So, When are You Due?

This is the question of the week. And, surprisingly, I kinda like it. Because I get to say, "Sunday", and watch as their eyes get big and hear all of the astounded responses at the immanency of my baby. That's right people, I grew a WHOLE baby and the time is almost up! Good for me!! But, as I should have known, there IS a possibility for negative feedback. Take a conversation I had with Baby Gap Worker last night (yes, I was in Baby Gap at 8:30 last night, and yes, I have a problem...but have you seen their new spring stuff??? Aaaa sooooo cute!!!)

Baby Gap Worker: "So, when are you due?"

Me: ::smugly:: "Sunday!"

Baby Gap Worker: "Oh wow! You don't even look..." Insert phrase that my mind has already imagined coming out of her mouth. I'm thinking it will be something along the lines of, "you don't even look full term! You. Are. Tiny! So svelte!" Ok, yes I know that response would be ridiculous because I DO look 40 weeks pregnant, and my size was only magnified by the huge sweatshirt I was wearing (a la P's side of the closet). Instead, I get this - "Oh wow! You don't even look like you've dropped!"

Thanks lady. That's obviously what I need to hear. That's basically like telling me I'm not having this baby for a looooong time and I might as well get used to being a size bagillion. Sans baby. Then she proceeds to tell me that if I want baby out, I should send my mom home (yes, this is with P and mom standing on either side of me) and go have sex. Shhhhh Baby Gap Worker!! My mom doesn't know I have sex!!

How far along?: 39 weeks
How big is baby?: Big
Maternity clothes?: Not warm enough. Every time I walk out into the frigid weather, I'm silently singing "Fat guy in a little coat".
Stretch marks?: I don't think any more have cropped up. But, then again, I avoid mirrors. Especially when naked.
Sleep?: What is sleep??
Best moment this week?: Went to the doctor and it was awesome!! I lost a pound!!! Woo hoo! Peanut's heartbeat was good and strong. My blood pressure was stellar. And, I had my first internal (ouch). I am officially ONE centimeter dilated! Only 9 more to go!!!
Movement?: She squirms all the time and is slowly poking a hole into my right side with her foot.
Food cravings?: Still milk. I have strong bones.
Labor signs?: Nothing new. I'm hoping it just takes me by surprise and happens fast.
Belly Button?: Same.
What I miss: Putting on my own shoes and socks. Mission impossible right now.
What I'm looking forward to: Having a baby!! But, if that doesn't happen, I'm looking forward to New Year's. P's family is coming up so we will have tons o fun with everyone!

Milestone: This SHOULD be my last week of being pregnant! Although we all know that I will probably have another pregnancy update post next week. Since I'm writing this post late, I only have one more day of work until baby! But I'm thinking I'll be back at that desk Monday morning. (Can you tell I'm trying to NOT set myself up for disappointment?)

Striving for Nostalgia

As I sit here at work (yes I'm blogging at work, but really who is productive the week of Christmas??), I'm trying to muster up some pleasant pregnant memories to get me through the next two weeks. It seems as if everyone KNOWS that I will miss being pregnant the minute my baby is in my arms, so I should really appreciate every excruciating moment. I've failed miserably. All I can see is the stark contrast between me at work (huge, uncomfortable, the target of every rude comment imaginable) and me at home with my brand new baby (just let me believe it will be the blissful snuggly family scene only seen in movies and not what reality will bring, which is screaming peanut at all times of the night and me unshowered with zero sleep). Yes, this attitude will make it a difficult two weeks (or, gasp, three or four), but I'm pregnant, irritated and in pain, so....neener neener neener. I don't care.

How far along?: 38 weeks
How big is baby?: 21 inches and 6.8 pounds
Maternity clothes?: Officially in the box, but the lid is still off so I can rummage through it when I want to wear something other than Ps tshirts.
Stretch marks?: More on the boobs. My little badges of motherhood.
Sleep?: What is sleep??
Best moment this week?: Another good Dr. appointment. Strong heartbeat, and she's measuring right on track. The midwife says she will be "average" size. I'm ok with that. She's locked and loaded, and I think I may have even dropped.
Movement?: Much less. I'm wondering if that is due to her sitting low in my pelvis. I can't imagine that's comfortable. But she still sticks her butt out a lot and pokes her knee/foot in my ribs, so all is a-ok.
Food cravings?: Milk. I could drink a gallon this minute.
Labor signs?: Tons of Braxton-Hicks and pubic bone pain like you wouldn't believe. And a dream that I lost my mucous plug. Yes, that was the first mention of a mucous plug (isn't pregnancy beautiful??). Hopefully my dream will become reality.
Belly Button?: Out and nasty.
What I miss: NOT having to pee. I feel like I'm going to pee my pants ALL THE TIME. And then, if I get to the bathroom, nada.
What I'm looking forward to: Hmmm. Well I'm really looking forward to having a baby. But, at the risk of being too optimistic, I'll keep it to something that is guaranteed. I'm looking forward to a very relaxed Christmas. Me, P, Mom, Dad and Stella hanging out in our tiny apartment. Milestone: 38 weeks. That's enough of a milestone for me. ONE more Monday, 6 more work days.

