WJF

Weston Joseph Filipovitz

Update...this is his first picture on June 10th....

Weston Joseph Filipovitz was born June 9, 2009 @ 11:16pm...7 lbs 8 oz...21 inches...He has a head of black hair. I'll post more pictures later today or tomorrow of his first day in the world...And Weston looks just like his Dad :)

This picture was taken after the first hour of labor...we took one every hour---for 16 hours! Don't worry, I'm not going to post all 16 pics...each one gets progressively worse, ha.

Update....

We went to the Doctor this morning...Exciting news...it appears that we will be inducing on Tuesday, June 9th! ! ! The due date! They said they aren't worried about my health, or the baby's, but in their words, "It's time". So, the option to induce has been put on the table and we accepted it with open arms. We will be heading to Centennial Women's Hospital at 5:00am on Tuesday morning to get the labor started. There is still hope that baby will want to make an appearance before Tuesday...but if not, we know that Tuesday will be his birth day!!

Thank you to everyone...especially those of you who have been a part of this journey the entire time. We love you and appreciate you so much!

When we blog again, we'll be parents! Ahh!! :)

39 Weeks Along....1 Week To Go

Carson came to Nashville! He came on Saturday and left today :( Time definitely passed more quickly while he was here. Thank you for coming, Brother! It was so nice to have him here and take my mind off of the waiting game I'm playing. We didn't do too much, as most things are off limits to me, ha...but we grilled, watched movies, played board games, etc...it was SO nice. The picture above was taken at Loveless Cafe on Sunday...I'm just holding a little post-it that says 39 weeks so we'll be able to tell down the road how far along I was when the picture was taken. I wish I'd done this every week---when I look back at my pictures over the pregnancy, I wonder how far along I was when it was taken...

The 7 day countdown to our due date has begun. 7 days! Amazing...although it's only a week away, it appears Baby Flip still doesn't want to make his appearance. I hope he comes before/by the due date...but I'm realizing he may stay in the comfort of my tummy up to a week after. The light at the end of the tunnel is based on my Dr's words..."I don't want him to stay in there too long after the due date, a week maximum." So, at least we know that by the 16th of June, we will have a baby...and no later. Yay!

We go back to the Dr on Thursday...I'll post an update after the appointment. Have a great week!

Dr's Appt Update

We went to the Doctor yesterday---everything is looking fantastic! Baby boy is still gaining weight and weighed in at 6 lbs 9 oz. He's still head down and looking to come any day now! Although I'm still not dilating, everything is in place and ready for labor/delivery. We're hoping he comes sooner than later... Otherwise, our next appointment is Thursday, June 4th.

Superstitious anyone? The next full moon is on June 7th...if he hasn't come by then, maybe the wonders of the world will coax him out---Let's hope so!

Have a great weekend!

14 Days Until EDD...

Just 2 weeks until the little guy is scheduled to arrive...it feels like a million years! I am hoping he comes earlier---I mean, today would be just fine with me. It's getting harder and harder to move around...a simple trip to the grocery store now takes three times as long as it normally would. Sleeping has become a task...between trying to get comfortable, countless trips to the bathroom, and the billion anxiety thoughts running through my mind, the hours of sleep are dwindling. Can you tell I'm ready? :)

We go back to the Doctor Thursday morning for another ultrasound and weekly check up. We're pretty anxious to see how much he's grown since the last time he was measured (2 weeks ago).

It's been so rainy and humid here in Nashville---I must say, I'm really glad he'll be here in the beginning of the summer so I'm not in my final weeks throughout the hot months of July and August.

I'm sure he'll be here before we know it...the nursery is ready, the bags are packed, the house is in order---we've got everything except a baby!

Keep us in your thoughts and prayers--We're ready to bring a little boy into the world!

37 Weeks...he's coming any day now...hopefully!!!

3 weeks until our EDD. Every Mom has told me the entire time, "The last month is the hardest...time creeps by". This is an understatement!! I guess I didn't really understand what they were saying considering I thought by the time I was 7 months that time was creeping by. Oh no! I was wrong! Every day feels like a week to me...I'm totally enjoying and LOVING being home...cooking, cleaning, organizing...doing things that I know I won't have time to do when he gets here...painting, cleaning out my closet, and did I mention organizing? I am constantly walking around the house and moving things....I can't seem to find the perfect spot for each item. Some Moms have said that they didn't experience nesting and some Moms said they nested for weeks...I, apparently, have a severe case of this thing called nesting...ha...

