The Story of Camden's Arrival

Now, that I finally have a moment (I totally understand why people never post the birth story of their babies right after having them!), I want to take the time to tell the story of our day on Tuesday! Neal and I drove to the hospital and started things at 7:30 am. It was so nice to know that my bag was packed with more than enough stuff for our hospital stay, Neal was with me (and not in Dallas or Arlington for class), and that we did not have to worry about my water breaking or some other crazy thing happening at home. I will admit that I was nervous about how everything would go, but at least I knew that there were some aspects of the labor and delivery that I could control. When we showed up, I had to change into the hospital gown, provide a urine sample (hopefully, one of the last for awhile), get my vitals checked, and have several vials of blood taken for various tests that are done when they admit you to a hospital. Next, I was hooked up to a blood pressure cuff which monitored my blood pressure every fifteen minutes for the entire day (not fun!) and the Pitocin and fluids iv which gave me continuous fluid and the drugs needed to kick start my labor contractions. This is what I looked like:
Also, this is the last shot that we have of my big, huge pregnant belly! After the drugs were started, my doctor came in and checked my cervix - I was dilated to a three, and broke my water. That is one of the weirdest feelings! Needless to say, I am very happy that this did not happen at school or at home! After that, Neal and I just waited through the contractions. The nurse came to check on me periodically. My doctor came back at lunch to check my cervix - I think I was up to a four or a five at that point. Then, the contractions started to get more painful, so we called in the anethesiologist. Now, don't get me wrong, he was a very nice, calm man, but not on my top ten list of favorite people/doctors. He explained the procedure to us, and with the help of Neal and Connie (our wonderful nurse), he put in the needle and catheter (the catheter is what actually stays in for an epidural, not the needle) for my sweet and glorious pain medications. Unfortunately, the first time he did this, it did not work! Also, this was about the time that my parents and Neal's sister stopped in to say hello for the day. I was in a lot of pain, so I do not remember much about their visit. At that point, we realized the epidural was not working, so Connie found the doctor, who came back to take out the first epidural and put in a new one! Yikes! This time, I sat up instead of laying flat, and he was able to find the correct spot. I could tell that there was some immediate relief.

Unfortunately, he did have to come back to give me more medication, because the right half of my pelvis was not really getting any relief. I could feel all of the contractions on that side, but not on the left side. Once I changed positions and got more medicine, it seemed to get better. I still don't think I was ever fully protected from the pain, because I still felt quite a bit. I think that this helped me to push when I needed to at the end, though. Things did start to get more intense during the afternoon and evening, and I started to feel major contractions in my back. I think I was experienced back labor, which cannot even be helped by an epidural. At about 7:00, I started to feel contractions that made me want to push, but the nurses wouldn't let me - they wanted the doctor to make it up to the hospital, and they wanted Camden to move on his own to the correct station. The doctors at our hospital want babies to be at station 2 (which is about halfway down the cervix, I think), before you start pushing so that women don't have to push for as long. I will say that I am very grateful for that! I don't think I could have pushed for hours like some women do! I became very good at the "He-he-he-who!" breathing, and so did Neal! That is honestly what kept me from pushing when I wasn't supposed to. At this point, I had a new nurse, Sharon (she was a wonderful assistant coach), and the doctor showed up at 8:30 to begin delivery. When I started to feel contractions, they let me push (Camden had moved down), and I watched the progress with a mirror. I didn't think I would want to see that, but in the end, it was a great motivation to get things going! Neal even watched more than I thought he would. He and the nurse each held my legs in position while I pushed. Everyone said I was a great pusher - I think it was just because I just wanted that baby out! I did cry once from the pain and frustration, the nurses gave me oxygen to keep me focused, and the doctor did have to give me an appeasiotemy (spelling?). Literally, two seconds after she finished the cut, I gave one final push and Camden was out! I still can't get that image (it's a happy one) out of my head and the euphoria and relief I felt at that moment was amazing! Here is a shot of Camden right after he came out (he was still attached to the placenta at the time):

This is what Neal did right after he was born (I have never seen my husband cry, by the way):

So sweet! Neal also helped put on his first diaper - you can already see how gentle he is with him. I have to say that this parenting stuff has come pretty naturally to him. He is the best at burping Camden in our house, and he is so good at loving on him.

