26 Weeks

Our Christmas Tree
We had a very busy week!
Wednesday we went to dinner and a movie with two other couples. We went to my fav Olive Garden and then went and saw Four Christmases(which was too cute)
Belle came to stay with us this week since her family was out of town...it's so hard being a dog!

Thursday, Thanksgiving, was great! We had 120+ family members gathered for the big day. It was a blast and great to see so many family members that I haven't seen in awhile...we even had several family member fly/drive in from Ohio.

Friday we had Jeremy's wedding at the Rose Chapel. It was so beautiful, they did a great job. We had a lot of fun and they are just the cutest couple! Congrats guys.

Saturday we had Jolie's 1st birthday party and that was a lot of fun as well. Mandy, her momma, did a great job decorating and the theme was too cute. She's always called Jols her little star so they had popcorn, M&M's and my favorite, gummy bears, all around the house. The cake was gorgeous and all around a great time!

We started to put the Christmas lights up Saturday afternoon but ran out of daylight. So we planned on getting them up Sunday, except the wind gust of 40+ MPH was kinda dangerous to be on the roof or ladder so we are putting that off for a better day! So today B and I hung pictures that we've been putting off and cleaned the house from top to bottom...I think I'm getting into my nesting faze.

Brody's been kicking away lately and I think he's shifting head down(thank goodness)

Here's his development for 26 weeks:
The network of nerves in your baby's ears is better developed and more sensitive than before. He may now be able to hear both your voice and your partner's as you chat with each other. He's inhaling and exhaling small amounts of amniotic fluid, which is essential for the development of his lungs. These so-called breathing movements are also good practice for when he's born and takes that first gulp of air. And he's continuing to put on baby fat. He now weighs about a pound and two-thirds and measures 14 inches (an English hothouse cucumber) from head to heel.

I'm definitely feeling prego and big! Leg cramps and back pain has found me but nothing too bad!! I'm really enjoying pregnancy and my belly :) It's nice and round and you can tell I'm pregnant and not just fat but it's not to the point where I'm huge and knocking things over...I'm sure I will get there. I told B just the other night that I've never been this happy before. I love him more than I've ever loved him and I'm just in this fairy tale place right now that's really nice to be at!

15 more school days until Christmas break(yes I've started the countdown already)
Have a great week
LeAnn

Decisions...Decisions

I just can't decide! I'm very indecisive and I'm also putting this up here so I can get your opinions and just see how it would look.

Ok I have the crib wall done except for finding a corner bookcase!

Next is the dresser wall, I need to move the dresser down a little bit but I can't decide what should go above it...I've narrowed it down to two options:
Dresser Wall:

Option A:

Option B:


Next is the changing table wall...which I've also narrowed it down to 2 choices:

Option A:

Option B:


And then on the window wall we will have full length curtains that pull back on each side to frame the window but I can also close to keep sunlight out in the mornings(I actually think this will allow Brody to sleep in...I know I'm in denial :)

SOOOO...I just can't decide...can y'all? Can you tell I'm on vacation and bored :)

Love,
LeAnn

Finished Project

This is how Haus sleeps!

The letters are complete and on the wall!

Need Your Help

So I've been looking and looking for some wall art for Brody's room...I think I found something but need your help. Which one would look best in Brody's room? I cannot decide. The ABC blocks is a 12" x 12" and each of the other one is 12x12...should I order both or just one? Please leave your opinion because I am not decorating suave.

Here's what the bedding looks like once again:

And here's the two paintings...one or both?




Thanks for your help!

I'll be back later on today to update on Thanksgiving...hope everyone is having a great one and enjoying the yummy food and family get togethers

Love,
LeAnn

Today's Project

Well I woke up under the weather, feeling like poo but as the day went on I started to feel better...I think its just a cold!

So I decided to create my own wall letters for Brody since everywhere online wanted to charge me 20 bucks per letter.

Here's the practice letter and then the finished product minus the ribbon. I thought this red gingham matched what was on the bedding but its a little too red so Nana is going to give me some of her extra so that it will match!

