2017 GOALS!

My goals for 2017!

1. Workout at least 2-4 times a week

2. Get back to running a 10K

3. Run a 10K

4. Have more meaningful devotions and quiet time

5. Have patience with myself and understand that I am not "perfect"

6. Kiss my baby girl everyday

7. Tell my husband how much I care everyday

8. Drink more water

9. Take a cooking class

10. Manage finances and budget and stick to the parameters we set- no exceptions

11. Make time for myself

12. Read more

13. Go on a carriage ride downtown

14. Date my husband

15. Be intentional

33 weeks!

How far along? 33 weeks -- 7 weeks until our due date!

Total weight gain/loss: 12 pounds still.

Emotions: We have had an amazing break this past week. We went to Georgia for a few days and celebrated Christmas and our new baby with family and friends. We had two Christmases and two baby showers. Needless to say, we were spoiled. It was SO nice to travel home and spend time with our loved ones. I have also enjoyed Jeffrey being home SO much! I do not want him to go back to Kansas. 

What are we most excited about next: Our little girls room is coming along nicely. We ordered our crib and have washed all of her sheets and clothes. I am excited to see everything in her room come together. 

What are we least excited about: January... can we just skip those long 31 days? 

What I miss: Being able to tie my own shoes and bending over without wanting to die. I miss doing normal, everyday tasks without running out of breath. 

Movement: She is my little dancer. Every time music comes on or I sing (which is always) baby girl gets really active. Maybe she will be in musicals like her mommy! I would love to perform in a few shows with my daughter! 

Belly button: still an innie, but we are close to being flat. 

Size: Baby Nelly is the size of a pineapple. She weights a little over 4-5 pounds! 

How I’m feeling: I am feeling all the emotions. I am excited to meet our sweet baby girl, scared for the upcoming labor and delivery, nervous about being a mom, and overwhelmed with everything we still need to get prepared. All and all, I cannot wait to do what God intended me to do and give our family the gift of a new life. 

Sickness: I am having terrible back pain. I cannot stand very long or I get bad pains up and across my lower back. My legs have also started going numb after a while which is pretty uncomfortable. 

Cravings:

• Peanut butter
• Sour candy or jelly beans 

Aversions: 

• Dairy

• Spicy foods 

Physical changes: 

• My bump is getting bigger and is VERY noticeable. I love all her shifts and movements which can be seen through my clothes now.  

Workout: We walked the beach and stores a few times... does that count? 

We have baby girls heart and kidney check up on December 29! I pray everything looks healthy and strong. I also hope we can get some good pictures of her. After the 29th of December, I will begin going to see my doctor every other week. Let the count down begin!!!

31 weeks

How far along? 31 weeks -- ONLY 9 weeks to go! 2 months and 1 week

Total weight gain/loss: 12 pounds

Emotions:I am ready for my husband to be home for 2 weeks in a row!!!! It is like we are newly weds all over again. I cannot wait to hug him in the morning and see him throughout the day. So many of us take these little things for granted, but not Jeffrey and I. Due to his travel, we have realized each second together is SO important and meaningful. 

What are we most excited about next: We are traveling to Georgia this weekend to see family and friends! 

What are we least excited about: January... can we just skip those long 31 days? 

What I miss: Being able to tie my own shoes and bending over without wanting to die.  

Movement: She is my little dancer. Every time music comes on or I sing (which is always) baby girl gets really active. Maybe she will be in musicals like her mommy! I would love to perform in a few shows with my daughter! 

Belly button: no change yet!  

Size: Baby Nelly is the size of a coconut. She is measuring great and weights a little over 3 pounds! 

How I’m feeling: Excited for Christmas and to send time with my friends and family. 

Sickness: Oh the heartburn... Yuck!  

Cravings:

• Peanut butter

Aversions: 

• Dairy

• Spicy foods 

Physical changes: 

• My bump is out for all to see. I am still wearing my normal pants with the bella band and strutting my stuff in my bigger tops. I do not like maternity clothes because they are SO big. I find that buying smalls or wearing my larger extra-smalls have worked the best. 

Workout: I was SO bad last week. My goal this week is to workout at least 3 times. 

Nursery:  Jeffrey and our dear friend Adam took our old dresser and refinished it. Oh my, is it beautiful! Every time I walk buy her room I smile looking at how amazing it looks. I cannot wait to see it come together more! 

We have baby girls heart and kidney check up on December 29! I pray everything looks healthy and strong. I also hope we can get some good pictures of her. After the 29th of December, I will begin going to see my doctor every other week. Let the count down begin!!!

