A fabulous month in pics :)

Wowzers, I just uploaded pics to the computer and had 240. It's been a whirlwind of a month getting ready for Carter, showers, and of course the trip to NYC. I thought I would do a sprinkling of pics via blog to chronicle the last month, so here it goes...

Fabulous work girls did a "baby hour" for Carter after work. It was fun to hang out with co-workers outside of work and do a 'lil celebrating of C. They made a baby poll that is hanging by my desk at work, the earliest date on the poll is 11/28, but in the past week or so people are doubting their guesses and I get bigger and bigger. Seriously, when people were leaving work on Friday multiple people came up to me "if you have the baby this weekend..." or "if I don't see you for a few months...". See bottom of post for BIG 'ol belly pics :)

I just love this picture, as people were feeling the little guy move!

My niece and nephews decorated the wrapping for Carter's gift at a shower in Austin. This is Harrison's portrait of Carter. So sweet :)

We had a very "fancy" couples  shower with Caleb's co-workers in Dallas :). We always tell the hostesses they're our "fancy friends" so they made very fancy food and drinks for the occassion.

Our "fancy" hostesses :). These are actually great friends who their husbands just happen to work with Caleb. They live in the neighborhood and both have kiddos, so I foresee lots of hang out time in our future while the hubbies work :).

Halloween 2010. Haha, enough said.

NYC! We made it! Our first night out. This is right outside our hotel, check out the Empire State Building in the background!

Photo courtesy of Caleb. He was sitting on the ground and said something like "you look really pregnant, I need the camera" and preceeded to take this belly pic.

NYC Marathon Expo. Honestly, I was a little jealous and had to text Shannon in the midst of the expo and get confirmation that NYC Marathon is in our future as well. Here's Caleb after he picked up his bib.

Lots of cab rides the Saturday before the race as Caleb was resting the legs.

A fabulous 'lil Italian place for Saturday lunch. Carter and I enjoyed carb-loading with Daddy.

This picture is out of order, but our first Broadway show of the weekend was Friday night for The Lion King. It was magnificent!

Broadway show #2 was Saturday afternoon. We saw "Rain"--a Beatles tribute band type of thing that was very entertainting. We got 50% off tickets day-of in Times Square. With me sporting the pregnant belly we got whisked up to the front of the line for 50% tix. No complaints here!

Dinner of a marathoner=grilled cheese. Lots of hydrating all day. Worked 2 years in a row!

The obligatory "setting stuff out the night before" pic.

He looks tired, as it's 4:40 in the morning, but he is oh so excited! Breakfast of a marathoner=honey nut cheerios.

It's 5:20 am and he's ready to catch the ferry to Staten Island!

After getting up with him, I couldn't go back to sleep so I watched all the pre-marathon info on TV. PERFECT mnarathon weather!

Loved these people cheering on the runners from outside the apartment window in Brooklyn!

There go the Kenyans! I made it to Brooklyn (mile 8ish) early so I could see the whole crew--from the wheelchairs, to the elites, to the crowds and crowds of people. It was an awesome experience. I had the video camera out for the rest of the time, so I don't actually have pics of Caleb running. I was able to see him at 3 different points (mile 8, 16, and 25) thanks to my handy iphone app and subway map. Here's a video of him at mile 8. I definitetly need to work on my video skills---or maybe he's just running so fast and that's why it's blurry?!

I think he used everything he had to smile for this pic. He was actually pretty miserable here, this is the cab ride back to the hotel. He was hurting and shaking, but the adrenaline was defiinitely still going.....especially after we found out his time of 3:10:45 which qualifies him for BOSTON! I'm a very proud wife!

The feeling of being miserable did not last long---about 30 minutes after returning to the hotel he was like "let's go out!". So, we did dinner, dessert (pictured above) , then....

Broadway show #3! Billy Elliott. Again, a 50% of ticket and it was really really good!

We are both exhausted after being up for around 20 hours at this point, but in NYC we gotta have a pic in
Times Square at night!

Here was me in all my hooplah as his fan: cowbell? check. homemade sign? check. custom shirt? check.

