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36 weeks and a baby:)

Well...I'm sitting in my hospital bed and proud to announce that Blake Anthony Taylor arrived on Thursday afternoon (8-7-08) at 4:04 p.m. after 18 hours of labor, including a little over 2 hours of pushing. It was a very different experience...one I'm sure that many moms can relate to. It's one of those things that is just so hard to describe. He looks absolutely beautiful. We get to come home tomorrow. Due to some complications with me, we've had to stay an extra day. Apparently he wanted to break my water, but wasn't so enthused on coming out. On his way out, he broke a blood vessel so they had to work hard to get the bleeding stopped and I had to have some blood last night to help bring my platellets up since I kept passing out. But today has been a WONDERFUL day. I've gotten to walk around and move about. Blake is improving with his sucking. He's having to work on his sucking since he was a little early, but he's doing better with practice (as am I).

Here's some pictures and I'll update more later. Enjoy the pictures!

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Doctor's Appointment

I had my 35 week doctor's appointment today, which consisted of several things...including checking to see where the baby was and everything. He is head down and my doctor said I should begin to feel contractions more now. I love how they ask you if you've had any, yet. I, along with many first-time moms, can only respond with "I don't know." I mean, yeah, I've felt them before, but that was only due to dehydration and over doing it. Since then, not much. But it looks like activity will begin to pick up. His heart rate is at 154, which is perfect. My blood pressure was a little higher than normal for me, but they weren't worried. They assured me it's because my body is nearing the end and is getting to the point where it's tired and ready to go. The carpel tunnel is causing some hand problems with holding things, but hopefully that will go away after the birth. My cervix hasn't opened, yet, so he's not about to pop out...even though it feels otherwise. The doctor said that was probably because he keeps turning his head from side to side. I think that about covers the results.....

Raun's work threw us a shower this afternoon and it was fun to meet everyone. We have been so overwhelmed at the amount of people supporting us. We just look around and thank God that so many people are going to be walking through this new journey in our life with us. It really is amazing. He definitely fills our every need...and then some. Thank you guys who have always and will continue to support and encourage us! We need your prayers and love!

Until next week....

35 weeks

I know that I keep saying it, but time flies. I am nearing the end of being pregnant and as happy as I am, I feel sad that I'll be apart from him in a few weeks. It's kinda fun to feel him move and respond to so many different things, like music or Raun or other children's voices....or the dogs:) Is that normal for me to feel those things? Don't get me wrong...I excited to finally be over the light headedness, the aches and pains, and to be able to sleep on my belly and back whenever I desire, but I feel like a part of me will now belong to my son. Maybe I'm weird, but I do hope it's a mother thing. It feels more real now because his bag is packed (mine won't be for a while longer) and his clothes are washed and his room is 95% completed. Now we're just waiting for his arrival. I do anticipate seeing him for the first time and watching Raun's face when he sees his son, but I just can't seem to comprehend the fact that he'll be ours and we're not giving him back to someone else.

So much has happened in the past month and I haven't gotten a chance to update the blog as much. We have been gone almost every weekend and when I have been home, I've been resting. So since I didn't read my last post to see what my last update was on, I'll just start from Heather's wedding. My best friend from middle school got married on July 12 to a wonderful guy. She is so extremely happy and is going to make a wonderful doctor in a few years! We are amazed at how God has kept our friendship in tact and so close from middle school to high school and then through college and afterwards. I can't wait to see what God has in store for us and we move through the next stage of our lives. Maybe a half-marathon? One day a full marathon? A 5k? Somehow, I do envision it being athletic! Her wedding was beautiful and perfect. When I get my pictures ordered from it, I'll put some up. They were beautiful and who knew a 8 month pregnant lady could actually look pretty and feel rather pretty!

