Introducing Walker Beau Reynolds!

Our sweet baby Walker was born during my scheduled c-section on Monday morning, 2/1/13 at 7:46am weighing in at 9 pounds, 3 ounces and at 21 inches long! A big boy, for sure! He had (and still has) more black hair and longer hair than you see on most newborns. I love it and I find myself petting him often :) Everything went perfectly and was a better experience than my first (rather dramatic) c-section - from the epidural to the surgery to the recovery in the hospital - it was all pretty perfect. I will never forget all the gasps and energetic comments from the nurses and doctors when Walker came into this world - both about his size and long, black hair! With the exception of a 12 pounder that was delivered at Baylor while we were there (yikes!), Walker was the largest baby in the nursery during our stay. :)

As with my first delivery, I really miss my time in the hospital! Baylor Frisco is just a great place to be - the room is as cozy as a hospital room can get and their staff was just amazing with us. And I'm still simply in love with Dr. Jacoby. He's just so good at what he does. 

Also, I can't thank Walker enough for waiting until our new insurance kicked in on 2/1 and sparing us major bucks. Mr. Reynolds, let's talk kitchen remodel! ;)

Back to our big, little blessing...

Our time in the hospital

9lbs, 2.9 ounces, long and unhappy!

I love this shot.

Our first meeting

The 3 of us - we didn't get one of these with Grayson so I was very happy about this!

Father and Son. Beau takes some of the best pictures :)

Look at that hair!

In Recovery. Still had the shakes from the epidural. Yuck.

After his first bath. Loved seeing his mohawk when Beau and the nurse returned!

Walker gave Grayson a small gift that included suckers! Thank God for grandparents!

Walker with his Great-Grandmother. Love this photo!

Mimi is so beautiful when she's overjoyed!

First picture as a family of 4.

Andrea came to visit! We spent some great time together while I was still pregnant and she was one of the first people to meet Walker in the hospital. It meant the world to me that she was there!!

Big Brother's first touch ;) I now realize that the one-finger point will be the most common interaction between these 2 ;) Big Brother's first touch ;) I now realize that the one-finger point will be the most common interaction between these 2 ;)

For being such a big boy, we had trouble finding outfits that fit him. Mainly b/c those little legs stayed squished like this the whole time. :)

Going home. Can't wait to look back in 20 years and think what an old car we had ;)

Our time at home

We have had some great visitors! The Seemans brought over a homemade brunch (and mimosas!) one morning, Lori brought me lunch and an awesome personalized gift for Walker (lovies), many, many delicious meals coming to us from Grayson's play group and my MOPS group.  So, so thankful for this show of support! People from near and far have celebrated with us by sending deliveries: flowers all the way from Ireland, Tiff's Treats (amazing)! both to the hospital AND to the house!, MATCHING brother Polos (I'm in love) and the most creative was a delivery of Red Lobster cheese biscuits from the Phillips at the hospital! On the same night as our steak and lobster meal so it was the perfect compliment :D  Walker also received the most beautiful crocheted booties and bibs (a lost art, in my opinion) from Ma Smith's sister-in-law. Family came to visit at the hospital and here at the house and we just feel so blessed to have all these supportive people in our lives. It really humbles a person and makes you swear that you're going to give back to each of these people in a big way. I just hope I don't fall short in this area b/c there are a LOT of you. :)

Cutest block from Beau's former company, MarketSphere!

Walker's buddy, Eli Abernathy, delivered Central Market and a great visit from his parents!

Annie's first trip to meet Walker. Honestly, I don't entirely remember what we talked about so I must have still been on meds - ha! ;)

Oh, Chunky Monkey. You look different every day :)

A 2-way tie for Most Tired.

My Recovery

There isn't anything positive to say here so I'l try to be brief (ha!). This past week has been the most physically painful of my life. I can't consider it "recovery" when each day has seemed to get worse with more ailments. I didn't think so many things could go wrong with my body all at once! Intense back pain, mastitis (THE most painful thing you will ever experience - I promise!), flu-like symptoms from the mastitis (fever, chills, fever blister, sweats, aches all over), a possible UTI just to name a few! I owe the world to my mom and Beau who have truly done everything to care for the boys and for keeping this house from falling into a wasteland. Things are looking up though - I went to the doctor a couple of days ago and left with FIVE prescriptions. I don't think I've even had 5 Rxs in 5 years! I didn't fill one, don't think I'll be using another and one is an antibiotic that will knock out 2 ailments so I'm thankful for the help. I'm most excited about the in-house chiropractor (at Jacoby's office) who took me in immediately. An hour later and a very patient Beau and Walker sitting in the waiting room and I felt better already. I think my severe back pain is a blessing in disguise because Dr. Rowe is getting me on a wellness plan that involves stretching, exercise and chiro appts (the latter is only while needed). She is also a yoga instructor at the FAC (where we are members) so I look forward to working with her and towards a better quality of life to keep up with my 2 boys!

