So, Baby Toups II is on the way! Due January 1, 2012.
I haven't updated in a LONG time, and if anyone wants to remove yourself from my update list, please check the bottom of your email and use the unsubscribe link.
Phillip will be two in August, and he is a firecracker. He loves being outside. That being said, chasing a two year old around in the 90-100 degree weather has made my first trimester very difficult. I have had unbelievable fatigue. I didn't suffer any nausea with Phillip but this time I have had lots. As a matter of fact, with Phillip's pregnancy, at 11 weeks I had already gained more than 20 lbs, but I am in my 11 week and have gained only 1 lb.
I am almost into the second trimester, though, and looking forward to the end of nausea, fatigue, and a burst of energy. I am still using the Tom Brewer Pregnancy Diet hoping for another good pregnancy.
I am still high risk b/c of my "advanced maternal age", but will hopefully get another VBAC with little to no complications. Have to eat right, exercise, avoid stress as much as possible, and get lots of rest. (Rest? What is that? That word was erased from my vocabulary when my son was born!!!)
:)
Allison
6.15.2011
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Well, the "AaaaAAAAAaahhhh" turned into a consistent "Wa-wa-wa-wa-wa" week before last, and by last week turned into "wa-wa-ma-wa", which has turned into a consistent "ma-ma-ma" this week. So, somehow, despite my best efforts to get Phillip to say "Da-Da" or "Daddy" first, he figured out who I am and calls me often. So, another first down--his first word.
Last Tuesday, January 12, he rolled from his stomach to his back for the first time. I was holding a toy up for him to look at, and he just flipped over. Yesterday he flipped himself alone, as I walked around the corner and when I came back into the room he was on his back, smiling a huge proud smile.
He is beginning to be a chore to hold, as he wiggles, worms, crawls up my shoulder, and constantly wants to see what I am doing. He reaches for any drink or food of mine, and shoves everything in his mouth that he can grasp. He has tasted water, and for fun, I let him gum down on a lemon that he kept grabbing for--Larry laughed histerically because of the funny face he made when he scrunched it up and shook his head like a puppy. He did leave the lemon alone.
His favorite toy of the week is his Baby Einstein exersaucer. He jumps up and down so hard that he sort of bounces around in the chair, and laughs at himself. If he does something that makes me laugh, he will repeat it over and over to get my attention. I need to remember to respond when he IS doing something I like, b/c he also has identified that screeching at the top of his lungs gets my attention too, and I would prefer the innocent funny behaviors. :)
Tomorrow we go to the doctor for another round of shots. We are giving him an alternate vaccination schedule, so that he never gets more than two shots at a time, and never more than one with aluminum in it at a time. Adds three more appointments to the schedule, but exposes his system to less at any given time. Last month Larry came with us, to observe the horrible screeching and complaining that I have described, and of COURSE he only fussed for a few minutes and then stopped crying. Why was I surprised?
I am so grateful to all of our friends and family who gave us books for Phillip. He loves reading time, and never tires of books. By the beginning of December he had learned to reach for the page to turn it if I lifted it close enough for him to grab, and now he constantly tries to turn the pages. Makes it hard to read to him, but I am delighted that is so engaged! Larry even read his favorite books for him to watch on TV at night before bedtime, and he loves it!
Hope you are all well.
Love,
Allison
1.21.2010
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I know that I said in my last entry that Phillip is total "entertainment", but I must repeat myself. Our little man is hilarious. His first word is "ahhhaaahhhh", which apparently translates to, "Mom, come get me!" He says it the same way every time he wakes up, wants out of his stroller, or is hungry.
He can sit up for short periods, and can stand up with support. He pulls himself to a sitting position by holding my two index fingers, then stands up and balances. He reaches for toys that he wants, and has begun to cry if he drops a toy and can't reach it.
He loves "reading time", and follows our fingers when we point to pictures in his books. Like any baby, he loves songs, especially "Old MacDonald Had a Farm" and "The Itsy Bitsy Spider".
