Belly Pics for Comparison

I found this orange tank this morning and though I would take a
comparison shot from when I was pregnant with Jane. The picture below was
taken three days before Jane's due date.

40 Weeks, Day 5

We are still waiting! This baby is either stubborn/strong willed like Jane or very laid back. I think you know which one I'm hoping for.
A thought: Jane was also due on a Saturday and came that next Thursday, 5 days late. Crossing fingers that that might be the same situation. Now not knowing the gender is really making me anxious.

Past Due Appointment

I had an appointment today (Kappi's birthday) at 10:15am with Guedon. All looks good. I'm a loose 2 cm and he stripped my membranes. Doing this usually prompts something to happen in the next 72 hours. If nothin happens, I will admit to the hospital Monday, May 7 (Guedon's birthday) at 5:30am to be induced. Guedon is not on call this weekend but he will be in town and said I could call him. This was a huge relief! I think it will happen before the weekend though. It was weird not setting up my next appointment.

Hyde and I had lunch at Uptown Grocery then I headed to the hospital for the fetal stress test. I admitted then they took me to medical imaging for an ultrasound. I stressed to the tech that I didn't know the gender and to please not slip up. I was on pins and needles that she might say something to make me think one way or the other but she didn't. She also noted that the baby looked like he/she weighed 8 lb, 10 oz- give or take a pound either way! I knew I was going to have a big baby-bigger than 8 lb, 8 oz so I guess I was on target. She said the heartbeat and movement looked good as well as the amniotic fluid and scored me/baby at an 8. I don't really know what that means, but she told that to the labor and delivery nurse when we went upstairs to get hooked up to the fetal monitor. Cindy monitored the heartrate and contractions. I was given a hand held beeper ( I felt like I was on a game show) and I was to click when I felt the baby move. I was hooked up for a total of 30 minutes and I actually enjoyed my down time in the bed in a dark room. I had several contractions and lots of movement so I was able to leave with a good report. Guedon said that if I decide I want to induce before Monday, I would just need to call the office and tell them and they would set it up.

So, all is well. I tire easily and my belly has been contracting/cramping all afternoon. I do think that Baby Carby will grace us in the next 3 days. I guess I am hoping for that too. I am ready for Baby to arrive and am not sure I can make it through the weekend with this big belly.

Week 39

Well, we've made it to Week 39!
At my doctor's appointment this morning, I met with Kappi. I am 2 cm
and 80% effaced. We had to start talking about inducing, but Guedon
allows you to go past your due date. So, if Baby Carby doesn't come by
this weekend, my due date, I will have my scheduled appointment next
Monday at 10:15 and talk about a date to induce, then I will go to the
hospital for a stress test. I will get an ultrasound and they will
check the heartbeat and movement and make sure that the baby is not
lethargic and the heart is not struggling to beat, etc.

Belly at this time for Jane

Onsies

A few onsies I have embroidered for Baby Carby trying to stay gender
neutral. I hope to finish embroidering the day gowns in time!

Step Right Up.....Again

I am taking a poll of what date and time you think Baby Carby will actually arrive, along with the gender,  weight and length. Copy the outline listed below and paste it along with your answers in the comment box or email me your guess. I will make a blog post with everyone's guesses and once he/she is here announce the winner. The poll closes April 21.

Helpful hints to remember:

Due Date is April 28. Weight on March 27 (Week 35) was 5 lb, 13 oz. 

