The Last Year

       Over the last year has been a wirl wind of excitement. We got married on November 1st, 2009. While all marraiges have ups and downs especially the first year I am glad to say even with me being pregnant almost the entire first year we still love each other more each day! Austin was the most wonderful gift for us,  he has been a blessing everyday and as I watch him grow it makes me happier each moment. His laughter while still quiet is an instant heart melter. As we look towards the Christmas season I am excited. My family is coming out to join our celebration, we are so lucky to have family so close. We are looking forward to having Austin's first Christmas at home and are even more excited to have Leila to share her first Christmas with us as well.

   Chris has been hard at work and can't wait for a break to relax and enjoy a vacation. I am so greatful that he is able to make enough so I can stay home. It is wonderful to spend time with my son and relax at home I feel after being pregant for 8.5 months (he came early) I needed a vacation which is probably why there is maternity leave :). Even as Austin cries I know I am the one soothing him and that I can stay here and keep him company.

Austin's First Santa Picture

Austin Dancing

Austin rocks out to Jonas Brothers.

Sleeping through the night...

Austin has slept through the night 3 times now!! I was convinced it was a fluke the first time. Well after 2 more nights I am convinced he is headed that way. While he still will probably wake up a couple times while he continues to grow. I am amazed by the way he grows in leaps and bounds, his smile gets bigger everyday and the way he laughs lights up my day. I will have to record it some day.
I tried to go shopping at kohls yesterday under the strict rules to shop for myself and for once in my life I could not find anything I wanted to buy....sigh.
Austin is just about 3 mo old and he has begun to teeth, is that how you say it? Well yesterday he was onery and today to so I gave him some tylenol and I hope he feels better soon. The drooling has begun too, I have a wet shirt to prove it!!
I LOVE being a MOM!!

Vote for Austin!!

http://modelsearch.parenting.com/contests/showentry/116516

Vote for me in this contest!

Contest details

In my day....

I would just like to say I appreciate my parents and everything they do! Ok now if I hear "in my day..." one more time I am going to scream. Not my parents saying this. OK I get it you are older and therefore it is apparently your right to tell me what to do or that you don't agree with my parenting choices but here's the deal, this is my life and my family you need to stop and accept that I and my husband know what is right for OUR child. So as hard as it is for you please stop telling me how to raise my child.

Thank you!
Austin's Mommy

yay

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2 month Well Visit

Austin is 2 months old already. We are going on Thursday for our Christmas pictures and 2 month pictures. Austin is 10lbs 2.5oz(25%), 22 1/4"(50%), and 16 1/4" head circumference(75%). I will post pictures soon I promise!

Alicia

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Pregnacy Survey

Thanks Amanda for the survey! I steal from my friends a lot LOL!

1. Were you married at the time?

Duh! Everyone thought I was further along and that he was a honeymoon baby... nope sorry I waited 2 mo.

2. What was your reaction when you found out you were pregnant?
I was scared we did not think we would get pregnant that quick because of what the dr said. Also I was worried Chris wasn't ready for me to be pregnant.
3. How old were you?
26 when I got pregnant, 27 when he was born.

4. How did you find out you were pregnant?
I peed on the stick couldn't tell so I called my sister, then Chris then the Doctor, then it was for sure.

5. Who did you tell first?
Offically Chris

6. Did you want to find out the sex?
Yes! I was going to hold off on what it was until the show but I caved!

7. Due date?
October 3, 2009 originally

8. Did you deliver early or late?
2 weeks 3 days early! Thank goodness!
9. Did you have morning sickness?
All day and it sucked!! I was completely miserable!

10. What did you crave?
Fruits and Veggies

11. What irritated you the most?
When people told me the saying "just you wait..." or "you must be ready to pop" (at 30 weeks)

12. What was your first child’s sex?
Boy!

13. How many pounds did you gain throughout the pregnancy?
23lbs I think, LOL I did not check my wieght before I gave birth I had an appointment that day, LOL! Although I was ALL baby!

14. Did you have any complications during your pregnancy?
Yes...giant baby head 14.5" 75%, it was gigantic, polyhydrominos, and some other stuff that was stressful including my first dr, whom I dumped!

