39 weeks

39 weeks

Size of baby:  A watermelon - At about 18.9 to 20.9 inches and about 6.2 to 9.2 pounds.  Despite the crowded quarters, she is still growing, growing.  She's probably able to flex her limbs now.  Her brain is still rapidly developing -- she's getting smarter by the week!  Her nails may extend past her fingertips. {info found on The Bump} Also, she continues to build a layer of fat to help control body temperature after birth, and the outer layers of skin are sloughing off as new skin forms underneath.

Total Weight Gain/Loss:  At my 38-week appointment last Thursday, I had lost two more pounds ... so, total 20lbs weight gain.

Cravings:  Nothing consistently.  Still enjoying ice cream.  My mama did cook Granny's fried peach pies at Sunday lunch!

Symptoms:   Nothing really now.  General aches, pains, pressure, and soreness.  I honestly feel good - not miserable or super uncomfortable.

Sleep:  Slightly restless and difficulty getting comfortable.  I only get up once to use the bathroom - normally around 2-3am.

Movement:   Yes.  And its beginning to be slightly painful with stronger pressure at times.

Gender: Sweet baby girl - Jocelyn Faith  (nicknames:  Jos, Love Bug, Josie, Josie-Poo, Josie-Posie, Josie-Rosie, Sweet Ums,  Pookie (thanks to Chris), Darling, Angel Face, and Jo-Jo (thanks to Brandon))

Maternity Clothes: Of course.

What I miss:   Nothing really.

What I'm looking forward to:   Seeing her sweet face.  And holding her in my arms.

Best Moments this week:

• Poison ivy/oak/sumac rash clearing up!
• Meeting with the lady who will be doing most of my job duties while I'm out - finally feel comfortable with leaving everything for a few weeks.
• Doctor's appointment.  Lost 2 lbs.  Blood pressure was 112/82.  Baby's heartbeat was 160's.  Just slightly dilated and cervix is soft.  He also told me that her head is partially through my pelvic bone which means I should have an "easier delivery."  (sorry if that is TMI)  I asked when he thought she'd come? ... his reply:  "at any time, but more than likely closer to the due date."
• My mom came over a few times last week and helped me spring-clean the house, top-to-bottom (ceiling fans, light fixtures, walls, cabinets, etc).  I'm keeping laundry and dishes caught up.  All of Josie's things are washed and ready.  I even crawled in our attic and moved stuff around organizing and putting things away.  The car is cleaned, car seat installed, and hospital bags are packed!  We are ready!!
• This week and last week, I've cooked several freezer meals.  As I've been cooking dinner, I've made an extra or two to have in the freezer.  (Chicken enchiladas, beef enchiladas, taco filling, hot dog chili, lasagna, homemade spaghetti sauce, tator tot casserole, chicken casserole, chicken spaghetti, etc)  I think we have approximately 20+ meals (that's 3 weeks of no cooking)  ;)
• Saturday evening, both of my grandmothers were at my house and took a "tour" of Josie's nursery.
• My mom made a blanket for Josie (I had suggested from Pinterest).  It turned out so pretty.  And she also bought more clothes for Josie (for next summer).  =)  Bright colors too!  I hope Josie likes wearing clothes and changing outfits often ... cause her Grandma Melinda sure loves shopping.
  
  
  
  
  

life's random moments

Don't you just love life interruptions/unplanned happenings?

Yep, this flat tire was waiting on me after work one day.

This is the picture I sent Chris asking him "what to do?"  LOL
(I've never changed a tire in my life and honestly do not know where to start)

I ended up calling a tire shop down the street, who sent a guy up to change it for me.

It ended up raining cats and dogs.  (poor guy)

I tipped him well for his troubles and went on my merry way as planned.

My cousin, Logan, and his head-less girlfriend.  =)

I love the smirk on his face.

This picture is from a fun day out with the girls (and two little guys).

Shopping AND Olive Garden!

