32 Weeks!

Sorry to keep you all waiting for my weekly bump picture, but apparently my husband has decided to hide the camera SD card from me!

This weekend was really special and memorable.  For Mother's Day on Sunday Art, his dad and my dad all got together and made brunch for me, my mom and my mother-in-law at my house.  It was my dad's idea and it was so cute to watch the guys in the kitchen!  They did a great job, they made us pancakes, waffles, omelettes, bacon and sausage, fruit and sparkling grape juice.  It was so much fun and really sweet of them.

Art also got me a card and a photo album and some chocolate.  I was wondering if I would get anything this year, since our daughter isn't born yet, and so I was really touched that he did that.  I got my mom the Willow Tree Grandmother figurine and a card and she loved it.  After eating and socializing my Mom, Dad and I went to visit my grandparents for a little while.  They were really happy to see us and I'm glad I got to visit my Grandma on Mother's Day.

Weekly Update:

How far along?: 32 Weeks, only 56 days to go!

How big is baby?:  Baby is 4.5 lbs. and about 19 inches long.  In these past few weeks, it's all about practice, practice, practice as she hones the skills she'll need to thrive outside the womb — from swallowing and breathing to kicking and sucking. And speaking of sucking, your little one has been able to suck her thumb for a while now. Something else to note: As more and more fat accumulates under your baby's skin, she's becoming less transparent and more opaque.

Any appointments or updates this week?: I feel like I have been living at doctors offices over the past week!  I had a prenatal check up on Monday (everything looks great) and two pediatrician get-to-know-you sessions.  The first pediatrician I wasn't 100% sure of, didn't like everything about him, but the second practice seems like a perfect fit.  It's really close to Art's office (literally across the street) so he can come hold my hand when our baby gets her shots and the doctors seem wonderful.  It was sparkling clean and the rest of the staff seem great too. 

Body changes?: Getting bigger by the day!  My hands and feet have started swelling, I stopped wearing my rings this week for fear of them getting stuck.  

Maternity clothes?:  Yep! 

Best moment last week?:  Mother's Day

Food cravings?:  Nothing specific, mainly just indulging my sweet tooth!  I have been enjoying pizza and calzones lately too. 

Symptoms?:  Swelling, back aches, cramping...I can't tell if it's Braxton Hicks though. 

Exercise?: Eh, I didn't do much over the past week. 

What I miss?:  I will be honest: coffee.  Like, when we are all at the house, and someone makes a pot of coffee, and I can't have a cup.  Grr!  Maybe it's time to invest in a Keurig? (if I keep up the no caffeine thing while breastfeeding)

What I'm looking forward to?: Getting our maternity photos taken on Thursday!  I really hope that they come out well. 

For all of my friends who are still waiting...

This weekend is Mother's Day, and I know that it will be a really hard day for all of us loss moms, most especially those who are still waiting to conceive their rainbow babies  (rainbow baby = a baby born after you have had a loss).  I want you all to know that I'm thinking of you this weekend and holding you close in my prayers.  Special hugs as well to the ladies who are going through infertility...this is for all of you...keep fighting and know that you are all in my heart.

Hump Day Bump Day!

Here's me at 30 weeks, on the day of my baby shower:

I really felt fabulous.  I loved my dress and it was actually very comfortable!  

And since I didn't get a chance yesterday, here's my update for the week:

How far along?: 31 Weeks, 62 days to go!

How big is baby?:  Your baby's about 17 inches long now, and she weighs 4 pounds, (the size of a small watermelon!) and she is heading into a growth spurt. She can turn his head from side to side, and her arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath her skin.  She's now processing information, tracking light, and perceiving signals from all five senses.  She's also putting in longer stretches of sleep, with more defined patterns of wakefulness (and movement) and rest (when she’s pretty still).

Any appointments or updates this week?:My next doctor's appointment is coming up on Monday, and I have a prenatal get-to-know-you session with a pediatrician this afternoon.

Body changes?: My belly is definitely getting bigger!  I notice that my face looks a little rounder too.

Maternity clothes?:  I've hit the stage where full-panel maternity pants are finally the most comfortable choice.  Up until now I was a demi-panel girl all the way, but the last time I wore them my big belly was totally uncomfy!