Our first family photo:

We were very worn out from the day, but so happy with our reward! Camden tried feeding for the first time, the family came in to meet him, and we took tons of pictures! Then, Camden was taken back to the nursery for his first bath while I recovered, changed gowns, and went to the restroom for the first time. I also enjoyed a Whataburger as my first meal - a burger has never tasted that great before! That night, I went to my post partum room, took some painkillers, slept, woke up to feed Camden, and slept some more. I have to say that our lives have definitely started to revolve around his feeding schedule, and we constantly focus on whether he has a good latch, but we are getting into the routine. I am definitely learning lots of patience!

Getting some skin-to-skin time on Wednesday to help with feeding. What a precious boy!

With his very proud Grammy and Paw!

With his equally proud Nana and Pop!

With his Uncle Michael who drove all the way from Longview to meet him!

Meeting Penny and Peyton for the first time - they are incredibly curious, and they cry every time he cries (I think it's sympathy)!

Our very happy, exhausted family - finally at home! The hard stuff has started - we are learning what works to get him to sleep and how to wake him up to feed, but there have been some frustrating moments! Thanks for all of your prayers!

Boy, it must be cozy in there!

Dear Camden,

I want you to know that I have absolutely loved carrying you in my belly for nine months (and a few weeks), and I am so happy that you are healthy and getting ready to make your appearance in the world. I know that it must be very cozy in Mommy's belly, what with all of that warm amniotic fluid and great tasting food that I have been eating for the two of us, but I promise you will still get to enjoy the great food that I eat when you arrive! I will also make sure you stay warm and cozy, I will wrap you in a swaddling blanket if you like, and I will hold you and love on you all of the time. Plus, your dad wants to meet you, hold you, and keep you warm. We will even change your diapers and give you baths to keep you clean and smelling good! Your grandparents, aunts, and uncle want to meet you, too! Also, there are two sweet puppies at our house who will cuddle with you when you arrive - they love the smell of babies! So, we would love for you to make your appearance whenever you are ready, because Mommy is really getting tired of carrying you on the inside of her body - I want to carry you on the outside!

Love, Mommy

That's just what I would say to Camden right now to encourage him to come on out! Even though I still haven't reached my official due date, I am ready to meet this little guy! But, more on that to come - we do have some exciting news on that front! This weekend, Neal and I took it easy - he played golf with some guys from our small group which will probably be one of the last times he will do that for awhile. I pretty much rested on the couch for most of the weekend. Neal did spend a large part of Saturday afternoon cleaning, which made me laugh, because I should have been the one "nesting." Instead, he was cleaning our bathrooms, bathing the dogs, cleaning the kitchen, and using his special tool (from Home Depot) to clean out anything that might have been hanging out in our bathroom drains. I just appreciate that I didn't have to do any of that hard work - it made me tired just watching him!

On Sunday, I was able to help host my friend Stephanie's baby shower! I had actually done my part of the shower help in the weeks before just in case I happened to go into labor before the 19th, but since I am still pregnant, I was able to attend. Let me just say that it is so much easier to be just a guest/hostess at a baby shower than the person being "showered." I felt much more relaxed, less swollen, less hot, and I was able to eat more of the yummy snacks than I ate at my own showers! It was so great to enjoy this special day with Stephanie and friends! Here we are comparing bellies - this is also my 39 week picture! I am less and less excited about taking belly pictures as I am now ready to get rid of this belly! By the way, Stephanie is due in November - that's why she is so much smaller than I am, and her little boy is going to be one of Camden's very good friends - I just know it! It has been nice to have her as someone to commiserate with throughout this pregnancy, and it has been nice to get to know her better through our small group and church!

