Colston Has Arrived!!

Colston was born on November 20, 2009 at 4:32 p.m. He was 7 lbs. 9 oz. and 21 inches long. He is adorable and such a sweet baby. It's been one week since we've been home from the hospital and each day and night gets better. He is adjusting well and had a great report at the pediatrician's office. Thanksgiving was at Allison and Chuck's this year. My mom and dad stayed for a week and helped us our tremendously. All grandparents have been in and out all week visiting with their first grandson. Erin and Josh are over the moon and getting lots of practice while waiting for their arrival.

We went on our first walk yesterday around the YMCA track and enjoyed that lots. Colston had his first photo shoot today. Bryan and Mandy came over to take some pictures that will be used for our birth announcement/Christmas card. We got some sweet pics. Our instructions were to keep him warm, naked, and fed. He did a great job! He is sleeping in his swing next to Kyle and they are watching the Panthers game right now. Colston was wearing a Panthers jersey just like his daddy. It was so sweet. Mommy got a nap in today too!

Waiting and Still Waiting...

I am 39 weeks and three days pregnant. I can go at any time so in the meantime I've just been enjoying my time here at the house and I've also been running errands quite a bit. I started writing in Colston's baby book that my mom gave us today so that's been fun. It's a great book and has everything in it you'd want to remember.

My mom also sent me all natural lavender spray for my feet and pillows/sheets for when I go into labor. Erin's job is to spray my feet and wipe my face with natural lavender wipes. :-) I'm sure she'll love that! I'll do it for her though in 4 months when it's her turn.

I've been watching several episodes daily of Bringing Home Baby or A Baby Story. Sometimes I think maybe I shouldn't be watching because the women are always screaming in pain, but then again it prepares me for what to expect. I've seen some mild deliveries and some pretty scary ones so I know which one to pray for.

My next entry will be post delivery with information about our baby boy.

First Day At Home Before Baby!

I am done with work! Today is my first day at home, getting things ready for Colston. Will he be here soon, two weeks, three weeks? No way of knowing... it could be anytime which is a strange feeling... I'm so excited!

I had my wonderful Raleigh shower on Saturday. I had a chance to visit with lots of great Raleigh folk and we got some amazing things for our sweet baby. I went to Babies R Us today to buy the last of what we'll need right away. I think we're now officially ready... although I'm sure things will pop up here and there after he arrives.

Stay tuned! My next post will be news about the arrival of our son, Colston David Braddy!

Last Day With the Kids

Today was my last day teaching. I think I will miss it, but I certainly won't miss the extra "stuff" that teachers had to do. It was always something new added to our many hats that we already wore. It was go, go, go throughout the day! Not a moment to breathe-- even during planning when it used to be a time to clean up the room, get things ready for the next day, etc. were filled with mundane meetings. Glad to be over with it! I told Kyle last night, if I need to go back someday I will, but for the meantime I'm enjoying knowing the fact that I will be a stay at home mommy.

Colston's arrival is quickly approaching. He is due in about 3 weeks or so. At my last check up I wasn't dilated at all. I go in again tomorrow to get checked. We'll see.

We're going to Raleigh this weekend for my third baby shower. Erin and Josh are coming with us so it'll be fun. There will be mostly Beverly's friends there and a few friends of Kyle's from high school. Some of Lauren's friends are coming too, I believe which is really sweet.

My Shower

Saturday was my baby shower. We had it at our house and many of my friends hadn't seen it yet so it was nice to open our house for it's debut. The shower was fantastic! Erin, Ashley and Lacey were the hostesses and they did a superb job! There were around 28 ladies here.... so much fun! Colston got pretty hooked up!

My school shower is October 22nd and my Raleigh shower is October 31st. We're getting spoiled!

8 Months: 7 Weeks (give or take) to go!

I am glad I got plenty of rest this weekend. It's been rainy so it's been easy to rest, but my 'to do' list is long. (Kyle's is longer though.) My feet need a major massage.

My shower is coming up! It will be here on Saturday and being as though the shower is here and our house is making its debut (with my family and a lot of friends) there are things that need to get done... ok, well, they don't need to get done, but I want them to get done. :) It will though-- it always does!

I've been feeling well. Starting to slow down a bit. I've been getting Braxton Hicks every so often. I read that they are just preparing my uterus for delivery. It's nothing that is rhythmic or anything to be concerned about. It's typical to start getting them now. After 37 weeks, it could be a sign of labor.

Colston's room is coming together. His curtains/roman shade is up, changing table and crib are in position and ready for him. We're still waiting for the chair and ottoman and they should arrive in the next couple of weeks. I really wanted it to come before the shower, but oh well. He has some clothes hanging up in his closet. So cute because many of the precious outfits are his daddy's from when he was just an itty bitty.

