Push Present

I hate the title of this post...but ..it is what it is!!

Dick told me that he heard through the grapevine that he's supposed to buy a gift once the baby is born. I did not argue. Chalon was in town one weekend and we casually bracelet shopped. I picked out a David Yurman bracelet and even though I had the jeweler write down the bracelet info on a card for dick, i truly never thought twice about it. I also forgot about it and never gave dick the card. Fast forward two weeks after Charlie was born and Dick walked in with a gift. To my surprise, he bought it! Aside from my wedding ring, I've never owned anything so nice. It's so special because it has Charlie's birthstone on it. He did good considering he had no help. Great job honey!

(ps-let it be known the picture was saved in my computer titled "bomb bracelet" -ha)

One Month Picture

We've made it a month and beyond! Yes, I said "we". Charlie wouldn't be growing and thriving if it weren't for his parents caring for him-ha! We are doing great. Charlie is such a great baby and he makes us feel like we are doing something right and its boosting our confidence as parents. Again, I give him all the credit. He is a good sleeper and eater. I couldn't ask for a happier baby.

Our dogs have been very curious about Charlie the first few days he was home. Now, they are indifferent about him. Although I did put Charlie in his bassinet so I could shower real quick one day last week. He started crying and I quickly tried to finish things up in the shower. While I was still in the shower, my smallest dog, Mosely, ran into the bathroom and started wimpering. Guess the baby's cry stressed him out. It was real sweet.

Fortunately, Dick's work has been going excellent. Once the middle of the month hit, Dick was already near 400 percent of his quota. It's definately allowed him to be more flexible and help me out more during the week this month. Not to mention the compensation he will get will come in handy with hospital bills!

Well my new favorite show, Modern Family, is on...gotta go! I'll leave you with Charlie's one month picture.. Too cute!

Charles David Dickinson

Tuesday, August 31st at 4:00pm weighing 6lbs 10 ounces at 19 1/4 inches sweet Charlie made his entrance into this world! We are smitten with our beautiful blessing!! My life is forever changed and I couldn't be happier :)

August 30th is the day!

Today, I had a sweet friend treat me to lunch and pay me a visit! I was so happy to have the company and catch up with her. While we were hanging out, I got an unexpected call from the doctor's office. It was my nurse and doctor calling to tell me the new plan. Tomorrow's weekly appt was cancelled. I'll have a sonogram Thursday to monitor the baby. I will go back next Monday and Thursday for 2 more sonograms. They watch him kick me to check for muscle development, they monitor his heart, measure him (head, feet, etc), get an approximate weight and we watch his little mouth move and practice breathing on his own. Then I'm off to triage for blood pressure and weight check. The following Monday, August 30th, I'll be induced!! At that point, I'll be 38 weeks 1 day. Sounds good to me!! Dick and i are excited! When I think of everything we have been through to arrive at this moment, the birth of our son, it gets me very emotional. Words cannot describe!!! Have a great week everyone!

36 weeks and counting!

