34 Week Check In

34 weeks... wow... just wow!!!  Baby is growing big and healthy and strong and we just can't possibly wait to meet him/her... although we will patient wait at least 3 more weeks... to full term.  :)

This update is from Sunny South Carolina, by the way.  I survived the 13 hour car ride down here and we are super excited for Chad's (brother-in-law) graduation from Army Basic Training tomorrow.  The trip down was actually a lot of fun... I always enjoy road trips with the hubby.  And... even better... on our way back, we should be able to squeeze in some beach time!!  Yippeeee!!!

How Big Is Baby?
 

• Holy big baby!!  Over 4 pounds now and 17-18 inches long!  :)  Keep on growing baby, we're almost there!

Baby’s Development

• At 34 weeks, I might breathe a little easier, since baby may descend lower into my pelvis and give my lungs some space. (Ahh!) The pitfall of this descent, of course, is even more pressure on my bladder, so be prepared to make even more trips to the ladies room over the coming weeks

How Big Is Mommy?

 

• Today was family day, so Chad gave us a tour of the base and we snapped this picture!  Kevin's hand is kind of in the way, but my baby belly is still pretty large and in charge.  :)

How Am I feeling?

• Physically:  Great!  I was really surprised at how well I handled the car ride.  We did stop about every hour or so for me to pee, but my back did pretty good, so I will call it a win!!
• Emotionally:  Excellent.  Seriously, never better.  It is so refreshing to be off work, out of the house and just relaxing for a few days.  I will admit though, that when we dropped Lucy off at the vet yesterday for boarding, I cried like a baby in the parking lot.  I can't entirely blame pregnancy hormones, because she is my little girl and I probably would have shed a few tears regardless.... but it was full on ugly cry.  I miss her TONS!!!  This also kind of makes me nervous to leave the baby anywhere and makes me think I will never ever be able to enjoy an adult vacation again.  Guess we'll see.

Any new developments, milestones?  Anything new?

• My appointment last Thursday was another quickie.  I did learn that baby is definitely head down (woohoo!!!) but still pretty high.  I'm excited that we are facing the right direction... now it's time to kick up the Red Raspberry Leaf Tea and get him/her to start heading south.  It's almost showtime.  Other than that, an uneventful appointment... which is a good thing.

 Love/Hate:

• Love: The south.  Love everything about the south... the food (we started out day with biscuits and gravy... hello?!?!  Doesn't get any better than that!), the slow southern drawl, the sweet tea, the weather... everything.  I love love love it and can't wait to move back south... one of these days.
• Hate:  Hmm... this is a tough one.  I'm in such an awesome mood right now it's hard for me to think of something I hate this week.  Maybe it will come to me... but for now, I am just loving life.  Vacation kind of has that effect on people, I think.  :)

Any upcoming developments, milestones?  What's next?

• Next milestone is next week 35/35... and the last milestone before full term.  Wow.  The end is so so close!!
• Next appointment will be Friday the 22nd.  I think that may be my last 2 week appointment... after that it will be every week until baby comes.  Eeek!!!

33 Week Check In

It's so hard to believe that the end of this pregnancy is so very close!!  While I am very much looking forward to meeting this little one and joining the ranks of motherhood... I am also trying to savor every moment that I have left feeling the baby kick, wiggle and squirm in my belly.

How Big Is Baby?
 

• Honestly... I'm not really even sure what exactly this is... lol... but it's crazy to think that baby is over 4 pounds now!!

Baby’s Development

• Baby's keeping his/her eyes open while awake. S/he's also starting to coordinate breathing with sucking and swallowing.

How Big Is Mommy?

 

• This is from Sunday on our way back from Pittsburgh.  I have been DYING for a Sonic Ocean Water slushie and was super happy to be able to enjoy one this past weekend.  It was delicious!!

How Am I feeling?

• Physically:  Pretty good.  I was nervous about the 6 hour trip and how my back would handle it, but it went pretty good.  We got out to stretch (and for me to pee) a few times and it was a breeze.  I am still surprised at how comfortable I am for 33 weeks pregnant.
• Emotionally:  Great!  Every day this gets a little more real... between setting up meetings with a potential day care and pediatrician and shopping like a maniac with soon-to-be Grandma... I am just thrilled to be where I am and excited to experience what lies ahead.

