39 weeks!

Dates: Dec. 8, 2013

I am actually feeling pretty good.  William has dropped, so sometimes he gets a little heavy, but I am still getting around pretty good and feel pretty good with the exception of  occasional fatigue. 

Size of baby... estimated weight on US at 37 weeks was 6# 8oz (50%tile)

Baby's Movement: William is a very active little guy.  He still loves to kick me in the right flank and I see his little foot sticking out frequently.  He has definitely dropped and my reflux is much improved, but I have to pee ALL the time!!

My Activity: I had a little bout of sacroillitis, that thank goodness resolved.  It restricted me from doing much of anything, but now that it is healed! 

Diet:  Strangest cravings for me are milk (I never used to drink milk), now I drink 1-2 glasses a day!  I also love ice water and ice, which is very strange for me as I typically drink luke warm or hot water (NEVER ice water!). 

We are mostly prepared for out little guy, well as prepared as you can be!  We have our pack and play set up, our basinet with some disposable diapers and LOTS of cloth diapers (all washed and ready to wear). 

Big events.... My mother-in-law came down for a visit.  We had a great time!  then a couple weeks later my wonderful friend Krista with the help of my husband threw an incredible baby shower!!  I had friends and family from D.C, Oklahoma, Texas, North Carolina and South Carolina.  I felt very loved to have so many people travel such distances to come celebrate my little guy!  Here are some pictures :) 

I almost forgot to include my fabulous co-workers, who also threw me an amazing shower.  I am so very lucky to be surrounded by such supportive friends!  William has everything he could possibly need (I  think). 

 Sean & I at home with our new (new to us) Grandfather clock.  Picture thanks to Grandma Pat.

 Katie Rogers & I at shower with awesome baby wreath!!  Katie just had her baby girl Kinsley 3 weeks ago!!

My sister Liz & I at shower :)

Party planner, Krista Rogers!! 

 My assistant Marin, who helped me open all my wonderful gifts.  This is a handmade sweater my Grandmother (William's Great Granny Max) bought him :)

 Amazing diaper cake from Wally. 

Auntie and Grannies!  So blessed to have such a wonderful family!!

Delicious cake from my co-workers at APCA! 

My next post will probably be after Mr. William comes, but maybe not... we'll see :)  We are getting very excited to meet our little guys. 

Soo... much has happened since my last blog... I was able to go visit my dear friend Meryl and her family in Beaufort, SC.  She is always inspiring to me.  She is a mother of 3 beautiful children and a military wife.  She is an amazing homemaker and a caring, intelligent physician.  On my most recent visit, I was able to meet her daughter, Maryblake for the first time!  I intend to take lots of pictures of her, but ended up holding her most of the visit and didn't get one picture!  Such a shame, because she is a beautiful child!!  But I did get a few of Meryl's other children Harper and Rowen.  Here are a few pictures from the trip...

Then I headed to Orlando, FL for a National Pediatrics conference.  I went with my collegue, Sofia Abraham-Hardee.  We had a wonderful time!  We spent most of our time in lectures, but managed to go to downtown Disney and to an AAP conference event to get our picture with Minnie and Mickey. I also got to catch up with great friends from residency, Nicole Willis and Misty :) Such a great trip! Pictures are worth 1,000 words so....

 Misty, Nicole and I at convention :)  I also got to see Lo, Nicole's beautiful daughter! :)

Sofia and I with Mickey and Minnie :) 

Well I think that covers the big events over the last couple weeks.  Pregnancy up date to come soon :)

Weeks 25-28

Wow I can't believe it's been so long!

Dates: Aug. 30- Sept. 26, 2013

Sorry guys I got a little behind on blogging....

How Far Along: 25-28 weeks

Size of baby @ 28 weeks: 2 pounds about 15 inches long

Baby's development: starting to dream, can sense light & is "plumping up"
Gender: It's aBOY!!!
Baby's Movement: William is getting more forceful with his kicks and I can see my belly move sometimes. I can feel him turning as well. Sometimes I wonder what he's doing in there.
Symptoms: Mostly just heartburn, I have graduated to using Zantac regularly and it usually controls my dragon tendancy of fire breathing. Ice cream and milk also help.

My Activity: Ran a 5K with mom, that was the last time I ran. Sean and I are still going on walks with the dogs. I would like to start swimming soon, but have not started yet.

Diet: Still love mashed potatoes (my favorite) & chocolate although I try to limit both. Still keeping a pretty bland diet to control heartburn. New cravings include milk & ice cream. I drink a glass of milk a day now (I have NEVER drank milk), I think that is good as I have read I need more calcium during this time for healthy bone development.

