Cole Thomas Newsom

First off, I apologize for the blunt details in this post and I wouldn't read it if you don't want to hear about child birth. Haha sorry, I just want to remember the details one day. So here it goes... Saturday, February 11, around 6:30 pm we were hanging out at my mom's apartment when suddenly my water broke. I wasn't sure if it was a false alarm, or if it was really happening, and of course I started freaking out. After seeing my outfit and carpet beneath me, Gerald assured me that it was time lol (gross)!! So we calmly packed all of our suitcases and headed off to the hospital. The nurses again told me that it was infact time and I was not going home without a baby. We were so happy, but I was scared too death... this was three weeks early! Shortly after being admitted to labor and delivery I started to have some pretty strong/regular contractions and decided to go ahead with an epidural. Unfortunately, the epidural never really numbed me like I remember it doing with. I had to have a second boost of it around 1 or 2 am Sunday morning because I woke up in soo much pain. The nurse checked me then and I was still only 3 cm (when I came in I was 1 btw). So finally I got some relief and went back to sleep. Me and Gerald both slept basically the whole night, totally different from my labor with Abby. Around 5:30 am I woke up in the WORST pain you could imaine, but I was still only 3cm. I just wanted to push. The contractions were taking my breath away and I had to get oxygen. The nurse called for the anethesiologist to come and give me more of the epidural because I could feel my legs (unlike before) and I just remember crying so hard because the pain, and of course he took foreverrrrr. In the meantime the nurse decided to check me because of the contractions being so strong and so close together. At this point they weren't even a minute apart. Sure enough, the urge I had to push was right on, because I was fully dialated and ready to deliver. (So incase you missed that, I went from 3cm to 10cm in less than an hour.. it was crazy and awful luck for me.) But, the doctor was at home so I couldn't push. Gerald and the nurse actually both looked and said, "omg he sure does have a head full of hair". It was the worst tortureI could of imagined. Since everything happened so fast I could tell the nurses were freaking abuot the doctor taking so long. It seemed like a lifetime before she got there. But, when she finally came in I was SO excited to see her and immediately begged to push. (Like I had constantly already been begging to do haha) Once I started pushing, I felt EVERYTING, not like with Abby. I actually felt the urge to push this time and did really good. He was out with about five or sixx contractions. I was so happy to finally meet my sweet little boy! 7lbs 3oz and 19 inches long. He is the best baby. Gerald and Abby both adore him, and it is so cute to see her with Cole. It is so weird that I now have a perfect little family, and all I (and Gerald) want to do is be a better person and give them the world. Cole is definitely a blessing and I am SO in love with

I'm Nine Months!!

These three pictures are from Christmas, and I was 30 weeks and 4 days pregnant.

 These next two I am 33 weeks.

These next two I'm not really sure how many weeks, but for sure 8 months. Haha these are SO unorganized =(

                                                      
                                                            My feet were super swollen.
                          

Here I am 34 weeks.

And, I am 36 weeks and 2 days in the rest of the pics.

 Today I actually lost my plug, and that usually means you don't have too much longer. A few things to remember at 9 months: I am 3 centimeters, 150 pounds (ah!), and having Braxton Hicks everyday now.

The doctor checks me weekly now, and tomorrow I get another ultrasound to make sure my fluid levels are good (They were low last week). I am so ready to meet Baby Cole and crossing my fingers to here more progress tomorrow. Hopefully my next post will be pictures of his arrival. Only three more weeks =)

Christmas Festivities and Santa

We have had a pretty busy weekend!! Saturday morning we headed to Huntsville for Christmas with my family. Abby had lots of fun playing with her cousins, climbing trees, and even got to ride a four wheeler. 

Abby with my Mamaw.

Abby and Mary Bradford.

Later that afternoon we headed over to Gerald's Grandparents house for Christmas dinner, and opened more presents. Abby got lots of pretty and fun things! Like these Helly Kitty house shoes:

Gerald's grandfather dressed up as Santa to hand everyone out their presents, and Abby fell for it. Haha, it was cute!  

The cousins with "Santa".

Christmas Eve Abby set out cookies and milk, I read her one of her Christmas books, and then she fell fast asleep. Then we set out her Santa!! Extremely sad that I don't have single picture of her opening them up though, or her expression when she came down the stairs. It was priceless though, and definitely her best Christmas so far. She is just at a good age where she understands everything now. Really wish we could of recorded it and taken pictures. Oh well! I will say though, she is a very clean present opener.. haha she puts all of her paper in the trash after each one.

Santa brought her pink Toms, a barbie bike, Leapster Explorer with tons of games and a camera/video connect, a TV coloring game, books, clothes, toys, Candy-Land, a doll house, and barbies. She was a good girl this year ;)

We spent the morning lounging around and putting together her presents from Santa. Then around twelve we ate and opened presents from Gerald's parents and sisters families.

Cute new boots and pink vest from Gerald's parents.

