Hours Away!!!!

I'm now approaching 41 weeks and ready to see my baby boy! Since Mason chose not to come on his own, I'm scheduled for induction at 6am on tomorrow morning on Monday, June 29th. Lawton and I were told to call the hospital at 5am to give them a head's up so they can get our room/bed ready. I'm not supposed to eat or drink anything after midnight on Sunday since the digestive system slows down during labor and any food left in your stomach may cause nausea.

I'm sure I won't sleep much tonight...I'll be so anxious and excited.

This afternoon, Lawton and I hung around the house and got the last few things ready and cleaned. My mom and grandparents came to visit and that really helped the time fly by. I took a nap this afternoon so that may even help some. Although, I feel like this past month all I've been doing is catching up on sleep. I have a feeling it won't matter by the time he's here. I know I'll be a zombie the first 2 months!!! We're just ready for him to be here and in our arms. We'll keep Facebook and our other blog up to date with pictures, etc. so stay tuned to the next chapter in our lives.

Love,
Erika, Lawton, and Baby Mason

DUE DATE HAS ARRIVED

June 23rd has finally arrived... but we're still missing the baby! We went in for our doctor's appointment at 8:30 and even loaded up the hospital bag just in case. My blood pressure was 116/70 and Mason's heart rate was around 140. Everything was pretty much the same. We had the Fetal NST (Non Stress Test) today. The test involves attaching one belt to my abdomen to measure fetal heart rate and another belt to measure contractions. Movement, heart rate and “reactivity” of heart rate to movement is measured for 20-30 minutes. I had to press a button whenever I felt him kick to record it. Dr. Laffitte said I passed with flying colors!After my exam, the doctor told me that I'm still not dilated. I knew instantly we were going to have to talk about inducing next. He asked me, "So, when do you want to have this baby?" I said, "Um, TODAY!" He laughed and said, "How about Monday?" I gave a disappointed look and responded with, "What's that date?" Once he said the 29th, I was fine with it since we would still be in the month of June. I was more relieved that I only have to go 6 more days and not 2 weeks late, assuming Mason doesn't come on his own before then. I'm just so happy that he's doing well and still growing!

After the appointment and lunch, we decided to go on a daycare tour. We found one we really liked and have been put on a waiting list. Now, we just have to figure out how we can afford it. I plan on doing a lot more with Mary Kay cosmetics on the side, for some extra cash. So please let me know if you would like to have a Mary Kay party or order anything to help support baby Mason! :-) You're welcome to check out my website or contact me for more information.

Meanwhile, we'll keep everyone posted throughout the week. Who knows, maybe Mason will still make his due date....but it sounds like he's going to stay "in bed" a little while longer and I plan on doing the same.

Love,
Erika, Lawton, and Baby Mason

Tick Tock Tick Tock

Today is THE DAY BEFORE our due date! My granddad turns 78 and he was hoping to share his birthday! So far, NOTHING! I feel like a time bomb getting ready to go off! I've had a lot of strangers ask me when I'm due and when I tell them, they back up like I'm about to give birth right then and there! I'm doing everything I'm supposed to... resting with my feet up! I was on my feet all day yesterday so I'm relaxing today. I've done nothing but nap and watch movies. I've noticed my appetite starting to diminish. I felt a little "icky" today but have been hanging in there. Lawton and I are going for a walk later once it cools off. Maybe that will stir things up!I took a few pictures of the finished nursery! We were so excited to get our glider in before Mason's arrival. My grandparents bought it for us and since it was special ordered, it wasn't supposed to be here till mid-July, but we lucked out. Also, my aunts, Carol & Myra, got us a tummy tub that should have arrived at Carol's today! I'm excited to see how this new invention works that's been all over the television! It's supposed to make them feel secure, like their in the womb, while you bathe them. Maybe that's why Mason's taking so long to come out, he's just too comfortable!
Love,
Erika, Lawton, and Baby Mason

39 1/2 Weeks - Erika's Tummy

This past weekend we were really hoping to have Mason. What a great Father's Day present that would have been! But, we have to keep reminding ourselves that his due date is June 23rd and that there's a chance we'll go over. Boys tend to be later than girls, from what I hear. I just really don't want to have a C-section. I wanted to experience normal child birth (with epidurals of course). I've been so prepared and have been looking forward to saying, "Honey, it's time!" but now I'm starting to feel like I will have to be induced. I've hardly had any contractions, mostly just back pain. My feet are still really swollen and I feel like a big puffy marshmallow. I honestly feel like the majority of my weight gained is just fluid. I'm looking forward to dropping this weight very soon! Our next appointment is on our due date at 8:30 in the morning. We'll be in touch....

Love,
Erika, Lawton, and Baby Mason

39th Week - Doctor's Appt

The doctor's appointment went well this morning. My blood pressure was 120/80, weight's good (even though I've passed Lawton) and the heartbeat is normal. We saw Dr. Laffitte and he said I'm about 60% effaced, but still not dilated. That's okay though! We're still on schedule. If I don't have Mason by Tuesday, the 23rd (his due date) then they'll do a Fetal Non-Stress test to monitor Mason's movements, heart rate and my contractions. That's less than 6 days away, so I'm just going to relax and enjoy my time on the couch! I took today off from work since everything was under control and no one needed me.

