And baby makes...FOUR!

This announcement is long overdue. We are expecting another baby in March! Yes, Cash is going to be a big brother, although he is still completely clueless. We are super excited to have a healthy little GIRL growing in there.

We are very grateful that God has blessed us with another baby and that, thus far, this pregnancy has been much easier than the last.

(20.5 weeks)

Let's  hope for less than a 9 pounder, mmkay?!

Almost 2 years ago I was 20 weeks pregnant with this guy.

Baby Cash's Birth Story

Short version: Cash Lawrence was born May 22nd at 5:18 pm, weighing 9 lbs 5.7 oz and measuring 20.5 in long. He is perfectly healthy and has the most delicious cheeks!

Longer version: I chose to be induced at 40w2d. I called my OB's office on Monday, my due date and asked for an induction, which I never thought I would do. The happily scheduled one for Wednesday.  I was extremely nervous and anxious about it, thinking no matter how miserable I was maybe I should give him a few more days, but my instincts said to go ahead with it. I knew I couldn't go on another week or so with how I was feeling.

 We were at the hospital by 6:30 am Wed May 22nd, I was given Cytotec by 7:30 (3 cm, 90% effaced at the time). Jake and I walked the halls for a while and I was having contractions I couldn't feel. My Dr decided to break my water at 10 and that's when contractions came on with a vengeance. After a few of hours they were about 30 seconds apart and I could hardly catch my breath before another one came on. Jake was a great support and breathed with me through every one. I finally asked for an epidural, hoping not to miss my window and I was 7 cm by then. I can't believe I held still long enough for them to administer it but the epi gave me immediate relief and I was so grateful. 30 minutes later I was 10 cm dilated and asked to start pushing!

I couldn't figure out how to push at first because I was so numb and was feeling no pain (hallelujah!) but I needed to feel something in order to be proactive so my Doctor lowered the epidural (which she said was extremely strong for some reason. I think the Anesthesiologist felt bad for me.) And they also added a little pitocin to my IV, hoping it would strengthen my contractions which got weaker with the epi.  With the help of my nurse, Jake and my OB, I pushed for 2 hours! This baby, who they estimated to be about 7.5 lbs, was not coming out. His head was RIGHT there but wouldn't budge. My Dr tried the vacuum 3 times with no luck. I thought I was going to be pushing for the rest of my life and I was completely exhausted. The worst pain I felt was in my left hip and my entire body shook while Jake put the oxygen mask on and off my face in between contractions. I made a joke about how I had been wanting an oxygen mask for weeks.

 Finally, she was able to snip me just enough for me to push that big head out! (14 3/4 cm). Cash was born at 5:18 pm, weighing a whopping 9 lbs, 5.7 oz. He was 20.5 in long. He was WAY bigger than we anticipated and my Dr and I were both so glad I chose the induction when I did, rather than letting him grow even more. It could have easily ended in a c-section. I still can't believe I birthed a baby that big. He's so precious, has the biggest cheeks and came out looking exactly like Jake did at birth!

No one in the room could believe how BIG he was. I didn't cry like I thought I would. I was just in complete shock.

After the roughest day of our lives:)

Our little angel baby

Proud Daddy

Chunky Monkey, loving his swaddle in the hospital

He is so worth all the pain and discomfort.

40 Weeks

So, with all the talk of me delivering early, I very impatiently made it to my due date. And beyond....

These photos were taken the day before I was due (May 19th). I was very big and very uncomfortable but somehow managed a walk by the lake and putt putt golfing. Anything to try and get that baby to come.

He made his arrival 3 days later.

39 Weeks

How far along & size of the baby: 39w2d today and baby is the size of a watermelon.

Cravings: Yesterday it was steak and a chocolate covered caramel apple. Yum.

On my mind: I am SO ready to have this baby. I'm in constant pain, can't breathe and am super impatient. I'm trying all of the old wives tales to get this baby moving. Hopefully this is my last weekly photo!

38 Weeks

How far along & size of the baby: 38 weeks, 5 days today. The baby is probably still getting a little bigger everyday. Approximately the size of a pumpkin.

Cravings: Same (Anything with ice), which makes sense now that I know I'm low on iron.

On my mind: This 38th week has been rough. I can't breathe and haven't really slept much in 5 days. This baby can come at any time and that would be okay with me.