Any new developments, milestones?  Anything new?

• No appointment updates this week, but we did drive to Pittsburgh to spend a short weekend with Kevin's parents.  MIL was a shopping machine and hit Babies-R-Us like it was her job.  She printed out our registry and zoomed up and down every.single.aisle filling her cart like she was a contestant on Supermarket Sweep (remember that show?  I used to LOVE that show!).  Anyway... she basically threw us a shower, by herself.  We couldn't be more grateful.  The nursery is stocked full of every possible necessity and luxury our baby could possibly need.  We are very very lucky!!

 Love/Hate:

• Love: Cucumber tomato salad.  LOVE it.  I have eaten it almost every day this past week.  I make it myself, super simple... chopped tomato, cucumber, thinly sliced onions, fresh basil, a little olive oil and vinegar and some Italian spices.  Nom Nom Nom.
• Hate:  That we don't have Sheetz or Sonic in Syracuse.  I got to enjoy a few Sheetz smoothies (cake batter... YUM!) and a gimongous Sonic Ocean Water slushie on our road trip this past weekend... and I would sooooo love to be able to enjoy them more often.

Any upcoming developments, milestones?  What's next?

• Next OB appointment is tomorrow.  From what I understand, this should be another quickie, but a chance to check up on little one, nonetheless. 
• Next week we will be driving down to South Carolina to watch Kevin's brother graduate from Army boot camp.  It seems like I am spending some serious quality time the passenger seat of our car these days.  Anyway, we are soooo proud of Chad and can't wait to see him in uniform.  And bonus... this beach bum gets a chance to enjoy her mostest favoritest place in the world... the BEACH!!!  Woot woot!!!  Can't wait!

32 Week Check In

32 weeks and growing growing growing!!!  Baby is getting stronger every day (my poor ribs have been getting the brunt of baby's workouts lately) and my belly is getting bigger by the moment!  I actually had someone at work last week tell me about 1/2 way through the shift that I looked bigger than when we started!  Yikes!!  We now have less than 2 months to go before we get to meet our new little Mr. or Miss... so excited!!

How Big Is Baby?
 

• A squash and approaching 4 pounds.  Wowza!

Baby’s Development

• Baby may have turned so s/he’s in the head-down position by now, poised for the trip down the birth canal. And I may have noticed your nipples looking darker. That’s so a preemie can see them for breastfeeding -- isn't the human body so amazing?

How Big Is Mommy?

 

•  These pictures are from Monday, when Kevin and I went out to dinner to celebrate our first wedding anniversary.  :)  

How Am I feeling?

• Physically:  Still having back issues, but they seem to be calming down a tiny bit.  I have a chiropractor appointment tomorrow, so we'll see if that helps.  I have noticed that I am much more sensitive to the heat.  I grew up in Florida- a total beach bum- and you couldn't possibly make it hot enough to bother me.  Now I find myself heading inside and hunting for cool air after only a few minutes of playing in the yard with Lucy.  It's pretty crazy. 
• Emotionally:  Wonderful, although I was pretty darn emotional on Monday.  It was very powerful to reflect on the first year of marriage with my amazing husband, all that we have accomplished, all that we have been through, and all that we have to look forward to.  I found myself tearing up (ok bawling, but don't tell anyone) more than once.  We are so truly blessed and, although I do know this and thank God for my blessings on a daily basis, sometimes when you hit a certain milestone you really open your eyes to see the full picture.

Any new developments, milestones?  Anything new?

• Appointment went well last Thursday.  I can't believe we are down to appointments every two weeks!  And soon, every week!  Yikes!  I have been cleared to travel to Pittsburgh and to South Carolina (although I think my OB thinks I am a crazy person for wanting to spend 12+ hours in a car at this point).  The NP (who I totally believe knows the gender) was toying with us a bit.  She asked if we had any guesses, then as we listened to the heartbeat (LOVE that sound), she said "Oh I don't know... it's right in the middle... could go either way."  :)  I know they know... but it's really cool of them to build up the surprise.