At the Today show the morning after. I'm sporting my shirt while Caleb's sporting his medal. We did get on TV :)

Much needed stretching and foam rolling at the "Marathon Monday Mania". We then went to Chinatown and got some fabulous, shady items :). It was literally freezing, so we did lots more eating and shopping before heading back to the big D. We had a fabulous trip, but it was nice to be back on Texas soil and know that Carter wouldn't be born a Yankee :).

And now....BELLY PICS!

32 weeks

34 weeks

35 weeks

Wowzers! 36 weeks! My Dr. told me this day he's "definitely dropped' and his head is fully enagaged. No other progress, so we'll just wait and see! I'm having a few contractions, but nothing too serious. We got his carseat installed, bouncy seat up, and pack 'n play set up in our room, so we are ready when he is! I'm still working and planning on working until he comes :). I'm trying to convince Caleb that we need to put up Christmas decorations next weekend....we shall see!

NYC in 3 days!

Dear Baby Carter,

Please wait atleast one more week before you make your arrival. We love you but would much prefer you to be born at home and not in NYC.

Love,
Mom and Dad

**Note: 35 week appt today went well. The sono showed that Carter is a hefty 6.1 lbs and still movin' like crazy. The sono tech said multiple times "he is sure proud of his manhood" as he kept spreading his legs and showing us that he's definitely a boy. Good job buddy, because your room sure is ALL boy! He's head down, but not completely "engaged"--his head is more in my right hip region. Blood pressure is good, no swelling, and we're all good to go to NYC FRIDAY!

We went and bought Caleb his "throwaway sweats" tonight and we're both getting very excited for the weekend's events, most importantly the marathon :). I've got my plan for seeing him all mapped out, we'll see if it works!  His ferry is at 6 am, his wave for the race isn't until 10:10 am. We don't have a ton of plans--Lion King Friday night and then marathon festivities/resting legs the remainder of the weekend. I'm sure we'll partake in some yummy food (Carter loves carb loading too!) and people watching. I might convince him for a little bargain shopping in Chinatown as well :). We got our new video camera in the mail yesterday, so we hope to test it out this weekend--so, be prepared for videos and pics to come!

October Pics

The annual photo op outside the "nachos and pizza" tent :)

Each year Caleb must try the "new foods"....here is the fried frito pie which was actually pretty good!

And we must always go feed the animals pre-game :)

Carter sure was excited about his first corny dog!

And what's the fair without fried beer?! (They actually said it was pretty gross...)

Ryan and Margaret at the game

Me with my traditional sprite during the game  (see previous post!)

Caleb's college roommate flew in from Maui for the game--it was great to catch up with Randall during the 3rd quarter!

We got the crib in! Here it is set up with the bedding and we LOVE it!

And here's the other side of the room with the dresser/changing table

His 'lil closet is filling up!

We bought this glider to put next to the crib in the nursery, should be in this week!

We spent this past Saturday at childbirth class. I didn't want to embarrass Caleb too much, but just loved how focused he was learning how to swaddle a baby and got the camera out before he could notice :)

And friends, here is the 32 week belly pic. I thought when I started these I would always be able to fit in that tank as it was soo long...hmm, not so sure now. And those of you wondering why I don't put my face on these...it's usually b/c it's right after I've worked out (hence why I'm always in work out shorts) and don't love the face shots so much :).

Advice

I find it interesting the comments I now get from random strangers. Some tell me how "cute" I am, that I'm "all belly" while others tell me "you're so big, there's no way you'll make it to your due date!". Just this week I had a patient's mother put both hands right on my stomach and say "it's a boy, the way you're carrying I know it's a boy", the check out lady at the grocery store say "that baby has to be a girl, the way you're carrying, I'm sure it's a girl" as she INSISTED I needed help to my car with groceries (which I ran away with the cart from her line before she could get me help), while a 16 year old patient (very delayed) was mesmerized by my belly and the only way I could get her to do therapy was to use "now you can pat the baby" as a reinforcer.

