Henry- Week 3 at the beach!

Hard to believe our little man is already 3 weeks old- and weighs 8 pounds!

After 2 weeks at home in Durham, we decided a change of scenery might be nice- so we headed to South Carolina to the beach for the week! We were blessed with awesome weather and no rain until the very last day. Lee's family came down for the long Labor Day weekend and it was fun to see little Samantha (our 2 year old niece) and Henry interact...or rather watch Samantha try to give Henry his pacifier!

We hauled the BoB dual stroller down and despite the difficulty it caused in packing the car and the disruption is caused to the poor dog's palace in the trunk...it was well worth it! We took walks on the beach nearly everyday with it!

The BoB's first stroll on the beach 

Samantha (2 year old niece) and Henry

The whole fam (minus Lawson)

Henry's Beach Palace

The Parents (and TONS of gear)

Happy Mom (and baby!)

Tummy Time!

Mimi (Lee's mom)

Samantha is a great pacifier!

Henry- Week 2

The little guy is now 2 weeks old and gaining great weight- he's up to 8 pounds! Great job mom and baby!

He also had his first sponge bath and first bottle this past week- both went well.

Ashley's Aunt Kay visited from Virginia and Henry loved when Aunt Kay sang to him.

Ashley's parents also visited this past weekend- it was wonderful to have help- and Henry LOVES his grandparents!

First bath

Aunt Kay sings to Henry

Tummy Time!

Ergo Baby

Mrs. Moody (aka Honey)

Touchdown!

Mr. Moody and Henry

First bottle

Henry's Gaining Weight!

Congratulations to Henry and his awesome momma!!

We just returned from a one week old check-up and he gained 5 ounces since last Thursday- the doctor was very pleased!

They are a great team and Ashley has done an incredible job!

We're Home!

We got the okay to come home from hospital yesterday evening! We arrived home to a stork in our front yard welcoming the newest addition to our family. Henry had a great night and we actually got some sleep as well. Lawson is still a little suspicious and is definitely adjusting to no longer being "the top dog" in the house...but she is doing just fine. Ashley's mom is here with us and is a HUGE help- we're so lucky to have her!

Doctor's Appointment Update

We just got back from the doctor.  We started with an ultrasound.  The technician got a few shots of the baby's face and thinks the baby has Lee's nose.  Hopefully, it will look somewhat like me.  The ultrasound showed the baby moving a lot, trying to breathe on it own, and there was plenty of fluid around the baby.  The baby's heart rate was a little low so I was hooked up to a fetal heart rate monitor/contraction monitor.  The doctor came in and said that the baby's heart rate was on the lower end of normal, but as the doctor said, "the important word there is normal".  He consulted with another doctor and it was decided to leave the baby alone and wait it out.  The monitor recorded that I was having some contractions but I am not feeling them.  I am 3 cm dilated so I did make progress from Tuesday when I was 2 cm!  That is one step in the right direction.  The doctor stripped my membranes, which is one way to induce labor.  It works for some women and for some women it has no effect.  It did not hurt me as some think it is very painful.  So, maybe I have a high tolerance for pain????? I am hoping so.  Hurry up Baby H!!! We want to meet you.

40 Weeks With No Action

We are thankful to have made it to 40 weeks but really wish this baby was here to celebrate.  I am feeling great! No contractions- nothing!!!  Still working out daily but even that doesn't get this baby moving.  He/she must be very comfortable.  Lee is now on leave so I am grateful that he is able to entertain me during this waiting period, which I hope won't be too much longer.  We go to the doctor tomorrow morning for a checkup and ultrasound.  I am looking forward to seeing Baby H!!!  We will update tomorrow after the doctor's appointment.

40 Weeks!!!

 I am hoping there will not be a 41 week picture of me but a picture of sweet Baby H!!!

Nursery Preview

We are finally ready to share pictures of the nursery.  I have really enjoyed putting together Baby H's room.  I hope he or she loves it as much as I do.  This nursery could not have been put together the way it was without the help of our loving family members.  Thank you so much to mom and dad, Lee's parents, BB and Daddy BB, and Grandmommy and Grandaddy for their contributions!!!  Oh, and thank you to my loving husband, Lee, for putting together the crib and book shelf, hanging everything on the walls, and carrying all this heavy furniture in the house by himself.  I can be quite demanding.  Once we know the sex of Baby H, we will be adding some more pink or blue accents to the walls, bookshelf, and chest.  We will update later with final pictures of the nursery.

6 Days and Counting.....

I can't believe we are 6 days away from Baby H's due date. Yesterday was my last day of working camp so I am officially on maternity leave. I do not due well sitting still so hopefully this baby will choose to come sooner rather than later. Hopefully, not this weekend since my family is heading to Birmingham for Bradley's graduation.  Here are the most recent pics. I have thought Baby H was a boy for so long but recently I am starting to think it is a girl. Lee thinks it is whatever I don't. He likes to make it interesting. What do you think???

Week 38

Week 39

And We're Approaching Launch Day...

Well- we've made it to 38 weeks! The 100-degrees temperatures sure aren't fun with an extra 20-something pound ball in the belly but we're very close...Weekly doctor visits now. Our "hospital bags" are packed and the nursery is setup and ready for "baby H"!

Week 36

Week 37

Baby's Dropping

I have been at the beach so I am sorry for the delay in posting pics.  According to my aunts, I have dropped since being at the beach.  I guess that means we are getting closer to Baby H's arrival.  What do you think??

33 weeks

34 weeks

35 weeks

32 Weeks Down!

Only 8 more weeks to go....Ashley is doing great! Had a check up at the doctor this past week and everything continues to look good. Heart rate in the 140s, belly measuring exactly as it should, and the baby is positioned head down (thanks, yoga!).
We appreciate all of your thoughts and prayers for a healthy mom and healthy baby.

Classroom Shower

My sweet class threw me a shower the week before school got out.  We enjoyed yummy cake, played Baby Bingo, and guessed the sex of the baby.  The majority of my class thinks we are having a girl but I believe it is a boy.  We will see who is correct in August... Many presents were opened for Baby H.  Thanks to my wonderful room moms for putting on such a great celebration!

Cedar Fork Shower

My third grade team threw me a wonderful baby shower. They created a delicious spread of food. Baby H was showered with many gifts!