So much to do

Wow how time flies. I can't believe it's already October! I went to the doctor last Monday and the nurse said, "Okay, I'll see you back in two weeks." My response - "WHY?" Her response, "Because you are 10 weeks from meeting you baby - we'll see you every two weeks until 36 weeks, then we'll begin to see you every week." My response - NONE, I was in complete shock! Am I really ready for this? Time was creeping along so slowly, now it is FLYING by. There is so much to do:

Paint the baby furniture

Take the child prep and tour class

Take a breastfeeding class

Write a birthing plan

Paint the lettering to go above Neil's crib

Prep the birthing announcements (they are SO CUTE!) and complete the "list"

I guess those are the big things. Everything else I've been told will just fall into place. Does it really work like that? Not that I'm a planner (okay, we all know that I'm FAR from a planner) but, I feel like this is a time in my life when I should be as prepared as possible.

Good news is that we've hired a housekeeper to come once every two weeks and she's GREAT! We also have almost completely finished the repairs on our house - with hired help of course. Rodney and I both decided it was time to pay someone to come in and get everything finished - once and for all! Now we are trying to decide if we are going to stay in this house for another year or two or move again. We don't like to stay put for very long. For those of you that live in the area - come by and see the progress! The house is starting to look amazing!

My great friends Ashleigh and Caroline came to see me back in August and threw me a "ghetto baby shower." It was just the three of us and it was SO CUTE! They are the best friends ever. Here are some pictures...don't you just love the Spiderman wrapping paper?! And I know how hot I look in my bathing suit and maternity jeans - don't be jealous...

And I have to share a picture of Daisy Mae and Bo - they are just the best dogs in the world!

Baby Shower!

Regina, Lindsay and Page threw a wonderful baby shower for me on September 15th. It was a BLAST! Here are just a few pictures to share:

Deuce

I know, I know - it's been forever since I've updated this website. Believe me, I've heard it from almost everyone! To be honest, work and life have just been getting in the way lately. When did life get to be so busy? I know - this is just the tip of the iceberg, wait until he's born, right?!

Things have been moving along smoothly. Rodney and I are about 99% sure we've picked out a name - Rodney Neil Hancock II. We both really like it - Rodney for obvious reasons! We will call him Neil - well, I'll call him Neil and Rodney will call him "Deuce." He just loves that nickname...we'll see how it rolls off the tongue when he's born.

Baby Neil has been moving around and kicking like crazy. We went to the Clemson game last Monday night and I was in complete awe of his movements throughout the entire game. It must have been the vibrations and noise of the crowd that got his attention - I've never felt him move like that before. It was absolutely amazing.

We have had wonderful family and friends allow us to come and raid their houses for baby clothes, toys and furniture. Neil doesn't need any clothes till he's at least 6 months old! Rodney and I haven't done much with the nursery yet, but we have at least decided on what we want to do. As most of you know, I love black and white. If you remember, that was the theme of the wedding and now it will be the theme for Neil's room (most likely). And, I've also heard that black and white stimulates a baby, so that is what I'm on the lookout for. It's been easy to find brown and white decor, but it's been tougher to find black and white. We'll see how it goes - things could change.

Honestly, I haven't been craving anything really. I have felt like I need to be eating more fruits and vegetables, so I've been eating in the hospital (work) cafeteria a lot for breakfast and lunch. The food is fantastic and it's actually really cheap too. Rodney and I are still eating out way too much for dinner - I HAVE to start cooking again. If you have any quick and easy recipes, feel free to send them my way!

I go back to the doctor tomorrow - the appointments seem so boring now that I don't get to see Neil on the ultrasound. I was spoiled there my first couple of appointments because I got to see him every time! I do get to hear his heartbeat - and that is neat - it's just that I want to SEE him again! There is a place called Mom's, Monkey's & Mermaids in James Island that does the 3D and 4D ultrasounds and I'm definitely making an appointment for the first week or two in October. The lady there suggested that week because he will actually look like a plump little baby by then! I'm so excited.