I wish you a very Merry Charleston Christmas

Let's take a break from all of my baby talk for a bit shall we?!? Lets talk about the most WONDERFUL time of the year, CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is my favorite time of year and it is SO magical here in Charleston. I have been here there and everywhere in Charleston celebrating this season. Ya'll, I am giddy thinking about having sweet baby girl next year. Our Christmas holiday is going to be SOOOOO much fun next year! With that being said, here are my top 5 favorite things to do in Charleston at Christmas!

1. Go see a play! Around this time of year, Charleston has a TON of theatre that comes into town. From the Best Christmas Pageant  Ever to the Nutcracker, we have it all! This year I had a girl night trip to see White Christmas and it was amazing.

2. The lighting of the Christmas tree. Most cities have this little gem and it is so magical. There is something about the anticipation and excitement waiting for a giant tree to illuminate the sky!

3. Magical Nights of Lights. This is one of my favorite things to do! You drive through this huge area filled with different light designs. After you drive through the lights, you can park and roast marshmallows and see Santa!

4. The boat parade. This is one of the coolest things in Charleston because you really can't do this in most cities. People will decorate their boats and parade them down the Wando River. Every year Jeffrey and I go watch the boats on the battery and each sushi down town.

5. East Cooper Baptist Church Christmas concert. For the first time, Jeffrey and I attended our churches annual Christmas concert. It was so incredible. It was a night filled with a choir, instruments echoing, and even a little audience singing. We had a blast and will definitely be back next year.

These were only five of the millions of Christmas activities we have been doing! I didn't even mention the Christmas movies on the lawn at MUSC and the big Daniel Island Christmas party. Let's just say we have had a very magical and busy Christmas on the island and we wouldn't have it any other way!

30 weeks!

How far along? 30 weeks -- ONLY 10 weeks to go! 2 months and 2 weeks (I mean who is counting). 

Total weight gain/loss: 10 pounds total 

Emotions: I am trying to focus on Christmas and making new memories with Jeffrey this year. Easy tasks are becoming harder and harder and Jeffrey being gone for work is becoming more stressful. Hey, you find out who your friends are right!! haha! All in all, God is SO GOOD! 

What are we most excited about next: CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

What are we least excited about: Getting bigger. I am already so uncomfortable and I know the "best" is yet to come.  

What I miss: My husband and mom. I miss my mom, dad, and brother so much! I miss there support and laughs. I miss having my husband at home to help me cook, pick things up, take Roxie outside, and simple things like just putting my shoes on. Trust me, IT IS NOT EASY!!! I miss my friends back home in Georgia, I miss my friends in Raleigh, I miss stability, I miss not stressing, and I miss having my life together. 

Movement: She is moving all the time. She is the most active in the morning right after my cup of coffee! She must be like her mommy; she wont get up until there is hot coffee in her belly. 

Belly button: It is beginning to poke out more, but it is still an innie. 

Size: Baby Nelly is the size of a large cabbage.

How I’m feeling: OVERWHELMED. With the holidays, new baby, and all the opportunity/changes Jeffrey and I have upcoming (none baby related), it is easy to see why the Nelson's are a bit CRAZY! Although we have a lot going on, we can both see and feel God at work. We are so humbled and overwhelmed by the doors HE is opening for our growing family and we cannot wait to see how they play out. 

Sickness: I ate to much the other night and did get sick :( Baby girl does not like it when mommy overeats.   

Cravings:

• Water
• Apples
• Oatmeal
• Eggs
• Peanut butter
• I have been trying to increase my protein intake and I love these new "think thin" protein bars!

Aversions: 

• Dairy

• Spicy foods
• Sweets 
• most meats

Physical changes: 

• I have a sweet little bump. She has made her appearance! My clothes are snug and I am fully wearing leggings and maternity pants. I can still wear my over-sized or flowing tops!!! 

Workout: I am still taking it easy but I am still going strong for 8 months pregnant! I am going to pilates, walking, and lifting 5 pound weights when I can. I am still taking it easy though. I cannot wait to go on a run-- I may start running and never stop.

Nursery:  Well, we had a crib! When we went to look at the crib we ordered, it was terrible in person so we are back to square one.

BABY CLASS: We went to our first baby classes. Oh man, it was interesting. Jeffrey and I laughed, were wide eyed, and built some amazing memories together. After our classes, I cannot WAIT to experience this miracle with Jeffrey. I have dreamed of becoming a mom and I cannot wait to actually do it and become this sweet babies mommy and make my husband a daddy! 

**UPDATE: We had baby girls 28 week appointment in regards to her kidneys and heart. The spot on her heart is still there but it is moving with her heartbeat. The doctor said she believes this is just the result of a thick heart wall. This is great news! We are praying baby girl just has an extra strong heart! 
Her kidneys are still measuring larger then normal. One is 3mm and the other is 5mm with 0mm being normal. Our doctor said we still need to monitor them, but we are still in an okay spot. Apparently, 10mm is dangerous and we are not there. Please pray her kidneys stay small. 

