Here is Melissa's baby picture
And here is Owen....
Friday, July 24, 2009
Who does baby Owen look like???
Here is Clint's baby picture
Here is Melissa's baby picture
And here is Owen....
Here is Melissa's baby picture
And here is Owen....
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Owen's Arrival!
Last Tuesday (July 14th, 2009) we became the proud parents of a 7lbs 6 oz bundle of joy named Owen Lloyd McReynolds. Labor was LONG and had its challenges...but we made it through with the help of some great nurses, Dr Tessen, and fabulous family support. During labor, Melissa had thoughts of never wanting to go through another one...but delivery was a piece of cake (in comparison to labor)...and is confident that she can go through L&D again...especially with the reward of a precious baby at the end!!!!
At 10:47pm, Owen entered the world
Nonnie and Pop McReynolds were there to meet him
As were Gram and Pappy Lloyd
We had a few visitors in the hospital...The Harris Family, The Murray Family, Hal Noble, Erin Rahn, Jason Rios, Michelle and Terry Minter, D.R. and Dave. Only one of which we remembered to take a picture of (Miss Erin is featured below holding Owen sporting the hat she knit him and the Miracle Blanket Nonnie made). Gram and Pappy took care of everything at our house, which was a big stress reliever for us. And, they brought us home cooked food (so we didn't have to eat the nasty hospital food) that made all the nurses jealous! I am sure the whole maternity floor could smell the wonderful chicken pot pie that we had for dinner on Wednesday night and we stayed healthy by eating fabulous cantaloupe and cherries for dessert.
After the birth, we were focused on getting everyone checked out by the doctors, getting some rest and looking forward to being discharged. We successfully got discharged 36 hours after Owen was born and we loaded Owen up in the car for his first ride. Nash was waiting for us at home with Gram and Pappy
The hound dog in Nash really likes to smell Baby Owen. His concerns when Owen cries are lessening, but he still needs to check out the baby when he makes a peep. Here is Owen's "Arriving Home" picture!
Shortly after arriving home, we got right on a feeding schedule. Nash is a great guard dog!!!
Owen had a busy couple first days at home. Eating, Sleeping and Pooping were not his only activities. He enjoys swinging and sleeping in his bouncy seat, but did not enjoy his first bath. Baths are getting easier!
At our weight check on Saturday, Owen weighed 6lbs 10oz. We had to step up his feeding schedule a little bit...which had Mommy feeding Owen every two hours and Gram feeding Owen from a syringe in the middle of the night. This was a life saver for Mommy, as it allowed her to get a solid 5 hours of sleep. Not many new mommies are that lucky! But all the hard work paid off, as Owen weighed in on Monday at 7lbs. We continued with the same regimen and again were rewarded with a weight check of 7lbs 8oz on Wednesday. What a heavyweight!!!! To be 2 oz past his birth weight at only 8 days old is AWESOME!! So...we've scaled back on the feeding schedule. Now Owen gets fed every 2.5 hours, and Gram still pulls the graveyard shift complete with a feeding to get him through the night.
We are loving being parents and are so blessed to have Gram and Pappy here to help us out. It is allowing us to get the rest we need to ease into this new stage of life and care for our new addition.
At 10:47pm, Owen entered the world
Nonnie and Pop McReynolds were there to meet him
As were Gram and Pappy Lloyd
We had a few visitors in the hospital...The Harris Family, The Murray Family, Hal Noble, Erin Rahn, Jason Rios, Michelle and Terry Minter, D.R. and Dave. Only one of which we remembered to take a picture of (Miss Erin is featured below holding Owen sporting the hat she knit him and the Miracle Blanket Nonnie made). Gram and Pappy took care of everything at our house, which was a big stress reliever for us. And, they brought us home cooked food (so we didn't have to eat the nasty hospital food) that made all the nurses jealous! I am sure the whole maternity floor could smell the wonderful chicken pot pie that we had for dinner on Wednesday night and we stayed healthy by eating fabulous cantaloupe and cherries for dessert.