I needed this shirt a few months ago.  LOL

Laurel and Aubrey came over and spent the night for a little "hoorah" before Josie arrives.

They wanted to sleep in her room and play with her toys and hang out with Chris & Livy. 

They went along with us to a family Mother's Day cookout at my Granny's.

Aubrey wanted her picture taken on this little old tractor.

On the way home from the cookout the sunset was beautiful.

Laurel said "Livy, take a picture of that!"

The picture doesn't do it justice, 

but I was delighted that this 9-year old found simple beauty in God's creation.

Also, Laurel asked how she was related to my Granny (maternal).

It was hard to explain and she didn't really get that she wasn't related to her as well.

She also wanted to know how to spell my Granny's name, Exie.

Here Aubrey was "spelling" a word on my fridge.

When we asked her what in the world she was spelling,

she insisted "It says, "Exie," ... see there's an "X" in it."

(see yellow "x")

I love the fun, little moments of life.

They make life good.

thirty-eight weeks

No picture this week.

I do look more like myself - thank goodness.

However, this week has been crazy with last minute preparations for baby

and I have forgotten to take a picture

and/or changed into comfy clothes and not presentable after working around the house.

38 weeks

Size of baby:  A pumpkin - At about 18.9 to 20.9 inches and about 6.2 to 9.2 pounds.  Her head is now about the same circumference as her abdomen.  She may have about an inch or so of hair already.  She's slowly shedding that white goo on her skin (called vernix caseosa) but we might see some of it at birth. {info found on The Bump} 

Total Weight Gain/Loss:  I lost 18lbs in the first trimester and part of the second.  At my 37-week appointment, I have gained those 18lbs back, plus 4lbs ... total 22lbs weight gain.

Cravings:  Nothing consistently.  Still enjoying ice cream.  And this week I've wanted hot fudge cake and my Granny's fried peach pies.

Symptoms:   Swelling.  General aches, pains, and soreness.  Shortened breath if walking a lot or talking a lot.  Few hot flashes and feeling over-heated (which is a total opposite for me).

Sleep:  Not good this week especially with rash.

Movement:   Yes.  And its beginning to be slightly painful with stronger pressure at times.

Gender: Sweet baby girl - Jocelyn Faith  (nicknames:  Jos, Love Bug, Josie, Josie-Poo, Josie-Posie, Josie-Rosie, Sweet Ums,  Pookie (thanks to Chris), Darling, Angel Face, and Jo-Jo (thanks to Brandon))

Maternity Clothes: Of course.

What I miss:   Nothing really.

What I'm looking forward to:   Her arrival!!

Best Moments this week:

• Doctor's appointment.  Weight was the same.  Blood pressure was 118/83.  Baby's heartbeat was 160's.  No dilation check.  Concerned mostly with clearing up rash.
• Lots of rest and relaxation due to poison ivy/sumac/oak rash. 
• The church ladies of where I work hosted a baby shower for me on Sunday.  Although, I wasn't looking 100% better, I attended, because I know time is short.  They were so kind and gracious to me.  And we were "showered" with many, many sweet gifts.
  
  This was the delicious cake at the shower.
  (I decided to take a picture after the first slice was made)

poison ivy/oak/sumac

(Warning:  pictures in this post are quite scary.)

As I mentioned in the Mother's Day post, I came in contact with poison ivy/sumac/oak that weekend and by Mother's Day morning was broke out in a horrible rash all over my body and face. 

By Monday morning, my face was swollen.
Chris took the day off from work and drove me directly to my OBGYN office. 

The nurses would not work me in; they recommended I see my family doctor or dermatologist.
We drove straight from my OBGYN office to Chris' dermatologist office.  They were so kind to see me immediately, conferred with my OB doctor, and gave me a cortisone shot and steroid cream. 
And Monday evening, my sweet OB doctor called from his personal phone to check on me.

