First Baby Shower – Spartanburg

Saturday marked the first of four baby showers for our sweet boy!  The shower was held in Spartanburg and hosted by sweet friends and family.  (Thanks Wanda, Kellyn, Lori, Lauren and Mom)!  I know I keep using the word surreal but it definitely fits.  For so long I was attending baby showers while longing for my time.  In fact, the last baby shower I went to was for 3 precious friends who were all due within a few weeks of one another.  The shower was a week after my last miscarriage and I remember thinking on the drive over that I wasn’t sure I could do it.  I wasn’t sure I could go and smile and celebrate with my friends.  Needless to say that was one day when the Lord truly provided the grace and peace I needed to be able to celebrate with them!  I’ve now had the privilege of watching these ladies become beautiful mothers, and for some of them, mothers for the second time.  It was such a beautiful circle, one I am grateful that I am now a part of.  I thought I would be much more emotional that day, but honestly, I was just enjoying every single moment.

The 20 or so women that were able to attend the baby shower had all impacted my life in beautiful ways…from being second mothers to faithful friends to precious family.  I was truly overwhelmed by the love and memories in that room.  I am so grateful and thankful to all of you and for the imprints you’ve left on my life.  I cannot wait for all of you to get to meet my son!  Thank you for helping us to prepare for his arrival and for the many words of advice and prayers.  Here’s a couple pictures from the shower…the rest can be viewed on my Facebook page (if we aren’t already friends just look me up Sarah Hill Weber).

Trying to relax before everyone starts arriving.

Food, glorious food.

Me and the two grandmas (Bella aka my mom and Meme aka Hal’s mom)

Clothes cuteness….I cannot believe he is going to be that small.

Loving the practical gifts too!  Narrows down my options.

I had the best little helper in Kayleigh.  She “fixed” my hair for me, “helped” me open presents, and kept me entertained all afternoon. 

Some of my sweet friends from the shower I mentioned at the beginning of this post.  I was sad I didn’t get a picture of all the ladies that came.  I will remember to do that next time.

There are about 34 pictures posted on Facebook so head over there if you want to see them.  I had such a sweet time with everyone.  Thank you, thank you, thank you for showering me (and Malachi) with such love.

Malachi’s Nursery…Work in Progress

While I was in Spartanburg this weekend for the baby shower my sweet hubby was working on the nursery.  No easy task considering what it looked like before he worked on it.  That room used to be my old office (and now our former guest room is my office).  The closets were converted into a library of sorts at one point and I didn’t realize how many books we had until we started clearing them out of the closets last week. The room had also become a storage area so we had all kinds of random stuff in there.

In the course of 2 days Hal had:

1. converted our old corner TV cabinet into an armoire (painted, new hardware, installed a bar so we can hang clothes in it)
2. touched up the dresser he painted a few weeks ago
3. taped off and painted the nursery (2 coats) with the windows open in 120 degree heat index days
4. installed the curtain rods (2 bars – one for blackout curtains, one for the decorative curtains)
5. worked on taking out the shelves he made in the closet and installing a wire shelving unit (we have 2 closets in that room.  The one with the new wire rack will solely be for hanging clothes, the other will be for a single row of hanging clothes and the rest will be the shelves he previously installed for storage.
6. cleaned and put together the crib (it’s been sitting in our garage for a few weeks)
7. bought our storage cube and installed it
8. I am sure I am missing something but that’s what my preggo brain remembers.

Needless to say, he worked so hard and the results are fantastic!  We still have some projects to finish: painting and recovering my glider and ottoman, doing something on the walls, putting together the bassinet, and adding the sheets to the crib and curtains to the rods, etc.  When I walked into the room on Sunday I swear it was one of those times where I really felt like Malachi will be here soon.  Here’s some pictures of Malachi’s nursery…keeping in mind that it is still a work in progress.

This is the far left corner of the room.

This is looking into the nursery from the hallway.  The lamp will be moved elsewhere and once we get the glider and ottoman done it will go in the left hand corner.

Here’s his crib.  I totally love the surfboard crib bumper…and the little feet in the sand.  It’s all going to look so great once we have all the pieces and everything done.

This is the other corner of his room.  We’ll be moving the crib over to the left some so we have more access to the closet.  The dresser will be converted into a changing table (Hal will be installing snaps on the dresser itself and we’ll snap the changing pad directly onto the dresser).