He doesn't spit up nearly as much as he used to, so we have let him play on the floor alot more. He can hold his head up and look around, while grabbing for toys, although he despises being on his stomach and is quick to complain. He could roll over if he wanted to, but he hasn't quite figured that out yet. He gets stronger by the day, and sometimes I think he grows every time he naps!
He experienced his first snow in Kentwood a few weeks ago, but wasn't too impressed. I had him all bundled up, and even took him for a walk, but he promptly went to sleep as if he was bored. Oh well. We have pictures to show him later. LOL.
This past weekend I was SO very proud of him. We took him to a formal military Dining Out with us, and he was a perfect guest; well, he did put his feet on the table and the Colonel's wife cracked a joke about his bad table manners, but otherwise he was well-behaved. He even went to bed promptly around his bedtime, despite the loud music and noise. Then on Sunday I took him with me to an all day Confirmation retreat and he was quiet the whole afternoon. Could I be more blessed? (Ok Sally, I can hear you telling me to stop jinxing myself).
I will post some photos soon for you to see how big he is.
Love to you all!
Allison
12.15.2009
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Phillip is eleven weeks old now, and is absolutely entertainment. He is strong and healthy, and extremely communicative. His latest discovery was that he has feet. His hands have been entertaining him for weeks now, and he puts everything he touches straight into his mouth. He talks almost non-stop all day (yes, he is definitely my child), and communicates to us very clearly what he wants or what is bothering him.
I know that I have been horrible about posting photos, but I promise that this weekend I will post some pics and give a better update.
Hope this update finds you all well!
Love,
Allison
11.12.2009
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I know you all must be wondering HOW we can possibly stay in "hiding" for so long! Well, "vacation" turned out to be a little more complicated than we bargained for. Once I can get online for any period of time I will post our birth story, which is a good one, and was sort of "exciting", I will.
The short story is this: I began having hard contractions on Saturday, August 22, around 6 or 6:30-ish pm, but they weren't "timeable". I went to bed around 10 pm, but woke up around 1 knowing it was time to get to the hospital--ASAP. We got there at 3:15 am, and I was 4-5 cm dilated. Phillip was born at 4:33 am. At some point right before we reached the hospital, and I began to bleed pretty heavily. The meconium was heavy, so Phillip was in distress, so the respiratory team was called in, to check him at birth to ensure he was "ok". I was only a little past 8 cm when I started actively pushing--inevitably, that led to some "complications" with my recovery as I have some issues to deal with that are not the norm.
We are doing well, but have had some "bumps in the road" including mastitis and some secondary infection. I am glad I was so healthy going into labor, because I feel that if I hadn't been my recovery might have taken longer.
We are finally getting into a decent routine, and hopefully after a few more days of meds I will kick the mastitis. Until then, know that I am SO VERY eager to post pics of Phillip and post our birth story, but I will have to be patient like everyone else.
Thank goodness Larry was able to be home for two weeks. He has been taking GREAT care of me and of Baby Phillip, and has kept the house and farm in order. GO SUPER DAD!!!! He went back to work today and will be leaving next Monday for Ft. Benning, GA for two weeks.
I will post again when I have a chance....
Love to all and thanks for all the prayers!!!
Allison
9.8.2009
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Baby Toups, aka Lawrence "Phillip" Toups IV, made his public appearance on Sunday, August 23 at 4:33 am. We checked in to the hospital at 3:15 am--YIKES--close one! I woke up in the night in labor, but it was so far along by the time I woke Larry and Kim up to go to the hosptial at 1:30, that we barely made it in time! We checked in at 3:15, when I was 4-5 cm dilated, and he was born at 4:33 am. He was 9 lb 8.9 oz, 22 inches long, apgar score of 8, with jet black (long!) hair. We had a quick, hard labor and delivery, and there were a few concerns at first, but all is well and Phillip is now healthy as can be!
I want to say that I had the most wonderful birthing team that I ever could have prayed for, and wouldn't have had nearly the wonderful experience that I did without their support. Larry was the most wonderful coach in the world. He never left my side and did everything plus more that he learned to do in our classes--"thank you, GOD"-I really wouldn't have made it through the week, some hard decisions, and a hard labor without his staunch support and encouragement. I love you so much, Larry!