After the birth, we were focused on getting everyone checked out by the doctors, getting some rest and looking forward to being discharged. We successfully got discharged 36 hours after Owen was born and we loaded Owen up in the car for his first ride. Nash was waiting for us at home with Gram and Pappy
The hound dog in Nash really likes to smell Baby Owen. His concerns when Owen cries are lessening, but he still needs to check out the baby when he makes a peep. Here is Owen's "Arriving Home" picture!
Shortly after arriving home, we got right on a feeding schedule. Nash is a great guard dog!!!
Owen had a busy couple first days at home. Eating, Sleeping and Pooping were not his only activities. He enjoys swinging and sleeping in his bouncy seat, but did not enjoy his first bath. Baths are getting easier!
At our weight check on Saturday, Owen weighed 6lbs 10oz. We had to step up his feeding schedule a little bit...which had Mommy feeding Owen every two hours and Gram feeding Owen from a syringe in the middle of the night. This was a life saver for Mommy, as it allowed her to get a solid 5 hours of sleep. Not many new mommies are that lucky! But all the hard work paid off, as Owen weighed in on Monday at 7lbs. We continued with the same regimen and again were rewarded with a weight check of 7lbs 8oz on Wednesday. What a heavyweight!!!! To be 2 oz past his birth weight at only 8 days old is AWESOME!! So...we've scaled back on the feeding schedule. Now Owen gets fed every 2.5 hours, and Gram still pulls the graveyard shift complete with a feeding to get him through the night.
We are loving being parents and are so blessed to have Gram and Pappy here to help us out. It is allowing us to get the rest we need to ease into this new stage of life and care for our new addition.
Monday, July 13, 2009
The wedding at 39 weeks and 6 days pregnant!!
One more post...and then I am going to nap before having a baby tomorrow! HA!
We went to Rebecca and Matt Franklin's wedding on Saturday night in Jasper Alabama.
The happy couple
Rebecca is Clint's Mom's second cousin...so I am not really sure what that makes her to us....but regardless...she is family...so we were happy to be invited to the wedding and celebrate her special day!
Clint's parents had driven in for the wedding, so we also enjoyed a nice visit with them. Here are some pics from the wedding night:
We went to Rebecca and Matt Franklin's wedding on Saturday night in Jasper Alabama.
The happy couple
Rebecca is Clint's Mom's second cousin...so I am not really sure what that makes her to us....but regardless...she is family...so we were happy to be invited to the wedding and celebrate her special day!
Clint's parents had driven in for the wedding, so we also enjoyed a nice visit with them. Here are some pics from the wedding night:
Monday morning phone call
I had already started drafting the blog post below this morning before I left for work...so I thought I would finish it up and post it. BUT....the real post of the day is below...
I was in a discussion with my manager this morning when my cell phone lit up. The number looked familiar...but I was not sure if it was my doctor or not. I told my manager I was going to take the call and excused myself from our discussion. Sure enough...it was Jacquie! She asked if I was coming to see her today and I said not. My next appointment is tomorrow. She then asked if I wanted to have the baby tomorrow! My first reaction was "WOW!" and then my first question was "WHY?". She commented that she knew I was ready and that the baby was ready ... so she thought she would just offer the option of scheduling the L&D to avoid the apprehension of going into labor naturally. This way, we will have a controlled L&D and we'll have our baby tomorrow!
I was overwhelmed at first. My mind and heart started racing. But after discussions with Clint and my Mom...I was talked 'off the ledge' and am feeling great about going in tonight to have our baby!!! I will keep everyone posted as best as possible. Watch Facebook for updates and email for the big announcement. We'll get something up ASAP!!!
I am going to be a MOM!
I was in a discussion with my manager this morning when my cell phone lit up. The number looked familiar...but I was not sure if it was my doctor or not. I told my manager I was going to take the call and excused myself from our discussion. Sure enough...it was Jacquie! She asked if I was coming to see her today and I said not. My next appointment is tomorrow. She then asked if I wanted to have the baby tomorrow! My first reaction was "WOW!" and then my first question was "WHY?". She commented that she knew I was ready and that the baby was ready ... so she thought she would just offer the option of scheduling the L&D to avoid the apprehension of going into labor naturally. This way, we will have a controlled L&D and we'll have our baby tomorrow!
