39 Weeks

Well, here's the 39 week update: I'm still pregnant! I have made such a lovely home in there, Lincoln doesn't want to come out. I'm not sure why I thought I would have him by now, but I was convinced we wouldn't make it this long. Doc says he weighs a little over 7 pounds now and is head down but not down far enough, and I'm halfway thinned out but just barely dilated. There were two very different reactions after our sonogram and check-up yesterday.

Kevin: "Wow, what a great appointment. Great report from the doctor, and good to know Lincoln is really healthy . . . . and a boy!" (We had them confirm the sex.)

Monica: (in tears) "I can't believe he didn't say I was ready to have the baby. I'm glad he's healthy and all, but can't they take him now? He's going to be so big by next week, and I'm really tired of being pregnant!!" (more tears)

All in all, I am relieved that he's healthy and happy. It is always good to hear that report. We've been walking a lot this week, and I'm doing the stairs quite a bit at work. I hear both of those are helpful in encouraging labor. Of course, I only want him to come when he's ready . . . I just want that to be now! I'm sure this isn't the last time he'll change my plans, right? Here's today's picture. I warned you that I would start slacking on the cute-ness by the end, didn't I? To make up for it, I'm standing in front of Lincoln's super cute crib. Auntie made the nursery decor, and she did an amazing job. (This isn't really the best pic of her work. I'll get right on that.) Eddie and Emmitt have also joined me for this picture. They get to go in the baby's room each day with me and check things out. They're not allowed on the furniture, but they sure like smelling everything.

More later from the (im)patiently waiting Kuhlman Family!

Cry Me A River . . .

I thought I would share some really exciting news with all of my friends and family . . . there were no tears at our house yesterday!!!!! (No, I'm not referring to a baby crying. I haven't had the baby yet!) It seems that pregnancy hormones are the most powerful things in the world and can completely take a person over, rendering you helpless to emotions. I've been keeping track of my meltdowns and I can think of three days out of the last month or so that have been tear-free. Hooray! The book says this is totally normal, and it will take a while to return to regular. That can't come soon enough for me! Kevin has been pretty patient and tried to soothe me with each episode, but he's kind of at a loss. Let me give you an idea of the most recent events: tears of frustration on Wednesday that everyone has a baby but me and mine isn't ready to join us, a complete breakdown after work on Thursday due to a long trying work day and "things to do" stress, Friday brought cries of pain and anxiety when I thought labor was beginning thanks to severe back pain and a few contractions, tears of joy and overwhelming emotion came on Saturday with Samantha while selecting her wedding gown, and finally while running errands on Sunday afternoon, I told Kevin I felt a cry coming on for no reason and I couldn't stop it, so we sat in the Tom Thumb parking lot while I sobbed uncontrollably. Now can you understand the need for celebration after a blubber-free day?!?!

38 weeks!

I'm back to the blogging world after another long break. We've had a lot on our plate with the move, and our internet wasn't hooked up as quickly as I had hoped. But here I am . . . back with an update on Mom and Baby with only two weeks to go. Can you believe that? Eight and a half months ago, I couldn't imagine being this close to meeting my little angel. Eight months ago, it didn't seem as if it would happen. Seven months ago, we hit another glitch and doubt crept in again. Thanks to doctors, medicine, and many prayers, we are about to welcome Lincoln Kevin Kuhlman into our family. It seems that during the majority of the pregnancy, the focus was on the pregnancy. Of course we knew that the ultimate goal was to have a baby, but that wasn't the immediate concern. Pregnancy symptoms and life while pregnant consumed our lives without the direct realization that a baby was really at the end of this. Maybe this is because it takes so long to "grow a human" as I like to say, and we focus on what we can feel in the present instead of the unknown. Now I can officially say that I'm ready. I've washed, dried, folded, hung, organized and re-organized his clothes, towels, sheets, socks, bibs, burp clothes, and blankets. I've tested out toys, practiced in my glider, arranged stuffed animals, and counted diapers. I am definitely ready. Kevin gave a frightened look when I said I'd be happy to deliver next week, but I think he'll be ready too. Dr. M's latest evaluation was good: Mom and Baby are healthy and perfectly on schedule. Lincoln weighs approximately 6 pounds and is head-down but not settled into the pelvis. There is some thinning, but no centimeters yet. My blood pressure is normal, light swelling is only in my feet and I gained just half a pound this week. We got the all clear and see you next week, so we can't ask for a better report.

A few scattered notes:

*One of my favorite things to do these days is remind Kevin (and anyone else who will listen) exactly how long I've been pregnant. 265 days sure is a long time!!! Personally, I'd rather not push the whole 280 days.

