Michael learning to read again 🙂

Cutest diaper cake ever full of green and yellow John Deere favorites!

Aunt Theresa

Aunt Jan and Jessica

The Scotts and Reeds!

Aunt Terri

Cousin Melissa

The Grandma to Be and Daddy to Be

Grandma’s best friends

The whole gang!

Thank you to everyone in hubby’s family for a wonderful shower!



A few weeks later my sister and best friends got together to throw a huge shower full of family and friends.  They went all out!

My favorite Joyce cookies!

Pictures of both of us as babies

Each table worked on Easton’s first alphabet book.  Can’t wait to read it!

My gift givers

Reading these advice cards was hilarious and emotional for me. Loved it!

A cake to match his bedding.

My sister bought this and it will make the perfect cake topper for all his future birthdays!

Family

Friends that are family!

Friends

Piles and piles of presets.  Oh my!

Two of my favorite ladies….one who is very shy!

Family In Laws!

Aunts and Cousins!

Aunts and my favorite mentor teacher!

Friends!

I love my best friend, Meg!

Little Miss Kynsey

Brody’s belly hugs are the best but I sure do miss being able to pick him up!

Grandma visited this shower too!

Love these girls

My favorite niece, Shailynn!

Sweet baby Jack, Easton’s cousin, was tuckered out most of the time.

My audience for gifts was quite hilarious!  Lots of helpers.

A very special blanket passed down from grandchild to grandchild with a special touch from mom’s best friend, Patty.

A special sign from cousin Codi!

This crew pulled off an amazing shower!  I am so blessed!

These two. Don’t know what I would do without them.

Sisters. Best friends.

Momma Patty

Brody loves to be in pictures!

Mamaw Sandy

Jeffer’s party rocked!

Aunt Holly

Aunt Cathy and Aunt Beth

THANK YOU to everyone who was able to come and even those who couldn’t make it.  It was a busy time of year, especially for so many of my farming families.  I appreciate each and every one of you more than you’ll ever know.  I left feeling oh so blessed that Easton is coming into this world welcomed by some amazing women (and their families) and already so loved.

You’ll never know how much all of you mean to me and how you get me through each day.

Love to all!

P5 weeks to go

Or a 

In the last week we have….

Had a sleepover with 2 of the littles in E’s room. I know these will be harder to have in just a few weeks as we make adjustments to an entirely new life!  I soaked it all in and loved every minute. Especially the bath time. I can’t wait to have bath time every night with my own sweet one. 

We took Miss Shiloh to the vet and the groomer. It was her first time ever to the groomer and she was less than thrilled that they sent her home with a beautiful bandana. Her fur felt so wonderful. Her nails were beautifully trimmed. Her ears and teeth cleaned. She’s ready to meet her baby brother. 

We finished his room! 

I returned to work from fall break. I accomplished so much at work in two days of my break but still came back to these massive to do lists. Conquering a little at a time and doing the best I can!

We attended a breastfeeding class. Super informative and a wonderful instructor that I hope to see again as a lactation consultant when we deliver. A great video to help illustrate proper latch and hold techniques and answered a ton of my questions.  As we left I said, “Well that’s probably the most boobs you’ve seen in a while.” To which my loving husband responded, “It’s the most boobs I’ve ever seen in my life!”

Ya right!  He isn’t fooling me. But the thought and sentiment is sweet. 

We discussed how long I would like to breastfeed on the way home and I’m shooting for a year hoping to be successful. I know the hardest part will be returning to work and finding time and a place to pump during our busy school day. I’m sure I can figure it out! I’m definitely glad we attended. 

The film I practiced with cracked me up with his shirt….

We also learned that Shiloh does spend some of her day in Easton’s room grabbing blankets to cuddle with. She’s a blanket hoarder and likes to take them from anywhere in the house and move them to where she prefers to lay. It’s something she’s started doing in the last year. I won’t complain because it is way better than eating trash or eating the new couch. 

Back to work means swollen feet. I try to stay off them but it’s really hard with my job. Unfortunately I’m limited to these slippers, those super attractive fake Ugg boots that the ladies love and men hate, and flip flops. 

I still can’t believe how fast this pregnancy has flown. It’s very exciting and nerve wracking at the same time!

As I loom forward to the holidays I know these holidays will be the best yet. We will have our own little family to celebrate and share traditions with. My sweet hubs has always been supportive of holiday traditions and making memories and I can’t wait to see the excitement in his eyes when we get to share it all with Easton. 

