34 Weeks

How Far Along..... 34 Weeks! 

Baby Size.....4.5lbs about the size of a cantaloupe! 

Weight Gain: 21 pounds. 

Maternity Clothes: Yes in the bottoms and tops. A lot of dresses/skirts because they are just way more comfortable right now. Derik's shirts and leggings rock at night.

Stretch Marks: Noticed a few that are from pregnancy. I call them my battle scars. 

Sleep: Good nights and bad nights. Getting comfortable at night is just difficult.

Gender: A sweet baby GIRL Caroline Vance Walters. 

Movement: Oh yes all the time and I love it! 

Best Moment this Week: We had our first baby shower Saturday! Caroline is one loved little girl and we are truly blessed to have some incredible people that showered us with so much love and gifts for our sweet girl.

Looking Forward To: Since my BP was a little high last week we start our weekly appointments this week. Nothing to be concerned with says the doctor since we kind of have a lot going on...Our buyers close on our house tomorrow 8/27 and we close on our new house next Tuesday 9/2. Hoping my BP stays down for our appointment tomorrow. I'm trying not to worry too much about it since we really do have a lot going on.

Food Cravings: Breakfast foods. Yes.

Anything making you queasy/sick?: Unfortunately my Chick Fila and I didn't get a long yesterday. Too much grease or maybe not enough room for what I devoured. 

Labor Signs: Braxton hicks here and there. 

What I miss: I really miss my state of 2nd trimester bliss. Now I'm getting awfully anxious about labor and delivery.

Symptoms: Growing belly, back pain, heartburn, peeing all the time, and hip pain. 

Nursery:  Next week we get to start on this!! Hooray! Even if it's only her dresser and a few things on the wall at least she'll have a designated room. She did receive her bedding set at the shower so once her crib comes in I can't wait to put it all together!

Belly Button in or Out? Hello Outie. 

Mood: Starting to get a tad bit anxious for her arrival...but NOT letting the devil steal my joy. Not gonna happen. No sir. 

Wedding Rings on or Off?: On! :)

Workouts: Walks are about the speed I'm staying at for now.  

33 Weeks

How Far Along..... 33 Weeks! 

Baby Size......A little over 4lbs about the size of a pineapple! 

Weight Gain: I've hit the 20lb mark. 

Maternity Clothes: Yes in the bottoms and tops. A lot of dresses/skirts because they are just way more comfortable right now. 

Stretch Marks: None from pregnancy!

Sleep: Good nights and bad nights. Getting comfortable at night is just difficult.

Gender: A sweet baby GIRL Caroline Vance Walters. 

Movement: Oh yes all the time and I love it! 

Best Moment this Week: We got the POD delivered and the packing has begun!

Looking Forward To: Our first shower next weekend!!!

Food Cravings: Vanilla Ice cream with chocolate syrup. I may have a bowl every night...

Anything making you queasy/sick?: Nope!

Labor Signs: Braxton hicks here and there. 

What I miss: Being able to carry on a full conversation without running out of air...

Symptoms: Growing belly, back pain, heartburn, hip pain, short of breath.

Nursery: 3 more weeks until we move in and can hopefully get something done.

Belly Button in or Out? In for the most part!

Mood: Happy happy happy! 

Wedding Rings on or Off?: On! :)

Workouts: Walks are about the speed I'm staying at for now.  

32 Week Bump Date

How Far Along..... 32 Weeks! 

Baby Size......3.2lbs 18 inches head of lettuce. 

Weight Gain: 18 pounds. 

Maternity Clothes: Yes in the bottoms and tops. A lot of dresses/skirts because they are just way more comfortable right now. 

Stretch Marks: None from pregnancy!

Sleep: Good nights and bad nights. Getting comfortable at night is just difficult.

Gender: A sweet baby GIRL Caroline Vance Walters. 

Movement: Oh yes all the time and I love it! 

Best Moment this Week: We had a blast at the wedding we went to this past weekend! It was so much fun. We love getting all dressed up!

