One week update

Today marks one week of parenthood for us! It's hard to believe this time last week we were at Baptist hospital anticipating Lincoln's arrival. Delivery for me was by far the best experience of my life. Dennis was a great partner along with our Doula, Jolynn Lewis. I have no clue how labor would've been without the support of these 2 amazing coaches. I would do it all over again in a heartbeat-worth every minute.

Happy 1 Week lil man, you've come into our life and stole our hearts. We love you more and more every single second that passes. Love, Mommy and Daddy

Look how handsome my boys are!

Sums up my feelings

Our Doula, Jolynn

Wonderful nurse Lisa

Nesting

I am just now getting around to posting this even though I started drafting weeks ago. I didn't bother updating what was already typed out... think you can understand why :) here's a new picture of what we like to call the "thinkin' Lincoln" pose. Thanks to all our family and friends for the well wishes, visits and tasty treats. Life has changed and we're enjoying the transition!!

My version of Nesting

The apps say nesting is sometimes a sign of labor. I can only imagine what my behavior will be if this happens to me seeing as I started many nesting projects around the house back in May. Here's a few photos of what Dennis and I have accomplished during my pregnancy in hopes to have the house prepped for Mr Lincoln's August arrival.

Around the house:

We have a tall entry way walking in the front door. When we moved in we went straight into Christmas which made the foyer decorating easy. I struggled with what to do with the foyer for the rest of the year and ended up selecting black and white photos and our family established wooden sign accented with DIY laced Mason jars (gotta love pinterest!). Dennis wants to hang the photos on the wall up there once we have some of Lincoln to add to the display. Here's the foyer landing in the meantime:

We knew we wanted built in shelves for our living room ever since we chose the floor plan to build. Here's the before and after pics:

before

left side corner shelves

right side shelves and cabinets

they'll all be painted white when complete

We couldn't be happier with Robert (my friend Courtney's hubby) and his work on the living room-thank you Jr! Also downstairs we added a hutch in the breakfast nook. When we bought the house we weren't sure how close our future neighbors' house would be to us on that side, so we opted to not add a window and ended up with a big blank wall. The hutch fills the space and adds much needed storage for my party platter and serving dish obsession collection.

Next up is my office/Dennis' music room. Pics are post my dad and I painting and being set up to work from home. When I say "let's go to work" Sasha runs upstairs and burrows in her bed.

my favorite coworker busy as always

Preparations for baby:

Since our room is the only bedroom downstairs, we wanted to make sure Lincoln had a place nearby to sleep during the first few months.

Lincoln's bassinet in our room

Sasha taking over my maternity pillow

Practicing the stroller w/a moose Dennis brought Lincoln back from Norway

Proud daddy-to-be got a lot of gear ready as soon as he came home from Europe

Lincoln's nursery:

View from the bedroom door

Left Shelf: "We're Preggo" jar of spaghetti sauce is how I shared the news with Dennis...along with a card that I created over what felt like the longest 72 hours EVER trying to keep my mouth shut. A pillow that came on a basket given to my mother when she was pregnant with me that is embroidered with "Welcome Baby" and  a photo of us given to us after my work's baby shower.

In the middle of the shelves we have a framed print with a sweet lamb and lion with Joshua 1:9 "Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid; do not be discouraged for the Lord our God will be with you wherever you go" from Design By Maya on etsy.com and we plan to get one with his birth info (date, time, weight, length, etc) once he's arrived.

Right Shelf: Baseball Dennis' dad used to play catch with him from when he was little. He had it in his truck ever since and gave it to Dennis the night we revealed our baby on board was a boy. And the sock monkey was given to us at our work baby shower.

Crib, dresser and changing table/dresser all came from Babies R Us and the bedding from Pottery Barn Kids.

Another shelf has a frame sent from my BFF Rachel with Samuel 1:27 engraved in it, a willow tree figurine and a couple books we plan to read to Lincoln.

In the far corner we have a rocking chair that is the very same rocking chair Dennis' mom used with him as a baby given to her by her parents. We have a glider from my parents downstairs in our bedroom to use at night and for feedings.

Grandpa Ken gave us the Lincoln logs. Jenn gave us a personalized elephant blanket

Katie gave us this sweet blanky

Baskets: We're not quite sure how we'll end up storing all Lincoln's goodies but for now we have baskets with blankets, books, toys and such throughout the nursery. We borrowed the elephant rocker from a friend of mine.

