Bags packed & Car seat installed. Ready...Set...Go!!!

Here's a quick "pregnancy progress report".

Last week at my 37 week appointment, nothing really new. Baby measuring perfectly, no more signs of labor other than the continued braxton hicks a few times a day.

David and I went on Wednesday, 5/19 for our 38 week appointment. Doc said once again that I was measuring about a week ahead. She made a comment that "All her patients have been poppin out 9 pounders the last few days". I asked..."Ummmm what are you trying to tell me doc"...She chuckled and said, "You girls are all just having big babies-that's all". Hopefully, she doesn't think I'm going to be following the others lead with a 9 pounder...yikes! Doc dropped another bombshell on me when she told me that she was not working this weekend and would be gone the majority of next week to "move the office". She sensed my disappointment from this news, so after she confirmed that I am still just dilated at barley a 2cm she "stripped the membranes" in hopes of getting things moving.

Well, it did...sort of. Yesterday, I passed my "mucus plug" and I have since been having some minor, non-consistent contractions. I have eaten spicy food, received a great foot massage, and have done lots of walking. These are all "wive tales remedies" to get labor started. I have even considered taking Castor Oil, but I'm afraid the side effects are not something that one would enjoy. One thing I can tell that Braylon has moved lower in my pelvis because I am having much more discomfort when I walk.

We'll see what God has in store, He is truly putting my "patience" to the test. I am just so anxious to hold Braylon in my arms, I know these days ahead before we meet him are going to go by very very slow, so please be praying that he decides to make his debut SOON!

Mom's Birthday

We had a great time celebrating mom's birthday with a "Girls Day Out". Although mom didn't receive her "wish list" item which was the arrival of Mr. Braylon, she had a pretty darn good day!

I wanted to treat my mom with a day of relaxation. Ever since Grandginny has gotten very ill, it hasn't allowed her to have much freedom or time away from the house. So I called the "nurse sitter" and planned a whole day for mom to enjoy.

We started the day off with filling her "SOUL" with some good vibes, by getting her hair done. She didn't do much change to it, but enjoyed being able to get rid of "her gray" as she calls it. I tend to call it--"natural highlights".

Nevermind the "Master Hair Genius" Chris at work on mom's new duo!

After filling her SOUL we went to relax her "BODY" with a Spa Pedicure. My Aunt Jeanie and our dear friend Candy also met us at the nail shop for a little "R&R."

We carried on the day with filling her "MIND" with a delicious meal at NORTH Italian Bistro. We had a great time. The highlight at lunch was when my mom received some of Jeanie's "favorite things" as her gift. One of these gifts included the infamous As Seen On TV--"SHAKE WEIGHT". Let's just say that there will always be more where that came from and a story to always make us laugh.

We ended the afternoon with delicious Cold stone, (((Braylon))) just had to have some "Oreo Overload Ice cream". It was a delightful day and it was fun to see mom let loose for a few hours!

Happy Birthday to the most amazing mom ever!

36 WEEKS...1 down...9 to go!

I went to the doc yesterday and all is good! Braylon didn't grow much this week, so I am now measuring within the "normal range" which means no concern for the doc at this time. She did check my cervix and I am dilated 1 Centimeter! I know that I can remain this way until my due date, but for those of you that can remember being at my stage during pregnancy, this is a HUGE milestone! Braylon continues to be very active, and I talk to him daily about any time is a good time for him to come out! We'll see if he listens to mommy this early. I must say I really have enjoyed my pregnancy, but now I'm getting really anxious just to hold him in my arms.

35 Weeks...Let the COUNTDOWN BEGIN!!!

Yesterday, David and I went to my 34 week 5 day appointment. We were told that all is fine and great with the lil' guy. In fact, maybe "little" isn't the right word to use. Braylon is still measuring pretty big as the doc was laughing while she was measuring my belly. She said that if she "squishes" him, I am measuring at 36 weeks, but if she wanted to be liberal with her measuring she would actually say I was measuring at 37 weeks. So what does this mean...Mommy partaking in too many Oreos??? Well, no--(I asked ;) She basically said that either A) Braylon's just going to be a big kid (let's hope I don't make it to my due date) or B) He will be here sometime in May vs. June 3rd as scheduled. Let's just say although I would love to have a little football player on our hands, I'd be okay if he was under an 8 pounder at birth. Doc said we will check again next week, and if he's still measuring big, they will do an ultrasound to check his actual size. I must say, the hubby is quite proud of his boy already--excited to know that I won't be delivering a preemie anytime soon.

Aside from more difficulty sleeping, I am feeling great and still working like crazy. My "nesting" episodes have begun and I hope to have everything done by Braylon's arrival.

Oh before I go--I know you are all on "pins and needles" (yah right) for another belly pic, so here you go!

Braylon's Nursery

Candice's duties weren't complete at the shower. See, aside from planning one great party, she also has a gift of painting. Therefore, I wasn't going to let her return to the Island without helping me with Braylon's room. So last weekend, Candice, Brooke, My mom, David's mom, and I all buckled down for the day and finished Braylon's "haven". It turned out wonderfully and I can't wait to see him in it for the first time. The rocker in the room belonged to my great-great grandfather. Candice's amazing mom was kind enough to restore the chair, as Braylon will be the 5th generation to be rocked in it.

Baby Shower

My baby shower was AMAZING! Candice planned the whole thing from across the ocean and I couldn't have done it better myself! From the location-to the colors-to the food-to the games, the whole event was amazing! The minute I walked in the door, I nearly burst out into tears. It was an event that I had waited many years for and it met all of my expectations. I was so blessed to have my three best friends travel the distance to see that the party was a success. Candice flew from Hawaii, Brooke from North Carolina, and Becky from down home Queen Creek, AZ. They all put so much effort into the day and it turned out just beautifully. Everyone that attended also brought light to the day with their presence and amazing gifts. I even was able to see people I haven't seen in YEARS!

I am waiting for my photographer to send me the pics but for now, here's a few "amature photos" of the decor.

Maternity Shoot

From the minute I found out I was pregnant I knew that I would want to capture my "growing belly". So, like most preggo ladies, I have been taking photos of the "baby bump" every few weeks to document the change. However, as usual...I wanted more. David and I haven't had pro pics done since our wedding three years ago, so I really wanted to do Maternity Photos now that I was pregnant. Thankfully, a friend from school's younger sister has started her own photography company. She does amazing work and we really had a great time at the shoot. I even got my camera shy hubby to laugh and loosen up a little bit for some "corny poses". It was fun, and I am soo fortunate to have a treasured memory to show Braylon when he's older. I told David to get use to pics, because "Family Photos" will soon be a common thing around the Kingcannon Household =)



















Big Thanks to Mikala Cordes Photography