1 cm...at least now I am.

At our Dr's appointment today the Dr. had a little joke saying, "do you even have a cervix?" WHAT! (for those that don't know, the cervix has to open for the baby to come out!) Anyways, my cervix is still tilted all the way towards my back (and excuse the graphic detail) so he had to dig. Anyways, it was painful but by the end he announced that I am about 1 cm dialated and the cervix is definitely soft. He said he didn't strip any membranes but his poking around may spawn some contractions...we'll see about that. OH...and in my anticipation for the labor to begin I have gained like 5 pounds this week??? OOPS!

In other news, my parents have been put to work and I am so grateful that they're here to help, even though they are acting like I am a slave driver. (I made a volunteer help list, my mom is very motivated to cross off things as we go). Everything looks great. Yesterday my dad painted the hallway leading into our bedroom from start to finish. Primer, trim, color, and both doors!!! It is beautiful. My mom spent the day in the yard cutting down 6-9" wide trees and cleaning up nasty thorny vines and bushes. Luckily we dragged everything to the front before the garbage pick up came and sure enough they exceeded our expectations and picked up the whole pile! It was pretty amazing, but Scott still took a pile to the dump this morning. And there is a lot more to do.

Other things are being checked off the list including this fabric cover for the ironing board.

We continute to wait for the arrival of baby Tyler. But we are having a lot of fun here down in Savannah with 75-80 degree weather...don't you want to come?

My mom and dad are here!

My parents made it to Savannah (this morning) around 12:30am...leaving Des Moines at 5:15am. YAY! The morning started out with my mom piling 4-5 boxes of memorabilia in my living room that were hidden away in an upstairs closet at their house. At first I just wanted to put them in the attic and not start that mess, but then we decided we really needed to condense the boxes, which I'm glad we did because there was so much junk. I did separate the pictures, dolls, yearbooks, old trophies, and tennis tournament t-shirts. I was glad when things were put away again and my living room back to normal. My dad then headed to his post to watch football, Scott washed all the cars and then pulled out the boat (very gross, it had been in the water since July), later met up with my dad, and my mom and I ran some errands. Earlier she also helped me organize the spice cupboard (another nesting task). Tyler is still hanging out, I think my dad is in disbelief about how BIG my belly is. He just keeps staring. Hopefully not too much longer. My brother and his fiance (Jenny) will be here on Wednesday night. Keep checking in...my mom seems to think it will be soon. Next Dr's appointment is on Tuesday.

Single digits. 9 days 'till Due Date

Well, not much going on here, except it's really hard to sleep at night with severe backaches. It is so hard to get comfortable and rolling this 30 pound belly out of bed every hour to go to the bathroom is getting to be really annoying...almost to the point I dread the night time. Is this God preparing me for what is about to come? I look forward to being able to move normally again, but I know at the same time I will really miss being pregnant.

I am officially off of work and trying to force myself to rest/sleep whenever I can. I have been walking 15 minutes a day as well and only doing light housecleaning. I'm really trying to enjoy our last few days alone in the house. Tonight we treated ourselves to our favorite stuffed crust pepperoni pizza from Pizza Hut. IT WAS SO GOOD! Also Scott's mom surprised us with a little trip to the grocery store and brought us some MILK (and Pepsi, fruit, juice, and chocolate)! If I haven't mentioned it before I am now up to more than 2 gallons of milk a week! We were out and I knew I had to go get some tonight, but Scott's mom beat me to it! It was really sweet and came at the most perfect timing. Now I will be able to have my 3 am bowl of cereal!

Here is another belly shot, this time in the nursery. It's going to be a good picture to reflect back on when I am wishing Tyler would just go back in my belly! J/K.

We'll keep y'all updated!