The rash proceeded to get worse Monday afternoon, Tuesday, and Wednesday, especially on my face.  I did not look like myself at all and my eyes were swollen shut and I had to be led around as if I were blind.  Wednesday, my mom took the day off to drive and take to my weekly OBGYN appointment, where my doctor recommended we email this picture of my face to the dermatologist.

  (told you I was unrecognizable and quite scary-looking)
I was quite embarrassed by how I looked and didn't go out in public for a week (except for appointments)

However, both doctors still believed that we would have to wait patiently while the rash ran it's course.  Quite possibly the reaction was more severe due to a suppressed immune system during pregnancy.  Also, not only was this a skin reaction; but quite possibly an immune system reaction as well.  And with my being pregnant, we were doing all we could medically and safely (Prednisone, cortisone shot, and cream).  Both doctors assured me time and time again, that the rash nor the medications were harmful to Josie in anyway. 

I should add here that we also tried every safe home-remedy treatment we received: 
vinegar, skim milk, potato juice, etc.  =)

By Thursday, there were slight signs of improvement ... the rash began drying up on my body and the swelling around my eyes reduced - I could actually see out of my eyes.  Friday, I had a follow up with the dermatologist and received another cortisone shot.  Also, there were more signs of improvement and the swelling in my face had reduced enough for me to wear my glasses. 

 
However, I had a reaction to the steroids and my face is still slightly red, puffy, and peeling.

Now, why did this happen to me so close to delivery, I do not know?

Chris says it was probably the only way for me to get some R&R.

Thankfully, Josie has "stayed put" and there seems to be no real progress in labor.

We have joked that the rash would definitely make for some scary "first" pictures.

I'm so thankful to be on the mend and ready for Josie to arrive!
And boy do we have a story to tell her.

more maternity pics

I bargained with a friend for another maternity photo shoot.

I found some inspiration on Pinterest and my friend ran with it. 

Of course, Chris bored out really quickly with all the ideas and many photos.

But, it was fun nonetheless and we got some sweet shots.

thirty-seven weeks



(sorry, no headshot, face swollen and red from poison ivy/oak/sumac rash)

 37 weeks

 

Size of baby:  A winter melon - At about 18.9 to 20.9 inches and about 6.2 to 9.2 pounds  (gaining about 1/2 ounce per day)  She is full-term ---  developed her most crucial functions. Of course, she’ll get even healthier and stronger over the next few weeks.  She's practicing some skills: inhaling, exhaling, sucking, gripping and blinking.   She's getting her first sticky poop (called meconium) ready for her first diaper.  {info found on The Bump} 

Total Weight Gain/Loss:  I lost 3lbs.

Cravings:  Nothing consistently.  Still enjoying ice cream.  And this week I wanted Wendy's chili and baked potato.

Symptoms:   Swelling - a good bit.  General aches, pains, and soreness.  Shortened breath if walking a lot or talking a lot.

Sleep:  Not as good these days, but not terrible.  Changing positions more often and making a tripS to the bathroom.

Movement:   Yes.  All the time.

Gender: Sweet baby girl - Jocelyn Faith  (nicknames:  Jos, Love Bug, Josie, Josie-Poo, Josie-Posie, Josie-Rosie, Sweet Ums,  Pookie (thanks to Chris), Darling, Angel Face, and Jo-Jo (thanks to Brandon))

Maternity Clothes: Of course.

What I miss:   Nothing really.

What I'm looking forward to:   One more baby shower (May 19th).  And of course, her arrival!!

Best Moments this week:

• Working long hours at the office, but feeling confident and comfortable about being out on maternity leave. 
• Doctor's appointment.  Lost 3lbs more - doctor says it is okay and not to be concerned although everything I read and everyone tells me most gain weight these last few weeks.  Blood pressure was 118/75.  Baby's heartbeat good.  Not dilated anymore.  And measuring right on track.  Group B strep test result was negative. 
• Had car seat checked and correctly installed by safety group at the hospital.
• Happily celebrated Mother's Day as a mom-to-be.

thirty-six weeks

no picture

:(

36 weeks

Size of baby:  A coconut - At about 17.2 to 18.7 inches and about 4.2 to 5.8 pounds.  And growing, growing, growing.  Now, her hearing is fully developed, and she responds best to high-pitched noises. {info found on The Bump}  She has less room to move around now since she is getting so big.  Her kidneys are fully developed now and her liver can process some waste products.  Basic physical development is now mostly complete - her main job over the next few weeks is to put on weight.