And yes, I have gained weight. So far, I've put on about 12 pounds. A lady asked me yesterday if I was having twins - no lady, I'm not having twins and if I wasn't a nice pregnant woman, I may just punch you! Please don't ever ask a pregnant woman if she's having twins - it doesn't make for a good rest of her day.

The fall is already so busy! I promise I'll be better about updating this website - thanks for the "gentle nudge" from Caroline to get it done!

It's a BOY

It's official, Rodney and I are having a BOY! The doctor's appointment this morning was the most amazing yet. It's truly a miracle to see a little person growing inside of my stomach. I'll update more later, but for now I'll post the pictures below.

Belly picture

Okay, so I've finally taken a picture of my belly. I'm not excited about posting it on this website, but at the request of many of you - here it is.

The dress I have on is actually pretty cute, but from the picture I look like I'm going to a funeral!

Another question I keep getting is about my weight gain - and I still haven't gained even one pound. I have been exactly the same weight from the 1st doctors appointment in April until today (which is down about 3 or 4 pounds from my pre-pregnancy weight.) The baby is growing well, obviously from the pictures, so there isn't anything to worry about. My best guess is that I gained about 30 pounds over the last two years, so I have some "extra" pounds that the baby is utilizing!

Rodney and I are just waiting for the 19th - can't wait to find out if we are expecting a boy or a girl! Thanks for your continued prayers and support.

No kicking yet

Good news from the doctor's office yesterday - my blood work came back negative for baby abnormalities such as Down Syndrome and Spina bifida.

Now my mind turns to when I'll be able to feel the baby kick and move! From everything I've read (yes, I read A LOT) most women feel the baby move between 16 and 20 weeks. According to the doctor, I'm 17 weeks this week - so I'm just waiting to feel something. I promise I'll update the website as soon as I feel anything...I'll do my best to describe it well.

Rodney and I are getting ready to head to Litchfield Beach for a few days. We are heading out Saturday and will stay through the 4th - I'm eager to lounge on the beach with a good book!
Everyone has been asking about my weight and my appearance. I haven't gained any weight yet, I'm still down about 3 pounds - but I'm really getting a belly quickly! It happened overnight, seriously. I woke up one morning last week and wondered what happened to me over night - they even commented at work, so it was noticeable to other people besides me. I promise to take pictures on a good day - maybe tomorrow and get them posted to the page. Something to look forward to - ha ha, just kidding!!!

Heartbeat

Another successful doctor's day, but unfortunately no new picture. Today was the first time that I've actually heard the baby's heartbeat and it was fascinating! There were a few loud swishing noises as we were listening - and Dr. Frankel again laughed and let me know that the noises I was hearing was my VERY active baby moving around. I can't wait till I can actually feel the movements - hopefully it won't be too much longer.

Rodney has gone to Colorado for a long weekend. For those of you that know him well, you can probably guess the reason for the trip - WIDESPREAD PANIC! Since we aren't going to be able to make our annual New Year's trip to Atlanta to see Widespread, Rodney and Matt Ellis (Rowdy) left for a long weekend this afternoon. They have big plans for a Rockies vs. Yankees game tomorrow afternoon, then the concerts are being held Friday night, Saturday night and Sunday afternoon - and yes, they will make every show!

Since Rodney is away for the weekend, my mom, Aunt Harriett and Debbie are making there way to Charleston tomorrow - I'm SO excited! We are going to have a relaxing Charleston weekend spent beach side at Folly. What this really means is that I have to clean like a mad woman Thursday night! HA HA.

More good baby news - Rodney and I go back to the doctor on July 19th to find out the sex of our baby. We couldn't be happier because the 19th is actually Rodney's 29th birthday! It will be a very special day. Oddly enough, I haven't seen Rodney on his birthday since he turned 25 - I've been in MN in school every summer since then. We are both excited that this will be such a special day!

Please continue to keep in touch - we love the special messages from all of you :)