The next weekend was spent in Manchester. Jerri Lynn, Janet Field, and Mandi Bucher threw us a baby shower for all the Manchester people. It was soooo wonderful to see all the people that I've grown up with and all those who played such an important part in my life. I only wish that I could have spent more time talking with everyone and catching up. The shower was absolutely beautiful and had the best chicken salad EVER! Mandi made a beautiful cake and did all that while being 7 months pregnant. The picture to the right is of us Manchester girls who are expecting. Jessie is having a girl and is due any day...then there's me at 8 1/2 months with a boy, and Mandi at 7 months with a boy. It's funny to see how different our bellies are. And notice the shoes that all three of us are sporting because it's WAY cooler and for Mandi and me, it's the most comfortable because of the swelling feet! Not for sure where my ankles are anymore:) Below is the outfit Aunt Patricia got him to wear...my son:) Not for sure which one of us he'll take after!

I have to admit something....I have the best friends EVER! Jen and Nessa came to our shower in Manchester and we got to spend Saturday together. We got to go swimming at the Thorington's pool (which felt great because I laid on my belly the ENTIRE time) and then hit Sonic for our favorite lunch and drinks. Following Sonic, I was shuttled to my birthday suprise. I must say that I was a little confused as to what Manchester had that would be so exciting for a birthday gift, but they found it. They took me to get a manicure/pedicure! It had to have been the most wonderful thing. It made me feel pretty and I loved my feet being massaged. I wanted to take that little lady home with me. I didn't really want to go walking on my feet after that, but Jen and Nessa weren't so enthused about carrying me to the car:) I'm not for sure why not...I would be a great dumbbell...and no comments you two! Jen and Nessa have also been lifelong friends...Jen and I have been friends and roomies for nine years and Nessa and I have been friends and roomies for eight. We all managed to live together (Jen and I for 4 years and Nessa, Jen, and I for 2) without killing each other and I do believe we're better people because of it. We have learned how to deal with different situations and although we may have not handled every situation perfectly, we knew that we each loved each other and valued our friendships. It's been awesome to watch God work and perfectly orchestrate the events in our lives and to allow us to go on girl weekends where we can relive our college days! Up this year is a spa weekend. Talk about relaxing!

This past Sunday afternoon was our shower from people in our church. Jaime is a wonderful musician friend who I learn so much from about nutrition and being healthy. She's become a wonderful friend and her big puppy and my little puppy like to play together. Anita is my mentor and a great friend. She has been a huge encouragement to me through our early years of marriage and this new transition that I'm facing. I have been so blessed to have them in my life and to be able to learn so much from them. They both know my penguin fascination and catered to it:) I showed Raun the cake and he laughed and said "I'm going to have to have a talk with both of them!" It was a fun shower and I had a blast getting to see so many of my Bible Study ladies and so many people that have been a part of my life over the last 2 years. Each of those women have been such an encouragment and I can't wait to take Blake with me to our Bible Studies so they can all hold him and be a part of his little life. I know he can learn so much from those wise ladies....and I can learn so much, as well. There's no one better to teach you about life than those who older and have "been there, done that." I'm just thankful that everyone I know and have as a part of my life is willing to share their experiences so that I don't have to learn every lesson personally!

For those who have been curious, the downstairs is still being worked on. However, I'm not as stressed about finishing it because Raun has moved everything out of the baby's room so I could complete that room. I have been trading guitar lessons with the father of one of my students since he is a builder. He is mudding the downstairs and it looks like it will be painted and trimmed by next week. We've been picking out flooring and we've already chosen the ceiling. Dad gets to come up and do the lights for us, which is AWESOME!