15. Where did you give birth?
Banner Desert Medical Center, the best hospital in the state!!

16. How many hours were you in labor?
22.5 that I actually counted

17. Who drove you to the hospital?
Chris...for the 9th time...we had a discussion about it on the way there.

18 . Did you take medicine to ease the pain?
Epidural with a boost right before the pushing part

19 . How much did your child weigh?
7lbs 4oz
20 . What did you name him/her?
Austin Lewis

21 . How old is your first born today?
8 weeks1 day

22. Who does your child look like?
Daddy! with my eyes and nose

23. Did you get mad at your husband during labor?
Oh I was about to open the can if people did not stop asking, "so you want an epidural now?"

24. How was recovery?
It was the worst part so uncomforable I thought I would never be able to sit/stand/walk for long periods of time ever again.

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Smiling Austin Video

Sorry the quality sucks but he is smiling I swear!

Halloween 2009

We had a very busy Halloween this year. We had 3 parties to go to and with it being Austin's first Halloween we wanted the costumes to be perfect, ok Mommy wanted the costumes to be perfect. We decided on Scooby Doo, Daphne and Fred. Everybody loved our little scoob! We had so much fun at all the parties! We went to MacDonald's Ranch and picked out our pumpkin. On Halloween we carved out the pumkin and Mommy couldn't resist putting Austin inside! He did not like it at first but we got some cute pictures.

Daphne, Scooby Doo, and Fred!

Austin in the pumpkin!

Mommy and Austin at MacDonald Ranch.

Daddy thought he was so cute!!

Austin's First Smile!

Today Austin smiled at me for the first time!! I was so excited and for a while I was able to do it over and over again. I recorded a video but its not the big smile I ot when he woke up. Unfortunately Austin has not been in the mood to smile since this morning but hopefully he will do it again!

Lap Nap!

Austin asleep in Mommy's lap. Such a sweet little guy!

Our 3 week old...

Austin is growing fast and time sure flies when we are having fun. While he is the light of our lives he does make me very tired. He sleeps pretty well only waking up 2-3 times a night however if hes sick or just not feeling well he wakes up a lot more. He developed thrush a couple weeks ago and is now on medicine. He loves being swaddled and hes good with his pluggie(pacifier). We are still trying to figure out the costume I really want the monkey costume, but they did not have his size at Target today it made me so sad. I wanted to do a themed costume with all of us but not sure how we can do that with the monkey. Chris set up the video camera to feed into the livingroom TV so I just hit the PIP button and the little screen shows me Austin in the crib which is where he spends the day sleeping and the first part of the night too. He is 7lbs 9.5oz as of Wednesday so he is still getting big. I started reading The Happiest Baby on the Block by Dr. Harvey Karp, MD and it is a wonderful book on soothing and I feel like we are on the right track to keeping Austin a happy baby.

Our very long labor!