God is a good, good father! Jeffrey and I have some AMAZING things and opportunity ahead for our future and I cannot wait to see them play out. We are so blessed and humbled by the outpouring of love and support we have seen! I cannot wait for my daughter to be surrounded by so much love. 

28 and 29 Weeks!

How far along? 29 weeks! HELLO 3rd TRIMESTER!!!!!!!!

Total weight gain/loss: Somewhere while eating Thanksgiving I lost a pound or 2... so I am up 8/9 pounds. I have no idea who this happened because I ate like a PIG! 

Emotions: I still cannot believe Jeffrey and I will be parents soon. I am feeling SO blessed, nervous, scared, excited, confused, and 100% scared silly. God is so faithful and good. 

I had a pretty scary time last week. I was feeling really under the weather and was having a tight chest. Being the "go getter" I am, I ignored it and kept working 2 jobs while pregnant without a husband (that's the Ross "drive" coming out-- my family doesn't rest well at all). Well, on Friday I had an asthma attack and was rushed to the doctors. I was diagnosed with a viral infection and inflamed lungs. They were looking at admitting me to the hospital, but since I didn't have any infection in my blood, they decided I could do breathing treatments at home. I was put on no activity, bed-rest and had to do breathing treatments every 4 hours for five days. I am still taking medicine and doing a preventative inhaler twice a day, but I am feeling SO much better!

Thank you for those of you who have been praying and calling/texting to check in on me! It truly means the world to me. I have been so humbled and surprised at the countless people pouring out to me. Trust me, Jeffrey and I appreciate and see those of you who care and we thank you so very much!

What are we most excited about next: CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We also have our first baby class this Thursday. The count down is on, only  11 more weeks before our little girl makes her appearance. 

What are we least excited about: My check list that is a mile long! We have SOOOO much to do and it is so overwhelming. 

What I miss: My husband and mom. I miss my mom, dad, and brother so much! I miss there support and laughs. I miss having my husband at home to help me cook, pick things up, take Roxie outside, and simple things like just putting my shoes on. Trust me, IT IS NOT EASY!!! I miss my friends back home in Georgia, I miss my friends in Raleigh, I miss stability, I miss not stressing, and I miss having my life together. 

Movement: She is moving all the time. I am starting to see her movements through my clothes and it is so cool!

Belly button: It is beginning to poke out more, but it is still an innie. 

Size: Baby Nelly is the size of a butternut squash.

How I’m feeling: blessed and a bit stressed.

Sickness: none, just anxious, nervous, and pretty overwhelmed.   

Cravings:

• Water
• Apples
• Oatmeal
• I think I am the strangest pregnant woman ever!

Aversions: 

• Dairy

• Spicy foods
• Sweets (yuck!)

Physical changes: 

• There is no denying I am expecting. The first stranger approached me in Tradder Joes and asked when I was due. This was such a shock for me. I guess the bump is out and everyone can see it.  

Workout: I was able to go to pilates once this week, but I have still been taking it easy.  

Nursery:  We have a crib and rocker!!!!! I cannot wait to get them all set up in sweet baby girls room!!!

UPDATE: We had baby girls 28 week appointment in regards to her kidneys and heart. The spot on her heart is still there but it is moving with her heartbeat. The doctor said she believes this is just the result of a thick heart wall. This is great news! We are praying baby girl just has an extra strong heart! 
Her kidneys are still measuring larger then normal. One is 3mm and the other is 5mm with 0mm being normal. Our doctor said we still need to monitor them, but we are still in an okay spot. Apparently, 10mm is dangerous and we are not there. Please pray her kidneys stay small. 

What's in a name?

WE HAVE A NAME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

After a lot of thought and debating, we have a name for sweet baby Nelson. For those of you that actually thought her name was Nelly-- sorry to disappoint. Her name is...

Allison Montgomery Nelson

Jeffrey named her a while ago and I was so on the fence. Jeffrey plus my father and father in law would call her "Ally" or "Ally-oops" so I knew we already had a nickname no matter what. Once I saw her sweet little face in our ultrasound, I knew it was meant to be her name. Nothing else sounds "right" when I refer to her so Allison Montgomery she will be. 

Where is her name from?

Apparently Jeffrey and our dad's were joking that she should be named her after the last beer Jeffrey brewed. The last beer he made is called "Ally-oops" because he put in the wrong ingredients. They were all joking about naming her Ally after that conversation. Then Jeffrey said "Allison" and the rest is history. I can't wait to tell baby girl that story... haha! It is very fitting for her daddy though. 

Her middle name, Montgomery, is the last name of a dear friend of ours that sadly passed away a few years ago. When Jeffrey found out we were expecting, this was the first thing he said he wanted to use as a name boy or girl. She is honoring a wonderful life that was surrounded by many loving people. We asked his parents for their blessing to use their last name and of course they said yes. 

