38 Weeks

Well, we are 38 weeks and Baby Whit has yet to make his appearance! I went to the doctor today and report back in a week. No news:( I am so anxious for his arrival; this waiting game is driving me crazy. I started back to work last week and it was great to see everyone. I need to keep busy in these last few weeks and my job will definitely do that for me! I already have two meetings scheduled, two training workshops I need to attend, and multiple parent emails to return. All of this and the students haven't even arrived!!!

Even better news is that college football starts soon!! Woo woo! I cannot wait. If only I could make it to an Ole Miss or UK game this year. It is a long shot at this point, but those of you that know me...you never know! Jonathan is excited that Nantucket trips are winding down and he will most likely be heading west for an Oklahoma game or two. Sounds like fun to me. I decided if Whit wants to go to school at Oklahoma that is acceptable. I was wanting an SEC school or at least a school in the South, but Oklahoma works! Oklahoma has a great social atmosphere, football team, and flight program (if he is interested)!!!!

Baby Shower Celebration--August 22

What a party!!! Martin and Ana threw a celebration party for Baby Whit and it was fantastic! So many family members and friends were there to support our baby boy, that is was humbling for both Jonathan and I. The food was excellent and the musicians serenaded me with southern tunes. It was really special!!!

My mother was able to come down for the celebration which was really nice. We even found time to paint doors and door trim! Jonathan's grandmother, who lives in North Bergen, drove to Queens for the cake (a Uraguayan treat) and Brooklyn for the Cuban sandwiches. She thinks the sandwiches are better from the place in Brooklyn versus North Bergen! She is much braver than I am when it comes to driving in city traffic! Ana's pottery group made Whitaker Christmas ornaments as party favors. Of course I wanted to keep them all to put on a tree, but I shared! Jonathan enjoyed smoking cigars with everyone and I am sure had one too many! Christopher cooked sliders for starters and they were very tasty!

Thanks to all who made this such a special day/night. Did I mention it started at 3:00 and we didn't get home until midnight?!!!

37 Weeks--Back-to-School

Moving right along! No signs of Baby Whit anytime soon. I just knew when I went to the doctor he was going to say that I needed to go to the hospital immediately. Boy was my bubble burst when he didn't!!! The great news is...the nursery is almost finished! All I need to do now is hang pictures and have the curtain hemmed!!!

I start back to work tomorrow and I am looking forward to it. I am not, however, looking forward to hearing the alarm clock buzz when it is still dark outside! Better get used to it!

I attached pics of the baby's room!

36 Weeks and Counting!

Baby Whit and I went to the doctor for our weekly checkup and we both doing great! I gained my weight back and then some and Baby Whit grew too. We are at the point that it could happen any day--thank goodness it wasn't this past weekend! I think my weight loss had a lot to do with not drinking enough water, the fact that my stomach is crowed out by the baby, and heartburn. Jonathan has been fantastic--he reminds me to drink water and have snacks which probably sounds silly to some, but it really helps considering I am a bit scatter brained at this point. Plus I am just not a thirsty person! My mother always used to call my sister "thirsty" and me "hungry."
It won't be long now. I would love for him to arrive sooner rather than later, but I guess mother nature decides that!

Jonathan is in Nantucket until Wednesday and then hopefully home for a few days. He loves going to the doctor and hearing the heart beat, so I feel sorry for him that he was unable to go today:( The good news is he is fortunate to have time off before and after Baby Whit arrives, so we are blessed in the sense.

Lake Placid

Prayer really works---I went to Lake Placid and didn't go into labor!!! I just could not take it in Doylestown any longer, so I was daring and traveled! Let me just say Jonathan and I had the BEST time. It ranks up there as one of our best vacations (first is England, second W. Palm , and third Lake Placid). We covered some territory in upstate NY and didn't leave one stone unturned. We were there with Jack and Patty and they were great company. All of us hope to make this a tradition and return next year!

Patty and I drove up and met the boys on Thursday and came home on Sunday. The 6 hour ride up was half the fun! Of course the boys flew there in 30 minutes--I am sure they wish they rode with us! I attached a few pics of our trip.

A few highlights...

Jonathan and I went to the peak of Whiteface Mtn. which is 4,810 ft. above sea level. We had to hike 1/5 mile to the top; unfortunately, there is no picture going up as I was holding onto the rail and jonathan was giving a push or two along the way! It was beautiful.

One day we took a gondola ride to Little Whiteface--I am scared of heights and was a bit scared, but I survived. Of course Jonathan, the daredevil, was bouncing around the thing taking pictures and checking out the scenery!

The day before we left we went kayaking. Baby Whit decided he didn't really enjoy kayaking, so poor Jonathan had to row the entire time! It looked like a workout!

Big Mama Part Two

So I thought I would post a few more pics! Jonathan's brother Christopher spent the afternoon with us before heading off to a lacrosse game, so what could be better than taking a few pictures. I love pictures, but I have to catch the brothers on the right day for them to be good sports. One picture is when they decided picture time was over--I imagine you can determine which one that is!

We are on our way to Chambers (local bar/restaurant) and the County Theater. We met up with Jonathan's flying mentor, Bruce, for dinner. Bruce gave me a nice newspaper article that was written about Jonathan several years ago. Bruce and Jonathan used to fly in aerobatic competitions together and it was about the two of them winning a contest. I plan to frame it and hang it in the house! Bruce and Jonathan plan to fly aerobatics next week while I go to the Pottery Barn Outlet! Needless to say flying is out of the question for me, besides the parachute wouldn't fit around my waist!

What a Daddy!

