Friday, December 30, 2011

Waiting...

December 30th: Blakely's Due Date

Ok... so it is official. I am overdue. Today is Blakely's due date, and she is STILL not here. I feel like I am a ticking time bomb. Everyone keeps watching me as if I might go into labor at any moment....

We are currently scheduled for an induction next Tuesday (January 3rd) at 8am, but I am TOTALLY okay with her coming before then.

Hurry Ms. Blakely everyone is waiting for you to arrive!!! We love you baby girl!! Can't wait to see you in person!!

Merry Chirstmas!!

December 24th- 25th:

On December 24th, we celebrated Christmas with Richard's family. We had a great day with presents, a delicious lunch and a beautiful church service at ECBC. However, the most memorable gift of Christmas was Ms. AnnMarie's gift to Blakely.



This quilt is so gorgeous!!! Ms. AnnMarie made us the most beautiful quilt for our wedding, and I knew she would make something beautiful for Blakely's birth!!! The colors are absolutely gorgeous and match the bedding in her room perfectly. I know this quilt will be something that Blakely and I will both cherish for years to come!! Love you, GrandAnnie!!

On December 25th, we celebrated Christmas with my family. We played "the game," ate cinnamon rolls and lasagna, and enjoyed our last Christmas without grandkids. We got to be the kids for 1 more year!! Even though she was not present to open her presents, Blakely did get her very first babydoll from her Gigi.


Blakely's first babydoll!! This is an Abby doll from Pottery Barn Kids. It is so soft and cuddly. Blakely may not be able to enjoy this baby now, but I know she is going to be so cute dragging it around our home in the next couple of years. Thank you, Gigi!! We love you!!!

Merry Christmas everyone!!!! Hope you had a special day with your families as well!! 5 days and counting until Ms. Blakely's due date!!! YEAH!!

Favorite Things Episode

December 22nd:

Okay, so I am no Oprah, but I do have some new favorite things. I am a "professional" shopper, and I love to find quality items at discount prices. (I also like to brag about it! HA!) So having a baby has opened up whole new stores, departments.... and CHALLENGES!!

I have 3 new brands that I wanted to share with y'all, and some adorable outfits that Blakely is going to be sooooooo cute in!!


Kissy Kissy is by far my new favorite brand!! It is kind of expensive, but it is totally worth it. It is made out of 100% Peruvian Pima cotton. If you have not felt this material yet... it is like butter. So soft, so cuddly. I can't wait to snuggle little Blakely in this material. Also, Kissy Kissy is my mom's favorite brand as well.





Mud pie is this super cute brand that takes cute baby clothes and adds adorable frills and ribbons. I love this onsie with the bird on it... so cute! All found at my new favorite store on King Street- Princess of Tides. Also, important to note that this is Alyssa's favorite brand.



Last, but definitely not least, is Zutano. This brand is bright, colorful and whimsical. It is also very comfortable clothes for babies and toddlers. Basically, it is everything you would want in baby clothes. This little romper is hysterical..... it has little monkeys jump roping with snakes. Kind of weird, but oh so cute!! This is found in another one of my new favorite stores, Southern Belles off Coleman.

Friday, December 9, 2011

Daddy and Blakely

December 8th: Baby Talk

Richard loves to talk to Blakely!! If we are both home at night (which is rare these days). he will end the night talking to her right before we go to bed. Every night he sings "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" to her, and then tells her what a good baby she is. He calls her his "Little Twinkle Star." It is my favorite time of day.


Occasionally, I will wake up in the middle of the night or morning, and Richard will be telling her about something funny. For example, on Thanksgiving morning Richard was quietly explaining to Blakely all about Thanksgiving, the parade, the food, etc. It was so funny. He is going to be such a good Daddy!! The best part is that Blakely LOVES it when her Daddy talks to her. She squiggles and wiggles until she is almost entirely on the side he is talking to. Last night she moved so far over to the right that I was lopsided!! Blakely is so lucky to have a Daddy who already loves her SO MUCH!!

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

It Begins...

December 5th: The Beginning of the End

Blakely is on her way!! It could be days or weeks, but the end is in sight!!! Today at my OB visit, she informed me that I am one centimeter dilated. Not a lot, but it is definitely a start. Also, I have started having Braxton Hicks Contractions. Not painful per se, but definitely not comfortable either.