Sorry for the lack of "official" pregnant belly pics, but our camera is still at the shop. I really hope it is fixed before the peanut arrives b/c if not, her first moments will be recorded by a cell phone camera.

A Day in Bed

I find myself bed-ridden today due to some severe DSP (google if you really want to know) caused by a long walk yesterday (trying to walk the peanut out). So, since I have copious amounts of down time, I figured I would post some pictures. First, some of my favorite maternity pictures:

And, in honor of our first "baby's" third birthday, some vintage Stella pics:

The baby is baked

and now she just needs to decide to grace us with her presence. I'm ready to try every old wive's tale out there to naturally induce labor. On my list: spicy food, eggplant parm, red raspberry leaf tea, evening primrose oil, walking, bouncing on the ball, pineapple, labor cookies, and acupressure (which I won't try until I'm overdue, I promise). Any other suggestions???

How far along?: 37 weeks
How big is baby?: 21 inches and 6.5 pounds
Maternity clothes?: Can't wait to get rid of those awful fat clothes.
Stretch marks?: Up to three now. All on the boobs. So sad.
Sleep?: Terrible. Now it's not just having to pee and hip pain that wakes me. I have awful lower back aches that are constant and will not let me rest.
Best moment this week?: Had a great Dr. appointment on Tuesday. Heartbeat was good, the peanut is measuring right on track, and I only gained 2 pounds!! Woo hoo!
Movement?: Constant, but now they kinda break my heart. It's as if she is as uncomfortable as I am, and is just trying to find a way out. Or more room. Unfortunately she thinks she can make her exit by pushing her pointy baby feet into my right ribcage. Sorry baby girl, that's not going to do it!
Food cravings?: Coconut gelato
Labor signs?: Lots of Braxton-Hicks and tons of pelvic pressure. I don't think she's dropped completely, but I definitely feel a difference in my bladder and hips. Hoping for some more signs this week!!!!
Belly Button?: Out and gross looking. I really hope it goes back to normal.
What I miss: Good moods. I'm a cranky lady these days. Poor P.
What I'm looking forward to: Another appointment this week. Also, I'm expecting the last finishing touches for the nursery to arrive this week. Pictures to come as soon as our camera is back from the repair shop. And of course, I'm looking forward to ANY sign of impending labor. ANYTHING.
Milestone: Full term!! No more feeling guilty wanting this peanut OUT! Any day now sweetheart. If you come soon, mommy will buy you a pretty Christmas dress :-) Only 2 more Mondays and 11 work days. Unless I go overdue. But I can't even think about that right now.

One Month

until the peanut gets here!! I get more anxious for it every day. Yes, partly because I'm sooo uncomfortable and huge. But, mainly I just want to be able to hold her. And see what she looks like! Maybe she'll get here early to be our Christmas present. I hope so...because there are some REALLY cute Christmas dresses at baby GAP.

How far along?: 36weeks
How big is baby?: 20.7 inches and 6 pounds
Maternity clothes?: They look awful. I've already got them all off of hangers just waiting to be put in a box to hide in the closet once this kid gets here.
Stretch marks?: Same two. I haven't even looked for more.
Sleep?: Still awful. I've come accustomed to the burning eye feeling all day. I haven't gotten used to being completely useless once I get home from work. Good thing P takes care of me.
Best moment this week?: Getting the nursery (mostly) finished! Everything is washed and put away. There are diapers and wipes on the changing table. Her going home outfit is packed in the diaper bag. There is a car seat in my car. Yes, a car seat. Wow. I think we would be ok if we had to bring her home today. But she still needs to wait about one more week. (Special thanks to mom and P for helping. I couldn't have done it without you.)
Movement?: Had a scare on Friday. She wasn't really moving that much, but I laid down to do a kick count and she made all ten in fifteen minutes. I guess she just wasn't moving as strong as usual. Things are back to normal now, with her shoving her feet/knees/whatever else into my ribs/belly button/bladder.
Food cravings?: Chicken Caesar salad.
Labor signs?: The Braxton-Hicks have gotten a LOT stronger. But still not very regular or painful.
Belly Button?: Out.
What I miss: Dressing up and looking cute for date night. I would LOVE to be able to throw on a cute dress and heels and take P out for wine/sushi. I guess I'll have to wait a while for that.
What I'm looking forward to: My 36 week appointment. I'll start weekly checkups after this one. Hopefully she's still in position, and measuring right on track. We'll also get our birth plan approved. And, not baby related, our puppy Stella turns 3 on Thursday!!!
Milestone: Having a baby-ready house! ONE more week until full term, 3 more Mondays left, 16 work days left.

