Happy Halloween from ...

The hospital!  And no, we still don't have a baby boy yet.  But yep, I'm back.  And have been since late Friday night.  Thankfully the Lord answered our prayers and held this off until the Mister was back from being out of town.  He's been traveling for the past 6 weeks to Chicago, Mon - Fri and we have had everyone praying that C waited until his daddy was back in town permanently to make his entrance in the world.  And what happens?  The NIGHT the Mister is home for good from his travelling stint, my blood pressure spikes to 145/105 and decides to stay there.  God is good and answers praryers.  Can-I-getta-amen?  SO, at about 11:45, we made the call and decided to go into labor and delivery.  They were pretty concerned about my BP levels as well and decided to keep me overnight.  Which has now turned into keeping me, more than likely, until C gets here.  Woo. hoo.  Can you tell I'm less than thrilled?  But I am glad I'm in a place where they can keep an eye on me and C and make sure everyone looks okay.  On one hand, my doctor might decide that enough is enough and induce me on Wednesday when I am officially full term and on the other, she could decide she wants to get me to 38/39 weeks and I'll have to stay in the hospital for the next 1 1/2 to 2 weeks.  Given the fact that C is measuring a week ahead and his belly and head are measuring 2 weeks ahead, I'm hoping it's the first option.  My doctor is off tomorrow so I won't see her until Tuesday and then I'm sure we'll know a little more at that point.  SO, until then, it looks like I'll be spending this Halloween in the hospital.  The first time in my life I haven't been at my mom's Halloween party and gone trick or treating with my little brother and sister.  I was pretty bummed about it however, thank GOODNESS I have a momma that comes in and does things like this ...

That's right.  She decorated my hospital room.  She came in and surprised me this morning with the decorations, the Candy Corn hat I'm wearing, a little tin full of candy and some Halloween cupcakes and the beautiful fall mum flower arrangement.  Absolutely made my day.

So, Happy Halloween from my hospital "home" to yours ... I hope you have a SPOOKTACULAR evening!!!

Thoughtless Thursday: Whining Warning

Disclaimer:  I promise, I KNOW how lucky we are to have a healthy baby, that I've made it to 36 weeks and that things, besides the high blood pressure, have gone pretty smoothly until now.  I know this, I'm thankful for this and I don't take this for granted.

That being said ...

I'm done being pregnant.  Don't get me wrong, I DO want this little man to stay put, grow some more and continue to develop.  But at the same time?  I'm (as in mentally and physically) done.  Every day I think surely I feel bigger, more uncomfortable.  Every day I think "Surely, since the heat is gone, I shouldn't be hot and sweating in my own house".  Every day I think "SURELY my face can't look any chubbier than it did the day before and my feet and ankles couldn't be more "one" with each other".  And every day?  Pregnancy laughs at me.  I mean CANKLES.  I'm sorry, did I say cankles?  I meant cackles.  Sorry.  Pregnancy on the brain.  Literally.

Let's talk about the dreams I've been having.  This morning, because I didn't sleep so well, I took a nap and during this little hour long siesta I dreamt that I had a baby boy, however my current baby was still ... in the womb.  In this dream I asked my mom "Can YOU see the baby in the crib?  The one I've been feeding and rocking and burping for the last few days (apparently there was time for days to pass during this one hour dream)?" and her response was "Um, Katie we might need to look into getting you some help ... " and then I woke up.  And the other night?  I dreamt that I found fox babies.  Yes, fox babies, as in baby foxes (foxi?  foxen?) however they looked like Falcor from the Neverending Story but baby sized.  And I wanted SO badly to rescue them in the dream, but I was, of course, pregnant and afraid they were going to bite me and give me rabies.  And I believe I've already told y'all about the "breastfeeding the baby with teeth that could speak full sentences but was newborn sized."  At first, these were hilarious, however NOW?  They just creep me out.  And let's not GET me started on sleeping.  These days, I can't even fall asleep before 1 am and can't sleep later than 8 am of which, during this period of  "sleep", I wake up at LEAST 5 times to pee.  At one point, I went 3 times within a 45 minute period.  And if I'm not peeing?  I'm adjusting my gigantor belly, flinging it from side to side, stuffing pillows under it and propping myself up so I don't feel little man creeping up into my chest and hindering my breathing process.  So like I said.  I'm done.  And I almost WAS technically "done" on Tuesday afternoon ...