I found these at Hobby Lobby for 1.99 plus 50% off that so they were pretty much a steal and then B decided on the darker blue so we spray painted them and then I went back with stencils and painted in the white polkadots. They are perfect but from the wall you can't even tell. Now all I need is to find some sort of artwork to go about the dresser and maybe something above the changing table and I will be set...any suggestions? Its hard to find artwork/hangings that will go with our bedding sinces its so unique and not found in stores.




This is the practice letter, which is a different type of wood. The real letters turned out alot better!

I also have a few prayer request:
-My grandma had to put her dear dog down today, I think he was 20 years old. He was blind, deaf and just old but it sure doesn't make it easier on her. I know what she's feeling and how hard it is to make that decision so please keep her in your prayers.
-My cousin, Charlie, who is only 23 found 3 masses last week that the doctors that were blood clots. He went back to the doc today to make sure they dissolved but they hadn't...they think they are tumors/lumps of some sort and he goes next week for a ultrasound and biopsy. It was exactly one year ago today that I had my tumor removed so please keep him in your prayers as I know this is a scary road he is going down.
-And last but not least please keep my dear friend Mandy and her daughter Jolie in your prayers. Poor Jolie has been getting back to back ear infections and also has a terrible cough going on thats requiring breathing treatments. I know its so hard to watch your little baby be so sick and as a parent you feel so helpless when they are run down like that...so please pray for Jolie's health to take a turn for the better and for her to stay that way.

And I also am keeping those traveling this holiday week in my prayers!
Til next time,
LeAnn

25 Weeks

Belly @ 25 Weeks

It's hard to believe that we are 25 weeks along! Brody is definitely growing in there and is getting stronger and stronger. His new favorite time is 3 am and last night he got the hiccups, it was too cute. This video is of his strong kick this weekend. I only caught one on video and its about 5 seconds in to the video.

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Vacation is going GREAT! I watched Jolie this Saturday and we had so much fun. I forgot how loving and cuddly a 11 month old is vs my 3 and 4 year old nephews who I have to bribe to get some loving. Jolie definitely loved the puppy dogs...she's too cute.

Going to look outside for the puppies!

We set a date for the baby shower...January 18th! My great sister-in-law is putting it all together and I'm so thankful for everything she does for me...so mark your calendars!

Today I worked a little on Brody's room. We are working on some wall letters and papa came over today to install the fan. Nana got done with the blanket and ruffle which is on the crib and it looks awesome. B and my mom went xmas shopping today and picked up the belly wedge for me. Sleep is definitely hard these days or at least getting comfy to fall asleep. This should help greatly. I've also been experiencing leg cramps that are a pain in the butt and some sort of pelvic pain that can stop me in my tracks...but other than that everything is trucking along. Tomorrow marks 89 days! I'm definitely getting anxious to meet this little guy and hold him. Each day is a day closer and with the holidays I think it will helps time go by fast.



Here's Brody's development for week 25:
This week, your baby weighs approximately 1 1/2 pounds. His heart is beating so loudly that anyone who presses an ear to your belly can hear it. His lungs are getting ready to take their first breath, and, though the sex of your baby was determined long ago, genital differentiation is now becoming complete. He can make a fist and reach his feet, and he may already exhibit a preference for his left or right hand.

Have a great week and Thanksgiving!
LeAnn

24 Week Doc Update

I've been trying to upload a video but its taking forever so I will do it tomorrow when I get to work!!

Today's doc appointment went really well. We started off with an ultrasound to check on his growth and he is doing amazing. He's right on target with weight, measuring a pound and a half and he's still ahead of the game on growth measuring 25 weeks and 4 days...I'm only 24 weeks and 1 day so he's roughly 10 days ahead which is where he was last time. My cervix is long and closed and my placenta is doing its job.

The first couple of seconds you will see the stomach and then a split screen measuring his femur bone. Then he goes to the heart and measures that and then to the head where you can see our little guy yawning...he was too cute. Later on there's a great shot of his junk (where B starts to zoom in) and then the other shots are of him measuring my fluid levels and then back to Brody for some profile pics.

