Just missing a princess

38 weeks and I am counting down the days! I am hoping Addi comes at least by her due date if not sooner. I am ready to not be pregnant anymore.

This past week was rough because Dave caught whatever crud was going around his school. It knocked him down for 4-5 days! High temperature, not eating, throwing up, lethargic....it was awful. I was so afraid he was going to give me whatever he had so he had to stay either in the living room or the guest room and my essential oils and hand sanitizer were my best friends! I managed to steer clear of whatever he had due in part to the vitamins I have been taking and my oils! In the four years we have been together I have never seen him sick, let alone this sick! 

I have also spent the past week just doing last minute things. Getting the truck in tip top shape, getting the car seat checked, finishing up vet visits with the dogs, and trying to slow down work a bit so that it won't be such a shock to come of my clients when Addilynn comes.

Jim and Cindy (Pop & Cici) were here all weekend and they will be back next weekend. They came to watch Dave's home game on Friday night along with Adreann, Darren, and Ryliegh and to celebrate Dave's birthday with us since he was sick last week. Cindy added two more freezer meals to my stock pile and it was just nice to have them around.

Today is a rest day as my activity for the weekend has caused some major swelling of my feet! Prayers for a good week and fingers crossed Addilynn picks her birthday soon!

The Home Stretch

So the twins had their first day of school (TK to be exact) in Carslbad this past Monday. I swear they get bigger every time Carly sends me a picture of them. I wish they could come down when Addilynn is born but we will have to wait until the spring time to head out there and see them. 

September is Pediatric/Childhood Cancer Awareness month and unfortunately we know a tiny angel who touched a lot of lives. I say unfortunately because it would be much better if she was not in this category but her story made it all the way around the world and she still continues to inspire people. 

Lennon Marguerite Walther was born on March 24, 2015 to Zack and Marci Walther. She has two big sisters, Ashton Grace and Dani Laurel. Only a few days shy of 6 weeks old, she was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia on May 4th. Transported by ambulance immediately, she began treatment at the Children's Hospital of San Antonio. Only 10 infants per million live births annually in the U.S. are diagnosed with AML. Lennon was truly one in a million.

Through love, support, and awareness...Lennon-Aid’s mission is to help families facing a long-term debilitating illness and/or disease.

​

Our intent is to raise funds to financially assist families in long-term need through private donations, bi-annual fundraisers and sponsorships. Your donation will be used to financially assist these families in need with mortgage/rent payment, payment of essential bills (utilities, phone, vehicle loan, etc.), sibling care, care packages including but not limited to: bibles, resources for emotional/spiritual support, gas cards to get to and from the hospital, gift card for meals, hotel accommodations if needed, etc.; equipment to benefit hospitals (chairs, toys, music boxes, etc.).

You can also follow their story on Facebook. 

Yesterday marked my 9 month milestone! I am so ready for Addilynn to be here and not in my tummy. It will be nice when I can breath normally and bend over again. 

I really wanted to make it to Dave's first varsity home game so I sucked it up, got dressed, and made my way up to Buda for the game. It was nice seeing the other wives again and it was pretty neat to see Dave in a totally different element that I had only heard about before. He truly loves coaching. The picture below is grainy but he is the coach on the left side standing at the goal line with his d-line. I made it through the first half and halftime, because what is Texas High School football without listening to the marching bands?!

My work schedule has slowed, it has been hard to do that but I have had to make an effort to pick and choose what to do now. I mostly stay home and do what I can from my home office and then run my house errands when necessary. It is a little tough since Dave is gone a lot with coaching but it would not have been any different if we were still an oilfield family. Atleast I know he is no more than 30-40 minutes away from me instead of hours like before. 

Addilynn and I are on the homestretch and I tell her every day she can make her way whenever she wants. We have everything ready for. I go back to the doctor on Tuesday so I am hoping to get a better picture of how the next few weeks should play out. 

Football Season Has Started in Texas

So close! That is how I feel at least. Addi has moved out of my lungs and dropped a bit which has made a world of a difference when it comes to trying to sleep. And by trying, I mean sleep is still a precious thing that doesn't come by me well as of lately.  

Mom left the top off the blender while making hollindaise sauce!
It seriously got everywhere! 

Mom came up and stayed with me for a few days while dad was out in North Carolina for work. It was nice to have her around to help me out. We ate well, the house was clean, and we got stuff done that I needed help with. We finally ordered the stroller and car seat and it came in the day mom left. I got the sunshine yellow color of the Graco Quick Connect and I am super pumped to put some running miles on that stroller just as soon as I can. 