Kim, who never had time to decide whether or not she would be there, and Ashley, our assistant coach--you two were fantastic! Thanks for saying all the right things at all the right times and being there for Larry and me and Baby Toups!
We are taking a two week family vacation at home, so please be patient if we haven't returned your phone calls, texts, or emails. We will try to start catching up after our vacation is over.
Thanks so much for all of the prayers--we needed them, and they helped us!!!
Allison
8.25.2009
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"Congrats on your baby boy. I hope you have a quick and easy recovery and a great family bonding time. God Bless." -- JCDENZER
So, we are happy and proud that we made it safely to our due date, with no complications (other than our high blood pressure "scare" last week).
Dr. P seemed happy with our status yesterday. I had tracked my blood pressure all weekend and he was pleased that it was VERY good, and Baby's heart rate is still strong and consistent--and still consistently over 140. :) For all of you who use that as a sign-post of the sex, have your fun guessing!!!!
I feel great, with the exception of Baby being super low yesterday, and some contractions, but they faded away over night. I am sure it will be a long week of hoping and guessing. I was 42 weeks when I was born, so I will not be surprised if Baby Toups takes his/her time deciding to make an appearance.
We will have our computer with us at the hospital, and will update this page and Facebook when there is something exciting to tell. We will call immediate family when we are going to the hospital, and will send out a text to those of you not on facebook or on here once Baby is born. I have gotten so many texts in the last week that I have used up my limit on my cell phone texts (incoming and outgoing) for the month, so I had to devise a different way to sound out the word. Most of you seem to check Facebook pretty regularly anyway, so it seemed like an easy way to spread the word!
Love you all, and appreciate all the prayers!!!
Allison
8.18.2009
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Ok, so at some point in time my doctor said "August 14" and I thought he moved my due date up based upon an ultrasound, but apparently I was wrong. The date he is working off of is still August 17. Great for me, because it gives me more time to "get ready". :)
I am feeling ok. Had a check-up yesterday which was "ok", considering that I had high blood pressure and doc asked me to check it daily. This is such a delicate time in a high-stress pregnancy, and any changes are relevant, so I am taking it easy this week to try to keep myself super calm and unstressed. Still feel good, though, and have very little swelling to note. Am still wearing my wedding band and don't have an "outy", which I am pleased with!!!
Going back to the chiropractor tomorrow, to make sure everything is "in place", open, and that all of my systems are working well.
Will post another message when I can. Monday is my next check-up, so say a prayer that my blood pressure stays down this week and all goes well!
Allison
8.14.2009
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"It is so hot and you're at your due date-yes your blood pressure will be a little high. Don't worry, it will come down once you have your little bundle of happiness! We love you guys! Connie" -- WADESMOM
WOW. Monday is the beginning of week 40--we made it happily and healthily!! Baby Toups is active as ever in his/her playground, and just hasn't been ready to start labor and get out yet. Larry and I are both ecstatic to be full term, and are actually hoping that Baby will stay put until toward the end of next week. Our hope was 41 weeks, which is common for Bradley babies.
I still feel great, although I am much slower than usual and super, super tired. I have planned out my next week to be a rest week--well, besides my normal farm chores which wear me out to begin with!! Besides my normal routine, I intend to squeeze in some time swimming and sleeping while I have time to rest up for my big day.
Please keep us in your prayers!
Allison
8.8.2009
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"The pics are great, the three of you are wonderful together! We love you guys! Connie" -- WADESMOM
Full term with no complications. Thank GOD!!! He has truly blessed us with a great pregnancy.
My friend had her baby three days ago--an unmedicated 9 lb 8 oz beautiful baby girl, and I hope to follow in her stead. I am very proud of her. I will think of her while I am in my own labor.
Am going to post some of my favorite pictures from the shower that our friends threw for us last Sunday. It was a wonderful day, and as I look back at pictures from our three showers I feel so loved and blessed, and know that Baby Toups has many people to love him/her.
