The End of This Journey...

...and onto the next one!

THE END

You're Here!

Sylvia Rose Terry, you were born today at 8:25 a.m. by c-section. You weighed 7lbs 9oz and were 19 1/2 inches long. You are magnificent, beautiful, perfect. It was a surreal moment, but when the doctor held you up, I also had the sense that this was right, you were meant to be our daughter. Welcome to your family!

In the Nick of Time!

We finished your room at 9pm tonight, less than 12 hours from your arrival time! It was a group effort with your grandma and grandpa. Your room is the only room in the house that is done!

9 Months!

Lugging you around is hard work!

I am a full 9 months now (38 weeks). You never did turn around, so we have scheduled a c-section for Thursday. It was weird to pick your birthday. You will be born on the first day of fall, my favorite season.

While pregnancy has its uncomfortable moments, it has been a joy to experience life with you these past 9 months. I have been solely responsible for your health and safe keeping. And while that is a huge responsibility, it has also been an honor. I wish I could protect you like this forever. Life will throw many experiences at you, both good and bad. Always look for the lesson within them, even if they don't make sense at the time, they will. I love you little girl, we can't wait to meet you and I can't wait to have you out of my rib cage!

Love, Mommy

Here's a better picture of us at 9 months!

Home Sweet Home

We are finally moved into the house we will bring you home in! You may hear people talk about a mortgage crisis, well we got stuck in the aftermath of it. So, we've moved in a lot later than we planned to and are in a hurry to put together your room. Your daddy started on your crib last night. You'll be here in about 1 week!

Happy Birth Month!

It is now September, your official due date month. You aren't due until the 27th, so we're wondering if you'll be an October baby since first babies are often late. We got to see you again today at the doctor. This time we could see your hair moving in the amniotic fluid! We also saw you open and close your mouth a few times. You are still breech, so the doctor talked to us about scheduling a c-section for the week before, just in case. I think you are just taking your time turning around.

The house we have for you is being delayed a few more weeks, so we will continue to live in the hotel. So you just take your time. We will see you soon enough.

This ultrasound picture is of your back (on the right) and the back of your head (on the left), so your hair is coming off the back of your neck. We couldn't see any other hair, so we're really hoping this isn't a mullet.

8 Months Down, 1 To Go?!!

Here we are, in our temporary hotel housing. I am now 8 months pregnant and feeling it. I don't think there's room for the two of us much longer. I go to the bathroom all the time, I get heartburn after almost every meal, I feel your head and hands jabbing my ribs, and I still have round ligament pain that makes it hard to walk. Now really, this is all fine to put up with temporarily, I just wanted to document it because I've heard women forget the details of pregnancy (and delivery) for good reason.

I told your daddy that I now wanted him to take his cell phone with him everywhere, even to the classes he teaches. So, he took it to the gym with him...and left it there. So much for that. You will get used to this aspect of your daddy quickly as I fully expect a toy, blanket, diaper bag or some other baby item to be left behind more than once. I just hope he remembers to take you!

Chubby Cheeks

We saw you today! We got a surprise ultrasound at the doctor's office and saw your chubby cheeks. The doctor wanted the ultrasound for several reasons... to see if you were still breech (you are) and to check your weight and fluids. She was concerned that I have only gained 13lbs so far. We were told you are about 4lbs 12oz, which puts you in the 30th percentile (that's good). The amniotic fluid is at a good level and your heart beat is strong. You had a full bladder and a full stomach which means those organs are working. The doctor seemed happy with what she saw, so we were relieved too. Of course, I also took this visit to mean that I need to fit in a few extra desserts.

Birthing Babies

Today we spent all day learning about childbirth. We also got a tour of the hospital and were told what to expect of our experience there. I learned that your crazy hiccup marathons are normal and that you are practicing breathing when you do this. Going off of the amount of times a day you currently do this, I'd say you are good to go on the breathing. So, maybe you could back off a little on this, say skip the 2 or 5am practice set. Overall, the day went by quickly. They had drinks and snacks set out for us (although at the first break, I found it funny how many dads went and got coffee). The moms all got massages from the dads at the end of the day too. I expect that actual labor and delivery will go like today's day of pampering did.

New In Town

Last night we arrived in our new city of Greenville, SC. We are temporarily living in a hotel that accommodates long stays. We have a house, with a room already painted for you, but we can't close on it until the end of August. In the meantime, we went to the new doctor's office today, the ones who will deliver you. We liked them and are hoping we will have a good labor and delivery experience (although a lot of that depends on you, little lady- be kind to your mother). Today's doctor said everything looked good! I will go back weekly from here on out.