Thank you to everyone who has shown their love in one way or another over the past weeks and months. We are so fortunate to have you all in our lives! xoxo

39 Week Pregnancy Update

Well here we are - 39 weeks! I can honestly say that I never expected to be here. Grayson came at 38 weeks and I just assumed this little guy would too since he's actually not breach, no cord around the neck and tracking to be a little bigger than G. But there are no signs that he's coming any earlier than our scheduled c-section on Friday! On one hand, I'm so ready and don't care how much the bills will cost! I just want him here and to meet him and I don't want to be pregnant anymore! (It is very difficult to type around such a large belly.) On the other hand, I'm not THAT miserable and can wait until the 2/1 date that I have always wanted anyway, even before insurance dictated it. :) 

We are beginning to get antsy and a little bored. Beau and I keep saying that we need to cherish all of these "lasts" a a family of 3, and we are!, but we have had a lot of time together in this house over the last month! I feel like we've embraced the 3 of us and are ready to be the 4 of us! Beau has busied himself with working his regular work week in our home office, joining us for dinner and night time routine at about 6pm, which has been nice (he pretty much does it all since I'm huge and tired - I cook; he does bath/book/bed). He has also enjoyed time over the past month going to the gym, playing racquetball with Royce, meeting Deran at the gun range and playing some golf with John. He's also cranked out some DIY home projects lately in the garage while Grayson helps. :) I'm happy he's had a chance to have some alone time, some guy time and some 1-on-1 Grayson time. In addition, we've had some good date nights and a couple of nights out with friends. Grayson has continued to go to school 3 days/week, has had plenty of play dates, played with MOPS friends and his church nursery friends, a friend's birthday and managed to stay healthy through it all (I'm so stressed he will be sick while i'm in the hospital!). For me, I have had the perfect mix of movin' and grovin' during the day and relaxing on the couch by late afternoon each day. My Mom and I have soaked up plenty of child-free errands (Hobby Lobby - I wish I could quit you) and I've enjoyed meeting friends for lunch here and there. So, I think we've all embraced the past pre-baby month as much as possible and are ready for Walker to join us!

Here are my last belly pics - self-portraits in my new stand-up mirror that Beau made for me! xoxo I included 3 pics b/c it shows just how fast things happen in this house - all three were taken in about 5 seconds.

Just me and a bebe

Oh! Me and a Bebe and a Grayson. Welcome to my picture, G.

Whu?? Me, Bebe, Grayson and Brinkley! I was a second away from Shelby and Beau joining in. The 5 of us  tend to move in the same direction around here! :)

How far along? 39 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: +33lbs 
Maternity clothes: Trying to get some last wears in with my favorites!

Sleep: Not good. I've resorted to grunting and groaning when I have to move at all, which is frequently. This baby is so heavy. Having lots of back pain when I sleep on my side; can't live on my back for long because his weight suffocates me some how. If there was a place that rented beds with stomach hole cut out (a la pregnancy massage table), I would pay to sleep there. That could be a big business in the 'burbs.

Best moment this week: I had my last doc appt! Kinda scary knowing the next time I see my doctor, it will be in surgery! Also, Grayson frequently walking up to my belly saying, "Brother Out!" I hear ya, buddy!
Movement: Plenty and it's intense. He's now so strong that the tiny little bumps that used to push through are full on oval shaped feet and hands. There's a lot of jabs to my almost-back! I never had that with G. It's a discomfort that can't be explained. :)

Cravings: I just discovered that I love roasted broccoli. I can eat it like popcorn. Crazy. I have been eating a ton of oranges too and love to make my own fresh fruit smoothies - this has been going on for several weeks but forgot to add it.

Symptoms: Same as last time. shooting leg pain, my hair is still crazy-dry. And the hair on my legs doesn't really grow. Have I mentioned that? It's been the whole time - I love it.
What I miss: Sleeping and moving and rolling over freely. 