Remember how I said we had a doctor's appointment?  Well everything went great, little man looks great measuring 6 lbs 12 oz and growing right on schedule.  Then, when we went to check my BP, it was 130/100.  Great.  Back to Labor & Delivery for me, however this time my doctor tells me that if it didn't go back down that we might have to DELIVER me.  Two days ago!  Luckily, once I got into the hospital room my BP was more than normal, it was actually under the range it needed to be in, so they sent me home after 2 hours.  But for a crazy bit, I thought we might meet little man on Tuesday!  So, as of now, I'm home on bed rest, being a good girl and resting.  I have an appointment to check my blood pressure this morning and we're HOPING it will be a good reading again.  Then maybe, just MAYBE my mom will be able to drive me to a much needed mani/pedi appointment to get my claws nails back to a reasonable length so I don't scratch my sweet little boy whenever he arrives.

Now, onto the "Thoughtless" part of this "Thoughtless Thursdsay".  In the meantime, while waiting for my pregnancy to actually BE done, this little guy is the BEST bedrest partner EVER.

{Momma, I's sweepy, I's kan't stays up tilz 1 in da murnin'.}

Oh how I love him.  Now, YOUR turn!  Grab my button, post your random pictures and come back here and link up so we can all see what you posted!!!

Halloween Baby Shower!

Now that I've officially blabbed on about our radical Rangers and bodacious Bears (let's not talk about the Cowboys, mmmk?) I can't WAIT to tell you about shower!  First off, if you know me at all you know that I am OB-SESSED with holidays.  As in, when October rolls around I turn into an 8 year old.  Obsessing over decorations, costumes, family time, holiday parties, themed menus and MORE!   And it all starts with October.  Halloween.  The first big decorating event in my house.  And even MORE so I love holiday themed parties!  I've always wanted to have a holiday themed shower and for C's last shower, I got one!  The invitation stated that the shower was to be "Halloween Couture" attire and then an award would be given to the most creative costume.  So, per usual, I'll just SHOW you the Halloween spookyness that was my shower, bwahahahahahaha ...

{the adorable table decor}

{my momma and I, the clown and the pregnant greek goddess ... pregnant with Zeus I guess?}

{the dessert table with an amazing pumpkin cake and Halloween cupcakes!}

{my Mamaw, the cutest kitty ever!}

{me & my cousin Jenny - also a cute kitty!}

{the two hostesses with the mostestest!}

{another shot of the desert table ...}

{ADORABLE personalized fuzzy navels (I took 2 home for after C arrives)}

{Fulmer Frog Eye Brew!}

{more shots of the cute table!}

{mom and her two besties/the hostesses!}

{adorable friends!}

{the clown costume my grandma made ME that I wore when I was 2, my mom brought it for C to wear either next year or the year after!}

{my mom gave me a frame with a picture just like this one in it along with the costume!}

{sweet, soft bunny with C's name embroidered}

{another cute little embroidered bag with C's name on it!}

{little sherpa-lined crocs!}

{more of my MOH's handy work - the sign that will go with the stuffed animal heads that will go on the wall}

{my mom was the winner of the costume contest!}

{me and my frousin (friend + cousin = frousin)}

{Casey and I basically started trick or treating together in the womb}

{I have really hot friends.}

{the cute little kitties at the party.} 

The party was a BLAST and this little boy has everything he ever could want.  I'm afraid, after he gets here, I'm going to have to turn this blog into a "baby fashion show" and change this kids clothes 8 times a day (which I've been told I'll have to do anyways due to spit up) and post pictures of each outfit change ... but I will say, that NOW that all the showers are over little man is WELCOME to come any time after next Wednesday (when he's 37 weeks and full term) especially considering the fact that he's measuring almost 2 weeks ahead.  We have another appointment tomorrow along with a sono (the perk of having high BP, I get a sono every week!) which will result in more info about our little man!

One more part of the shower that, unfortunately wasn't able to be a part of the actual shower due to UPS not following through with their promise to deliver by Saturday, was my stepmom's amazing gift!  I promised her I'd take pictures of the DARLING packaging and of the gift to include in my "Halloween shower" post!

{the adorable box she decorated that the gift came in!}

{a Petunia Picklebottom diaper bag!  I can't WAIT to use this!  Now I can still be stylin' while being a boy momma!}

And that sums up my Halloween shower!  It was SUCH a fun idea and SUCH a "me" idea.  HOORAY for holidays!!!



Shower Post Bumped.

"Why?"  You ask?  Well, because HOLY FREAKIN' COW THE TEXAS RANGERS ARE GOING TO THE WORLD SERIES!

I figured that merited at least ONE full blog post.