 Love/Hate:

• Love: Water!  Water water water water water.  To drink, to put my feet in (Lucy has a kiddie pool that I borrow... she doesn't mind).  If only I had water to swim in, I would be one fat and happy pregnant lady.  Hopefully we will get to enjoy a pool this weekend, then when we go down to South Carolina, I am FINDING some water to lay in... all.day.long.  I am going to beach myself like a belluga whale and everyone else can go do what they do.  :)  I love water.
• Hate:  That I am seriously becoming a wimp in the heat.  It's not like me and I don't like it.  I don't want to say I hate the hot weather... because I don't.  I wait all year for this stuff... but right now I hate that I don't love it like I used to.  Perhaps it's all of this extra weight I am lugging around these days.

Any upcoming developments, milestones?  What's next?

• Next OB appointment is next week. 
• Visiting the in-laws this weekend.  Although I am less than thrilled about spending 6 hours in a car, to spend one day with them... I'm hoping it will be a good trip regardless.

31 Week Check In

We are just moving right along...

How Big Is Baby?
 

• Pineapple... mmm.... I love pineapples!!!

Baby’s Development

• At 31 weeks, all of baby's five senses are working. Plus, s/he's going through major brain and nerve development

How Big Is Mommy?

 

 

•  Aaaah!!  Bare belly picture!!  This is Lucy and I just relaxing by her pool and me enjoying some yummy watermelon (yes, eating a half a watermelon, by myself, like it was a single slice) while Lucy begs.  

How Am I feeling?

• Physically: Doing pretty good.  I feel like I've hit my stride and am getting used to maneuvering this big old belly around... although I still bump into random objects from time to time when I forget just how big I'm getting.  
• Emotionally:  Great!  Baby is healthy, mommy is healthy and the end of this pregnancy road is drawing near.  As excited as I am to meet our little one, there are times where I actually think (believe it or not) that I might miss being pregnant.

Any new developments, milestones?  Anything new?

• Next appointment is tomorrow... not much else is new.

 Love/Hate:

• Love: Watermelon.  Nom Nom Nom (hence the picture of me grubbing down on half a watermelon.  I swear I could eat a whole watermelon every.single.day.
• Hate:  That I feel pretty good all day at work, then my back acts up when I get home.  I wish I could enjoy my time at home a little more (and maybe clean/accomplish a little more around the house)

Any upcoming developments, milestones?  What's next?

• OB appointment tomorrow!!  :)
• We are calling around to set up a consultation with a pediatrician in the next few weeks (wow!!  Can't believe we are at this point) and getting ready to take our baptism class.  It's getting really really real!!
• In non-baby news, Kevin and I are celebrating our first wedding anniversary on Monday!!!  <3

30 Week Check In

We are 3/4 baked!  Holy cow!!!  I can't believe that my countdown is in the single digits for weeks... it's amazing.  I remember when I was counting down for my wedding and how exciting it was to have "less than 10" to go.  Next up will be 35/35... then it's the home stretch.  I am so thrilled to have made it this far and so excited to know that in a few short weeks I will be holding my little baby boy or girl.

How Big Is Baby?
 

• A cucumber long and well over 3 pounds now.

Baby’s Development

• 30 weeks, s/he’s not just moving a lot, s/he’s also plumping up. And as s/he continues to put pressure on my digestive system, I'm going to feel the effects: hemorrhoids (lovely), heartburn, pelvic pain and frequent urination are all common at this stage in the game.

How Big Is Mommy?

 

•  This is from this past Sunday, Mother's Day.  I will try to upload a new one soon.  :)

How Am I feeling?

• Physically:  Back is killllllling me now.  The chiropractor appointment was a quick fix, but wore off just as fast.  I am trying to remember to be more diligent with my stretching... yeah... not doing such a great job so far, but I'll get around to it.
• Emotionally:  Great.  We have made a ton of progress with preparation and the nursery and I am starting to feel *ready*... although I'm sure that is subject to change and I anticipate a few more freak outs before baby arrives.  Otherwise, I am enjoying being pregnant... I know that despite all of the aches and pains, I will miss feeling this baby moving and groving in my belly.