But ALL of this is welcome news, because it means that our little girl is preparing for her debut. We can hardly wait to meet her!!! I am oscillating between feelings of elation and feelings of fear. I don't know what to think or what to feel. A million questions keep floating around in my head...

Will I be a good mother? Can I handle the pain of labor? How will our lives change? What will she look like? Who will she look like? How will I ever go back to work and leave my sweet baby at home? How will I know I am REALLY in labor? What if I miss the SIGNS, and deliver at home or a car? Will Blakely come through this healthy? Will I make it through the delivery?

And finally, in the words of "David after Dentist".... IS THIS REAL LIFE???

I know all of these questions will be answered in time, and for now I know I just need to trust that the Lord has good things in store for us. He is the giver of "good gifts".... he does not give his children a stone, when they ask for a fish. He is a good God. Father God, please protect me and Blakely during this time period. Help prepare me to be the kind of mother you need me to be. Help me to trust you. Thank you, thank you, thank you for this blessing!!!

Month 8 Picture!!

November 30th: Large and In-Charge!!

I am now officially 8 months pregnant!! Hurrray!! It is officially Christmas season, which means that this is the SEASON that Blakely comes!!! We are now also >35 weeks pregnant. Which means if she were born TODAY she would get to go straight to Level 1 Nursery, and home with us in 24-48 hours. That is so totally crazy!!

So here is the month 8 picture. I am getting really BIG!! But that means that Blaker's is getting BIG too. Well, not TOO BIG.... Just right. She is currently weighing in at 5 1/2 pounds which puts her at the 40%. Just perfect. If you squint, I think you can see Blakely in this picture.



Her mom isn't looking so hot, but Blakely is looking cuter and cuter!! Can't wait to meet you baby girl!!! What I would love to know at this point in time is:
When will Ms. Blakely make her BIG DEBUTE??? Any guesses??? :)

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Stitch Witches!!

November 16th: Smocking Class

Over the last couple of years, my sister Alyssa and I have gotten REALLY crafty! We have been sewing, quilting and appliqueing for all of our friends children. Just a little pre-nesting, nesting! HA! Now that Richard and I are having a baby, Alyssa and I have been having so much fun sewing for Blakely! One skill that I knew we wanted to try once we had a little one to sew for was smocking.
PS This is a sample of a Bishop Dress.... No, we did not make this one! HA!

Maybe not in other areas of the country, but in the South... the smocked Bailey or Bishop still rules little girls fashion! It is iconic, classic... and ADORABLE!! So once we found out that I was having a baby girl, I signed Alyssa and I up for a smocking class for Alyssa's Birthday!!

I found us a class at Fashion Fabrics in Mount Pleasant with a world renowned smocker!! Who knew that smoking could be a world wide sport? HA!

Some of Alyssa's Handwork

Two major discoveries that night: 1) Alyssa learned that paying the "BIG BUCKS" at Southern Belles is TOTALLY WORTH it!! HA!

2) I learned that small skills that keep my hands busy is like being on Adderall, but SAFE for pregnancy!!

I am really excited about this new project! It is A LOT more work then I ever thought, but it is very fun and rewarding!! It may take me a while, but I plan to make a dress for Ms. Blakely!! I better make it for 9-12 months or I may not get done in time! HA! I'll keep y'all updated as to my progress.

One Last Peek...

November 15th: 33 Week Ultrasound
Today, Richard and I went to the OB for our very last ultrasound before the BIG DAY!! We were super excited, because we hadn't seen that sweet little face since the 19 week ultrasound. Needless to say, she has only gotten cuter!! But I'll let you sneak a peak and decide for yourself...

A little 3-D Profile Picture of Baby Girl!! We thought she had her Gigi's nose, but now it looks like she might have her Mama's nose!! Hmmm? Also, this is the first picture where Alyssa thought she saw a little bit of Richard in this shot. Given the beard and glasses (and RAW MALENESS...HA!), it is kind of difficult to imagine Richard's features in a little girl!! I hope she gets his BLUE eyes, because they are beautiful!!