This week I feel very slow, very tired, and very round. Now I understand why some women are "ready" to have their babies. Larry has drill this weekend, so we are praying that Baby Toups will stay put until at least Monday, but I can tell that changes are going on in me, and that Baby is beginning to prepare to join us. Please keep us in your prayers as we get ready!!!
7.28.2009
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"Yay 38 weeks! Best of luck. I'm sure you can't wait to meet your little one." -- JCDENZER
So, today marks the beginning of our 37th week of pregnancy. I am amazed at how quickly time has flown by, and am ready to finally relax for a couple of weeks and just absorb and enjoy being pregnant without pushing myself to stay on any type of schedule.
I have been working very hard for months and need to rest, but the hard work has paid off. I began renovating our bedroom in May, expecting to pull down wallpaper, seal, and paint, but the project grew into a larger--but much more rewarding--"experience". After 6 weeks of not running the air conditioner so that I could renovate without breathing lead dust and/or paint fumes, we finally have a beautifully renovated bedroom. I had to re-texturize the walls, which I decided to do in a stucco style texture, and if I may pat myself on the back a little, I will say that it looks fantastic! Thanks to several friends whom I must thank here--Donna, Linda, Cindy, Harley, Dolores, Jill, and Sally--who came over to help me, it is even better than my original plan for our "African room" which will showcase the artwork that I brought back from South Africa and the artwork that Larry brought back from Qatar.
On July 3 Larry's family threw us a shower for Baby Toups, and we had a wonderful time. Spending the day with our family, who have all been expecting a Baby Toups for a long time now, was a priceless memory. We haven't had a baby on the Toups side of the family in a LONG time, so this one is much anticipated, and the excitement is contagious. We are so blessed to have a family who are so close, and we are really looking forward to our family get-togethers this fall with the new addition to entertain everyone. We got some fantastic gifts and have been "playing" with them often. :) Maybe that is why the bedroom renovation took me so long? I have posted some of my favorite photos of the day in our photo gallery--check them out! Thank you so much everyone for the WONDERFUL day and the generous show of love to Baby Toups!!! We can't wait to use all of our fun gifts to play with Baby, and to introduce him/her to all of the people in our lives who are waiting for the big day!
Yesterday some of my friends threw us a baby shower in Wilmer, LA. I thank God for all of the friends and family who love our baby already, and who have been so kind and generous to us while we prepare for our new baby. We have received so many wonderful gifts that will help us care for our precious bundle--and any others that God sends our way! I think the highlight of the day was the game in which everyone had to guess how long it would take Daddy-O Toups to change a nasty dirty diaper. HE thought it was going to be a simple task, but little did he know that the "poop" was peanut butter with greens mixed into it! He did it, but has sworn that he is going to become a master and crush his time the next go-around. :) I will post some pics when I get copies of them. Thanks so much to our hostesses--Ashley, Sally, Renee, Katie, Jill, Dolores, Patti, and Cindy for such a fabulous party!!!!
I will have weekly appointments from here on out, and should have more time to make baby page updates. I will spend the next couple of weeks resting, doing my Bradley exercises, and napping, while I still can, to keep my blood pressure and swelling down, and hopefully encourage Baby Toups to stay put until he/she is full-term. ;) Hopefully I can sneak some dates in with Larry and enjoy the alone time while we have it.
Since Baby Toups could come any time now, please be sure to email me if you want to be on the "text" list to be notified when we are at the hospital.
Larry is taking a two week vacation once the baby is born, and we will spend those two weeks alone as a family. It is the best bonding time that we will have, as we have a busy fall ahead of us, so we will turn off the phones and hide in our house. After the two weeks we will have our Christening, and then will welcome guests who want to come visit Baby Toups. We are going to try to have Baby's Christening within the first three weeks of his/her birth. We will likely go to lunch afterward, so if you are interested in joining us, be sure to email me soon so that I can add you to that list of invites (I will send out an evite).
Thanks to everyone who has helped us prepare for our Baby, and who have made our preparation time memorable. We will treasure the memories forever.
Lots of love,
Allison
7.20.2009
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WOW. I can't believe it has been so long since I updated. "So sorry" to those of you who have been worried about me or who just have been waiting for an update! Didn't mean to worry anyone!