So that’s what we’ve done so far.  We wanted Malachi to have a room that was fun but not baby-ish…no baby blues for us.  And we think we’re accomplishing that.  One thing though……what in the world do we put on the walls???  We have a friend who is making letters that will spell out his name for over the crib but that’s it.  Any ideas?

Malachi is 29 Weeks!

What a week!  I swear it was a total roller coaster week for me… I am hoping the rest of my pregnancy will fulfill my request for an easy ride from here on out.  I know, I know, don’t hold my breath.  I had my glucose test on Thursday and the results indicated that I was borderline, so they took more blood to send off to the hospital’s lab.  I have to say that I was a bit frustrated with the lack of a clear answer and having to wait to find out if I would have to do the 3 hour test.  I was supposed to find out those results on Friday…but no.  I am hoping that no news is good news.  I would really rather not have to take the test again.  The drink made me want to gag.

On a good note, I had my FIRST baby shower on Saturday and I had the best time!  I wish I had gotten a picture of everyone that came, but since I didn’t I can only say that there was so much love in that room.  It was a precious time of catching up with old friends, celebrating new journeys and arrivals, and preparing for my sweet boy’s arrival.  I’ll have a separate post about the shower.  Until I get it posted, thank you to all of you who made my day so special.

When I got back to the beach on Sunday I couldn’t wait to see the nursery!  Hal spent the whole weekend getting it prepped and painted for me so that it would be mostly ready when I got back.  If you know me at all  you know that I was ready to start putting stuff away as soon as I got home.  I’m not one for leaving piles of stuff everyone…if I did my puppy would just assume this gives her free license to claim it as her own.    It’s so great already.  We still have work to do on it but Hal did such a beautiful job and I am so excited to see it when it’s all finished.  I’ll have a separate post for the nursery up shortly as well.

Other than a few low points I had such a great week.  And this may make me sound crazy but I am so excited that I am officially on the every two week doctor visit plan.  Seriously, it just makes me realize that Malachi will be here sooner than later….in fact, he’ll be arriving in less than 77 days (if he comes on his due date).  Anyway, so here’s what the boy is up to.

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: Malachi  is 29 weeks.

Total Weight Gain: 18 lbs.  I’m trying not to cringe, but if Malachi is healthy then I am “happy”.  Haha!

Maternity Clothes: . Since Malachi has changed positions (no longer sitting on my pelvis) my clothes are back to fitting better.  Yay, no new maternity for me!  Seriously, I love my regular clothes and I am not quite ready to relinquish them yet.  Maternity bottoms are more comfortable now that Chi has moved….yay!

Best Moment of the Week: My baby shower, putting Malachi’s things in the nursery, passing the glucose test (hopeful thinking)

Gender: It’s a BOY!  Charles Malachi Weber (We’re calling him Malachi)

What’s Going on with Baby: Baby’s energy is surging, thanks to the formation of white fat deposits beneath the skin. (Have those kicks and jabs to the ribs tipped you off yet?) Baby is also settling into sleep and waking cycles, though — as you’ve also probably noticed — they don’t necessarily coincide with your own. Also this month, all five senses are finally functional, and the brain and nervous system are going through major developments.

Baby is size of: A Large Squash.  He’s somewhere around 15.2-16.7 inches and 2.5-3.8 lbs

Movement: Malachi isn’t kicking so much any more as much as he is rolling around and stretching.  He typically rolls around and stretches throughout the day but around 5 a.m.is when he decides that Mommy is a punching bag and kicks and punches at the same time.  Seriously, I can see my skin being hit on one side of my body and the opposite side…totally freaky.

Food Craving:I’m noticing that I am not so hungry any more and my cravings are starting to become few and far between.  I’m assuming this is because he’s taking up more room.  The good thing about this is that I’m more willing to eat what we have in the pantry rather than feeling like I “need” something from the store. 

What I miss: sleeping through the night and having energy!

Sleep: Sleep is still coming in fits and starts.  I sleep for a couple hours before my hips start hurting bad enough to roll over.  However, last night I tried out my new Boppy pillow (thanks Lauren) and it totally helps more so than my body pillow.  I can stay asleep for longer snatches of time because my hips are more in alignment at night now.

What I am looking forward to: our next baby showers, our next ultrasound and 4D ultrasound, finishing Malachi’s room

Belly Button: It’s starting to pop out!  It’s a half-outtie right now.

