Week 32

Today I am 32 Weeks and 1 day pregnant!  It still amazes me each day how fast my pregnancy is going.  Before I know it we will be at the hospital having Grayson.  Oh I can't wait for that day!  But for now I am trying to sit back and just enjoy the next several weeks.  Chad and I are SO busy over the next few weeks and weekends we have Easter, several birthday parties to attend, Childbirth Classes, our Baby Shower, Family and Friends coming to visit, Adult Night with our friends, and finishing up the final touches of Grayson's nursery.  That is ONLY if our final two pieces of furniture arrive at the store for us to pick up.  We are hoping it arrives in the next two weeks.  We have curtains being made and they should be completed in the next two weeks too and we also have lighting to add to his room that is on order.  I can't wait to show all of you his completed nursery.  I am so finalizing my maternity leave from work and in search for someone to work for me during my leave.  I am praying that I find someone soon.  That would be one less thing to worry about!

Grayson is 3.75 pounds and is about 16.7 inches long

He weighs as much as a sack of potatoes!

WOW only 55 days to GO!

Pregnancy Highlights:

Not many changes this week!
How Far Along:  32 weeks and 1 day

Total Weight Gain/Loss:  11 pounds - I am sure I have gained more weight we will see next week!
Maternity Clothes:  I am wearing my maternity jeans and loving them. They are so comfy!
Best Moment this week:  Relaxing at our good friends house this past weekend!
Gender:  It's A Boy - Grayson Konnor!
Movement:  Yes it is AMAZING! 
Food Craving:  Honey Nut Cheerios, Dark Chocolate, Zone Perfect Dark Chocolate Bars, and Chocolate Muffins from a local bakery in Bentonville. They are so Yummy! New Craving: Cinnamon Bears and Twizzlers
What I miss:  Sleeping on my belly and sleeping through the night!
Sleep:  I am not sleeping well as my mind is going all night long and I have been having many dreams that wake me up during the night.  
What I am looking forward to:  My doctor's appointment next Tuesday and having this Friday and next Monday off from work!
Belly Button:  In for now, but it looks like it is going to POP out! 
Symptoms: Just Tired and Braxton Hicks contractions especially when I do too much!

Last night Chad and I opened a gift from a very special person in our lives.  We love the gift!  The quilt was made special for Grayson and I just love it!  Thanks Gwen for the beautiful gift!  We will cherish it forever! 

AND the WINNER is...

First thank you for participating in this AMAZING giveaway!  I wish all expecting mommies could win!  If you don't win please go check out Baby's First Phone Call's website and see what they have to offer.  

NOW 

FOR 

THE 

WINNERS:

remember there will be 4 people that will win TODAY! 

I had 29 comments that were left! 

I used Random.org to pick the winners:

10 - bethany730 you now have the perfect baby shower gift for your friend!

4 - gimlingal thanks for following! 

23 - rsiewert Congrats on your pregnancy! 

16 - leslielovelady you also have a great baby shower gift for your friend! 

CONGRATS TO ALL! 

GIRLS PLEASE EMAIL ME AT MLSTAFFORD26@YAHOO.COM AND I WILL SEND YOU YOUR GIFT CERTIFICATE.  PLEASE EMAIL BY TUESDAY MARCH 30TH, 2010 OR I WILL HAVE TO DRAW FOR A NEW WINNER!

HAPPY MONDAY!

Baby's First Phone Call

GIVEAWAY CLOSED! 

Baby's First Phone Call 

Have you heard of this site? 

I haven't until I won a gift certificate on Our Journey's Blog and let me tell you I am so excited about this service.  How great to have one call sent to Family and Friends to let them know our little Grayson is here.  It is a VERY easy service to use and I am working on my list right now so we are ready to go.  Well a few days ago this AMAZING company contacted me and asked me if I would like to do a giveaway on my blog.  And because I think the service is GREAT and all of you reading are GREAT I thought yes I would love too! 

So with that said...