Jane was 5 lb, 2 oz. for her Week 34 checkup and weighed 8 lb, 4 oz. at birth

Your Name:

Gender:

Birthdate:

Weight:

Length:

GIRL

Anne-  April 21-  7 lb, 12 oz
Summer Anderson-  April 21-  8 lb, 2 oz
Laura Laird-  April 23-  8 lb, 14 oz

Katie Tillman-  April 24-  7 lb, 15 oz

Annie Kate Pons-  April 25-  7 lb, 8 oz-  21"
Mollie Carby-  April 26-  8 lb, 8 oz
Royann Leflore-  April 26

Carol Hobdy, April 27-  8 lb, 9 oz -  21"

Papa Mike-  April 27-  8 lb, 2 oz

Bill Byrne-  April 27-  8 lb, 2 oz

Cathy Ellett-  April 29-  7 lb, 2 oz
Martha Galloway-  April 29-  8 lb-  9:07am
Gaston Carby-  April 29-  9 lb, 4 oz
Bessie Doffermyre-  April 29-  8 lb, 8 oz

Lauren Middleton-  April 30-  7 lb, 13 oz
Mary Margaret Alwood-  April 30th-  8 lb, 12 oz
Weezie Higginbothom-  April 30-  8 lb, 7 oz
Julie Johnson-  May 2-  8 lb, 5 oz
Charlie Roberts-  May 4-  9 lb, 4 oz

BOY

Papa Elmer Carby-   8 lb, 3.5 oz
Henley Carruthers-  April 16-  8 lb, 7 oz
Charlie Everett-  April 18-  8 lb, 8 oz
Micajah Sturdivant-  April 18-  7 lb, 7 oz

Gran Jan-  April 23-  8 lb, 6 oz

Melinda Everett-  April 24-  9 lb, 4 oz

Jessica Levy-  April 25-  8 lb
Grace Sturdivant-  April 25-  8 lb, 2 oz

Lauren Garrity-  April 25-  8 lbs 2 oz-  21"

Jessica Ryan-  April 26-  7 lb, 7 oz
Rachel Gomel-  April 26-  8 lb, 7 oz-  21"
Mary Rabb-  April 26-  8 lb, 10oz
Philip Carby-  April 27-  9 lb, 4 oz

Katherine Callon-  April 27-  8 lb, 8 oz

Ygondine Richards-  April 27-  8 lb, 6 oz

Cindy Sturdivant-  April 27-  8 lb, 12 oz
Carole Webber- April 27-  8 lb
Philip Levy-  April 28-  7 lb, 11 oz
Rachel Hughes-  April 29-  8 lb, 7 oz
Blewett Melton-  April 29-  8 lb, 10 oz
Megan Shea-  April 30-  8 lb, 4oz- 4:30 pm-  dark hair
Shay Gay- April 30-  8 lb, 1 oz
Mary Lawrence Carruthers-  April 30-  8lb, 14 oz
Sarah Catherine Wisner -  April 30-  8 lb, 6 oz-  20"
Amanda Jeansonne-  April 30- 8 lb
Ginger Garrett-  April 30-  8 lb, 3 oz
Maggie Woods-  May 1-  8 lb, 8 oz
Nathalie Harris-  May 1 -  9 lb-  21"
Laurel Jenkins-  May 1-  8 lb, 6 oz-  20 3/4"
Mary Jane Gaudet-  May 1-  8 lb, 3 oz
Tracey Carruthers-  May 1-  8 lb, 8 oz
Lindsey Callon-  May 2-  9 lb, 2 oz
Marcie Carlton-  May 2-  8 lb, 10 oz-  20.5"
Danielle Craft-Eubanks-  May 2-  9 lb, 1 oz
Kate Rountree-  May 3-  8 lb, 8 oz

The Crib

I just had to stop and take a picture of what I am doing.....

Most people 23 days away from their due date would be assembling the crib. And maybe that is what it looks like I am doing. I have had the crib in Jane's room converted into a desk for all her markers, crayons, chalk (I painted the bottom board with chalkboard paint) and puzzles and thought I would just convert it back when baby comes. Today I decided that I needed to take it apart and store it under the house-so that is what I did! Crazy I know!

Since we have decided to put the house on the market and move, I needed Jane's room to look bigger so I edited furniture and toys. Baby Carby will be in a bassinet at the beginning of his/her life and there was really no need for the crib. I am proud of myself for finally getting something done to prepare for this baby. I also got out the carseat and cleaned it. I just had to laugh at myself and share....