Mom was able to make one doctor appointment I had on Tuesday. Other than the swelling that has started to take place in my feet, the appointment went well. Went over my birth plan with my doctor and definitely feel better about how everything is going to go. Mom left on Wednesday to head back down to the Valley and is on standby for baby watch like everyone else. 

Dave has his first varsity football game tonight as a Hays Rebels Coach. I wish I could go but it is an away game in Georgetown and that drive so late at night is just not something I should be doing. There are two home games before Addi's due date so hopefully I can make those and watch him in his element. 

And yes the chats about Addi making her way earthside have sort of started. I need her to know its ok to come and to not get to comfy in there. 

After having two closings last week and with the way my feet have been, I treated myself to a Green Tea pedicure. If I am gong to have sausage toes, I might as well have cute sausage toes....that is my thought anyway!

Doulas are full of information!

So I had my first official one on one with Shelby my doula today. I am so glad that I decided to have her help me through this process. I am sure come kid two I may not need her but she sure helps ease my mind for round one and she has so much information! 

After chatting about breastfeeding she had recommended that I get the reusable/washable breast pads. I had a box of the disposable ones, not thinking that it would be much of a difference. I was wrong. Not only are using washable ones better for the environment and less costly in the long run (especially if you breastfeed for a while), the ones I bought from Babies R Us pictured below are made from organic, natural fibers which help with breath-ability and better for Addilynn. My MIL is going to make a cute bag to keep them in once they are clean that way I don't lose any. 

I obviously screenshotted this from IG so if you are into DoTerra oils you should follow too! I am going to make this once it gets closer to when she is here or shortly after. In my monthly order for August I got the rest of what I was missing so now I just need a glass jar. 

I had my 32 week doctor appointment yesterday and as expected, everything went well. I lost three pounds from my last appointment but Addilynn is still growing. Doc said she isn't going to let me go past my 40 weeks so September 30 it is! However I would much rather not have to be induced so Shelby and I talked about what I could do and when to help coax Addilynn out on her own without making birth a traumatic experience for me or for her. 

Made a quick stop by For Goodness Sakes and the lady that helped me was awesome! She knew exactly what I was looking for and why. I am so glad that New Braunfels has a store like For Goodness Sakes!

From left to right:

Earth Mama Angel Baby bath herbs for after...I am not much of a bath person but she says this will help so I guess a few baths can't hurt. 

Raspberry Leaf Tea...I have never had this obviously but will start drinking some at the beginning of September. 

30 day supply of Probiotic to make sure that my GBS test is negative.

Tinctures of Milk Rich with Goat's Rue for good milk production, AfterEase, and Valerian Root because I am all ready not sleeping. 

The sales gal even told me about items they had to help with mastitis, should I get it, and where to find other items next time I am in. 

Shelby and I even went over what I had as far as baby goods. I decided that we were going to go the Burt's Bees route with products and she said that is a great brand. But I had been given Johnson and Johnson products as well. Needless to say they were returned along with the wrong size nipples that I had bought. Shelby explained to me that getting nipples that are medium/fast flow is like hitting the easy button for milk so your babe will want a bottle over the boob. Duh...makes total sense. 

 Needless to say if you have ever been on the fence about spending the money for a doula....do it. If you are able to find a good one, they are so worth it!

This awesome sign is totally going on my front porch! I found a gal that will make it locally which is even better. We constantly get solicitors and the FedEx guy will ring our doorbell. I have three dogs that go apeshit when the doorbell is rung! Not having it when Addilynn is sleeping, just saying!  

I Hired A Doula

I never thought I would be one to entertain the thought of a doula and definitely not a midwife but I guess there is a first time for everything. With Addilynn being born in the middle of football season Dave has told me that he pretty much will be consumed with work. When we were sitting down one evening chatting about his schedule I just kinda freaked out about it all. So I started looking into a doula just for private birth classes. That way we could both be educated on our on time instead of the hospital's. But after her first visit, sans Dave because of work, I decided that for my peace of mind, I wanted her around for the whole thing. Dave thinks I am a little crazy/hippie for wanting a doula but he knows better than to tell me no on something like this. Having a baby will be the most traumatic thing I have ever been through and having the support will make it so much easier to go through. 

So Shelby Miller is a local doula here who I found on Facebook. She serves the surrounding area but is conveniently located in New Braunfels.....WIN! Not only am I going to have her around to labor at the house as long as possible and hopefully go to the hospital with me, I decided I wanted to take advantage of the encapsulation and tincture services she provides as well. Anything to help with making sure I can breastfeed as long as possible as well as help maintain my hormone levels so I don't drive anyone crazy is worth it! LOL

At 31 weeks and some change, I am over being pregnant. The very restless nights have set in and feeling like everywhere I go I am being stared at is not a great feeling. My clients have been so sweet, giving me gifts for Addilynn and just being understanding of being so pregnant. I am hoping that my business doesn't suffer too much when she comes but We will figure out a way to work around it. Mini me is going to be helping sell houses in no time!