35/35

What a week! We visited P's fam for Thanksgiving, and we had a WONDERFUL time. I made sure I did NOT overindulge (despite the nice warning a drunk stranger gave me outside of Beef O'Brady's to not eat too much turkey...ugggg). Then we visited my fam and had such a nice relaxing time lounging, eating, and watching the Gator victory. Even though we had such a good holiday, I am getting VERY uncomfortable. Yes, I know I have a "long way to go". Yes, I know she could go past her due date. Yes, I know it looks like a "big baby" (which, by the way, does not make the expectant mother feel anything but terror). But I'm done. I would be totally fine if she came as soon as she reached the official 37 week full-term mark. But I won't get my hopes up, I promise.

How far along?: 35weeks
How big is baby?: 20.25 inches and 5.5 pounds
Maternity clothes?: Uncomfortable
Stretch marks?: Two. On one boob. Yuck.
Sleep?: Even worse. I get up at least once to pee, and a hundred times to re-adjust. I just want to get comfortable!!!!!
Best moment this week?: Seeing all of P's fam for the last time before the little girl makes her arrival. It was a little sad knowing it was our last road trip just the two of us. But having that peanut in the car seat in the back will be amazing!!!
Movement?: Yup. She's out of room. And has found my ribs with her tiny baby feet. Yes, it's cute the first time. After that it HURTS! I'm constantly having to put my arms over my head to get her out of there. I have no idea how she's going to find more room to grow.
Food cravings?: Not really. I had enough Thanksgiving food to cancel out anything specific.
Labor signs?: Lots of Braxton-Hicks, but I'm pretty sure it was from the stress of traveling and not keeping hydrated.
Belly Button?: Out.
What I miss: My old body. And everything that goes with that.
What I'm looking forward to: Installing the car seat! We had the interior cleaned this weekend, so it's all ready for baby. I'm also going to try to get our hospital bag packed. I want to be ready just in case that 37 week wish comes true!
Milestone: 35/35! 35 weeks down, 35 days to go. 2 weeks until full term, 4 more Mondays, 22 work days left.

Happy Thanksgiving!!

We're getting ready to take our last trip until the little one gets here. It's a little sad. I'm sooo ready to meet our little girl, but that does mean the end of an era. Car trips will never be the same...

How far along?: 34 weeks
How big is baby?: 19.8 inches and 5 pounds
Maternity clothes?: Boo. It's really hard to pack for 4 days when you only fit into one pair of pants comfortably. I might make a "no Thanksgiving pictures allowed" rule this year.
Stretch marks?: Can't see any when I'm not looking in a mirror. Guess that's a good thing.
Sleep?: Absolutely awful. Acid reflux and hip pain. I hate them. And I have meltdowns when I get so tired. Good thing P knows how to handle it. Feed me and make me take a nap.
Best moment this week?: Getting my diaper bag!!! Yes, it is FABULOUS. I can't wait to use it!
Movement?: Stretches and kicks to the ribs. I think she has punched my hip a few times. And as always, sticking her booty out so far I feel like my belly is going to explode.
Food cravings?: Garlic rolls. Yum.
Labor signs?: Same old Braxton-Hicks.
Belly Button?: Outish. There's no hiding it, you can see it through all of my shirts.
What I miss: Sleep. Running (there are tons of runners out all the time now that the weather is nice). Bending over. Remaining inconspicuous while out in public.
What I'm looking forward to: My 34 week appointment. I get tested for GBS, so hopefully that will be negative. I really really hope she's still head down too. And my maternity pictures are done, so I'll post those as soon as I get them!
Milestone: We got the ceiling fan hung in the nursery (thanks to P's amazing handy man skills), and also hung the curtains. It's really starting to come together! Now we just need a few decorative touches and it will be ready! 5 more Mondays, 23 more work days, 3 weeks until full term.

A Sneak Preview

of the fabulous maternity pictures K took for us -

Check out her blog in my blog list!!

I think we might be ready

For our peanut to make her arrival. No, I don't mean mentally/emotionally "ready", since I'm sure every experienced parent on the planet will tell us that you can never truly be "ready". But just in reference to the physical, I think our little girl has everything she could possibly need/want for her first several months of life. I'm amazed at how generous everyone has been to our family. We are so blessed!!

How far along?: 33 weeks

How big is baby?: 18 inches and over 4 pounds

Maternity clothes?: None of my shirts cover the bottom of my belly. It's a whole new feeling when you don't fit into MATERNITY shirts. Ug.

Stretch marks?: Don't know, don't care (for now).

Sleep?: Still terrible. But I do get better sleep when it's cold out and we have the window open. I think it's my body in survival mode. If I freeze it enough I'll just remain unconscious.

Best moment this week?: My fabulous baby shower!! It was so good to spend time with the fam and friends. The peanut got so many cute things!!! And I got to chow down on some of the best true down home southern cookin. It was a great day :-)

Movement?: Yes. And it's starting to get a bit painful. It's almost always just stretching, and unfortunately I feel like I have no more room to give her. It will be a LONG seven weeks if she's going to DOUBLE in size.