Symptoms: The newest symptom has been swelling in my hands.  Sometimes I wake up in the morning and they are so swollen that they hurt.  Thankfully the swelling goes away in a few hours.  Other than that, general fatigue and back aches.  Since I am carrying him all up front the back hurts a lot.  I just bought a belly band so we’re going to hope that helps.  I’m making a effort to rest more and take it easy…despite how busy I am.

Malachi is 28 Weeks!

Glucose test week…YUCK!  I am praying that I pass this first time so I don’t have to do it again!  We also got our confirmation that we are fully registered at the hospital and for our childbirth classes.  It’s exciting to be wrapping up these last details.  I know I say a version of this every week, but with each week that passes and with each completed step I get more and more excited that our son will be here soon!  At this point the big stuff is done…other than labor and delivery of course.  Now if only I could find the energy to finish all the small projects on my list.

Our first baby shower is Saturday in Spartanburg.  I am so excited to see family and friends there as it will likely be the last time I get to Spartanburg before Malachi is born.  I also cannot wait to meet all the babies that my friends have had since I’ve been away.  It’s going to be such a fun weekend!  I’ll post pictures from it next week.

Hal and I went to a friend’s wedding on Saturday and got all spiffed up for it.  I even wore heels!

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: Malachi  is 28 weeks.

Total Weight Gain: 16 lbs.  I am still working on becoming more comfortable with my new body and appreciating the fact that all these changes mean that Malachi is getting closer to being in my arms!

Maternity Clothes: . I still love dresses, although I am starting to grow out of many of them.  Because my sweet boy hangs out so low I am thinking that I will be graduating to all my maternity stuff shortly.  My regular shirts don’t cover my belly all the way and my dresses ride up a lot.  Anyone know of any places where I can buy maternity clothes in Myrtle Beach other than Motherhood Maternity?

Best Moment of the Week: Passing the glucose test!

Gender: It’s a BOY!  Charles Malachi Weber (We’re calling him Malachi)

What’s Going on with Baby: Your baby-to-be’s skeleton and muscles are maturing quickly. This week he can turn his head from side to side.  Most of the lanugo has disappeared at this point and your baby may have a full head of hair by now.

Baby is size of: A Pineapple, he’s around 2.8lbs…my son is growing so fast!

Movement: Malachi loves to be active and kicks and moves all the time!  He’s starting to kick with more force and it can be totally freaky to see my skin stretch so far.

Food Craving:I’m noticing that I am not so hungry any more and my cravings are starting to become few and far between.  I’m assuming this is because he’s taking up more room.  The good thing about this is that I’m more willing to eat what we have in the pantry rather than feeling like I “need” something from the store. 

What I miss: sleeping through the night, not waking up to hip pain (that’s a new one), high heels, my regular clothes (which are always so much more flattering than maternity)!

Sleep: It’s intermittent.  When asleep I sleep really well.  When awake, I am very awake.  Pregnancy truly is preparation for when the baby comes.

What I am looking forward to: our baby showers, starting our lamaze/childbirth classes, working on and completing projects for Malachi’s room, our 4D ultrasound in a few weeks!

Belly Button: It’s starting to pop out!

Symptoms: The newest symptom has been swelling in my hands.  Sometimes I wake up in the morning and they are so swollen that they hurt.  Thankfully the swelling goes away in a few hours.  Other than that, just general fatigue.  I’m making a effort to rest more and take it easy…despite how busy I am.

Malachi is 27 Weeks!

I have to admit that it has been a bittersweet week for me.  Hal and I had some pretty tough decisions to make regarding a family situation that we’ve been dealing with for many months now.  We’ve been debating for many weeks now as to how to handle it and we believe the Lord has given us the clarity we needed to make the decision that is best for us, but also leaves room for hope and forgiveness.  We’ve learned that while it is often easier to build a fortress and moat around ourselves that this path can also lead to hardened hearts and sin.  So instead we are embracing Christ’s words to, “Come out from among them and be separate”.  We are believing that by doing so we leave open the ability of the Lord to work in and through this situation to draw them to us or draw us back as He chooses.  Now that this decision has been made we really feel that we can move on and just enjoy these next few weeks of being baby-free and beyond that when Malachi is here with us.  Would you pray alongside us for wisdom and peace through this struggle?  We are believing the Lord for big things in this as He is the only one able to restore this situation.