Babymoon

Dave and I had our "babymoon" this weekend before the craziness of football season starts. We didn't go anywhere special but just being able to spend time together was good. Sometimes we let life take over and we forget the small things so stopping and taking a moment to appreciate each other helps put us back on track. He even went and picked out a new shirt, a bracelet and bought me my favorite flowers...tulips! We went to a great dinner at Husiache and then went to Gruene Hall for the Austin English/Max Stallings Concert. I survived until almost 11 at night but then all I could think about was kicking my feet up. 

Last week Addilynn received even more presents! Baby girl has a wardrobe that anyone should envy...I am being serious!

I had a closing with some referral clients from Corpus. Funny enough the husband works for FESCO! Brittney, his wife, gave me a thank you gift for helping them through the process of finding their house. She gave me a Corkcicle coffee mug and all these goodies for Addilynn that she had made from a lady on Etsy. I was just blown away by the sweet gesture! Addilynn and I may not be able to actually go hunting this year but she will look super adorable during season!

And my Cowboy Church family didn't forget about us either. Jimmy and Gracie sent up a care package of books. Three for Addilynn and one for Dave/myself. And when Gracie sends it, you read it. I miss my Cowboy Church family so much, especially my Wednesday night family dinners. I am excited to be able to go to service with them next Sunday while I am down there. It will be so awesome to see everyone after almost 8/9 months. 

Daddy Diaper Duty Ready

I don't think I have ever been this uncomfortable so consistently before in my life. And I am just going to keep getting bigger! Addilynn has been moving like crazy, I am sure she is seriously running out of room in there. I typically don't leave the house now unless I really have to and at that I try to make all my errands on the same days that I have to get work stuff done too. 

My sister had this onesie made for Addilynn and it is just too stinking cute! I hope she doesn't come out too big and unable to wear atleast a few times. 

Dave started work officially this week so it has been an interesting transition to our new life of teaching and being a coach's wife during football season. I don't think it is as hard as being an oilfield wife, just different. As an oilfield wife, when he was gone...he was gone. As a coach he comes home but Lord only knows at what time so planning for dinner is a crapshoot. 

But I was super excited to get a friend of mine make these for Addilynn for our first football season as a family. I had the onesies all ready so Tiffany just heatpressed what I wanted. I cannot wait to see her in these. 

Last weekend Dave had his diaper party (only cause I made him) and quite a few of his friends were able to make it. Our friend Brian was the "host" so he got Dave the only thing he had requested since we found out that we were expecting....a 5.11 Tactical Bag for a diaper bag. Dave found the YouTube video of the guy going through what he did to use it as a diaper bag and he was sold! Needless to say I had no problems because now he has no excuse about not being prepared for diaper duty!

We also got quite a few boxes of diapers and lots of wipes (which is why I made him have the party) Those are just the boxes of diapers....the packages are in clear RubberMade containers on the floor.  

And I think at last count we were up to 45+ packages of wipes! You can never have too many packages of wipes. It is safe to say that not only is Dave ready for diaper duty, the house is too! Now it will just be a matter of how much gagging he does as we changes her! Poor guy!

Punches and kicks mean no sleep

Oh Addi....you are always so active at night but tonight you are just killing me!! 

I had another sonogram today. The first one in almost three months when we found out what you were. It was super cool to see how much you've grown and to learn that your head is down by my left hip and your rump/legs are up by my right side rib cage. And everything in between always seems to be on my bladder or on my digestive system. I'm only awake right now because of you! 

Your dad seems to get a kick out of my progression of belly pics. To be honest, I'm ready for you to be here so I have a workout buddy and we can work on getting this belly back to normal. 

I had a busy day with work today so you were pretty chill while I was out and about. But I would love it if you would go to bed about now. 

From Oilfield Wife to Coach's Wife

Before Dave and I met, he had been a teacher and a coach for roughly 5 years or so. He got out of teaching when his grandma got sick back in Alice. He returned to his hometown to be closer to family and this started his oilfield career. 

Dave has always had a passion for coaching, especially football. After all the turmoil of his career moves this year we decided that it would be best for him to return to coaching and teaching. Even after five years away from Friday Night Lights, he had received two job offers. 

He ultimately took a position as the linebacker coach with Hays High School Rebels. He will also be teaching within the social studies department, although we do not know what class just yet. I do not know exactly what to expect with him teaching and coaching, other than the hours he will be away during football are kinda crazy. It can't be as bad as oilfield life but I guess we will see. I am looking forward to going and watching him in his element doing what he loves. 