Maternity Clothes: I got a new installment of maternity clothes from my dad :) And I did some online shopping. I pretty much don't fit in any normal clothes except oversized sweats and of course my favorite... yoga pants and one of Sean's T-shirts :)

Nursery: We got William's room and bathroom painted! His bathroom is pretty much done, but we have a little work to do on his bedroom. My dad brought us Jerry, which has really added a lot of character to the room. We LOVE Jerry and know William will love him as well. We should get his crib in the next couple weeks.

My favorite things...

William has even more of a presence now because I feel him moving so much. I am talking to him more. I feel him move a lot when I see babies in the clinic, I love it :)

William's accomplishments: William has been to 2 VT games. Below are pictures from his first home game :) He ran his first 5K.

Other highlights: My parents and sister came to visit. We had a wonderful time!! It was soo great to have them here. It was the first time my sister had seen our new home. Ollie (my sister's dog) also came to visit and was on his best behavior after his recent training.





William's first home hokie game :)




Mom and I after Hokie 5K


William's bathroom


Jerry :) in William's room.


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Atlanta

Dates: Aug. 30-31

We went to Atlanta for the Alabama vs. Virginia Tech football game :)
We went with our dear friends, Katie & Adam Collins, Carrie & Jeff Neal and Gina and Bryce. We had a fabulous time!! Here are some of the highlights :)

Tailgaiting & DragonCon (Saturday)
We started tailgaiting at a Mexican restaurant on a balcony with a great view of the street. DragonCon (The largest multimedia, popular culture convention focusing on science fiction & fantasy, gaming, comics, literature, art, music and film IN THE UNIVERSE!), mostly this means lots of great costumes on the sidewalks, GREAT for people watching!! (thanks Carrie for your pics)



Steam punk, late 1800's character, awesome intricate costume. Very popular genre of costumes





The Game.....

Virginia Tech vs Alabama - Preseason Chick-fil-a Bowl



Outfitted in our Hokie gear :) we headed to the big game....



Gina, Carrie, Katie and I together :)

The Hokies lost 10 to 35, but they player pretty well, we definitely learned where some of our weakness were. Hopefully will help us be a better team! We had great seats 4 row up on the 30 yard line!! Awesome view :) Thanks Adam!!

Sunday....
Katie, Carrie & I took a walk-about around Atlanta and saw more great costumes. Got delicious pumpkin spice lattes (first of the season!).




Then Sean and I headed to the Aquarium (the largest in the nation apparently). Here are some great pics of the aquarium.....


Sting rays, Mantas, Whalesharks & more!!! It was very cool to see manta rays & whale sharks interact, I am not sure they encounter each other in the wild.


They are the only aquarium in the nation with Whale sharks!! We have wanted to dive with whalesharks since our first dive trip together!! They are incredible animals!! These whale sharks were shipped to the aquarium via UPS (on planes!!!) from Taiwan!!!! Pretty amazing. You can actually scuba dive (or snorkel) with them in the tanks, but you have to make your reservations 3 months in advance, so no diving or snorkeling for us this weekend :)


Baluga whale & Sean :) They are soo cute! Very playful, lots of fun to watch.


Penguins


River otters. Also very playful, hard to take picutres, bc they never slowed down.

The aquarium was a great end to an amazing weekend!! We plan to go back someday, maybe even take little William.

Location:Atlanta, Georgia

Week 22-24

Dates: Aug. 9-Aug 23rd, 2013

Sorry guys I got a little behind on blogging....

How Far Along: 22-24 weeks

Size of baby: (22 wks) wt about 1 pound

(24 wks)  wt  about 1.25 pounds and 12 inches

 

Baby's development: starting to hear (even outside sounds) and taste buds are developing!

Gender: It's aBOY!!!

Movement: I William kicking a lot and moving a lot.  The movements are very distinct now and Sean can easily feel them.  It is pretty amazing!!  I feel them more after eating and drinking my decaf coffee or tea in the am, and especially when I am laying down for bed. 

Symptoms: I am sleeping well, no complaints most nights.  Still have some heartburn, thank goodness for Tums :).  Leg swelling that is pretty well controlled with my awesome leg sleeves.

 

My Activity: Still running some, but have slowed down a lot and walk a lot.  Wish I was doing more exercises at home, but haven't done much.  Sean and I are walking the dogs in the neighborhood a couple times a week which also helps.