Ok so you all asked for details and well here it is. Ok so at 12 am on September 16th I got out of bed because the contractions I was feeling just would not let me sleep. I felt like I was going crazy. At 3 am I finally decided to wake Chris up to go to the hospital the contractions were between 3-4 min apart and getting more intense, although Chris was a little hesitant considering this would be trip number 8, argh! We headed to the hospital again and got into triage with a familar nurse from our second trip at 30 weeks. She had us hooked up to the monitor then called the Dr. At about 4:20 they came and told us we could walk around the hospital and to be back around 5 am. So off we went well needless to say as we were walking I had to stop every 3-5 steps to breathe through the contractions. We decided to head back to our room so I could sit for a bit. We waited in the room for the nurse to come in and check and I had reached 4.5 cm so they decided to admit us YAY, we were going to have our baby finally!! We were admitted to labor and delivery and met our first nurse and right now I have no idea what her name was I honestly could not remember but she was funny. I called my parents and told them it was time to come to Phoenix. We met Dr. Hartzfeld at about 8 am, she looked like she was in her 30's but very nice. I told her I did not want to rush things and that I wanted to hold off on an iv and pitocin and epidural as long as possible, not that I was planning a full natural birth but I felt I wanted to try and see where I would get without the epidural just because I felt it would be empowering. She gave me a couple options, I could do the pitocin but I would have to be on the IV until the baby was born or they could break my water. Well cosidering my parents would not be here until 11:30 at the earliest so I was not sure what to do. Well because my labor was stalling the doctor told me she was confident my mother would be here in time. We decided the best way to go about things was to break my water so at 8:30 AM my water was broke. The dr told us there was a lot of fluid and she would say the ultrasound was acurate about the 27 cm. Just for you non mothers out there when your water breaks it feels like a gush of wam water and because your body will continue to produce the fluid it will continue to "leak" as they say. Well that is the worst part and you don't get to turn back once your water has been broken. Not fun when I needed to go to the bathroom, but Chris found it hillarious. Ok so they had to put me on a monitor all the time now, before it was once an hour for 20 min. Well when Chris' mom got there it made me laugh because she wanted to know progress everytime the nurse came in the nures told her she had not checked and it was because we well I had decided to do minimal checking for my own comfort level. It did make me laught when she asked though. At 10:00 ish Chris's mom went to go get my cell phone and then pick up my mom at the airport. I was so glad to have my Mom coming because honestly every girl I know wants her own mom at least there for her when she gives birth. When my mom got there I felt a lot better although we had not had any progress from the morning when the check and I was at 5 cm. It was going to be a llong day. Not much happened from the time Mom arrived and the time Dad got in at 1:30, he took a cab to the hospital because we did not know where I was at and no one wanted to leave and miss it. Dad said he was taking a cab so not to worry. Beth went to get food and I was sitting breathing through lots of contractions still 3-4 minutes apart, they hurt but I was still ok with breathing through them. Moving ahead to a couple hours later OMG Chris family was texting they were coming by after work I was getting restless because people had gone to work nd getting off already and I still had no baby :(. When Chris's sister got to the hospital I was getting even stonger contractions, oh I had ben on pitocin too I do not remember when they put me on it but it was because I was not progressing again. Ok so back to the story I was slowly reaching my limit on the pain it was about 2:45 PM when they asked how I was doing and if I would like an epidural. I said its getting a bit painful but I want to wait half an hour. Well about 5 min later I could not take it anymore and hit the nurse call button they had intensified a lot more in just 5 min. They came in and gave me an epidural I had 5 contractions in the time it took to get the epidural and I was crying and could not control my pain anymore I had not slept since the night before. I was so greatful once the epidural kicked in. Well at 4 or 5 I think we finally hit 8 cm. Thank goodness I was getting so tired. At 7:30ish I think we hit 9.5 cm I was like are you kidding me. At 8 we finally hit 10 and I kicked my Mom, Dad and Chris's Mom behind the partitian, I am still not comfortable with sharing everything with other people if you know what I mean. We started pushing and I was amazed at how calm everything was they told us about 2 hrs of pushing so I was excited we were going to have a baby tonight! Ok so 2 hours of pushing is not like in the movies no screaming just a lot of counting. It was nice and calm and just me Chris and the nurse. Well 2 hrs came and went and Austin was offically stuck. The nurse went to get the dr and we were told our 2 options. IF I could push him a little more then we could use the vacuum if not then we're gonna need a c-section, and everyone knows that is a four letter word in my book. Well at this point I was 36 hrs of no sleep and 2 hrs of pushing I was going to finish this project as Chris put it. So we pushed with the awsome help of my dr and got Austin ready to be assisted out. Well at 10:31 PM with the help of the vacuum baby Austin Lewis Summers was born weighing 7 lbs 4 oz and 20.5"! Oh and the kicker he did have a huge head, in fact I would have needed a csection had I waited till the following week. Thank you Austin for coming 2 weeks 3 days early! Oh and as you all would guess I did cry, as soon as I heard him start crying I did too and for a good 20 min I was tired and relieved and happy. Chris stood by my side the whole time and did not leave until I told him to go hold his baby. We are all doing well and very happy with our little Austin!!

Letter to my family

The last time I saw my grandpa

I wanted to share something at the funeral and since I am not there to sing I thought I could put my thoughts down and send a poem for you guys to read. I love you all and miss you guys. Give my love to everyone and although I am not able to be there I am carrying you all in my heart.
Love you,
Alicia