Now let me start by saying that I admit, I'm a fair weather fan.  I told the Mister Friday night that baseball is my least favorite sport to watch on TV and my most favorite sport to watch live and football is the same way but flip flopped (like it on TV, not as much of a fan of it live).  But MAN am I glad I watched Friday night.  I actually teared up.  And I barely ever watch the Rangers.  Unlike one of my best friends who L-O-V-E-S the Rangers and, of course, the minute she and her husband (who is an even BIGGER fan) move to Taiwan, they go to the World Series.  They were watching from Taiwan on Friday (Saturday morning for them) and both were messes of tears.  And did I mention that I have a major crush on Josh Hamilton?  Cause I do.  SW-OON.  Especially after his shout out to Jesus on Friday night.  Stud.  Straight stud.  Don't worry, I'm pretty sure the Mister shares the same sentiment.

So my hat (Ranger's baseball cap to be specific) is off to you Rangers.  Now LET'S GO WIN THE WORLD SERIES!!!

And last but not least, HOW 'BOUT THEM BAYLOR BEARS!?!?  We're officially RANKED and are bowl bound!  First the Rangers make it to the World Series THEN the Bears make it to a bowl!?!?  What a great sports weekend!!!  So I had to proudly sport (and show off since I was put on bedrest two days we were supposed to go to the Baylor/Tech game) ...

My friend, Ellen, made me this shirt.  She designed the iron on bling and put it on this maternity tank.  Even though I wasn't able to ever wear it out of the house, I'm SURE I'll be able to wear it with Fulmer baby number two so it will be saved for future use ...

Sooooo, LET'S GO RANGERS and SIC 'EM BEARS!!!

CSN Stores

Have any of y'all had the opportunity to check out CSN Stores?  I've gotten several items for many of their different stores now and have been nothing but thrilled with my results!  Whether you're looking for personalized items, cute accessories for your pet or even bar furniture, this site will meet all your shopping needs and more.

And why am I babbling on about CSN?  Because they've offered to let me review another fantastic product on their site, that's why.  I'm not sure what I'm going to pick but I CAN tell you that I'm more than positive I will have nothing but good things to say about it.

I hope you're all having a great weekend!

PART of the Nursery ...

Per my usual procrastinating ways, the nursery is anything but done.  And my current situation doesn'tsomuch lend itself to remedying that problem.  HOWEVER, we do, FINALLY, have one of the most important components ...

We have the CRIB!  So at least I know, if C decides to make his debut before I'm induced on the 17th, that he has a place to sleep.  Phew.  Now we're just waiting on the glider and the nursery furniture will be complete!  As soon as the Mister gets home tonight (yes, he's been out of town all week) we're going to put a plan together just in case little man decides to make himself known earlier.  Like, packing a bag, making sure all the essentials are set up (swing, bouncer, diapers where they need to be, etc.) and having a plan in place in case he decides to surprise us all and come early.  I'm not going to lie though, I kind of envision it happening (and secretly kind of hope because it's freaking hilarious) something like this ...

Sorry it was a bit long, but it is without a doubt, one of my all-time favorite Lucy episodes.

Besides that, happy weekends all, I get to get OUT OF THE HOUSE and I COULDN'T. BE. MORE. PUMPED.  Two weeks down, three to go.  WAHOO.

Thoughtless Thursday: Baby Halloween Costumes

So, obviously this year our little man won't be sporting a costume (I guess technically he's wearing "me" as a costume?) since he won't have made his debut yet, but IF he were ...

{yes, the baby's body goes in that sock.  precious.}

{both found here}

{found here}

CUTENESS. OVERLOAD.

Also, did I mention my last shower is on Sunday and it's a Halloween-themed shower where everyone (if they want) comes dressed up!  I will wait until I have pictures to unveil what I'm going as.  I will give you a hint.  I'm going to be a "pregnant ________ "  Shocker huh?

So now it's time for ...

and for all of you to play along!  Add whatever random photo you'd like, grab my button, post your TT post and come back here and link up!  I can't wait to see what you've posted!!!

One Month From Today ...

I will be on my way to becoming a mom.  HOLY. FREAK OUT.

(Or maybe even before if this giant baby makes an appearance on his own)

It's really real now friends.

Little BIG Man Updates & Pics ...

So one benefit of the high blood pressure bidness is that I get to have weekly sonograms to make sure little man is doing okay.  And when I say little, I don't MEAN little.  I mean huge.  He was measuring 6 lbs 5 oz today!  Um, my best friend's baby, little sweet P, was born at 6 lbs 3 oz, only ONE week early.