I'm sure it will keep coming. I also get a lot of "how are you feeling?" and "are you ready?".....but the other day, I think I got some of the best parenting advice I think I may ever get. The conversation went something like this--I'm talking with the father of a 15 year old girl who just had a bone marrow transplant for cancer:

Dad: "So, are you ready?"
Me: "We're getting there, but definitely not ready. I'm hoping he cooks a good 10 more weeks and then I think we'll be ready"
Dad: "Well, enjoy this time. It's so easy to say "when I have x I'll be ready" or "when they're sleeping through the night it will get better" or "when this colic stage is over with then they will be fun". Just enjoy each stage for what it's worth, because you never know what will happen. I always "wished" for the next stage of (patient's name) life and never knew this would hit us, now I wish I could turn back time. Now I wish we were dealing with colic and not cancer.  I long for those days being at home and rushing kids off every direction, as now my wife and 3 other kids are in Amarillo while we're here and she's fighing for her life. So, that may sound scary, but start it early and just enjoy each stage. Enjoy your pregnancy now, those kicks and sleepless nights might seem like a pain during pregnancy, but pregnancy is so short in the big picture. Enjoy it".


Something to remember, not just for pregnancy but for life. To everything there is a season. Thank you, Lord, for getting to carry this little blessing and feel him moving on a daily basis.

Carter is so excited....

....to experience his first TX/OU weekend :). He really doesn't know what's in store, but he has been jumpin' and jivin' all day gearing up for the big weekend, he must know it's here. Little does he know we already have a babysitter lined up for next year, as this will be his only game to attend for about 10+ years :).

So, in keeping with tradition, I took today off of work to kick off this holiday weekend here in the Wood household. Friends are coming in tonight and the guest bedroom/bathroom is set to go with white towels wrapped in burnt orange bows and "H2Orange" water bottles shaped like the UT tower out on the nightstands.

I also took this day as an opportunity to begin my "nesting" and work on getting the nursery organized, making room in the kitchen cabinets for bottles and bibs, and room in the medicine cabinet for baby medicine and baby healthcare supplies.

No worries though, I did all of this to the UT band soundtrack which kept me in spirits :). I also have a prenatal massage booked for this afternoon and have already picked up a longhorn maternity shirt to sport tomorrow. Now, everyone is saying after last week's game UT has no chance, blah blah blah. It's definitely a rebuilding year, so as excited as I am about the game, win or lose, it will still be worth it because I'm looking forward to:

-friends in town tonight, catching up and discussing game plan for tomorrow

-waking up feeling like it's Christmas in the morning

-getting to the fair at 9 am to let Carter get his first experience with "fair food" :)

-1/2 orange, 1/2 crimson cotton bowl  yelling "Texas Fight" while the other side yells "Boomer Sooner"--my heart is racing just thinking about it :)

-Showband of the Southwest making the big entrance

-the flyover

-gametime. word.--drinking sprite to calm the nerves and hope I don't go into labor :)

-"The Eyes of Texas"--win or lose, we will be there supporting the horns

Now, of course Carter is so excited about TX/OU, but he's had a busy few weeks, so I'll keep you updated blogworld. His friend Sadie is due to come Monday if she doesn't arrive before then. Here's our b-study girls doing an impromptu baby shower for Steph at her house, as she got put on bed rest that day. I can't wait to meet that little girl!



Then, we went out to Roscoe to hear Grandaddy announce the Plowboys homecoming football game and spend time with family. Nothing compares to West Texas football....the whole town shows up, which is only about 800 in this case :). I love this pic...check out the windmills in the background that scream Friday night in West Texas.

 Here's some of the family at the game:

And we got a quick pic with Grandaddy in the press box at halftime:

 And nothing says a trip to Roscoe/Sweetwater like Saturday morning donuts at Doris' sweet shop. This was my first (and likely only) donut during pregnancy and Carter was sooo excited he got to eat Doris', he was moving all day long! Ali even got to see him kicking my belly :)

Carter is going to have so many friends. Here are 4 of us "speechies" at work...3 are pregnant, one is not :)

Carter is one very blessed and loved little boy. Some wonderful friends threw us a baby shower in Dallas this past weekend and I'm still overwhelmed with the love and generosity of sweet friends on our little family. Here's a little pic of his loot:

Caleb came over afterwards and we got a pic in front of the adorable sign Alison crafted. I have a friend that took a lot more pics and will get more on here eventually :).

And Kate, for you, here is the 29 week belly pic. Per my books, Carter is about 3 lbs, 16 inches, and will just continue to grow! Come on buddy!