What I am looking forward to: Grayson meeting Walker! I can't wait to see them together for the first time! And every time after that!

Weekly Wisdom: Don't eat too much broccoli. Whoo.

Milestones: I can say we're having a baby THIS WEEK! Bag is in the car, car seat is set up, Grayson's bag is packed for Mimi's house, a little "pize" (surprise) is wrapped and ready for Grayson from Walker, no more doc appts!

One last thing, I went over to my parents' house to get Grayson one afternoon and it turns out, they had been making fun of me! Pop said, "Grayson, let's show Mommy how we look like her!" Grayson gleefully left the room and came back in with his basketball under his shirt looking so proud of himself ;) Too cute!

Twinsies

38 Week Pregnancy Update

38 weeks - Baby is as long as a leek!

How far along? 38 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: +30lbs 
Maternity clothes: Down to mainly leggings, tops and boots to go out. I rely on make-up, scarves and jewelry to make me feel 1/2 way decent. :)

Sleep: Not getting much so I might as well have a baby here. I mean, right?

Best moment this week: Having the Dr. tell me that if I'm contracting at all, to go to the hospital and that he won't send me home. I love that man! He speaks my language. :)
Movement: Still so much! He's still so high up that his increasingly powerful kicks to my ribcage and sides are a bit too much to take. I usually flinch and grunt as a result. Kind of embarrassing!

Cravings: Just the milk thing. Also, I'm eating more frequently since I can't eat that much in one sitting anymore. There's no room!

Symptoms: The shooting groin pains are more intense and frequent. Calf cramps in the middle of the night now. Ugh. My energy levels have picked up though! I mean I'm done by 5pm but am pretty productive during the day. What I surprisingly don't have is swelling. My rings fit just fine, feet aren't swollen at the end of the day (and yesterday I was running around all day!) so I'm lucky with that. Last time, not so much.
What I miss: Grayson sitting on my lap. He still tries but neither of us is comfortable so he just gives up and sits next to me. I want him back!

What I am looking forward to: I'm ready to start exercising. I can tell my legs and stomach or so weak and I'm ready to start working on that and feeling healthy and quick and non-waddling again!

Weekly Wisdom: One child is so easy. I hate it when moms of 2+ say to me, "Oh you only have one. Just wait." I still don't like it and hope to never say that to any moms who have 1 child. (But it's true. I already know this. One is so much easier.)

Milestones: Less than 2 weeks away! Still shooting for 2/1!

36 Week Pregnancy Update

36 weeks: crenshaw melon (which looks to me like a spaghetti squash)
Either way, so boring and I didn't buy either. So, no Grayson photo.

These always help me to understand the discomfort I feel!

How far along? 36 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: +28lbs - The holidays and New Orleans were very good to me :)
Maternity clothes: Mostly comfy pants and Beau's t-shirts these days. I want to get more use out of my winter maternity clothes but the idea of squeezing into skinny jeans just doesn't appeal to me these days!

Sleep: Thanks to my parents keeping Grayson, I slept a glorious 11 hours straight last night! I think I got up once or twice for the bathroom but I don't even remember it, which is awesome. Usually a bathroom break can bring an hour or so of insomnia and reading the news on my phone.

Best moment this week: Having Beau rub my belly because Walker's movements were so strong and uncomfortable. One of the movements really jolted us both and Beau shot up, looked at me and said, "Whoa! Did you feel that?!" Haha, yes. Yes I did. ;)
Movement: Still plenty!

Cravings: More and more milk every day! Grayson and I can finish a gallon in a couple of days.

Symptoms: I'm getting these shooting groin pains. Google says it's when the baby gets heavier and is laying on a nerve. Makes sense. But it's embarrassing when it gets bad enough that I flinch. :)
What I miss: My old body. Moving around. Being able to have a cocktail or two. 

What I am looking forward to: The coordinating brother outfits I have planned for these two. Can't wait!

Weekly Wisdom: We realized that our new, awesome insurance doesn't start until 2/1. :( That means out of the next 27 possible days of me pregnant, 26 of those are with the old terrible insurance that will cost us thousands more in bills. Beau and I have decided to push our scheduled c-section date back to 2/1 and that limiting my movement as much as possible is best to try to keep this baby from coming early! Of course, I'd really love to meet him earlier but we have to at least try to save that $. It could be as much as 10 Gs, y'all. Ouch.