Our bags are packed and in Eric's car. We are all set to head to the hospital when it's time. My Mother joked with me and said when we get to the hospital it's going to seem as if we're checking into a hotel for a week instead of a couple night's stay at a hospital because of all the stuff we are taking, haha. Well, I have a clothes bag...Eric has a clothes bag...we have a bag of snacks, iPod player, pillows, etc...the baby's diaper bag with his belongings....So, yes, I suppose we have about 4 bags we're taking and it probably will appear as if we're moving into the Women's hospital when we arrive :)

We are so excited for our little man to make his appearance...every day is a day of waiting and the anxiety is killing me! What will he look like? Who will he look like? What color hair and eyes will he have? We just can't wait to see him and hold him!

*9 Months*

We had our 36 week Doctor's appointment today and an ultrasound! Everything looks great...Baby boy is 100% healthy!! He weighed in at 5lbs 6oz, which is a little small, but he's healthy and that's what matters! Our Doctor said, "I wish all the babies were 5 and 6 lbs--it sure would make it easier on all of the Moms". The baby has completely dropped and is as "far down as he's going to go", per Dr. Wingo. We go back next week, as we're on our weekly schedule now. Below is a picture from the ultrasound this morning...it's not 3-D so it's a little hard to figure out what is what...I've posted the profile view of his face. That's his hand, also, below his chin...he kept putting it in his mouth! So cute!

We went to class 1 of the birthing series on Saturday. It was so informative and definitely something worth attending! We watched birthing videos, learned about all of the emotional and physical changes during labor, and Eric got to wear the "Empathy Belly" for half an hour! Hilarious! It's 30 lbs total, which is great since that's the most I gained at one point during the pregnancy. I wish I'd asked him to tie his tennis shoes while wearing that thing!

I hope all the moms had a great Mother's Day on Sunday!

We'll be sure to keep you all posted on any progress or updates!

4.5 Weeks Or Less!

What a great week! Lydia and Olivia came to Nashville to visit...we washed all of the baby clothes, went to Babies R Us & Target, organized everything, and even had time to do a little shopping! It was such a wonderful week. I couldn't have done all of this without her...Thanks, Lydia!!

We had a Dr's appointment on Tuesday. Everything went really well...I'm now on a weekly schedule with Dr Wingo, so we'll go again this coming Tuesday---and we're also getting an ultrasound that day as well! We're pretty excited to see what the little man looks like this far along...although I hope I don't see too much of his face---I want it to be a huge surprise!

Tomorrow is Day 1 (of two) of our "Labor of Love Birthing Series" classes. It's a 4 hour long class...we will be pre-registering at the hospital, learning coaching (in Eric's case) and breathing (in both of our cases, ha) techniques, determining our labor room, etc...I'm pretty excited to know as much as I can about the hospital and delivery. Here's a link to the Women's Hospital at Centennial where we'll be delivering. Check it out if you're interested!
http://www.thewomenshospital.com/

Thank you all for everything! Only 4.5 weeks to go! Wahoo!!

Relay, Showers, & Cookouts...Oh My!

My, my, what a busy and fantastic weekend! It all started with The American Cancer Society's Relay for Life 2009...it was a huge success. Team Angela was there for the 3rd year in a row under our "Angela's Shrimp Shack" tent. It all went really well! THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HELPED AND CAME OUT TO SUPPORT TEAM ANGELA!!

We had a cookout on Saturday...and yes, Daddy made his famous hamburgers! YUM! It was so much fun! Eric's parents came to Carrollton for their first trip and we definitely had the weekend action packed for them. We showed them the town and introduced them to our closest friends and family...it couldn't have been a better weekend.
The uncle-to-be!! Carson made his way from Athens to Carrollton to join the festivities. He was able to come show his support at the Relay on Friday, help me prepare for the day on Saturday, enjoy the fabulous food Saturday night and Sunday morning (brunch...Thanks, Mom!) and above all, Carson felt his little nephew kick and turn over in my stomach. It was great!

The shower on Saturday at Jerri Garner's house was great!! A special thank you to all the hostesses! The food and great company made for an amazing time. The outfits and gifts we received were precious...I can't wait to dress the little man!! I know I have some competition out there with several of my friends who have boys, but our baby boy just may be the best dressed baby out there! :)

The parent's-to-be and grandparents!!

The shower on Sunday was so much fun! This was a joint shower with my cousin, Ashley, who is also expecting a little boy. We are due only 7 days apart, her's being June 2 and mine June 9. We are both very excited! I really appreciate everything everyone did for the shower! We are so blessed....

The expecting Moms!

Thank you so much to everyone who made this weekend so special. Eric and I couldn't ask for better family or friends...you all mean so much to us...And a special thank you to my Mom and Dad who did everything in their power to make this weekend amazing, with so much preparation...it turned out fantastic! And another special thank you to Eric's parents who came all the way down to GA from OH to spend the weekend with us---Thank you!! We love you all...

