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

36 weeks

How far along: 36 weeks down and less than 1 month til we meet Lincoln!

Baby's Size: Crenshaw Melon

Approx 5-6lbs and 18"

Gender: All boy!

Maternity clothes? Whatever fits is what I'll wear. Luckily I only have a few more weeks to go, it takes time to figure out what will work each day ;)

Weight gain: FOR SURE! Up 3lbs since last Dr's appt which was only 2 weeks ago. ha!

Sleep: Everyone says "sleep while you can" so I'm trying to do just that!

Best moment this week: Hearing Lincoln's heart beat, feeling him move, having a healthy report from the Dr's appointment - all the little things that have become "normal" are the very things I know I'll miss from being pregnant.

Miss Anything?

Only TWO more days til Dennis gets home!! I think he'll definitely see a difference in my quickly growing bump! This is from our maternity pictures at week 28. A lot of growing lil Lincoln has done the past couple months.

Food cravings: Lots of water!! I try really hard to drink at least 64oz a day and often have more thanks to the hot TN summer days we've had lately.

Symptoms: Tossing and turning, a few extra emotional tendencies, dreams about foods.. nothing new!

Belly Button? all the way out

Wedding ring on or off? On

Looking forward to: I AM SUPER EXCITED FOR SATURDAY!!!! First, I'm having breakfast at Cracker Barrel (I already know I'm ordering Momma's french toast with blackberries)! If I have time I want to use a gift certificate for a mani/pedi. Then I'm going to a Bridal shower for our good friends getting married in just a little over a month! and last but certainly not least: I'M GOING TO PICK UP MY HUBBY FROM THE AIRPORT!
I have a feeling The Edwards' household will have quite a wonderful weekend- hope you all do as well!

Love, Denisse, Dennis (from afar) and Lincoln

Week 35 Update

Can you find Sasha?

How far along: 35 weeks down & 5 to go!
Baby's Size: I use a few different apps and they always have a different fruit to compare the baby to - this week is similar to last week's fruit except the app says he is the size of a Large cantaloupe - emphasis on LARGE ;)
Gender: Boy
Maternity clothes? I'm in the home stretch and re-wearing the few things that fit me from now on. The next clothes I purchase will be post-baby.
Weight gain: For sure! I am eating any and everything that sounds good, even if it's a brownie for breakfast!
Sleep: Despite more frequent potty breaks in the middle of the night I'm sleeping pretty good! My body goes into auto-pilot mode for the random wake ups.
Best moment this week: I've always loved feeling Lincoln but there have been a few times that I have SEEN him moving across my belly. It's so bizarre!
Miss Anything? less than 10 days til Dennis gets back for a nice break at home!

especially the cereal part!

Food cravings: Nothing specific - if it's edible I will eat it and if it's sweet I will LOVE it!

Anything making you queasy or sick: Still uninterested in spicy food.
Symptoms: I get tired fairly quick, I think that's partially due to the humidity.
Belly Button? Definitely an outtie!
Wedding ring on or off? most days it's ON but some days I have on my backup that is not as snug
Looking forward to: Tomorrow is a day of catch up with some gal pals for lunch and dinner. Not a bad way to wrap up the week and kick off the weekend. Then Saturday will be a day of celebrating my oldest niece turning FIVE!! It doesn't seem that long ago that she was born and now she's 5 AND not the baby anymore (but she still calls me CeeCee and will always be a little girl in my eyes). She's now the oldest of 3 girls-time flies!

34 Weeks

How far along: 34 weeks = 8 months!!!

Baby's Size:

Cantaloupe! 4 3/4 lbs and about 18" long

Gender: Little Man
Maternity clothes? I am currently loving Dennis' shorts and t-shirts. Anything loose and light weight.
Weight gain: Dr D says 27lbs!
Sleep: This week it's not the baby to blame for my late nights, instead it's our fur-baby Sasha and her nervous ways during thunderstorms. Poor girl is terrified and shakes, pants, goes back and forth from being in the bed to under bed and repeats all night long during thunderstorms. We've needed the rain which makes it totally worth it!
Best moment this week: This week started out tough saying bye to Dennis but I'm REALLY trying to focus on the positives. I realized this is the last time I will ever truly have "alone time" and I'm trying to make the most of it! I'm crafting, not cleaning, watching my girly shows, eating cereal for dinner, making plans with girlfriends, working late if I feel like it, etc. Don't get me wrong I am counting the days til Dennis gets home...