So there you have it, Allison Montgomery (or as some call her: Ally Monty Nelly). We are thinking about throwing in Elizabeth after my grandma which would make her initials AMEN!!!

Shower of the Century

My friends know how to throw an amazing shower. As a matter of fact, one of them even has her own shop for party supplies. If you are looking to throw a party, you have to check out "Piper's Parties"

We do have a name for baby girl and it does indeed start with an A!!!!

Fun shower games!

AWESOME bow making station.

The sweetest cake you have ever seen!

Look at this spread and it is all gluten free!!! YAY!!!!

Diaper sayings for those late night diaper changes. I cant wait to read them!

When you realize how AMAZING your friends are!!!

This pretty much sums us up!

This past weekend I had my first baby shower for baby girl. Many of my childhood friends flew and drove far distances to shower sweet baby and I with gifts and love. It meant the world to me that so many people came.

The three musketeers! I have learned so much from you ladies.

I didn't realize how much I needed to see these ladies until I saw them last weekend. These women have been by my side since childhood and beyond. We have taken dance lessons together, stayed up talking until 3:00 am, they have stood beside me through breakups, weddings, and now babies. We have been through all of life together supporting and laughing at one another the entire way.

My BFF from the elementary ballet days! Thanks for always sticking by my side.

I cannot image life without these women. I am so excited for this next chapter where I will get to see my favorite ladies hold my newest favorite lady. Baby girl is so lucky to have so many aunts and grandmas that love her as much as I already do.

My mom and best grandma ever.

Thank you ladies for always loving me through all the vast changes and challenges life brings, thank you for loving my daughter so much, thank you for always being there and never letting distance get in the way, and thank you for this life long friendship that will stand the test of time.

Friends since elementary school. This girl will always make me laugh

Some people are lucky enough to have one life long friend, how did I get lucky enough to have way more than one life long girl friend?!?!? I love you to the moon ladies and I can't wait to see you hold the newest member of our tribe!!!! I hope and pray my daughter finds friends like I have. Now, all of you hurry up and have a baby of your own so "Nelly" will have some friends. :) 

Friends since high school and beyond. Love you TINA.

Friends since elementary school. This girl will always be there for me no matter the distance

My sister in laws (missing one). 

Life long friend and BFF. My twin and PIC!



**Not pictured, Hayley Davis (my sweet college roomie-- how did I not get a picture of us) and Sandy Campbell who Face Timed during the shower! 

27 Weeks.

How far along? 27 weeks!

Total weight gain/loss: 10 pounds total. 

Maternity clothes? Shop Pink Blush Boutique is my favorite place to buy maternity styles... cute and affordable; win win!

Emotions: I had my first baby shower and was so blessed by many lifelong friends who showered baby girl with so many gifts. We also registered to have our sweet girl at the hospital. 50 pages later, it became a reality that we are HAVING A BABY SOON! I also received my free breast pump in the mail from my insurance. It was another eye-opener that she will be here before we know it. 

Next week brings my third trimester, our BIG doctor's appointment, and our first baby classes. I have found myself crying randomly our of nerves, joy, and total fear/reality that baby girl is coming and WE ARE NOT READY! 

What are we most excited about next: Having a few more showers and beginning to see her nursery come together. Her room is EMPTY and it gives me anxiety every time I walk by. 

What are we least excited about: Jeffrey being away while there is SO much to do before she arrives. 

What I miss: My husband and mom. After Monday I realized how much I truly miss (need) support while going through pregnancy life. 

Movement: She is my little gymnast. She is flipping and cheering daily. I think we have an active girl on our hands-- just like her mommy! 

Belly button: Still normal!

Size: Baby Nelly is about 2 pounds still

How I’m feeling: Thankful and blessed. Oh and tired, I am so tired!  

Sickness: none! YAYYYYYY  

Cravings:

• water
• oatmeal
• bacon and eggs
• WINE-- after my shower and talking about it with friends, this mom-to-be cant wait for her first glass of Pinot Noir 

Aversions: Still the same

• Dairy

• Spicy foods
• anything with a lot of different spices or flavors

Physical changes: 

• not much this week. My bump is still growing, but I am not noticing anything crazy. 

Workout: I took it easy this week and only did pilates twice. 

Nursery:  I am beginning to have HIGH anxiety over her room. There is so much to do and so much we still need and we are running out of time. With the holidays and Jeffrey always in Kansas, I am so afraid we will not be ready.

ALSO, A HUGE thank you to everyone who showered baby girl and I with so much love last weekend. We feel so blessed. She is going to be the warmest and most stylish baby in Charleston. Keep a look out for a Blog post highlighting my amazing shower in Atlanta.