First Southern Thanksgiving

Being great with child, Brett and I could not go out West to spend Thanksgiving with my side of the family. I knew my doctor would not give me a note (with the preterm contraction scare) and plus, Brett and I had our first childbirth class to attend to the night before. I'll admit, it made me really sad, but there was nothing I could do about it.  Of course, Brett and I made the best of the situation and had a great Thanksgiving week.

The first childbirth class was really interesting.  It's hard to sit in a class like that with Brett because he starts to laugh which makes me laugh and then we are both trying not to lose it.  (I know, we are so mature!)   We had to watch a couple of non medicated births and I'll admit that we both left more terrified. Brett turned to me and said, "you're getting the epidural." Haha!  My plan has always been to get an epidural and I will fully take advantage of the beauty of modern medicine.  I admire anyone who has had a natural birth and I can imagine it is such a rewarding feeling and accomplishment, BUT, that is just not for me unless I have no other choice.  

Since it was just Brett and I for Thanksgiving, I decided to make the whole feast.  Call me crazy, but I wanted to accomplish this challenge in my condition and use my new kitchen.  I am proud of myself because I was successful and it came out delicious!  We had turkey, gravy, mash potatoes, homemade rolls, green bean casserole, and sweet potatoes.  I thought about making a pecan pie for dessert (no pumpkin for us), but I didn't want to push it.  I had bought one from the store and it actually was really nasty, so we settled for the vanilla ice cream instead.

On Black Friday, I went out later at about 1 p.m. to downtown Savannah.  Brett and I aren't really into waking up super early and dealing with the craziness.  Even at 1 p.m. I still hit some pretty good deals and low crowds which is exactly what I wanted.  I about finished all my Christmas shopping too.  Later on, Brett and I went to Home Depot and bought our Christmas Tree and then decorated for Christmas the next day.

Even though we could not be with family, we really did make the best of the situation.  I have a lot to be grateful for this year.  I feel so blessed to have new experiences like moving to Georgia, an understanding family from both sides, friends, The Gospel of Jesus Christ, having a new home, Brett's new job, Brett for helping me out a lot, my kitties, and of course this baby that will be joining us in a month.  How could I not be grateful?!

34 Weeks

Today I am at 34 weeks which means I have 6 weeks left until this little babe is here.

When I met with my doctor last week, she told me I would be induced at week 39 because of the GD so that technically means I have 5 weeks left. Somebody please pinch me because that just blows my mind.  

Anyway, I think he will be here before that just because I was having some preterm contractions two weeks ago and my doctor is also convinced that I will go into labor naturally before week 39.  

Can't wait to meet my little boyfriend! :)

A Day Trip to Charleston

Brett and I decided to take a day trip to Charleston, South Carolina.  We live 10 minutes from the South Carolina border and to go to Charleston is about an hour and 45 minutes.  We first made a stop at Drayton Hall, a plantation off the Ashley River.  This was our first plantation and we loved it.  I think this made me fall more in love with the South.

The entrance to Drayton Hall

Words can't even describe this picture

Drayton Hall

The Oak Tree has been there for 300 years

This place was built in 1738 by John Drayton.

The Ashley River

Brett wanted me to get closer to the water, but there were alligators and snapping turtles.

I can't run anymore!

After Drayton Hall, we drove to downtown Charleston and stopped at Hominy Grill for a late lunch.  This place has been on six TV shows on the Food Network.  They are known for the best Shrimp and Grits in town.  Let's just say that they did not disappoint!

 Brett with the Shrimp & Grits

Checked out Market Street and all the vendors

Brett insisted I take this cheesy shot! ;)

Rainbow Hall

The whole reason we went to Charleston was to go to one of our favorite stores and stock up.  We are sad that Savannah doesn't have a Costco, but are keeping our fingers crossed to get one soon.

 

30 Weeks Down and 10 Weeks to Go

I can't believe that I am almost at the end.  In 10 weeks, this baby boy will be here!  I am so excited, but with the move that just happened, I feel so unprepared.  With the holidays coming up, things are going to get crazy, and he will be here for you know it.

Since I have been in the third trimester for three weeks, I can definitely tell you that I am starting to slow down.  I am getting exhausted again and noticing that my back and hips are starting to hurt. I am still exercising with Zumba and walking, but can't go as long or do as much with high intensity anymore.  I have little cravings for Mexican food, but that is about it. I actually really miss Cafe Rio and In N Out and wish someone could send me some.  I've only gained 6 pounds, but am sure that will increase a little with the next few weeks.

This pregnancy really has been fantastic.  I did receive some upsetting news two weeks ago that I have gestational diabetes. It doesn't make sense because I have no family history of diabetes, am not overweight, eat healthy, don't really drink soda or eat a lot of sweets, and any of the other symptoms that go along with it.  Of course I understand that the placenta is secreting a hormone that does not work well with my pancreas, but I still believe that this is a fluke.  I honestly feel that sometimes our society tends to freak out and diagnose people too quickly.  And yes, if you make me drink that nasty glucose drink, of course that will spike my glucose levels in my blood stream.  I am not complaining, but as you can probably tell, I am really bugged that I have this. I've been testing my blood sugar levels and they have been normal, so that is good.  I guess the one good thing is I get to have an ultrasound every week until the baby is born.   

Quick Stop in Atlanta

On our way back from Helen, I wanted to stop in Atlanta.  Atlanta is about 4 hours from Savannah, so I thought this was a perfect opportunity to make a quick stop.  Plus, it helped break up the drive for me.

Welcome to Atlanta!

I love the skyline

We went to visit the World of Coca Cola

Brett loves anything mentioned about Spain

The vault with the secrets of the formula

The best part is the tasting center

I don't really drink soda, but I do love cherry coke. 

I had to have a sip!

Apparently, if you can find these three original paintings, Coca Cola will buy them from you.

Brett has made it a mission to find these so we can retire early.

We had a nice lunch after the museum and then went on our way back to Savannah.  Like I said, it was a nice little break! :)

Helen, GA

Brett really loves fall, so now that we are on the East Coast, his dreams about seeing the colors of the leaves change will come true.  We really wanted to go to New York and meet up with Jordan and Becca, but with the chaos of the move and Brett's new job, we couldn't make it happen.  Bummer! So, to ease his pain, Brett decided that we would go to the "mountains" (what mountains?) and see some leaves change at a little German town called Helen.

They have a huge Oktoberfest every year.

Brett loving his pork schnitzel

Glad we snapped this picture because the place was a zoo the next night

On Saturday, we had a lovely brunch at the The Meeting Place in Helen and then went on a hike in Unicoi State Park around the Loop Lake Trail.  It was about 2 miles and I survived.  Usually I feel great after a hike, but being pregnant and in your third trimester is a totally different story.  It was great to get some fresh air and see some nature. As we walked, Brett realized that the trees were just not going to be like the north east, but he was still happy.

Our cute little cabin which was called "The Victorian Secret"

On Sunday morning as we were leaving Helen, we decided to take some pictures of the cute town.  Luckily, everyone was wiped out from Oktoberfest, so we pretty much had the place to ourselves.