Baby boy got a lot of cute outfits from Christmas, from both of our families, and these are two of them. The top picture says "My Daddy and Me" and the bottom says "little brother". It was fun to open things for him! He's going to be soooo precious in these, and I can't wait to see him =)

One of my presents I thought was really pretty from Gerald's sister. 

I got the pair of Toms I've been wanting. Can't wait to wear the heck out of them ;)

My new boots, love them. I also got a pretty black pea coat, a sweater, jewelry, curlers/hair dryer, makeup bag, and lotsss of scarfs. Haha.. but I am so happy because I love wearing scarfs, and they are all soooo cute! Gerald got a much needed new wallet, really nice coat, clothes, and pj's. Overall we were veryvery blessed to have a great Christmas this year. We're also blessed to be meeting our little boy in two short months. Family is all I can ask for and I love them to death :)

29 Weeks

29 weeks! Still the same weight and feeling the same. Just lots bigger!! He has also moved up really high. You can probably even tell the difference from my seven month picture, and this one. It's pretty uncomfortable, and I thought having him lower was, but I'm ready for him to scootch back on down there. My ribs are cramped!!! It's so weird feeling him move now. Because he REALLY pushes his bones far out there. I mean I can clearly feel a foot/elbow/whatever bone run across my belly (or hand if I'm trying to feel). It is crazy, and makes me pull my hand away if I'm touching because I feel like it's hurting him haha! When he rubs them across my ribs it is kinda painful too. Sometimes my stomach goes lopsided now too because he's laying on one side!

 These are our first purchases for Baby Boy. I love the monkey hat and can't wait to see him in it. He's definitely going to be a striped baby, because I am in love with everything striped I see for little boys!

This is his little tiny room. It is actually part of our room (ours is where I'm standing), and works out perfect for an infant. We're moving that white dresser out to put his bassinet there. I'll have to post a picture when it's all finished.

And, this is going to be his changing table/dresser. Way to save money right? lol. Gerald is putting a rod under that opening at the bottom to hang his clothes on, and I'm going to make a cute little curtain to hide whatever we put in there. I think it will work out perfect.. just need a changing pad to lay on top =) Pretty cheap nursery huh? haha! 

I'll post after pictures whenever that might be =)

This past Monday Abby got to ride in the Christmas parade downtown with Gerald's sisters family. They said she was telling people Merry Christmas and had a lot of fun. When they passed by us, Abby just laughed and laughed when she saw who it was! It was cute =)

Here are some pictures we took while wrapping a few presents yesterday...

 That is "Candy" the Elf, having a tea party with Barbie and Ken ;)

Last one. Abby showing off her baby brother's stuff!

Christmas is right around the corner, ahhh! I'm dying for it to be here, because I have NOTHING to wear, and my mom ordered me the maternity clothes I asked for from Old Navy's online maternity shop. I chose there because the stuff was so cheap, wearable after pregnancy, and comfy. So I'm ready to get out of these sweats, leggings, and t-shirts. I'm crossing my fingers for a pair of Tom's too, they would be perfect for pregnancy, and being a busy mom of a newborn. Just one more week!! I can't wait to see Abby (and everyone else too) open her presents.. this will be our fourth Christmas with that sweet girl =)

Seven months...I've hit the third trimester!!

These first two are from last week, twenty-seven weeks, and the last two are my seven months.

He sure is a growing boy!! My pregnancy ticker said he should be 2lbs and 14.5 inches. Only 12 more weeks to go!

So, at seven months I have gained up to 140, from 125. Ahhh!!! (No clue how I will have time to work the weight off this time with two children and classes.) I am still having the round ligaments pains, but they are less often now. And, I am starting to really notice myself walking weird. Which is very uncomfortable to do like when walking into stores, in front of people, etc. It makes me sort of nervous ha ha! 

So glad I'm now in my third trimester, woo hoo! Scary at the same time though, because labor terrifies me. And, I am feeling extremely unprepared. Probably just my urge to nest, but not having a nursery to decorate and stuff reminding me he's on his way is kind of sad. 

Anyways, better stop thinking negative before I have a pregnant girl hormonal break down haha! So, we still have not committed to a name =( Although, I love Laten (or Layton??) Thomas, and hoping that we go with that one. We shall see =)

I have also enrolled in two online classes (there simple so no worries on being overwhelmed). The reason I did this is because I totally forgot about my financial aid grant that was awarded to me back in the fall. Why would I let all the money go to waste, and risk them not awarding me any again in the future? Also, after talking with an adviser, and friends, I think the smartest decision right now... with having a four year old and newborn. Would be for me to switch my major to Dental Assistant. Only because it is so much easier, and I don't need a lot of classes to be eligible to apply to the program next spring. They only accept applications in the spring, so I can spread those classes out really far during this next year. Which is makes me feel better, knowing I won't be rushed, but will still be finished with them in time to apply for Fall 2013. I will finish much faster than sticking to Nursing! It's kind of a bittersweet decision. I really want to be a nurse, and still telling myself that I'll probably go back a few years from now when we're all settled down in the military/etc.. But, I need a good good career job, so our kids can have everything they need, and go to daycare/school/dance class/all that fun stuff. So looks like Dental Assisting is the smart choice. Plus, it was my back up plan anyways so it's not like I'm doing something I don't want to be. 