*Update*

Our Dr's appointment went really well. The baby's heartrate was at an average 147 (he was sleeping) and my measurements are right on track. I go back in 2 weeks! :)

Fantastic Weekend In GA

What a GREAT weekend it was! We had a fundraiser on Friday at Plates on the square for Team Angela...we raised over 2 thousand dollars! Thank you to everyone who came out and showed their love and support. On Saturday I was able to attend 2 wedding showers (Amanda and Leslie!) and then go to my shower at Megan's house. It was amazing! Everything was so perfect and so many people were able to come. I am so blessed to be surrounded by such great friends! :)

A bunch of the girls at the baby shower!!

The Alabama Girls Came to Town! xoxo...

The Hostess Girls!!

...just one of the MANY WONDERFUL things for baby!!! It's a Giraffe Rug!!
"The Aunties"

On Sunday, the Alabama girls hosted another baby shower at Lindsey's house in Atlanta. It was absolutely wonderful! Everything they did was SO THOUGHTFUL! They labeled all of the food..."Chick-a-dee Chicken Salad"...."Preggo Pimento Cheese"...."Preggers Punch"...."Not for Mommies Mimosas"...."Coo-cumber Dip"....AH! Everything was SO AMAZING! This little man is going to be surrounded by the most loving Aunts he could ever ask for...between my college and high school friends, he will never need another girl in his life! Ha!

The College Crew

I know, I know...I'm really swollen. I was doing so well! I didn't swell (my face) on Friday or Saturday! But when Sunday rolled around...I looked like a balloon. It's so strange how certain days are worse than others. My guess is it was from the lack of sleep all weekend. I was definitely exhausted...but it was ALL WORTH IT! :)

The Excited Grandmother....G-Mom....Mom....

My Go-To Girl...If I have a question about this pregnancy or motherhood, Lydia has the answer!

Thank you so much to everyone!! This weekend was amazing and it couldn't have been more perfect. It all happened because of you and I am forever thankful. We have a Dr's appt this afternoon...I'll add to this post when I have an update! 33 weeks along...7 weeks to go! Have a great week!

T-Minus 8 Weeks...

Happy Easter!

32 weeks along...8 weeks to go...and my stomach definitely matches the 8 month criteria. I'm getting huge! And it's really starting to show from my waist down--and even in my arms---and my face! Ah! I've been really swollen lately...I no longer have ankles...all that exists are large softballs on both sides of my feet. I'm wearing flip flops daily, no matter what clothing I have on. My fingers and hands are really swollen, too...I can't wear my rings without them cutting off my finger circulation. Needless to say, I'm very plump, ha!

Eric and I had a really relaxing weekend...it was so nice. We continued to organize the house and get things ready for baby...we went to church on Easter and I made a big lunch; Baked ham, sweet potatoe casserole, devilled eggs, pistachio salad, fresh cut fruit, and biscuits! It was delicious...

The baby has taken on the movements of a "monster in my belly", per Eric's words. HA! He doesn't jab outward on the stomach as much as he used to; the movements are slowed down now, much like he's simply turning over or moving a limb to another position. It looks like a caterpiller or snake slithering in there...it's really neat. Also, as of last week, he has figured out how to get underneath my right rib cage---this does not feel good! He still likes to kick around when he's hyper and it literally takes my breath away...the hard knocks are the ones that make me yelp!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter! Have a great week!

Babies & Birthdays

We had our Nashville shower on Sunday!! Emily, Ellen, & Lacey did an AMAZING job...they made everything so special. The cake, the food, and especially the diaper tower that Emily made!! So cute! We got so many wonderful things....all of which we needed and we will use!! Thank you to everyone!

Isn't the table above precious?? They did SOOO much!!!!!!

Thank you for coming into town, Mother!! You're the best!

The magnificent Hostesses!!!

Erin, her Mother, and Brooke all came into town!! It was great to see them & meant so much to me that they traveled so far....love you all!

The shower was Sunday...and what a great day it was!

To follow it, my birthday was Monday! More celebrating....so much fun. Eric cooked me supper, delicious!...I put together the baby stroller and had a blast doing it...although Lucy did not like the stroller once it was all together--it resembles the vacuum too much, I think. She fears they are rolling towards her and in turn she barks her most fierce bark; it's quite entertaining. Eric also gave me a Swarovski piece of crystal for the baby and a Tiffany & Co silver spoon! It will be the first spoon the baby eats off of...adorable.

We had our 31 week Doctor's appointment this morning. Everything went really well. My stomach is growing at the exact pace it should, matching perfectly with the inches it should be at this stage. The baby's heartbeat was 147 at first...then the Dr shook my stomach a little when I asked why it was lower than normal...he then counted again, and it was up to 153. He said the baby was sleeping and we woke him up to get another heartrate :)

Thanks again to everyone for everything....thank you for making the shower so wonderful and for the birthday wishes!