37 Weeks

How far along & size of the baby: 37 weeks (considered full term- yay!) The ultrasound on Friday estimates the baby to be about 6 lbs. I can work with that.

Cravings: Ice, slushies, and the smell of Melaleuca's grapefruit bar of soap. Not to sound too crazy but I also LOVE the smell of Scrubbing Bubbles bathroom cleaner...

On my mind: As of last week I'm 2 cm dilated and the Dr can feel his head! She said she wouldn't be surprised if I went early. TRYING not to get my hopes up since I am SO uncomfortable. My aching back...

36 Weeks

How far along & size of the baby: 36th week. Baby is approximately the size of a honeydew melon! Can't wait for our ultrasound to find out a more accurate size.

Cravings: Any fruity thing frozen or slushy (Slurpees, Popsicles, frozen Capri Suns, etc.)

On my mind: Is there such thing as pregnancy induced OCD? If so, I've got it. And I'm wondering when I will sleep again. I don't sleep now because my back and hips ache so bad or I just can't breathe. I don't expect to sleep much once the baby gets here. So maybe in a year or so?

(Here's a full body shot for kicks. I've officially outgrown the maternity hoodie. I. am. huge.)

35 Weeks

How far along & size of the baby: 35/35 today! (35 weeks with 35 days to go!) Baby is the size of a coconut and my Dr. guesses he's about 5 lbs, but feels a little on the long side.

Cravings: Definitely slurpees!

On my mind: My appt on Friday went well. He's still head down even though I feel him EVERYWHERE...hence the long body. We spent all day Saturday at a birthing class and I feel like we are getting very prepared for his arrival. Next up, our last ultrasound to sneak a peak!

33 & 34 Weeks

33 weeks

34 weeks

How far along & Size of the baby: 34 weeks and my baby is somewhere between 4.4 and 5.8 lbs! If I had to guess I'm going to say he's toward the bigger end.

Cravings: Again, nothing crazy. Fruit, cereal, and ice cream seem to be pretty consistent though.

On my mind: We did our hospital tour last week, installed the car seat and we have a birthing class this upcoming weekend. We are getting so close that I want to have everything ready just.in.case. I still have a few things on my list and would just like to be prepared as soon as possible.

I'm really curious as to what position the baby is in currently. He's always been head down but lately I feel/see a huge bulge on the left side of my belly and another on my right side. (Head and butt?) Hoping he's not transverse!

Baby Shower!

My shower was held a couple of weeks ago, thrown by my mom, Aunt Lorie and Sister-in-law, Lindsey. There were close to 50 ladies in attendance, we got SO many gifts and I had a great time visiting with everyone! There wasn't a theme, per se,  but the decor was natural and woodsy and it turned out awesome.

32 Weeks

How far along & Size of the baby: 32 weeks and some websites say the baby is the size of a squash- approximately 4 lbs. I don't know exactly how big he is but the Dr today said I should expect an average size baby. 7.5 lbs?

Cravings: If anything, sugar cereal and fresh pineapple.

On my mind: The nursery is almost finished! Just need to hang a picture, 2 more sets of curtains and get the crib skirt sewn!

31 Weeks

How far along & Size of the baby: 31 weeks and baby is approximately the size of a pineapple- which is hard for me to envision.

Cravings: Hmm? Whatever doesn't upset my acid reflux.

On my mind: My baby shower was last Saturday and we were SO blessed. Everyone was very generous and there are just a few things we still need so I've been making notes trying to get myself organized. I'll post photos of the beautiful shower once I get them together!

30 Weeks

How far along & size of the baby: 30 weeks today and the baby is approximately 3 lbs and 15 inches long.

Cravings: I'm obsessed with Smores Goldfish at the moment.

On my mind: I went to the Dr. on Friday and my stomach was measuring right on track and the baby is still head down! Lately I've been seeing his little butt stick out next to my belly button and yesterday during church he stuck his foot right out the side of my belly!

Maternity Photos!

My friend, Danielle, at Clique Photography took our Maternity Photos last week and we were very happy with the results! I decided to share some of my favorites.

29 Weeks

(While this is not the best picture and I look HUGE in those stripes, today I'm 29 weeks!)

How far along and size of the baby: 29 weeks and baby is the size of an acorn squash

Cravings: Nothing in particular, but the last couple of days my appetite has come back and I've eaten more than normal.

On my mind: I feel like I can finally see the end in sight. Can't wait till May!