Food cravings?: Nothing specific lately. But my appetite has increased a bit.

Labor signs?: Same old Braxton-Hicks.

Belly Button?: Flat. And odd looking.

What I miss: Eating raw cookie dough. My thighs NOT rubbing together. Good hugs (it's really hard to give a good hug when there's a baby in the way).
What I'm looking forward to: Hopefully we'll get to tour the hospital on Saturday. And we only have a few things left to get for the nursery, so I'm going to do my best to get it done this week. Milestone: Had my 32 week appointment. Everything looks good. Baby girl is growing right on track and has a very strong heartbeat. Still head down, and the doctor said it felt like she was pretty stuck that way. Woohoo!!! 6 more Mondays (not counting today), 29 work days left, 4 weeks until full term.

Here's some shower pictures:



The most precious cake ever. Our little peanut next to Stella. And it was delicious too!


All of baby girl's gifts. And my pregnant face.

Official Week 33 pic:

Time is standing still

as I wait for our little girl to get here. I know, I know, it's only going to get worse the closer I get, but I'm not a patient person. At least I'll have the holidays to distract me a bit while I'm waiting. So now I just wait for Thanksgiving...two more weeks!

How far along?: 32 weeks
How big is baby?: 18 inches and 3.75 pounds
Maternity clothes?: My work uniform = jeans, a soft shirt and sandals. Comfort is my ultimate priority. It's the pregnant person's "business casual".
Stretch marks?: Don't know, don't care (for now).
Sleep?: Awful. I basically get naps in at night. No more long glorious stretches of uninterrupted sleep. And please don't tell me this is just "practice" for having a newborn. I don't need to practice being tired. I've got it down. Now being able to rest up BEFORE she gets here...that would be ideal preparation.
Best moment this week?: Had my maternity photos taken!! I'm super pumped to see how they turned out. It will be the one time I won't mind having pictures of myself looking like a whale. We also booked the photographer we wanted for our infant photos.
Movement?: Yup! Every morning and after I eat. And now, in the middle of the night. That's the only time I don't mind being kept awake. I love feeling her stretch around in there. And sometimes it feels like she's having a dance party. So cute...unless it's on my bladder.
Food cravings?: Sonic coconut slushes.
Labor signs?: Same old Braxton-Hicks.
Belly Button?: I think we can say it's officially flat. We'll see if it ever emerges to a full on outie.
What I miss: Mobility. Painting my toenails. Getting out of the car without assistance. Bending over.
What I'm looking forward to: My 32 week appointment on Tuesday. I get to meet with the doctor we want to deliver with! AND I have my baby shower on Saturday!!! Woo hoo!! We are soooo blessed.
Milestone: Hmmm...another week down? 7 more Mondays left. 33 more work days. 5 weeks until full term.

Picture to come...

Tailgating Pregnant...

is kinda like being famous. I don't know why, but all strangers are extremely impressed to see a pregnant woman outside for the day to watch a football game. For me, it's an excuse to be sweaty (since everyone else is too) and eat good food all day long. Who wouldn't like that?? But I guess the attention was nice. I stopped counting how many times I was called a "trooper" on the walk to watch the game :-)

How far along?: 31 weeks
How big is baby?: 18 inches and 3.5 pounds
Maternity clothes?: All of them are too tight. I'm going to default back to yoga pants every day. Work should just appreciate that I'm not coming in in PJ pants.
Stretch marks?: Out of sight out of mind.
Sleep?: Still pretty bad. I had a melt down last Thursday and I'm pretty sure it's because I didn't sleep at all last week. But after a good cry, a nap, and dinner in bed from P I felt much better. Hopefully I can keep it together better this week.
Best moment this week?: We met with the midwife at the new OBGYN practice and I LOVED her. She really took her time getting to know my file, answered tons of questions, and didn't rush me at all. And she even felt around on my belly to see what position the little girl is in. And the verdict is...HEAD DOWN!!! Woo hoo!! Now I know she can flip around a million more times before she's locked and loaded, but I'm hoping she stays right where she is. So now I know what part keeps pushing out of the side of my belly...her tiny little bottom. Just knowing that makes it a bit more cute and a bit less painful.
Movement?: All the time and VERY strong. I think it's starting to freak P out a little b/c now it feels like a little person is in there trying to get out. Her favorite thing to do after I eat is push her feet against my right side to push her little booty out of my left side.
Food cravings?: Not so much this week. But the heartburn is much worse. Just drinking water before bed makes me want to puke. But does that keep me from eating?? Of course not!!!
Labor signs?: Braxton-Hicks probably once a day.
Belly Button?: Still weird looking. It's half way out right now.
What I miss: Breathing easily. She is definitely taking up lung space now. I'm told that when she drops it will be easier. Too bad that's probably 8 or 9 weeks away!
What I'm looking forward to: I ordered more baby clothes on Old Navy last week, so they should be here soon. And I got her her first pair of jeans. They're soooo tiny!!!!
Milestone: People have started to ask how much time is left, instead of how far along I am. I think I got that question 5 or 6 times on Saturday. And it kinda feels weird saying 9 weeks!!!