On Tuesday, we went in for our weekly appointment with the doctor, and something interesting happened. When the nurse first took my blood pressure, it was a little higher than usual, so she asked me to lay down on my left side to see if it would go down. She also warned that if it didn't, I might have to check in to the hospital for them to monitor my blood pressure and make sure everything was okay. At this point, Neal became a little bit hyper - he put down his book, stood up, rubbed my back, walked around the exam room, and grabbed a pregnancy magazine to look at some of the advice and and advertisements. He was hilarious! But, the nurse came back in and took my blood pressure again, and it was normal, so no need to worry! She said that several women who were close the same due date as me came in with higher than normal blood pressure that day, too, so it could have been something in the weather or just a coincidence. I'm just happy that I didn't have to go to the hospital! When our doctor came in for her part of the exam, the first thing she discussed was scheduling a date to induce. She suggested Friday of this week, but we decided to go with Tuesday of next week, which is one day after my due date. So, if Camden does not decide that he wants to come earlier, I will be induced at 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday, September 28th! Obviously, I hope he decides to arrive naturally before that date, but I am fine with scheduling his birth - I am just so ready to meet him and move on to the next phase of our life. I will admit that I am nervous about what's to come, but so ready! Also, here are my current stats: 2 1/2 centimeters dilated (can be stretched to a 3), 80% effaced, my uterus measured 39 centimeters, and Camden's heartbeat was 130 beats per minute. Everything still looks good!

This morning, I did wake up with a lot of joint/muscle/nerve pain in the area where my pelvis connects with the top of my thighs to the point where I was dreading walking to my alarm clock and to the bathroom to take my shower. I also had a really hard time rolling over and switching positions while I was trying to sleep last night. Thankfully, I actually felt better after walking around school today. I am hoping this pain won't return tomorrow. I also told my kids about Tuesday, so they have an idea of when I will start my leave, and some of them were so worried that I wasn't going to come back. I assured them that I have to come back to school - it is not an option for me to stay home at this point!

So, unless something happens in the middle of the night tonight, I will be at school tomorrow where I will get to enjoy a pizza lunch, and I may even get to finish the week - we'll see! My doctor is on call this weekend, so I am fine with something happening over the weekend, too! We will keep you updated! In the meantime, please pray for a safe, easy delivery!

38 Weeks and Ready Already!

Today, I decided that I need to wear a sign around my neck that says the following, "Yes, I am still pregnant. Yes, I plan on working until I have the baby. Yes, I am tired and uncomfortable. And, the due date is September 27th, so stop asking me these same questions every day!" I am really having a hard time being polite when people ask me, "When are you due again?" or "You still haven't had that baby?" or "When do you plan on taking off from school?" or finally, "How are you?" It's sad that I have even gotten tired of people asking how I am doing! So, if you want to make my day, be nice and ask me about my students or something not related to my pregnancy! I am really having a hard time politely answering these questions! I have still been experiencing some Braxton-Hicks and discomfort, but I am still healthy, my blood pressure is still good, and my swelling hasn't been as bad as it was a few weeks ago, so while I am still healthy, I plan on working. Why not? If I am sitting at home, I will be sitting at home doing nothing while I could be preparing my students for their time with my substitute. Plus, if I am going to take time off, I want it to be time spent with my child, not my TV, laptop, and iPhone. I discussed this with my doctor today, and she completely supports this decision. She also told me to remind everyone that I am an intelligent and aware person who would not let myself get to the point of delivery while still at school. People need to stop believing what they see on television and remember that most first babies take much more time to deliver. Also, even if my water breaks before I make it to the hospital (heaven forbid it were to happen at school), it is not the end of the world, and that happens with a much smaller percentage of women than people think. So, trust me, I will not do anything to put myself or our baby in danger, so there is no need to worry about me!

We did have an appointment today, and here are the latest stats: I am now up to 80% effaced and closer to 2 1/2 centimeters dilated. Camden's heartbeat is still beating strong. My blood pressure was actually lower than last week, and my uterus measures 38 centimeters (for 38 weeks). My doctor let me know that she would not let me go even a full week after my due date without inducing labor (mainly because of Camden's size and because I have "favorable cervix" - Neal and I thought that was hilarious wording). So, I am confident that he will arrive before the end of the month! I have so far survived the following milestones at school: the first week of school, the states and capitals test (with my seventh graders) - this is always a beating, Open House (last night), and passing out progress reports. I am hoping to make it through tomorrow's pep rally, the end of progress report week, and our catered lunch to celebrate the fact that our school is now a Blue Ribbon School (a huge honor that is awarded by the national government). But, I am starting to realize more and more that no matter how much I do to prepare, in the end, I have to let go and remember that my students will be in good hands while I am out. Plus, I will have plenty of time to catch them up after I return to school - if some catching up time is needed.

Here I am at 38 weeks and ready walk through that door to drive to the hospital - just have to wait until our baby boy is ready, though!
I am definitely getting to the point where I can't wait to wear normal clothes again, I am tired of the double chin, and I want carry my baby on the outside!