My blood pressure and weight were right on as far as I go and Dr. B said we will definitely be delivering at Harris b/c they are by far the most experienced especially with things like Factor V. We go back to the doc on December 18th for another U/S, appointment and my gestational diabetes test.

Here are some pics from this week:

24 Weeks

Haus has put on some sympathy weight! He's going on a much needed diet

24 Weeks!!

Another great week for the McCollough's. Went by pretty quickly.

Tuesday night we wrapped up our bowling league and took 1st place! We will definitely miss it. Last Sunday was also B's last week of softball and he's taking a break until the spring...thank goodness.

We had Andy and Ben over this weekend and had a great time. Ben ended up getting sick and throwing up so he went home with daddy who had planned on hunting :( So Andy stayed with us and my parents came over to help us put up the Christmas tree. I know it's a little early but Andy is such a big helper and is at such a great age for all things Christmas so I figured why not. We got a new tree this year and I LOVE IT. We got it at Home Depot and it has pinecones, red berries and brown rustic limbs throughout. Andy was great all weekend long. He's really into spelling right now and he entertained himself with letters for hours and hours. I love that he's so into school and learning. He's also a genious with a great vocabulary that makes you laugh out loud.

Also did I mention the other genius in the family graduates from UNT in 27 days!!!! We finished getting his graduation announcements and invitations and will hopefully get them in the mail later tonight. I'm so proud of B! It's been a long road but he pushed through and has finished out with all A's and B's, he's an inspiration to me and defines the word perseverance.

We go back to the doc tomorrow and get to see little Brody! I'm super excited about seeing him again. Usually I have high anxiety each trip to the doc but luckily Brody is getting so strong in there that he lets me know he's ok threw kicks and punches. I'm still having the Braxton Hicks contractions, I had 4 in one hour on Wednesday, so I'm going to ask Dr. B about those. We also should get more info on hospitals and what nots at this appointment.

Here's Brody's development this week:
Your fetus weighs more than 1.3 pounds. Though he still has little body fat and his skin is thin and fragile, he's now well-proportioned. His brain is growing rapidly, and he is starting to fill the space in your uterus. From crown to heel he could measure 11.8 inches. This week is also considered viability. If your baby was born, he would have a good chance at survival with assistance.

Can't believe I have a pound and a half baby in there! Grow Brody Grow!!

I will update on the doc appointment tomorrow and add some pictures...I'm too comfy right now to get the cord to the camera...call it what you want :)

Love,
LeAnn

Double Digits!!

If we keep the plan as is and induce 2 weeks early then I am in the double digits today, only 99 more days. Its not set in stone but sure is nice to see!!! Only 14 more weeks...can't wait to meet you Brody

Love,
LeAnn

23 Weeks

This week went by very fast! I'm hoping the next 2 weeks will as well. Only 10 more school days and then I have a whole week off :)

Found out this week that I got Teacher of the Month at my school! I get an awesome parking spot and also received these beautiful flowers! It's a great honor considering you have to be nominated by coworkers and students. As a teacher you always question if you are doing things right, or at least I do, and worry about your students learning...so this definitely gave me a boost of confidence that I am indeed doing the right thing and it definitely made my week. Here are the wonderful flowers:


This weekend was very busy as well. Friday night we met our friends Roddy and Leah for dinner. Leah is 16 weeks pregnant and its so much fun to catch up and talk with another prego about what's going on.

When we got home I did a little cleaning because we were going out of town and Brody does NOT like the vacuum cleaner! He was up all night Friday night which in return I was as well. We woke up bright and early to head to Big Spring, Texas for B's cousin's wedding.

Here's the happy couple about to go to the wedding

Mommy and Brody

Uncle B and Ben-who was refusing to take his pic
The best part about this weekend was that we stayed at a Holiday Inn Express so I got their yummy cinammon rolls and also tried out their yummy cookies. There is nothing in Big Spring so I ate like crap all weekend and now I'm feeling it.

B and I up bright and early ready to head home!

I also learned that I can no longer go on road trips as my back won't allow me to any longer. The shots are going alot better than a few weeks back. I started letting B pick the spots I shoot up b/c I was having a mental block and that has seemed to help. I was at the mall last week and forgot to give my shot at the right time and didn't remember until I was at a stop light...so I did it right then and there...I look over at the truck next to me and the driver AND his wife were gawking at me, I wanted to roll my window down and say "It's not what you think I promise" but they speed off. Poor people.