I have a little over 4 more weeks of work. I talked to my principal about my leave the other day and she was supportive. I found a replacement too and I couldn't be happier with who it is. I think my student's parents will be pleased with her as well.

7 1/2 Months and Ready for my Baby!

I am back at school and enjoying being busy. I have a constant reminder that my life will be changing very soon-- every time my sweet baby kicks is a wonderful feeling and one that I hope never to forget. His kicks are getting stronger now as if to say, "Here I come!" I still feel really good and have energy to work with my 15 kindergarten students. They keep me on my toes, that's for sure!

My blood work came back and I developed anemia which I hear is nothing to be alarmed about. I just need to start taking an iron supplement. I am picking up my prescription tomorrow.

My baby shower is October 3rd and my mom and dad are coming down for it. I'm really excited to have lots of friends and family around that weekend! Ashley sent out the cutest baby boy invitations. I can't wait to create a page in Colston's baby book displaying it.

Life is good. Actually, life is great!

Adjusting to School...

School has started! Last week was our first week with the kids, but because I'm a K teacher I only had between 3 and 5 students each day. It's called staggered entry and it allows the students to adjust and get to know their teacher and classroom. It also allows us to assess them to see where they stand academically. Most of my students have attended preschool and only a couple have not--- unfortunately those children always start behind the eight ball. I would never recommend a child skip preschool. It's so important to prepare them for kindergarten... it's not like it used to be.

I will only be working until October 30. We have parent/teacher conferences so I will be able to talk to them about my leave then. I will hopefully have a few weeks to prepare for Colston's arrival-- unless he's early, of course. I want time to rest, relax, and wash baby clothes. :)

4D Ultrasound

We had Colston's 4D ultrasound today! It was amazing! He is adorable and I think a good combo of both Kyle and I. He definitely has Kyle's lips which I'm glad about. Here are some pictures....

Our New Home

Our house is becoming home. We knew we'd have additional expenses being that this was a foreclosed house. Some things we're finding out were done sloppy because they ran out of money... but we're happy! So happy! We love this house and feel so lucky to have it! We have only three empty rooms, but two will be filled very soon. We are lucky enough to be able to use Lauren's college furniture in one of our spare bedrooms. It will be very special and meaningful for us to have this. We're picking it up this weekend in Raleigh. The other room is Colston's room. We are getting this crib this weekend too (hopefully) and the glider and ottoman should be arriving in the next 4 weeks or so. The only thing we need for his room is a changing table and we're going to use a neat looking chest table for that. I'd love to have his room done in time for my shower which is Oct. 3. We're having it at our house and my dear sister and friends, Lacey and Ashley are hosting it for me. The last room that needs to be filled is the living room. Kyle's mom (an interior decorator) has drawn everything out so we know what sizes and what sort of shapes we want each piece of furniture to be... it's just a matter of finding the pieces, saving up, and prioritizing expenses at this point.

The electricians are here now. They are putting dimmers on most of our lighting and fixing a few things that were oddly wired. The garage door was just fixed. The cabinet man was out today giving me a quote on something.... so as you can see it's busy around here. I'm enjoying getting it all done before I go back to the dreaded work week. It's only about 8 weeks so I guess I can handle it. :)

Our Babymoon

Kyle and I spent a week at the beach. We had such an amazing time and enjoyed being together. We considered it our babymoon-- last vacation before Colston arrives. We thought after a few days of doing the same thing (sitting on the beach, people watching, etc.) we'd get bored. But that was not the case. We could have stayed another week! Kyle said he thinks it was his best vacation he's ever had. I'm so glad he was able to relax; take his mind away from work and all the house stuff. Our friend Douglas came to visit and stayed two nights. It was so good to see him. He's a good friend!

Kyle and I went to three art galleries while we were there. We purchased three paintings- one really big one for the mantel and two smaller, more meaningful paintings of places at the beach. We love them! We're saving up for a painting done by an artist named Kyle Highsmith. We've loved his art for a while now, but they are quite pricey. We are going to see if he can paint us one of the Emerald Isle bridge because he also does commissions. It would be cool to have a painting that was done specifically for us.

I'm getting bigger and bigger weekly... Colston is moving around quite a bit. Wednesday is our 4D ultrasound. It is intended for entertainment mostly. I hear that the babies come out looking just like the ultrasound pictures, just a little fatter. I'm so excited! I will post pictures once we get them.