Nesting, Nursery Updates and More

Well, if I wasn't sure what nesting really was, I think I do now, because I have been cleaning, organizing, re-organizing, cleaning, dusting, hanging pictures, dusting, cleaning, vacuuming, scrubbing...it goes on and on. And I figured out what keeps me motivated...the thought that "what if I were to go to the hospital right now!" Then I'm like a machine! Poor Scott has to do the BIG projects, while I just do little things that he thinks are pointless, I'm sure! Today we spent the day doing just that, he tiled the entrance to our house/office and officially installed the windows in our new office/bathroom. It has been getting rather cold at night here in Savannah and those windows were letting in quite a draft. Anyways, he did a great job! Here he is in action.

Yesterday, in the mail, from a very special person in the family, we received a very special, touching gift. This gift was at such perfect timing and so perfect for Tyler's room that I can't even express my excitement. I had planned on putting "this" up in some way or form, but couldn't figure out how big, what color, what style...so on and so on. Anyways, here it is and it is exactly what I had in mind and am so thankful that I didn't have to bring out my creative genes (which I'm not really sure I have any) and come up with this myself! Thank you so much Abby...we LOVE it! (and this picture doesn't do it justice!)

We made some other changes to the Nursery and continue to change as I figure out what needs to be out and what can be stored. I've organized all the great things Rob and Amy are letting Tyler use...it is really overwhelming how lucky we are to not have to go purchase all of these things...Tyler is already so spoiled with all the greatest baby toys, swings, clothes, and blankets most of them from his cousins. Thanks again Rob and Amy, it is such a HUGE help!Chair rail explanation: Those palm tree branches are from our backyard, yep you read it right. Scott my ever so creative, smart wonderful husband came up with the idea and of course me, the ever so skeptical "what are you thinking, this will take too much time" wife was hesitant. Of course everything that Scott takes on turns out great and everyone has noticed them on the blog and just loves them, so I had to give credit where credit is due. They look great and add so much character to the room. Oh and by the way, my neighbor's son named the giraffe for us: George the Giraffe. (another awesome gift from my mother-in-law!)

My mom called today and said she's worked it out so she can be on her way to Savannah next Saturday (she's driving from IA!). I am very excited, I'm hoping we have few pre-baby days left to get everything ready. My dad may come with her or with my brother and his fiance Jenny on November 2oth. We are going to have a houseful, but I can't wait! I hope Scott is up for all of this!

Tyler seems to be just hanging out in my tummy, still very active and giving me some extra backaches as I keep carrying 30 extra pounds in such an awkward place. My mom's friend told her it looks like I need a tripod to help hold my belly up. That's exactly what I feel like!

Anyways, thanks for all your thoughts and prayers, the countdown is on!

Carrie

I'm about to POP!

Tyler is officially considered Full Term Today (37 weeks). Even though my due date is still 3 weeks away. At my Dr's. appointment on Wednesday, the ultra sound predicts that he is already 8 pounds! And they say they gain about an ounce a day until born! OUCH! Everything is looking good though, the Dr. informed us that my cervix is still closed, so no action there. We are happy with that, we need him to stay in a few more weeks. I'm hoping for November 20th. Are there any predictions out there??? Go ahead guess the weight too. My guess is 9lbs 4oz.

Here is my 37 week photo. At this point I'm getting the scared concerned faces of those around me saying, "you're about to POP!" Tyler is really sticking out there these days and likes to turn and stick out his bottom near my belly button. His feet and arms are hanging out on my left side (side shown) with his face facing the camera down on my bladder. I am always curious as to how he is laying and the ultra sound tech helped us out. A lot of the time the movement I feel is his knees and when he stretches out is when I feel his feet up in my left ribs.

Well, from here on out it's weekly visits. We'll keep you all updated!

Love,

Carrie

Back to 1980

This is the picture my Aunt Carla sent me for my baby shower, the shirt next to me says Playmate of the Year. Look what they used to put me through, look at those glasses! She told me tonight that she saved this picture for all these years. But now, Carla, you can download and save it to your computer so you can still have it! How great is technology!

Enjoy!

Nursery-Start to (almost) Finished...

Diane is a new mom!

