fire got lit under my butt! I'm not sure what it was, but I'm feeling motivated and ready to start making some changes!!!

On another note, you have got to see this video of Henry, using his "mesh feeder" with avocado!

Third times a charm

 

Ready or not...here he comes! Baby Henry is on his way! I've only cried 3 or 4 times from excitement and I'm anticipating a few more times before the day is over! Hooked up and the doctor is going to break my water shortly... (this was my first attempt to announce the birth of Henry)

Baby Henry is here!!!! As you may have guessed, Henry is here!! He is the coolest little dude and I’m obsessed (as you may have also guessed). Where to start?

L&D-I went into labor after a quick 10 minute check up where the doctor “cleared my membranes”…don’t ask me what that means exactly because I’m still not quite sure. All that I know is that when I left I immediately felt an abnormal amount of fluid (sorry tmi) in my pants, called the doctor, stopped back into the doctor’s office and was given instructions to go to the hospital. HE’S COMING!!! I checked into the hospital at 2pm, they put me on petosin and I labored for 4 hours (no pain yet), the doctor broke my water at 6pm (and instantly the contractions kicked up to HOLY HELL OUCH). After they broke my water they left us alone for about an hour. LONGEST HOUR OF MY LIFE!! Apparently my body was contracting hard on it’s on, AND they left the petosin ON…so I was having VERY INTENSE contractions VERY CLOSE together…just as one contraction ended another would be starting…not normal. When the nurse came back in she noticed how frequently I was contracting and turned the petosin off…at which point I requested the anesthesiologist for my epidural. It was another hour and a half until he was in my room, had me prepped, and the “good stuff” turned on and working…sooo longest two and a half hours of my life!

After that it was smooth sailing! JCH ran home to let out Teddy (our dog), meet the UPS driver to get our new camera, and grab a few things that I had forgotten. I played on facebook and pinterest and even started updating my blog (sadly never finished). The nurse came in and checked me at 10pm and said I was ready to go (dilated 10cm, fully effaced, -3 position, etc.), when the doctor came in-she said she’d like to give me another hour (well dang...all that excitement and another hour wait). Around 11ish the doctor came back in and started getting us all prepped to push. They went over “leg holding” instructions with JCH and taught me how I would breathe and push through each contraction. Shortly after 11:30pm I started pushing. It was nothing how I had imagined. Well I always imagined you just push and push and push until the baby comes out…but you actually get nice little breaks in between pushing. As soon as you start contracting you take a deep breath and push (and don’t breathe) for as long as you can, then do that again until the contraction has let up. I did this for probably 8-10 contractions and that lasted about 20-30 minutes. Henry John Hoffman made his entry into the world at 11:59pm…he was determined to come THAT day. At one point I got nervous because the doctor said she was noticing his head was protruding back after each push. She told me that if that kept happening, than they would have to do something “quick and drastic” (I thought that meant a c-section, JCH said it meant they were going to stand on a stool and push really hard on my stomach…thank god that didn’t happen). Both JCH and I were amazed at how smoothly everything ended up going. JCH kept saying that he always imagined pure chaos, lots of equipment and lights and people running around frantically…but it was nothing like that. The doctor sat calmly at the edge of my bed while she talked us quietly through it. There was only one nurse assisting while the baby nurse waited quietly in the corner for Henry’s arrival. It really was the best possible birthing experience ever. I always said that because my pregnancy was a little bumpy I deserved a good labor...or perhaps a perfect baby...well I got them both!!

No family made it for the actual delivery. My sister tried, but that afternoon her flight out of North Dakota was so delayed that there was NO WAY she was going to make it in time so she made the executive decision to wait and come in a week after my in-laws (who were already en route via car from Texas) had left (that way she could have Henry and me to herself)...my wonderful inlaws were there the next day and such amazing help in that first week! (this was my second-unpublished-attempt at announcing Henry's birth)

 

6 months later...Yep, he's here alright! Evidence of it is the enormous smile that never leaves my face, the double bags under my eyes, and the fact that I am no longer working in marketing at the credit union. Two things I've found to be very true..."no matter what anyone says they can never truly prepare you for the sleep deprivation in the first few weeks", and understatement of the century, "the most rewarding and amazing feeling to be a parent"...THE BEST!!!! I am honestly loving every moment (even the sleep deprivation which comes on and off with sickness and travel).
(yay...third and final attempt at the announcement...and I've finally published for all of my readers!)