I was overwhelmed at first. My mind and heart started racing. But after discussions with Clint and my Mom...I was talked 'off the ledge' and am feeling great about going in tonight to have our baby!!! I will keep everyone posted as best as possible. Watch Facebook for updates and email for the big announcement. We'll get something up ASAP!!!
I am going to be a MOM!
Due date…came and went…
….with no baby! But that’s ok….we’re just convinced that I have created such a wonderful and comfortable home for Baby McReynolds in the womb that he does not want to come out! Saturday night we went to a family wedding in Jasper Alabama. It was a two hour car ride…which equated to one bathroom stop each way. Wal Mart on the way there, and a Chevron on the way home. The wedding was absolutely beautiful and we wish Matt and Rebecca all the best for many years to come!
On our due date…I (somewhat jokingly) tried a bunch of things to naturally induce labor. For breakfast I had pineapple. For lunch, I had eggplant parmesan. And as part of dinner, Clint made some awesome “ABT”s (Atomic Buffalo Turds = jalapenos (from our garden) stuffed with cream cheese and then wrapped in bacon) on the Big Green Egg after smoking a pork butt. I looked some of the wives tales/myths up….and here is what I found:
PINEAPPLE: “Pineapple is not supposed to induce labor, but rather is thought to be a cervical ripening agent that stimulates prostaglandins.”
EGGPLANT PARM: “The eggplant parmesan was also in vogue for a time. While this dish may have been contributing to labor, it is probably not due to the eggplant but rather to the seasonings in the dish. Both basil and oregano are herbs contraindicated in pregnancy due to their potential ability to start labor.”
SPICY FOODS: “Certain spicy foods release capsasins, which may be counterproductive in labor. When the baby descends down the birth path, the pressure exerted releases endorphins into the woman's body. These endorphins are a natural pain-killer. In effect, the capsasins counteract the endorphins and rob the mother of her natural ability to have a pain-free birth.” … hmmm … that was not what I want!!!!
While reading and researching online…I came across this other natural inducer: Licorice! Which made me laugh because 1) I LOVE licorice and 2) I had a bunch on Saturday night at the wedding. Rebecca and Matt had a black, white and pink theme going and they had a “candy bar” which contained black licorice and Good & Plentys!
LICORICE: “Licorice, the real licorice candy, the black kind, is thought to also stimulate the production of prostaglandins. This is due to the chemical, glycyrrhizin.”
I read that eating licorice contained a warning:
WARNING: Eating lots of licorice might also result in mild diarrhea, which causes intestinal contractions that may lead to sympathetic uterine contractions. (This would not be the result I am looking for!!!!)
REFERENCE: http://www.givingbirthnaturally.com/
We had a nice visit with Clint’s parents yesterday. They were in Alabama for the family wedding and planned to spend Sunday with us and depart on their drive back to Texas on Monday morning. They arrived at our house around noon on Sunday. When we returned from church, we were greeted with several beautiful flower arrangements from the wedding. They certainly add a lot of color to our home and they smell wonderful! We went to Olive Garden for lunch (that’s where I had the eggplant!), showed off the nursery, watched some TV, played Sequence and ate a wonderful smoked dinner (pork butt and ABTs!). And then of course we went for a long walk with Nash….another natural labor inducer! Here is the theory on walking:
WALKING: “Every time you walk, you are using one of the natural ways to induce labor. Yes, that's right. Walking is a time-honored method of speeding labor. It uses the forces of gravity to aid in ripening the cervix to prepare for the birth of your new baby. With every step you take you're one step closer to labor!”