*If you haven't received a thank you note from me, I'm back on track. The thank you notes and baby book were temporarily misplaced in the move. We appreciate all the wonderful gifts we've received to help us get started as a family. I'm anxious to properly thank each of you.

*Now that Daylight Savings Time has resumed, you can find us out walking again after work. I lost my walking partner back in November due to the time change, but I've convinced him that the jig is up since daylight is back! I've been going by myself for too long.

*This picture was made after work this evening. Blame the crazy hair on today's incessant rain!

Last Baby Shower!

My last shower was a beautiful and fun event, thanks so much to Marte, Lee Anne, Joanne, Julie, Terah and Reenie! These ladies really went above and beyond to make Lincoln's baby shower amazing. We had a luncheon of chicken salad (the famous Neiman Marcus one!), strawberry spinach salad and fruit salad, along with fabulous desserts of petit fours, brownies, cookies and chocolate covered strawberries. Everyone had fun, and I'm thankful so many could join us. Lincoln got lots of really cool gifts, and we can't wait to try out his new toys and bouncer, model his new clothes and ride in his new strollers and car seat. It won't be long now. Again, thank you to my hostesses (and Scott, Richard and Jimmy) for all of their hard work, patience, and determination. It was perfect! Here are a few pics:

I'm sorry it's been so long since my last post . . . we're internet-challenged at our house right now. Of course, that means we're in our new house! I'll have pics of that and Lincoln's room soon. We've made it to over 37 weeks with no major issues, and I'm so thankful for that. Mom and Baby are doing just fine. According to Dr. M, Lincoln is in no hurry to join us! It must be pretty nice in there: I feed him good stuff, we go for nice walks, Mavs games, and shopping, and I make him as comfy as possible. (Maybe he heard that lady at the childbirth class in utero and decided it didn't sound like fun!) More pics later about the house.

Komen Baby Shower

I am lucky to have such caring and thoughtful coworkers. I've been at Komen for almost 5 years now, and they have seen me through the major changes in my life (like getting married and preparing for a baby!). So many people came to celebrate Baby Lincoln at a shower on Friday, and I was honored by the turnout. Lisa, Christi, Marcie, Felicia, Elizabeth, Donna and Jennifer worked so hard to make the event festive and beautiful. The food was yummy, the gifts were fun, and we all had a great time. Here are a few photos. (BTW-Lincoln really enjoyed this shower. He especially enjoyed the chocolate cake, and he squirmed around pretty much the whole time!)

Home Sweet Home

The title of this post has so many meanings to me right now. I love our home and have enjoyed every minute of living here, but I think we're ready to move on. We found it at just the right time in our lives (3 months before our wedding), and it has been perfect for us . . . and all of our regulars who might consider it partly their home, too! We figured out how to be married, how to be roomies, and how to cook (superbly I might add) in this tiny kitchen.

As you know, we've purchased a new home and are having work done to make it perfectly ours. Each day that I go there to view the progress, it feels more like a home. There's nothing in it yet (well, LOTS of paint, tools, sheet rock, 2x4s, tiles, etc), but I know it's becoming more the place we'll welcome Lincoln and have a million wonderful memories. I hope to report soon that we have a moving day. You are all welcome to bring a box and help!

This past weekend Kevin and I went to another home . . . Newport . . . and had a great time. Thank you, Brandi and Ms. Lisa, for throwing a fun shower for me. We had a great time, the food was yummy (especially the cute cookies), Lincoln received lots of fun gifts, and I got to visit with old friends, close family, and ladies who watched me grow up at church. Thank you to everyone who took the time to help us welcome Lincoln to our family. I can't wait for you all to meet him. Attached are a few pictures from the shower.

BTW - Mom and Baby Lincoln are doing great!

Brandi, Ms. Lisa and I getting ready to party

Lincoln's adorable cookies

My cute family: Auntie, Me, Patsy, Allyson, Memama, Barbara

Mom, Allyson and I on present duty - that's hard work!

Posing next to Mom's super-cute gift! She made the cutest bibs and burp cloths.

Tagged!!!

I was tagged by Amanda Ragar to post the 4th photo from the 4th folder on my computer. This picture was taken in "our" old helicopter. We were fortunate enough to have access to the Maguire chopper for our ride to the NASCAR race last April - piloted by Kevin's Dad! We were attempting to take a picture of ourselves, but it didn't turn out so well. (Unfortunately we'll be driving to the next NASCAR race like regular folks since the helicopter has been sold. So sad.)

I choose to tag: Hayley E, Paige E, Jamie R, and Megan C

34 down, 6 to go!