Also, I included this picture of our schnauzer, Penny, taking our stroller for a spin. She is scared of the stroller (and anything with wheels, for that matter), so we thought this might cure her fears. I think it just made it worse, though! It will be interesting to see how she reacts when we take Camden on walks in the stroller with the pups.

And, finally, Neal and I went for what will most likely be our last date before the baby arrives tonight. We went to Chik Fil A after our appointment this afternoon and then finally saw the movie Inception (amazing film!) in Southlake. We also stopped by Barnes and Noble and purchased a book that we had both been wanting to read. It was great to spend quality time together, and I can't believe that our little boy will be with us so soon!

Birthday Fun and 37 Weeks

No, I have not had the baby yet, but I had a great birthday weekend! My mom was able to come in town to visit (and I realized that we didn't take any pictures of us together :( ), and we even though it was very laid back and relaxed, we had a wonderful time. This was exactly the kind of weekend that I needed. Mom came in around lunch, and we had Arby's, then began the birthday festivities with one of my new favorite places in Keller:

After our cupcakes, Mom treated me to a pedicure (all I wanted for my birthday, because I can't reach my toes to take care of them) and a mini shopping trip. Then, Neal, Mom, and I went to dinner with some friends at a great Mexican restaurant in downtown Fort Worth. After dinner, we went to a place called Sweet Sammies - a new wonderful addition to our city. You can get your choice of two cookies and a flavor of Blue Bell ice cream that they use to make into an ice cream sandwich - all for only $2.25! Absolutely delicious and a great way to end the evening!

About to enjoy our "sweet sammies" - my mom was official photographer this weekend! Maybe that's why I don't have a picture of the two of us!

On Sunday, we introduced my mom to Chicken Express (we don't have those in Houston), and spent the afternoon relaxing. Before Mom left to go back to Houston, she snapped this picture of me in front of our house - I always make a point to walk through the skinny part of our porch, just to remind myself that I'm not as big as I sometimes feel like I am. My mom thought this was hilarious, so she had to have a picture to prove it. I can even fit through this area with my giant purse - bonus!

On Monday, I enjoyed a prenatal massage from a family friend (sponsored by my mother-in-law) as another birthday present. The masseuse happens to be married to the minister who married Neal and I, and I always feel so uplifted after speaking with her and her husband. To top it off, my body felt completely relaxed after that wonderful and much needed massage. I am so glad I was able to get pampered this weekend! I really feel ready to have this baby - especially now that my toes look good, and the toxins have been rubbed out!

Neal and I also went to Target and Babies 'R Us to get the last few things we need before Camden arrives. The funny thing is that we thought of one or two more things that we should have picked up after we had finished our trips. Oh well, we do still have plenty of gift cards, so we will be able to get what we need for him. I am confident that if he came today, Neal and I would be able to take care of him!

Last night, Neal hosted the guys from our small group for his Fantasy Football draft party (they had lots of fun "being dudes"), and I went out with a few girls from small group for burritos at Freebirds and watching Going the Distance at the movie theater. It was nice to have some girl time, and I'm pretty sure that is one of the last few times that I will get to see a movie in the theater.

Here is my official 37 week picture:

Today was our 37 week check-up where we found out that not much has changed. I am dilated up to two centimeters now, still 50 percent effaced, my uterus measures 37 centimeters, and Camden's heartbeat is still about 130 beats per minute. The baby was actually shifted up towards my chest, so our doctor had a hard time reaching my cervix - I never knew that if the baby moves up a little, he can also shift the cervix up with him! She also said that she would not be surprised if all of the rain from this tropical storm that is travelling up through Texas happens to cause me to go into labor the during the next few days! We'll see, but so far I am still pregnant, although I am ready for him to arrive! We did have a day last week where I started to feel cramps and was convinced that I was going to go into labor that night. I was only feeling Braxton-Hicks, though. :( At the moment, I am extremely tired all of the time, and I often feel like my insides could fall out at any time - especially when I need to visit the restroom. Needless to say, this is definitely the least comfortable time of the pregnancy. Hopefully, it won't be too much longer, though! We will definitely keep you updated!

Almost Ready!