My grandpa was my hero. He had a good heart and I could see why him and my grandma loved each other so much. He showed me persistance pays off. He was always a fighter even in the end. Grandpa always had hope, he believed that good things come to those who believe. I still remember him telling me when he won big he would give me and the rest of us cousins all the money to go to college. I always held on to the hope that he would win, kinda silly I guess. I can't be there with everyone as he is laid to rest and I carry a heavy heart knowing that. As I sit here anxiously awaiting the arrival of baby Austin I wish with all my heart I could be there with my family and say good bye in person. When my husband came home early from work to tell me my granfather was dying my heart broke, I knew he was getting old and would soon leave up but for some reason I alway thought it would be another day. The last time I spent with grandpa was at my wedding, I was able to dance with him, I am so glad he didn't fall. If I had a video of every time my grandpa fell I could fill every room in his house, no question about it he was clumsy, and I am sure I inherited that too, I run into everything and my dad will tell you usually its with my car, but luckily I don't get hurt. Everytime grandpa would fall I would hold my breath worried about him but he always laughed it off. I guess you kinda look at life that way we all fall a lot in life big and small but its when we pick ourselves up and are able to laugh at our perils that we can truly live life to its fullest. I have spent the last few days back and forth in the maternity ward at the hospital slowly progressing in labor. It is a slow and painful process any mother can attest to that. I am sure grandpa is surrounded by many family members and friends some that have known him a long time and others but a moment. I love my grandpa a lot and I will miss the eyes that lit up whenever you came to visit, the english that at times was broken, the smile that was hard to resist, and being called "grandma". Lets not forget what grandpa sometimes did, on accident of course. He never did forget the imporant stuff though, I would like to think there is a lot we can learn from him. Take these things and carry them in your heart; 1. live life to its fullest you never know when it will be your last day, 2. Keep your loved ones close they will be there always, 3. Laugh at your falls because it is only when you get back up can you truly enjoy the ups and learn from the downs. I love you all and hope to see everyone soon. Live Life, Laugh Often and Love Always!

Alicia

My Last Visit
© Alexis Abraham (edits by Alicia Summers)
It's time,
to say goodbye.
I'm so upset,
my mouth has gone dry.

Slowly I bend over,
and give you a kiss.
your brown eyes filled with sadness,
the time We spent together I will miss.

When I pull away,
with this pain in my heart.
I don't want you to leave me,
I don't want to be apart.

Sadly I know,
this goodbye means forever,
we have so many memories,
that I will always remember.

The drive back home,
was the saddest I ever had.
I cried so hard,
I felt so bad.

I prayed that God,
would let you stay.
But eventually He took you,
far away.

It's all for the best,
I learned to face.
you are free from pain,
and in a better place.

your memory is alive,
to this day.
I love you so much grandpa
even though your far away.

I know you look down on me,
and still love me with all your heart,
a bond so strong,
it will never break apart.

Please remember me,
and all the good times.
For I love you so much,
I put it in rhyme.

My Grandpa, My Hero

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

37 Weeks

How far along? 37 weeks (well 36w 6d)
Total weight gain/loss: 23 lbs, I think. We shall see at my next appointment.
Maternity clothes? I have them I weher them when I leave the house otherwise its shorts and my long tank tops from Costco!
Stretch marks? Nope, thank you for all the good karma god!!
Sleep: What Sleep, the only sleep I have been getting is care of Ambien and Demerol.
Best moment this week: Finishing the nursery, well all we had was the bookshelf but it looks fabulous! Thank you Chris!!
Movement: still the same he likes to hit me where it hurts the most.
Food cravings: anything fruity or filled with protien
Gender: BOY!!
Labor Signs: Losts of painful contractions that refuse to go away.
Belly Button in or out? Flat
What I miss: Margaritas on my bad days
What I am looking forward to: Holding my baby boy!!
Weekly Wisdom: No matter how many times you think this is it or how much your contractions hurt, going to Labor and Delievery and being sent home sucks!
Milestones: 3CM, 70%, depending on the day the station changes.

Some pictures to Check out:
My finished side of the room

Just a few finishing touches like some family photos would complete this wall.

Changer and Bookshelf, mini fridge for bottles.

Me at 37 Weeks

Me at 36 weeks

36 weeks

Well today was a hard day. While we have reached 36 weeks and we are one week closer to holding our baby. Chris came home early today to let me know my grandfather had an anierism and is on life support in the hospital. I would give anything to fly out there and be with my family but I can't. I pent the day with Chris and we went to lunch to try and take my mind off things. Mom, Danny, Nikki, Karli, Leila, Amber and Carson all drove from Las Vegas to San Jose. Poor Nikki keeps getting dirty looks for traveling with a baby so little but I think with my family all together they have nothing to worry about.