{That's me holding little P about 18 months ago, the day she was born.  As in, I have a baby.  In my stomach.  As in, the one I'm holding in this picture.  HOLY. SCHNYKIES.} 

And C still has a good 4 weeks of growin' to go.  The Mister actually said "Are we sure this is our kid?" today.  I mean seriously.  We are not big people friends.  I'm no more than 5' 3" and he's about 5' 9".  Seriously, where did this kid come from?  But I'm so happy he's big and SO happy he's looking so great!  They did a test today that he had 10 points total he could score.  And my boy scored ALL. 10.  2 points were for seeing evidence that he was using his lungs (breathing in and out), 2 points for a certain amount of movement in a certain amount of time, 2 points for a good amount of amniotic fluid, 2 points for showing that he was growing and 2 points for doing well on his NST (fetal non stress test)!  And 10 it was!  And here's the most fun part of the day, the pictures!  The first picture is evidence that the little man has HAIR!  I know the whole "if you have heartburn the baby has hair" thing is a myth, but in my case it was true!  NEVER in my life have I had heartburn, but with this baby?  Tons.  So, without further adieu, here's our little guy as of late ...

{Little spikes of hair!}

{Sweet little face with his hand next to it, laying on his side.}

{Touching his toes.  Must get that from his daddy.  Momma is NOT flexible, as in yoga is not my friend}

{Another picture of his sweet face, from last week, same position, laying on his side}


And I'll have MORE next week!  CAN. NOT. WAIT!!!  In mommy news, I'm doing great, my BP was good when I went in and she's restricted my bed rest a LITTLE bit (as in let me go to an event that I was REALLY sad about missing this weekend) so this is one ECSTATIC momma!  And last but not least, we HAVE a date (if little man doesn't decide to come on his own first), November 17th we'll be inducing to bring little C into the world.  He would be 39 weeks at that point and my doctor doesn't think it makes any sense, given that I've had the high BP, to try and wait it out until he comes.  SO we will have a baby in this house in exactly 4 weeks from this Wednesday!  EEK!!!  SO freaked out excited!!!

In other DWTS news, I wanted to kick Len in the huevos last night.  Seriously, a 5 for Kyle & Lacey!?!?  Please.  Straight ridiculous.  Pffftttttt on you Len!  And that's all I have to say about that.  Happy Tuesday everyone!

Caleb's Second Baby Shower ...

WELL.  It happened.  They let me out of lockdown the house.  And I can honestly say I've never been so happy to leave the house in my life.  I know it doesn't really sound like a big deal (and it really isn't) but I hadn't left the house since the Saturday before this past one and it felt kind of odd to do so!  Odd, but at the same time, fantastic.  It was great to get out and see my family, get some fresh air and MOST of all, celebrate our little man!  This was my second shower and I can't even begin to express how loved this little man already is.  As a matter of fact, I'll just let the pictures speak for themselves.  The shower was given by my aunts Joann and Norma Lou, my cousins Tammy and Machell and close family friend, Gayle at my mom's house.  It was perfect, from the food, to the decor to the company.  Caleb and I had a blast.  He's currently emphasizing it by dancing around in my belly.  And I felt fantastic the whole time.  I was a good girl and sat mainly in my chair the whole time, but I did get up to give hugs, get my umteenth glass of baby shower sherbert punch food and use the bathroom (hey, I'm a pregnant lady, this is bound to happen several times during ANY trip I take).

But like I said, let's let the pictures speak for themselves.

{Grandmomma and momma to be!}

{The two aunties.  Aunt Erin (brother's wifey also known as "Silly") and Aunt Ally (my little sister)}

This is the series I like to call "The Funniest Shower Games Ever".  Basically it was like the TV show "Minute To Win It" where they drew names out of a bowl and competed against each other in various competitions.  The first was who could drink the water in the baby bottles the fastest, who could put the alphabet magnets in order the fastest and lastly, who could cloth diaper the scary baby dolls the most times.  All in a minute.

{Mama's SEWIOUS!}

And thus begins the series I like to call "The Face of High Blood Pressure" (i.e. swollen, chubby face syndrome)

{SOOO funny how appropriate this is, I LOVE IT!}



And this is the series I like to call "Pictures with Katie Claus" since I am seated, in a large chair, with a belly that shakes like a bowl full of jelly as people crowd around me and I remain stationary. 

{"What would YOU like for Christmas little girl?  Have you been naughty or nice?}

Isn't this one LOVED little boy?  And one loved momma too I might add, you should've seen the way people were fretting over me, not letting me stand up or do a THING.  I seriously felt so melodramatic.  BUT doctor's orders!

I can also tell you your prayers were heard because I felt WONDERFUL the whole time at the shower and after coming home and taking my blood pressure, it was a TINY bit high, but no worse than after getting up here around the house to run to the bathroom or get myself a drink.  We go to the doctor tomorrow to check on little man and myself and I'm HOPING I might get a little lienancy on my activity (or lack thereof) after proving that I can follow instructions ...

Wish me luck!