I know it has been awhile, but I am back at school, I am very tired, and I am feeling the joys of the last few weeks of pregnancy - including back pain, pelvic pain, heartburn (raging heartburn!), and the urge "to go" very frequently! School did start well - I actually have a great group of seventh graders who are very helpful (and excited!) when it comes to my current situation. I do not think that last year's group was self-sufficient enough to handle me sitting in my office chair at my computer throughout most of the class period. This year's group is eager to pass out papers and is very attentive! Also, they seem to be pretty sharp, so I am excited to see how the year turns out! As usual, my ninth graders are pretty wonderful, too, - I just love how much they mature in the year since I had them as seventh graders! I still have some who are going to be toots about their homework, but in general, they are a pretty great group as well.

On Thursday of last week, four of my good friends at school threw me my fourth and final shower. It was so much fun, and we received a few items that we really needed before Camden arrives soon. I hope that no one thought I was unenthusiastic about the shower, because I was so tired from the first week back at school which was preceded by a very hot week spent in my classroom before school started preparing for my students. Here are some pictures from the shower:

Not only was the cake adorable, but it tasted great, too! I had two pieces that night, and the leftovers did not last very long in our house! Yum! By the way, it came from a place called Hot Chocolates, which is located in Bedford, TX - I highly recommend their cakes!
I included this picture, not because I look huge (dresses are doing that to me lately), but because it happens to be the only picture I have of my very sweet and thoughtful hostesses: Jancy, Shea, Lindsey, and Kathleen. They did an awesome job - especially with such a busy first week back at school!

The gift and sign-in table - this was at the beginning of the shower, so there were more gifts that arrived later.

Opening one of my new favorite items - a pink nursing tank! Shea decided that I needed a little pink with all of the blue that is taking over our house! Plus, the pink will make me feel pretty (and hopefully, peppy!) when I don't have time to straighten my hair and put on make-up in the weeks to come!

Most of the guests who attended the shower - I am so blessed to have such wonderful co-workers!

I like my excitement in this picture! Even if I didn't show it the whole time, I really was happy to be there and so excited about all of the new and wonderful things we received for Camden!

I am so happy to have such generous friends, family, and co-workers!

Today was a big day, as well! Neal and I went in for my 36 week appointment, and from here until the end, we will be visiting the doctor every week. I can't believe we're so close to the end! We had our final sonogram and learned some vital information! Camden is positioned with his head pointed down towards my pelvis, so he is ready for delivery and will not be breach!!! This was what I was most worried about, so I am very excited to know that he is in the right place. Also, he weighs about six pounds, eight ounces which puts him in the 62 percentile - a little bit larger than average, but not HUGE. Our doctor thinks he will probably be between 8 and 9 pounds if he goes to full-term. Unfortunately, we did not get great pictures, because he was balled up with his back to the camera and his fists covering up his face. However, at this point, I am not disappointed about that, because we will get to see him in the real world soon enough. I would much rather see and touch him than see fuzzy sonogram pictures. Everything still looked normal and healthy! Then, the doctor examined me, and I am still doing well, also. My blood pressure and urine all checked out, my feet were even doing well as far as the swelling goes (the fan in my classroom is making a huge difference!), and my uterus measured about 37 1/2 centimeters. Camden's heartbeat is about 130 beats per minute which is still healthy and normal. She also took a culture to make sure there are no vaginal infections that will affect the baby when he is born, and measured and checked my cervix. I did not really have any expectations when it came to this, so I was surprised to learn that I am already dilated at one and a half centimeters and fifty percent effaced (that's the thinning of my cervix). So, those tiny little contractions I have been feeling have been doing some work!

Here I am at 36 weeks:

I don't know if you can tell this by looking at this picture, but I am more than ready for Camden to arrive! And, the doctor did tell us that if I were to go into labor now, she would not do anything to stop it. Even though she can't guarantee that Camden would be completely healthy and stable, she feels that we are in the safe zone as far as his viability outside of the womb - even if he did need assistance. So, keep checking my blog - you never know when I might be letting you know that he is on his way! This weekend is my birthday, and it will be Labor Day weekend, so we'll see . . . :)