Week 37

April 1....27 days left......
Still lots of movement!
At my checkup on April 2, the heartbeat was 135 bpm. I am thinning out
and am still around 1/2 cm.

Week 35

We had a great checkup today. Jane and Hyde came with me and we were able to take a peek at the little one-everything except to tell the gender. I am very proud of Hyde for turning around during that part! I couldn't believe that all we had to do was turn our heads to find out the gender and we didn't! By this point, I'd be mad if there was a slip up and we found out. Here are the stats from the appointment:

Heartbeat: 157 bpm

Estimated Weight: 5 pounds, 13 ounces measuring a week ahead of schedule (36 weeks)

Dilation: 1/2 cm

Head is down and his/her foot is what kicks me on the left side of my tummy.

Chubby cheeks and cute puckered lips

My Weight: 172.6 pounds, so I've gained around 36 pounds

I start going back every week now

Belly Growth

Comparing the Belly: Wow!

Week 19: December 7. 2011

Week 29: February 12, 2012


Week 29 with Jane: Around June 21, 2009

Month 8! Week 29

I can't believe we have already started our 8th month! My "week"

starts on a Saturday. Baby will be here before we know it! I am have

the smallest amount of anxiety about not having done anything to

prepare for him or her to arrive!

Week 28 I took my Gestational Diabetes test and had a good checkup.

Jane came with me and was an angel. She was able to hear the baby's

heartbeat and thought it was really cool. She felt like the baby was

talking to her. We go back and forth on Jane's feelings on and

understanding of the new baby and becoming a Big Sister. She is just

starting to pull up my shirt and look at my belly, poke at my belly

button and talk to my belly, but I instigate it. She doesn't just come

to me asking about baby.

I am getting more out of breath easily, especially carrying Jane

around and feel so much bigger this time around than with Jane. I am

still teaching between 3 and 6 yoga classes each week and occasionally

going to a new toning class. I've decided that I think I prefer being

pregnant during the warm months. I feel like the warmer months are

easier on you mentally. During the winter, you have to deal with

seasonal depression, being covered up (versus in shorts and

sundresses) and having no color/tan. It is frightening to see the

color of my legs! I tend to always put on weight in the winter and

having the pregnant excuse to eat is no help. This all may sound

crazy, but it is my thought. Anyways...

Still due April 28 and looking forward to welcoming a new little girl

or boy to the Carby family! We are still working on names...

Week 28

Yesterday started my 28th week with Baby Carby. 

Hitting the 6 Month Mark

Wow! 6 months already!!
This week has been full of movement by baby! There have been many kicks and punches and sometimes it feels like she/he is trying to break out!
Monday, January 9 was the National Championship: LSU v Alababma. There was so much hype over this game! LSU was 12-0 and had beaten AL in overtime during the regular season. Both coaches, Miles and Sabin, were up for being the 3rd coach to win 3 Nationals. The tickets prices were out of control and hotels were booked months in advance. For example, the Ritz required 3 nights at $700/night and 2 tickets were $1800. We stayed in Natchez and went to the Callons to watch and celebrate Jack's 30th birthday. Glad we stayed home because LSU did not show up for the game! It was a shut out, 21-0. Needless to say, Hyde was depressed and I think it was Tuesday afternoon before he really said anything.

Tuesday, Rose came to the house and helped put Jane down for her nap. Jane knows how to push her parent's buttons but does just what Rose tells her to do. I've been stressed out about Jane's sleeping habits-not sleeping, waking up throughout the night, and only going to sleep with one of us in the bed with her. We had to get this under control before baby comes!! Tuesday night I tried to follow Rose's lead and leave Jane in her bed to learn to go to sleep on her own. I read her 3 books and sang to her as usual, but when I placed her in her bed (and she tapped the pillow and whispered "lay down mommy" just as she always does) I didn't lay down. I explained to her that she needed to be a big girl and stay in her bed, close her eyes, and go "sound asleep" (which it what my mom always said to me). I reassured her by telling her I would be in the next room, leave the door open, and come back and check on her. I was able to watch her on the video monitor too. She whined but stayed in her bed! I went back in after 5 minutes and praised her for staying in her bed, kissed her and left again. I had to go back in only one more time and she fell asleep!!! Wooohoooo!!! She fell asleep on her own Wednesday and Thursday too! And this has been happening between 7:30-8 versus before of starting the struggle at 8-8:30 and not leaving her room for an hour. Hyde and I have been able to hang out at night! Dinner, talk, watch a movie, etc-what most married couples do! This is a huge step for the Carbys!!