Miss Anything? Nothing new...of course my hubby!
Food cravings: I got on a PopTart kick that started last week and has crept into this week! Before Dennis left he made sure I had a few essentials in the pantry: variety pack of PopTarts, movie theater butter style popcorn and Cinnamon Toast Crunch (Lincoln has his daddy's taste buds for cereal! wondering if I'll go back to not liking it after he's here?!)
Anything making you queasy or sick: Thankfully-NO!
Symptoms: I get full faster than I did a few weeks ago, hence cereal for dinner some nights. I can always seem to find room for desserts though!
Belly Button? OUT!
Wedding ring on or off? My rings are starting to get a tad snug... I have a back up ring to wear on my ring finger in case my bands end up not going on one day.
Looking forward to: The weekend. I can't wait to sleep late and hopefully get some girl time in. And I can't deny it, I'm excited to watch the next few episodes of The Bachelorette without Dennis' commentary on how silly the show is :)

When the hubby is far away and we're both counting down the days til we meet our sweet baby boy, this bible verse comes in handy as my worrying tendencies begin

"don't worry about anything, instead, pray about everything" Philippians 4:6

Have a great weekend!

Denisse, Dennis and Lincoln

33 week update

How far along?

33 weeks

Baby E’s Size:

Durian Fruit (He's about 17" long & weighs around 5lbs)

Gender: All Boy!
Maternity clothes? Living in shorts and tanks this week even at home-TN is having quite the hot summer!
Weight gain: About 24 lbs total
Stretch marks? Again - I can't see much past belly so "no"...
Sleep: Dennis and I have both enjoyed my holiday & PTO days this week and we've caught up on sleep! My body was in need! Lincoln got extremely active late last night and even woke me up with a few strong kicks-and I LOVED IT!
Best moment this week: Just spending much needed quality time together. We ran to Babies R Us to get our final baby needs, tried a new Italian restaurant we've wanted to mark off our list of places to eat... we're making our rounds of seeing family and friends before Dennis' long run overseas. Overall been a great week with 2 new babies entering the world! A little scary now that "we're next" up out of all the fellow preggos.
Miss Anything? After dinner last night Dennis got a homemade Tiramisu dessert and I couldn't try it because of the raw eggs. So now of course I'm craving that-the whole want what you can't have syndrome I guess. I have had plenty of other sweets to satisfy my cravings.
Food cravings: Made banana pudding-again :)
Anything making you queasy or sick: Not this week-yay!
Symptoms: The 2 new ones are 1)Lincoln has had the hiccups twice this week. It's pretty neat to feel the patterned subtle movements. 2) I've had a couple Braxton Hicks-nothing too painful I can just feel my stomach getting tight. They go away pretty quick when I walk around or change positions if I'm laying down.
Belly Button? It's OUT!
Wedding ring on or off? On until I get home then I've been in the habit of taking them off.
Looking forward to: Enjoying the next couple days with Dennis home. We have a whole lot of nothing planned.

Have a great weekend!!
D, D and L

Welcome Lil Man - a baby shower recap

If you know me even just a little, then you know how much I love to plan and host a shower/party to celebrate any occasion. This time it was my turn to be on the other side. A couple weekends ago 3 of my BFF's hosted a fabulous (our fav adjective) shower to celebrate Lincoln's upcoming arrival at our house for me and my girlfriends. I had the best time visiting with everyone and am so grateful to have had such a special day with so many of my friends. Thank you to everyone who came, joined in the fun and spoiled Lincoln! I'm excited for this weekend's upcoming final baby shower with another group of friends and family from Dennis' side. We are both VERY thankful for all the love and support we're getting from everyone and know Lincoln is entering into the world with lots of love from all areas.

Onto the recap:

The theme was set with this cute invitation

Cute banner

Love the sign for the food table!

Each menu item had a cute sign that I want to share 1) because I just love all the details and 2) I may need a refresher in case I want to duplicate this shower theme in the future!