As I am headed out of the second trimester and into the third I find myself feeling a little overwhelmed with everything that is on my plate right now.  I am wrapping up my Masters (by August), have two major events for Chick-fil-A to plan and implement by September, wrap up my last few nights of work at the LOFT (an attempt to save some money to prep for baby), have to finish moving the junk out of the nursery and start putting all that together, as well as planning to  spend 3 weekends out of town for baby showers.  These next few weeks are going to be CRAZY!!!  I am truly praying for favor from the Lord to finish everything strong leading up to maternity leave.  As of now it seems like an endless battle against fatigue, but I’m surviving and am thankful to be in the position I’m in.

I got the invitation to our first baby shower in the mail today and I swear the tears started flowing!  It is so nice to FINALLY be the one inviting people to come to MY baby shower rather than being the recipient only.  I am so so so blessed to be Malachi’s Mommy!  In 2 short weeks the celebrations begin…and I have been promised cupcakes at my Spartanburg shower so for that I am truly grateful!    I can’t wait to meet our little man!

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: Malachi  is 27 weeks.

Total Weight Gain: 16 lbs.  I am still working on becoming more comfortable with my new body and appreciating the fact that all these changes mean that Malachi is getting closer to being in my arms!

Maternity Clothes: . I still love dresses, although I am starting to grow out of many of them.  Because my sweet boy hangs out so low I am thinking that I will be graduating to all my maternity stuff shortly.  My regular shirts don’t cover my belly all the way and my dresses ride up a lot.  Anyone know of any places where I can buy maternity clothes in Myrtle Beach other than Motherhood Maternity?

Best Moment of the Week: I drew up a plan for where I want everything placed in the room so once we find some energy we’ll start getting everything set up.  Once we get some energy we’ll get working on everything.  I am so excited to have my sweet boy enjoying the space we’re making for him as much as I am going to.  Moving into my THIRD trimester!

Gender: It’s a BOY!  Charles Malachi Weber (We’re calling him Malachi)

What’s Going on with Baby: Baby’s immune system is quickly developing and preparing him for life outside the womb.  Your baby’s lungs and brain are beginning to mature. Although he’d have a good chance of survival if he were born now, he could use a few more weeks of growing. Added layers of fat are continuing to form. These layers will help your baby regulate his temperature once outside the womb and help keep him warm. As baby is taking up more space, you may find that you eat less and are more uncomfortable.

Baby is size of: A Pineapple, he’s around 2.5lbs…my son is growing so fast!

Movement: Malachi loves to be active and moves all the time!  It’s so much fun, but it can often be tiring as he’s most active when I am ready to sleep.  I love every moment though because that’s his way of letting me know that he’s doing well.

Food Craving:I’m back to craving cheese and chocolate again.  I’m trying to curb how much I eat though since I have the dreaded glucose test next week.

What I miss: sleeping through the night, not waking up to hip pain (that’s a new one), high heels, my regular clothes (which are always so much more flattering than maternity)!

Sleep: It’s intermittent.  When asleep I sleep really well.  When awake, I am very awake.  Pregnancy truly is preparation for when the baby comes.

What I am looking forward to: our baby showers, starting our lamaze/childbirth classes, working on and completing projects for Malachi’s room, our 4D ultrasound in a few weeks!

Belly Button: It’s starting to pop out!

Symptoms: I’m fairly tired a good bit of the time now and my feet are starting to swell if I’ve been up and about too long without breaks.  I am quickly learning that I have limits and that if I exceed those limits that I will regret it.

All in all, a bittersweet week.  I love my son and cannot wait for him to be in my arms and part of the lives of those that love us and him so much!  He truly is a gift…one we will be grateful for for the rest of our lives!

Malachi is 26 Weeks!

We’re 26 weeks and counting!  We are officially less than 100 days from meeting our son!!!!  I just cannot believe it!  Malachi and I spent the week on our own while Hal was at Summersalt with the Beach Church youth.  We bonded over chocolate cupcakes…too many chocolate cupcakes.    That might explain the 15 lb weight gain.  Malachi is apparently a big fan of sugar since he became super active about 30 minutes afterward!   At the moment I am trying to cut back from my two cupcakes a day habit to one.  Haha, it’s easier said than done.

Here’s the belly bump at 26 weeks!  I’m starting to look HUGE!  (FYI, just don’t tell me that I look huge…glowing would be a better term).

It’s so hard to believe but our first baby shower (in Spartanburg) is happening this month!  EEK!  It’s unbelievable to realize that I am far enough along to be able to have baby showers….needless to say, it’s been a long time coming if you know anything of our past pregnancies.  I cannot wait to celebrate Malachi’s arrival with my family and friends!  Hopefully there will be cupcakes…   Here’s what our precious boy is up to:

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: Malachi  is 26 weeks.