We've made it to 34 weeks! I am not quite ready for little Lincoln to join us yet, but it's nice to know that he's made it to the "safe" mark. I'm told that if he needed to come now, we'd be ok. However, I poke on my belly and instruct him to stay comfy all the time. My appointment went well today . . . blood pressure on target, baby's heartbeat strong, and no weight gain for Mom this time (shocking!). I love uneventful doctor visits. Lincoln still amazes us with his tricks in there. Kevin spends time talking to him each day and feeling his movements. I'm really going to miss being with him all the time. Even when the kicks and shoves are uncomfortable, they are a reminder of the baby I am so lucky to have on the way.

As you may notice in the photo, we've got boxes piled all over the house because we're moving!!!! (You may also notice Eddie in mid-leap playing in the boxes. It is cat heaven around here.) Our dining room has become the staging area for new furniture, Lincoln's stuff, boxes, and all things move-related. Don't think the other rooms have escaped the clutter, as I never want anyone to feel left out! I'm trying to keep it at a minimum to keep my sanity in tact. We closed on the new house on Monday and work begins this Saturday. The electrician is first with just minor work, followed closely by the crew we've hired for painting and a few construction projects (nothing like busting out a wall or two!), sandwiched by a bathroom remodel and new hardwood floors throughout. Wow! I've done my best to pre-decide as much as possible . . . paint colors, tile sizes, floor shade and the like, but I know there are a million little things as we go. If everyone can stick to the plan, we hope to move in at the beginning of March. Fingers crossed! We had a lovely visit to Home Depot this evening and spent a boatload on essentials like new light switches and outlets, ceiling fans, sconces, door knobs, cabinet pulls, and you get where I'm going here. (Good thing we get miles on that card!) We're so excited to have a new home for our family and are actually enjoying making it perfect. Keep us in your prayers while we have so many things going on. Until next week . . .

Party Time!

Thank you, Aunt Samantha and Uncle Eric!

Lincoln's first baby shower was Saturday night, and it was great. I challenged Samantha with my navy and white decor theme, but she came through in a big way. Everything was so cute . . . it was truly a shower of my favorite things! We had sliders (to honor my cheeseburger obsession), dips, brownies, cookies and Hello Dollies (my favorite) for Mom and little smokies and queso for Dad. We received so many great gifts from practical to precious, and I know we'll use them all. Everyone came ready to party, and we had so much fun. We laughed and laughed and were glad to catch up on what's new with everyone and tell a few stories from our "younger" days! Thanks to everyone who came to celebrate. Lincoln had lots of fun, too. He even let Mom sleep all night . . . he was worn out from partying as well.

Decor

Snacks

Gifts

Matt & Brianna

Casey & Hayley, Jason & Shannon

Veronica & Kevin, Tim & Mandy, Sam & Eric

We made it! Monica & Samantha

7 weeks to go . . .

Hey there, blog fans! I'm happy to report that we've reached 33 weeks and still no problems. Lincoln is growing right along schedule: he's about 4 lbs! His brain is working hard to develop and be ready to learn all our world has to offer, and the rest of his body is pretty much ready. There's still plenty of fattening up ahead . . . unfortunately for Mom! We're still walking each day, though I've had to change my route a bit recently. My bladder takes a pretty hard pounding between his acrobatics and the bouncing, so to prevent an emergency situation I don't go too far in any one direction. However, I can go on a 3 mile walk without getting farther than about a half mile from the house. (One particular episode initiated this rule, but I'm happy to say I made it home! I learned my lesson quickly!) He's getting ready to do some major partying, as we've got several baby showers coming up. I know he's excited like his mom. We're going to see lots of friends that we don't get to hang out with on a regular basis and spend time with relatives who love us. What a lucky little man that so many people already care for him! I'm sure he'll participate in the showers by kicking, punching and tumbling around in there. I bet lots of guests will get to feel a kick or two.

I don't want to say much about the nursery yet . . . I'm not taking a chance on jinxing anything. Hopefully I'll have news to report in the next week. Kevin's main job these days is to keep me calm and stress-free, but everyone who knows Kevin will see the challenge there. He's not exactly calm and stress-free himself. We've both got lots going on at work and the additional stress of buying and selling a house is definitely apparent. Oh, and one of us is growing a human on the side! I'm encouraging Kevin to have "play time" with Lincoln each night. Here's how it goes: Lincoln is in full swing in my belly, so I call Kevin over. Of course, Lincoln gets stage fright and settles down for a few minutes. If Kevin has enough patience and can wait, Lincoln gets back to his business of active baby stuff. He talks to him and rubs my belly to be near. I know it is good for them. This weeks picture was just taken after work today. I know what you're thinking: Whoa! There must be a big little boy in there! I think so too.