Total Weight Gain/Loss: 6lbs+  At the doctor appointment this week, I had actually lost two pounds.  And no, I wasn't trying to after last appointments 8lbs gain.  But, it's a good thing - there were no tears shed.  =)

Cravings:  Nothing really.

Symptoms:   Swelling.  General aches, pains, and soreness. Shortened breath.  Few hot flashes and feeling over-heated (which is a total opposite for me).  Still just occasional indigestion/heartburn; and took a few Tums this week.

Sleep:  Not as good these days, but not terrible.  Changing positions more often and making a trip or two to the bathroom.

Movement:   Yes.  All the time.

Gender: Sweet baby girl - Jocelyn Faith  (nicknames:  Jos, Love Bug, Josie, Josie-Poo, Josie-Posie, Josie-Rosie, Sweet Ums,  Pookie (thanks to Chris), Darling, Angel Face, and Jo-Jo (thanks to Brandon))

Maternity Clothes: Yep!  And as the belly grows, the options are increasingly limited.

What I miss:   Nothing really.

What I'm looking forward to:   One more baby shower (May 19th) and maybe another.  And of course, her arrival!!

Best Moments this week:

• My cousin was in town from Alabama and our pastor scheduled him to preach Sunday morning.  At the beginning of his sermon he asked me to stand attesting to God's faithfulness and God's goodness.  (Embarrassing, yet joyful, all the same ... and of course, tearful)  His sermon was about leaning not to our own understanding, even though we face trials for enduring lengths of time and it appears that hope is lost.  Jacob was his biblical example and his belief that Joseph was dead for many years, but in his old age he did rejoice and worship while leaning on his staff to see God faithfully answer his prayer in seeing Joseph alive.
• Doctor's appointment.  2lb weight loss, my blood pressure was 125/85  (I told you, I had drama last week)  Baby's heartbeat was 160's and fundal height was 35cms.  I had the group B strep test done.  And he confirmed that she has "dropped" and is head-down in position for delivery ... and I've dilated just slightly.
• Received more sweet gifts.  And finished and mailed out thank you notes for gifts received thus far! 
• Downloaded apps on our phone so Chris can call me and I can watch video real-time while she is in the nursery (unless the hospital has changed over to "baby friendly," then all that will be done in my room).
• Ordered extra battery and tapes for video camera.
• Talked to a sweet first-time mom who just delivered a month ago ... she was so positive and hopeful and helpful.
• Enjoyed a family dinner and talking with family about Josie.

you know you're in the 3rd trimester when ...

• Emotions are at an all-time high.  In an instant, you may laugh, cry, or fly mad at the silliest stuff.

• While standing, you can no longer see your feet when you look down.

• Every time you roll over or change positions during the night, you also grunt and groan.

• You visit the rest room more frequently than you have since potty-training.

• People take a second glance at you in public.  You notice pity in their eyes as you slowly waddle to and fro.

• You change outfits 3, 4, or 5 times to find something to fit the bulging belly.

• Bending over at the waist is a thing of the past.  You now stoop and squat with a moan.

• You have "cankles" and "tater-toes."  Flip flops are the favored footwear.

• Shaving your legs and cutting your toe nails are now very difficult, almost impossible tasks.

• Sneezing can cause a chain of reaction, if you know what I mean.

thirty-five weeks

35 weeks

Size of baby:  A coconut - At about 17.2 to 18.7 inches and about 4.2 to 5.8 pounds.  And growing, growing, growing.  Now, her hearing is fully developed, and she responds best to high-pitched noises. {info found on The Bump}  She has less room to move around now since she is getting so big.  Her kidneys are fully developed now and her liver can process some waste products.  Basic physical development is now mostly complete - her main job over the next few weeks is to put on weight.