Best moment last week?:  My baby shower and having my best friend Nichole come to visit

Food cravings?:  Ice cream

Symptoms?:  Not sleeping very well, back aches and oddly enough my knees started hurting when I was walking yesterday.

Exercise?: I went for two walks this week.  Gotta keep it up!

What I miss?:  Nothing.

What I'm looking forward to?: Maternity photo shoot next Thursday, getting the nursery finished and getting more to do's done!

My Baby Shower!

My baby shower was on Saturday and it was absolutely beautiful.  My sister Liz and my friend Rose put it all together, with my mom and mother-in-law.  My best friend Nichole and her daughter Brynn even flew in from Ohio to be a part of the celebration.  I felt so blessed and showered with love from all of my family and friends!  I know that my baby girl already has so many people who love and care about her. 

Now on to the pictures!

Nichole, Brynn and me at the house before the shower

Adorable party favors

Banner made by my sister

Diaper cake made by my sister-in-law Amanda 

My mom and my sister Liz

Friends Erica, Kenia, me, Lucy and Nichole

Grandma, Aunt Christy and Mom

Guess the baby food game

Opening gifts, this one was baby's first workout outfit.  So cute and appropriate because it came from my
fitness instructor/dancer friend! 

One of my favorites, a beautiful quilted blanket handmade by Nichole.   She also made the blocks on my lap. 

Another favorite and I had to laugh that Nichole made my daughter a bib complete with a pearl necklace!
The girl is going to be so stylish :) 

The beautiful cake, it was raspberry swirl with cream cheese icing inside

Family picture!  My sister, aunts, grandma, mom and cousins
(by the way this isn't even all of us!)

Sister-in-law Amanda, Mother-in-law Carrie, me, Mom, and Amanda's mom

Group friends picture, almost all my church friends plus Rose on the far right

Simply the most lovely shower, I am truly so blessed to have such amazing family and friends to help me celebrate our little miracle baby!

So excited!!!

Today is the day, today is the day!  My best friend and her daughter are coming to visit!  I am so excited that it's GIF-worthy:

 

Right after work I'm driving to the airport to pick them up and we are headed straight for the beach!  The only minor thing getting me down is that the weather right now is not cooperating.  It's gray and rainy and supposed to rain again tomorrow.  I really hope that it lets up tomorrow so that we can make the most of our beach day and make it a great experience for her daughter (it's her first trip to the beach).  

In preparation for my shower and all of the visitors we will be having at our house (my in laws, my sister, and my friend and her daughter) I decided that I really needed to clean our house.  Unfortunately I procrastinated until yesterday to do it!  I was cleaning non stop from the time I got home from work until almost midnight.  The house looks amazing now, I wish I could always keep it this way, and I am proud of myself that I was able to do so much.  I think I'm doing pretty great for a 30-week pregnant lady!  My feet, legs, hips and back were all extremely sore afterwards but I'm feeling just fine today besides being a little tired.  

In other news, I've been making more progress on my to-do list!

Home Stuff
-Finish organizing my closet Done!

-Clean up the formal living/dining room area (currently being used as a storage/furniture building area) Done!

-Finish organizing the baby's bathroom Done!
-Finish unpacking/decorating the bedroom Mostly done, just need to hang up the mirror and curtains and some other accessories for the room.
-Unpack/organize/decorate the guest room  The room is clean and organized, the decorating may have to wait for later!

 -Install IKEA shelves in the office and unpack the rest of the office stuff We still have more shelving units to install but Art has to wait until someone can help him with them.  Everything is pretty much organized and unpacked though.
-Organize the craft room We made this into a second guest room, but it still needs to be organized as we have boxes and junk to clean out of it.
-Install a utility sink in the laundry room and possibly a counter and shelves

Preparing for the Baby
-Create our baby registry Done!
-Order the crib and dresser Done!
-Order glider Done!
-Get the nursery painted and decorated, with everything set up and organized - This is still in progress, but I'm hoping to get it finished in the next week or two.  I can't wait to share pictures!
-Sew crib bedding and window treatment  Window treatment and crib skirt are done, I just need to sew the crib sheet.
-Read 1-2 baby care books (Baby 411 and What to Expect: The First Year) - Almost done with Baby 411, I might just skim the What to Expect book, it's really thick! 
-Read 1-2 breastfeeding books
-Do 1-2 freezer cooking sessions so that we will have a month's worth of meals on hand and already prepared 

-Call pediatricians I'm going to a group open house next week for a pedi who was recommended to me

-Hire maternity/newborn photographer We have a planning session with our photographer next Monday, yay!

