Family Resting

All 4 of my family members resting on the couch! It's really awesome
watching Erika grow. I can't wait to find out if it's a boy or a girl.

One more week!!!!

ONE MORE WEEK from today and we'll finally know the sex! Can you tell I'm excited?! I'm probably driving everyone nuts with my constant count down. I'll be 20 weeks by then. Once we find out, we'll finish/revise our baby registry at Babies R Us. I'm anxious to start shopping and I know Lawton's ready to work on the nursery now that we've cleaned out the room. We also have some friends that are generous enough to let us borrow their baby's clothes/equipment. I'm so grateful! I know our son/daughter will be spoiled rotten, especially since this is the first baby and grandbaby in my immediate Columbia family since ME! If you have any good ideas for what we will or will not need, please let us know. We've already received great advice from friends and family! 

Love,
Erika, Lawton, and Baby Swann

18 Weeks!!!!!

I think I finally felt the baby inside!!!! The other day I was driving home and felt a long, hard push on one part of my belly. I assume that was he/she stretching after a nap and not it bracing from my driving!

This week it seems like my stomach keeps growing! I actually feel it stretching inside. I know that sounds weird but it's true! I've been enjoying the maternity clothes that Sarah has given me. I hope to fill them out soon so I look more stylish than sloppy. Less than 2 weeks now until we find out the sex. Thank you to those who have voted so far in our poll on the side of this page.

I've noticed that smells are starting to bother me more now, mostly at the office. Everything seems stronger....sharpie markers, paint in my new office, press wash, and even other people's perfume. It's not that it smells bad, it's just overwhelming sometimes. Normally I enjoy those occasional "highs."

Lately, the nights have been uncomfortable. It's hard to find a position on my side without my limbs falling asleep! I've tried surrounding myself with pillows but that hasn't worked yet. I miss laying on my stomach!!!!!! And Lawton's snoring doesn't help either. Just kidding! Please let me know any secrets you may have about sleeping when pregnant. I need help! Feel free to comment......

Love,
Erika, Lawton, and Baby Swann

Week 17 - Erika's Tummy

This week I really "popped." A lot of people are starting to notice that I'm pregnant now and not just bloated. It's hard to tell that I've changed in the picture from last week but I've definitely gained the weight and feel the tightness! I haven't felt any movement yet, but I know the baby is in there kicking away. I've been reading the book, "What To Expect When You're Expecting," and I should begin to feel the baby in the next week or so. I really need to start shopping for maternity clothes. My friend, Sarah, has a bunch for me to try on. For now, I'll stick to my favorite blue pants!

Today our friends, Steve and Brittné, found out that they're having a girl, Caroline Hayden. We love the name! It seems like all of my friends are pregnant with girls or have already had them. We need some more males in this family!!!! Lawton and I will find out in a few weeks. Meanwhile, we're trying to think of names. It's hard to narrow it down. Feel free to post a comment on your opinions. Also, be sure to vote in our poll on the side of this page if you think we're having a boy or a girl. Stay tuned for more updates!

Love,
Erika, Lawton, and Baby Swann

Week 16 - Erika's Tummy

Right now we are finishing up the 4th month and can safely say BYE BYE First Trimester! The bad news is, Erika's jeans don't fit anymore. Now she is wearing loose fitting clothes and warm up pants to be comfortable. She eats small portions almost every 2 hours! As her belly grows, so does Lawton's. He's enjoying the extra snacks around the house. Other things that are growing are her hair & nails, thanks to the prenatal vitamins! Our next appointment will be on February 4th, at 20 weeks. Erika should be feeling movement by then. We're anxious to find out the sex and see the first ultrasound. What a great birthday present for Lawton!

Love,
Erika, Lawton, and Baby Swann

Week 15 - Doctor Visit

On Tuesday, December 30th, Erika had another doctor's appointment. This time it was in the OB Suite. She is excited to see where her "second home" will be over the next 5 months. We both headed to Palmetto Health Baptist and met Dr. Stands. Everything went well and was normal. We even got to hear the heart beat again, which measured around 152. According to the old wives tales, that means it could be a girl, but we still feel like it's a boy. We'll be happy either way!

Over the Christmas holiday, we received a lot of gifts for Baby Swann. It's starting to feel real now. Lawton is even cleaning out the nursery over his Winter break, so we can start painting soon. We even picked out a crib and started registering for neutral items at Babies R Us! We are looking forward to the upcoming new year.... 2009 is going to be awesome!

Love,
Erika, Lawton, and Baby Swann

Week 13 - Erika's Tummy

Over Thanksgiving, we told Lawton's family about the baby. Everyone was thrilled. Still not a lot going on with the belly area. We have been reading all about our little guy or girl. Erika is HUNGRY for the upcoming Christmas Dinner. She has much more energy now. So far Erika's clothes still fit. We have an appointment coming up with the doctor in a couple of weeks.

Love,
Erika, Lawton, and Baby Swann

Week 11 - Heart Beat

On December 2nd, Lawton and I went to the doctor together for the first time. Lawton is determined to never miss anything with the baby! During our visit we got to hear the heart beat for the first time. It was beating so fast!

Lawton is really getting excited about the baby. He can't wait for the ultrasound. On the downside, he has to scoop cat poop. Suck it up, Dad!

Love,
Erika, Lawton, and Baby Swann

Week 8 - Erika's Tummy

Not much to show so far! On this week, Erika didn't have much of an appetite. In fact, she was losing weight at this point. We think it is because she cut out sweet tea & sodas from her routine. Not to mention every other great tasting food known to man!

Love,
Erika, Lawton, and Baby Swann

Expecting Our First Child

On Friday, October 24th I took a home pregnancy test and found out that I might be expecting. I scheduled an appointment and saw the doctor on November 3rd. I found out that I was seven weeks pregnant!

Lawton and I have been very excited about our new baby. It seems like the days will not go by fast enough. I have been very fortunate in that I haven't had morning sickness. As of today, we are starting our 16th week and expect the little one around June 23rd.

The next big day for us is February 4th when we find out if it's a boy or a girl.
Until then enjoy these pictures of my growing belly and our lives as they change.

Love,
Erika, Lawton, and Baby Swann