And here's the 31 week pic:

Happy Halloween!

I can't believe it's already the end of October. That means I have about two months left!! On one hand I'm so excited she's almost here because I can't wait to meet her. On the other hand...the nursery isn't done, we haven't been to all of our birth classes, and I'm terrified I won't have enough clothes for her when she gets here (very very unlikely). Some updates from the week-

How far along?: 30 weeks
How big is baby?: 17 inches and 3 pounds
Maternity clothes?: The weather decided to turn warm again, so I'm surviving on VERY tight summer clothes. Hopefully people understand when I walk into a meeting in jeans, a tank top, and sandals. I'm big, I'm hot, and nothing fits me. Leave me alone.
Stretch marks?: I just don't look in the mirror anymore. It's out of my control now, so why torture myself?
Sleep?: Awful every night. Well, it could be worse. I'm in bed usually for a full 8 hours. I'm just not sleeping. I wonder how many calories constant tossing and turning burns?
Best moment this week?: P has started doing kick counts with me every day when I get home from work. I LOVE being able to take the time and pay attention to how much she's moving (especially if the activity is induced by Pepsi...wow). I'm pretty sure P likes it b/c there's an app for kick counts he downloaded on the ipod. Whatever gets him motivated :-)
Movement?: Yup, still a very active little girl. She's into stretching now more than kicking. Sometimes it feels like she's going to stretch straight through my belly button. I think she's running out of room already!
Food cravings?: Nothing in particular this week. Although P and I did have an impromptu date at Cheesecake Factory on Thursday and he let me get the Godiva brownie sundae. Heavenly.
Labor signs?:Braxton-Hicks especially when I'm out walking. And the pelvic pain, which in turn causes the waddle.
Belly Button?: Weird looking. And definitely visible through all of my shirts. And I'm out of band-aids.
What I miss: Running. I'm jealous of every runner that passes me while I'm trucking my enormous frame down the road at 1.5 miles an hour. And, along those same lines, fitting into running clothes. I'm pretty sure every person that lives on our road has seen bare belly hanging out of my shirts while I'm out.
What I'm looking forward to: I meet with my new doctor!! Hopefully it is a fantastic experience. And we're going to try to do the hospital tour again this week (they cancelled last week).
Milestone: I'm in the 30's! Ten more weeks left (more or less). I really feel like we're in the home stretch.



Week 30 pic to come...I haven't taken it yet.

Any day now?

The question I am asked most lately. This gets a blank stare from me followed by "No, not really. I'm due in January." This is usually followed by comments of incredulity on how large I am. Grrrr. Not what a hormonal pregnant woman wants to hear.

How far along?: 29 Weeks
How big is baby?: 2.7 pounds, 16.7 inches (approximately)
Maternity clothes?:It's finally fall weather here (so exciting!!!)...and I have nothing to wear. I might be wearing P's sweatshirts to work this week.

Stretch marks?: I think I have two new ones, but I can't see them, so I'm pretending they're not there.

Sleep?: I'm still tossing and turning all night due to hip pain, but keeping the windows open (now that it's cold at night) has really helped me get comfortable. P has to wear long sleeved shirts to bed and sleeps under the duvet now :-)

Best moment this week?: Taking the plunge to switch doctors. I'm much more comfortable with our choice now, and I'm confident that she will do everything she can to give us the birth we want.

Movement?: She's still an active little girl, but I can tell she's running out of room. I feel more stretching and rolling than kicks. I just wish I knew what position she was in (everyone cross their fingers for head down).

Food cravings?: Still pumpkin. P went to Starbucks for us on Friday and surprised me with a slice of their heavenly pumpkin bread...he's my hero.

Labor signs?:Braxton-Hicks every once in a while, and increasing pelvic pain. Ug.

Belly Button?: I would say flat. Definitely not in, but not quite out either.

What I miss: Walking like a normal person. I have the waddle now, and as much as I try to fight it, it takes over me.

What I'm looking forward to: A girly weekend! P will be in Mississippi for the Gator game, so I have the house to myself. Maybe I'll make some more progress on the nursery...

Milestone: I passed my diabetes screen AND my iron levels are fantastic! I also got my first Rhogam shot and it HURT. I still have a bruise. On a more fun note - we got our new camera!!! It's a Nikon D3000, and it's really awesome. I don't know how to use it yet, but I figure I still have 11 weeks left to learn.