• "Wet Your Whiskers Lemonade" they catered to my tart cravings with lemonade and limeade garnished with fresh fruits. Served in decorative mason jars with mustaches attached to the straws for extra fun and good photo-ops!
• "Lil Man-Wiches" Baked ham and swiss on warm buttery rolls
• "Oh Boy Fruit Kabobs" with chocolate and cream cheese fruit dips
• "Bow Tie Pasta Salad"
• "Little Man Veggies"
• "Munch-Stache Treats" Rice Krispie treats cut out into Mustache shapes!
• "Whisker Lickin' Chicken Dip" Buffalo Chicken Dip
• Assorted Cupcakes from The Cupcake Collection: Sweet Lemonade (my all time favorite!), Coconut Key Lime and Wedding Cake

Everything was so tasty!

Mustache shaped Rice Krispies-how cute?!?!

Drink station

Precious cupcake toppers!

As party favors the ladies set up a "Cravings Station" for guests to pack a to-go bag of my random cravings I've had all along the way.

Here's what they got to choose from (Left to Right in pic below): Pepto (No I don't crave this but made for a good joke!), pickles, mustard, sour patch kids, Cheese Doritos, Snickers, Lucky Charms and Chewy Sweet Tarts.

Cravings Station (Favors)

I had to add the separate picture of Katie's awesome DIY banner! I'm keeping it! (Although unless I host a similar shower, I have no idea how I could reuse it. Too good to toss!)

KK you're the next Martha Stewart!

The next thing is probably my favorite part of the whole shower, Wishes for Baby cards:

Each guest filled in their wishes and hopes for Lincoln. This is so special to me and I've read them all a few times already. They're in a photo album that Dennis and I will bring to the hospital with us to read as we await Lincoln's arrival. Some are funny responses like "I hope you aren't afraid of dogs" or "I hope you don't dislike spaghetti". And some tear jerkers like "I hope you get your dad's music ability and your mom's big heart" and "I hope you never forget God's promises". I love that my mom wrote hers to me "I hope you don't get upset at his muddy feet in the house" and "I hope you aren't afraid of his crying" to give a few examples. I have extras that I want guests to fill out at the shower this weekend too.

Here are photos of some of the ladies who came to show our growing family some love.

Mom, her daughters and 2 almost grandchildren

Nancy my MIL and me (she had just become a Gran the day before!)

Everyone had fun with the mustache props!

There were 4 other buns in the oven in addition to myself at the shower: 1) my sister in pics above is due soon, then from left to right below 2) Rachel, 3) Jenn and 4) Heather.

We lined up in order from R to L

Here's a group of some ladies I have been friends with for MANY years! (Griff left right before this and Danielle was unable to attend but there in spirit!) I've felt blessed to have each of you in my life for so long. It's pretty exciting to know in less than a couple months (7 weeks to be exact-eeek!) Lincoln will get to meet some girls who have been there through it all (the good & the bad, the proud & the pretend-that-never-happened moments).

Katie, Jenn, Jenny, Kara, Rachel, Amy (Peyton's barely in it!)

Here's a pic of 3 wonderful women I've been lucky to meet and form friendships with through Dennis' work. It's nice to know they understand the sometimes hectic schedule that comes along with it. We've had some great times together and I can't wait to introduce Lincoln to his extended "road family"! Katie and I already say her youngest Sophie will be his girlfriend and Barbie's twin boys can show him the ropes of life! Another wife, Ansley, was unable to attend because her sweet boy came just a wee-bit earlier than anticipated. I've already asked her random questions about newborn baby boy care while it's fresh on her mind and I know the boys will make good playmates being so close in age. Being able to see how each of these families are able to succeed even with daddy away at work has been comforting to us as we enter into parenthood ourselves, we've got some great examples!

Katie, Barbie and Megan

And last but not least, here's a picture of me with the 3 fabulous hostesses! Thank you girls for everything you did for this day!

Hostesses with the mostess-es: Katie, Rachel and Jenn

Have a wonderful weekend!!