Jonathan has been the most amazing support person throughout our entire pregnancy. He definitely deserves a star in his crown for all that he has done! Thanks Lovey! He is getting so excited about becoming a father; it is really sweet to see this side of him. As you all know Jonathan has a wide range of interests: rc airplanes, flying, aerobatic planes, golf, fishing, tractors, cigars, pool time, engines, etc. His new interest is of all things sling shots! Yeah. So my backyard now is dotted in orange from the paintballs that he shoots with his sling shot! I had a really pretty bird house that is now bright orange thanks to his shooting precision! I had to attach of pic of him in action. I asked Jonathan how old he was and he stated--12. I believe it!

Baby Whit is going to have the most amazing daddy! Jonathan has said whatever Whit is interested in is what he will be interested in. There aren't too many past times left!

Dr. Shopping!

So I sort of felt like a doctor shopper at my 35 week appointment today! As you know these travel restrictions really have me bummed out. For starters, I have missed out on a trip to Kentucky, Springfield, Massachusetts, and Nantucket. So today I saw a different doctor and thought if I asked about travel I might get an answer I want to hear! So, I asked, yet again, if I could travel---I really want to go to Saranack Lake (Lake Placid) on Thursday with Jonathan. She said it wouldn't be wise and that I don't need to be further than a one hour radius from home. What a disappointment:( So unless you are a Hollywood star, I have decided doctor shopping doesn't work!

Anyway, Baby Whit grew and mommy shrunk! The baby is doing well and is progressing as expected. As for me I lost two pounds since last week. I need to try to relax, continue eating, and drinking plenty of fluids. Besides the side effects of stress, the weight loss is probably one reason I have been tired and just not feeling 100% lately. Also, dehydration is a big concern for summer moms because of the risk of going into labor early--so water is going to be key this week since we have temps in the 90's! Reminds me of home, so bring it on!

I go back to the doctor in a week and I might have to get an ultrasound in the coming weeks to determine the position of the baby. The doctor was unable to determine it today. Of course he continues to move around like crazy so Lord knows what position he is in! Having an U/S works for me--any glimpse of Baby Whit is an added bonus!

I attached a few pics to look at--I don't have on any make-up so I look a little rough!

Whitaker Hawkins Leyland

Many people have asked what we are naming our baby and I realized I never posted about the name.

Our baby's name is Whitaker Hawkins Leyland. It is a family name and Jonathan and I love it! Each name holds special meaning and carries with it a story. Names mean a great deal, so it was not an easy task for Jonathan and I to choose one. We know Whit, as he will be called, will love his name. I also think it sounds Southern which is an added bonus!

Whitaker is after Jonathan's grandfather in England. His grandfather's name is William Walker Whitaker Leyland. Whitaker comes from his uncle who was a British soldier in WWI. Unfortunately, he passed away at the tender age of 20 in Belgium. He is remembered on the Menin Gate Memorial at Ypres in Belgium and in Westminster Abbey by the Unknown Warriors Gate in London. Jonathan's grandfather wrote a lovely letter explaining the name and I have it framed and ready to hang in the baby's room.

Hawkins is my maiden name and it is important to me to pass on my family name. The Hawkins are from Mississippi and I am excited to share it with my baby. My father passed away when I was 8 years old, and I know he would be very proud. Living in the Northeast, it is important to me to share my Southern heritage with my child and I feel as though a name is a nice way to start! Jonathan thought he might like to call the baby Hawkins---who knows we could switch it around by the time he arrives!

We are thrilled beyond words about our little bundle of joy and we cherish his name. We know our loved ones whom he is named after would be proud too.

What a Day!

Nesting has hit in full force. Jonathan and I accomplished so much that I don't know where to start! It is going to be so nice to focus on the baby and not the house once Baby Whit arrives!

Baby Whit's room is nearly complete. I finished painting the trim and filling holes and Jonathan completed the closet shelves. It is the nicest room in the house! I just need to finish decorating, but need to buy a curtain/blinds and chair. My sister is painting two pictures for Whit and I cannot wait to see them. I know they will be adorable.

We finished working on our bathroom and it looks great. It was a bit dated and needed an update. We painted, installed new lighting, painted the window trim, put finishing touches on the new trim, and put up a hotel shower rod. It feels brand new to me! Now I can relax about that room! Next up, trim in the hall. This will be interesting--I will keep you all posted. Jonathan's #1 dread = TRIM!

One of our friends was induced today---3 weeks early! Baby Whit already has one friend and he isn't even here yet. I think this made us realize that due dates don't necessarily mean that is when you are going to have your baby. Needless to say, this helped us focus today!

Week 34!

What a week! It has been a roller coaster, and I am so thankful for my many blessings. Thank you friends and family for all of your love, support, and prayers.

Jonathan and I went to our 34 week appointment and were given great news; Baby Whit is doing fantastic. I have not felt 100% and have been experiencing some pain, but the doctor reassured us that this is normal and typical at this stage in the game! Whew.

We were also given instructions on what to do when contractions start or my water breaks! Wait...What? I thought we had several weeks to go before even starting to think about that. It could basically happen at any time from here on out! Jonathan and I are so excited!!! We now go to the doctor weekly for checkups and signs of Baby Whit's arrival!

Having said this, travel is a no-no for me:( I was planning on going to see my mother on Tuesday or Wednesday for some TLC, but travel from home is no longer an option. Not even by car. I was under the impression that travel meant air travel--not the case. Needless to say I am disappointed, but Baby Whit is worth it! On the bright side, Jonathan's trip got canceled!!! He was to be away Tuesday-Sunday, but lucky for us there was a change in plans.