And it's very fitting to end this post on TX/OU weekend and let all you blog friends know that this was purchased last night on etsy. Carter can't wait. Hook 'em. 



Labor Day Weekend

Priming completed!

Rockband and burgers with Emily and the boys

Painting

Attempted to put the crib together. Unfortunately, this didn't happen as the bolt holes were drilled wrong and we had to take it back. Good thing is you can see the finished paint in this room. Love it! Now waiting on another crib....

A little shopping in Canton!

And finally, the 27 week pregnancy pic! See, I said I was bigger :)

**Chels and Lindie---I cannot believe we didn't get a pic during our get together :(. You were definitely a highlight of my Labor Day Weekend!

Is it fall?!

Running this morning was fabulous....60 degree weather, great friend with good conversation, and a maternity belt that kept the newfound "pressure" to a minimum. Got home, made some decaf coffee, and sat down to watch GameDay to kick off college football. Ahh, it definitely feels like fall! Even though I'm sure we have a few more 100+ degree days ahead of us, I am sure enjoying this little treat!

I officially entered my 3rd trimester yesterday, sitting strong at 27 weeks. I had a MD appt this past week and talked to her about some little pains I'm having. She said it's all normal and just get ready for more aches and pains....so, I'm gearing up! I'm still loving the big pillow my Dad got me for my birthday, I am sleeping great!

As for the MD appt, it was the glucose screening. I was nervous about it, so Caleb took off work and found his own little bottle of orange "juice" so we could take the drinks in a mere 5 minutes together:

He's such a great partner in this pregnancy journey :). Sad news is that my levels were too high so I'm taking off of work and going back for the big 3 hour test this Wednesday where I get to drink even MORE of this stuff :(. I've done my share of worrying, but know that the Lord is in control and if I do have gestational diabetes it will be just fine. I'll adjust my diet and Carter and I will keep on truckin'. Until then, my doctor said to keep eating like normal....which means we will definitely be having our Mr Gattis during the Texas game tradition.

Many people are asking for belly pics and I'm not huge on posting pics of this growing tummy, but also want others to be able to see Carter's growth (definitely his, not mine...right?!) and know I'll enjoy looking back. So, I'm taking pics about every 2 weeks, last one we took was at 25 weeks:

I'll take another this week (27) as it's definitely grown since this pic :).

Caleb's Dad just arrived and he and Caleb are upstairs getting the nursery ready to paint! I did some taping yesterday, so here is the before pic:

I think by the end of this weekend we'll have his crib put together, bedding on, and nursery painted. Can't wait! I think this will really hit home that Mr. Carter is coming and will hopefully get me more in that "nesting" phase I've only heard about :). We're very thankful for Papa coming up to help get everything ready for the little guy!

We will definitely be taking a break (I say we--they're doing the work while I"m here blogging!) at 2:30 for the season opener against Rice. Even though Carter is still cooking and we hope he continues until right around the Big 12 Championship game (12/4 I believe!), he will be ready to sport the right colors when he comes:

I haven't bought this yet, but am seriously considering for his newborn pics:

Haha....and on that note, happy 3 day weekend and hook 'em!

baby has a name!

Carter David Wood

I hope he loves it as much as we do :).

Big Week

Cavalier sold. It's been very bittersweet and emotional for me to get rid of this car, as it's been a staple in my life since I was 15. However, there is a season for everything and although the season for the Cavy was long and brought so many memories, it has come to an end. I'm glad another 16 year old girl will get to take over, I hope she brings her many memories.

Hence, why we got rid of the Cavalier...we got a new car on Saturday! I sure hope that this car will be as good to us as as the Cavy baby and our little family makes lots of memories in this car (it's much safer than the Cavy!). It's a dark greay Volvo XC90. It has the 3rd row, so 7 seats....we have plenty of room to grow. It's going to take some getting used to with the size, but I'm loving driving it around and Caleb is loving driving the Accord!

Last but not least, baby boy is growing and growing. I think this pic shows my "popping" stage I talked about in the last post! He does have a name...we're slowly revealing, so wait just a little longer blogworld and I will reveal to you :). Until then, stay cool---this 106 degrees is getting OLD fast.