Milestones: Less than a month away!

Other updates: Just my self-imposed bed rest. And we still love having Beau here all this time with us! I think he's getting a tad bored, especially now that I just sit here most of the day. I'm getting bored too. We've seen all the movies that look good. Of course, does this mean we're motivated to do the last remaining things on our To Do List? Noooo. Among many others, we need to: finish the nursery, wash the bassinet bedding, figure out a storage system in the pantry for all the new bottles + G's sippy cups, glue Grayson's train table parts together (FOR REAL - no more destroying/losing those pieces!), formally asking Walker's Godparents, finalizing our new master bedroom bedding. We would rather re-watch all the movies on iTV than do any of that! :D

34 Week Pregnancy Update

No fruit picture with Grayson again. So sad but I'm not about to go to the store on Christmas Eve. Picture a butternut squash in his hands here:

Yeah so this was just an excuse to add a photo of my cute kid ;)

Merry Christmas from Baby Walker!

How far along? 34 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: +25lbs
Maternity clothes: They just aren't fitting like they used to :) I mentioned a while back that tops w/o side ruching aren't fitting at all. Belly hanging out below and all. So, since I never liked ruched tops, I have once again had to go shopping. Eek. But my justification is that I'll just wear them through winter since there's no way I'm getting back into my normal jeans anytime before Spring/Summer. Problem solved.

Sleep: Lots of insomnia over here. It's getting to that time where it's difficult to sit up, roll over, lots of trips to the bathroom and general discomfort. Still have 5 more weeks of this! 

Best moment this week: Making major progress on the nursery! Just need some pictures hung and then I can take pics!
Movement: Still plenty!

Cravings: Just milk. All the time.
Symptoms: Out of breath! A big thanks to friends like Nikki who still call me even though she knows she's going to hear me panting on the other end of the line!
What I miss: Mobility

What I am looking forward to: Getting back to feeling "healthy." And of course, being a family of 4 :)

Weekly Wisdom: Drink lots of water. Yep, I'm so wise.

Milestones: Had my last doc appt of the year, decided on our hospital (we're going back to Baylor Frisco - loved it!), scheduled the c-section, and my bag is packed ;) I'm ready!

Other updates: My doctor has provided my prenatal paperwork to take to New Orleans in case I need to go to the hospital for any reason. Still need to find the closest hospital to the French Quarter and map the route. Grayson is ready to meet this baby! Talking about something for MONTHS for a 2 year old must seem like YEARS! :)

32 Week Pregnancy Update

This picture helps me to understand why I'm being battered & bruised from the inside every minute of every day! :) He just doesn't have a lot of room in there! Especially b/c he's an estimated pound heavier than average and probably a bit longer too. He is head down, kicking way up in my ribs and must have jazz hands with the pounding on my bladder ;) The only update I have is about increased discomfort, which I just can't complain about. I really can feel the size difference from last month, have a difficult time sitting or laying in one position for long and standing is something I have no interest in doing. My energy level is still okay but all the stuff I just said makes that null and void! 7 weeks and counting! Now to really drive home the fact that I haven't even experienced discomfort yet, here's the write-up from Babycenter about how much growing this baby still has to do! :)

How your baby's growing:

By now, your baby weighs 3.75 pounds (pick up a large jicama) and is about 16.7 inches long, taking up a lot of space in your uterus. You're gaining about a pound a week and roughly half of that goes right to your baby. In fact, she'll gain a third to half of her birth weight during the next 7 weeks as she fattens up for survival outside the womb. She now has toenails, fingernails, and real hair (or at least respectable peach fuzz). Her skin is becoming soft and smooth as she plumps up in preparation for birth.

No fruit picture this week b/c I'm running out of motivation for that so here's a self-taken (swore I would never do this!) picture of the baby bump.

Latest and Greatest and A Look Ahead

I can't really recall all the things we've done lately and of those, what I've already put on here, so once again, you get an iPhoto dump! What the Reynolds have been up to in the form of pictures and captions....

Baby Asher's Sip and See! Pictured: Bill, Asher, Beau and Grayson.
For reference, this is the other half of Alison and London who I speak of regularly. :)

Grayson and London playing trains (the latest obsession for us)

We had summer weather this weekend despite it being the first of December.  Grayson quickly moved outside to play with the other ladies.