7 Months Down, 2 To Go!

Here we are at 7 months. You're looking good and doing good. The doctor visit this week did not involve any surprise shots. I'm starting to get a backache towards the end of the day, but I just use it as an excuse to get out of packing. We are moving to Greenville soon, so the house is a mess. We don't actually have a place to live yet, but we hope to have something soon. All of your stuff is packed and will soon go into storage, so your job is to continue to cook- don't come early!

Happy Birthday to Me

Today is my 32nd birthday. I had a low key day...went out to lunch with friends and had 4 pieces of fudge marble cake. I know you like your sweet stuff, so I had extra. Can't wait to celebrate next year's birthday with you!

A Pain In the Butt

I went for my 28 week check up today. I was immediately told upon entering the room that I needed a shot in my butt. I just stared back at the nurse. Huh? She said since I have negative blood, your daddy has positive blood, and we don't know what kind you have, that I had to get a shot to protect our blood from getting mixed. Positive and negative blood don't mix well. She said 80% of the time, the baby has the father's blood. She said I'll need another one as soon as I deliver you too. I gave your daddy the death stare, he quickly exited the room, and I got my shot. This only further proves what a pain in the butt he is.

Watermelon

I must have eaten a seed!

6 Months Down, 3 To Go!

Here we are at 6 months. Depending on what book or website you go to, this is also the end of the 2nd trimester and the beginning of the 3rd. It's either the 27th or 28th week (I'm now 27 weeks). Your kicks are getting stronger. I can tell when you are awake, when you have hiccups and when you are dancing (I swear that must be what you are doing because you are all over the place). I don't think I particularly crave any foods, but I do eat a lot of fruit- especially watermelon. This is refreshing because it is very hot outside. I'm starting to have some aches, especially in my hips, but nothing too bad. I also seem to need a nap every afternoon. Overall, I'm feeling pretty good. Please don't come early because I have nowhere to put you yet.

Baby Gadgets

We are starting to figure out all the new gadgets you come with. Unlike you, these come with instructions. Here is the sleepy wrap. We are going to have a contest to see who can put it on the fastest. Don't worry, we'll do that before we put you in it.

For the record, that is your daddy's stuffed animal, not mine.

Happy Father's Day

Today is your daddy's first Father's Day. He says it isn't really, but I think he does enough worrying already for today to count. We are in Washington D.C. for your Uncle Glenn's graduation from the FBI academy, so we met up for lunch with your daddy's high school friend, Chris. We went to a vegan place called Sticky Fingers Bakery where Chris bought your daddy this cookie.

Your daddy will be a great dad, I'm sure you know this by now. He makes up nicknames for you all the time (Silly Syl), asks about you ("How's my girl today?") and talks about things he wants to do with you (Red's games included). I enjoy the excitement that arises in his voice whenever we talk about you. You are a lucky little lady.

Orange Tsunami

Today I went for my 25 week check up. It was not my best experience there. The doctor seemed very rushed today, but did not have any concerns. This was the first visit I saw weight gain- 5 lbs. Today was also the much dreaded gestational diabetes test. I had to drink 10oz of an orange drink in 5 minutes at 8:30 in the morning (on an empty stomach). Then I had to keep it down for an hour. Well, I made it to 40 minutes, then threw it up in the sink. I decided not to say anything and went ahead with the blood work, which came up normal. Before any readers freak out on me, I'd like to say that I did my research on this and feel comfortable with the 40 minute time frame the stuff had to work into my system. I did not feel well the rest of the day... had a headache, had to nap, etc., so I know the sugar was in my system. The good news is your daddy got to practice cleaning up puke.

Showering at Home

We brought in quite the loot today little lady. My godmother, Anne, and two dear family friends, Linda and Mary held a shower for me in Cincinnati. My best friend, Courtney, flew all the way from Salt Lake City to surprise me for it. It was a very elegant affair. Check out some of the items we got below. You sure do require a lot of stuff.

Nana and Pop made the trip down from Chicago for the shower...
Grandma, Grandpa and Aunt Beth...

5 Months Down! 4 To Go!

Here is our 5 month picture. You move around a lot these days. I notice it the most after I eat and in the evening. My belly button is becoming shallower and my feet are slowly disappearing beneath my belly. I feel very good these days (haven't thrown up in over 1 week!). Your daddy and I go for a walk just about every day for my exercise and he rubs my feet every night. I'm enjoying this time. Thank you for going easy on me.

I showed you a picture of our older cat, Chloe. Well, this is our 3 year old, Lily. Ever since I've been pregnant, she's taken to laying on my stomach every chance she gets. We say she is incubating you. Sometimes you move around underneath her. I don't know if you hear her purr, or just feel her massive weight! In any case, know that she helped keep you warm all these months.