And speaking of Dad....that man can do it all! I must share this story because I had lost all hope. I had not heeded my father's warning about taking my rings off before my fingers began to swell because honestly, I never take them off and I also never realized that they were swelling. I thought that it was all part of my carpel tunnel (which my doctor did confirm) that was making my fingers ache a bit more, especially in the mornings. When I was home for Heather's wedding, Raun, Dad, and I all tried everything to get my rings off my finger. We were unsuccessful. I went home that week very sad because I just knew I was going to have to have them cut off. I cried and poor Raun had to try to comfort me. I almost had it off at one point but my finger began to turn purple. Raun quickly pushed the ring back down because we didn't want it to do any damage and all we knew was a purple finger wasn't necessarily a good thing to have on your hand. I just kept envisioning the loss of my bassoon playing and all the other things I'd have to stop! I had finally come to terms that the next week, I was going to the jewelry store and Raun was coming with me to comfort me as they cut it off. Well....I went to Manchester and stayed the night with my parents to celebrate John's birthday. Dad noticed that I still hadn't gotten my rings off and so we decided to try once again because they appeared a little looser. We got the waxed dental floss (for instructions, type it in on the internet...lots of people have stuck rings) and he began winding it around my finger. It was moving! I was so excited. Once it got over my first knuckle, I thought it would slide off, but no...my fingers were too swollen. Dad had to keep wrapping the dental floss all the way up, which, you guess it...began to turn my finger purple. I could feel my pulse in my finger and was biting a pillow because my finger was really sore. I didn't cry, though...I kept singing children's songs to distract my mind and kept saying the words "labor's gonna be worse." At one point when my finger was bulging in two places, I looked at Dad (who was working diligently and efficiently) and asked, "Dad, is it okay that my finger's purple." Dad: "Well, it's not good." Meg: "Are you going to bust something, like a blood vessel?" Dad: "Nah..." Meg:"Are you sure?" Dad: "How do I know? I'm not a doctor." Dad tugged and sure enough, it was off in a few seconds with my wedding ring to follow. It was nice to have my finger able to breathe again, but it's weird to not have my ring, so Raun and I are going to go get one this next week. But a BIG one! I hugged Dad so much that night because God had answered my prayers. I had told God that it would take a miracle and if it came off, I would know who did it...and sure enought, God did by using my dad. I didn't mind that Dad was causing my finger pain because I knew that he would protect me and I guess it's still the little girl in me...where my dad can't do anything wrong (although I know he does) and he'll always be able to help me do anything. It reminded me that no matter how old I get, I will definitely always be daddy's little girl...to me and to Dad. So, thanks Dad!

We are now not going anywhere until after the baby is born. I'm still working and Raun has his cell phone on him with instructions to answer any text that says CALL NOW! We're excited and tired, but ready, I think. I'm going to the doctor every Thursday now and am being checked. At my last appointment last Thursday, his heart rate was at 150 and looking good. We have our baby class in 2 weeks, which Raun is sooo thrilled about. However, we are BOTH getting massages, we've learned, so it makes it a little more inviting. We have friends coming to visit the next two weekends as they are passing through on vacation and that will make the week fly by. Raun and I are setting aside a weekend where we can spend it with just us one last time before the baby. I know we'll still have our date nights once a month, but it'll be different...our family will have grown to 3. Anyway, if you made it to this point in this blog, you have read a book as Raun says. If not, I'll see you on day 2 as you finish this book. I'll do better at posting so next time it won't be so long.

Raun's mom got us lots of diapers! I have never been so excited to get diapers, but it was just what we needed!

Getting Closer!

Well, things are definitely beginning to get closer and become more real. I'm a little more nervous about meeting him in the next month or so. It seems very unreal and I can't imagine what it will be like to have him in my arms and not kicking my stomach. I know it will be amazing and the moment I hold him, I won't know what I ever did without him. However, along with all those wonderful thoughts are the same thoughts that I'm sure every mother has experienced...will I know what to do? How do I balance everything? Will the mother instinct come naturally? And so many more questions that I'm sure will be answered in due time.