On our due date…I (somewhat jokingly) tried a bunch of things to naturally induce labor. For breakfast I had pineapple. For lunch, I had eggplant parmesan. And as part of dinner, Clint made some awesome “ABT”s (Atomic Buffalo Turds = jalapenos (from our garden) stuffed with cream cheese and then wrapped in bacon) on the Big Green Egg after smoking a pork butt. I looked some of the wives tales/myths up….and here is what I found:
PINEAPPLE: “Pineapple is not supposed to induce labor, but rather is thought to be a cervical ripening agent that stimulates prostaglandins.”
EGGPLANT PARM: “The eggplant parmesan was also in vogue for a time. While this dish may have been contributing to labor, it is probably not due to the eggplant but rather to the seasonings in the dish. Both basil and oregano are herbs contraindicated in pregnancy due to their potential ability to start labor.”
SPICY FOODS: “Certain spicy foods release capsasins, which may be counterproductive in labor. When the baby descends down the birth path, the pressure exerted releases endorphins into the woman's body. These endorphins are a natural pain-killer. In effect, the capsasins counteract the endorphins and rob the mother of her natural ability to have a pain-free birth.” … hmmm … that was not what I want!!!!
While reading and researching online…I came across this other natural inducer: Licorice! Which made me laugh because 1) I LOVE licorice and 2) I had a bunch on Saturday night at the wedding. Rebecca and Matt had a black, white and pink theme going and they had a “candy bar” which contained black licorice and Good & Plentys!
LICORICE: “Licorice, the real licorice candy, the black kind, is thought to also stimulate the production of prostaglandins. This is due to the chemical, glycyrrhizin.”
I read that eating licorice contained a warning:
WARNING: Eating lots of licorice might also result in mild diarrhea, which causes intestinal contractions that may lead to sympathetic uterine contractions. (This would not be the result I am looking for!!!!)
REFERENCE: http://www.givingbirthnaturally.com/
We had a nice visit with Clint’s parents yesterday. They were in Alabama for the family wedding and planned to spend Sunday with us and depart on their drive back to Texas on Monday morning. They arrived at our house around noon on Sunday. When we returned from church, we were greeted with several beautiful flower arrangements from the wedding. They certainly add a lot of color to our home and they smell wonderful! We went to Olive Garden for lunch (that’s where I had the eggplant!), showed off the nursery, watched some TV, played Sequence and ate a wonderful smoked dinner (pork butt and ABTs!). And then of course we went for a long walk with Nash….another natural labor inducer! Here is the theory on walking:
WALKING: “Every time you walk, you are using one of the natural ways to induce labor. Yes, that's right. Walking is a time-honored method of speeding labor. It uses the forces of gravity to aid in ripening the cervix to prepare for the birth of your new baby. With every step you take you're one step closer to labor!”
Thursday, July 9, 2009
My recent sewing projects
I have been a busy little sewing bee...making items to be used when Baby McReynolds joins us!
First, three weekends ago...my sewing project was a nursing cover. I found the pattern online...but it is pointless for me to put the link here...because I modified it so much!!!
Then, two weekends ago...my project was to make a hospital gown. I used the Lazy Girl Designs Pattern: http://www.lazygirldesigns.com/hospitalgown.php
And finally, over the last two nights I have sewn two hooded towels for bath time! Again, I found the pattern online:
http://sewing.about.com/od/freeprojects/ss/hoodtowel.htm
Of course I added the elephant to match the nursery!!!
Other than finishing up the second towel (when Hobby Lobby gets more brown bias tape), I think I am done with sewing projects for now. :)
First, three weekends ago...my sewing project was a nursing cover. I found the pattern online...but it is pointless for me to put the link here...because I modified it so much!!!
Then, two weekends ago...my project was to make a hospital gown. I used the Lazy Girl Designs Pattern: http://www.lazygirldesigns.com/hospitalgown.php
And finally, over the last two nights I have sewn two hooded towels for bath time! Again, I found the pattern online:
http://sewing.about.com/od/freeprojects/ss/hoodtowel.htm
Of course I added the elephant to match the nursery!!!
Other than finishing up the second towel (when Hobby Lobby gets more brown bias tape), I think I am done with sewing projects for now. :)
Monday, July 6, 2009
We're in the 40th week!!!!