FOUR lucky readers will get the chance to win a $50.00 gift certificate to our Baby's First Phone Call.  I know I have a lot of followers that are currently pregnant and this would be great for each of you to win.  Or it would make for a GREAT baby shower gift for a friend or family member who is expecting.

Here are some specific details from the website or you can click here and go directly to the site for all the info. 

Baby's First Phone Call is an automated call tree that allows you to notify all of your friends and family of the arrival of your bundle of joy without the hassle of making dozens of individual phone calls, or leaving some friends and family to find out second- or third-hand.

With Baby's First Phone Call, you set up an account before your baby is born—when you still have a moment of time to yourself—and enter the names and phone numbers of all the people you want to notify when the baby arrives. Then, after the baby is born, you make a single phone call and leave a personal voice-mail message of any length with all the details you want to share.

Not only can you tell your friends and family when your little bundle arrived, you can share information such as the hospital and room number you're in and whether and when you'd like to receive visitors.

Our system places calls to each of the phone numbers in your account. If the person answers the phone they hear your happy message. If they don't answer, the message is left on their voicemail or answering machine. In either case, there is an option for them to leave you a return message that you can pick up at your convenience.

It's really that easy! You're doing all the hard work; let us make spreading the good news easy for you.

Use Baby's First Phone Call to notify your book group, your friends from Lamaze class, your co-workers and your extended family. Now you have the perfect way to send a personal message with your joyous news to everyone in your network!

With Baby's First Phone Call, you won't forget to notify anyone of your news and nobody will be the last to know!  

The giveaway starts TODAY and ends Sunday March 28th, 2010

Here is how to enter:

1.  Become a follower of my blog (or if you already are) and leave me a comment

2.  Become a FB fan of Baby's First Phone Call and leave me a comment 

3.  Become a Twitter follower of Baby's First Phone Call and leave me a comment

4.  Blog about this giveaway on your blog and leave me a comment with your blog link

When leaving a comment please note that some comments through Disqus I have to approve before you will see them show up on my blog.  Thanks for your understanding and GOOD LUCK!

Also, please note, at this point in time we believe the 800-number is only available in the US and that it will only make calls to US area codes. We expect that, as the service matures, we will add North American capabilities, possibly as soon as during 2010

Baby Shower Dress Ideas

I have been in the search for a baby shower dress and I found a few last week, but I am concerned that they won't fit or will not look great in a few weeks when I have my baby shower.  So what am I to do?  Here are a few options that I found and I was wondering if you can help me decide what to do.  My first question is should I purchase a maternity dress?  If I purchase a maternity dress it will be online as I can't find anything I like at any local stores.  So I am not sure how it will fit, will it be too big etc.  The other dress options are not maternity dresses which I like as I can potentially wear them after Grayson is here.  If you have any websites that I should look at please leave me a comment too.  I have until April 17th, 2010 to find something.  Thanks in advance for your help!

This also comes in black

The above two dresses are from Ann Taylor Loft

This also comes in a tan/brown color and I have the perfect necklace to go with it!

The above three dresses are from Francesca's Collection

The above dress is a maternity dress I found at Nordstroms

Please help!

Week 31

Week 31 and only 63 days and Grayson and I will finally meet!

I love feeling him kick, roll, and jab in my belly. 

Grayson weighs over 3 pounds and is now the size of a squash.

I had my first two week appointment this past Friday and all is going great!

Little G's Heartbeat was 134 and my belly is measuring at 31 weeks.

Pregnancy Highlights:
How Far Along:  31 weeks

Total Weight Gain/Loss:  11 pounds 

Maternity Clothes:  I am wearing my maternity jeans and loving them. They are so comfy!

Best Moment this week:  Finding a few accessories for Grayson's room and hearing Grayson's heartbeat! 

Gender:  It's A Boy - Grayson Konnor!

Movement:  Yes it is AMAZING!