As far as my pregnancy goes I am having a lot of lower back and abdomen pain and the contractions are more frequent but nothing regular yet. We had to move up our ultrasound though to do a final measurement on our baby boy. The doctor decided he was going to start stripping my membranes next Wednesday at our appointment. I am so anxious to be done and hold our son that I am excited to see how far along we are next week. Our current status is station -1, 50% effaced and 1cm dialated. Although the dr said that it doesn't mean too much because some people can dialate to 10 in a couple hours and others can stay for several days or even weeks at the same dialation. We are excited to find out what Austin's birthday will be.

Mama Bargains

So I love http://mamabargains.com so much I am going to say every mama needs to visit this site they ave so many deals. The shipping was great and I am very happy with my bag I got most recently. Be sure to check it out and tell your friends!!

Look what Daddy Did!!

Chris went to home depot today and picked up the stuff for the bookshelf in the baby's room. I was so glad because I was worried we would not get it done on time. It took us a while to figure out what kind of materials to use. We were going to use chip board at first but then decided on MDF because it would be stronger, and last longer and look a lot better. I was helping him out when it dawned on me I should take pictures. Well he was almost done when I remembered but the bookshelves look great already and they aren't even painted yet. I am so proud of my handyman!! Thank you hon I love you!

Chris putting on the moulding for the top of the bookshelf.

Chris Cutting the moulding for the bookshelf.

Lining up the moulding just right.

Chris in his pose making fun of me.

The almost finished product, just needs sillicone and paint.

35 weeks

So tired!! I am about to pop, litterally I don't think I can streach out much more. I am bigger than most girls at 35 weeks because of the excess amniotic fluid and with Austin weighing in at 6 lbs 11 oz estimated birth weight is anywhere ffom 8.5 lbs to 10.5 lbs YIKES!

Well its offical Austin will be making his debut in September and not October. Thats ok though because Mommy is tired and anxious to hold her baby boy. Daddy got home yesterday because he was worried about Mommy having so many contractions. Dr. Linnerson thinks the baby will come before the next ultrasound which is scheduled for the 21st of September. Based off the measurements on that ultrasound he will induce probably the 24th, 25th or 26th. Daddy has to finish the bookshelf then we will be done with the room although Mommy thinks it might be cutting it close. Mommy and Daddy are anxious to meet little Austin and can't wait to hold him.

The game is on...visit our baby pool at http://bebepool.com/summers_alicia08 to guess at Austin's birthdate, time, weight, length, hair and eye color. Its all in fun so don't worry about money. Good luck!

2 Days of Contractions

Well last night I went to Labor and Delivery for contractions and they gave me another dose of terbutaline. After I got home I went to bed. Well at 10:45 this morning I had more contractions so I called the doctor and they had me come in at 3:10 today. All is well and I gained another 5lbs. I am at 138 lbs and its all belly! I still have extra amniotic fluid and a big baby weighing in at 6lbs 11oz. This measurement can be off by a pound in either direction. He wanted me to schedule another ultrasound for the 21st of September. If the growth is still consistant he will induce between the 24th and 26th. Looks like hes not going to be an October baby after all.

Maternity pictures

34 weeks update

How far along? 34 weeks 5 days

Total weight gain/loss: I gained 2lbs

Maternity clothes? no more to buy but I bought a peanutshell maternity gown

Stretch marks? I refuse to curse myself, and say thank you to good skin and genetics, please please please stay this way!!

Sleep: Hmm, I hope I get more soon or this mama is going to go crazy!

Best moment this week: Taking a bath it felt great!

Movement: Since he has extra room thanks to my extra fluid he likes to pick on mama's ribs and headbutt my pelvis!

Food cravings: fruit all the time!

Gender: BOY!

Labor Signs: The new kind of contractions from my last labor and delivery trip. No fun I tell you!

Belly Button in or out? What belly button?

What I miss: Having my own personal space that strangers did not feel the need to invade.

What I am looking forward to: My next dr appointment, we will be discussing the birth plan and Chris is coming with me YAY!

Weekly Wisdom: Prenatal Massage just do it!

Milestones: Ultrasound showed Austin is still BIG!!

Our Gift!

