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. 

26 Weeks!

This was taken on Tuesday-- my bump had doubled since then. Today, the bump is large and in charge! I think it has even grown since lunch...

How far along? 26 weeks! We will meet our princess in exactly 3 months or less!!!

Total weight gain/loss: 10 pounds total. 

Maternity clothes? I am still wearing my non-maternity oversized tops. My "pea in the pod" tank in a must! I love it and wear it under most everything. 

Emotions: Cue the tears! We had a big scare Monday with baby girl. After the scariest morning of my life and Jeffrey in another time zone, I am happy to report that baby "Nelly" and I are okay. The doctors had me come in to check everything and we both look great!!! I had a popped blood vessel and am on bed rest for a few days. Praise the LORD baby girl and I are healthy and safe. 

While they were checking me at the doctor's office, I was able to see sweet girly! I mean, HOW CUTE IS SHE?!?!?!?!?!? My heart is so full already!

What are we most excited about next: My first baby shower is this weekend! I am also excited to go back to pilates and working out next week.

What are we least excited about: The 5 hour car ride we are taking this Friday and Sunday... Yuck! Honestly, I am SO thankful baby girl and I are okay, there is nothing I am dreading. 

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

Movement: Sweet baby is breached so she is tap dancing away on my bladder. Her movements are becoming more frequent and strong. I am loving every second of her nudges. 

Belly button: Still normal!

Size: Baby Nelly is about 2 pounds

How I’m feeling: Thankful and blessed that baby and I are strong and healthy. 

Sickness: I am so Uncomfortable.  

Cravings:

• water
• oatmeal
• popcorn

Aversions:

• Monday mornings!
• Bed rest-- I don't rest well. 
• Dairy! We finally figured out what was making me so nauseous and sick all the time. Baby girl is unlike her mommy and does not like cheese or dairy of any kind. I have been avoiding dairy at all costs and have been a significant difference. 

• Spicy foods. I normally love hot and/or spicy food, but since I have gotten pregnant, I cannot even smell hot spices. 

Physical changes: 

• The bump has made its appearance.  I am shocked at how much she has grown in the past 2 weeks.

Workout: None this week.

Nursery:  Her room has been cleaned out and emptied. We are beginning to get a few things in the mail from friends and family! 

25 Weeks!

How far along? 25 weeks! 

Total weight gain/loss: 8 pounds total-- whoa 3 pounds where did you come from!! 

Maternity clothes? I am loving my bella-band and maternity jeans. I am still able to wear most of my normal tops. 

Emotions: I feel great so far. No roller-coaster emotions-- I even asked Jeffrey to confirm.

What are we most excited about next: Our doctors appointment on the 21st, thank you for your prayers; continue to lift up baby Nelson. I am also looking forward to my first baby shower!

What are we least excited about: Heartburn. My entire core from my hips up to my neck is a mess right now. I am so uncomfortable, but I know it is all worth it. 

What I miss: Eating and feeling normal afterwards. 

Movement: She is very active in the morning and at night. She has also started partying around 4:00 am. She loves dancing on mommy's bladder so getting up to go to the bathroom frequently has begun. 

Belly button: Still normal!

Size: Baby Nelly is 13 1/2 inches long and weighs close to 2 pounds. She is the size of a rutabaga. 

How I’m feeling: I hate to complain because I am so thankful and blessed to be carrying this sweet baby, BUT....

• Heartburn is here with a vengeance and it is not fun.

• My sciatic nerve has been really bothering me. 

• I am always full feeling and bloated... it is not fun at all.  

Sickness: Besides heartburn, I have not been "sick" this week! Maybe that is where those 3 pounds came from. 

Cravings:

• Oatmeal and bread. My heartburn has been so bad, all I want to eat is bland food.

Aversions:

• Dairy! We finally figured out what was making me so nauseous and sick all the time. Baby girl is unlike her mommy and does not like cheese or dairy of any kind. I have been avoiding dairy at all costs and have been a significant difference. 

• Spicy foods. I normally love hot and/or spicy food, but since I have gotten pregnant, I cannot even smell hot spices. 

Physical changes: 

• My bump is here (kinda); there is no denying that I am pregnant. 

• My face feels HUGE, but everyone tells me I look normal. 

Workout: I’ve been continuing to work out as much as I can. Honestly I have been slacking the past few weeks. I am still going to pilates twice a week and I try to get in a walk when I can. Since I am on my feet with 6/7 year old first graders all day, sometimes my workout is not as good as it should be. 

Nursery:  Her room has been cleaned out and emptied. We are beginning to get a few things in the mail from friends and family! 

FUN FABULOUS FALL FASHION!

I love Fall! I love the weather, the scenery, the activities, and most of all the fashion. Give me booties, a felt hat, and a poncho any day! Here are my favorite Fall trends from day time to night time!

Casual Fall outfit for work or going out with friends.

For those Fall days where you are running errands but still want to look cute and trendy! I have had my eye on these shoes for such a long time!

For those Fall days where you just can't get out of bed! All you need is coffee, a good book, and some awesome pajamas.

What are your Fall favorite fashion trends?