Food Craving:  Honey Nut Cheerios, Dark Chocolate, Zone Perfect Dark Chocolate Bars, and Chocolate Muffins from a local bakery in Bentonville. They are so Yummy! New Craving: Cinnamon Bears and Twizzlers

What I miss:  Sleeping on my belly and sleeping through the night!

Sleep:  I sleep well until around 2 or 3 AM and then I wake up and can't go back to sleep.  That is tough on me!

What I am looking forward to:  Everything about the next 9 weeks before Grayson gets here.

Belly Button:  In for now, but it looks like it is going to POP out!

Symptoms:  Just Tired!

Ashley from She She Bows made a few things for me and on Saturday they arrived in the mail.  I love how they turned out!  I asked her to make shirts for my niece and nephews when they come to visit next month.  Plus she made a special outfit for Grayson.  I love the color and just love working with Ashley.  Check out her site here!

Catch Up Post

Sorry I have been MIA the past few days.  Everything is good with Grayson and I.  I have been busy this week and haven't had time to blog. 

I will start with the results of the half marathon Chad ran this past Saturday in NWA.  He did AWESOME and beat his personal goal.  It was VERY cold and raining off and on all morning.  But Grayson and I were there the entire time cheering him on.  Chad's goal was to finish in 1 hour in 45 minutes and he finished in 1 hour and 43 minutes.  He had a good friend running the race too and he did great for his first half marathon.  Here are a few pictures of the race day!  Next race will be late April and then I think he is done until Fall. 

This past Tuesday I had a lunch date with a new friend and her newborn baby who happens to be a Grayson too.  I can't wait until we do lunch again and our Grayson's can meet.  Kristi is such a sweet girl and I loved talking to her.  I look forward to our next lunch date.  Sorry I didn't get any pictures, but she did get my Grayson a cute outfit that I love because it says, I love Mommy!

Tuesday evening I went to the movies with some great girls.  We saw Remember Me and all I can say is that I first thought the movie was weird until the end and then I loved it.  I would recommend seeing this movie.  When it comes out on DVD I am going to get it so Chad and I can watch it.  I really think he would like it.  I love going to movies during the week and with this group of girls we are trying our best to get together at least once a month for lunch or a movie.  There are some great movies coming out over the next few months.  I want to spend as much time with friends and family before Grayson is here.  Then after we get in a routine and comfortable with things at home I want to continue to do things with my girlfriends.

I received a package this week from a sweet friend for Grayson and I just want to say THANK YOU Shannon for the sweet gift!  I love it!

I also received this onesie from a blog friend a few weeks ago and with everything that was going on over the past several weeks I forgot to show you.  It is so perfect for Grayson and she does great work.  You should check out her blog and all the cute things that she makes. 

Summer Suzette Couture

I also purchased this chair for Grayson and I think it will be perfect for pictures.  I got it at Pottery Barn Kids.  I ordered it on Monday and I received it yesterday.  I was impressed on how quickly they got this to me! 

Tomorrow I have a doctor's appointment and I feel like my belly has grown so much this week.  So I am looking forward to seeing what has changed. 

Week 30

WOW Week 30! 

It seems as if my pregnancy is going by so fast!  Before I know it Grayson will be here.  I am so excited, but at the same time I have been feeling anxious.  I have some many concerns and just want everything to go perfect before and after Grayson is here.  I am trying to relax and just let everything happen and not worry about the small stuff.  But I am a planner so I just want to have all the details ironed out!

A few small updates:

Our 3D/4D Ultrasound went perfect!  Grayson did great and he showed us his little face and he is still 100% a boy!

Last week I had the three hour Glucose Test and I finally passed.  What a relief I don't know if I could have done that test again.  The first time I had the Lime flavor drink and I thought it was okay and the second time I had the orange flavor.  I thought it was much better then the Lime flavor. 

Grayson's dresser and glider are on back order until mid April.  So now we just have to wait.  I am hoping that it arrives before my baby shower so when my family is here they can help me organize and get the final details together before Grayson arrives.

Chad and I finished our Target registry, but we did not make it to Tulsa to finish the Babies R Us registry.  After a long and busy week last week we decided to stay home and rest. 