Total Weight Gain/Loss: 8lbs+

Cravings:  Nothing really. 

Symptoms:   No trouble with emotions this week.  (Chris is grateful)  Shortened breath.  Strange dreams.  Still just occasional indigestion/heartburn; but haven't taken Tums lately.  Few hot flashes and feeling over-heated (which is a total opposite for me).

Sleep:  Not as good these days, but not terrible.  Changing positions more often and making a trip or two to the bathroom. 

Movement:   Yes.  All the time.  She is a squirm-er for sure.

Gender: Sweet baby girl - Jocelyn Faith  (nicknames:  Love Bug, Josie, Josie-Poo, Josie-Posie, Josie-Rosie, Sweet Ums,  Pookie (thanks to Chris), Darling, Angel Face, and Jo-Jo (thanks to Brandon))

Maternity Clothes: Yep!  And as the belly grows, the options are increasingly limited.

What I miss:   Nothing really.

What I'm looking forward to:   One more baby shower (May 19th) and maybe another.  And of course, her arrival!!

Best Moments this week:  

• Tackling items around the house.  Her room is complete and everything is organized. =)  Putting together the pack-n-play to use in our room.
• Laurel told me after Sunday lunch that I looked bigger.  She said "like in the last 10 seconds you've grown."  LOL
• Twice at work this week, I had ladies tell me that I looked great to be so far along ... of course, that made this worrisome, fearful, 1st-time pregnant girl feel awesome!
• Thursday, we just forgot about the "to do list," came home from work and crashed together taking a 2+ hour nap.  It felt wonderful!
• A sweet friend offered a maternity session in exchange for babysitting services ... we had the session Friday night.  It was fun ... or at least I thought so.  (Chris not so much)

thirty-four weeks

Feeling large and in charge these days!
(and pardon the tiredness, this was at 8:30 PM after a long day)
34 weeks

Size of baby:  A butternut squash - At about 17.2 to 18.7 inches and about 4.2 to 5.8 pounds.  She's recognizing and reacting to simple songs. (So we'll keep playing her lullabies to her at night)  She's also urinating about a pint a day. {info found on The Bump}  Fat layers - which will help regulate her body temperature after birth - are filling her out, making her more rounder.  Her skin is also smoother than ever.  The central nervous system is maturing and her lungs are continuing to mature as well. 

Total Weight Gain/Loss:  8lbs+  ... and yes, I gained that in 2 weeks.  YIKES!

Cravings: Chocolate ice cream.  Fruit.  Nothing else really.

Symptoms:   Had a bout with dehydration ... a lot of pain in my stomach, lower back, and leg cramps one night. I called my doctor the next morning, it seemed to be muscle related, therefore determined possible dehydration.  Drank lots of water and took Tylenol which helped.  (don't ask Chris about it ... it was 2-4:30 AM and we were both delusional)  And I guess my hormones are at an all-time high, therefore, so are the emotions!  Shortened breath.  Strange dreams.  Still just occasional indigestion/heartburn; but haven't taken Tums in over a week.  Few hot flashes and feeling over-heated (which is a total opposite for me).

Sleep:  Not as good these days, but not terrible.  Changing positions more often and making a trip or two to the bathroom. 

Movement:   Yes.  All the time.  There's nothing like it!

Gender: Sweet baby girl - Jocelyn Faith  (nicknames:  Love Bug, Josie, Josie-Poo, Josie-Posie, Josie-Rosie, Sweet Ums,  Pookie (thanks to Chris), Darling, Angel Face, and Jo-Jo (thanks to Brandon))

Maternity Clothes: Yep!   (glad it stretches too ... my belly is growing, growing ... obviously with an 8lb weight gain!)

What I miss: Still don't really miss a thing.  I waited so long to be in this place ... it's all worth it!