I've decided I'm going to keep writing. It's been a roller coaster and lets be honest, I've got a lot to say...and amazing things to share! I love being able to look back on our "Getting Knocked Up" journey and now we're starting a new chapter, with that I could come up with countless titles..."Where Did This Baby Come From?", "What Have We Got Ourselves Into?", and in all seriousness, "You are My Sunshine"...because I've truly never felt so alive and life has never seemed so bright!

So, now to start you off with a few favorite memories of mine from the past 6 months...

• Henry sleeping on my chest (still one of my favorite things)
• Henry enjoying bath time so much that he would kick all of the water out of the tub
• JCH putting a diaper on Henry backwards (seems to me that would be much more difficult)
• JCH puking all over the nursery while changing his first poopy diaper (this man can gut a fish and dress a deer, but poopy diapers gross him out...hmmmm)
• Henry playing and interacting with his friends (I've got 3 girlfriends who had babies within the same month, 2 within the same week, as Henry was born)
• When we gave Henry his first bath he was on the kitchen counter and screaming and Teddy (our dog) was frantically running around the house trying to find him ("must find/help little brother")
• Henry's first laugh, while he was sleeping

SO MUCH MORE... but you get the point!

Without further ado...Henry John Hoffman



PICTURE FRIDAY

Happy Friday the 13th (the only day I'm not praying that Henry comes-which means he probably will)! :)
Without further delay...here are the long promised maternity pictures that we had taken to capture our GROWING FAMILY! Have a great weekend! xoxo 

 

Images Courtesy of: Kristi Michelle Photography

Baby magic and many excitements

Remember my cliffhanger from last week where I said I was super excited about some NEWS and I couldn’t wait to share?  Totally worth the wait (or at least I think so).  Well, today we are in a sharing mood…and I am pleased to announce that baby Henry is going to have a new and younger cousin.  Yep, my sister is PREGNANT too!!  The same sister who traveled down here all the way from Minot, North Dakota to throw me a baby shower a few weeks ago (yep looks like I will be flying to her destination soon enough to repay her for that one) and the same sister who is planning to attempt to get here for the birth of my son.  I say “attempt” because (let me repeat myself) she lives in MINOT, NORTH DAKOTA…and it’s no easy feat getting anywhere when you live in the middle of nowhere.  The last trip took a FULL DAY with 3 layovers…and that was with a previously purchased plane ticket…who knows what’s going to happen when I go into labor.  HUGE CONGRATULATIONS to my sister, her husband, and her beautiful 8 year old daughter!  I can’t wait to meet my new nephew/niece!

Let me just say that it REALLY excites me that she is having another baby.  Both her and my older sister had little girls (8 years ago) within a few months of each other and they are by far the most precious cousins I have ever seen.  They are like sisters only have two very different and very unique sets of parents who make them so extraordinarily wonderful …they are my magic.  I know it’s not fair, but I am hoping that this new cousin is a BOY…Henry needs his magic too.  I asked my sister to send me a picture of her “baby bump”.  She is MUCH smaller than I was at 12 weeks…but she also reminded me that she is only 11 weeks and 5 days…love you sister.  :P

Let me also say how VERY EXCITED I am that my sister is “going to do her best to get out here for the birth of Henry”!  As I have probably already said a million times my 3 sisters and I are like 1 soul.  We are so close and can say and do anything in front of each other (makes for great times and obsessiveness with each other).  They are my best friends.  I’ve read so many different blogs, books, etc. that caution “moms to be” on situation that arise at the hospital and I couldn’t think of a better person to be there for me, JCH and Henry than one of my sisters (or my mother of course).

We finally settled on a pediatrician! On Monday we got squeezed in with a pediatrician that we have REALLY wanted to meet, at a practice that has come highly recommended by several friends.  So that’s done and with the best outcome possible!  YES!  We also settled on our decision NOT to bank Henry’s cord blood.  We went back and forth on this issue until it was almost a “paper-rocks-scissors” decision…which may make some of yall cringe…but we honestly COULD NOT argue very strongly either way.  I feel good about our decision.  Another check mark off the list.  This past weekend we also cleaned out the fridge, organized our closets, did every bit of laundry and cleaning in the house, went on several dates to breakfast, lunch and dinner, and even went out to the movies…we are ready!!! COME ON BABY HENRY!!!!  What are we forgetting?  If you have a baby or children, what would you have “made sure you did” before your little bundle of joy came (dont say "take a long beach vacation" because I'm pretty sure we cant check that off the list before then)?

I’ve got MORE maternity pictures to share.  I PROMISE I will get those uploaded SOON.  The CD reader on my laptop is broken and my time at work is very precious…so I haven’t had a personal minute to upload the pics.  SOON I PROMISE! Hopefully I can get them uploaded tomorrow!!!  Stay tuned- any day now for Baby Henry's arrival!!!!