Truly fortunate!

Easton is 34 weeks along today. 

Or a basketball hoop? 

We’ve had a very busy week getting to this point.  

Easton’s Unkie Josh got married last week so Easton officially gained a new aunt.  This momma tried wearing normal shoes but ended up in house slippers by the end of the night.  This whole shoes thing and swollen feet is really depressing. I love fall weather and my boots and only one pair fits comfortably and those are the ones that look like Uggs. 

Me and the hubs got a little slow dancing in but it wasn’t as comfortable as it use to be. My belly sure gets in the way of a lot of things!

Check out those cankles. Sexy, huh?

Love spending my Saturday mornings watching this girl and Kynsey on the volleyball court. They both are loving the game and they’ve grown so much this season. 

We thought now was probably the best time to get maternity photos done with cousin Codi.  So we traveled to Bloomington and Sniloh met a new friend, Nash.  We got Shiloh in a few shots and while she’s not the most cooperative photographic canine…she’s probably not the worst either. We took pictures at an old limestone mill.  What an amazing location!

Can’t wait to see all the shots!

I’ve had MANY sleepless nights. Which is sad considering I’m on fall break.  I should be getting loads of sleep, but I can’t. 

Sleepless nights = one crying, crazy pregnant lady

Feel sorry for my sweet husband.  He typically bears the brunt of it.  When I do lay in bed I start on my left side unless I need to see the TV and Easton always hangs out on my left side. As you can see my belly is often lopsided. 

At our doctors appointment on Monday my doctor advised me to take Tylenol PM. I literally cried when she gave me the “all clear”. Since then it has helped….a little. It’s just so hard to get comfortable.  Then when I do get comfortable I have to pee. Then when I have to get up and pee it’s painful to move.  Then the anxiety sets in when I try and fall back asleep. I’m anxious about everything that’s about to happen. I’m excited, but anxious. 

I’ve spent so much of my fall break working on the anxiety. Trying to keep myself busy and feel “ready” for what’s about to happen. 

I’ve been crafting for his room.  Shopping for some necessities we don’t have yet. 

This particular craft saved us about $55

On Etsy I found these cute prints for his room…

But instead of dropping $65 I decided to get some canvases and paint my own little farm animals. 

I’ve enjoyed fall break and I am NOT ready to return on Monday.  I’ve spent 2 days of my break at school making lesson plans for now through Christmas Break. This has me fully prepared for a maternity leave sub and makes me feel a lot better about the next 6 weeks before my due date. 

We spent a little time at the Children’s Museum getting some things ready for an upcoming field trip with my school cherubs. 

The littles got to meet the TMNT and Easton had his first carousel ride.  Seeing me get up and down from that carousel horse must have been a real treat for the others at the museum.  

Overall I truly can’t believe it’s already been 34 weeks. It has flown by and although I’m uncomfortable and a bit sleepy, I’d like it to slow down a little because I know life is seriously about to change….big time. 

So much has already changed and I can’t believe we are nearing the end. 

I’ve got swollen hands and not able to put my wedding ring back on after a massage today. 

He’s having hiccups at least 2-3 times a day and it’s the neatest feeling ever. 

It took everything I had in me to make the bed today after washing all the bedding.  Complete exhaustion.  What has happened? 

I waddle more than walk and I’m going to miss my ponytails and yoga pants when I return to work.  

I guess on the bright side of things, going back to work is just the next step closer to meeting my baby. I still can’t believe I’m having a baby!

Today’s the day! The day my brother says “I Do” and the day I gain a sister-in-law. The day my nephew gains a mom. The day our family grows by one. The day an angel smiles from above knowing all her children have found love, happiness, and forever. 

He will always be my brother, but he’s went from dad to husband in the blink of an eye. 

I have so many fond memories growing up. Some are a bit painful considering the torment and torture he loved to inflict upon me being your typical older brother. He use to tell me I was adopted. He use to scare me through our adjoining closet doors by pretending to be the beast, Vincent. I lost my first tooth biting him..I’m sure a bit of a revenge for something.  

These were some of those sweeter moments our parents captured. 

I love these pictures. We may not have been super close in age but I’ve always looked up to him. Always will. 

He’s wise and brilliant. He’s strong and tough. He’s a lovely combination of our sweet mother and caring father. He has an ornery grin that always reminds me of my grandpa. He’s a damn hard worker. 