Here's Brody's development this week:
Your baby now weighs a little over one pound and measures about 11.4 inches from crown to heel. His hearing is well established and he can make out a distorted version of your voice, the beating of your heart and your stomach rumblings. Loud noises often heard in utero, such as the barking of a dog next door or the roar of a vacuum cleaner, probably won't bother your child when he hears them outside the womb. Some studies seem to indicate that the unborn prefer classical music. In addition to advances in your baby's hearing his lungs are developing to prepare for breathing. He's swallowing but he normally won't pass her first stool (called meconium) until after birth. If your baby were to be born now, he would have a small chance of survival (about 16 per cent) with the right care. Every day in the womb makes a difference at this stage. If he was born at 24 weeks his chance of survival would rise to 44 per cent.

23 Weeks

Look at that belly! Looks so strange from this point of view!

Hope everyone has a great week!
LeAnn

22 Weeks

This week was great! Long and busy but I definitely felt productive. I started lesson planning at work for when I’m on maternity leave and got 2 weeks hammered out. I’ve also started searching for a long term sub...which is kind of scary.

We went to the Aggie game yesterday with Marcy and got to meet up with Neesie, Shane, Kelly and Colin. Deneise showed me the right way to go to an Ag game! Wait til halftime and then go into the MSC and lounge on the couches. I would have gone before halftime but my sis-in-law loves the band! We had a great time.



The guys didn't realize I was taking their pics, they thought I was getting the camera ready so they were doing different poses :)


Brody has developed two new things this week: how to wake up his momma at 5 am! Which is not something he gets from me, I’m in no way a morning person but 3 times this week he was kicking me so hard that it woke me up. He has also shown himself to the world. His kicks have gotten so strong that you can see them through my shirt. Friday, when I got home I sat down on the couch and had B come over to watch, sure enough he saw Brody kicking away. He can also move the remote control if I put it on my stomach. I’ve attempted several times to catch it on video but the little booger stops moving as soon as I hit the record button! The greatest part of all this is that I’m finally getting a glimpse into the personality of our little man. He’s definitely feisty in there and I think he’s going to be a lot like his daddy and be an early arriver.

I cannot believe it’s already November and that I’m 22 weeks along, Christmas is right around the corner and before you know it Brody will be here. Oh and by the way....15 more school days! We can do it girls!!!!

Look how flexible I am! My legs are up by my head

Here's Brody's 20 week ultrasound pics that I promised. I'm a little late, sorry Judy:) They "Boy" is on one of his thighs and that is a butt shot looking in on his junk...it's kinda hard to see but it's there.

22 week belly shot!

Brody’s 22 week development: Your baby weighs nearly a pound and measures nearly a foot in length. Their perfect little pancreas is now further developed and they’ve also started producing their own hormones! Their inner ear is now developed to the point that they have their own sense of balance. Lucky for your little explorer, balance also promotes physical dexterity, which has them actively feeling out their surroundings where skin, body parts, and the resident umbilical cord are the big sensory experiences. Your foot-long baby, is looking a bit like an oversized raisin right now as more and more wrinkles are showing up each week. Not to worry, all that excessive wrinkling is just their skin’s way of planning ahead for the time when they’ll start piling on that irresistible baby chub. Your baby's body continues to grow and develop every day. The organ systems in your baby's body are becoming specialized for their particular functions. The fetal liver produces different enzymes than it will produce after delivery. The liver is responsible for breaking down billirubin, which is produced by the breaking down of blood cells. Because the life span of a fetal red blood cell is shorter than that of an adult, a fetus produces more billirubin than adults do. Billirubin passes from fetal blood to the placenta and then into your blood. Your liver helps get rid of fetal billirubin. Your baby now has a full complement of neurons in the brain and is learning about his body and surroundings through touch. Touch is one of the first senses to mature and your baby may stroke its face or feel his arms and legs.

Have a great week!
LeAnn