Updates on House and Baby

The summer is halfway through (Oh no! a bit more than halfway through!) and I'm enjoying being busy and being pregnant. Everyday I'm doing something regarding our new house... whether it's picking out fabric, taking furniture to get reupholstered, picking out mirrors and shower glass, picking out paint color or meeting with painters. It's always something new. The work in progress is coming to a hault, thank goodness. Today the floors were buffed and polished and they need 24 hours before anyone can walk on them. Tomorrow our master closet is being installed and our washer, dryer, and refrigerator are being delivered. Over the weekend the house should be cleaned allowing us to move in by mid week. Kyle is going to Vegas over the weekend for Harlan's bachelor party so it's possible I can get a head start and bring some things over-- maybe even organize my kitchen. I'm having fun with it all!

On August 12 I have a 4-D ultrasound so we can see Colston's cute little face. 4d ultrasounds are amazing! They allow you to see details of the face and body... I wonder who he will most favor? Erin and Josh are coming along. They allow up to 10 guests to be present and we will view it on a large screen.

** Side Note: Ultrasounds are not invasive or dangerous... just wanted to put that out there in case anyone is wondering.

Halfway Through!!

I am 20 weeks and 4 days today! We are halfway there! I had my monthly check up today and my doctor reviewed the ultrasound measurements with me. He said everything looks normal and the proportions of each one of Colston's body parts are right on par.

He is moving around a ton and seems to be the most active around 5:30-6:00 p.m. It is fun to watch the little kicks on my belly. Kyle likes feeling them too!

We went to Hilton Head Island with Rula, Haskell, Erin, and Josh for the 4th of July. We had a wonderful time and it was fun to show off my growing belly on the beach. Kyle and I are going for a week long BABY-Moon the first week of August. We're going to Emerald Isle to enjoy a nice long week (pre baby) together... some friends may drop in and out. We're excited!

Before that time comes, we are hoping to move into our new home. Hopefully in the next two weeks we will be in! Right now we are working to obtain the CO (certificate of occupancy) and once we get that we will finish up last minute details, (like polish floors and paint walls.) We're very happy that there is light at the end of this foreclosure tunnel. :-)

It's A Boy!

We found out today that our sweet angel is a little baby boy. His name is Colston David Braddy. We are so thrilled and have been texting and emailing all day to spread the news.

Kyle and Erin came with me to the ultrasound. The technician was very thorough and took measurements of everything before telling us the sex. We had to wait to the very end and of course it was the only thing on our minds... well, we also cared very much about how he was developing and apparently he is growing right on track. He is 8 oz. which is a bit bigger than all my books they he should be. I wonder if that means he will be a big, maybe tall boy? He is about as long as a dollar bill. By the end of the next 4 weeks he will be nearly 26 oz. Hard to believe he will grow that much! I guess knowing that means knowing my stomach will grow as well!

We are so happy! Life is good. We are very blessed to have the lives we do!

Pregnancy Ticker

Keep track of how Baby Braddy is growing!

First Day of Summer!

This is officially my first day of summer break. I am so happy that I can enjoy my second trimester in my quiet and peaceful home. Today I went to Michael's because I decided instead of buying a baby book I would design my own. So I'm making a scrapbook for baby #1. You can really go crazy in that store! They have everything you need to scrapbook-- I'm not saying it's going to be fabulous because I've never done this before... but at least it will be homemade with love from Mommy. 

We have 7 more days to wait until knowing that our Baby Braddy is Colston or Elle. I am filled with anticipation and wish this week would hurry up! Erin and Kyle are coming with me and we will video tape, then post on You Tube. 

Tomorrow I will meet Allison at our new house and plan out all the closets. Some are so ridiculously big that I'm not sure how it will work. I certainly won't be complaining about little closet space at this house. We are so ready and can't wait to move in! The granite has been installed and the stone steps on the front porch are now in. Slowly but surely, things are getting done. 

Amy's shower was Saturday. We went home to NJ and had two lovely dinners with my parents. I got to spend time in my childhood home and see Blue and Charly--- such sweet dogs. 

Stay tuned to find out whether our baby is going to wear pink or blue!! 

My Wonderful Birthday

I have had such a great birthday so far and it's not even over. I am just so lucky and I feel that I have the world at my fingertips. I have such a wonderful husband, a baby on the way, and our new home is underway. This accompanies so many, many other blessings of course. 

I have begun to feel flutters from our baby. They are getting stronger everyday and more plentiful. It mostly happens when I'm laying still and quiet in bed, but it just happened a few minutes ago while I was sitting down on the couch. It's amazing and I can't wait for them to be strong enough for Kyle to feel from the outside... another couple of weeks. 