Grayson is about 15.7 inches long and weighs almost 3 pounds, like a head of cabbage. 

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along:  30 weeks

Total Weight Gain/Loss:  10 pounds

Maternity Clothes:  I am wearing my maternity jeans and loving them.  They are so comfy!

Best Moment this week:  Completing our Target registry and sharing Grayson's nursery with our friends (including you) and our family. 

Gender:  It's A Boy - Grayson Konnor!

Movement: Yes it is AMAZING!  Chad and I love feeling his little kicks and movements every night before we go to bed. 

Food Craving:  Honey Nut Cheerios, Dark Chocolate, and Chocolate Muffins from a local bakery in Bentonville. They are so Yummy! New Craving: Cinnamon Bears and Twizzlers

What I miss: Sleeping on my belly and sleeping through the night!

Sleep:  Sleeping okay just a lot of dreams - everything from Grayson being here to breastfeeding!

What I am looking forward to:  Everything about the next 10 weeks before Grayson gets here and I have a doctor's appointment this week, which means I get to hear Grayson's heartbeat!

Belly Button:  In for now, but it looks like it is going to POP out!

Symptoms: Heartburn, Tired all the time now, and  I have had a sharp pain in my sternum over the past several days.

Happy Friday

Happy Friday to All! 

Thank you all for your sweet comments on Grayson's Nursery.  I loved reading them.  I am so in love with his nursery and working on getting some final details completed has been fun.  I can't wait until his other furniture arrives.  I had a few people ask me questions about Grayson's Nursery.  I did have an artist by the name of Jenny paint Grayson's name on the wall and do the polka dots.  The main painting was completed by Chad.  If you live in NWA and want Jenny's contact info let me know.  I got her name from a few great girls and they have beautiful rooms in there house too.  She can do anything.  You will not be disappointed. 

So what are our plans for the weekend? 

With only 10 weeks left remaining before Grayson arrives Chad and I are working on completing both our registries at Target and Babies R US this weekend.  Our baby shower is a little over a month away and I am so excited plus it will be great to check this off my list of things to do.  Chad is also running a half marathon tomorrow morning and I will be there cheering him on and waiting at the finish line.  Other than that we are going to enjoy the weekend with friends.  I hope all of you have a great weekend! 

It starting to look like...

a little boy's room!  Oh I am so in love with Grayson's Nursery!

The pictures tell it all! 

Now we are just waiting for the dresser and glider!

What do you think?

Week 29

Today I am 29 Weeks Pregnant!  It is amazing that in 10 weeks or so Grayson will be here.  Chad and I are both so excited.  Today we had our 3D/4D Ultrasound and Grayson is perfect.  He showed us his face and we got some great pictures and a DVD to share with our friends and family.  Last week I told you that I was scheduled to have the Glucose Test and I really thought that I would pass.  Well I didn't so tomorrow I have the three hour test.  Oh I am not looking forward to drinking that orange drink again.  I also found out that I am Anemic so I am now taking Iron pills.  Grayson's heartbeat was 144 and my belly is measuring at 29 weeks.  I am happy to report that everything is going great!

Grayson is 2 1/2 pounds the size of a butternut squash and 15 inches in length.  He is moving a ton and likes to kick and jab me throughout the day!

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along:  29 weeks

Total Weight Gain/Loss:  10 pounds

Maternity Clothes:  I purchased two pair of maternity jeans from Gap Maternity and I wore one pair last Friday they were big, but they were comfortable.  Then at church on Sunday I wore the other pair and they are very comfortable.  In this picture I am wearing them.  I am still wearing my normal shirts and dresses!

Best Moment this week:  Seeing Grayson twice once last Thursday and today!

Gender:  It's A Boy - Grayson Konnor!

Movement:  Yes it is AMAZING!

Food Craving:  Honey Nut Cheerios, Dark Chocolate, and Chocolate Muffins from a local bakery in Bentonville. They are so Yummy! New Craving: Cinnamon Bears and Twizzlers

What I miss:  Sleeping on my belly and sleeping through the night!