So this is the swing and bouncer Rebekah sent us its fabulous!! I put it together in about half an hour with Chris, Jon and Beth all giving me a hard time saying it was too complicated :). Well there it is! YAY!

34 weeks

Well my back is killing me I wake up in the middle of the night to contractions and Austin decided when I really want to res its time to play in my belly. Oh well I am excited because we now know that he will not be making an appearance while Chris is in Vermont. I have to take Chris to the airport Monday and pick him up Friday. I am excited our last u/s is on Wednesday!! We will be measuring Austin and my amniotic fluid. We had to go to Labor and Delivery on Monday because I was experiencing regular contractions 3-4 min apart. I was given yet another shot of Terbutiline to stop the contractions and told to take it easy. Chris thinks Austin will be making his appearance around Labor Day if his Dad has anything to do with it since his Dad passed away 4 years ago on Labor Day. As long as he is ready I am ok with that. Still working with the girls and they are excited about Austin coming and can't wait to play with him. Well we shall see when this guy makes his appearance. My dr. said as long as he makes it to 36 weeks hes ok with delivering him so we shall see.

My Review of Cortina KeyFit Travel System (22 lbs) - Coventry

Diapers.com

Cortina Key Fit Travel System (22 lbs) - Coventry

Cortina Stroller
With Unique “Memory Recline” Seat

-Multi-position“Memory Recline” seat remembers the last position seat was in when stroller was folded

Cortina KeyFit Travel System (22 lbs) - Coventry

Easy to put together, Easy to use!

AZ Mama 2009 Tempe, AZ 8/18/2009

 

5 5

Pros: Easy to Clean, Easy to Adjust, Stylish, Comfortable, Easy to install, Sturdy, Easy to put together, Safe

Best Uses: Preemies, Newborn, Infants, Toddlers

Describe Yourself: First Time Parent

I ordered the travel system on Sunday and recieved it on Tuesday! It took 15 min to put it together and the instructions were super easy to follow. The stroller is really easy to fold down and lighter than the other strollers I had looked at. I love the adjustable handle and memory recline. I love the color and the car seat actually fits in my back seat without having to move the seat completely forward. I could use the seat in the middle but I put it on the passenger side and the LATCH system in my husband's car will work great and they are easy to use, I wish my car had the lower LATCH system. Can't wait to use with our little guy!

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My Review of Sorelle Vicki 4-in-1 Convertible Crib

Toys R Us

A stylish, modern design 4 in 1 crib made of solid, sturdy construction with recessed hardware for your child's safety. The Vicki 4 in 1 can be used as a crib, Daybed, Full-size bed with headboard on a metal bed frame, or Full-size bed with headboard and footboard using optional wooden Adult Ra...

Sorelle Vicki 4-in-1 Convertible Crib

Great Crib, Easy set-up

AZ Mom Phoenix, AZ 8/16/2009

 

5 5

Pros: Comfortable, Great use of space, Sturdy, Easy to Assemble

Best Uses: Toddlers, Preemies, Newborn, Infants

Describe Yourself: First Time Parent

The crib arrived in 3 days and we picked it up at the store. It fit in the back of our Avalanch easily. I would reccomend picking it up with a truck. All the pieces were wraped nicely and lots of styrafoam, probably more than necessary. The pieces did not have any scratches at all. The finish is perfect and looked just like the picture. The directions are located in the box with the mattress support along with the screws. You will need a wrench to attach the matress support. It took this 8 mo pregnant mom 30 min to put together. Make sure you read through all the directions before you start the dowels are used to put on the front and back and are not mentioned until the very last page. I used the Simmons mattress and it fit perfectly with no gaps. The directions do tell the exact dimentions of the matress to be used. Word to the wise because of the cylindrical shape of the top rails you need to push a little harder to get the mattress in but not anything this pregnant woman could not do. The mattress adjustments are really easy to make and can be done with just one person. Overall I am excited to start using the crib and can't wait for our son to try it out.