Hat rack: Waddie (my friend Laurie) made this sweet rack which we just had to hang Lincoln's little hats on. We love this!

Closet: We have the DIY closet dividers I crafted a few months ago to keep all of his new clothes in order.

Best-
The Edwards Family

Perfect timing - Our "40 week update"

We are elated to announce the arrival of our son. Lincoln Samuel Edwards joined our family Friday, August 17, 2012 at 6:04pm. Our lil man entered our world weighing 8 pounds and 5 ounces and measuring 20.5 inches long. Mommy, daddy and baby are all doing well and enjoying time together as we all settle in as a family.

our first family photo

Mommy and her babies

39 weeks

How far along: Today marks week 39!

Baby's Size:

Gender: Baby Boy!!

Maternity clothes? It's a little difficult getting in and out of my maternity pants and shorts lately. I pretty much wear Dennis' pj's at home and rotate a few dresses when I'm out in public.

Weight gain: Will find out Dr's # tomorrow morning, at home I gained back the 2 I lost last week plus a couple extra :)

Sleep: While I sleep, I'm super comfy... it's the middle of the night wake ups that aren't exactly enjoyable. I love weekend naps!!

Best moment this week: Spending the day with my 3 nieces (and Brandy and Nick too!) They came up for a visit yesterday and we had a blast hanging out. The older girls crafted while Audrey rested and the boys watched the Olympics. Sasha reacted very well to the little ones and especially well while I held Audrey-what a relief!

Miss Anything? Nothing I can think of.

Food cravings: Again, I'm really looking forward to a sushi roll!

Symptoms: With Lincoln dropping I am feeling new aches and pains. He also sometimes is pushing against my sciatic nerve causing my leg to hurt pretty good. It's only been a few days of this and I'm trying to adjust as needed. The exercise ball we have helps take pressure off my hips and gives me a quick little workout. Dennis helps a lot too.

Belly Button? OUT!!

Wedding ring on or off? off

Looking forward to: Finding out what Dr D says tomorrow morning! We're in the final countdown to D-Day -cannot believe August 19th is NEXT Sunday!! Dennis and I are both excited to find out if I've progressed any since last Monday's appointment. We're both curious as to where we'll be and what we'll be doing when labor starts. I decided to go ahead and post this week's update just in case he makes his arrival before week 40 rolls around. Despite the newer aches and pains I am still enjoying pregnancy and I wouldn't say "I'm ready to be done" yet I am also extremely excited to meet Lincoln! My gut says he'll be a few days late BUT I also was sure he was a girl before finding out. We know he will come when he's ready and we can't wait to meet him!

Keep you posted-

Denisse, Dennis and Baby E

38 week Update

How far along: 38 weeks!

Baby's Size:

Pumpkin-that's pretty big!

Gender: BOY!

Maternity clothes? I'm re-wearing the same few outfits that are still comfortable. 

Weight gain: Dr says: a total of 30 lbs and guessed Lincoln will come into the world weighing around 8lbs!
Sleep: One night I fell asleep on the couch and when I got to bed I just laid on top of the pillows the way they were when we made the bed. Turns out this is this most comfortable pillow set up yet!
Best moment this week: Dr appointment: confirmed he is head down and we're progressing towards D-day right on track! I also received the sweetest email from one of Dennis' fellow road mates. She sent me one of my favorite go to verses when I'm starting to feel overwhelmed. Getting a note of encouragement out of the blue made me feel really good and lucky that we're surrounded by some pretty wonderful people! Philippians 4:6-7  ⁶ Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. ⁷ Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. 
Miss Anything? I feel like I am so close to being able to have a sushi roll or seared tuna tartar!

Sushiyobe here I come!

Food cravings: Sweets, pizza, H2O
Symptoms: Braxton hicks are still going on and it's hard at night to move around after an active day. I have more of a waddle than a walk lately!
Belly Button? all the way out!

Wedding ring on or off? off! between the heat and just being pregnant I decided to not chance having my rings stuck on my finger. Instead I've been wearing the right hand ring Dennis gave me on our wedding day on my ring finger. 

Looking forward to: Another week with Dennis as we continue to wait and see what happens next! We've been having date nights, catching up on our TV shows we like, watching the Olympics, spending time with family and friends (had the best date night out Sat to Kayne Prime-great food and company!).

Jenn (due 11/2), Katie and Me

Til next week-

xoxo,

The Edwards Family