BIG FOOT! Ok so Blakely was already head down during the ultrasound, which would make her a vertex presentation. However, up near her face were her feet, which would make her a breech presentation! This means that Blakely has created her own presentation... THE JACK KNIFE!! Yikes!!
The ultrasound tech also commented on how BIG her foot was.... so she is bendy with big feet. Hmmmm??? Who does that sound like? She might have a little of her Aunt Alyssa in her after all.

You can barely see it in the picture, but in the non-3D shots she had a LOT of hair!! I wonder what color it is going to be!! Can't wait to see her!!

Ok... so here is our last look at this sweet, little face for the next 6 weeks. We are so excited for you to get her little girl!! Your room is all ready, our bags are packed and we are counting down the days (only 42 to go!!). This is going to be the BEST Christmas EVER!! Love you, Blakely Baby!!

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Things Remembered...

Random October-November:  Warning.... this post is going to be kind of random. I have several small memories from this past month that I want to remember, but that are not significant enough by themselves to warrant a post. If you are just interested in the Monk family gossip (because it is always SO hot), then this post is not for you. Remember, you have been warned.

BLAKELY ON-CALL

During the last 2 months, I have been cross covering in the PICU every 4th night. I usually really like working in the PICU, and early on it was still fun. I love taking care of critically ill children, and the PICU nurses are some of my favorite!! Don't get me wrong... I don't want kids to be sick, but if they are going to be sick... I want to be there and help. I also LOVE procedures. However, over the last couple of weeks it has gotten harder, especially as I have gotten bigger.

The PICU can be kind of busy, and there isn't a lot of time for... you know.... the basics. IE: eating, drinking, peeing, sleeping, etc. For those of you who have never been pregnant, I'll let you in on a secret. Those things are VERY important. When you're pregnant, if you get dehydrated or wait too long to pee, you can have contractions. Also, being on your feet for 30 hours can cause A LOT of swelling! I have experienced ALL of these symptoms.

Blakely, on the other hand, has been having a great time!! She loves the PICU. She has been kicking up a storm! Usually... she likes to wait until those 5 minutes when I FINALLY get to lay down. She will be quiet for hours, then when I lay down she goes crazy. She even learned how to kick on BOTH sides of my stomach at the same time!! She has skills! Also, she has gained like 5 boyfriends! There are 5 nurses in the PICU who are pregnant right now, and they are all having BOYS!! My Blakely is going to have her pick of the litter!! So glad that I have only 1 more PICU call left before baby.

MONOGRAM

I ordered this adorable monogram on Etsy for Blakely's wall. I absolutely love it!



WATCH OUT FOR SIDS!!

We have a little bit of a problem. We have a little black cat named Maxwell, and he has been our "baby" for the last 2 years. He currently thinks that the baby's room.... is HIS room. He has been in the bed, under the bed, on the changing table, in the chair... OR HIS FAVORITE... in the closet! This is a problem, and I think a SIDS risk. Cats aren't listed as a SIDS risk, but I think it falls under the category of "no stuffed animals in the crib!" HA! We have a plan to remedy this after the baby comes, but it has made for some cute pictures. Check it out!

Baby Kitty enjoying his FAVORITE spot in the crib!

FULL MOON

Halloween night Blakely was straight up WILD! She was constantly on the move for about 2-3 hours!! Richard couldn't even take his hand of my belly, because she never stopped moving. This was the first night, that we could actually see her moving in there. My belly just kept moving. First to the left, then to the right. At one point in time you could see her little butt roll across the top of my stomach... and we had our full moon! Happy Halloween!!

BIRTHING CLASS

This past Saturday, Richard and I went to a birthing class at Bon Secours. I didn't know how helpful this would be given that both my husband and I are physicians.... but I felt like it was one of those things that we just had to do. I knew that if we didn't, I would worry that I had missed out of some "rite of passage." Maybe some birthing classes are helpful, but this one was... not.

It took the first 2 hours for us to all introduce ourselves, then another 2 hours to discuss remedial anatomy. We were trapped there for 6 hours! The only helpful part was the last hour, in which we went on a tour of the hospital and practiced breathing techniques. The day was not a total loss though. The teacher was in her 60's and clinically insane! She said the FUNNIEST stuff, which Rich REALLY enjoyed. I will provide you with a sampling (which Richard collected on his cell phone. HA!). Please read with a thick southern accent and a slur.

"I do research y'all, and figures don't lie."