Back to School, Back to School

This week, I have been busy at school preparing for students to enter my classroom and start the year. This also explains why I have been MIA for the past few days. It's kind of a weird feeling not knowing exactly how long I will be there before Camden arrives and my long-term substitute fills in for 6 weeks. I also feel more prepared this year than I ever have in the past - I'm thinking that it's because I spent so much time this summer getting ready for this school year at home! By the way, I am loving learning about all of the new technology in my classroom, but I am hoping that everything will stay intact while I'm out! And, I hope that everything will be set up and working before I leave - we are still experiencing some technical difficulties with some of the outlets that have been installed in my room. Also, I can really feel that I have been on my feet much more in the past week - even in my stomach. I don't know how to explain it exactly, but at the end of the day, Camden will feel as though he is sitting really low in my uterus where it feels like I am sitting forward when I am really reclined back. This is the most frustrating part of the drive home from school, because I feel like there is no position that is really comfortable! Maybe he is sitting low, because he is just as tired as I am!

On Tuesday, we had our 34 week appointment with the doctor, and once again, everything looks good. My feet were already swollen from a warm morning at school, but she was not concerned, because I don't have high blood pressure or ketones/glucose in my urine - all of those things combined with swelling usually signal preeclampsia, which can often times mean bed rest until the baby comes. Fortunately (or unfortunately), my swelling is simply a result of this lovely triple digit heat combined with limited air conditioning at school right now - we don't get full air privileges until students are present in the building. I do not believe that is wise, especially with how hot it is outside. Now, I totally understand why so many friends who have been pregnant during the same months as I have been have had to deal with really bad swelling when they come back to school - it is impossible to stay cool. The only time my feet are able to go back to normal is when I come home and lay completely flat. And, unfortunately, it looks like this will be something that I will have to endure until Camden arrives! Speaking of our sweet little boy, it looks like he is still positioned with his head down and ready for delivery, his heartbeat is normal at 140-150 beats per minute, and he still moves like crazy! Sometimes, I will put my cell phone on my stomach and watch it bounce up and down - I am still surprised at the movements that I feel from him daily! I also know that he usually starts moving when I am hungry, and he will usually move about 30 minutes after I eat. He also needs to adjust the way he is positioned when I lay down to sleep at night, because he is pushed to one side of my stomach. I think I may have also felt either hiccups or thumb-sucking during the last few weeks, because I will feel little bounces that seem very rhythmic that do not appear to be as forceful as an arm or leg hitting me. I hope this is something that we will be able to see in our last ultrasound!

In about a week and a half, we will have our last ultrasound to check his size and position, and my doctor will begin checking my cervix to see if I'm dilated/effaced. We are getting closer and closer to his arrival! Sometimes I feel as though it could be any minute now! This weekend, Neal and his parents are helping his sister move to a different apartment while I am taking it easy and enjoying a few more days of "freedom." On Monday, I start school, and I am praying that my students will be prepared, excited, and ready to learn. I am also praying that I can keep my energy level up during these first few weeks. That may involve a few conference period naps! Also, I have one more shower this week at school, and Neal starts his last semester of graduate school (Yea!). Let's also pray that I don't go into labor while he is in Dallas on Friday nights for one of his classes - Tuesday would be the best night, because I would get my own doctor, and Neal does not have class on those nights! If you are a teacher in Texas, enjoy your last few days before Monday!

32 weeks . . . 8 more to go!

What a busy couple of weeks it's been! However, we are pretty much ready for Camden to be here - although there are a few little things that we need, but we have another shower in this month, so it's really best to wait to get those last few items until after our last shower. Last week, we finished the nursery (see pictures below)! I am so happy to have this completed, and a few times, Neal and I have gone upstairs and sat in the glider in Camden's room just to think about what it will be like when he is here. Some of our friends came in saw it on Sunday night, and the husband told his wife later that he couldn't believe how crazy people go with stuff for baby rooms. I guess it's right, but don't we all want the best for our little ones? The hardest part of finishing the nursery was definitely Neal's job. He had to put anchors in the wall to hang all of the shelves and the memory board. I am so proud of him for not losing his cool, and I love how he kept thinking of Camden's safety with everything that we put up. I'll describe the nursery with the pictures toward the end of this post.