Clint, Melissa and Baby McReynolds just got back from a check up at the doctor's. We're happy to report that Melissa is dilated to 1cm, but the dr's prediction is.....
....there will be no baby this week! She said we probably still have 7-10 days. And we're just fine with that! Melissa is feeling great and not terribly uncomfortable. A few minor aches and pains every now and then...but that is to be expected.
The baby's HR was 152....still quite high...but it always gets taken right after Melissa moves around quite a bit and is excited to find out how everyone is doing!
We had a GREAT July 4th weekend. We caught up on some movies that we've been wanting to watch and enjoyed some downtime. Clint smoked a brisket on the Big Green Egg for 11 hours on Saturday and we had a great group of friends over to enjoy it. We watched five kids under four years old play with the adult lawn games (ladder ball and corn hole) and went to watch the fireworks that Oxford puts on over the Lake.
We're looking forward to a quick visit from Nonnie and Pop this weekend, as they are in the area for a family wedding. We're still not sure if we'll make the trek over to the wedding...but regardless we wish Rebecca and Matt all the best, as well as wedded bliss and happiness as they start their lives together!!!
....there will be no baby this week! She said we probably still have 7-10 days. And we're just fine with that! Melissa is feeling great and not terribly uncomfortable. A few minor aches and pains every now and then...but that is to be expected.
The baby's HR was 152....still quite high...but it always gets taken right after Melissa moves around quite a bit and is excited to find out how everyone is doing!
We had a GREAT July 4th weekend. We caught up on some movies that we've been wanting to watch and enjoyed some downtime. Clint smoked a brisket on the Big Green Egg for 11 hours on Saturday and we had a great group of friends over to enjoy it. We watched five kids under four years old play with the adult lawn games (ladder ball and corn hole) and went to watch the fireworks that Oxford puts on over the Lake.
We're looking forward to a quick visit from Nonnie and Pop this weekend, as they are in the area for a family wedding. We're still not sure if we'll make the trek over to the wedding...but regardless we wish Rebecca and Matt all the best, as well as wedded bliss and happiness as they start their lives together!!!
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
38 week appointment update!
We had an AWESOME doctor's appointment this morning! I am starting to dilate. AND....the baby is dropping! My fundal measured 33cm, down 2cm from last week...which is the indicator that he is dropping. I learned that fact today!!! The baby's HR was 150.
AND THEN....I had a 'growth scan'....which is basically a sonogram where they check all of his measurements. :) I was not scheduled to have another sonogram unless there was a need. I didn't want a 'need'...so I had given up on the idea that I would see "baby McReynolds" in the womb before he made his appearance into the world.
I was SO excited. Fortunately, I had brought our "Baby Movie" DVD with me....so the tech popped that in and recorded the session. Baby McReynolds' head is measuring 37 wks, while his femur and stomach are measuring 38 wks and 2 days (which is exactly what I am today!). This all equates to a weight of approximately 7lbs 8oz!!!!!!! She said that could be +/- 1lb! When I exclaimed that it could then mean that he was 8.5lbs, the tech assured me that he was not that big. :)
So...we're making progress...but the chances are LOW that we'll have a baby this week!
AND THEN....I had a 'growth scan'....which is basically a sonogram where they check all of his measurements. :) I was not scheduled to have another sonogram unless there was a need. I didn't want a 'need'...so I had given up on the idea that I would see "baby McReynolds" in the womb before he made his appearance into the world.
I was SO excited. Fortunately, I had brought our "Baby Movie" DVD with me....so the tech popped that in and recorded the session. Baby McReynolds' head is measuring 37 wks, while his femur and stomach are measuring 38 wks and 2 days (which is exactly what I am today!). This all equates to a weight of approximately 7lbs 8oz!!!!!!! She said that could be +/- 1lb! When I exclaimed that it could then mean that he was 8.5lbs, the tech assured me that he was not that big. :)
So...we're making progress...but the chances are LOW that we'll have a baby this week!