Total Weight Gain: 15 lbs and holding…I hope it stays that way for awhile!  I’m starting to get more comfortable with my new body and appreciating the fact that all these changes mean that Malachi is getting closer to being in my arms!

Maternity Clothes: . I still love dresses, although I am starting to grow out of many of them.  I believe that I’m going to need to start buying actual maternity dresses and shirts soon.

Best Moment of the Week: I am beginning to start nesting.  I’m wanting to clean all the time and rearrange things.  I am itching to begin to put together Malachi’s room.  Now that Hal is back in town we can start that!

Gender: It’s a BOY!  Charles Malachi Weber (We’re calling him Malachi)

What’s Going on with Baby: This week your baby-to-be opens his eyes for the first time. He’ll open and shut his eyes as he gets used to his new ability. Your little one is still on the small side. His body may look fully formed on the outside, but inside there’s fine-tuning taking place, including his lungs and his brain. Your unborn baby still has some growing to do!

Baby is size of: An Eggplant (13.6-14.8 inches, 1.5-2.2 pounds) I believe it too…my son is growing so fast!

Movement: Malachi has decided that he REALLY likes to kick and engages in doing so all the time!  He’s kicking so hard that I can watch my stomach move.  He’s also sliding his hands so hard that I can watch them move as well.  It’s totally crazy and awesome and weird.  I also think he got his first set of hiccups which was pretty hysterical.

Food Craving:I’m really craving red meat and Mexican food…except I accidentally got a bite of jalapeno and I swear I was going to be sick.  Obviously cupcakes have now topped the lists of cravings.  Once I got over my Chick-fil-A aversion, I haven’t had any others so I am super thankful for that.

What I miss: sleeping through the night, not waking up to hip pain (that’s a new one), high heels!

Sleep: It’s intermittent.  When asleep I sleep really well.  When awake, I am very awake.  Pregnancy truly is preparation for when the baby comes.

What I am looking forward to: our baby showers, starting our lamaze/childbirth classes, working on and completing projects for Malachi’s room

Belly Button: Definitely in, but I have a feeling it will probably pop out as it’s already fairly close to the surface

Symptoms: I’m fairly tired a good bit of the time now and my feet are starting to swell if I’ve been up and about too long without breaks.  I am quickly learning that I have limits and that if I exceed those limits that I will regret it.

This has been such a good week.  Other than being perpetually tired, which I know is normal, I’ve felt really good.  I’m thankful for that as the work life is super stressful right now.  I’m also super thankful to have a supportive husband!  While he was gone this week I realized just how much I rely on him.  He’s the best and I am so glad that we’re doing this together!  Until next week….

Malachi is 25 Weeks!

I am slowly and surely edging closer to having less than 100 days until we meet our precious son!  I am still utterly amazed by how quickly the time has gone.  It is so hard to believe that I am already having to start working on gathering addresses for our upcoming showers (our first one is at the end of July…EEK!).  It makes me feel like we are getting so much closer to Malachi being here.

This week I will be cleaning the bassinet, wiping down the crib  and glider(since it’s been sitting in our garage for a few months), washing the linens for the bassinet and crib (so we can get those set up), and getting a supply list together for what we need to buy to get the nursery together.  So far we’ve got paint and painting supplies, foam and fabric to re-cover the glider and CLEARING OUT THAT ROOM.  Malachi’s nursery kind of became our junk room/library so I really need to get working on that so we can make room for our little man!

I was so happy this weekend to get to spend some time with friends that we haven’t seen in a long time at a wedding in Charleston!  The wedding was gorgeous, the company was wonderful, and it was nice to just get out of Myrtle Beach for a couple hours.  Congratulations Aaron and Caroline!  And I have to admit that I really enjoyed showing off my little man!!

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: Malachi  is 25 weeks.

Total Weight Gain: 15 lbs and holding…I hope it stays that way for awhile!

Maternity Clothes: . I’m living in dresses because I am just no longer comfortable in anything else.  Because Malachi hangs out so low, even the belly bands in my maternity pants/shorts aren’t comfortable any more.  I also learned an important lesson this weekend…heels are not great for the preggo.  I wore a pair of high heels for the first time in weeks and my body sure let me know that this was not the best idea…I’m thinking I will stick with my flats!