3 more weeks...or maybe tomorrow!

Every day I hear on numerous occasions, “when is your due date?”…and every day I answer, “3 more weeks, or maybe tomorrow”.  Since I hit 37 weeks on Saturday I spent all weekend joking that I wished we would get a tropical storm or maybe just a crazy thunderstorm that would cause the barometric pressure to drop and theory goes…”induce an early labor”.  Last night we had a loud and dramatic thunderstorm…and boy was I eating my words.  I’m not ready for Henry to come early!  I’ve got 3 more weeks, and I need AT LEAST 1 more!  Yes I'm a HUGE procrastinator.

I’m nearly ready for the “nursery reveal”.  I act like it’s such a big deal only because JCH convinced me that it would be “way more special” if I sewed the bedding for the nursery rather than allowing my expert seamstress mother to do it, or maybe just splurging a little on the “Land of Nod” stuff that I had my eye on.  Needless to say, learning a new (and not so easy hobby) while 7-9 months pregnant may not have been the best idea.  I have spent countless nights ironing fabric while my back is killing me to stand up, and have cried out of frustration on multiple accounts.  Just a few nights ago JCH had to take over the “changing pad cover” project that I was about to throw in the trash…I had given up and he has a strange knack for “being good at everything he tries”.  So what have I successfully completed?  Fitted sheets, the crib skirt, curtains, and the changing pad cover (kind of).  I still need to finish the bumper (which I am seriously so afraid of that I keep putting off)…and my mother is using all of the scrap fabric from my projects to make a quilt that will perfectly match.  SO EXCITED!

I also need one more week to get my “hospital bag” packed.  Call me a procrastinator but I waited until last week to run through a few checklists of what to bring…and came across several things that I needed to pick up.  I honestly HATE shopping now…by the time I get to the front door of the store I am exhausted and just want to turn around and go home.  I get so frustrated by inconsiderate people who lack empathy or compassion for my difficulty in getting around (which ends up putting me in a very cross mood). SO I need this last week to ensure that I get all of my ONLINE SHOPPING orders in, washed, and packed.  I still need my itunes playlist (any suggestions?), not completely settled on little mans “going home” outfit, and I need a few options for mommy for when the photographer comes to snap a few pics of the happy new family.

I also need a little more time to figure out this “pediatrician thing”.  YES. I. KNOW.  It’s ridiculous that we don’t have a pediatrician chosen.  I’ve got some GREAT recommendations for practices in our “burb” area of Charleston, I just need to narrow down my selection and take a few “meet and greet” interviews to make my decision.  Going to try to do that this week.

I’m also calling this last week my “pampering week”.  I’ve scheduled a hair appointment, prenatal massage, and pedicure.  I’ve got to get this stuff in while I still can, right?.  What else should I do this week that I may be forgetting?  I’m debating the “brazillian wax”…yes, no? 

Lastly, I need 1 more week to wrap things up at work.  I’m sure they can get by without me…but there are just a few important and incomplete tasks that I just feel compelled to complete. 

A few "medical" updates (sorry it’s been almost a month):

Two weeks ago my doctor’s appointment did not go so well.  My blood pressure was “high”, my heart rate was so high they have officially diagnosed me with tachycardia, and my hemoglobin levels were on the low side (my body is not keeping up with the nutritional demands of pregnancy).  I left the doctor’s office with a lot on my mind.  How was I going to manage the demands of launching a new name and brand at work within the next two weeks, and lower my blood pressure simultaneously?  How was I going to become a “better eater”?  My indigestion has been so horrible that medicine is just not doing the trick- pretty much the only thing that works is by making adjustments to my diet…and sometimes that means that I don’t end up eating dinner because my stomach is so full (yep not a "good eater").  It also means absolutely no spicy food, no fried food, no red meat…and of course none of the other easy to eat things like “deli meat”…so finding something to eat (with nutritional value) ends up being such a chore.  I’ve found Carnation Breakfast Essentials to be surprisingly wonderful…but nothing else (any suggestions?).  I’ve also found that carbonated water (La Croix) helps with the indigestion…it makes me burp, and that makes me feel better (temporarily anyway-lol).  I went BACK to the doctor last Tuesday (impromptu because my vagina had swollen so bad it felt like I had “man parts” down there) and got a slightly better report card (ps the vagina is back to normal and the doctor said it was “just one of those strange things caused by pregnancy”).  My heart rate was still high, my blood pressure was “better”, and my hemoglobin had gone up.  My doctor was still very adamant about rest, relaxation and putting my feet up.  My boss is also concerned and therefore has suggested that I work half-days from home.  I’ve really tried to get out of work to go home and put my feet up and work from my laptop…but I’ve had a REALLY HARD TIME finding a stopping point before 4pm.  Maybe this week I will try harder.