For the weekend, Hyde and I went in opposite directions. He and Philip went to Klondike, LA to hunt ducks with cousin George Healy and to cousin Kathryn Carby's birthday party. Jane and I went north to Greenwood for my 15 year reunion of the Pillow Academy 37-0 girl's basketball team from 1997.
Jane and I arrived in time for lunch Friday and unfortunately Jane missed her nap. There was just too much to see and do now that she was back on the farm. We bundled up and went to the barn. Randy was driving a tractor taking hay bales to the horses and then Jane was able to help Randy feed he horses. She fed Frosty, Silver, Mystery, Hershey, Breezy, and Splendid. (she adds Bailey in there but Bailey has moved to Jackson) I was able to get Jane down around 7:45 using the same method. Mom and Dad had an engagement party to go to so I hung out at the house and figured out how to use my new iPad.

Saturday morning Jane woke at 5:25 and although we are working on not getting up until Mr. Sunshine is up, it didn't work. I let her play in the room until 8 when I woke up. At 8:30, Papa Mike took Jane with him to his coffee group at McDonalds. They had a great time! Jane had pancakes and was able to play on the playground with some other kids we knew and Dad was able to spend some quality time with Jane. For lunch, we went in to Steven's BBQ and Jane fell asleep on my lap in the booth. She slept for an hour and we all left for the reception at 2:30. The reunion was really nice. Videos and slideshows were playing and everyone brought members of their family. Those that came are Jamie Howard, Sallie Kate Champion, Ryan Williams, Anna Joyce Lott, Shelly Gary, Margaret Coleman, Laura Baria, Anna Tribble, Melissa Tribble, Ashley Thompson, Dana Carpenter, Coach Durwin Carpenter and Assistant Coach Chris Howard. After meeting in the library, we all went to the high school girls game vs JA. Jane did great in the stands. Mary Laine came and sat with her for the second half of the game. It was a tight game and PA won in the last seconds. After the game we were all recognized out on the court. Mom and Dad put Jane to bed and I went in to meet the girls for dinner. While Mom fed the horses, Dad bathed her and put her to sleep. It was a Papa Mike day! After drinks at the Alluvian, Shelly, Anna, Melissa, Ashley, Dana, Margaret, Jamie and Nallie ate at Lusco's. I haven't laughed so much in a long time. We had a great time!
I checked my journal from Jane's pregnancy and this reunion hits at the same time in my pregnancy with Jane for my 10 year high school reunion. This is the second time I have come to a Pillow Academy reunion pregnant and without at husband! I promised everyone I wasn't making Hyde up! Ha!

Getting ready for church, Jane made up a song about going to church and sang it for about 5 minutes. Pretty cute! Once at church, she visited with Maxine, who sits behind us, and sat quietly in the pew. I walked Jane down to Children's Time and placed her on the floor with the other children and sat in the pew behind them. She didn't fuss that I wasn't sitting with her! I was pleasantly surprised. She sat and listened (it was about hearing and listening) and noticed Papa Mike in the choir and started waving to him so Papa Mike waved back and Jane turned back to continue listening. In Natchez, the children repeat each line of the closing prayer, but they don't repeat in Greenwood. Jane repeated the prayer. It was sweet. Some of the kids looked at her wondering why she was talking, but I was proud of her! She walked back up the aisle holding my hand and once at the nursery, walked right in and never looked back!! Wow! We left from church, picked up Maggie and made it back to Natchez to attend James Gammill's first birthday.