For many years I’ve hope and wished my brother could find true love. Someone to spend the rest of his life with. Someone to complete his little family. Someone to build on to his family with. I’m so happy he’s found that with her. 

I can’t wait to celebrate them in just a few short hours. 

Love you both. 

Easton is 33 weeks along today and things are going great!

Or a 

A ferret?

This app is so weird. It does make me laugh though!

I love that the littles always want to see the app and how big Easton is. 

It’s fall break and I am in full blown nesting mode. Just in the first 4 days of this week I have gotten so much accomplished. It feels really good and I still have a long list to tackle before I go back to work. It’s crazy to think that once I go back we could possibly only have 6 weeks or so before he arrives! Of course that’s if he hangs in there until his due date and I have this feeling he won’t. 

My husband has also been tackling so much. Like….

Getting the car seat and stroller put together. 

And the pack n play 

The nursery is almost done. Just a few things to hang on the wall! 

I’m going to save nursery pics for later. 

Here’s kind of a sneak peak with the littles and their camp out last night. Another reason I love fall break is more time with them! 

Cuddles with this boy too. He loves to rest his arm on my belly and Easton usually kicks at him. 

My to do list for the next few days consists of celebrating my brother’s wedding, organizing the kitchen to make room for bottles and baby stuff, writing up a birth plan, and packing a hospital bag. 

Oh….and naps any and every day I want. 

Because it’s fall break!

This week went MUCH better than last week. MUCH!

Or a 

We had an appointment Monday. Just a regularly scheduled appointment plus an ultrasound to check the status of my partial placenta previa. We high fived when she told us the placenta had moved and we were no longer previa status!  Yay! No more “pelvic rest.”

Buuuuut his measurements. Oh my. 

Right now this boy is measuring big. 

A head measuring at 33-35 weeks and 94th%ile in weight. This boy is give or take 4 pounds and 9 oz. I’m leaning towards the “take” part. I’m hoping he continues to grow into a healthy baby but at a steady rate. The thought of birthing a 10 pound baby is a bit scary. 

Forgot to mention class last week. We had loads of fun (sarcasm) practicing birthing positions and breathing techniques. All I could think was 1) I’m not gonna remember any of this when the time comes and 2) if I can’t get down and out of these positions at 31 weeks I’m fairly certain I won’t be able to closer to 40 weeks. It was real nice when we got to the position where we both had to get on the floor. I’m sure the whole class enjoyed watching us get up! Nearly impossible! I think most of those positions are for gals opting out of an epidural….and that’s not this chic. My opinion – God made someone smart enough to create an epidural. Why would I deny myself of that creation? There’s one chic in or class who says she is going without. I applaud her. I’d also like to do a follow up and see how well that worked for her….but I won’t. 

This weeks class we discussed medication options (yay!), C section, and took a tour of the maternity ward. It is scary to watch an epidural be administered (via video) and listening to possible side effects of all options. It is for sure scary. It still didn’t change my mind though!  We had the chance to take a look at forceps, vacuums, and other possible devices used to get the little cherubs out. I would hope none of that is necessary, including the C Section. However, I’m smart enough to also know that whatever is the safest way to get Easton out is OK with me!  As for the maternity ward, we felt like experts having just spent 8 hours there the week prior. 

We have one more week of classes to

wrap it up and I’m in full nesting mode for fall break!

Getting to 31 weeks had a little more excitement than I would have liked but we are there and Easton is great and so am I. 

It’s been a bit of a rough week, but I’m blessed and thankful that everyone is okay and we made it to 31 weeks. 

I’ve had some work issues which caused a sleepless night or two and some stress.  Luckily, that’s over. 

Then it was so amazing to see Easton in 4D at an ultrasound on Tuesday. I know we are biased but he’s perfect. He’s precious.  He seems to be a thumb sucker and has the most precious lips and chubby nose you’ve ever seen. 

It was so incredible to see him move around, pose for us, smirk a little, and try and suck his thumb. It makes me want him here so much more. I can’t wait to meet him in person!

Yesterday officially marked 31 weeks and what a day it was. 

Easton is now the size of lettuce and a foam finger.  Seriously, the app says a foam finger.  I swear who ever comes up with that stuff has a seriously unique imagination. 

Just as I was headed out the door of school to head home, prop my feet up, and grade some papers before a girls dinner at Melting Pot I slipped and fell. Someone left some puddles of water on the floor and I ended up doing some form of the splits and landing on part of my knee and my butt and hip. Ouch! 