Lilyanna Barnett was born Thursday morning. This was all very exciting because they were one of those new trend's that did not find out the sex of their baby until she was born. Very exciting! She was a healthy 8lbs 5oz and 21 inches long. Mom and Dad are doing great. Thanks for putting me on the call list! (thanks goes to my friend Tiny, she called me Thursday morning to tell me the news!). Can't wait to get all the good advise from my friends in Maryland that have beat us to the punch of mother and fatherhood.

Here comes the Nursery!

Well, not quite yet, but we do have a new window (that opens and has a screen!). Scott and his dad installed it tonight (minus 1 crow bar). This weekend the room should get painted and on Monday there will be carpet installed (to make it nice and cozy for a baby)! So during the week I'll be able to put everything together and get everything organized for Tyler's room. I am very excited! I will also be able to get the guest bedroom back in order and decorated nicely. While I am putting those two rooms together and cleaning the rest of the house, Scott will be finishing up the rest of the master bathroom, hallway, and office entrance. (Lots of tiling and painting left to do...).

We've taken a little break from really working on the house, but there is a time crunch with no set end date. We are 28 days away from our Due Date (can you believe it?), but who really knows when Tyler wants to enter this world! We must get back to work! Wish us luck!

Jessi had her baby boy!

Jessi is a frequent commenter on our blog and she and her husband Adam had their baby yesterday! Chase Harper is his name and he is gorgeous. I keep thinking how much their life just changed in the last 24 hours! Congrats to a beautiful family, may God bless you always!

We met Jessi and Adam in Maryland at our young married small group. We were all gearing up for babyland when Scott and I moved to Savannah. Now practically everyone in that small group is either pregnant, trying, or just marveling at all of us.

Love and misss you!

Carrie and Scott

Pumpkin Spice Latte-DECAF!!! DUH!

Pumpkin Spice Latte:
a delicious blend of pumpkin and traditional fall spice flavors combined with our signature espresso and freshly steamed milk, and topped with whipped cream and pumpkin pie spices.

So last night we were at Kroger getting our $1.00 movie rental and I spotted a sign that was featuring the only coffee drink that I can stand (and actually love). PUMPKIN SPICE LATTE. This fabulous contraption was introduced to me by my Maryland friends 2 years ago (I believe it was Heather and Danielle). However, I soon learned that it is only a seasonal specialty at Star Bucks so 9 months out of the year, no coffee for me! I went up to the counter, with my pregnant belly spilling all over, and asked the single question I never thought to ask, "Can you make me a DeCaf Pumpkin Spice Latte?" She said of course! WOW! Never even thought about, I was just convinced that I was not going to get it! Anyways, it didn't last long, and of course I burnt my tounge, but it was delicious!

Y'all should try one!

This is for Di

Here it is, remember I am 5 WEEKS away from my due date....and you are 4 days away from yours. You be the judge! You look great...I'm just thinking I'm going to have a huge baby boy! He is really taking the energy out of me, kind of like I am on benadryl 24/7. Good luck to all my pregnant friends in MD (Di, Jessi, Danielle...am I missing anyone?) The count down is on!

Our new Bedroom!

We spent our first night in our new bedroom last night, it was like living in a new house! The furniture is gorgeous and fits perfectly in our room! I slept so good that I didn't have to make the trek to the bathroom until 6:30am! When I woke up I had the biggest smile on my face. Everything is perfect.

We ordered our furniture from http://www.furniturebuzz.com/ and of course it came in weeks ago, but we weren't ready for it. We were planning on picking it up yesterday, but we were pleasantly surprised by it being delivered yesterday afternoon (Thanks Rob and Amy!). That was such a HUGE help to Scott. Then our friend Jimmy from our small group helped Scott unbox it and put it in place after work, it was such a blessing! You all don't know how happy you made this pregnant girl yesterday!

This is my awesome vanity area to get ready in the morning! What a sweet husband to think of me and making my dream come true to have a dressing/makeup area!Quick closet update with it packed full of our clothes! The office pictures will have to wait until we get it more organized!