Friday, June 26, 2009
Maternity Shots by Kristin Greenlee!!
When we went to Texas in May, we spent Saturday morning with a wonderful friend, and Dallas-Fort Worth professional photographer, Kristin Greenlee. Kristin took maternity photos for us and it was great fun! Here are some of our favorite shots.
Check out more of Kristin's work at www.kristingreenlee.com and read her blog at http://kristingreenleephotography.blogspot.com/
Check out more of Kristin's work at www.kristingreenlee.com and read her blog at http://kristingreenleephotography.blogspot.com/
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Great check-up...all things considered
Last night was rough. Melissa woke up with major stomach cramps at 11pm. Not knowing what was happening (i.e. the cramps elevated too quickly to be labor), Clint ensured that Melissa did not have a fever and tried to encourage some water consumption. For the next four hours, Melissa spent a lot of time in the bathroom, and finally around 3am it seemed to subside. With no fever, we assume Melissa had food poisoning. But it could have been a small flu bug, since there is some of that going around.
We had our standing doctor's appointment at 845am, so we we went there for a check-up. As usual, and regardless of the previous night's events, Melissa's vitals were great, as were the baby's. The baby's HR was 150. Still pretty high...but nothing to be alarmed by. The baby is definitely sitting comfortably with his head down. At times, we have commented that Melissa's belly looks lopsided and unsymmetrical, and after mentioning that to Jacquie, she confirmed that the baby is mostly on Melissa's right side. But that's ok....just as long as he is comfortable! :)
Melissa caught up on her sleep today and hopes to return to work tomorrow.
We had our standing doctor's appointment at 845am, so we we went there for a check-up. As usual, and regardless of the previous night's events, Melissa's vitals were great, as were the baby's. The baby's HR was 150. Still pretty high...but nothing to be alarmed by. The baby is definitely sitting comfortably with his head down. At times, we have commented that Melissa's belly looks lopsided and unsymmetrical, and after mentioning that to Jacquie, she confirmed that the baby is mostly on Melissa's right side. But that's ok....just as long as he is comfortable! :)
Melissa caught up on her sleep today and hopes to return to work tomorrow.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Swiss Chard?!?!?
What's with all the vegetable references when it comes to Babycenter.com describing the size of our baby!?!?? This week, babycenter.com compares our unborn baby to a Swiss Chard!!! We are 37 weeks pregnant...and we are therefore considered FULL TERM! The lungs should be fully mature and ready to adjust to life outside the womb. It is estimated that Baby McReynolds weighs 6 1/3 pounds and measures 19 inches....head to heel....like a stalk of Swiss Chard. :)
All else is well. Momma and baby are doing great. And Daddy is enjoying his first and only "Father-to-be" Day!!! Baby McReynolds surprised him with a Texas A&M onesie, a Texas A&M bib, a Texas A&M pacifier holder and a Texas A&M sippee cup/snack holder. So....the little man is ready for Texas A&M Football season!!!!
Friday, June 19, 2009
Our travel system!
Our travel system arrived today!!! We ordered the Chicco Cortina Key Fit 30 (color scheme: Romantic...which is black and grey...odd, we know). It was ordered in April....and we took a big risk, as it was to be on backorder until the end of June. But....we were pleasantly surprised when it arrived early today!! It is all unpacked and has been tested out. Tomorrow we will
install the bases in the cars and then we will be ready to bring the baby home from the hospital!!
install the bases in the cars and then we will be ready to bring the baby home from the hospital!!
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Baby Shower in Texas!!!!
The weekend of May 29th-31st, we went to Texas for a visit with Clint's family and to be the guest of honor at a Baby Shower in Texas!!!We enjoyed our visit with Nonnie and Pop on Friday, which included great meals, computer/TV tech support and a new game called Sequence. 
We shared a wonderful meal with Aunt-to-be Heather, Uncle-to-be Victor and all the kiddos on Friday night. Our niece and nephews have so much energy!!! It was fun to play with them and get caught up on their favorite things!