Best Moment of the Week: Getting to share our excitement about Malachi with people we haven’t seen since we first found out we were pregnant.

Gender: It’s a BOY!  Charles Malachi Weber (We’re calling him Malachi)

What’s Going on with Baby: Let your spouse put an ear to your belly — he might be able to pick up baby’s heartbeat (no stethoscope required). Inside the womb, the formation of tiny capillaries is giving baby a healthy pink glow. Baby’s also soaking up your antibodies, getting the immune system ready for life outside the womb. Eyes are forming, and baby will soon perfect the blink — perfect for batting those freshly grown lashes.

Baby is size of: An Eggplant (13.6-14.8 inches, 1.5-2.2 pounds) I believe it too…my son is growing so fast!

Movement: Malachi has decided that he REALLY likes to kick and engages in doing so all the time!  He’s kicking so hard that I can watch my stomach move.  He’s also sliding his hands so hard that I can watch them move as well.  It’s totally crazy and awesome and weird.  I also think he got his first set of hiccups which was pretty hysterical.

Food Craving:I’m really craving Mexican food, or really anything that is not bland.

What I miss: sleeping through the night, being able to walk without leaning back.

Sleep: It’s intermittent.  When asleep I sleep really well.  When awake, I am very awake.  Pregnancy truly is preparation for when the baby comes.

What I am looking forward to: getting prepped for our baby showers and visiting with the friends that will come, getting the glucose test over with, MEETING MY SON!!!

Belly Button: Definitely in, but I have a feeling it will probably pop out as it’s already fairly close to the surface

Symptoms: I’m fairly tired a good bit of the time now and my feet are starting to swell if I’ve been up and about too long without breaks.  I am quickly learning that I have limits and that if I exceed those limits that I will regret it.

Needless to say, the good still far outweighs any of the negative impacts of this pregnancy.  I am finding myself to become more and more anxious to start getting everything together for Malachi…nesting I guess.  I’m so ready to have his room put together (or at least mostly together), to hang his clothes in his closet, and to soon see his sweet self asleep in the crib.  I can’t wait until our showers to come so we I can celebrate Malachi’s arrival with my family and friends.  Each and every one of them have loved, supported and prayed for us…and for the miracle of our son.  I so look forward to the smiles, laughs, tears, and advice that I am sure to receive there.  Until next week….

Malachi is 24 Weeks!

We’ve made it to 24 weeks!  I had our 24 week appointment yesterday afternoon and I have to say it just keeps getting better and better!  Malachi is measuring right on track with his gestational age and has such a strong heartbeat.  It is always such a relief to hear that steady thumping every couple weeks.  He is also becoming much more active and much stronger!  He moves around all the time…I imagine he’s awfully restless in there as much as he moves and kicks.  He has started kicking so hard that my entire stomach jumps.  Hal and I find that both awesome and weird.    It’s funny when I find myself in a business meeting and the other person notices my stomach jumping.  They try to stay professional, to keep a straight face and act like they didn’t see anything, but I can’t help but chuckle.

We finally got the fabric swatches for Malachi’s bedding!! Isn’t it so cute?!  Can I say it’s cute since I am having a boy?  The walls are going to be pained that neutral gray color so that we can use splashes of color throughout the rest of the room.  The striped fabric will be his curtains.  I am so excited and can’t wait to see all of this come together. We made a registry for his bedding so we won’t order  it for awhile…even though I want it all right now!!!!  It’s so hard to be patient.

The one thing that I am not excited about is my glucose test in 4 weeks.  I was informed in my appointment Monday that my next appointment would be the ONE that all pregnant women dread!  They handed me my orange drink and I think I gagged a little in preparation for it. Because my blood sugar/glucose levels have been all over the place I am trying not to get too nervous about this test, but would you pray with me that I will pass so that I don’t have to do the three hour one?

24 week baby bump

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: Malachi  is 24 weeks.

Total Weight Gain: 15 lbs. Yes folks, I gained 5lbs. in one month!!!  Plus 6 inches around my belly.  Malachi is growing so fast!

Maternity Clothes: . I’m living in dresses because I am just no longer comfortable in anything else.  Because Malachi hangs out so low, even the belly bands in my maternity pants/shorts aren’t comfortable any more.

Best Moment of the Week: Our 24 week ultrasound and getting to hear sweet boy’s heartbeat again.