Have a Happy Easter!!

TGIF!

We are going to see Wicked tonight in Birmingham....SO excited!!

I took a couple pictures this morning since I haven't posted a front/side shot for "baby belly viewing purposes" recently....

For some reason I'm always swollen in the mornings...if you look back at all of the pictures I've posted, you can tell the the ones taken in the mornings look quite different than the ones taken at other times during the day. Oh well! I'm chalking it up to one of the thousands of things going on with my body these days!

Have a great weekend!!

Great Times...

Here's a picture from Cabana last night...Cortland's Karaoke for a Cure....Love you, Em!

10 Weeks Until Due Date

Amanda's Bachelorette Party in Nashville

2 Girls With Baby Bumps....Me & Susan

Only 10 weeks until our estimated due date...I can't believe it! And what if he comes a little earlier?? Gosh!!! Everything is really starting to move now...the showers have begun (which are so much fun!) and the 2 week Doctor's visits are still rolling...things like this are making the time pass quickly.

My friend's (Amanda Fulbright!) bachelorette party was last weekend here in Nashville so I got to see and visit with all of the wonderful ladies who came to celebrate...it was so great to see everyone! Congratulations Jake & Amanda! Not only did everyone have a blast, but they also got to see Baby Flip's nursery...Haven finally got to meet Eric, which was a long time coming...and I got to see Susan who is also expecting a little bundle of joy!! Congratulations, Susan!

So Eric and I have signed up for a couple classes....we are taking the "Infant Safety & CPR" class on April 16 and we are also taking a birthing/labor class series on two Saturdays in May, which is called the "Labor of Love Series". I'm pretty excited about these classes and we're both hoping it tells us most everything we need to expect.

Mother is coming to Nashville this weekend, along with several of my oldest friends to celebrate Baby Flip on Sunday! Emily, Ellen, & Lacey are giving my little Nashville shower and I can't wait to visit with everyone...they are too sweet to be doing all of this!! Thank you, girls!

On Friday, Eric and I are headed down to Birmingham for the night to see the musical WICKED...this was my Valentine's Day gift and I'm soooo excited to see it!!

Thanks again to everyone for everything....you all are being too sweet, too kind, and too generous....we really, really appreciate everything!!! Have a great week!

*29 down, 11 to go*

We officially have 29 weeks under our belt and are anxiously awaiting the last 11 to hurry by...I'm sure they will. We have a pretty busy schedule coming up in April, and then we play the waiting game in May.

The curtains are finished and Eric hung them this weekend! I LOVE THEM! I think they really finalize the room...all we need now is something to go on a wall or two and we'll be finished. We also have a cover that matches the fabric for the changing table pad (it's on the table below) that's going to be perfect!

I've already started to nest a little....I've folded and re-folded a bunch of the baby clothes...as well as organized and re-organized the drawers. I'm sure that will happen a few more times before the big day.

This was taken this morning so I'm still a little sleepy-eyed...

We had another Dr's appointment yesterday. Everything went really well. The baby's heartbeat was a normal 155 and he said my stomach is growing at the perfect pace...it measured exactly as it should have for how far along we are. We go back in 2 weeks for our next appointment (April 7).

Welcome to the Third Trimester!!

Only 12 more weeks to go! AMAZING!! I imagine it will be the fastest yet slowest 12 weeks of my life, so far. It seems so close, yet so so far away.

We had a fantastic weekend!! We had our first shower in Cleveland; it was amazing!! Eric's Mom, Sister-in-law, Sarah, and other family members who helped, put together such a fantastic event. It was so much fun and so much thought was put into all of it...we really, really appreciate it!!

Eric's mother hand painted the table cloths to match our nursery!! The boots in the middle of the table are real cowboy boots, in 3 different sizes, so he can actually wear them!! My Dad was SO excited, as you can imagine!

The cake was PRECIOUS!! It was also 2 different flavors; split right down the middle!! DELICIOUS!

Below is a picture of my Mother, me, and Sarah...what a fun time!

Pregnancy wise, I'm doing great! I'm gaining weight at a weekly rate, which the Dr said was totally healthy. Baby Flip has been moving non-stop for about the past 5 days, literally. He's on the right side of my stomach and I don't think he has slept. At any point during the day, you can look at my stomach and see him moving or punching/kicking. He has now taken shapes in there, like a caterpiller that slowly moves across my belly...you can see when he's turning; tell the difference when he's just moving or when he's kicking/punching. It's truly amazing....
We go back for our next appointment on Monday (March 23). We will be 29 weeks at that point. We hope you have a great week!