-Call insurance re: cost of breast pump, delivery, etc.

-Decide on pediatrician

-Schedule hospital tour

-Pre-register at the hospital

-Make will, designate guardians

-Research cord blood banking companies

As you can see, my to do list has gotten longer and we still have a lot of things in progress.  But, I think overall I'm happy with where things stand.  10 weeks is still a good chunk of time and I don't want to do everything and then get bored, right? ;)  Little inside joke for those who know me because that would NEVER happen!  I am always finding something else to plan ahead or do it seems.

I can't wait to update after my wonderful weekend and baby shower!  Have a great weekend everyone! 

For Liam

 

As I have gone through my trying to conceive journey, there is a special online community that I have been blessed to be a part of.  The members have all unfortunately known the pain of loss and support each other through good times and bad, through the happiest moments of a mom bringing her new baby into the world to the worst moments of a mother losing her child.

Over the weekend one of our dear members lost her son, Liam.  He was diagnosed with Trisomy 13, which means that his little body was severely deformed and incompatible with life.  This mom is so strong...words can't express how much I admire her for her strength through this struggle she is enduring.  This candle is for Liam and for his family.  Please say a prayer for them. 

30 Weeks: 70 Days to Go!

Yay, I'm so happy to have hit another milestone today.  The countdowns are officially on!

30 weeks pregnant, 10 more to go!
70 days until my due date!
42 work days until I go on maternity leave!
4 days until my baby shower!
2 days until my best friend comes to visit with her daughter (and we go on a little beach trip)!

As you can tell, I'm really excited this week.  All these fun things that I have been looking forward to are almost here and I can't wait!

To back up a little bit, another big "30" event occurred on Sunday...my dear husband Art turned 30 years old!  We had a big party for him at a local park with a bunch of our friends and had a great time.  The best part was that after our friends left we just relaxed by the water for a little while alone.  It was great to spend some quality time together before the baby comes.

For his birthday, I got Art a new camera lens so he went picture happy but of course he forgot to get any pictures of the two of us.  Luckily I remembered before we left and got a couple with my iPhone. 

Selfie inside the cabana we rented out, it was right by the water:

I said we had to get a picture that showed my belly too, so we asked some friendly strangers.  The Wekiva River is in the background, it was such a beautiful day!

And for my weekly update, here we go (sorry I missed last week):

How far along?: 30 Weeks, 70 days to go!

How big is baby?:  Your baby's about 17 inches long now, and she weighs 3.5 pounds (still a pumpkin). A pint and a half of amniotic fluid surrounds her, but that volume will decrease as she gets bigger and takes up more room in your uterus. Her eyesight continues to develop, though it's not very keen; even after she's born, she'll keep her eyes closed for a good part of the day. When she does open them, she'll respond to changes in light but will have 20/400 vision — which means she can only make out objects a few inches from her face.

Any appointments or updates this week?: Everything is going great, I am enjoying the beautiful weather we are having lately and praying it doesn't get too hot too fast!

Body changes?: It seems like my cankles are here to stay, at least until the baby comes.  Otherwise I am feeling good though!  My leg cramps seem to have subsided (knock on wood) and I still have a good amount of energy for now.

Maternity clothes?:  I stocked up on summer clothes at Old Navy the other day, and ordered a cute new maternity swim suit for our beach trip coming up!

Best moment last week?:  Art's birthday

Food cravings?:  Nothing specifically

Symptoms?:  Cankles

Exercise?: I've been slacking.  I hope to get back to walking this week.

What I miss?:  Not a thing, I'm so happy. 

What I'm looking forward to?: My shower and my best friend and her daughter coming to visit in two days!!!