It is now Tuesday, one week after starting the new sleep routine, and we are thrilled to see Jane is still responding and not putting up a fight at bed time anymore and falling asleep on her own. Now to tackle the waking up in the middle of the night and coming into our room....

22 Weeks-5.5 Months

I am really feeling pregnant! My belly is much bigger, along with everything else that expands during pregnancy I am afraid. Baby is really moving when I settle down. Mom and Dad felt the jumps and kicks on Friday, December 30. I start Week 23 tomorrow and we are going to visit Grandmother Jane and Grandfather Ewing in Memphis.

Week 19 Belly Shot

December 7th: Week 19

Today I am 19 weeks, 5 days. Wow! Half-way there!! I'm still feeling good: No sickness, getting my energy back and just feeling larger than I actually am. Hyde and I were able to feel the baby move December 4th, which was really fun. Baby has been moving a lot since.

Add yet another cowlick to the count!

Yep, Jane will be a big sister!

Here is this morning's ultrasound.  Everything looks great!  Based on measurements, the doctor revised Lee's due date back to the original April 28, 2012 date so she is now 12 weeks, 5 days (2 days shy of finishing the first trimester).  Our first appointment was September 22 and the baby's heartbeat was 158 bpm (the exact same as Jane's at her first appointment).

We typically think people that do not find out the gender are absolutely crazy, but this time around we have decided to be those crazy people!! Jane and her sibling will share a room and we already have all the baby gear so we are going to try to wait for that surprise at the hospital. 

Thankful for our many blessings, 

Hyde, Lee and Jane

Millie and Morris

Meet Morris and Millie....How cute are they?! Morris is Jane's new rocking moose and Millie the Monster is the newest addition to Jane's knitted animal collection. Morris the Moose was given to Jane by Lauren and Justin Garrity and so freaking cute! I can't wait to see Jane with Morris one day. Thank you Garritys!! Now we just need Jane.....

A Love-Hate Relationship

My pregnancy has been amazing! I really have had nothing to complain about and have been so fortunate to have such a wonderful experience. I will admit I have become a little antsy since I am 4 days overdue, but know I really don't have anything to complain about. There are some things, on the other hand, that I am looking forward to after Jane arrives...

- Finally getting to see and hold the small bundle of joy that I have carried for 9 months now

- Sleeping on my tummy

- Snuggling next to Hyde (love love love my Snoogle, but love Hyde more and it separates us!)

- Alcohol (I know this sounds bad, but we found out we were pregnant New Year's Eve and I had already bought my bottle of Champagne. Also, we moved 1 block from Fat Mamma's Tamales in Natchez and I have had to resist a Knock You Naked Margarita all summer, as well as the drive through daiquiris in Vidalia!)

- Sushi (I cannot wait to have some rare tuna, yummy!!)

- Soft cheese and deli meat without having to heat it first

- Regular clothes. I can actually look at what the trends are for Fall. I didn't even bother with summer

- Reaching my feet without losing my breath and putting on my running shoes with ease

- Not having to wake up when I want to turn over in the bed

Things I will miss....

- Eating whatever I want, whenever I want (especially the 2 daily ice cream cones)

- Feeling Jane move around

- Taking afternoon naps

- Long uninterrupted baths

The Waiting Game

I am now 2 days overdue. Yesterday I had more contractions than I had in the past few days and my lower back ached all day. Hyde was sweet to give a great back massage and I used the warm wuvit all afternoon on my back. Hyde lovingly checks in on me and asking if we are having the baby to which I respond, not right now. I feel too normal to be having a baby (at least right now). Bettye Jane and I walked Roth Hill 3x this morning in hopes of moving Jane around. Next on the list is "getting pretty" for the rest of the day. I have been taking a bath, putting on makup, and fixing my hair every day just in case we go to the hospital. The one day I don't do it will be the day I need to actually go. Unfortunately, Charlie has to go back to Birmingham today and Anastasia and Dunbar have to leave today too. Jane is missing out on all these people being in town...