Showering at Work

There are 7 women currently pregnant at my school. Today they threw a shower for 4 of us (we are the furthest along). It was funny because they set us up in chairs and we opened the same gifts at the same time. It was a whirlwind shower, but very nice. We got some diapers, shampoo, lotion and other everyday use items. We also got several gift certificates- my favorite! Here are a few pictures...

The cute duck cake and four blocks with each baby's initials.

The four pregnant women!

From left to right: Emily, Dee Dee, Robin and me

Halfway There!

Today was a big day for your daddy. He felt you move for the first time. You were very active after breakfast, so I called him over. Sure enough, you jabbed him right away. And a couple more times after that. He said it was so awesome to feel his little girl. Then he, again, compared you to an alien.

Today also marks the end of 20 weeks. I am halfway through. Before I was counting up, now I am counting down.

I can't believe how much my stomach has grown in the past week!


This is Chloe. She's getting old, so I'm not sure how much you'll remember of her. But she was the first kitten I had, fresh out of college and in my own apartment. You will grow up knowing, and I hope adopting, my love for animals.

Babymoon

Isn't your daddy handsome?

We've been planning this little trip to St. Augustine, FL for awhile. But since we found out we were having you, it became our "babymoon." Our last trip before you arrive. We do have some summer trips planned, but this is our last outing together as a couple. We talked the whole time about taking you to the beach, teaching you to play miniature golf, and wondering if you will burn as easily as we seem to. This week's baby bump picture (19 weeks) was taken on the balcony of our hotel on Mother's Day.

Southern Belle

Looks like we're getting our own little Southern Belle. Today we found out you are a girl! We had to wait awhile to see because you wouldn't uncross your legs. But, we didn't mind because it meant we got more time to see you. The ultrasound technician had to keep tapping my stomach to try and get you to move your legs, but I had to go to the bathroom, so it didn't feel too good. Luckily, the ultrasound also showed my full bladder, so she let me take a bathroom break before continuing. At one point when she was tapping, you moved your hands in front of your face as if to say, "leave me alone!" You are healthy, weigh about 12 oz. and measure 19 weeks and 1 day (I am 19 weeks today).



We've had your name picked out for ages. Sylvia and Rose were your maternal great grandmothers. Both were very special ladies. Very loving and very strong. We are sure we'll tell you stories about them through the years.

4 Months Down!

Today is the end of 18 weeks, which makes me 4 months pregnant (don't try to do the math, it doesn't add up, but it's how it's done). I feel really good these days. I get a little bigger every day, which is reassuring because I know you're there and growing. Here's the latest picture of you and me...

Tomorrow we find out if you are a girl or a boy. Sometimes mothers claim they know, but I don't have a strong feeling one way or the other. I dreamt you were a boy, your dad dreamt you were a girl. It sounds cliche, but honestly all I care about is to see you at the ultrasound and know you are safe and healthy.

Happy 33rd Birthday to your Daddy!

Today was your daddy's 33rd birthday. I put dinosaur sprinkles on his cake because he is ooolllddd now. We had a low key day, just had a few friends over for dinner and cake. Here's a picture of his last childless birthday. We'll see how grey his hair is next year.

Do These Maternity Pants Make Me Look Fat?

My pants can no longer hold in my stomach. This is actually quite surreal to me as I am continually reminded that there really is a baby in there. So, at 16 weeks, I've gone to using baby bands (elastic strips of fabric basically) and a few maternity clothes. People at work are starting to point out that I'm showing. My students (all girls) are ecstatic. Imagine 60 girls screaming and running to you at once. I felt like a pop star for one fleeting moment. While you are no secret anymore, I am a very private person. So this attention is something I'll have to adjust to as I continue to get bigger.

Fishy Business

I have read that it will be awhile longer before I am sure I feel you move. But there have been 3 times now where I have felt a flutter in my stomach that I've never had before. It feels like a fish flipped over. It is very subtle, but it is so cool.

Pineapple Express

Today was my 16 week appointment. It was the shortest one yet. The doctor answered a few questions, then let me hear the heartbeat. They must do this to reassure the mom that their baby is fine. It is always a relief for me. She said everything was good and sent me on my way. So I headed up to Clemson to spend the rest of the week with your dad at my "summer home." We were going to do a little house hunting!

I am now officially into my 2nd trimester and was fully expecting all morning sickness to magically disappear. I have to say it has gradually become better, although I still throw up every morning (thanks for that daily reminder). Your dad gave me some pineapple, which made me feel better. I looked it up and discovered it can help reduce nausea. So now I'm on the Pineapple Express!

Swag

I have to say, you are accumulating a little pile of swag. I have some bibs, a hat, a ladybug toy and a couple of stuffed animals. Grandma even bought you a blue outfit and a pink outfit. You will soon learn that presents from Grandma are often followed by her saying, "you have to pick one" (although my favorite is when she says "there's a story behind this"). In this case, we'll be returning one in just a month's time!