I have a doctor appointment on Monday. From there we will schedule the BIG ultrasound that checks for different things-- but what I'm excited for is we will find out the sex of our little one!! It has to be within 18 weeks and I'll be 16 tomorrow so that means in just a couple weeks we will know! YES!! 

Things are going so well...

I have to give thanks everyday for everything we have. We are so lucky for our lives, our wonderful family and friends, our rapidly growing baby, and our new home. 

I have begun to feel small flutters in my abdomen. I can't wait for them to become more intense. It's an amazing feeling... like little goldfish swimming around. I have a doctor's appointment on June 8th and I'm hoping from there he'll be able to schedule me in to find out the sex of our little one. I'm a planner and we want to begin planning the room. Maybe our second will be a surprise, but I doubt it. 

We officially closed on our house last week. What a process it was! There were so many complications and so many times we were about to walk away from the whole deal. Luckily, everything worked out in our favor in the end. Work begins tomorrow. I can't wait to move. Hopefully by mid July we will be moved in. 

1st Trimester Complete!

We made it through the first trimester with flying colors! No morning sickness, no crazy mood swings (right Kyle?? ;-) and no real food cravings-- although I am very partial to watermelon lately. On Thursday we had an ultrasound and our baby looks safe and sound. I have a strong feeling it's a boy, but could be very surprised. Of course we don't have a preference-- just a healthy and strong baby. The baby's heartbeat is now 164 hpm which is perfect for this stage. 

Some of the adorable things we got to see during the ultrasound was our baby hiccuping, thumb sucking, and eye rubbing. It was so cute! The video doesn't capture anything except the hiccuping, but our pictures captured the thumb sucking. It's so nice to have! 

It was our last visit with my current doctor so they gave us a little gift. On the right is a picture of our first onesie for Baby Braddy. Included were various gift certificates for maternity massages (yes!!) and belly butter, (for stretch marks.) So thoughtful!

See below the ultrasound picture of Baby Braddy sucking his/her thumb.

Dancing Baby

We had our 4th ultrasound today! We are almost 11 weeks. Kyle and Erin came with me and it was the most amazing thing we've ever seen! Our baby was pretty still with a strong heartbeat... then my doctor had me lay down and when I did she/he was dancing up a storm. It was simply the best! Little arms and legs moving a mile a minute... very playful like. I loved it. I can't wait for two weeks! I get to see him/her again!!

Here is the link to our Dancing Baby You Tube video.  Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kC-tLKpY1qI&feature=email

An Offer!

We finally got an offer on our house today! Kyle, Josh, Er and I are meeting tonight over some sushi to discuss the contract they have written up. Not everything is the way we'd like it currently, but hopefully we can straighten some things out so that all parties are content. They don't want to close until mid August which is actually perfect because we won't be ready to move into our house until July or so-- assuming our dream  house works out. :) 

Blissfully Pregnant!

I am overjoyed to finally post our good news! Kyle and I are 10 weeks pregnant and we couldn't be happier! I've already had 3 ultrasounds and I have another on Thursday. The baby's heartbeat is 176 bpm (very strong!!) and has been growing right on schedule. I even saw him/her move a little bit. I saw 2 legs and two arms and 5 fingers on one hand. (The other hand was hiding.) 

I bought a heart doppler so anytime I get nervous I can sneak a quick listen and relax. What an amazing invention! :) 

We are due November 21! Just in time for the holidays! We are so excited to have the family to our house this year for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Hopefully Baby Braddy will be here before Turkey Day! 

New House?

Well, we have found "The One!" We are completely in love and think we're headed in the right direction. It's a foreclosed house that is about 85% complete. It's on Sharon Hills Road and we'd be very lucky to own a house like this. It's about 3400 sq. ft.... quite large! We can definitely grow into it... and we will! We had the inspection today and only a couple minor issues were found (in addition to the ones we already knew about) so it was considered a good inspection. If all goes as desired, we will close April 15th and then the work can begin! Possibly at the end of May or beginning of June we can move in. 

Our prayer is that our current house sells so we aren't carrying two houses for too long. We are prepared to do it for a few months, but of course we hope it sells very soon!!  

For Valentine's Weekend, Kyle, Harlan, Julie and I went to the Bahamas. We stayed at the Atlantis, but where we stayed was actually called The Cove. It was pretty exclusive and I felt like a princess the whole weekend. 