"This is big group, so no questions til the end, y'all."..... 5 minutes later...... "Y'all must know everything already 'cause you don't ask any questions."

"...do y'all know what a vagina is, y'all?"

"...babies are controlled by humidity and tides, y'all."

"Your name is Chip? My little dawg's name is Chip. He's trouble, too."

"Now I don't have no babies, but I still spend my whole paycheck in the Breast Feeding Boutique!"

Hope you enjoyed my random moments from the last 2 months. Now that all the showers are over and the room is ready.... this is really happening. We are having a baby! Holy Cow!! 50 days 'til Blakely makes her big debute!!! :)

Monday, November 7, 2011

It's a Baby Shower!!!

November 6th: Today was my shower with my church family and friends, and it was beautiful!!


Today's shower was hosted by my friends Beth Traynham and Lisa Vasko. The shower was held at Beth's house, and they made 3 different kinds of Pound Cake! YUM!!

The Spread!! I thought the center piece was so adorable! Loved the lilies and the cute little socks!


I love all the pink bags!!! So cute!!!

Look how cute this little Le Top outfit is!!! Blakely is going to look so cute in this outfit!!

Some of my FAVORITE 2nd year Med Girls!!! So sweet of them to come and celebrate with us!!
From Left to Right: Mackie, Carly, me and Lauren

Barbie and Ashley Sawyer came all the way from Summerville to Celebrate!!! Thanks girls!!!

However, the award for the farthest traveler goes to my best friend from med school, Kate!!! She drove all the way from OHIO (with a 15 month old) to celebrate with us!!
And here is some big news.... KATE IS PREGNANT, TOO!!! So there are 4 of us in this picture! HA!
Thank you friend for coming!!! It was so special to have you there!!

My Favorite Girls!! 3 Generations of Tober women!!
From Left to Right: Alyssa, me (Blakely) and Mama!!
I love you girls!!!

Though, the MOST POPULAR party guest was Lydia! Laura Lee and Marty's ADORABLE baby girl!!! Such a cutie, and Liz ain't bad either! ;) HA! Such cute girls!!

All of Blakely's gifts!! Thank you so much to all our friends and family for your generosity!! Y'all are so special to us!! Thank you!!
Some Present Highlights: This burp clothe was made by my party hostess, Beth Traynham!! So adorable, and everyone knows I LOVE a monogram!! Thank you!!

Blakely's baby monitor!! This was much needed, and I was really excited to get this!! Thank you Sawyer family!!

BUT... this is by far my FAVORITE gift!! This bookshelf, stocked with some favorites like Good Night Moon and Eric Carle, is from my mom and dad!! Those who know me well, know that I am an AVID reader! I love reading, and as a pediatrician, it is something I think is super important for brain and language development.
My love for books comes from my mom (a kindergarten teacher) and my grandmother (an elementary school librarian), for whom Blakely Haynes is named. Growing up my Mimi would always give us books for special occasions: Christmas, Valentines day and Halloween!! The best day was the scholastic book fair when I got my own private showing!! I want Blakely to know that her Mimi would have LOVED her, and that she would have read to her over... and over.... and over... again. She was the best grandmother a girl could ask for, and I miss her everyday! I love you Mimi, and I PROMISE to read to Blakely EVERY DAY!!

The food was delicious, the presents were fabulous, but probably my FAVORITE gift was my guest's prayers! After all the gifts were opened and cake was eaten, theses lovely, Godly women prayed for me, Richard, Blakely and our new family!! I truly cherish your prayers, and look forward to raising Blakely in this supportive, God-centered community!! Thank you girls!!

Laundry Day!!!

October 29th-30th: Happy Laundry Day!!!

I have never been a germ-a-phobe. In fact, I am kind of the opposite. I am a firm believer in the 10 second rule, and I am absolutely convinced that the reason my sister and I never get sick and don't have asthma/allergies is because of all the dirt and cat food (my mom did not condone this activity) we ate as children. But, in preparing my Blakely's coming I knew I needed to be more careful (especially during the first 6-8 weeks), and so my mom and I decided to undertake washing all of her clothes and linens. I thought this would be simple, but oh my goodness, this little person already has SO MUCH laundry!! It took us 2 full days of washing, drying and ironing to get through it all!! Whew!! We were exhausted!!