The first thing your daddy bought you was this shirt. He was very excited to get this for you. It's from the farm where his milk comes from. And yes, he says, the cows are very happy.

Your aunts have also saved up a lot of clothes for you. I am talking bins of clothes. We are using Turner and Zoe's crib and a rocking chair that your great grandmother used to rock your grandma in. Aunt Beth used it too. The dresser you will soon recognize in your room was first in your grandma's room, then in my room growing up. I've even got an extra car seat base from a friend now. Slowly, but surely, things are coming together.

3 Months Down!

Here's you and me at 3 months. I am really glad this 1st trimester is over. I felt really rotten. But now I am feeling better and better each day.

Southern Living

Today was my 12 week appointment. Your daddy came down from Clemson for the day so he could hear the heartbeat. It was fun for me to hear it again, but more fun to see his face light up in a smile when he heard it. Then he said you sounded like an alien.

Meanwhile, we also found out that your daddy was offered a tenure track job at Clemson. This means you will be born in the upstate of South Carolina, specifically Greenville. We are sure this means you will love grits like we now do, but we are afraid you will also develop a southern accent. Oh well, we'll love you just the same.

Growing Pains

I feel like I've had a range of first trimester symptoms. Some last a few days, like the week my jaw kept locking, freaking me out when I couldn't unhinge it. Or the week my face broke out in acne like I was 14 again. Oh and the canker sores, oh the canker sores. But the ones that are staying with me (ah the loyalty) are nausea and bloating. Nice, huh? I wake up, throw up, then get ready to teach school. I battle through the morning in order to teach and eat little bits when I can. That seems to help. I have a few good hours in the afternoon. By dinnertime though, it is downhill. The only thing that feels good is to lay down. Oh, and the hunger pains. Hunger like I've never felt before. It's immediate and if I don't get food fast, I feel sick. But then I fill up fast and have to stop. The cycle repeats hourly. The bright side of all this is that I can blame your father for getting me into this whole mess.

My Little Valentine

Your daddy and I thought it would be fun to send a Valentine's card from you to your grandparents. Your nana and pop had a bad snow storm in Chicago, so they didn't get their card in time. No worries, we called and told them and it was just as nice. Your grandma and grandpa got their's right on Valentine's day. It was fun to get their phone call of surprise and joy! Later, we called your Uncle Matt on Skype and held up your ultrasound picture. That was fun too. Aunt Beth knew early on. She was my insider source for pregnancy info. I've never heard her scream so loud. Aunt Kristin was in close competition to that scream and immediately began to make plans. While we knew they'd all be happy, it was a wonderful feeling to be surrounded by and the creator of such joy.

Say What Now?

I had my first doctor's visit today. Actually, I never saw a doctor, just a nurse. Her name was Sylvia, which was your great grandmother's name. Your name if you're a girl. The first visit included an ultrasound, but I didn't expect to see anything. I'd been feeling a little nauseous, but I have that often. I thought I made the whole thing up. As soon as that thought passed my mind, the nurse said, "There's your baby!" I looked up at the screen, and sure enough, there you were. A bean. Then she let me hear your fast heart beat. It was so cool and so unreal. You are truly there, growing inside me.

Who's Your Daddy?

Your father is a wonderful man. We've been married 7 years, but have been together for 12. He gets better and better every year. He just graduated with his PhD in December and is a visiting professor at Clemson. He lives in a small bachelor pad that I call my summer home. This is where he found out he was going to be a dad. I had him pick a hand from behind my back and revealed the pregnancy test. In the other hand, I revealed the box's directions. He was shocked, but also started laughing after a minute or two. Of course, the next day we headed to the library for baby books. We don't have a clue what to do with you.

I Tested Positive for What?!

Your daddy has a job at Clemson this year, which means he is 2 1/2 hours away from me. While I knew in my heart that you had arrived, I had to wait the allotted time to take the pregnancy test. When I saw the positive response, I couldn't believe it. I'll be honest, the word that starts with f and ends in k came out of my mouth a few times. But then I started laughing. I decided to keep this secret between you and me for 3 days...that would be the next time I saw your daddy.

Mama Africa

I had a feeling you were coming soon. Mama Africa told me. I was in a fair trade store in Namibia last summer, looking at linen and had this overwhelming sense of peace. Peace that this would be my last travel journey for awhile. Peace that I would soon embark on a new journey- one that I was never quite sure I would ever explore. I kept this to myself, but told your daddy I'd like an Africa themed nursery someday. So we bought a print of a mama and baby elephant for your nursery, and left for home.

And now you are on your own journey. Your journey to me, to us, to your family. Here is a record of how your travels progressed...