Love,

Denisse

32 weeks

32 week Update

How far along? 32 weeks down - only 8 to go!
Baby E’s Size: App says about 3.75 pounds

Jicama (about 16.7 inches long)

Gender: I love this nursery rhyme line: "What are little boys made of? Snips and snails, and puppy dogs tails, That's what little boys are made of!"
Maternity clothes? Still mixing it up! I bought my last (I hope) maternity item this weekend-finally a pair of shorts that doesn't have the full panel, that extra layer adds too much in the TN heat!
Weight gain: I'm up to 23 total at my Dr appt Monday morning. According to the Baby Center pregnancy app I'm "gaining about a pound a week and roughly half of that goes right to the baby. In fact, he'll gain a third to half of his birth weight during the next 7 weeks as he fattens up for survival outside the womb."
Stretch marks? Not that I can see, but I also can't see much anymore ;)
Sleep: Lacking in this area the past few days..
Best moment this week: Dennis coming home right when I was feeling my worst. He's been so supportive during the entire pregnancy (no surprise to anyone who knows him) and I've recently caught a cold that has knocked me off my feet. He got home at 3 am Monday morning and I was wide awake. Having him home made me feel better and having him with me at our doctor's visits is always a plus. Me and Lincoln are lucky for sure!! He's been helpful the couple days he's been home although we're trying to somewhat keep our distance hoping he doesn't catch my funk. Also a great moment to have Dr D say that everything is on track, she's not worried about Dennis' upcoming trip across the pond and she recommended how I could get rid of this cold.
Miss Anything? raw ahi tuna with spicy mayo and cream cheese wrapped in seaweed and rice (nothing new..trying to word sushi differently-ha!)
Food cravings: lots of bananas, pickles and icecream-and Chocolate Coca Cola cake from Cracker Barrel!
Anything making you queasy or sick: I wish I could continue on the "no" pattern but I have had a few episodes over the past few days. Dr D thinks it's due to my cold and thinks it will pass again once the cold goes away. It really isn't too bad, just another part of the plan to get us prepped for what's to come with the baby :)
Symptoms: Everything tastes SO GOOD these days-best symptom of all!
Belly Button? OUT!
Wedding ring on or off? On
Looking forward to: I have a prenatal massage this week AND our last baby shower to celebrate Lincoln's upcoming arrival. Lots to look forward to in baby prepping land. Plus Next week is a short work week with the 4th and I'm taking a couple days PTO to spend time with Dennis before his long trip.
Hope everyone is having a great summer!!
Love,
D, D & L

Week 31

How far along? 31 weeks - 7 months!

Baby E’s Size:

He weighs about 4 lbs!

Gender: Boy oh boy!

Maternity clothes? OH yes!

Weight gain: Averaging about one pound a week now

Stretch marks? not that I can see..

Sleep: Hit or miss, I either sleep solid through the night or toss and turn.

Best moment this week: Technically it was last week..but my girlfriends hosted an awesome baby shower celebrating Lincoln. (Recap coming soon-need some photos first.) We are extremely thankful and feel REALLY lucky to have the support and love from so many different friends and family in mine & Dennis' - and soon to be Lincoln's - lives. I had a lot of fun sharing all the details with Dennis when he got home.

Miss Anything? I don't really "miss" it but I can no longer see my toes without leaning over -ha!

Food cravings: Bananas, sour candy (thanks to some leftovers from the shower), pickles - I must say Dennis and I tried the fried pickles at Jonathan's Grille that recently opened here in Mt Juliet and they are the best I've ever had! They're lightly breaded SPEARS (not chips) and Dennis agrees they taste different/better than others we've tried. Highly recommend them! And we're happy to have another local option to eat at too.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Happily-NO!

Symptoms: No new symptoms just enjoying the nesting phase.

Belly Button? It's mostly out!

Wedding ring on or off? On

Looking forward to: I'm enjoying the gradual change in my work life happening now until Lincoln's arrival. I've started working part-time at home and the rest of the time I'll still be working at the office. I definitely need and appreciate the transition phase, but as you can imagine Sasha adjusted immediately to the working from home part!

thank goodness she can catch the afternoon sun while I'm working

we brought her bed upstairs so she's comfortable as she keeps me company

Enjoy the rest of the week and stay cool-it's officially summer!

Love,

D D and Baby E