Last night I went to the neighbor's house for a Tastefully Simple party. Never go to that party pregnant, you'll buy EVERYTHING! It's amazing food that's quick and easy to make... which is what I'll need after Mason's born. I had a great time and it was good to get out of the house and spend some time with females! I noticed after tasting all the yummy foods, that my feet became really swollen, more than usual. I couldn't even put my flip flops back on! It was kind of funny. I had to walk home barefoot. I'm now wearing Lawton's Adidas sandals. At least I'm comfortable and sporty, right? Haha!

Love,
Erika, Lawton, and Baby Mason

10 More Days!

Lawton and I had a photo shoot today to pass the time!
Here are some pictures that he took of me and my baby bump.

Can't believe we have less than 10 days!!!

Feel free to check out our new blog where you'll find more photos and will be able to comment!

Love,
Erika, Lawton, and Baby Mason

Final Countdown

I know exactly what you're thinking.... OUCH! Yes, I've experience my share of pains this week. Poor Mason is out of room and I haven't been able to eat much anymore. My belly button has now protruded and can be seen poking out from my shirt. We only have 11 days left! I'm wrapping up the end of my 38th week and cannot be happier!

The doctor's appointment this past Wednesday was good, a little disappointing, but good. We're both healthy. My blood pressure dropped back down to 108/70. I think it's because I had the day off and didn't come straight from work! Mason's heart beat was perfect and my belly measured 37". Even though I'm still not dilated, my cervix is thinning and preparing for his debut. I know it's hard to guess when a baby will come but after having several friends have theirs 2 weeks early and reading that 95% of babies will be 14 days before their due date, I just kept getting my hopes up. Dr. Holladay told Lawton and I to prepare ourselves just in case he is late. I mentioned my swollen feet again and the Braxton Hicks contractions. He informed us that we'll know when it's the real thing. He said don't worry about timing the contractions.... there's no point. When it's real, they'll bring tears to my eyes and I'll be huffing and puffing. He turned to Lawton and said, "When she starts calling you names that you've NEVER heard before, then you know it's time to get to the hospital." Before we left, he did a quick ultrasound just to make sure Mason is head down and he's definitely in position! He told me to continue to drink plenty of fluids and stay away from salt. That should help with the swelling. I will continue to put my feet up and enjoy the massages.

I've enjoyed having Lawton home to drive me everywhere. It's been very uncomfortable just riding in the car. My belly seems too big to be behind the wheel and my feet are so big and puffy, I don't feel safe driving. Work has been slow....I haven't been working full days lately. I'm just so worn out. Now that Mason has dropped more, I feel the pelvic pressure often and the sharp pains in my lower abdomen. Lately I've found it more comfortable just to stand instead of sit. I walk around a lot just to help with the Braxton Hicks. I'm trying to take everyone's advice and enjoy this "quiet time" with Lawton but it seems like we just find more projects to take on before Mason's arrival. That also helps take our mind off of things. It's crazy how my pregnancy just FLEW by and now these next couple weeks are going by so slow! I feel like I can't call anyone because I freak people out... they think I'm in labor every time I want to chit chat! Maybe we'll have an eventful weekend. I feel like it's almost time.... probably just wishful thinking, but don't worry, we will be calling and/or sending out texts when we're on the way to the hospital. No matter what time of day! I know Lawton will be blogging, posting, and tweeting away... hopefully not while driving me! We'll be in touch....

Love,
Erika, Lawton, and Baby Mason

Early, Late or On-Time?

Today, I saw Dr. Stands for my 37th week check up. My blood pressure went up from last time, but it's still normal (120/77) and the strep test came back negative. My stomach measured 37 inches and Mason's heartbeat was perfect. They also said my weight was good but that I had a lot of water retention. My feet are obviously still really swollen. I hate that I can't put them up at work, but the second I come home, Lawton has 2 pillows under them! I'm also lucky that he actually enjoys rubbing them! Dr. Stands checked my cervix and I'm still not dilated... he said that maybe one finger could squeeze through but that's it! He said Mason's in position and his head is extremely low. TELL ME SOMETHING I DON'T KNOW! I knew that already because of all the pressure and lower pain. He asked when Lawton would be out of school and that I shouldn't be by myself much. I told him this was his last week, yippee!!! So that means he can start coming to my appointments now! The next one is scheduled for Wednesday, June 10th.

Baby Lawton

&

Baby Erika

Lawton reminded me that when he was born, he was 20 days early, which would mean me going into labor today! But, he was the third child. I, on the other hand, was the first and only baby, but 10 days late/C-section. What's really cool is that Lawton's original due date was February 28th and mine was the 29th, a leap year. We would have had the same birthday, just different years!

Just last week, I had a dream about June 11th; when I mentioned it to Lawton, he said, "Nah, my guess is 2 weeks from today." When we looked at the calendar to record our "guestimates" it turned out that he picked June 11th too! So I don't know if that's another coincidence or a sign! If Mason's anything like his mom, he'll be right on time but if he's like his dad, he'll be stubborn and late! What's your prediction?

Love,
Erika, Lawton, and Baby Mason