 

Diet:  I still LOVE my carbs!!  But I am trying really hard to eat healthier as I have read Willliam's amniotic fluid will take on the taste of the foods I eat and may affect the foods he likes later on (and I would like him to be a healthy little eater).  I do still love my sweets (just like prior to pregnancy, but am trying to limit them also for weight control.  I am avoiding most tomato based foods and fried/greasy foods (except French fries) as they give me heart burn. 

Maternity Clothes: They are starting to fit and look cute.  I am starting to get out of the fluffy stage and look more pregnant.   I have found some cute maternity clothes and my family has been very helpful and supportive in the search. 

 

Shopping experience: I went to Roanoke for maternity clothes shopping and saw a girl that reminded me of me when I first started looking, she was distraught that noting looked good and she couldn't find anything and her sweet husband was sitting outside her dressing room telling her she looked beautiful, I just wanted to give her a big hug and tell her it will get better. 

My favorite things...  I love feeling the little guys kick!  I am talking to him more now that I know he can hear us.  I am also trying to be very aware of what music we listen to (throwing in a little classical here and there). 

 

Baby clothes shopping...I have gotten many wonderful, adorable outfits from friends and family (Thank you guys!!).  AND... I have started shopping for baby clothes!!  Yikes I think I may have an addiction!  I am having way too much fun with Zulily! 

 

Nursery: We are starting to work on the nursery (unknown theme....work in progress) and William's bathroom (underwater theme).   We have picked out colors (rich light brown for nursery & dark blue for bathroom) for both and will start the painting in a couple weeks.  We have ordered the crib and are thinking about nursery themes :).  But the bathroom is mostly done (except paint), Sean picked out most of the décor :) 

 

 

 

Cloth diapering:   This could be a whole blog on it's own!!  We have decided to cloth diaper and I have been research cloth diapers, WOW who knew there was soooo much to know!!  I have ordered 5 different kinds and am anxiously awaiting their arrival :)  I know most people think I am crazy, but it really much different now than it used to be the diapers are pretty amazing!!  Don't worry for those of you that think there is NO way I am changing a cloth diaper, I will keep a couple disposables for you to use when you come babysit :)   

How cute is this!!  This was my first purchased pair of cloth diapers :)

 

More to come soon.....

Weeks 20-21

How Far Along: 20/21weeks

Size of baby: 6 1/2 inches, the size of a small cantaloupe

Movement: I think I can tell when the little one is kicking... I think. Definitely a lot of fluttering in that area.

Cravings: Not much

Symptoms: Mild indigestion and some leg swelling, but not much to complain about.

Maternity Clothes: Went shopping while in Houston and my wonderful sister helped me pick out some great stuff. Even got a swimming suit.

Best memories: Went to Houston for Sommer & Tom's (my cousin) wedding. It was an extravagant, gorgeous wedding for an amazing couple!! It was soo wonderful to see my family. It was the first time I have seen a lot of my extended family since I found out I was pregnant :) We had a wonderful time and were sad to see to leave.




The Huggard crew! Can't believe we got a pic with all of us!!



Sean & I at rehearsal dinner. There was an electric bull, but I decided to wait til next time :)


Sean & I with my cousins Steve & Amber. Sooo wonderful to see them!


The "Shaw girls" we look more and more a like as we get older. Soo very luck to have such a wonderful family. So excited to bring our little William into such a great family!

I do not have any pictures, but the wedding we attended was for my mom's cousin, Ann's son, Tom. I was named after Ann, it was soo wonderful to get to see her and spend time with her! She is definitely a special lady! What a great weekend!!

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Location:July 26- August 8th

Weeks 18-19

July 12- 25th



Pregnancy stats...
How far along... 18/19 wks

Size of baby: an avacado/orange

Gender.. Boy!!!

Name: William Joseph Collins



Baby's Movement.. I am pretty sure I have felt one swift kick and a lot of little movements that may be William

What I miss: hmmm still missing an occasional glass of wine, and being comfortable (sleeping, sitting, in the car)... I know this will get worse and that's okay, it's just starting to be more noticable that there actually is a baby in my belly!

Cravings...banana pudding!!!

Symptoms..Little heartburn and indigestion

Big events... My parents came to visit and got to see our house for the first time! :) It was wonderful to have them!!

Best moments... Having my parents here. Also, I have been struggling to find a dress for a wedding coming up. My sister & mom have been amazing shopping for me! After trying 3 dress on and none of them working, my husband took it upon himself to go shopping for me :) He bought me a beautiful pink dress, that I feel like myself in!! What a guy!!