Week 29 pics (covered and bare belly)

P captured my new trick:

Stella with the belly - she loves to snuggle close to it:

A person sitting next to you with hiccups

= annoying. A tiny baby inside of you with hiccups = the cutest thing I have ever seen (um...or felt I guess).

Two Trimesters Down...

One to go!!! Now for my weekly update:

How far along?: 28 Weeks
How big is baby?: 2.4 pounds, 15.75 inches (approximately)
Maternity clothes?: I'm done wearing them. I want to wear my seven jeans again...but I guess it's all worth it in the end :-)
Stretch marks?: The old ones that I thought were huge in my pubescent days are now twice as long.
Sleep?: I have now graduated to getting up twice to pee every night (it had been just once for the past few weeks). I can now get out of bed, get to the bathroom, pee, and get back in bed without opening my eyes. It's a skill I'm very proud of.
Best moment this week?: Finding the PERFECT lamp for the nursery at Homegoods. It's all starting to come together!
Movement?: Yup, all the time. I'm constantly trying to figure out what position she's in. It's still too hard to tell, but I'm hoping she ends up head down!!
Food cravings?: Pumpkin anything. I bought the most delicious pumpkin muffins at Publix. And ate them all in 24 hours.
Labor signs?: Just Braxton-Hicks every once in a while. I had a couple during the game last night (and I think they were stress induced). Poor little girl is affected by the Gator's performance as much as I am!

Belly Button?: Still in, except for a little lip that sticks out at the top. You can see it when I wear certain shirts, so I'm going to have to start band-aiding it.

What I miss: Standing up without assistance. And being able to shave my legs in a decent amount of time. It's quite the chore now, and I usually have to rest afterward.

What I'm looking forward to: The results of my gestational diabetes test. The sugary stuff they make you drink before it is gross and made me feel sick. And then they had to try twice to get a good vein. You know how I am with needles, so that was traumatizing. And they put off my Rhogam shot until Tuesday, so that's the next big thing to look forward to.

Milestone:Third trimester baby!!! We're in the home stretch. Less than three months until my little girl is here.

28 week pic:

The FAB lamp that we found:

And the crib with the wonderful bedding made by Nana. I'll put up a better picture when we have the whole nursery done:

Some Shower Highlights

The fabulous party planner that put it all together:



The whole party:



My wonderful girls...aren't they pretty???

And last but not least, the infamous cake. Sooo good!

I'm pretty sure I have the best friends ever...

I know I may be biased, but I think my baby shower was the best baby shower ever. It was SO good to see everyone! And baby girl got everything she could possibly need or want! I am so blessed!! The place was gorgeous, the food was fantastic (you can NEVER go wrong with Mexican), the decorations were perfect (especially the personalized M&Ms), and it was pretty much the best day ever.

I've already put the bedding in the crib (thanks Nana!!!) and it makes it all seem so real now. I'll have a baby sleeping in that bed soon. And I'm going to be responsible for her!! At least I have three more months to get used to the idea.

Some stats from the past week:

How far along?: 27 Weeks 1 day
How big is baby?: About 2 pounds 3 oz, and 15 inches long.
Maternity clothes?: Yup. My belly is slowly peeking out the bottom of the maternity shirts. I've decided not to care.
Stretch marks?: Old ones are getting longer, but no new ones yet.
Sleep?: Getting worse. I sleep for a solid 3 or 4 hours, then the rest of the night is tossing and turning. At least I don't usually have to get up to pee more than once a night.
Best moment this week?: Definitely my shower on Saturday. I hope my little girl finds friends as amazing as mine some day.
Movement?: Still really active. She decided that Saturday night was not for sleeping but for having a dance party. All night. I'm hoping it was just from the shower excitement (and the chocolate cake) and won't become a habit.
Food cravings?: None this week. Except for that shower cake. I could eat a hundred pieces and never feel guilty.
Labor signs?: Some Braxton-Hicks. My belly gets hard and my face gets flushed for a minute. They don't hurt, but sometimes I have to stand up and move around to catch my breath.
Belly button in or out?: In when I stand normal, flat when I stretch up.
What I miss: Wearing button down shirts. I tried on one of my old ones this morning for work. It did NOT look appropriate. And heels. I'm tired of wearing flats all the time, especially on date night!
What I'm looking forward to: My gestational diabetes test and Rhogam shot is on Friday. Everyone cross their fingers that I don't pass out from giving blood, the shot doesn't hurt, and that I pass the test with flying colors! OH and our first birthing class is tonight!! I'm hoping we will be stellar students :-)
Milestone: Setting up the nursery and putting clothes in her closet. Oh, and I got the forms to fill out for her birth certificate. Wow, we're really having a baby.