I have had several check-ups since my last blog, and all is well. We declined our third ultrasound because all is well so far, and we don't have any reason to believe there are any problems with lil' Baby Toups, so we don't feel it necessary to expose the baby any to ultrasound (or my organs, for that matter!) than necessary. My uterus is growing a consistent 2" per three weeks, and was 30" last visit. My total weight gain so far is 42 lbs--I KNOW!!!--but I gained the first 25 the first two months, and have been gaining slowly and steadily since then. Doc says not to worry, because the Tom Brewer Pregnancy diet I am following is super healthy, and this baby must just need more from me, and that I should not worry about it--so I am not!
Baby Toups is a super active baby. He/she has begun to stretch often, and sometimes pushes from one side of my uterus to the other--feels like a swimmer doing a flip turn off my side and pushing to the other side! He/she plays with me, and if I poke gently on different spots on my stomach I get a return kick in the same place. Fun!!!
We had our first baby shower last weekend in Youngsville, LA at Kristyn Meche's house for our military friends. Thanks so much to Kristyn, Dianne, Tammy, and Michelle for throwing us a shower!!! It was so much fun to see our friends and to share our excitement about Baby Toups. We are grateful to everyone who is helping us to prepare for Baby's arrival. Once the baby's room is ready, I will post pics with all of our wonderful gifts waiting for a baby....
What have we been up to that I haven't posted in a while? Larry was at Camp Shelby from the end of May until the 19 of June at annual training. I have been working on our bedroom here and there, on the few days I had to do so. It is coming along, and hopefully will be done by the weekend, but it has been a hot and steamy project. I never could have guessed that we would have a record heat wave this month, or I wouldn't have started the project since I can't run the A/C until it is done (old house, lead paint dangers--can't circulate the dust)!!! It hasn't been unbearable, though, and my doctor just laughed at me when I told him about it. He just reminded me to wear my face mask and keep drinking lots of water--and keep working until I can get it done!! hahahaha
Our Bradley Birthing course is FANTASTIC. I only wish I had taken it during the second trimester instead of waiting until the third. Next time I will know better. I HIGHLY recommend it to anyone having a baby.
I will post some pics of the shower soon, but it is time for me to get to work today while it is cool.
Allison
6.30.2009
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I usually wait until my doctor's appointments to update, but wanted to let you all know that I posted some new photos from last week, and that we started our Bradley Birthing course on Monday.
Last weekend we went to Marksville for the Officers' Gala. I met so many new officers' wives with whom I am sure I will stay in touch through the deployment. We also got to visit with a couple who have had six children, all natural, and the husband was her coach through each labor and delivery. It was a great boost to my confidence to hear their stories! Also, Baby Toups made it very clear that he/she likes dance music, and was 'putting on a show' in my belly while the music was on. One of the photos posted is of Larry "dancing" with Baby Toups at the Gala. :)
We went to our first Bradley Birth Course on Monday. Our teacher has had five children, all natural, with only one epidural (the first baby). She has been teaching this course for 10 years, and is in the process of becoming a certified midwife. We are confident that she will have a lot of wisdom and experiences to share with us! We are both (yes, even Larry) excited, but it REALLY makes the due date seem close now that were are taking our birthing course.
Next appointment is May 5.
4.29.2009
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Had my check up today and the baby's heart rate was 149.
Discussed my weight gain so far, which is "ok", as long as what I am eating is healthy (I have already gained 33 lbs since December 13). He called me a "control freak" when I told him that I have a spreadsheet of my daily required foods that I check off as I eat them, and that I am using a recommended diet from Husband Coached Birthing. He is getting to know me better! We discussed the fact that the whole grains and the sugars from the fruit juice are probably the culprits, but if that they are part of a balanced diet for Baby.
He was very happy to hear that Baby Toups is quite the active little rugrat! Said that is what he likes to hear, and is a good indication of a healthy baby.
I forgot to ask how big my uterus measured today, but I can tell you that my bulge is bigger since the beginning of last week!