Okay, I promise to POST pictures next time.  Baby shower pictures, maternity pictures, and “before and after” pictures….yay so many exciting things to share…I’ve been so neglectful (busy).  I also have a VERY BIG SECRET to share…but not sure when I get to…so stay tuned for that.

The Joys of Pregnancy

I just went to the restroom at work, and giggled to myself as I had déjà vu of another restroom incident earlier this week at the doctor’s office.  Let me just say that I haven’t had a successful “pee in a cup” in several weeks.  I’m sure you have all had to give a urine sample at least once in your life and it’s not the easiest thing- take your pants to your ankles, spread ‘em wide, peek between your legs and hope for a steady stream.  Well when you’ve got a watermelon sized obstacle obstructing your view (and reach) it’s nearly impossible.  Yes, I’ve peed all over my hands and the cup at least the past 3 times.  Laughed at myself just now…and then…not very funny though.

I cried to myself two nights ago…well cried myself to sleep anyway.  I usually get a cycled sleep schedule- 1 night I don’t sleep, and then the next night I’m so tired I sleep pretty good, and then back to no sleep the following night.  Two nights ago was my “sleep pretty good” night…and when I laid down for bed I just couldn’t make it happen.  If I laid on my side I was shoving food/acid, etc up my esophagus, if I propped myself up laying on my back HENRY was squishing my lungs/diaphragm and I couldn’t breathe…plus I was having a strange pain in my side (felt like kidney) that was altogether keeping my mind occupied and not allowing me to get comfortable.  JCH is in Philly for work, so I let it out…I cried…and when I was done I had forgotten about my side pain and was so exhausted that I passed out.  One way to do it anyway.

Sunday morning I woke up early and ran to BRU to exchange our car seat adaptor and grabbed a breakfast sandwich from the coffee shop down the street.  When I arrived at BRU I was a complete mess. For some reason my belly attracts food/beverages like a magnet.  I have seriously NEVER been such a messy disaster.  I was literally covered in melted cheese…belly…thighs…basically everywhere.  I was like a toddler when you pull them out of a highchair…every crevasse covered in food. Wishing now I would have taken a picture so that you could see how ridiculous it really was. 

Feeling a lot of PUBIC pressure lately.  I was talking to a close friend (who is also pregnant) and her husband bought her an exercise ball to sit and roll around on that she swears REALLY helps with the pelvic/pubic pain/pressure.  Her words exactly…”you just have to get as vulgar as possible with that ball for it to really help”.  Made me laugh…but yes we will try ANYTHING to get a little more comfort.

I wrote this post in two sittings.  The first part I was very cranky and uncomfortable and ready to go all “3^rd trimester” on somebody.  This second part is reflection after watching one of my favorite Hollywood couples on TV this weekend- Giuliana and Bill (Rancic).  Long story short- they have gone through IVF several times with no success.  They went to a specialist for their latest attempt and were required to have several tests done- one of which, being a mammogram.  The mammogram revealed that Guiliana had breast cancer.  Today, after undergoing surgeries, many failed IVF attempts, and being a cancer survivor, they are expecting (using a surrogate).  To see their joy and many raw emotions...it brought back the many emotions I have experienced throughout this process…and I felt shameful for having the audacity of being cranky and ungrateful.  It was nice to be reminded of how LUCKY we are.   When I first titled this post I was being facetious and cynical, but after some reflection I truly am serious when I title this post “The Joys of Pregnancy”.  There really are so many miracles going on in my body and in our lives and I really am truly joyful.

The family (JCH, Teddy-our dog, Henry, and myself) took maternity pictures this weekend.  Our photographer- a friend and coworker took these pictures and posted them as “teasers” on her facebook page (click here to see her fb page).  I thought I would share them…more to come!

We've Got A Name

You can go ahead and call it.  I’ve officially reached the “happy in moo-moos” phase.  Well, I’m happy wearing anything that I am comfortable in.  I’m pretty much happy anytime I am comfortable (which is pretty much never- but the moo-moo helps).  Yes, I'm dead serious...I bought a moo-moo.  Another really awesome thing I recently came across was spanx.  I have a slip dress that is made by spanx and it offers the most wonderful support- it holds the belly up without squeezing it too much...amazing!  Crazy that two articles of clothing with opposing purposes can make me so happy...but they do.  Call me crazy...or maybe irrational...speaking of irrational... 