Looking Forward To: 32 week appointment to check on our sweet girl!

Food Cravings:  Pineapple. Yum. Yum. Yum.

Anything making you queasy/sick?: Nope!

Labor Signs: Braxton hicks here and there. 

What I miss: Getting comfortable easily at night and a full night's sleep

Symptoms: Growing belly, back pain, heartburn, peeing alllll the time. 

Nursery:  Still in waiting until we move into our new house in a few months. I've just accepted the fact that it more than likely won't be completely done when she gets here. As long as she has a place to sleep that's all that matters.

Belly Button in or Out? In for the most part!

Mood: Happy happy happy! 

Wedding Rings on or Off?: On! :)

Workouts: Walks are about the speed I'm staying at for now.  

31 Week Bumpdate! :)

How Far Along..... 31 Weeks! 

Baby Size......3.1lbs About the size of a butternut squash. 

Weight Gain: 18 pounds. 

Maternity Clothes: Yes in the bottoms and tops. A lot of dresses/skirts because they are just way more comfortable right now. 

Stretch Marks: None from pregnancy!

Sleep: Good nights and bad nights. Getting comfortable at night is just difficult.

Gender: A sweet baby GIRL Caroline Vance Walters. 

Movement: Oh yes all the time and I love it! 

Best Moment this Week: We sold our washing machine and are going to purchase a new one once we get moved! Is it a sign that you're growing up when new appliance purchases make you oh so excited?

Looking Forward To: My sister in law-kinda- is getting married this weekend! Those Smithfield folks know how to throw a party, we're excited! :) Our 32 week appointment as well on Thursday!

Food Cravings:  Pineapple. Yum. Yum. Yum.

Anything making you queasy/sick?: Nope!

Labor Signs: Braxton hicks here and there. 

What I miss: Getting comfortable easily at night and a full night's sleep, I know those days are long behind me but doesn't mean I don't miss them! :)

Symptoms: Growing belly, back pain, and heartburn. 

Nursery:  I've been working on some artwork for her room. Take that $30 wall art from Hobby Lobby. I made it for $6.

Belly Button in or Out? In for the most part!

Mood: Happy happy happy! 

Wedding Rings on or Off?: On! :)

Workouts: Walks are about the speed I'm staying at for now.  

Week #25 Bumpdate!

How Far Along 25 Weeks! 

Baby Size......An eggplant

Weight Gain: Spent the weekend at my in-laws. Gained 2lbs. 13lbs since getting back to pre-pregnancy weight in week 12. So 17lbs overall. 

Maternity Clothes: Yes. Yes. Yes. 

Stretch Marks: None from pregnancy!

Sleep: Great, for the most part sometimes restless. 

Gender: A sweet baby GIRL Caroline Vance Walters. 

Movement: Oh yes all the time!

Best Moment this Week: We spent the weekend in Hickory with the in-laws and always have the best time! My aunt also complied to my pregnancy cravings and we had a huge family dinner last night. 

Looking Forward To: Date night with the hubs this weekend. :)

Food Cravings:  Off and on throughout this pregnancy I've been craving some of my grandmother's cooking. She would rotate between her kids each week fixing them country style steak, green beans, mashed potatoes, rolls, and coconut pies. Last night my sweet aunt made the exact same meal and it tasted just like my Maw-Maw's. This preggo gal was over the moon. 

Anything making you queasy/sick?: Nope!

Labor Signs: No!

What I miss: Bending over without getting short of breath.  

Symptoms: Heart burn.

Nursery: We're listing our house this week so holding off on nursery plans right this moment. Crazy aren't we?

Belly Button in or Out? In!

Mood: Happy happy happy! 

Prayers for Caroline: 

Lord, 

This week as Caroline's inner ear develops we pray for her hearing. We pray that you keep her safe from ear infections that often plague sweet babies. We pray for her sense of balance and direction. That she may always follow Your lead Lord. We thank you for this sweet gift. 