Any new developments, milestones?  Anything new?

• Appointment went well last Thursday.  I was told that I need to gain more weight (just in case you don't remember, 2 months ago I was told to gain more weight... last month I was told to slow down on the weight gain... now we are back to gain more weight)... it's enough to drive me crazy.  Aside from my over/under weight gain (pffffff) everything else looks great.  I am now down to appointments every 2 weeks instead of every 4... exciting and nerve wracking all at once.  I'm kind of curious whether I will get to have another ultrasound, but every time I go in, I forget to ask.
• My in-laws surprised Kevin and I by buying several things off our registry.  We now have a pack-and-play set up, a mattress for our crib and a recliner waiting to be picked up at BRU.  The nursery is filling up fast.  We are so truly blessed to have such wonderful, generous family and friends. 

 Love/Hate:

• Love: I had a bit of an obsession with Olive Garden bread sticks this week.  On my way into work Monday, I called and ordered some to pick up... and by some I mean 2 dozen... and (of course) a pint of alfredo sauce.  I honestly had no intention of sharing.  I ended up eating bread sticks for 3 days and now I could care less if I ever see another bread stick in my life.  They were, however, absolutely delicious and everything I hoped they would be at the moment.  Satisfying a craving is a pretty rewarding feeling.  lol
• Hate:  Back pain... still.  Yep.  Still hate it.

Any upcoming developments, milestones?  What's next?

• Next OB appointment is next week. 
• My mom might actually be coming up to visit this weekend, which would be so awesome!!  I won't know until tomorrow whether she will be able to catch a flight, but I am keeping my fingers crossed!  If she comes up, I am going to try to sneak in for a quick 3D ultrasound... we'll see.

Happy Mother's Day!

To all the wonderful  moms, moms-to-be, moms to angels and moms to furbabies...

Happy Mother's Day!

(*And to all the sons and daughters of wonderful mommies... CALL YOUR MOTHER!!!)

To my own wonderful mommy, I love you and hope you enjoyed a wonderful, relaxing Mother's Day!  <3

Y3W: Miss My Mom!!!

With Mother's Day right around the corner, I'm sure a lot of us are getting all sappy and sentimental about our mommies... or about being a mommy.  While it still hasn't fully hit me yet that this time next year I will be gearing up for my first Mother's Day as a ... well... mother... it did hit me today that I really miss my own mom and wish she lived a lot closer.

I had a wonderful, magical childhood followed by some rough and rowdy teenage years.  When I left to join the military, my mom and I grew both closer and farther apart in many ways.  In my 20's we finally started to reconnect and really made leaps and bounds in our relationship.  Over the past few years, we have really become good friends, which is something I always wanted (even if I didn't realize it as a teenager).  Now that I am 29 and just a few months from experiencing the roller coaster that is motherhood myself, I have really been spending a lot of time thinking about my mom.  I have developed a deeper appreciation and respect for who she is and how she raised me.  I catch myself daydreaming about my childhood and analyzing her parenting skills/decision... and you know what... I want to be just like her.  I want to get to know her even better and learn more about how she did what she did all these years.

I also find myself wishing that we lived much closer.  When I still lived at home, I always took for granted that she was there to talk to in the middle of the night, to ask advice, to laugh and cry with or to spend Saturdays shopping with... and rarely did I seize those opportunities.  Now more than ever, I regret that.  Now that I'm a thousand miles away, I would give anything for a Saturday morning coffee date or a chance to go to church together then cook out on Sundays.  To share the kitchen on Thanksgiving and get together for dinner on random week nights "just because".

To celebrate Mother's Day with her the way I always should have.

Luckily, she is only a phone call away and we do chat often, but for right now, that just doesn't seem to be enough.  I know I am fortunate, unlike many others that I know, to still have my mom in my life, alive and healthy as ever... but I'm feeling a little greedy today and I just kind of miss my Mommy.  :)