Sleep:  I sleep well and I am comfortable, but I miss sleeping through the night.

What I am looking forward to:  Everything about the next 10 weeks before Grayson gets here!

Belly Button:  In for now, but it looks like it is going to POP out!

Symptoms:  Heartburn and Braxton Hicks Contractions

Stop by tomorrow and I will share a few pictures of Grayson's Nursery!  It is perfect!

The Winner Is...

So I am announcing the winner today as I have a busy week next week and I don't want to forget!

With the help of Random.org the winning entry is

100

Alex Accornero you are the winner of this wonderful necklace!

Alex please contact me by Monday evening by email (mlstafford26@yahoo.com) so we can finalize the details or I will have to pick a different winner. 

Thank you for entering this FUN giveaway! Don't forget to stop by Allora Handmade and get your own necklace or headband.  You will love them! 

As a side note thanks to all for your sweet and caring comments on my last post. 

Love to all of you!

Comments

If you are receiving comments on your own personal blog about me and my family.  I am deeply sorry.  I appreciate all your emails and concern for me.  If you would just delete it I would greatly appreciate it.  I am fully aware of what is taking place.  Thank you for your continued love and support during this time.  Happy Friday!

Grayson Did Not Want to Play

Today I finally had my 3D/4D Ultrasound, but Grayson didn't want to come out and play!  He was missing his daddy.  I haven't said anything on my blog, but Chad has been at his parents all week to visit his dad.  He felt the need to make one final trip to TN to see his dad and since he is still working on the details of a job at Walmart it was the best time for him to go.

But with sadness...  

Chad's dad passed away last night after battling cancer over the past year. 

It has been a sad few days for Chad, myself, and his family, but we know that Heaven just gained another beautiful soul...Millard Smith!  So needless to say today I was feeling stressed, anxious, and sad.  I hate that I am not with Chad.  I feel that I should be there for him during this difficult time, but I have to do what is best for Grayson and I.  Funeral arrangements are on Saturday March 6th, 2010 in Tennessee.  Thank you all for your prayers over the past several weeks. 

You all mean so much to me! 

So I went to our 3D/4D appt this morning with two great friends Kim and Ashley.  I was so glad that they could be there for me.  Thanks girls for taking time to go with me.  It was great to see Grayson and hear his heartbeat, but our little stubborn or shy boy would not move his arm or hand from his face.  So I didn't get to see it.  We did see that he still is 100% BOY and right now he is in the breeched position his head is up by my ribs and his bottom is sitting on my pelvic bone.  He did move his hand once and we got a side profile view and when I saw it I thought to myself he looks like my sister's boys.  The good news is that I get to go back next Thursday for another try and Chad will be able to go too!  I did get a few photos, but I will see what I get next week before sharing them with all of you.  Hopefully he will put on a better show next week when Chad is with us. 

Tomorrow I have my last monthly doctor's appointment, the Glucose Test, and I get a shot for being Rh negative.  I am looking forward to my appointment and will have a full update for all of you on Monday during my weekly pregnancy post. 

The Allora Handmade giveaway ends tomorrow, don't forget to check it out here!

Allora Handmade Giveaway

GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED!
Remember when I shared this post with you?

Well Jessica from Allora Handmade contacted me to do a giveaway because many of my blog readers just loved this necklace.  I just love my ALLORA HANDMADE necklace.  It always dresses up my outfit and each time I have worn it I get asked where did you get your necklace?  The secret is out and now...

 

One Stafford Stories reader will be the lucky one to win this beautiful necklace.  It is a great statement necklace and will look great on any one! 

If you don't win you can always go to Allora Handmade Etsy site and browse her site for your favorite item and if you mention my blog she will give you $10 off a purchase of $40 or more.  Wow that is a great deal!  Thanks Jessica!  You will not be disappointed if you purchase anything from her site. 

I purchased the following two items today and I can't wait to wear them. 

