Pregnancy Journey (Third Trimester)

The final trimester seemed like an endless journey in which the goal was highly anticipated, but always seems so far away. We started off this trimester by investing in some new books to add to Brinley's collection. We bought her first Dr. Seuss books and her first Bible. We have both really enjoyed getting to read to Brinley and feel her kick and move around during these readings. Of all the books that she has got, she tends to get more active when we read her Brown Bear. We try to read to her almost everyday and can't wait until she gets to see all the pictures that go along with the stories. I guess that I just forgot over the years how much fun it is to read a Dr. Seuss book. Almost everyone of his books gets me tongue tied at some point.

Brinley's favorite book

Jennifer got into an extreme craft mood. She had stuff spread all over the house so I decided to set her up a designated room to do all of her crafts. I got her a large table and set it up in the loft along with her sewing machine, ribbon, scrapbooks and all of her accessories. She made a small quilt for Brinley to use while in her car seat. She also made a diaper clutch so that she could carry all the diaper changing essentials without having to haul around the entire diaper bag. Jennifer also started turning onesies into art by ironing on designs.

Small quilt

Diaper clutch

Decorated onesie

We also celebrated my last birthday before becoming a family of three. My parents came into town and we went to eat at PF Chang's. My fortune cookie was perfect for me because it said that I would receive a surprising gift very soon. We came back to the house and had some cake and I opened a few gifts and cards from my family. Jennifer got me a Michael Jordan outfit and hat for Brinley so that we can match once she gets here. However, the most exciting event from the night belonged to my parents. They had been trying to feel Brinley kick every chance they could and before dinner they were both able to feel one. They were both really excited and grinning from ear to ear.

The happy grandparents finally felt her kick

Towards the end of March, my cousin Tricia and my mom threw us a baby shower back in Western Kentucky. We were really excited to spend some time with friends and family that we just don't get a chance to see as often as we would like too. Miss Brinley is definitely loved by many people. She received so many gifts, including many handmade items, tons of clothes and lots of other toys and accessories.

Our cake that was inspired by her room

Starting to open the many gifts

A few days after our shower in western Kentucky we had a baby shower that was given to us by Jennifer's co-workers in the NICU. We had a nice dinner at Olive Garden and got many wonderful gifts.  My co-workers in the PICU gave us a large gift card to help with all the little things that we may have forgotten. Many other people have given us gifts along the way, too. Brinley is going to be one lucky little girl. She already has a closet full of clothes and as many accessories a girl could want. All the money that we got went to opening Brinley's first savings account. We appreciate all the thoughtfulness and generosity from everyone.

One of our coworkers has recently gotten into photography and we decided that we would like to have some pregnancy photos taken. We booked a day and went out to a park to have some pics made. Katie Davis did a wonderful job and we can't wait to have our newborn pictures of Brinley taken with her too.

Brinley's first blocks 

Starting at 36 weeks we began going to the doctor every week for check-ups. At 36 weeks Jennifer was already 1cm dilated and 25% effaced. This was very promising because some people never start to dilate until getting into the hospital. At 37 weeks we were 2 cm and 50% and we thought that this was going so smoothly. We were making such great progress and Miss Brinley was now considered full term, so Jennifer was really excited to have Brinley make her arrival. By 38 weeks we were 3 cm and 50%. Our doctor said that we actually had gotten past the most difficult part. Most 1st time moms have a difficult time getting this far. We were so excited that Jennifer made me pack all of our stuff into the car just in case. At our 39 week appointment we were ready for our doctor to tell us that we were so far along that we could just head over to the hospital to deliver. However, we were at a standstill of 3 cm and 75%. We talked about scheduling an induction on our expected due date of May 9th. Our doctor also gave us an option of stripping Jennifer's membranes, which can sometimes speed up the labor process. Of course we decided to go ahead because we wanted to meet Brinley. We had no idea that just 2 hours later the final stage of our pregnancy journey would be started. In between naps I will try to get my next blog up soon about the labor. Thanks for reading and God Bless!