What I'm looking forward to:   One more baby shower or possibly two.  And her arrival!!

Best Moments this week:  

• Hospital Tour - wow!  it felt super surreal to think about ME lying in THAT bed IN LABOR!!  We were impressed.  And of course, ready to be there and get this done!
• Mom has been sewing sweet little personalized outfits for the hospital.  They are cute.  I will share pictures soon.
• Doctor's appointment.  Doctor said everything is great.  But, I had the 8lb weight gain, my blood pressure was 122/82 (which is higher for me), and my pulse was 120.  So, I sort of freaked a little and had a crying spell (told ya, HORMONES).  Baby's heartbeat was 150 and fundal height was 33cms.  He assured me ... I will gain weight and it's probably fluid (cause I'm toting around a "fish aquarium") and blood pressure is only an issue when top number is 140+.
• Shopping a consignment sale with baby shower cash ... getting a few "un-necessary" items, but things I wanted (ie wipe warmer, bath kneeler, wedge to keep her on her back in crib, Puddle Jumper pool float, etc - and of course, a few smocked dresses)
• Breastfeeding Class
• (This will be a funny moment ... later) ... crying at the drop of a hat.  I cried this week because Chris forgot to put the garbage on the street and I had to do it.
• And although, 37 weeks is considered full-term, most babies born 34-36 weeks who have no other health problems generally do just fine. (so we are technically safe for her to come at any time now)

beach photo session

Since our "babymoon" was planned at the last minute, I didn't have much forethought of this ...

but after we arrived at the beach I thought about having our picture and a few maternity shots taken on the beach.  So Saturday morning, I randomly searched on Facebook for a few photographers in the Myrtle Beach area ... found four and sent each of them a message asking about the possibility of a last-minute session.

Despite the last-minute decision of choosing a photographer with little research, putting the orange and pink together, and the cooler evening brisk breeze on the beach ... I'm happy to have these pictures for the memory.

Prayers do get answered (baby on the way after 6 years of waiting).

And dreams do come true (maternity beach pictures).

These pictures remind me of that.

God is so good.

baby ready

Our house is quickly beginning to look like a little one is coming to live here;
besides just in the nursery.
The nursery was getting full of baby things;
so I have placed items where they belong throughout the house.
There are days we still look around, look at each other,
and can't believe we will soon be bringing a baby home.

A high chair in the kitchen.


Bottles and supplies in a kitchen cabinet.


A baby bath tub in the bathroom.


A sweet little robe hanging with ours.
Baby wash, baby wash cloths, and hooded towels in the cabinet too.

Two of these little bins with items necessary for diaper changes.
(one in den, one in living room).
A friend recommended having these throughout the house,
so we don't always have to take her to the nursery for changes.

A baby Moses basket in the living room to have a place for her to chill.
We are going to use the swing in the den and the bouncer in the kitchen.


A basket of toys in the den.

And the car seat in the car.
(Thanks to my in-laws -- shower gift!)

I also have the items set aside to pack in our hospital bags.
We just need to get the suitcase out of the attic.

I'm feeling almost completely prepared,
although, of course there is always a list to do and I'm sure will never be 100% ready.
In the end, I know it will not matter and all will be okay.

thirty-three weeks

33 weeks

Size of baby:  A durian (whatever that is) - At about 17.2 to 18.7 inches and about 4.2 to 5.8 pounds (like lifting a pineapple).  She may grow up to a full inch this week -- amazing.  She is losing the "wrinkled, alien look."  She's keeping her eyes open while awake.  She's also starting to coordinate breathing with sucking and swallowing.  Her bones are hardening, but of course her skull bones aren't fused together for an easier fit through the birth canal.  And she is going through (more) major brain development -- one smart baby! {info found on The Bump}

Total Weight Gain/Loss: will know tomorrow

Cravings: Chocolate ice cream.  Fruit.