I came home last night and JCH wanted to talk to me about how long he should request for “paternity leave” (good conversation to have).  I started voicing my opinion and as I heard the words come out of my mouth I STOPPED and said “how about we talk about this another day, I’m pretty grouchy right now”.  I literally did not have a rational thought in my head. 

I hate to complain (no really I do) but I haven’t slept in weeks.  Well I’ve slept just not real well.  My belly is so big that there is no possible way to lie comfortably (not to mention I upchuck in my mouth every time I lay down).  My lower back spasms almost every time I walk and work is stressing me out so bad that my shoulders and neck are so tense.  Okay, I’m done complaining…I just couldn’t get through a post without answering the “how are you feeling?” question that I often get.

We have finally chosen a NAME.  Henry.  It’s the FIRST name that came to my mind when we found out we were having a boy and it’s the name that stuck throughout all of the lists that we made.  I was apprehensive for a while because another pregnant friend mentioned they were considering it, but I just “feel” attached to the name and can’t get over the feeling that it’s what he is supposed to be named.  We are still contemplating his middle name, but there is a good chance it will be his daddy’s name.  I love having settled on Henry.  Now when I talk to him I get to call him by name and not just “baby”.  (p.s. the name is not public knowledge so if you follow my blog you have insider knowledge)

We got our crib in yesterday (yes I know we are slightly behind).  JCH was cutting through the cardboard so excitedly that he cut the wood of the brand new crib.  I could have killed him, but he was so mad at himself I had to redirect my energy to “talk him off the ledge”.  I usually don’t stay mad about those kinds of things anyway…what’s done is done.  We are currently having a slight paint dilemma.  We have already gone through two different grays that we decided would make the room look too small…so now we are trying out two different (lighter shades of) gray.  Hopefully we like one of these…because we can’t put the furniture together and in the nursery until JCH has finished painting.  We’ll get there…slowly but surely.

Last night I told JCH…”only 9 more weeks” and there was no comment back.  When I asked him if he heard me, he said “yes and it scares the shit out of me”.  I’m not quite sure what scares him…but it brought on a whole opposing conversation.  I told JCH that I had a conversation with my sister a few days ago about how we have never seen him around babies.  He immediately got defensive and said “I’ve practically raised my nieces and nephews…I’ve been around tons of babies”.  This went back and forth for a while, as I laughed to myself- first he tells me he’s scared and then he tells me he is a pro.  Too funny.

Our house is filling up with baby stuff, and our countdown is getting closer.  We have come so far and it’s truly unbelievable that we will have a baby boy very soon.  Every time that I puke, or lie in bed and cant sleep I think about how lucky we are to have financially been able to do a cycle of IVF, for the doctors to have found sperm and created 5 embryos that were OURS, for us to get pregnant (and sustain the pregnancy) on the first attempt, and to have a healthy baby boy growing inside of me.  I am grateful…I just really would like this last trimester to go by a little quicker. 

I dont have any pictures to share today, but we have set up a "maternity shoot" for June 3rd...so we'll have some fun pictures to share very soon!  Happy Friday!

Famous Last Words

Dreams.  There is something to say about dreams…or at least I usually feel attached to mine in someway.  I have been a dancer my whole life.  Get your minds out of the gutter…I’m talking about a studio dancer…ballet, jazz, tap…since I was probably two years old.  I even danced in college for the UNT Dancers.  Why I’m telling you this is that for some reason my dreams always relate back to dance.  Last night I had a dream that I was new to a dance studio and had been added to a small ensemble that was the most beautiful modern routine I had ever seen…and I only had a week to learn the choreography and be performance ready.  Throughout practices with the group I was continuously forgetting the routine, and feeling inadequate as I felt like I couldn’t fully DANCE IT OUT since I just barely knew it.  I was anxious and overwhelmed and feeling as though I had something to prove to my group who at this point were questioning my ability.  Two weeks ago I had a similar dream that related to dance but instead of not knowing the routine, I forgot half of my costume and was running amuck trying to find a substitute.  I must admit in all of my years of dancing I have probably had both scenarios happen…and have probably felt those same feelings in relation to dance…but it seems as though my body is relating how I felt when I was unprepared then…to how I feel being unprepared now.