My parents brought me my old basinet, that my dad made for me! The blanket was hand made by my Aunt Shirley for me. I am so glad to have a visual reminder that this little guy is on it's way (if my growing belly wasn't enough :) ).

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Weeks 16 & 17

June 28- July 11th

Pregnancy stats...
How far along... 16/17 wks
Size of baby: a lemon/peach
Gender.. Not sure, will find out on July 17th if baby is cooperative ( Sean says girl, I say boy, maybe girl... I really have no Idea.
Baby's Movement..I am not sure maybe felt something here and there, but not really sure.
What I miss: occasional glass of wine, missing it less & less. I did give in & start drinking decaf coffee, it was quite good!
Cravings...none
Symptoms..starting to be a little more forgetful, not sure if that's pregnancy or not, but that's what my excuse is :)

Big events... We moved & sold our house!!!!!! We had a ton of help & somehow got all of our things moved!! We are still unpacking, but are loving our new home. I have a better commute to work, Sean is closer to work & we have a baby room :).

My business partner Breann Bailey, MD moved to Richmond. We were so very sad to see her leave, she was is a much esteemed colleague & a wonderful friend. Wishing her the very best & look forward to her returning when her husband finished his residency. In the mean time I think I will be making more shopping trips to Richmond :)

Best moments... Seeing family (Mom Collins, Kurt & Serena)& friends (Adam & Sean) & sharing our exciting news! Ohh I have discovered that I actually do love baths!!!

The move....



New house :)



Unpacking... You can appreciate a little baby belly :)


Installation of chandelier!! Eek, glad I was at work!



Having the chandelier really made it feel more like our home, the flowers were a nice touch too :). Thanks mom & dad!

Farewell to Bre


The APCA Peds crew, (left to right) Carrie (our nurse), Sofia (pediatrician), Danielle (our nurse), Bre (pediatrician), Hope (pediatrician), & me

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First gifts...

Soo... I forgot to include some very important details in my last blog. Little baby Collins is very blessed to already have many people who adore him or her & has already started receiving presents!!

This is baby's first official gift from Aunt Lizzie, she wanted to be sure she/ he had their own bunny.

This is from Robin to be sure our little one stays warm, sine we are expecting in December! :)
We are so blessed to have such wonderful friends & family! Thanks guys!!
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15 weeks

Well for those of you who don't know, surprise I'm pregnant!! My mom told me recently that you always remember your pregnancy, so I want to be sure I remember it accurately & keep all you up to date :).
Pregnancy stats...
How far along... 15 wks
Size of baby.. 4 inches about the size of a plum
Gender.. Not sure, will find out in a few weeks ( Sean says girl, I say boy)
Movement.. None yet, but I am sure it's coming, my last ultrasound he/ she was doing the Irish gig :)
What I miss: occasional glass of wine, and feeling in control of my body
Cravings...none
Symptoms.. Morning symptoms improving, some residual dyspepsia & persistent hunger
Best moments... I am starting to realize there really is a little baby in there!! It is still hard to believe. Clothes & my growing belly have been a challenge for me, but my husband has been very supportive taking me shopping & my mom even bought me cute maternity clothes!! Many of my friends have also donated clothes which has made things much easier!! I am so lucky to have such a wonderful support system!
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Princess half marathon!,

Sooo I am officially a princess after running my first 1/2marathon with my sister. We ran 13.1 miles (the longest I have ever run) and had princesses cheering us on!

We stayed at the Disney All Star Movie hotel, with 101 Dalmations theme :) My sister's favorite ever Disney movie (I think).











Shortly after out arrival we were welcome with two beautiful bouquets, sent by our parents :) They even matched our tutus!!


We started our morning at 3 am, donned in running gear and our homemade tutus!! (Mine is Hokie colors of course)


Then headed to the venue and prepared to run through Epcot & the magic kingdom with 26,000 other princes & princesses :)










They shot fireworks off for us & the fairy godmother started us with her magic words...















After a nap we hit downtown Disney & were sprinkled with fairy dust, ate like royalty & enjoyed wonderful music.



This is made out of Leggos!!!


Champagne toast for completing 13.1 miles!! :) followed by a delicious dinner at Fultons Crab House



Sprinkled with fairy dust.."bipodee bopodee doooo, may all your dreams come true"


Princess for a day :)


Socializing with the princesses :)







We were very proud to wear our princess 1/2 marathon shirts & metals on our way home. We also both bought 13.1 magnets to remind us of our great accomplishment!! What a fun trip! I see more 1/2 marathons in our future (my sister has already registered for her next one!)

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Location:Disney world