And so now I digress, it's funny how God times everything perfectly, sometimes you don't see it in the heat of frustration and disappointment, but in the end it always comes out so much better. I am thankful that through all of this construction, I have had prayer and God to help get me through everything. I also am very thankful to have a great support system through our family and friends, because sometimes when we get tired and frustrated we get emotional and vent through our emotions and we need a little comfort and sometimes even a little forgiveness.

Hope you enjoy the pictures showing our progress, we appreciate all your support and excitement for us.

And a quick note to my husband who just keeps on going like the energizer bunny, thank you for all of your crazy hard work! You are amazing and I love you so much!

Carrie

Closet Organization...getting close to move in!

Yesterday the carpet was to be installed, but hammering into concrete and slate rock proved to be too much for the carpet guy so he had to resort to gluing the tack strips down, so they had to dry overnight. It should all be done soon with furniture moved in and we'll get to use our new bedroom and office and then get the nursery and guest bedroom set up.

Anyways, in between all of this Scott and I are hoping to go down to Forsyth Park in Savannah for a Praise in the Park celebration, it will be a good break to enjoy some food, music, and fellowship with everyone. It's usually a pretty big deal!

Here are some pictures from our progress. Scott has been working so hard and we've had some very gracious help from Scott's parents almost on a daily basis! They've been painting, hanging doors, cutting doors to make them fit, and most of all a constant support group. Thank you so much! We love you both and you've been life savers!!!! The master bath is being put on hold for a few weeks, so no pictures there.

Bedroom colors are Artic Ocean with an accent wall called Jute (above).The office and entrance is Crisp Celery with Scott's beautiful chair rail (white).

We were also very productive last night as we mastered the art of closet organization. OK, well it was a kit from Lowe's, but the kit was for a standard 8' long closet. We have 2 walls of about 4' each, which we had come up with a design before we bought the kit and we managed to figure out exactly where we could utilize everything in the box. We were successful! All that is needed is 1 more slide hanger hook. We are very proud and excited because this will be the first time in our marriage that all of our clothes will be in 1 room!

Check back soon for more updates!

Carrie

Project Update-Laundry!

WE HAVE A LAUNDRY ROOM (MINUS DOOR)! I am very excited to say that Scott completed the laundry room last night and I was able to do 4 loads of laundry! I LOVE IT! Now, the rest of the house is another story. There will be no pictures tonight because we cannot find the camera card reader (found it!). Everything is so cluttered and disorganized that I don't know how I haven't cracked and gone into labor already! We're working it out though. Again, taking 1 day at a time! I guess Tyler will never remember what the house looked like when he comes home anyway, so I don't know what I'm worried about.

We (I say we, meaning Scott) is in the process of painting the Project Area. We ran into a snag at the moment because the Primer is not cooperating with the rollers or vice versa. We were hoping to get the walls painted and floor trim done in the office and bedroom by Thursday night so we could get carpet installed Friday. Then this weekend we could move some of the furniture into those 2 areas and start getting some of the stuff cleared out of our living area. We'll let you know what actually gets done later this weekend.

Only about 6 more weeks until my due date, and I really hope he stays in there until Thanksgiving! He's being so good in my tummy. I have decided that I have officially passed the cute pregnancy stage into freak mode. But I still love it. I'm still out working, I am on driving distance restrictions staying within 1 hour from Savannah, but otherwise everything is going well.

Baby Shower Pictures

I only have a few pictures that I can post on the blog. Karen made these two cakes: the Carriage Cake by hand, and the diaper cake with 2 ribbons per diaper! They were so detailed and perfect, it's amazing to think someone would spend that much time on something to make sure you have the perfect 1st baby shower. Oh and she also made the best punch! Scott calls it Magically Delicious.

This is the giraffe that my mother-in-law got us for the nursery, we are thinking of naming him John the Giraffe. Anyways, Sarah hosted the party at her house, which was beautiful as always, the colors were perfect and the atmosphere spectacular.

More pictures and details to come!