Symptoms:   Lower abdomen pressure, stiffness, and general aches/pains at times.  Shortened breath.  Strange dreams.  Occasional indigestion/heartburn.  Having a few hot flashes and feeling over-heated (which is a total opposite for me).  Experiencing some stress and dehydration (gotta up the water intake).

Sleep:  Not as good these days, but not terrible.  Changing positions more often and making a trip or two to the bathroom. 

Movement:   Yes.  All the time. 

Gender: Sweet baby girl - Jocelyn Faith  (nicknames:  Love Bug, Josie, Josie-Poo, Josie-Posie, Sweet Ums,  Pookie (thanks to Chris), Darling, Angel Face, and Jo-Jo (thanks to Brandon))

Maternity Clothes: Yep!   And a friend loaned me her maternity clothes - I love having fresh additions to my current selection.  =)

What I miss: Still don't really miss a thing.  I waited so long to be in this place ... it's all worth it!

What I'm looking forward to:   One more baby shower or possibly two.  And her arrival!!

Best Moments this week:  

• Baby shower (another post later) - but, words are truly inadequate for how overwhelmed and blessed we felt by our precious family and friends who showered us with such kindness and love in celebration of our baby girl.
• Having random strangers comment on my belly.
• Going through more "hand-me-downs" from my friend (many items ranging from newborn to 2T).  Woo-hoo!

shower ... today!

babymoon weekend

What a wonderful, wonderful weekend away!

It will definitely go down in our history books as one of the best.  Ever.

We had originally planned to take a little vacation with my mom and brother;

but plans fell through.

So since this was our last available weekend to travel before I'm no longer allowed to travel, 

we decided to take advantage of the free weekend and head to North Myrtle Beach.

Our plan was to do only what we wanted to do, rest, relax, sleep in, and enjoy our time together.

And we did exactly that ... which really amounted to a whole lot of nothing.

(I should note here, that I'm glad Chris and I share the same idea of a vacation)

Last Thursday, I was packed and ready waiting on Chris to get home.

As soon as he walked in the door, he ate dinner, changed his clothes, and we were on our way.

Along the way, we stopped for a few snacks.
Actually we stopped often so I could stretch and walk ... and almost every stop included snacks.  =)

I wanted to try these ... but they didn't do much for me.  Too much "stuf."

One of our "walk/stretch" stops included a dozen Krispy Kremes.
Nothing beats a fresh, warm doughnut.

We arrived around midnight,  found a pet-friendly hotel room, and settled in for the night.

Friday it drizzled rain and was a bit chilly, so there was little beach time.

But, we did take a stroll that evening.

Here's the bump on the beach - Josie's "first visit."

 

We shopped at the outlet stores.

"Shopping til you drop" doesn't take long as an 8-month pregnant lady.

Needless to say, Chris was happy that it didn't last long

Friday evening we enjoyed dinner at Outback.

Saturday was our day on the beach.

I never get tired of this view ... something about it soothes my soul.

Chris attempted to feed the birds.  He threw food to them. 

And here he is trying to get them to take from his hand - but no such luck.

This was Thumpy's first time to hang out on the beach.

Clearly, she enjoyed it.  She loves sunning.

Saturday evening, I ran into a few stores looking for a scarf.

When I came out, Chris was once again feeding birds.  

I grabbed this picture of one of the birds riding on top of our car as Chris came to meet me.

At 6:30 PM, we had a photo session on the beach with a local photographer

and finished the day with dinner at Chili's.

Sunday morning, while we were packing up our hotel room, 

Thumpy took the opportunity to lay on the big king-size bed.

Obviously, she thought she was the queen.

Sunday, we drove about 1.5 hours away to meet with friends who moved to North Carolina last year.

We thoroughly enjoyed catching up and spending time together.

They've got two sweet little kiddos.

I'm grateful, that I had no problems or anything to scare me or make me worry 

while we were away from home.

This restful, peaceful time together was such a blessing.

It was exactly what we needed.

Now, June 2nd can hurry up!!

We are more than ready for our sweet babe to be in our arms.