Well folks, school started back for teachers Aug 2nd. I had a great (hot) week tying up loose ends,catching up with teachers and sitting through meetings. Thursday, we had open house and I got to meet a lot of my kids and parents. The following Monday, school started for kids. I was at school all Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday until 11. Wednesday afternoon, I had my weekly checkup at the doctor. It was not a good day. My blood pressure was elevated again, my weight was up and I had an ongoing complaint of swelling, blurred vision and pains in my ankles and fingers joints. As a precautionary method, I was tested for preeclampsia. A condition, while only diagnosed in about 5-8 percent of patients (lovely odds huh) is basically hypertension and has all the symptoms I've been having. The blood test was negative but until the 2nd test was negative, I was put on bed rest for the remainder of the week. Friday, my nurse called and told me bed rest until Charlie arrives is the plan. I failed my 2nd test. I am to monitor my blood pressure, double my water intake and stay off my feet! I was really upset Wednesday when I got all this news but fortunately It allowed me to prepare for this possibility. Bed rest to most would probably sound like a dream..a chance to rest up before baby arrives! Yet, the beginning of the year is probably the busiest for a school teacher. But, it is what it is. I wish someone out there would tell me what I should be doing. I did have all summer to prepare for his arrival. I've had all my baby showers, his clothes are clean, his room is ready, our bags are packed...so I really can't think of what else i should be doing. Sister told me to change bed sheets and air filters..I did that too! I even added "clean the fridge" to my list and completed that. I am not big on cooking and preparing meals ahead of time to freeze. Anything I make doesn't take long. Dick and I both cook so we could share that duty. Somehow we will get fed. My sister did tell me she made chicken spaghetti for us! Maybe I just know I'm in good hands so I don't have to worry. Anyways, my checkup yesterday was great. Charlie had a great appointment. His weight is on target (meaning he is gaing the half pound a week that he needs to so I'm not depriving him of anything with this condition), his test for general well being was really good (he scored a 8 out of 8), my blood pressure was low and since I doubled my water intake, I had lost 3 pounds of that pesky water retention and I have ankles that aren't swollen and vision that isn't blurred. Bed rest is good to us both. Just taking things a day at a time. Whew! this is a novel! I suppose when you have the time, it's easy to write a lot. hee hee. Here is a picture of charlie from his sono yesterday.

35 week pregnant pic

WOWSA!!!

Cross

I found a lady who makes these and I asked her to do one for me. I sent her my bedding and told her this was really the only focal point. The rest of my nursery is plain. The bedding and furniture are white..the walls are neutral, the window treatment is also neutral and we have a yellow glider. I think she did a really good job. I am very pleased. The plaque in the middle will be filled out with all his stats. The picture really doesn't do it justice. It's so cool.

It's been a while..

since my last post. Today, I'm 35 weeks pregnant. Tomorrow, school starts back. 4 weeks from today, baby Charlie will have (hopefully) made his way into this world! The doctor said we'd induce Labor Day weekend...oh the irony of this holiday!
I'm getting ahead of myself though... Since I last posted, I have had 3 baby showers. Dick's aunts hosted a shower for me July 17th weekend, the last weekend in July my friends gave me a shower and the first weekend in August, my coworkers gave me a shower. Needless to say, July has been a very fun, busy and productive month! I've managed to finish all my thank you letters and dreft everything in preparation for his arrival. When my sister came to town for the Jackson baby shower, she brought me a bassinett, swing and stroller. When I say Charlie is set, I mean it! Everyone has been so generous in helping us prepare for him. Pictures posted are from variety of showers passed to me. I was not good about remembering to take pictures..usually I am but that's ok. Thank goodness my family and friends (once again) pulled through for me!

Happy 4th of July!

Happy 4th of July everyone! We had a relaxing day with family and friends at Lake Caroline. We had dinner at a friend's house and then watched fireworks on a picnic blanket by the lake with family. I am not good about remembering to take pictures. I did get a picture of Dick and his flag shorts. They were awesome.


The fourth also marks 30 weeks for me. Tomorrow, Dick and I will be spending some time in my classroom getting organized. I can't believe it's already time to start thinking about it. Teachers go back in about a month. I don't know what these next few weeks will entail in terms of my mobility, strength and stamina...so I'm going to get this room ready now. Hope everyone has a safe, happy holiday weekend!!

Birthday/ Mother's Day Gift

I'm a little out of order on this post but I wanted to share with everyone what Dick bought me for my Birthday and Mother's Day...an HD video camera! I love it. So far, the only footage we have is of the dogs. But I have a feeling our main subject is about to change.
ohh, I can't wait to start documenting everything Charlie does!!