Gender: It’s a BOY!  Charles Malachi Weber (We’re calling him Malachi)

What’s Going on with Baby: You may find tying your shoes and bending over are more difficult as your baby bump grows bigger. Your unborn baby’s growth spurt means you may have itchiness and soreness as the skin stretches to make room. Your joints will loosen as pregnancy hormones soften them to accommodate your baby and to prepare your body for labor.

Baby is size of: A Papaya (10.5-11.8 inches, 12.7-20.8 ounces) (thebump.com lists the papaya from 22-24 weeks)

Movement: Malachi has decided that he REALLY likes to kick and engages in doing so all the time!  He’s kicking so hard that I can watch my stomach move.  He’s also sliding his hands so hard that I can watch them move as well.  It’s totally crazy and awesome and weird.

Food Craving:I’m really craving pickles (yes, I know….so typical) and cheese.  It’s interesting how cravings change from day to day and week to week

What I miss: sleeping through the night, being able to walk without leaning back.

Sleep: It’s intermittent.  When asleep I sleep really well.  When awake, I am very awake.  Pregnancy truly is preparation for when the baby comes.

What I am looking forward to: scheduling our baby showers, getting the glucose test over with, MEETING MY SON!!!

Belly Button: Definitely in, but I have a feeling it will probably pop out as it’s already fairly close to the surface

Symptoms: I’m fairly tired a good bit of the time now, my feet are starting to swell if I’ve been up and about too long without breaks, and I’m fast learning that I require more breaks so that I can stay focused for longer periods of time.

With each week that passes I love my son more and more.  I just cannot wait for him to be here in my arms…well, I want him to “cook” awhile longer, but you know what I mean.  God has been so good to us throughout this journey and we are so thankful.

Malachi is 23 Weeks!

The other night I decided to read back through all of my Baby/Malachi is… posts.  It’s fascinating to me how keeping this record and reading back through it has reminded me of some interesting moments throughout this journey.  It’s amazing to be able to go back and see how he and I both have developed, to laugh at my cravings, to remember the changes that have taken place each week…and really to just, once again, marvel at this precious miracle we’ve been given.  Once Malachi is here I plan to take these posts and put them into a memory book using www.blog2print.com.  When Malachi is older I think he’ll get a kick out of reading my blog posts.

This week Hal and I realized that we really need to make an effort to focus on each other and to spend quality time together.  We’re starting to understand that our lives will not be our own for much longer so we want to make sure that we make one another a priority.  Since we’re over halfway in this pregnancy it would be easy to focus solely on Malachi, but we’re really wanting to make a definite decision to put each other first so that this habit will continue once Malachi is here.   We truly are so blessed to still be best friends with one another, to be able to laugh together, to tease one another, to still be in love with each other.  Hal is a wonderful man and it brings me great joy to be his partner in life and I cannot wait to see the relationship he’ll have with his son.

It’s hard to believe how much I love my son already.  On one hand it feels like the next few months are going to creep by, but as I’ve looked back this pregnancy really has flown by so far!  I can’t wait to see who he’s going to look like and to learn about all his little quirks…he’s bound to have them as his parents have plenty of them.

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: Malachi  is 23 weeks.

Total Weight Gain: 10 lbs. EEK! (Haha)

Maternity Clothes: . I’m in maternity bottoms, but still in regular tops and dresses.  Sadly, some of my size small maternity bottoms are getting tight…that sure happened fast.  Flats are becoming my new staple.

Best Moment of the Week: Spending time with  my sweet husband, feeling Malachi kicking and rolling around.

Gender: It’s a BOY!  Charles Malachi Weber (We’re calling him Malachi)

What’s Going on with Baby: You’re feeling like a human jungle gym! It’s a rockin’ and rollin’ in there! Since there’s still room to move, that little guy or gal is using it all!  All your baby’s internal systems are in place and now just need time to develop.

Baby is size of: A Papaya (10.5-11.8 inches, 12.7-20.8 ounces)

Movement: Malachi likes to roll around a lot.  Every once in awhile I will feel him kick, but he’s more like a rolly polly.  His favorite thing to do is to kick into my pelvis (it really hurts).  His newest trick is running what I assume are his hands around my belly.  So instead of a kick it feels like sliding…very weird and very cool.

Food Craving: I’m really loving fruit, bread, milk, and chocolate right now!

What I miss: endless sleeping at night, I wake up multiple times per night to go to the bathroom.  But truly, I don’t miss much as I have gained so much appreciation and joy for what I’m experiencing.