This week, we had our breastfeeding class, my 32 week appointment, and a consultation with our pediatrician - like I said, we have been very busy! I absolutely loved the lactation consultant who taught the breastfeeding class! In fact, Neal and I both thought that we could see ourselves being friends with her if we had met her outside of the class. She was very relaxed and personable, and she is passionate about the importance of breastfeeding. I very strongly believe in the necessity of breastfeeding, so I did not need to be sold on its importance, but it was great to learn all of the information that she had about how to get a good latch, the proper positions, how/when to pump, when to introduce bottles and pacifiers, etc., etc. I also feel much better about pumping when I go back to school. I was even able to figure out a good schedule for pumping while I was in the class, so I will much more prepared when the time comes. The only thing we haven't really decided on is when to wean our little boy, and it surprised me, but my husband actually thinks it would be just fine for us to breastfeed Camden until he's two! We'll see about that - I know that we will know when the time is right for our family.

Here I am at 32 weeks - just trying to stay cool. That has been the main issue, lately. The highs have been in the 100's for the past week and a half, so it has been really hard to keep from sweating - even when I am sitting inside with the ac and fan running. The worst is when I get out of the shower - I can't take a cold shower, but I try to turn the water as cool as possible and I still feel like I'm sweating the entire time that I am finishing getting ready. I can't wait for the highs to get lower! I am also experiencing much more lower back pain and hip pain - especially when I roll over from one side to the other or getting up from the couch or the bed. Thankfully, Neal is helping out with back rubs - he is also helping me by putting lotion on the parts of my legs that I can no longer comfortably reach. I still feel bad having to ask him to do things like this for me, but I am so glad he is willing to help. I definitely do not think all husbands would be willing to do what he does for me! I have also noticed a drop in my energy level as I seem to need more naps than usual, and for some reason, I have been getting hungry and waking up between 3:30 and 4:30 am some mornings if I don't get a good snack before going to bed. This is something I experienced at the beginning of the pregnancy, so it's weird to have it happen again. At our appointment, everything still measured as normal, no significant spikes in blood pressure, normal weight gain and uterus size, Camden's heartbeat was about 140 beats per minute, and it appears that he may have moved to the correct position for delivery! This is just from the doctor's feel of my stomach, but she believes that his head is located toward the bottom of my uterus with his bottom up by my belly button. Let's just hope he stays there! Once again, we had a great visit with her, and I still really like her!

On Thursday, we met with the pediatrician who is closest to our house, and we really liked her office, personality and views on medicine. She is the mother of a two year old, so she totally understands what we will be going through over the next few years. Also, we like that her vaccinations are spaced out so that he will get no more than two shots at one time, and she offered help with breastfeeding/pumping if we need it. Because her office is associated with the children's hospital in our area, we can call a nurses' hotline at any time if we have a question, and they can look up our file from any computer with internet access to make sure we get the most helpful information. They can also connect us to the doctor if they feel like it's necessary. One other thing I liked about this doctor is that she is not someone who overdoes it with antibiotics for children, because she does not want them to build up immunities to them. We really felt like she will be an excellent fit for us, and I am so relieved to have this important decision out of the way!

And here's the part you've been waiting for . . . the nursery!

View from the door
Camden's crib (the canvases on the wall came from our church shower - they were decorations on the tables at the shower)

Close-up of the glider and the window

I love how the canvases turned out - even though I had to be very patient with the level while I was hanging them.

The memory board with some of my favorite outfits for Camden - he is going to wear the one on the left when he comes home from the hospital.

Ikea shelves, changing table, etc. I may put the sign on his bedroom door, but, for now, I like it on the shelf above the changing table.

Close-up of the shelves (thank you, Neal, for your patience with these - I know how much fun you had with the hardware :) )

The changing table - the cover for the changing pad was in the wash, so I this was not complete at the time of this picture.

Close-up of Camden's memory book made by my friend Keri - she is so talented!

A sampling of some of the pages

There is a page for a picture of Camden at each month of his first year

More cute pages

And, finally, this is where Camden will sleep for the first six weeks at home, and I love seeing this when I wake up each morning. By the way, his bassinet will move to my side of the bed, and the dogs' kennel will probably moved to this corner of the bedroom. I can't wait to see him sleep here!

Right now, I am enjoying my last few days of summer (I can't believe how it has flown by), before I go back to school. Pray that I have a great start to the year with my students before I take off six weeks to be with Camden. I am actually excited for school to start, and I feel more prepared this year than I ever have before - maybe it's because I have made a point to have everything ready for Camden's arrival before school starts - just in case he comes early!