Oxford Shower

Charlie and I had our first baby shower in Oxford last weekend. It was really sweet of my friends to make the trip. I received so many great things and I am happy to have lots of experienced moms out there to provide me with what I need. And just so you know, I'll be reaching out to you all for advice a lot I'm sure.
I'm almost 30 weeks and I cannot believe that Charlie will make his debut within that time. (hopefully, exceeding my due date doesn't sound like fun) I LOVE being pregnant. It's everything I hoped and prayed for. That being said, I want to share him with everyone so I don't want to be pregnant forever :)
Here are the pictures I have from the shower. My sister hosted a brunch at her house.

Nursery

Our chair arrived..finally! We love it. It's a nice addition to the room...perfect size and very comfy!!

Orange Beach 2010

This year, I only planned one beach trip. My family and I went to Orange Beach for a few days for R&R. We had a great time. It's always busy with 3 kids in the mix but we enjoyed their company. We did not spend much time on the beach for obvious reasons but as you can see, at a glance, they still look really pretty. Unfortunately, double red flags, tar balls, and volunteers cleaning up the beaches in tractors made it a difference experience.

We stayed @ the Caribe. It was full of great pools and even a lazy river! Here are a few pics of from our trip.
Enjoy!

Trip to Oxford

Sunday, I went to Oxford to see my family. It was so great hanging out with everyone. Sunday, we went to Taylor Grocery. Monday, Jackson had a baseball game. We had so much fun cheering him on. Tuesday, my sister loaded me up with TONS of baby stuff. I was overjoyed and beyond thankful for all that she gave me. Everything in the nursery is coming together great. We managed to get the crib set up and the bedding. Of course, everything has to be washed but I had to see the final product. I have 4 crates of baby clothes to wash so I'll keep the baby bedding on as long as I can.
My sister came back to Jackson with me yesterday. We had so much fun unpacking and organizing last night. My mom came over as soon as she could to see the progress. Today, Amy and I had SO much luck gathering last minute items.. a lamp, bedding for full bed in nursery, baskets for organizing and selecting a changing table. I was once again fortunate for her taking time out of her full time mom schedule to help me. I would imagine it's hard to get away when your a mom of 3 and everyone depends on you. I felt really good when she left today about all of our accomplishments. So much so, that we both celebrated with a pedi before she had to leave.
Now I've got much to keep me busy. I like being busy if it means I'm closer to getting ready for this baby. Let the nesting begin! We leave for the beach Saturday so I've got plenty to do beforehand. I'll leave you with a picture of the crib.

Just for you, Stacey!

:) 26 weeks pregnant

Fun in the sun!

Even though summer just began, it's already off to a great start. I've done a whole-lotta-nothing! I have spent it lounging in my pj's, taking naps, doing laundry, sleeping late (until 7 but that beats 5:30am) and trying to keep up my daily regimen of walking on the tredmill. So far so good!
Dick had to go out of town for work yesterday. So today, I ventured out to the pool. Charlie is moving up a storm in my belly. It is so neat. I've attached a self portrait poolside.
I've enjoyed my laziness while it lasts. Next week, I'm going to Oxford for a few days. Jackson started playing baseball and I love sitting on a ball field so I've committed to two games next week. Following my trip to Oxford, I will head to the beach for several days. I'm really looking forward to that. Somewhere in between and after, I have an entire list of To-do's we need to tackle. I will pick up a crib from my sister's house along with clothes and whatever else she wants to give me. I'm very lucky to be getting so much from here. At the end of June, I'll have my first baby shower with my friends in Oxford. It will be so fun and I'm really looking forward to that.
I just reread this email and it was all over the place. That's pretty much how my brain works these days. I'll walk into a room and forget while I'm there. Oh well. Happy Summer Everyone!!

Happy 6 months!