Immediate tears for fear and shock of what I’d just done to the baby. Got myself up and called the boss to see if I was okay to leave or had to fill out official paperwork first. Called the doctor on my way home…just in case and shortly after I was on my way to the hospital per doctors orders. I had no idea it was going to go that far. 

I’m a planner and none of this was in my plans for last night. 

Called the husband of course and he met me at the hospital. They had me hooked up to monitors by the time he arrived and I started to calm down and not panic so much when I could hear his heartbeat. Easton slowly started to move around and I thought I would be in and out of there in just a few hours. 

NOPE! 

God had other plans for me and I believe it was probably part of a reality check I needed. Slow down and take care of myself kind of thing. 

Those beds are not comfortable and there was nothing on TV. Not to mention I suck at relaxing. 

About an hour on the monitor and contractions began. Little ones. Not even real painful at all. Just a slight twinge of pain. The problem was they weren’t going away and they were getting closer and closer together. This is when I really started to panic. Total panic. 

We had an amazing nurse, who I’m totally requesting when we go back to actually deliver. She was loving but truthful. When she came in to tell us they wanted to check my cervix and run a predictor test I knew we weren’t going home soon. 

Cervix checked and I’ll spare you the details of that. Checked out good. 

Then a predictor test to see if I’d be going into labor in the next two weeks. This was rough. Not only painful but also an hour of waiting to hear if it was positive or negative. 

An hour of thinking….we are totally not ready for you little man!

An hour of tears and wondering how we could make this all work.  I knew we could. I prayed and He comforted me a bit. I still worried because it’s nearly impossible for me not to, but I knew that if it came back negative we would make it all work with the help of family and friends and if it came back positive I needed to rest and take care of myself a little better. 

It was NEGATIVE and I sobbed and thanked God and Easton’s own little guardian angel for the negative result. 

I couldn’t have never prevented that fall so it had nothing to do with taking care of myself. However, I do need to make sure I do my very best to take care of Easton and bringing him into this world as safely as possible. 

My husband was amazing. Loving and caring as usual. I was scared and couldn’t have done it without him. I know it all panicked him a bit, too, but he was right there beside me the entire time just like he’s always been. I’m so lucky. 

We got home after midnight and I’ve spent the day resting and relaxing. Quite sore from the fall but feeling him kick quite often and knowing that taking it easy for the day is perfectly fine. It’s always a pain to make sub plans and not be at work….but sometimes it’s necessary. I’m thankful for an amazing coworker, Jordan, who is super supportive!

My sweet husband brought me my favorite breakfast with his own sweet message. 

He loves to make me smile. 

I can’t wait for my baby shower this weekend and just one more week of work to get through before two weeks of fall break. 

Not that I’m counting down or anything…..Ha!

There’s a lot of reasons we love his name. 

Easton – 

To me, it sounds country. It sounds southern. It sounds a bit old fashioned or vintage. 

It’s also special because our very first concert together was….Easton Corbin. 

It was a group date out with friends and we went to 8 Seconds and had super close seats to the stage. Lots of fun and we have always loved the name Easton. 

Wayne – 

Multiple reasons here. 

I’m a huge fan of using part of our family on the naming of our children. We considered several first names that would have fit this as well. 

Wayne represents two (and more) very important men in my life. 

Wayne is my dad’s middle name, my brother’s middle name, and my oldest nephew’s middle name. Sure, it’s been used (obviously) but it’s still very special to me to include it in our son’s name. We thought about several other family name options (Lee, William, Alan, Michael) but Wayne just flowed the best.  

The other guy I want to rembember left our lives in 1997 and I have some very fond memories spent with him. Fishing with Uncle Wayne and his buddy Gee were always my favorite. He was just the coolest dude ever and let me get by with way more than my parents would as a kid. My love for Harley rides is something I blame on him and I can only hope he and my mom enjoy the best views up above of their families.  It’s basically unimaginable that he’s been gone for almost 18 years. It was one of the first major losses in my life at 13 years old and it made me realize life was way too short. I had no idea 4 years later I would lose a parent like my cousins did. It’s definitely tough to think back on those days. 

Lastly….

Everyone has told me you have to be able to yell the name. 

I tried and it works. 

I’m sure he’ll be perfect, though, and I’ll never have to shout his precious name once. 

Ya, right!