My mama hard at work!! Our original iron (a Wal-mart special) leaked all over Blakely's beautiful clothes!! Oh no!! So, I had to run down to my house and get "The Rowenta!" A world of difference... this is one of those investments that is totally worth it... in case you are currently in the market for an iron. HA!

Blakely's clothes filled up 2 laundry baskets!! How does she have so much stuff already? This is what happens when you are the first grandbaby on both sides!! You get just a LITTLE bit spoiled!! :)

As a pediatrician, I need to put in a quick plug for ALL Free and Clear. Previously, the only choice for eczema patients or babies for laundry detergent was Dreft- which runs about $15 for a small box of detergent and is not compatible with "he" washers. Not practicle. Now, ALL Free and Clear is being shown to be better for sensitive skin in clinical trials, then even Dreft. Not only is it better, but it is WAY cheaper (about $3-4 dollars a bottle), and it comes in regular and "he" laundry detergent.
HINT, HINT ALL- I make an excellent spokes person, and I LOVE free products!! :)

We are getting ready for you baby girl... we are one step closer to having my "to-do" list "to-done!!" HA!

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

You Are Invited!!

October 29th: Blakely's First Baby Shower!!

For the past week, I have been getting SOOOO excited!!! My husband did not get it.... he kept asking me "why are you so pumped for this shower?" His confusion is understandable. After all, he is a boy. But my excitement makes perfect sense to ALL little girls out there (and ALL the little girls that have grown up!!)!! There are 2 major events as a little girl that you dream about: 1) Your Wedding and 2) Having a Baby. This day dreaming includes EVERYTHING: picking out a name, seeing your little one on ultrasound for the first time, announcing the BIG NEWS to your family, decorating the room, and..... THE BABY SHOWER!!!!

The 3rd year girls in my program threw a baby shower for me and Blakely!! It was perfect from start to finish!!! 

The shower was thrown at one of my very best friends, Jenny Sanders, house and EVERYTHING was perfect!!

I have SUCH generous friends!!! Look at all these beautiful presents!!! Blakely is one lucky lady!!

Alyssa and I enjoying some of the delicious treats especially prepared for the day!!

Baby Girl Shortbread cookies... and of course, theses were made by our very own Southern Living Queen, Carolyn Word (AKA The NEXT Mama-to-be!!!).

Mama, me (*Blakely*) and Alyssa!!! All of my FAVORITE ladies!!

The Neuro Girls! These ladies got up early and drove ALL the way from a conference in Savannah to be at Blakely's Shower!! I KNOW Alyssa really appreciated y'all leaving a SUPER INTERESTING conference to be there! Thank you girls!!

Me (*Blakely*) and our beautiful hostesses!!! Thank you girls!!! It was a BEAUTIFUL shower!!! I had so much fun and everything was so memorable!! LOVED IT!!!

And now some present HIGH LIGHTS.....

From Aunt Alyssa, Uncle Matt and Cousin Tiger: The Chicco Keyfit!! Super generous!! I absolutely LOVE it!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you Lyssa!!! Blakely is going to LIVE in this thing!!! And.... then maybe your little one "someday!" ;)

From Mama and Daddy: The Cutest Baby Bag EVER!!!! They stocked a DOONEY and BURKE Baby Bag (Who knew they made such a thing??) with ALL the baby essentials!!! This thing is so HOT that I would carry it as a purse, even without a baby! Thank you, thank you, thank you Gigi and Pop-pop!!! Blakely is absolutely going to LOVE IT!!

From the 3rd Year Girls: The Mamroo!! This is a completely ridiculous and frivolous gift.... that I absolutely HAD TO HAVE!!! This thing is so awesome, that you can even hook up your iPOD to this thing!! No boring Brahms Lullaby for my baby!! Thank you Ladies!!!

From Dr. Co-co Hill: I LOVE THESE HATS!!! She made these little cuties one night on call!! She is super crafty and stylish!! These hats are just about the cutest thing.... I WANT ONE TO MATCH! Thank you friend!!!

Thank you girls for the best shower a girl could ask for!! I had so much fun, and everything was so beautiful!! Special shout outs to Co-co, Walker and Kelli for coming post (or on) call!! You girls rock!!!!