He's Here!!

Reed Benson arrived on July 31, 2015 at 12:54pm. He weighed 6 pounds 7 ounces and measured 19 1/2 inches long. 

Month 7

Surprisingly to how I feel, I am still pregnant! Reed has dropped into position and has been there since about week 29. I am significantly uncomfortable, but Reed is still inside developing and healthy so we're doing good!! I am spending my days catching up on crafts, a few chores, and guilty television. I've had a couple close calls with contractions, but they always subside. The doctor is now performing a FNN test every 2 weeks which test for the presence of protein which would be released right before the membranes rupture. I am living in 2 weeks intervals until 34 weeks which I will then be 1 week at a time. Reed is quickly running out of room and I'm running out of clothes.
I have gained more weight at this point than I did the whole time with Easton, but I am just packing the pounds on the baby :) at least that's what I tell myself.

Huggies and Chuggies

Month 6

Month six has turned out to be the most normal month thus far! Proud to say there were no hospital visits, extended doctor stays, or close calls. Reed is however in position and rapidly dropping.

Total Weight Gain: 10 pounds
Belly Size:
Symptoms: Lot of kicks to the ribs, very light pressure, and swelling
Cravings: Sweets!

With all of our commitments come and gone it's now time to kick my feet up and bake this baby! Next stop.... D-Day!

Waiting for Reed

 18 months is turning out to be the age Easton is giving up on pictures so taking family shots were more difficult than usual. Hopefully this doesnt last long.

 

 

 

Reed's Adventure Room

 

My idea for Reed's room came after finding fabric patterns on Etsy.com. Once I had a start I couldn't stop, idea after idea just came flooding in and I got to crafting. 

 

First came his name for the wall above the crib. Seeing the letters on PotteryBarn.com for $75 each I was thankful Reed had a short name! I thought it would be worth a shot to try and make the letters myself first. I found letters at Hobby Lobby on the clearance aisle.

 

 Since Polka Dot letters dont't really go with our theme I started by painting them with a textured tan spray paint.

 Next I cut P11 board into smaller panels then painted them a dark brown

Hanging the final prodcut was found to be harder than expected, but I got it done!

 

POTTERY BARN letters

 

The no sew TeePee was super easy using only 3 PVC pipes, a painters drop cloth, and some rope and screws.

I found directions here:

http://www.blessedlifeatopacakestand.com/2013/11/calebs-no-sew-teepee.html?m=1

 

The arrows were super simple with the help of my husband and his table saw.

Simple build and stain then hang.

Simple soft furnishings including a fur pillow, handmade vinyl canvas, dark wicker baskets, and my favorite 5x7 navy and white Aztec rug from WALMART for $25.



5 Months

What a month! On March 27th I woke up to contractions -- timed at 11 minutes apart. I started doing everything I knew to stop the contractions, moving around, drinking water, finally taking a bath, and they stopped. I didn't feel Reed move at all after that, come 10:00am I panicked. My doctor was unavailable so I agreed to see a PA after an ultrasound; that heartbeat was the most beautiful sound I could have ever heard. Even on ultrasound Reed wouldn't move though. He was facing my back and wouldn't give my heart a break by a little kick or twist. The PA wanted to check for herself to make sure no damage was caused by the contractions. No dilation and after she does the exam, BAM! Reed flips over! I left the doctor feeling so relieved and happy. Taking it easy hasn't been easy but after a scare like that I have to let go and slow down.
We do have a busy month coming up, but I am doing as less as possible. Maternity pictures, Diaper party, Easton's 1/2 birthday, and and finishing things up before bed rest. With my last mobile month approaching I find myself waking up at 3am thinking of things to do. A momma's work is never done, and her mind never rest!!

Fun Facts:
My belly is still super low and just decided to POP at 21.5 weeks.
I've gained 6 pounds
Reed is HUGE!! Weighs a pound at 22 weeks and his legs are as long as his body and head.
I've had to ditch the wedding rings, but hopefully the swelling will go down and I can return to being a married woman.
Easton knows exactly where his brother is and what things are for "bebe".