I've been having a lot of pain this past weekend and up until yesterday. Mom finally talked me into calling my doctor to make sure I was normal because the pains were getting more intense in my lower abdomen and in my lower back. The pains felt very constant and I kept feeling more and more pressure pushing down. The doctor thought that the baby was dropping (she said it was about time for him to do that) and that I'll be feeling more pressure and will probably be experiencing that pain from now until I deliver. I can't wait until next Thursday when she checks me and makes sure everything is still okay. He's still squirming, but I will say it's WONDERFUL to breathe again! However, on the down-side, the potty breaks that I thought couldn't possibly get more annoying, have become that. I feel like every hour on the hour I'm visiting the bathroom....even at night. Poor Raun! I'm preparing him for a newborn:) He has revoked my priveleges of cleaning house and doing too much of anything when I get home. I still may sneak and clean just a little...I can't stand him having to do all of that by himself when it's normally a joint job. He's way too good and never complains. God has definitely given me a wonderful husband!

picture update

the baby quilt mom made me....well, I guess Blake....

Me and Laurie

the laundry room
what is to be the bathroom
32 weeks-David thought his belly was as big as mine:)

32 weeks

33 weeks!

I am officially 33 weeks and have less than 7 weeks left, hopefully! He can come anytime after 36, so we'll see. I know first babies are usually later, but I wouldn't mind meeting him a little early. We had our 4D ultrasound done last Monday and everything looks good with him so far. It was fun to get a little sneak peak at him. It was neat to hear that he was about 4 pounds and head first. At the moment, he looks like he's in position to come naturally, but we'll see if he turns. The doctor said that more than likely he won't flip to come butt first, but he could flip sideways. Friday was my doctor's appointment and she said everything is looking good, as well. I think the heat is encouraging some swelling, so it's becoming a little more uncomfortable in my hands and feet. Raun is making me sit at home today and prop my feet up. I always feel so lazy because it's so hard for me to sit still. He did give me permission to clean ONE room:)

We've had a very busy past couple of weeks. We started out July with my dad and Raun taking off 2 days of work to begin construction on the three rooms downstairs. They are finishing out the basement, which consists of a bathroom, a laundry room, and a huge family room (which is going to be a bedroom for guests/family room/project room). They got a lot done while Mom and I went to Lowe's, cleaned up closets, and picked up dinner. By Friday, I was so tired. Mom was such a great help and was able to clean the house for me. It looked wonderful and left me feeling less stressed about going away for the weekend. We had both sets of parents over for dinner on the 4th, which consisted of ribs, hot wings, BBQ, and some other foods....to be topped off with Cheesecake Factory cheesecake (thanks to Ruth!). It was a great dinner with plenty of food left over.

We went to Manchester that Saturday to get fitted for my dress for Heather's wedding and to go to our Hayes family reunion in McMinnville. It was good to see everyone and to catch up with the family that we haven't seen in a while. Molly got to be introduced to everyone. It was nice to have her there with us from this year on out:) The next day consisted of our family baby shower. We got sooo much! Laurie Sain and her daughter, Alison, threw us a great baby shower with all of our family and cousins. It was lots of fun to get all the baby stuff. Mom made us a beautiful baby quilt...which I will have to post a picture of. We have another baby shower from my home church in Manchester this weekend. It's all starting to come together!

This past weekend was spent in Manchester for my best friend's, Heather, wedding. It was absolutely beautiful! I had my mom come and pick me up from Chattanooga on Friday (my birthday) because I have been so tired and worn out that I wasn't up for driving. I was afraid of falling asleep, so Mom came to my rescue. We took her out to eat for lunch and then headed to Manchester. Raun stayed home while Trey came over to finish putting up the walls. They got done about 2:30 a.m. on Saturday morning. It looks good! He came to the wedding on Saturday and made duck noises as I walked down the aisle...I just learned that info:) I spent the night at Heather's house with all the other girls, which as fun. We spent Saturday getting our hair done and partying. I was so tired from the weekend that we spent the night in Manchester and I slept and slept. I was beginning to have some cramps right before the wedding and I was getting a little nervous about that. I think I had just overdone it and hadn't been eating and drinking as much as I should. Once I drank a lot of water, the cramps began to stop. I just kept praying that I wouldn't go into labor on the stage:) At least Heather could deliver our baby!

I think that catches you up on the past couple of weeks. We're getting closer and more excited. Not too much longer now!