The Last 9 Months-Preparation

All of you moms and expectant moms are intimately familiar with all of the preparation that is involved with planning for a baby. So, while I know I'm certainly not telling anyone anything you didn't already know, I've mentioned all of the nesting we've been doing in preparation for Raegan that I felt the need to document details on this interesting instinct.

My favorite article on this can be found here. It's OH. SO. TRUE.

As the above article states, everyone "nests" differently. Here are a few examples of how we nested at the Ransom household:

Lots of reading, planning, and more reading:

Chuck didn't understand, but organizing the pantry was "absolutely necessary"! Thanks, babe, for caving and taking on this project:

Pillow purchased for the hopeful comfort of sleeping on my side:

(PS-no such luck)

Clothes, clothes, burp cloths, towels, sheets, clothes and more clothes washed and washed and washed......and organized in closet...and washed and organized in closet...more washed...and organized in closet...

Whew! All done:

Stroller assembled:

Thank Yous written expressing our deepest gratitude for every gift received:

Raegan's bathroom closet organized and ready...b/c...well, it has to be organized:

And, FINALLY, in the words of John Denver:

"Our bags are packed, we're ready to go..."

The only thing missing is baby!

Side note-A lot of you have asked to see pics of the nursery. So, I'm working on a nursery posting. Now that I'm officially on Maternity Leave from work, I'll have more time to get that done!

Here's to 4 months of unemployment!

Full-Term

Raegan is officially full-term. I think back to that Friday in July when I read, re-read, and re-read again the pregnancy test result-and, I just can't believe that all of this is real. As much as I'll miss being pregnant, I can't wait to meet her. At my appointment today, I found out that things are "status quo".

 I'm still dilated 1 centimeter and 60% effaced. Same as last time.

The one thing that threw me a bit for a loop is that, at one point, my OB began a new conversation:

"So, are you tired of being pregnant?"

"Huh? What? No."

"Ok. Well, let me know. We can induce you at any time."

"Oh...ok...yeah...no, I'm not tired of being pregnant."

My philosophy is: let's let her stay in there as long as it's not harmful. It can only help. I continued the conversation:

"So, at what point will you make the decision to induce me if she hasn't come on her own?"

"At 1 week past your due date, we'll go ahead and take her if she's not here yet. At that point, she is no longer benefiting from being in the womb. In fact, it could actually be harmful."
End of conversation.

For some reason, that really hit home. No matter what-she's going to be here by April 12th. (My OB has my due date down as April 5th...although we know it's April 10th. Since it was within 5 days, he didn't change the paperwork.) Wow. How exciting!!!!!!!!!! This is my last week at work. I'm having mixed feelings about that. More on that subject later.

Let's just say-I don't think it's going to be easy for me to not work for a while.... Meanwhile, just to serve as some entertainment, I've posted the latest updates to the Belly Diaries.

Before you enjoy how massive I've gotten, please note that once Raegan is here and we begin to post pictures, etc-I will be making this blog private. If you're interested in being able to view it, please send me an email (kamberann26@yahoo.com) so I can make sure that you continue to have access. The only thing that will change is that you will have to put in a username and password in order to access the site.

It's Crowded in Here

As a lot of you know, I didn't end up having an exam (check for further dilation and effacement) at my appointment this past Monday. My OB was out of town. So, my nurse saw me instead. She did the standard measuring, check of the heartbeat, and answered all of my questions. Then, we chatted for a while. Long story short-I left extremely happy because she said that I could have another ultrasound!!! We wasted no time. We made an appointment for 3:15 today. Ultrasound Technician Comments:

• "Everything looks great. All normal."
• "Wow. You have a lot of amniotic fluid in there. When your water breaks, watch out!"
• "Her heart is gorgeous." (Even though she was obviously referring to the 4 chambers, I almost started crying.)
• "Yes, she's definitely still a girl."
• "Look at those sweet little lips." (I'm sure she says that about all of the babies. But, again, here come the water works!)
• "To answer your question, no, that is not hair-she is waaayyy down in your pelvis and lying on her side. It's a shadow."
• "Looks like her weight is around 7 lbs and 1 oz. But, I could be off a pound or so."

Can't wait to meet you Baby Raegan!

Exercising the Right Side of my Brain

The whole "Left Brain versus Right Brain"concept fascinates me. Always has. While I really try to refrain as much as possible from stereotyping people and placing into specific categories, I do believe that there are aspects of science that, without a doubt, hold some definite truth in shaping our personalities.

I am predominately left-brained. There is no question. It influences, not only my personality, but the way in which I process thought, make decisions, and overall-how I live my life.

According to fundrstanding.com, "The theory of structure and functions of Right Brain vs. Left Brain suggests that the two different sides of the brain control two different 'modes' of thinking. It also suggests that each of us prefers one mode over the other.