On Saturday, our friend Kristin Greenlee did maternity shots for us. We had a great time with her and LOVE the product!!! We hope to be able to provide a link to the photos soon. That afternoon, Melissa went to her baby shower, while Clint visited with best friend Michael Gallian.
The baby shower was absolutely fabulous. It was great to visit with friends at such a wonderfully planned and thoughtful baby shower!! The very talented Gloria Mapston created a masterpiece of a cake...a 3D standing green elephant complete with a fondant baby sporting a Texas A&M hat!! Glo, Wendy Timson and Mandy Lucke (the hostess) decorated the house in greens, browns and elephants to go with our nursery theme! The food and drinks were fantastic too! And everyone was so generous with their gifts for Baby McReynolds (and Mom-to-be!). What a wonderful afternoon!!!
The cake!
The Peppers!
The Punch!
Wendy and Melissa!
Mandy and Melissa!
Generous gifts!!!
We shared a wonderful meal with Aunt-to-be Heather, Uncle-to-be Victor and all the kiddos on Friday night. Our niece and nephews have so much energy!!! It was fun to play with them and get caught up on their favorite things! On Saturday, our friend Kristin Greenlee did maternity shots for us. We had a great time with her and LOVE the product!!! We hope to be able to provide a link to the photos soon. That afternoon, Melissa went to her baby shower, while Clint visited with best friend Michael Gallian.
The baby shower was absolutely fabulous. It was great to visit with friends at such a wonderfully planned and thoughtful baby shower!! The very talented Gloria Mapston created a masterpiece of a cake...a 3D standing green elephant complete with a fondant baby sporting a Texas A&M hat!! Glo, Wendy Timson and Mandy Lucke (the hostess) decorated the house in greens, browns and elephants to go with our nursery theme! The food and drinks were fantastic too! And everyone was so generous with their gifts for Baby McReynolds (and Mom-to-be!). What a wonderful afternoon!!!
The cake!
The Peppers!
The Punch!
Wendy and Melissa!
Mandy and Melissa!
Generous gifts!!!
36 week check-up!!
I (Melissa) had a great 36 week check-up today! All my vitals were good and Baby McReynolds’ HR was 144. When his heart rate was being recorded, he kicked which made all in the room laugh. Jacquie Tessen (our doctor) confirmed that the baby is turned and is getting ready to descend into position. :)
My Fundal length measured 34cm…so I am about 2 cm behind in size. The doctor is not concerned about this, as it probably just means he is sitting back (which we have always expected) and/or he has not hit his major growth spurt yet.
Other than that....Baby McReynolds has been VERY active lately!!! He has had the hiccups at least three times a day for the last week or so and his movements have been strong and often constant for 30 minutes to an hour. He was REALLY active last night...from 4:30pm until we went to bed at 10pm. I mentioned this at the doctor's office today and Jacquie said that for some reason babies can sense pressure changes in the atmosphere...sure enough there was a LARGE storm that rolled through here last night. Very interesting!
Jacquie also officially told me today that I cannot deliver between June 24th and July 5th. Reason being - she will be out of town. We have no indications that he will come early...so I think we're safe. Worse case, the on-call doctor will step in (obviously), but it would be nice to have our friend/dr deliver us!
We are getting very excited to meet Baby McReynolds. Clint and I went on a mini "babymoon" this past weekend to Pensacola beach (pictures to come). It was WONDERFUL! We rested and relaxed with no schedule or timeline the whole weekend. We enjoyed great food, beautiful white sand, cool ocean water and most of all...each other's company. We did comment a few times that this was the last vacation with "just the two of us". Even if we can break away and leave Baby McR with Gram/Grandpa Lloyd (?? What is your "Grandpa" name, Dad ??) or Nonnie/Pop McReynolds...it will not be the same! But...we're ready and super excited to be parents...and that's the important thing.
My Fundal length measured 34cm…so I am about 2 cm behind in size. The doctor is not concerned about this, as it probably just means he is sitting back (which we have always expected) and/or he has not hit his major growth spurt yet.