Can't wait for classes to start. Hopefully it will make these last few months of pregnancy pass by much faster  ;) My friend has set a date for our baby shower, January 29th. So exciting! =)

Dora The Explorer

This past Saturday we took Abby to see Dora at our mall! However, I do not have a camera so this is off of Google, haha!! We waited in the longest line EVER, for TWO hours. Abby had so much fun waiting though. She played with a few kids and had a blast. I love when she gets to be around kids her age because I feel like she isn't getting the social skills she needs right now with us staying at home ALL the time. Pre-K starts this fall though thank God!

Anyways, when it was Abby's turn she walked up to Dora a little frightened because some other kids were seriously screaming there heart out right in front of us. Haha that sure didn't help! And, there was also a big kid right behind us in line, telling his little sister "That isn't the real Dora, it's someone in a costume. No it's not Dora." I wanted to seriously turn around and tell him to hush it! Thankfully Abby didn't hear him. So like I said, Abby was a little scared, and wouldn't hug her, but she did tell her hey. Oh, and while waiting in line when we got close enough to finally see Dora; Abby waved like crazy, jumped up and down like seriously losing her mind, and giggled, and giggled to death. It was precious!!

Overall I think she had a really fun time seeing Dora. Wish I could of captured her excitement. =)

Thanksgiving

 I am so thankful for these two...

They are everything to me, and I love them SO much :) 

And, of course I'm also very thankful for our sweet little boy growing in there. We really need to figure out a name and commit, because I'm ready to be able to actually call him by something ;) 

I was 26 weeks on Thanksgiving Day, and he sure is growing fast!!! We had lots of good food at Gerald's Grandparent's house, and I ate wayyyy too much. Couldn't help myself. Why am I always pregnant during the holidays? This time I'm one month behind from last time. It sure does pack on those extra extra pregnancy pounds lol!!

The Iron Bowl was yesterday, and Auburn sadly lost. Wasn't really expecting any different.... Maybe if our quarter back wasn't so bad it would of been a better score? ;) War Eagle! 

Pictures at 24 and 25 weeks!

The first two are at 24 weeks..I've hit my SIX month mark.. totally snuck up on me!

 And, here I am at 25 weeks, taken yesterday...

I think I'm getting too big for the bare belly shots, haha I don't even want Gerald to see it! No, I am not going to complain.. it's just a part of pregnancy and comes along with it. However, I do feel completely awful: squished, very heavy and off balance when I walk lol.. I hit things when going through places that normally wouldn't affect my pre-pregnancy belly.

So my baby boy is very squished at the moment. He is kicking and moving around like crazy, and I can feel it like I never did with Abby. It's crazy to see/feel!! I've also ran into a slight problem, for me, not the baby. When going to bed last night, it was extremely hard to get comfortable, and there were tiny pains shooting in my back. I'm pretty use to not being comfortable, but this was different. However, I just ignored it. Then early this morning I woke up with horrible horrible cramps down my side. It would sometimes take my breath away and cause me to have to lean over to (stretch it out kind of). It continued through the morning, and even sometimes got really low in my stomach. When telling my mom about it, she insisted I call and run it by the doctor. I knew it wasn't contractions having had them before, but it wasn't normal either. So I felt kind of silly calling to whine, like a whimp haha. The doctor on call was super nice, she wasn't my normal doctor, but she knew exactly what was going on when I told her my symptoms. Round ligament pains. Common in second pregnancies, and on small framed pregnant people. She said they are very painful, but do not hurt the baby at all! That was a huge relief! Just some pregnancy pains for the Mama;) There is nothing to help but rest and tylenol... GREAT! Haha no, I know it will get better soon so I'm just trying take my mind off of it. Probably because I just started my growth.. really in like the last 2 & 1/2 weeks, and it's all growing so quickly!

Anyways, besides the round ligament pains, everything is going smoothly. After my next appointment on the 8th, I go every two weeks. Scary... 2012 is right around the corner! =)

Finally back to work..

After months of searching, applying, and looking for a job... I finally landed one! I start work at Old Navy tomorrow, and I'm really excited about it! Love the clothes, the people seem really nice, and I'm just happy to have a purpose again. Although, I am starting to feel REALLY pregnant and growing like crazy!! Maybe  being more active while working will help though. Also, my iron was really low at my appointment today, and I had really painful cramps last night (almost like braxton hicks). It HURT, and also scared me to death of going through labor.

Sooo I'll stop complaining now. Please pray that my body cooperates with me, and I have a great first day at Old Navy tomorrow!!! :)