A few odds and ends

We've bought or have been given a few things for Kaden and I wanted to post about them. 


I bought these from Etsy and love them!  They are super bright and will look good on a plain white onesie.

Gina bought this for Kaden... perfect for his decor.

A package delievered to Kaden from his Aunt Paula and Uncle Talan.

A teacher from school made this for Kaden!  I love that it matches the decor and the fact that it's handmade makes it even more special.

Another gift from a teacher... perfect! 

I was very excited for this purchase!  Thank you for all our giftcards and cash that helped to pay for it.

what 30+ weeks does to your body!

Amazing what a woman's body can do!

We started our weekly check-ups last week!  I couldn't believe we were to that point and anticipated the appointment all week.  I swore I had made some kind of progress, but to my surprise... I hadn't.  I was a little disappointed, but I was cheered up when he started doing an ultrasound.  We love getting to see Kaden!  The doctor confirmed he has a round head and then told us he also had a big head... like 83% big.  He's about 7lbs right now too.

So it seems that he's pretty comfortable and getting big and healthy in there.  I'm not sure if he'll make an early arrival like everyone predicts.  We go back Wednesday, so we'll see if I've made any progress then.

Another big change for the Kings...

Kirby here, with my semi-annual blog post contribution.  Anna thought this was one I should write...

Going into my 15th year teaching PE, I'm excited to say I've landed a new position for next year, and one that I've been searching and hoping for for many years.  During my nine-year stint as a lifeguard for the Ocean City Beach Patrol in O.C., MD, the latter part of that time I began my teaching career in Baltimore.  I'd teach there during the school year, then head 3 hours southeast each summer to work at the beach.  Needless to say, staring at the ocean for 8 hours each day, surfing, and living the bare-footed beach life was quite addictive.  If you would have asked me way back when I first started teaching in MD my top three choices of schools I'd want to teach at someday, I would have said (in no particular order), Ocean City Elementary, Virginia Beach Elementary, or Myrtle Beach Elementary.  The closer to the beach, the better.  If you would have asked me then, I would have probably said the odds were greater for me winning the lottery than lucking out and getting a position at one of those schools (and I never even play the lottery). 

Fortunately, something larger than luck has entered the picture, and after working at a number of schools throughout the first half of my career, I will begin a new adventure as the PE teacher at Myrtle Beach Elementary this fall.  I had been trying to get into that position for the past couple years, and the opportunity finally presented itself recently.

I've heard a lot of great things about the school and it's staff, so I'm greatly looking forward to starting there in August!  Total distance from school to beach is 0.7 miles.  Hmmmm... I wonder if I can somehow work a surfing unit into my yearly curriculum?  :)

Myrtle Beach Elementary... http://mbe.horrycountyschools.net/  

         

week 36

Yikes- I'm almost 37 weeks and haven't posted this yet.

About the baby? "They" say Kaden's almost 6 pounds (but our doctor thinks he's bigger) and more than 18 1/2 inches long.  He is getting closer and closer to breathing on his own. 

Maternity Clothes? at this point (and probably here on out) whatever is comfortable and fits

Stretch Marks? still in the clear

Gender? boy

Movement?   yes.  I feel a lot of lower pressure too.

Sleep? this has been getting tough again.  Kaden has to be the longest baby ever!  He's got a foot or something stuck up in my ribs at night and yet I feel an arm or something else jabbin' my bladder at the same time.  With those 2 things combined, it makes for a rough sleep some nights.

Food Cravings? nothing

What I Miss?  my normal size feet, ankles, hands, and face.  But it's all for our boy... and I wouldn't change that for anything!

Symptoms? half innie/outie belly button, swelling, swelling, swelling, mild case of pregnancy carpal tunnel, and a nasty cough (which may not be due to pregnancy)

Best Moment This Week?
1. going to the doctor
2. buying our stroller/car seat system (post to come later)

Looking Forward To? Our doctor said he'll let us see Kaden at our next appointment on Thursday!  I'm looking forward to this because we haven't seen him since about 17 weeks.  Plus, the doctor said he's "a big baby" for someone my size.  We aren't really sure what that means, but maybe we'll find out more on Thursday.

birthing class

At the beginning of May, Kirby and I, excitedly prepared for our all day birthing class.  It was at the hospital we plan to have Kaden delivered, so it was nice to get acquainted with the place and even take a tour.  We watched several short videos that tried to prepared us for what is to come.  At one point, Kirby left the room for a very long bathroom break. I found out later that the "delivery tools" (particularly the hook they use to break your water) started making him feel a little queasy.  Haha... I hope that's not a sign about what's to come.

We both don't do very well with hospitals, so I'm sure we'll have an interesting birth story to share.

mother's day

This year... it meant something different.  I had happiness in my heart and couldn't wait to celebrate in a whole new way.

Kirby Kaden really outdid himself this "first" year for Mother's Day.

A new Nikon 55-300 zoom lens :)

I guess he already knows (from the 30+ weeks of pregnancy updates) how much his Mom likes pictures.  I can't wait to use it on him when he arrives! 
Thank you Kaden!  Mom loves you :)

time with friends

I'm super behind on blogging.  Here's one that I started, but never finished.  I don't want to miss documenting anything...

This night we were able to hang out at dinner with friends, Jeanne and Richard, from Maryland.  We don't get to see them very often, so we're already looking forward to seeing them again this summer.