Next checkup is May 6. Will update again then. (Might post a pic sooner, if I get a good one.)
Hope that you all had as wonderful an Easter as I did!!!
Allison
4.15.2009
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This week is a marker, I suppose, as my belly bump is now definitely protruding past my chest. Sunday, two different people asked me if I was pregnant. It was a first (well, and second!). I am posting three pics to my page so you can see my bump.
Baby Toups is an active little sucker. Must be a little athlete on the way. He/she is the most active when I read aloud, and the kicking is different from the average playing throughout the day--more distinct, seems more responsive. Once in a while, if I feel Baby moving around and talk aloud, he/she will "respond" with some of the same distinct type of kicks. It is a wonderful time in my prenancy, and I am truly enjoying each day.
Next week, I finally get to begin prepping our bedroom to paint. It will be our nursery for a while, so I am eager to have it ready--just in case Baby comes early. I will post a pic when it is complete.
Sunday I got tons of "baby stuff" from my friend Kristyn, who generously passed down her clothes, breast flow bottles, and baby necessities. I am so grateful! Larry and I had fun last night, sorting through the items and clothes, and setting up the swing.
I will update again on April 15, which is my next check-up.
4.7.2009
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We had out ultrasound yesterday, and I was happy to hear that our baby is large for week 20! That is great news to me. The estimated weight is 13 oz., which is almost the average weight of babies at 22 weeks. Doc didn't adjust the due date, but I wouldn't be surprised if Baby Toups decides to be born in late July or early August.
Baby is breech right now, which explains all of the movement we have been feeling in my lower abdomen. Makes sense now, because the feet are more likely to be active than the head and hands. Heart rate was 149 during the u.s., and 159 during my appointment immediately following--I know, even Doc guessed that it might be a girl. :)
We looked through the baby boutique and had fun picking out items we hope to get for our little bambino--of course Larry found everything in the store that was camo, LSU purple and gold, or black and gold (US Army Rangers and N.O. Saints' colors). It was fun!
3.26.2009
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Well, the "AaaaAAAAAaahhhh" turned into a consistent "Wa-wa-wa-wa-wa" week before last, and by last week turned into "wa-wa-ma-wa", which has turned into a consistent "ma-ma-ma" this week. So, somehow, despite my best efforts to get Phillip to say "Da-Da" or "Daddy" first, he figured out who I am and calls me often. So, another first down--his first word. 
I know that I said in my last entry that Phillip is total "entertainment", but I must repeat myself. Our little man is hilarious. His first word is "ahhhaaahhhh", which apparently translates to, "Mom, come get me!" He says it the same way every time he wakes up, wants out of his stroller, or is hungry. 
Phillip is eleven weeks old now, and is absolutely entertainment. He is strong and healthy, and extremely communicative. His latest discovery was that he has feet. His hands have been entertaining him for weeks now, and he puts everything he touches straight into his mouth. He talks almost non-stop all day (yes, he is definitely my child), and communicates to us very clearly what he wants or what is bothering him. 
Family and Friends, 
WOW. Monday is the beginning of week 40--we made it happily and healthily!! Baby Toups is active as ever in his/her playground, and just hasn't been ready to start labor and get out yet. Larry and I are both ecstatic to be full term, and are actually hoping that Baby will stay put until toward the end of next week. Our hope was 41 weeks, which is common for Bradley babies. 
Full term with no complications. Thank GOD!!! He has truly blessed us with a great pregnancy. 
So, today marks the beginning of our 37th week of pregnancy. I am amazed at how quickly time has flown by, and am ready to finally relax for a couple of weeks and just absorb and enjoy being pregnant without pushing myself to stay on any type of schedule. 
WOW. I can't believe it has been so long since I updated. "So sorry" to those of you who have been worried about me or who just have been waiting for an update! Didn't mean to worry anyone! 
I usually wait until my doctor's appointments to update, but wanted to let you all know that I posted some new photos from last week, and that we started our Bradley Birthing course on Monday. 
Had my check up today and the baby's heart rate was 149. 
Baby Toups is definitely growing, and so am I! 
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