Sleep: It’s intermittent.  When asleep I sleep really well.  When awake, I am very awake.  Pregnancy truly is preparation for when the baby comes.

What I am looking forward to: our appointment next week, scheduling baby showers, and seeing Malachi’s room starting to come together.

Belly Button: Definitely in, but I have a feeling it will probably pop out as it’s already fairly close to the surface

Symptoms: I’m fairly tired a good bit of the time now, my feet are starting to swell if I’ve been up and about too long without breaks, and I’m fast learning that I require more breaks so that I can stay focused for longer periods of time.

Hal and I are in the final stages of planning for Malachi.  Within the next few weeks we have to finish writing up our birth plan for our obgyn, we have to go to the hospital and register for a room (seems weird to do that so early on) as well as for our childbirth classes, and schedule our 4D ultrasound at MUSC (around 32 weeks).  Seems like there is so much to do before Malachi comes.  I’m hoping my detail-oriented self will step aside long enough for me to be able to really just enjoy this process. 

MALACHI is 22 Weeks!

Hard to believe that my little man is more than halfway “cooked”…harder still to realize that he’ll be here in around 125 days!  I had such a good time registering for him this weekend with my mom.  Other than deleting some things off the lists, we’re good to go!  I got a little trigger happy and couldn’t figure out how to delete on the gun thing so I have to do it online.    I am so thankful to FINALLY be at a point in a pregnancy where I am registering…it’s totally surreal and wonderful!   Not much else is going on with him.  He’s still a little rolly polly and occasionally kicks.  I think he’s going to be a very chill kid…I’m so glad he’s taking after Hal in that area.

Other than registering for Malachi, we’re now looking into childcare.  I have to admit, I really hate the idea of it…however, we don’t really have much choice.  At the moment I’m planning on having him in care for about 3 mornings each week.  That’ll give me time to take outside meetings and run errands, and then I can come home and be mommy and work from home when he’s sleeping.  That’s the goal anyway.  I’m already dreading the day that I have to send him somewhere.  Needless to say, we’re trying to tie up some loose ends in prep for Malachi making his appearance!!  Here’s what he’s up to…sorry no pics.

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: Malachi  is 22 weeks.

Total Weight Gain: 10 lbs. EEK! (Haha)

Maternity Clothes: . I’m in maternity bottoms, but still in regular tops and dresses.  Sadly, some of my size small maternity bottoms are getting tight…that sure happened fast.  Flats are becoming my new staple.

Best Moment of the Week: Completing Malachi’s registries and having sweet friends calling/emailing to set up baby showers for us…we feel so loved!

Gender: It’s a BOY!  Charles Malachi Weber (We’re calling him Malachi)

What’s Going on with Baby: Watch what you say — baby is now able to hear outside noise from down in the womb. Studies show that baby finds gentle music and your own voice most soothing. Nipples are starting to sprout, and that little face is fully formed. And, baby’s starting to settle into sleep cycles, snoozing about 12 to 14 hours a day. It shouldn’t be hard to figure out when — just pay attention to those kicks as they start and stop.  Malachi definitely sleeps a lot during the day and likes to be awake when I am trying to sleep.

Baby is size of: A Papaya (10.5-11.8 inches, 12.7-20.8 ounces)

Movement: Malachi likes to roll around a lot.  Every once in awhile I will feel him kick, but he’s more like a rolly polly.  His favorite thing to do is to kick into my pelvis (it really hurts).

Food Craving: I’m really loving fruit, bread, milk, and chocolate right now!

What I miss: endless sleeping at night, I wake up multiple times per night to go to the bathroom.  But truly, I don’t miss much as I have gained so much appreciation and joy for what I’m experiencing.

Sleep: It’s intermittent.  When asleep I sleep really well.  When awake, I am very awake.  Pregnancy truly is preparation for when the baby comes.

What I am looking forward to: scheduling baby showers on my calendar, starting to get his room set up and watching it come together

Belly Button: Definitely in, but I have a feeling it will probably pop out as it’s already fairly close to the surface

Symptoms: I haven’t had any aversions or cravings this week, I’m getting more tired more quickly (I am fast learning that I just cannot do all the stuff that I used to do)

It has been a busy week this week for me, as well as for prepping for Malachi.  I’m so thankful to be his Mommy and am so anxious to see his sweet face and to count his fingers and toes.  Also, a HUGE shout-out to my in-laws for switching vehicles with us so that I can have AC in the car this summer!