Beau dressed Gray for the party and here he's polishing his boots. So stinkin' cute.

Update on the nautical room lighting: How cute are these lanterns?! Red and blue from Land of Nod, got them on a FB resale site and they are awesome! Work great and a quirky solve for my lamp dilemma. 

One of our play dates this week, London and Grayson playing at Gymboree. They love each other :) 

We had a neighborhood movie night in our front yard Friday! It was our best crowd yet, everyone really loved the inflatable movie screen that played Elf and Luigi's catered. Thanks to the HOA for taking care of everything - we just walked outside and sat down. :) Beau and I are loving that our front yard area is becoming the hang out spot :)

Action shot caught on the iPhone and it isn't blurry! Grayson has caught Beau's true love for baseball. His talent too. I love to see them play together, which we've done plenty of with the high 70 degree weather!

Shelby got a Christmas sweater! Really, she loves it. No really.

We had the Seemans over last night for dinner and some much-needed catch up time. The boys  had so much fun, especially with the pillow fight! 

So much energy exerted! We got to sleep in until almost 8 this morning :)

We got to meet Baby Eli Abernathy yesterday! We took lunch over to Deran (Beau's best friend, best man, partner in crime, etc.) and Sarah and enjoyed seeing them as new parents. They're still so relaxed - we knew they would be!

Looking ahead, what a fantastic month! There is just so much to do around here for Christmas time. We have the Polar Express with the Seemans next weekend, pictures with Santa, a couple of dinners planned with friends, Beau goes to Ireland for 1 1/2 weeks and prepping for our N.O. trip! Also, I was attempting to surprise him but had to give Beau his Christmas gift early - a date night planned that includes a nice dinner and a plane ride around the city to look at Christmas lights! Dallas is so beautiful at night and I bet even more so around Christmas. Will blog about that at a later time. 

In other good news, Baby is weighing in at approx. 4lbs, 7ounces (94th percentile) so far; we scheduled my c-section; Beau's company announced group health insurance, which should hit before this delivery - holler!; and best of all, Beau is DONE traveling on December 20th until well after this baby is here! I have him home sweet home for approximately 60 days. That won't drive anyone around here crazy, right? ;) Good, good things happening all around!

That's only a fraction of what's on my mind right now but I'm tired. Holly Jolly, peeps!

30 Week Pregnancy Update

At 30 weeks, Baby is the length of a large cucumber!

How your baby's growing:

Your baby's about 15.7 inches long now, and she weighs almost 3 pounds (like a head of cabbage). A pint and a half of amniotic fluid surrounds her, but that volume will decrease as she gets bigger and takes up more room in your uterus. Her eyesight continues to develop, though it's not very keen; even after she's born, she'll keep her eyes closed for a good part of the day. When she does open them, she'll respond to changes in light but will have 20/400 vision — which means she can only make out objects a few inches from her face. (Normal adult vision is 20/20.)

How far along? 30 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: 23lbs
Maternity clothes: Tops aren't long enough anymore! It's way too early for this. I'm long waisted so it's always a problem but still. A belly hanging out from under a shirt is up there with the least attractive things in life.

Sleep: Fine. Starting to feel a nap coming on in the afternoons. I mentioned last time that I was loving not needing them! I'm definitely missing my energy. 

Best moment this week: Being with family. Which has nothing to do with pregnancy but it's true :)
Movement: Still plenty!

Cravings: Same - Not really too bad. Still a big glass of milk in the mornings, the occasional candy and still no interest in chicken. Bleh.
Symptoms: Losing my energy fast. Restless leg syndrome is back sometimes at night. Also, I realized recently what ISN'T happening! Unlike last time, I don't have that crazy black line on my belly, acne, or blurry vision. I thought I did but I just needed to replace my contacts - ha!
What I miss: My 20 year old body :)

What I am looking forward to: Holding Walker!

Weekly Wisdom: It's fun to watch Shelby curl up next to my belly at night only to constantly be jostled by Walker's movement. :) She's so over it and usually ends up by Beau. 

Milestones: I think 30 weeks is a milestone - it means only 2 more months and down to every-2-week appointments. Sono this Thursday!

Other updates: I got the green light from my doctor to go to New Orleans! As long as things keep the way they are, of course. Which is great b/c I hadn't even considered not going.

A 30 week belly the 2nd time around!

At 30 weeks with Grayson.