The following illustrates the differences between left-brain and right-brain thinking: LEFT BRAINED: Logical; Sequential; Rational; Analytical; Objective; Looks at parts. RIGHT BRAINED: Random; Intuitive; Holistic; Synthesizing; Subjective; Looks at wholes So, let's break this down, you know, "in parts" ;)

• I have order in my thoughts, my activities, and throughout my life; When making a point, I focus on the facts, history, logic (LOGICAL)
• I think in lists; I organize my days in a chronological order; I easily and quickly create processes for getting from Point A to Point Z. (SEQUENTIAL)
• I use reason to base most decisions (not all decisions as we can all be irrational at times), but I use reason 90% of the time. I am consistent in doing things based on logic. (RATIONAL)
• I use analysis in thinking and reasoning. Prime example-My job is based on analytics-Business Systems Analysis. I analyze business needs, evaluate components, and translate it into System Design. (ANALYTICAL).
• I dislike ambiguity. In my mind, most things are black or white, ones or zeros, yes or no. (OBJECTIVE).
• I am very detailed-oriented. I focus not only on the end, but the means to the end. I think in granular thoughts-at the micro level. (LOOK AT PARTS)

Now, yes, I can plan a bridal shower and come up with cool ideas with the best of them. I love to scrapbook. I have a passion for decorating. I consider fashion an art and a creative outlet. So, I'm not completely unfortunate in the realm of the subjective world. Still, the majority of my strengths lie in being logical and the majority of my weakness lie in creativity.

All of this said, while I'm happy with being Left-Brained, it's important to me to be well-rounded. Hardly anything interests me LESS than being a Song Writer or Event Planner, still-I don't want to pigeon hole myself into a completely uncreative world. Better yet, I believe that expanding my horizons will make it easier to communicate with those who are on the opposite spectrum than myself. And, most importantly, I truly want to encourage creativity in Raegan.

So in an effort to accomplish the above, I've been delving into lots of arts and crafts lately. Is there anything more creative than art? Examples: Beyond decorating the nursery and really trying to do something "different", I've been doing a lot of painting. Granted, when you choose different colors such as peach and gray-you really have no choice.

Black wooden frame turned sweet by adding paint and a ribbon.

$.99 Wooden "R" from Michaels painted gray to match color scheme

$2 white basket from TJ Max serves as book basket for glider by adding paint and scalloped liner

Add some paint and a broach that never gets worn to a plain brown wooden picture frame

Another creative task was to make a custom covered "lap cloth" to go over Raegan's changing pad cover.

And, no, I didn't come up with the concept. This can be attributed to my friend, Stephany. Her mom made one for her baby, Mabry. (I said-baby steps.) So, my mother-in-law made a visit yesterday and helped me navigate my recently purchased used sewing machine. :)

How did it go, you ask?

Why is this so difficult? How did my mom make little outfits for me when I was little? That sewing class I took at Joann's did NOT prepare me for this. Ugh, I hate the stupid bobbin!

I'm still not giving up. Those of you who can sew, smock, etc-I salute you. Stephanie Sabbe and Andrea Miller: you are my sewing heroes.

Meanwhile, one thing I have begun to be really good at is saving my pennies. Heeelllloooo to the world of coupons! I am so loving these things! And, I'm digging keeping them in my nifty little coupon organizer too. (I'm a sick, sick person.) I love that you can google coupons and print off what you need from various websites!

I am also obsessed with signing up with manufacturers, like Proctor and Gamble, in order to have coupons for things like diapers, wipes, etc mailed to my house. Who cares that you also get junk mail? Pile it in the garbage with the other stuff. $3 off diapers is worth it!

And, it doesn't stop there-check out some examples of my bargains below. First up: Armoire inspiration. I had been eyeing this armoire online for a year before I got pregnant. I loved it! I knew that I wanted something with chicken wire so badly...who knows why. This piece of furniture, to me, was perfection. However, it wasn't going to be financially feasible. Cost: $6,000 + shipping (WHAT?!?!?!)

Armoire outcome: Thanks to my friend, Stephanie, who has a relationship with someone at the Nashville Flea Market who makes furniture-I got a similar product. And, it is solid wood! (The one above is not.)

Plus, I wanted peach bead board in the back. I was not going to paint a $6k piece of furniture. Because I opted to have one made, I was able to paint the back peach myself. I even found some peach glass knobs at Anthropologie for an extra special touch. In decorating, to me, it's all about the details. Total Cost for materials, labor, product, and delivery: $560.

Next: Side Table inspiration. I fell in love with this side table online the first time I saw it...again, over a year ago. I LOVED it. It's delicate, different, and has a vintage feel. I wanted it. But, again, the Cost...$1275 + shipping. No can do.

Side Table Outcome: I showed the picture to my friend, Stephanie. I told her that I wanted something just like it. A week later, she told me she saw one at Southeastern Salvage (this super cheap furniture/decor warehouse). She said it had the same type of design, was stained and ugly, but was $119. I'll take it! I had someone paint and distress it. Then, I added another peach knob that I also found at Anthropologie and voila! The nursery side table dream turned reality! $119 + tax+ paint/distress + knob...Total Cost: $257

Finally: Basket Label Inspiration. I'm a sucker for organization. It's that left brain thing again. And, I love labels! I came across these at Pottery Barn Kids. $34 for a set of 2? I love you, PBK, but no thanks. I'll break out my scrapbooking materials and make my own.