Mudding Party

We had some wonderful help this weekend "mudding" the drywall from Scott's parents and our friend Kenny. They were there from 6-10pm on Saturday night, they were all machines! We offered to help our contractor get a head start on mudding, so hopefully everything can be ready to paint this coming weekend, carpet the next week, and tile the next weekend. We still need to make the opening from the living room into the "new WEST wing" of our house. Scott continues to do all he can to help him along, considering we are practically doubling the usable space in our house, it really is a pretty overwhelming project. We are so grateful for all the help so far and hopefully more help to come so we can have everything complete weeks before baby so maybe we can have some rest and enjoy it.
I finally figured out a way to share with you our plans. Maybe this will help you visualize it.

Baby Tyler Ultrasound Pictures

We had another ultrasound today, this is Tyler at 30 weeks and 3 days, but measuring in at 32 weeks and already 4lbs. He's really looking great! It makes it all so real again. Only 9 weeks or so left...oh my....so much to do....but can't wait meet him! Then again, he's pretty quiet in my tummy!

...and how is mom doing? Well, besides the hemorrhoids, body crashing after my morning breakfast (can't figure out if it's my blood sugar or blood pressure dropping), waking up absolutely starving in the middle of the night (we think it is so I know what the baby feels like when he wakes up every 2 hours to feed the first few weeks!), going to the bathroom every 10 minutes only to tinkle as Tyler clamps down on my urinary track, no sleeping position is comfortable, swollen ankles at the end of a long day...oh I'm not complaining or anything, I think I've had it pretty easy so far! Plus I ABSOLUTELY LOVE BEING PREGNANT! It's the best feeling in the world...I'm just a little nervous about delivery, oh I will cry and be scared.

Carrie

Carport Project Update

I feel like there is not much going on but in reality there is OH SO MUCH going on in our world! Scott has been working really hard on our Carport Project (he has a contractor doing the plumbing, framing, and drywall), and me being the pregnant wife, I am trying to be the support system to keep him going. Although I must say, he keeps adding things to the list! Anyways, things are progressing and I am just taking in one day at a time!

Brief summary, we are turning our carport into a Master Bedroom, Closet, Master Bath, Laundry Closet, Office, and Water Heater Closet...all with newly run heating and air and new electric. And a few new windows and a front extension (one of the add-ons mid project!)

Carport Before-was used as an exercise room, laundry, and make shift office. Not very pretty huh? It's about 435 sq ft. Scott and I put our idea's on paper and came up with a blue print. It's really fun to see it all come together! Although walls sure do take up a lot of room!This front window was cracked and needed to be replaced, it was impossible to find the same size window so Scott said he'd have to re-frame the window and cut up into the siding. Here he is ripping out the old frame with dad watching.OOPS...Scott must have been letting off some HOME DEPOT frustration because before he knew it the whole wall came down! I was a little anxious about the whole thing...ok really freaked out! They decided that the wall was not built very well and had some rotting wood, so not only did they decide to rebuild the wall, they also decided to bump it out 3 feet! What! You have to build a roof?!?!?!?!Well, the next day, it turns out with some help from Uncle Greg until 12:oo am Sunday night, there is some structure to our new entrance, and it also gives it much more curb appeal.And finally, here is the window that started this whole process! Great job honey....and I only cried once!!! Obviously siding and a column needs to be added, and I think Scott has wires ready to install a light on each side of the window. Things are coming along.

This weekend they are hanging dry wall, because all the framing and plumbing is done! (and only 1 night without water!) We now have running water in the carport, I did 3 loads of laundry, Scott flushed the toilet, and ran the shower. Sorry but the framing pictures don't do justice to how cool everything is coming together, you'll have to wait for more finished project pictures! Maybe I'll figure out how to scan in our blue prints!

Only 70 more days until Baby Tyler enters our world...can we get it all done? Let's hope, it will really be great to have company over with 2 bathrooms instead of just 1. The next projects include the kitchen, original bathroom, deck, 2nd story with 2 more bedrooms and bathroom, and a garage with bonus/guest room. It may take 5 years or so, but it's a good list and fun to dream! As you can tell, we don't plan on moving!