Amen

Week 24

How Far Along 24 Weeks. Oh you know 6 MONTHS pregnant. That happened when exactly?

Baby Size......An ear of corn 8.5 inches a little over 1lb

Weight Gain: Still holding steady at 11lbs. Not complaining! :)

Maternity Clothes: Yes. Yes. Yes. 

Stretch Marks: None from pregnancy!

Sleep: Great, for the most part. I was WIDE AWAKE from 1am-until a little after 5 Saturday night. Miss Caroline was super super active after being relatively calm all day. 

Gender: A sweet baby GIRL Caroline Vance Walters. 

Movement: Oh yes all the time!

Best Moment this Week: Celebrating all the incredible men in my life! My daddy, father-in-law, and favorite daddy to be. 

Looking Forward To: Celebrating our sweet niece's 1st birthday on Sunday :)

Food Cravings:  Ice Cream and bananas. 

Anything making you queasy/sick?: Nope!

Labor Signs: No!

What I miss: Getting out bed easily...sometimes it's easier said than done. 

Symptoms: Heart burn.

Nursery: Well..this is still a well. Possibility of a move before Caroline's arrival so nursery plans are paused until we decide what to do.

Belly Button in or Out? In!

Mood: Happy happy happy! 

Prayers for Caroline: 

Lord, 

This week as Caroline's inner ear develops we pray for her hearing. We pray that you keep her safe from ear infections that often plague sweet babies. We pray for her sense of balance and direction. That she may always follow Your lead Lord. We thank you for this sweet gift. 

Amen

23 Weeks!

Baby Size.....A large MANGO.

Weight Gain: 11lbs.  

Maternity Clothes: Yes. Yes. Yes. 

Stretch Marks: None from pregnancy!

Sleep: Great! I've only been getting up once for the bathroom last night, huge accomplishment folks. I know it probably won't last too much longer so I'm trying to take advantage of it!

Gender: A sweet baby GIRL Caroline Vance Walters. 

Movement: Oh yes quite frequently. Derik felt her for the first time over the weekend. I may or may not have cried. 

Best Moment this Week: Derik, my mom, and dad all being able to feel Miss Caroline kick. 

Looking Forward To: Our 24 week appointment coming up :)

Food Cravings:  Ice Cream. 

Anything making you queasy/sick?: Nope!

Labor Signs: No!

What I miss: I really just want a sub. Not heated. 

Symptoms: Heart burn, round ligament pain, my ever growing belly. It's also a little difficult to get off the couch out of bed by myself. 

Nursery: Well.....

Belly Button in or Out? In!

Mood: Happy, excited, overjoyed! 

Prayers for Caroline this week:

22 weeks!

Baby Size.....Spaghetti Squash around 11 inches long and about 1lb in weight.

Weight Gain: Gained another two pounds this week so up a total of 9 from my 12 week appointment. 

Maternity Clothes: Yes. Yes. Yes. I can no longer get away with hair ties, just ain't happening. 

Stretch Marks: None from pregnancy! 

Gender: A sweet baby GIRL Caroline Vance Walters. 

Movement: Oh yes especially in the last 48 hours. She kicked and moved my arm yesterday.  

Best Moment this Week: We had a wonderful weekend not too terribly busy! We celebrated my sweet cousin graduating from high school!

Looking Forward To: A fun bridal shower for my sweet friend, Kenzie, and being reunited with a lot of my high school gal pals. :)

Food Cravings: Fruit and Ice Cream. 

Anything making you queasy/sick?: Nothing really, but Derik suggested salmon for dinner last night and it made my stomach churn. Pre-pregnancy I loved salmon and the past couple times we've had it I can't seem to make through a few bites. So sad. 

Labor Signs: None, thankfully. I've read too much on my baby board on Baby Center here lately where women are experiencing pre-term labor symptoms.

What I miss: Eating without immediately regretting that decision because I know heartburn is in my near near future. Although, it's definitely not as bad as it could be and for that I'm thankful. 