We were 4 hours delayed because there was only one plane going in and out of the Bahamas from Orlando. We got there Friday evening and explored the beautiful sites. We had dinner and then Kyle and Harlan played Black Jack. It was quite a popular game for them all weekend. Saturday morning Julie and I woke up and got massages. It was amazing! I actually hugged the snuggly Bahamian woman when she was through. She gave me a big hug back-- so sweet! When we met Kyle and Harlan by the pool there was a bottle of champagne waiting for us. Then another followed immediately after the bottle was empty..... wow! The wait staff was at our beck and call! It was great! 

We sat by a pool that only people over 18 were allowed. It made it extra special and private. The first day at the pool we coincidentally sat next to people from Charlotte. To make it even more coincidental, they were neighbors with Kyle's boss. She recognized me from yoga. 

The rest of the weekend was filled with yummy dinners (Nobu and The Bohemian Club) and restful, relaxing pool sessions.... and then always followed by Black Jack... it was fun to watch!

Enjoy the pictures! 

Moving On.....

Kyle and I are doing very well. I think we learned that even though we will be excited and eager to tell our friends the next time we fall pregnant, it will remain a family secret. I think before we tell ANYONE we will have already been to the doctor to get the confirmation. 

With all that being said, my friends and family have been a wonderful support system. Even though telling them all that we miscarried was hard, they helped us in every way possible. People are good! 

We're glad we have a three day weekend. Kyle and I are going to see a movie this afternoon. I've seen more movies in the theatre in the last three weeks then I have seen in three years. It's so fun!! 

Sad News...

Sadly, Kyle and I have suffered a miscarriage. We truly didn't think this would happen to us, but together we will get through it. We have been reminding each other that there is a reason why this happened to us and only good will come from it. 

Thank goodness I had my dear sister with me today. Kyle had to go to work because he had off all last week. Erin took the day to be with me. She brought Bailey so that was a tremendous comfort. She made me tea, brought me lunch, emptied the dishwasher, and took me to the doctor and waited with me for what seemed like hours for the doctor to arrive. I very much appreciated her help and love today. 

Please continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers. We plan to try again soon and will do everything possible to ensure a healthy pregnancy this time around, but as with everything there are no guarantees, but we're extremely hopeful. 

Curtains Finally Went Up!

Well, we've been putting off this task for months... the task of installing and hanging curtains. We are selling our home and Beverly's insisted that this would sell the house.... she even got him a hard core drill for Christmas, (as incentive.) He did it! I think it's a big improvement! Go Kyle! He's such a studdly stud! ;-)

The Day We Found Out...

December 27th was a fantastic day! It was the day I found out that Kyle and I were expecting our first baby! The night prior I took a test and saw the faintest line that was only detected if you squinted your eyes really small. Kyle said he barely saw it, although he did see what I saw. The next morning at 5:30 A.M. I decided to retest using my first morning urine... they say it's the most concentrated with HCG. Well, low and behold, three tests later I came running into our bedroom shouting, "We did it!" I used a digital test so the word 'pregnant' read across. Thrilling! For the next hour and a half Kyle and I just laid there talking about how happy we were! Kyle is such a realist and very practical- he is still very leery about getting too excited until we're in the safe zone (12 weeks or so.)

We decided to only tell my parents and Erin and Josh right away. (We knew we were going to see Kyle's parents the next day for our Christmas visit so we could tell them in person!) Of course my parents were thrilled! They called me a few times that morning and almost every day after to "see how I'm feeling." I called them at 8:30 that morning and the call to Erin and Josh quickly followed. They took us out to lunch that day and greeted us with a beautiful bouquet of flowers.  As for our friends finding out... well, it's soooo hard to keep this a secret. It's too big and we're too happy! So many of our friends know. We have followed up our news saying how early it still is and to please keep us in your prayers. I ask anyone who is reading this to do the same. 

For Kyle's parents, I typed out "We're Pregnant! Love, Kyle and Meg" using blue and pink font. I wrapped up the gifts and gave one to Beverly and when we got to Bruce's he opened one too. They were all so excited for us! Bruce couldn't stop talking about it! 

Overall I feel good. My symptoms consist of a very dry mouth, no matter how much water I drink, very sleepy and have been taking naps and sleeping 10 hours throughout the night, sore chest, and mild dull cramping (which they say is normal.) My first Dr. appointment is Jan 13... eons away! I would love to hear the heartbeat! I sure hope I can! According to the internet, I am due Sept. 4th. I initially thought the 3rd, but when I reentered my information it came up as Sept. 4th.  It would be wonderful to deliver the baby on Kyle's birthday, Sept. 6th. I will try and hold out! 

I decided to create this blog as sort of on online journal that family and friends can view. My dear friend Mollie started thee most fantastic blog after her first baby was born and she has inspired me to do the same.  I want to remember my pregnancy because I know it will go by in a flash! I want to remember it all!!