This weekend was a ton of fun. We had a bid dove hunt Saturday along with college football and playing with all our friends. Last night was an intense 3 round game of Pictionary-boys vs. girls. We had the large dry erase board and everything, but the boys came out on top after much arguing over the rules. I am surprised Jane didn't come last night with all the yelling and laughing.

We are just sitting on go. It is so crazy to think that in a matter of hours I will be a mother and Hyde will be a father. I am still a little weirded out by the idea of pushing an actual baby out then receiving her on my chest. That tiny bundle of joy is ours. That is wild to me. This has always been what you see and hear of for other people, and I have a hard time visualizing it in my head with me, Hyde and Jane. It is hard to explain, but because I have never experienced it and really Libby is the only one I have visited in the hospital after delivery all I know is what you see on the movies, etc.

Anyway, we are sitting on go for something so vague. What will be our sign to go to the hospital? Will my water break? Will it be rhythmic contractions? When will this happen? Then all of these sympotoms have so much grey area-nothing is black and white. But everyone says I will know. Let's hope it will happen before I have to be induced. I would really like to experience this delivery with a natural progression versus setting an induction date and time.

Here are the guesses that are still in the running.....

Hannah Mason, Natchez friend

Jane's Birthday: September 8, 2009

Jane's Birth Time: 4am

Jane's Weight: 8lbs, 1oz

Jane's Length: 21"

.

Will Rountree, Natchez Friend

Jane's Birthday: September 8

Jane's Birth Time: 11:15am

Jane's Weight: 7lbs, 1 oz

Jane's Length: 19 inches

.

Jane Carruthers, Lee's maternal Grandmother

Jane's Birthday: September 8, 2009

Jane's Birth Time: noon

Jane's Weight: 7lbs, 11oz

Jane's Length: 20 1/2"

.

Tracey Carruthers, Lee's Aunt

Jane's Birthday: September 8, 2009 (just because I'd like her to be born on your B-Day)

Jane's Birth Time: 4:20 pm (in relation to the moon rising and the alignment of her zodiac sign - kidding!)

Jane's Weight: 7lbs 3oz

Jane's Length: 19 1/2"

.

Stella Carby, Jane's Grandmother

Jane's Birthdate: September 8, 2009

Jane's Birth Time: 8pm

Jane's Weight: 7lb 15oz

Jane's Length: 21 inches

.

Jan Sturdivant, Jane's Grandmother

Jane's Birthdate: September 9

Jane's Birth Time: 2:30 am

Jane's Weight: 8 lbs 1 oz

.

Tracy Woods, Lee's Aunt

Jane's Birthday: September 9, 2009

Jane's Birth Time: 5am

Jane's Weight: 10lbs, 6oz

.

Charlie Roberts, Jane's Uncle

Jane's Birthday: September 9

Jane's Birth Time: 7:30am

Jane's Weight: 8 lb 5oz

Jane's Length: 22.5"

.

Lanie Sturdivant, Lee's Aunt

Jane's Birthdate: September 9

Jane's Birth Time: 3:48 pm

Jane's Weight: 8 lbs 12 oz

Jane's Length: 20.5 inches

.

Mike Sturdivant, Jane's Papa (P-Paw Mike, ha)

Jane's Birthdate: September 9 (09-09-09)

Jane's Birth Time: 7 pm

Jane's Weight: 8 lbs 10 oz (Thanks Dad!)

Jane's Length: 22 inches

.

Philip Carby, Jane's Grandfather

Jane's Birthday: September 10

Jane's Birth Time: 7pm

Jane's Weight: 7lb, 10oz

Jane's Length: 23"

T minus 3 days and counting...

A belly shot....

We are 3 days away from the due date and although I thought Monday was going to be the day, Jane seems to be thinking otherwise. Looks like we may make it through the Labor Day weekend unless the full moon Friday night has anything to do with it. Since Saturday, is the opening day of dove season, college football, and the Labor Day weekend, being late may be the best. My doctor, Guedon, as well as Hyde, loves both hunting and football so being late may work out well for the boys.