Other than that....Baby McReynolds has been VERY active lately!!! He has had the hiccups at least three times a day for the last week or so and his movements have been strong and often constant for 30 minutes to an hour. He was REALLY active last night...from 4:30pm until we went to bed at 10pm. I mentioned this at the doctor's office today and Jacquie said that for some reason babies can sense pressure changes in the atmosphere...sure enough there was a LARGE storm that rolled through here last night. Very interesting!
Jacquie also officially told me today that I cannot deliver between June 24th and July 5th. Reason being - she will be out of town. We have no indications that he will come early...so I think we're safe. Worse case, the on-call doctor will step in (obviously), but it would be nice to have our friend/dr deliver us!
We are getting very excited to meet Baby McReynolds. Clint and I went on a mini "babymoon" this past weekend to Pensacola beach (pictures to come). It was WONDERFUL! We rested and relaxed with no schedule or timeline the whole weekend. We enjoyed great food, beautiful white sand, cool ocean water and most of all...each other's company. We did comment a few times that this was the last vacation with "just the two of us". Even if we can break away and leave Baby McR with Gram/Grandpa Lloyd (?? What is your "Grandpa" name, Dad ??) or Nonnie/Pop McReynolds...it will not be the same! But...we're ready and super excited to be parents...and that's the important thing.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
The hiccups!!!
I (Melissa) went to visit a co-worker and friend, Christy, in the hospital yesterday. She just had her baby boy, Levi, on Tuesday. He was precious! As I was holding him, he had the hiccups. Christy told me he had had them while she was pregnant with him and that it was a really neat feeling. She described them as "methodic kicks". It then dawned on me that I too have felt those "methodic kicks", but didn't come to the realization that they were hiccups!
Tonight, after Clint and I finished eating dinner, I sat back in my chair and Baby McReynolds got the hiccups. Clint placed his hand on my belly and felt them too. Such a neat feeling! I am beginning to wonder if I will miss feeling him moving, kicking and poking me on the inside after he is born.... :)
Tonight, after Clint and I finished eating dinner, I sat back in my chair and Baby McReynolds got the hiccups. Clint placed his hand on my belly and felt them too. Such a neat feeling! I am beginning to wonder if I will miss feeling him moving, kicking and poking me on the inside after he is born.... :)
Week 34 Check up
Melissa had her Week 34 Check-up today and as usual...all is well! Just the way we like the check ups! The baby's HR was 148, higher than the previous visit...but Melissa did note that Baby McReynolds was moving around while the doctor and her talked about the mild pains he has started to give Melissa.
The doctor confirmed that the swelling in Melissa's feet was nothing to be worried about as it is normal and can somewhat be controlled by not eating too much foods containing salt and drinking as much water as possible. The mild back pains are in fact just spasms and the back's way of saying "I'm getting tired of carrying this bowling ball around". :)
Next appointment...June 16th and then we go every week after that until Melissa delivers!!!
37 days and counting (until the due date!). CRAZY!!! Not long now!!!
The doctor confirmed that the swelling in Melissa's feet was nothing to be worried about as it is normal and can somewhat be controlled by not eating too much foods containing salt and drinking as much water as possible. The mild back pains are in fact just spasms and the back's way of saying "I'm getting tired of carrying this bowling ball around". :)
Next appointment...June 16th and then we go every week after that until Melissa delivers!!!
37 days and counting (until the due date!). CRAZY!!! Not long now!!!
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Work Baby Shower
Last Thursday, several VERY sweet ladies at work threw a baby shower for us! It was wonderful! Everyone is so generous and we are so grateful. Many many workmates chipped in and got us the baby swing and the Baby BJORN. We love them both and they will be well used for months to come!
The cake was beautiful too...complete with an elephant and circles made of fondant to match the nursery! Here are some pictures!
Thank you HONEYWELL!!!!
The cake was beautiful too...complete with an elephant and circles made of fondant to match the nursery! Here are some pictures!
Thank you HONEYWELL!!!!
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