Nursery Reveal & Big News

 

As soon as we found out we were having a boy, I knew I wanted to show case our patriotism & my husband's Army career. 

And honestly I don't think anything screams little boy more than red & blue. 

I love that it isn't baby blue and is something that he can grow into. 

I even found a sweet little collection of "baby" history books on Amazon that tells of our nations story in a way that kids can understand. 

This is by far my favorite room in our house & often find myself sitting in the rocker while Cooper is asleep & just taking it all in.

It's so sad that in just a few short months this house will be rented out while we head down to Fort Benning. But I am so glad we are just renting it. This house will always carry a special place in my heart as the home we moved into just a week after we got married & brought our sweet bundle of joy home. 

So bittersweet. 

Can't wait to see what the Army has in store for us next! 

Newborn Photos

All photos featured were taken by Whitney Duggins Photography. 

If you are in the central North Carolina area, I definitely recommend her. 

Check out more of her work here.  

Bumpdate: Week 38

Week 38

Gender: It's a Boy! 

Weight Gain/Loss: Let's just say +35. 

Baby's Growth: Not sure what he should be at this point.
But just taking a guess, I'm sure he will be over the 8 pound range.

Movement: Slowly slowing down. 
I'm thinking he's out of room.
Thank goodness he will be evacuated soon!

Food Cravings:  CHOCOLATE & salads.. 
Definitely not together. Lol. 

How I'm Feeling: Lots of energy. 
Still a few mild headaches & crazy crazy painful heartburn. 

Anything Making You Queasy/Sick: Not really!

Sleeping: Just depends on the night.

Stretchmarks: Yes! So embarrassed by them but at least I can blame genetics?

Lathering up with both Palmer's Cocoa Butter Lotion & their spray oil, as well. 

Belly Button In/Out: In... But very flat!

Nursery:  

We need to:

Hang curtains

Put new knobs on dresser

Steam clean carpets 

Decorate built in book shelf

Wash all clothes

Wash all bedding & blankets

Hang artwork 

Find mirror to hang above dresser

Order rocking chair

Spray paint monogram for above crib 

Organize all his presents from his baby shower
Put down rug 

Other To Do's: 

Put car seat in car

Pack hospital bag

Buy aromatherapy birthing oils

Finish birth plan

Favorite Moment This Week: 
I went to my final OB appointment on Tuesday, February 25 & got the best news ever.
Yesterday, I was admitted to the hospital to be induced.
We should be having a baby at any moment!

Looking Forward To:  

Holding my sweet baby boy in my arms & kissing his chubby cheeks.

Thanks for reading!
I will hopefully post again soon with news of our son's birthday & of course about his big debut!

Hope y'all have a great week!

*Just a reminder I am posting this one week behind so I can recap my week in full.

I am currently 39 weeks.

Bumpdate: Week 37

Week 37

Gender: It's a Boy! 

Weight Gain/Loss: +32

Baby's Growth: 

He should be weighing in around 6 lbs. 
But I have a funny feeling our boy is much bigger!

Movement: His movement has started to slow down.
I think he is still really active but his movement isn't as big because he has run out of room.

Food Cravings: CHOCOLATE!!!

How I'm Feeling: Picked up a little bit of energy this week!
Having some migraines and crazy painful indigestion.

Anything Making You Queasy/Sick: Nothing really. 

Sleeping: Just depends on the night.

Stretchmarks: Yes! So embarrassed by them but at least I can blame genetics?

Lathering up with both Palmer's Cocoa Butter Lotion & their spray oil, as well. 

Belly Button In/Out: In... But very flat!

Nursery:  

We need to:

Hang curtains

Put new knobs on dresser

Steam clean carpets 

Decorate built in book shelf

Wash all clothes

Wash all bedding & blankets

Hang artwork 

Find mirror to hang above dresser

Order rocking chair

Spray paint monogram for above crib 

Organize all his presents from his baby shower
Put down rug 

Other To Do's: 

Put car seat in car

Pack hospital bag

Buy aromatherapy birthing oils

Finish birth plan

Favorite Moment This Week: 
We got a call to come pick up his rocker from Babies R Us. 
It looks absolutely perfect in his room & so happy it came in before his arrival!

Looking Forward To:  

Holding my sweet baby boy in my arms & kissing his chubby cheeks.

Thanks for reading!

Hope y'all have a great week!

*Just a reminder I am posting this one week behind so I can recap my week in full.

I am currently 38 weeks. 

Bumpdate: Week 35

Week 35

Gender: It's a Boy! 

Weight Gain/Loss: +28 

Baby's Growth: 

The size of a honeydew melon. 
Weighing in at about 5 1/4 pounds & about 18 inches long.

Movement: Tons!

Trying to enjoy each and every minute of it. 

Food Cravings: I haven't been near as hungry or having cravings like before.

I've been eating really light foods like fresh fruit, crackers, & rolls 

because I've been so nauseous. 

How I'm Feeling: Tired, sluggish & uncomfortable.
Sounds fun, right?

Anything Making You Queasy/Sick: The smell of meat is making me nauseous again.

Sleeping: Just depends on the night.

Stretchmarks: Yes! So embarrassed by them but at least I can blame genetics?

Lathering up with both Palmer's Cocoa Butter Lotion & their spray oil, as well. 

Belly Button In/Out: In... But very flat!

Nursery:  

We need to:

Hang curtains

Put new knobs on dresser

Steam clean carpets 

Decorate built in book shelf

Wash all clothes

Wash all bedding & blankets

Hang artwork 

Find mirror to hang above dresser

Order rocking chair

Spray paint monogram for above crib 

Organize all his presents from his baby shower
Put down rug 

Other To Do's: 

Put car seat in car

Pack hospital bag

Buy aromatherapy birthing oils

Finish birth plan

Favorite Moment This Week: 
That my mom has spent the past week with me unfortunately it was because..

Last Tuesday, I was having major contractions & thought I was in labor. 

I was admitted to the hospital & given more medicine 

to stop the contractions as well as for a UTI.

At the time I was 3 cm dilated.

My mom flew in that night & has been here ever since. 

She has cleaned my house, helped me reorganize my kitchen,

 rearrange my furniture and exercised almost everyday. 

Wednesday, I also went into the hospital due to contractions again.

Thursday, was probably the worst day.

Friday, I had a doctor's appointment & there was no change.

So thankful my mom has been here to help
& that Mr. Army Man's chain of command has been so understanding.

Hopefully this baby boy will arrive before my mom has to leave. 

We are so ready!!

Looking Forward To:  

Holding my sweet baby boy in my arms & kissing his chubby cheeks.

Thanks for reading!

Hope y'all have a great week!

*Just a reminder I am posting this one week behind so I can recap my week in full.

I am currently 36 weeks. 

Bumpdate: Week 34

Week 34

Gender: It's a Boy! 

Weight Gain/Loss: +26 

Baby's Growth: 

The size of a cantaloupe. 
Weighing in at about 4 3/4 pounds & 18 inches long.

Movement: Tons!

Trying to enjoy each and every minute of it. 

Food Cravings:  Chocolate & Orange Juice.
Yes, together. I know, it sounds so gross!!!

How I'm Feeling: Tired, sluggish & uncomfortable.
Sounds fun, right?

Anything Making You Queasy/Sick: Not really.

Sleeping: Just depends on the night.

Stretchmarks: Yes! So embarrassed by them but at least I can blame genetics?

Lathering up with both Palmer's Cocoa Butter Lotion & their spray oil, as well. 

Belly Button In/Out: In... But very flat!

Nursery:  

We need to:

Hang curtains

Put new knobs on dresser

Steam clean carpets 

Decorate built in book shelf

Wash all clothes

Wash all bedding & blankets

Hang artwork 

Find mirror to hang above dresser

Order rocking chair

Spray paint monogram for above crib 

Organize all his presents from his baby shower
Put down rug 

Other To Do's: 

Put car seat in car

Pack hospital bag

Buy aromatherapy birthing oils

Finish birth plan

Make birthing CD

Favorite Moment This Week: 
Spending the weekend in DC with my sweet husband. 

Looking Forward To:  

A blog event at Lilly Pulitzer this Thursday at Southpoint Mall at 6:30.
If you are a blogger in the Durham/Raleigh/Chapel Hill area
feel free to come out & celebrate with us.

Thanks for reading!

Hope y'all have a great week!

*Just a reminder I am posting this one week behind so I can recap my week in full.

I am currently 35 weeks. 

Bumpdate: Week 33

Week 33

Gender: It's a Boy! 

Weight Gain/Loss: +26 

Baby's Growth: 

4 lbs & 17 1/2 inches.

Movement: Tons!

Trying to enjoy each and every minute of it. 

Food Cravings:  Chocolate, Water & lots of Orange Juice.

How I'm Feeling: Some days I have a ton of energy 

& then some I have no desire to get off the couch.

Anything Making You Queasy/Sick: Not really.

Sleeping: Just depends on the night. 

Feeling really uncomfortable.

Stretchmarks: Yes! So embarrassed by them but at least I can blame genetics?

Lathering up with both Palmer's Cocoa Butter Lotion & their spray oil, as well. 

Belly Button In/Out: In... But very flat!

Nursery:  

We need to:

Hang curtains

Put new knobs on dresser

Steam clean carpets 

Decorate built in book shelf

Wash all clothes

Wash all bedding & blankets

Hang artwork 

Find mirror to hang above dresser

Order rocking chair

Spray paint monogram for above crib 

Organize all his presents from his baby shower
Put down rug 

Other To Do's: 

Put car seat in car

Pack hospital bag

Buy aromatherapy birthing oils

Finish birth plan

Make birthing CD

Favorite Moment This Week: 

Just relaxing and spending some time on the couch. 

Looking Forward To:  

Spending the weekend in DC for our babymoon. 