Each item is completely handmade and unique.  You can learn more about Jessica and get update creations from her blog by clicking here. 

So this is all you have to do to enter:

Head over to Allora Handmade and pick your favorite item.  Let me know your choice in the comment section of this post for one entry.  

For a second entry follow me on Twitter (MelissaStories) and tweet about this giveaway.  Please come back and leave a comment so I know you tweeted about the giveaway. 

Best of Luck to All!

Giveaway Ends March 5th and I will annouce the Winner on March 8th 2010!

Week 28

Today I am 28 Weeks and 1 day!  I have entered the final trimester and I am feeling pregnant.  Grayson is kicking and moving so much.  Feeling his movements throughout the day is my favorite part of pregnancy.  Grayson baby's length is 15.25-15.75 inches and he is weighing 2.25 pounds.  Grayson is as big as a small cabbage.  I have 11 weeks and 6 days left before I get to see little G! 

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along:  28 weeks and 1 day

Total Weight Gain/Loss:  7 pounds but I am sure it is more we will see on Friday at my appointment!

Maternity Clothes:  None Yet

Best Moment this week:  Every moment of feeling Grayson move in my belly is the best moment!

Gender: It's A Boy - Grayson Konnor!

Movement: Yes it is AMAZING!

Food Craving: Honey Nut Cheerios, Dark Chocolate, and Chocolate Muffins from a local bakery in Bentonville. They are so Yummy! New Craving: Cinnamon Bears

What I miss: Sleeping on my belly and sleeping through the night!

Sleep:  I sleep well and I am comfortable, but I miss sleeping through the night. 

What I am looking forward to:  My 3D/4D Ultrasound is on Thursday and I have my last monthly appointment on Friday so it is an exciting week for us!  I didn't have my ultrasound last week because I missed the appointment (OPPS) so I had to reschedule.

Belly Button:  In for now, but it looks like it is going to POP out!
Symptoms: Heartburn and Braxton Hicks Contractions

Exciting news:  My bedding has shipped and we should receive it soon plus the artist is coming on Saturday to finish Grayson's room!  I look forward to showing all of you pictures next week. 

Happy Tuesday!

Random Monday Post

Sorry I have been MIA over the past few days.  Chad and I are fine we are just busy working around the house.  Thanks to all that emailed me to check on us.  So today I thought I would do a catch up post. 

We spent the weekend doing many things:

We met with the Artist for Grayson's nursery and we NOW have a plan.  She is coming back this coming Saturday to complete the design.  I am so excited!  I keep telling Chad that I can't wait until Grayson is here!  Only 84 days to go!

We cleaned out our Attic and went through paperwork, which was a chore.  It is done and we have A LOT of paperwork to shred!

We visited with our Sweet Friend Tiffany who is in the hospital recovering from hip surgery!  She is doing very well and has the best spirit! 

We had dinner with our friends on Saturday night!

Chad painted Grayson's nursery!  Here is a sneek peak at the colors:

The nursery is painted and it is perfect!

We also went to church on Sunday and the service was AMAZING!  If you have a few minutes I highly recommend that you watch the service online!  We had a guest speaker named Rick Rigsby and his story and message was AWESOME.  I was in tears and I think pretty much the entire church was!  The service can be viewed through itunes podcast.  Go to Podcasts, Religion & Spirituality, Christianity, The Church at Pinnacle Hills.  The podcast is called An Authentic Follower of Christ.  If you watch it come back and leave me a comment and give me your thoughts.

Sunday evening was a quiet night at home watching TV and relaxing.  Grayson was kicking and moving all evening so I was uncomfortable and was feeling 100% pregnant for the 1st time!

Lastly I got a few items in the mail for Grayson that I must show all of you.  Ashley at SheShe Bows made a blanket and another onesie that I just love!  Check out her site here!  If you don't see something on her site for your little one just send her a email and she may be able to create something custom for you.  She does AMAZING work!

Happy Monday to All!  I will have my Week 28 Post up tomorrow!