Symptoms: Heart burn, round ligament pain, a noticeable, growing, and stretchinggggg belly

Nursery: We've taped it off and ready for daddy to paint. :) 

Belly Button in or Out? In!

Mood: Happy, excited, overjoyed! 

Prayers for Caroline this week:

Lord, 

I know your hand has been in this pregnancy since the very beginning. You knew Caroline before we could even dream of her. You knew us before our parents even could dream of us. We know you're in control. Lord I pray that Caroline continues to grow healthy and strong. We praise you for a healthy pregnancy this far. Thank you for being by our sides every step of the way. You are amazing Lord and we praise you for your goodness and mercy! 

Amen

                             

                             

21 Week BumpDate.

21 weeks. That means we're over halfway there. We found out we were pregnant in January and now it's almost June. Talk about flying time. 

Baby Size.....A carrot. Caroline is about 10 and 1/2 inches long and weighs a quart of a pound. 

Weight Gain: Up three pounds from pre-pregnancy weight but since I lost four pounds during the first trimester I'm up seven. 

Maternity Clothes: Yes. Shorts, skirts, and dresses I can still wear the majority of my tops thankfully. I was able fit into a non maternity dress for a wedding this weekend, it felt good! :)

Stretch Marks: None from pregnancy! 

Gender: A sweet baby GIRL Caroline Vance Walters. 

Movement: Oh yes, pretty sure we have a gymnast on our hands. 

Best Moment this Week: We had a wonderful long weekend in Hickory at Derik's parents house. It's a nice little escape and I finally got to soak up some Vitamin D.

Looking Forward To: My cousin's high school graduation party! I love it when my family is together. :)

What I miss: Nothing really :)

Symptoms: I breathe crooked and get heartburn thankful for Tums! :)

Nursery: Her closet is starting to fill up. Woopsies. We picked out her crib (I think) and found a couple of gliders that we both love. Decisions Decisions. 

Belly Button in or Out? In!

Mood: Happy, excited, overjoyed! 

Prayers for Caroline this week:

Lord, 

We are over halfway through this pregnancy. Time is really flying, we praise you for a healthy pregnancy this far. Lord pregnancy is all about trust there is so much unknown going on during a pregnancy. As humans, we tend to fear the unknown. Lord help me to put my full trust in you and not be so worried about something going wrong during this pregnancy. This is supposed to be a time of joy but the devil is trying to still my joy by creeping in fear and anxiety. Thank you for your faithfulness, your grace, and your mercy. 

Amen

Week 20..Halfway there!

Baby Size.....A banana. 

Weight Gain: Up two pounds from pre-pregnancy weight but since I lost four pounds during the first trimester I'm up six. 

Maternity Clothes: Yes. Shorts, skirts, and dresses I can still wear the majority of my tops!

Stretch Marks: None from pregnancy! 

Gender: A sweet baby GIRL Caroline Vance Walters. 

Movement: Yes! Becoming more consistent now and more often throughout the day. 

Best Moment this Week: Impossible to choose one best moment. The anatomy scan finding out our babe is healthy, finding out our sweet babe is a girl, sharing the news with our families. 

Looking Forward To: A three day weekend! :) Happy Memorial Day!

What I miss: Not worrying about every single twinge. 

Symptoms: I breathe crooked and get heartburn. 

Nursery: Finally setting some plans down. 

Belly Button in or Out? In!

Mood: Happy, excited, overjoyed! 

Prayers for Miss Caroline:

Lord, 

We praise you for a sweet healthy baby girl. We couldn't thank you more. Thank you for answering our prayers for a healthy babe. Thank you for a healthy pregnancy this far. Lord you know the worries on my heart and I pray that you give me a peace to make the right decision. Thank you for your faithfulness and grace. 

We love you!

Amen.

20 Week Anatomy Scan/Gender Reveal!

With little sleep the night before we headed to our anatomy scan bright and early Friday morning. We were the first appointment of the day. To say I was a nervous wreck would be a complete understatement. I was so nervous I lost my breakfast before we could leave to go to our appointment. The tech called us back and I was praising the Lord they didn't do my blood pressure then. I'm sure it was through the roof. The tech we had was seriously a God send. She was one of the kindest ladies I had ever met, I could take the woman with me everywhere. You could tell she genuinely loves her job and cares about her patients. She asked if we wanted to know the gender and of course we said yes providing baby cooperated. She got right to work and began measuring everything. It was truly one of the most incredible experiences. Seeing all four chambers of the heart, the brain, the spine, the stomach, the kidneys, baby's bladder, my bladder, the rib cage, the hands, the arms, the legs, the feet, the nose the mouth. Truly an incredible experience. The tech was great and pointed everything out as she went along and kept saying everything was perfect. Obviously she couldn't give us exact results but just hearing the word perfect come out of her mouth lowered my blood pressure. Baby cooperated and we were able to tell the gender and it's pretty obvious what Baby W is! We met with the doctor and he confirmed all the tech said that baby was developing normally and beautifully! We couldn't have been more thrilled. We both left the doctor's appointment on a high and I'm pretty sure we floated on that high for the remainder of the weekend and I'm still floating today. We called our families to confirm healthy baby and even though they tried to weasel the gender out of us we didn't break. I was pretty dern proud of myself. We let the furry child know what her sibling is and she wagged her nub in approval. :)

Right when we got home...still floating on said high. 

Sunday we hosted a gender reveal cookout for our families! We didn't want anything too over the top so we kept it small and the menu easy. We served hot dogs, hamburgers, all the fixin's, chips, fruit dip, cupcakes, and homemade frosty ice cream. 

Pink or Blue? I'll never tell. :)

Cupcakes and old wives tales. 

I kept the decorations to a minimum. Didn't want to go overboard with the pink and blue. 

With our families 

Team Pink 

Team Blue

For the actual reveal Derik and I wanted everyone to participate. So we poked holes in the color balloons it was NOT. The ones that remained inflated once blown up is the color that Baby W is. 

It's a....

GIRL! I have felt girl all along however, Thursday night I was convinced otherwise. We would have been over the moon either way and we are just so thankful for a healthy baby girl! :)

I think it was a tie between these two as to who was most excited for a little girl. My aunt Pat and my sweet daddy. That little girl is going to have him wrapped. :)

We let the grandmother's reveal sweet baby girl's name. Caroline Vance both are family names which was important to us! We had decided on Caroline before we even thought about being pregnant. Just one of those pillow talk things. It was the only girl name up in the name pool for the entire pregnancy. We threw out other girl names but nothing felt right but sweet Caroline. 

 Derik asked the ultrasound tech to say Miss Caroline says hello! 

We are so excited for our sweet girl and can't believe that we are halfway to meeting her. Bring on the bows, monograms, and dresses!

xo, 

Sarah 

Week 19 BumpDate!

It's Week 19 y'all and what a fun one it's been! Baby W has been moving like crazy off and on lately and I love it!

I'm carrying a baby. Hubs is carrying a case of beer. 

Baby Size.....A mango or a tomato. 6 inches long .5lbs Mangos are one of my favorite fruits but my Paw-Paw grew tomatoes and I can't help but think of him  and smile when thinking of how big baby is this week.

Weight Gain: Up two pounds from pre-pregnancy weight but since I lost four pounds during the first trimester I'm up six. 

Maternity Clothes: Yes. The white shorts above buttoned the week before. Sunday morning I put them on and had to pull out the hair ties. A pair of white maternity shorts and navy maternity shorts are on their way to me. Thank you Old Navy short sale! 

Stretch Marks: None from pregnancy! 

Gender: We find out Friday, family finds out Sunday. Operation duct tape Sarah's mouth begins approximately 9:30 Friday morning when our appointment is over. 

Movement: Yes! Not always consistent but when I feel the flutters I love it. :)

Best Moment this Week: We spent the weekend with Derik's family in Hickory and had the best time as usual. We also celebrate Mother's Day twice Sunday! Such a great day celebrating our amazing mama's! 