It got postponed last weekend due to the hubs being in the field 

for Army field training.

Thanks for reading!

Hope y'all have a great week!

*Just a reminder I am posting this one week behind so I can recap my week in full.

I am currently 34 weeks. 

A Few More...

Here are a few more of my favorite maternity pictures.. 

To check out some others & more details click here.

The Tale of Peter Rabbit

Hey girls!

I hope y'all enjoyed your weekend as much as I did!

This weekend I had my second baby shower in North Carolina, where we live. 

It was actually hosted at my house and was absolutely beautiful. 

The theme was Beatrix Potter's The Tale of Peter Rabbit.

Everything was so detailed and sweet.

Thanks mom & Hannah for the most perfect shower &

 everyone for blessing our baby with love and precious gifts. 

We are so blessed!

My mom made some of the cutest decor that can be used again at Easter.

I made sure everything was super detailed with pictures from our last 4D ultrasound, 

baby booties he will go home from the hospital in, and of course some social media. 

#showeringbabyneal

Peter Rabbit was a little hungry & got into the produce box. 

Such a cute centerpiece. 

**********

Menu:

Hawaiian Ham & Cheese Sliders

7 Layer Salad

Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Homemade Chocolate Cupcakes with Butter Cream 

Thanks again to everyone who came out & making our day so special!

Cooper is blessed to be welcomed with such amazing friends!

Bumpdate: Week 32

Week 32

Gender: It's a Boy! 

Weight Gain/Loss: +26 

Baby's Growth: About 4 pounds and 18 inches long.

Movement: Tons!

Trying to enjoy each and every minute of it. 

Food Cravings: Pasta salad, orange juice, and french fries. 

How I'm Feeling: I've felt pretty good this week.

Aside from the round ligament pains & occasional back aches.

Anything Making You Queasy/Sick: Just having some major heartburn.

Sleeping: It's hard falling asleep but once I'm down I'm out like a light. 

Stretchmarks: Yes! So embarrassed by them but at least I can blame genetics?

Lathering up with both Palmer's Cocoa Butter Lotion & their spray oil, as well. 

Belly Button In/Out: In... But very flat!

Nursery:  

We need to:

Hang curtains

Put new knobs on dresser

Steam clean carpets 

Decorate built in book shelf

Wash all clothes

Wash all bedding & blankets

Hang artwork 

Find mirror to hang above dresser

Order rocking chair

Spray paint monogram for above crib 

Organize all his presents from his baby shower
Put down rug 

Other To Do's: 

Put car seat in car

Pack hospital bag

Buy aromatherapy birthing oils

Finish birth plan

Make birthing CD

Favorite Moment This Week: My second baby shower in NC.

I enjoyed catching up with some friends and had the sweetest day!

(Check back tomorrow for more details.)

Looking Forward To: Our baby moon this weekend! 

So excited to head to DC for a few days, relax and enjoy some QT with the cutie. 

Thanks for reading!

Hope y'all have a great week!

*Just a reminder I am posting this one week behind so I can recap my week in full.

I am currently 33 weeks. 

Bumpdate: Week 31

Week 31

Gender: It's a Boy! 

Weight Gain/Loss: +23 pounds.. Really hating this.

I feel so uncomfortable, absolutely huge and not attractive at all! 

Baby's Growth: About 4 pounds and 18 inches long.

Movement: Constant movement. 

Now it is getting a little more uncomfortable when he moves.

Apparently this is due to the fact that he is getting bigger and less amniotic fluid.

He loves getting up underneath my right "girl" and doesn't want to move.

If he's not there, he has his little limbs stuck to where it is pushing up against my left hip bone.

He already is a pain in my side. LOL!  

Food Cravings: Anything chocolate, orange juice, 

How I'm Feeling: It really just depends on the day..

Having a hard time waking up & getting going.

Contractions now are getting stronger but still taking medicine daily for them.

Anything Making You Queasy/Sick: Peppermint + acidic foods = crazy heartburn!

Sleeping: I've been taking Unisom lately to help get me to sleep. 

Having a hard time turning my mind off 

with all the things that need to be completed. (See below)

Stretchmarks: Yes! So embarrassed by them but at least I can blame genetics?

Belly Button In/Out: In... But very flat!

Nursery:  

We need to:

Hang curtains

Put new knobs on dresser

Steam clean carpets 

Decorate built in book shelf

Wash all clothes

Wash all bedding & blankets

Hang artwork 

Find mirror to hang above dresser

Order rocking chair

Spray paint monogram for above crib 

Organize all his presents from his baby shower
Put down rug 

Other To Do's: 

Put car seat in car

Pack hospital bag

Buy aromatherapy birthing oils

Finish birth plan

Make birthing CD

Favorite Moment This Week: We had a nasty storm this weekend but 

I so enjoyed picking up takeout & having a candlelit dinner 

with my precious husband on Saturday night.

Looking Forward To:  My second baby shower on Sunday.
So excited and blessed by such amazing family & friends!

Thanks for reading!

Hope y'all have a great week!