I've been so blessed to have such an easy pregnancy experience so far. And by easy I mean that both baby and mom are healthy! There are certainly things you have to learn along the way as you grow. For instance, I have to think about how I will get out of bed, off the couch, out of a chair, tie my shoes or pick something up off the floor. There has to be a process to this. The funniest is getting out of my bathtub. We have a big, deep tub and getting out is a process. I have a coworker who told me a story about how she literally couldn't get out of the tub and had to wait for her husband to get home...i refuse! I realize that at some point I may not have a choice, but where there's a will there's a way! The other day at school my tennis shoes came untied. We were dismissing our students to the buses so there were tons of teachers around. I looked at my feet and I guess you could tell I was in deep thought about how this would go down without squishing Charlie but a teacher ran over and said "Let me do it" And I stood there half embarrassed but mostly tickled as I stood there waiting while she tied my shoes and added the double knot to both my sneakers to avoid this happening again. Here are pics of me @ 24 weeks. I am embracing the belly!!
School is basically out. We have a 60% day for students Monday. Out of my 21 kids, about 9 said they would be @ school. Some of them were saying their goodbyes Friday. One said, "it will be weird not seeing you pregnant" ha!
I can't wait to lounge by the pool all day this summer. We leave for the beach in about 3 weeks and Im ready!

California Raisins come to town!

This week we have state testing. It's kind of a big deal around here. We decided to dress up and motivate our kids to do well. It couldn't hurt right? At this point we were willing to do anything to lighten the mood. Even if it means wearing a raisin costume complete with a sign on our backs that say "Raisin' Test Scores"
We got mixed reviews from the kids. Most thought it was funny, some were embarrassed...go figure! Afterall, these are 6th graders. You never know what you're gonna get! I leave you with this picture and a mental image of us dancing in the halls to a repeat burned CD of "Heard it Through the Grapevine"

Enjoy!

Mother's Day weekend in NOLA

22 weeks pregnant


I just love this time of year. It's my first Mother's Day, my birthday is just 2 days away and schools nearly out for summer!! I couldn't be happier.

This weekend my sister and I surprised my mom with an overnight trip to New Orleans. Saturday night we checked into the Windsor Court and headed to dinner @ Bacco. The hotel was beautiful and the food was delicious. After dinner, we headed to Jack's Brewery to hit up the candy store for pralines. My dad had a special request for them.However, the store was closed but we had better luck @ our hotel. My brother works at the hotel and he hooked us up with some.
The next day, we had brunch @ the hotel. It was very fancy. I enjoyed hanging with my mom, sister and brother. The moments are few and far between, but always treasured!!! Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there!!

Atlanta Trip

21 weeks pregnant

The first weekend in May, I went to Atlanta for Gleatie's shower. My college friends have always been really good about getting together but especially good about gathering for baby showers. The group varies but there is always someone there to represent. Here is the only picture I have (thanks to Chalon!) of our group. Gleatie got a bunch of great stuff and it makes me excited for my showers this summer!

It's fun having friends who have pregnancies right along with you. Just off the top of my head, I know 3 friends that are due within weeks or even days ahead of me and they are all having boys! That doesn't even count 4 friends who have already had boys within the year! There is certainly a lot to learn and I'm just happy that I have been blesssed with the miracle of being a mom!!

Baby Bedding as arrived!!

I've finally decided on baby bedding.I knew I'd pick something gender neutral so I wasn't going to wait to find out. When I found what I had in mind all along, I just bought it. It is perfect and best of all, it was all delivered fast! I ordered on a Monday or Tuesday night and Friday morning it was here. I cannot wait to start getting Charlie's room ready this summer.

Exciting News

16 weeks 3 days pregnant
We are expecting a baby boy in September. Charles David Dickinson "Charlie" will be here before we know it. Isn't he adorable??

Busy March

March has proven to be a busy but fun month for us! While out for Spring break, Dick and I drove to Kentucky to see old friends and celebrate Tate's 30th birthday and Nelly's baby shower. The birthday party theme was 80's. That would explain all the denim!






We came home Sunday and Monday morning I left for Gulf Shores with friends/co workers. It was beautiful!



The next weekend, I was in one of my best friend's weddings from high school. Christy was married in Hammond, LA. I have no pictures but the bride was beautiful!!


This past weekend, we went to an engagement party. It was great seeing old friends!