Basket Label Outcome: Several hours of scrapbooking later, I had 15 labels. These little guys will not only keep me organized, but when Chuck is so lucky to get to put up baby Raegan's clean clothes, there will be no question where the laundry goes when it's done. Loving. the. labels.

Besides the above, the weekend for getting baby stuff done went really well. We were definitely productive. More to come on that subject as well as how our 37 wk appt goes today. Later!

Effaced and Dilated and Dropped: OH MY

First piece of news: We had our 36 wk appointment today. It was the first of our weekly-these are the appointments where an examination takes place to see how things are progressing.

So, the word is-I'm dilated 1 centimeter and 60% effaced. More importantly, Raegan has officially "dropped" and is head down. (What I thought was her little head in my belly turns out to be the heels of her little feet.) While we realize that these stats don't necessarily imply that I'll be going into labor any sooner than expected, it's still pretty unreal for my OB to be using terms like "effaced", "dilated", etc. Wow. Stay tuned for a status update from our Monday, March 16th appointment.

As you have already seen in previous posts, Chuck and I have been so blessed to have SEVERAL showers hosted by family and friends. The last 2 weekends were no exception. Sunday, March 1st, several ladies from the church I grew up in in Savannah hosted a gorgeous Baby Tea. It was so so nice. The tradition at our church is to have Teas rather than showers. (Some people call them "See and Tea"s) Basically, it's a "come and go" event held at the church. Gifts are unwrapped and displayed on tables so guests can come in, enjoy seeing what gifts were given, speak to everyone, have a bite to eat, and then go on their merry way.

I have to say, I was a bit surprised by the number of ladies who hosted, sent gifts, and even attended...especially with my being gone from Savannah for so long....not to mention the 2 inches of snow! Ahhhhh....there's no place like home...

One of the Gift Tables-gorgeous

Can you guess which table I frequented the most?

Mom and I with the sweet ladies who hosted

Long time family friend as well as my baby-sitter for years! Ramona (Moner) Wilkerson

 

One of my very best friends from home-Stephany Jones

Even Maggie came (although she didn't feel well at all)

Andrea, Maggie, me, and Mom (DeDe)

Where to start with this one? Dance Team sponsor, Chorus teacher, Show Choir instructor, Life Coach...Mrs. Hamilton :)

Up next: This past Saturday night, several of Chuck and Colman's (Chuck's good friend) friends hosted a Joint Baby Shower for Chuck & myself and Cali & Colman. (Cali and Colman live in Birmingham and are due in June!) John and Silvia were sweet enough to have the shower at their gorgeous home. It was such a fun night...and, a long one, too. I believe that we were there for over 6 hours. That crew is so much fun.

Everyone hanging out

The Carricos and Ransoms :)

Cali and Kami-preggo!

Jimmy Mac and Chuck

Me with Hannah, Cali, and Laurissa

Chuck getting into gift mode (and, yes, if you're wondering...HE is in the chair and I'm in the floor. How exactly does that work out?)

Colman and Cali-gifts!

Chuck describing the gifts. Too funny

Chuck, me, Cali, and Colman---PARENTS TO BE

Beyond all of the excitement above, the past few weeks have been filled with getting everything ready. Chuck has the car seat installed and the stroller put together. We still have a few last minute To Dos; however, the vast majority of the MUST Dos are out of the way.

This week, our plan includes putting together the swing and a few other items, installing the monitor, writing Thank You notes, purchasing any Must Have items that we haven't already gotten, finishing packing the hospital bag-can you believe I still haven't done this yet? I'm becoming so laid back ;)-and putting the final touches on the nursery.

Before I close, a note of Thanks to all of our family and friends for helping to make this such a special time in our lives. We can not thank you enough for the thoughts, prayers, well wishes, showers, generous gifts, etc. It has all been so wonderful. Thank you so much.

I'm off to look up the definition of "efface".

Fast Approaching--REALLY Fast Approaching

I found out this morning that a friend of mine who is due 3 days before me, Caroline, went to the ER this week as she was having contractions. She found out that she's 50% effaced and has been put on partial bedrest between now and when she delivers.

While if she went into true labor at this point, the Drs wouldn't stop it-they still want the baby to stay in for a little while longer to help continue brain and lung development. They are hoping that she makes it 2.5 more weeks.

My points:

#1-Please be thinking of my friend, Caroline. While this isn't a catastrophic situation, the goal is obviously for her not to deliver until she is 37.5 weeks or full-term.

#2-Um...REALITY CHECK! Raegan could come at any time from this point forward. Wow. That's really all I can say.

More posts coming soon.

We are so excited about our good friends, Colman and Cali, coming to visit this weekend! Can't wait to see you both!

Fingers cross for Caroline.

And, well, while you're crossing, cross them for Chuck and me too.