House Projects and Addilynn's Room So Far

So the pantry on the left is what we have always had. It had wire shelves which I have always hated. Since Dave and I love to cook and have so much stuff, we had talked about converting the right closet (a coat closet) into a pantry as well. I really wanted it done before Addilynn came so Dave made it happen! 

Doesn't it look so much better! Way more storage and the fact that the shelves aren't wire is just amazing! 

I have to pack up some of my super fancy glasses since there isn't any room in the pantry for them but I am ok with that. We hardly use them anyway and Addilynn needed a whole shelf (right now) for her stuff. 

If you don't recognize them, the furniture pieces are the ones I had stripped and repainted then distressed before we left Alice. The dresses is a little small but I am making it work for now. 

Above her crib will be the monogram that Aunt Adreann got her. I need to paint it teal to match and then we will get it up there! 

And Sara made her name letters look just awesome! She also made the H in the first picture that we got when Dave and I got married. Her closet doors are closed but little girl ha a wardrobe that we are totally jealous of! 

Baby Shower for Addilynn

Addi received so many hand made with love gifts, it was just crazy! I know have been pregnant for a while and we found out early but it didn't really hit me until the morning after the shower when I woke up. We had loads of baby clothes on the dinning room to table that were washed and folded and to need to be put away or hung up. Her rock n play is all ready in my room, the pack n play is set up, and the to do list for Dave is getting longer. 

I am glad my mom has stayed the extra few days to help me out. We had to run around to a bunch of different places yesterday to get the little things we did receive from the shower as well as some personal things that I knew I needed. She heads out to San Diego to spend time with my sister and the kids tomorrow for two weeks and I am jealous. The next time I see them will be in the spring and Addi will be meeting her cousins for the first time. 

At this point we are pretty set. If we need anything we will find out at that time. I think I have made us as prepared as we could be and now all we are waiting on is her arrival (not too early) sometime in September.

Dave has is diaper party at the end of July so that will most definitely help us out with diapers and wipies! 

Progression in Photos

So I haven't really published many of my bump photos because, quite frankly, I don't think I look as cute as most of the women who do. But I have been taking them for me and for her to look back on. Here are a few pictures since we found out we are having a girl. 

Had my first hospital visit last night due to severe abdominal pain but everything checked out ok. I think sister is just getting bigger and starting to take up more room which is quite uncomfortable. The baby shower is in just over a week and I am very excited to see everyone and celebrate Addilynn!

The Halfway Mark

So I have made it to the halfway mark for this pregnancy and it seems to have flown by. To be honest, I am not complaining. My feelings towards being pregnant have not really changed much since the last time I blogged. But we have found out the sex!

This was the morning we went to the Dr to see the ultra sound tech. Ashley went with us and she snapped this pic of Dave looking up at the screen. 

 

I got a little carried away with the paint bottles!

And we are having a daughter! I have had a feeling for a few weeks that we were going to have a girl so it was neat to find out I was right! 

Ashley put together this gender reveal for us down at Cypress Bend park. It could not have been more perfect for us. We had so much fun and we are really looking forward to Addilynn's arrival sometime in September. 

We have completed our Healthy Baby course at church that is needed to have her baptized. I learned quite a bit actually. Next month we have our class at the hospital so I think that will really make things real for me. I have't felt her move yet but I am told that is normal for the timeframe I am in. 

Her wardrobe is getting a little crazy! She has so many clothes all ready and it is pretty neat. Her nursery is almost all set up and we haven't even had the baby shower yet. 

Addilynn all ready has her daddy wrapped around her little finger!

So many changes

It has been a few months since I have even opened up this blog but so many things have been happening in our lives. 

First and foremost in January we found out that we are expecting a little peanut in September. 

It was a fun surprise for sure. I am 14 weeks tomorrow and the first trimester hasn't been as bad as most. But to be honest so far I am not a huge fan of being pregnant. I feel awful and lazy most of the time which is just horrible. 

Another huge shocker was Dave leaving the oilfield (so the name of this blog will need to change) It was not something we wanted to do, it was something that was forced upon us. He has since found a job with a local company here in New Braunfels which means he is home every night. It is an adjustment getting used to him not leaving for weeks at a time. But in the long run it is better since the baby is on the way. 

We also found our church home and were officially welcomed as members. Dave and I started attending St. Paul Lutheran and really felt a calling to stay there. The church is old, the pastors are great and the people are very sweet and friendly. 

My sister and her kids are in from California visiting and it has been a whirlwind of a trip so far. I always enjoy getting to spend time with them and it has been nice having them back in Texas. The last time they were here was when Dave and I got married back in November of 2014. 

I am planing on trying to keep up with the blog more but don't hold me to it just yet!