Looking Forward To: Friday's appointment obviously! Finding out what our sweet bean is and seeing that it is healthy and happy and sharing our news with our families on Sunday at our gender reveal cookout! 

What I miss: Nothing really! 

Symptoms: Oh hello round ligament pain again, can't say that I missed ya. And heartburn. 

Nursery: Two tubs and a desk left to clear out! After Friday I'll be pinning like a mad woman!

Belly Button in or Out? In but still does that weird thing right after eating! 

Mood: Happy, excited, and anxious for Friday. 

Prayers for Sweetest Baby: 

Lord,

We are getting super anxious for Friday. Not only to find out the gender but for the anatomy scan. I pray that Baby W is growing 100% healthy. We pray for peace as we go into this appointment, peace from you surpasses all understanding. Lord, we wonder about this sweet baby's personality this week. Will it be laid back and relaxed like daddy? Or a little bit of a worry wart and planner like mommy? We pray that this child be filled with joy, your joy Lord! Thank you for a healthy pregnancy so far and we pray that it continues to stay that way! 

Amen

Week 18 BumpDate

We're about halfway through week #18. I feel like time just keeps going faster and faster. Yikes.

Baby Size: A sweet potato. 5.6 inches long and weighs 6.7 oz. Grow baby grow! 
Weight gain: Gained a pound
Maternity clothes: I can no longer wear any of my pre-pregnancy jeans except for one white pair. My shirts still fit for the most part. Loving the hubs t-shirts at night. I got some jean shorts and three maxi dresses over the weekend for wedding season! 
Stretch marks: None yet from pregnancy. I had some on my belly post pancreatitis I'm still using my Belly Balm everyday to prevent anymore from coming!    Sleep: I've slept a lot of full nights this past week with the exception of two nights. I woke up Monday morning feeling so refreshed and energized. It was amazing.    Gender: We find out next week! 
Movement: Oh yes! Not all the time but here and there! I love it!
Best moment this week: We attended a derby party on Saturday and somehow managed to take zero pictures. It was so much fun to be with our college friends! My parents also got to hear sweet bean's heartbeat for the first time Sunday. They were in awe just as we are. 
Looking forward to: Heading to my in-laws on Saturday! It's be a couple of months since we've had a free weekend to head down there. It's so nice to escape. We'll be celebrating my sister in law's birthday and of course Mother's Day! :) We'll head back Sunday for dinner to celebrate my sweet mama! 
Food cravings: Fruit and BBQ sauce I've had BBQ chicken multiple times this week.       Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope thank you Jesus!   Labor Signs: Let's wait a while for these!   What I miss: I missed my Cinco De Mayo margarita last night. But no worries it's well worth to miss!
Symptoms: The fullness is easing up thankfully. Gas pains are terrible at night and the heartburn has kicked in.    Nursery: Decided on a paint color and going furniture shopping soon!
Belly Button in or out? In but it changes when I'm full. It's hard to explain and really weird. 
Wedding rings on or off? On and hoping they stay that way.
Mood: Happy, happy, happy and anxious to find out gender and for our anatomy scan.  That appointment is so much more than gender and I'm getting nervous about it! Also burnt out on school work, hello final exams. 
Workouts: Walking, I really need to look into pregnancy classes. 

Prayers for our sweet one:

Lord, 

You know my heart, I pray for peace over the anatomy scan next Friday. I'm starting to get very anxious about it. I know you are the master of design and our sweet baby will be perfect no matter what. I pray that this baby has been protected from any birth defects thus far Lord and I pray that it remains protected. I pray for the continued safety of this pregnancy and I'm thankful for a safe healthy pregnancy thus far. You are so wonderful Lord, you've blessed us with this gift and we are so undeserving. I also thank you for my sweet mama and my mother in law Lord. I thank you that they are God-fearing women and that they've set wonderful examples for me as to what a mother should be. I pray I'm only half the moms they are. We can't thank you enough for this sweet blessing! Amen.