Double Digits

How far along?: 26 Weeks
How big is baby?: Almost two pounds and 14 inches long.
Maternity clothes?: Getting smaller and smaller. I'm going to be left with sweatpants and Ps t-shirts at the end.
Stretch marks?: Still no new ones, but my old ones are getting longer :-(
Sleep?: Definitely not as easy as it used to be. I sleep with a total of four pillows now and take up the majority of the bed.
Best moment this week?: Hearing her little heart beat at my Dr. appointment. It's always amazing to hear. We both got a good report and she's measuring right on track.
Movement?: All the time. She's very active in the mornings, after I eat, and right before bed. So far she sleeps when I do at night. Let's hope that keeps up after she's here!
Food cravings?: Nothing specific this week. Just sweets, as always.
Labor signs?: None so far! I think I've had a few Braxton-Hicks but it's hard to tell.
Belly button in or out?: Still in, but I give it a couple weeks to be popped.
What I miss: Sneezing without peeing my pants. You take the little things for granted.
What I'm looking forward to: My baby shower on Saturday! I can't wait to see everyone!!
Milestone: Double digits on the countdown! 98 days to go!!

Heres the 26 week pic:

25 Weeks Down

Baby girl is a pound and a half this week. So I'm wondering where all the other weight is coming from...must be those cheeseburgers. I'm feeling great lately and hopefully things will stay that way! Here is the official 25 week pic:

Week 24 (late again)

OK, so I know I'm a slacker when it comes to updates, but better late than never right? I don't have a picture, so to make up for it, here are some stats:

How far along?: 24 weeks and 4 days
Total weight gain: Not answering this one. I don't weigh myself. I find it's better to not know!
How big is baby?: Just over a pound.
Maternity clothes?: I'm actually starting to grow out of some of my pants. I need the full belly kind now. Baby girl doesn't like to be squeezed by the half band kind since she sits so low. I get constant kicks to the waistband when I wear them.
Stretch marks?: No new ones so far. Just my burn mark (which is healing up but leaving a faint scar...boo).
Sleep?: I need a full 8 hours in bed. If I try to stay up too late (past 10) my body takes over and I fall asleep wherever I am. BUT, then I wake up 3 to 4 times a night to painful hips. But it could be worse.
Best moment this week?: OK, not entirely baby related...but getting our new couches. It's finally comfortable to sit in our house. I will post pictures later I promise.
Movement?: A TON. She is kicking away all day long. She's still head up so the kicks are low, but she sure packs a punch now. And you can definitely see it. Sometimes it looks like she's trying to escape through my belly button.
Food cravings?: I'm too ashamed to admit my newest. OK, I'll tell you. Five Guys cheeseburgers. I can't get enough. I'm a bad mom.
Labor signs?: None, thank goodness!
Belly button in or out?: In, but getting quite shallow!
What I miss: Running (I finally transitioned to mostly walking this week). Getting new fall clothes (maternity clothes don't count).
What I'm looking forward to: Getting our new camera! Hopefully we will take the plunge next week.
Milestone: 24 weeks marks the little girl's "V-day". V is for viability. That means if I were to go into pre-term labor, they would attempt to save her. BUT, hopefully she will be content in her home for a LOT longer!!!

It's Finally Football Season!

Our peanut went to her first football party this weekend (Go Gators)! I'm hoping she'll get used to the noise of the game while she's in there, because she might be born right around the championship game and we will be quite rowdy if our Gators are playing. She's still moving around in there all the time. This week I think she is 8 inches (head to butt) and weighs a pound. It's harder for me to get off the couch lately, and running is a HUGE struggle for my poor legs. They aren't used to handling my girth yet.



Dad is out of the hospital and doing just fine. He's glad to be out and back to his normal routine.


And, something very exciting but not baby related...we're getting new couches today! Hopefully these will be a bit more child friendly than our light fabric one we have right now. I'll post pictures of them later!



Here's week 23:

What a Week!

Once again I'm late for my update. Unfortunately I don't have a 22 week pic, but it's almost time for week 23, so I'll just post that on Sunday. Let's see, where to begin? My little girl is getting stronger and stronger and making her presence known. She kicks a LOT, and sometimes not in the most comfortable places. I guess I'm getting bigger by the day and my brain doesn't have time to realize I take up more space now. I was cooking last week on the stove and needed a cup. Our cups are in the cabinet above the stove (up high above the microwave), so I had to reach up to grab one. In my old body this would not have been a problem. In my pregnant body, my belly pressed into the hot skillet. Yes, I burned my baby. I know she didn't feel it but I sure did! So now I have a burn running across my belly. P says it looks like a scar from getting my appendix out. Lovely.



Thursday I had a routine doctor's appointment, and all is well. If you're not familiar how routine appointments go, it's pee in this cup...step on the scale...blood pressure...and listen to the heartbeat. Usually it takes me ten minutes. But this time took longer due to my little girl's attitude. The nurse uses a doppler to listen to the heartbeat which is just a wand and a little speaker so you can hear that amazing thump thump thump. They have to actually count the beats to get the bpm (I guess they're not high tech enough to have one that automatically calculates it). So I'm laying there with the goo on my belly while the nurse is poking around trying to find the heartbeat. She finally found it and started counting, and then we hear a big BOOM come out of the speaker. Yes, my baby kicked the doppler. She doesn't like to be poked. I thought it was hilarious. So the nurse tries to find it again (b/c she still needs to count), and as soon as she finds it, another kick right to the wand. It took about 5 tries before my little girl tolerated the poking long enough to get the bpm. I'm happy to report she's a healthy 150 bpm. And apparently very fiesty.