JCH and I have been EXTREMELY busy the past few months (and I’m not really seeing a window where it will slow down) and I’m feeling slightly overwhelmed with all of the baby products (what’s the absolute best, what do I REALLY need, what is not hideously ugly and going to turn my house into a tacky baby toy room), slightly stressed with a timeline for the “birth of my baby” at work (launching a new name and brand is what I am calling my “work baby”) in June and the birth of my real baby in July.  I think these dreams are stemming from my lack of control and compulsion for everything to be PERFECT.  I’ve just barely scratched the surface on our baby registry, haven’t even finished clearing out the guest room which will eventually be the nursery, have a crib picked out but still haven’t ordered it, haven’t signed us up for any birthing, breastfeeding or baby boot camp classes, and am in desperate need of bigger clothes and more comfortable shoes-my improvisations the past few weeks are almost humorous (since I haven’t had time to go pick some new stuff up)…feeling like I am spinning out of control.  On Monday JCH texted me from work to tell me that because he didn’t have any clean underwear (I haven’t done laundry in about two weeks) he was wearing gym shorts under his jeans. WOW rock bottom…I’m sure he hasn’t had that happen since college.  What else? Oh yeah, I forgot to remind JCH of our 28 week follow up ultrasound on Monday morning until Sunday night…come to find out when we show up that morning that we are actually a week early.  The good news is they still saw us, and the even better news is that we saw how beautifully our baby boy is growing and got some great 28 week pictures.  BB Hoffman is in the 65% percentile (which leaves no cause for concern on the whole “cord placement issue”), and was measuring at 2 lbs 10 ounces.

PEEK_AHHH_

BOO (doesn't he look just like his daddy?)

Speaking of BB Hoffman…he sure is an active little fellow.  I swear he is going to come out of the womb break dancing!  I used to primarily feel him kicking and bouncing around at night…but now he is going strong all day long.  I love it.  Not sure if I ever told this story…but I was talking to a coworker about my affections for coffee and said, “so what if I have a hyper kid…”….hah FAMOUS LAST WORDS! J  Speaking of hyper kids…JCH was recently visiting family in Texas for opening season of turkey hunting and his nephews (ages 8-12) were also there.  JCH was amazed at how wild and “out of control” (his words) these young boys were.  The funny thing is they have always been wild and out of control young boys (is there any other kind?)…the difference is that he is now imagining that they are his own…and his responsibility…and now the “wild boy” becomes real.  It’s so funny to talk to him about parenting and how we would “like to” raise our baby boy.  He analyzes other kids and other people’s parenting techniques and is really so concerned about how he/we will be as parents and how our little guy will turn out.  I on the other hand, know he will be a wonderful father, and actually have no doubts on our ability to raise a well-adjusted, thoughtful, bright, considerate, brave, and most importantly HAPPY baby!  I CANT WAIT!  My silly worries are more about what the nursery looks like, and having all of the BEST baby swag…whoa tough choices…I know.

I’ve got a lot to look forward to these next few weeks.  Next weekend I’m flying home to Texas for a baby shower hosted by my fabulous in-laws and get to see everyone’s beautiful faces and looks of shock when they see how HUGE my belly is.  The week after that is the HUGE finale event for my fundraising efforts for this year for The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation- the Great Strides Walk.  I was the committee chair this year and so the event (and it’s success) mean more to me than ever.  In June two of the closest people to me- my sister, Bri and good friend, Tam are flying down here to Charleston to co-host a baby shower for me and BB H.  These two know me so well and are such perfectionists that I can’t wait to see what they have put together for BB Hoffman and I.  I’m also really ready to squeeze them, and get some quality catch up time.

Medically and pregnantly checking in…glucose testing went well (the drink really isn’t THAT terrible- and the results came back normal), and I’ve got the Strep B test in 2 weeks (which isn’t that big of a deal). OOOO also I woke up this morning and the skin around my right eye is sensitive.  I’ve had a similar feeling before in my arm…when I accidentally sleep on it funny it will create temporary nerve damage where the slightest touch is painful, but the face…not really sure.  Not too concerned but something I will keep an eye on.  Belly is getting really big and constantly feeling REALLY full.  I can’t eat very much anymore.  I seriously will eat a small can of pineapple and be full…or a pbj.  The indigestion is getting pretty bad…it’s hard to lay down without feeling like my food is slowly moving back up my digestive track and on it’s way up my throat…YUK.  I already take a 40mg Nexium every morning…but have now also become an addict of tums.  I also feel like I am “going more often” now too…it’s like I eat, I poop…guess there is no room for it anymore (lol-tmi I know).  Sleeping is touch and go.   Some nights I’m out and sleep perfectly and some nights I sleep but feel awake, and/or constantly wake up and cant go back to sleep…on average getting about 3 nights a week of good sleep (and not complaining)….bring it on BB Hoffman…I’m ready for the “no sleep”…lol…FAMOUS LAST WORDS.



27 weeks (in my office)



Don't have time...cant slow down!

Whoa…where have we (me, BB Hoffman, and JCH) been and what have we been doing?  It’s been far too long since I’ve touched base with y’all.

Most of y’all are aware that I have organized a charity kickball tournament- Kick CF to the Cure- and that has pretty much taken over my life these past few weeks (BB Hoffman loves philanthropy already and seems to really enjoy mommy’s efforts).  I’ve been busy obtaining sponsorships, food donations, and working on team recruitment.  It’s a lot to do ALL BY YOURSELF…next year I need to recruit a committee to help delegate tasks.  Speaking of being busy…

You might remember, a few weekends ago we went to a beautiful wedding in Greenville, SC…and I got JCH to dance with me a few times.  I read in my baby book that BB Hoffman can feel my dance movements (swaying, bouncing, etc.) so I was really excited to start teaching him rhythm and show him his mommy and daddy have some moves.



Dancing at the Hanus Wedding



This was followed by one of the longest days of my life.  I was working on building my “stock photography” for work and met a photographer at 6am to run around town and capture images of Charleston.  I was with this photographer until 9pm that night…and put some serious miles on my feet.  Little did I know that 6 months pregnant and walking around for 15 hours was not a good idea (understatement of the century).

Sample of STOCK PHOTOGRAPHY-
Images Courtesy of Krist Michelle Photography

Sample 2 of STOCK PHOTOGRAPHY-
Images Courtesy of Krist Michelle Photography

My poor little footsies did not have time to rest up before they were being abused 2 days later in Atlanta, GA shopping for baby stuff.  By day 2 of shopping I pleaded with JCH that we rent a motorized wheelchair…my ankles were so swollen and every step was so painful.  Would that be ridiculous to use a wheelchair?  I didn’t think so.  Did we get a wheelchair?  Of course not, I’m a tough cookie.  We also celebrated JCH’s 30^th birthday while in Atlanta by allowing him a shopping spree at Bass Pro Shops, and going out to dinner at Maggiano’s.  YUM YUM YUM (BB Hoffman and mommy really enjoyed that part of daddy’s birthday).

Another thing that has been consuming my free time lately is “nursery planning”.  I’ve decided that BB Hoffman needs custom nursery bedding…and my mom is going to help me accomplish this.  I’ve picked out the fabrics and will sew the sheets, dust ruffle, and curtains, and my mom is going to sew a quilt.  I decided that with the mostly grey and white decor to incorporate elephants in the theme…and have since become OBSESSED with elephant stuff for the nursery.  Check out my “Baby Love” board on Pinterest if you don’t believe me.



BB Hoffman Nursery-Inspiration Board
http://pinterest.com/casey_luxem/baby-love/



I went to a beautiful baby shower last weekend and was 1 of 4 pregnant friends there.  How awesome is that? It was fun to joke about needing a crane to get us off the floor and talk about baby essentials and registries.  I love comparing notes and having a good friend to talk to about the strange things that are going on with my body.

My beautiful pregnant friends

At my last check up with Dr. C -I mentioned that I am twice the size of my other pregnant friends and he said that was nothing to worry about (I wasn’t worried-well yes I was-where is there room for growth if it already looks like I have a bowling ball under my shirt?).  He said that because of my retroverted uterus (tilted uterus) the baby’s position is going to also be tilted (and in my case-that is TILTED FORWARD).  I honestly catch myself holding/supporting my belly when I walk around…it’s just so “OUT THERE”...I feel like I'm going to fall over.

We’ve got another wedding coming up this weekend that I have been anticipating for months.  I absolutely LOVE the couple getting married and think they are really going to “bring it” when it comes to celebrating the love.  I’ve got a few friends that I’m super excited to see too….and it doesn’t hurt that I happened to find an AMAZING dress (while in Atlanta) that I cant wait to wear!  You remember how obsessive I was about finding a “stylish” dress to wear…and well I think I did.  YAY!

Excited to see BB Hoffman at our next ultrasound on April 30^th.  I bet he is HUGE and looking more and more like his daddy.  I’m just getting so excited to meet my little man…if only we could agree on a name for him.

Picture Friday

Happy Friday!!! BB (baby boy) Hoffman is sure getting big!  I find myself looking at our most recent ultrasound pictures over and over again...and I still cant get enough! I thought that maybe y'all might like to see BB Hoffman!

Saying hello to mommy and daddy

what a beautiful profile BB Hoffman has

My FAVE- so precious

mouth wide open- looks just like his daddy

It's a boy! (arrow pointing incase you need some help)

Oh how I've grown in 10 weeks!



JCH and I are busy doing our homework! Trying to determine which is the safest (and cutest) crib, car seat, stroller, etc. is slightly exhausting...but mommy wont settle for anything other than the best!  What did you do to research baby items? Did you happen to save any of your research (and willing to share)? We are also trying to determine what "baby furniture" items we need/want and what we can fit into the room that we have designated for the nursery.  What items would you say are absolutely necessary?  I bought a sewing machine and am going to make the curtains and a foot stool, and my mother has agreed to help with the crib bedding (slightly more complicated than I can take on).  As silly as it sounds I'm really excited to get my sewing machine and start on some of my projects!!!  This mama is feeling the need to "NEST"!!!

JCH and I are going to a wedding this weekend in Greenville, SC which I've heard so many wonderful things about!  We are really excited to not only share in the joys of LOVE with our friends but to have a little "getaway" together to rest, relax and love on each other!  We love weddings...they really do spark a deeper and bigger flame within the two of us...so magical!  I'll be sure to take pictures--especially after all of the hype of finding the "perfect maternity dress"- LOL :)

Wishing a wonderful weekend to all of you!!!

Mocktails and MooMoo's

Not feeling very COOL lately guys!  I think the idea that I am no longer cool has been lingering in the back of my mind for a month or two, but recently HIT my conscious thought process a few days ago when I was shopping for maternity dresses online for a wedding.

I have always LOVED fashion and have always been known in my circle as being slightly edgy and wearing the “weird” hipster stuff that most people choose not to pick up from runways or celebs (AND I LOVED THAT).  I love clothes and fashion- it’s such a unique way to express yourself and define your individuality.  Why is it that being a “mom” or “soon to be mom” means that you can’t be fashionable (unless you have a huge budget of course)?  I do give the clothing stores, who sell maternity clothes, some credit by supplying clothes that actually FIT pregnant women…but why can’t they just take normal (fashionable) clothes and make a little extra room?  It’s like they are “dumbing down” fashion for those who are “expecting”…leaving me “expecting” more!  Okay so that’s my rant…I’m a little “put out” with maternity clothes and am not feeling like my normal self lately…unable to express my individuality through fashion (I warned you I can be slightly overdramatic)!  In a month or two I will probably look back at this post, 20 pounds heavier (and happily wearing a moo-moo) and laugh that I was so silly about "being fashionably pregnant".

Last night I finally did it! I got my hair done!  I have been putting this off with all of the mixed reviews of why coloring your hair during pregnancy is or isn’t bad for you.  My stylist is amazing!  She made sure to foil so that none of the chemicals touched my scalp and provided me with the seat next to the front door (that she propped open just so I wouldn’t be breathing in any fumes).  I felt 100% confident that our little boy was just fine and can I tell you that MAMA is now more than fine!  When she was done with my color, cut and blowout I felt like ME again!  I honestly felt like I needed to put on my most fashionable outfit (oh wait I don’t have any that fit) and meet some ladies out for cocktails (or at least I would have a “mocktail”)!!! J

Today I even wore HIGH heels to work!! I’m back! LOL but seriously I haven’t worn high heels to work since “IMPLANTATION DAY”….which for those who may not know that date by memory (like I do) it was October 30th! It’s amazing what a pair of stilettos and a trip to the salon will do for your confidence.

Another reason I am feeling REALLY cool today (okay not THAT cool) is that I created a “youtube channel” for our family.  It’s what all the kids are doing nowadays!  I hated that I didn’t have a way to share my last video…and now we have another video that MUST be shared…especially with y’all who I feel are my best and closest!  A few months ago JCH was “nominated” by his doctors to be a spokesperson for a new drug that literally has changed his life- Cayston (see Holidaze).   Cayston is one of the newest drugs that treat Cystic Fibrosis and by far the best!  John's breathing treatments take an hour each morning and each evening (with drugs other than Cayston) and new drug, Cayston, only takes a few minutes.  Drugs like this are changing the lives of those with Cystic Fibrosis and the ongoing support and donations from my “best and closest” are what make that possible.  Since I began my journey as a "CF Wife" (what they call me at the foundation) and advocate for raising funds and awareness for Cystic Fibrosis I have seen my efforts and money make such a difference in not only Johns life but of the many people I have been honored to know who are also affected by CF.  There is a cure within our reach and financing the research is the only thing that stands in its way!  So check out our video (warning: it’s kind of a tear-jerker) AND check out my link to my Great Strides page where I have just kicked off my fundraising efforts for the event on May 12th.  Please help me make CF stand for CURE FOUND!