The finished crib in the baby's room

: Picture of Product

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Exciting day for the Summers

Well we had an exciting day today! We got the living room furniture and the crib and both are all set up. We had Chris's family over for a pool party/super dog party. There were 5 dogs in my pool! Hahaha. I was able to finally buy my travel system on diapers.com (my new favorite website) and through some crafty coupon codes got a free pacage of diapers that I plan on using at the hospital or while we are out and about or maybe just giving to my friend, who knows. I had to buy the diapers to get 10% off the travel system then I used a refferal code to get another $10 off and there was $1.50 instant coupon as well. The diapers are normally 8.99 and the travel system is normally 279.99 so when all was said and done I paid $248.48, oh I almost forgot I got $1 off because Laura used my refferal code so I had earned $1. Also I qualified for free shipping and it is all scheduled to be here Tuesday!! Such a productive day!! Ok so the code for 10% is PLUS10PCT and you must purchase diapers or formula to get the 10%, my refferal code is SUMM3994 so you can get $10 off your entire order, again with a diapers or formula purchase. I hope this helps others save lots of money too! Check out the pictures of the crib and living room furniture below, and my travel system.

Our Chicco Cortina KeyFit22 in Coventry

I am putting the crib together all by myself, yay!

Kaari assisting me in the building of Austins crib.


The finished product so cute!!

I love my new sectional and ottoman. We got a smokin' deal on this and had it not been for selling the pool table and old couch we could not have bought it.

Chris is passed out in his new recliner after a long day.

33 weeks

Ok I need to crop the picture so you can see it better but here it is 33 weeks! Giant baby Austin is still trying toset a record for biggest belly to body ratio. I cant wait to meet him. Currently my back is killing me I want a pedicure and a margarita but thats not going to happen LOL. I have another appointment next week and then my ultrasound is on the 25th. Chris has to go out of town on the 24th to Vermont so thats a little nerve racking but I will survive. I am having more frequent false labor pains so I keep tabs on that and call my doctor a lot! I am excited because Nikki went in to have baby Leila today and I can't wait to meet her at Christmas. Amber is excited about her home birth she will be doing again and I hope I can at least be there when the new baby is born. Well thats all she wrote folks sorry so short.

32 Weeks late post

Sorry this post is late but I had a lot to do this weekend. On Friday Chris called and told me we were going to have to put Gator, the 15yr old boxer mix, down. Gator has been in Chris's family for 15 yrs and it was so sad to say goodbye. We went on Sunday up to Peoria to say goodbye to our close friends and help them move to Oregon, well help them pack at least.

Saturday was Suzanne's shower and it was fun! I am glad she got a lot of the things she needed. I can't wait for our babies to be born!

31 weeks 4 days

31 weeks, a long week

This week has been rough. I spent the last week looking up all the information I could find on polyhydramnios, or too much amniotic fluid. I do not recommend googling as a means of getting medical answers, you will get the worst case senario as well as the best case. Well after reading all this information I saw my doctor on Wednesday. I asked about Austin being so big and the polyhydramnios, well I did not really get an answer at all just that I would need a c-section. When I asked why he told me to prevent shoulder dystocia, something actually am familar with. I asked if there were other options, like inducing early and I was shot down without explanation. Well after talking with Chris we decided to get a second opinion and I am headed to the doctor next Wednesday. I am hoping to get a better answer regarding a c-section or another option. I never expected my first pregnancy to be this complicated.

On another note while Austin is growing fast heis also using Mommy as his personal gym and moves around a lot still. Daddy is looking forward to getting to interact with him and we can't wait to see his cute little face. I posted his u/s pictures and I am still trying to post the video so everyone can see his cute foot. We are measuring a bit big in the tummy but hopefully it will get back to normal. His foot is constantly kicking me at the top of my belly and it makes me laugh because I just tickle it and he moves. I am sure its his foot because it feels pretty small and he has got a big head, LOL! Well only a few more weeks to go!

Lastly the nursery, well its still a work in progress meaning I still have to finish painting and buy the furniture. As it stands now it looks like a baby store exploded in there, haha. Can't wait to get it done. Well not much more to say but toodles!

Another Ultrasound 30 Weeks

So we went in for another ultrasound today and it was fun we got some 3D/4D pictures. Our little guy is so cute, and BIG! He is measuring at 4lbs already, and his head and body are about 3 weeks ahead of schedule I hope he slows down soon, at this rate we are looking at 9lbs. YIKES!! No thank you. Looking forward to meeting him hopefully sooner rather than later. Also I am almost certain we will have to get another ultrasound before the end. Also they said there was a little extra amniotic fluid but since my glucose test came back normal I shouldn't worry.