Another update, not as fun as the others, is all of the craziness that's been going on with dad. He went in for a routine physical on Monday and the Dr. heard something funny in his heart. He sent him over to the hospital for some tests, and it seems that dad has a heart arrhythmia. Right now he's still at the hospital waiting on the plan of action. We're pretty sure they will just release him with instructions to take aspirin, but we're waiting on the final word. P and I stayed down there Monday and Tuesday night, and left mom to fend for herself in the hospital the rest of the week. Dad feels fine, and is VERY ready to be home. We're all very greatful the doctor found it (since dad had no symptoms) and that it seems like everything is going to be fine. I'll let everyone know when he gets released.



Since I don't have an "official" week 22 pic, here's one taken at P's soccer game on Sunday:

21 Weeks Down 19 to Go!

So I'm pretty sure the little girl had a growth spurt. I feel HUGE! And now strangers feel confident to ask me my due date instead of covertly inspecting my middle to try to figure out if it's a baby or too much pizza. It's amazing that she's only half way grown, and I'll just keep getting bigger! Dad bought us our stroller, and it was hilarious watching him and P try to put it together. They did accomplish the goal, and it is now sitting in the nursery closet just waiting to be used. We've decided on colors for the nursery, so now we'll work on getting everything set up. I'll post pics of our progress as soon as we start working on it. My increased appetite is here to stay...I am LOVING food right now. But I don't feel too bad, b/c every day I feel her getting stronger. Her little flutters are serious kicks now (most of the time to my bladder). I actually felt her flip around yesterday from feet down to head down (it was a very weird feeling). Here is the 21 week pic...sorry I look so scrubbed out but I was getting ready to run when I remembered to take it.

Half Way There!

I can't believe we'll have our little girl in 20 weeks (give or take)! Time is flying by. Not much has changed this week, except for the awful stretching sensation in my abs. I guess she needs some more room in there! P and I have been to BabiesRUs several times lately just to play around with everything. I think we spent an hour snapping car seats into their bases and collapsing all of the strollers. At least we'll be a little prepared for what's to come! I've been feeling some stronger kicks and can even see them when I look at my stomach at the right time. She's still being shy when P puts his hand on her, but I think she's just saving up one really good kick for her daddy. Here's the 20 week pic (getting bigger every day!):

19 Weeks and Counting

Not much of an update since I posted so late last week. I'm still loving anything with hot sauce on it, and my appetite is enormous. We have some new additions to the nursery, thanks to mom and dad! We have our crib and changing table all set up, and it is really starting to look like a baby's room. Next step is picking out bedding, which is proving to be harder than I thought. Here are some pics of P and I setting it all up, and my 19 week pic as well.

18 Week Update (a little late)

I'm already bad at updating on time! So here is my 18 week update 5 days late. I've finally started feeling her consistently and it is an amazing feeling! All of the books say it's supposed to feel like butterflies, but it's never felt like that for me. It feels like muscle twitches, but a little stronger. I've felt it on the outside a couple times, but every time P tries to feel she stops! Just in the past couple days my hunger has increased (maybe she's having a growth spurt) and the only thing I want is Chipotle burrito bowls with LOTS of hot sauce. I think I've had three in two days! Here's my 18 week pic...she's growing every day!

It's a girl!

We had our big ultrasound on Thursday. Mom, P, and I headed down to the hospital while I was sucking down a REAL coke (and it was delicious) so the peanut would move around and give us a good shot. The took us right in and sat P down next to me (apparently the husbands are required to sit down...b/c they might faint) and she got started. She took all of the measurements (all normal) and then started to look for the goods. She poked around for a little bit, and then I heard the dreaded words...it has it's legs crossed. Ahhh! I drank sugar and caffeine for this very moment, and there she sat, as mellow as can be. I think the tech realized I was starting to freak out, so she shook my belly a bit and moved the thing around some more. Thankfully she is so good at what she does, b/c she froze the frame, put up the little pointer, and said "You're having a girl, dad!". Woohoo!! Of course I had to ask if she was sure, and she said she was 99.9% sure. I was ecstatic, mom had tears in her eyes, and P instantly took on the role as overprotective daddy to his little girl. We celebrated with a huge dinner at Cheesecake, then a shopping spree at Baby GAP. Shopping for a little girl is so much fun!! Here are the pics of our 17 week little girl:

A shot of her singing:

She decided to stretch toward the camera so we could see her beautiful face:

The money shot! I'm glad the tech can read it better than I can, because I can't really see anything: