Love this post...

I found this a few months ago, and knew that I'd want to post it for myself when the time came. I just have to laugh out loud when I read these. I obviously have my own frustrations. Gotta love the humor in it. :)

What Not To Say To A Woman In Her Last Few Days of Pregnancy:

1. When I call you, don't answer the phone "Are you in labor"

2. When you call me and I answer don't say "So I guess you haven't had the baby yet"

3. If I don't answer, don't freak out. Don't keep calling!!! And don't start calling everyone else to find out why I didn't answer. Maybe I was in the shower. Maybe I went for a walk. Or maybe I just don't want to talk.

4. Don't tell me what day to have the baby because it is "better" for you. 2 reasons why:
     A. I have been carrying this baby for 10 months and really don't care what is more convenient for  you.
    B. If I really had any control over when the baby came do you think I would still be pregnant????

5. Don't tell me "It will all be worth it." Well, duh! I am not a terrible person, nor will I be a terrible mom because I want my pregnancy to end sooner rather then later. I know it will be worth it, but I still have a right to vent if I want.

6. If you don't want to hear a woman who is 39.5 weeks pregnant vent, then don't ask her how she is feeling or read her blog. She feels like crap.

7. If you have been pregnant before, don't act like what she is going through is totally normal and it is no big deal....mother nature makes you forget how terrible the end is so you will have more babies. In the moment it is bad and painful and you have just forgotten that.

8. If you are the Publix cashier, don't say to me "you still haven't had that baby yet". Yes I told you very proudly last week that I hoped this would be my last shopping trip without the baby....but clearly I am still fat and haven't had the baby. I ran out of food so I had to come back, ok? (Ok- so this one is directed at one individual)

9. Please STOP asking when the baby will be here. I do not have a crystal ball. I don't know!!!

10. I will let everyone know by phone call, text, email, facebook, and blog once the baby is here. It is not like I am going to forget to mention it!!


source: http://babybignon.blogspot.com/2010/03/what-not-to-say-to-woman-in-her-last.html

Am I Just Being Sensitive?

It's pretty easy for me to get wrapped up in my emotions these days, and I do have some fears about bringing home a newborn baby. However, I wonder why it is that with all the excitement that comes with the impeding arrival of my son, everyone and their mother decides that it would be helpful or funny or maybe it's just a right of passage (for them) to make not so helpful comments about how hard/negative everything is going to be.

"You better get your sleep now"
"I hope you and Joe are spending as much time as possible together now."
"Enjoy the peace and quiet, you wont get it back for a long time."
"Just wait....you'll see how hard it is"

No, I have never had a baby, so I don't know what it's like in those first few days, weeks and months, but I have figured out that there will be a lot less sleep than normal. I know things will be hard and there will be a lot of adjustments. But, I chose to have this baby. Both Joe and I did and we know that we will have our share of challenges as our lives change with caring for child.

I value more than ever the positive comments that people share with me. I love that it's not just us that are excited about Brody's arrival and the joy that will come with it. I've heard that I will fall in love all over, both with the baby and my husband, as I watch him be a father. I love when people tell me how sweet their babies were when they first came home, and how much they really cherished that time. I've also had moms tell me, that honestly it's not that hard. Be positive, sleep when you can, ask for help and just enjoy the experience. All things I want to be hearing at this point!

I am so excited for this next chapter in my life and can't wait to share it with my husband and family. I hope to remember these feelings that I'm having right now and when I have a friend who is expecting their baby to arrive, I will share all the positive things that I can with them.

**Sorry for the vent, but I had to get it out.**

Stay tuned for a post that I'm stealing from another blogger about "What not to say to a woman in her last few days of pregnancy" as they kind of relate.

38 Weeks

Here is my 39 week update:

Brody is at least 6.8 lbs and 19. 5 inches. He's as long as a leek. However, at the doctor yesterday there was a conversation that went something like this:

Dr: How much did you weigh when you were born?
Me: 6lbs, 9ozs.
Dr: Oh yeah, this baby is definitely going to be bigger than that.

Milestone: So, even though the baby "dropped" last week, he was measuring at 38 centimeters this week. That's on track, however, we know he descended. It makes my doctor think that he's a pretty big boy. She said that she would plan to do an ultrasound next week to see how big he really is. If he's close to 8lbs, we'll talk about inducing so I don't have to birth a 9 pounder. Whew.

Feeling: I think I'm ready to not be pregnant anymore. I'm tired and uncomfortable. I know it could be much worse, so I'm trying to stay positive. I'm still at work until Friday, and I'm doing just fine with it. I mean, who wouldn't rather be at home on their couch? I cant really blame the pregnancy for that.

Movement: He's still pretty busy despite not having much room. I feel him a lot when I'm in the car and in the evenings.

Wishing for: Brody to arrive! :) Wishful thinking that he'll just show up on his own this week or weekend. Oh, I'm also wishing for more positive comments and thoughts from people. More on that in a bit...

Looking Forward To: Having some time to relax this weekend and next week- that's if he doesn't arrive before then. At the same time, I'm very anxious to meet this little boy!

Thankful for: Everyone who keeps checking in and has happy and positive thoughts to share. I cant get enough of the excitement that other moms have shared with me about whats it's like to have a brand new baby.

Reading: I haven't started reading either, but I bought the Nursing Mothers Companion and What to Expect the First Year.

Favorite clothes right now: None really. I bought a new dress for our anniversary and it felt good to wear something that I haven't worn once a week for the last few months. It's back to dresses for the next few days, as it's supposed to be in the upper 70s/low 80s.

Current Project: I think everything is actually done and ready to go! Joe even packed his bag last night and we have a list on the fridge of what we need to grab as we head out the door to the hospital.

Stretch marks: none. I thought I spied some the other day, but I had just been scratching my belly, so it was the lines from that. :)

38 week picture: I actually have a picture! Can you believe it? I had Joe take it on Saturday before we went out to dinner. I posted it on facebook, so you're probably already seen it, but at least I have one!

Happy Anniversary To Us!

One year ago, I married my best friend.

It was the best day of my life and more than I could have ever imagined.

I cant wait to celebrate the nex 50 anniversaries with you.

Soon we will be parents and officially a family.

There is no one in the world I would rather share this journey with.

I love you, Marty.

Movin' My Hips Like Yeah.....

For all of my beautiful bridesmaids who let me listen to "Party In The USA" over and over and over while getting ready for the wedding...

Thank you. I love you all 6 of you. I couldnt imagine getting married without you by my side. :)



37 Weeks

Here's my week 37 update...


Brody is at least 6 1/3 lbs (if not more- big boy, remember?) and 19 inches. He's as long as a stalk of swiss chard. Again, with the weird foods...

Milestone: Brody has officially dropped. I had no idea what this meant. People kept asking me if he dropped and i had no idea. They said I'd be able to finally eat more, but I've never really had a problem with that. I've always felt like he's been kinda low, since he's not right under my boobs, but I still didn't know what "dropping" meant. Well, thank goodness for doctors. Apparently, he's literally dropped down farther into my pelvis. Each week, his measurements would correspond to the number of weeks that I am pregnant. But on Monday, instead of measuring 37 centimeters, he measured 35. So apparently he dropped down two centimeters. So what does this mean? Nothing really. All of my books say it means he'll arrive in the next few weeks. Really no surprise there.

Feeling: Basically the same as I've been feeling in the last few weeks. I wouldn't say that anything is all that different at this point.

Movement: Still lots of kicks from his little feet. I now know what all those moms are talking about when they said "just wait til he jabs you in the ribs". I've been getting a ton of jabs. He's definitely out of room in there and if I even think about hunching over, he gives me a swift kick to let me know that's not comfy for him.

Wishing for: This is pretty petty, but I'm really hoping that all my shoes fit me after I give birth. As of right now, they're all a lot tighter than I'd like them to be. It would be lovely if I didn't experience the whole foot growing thing, since I really like all my shoes....well most of them.

Looking Forward To: My work shower today and my 1st Anniversary this Saturday! Joe and I are going to a little restaurant in Capitola. I'm hoping to do some pumpkin carving during the day before he head over to the beach. After dinner, we'll watch out wedding video and eat cupcakes from the bakery that made our wedding cupcakes. Low key for sure, but I'm very excited.

Thankful for: The fact that I'm still feeling pretty ok. I was worried that I'd be miserable at work for the last few weeks. Everyone told me to take off at least 2 or more weeks before the due date, but i just couldn't. I'm so glad I can still get through the day just fine. Hopefully it continues through next week.

Reading: I'm not really reading anything at this point. I have 2 books in my "cart" at amazon. The Nursing Mothers Companion and What to Expect The First Year. Anything else I need to have for his arrival in terms or reading materials?

Favorite clothes right now: Nothing new, really. I do love that I'm able to wear layers and not sweat to death. I ordered a few things from Old Navy last week that I'm hoping will be a little pick me up in the fashion dept for the last few weeks.

Current Project: I made a mobile and a pillow for Brody's room this weekend. Oh the wonders of felt. I should have take a picture of them to post, but I forgot. Maybe I'll update later. Anyway, I just need to hang the mobile and the room will be all set. :)

Stretch marks: still none! Is it possible that they'll stay away? That would be amazing....

No preggo picture, but here's a little wedding picture, in honor of my anniversary. At this time last year, I was in wedding heaven, surrounded by everyone that I love. It was the best day of my life. :)

36 Weeks

Here's my week 36 update


Brody is almost 6 lbs and 18.5 inches. He's about as big as a crenshaw melon....whatever that is. Oh, here's a picture:

Milestone: Well, Brody is officially measuring one week ahead. My doctor said he will definitely not be a  6 lb baby, considering that she believes he's at least that now. I'm not surprised...but hopefully it means he wants to arrive early! You know, so I don't have to deliver a 9 pounder! :) 3.5 weeks until his due date!

Last week, I was screened for Group B Strep and I found out yesterday that I am a carrier. Apparently it's a bacteria/infection that you can pass on to the baby during birth. You can read more about it through the link, but basically my doctor made it seem like it's not a big deal and the baby will be fine as long as I receive antibiotics when I go into labor.

Feeling: Ups and downs, but basically I'm still feeling really good. Some times I fee like I can skip around like a 4 year old and then other times, I feel like I'm falling apart. Please say this is normal. I'm still getting up about every 2 hours in the middle of the night to pee, but I'm a champ at going back to sleep. Oh- this is random.... my gag reflexes are ridiculous. I gag like crazy every time I brush my teeth. I cant help it. Is that also normal?

Movement: He's head down, so I feel lots of kicks at the top of my belly along with some punches along my left side. They feel a lot different than they did a month or so ago. They don't really hurt, but there is definitely more force behind them, compared to before. Every once in a while, he gets a good jab in there that throws me off for a minute. He's had more hiccups lately. They're so cool. :)

Wishing for: The weather gods have answered my wishes! It's been in the lowish 70's the last few days, with some cooler temps to come! But don't worry, I still have the mini fan on in my office.
My only wish for now is that Brody doesn't arrive before next Wednesday. It's my shower at work and I'm excited to hang out with everyone. :) He can arrive after that, though I still have a number of work commitments up until November 5th.

Looking Forward To: This weekend!- Joe has Saturday off and I'm hoping to purchase some pumpkins and do some carving. Then on Sunday, LB is coming over for some chili, a pedicure and just some good old fashion hangin'.

Thankful for: The cooler weather of course! I'm also really lucky to have great coworkers who are super supportive about the fact that I'm leaving them for three months. Everyone has been really flexible and accommodating.

Reading: It's not really reading- I've been obsessed with my new ipod touch. The games, the apps...it's all so fantastic. I cant wait to try out all the mommy/baby apps.

Favorite clothes right now: I've got the three pairs of maternity pants on rotation like it's my job. I'm also throwing in my leggings whenever I can. I love leggings. I need more dresses/tunics to wear with them. Super comf!

Current Project: I don't actually have any! Isn't that awesome? Joe still needs to pack his bag and we need to hang the quilt in the nursery, but that's really all. I have so much crossed off my list already. Feels gooooood.

Current Food Cravings: Cheese is still my bff, as is meat. Nothing new there.

Stretch marks: still none!

35 week photo: I wanted to take a picture of me in my phillies shirt the other night. I was so eager to find it, and completely excited to post a preggo picture of me wearing it. However, it does NOT fit. I got it on and Joe and I started laughing so hard, we couldn't stop. I even made him try it on (it's a boy's-like a child's large) and I'm not sure who looked more ridiculous in it. FAIL to that. Instead, you can look at the nursery photos, k?

Week 35 Update

Here's my week 35 update


Brody is 18 inches long and 5 1/4 pounds. He's about as big/heavy as a honeydew melon. He should adding more weight in the coming weeks, but his length will stay around 18 inches.

Milestone: I'm officially going to the doctor every week now. I had the GBS screening done at the appointment and I also got my flu shot. It was ssomething I was avoiding, but decided to do anyway. I got a sweet snoopy band-aid though, so it was totally worth it. And aalthough I'd like the little guy to stay inside me and cook for a little while longer, he'd be healthy if he were to arrive now.
Feeling: Really good, actually. It's hot again. Damn this Indian Summer. So, other than sweating more that the normal person and constantly wanting the AC on, I'm doing pretty good. Energy level is still the same, though I was on a super mission this weekend when we were working on the nursery.

Movement: He had the hiccups twice this weekend. One of the times was while we were in our baby class, so Joe got to feel them for the first time. It's a cool thing. The other thing I've been feeling- and I'll put it in this section because, technically it's his movements fault- is a shooting pain in my nether regions. The doctor said it's the baby moving in a way that hits a nerve, much like hitting your funny bone. When he moves and hits the nerve, I get this shooting pain. It's not awful, just catches me off guard- literally like hitting your funny bone....though I'm not feeling it in my elbow. :)

Wishing for: You know what I'm going to say....cooler weather. Still waiting for Fall...

Looking Forward To: My Anniversary, Halloween and maternity leave! It's all so close!

Thankful for: I'm still feeling very blessed that I've had a relatively easy pregnancy. I'm so lucky to have mom friends to turn to for questions and support. I love hearing other people's experiences. So many of my mom friends have been more than generous with letting us borrow their baby items, saving us tons of money. It's so great knowing what items worked and didn't work for them. I'm also very excited for friends who are just beginning the pregnancy journey. I can't wait to share my experiences with them and have our babies grow up together. :) I feel very lucky to have a husband who gets just as excited as I do about little tiny baby clothes and setting up the nursery. It's been really fun preparing for Brody, so I know it's going to be even more fun when he gets here.

Reading: Still reading Tori Spelling's book...Yeah, I'm slow.

Favorite clothes right now: Are you kidding me? None. I'm STILL wearing summer dresses....the same ones I've been wearing since May. I'd welcome snow at this point.

Current Project: I need to pack my hospital bag (is it too early?), put the car seat base in Joe's car and gather a few more items off of our "to get" list before Brody gets here. I also need to go to Pottery Barn to purchase the crib quilt and maybe get a side table for next to the crib.

Current Food Cravings: Still loving cheese and meat. Sometimes I like meat and cheese together. Ohhhh, a cheese steak would be amazing right now. Hmmm, I'll have to plan that for later.
Stretch marks: no "stretchies" yet. That's what Joe calls them. He also calls leggings stretchies. He's so cute.

35 week photo: I had every intention on taking a picture this weekend, and didn't. How about some more maternity photos? Hopefully I'll be posting nursery pics soon, so that will make up for (yet again) not having a weekly update picture.

Week 34- Wait, where did 33 go?

So, I failed at posting an update last week. I was off work on Monday and then swamped during the week, so it just never happened. Sorry. Rather than go back and do week 33, I'm just going to do a combo this week, mentioning thing from week 33 and 34.

Here's my week 34 update


Brody is almost 18 inches long and 4 3/4 pounds. He's about as big/heavy as a cantaloupe.

Milestone: I cant believe we've hit the point where I can say that I only have 6 weeks left. Well, that's if this little guy decides to show up on time!

Feeling: Good but tired. I'm pretty worn out in the evenings, with random bursts of energy. I've been sneaking in little catnaps at work during my lunch break. They actually help a lot. Otherwise, I'm usually pretty wiped when I get home from work. Other than being tired, I'm starting to feel more and more braxton hicks contractions. I didn't know what they were until recently. I though it was just him pushing out against me, but apparently it's the uterus contracting. It doesn't hurt, but it is a bit uncomfortable.

Movement: He's still moving a good bit, but I can definitely tell that it's getting tight in there for him. His movements aren't as "jabby" (is that a word?) as they used to be, but more like I can feel him slowly sliding from one position into another.

Wishing for: An October baby. Is that wrong to say? I would love a little Halloween baby. :)

Looking Forward To: This weekend, when we finally get to put the nursery together! Yay! Joe is painting the room on Friday and then we'll start assembling everything... the crib, bookshelf, etc. We're also going to pick up the dresser on Saturday. I am so excited to finally decorate his room! I will definitely post pictures when it's finally complete!

Thankful for: (this is a new one I just added this week!) I am so thankful for lots of things with this pregnancy, such as no stretchmarks, no heartburn and the impending fall weather, but more than anything I am so grateful for my wonderful friends and family. My mother in law hosted a shower for me a few weeks ago and it was amazing. It was held at Joe's country club, per his request. My sister in law Meghan made the most delicious and cutest cupcakes with fondant sailboats. Leslie jumped right in and helped with all of the details of the shower, down to personalized thank you notes that matched the theme. It was more than I ever could have wished for. So many of the ladies that are so important to me attended and were more than generous with their gifts for Brody. He is one lucky boy and I am one lucky mama. Thank you to everyone!

Reading: Tori Spelling's Uncharted TerriTORI. I know, it's not baby related, but I love love love her books. Leslie got me a copy and it's even signed by Tori, herself! Leslie's good friend from Vegas is Tori's personal assistant, so when they were in town for a book signing, Leslie got one for me. Isn't she awesome? I'm only a few chapters in, but it's pretty good, so far.

Favorite clothes right now: Still rocking the same old stuff. It's been a little cooler, so I'm not sweating as much when I wear my fall clothes. Bonus. I haven't gotten anything new recently, but I'm kind of itching for a few new things to put in the rotation.

Current Project: Nursery and shopping for those last minute items. We got some gift cards at the shower, so off we went to purchase some of the items we'll need after his arrival. I'm crossing off my to do items left and right and it feels wonderful!

Current Food Cravings: Cheese. I love cheese. I have been enjoying string cheese pretty regularly and even melting kraft singles on everything that I can find. Mmmm, cheese.

Stretch marks: Still none

34 week photo: I don't have pics that are specific to week 34...but here are two from my little photo shoot with Cari. More to come...

32 Weeks

Here's my week 32 update


Brody is 16.7 inches long and 3.75 pounds. He's about as big/heavy as a large jicama.

Milestone: 8 weeks to go! I sent in my hospital admittance paperwork yesterday!

Feeling: Still doing well. Lots of hot flashes, especially in the afternoon. I'm still waiting for those low temps to stick around for more than two days at a time. I've been more tired in the evenings lately with less energy to do anything productive. I'm hoping it's just a phase, and that I will get more energy in the next few weeks.

Movement: He's still moving a lot, but I feel like it peaked last week. It's slowed down a little bit. I think things are getting tight in there for the little guy. His movements are sometimes uncomfortable, especially when it feel like he's pushing out on me, rather than just a quick kick. I still love feeling him moving around in there, though.
Wishing for: more energy in the evenings and even in the afternoons. Hopefully it's coming soon!

Looking Forward To: Leslie getting her tomorrow and my Baby Shower on Saturday! I'm excited to spend some one on one time with Leslie before the baby gets here, doing our usual, lounging, chatting and snacking. Saturday will be fun, since the shower is at Joe's golf club and I'll get to see friends that I haven't seen in a while and others that I enjoy seeing regularly! I'm also eagerly awaiting my maternity photos that Cari took last weekend. I cant wait to see them. And share them, here.

Reading: I just got "Baby Laughs" by Jenny McCarthy from my sister-in-law, but I'm holding off on reading it until I ready "Belly Laughs" first.

Favorite clothes right now: It's been nice to wear some of my more fall maternity clothes since the days have been cooler lately.

Current Project: Washing baby clothes, towels and blankets. We have picked out a few outfits that we'll take to the hospital for Brody to come home in. I also printed off a list of things that Joe and I should pack. We'll hold off on that for a few more weeks. We're still hoping to start working on the nursery next week or the following.

Current Food Cravings: No major cravings lately, but I did realize that I never liked black olives until I got pregnant. I have been enjoying them whenever I can.

Stretch marks: Still none

31 week photo: As soon as I get my preview pics from Cari, I will be sure to post them!

Happy Birthday, Grace!

Happy 5th Birthday, to my niece, Grace!

Here she is on her first day of Kindergarten, a few weeks ago.

Luckily, shopping for Grace this year was much easier than last year's Barbie Hunt.

This year, Grace is all about the American Girl Dolls. When she went to visit my dad (Grandpa Larry) in Chicago, they went to the 3 story American Girl store. My mom had given her the money to buy her first doll.

I bought her an outfit for her doll to add to the collection. I cant help but love the American Girl dolls, too. I had just gotten to the age where I was too old for dolls, when they came out. Now, I can just live through Grace and play with hers.

Cari and I will be attending Grace's birthday party on Sunday. Hooray for little girl's birthday parties! I'm actually very excited about it. :)

Quality Television

I <3 Bachelor Pad

Did you watch? It was fantastic. I loved every week of it. It totally exceeded my expectations- which were extremely low. It was fun, entertaining and obviously kept me going back every week for more. I enjoyed getting to know the characters on another level compared to when they were on The Bachelor or Bachelorette. I actually found this show to be way more entertaining than either of those shows. I would kind of equate it to a somewhat more grown up version of the Real World/Road Rules Challenge shows. It was way less trashy than I thought it was going to be. Even Joe was a fan by the end- though I'm sure he'd totally deny it.

I wonder if they'll do another season?

31 Weeks

Here's my week 31 update

Brody is 16 inches long and 3.3 pounds. He's about as heavy as four navel oranges. 

Milestone: I am officially going to the doctor every 2 weeks now. Just got my hospital packet this morning.

Feeling: I'm doing pretty good, actually. Not as much swelling and not as tired in the evenings. I think the cooler weather helps with that. I'm now tyring to keep up with my mom who had a hip replacement about a month ago. She's all over the place!

Movement: Lots! And lots of quick movements all at once. I can still feel his feet kicking and pushing at the top of my belly, but I can also feel him shifting around in there quite a bit. If I move from side to side at night, it seems like he does too. I can also now tell based on "hard spots" where he is in my belly. My new favorite thing it to balance the remote on my stomach and watch it wiggle all over as he's moving around. It's fun to watch.

Wishing for: more nights where I only have to get up once to pee. I'm always iimpressed when I can make it through more than a 3 hour stretch of sleeping.

Looking Forward To: Cari's visit this weekend! I cant wait for another fun filled girls weekend with my grad school partner in crime. Lots of good conversation and great food are definitely in store for this weekend. I'm also very excited for all the new episodes of my favorite shows this month! Hooray for fall tv!

Reading: Still reading the blogs that I love and any other new mom/pregnancy things I can get my hands on. I'm thinking about purchasing a breast feeding book that a friend recommended.

Favorite clothes right now: I'd say my favorite clothes right now are the ones I get to put on when I get home each day. A tank top with a built in bra and pj pants. Heaven.

Current Project: Still making plans for the nursery. I bought curtains, a curtain rod and hooks for the nursery this weekend, as well as purchase some felt for a still to be determined craft. I was going to attempt to make my own mobile, but I got cold feet. I may end up making a little pillow for the rocker.

Current Food Cravings: Nothing major. I've very much enjoyed meat this entire pregnancy. Mostly hamburgers. I can always go for a hamburger.

Stretch marks: None yet...

31 week photo: No picture again. I'm so bad at this. I'm pretty sure there will be plenty to share next week, as my personal photographer will be here in just a few days!

33 years old and 30 weeks pregnant...

Today is my birthday! It's just not as exciting as it used to be, but it's still a fun day! I'm looking forward to lunch away from campus with a co worker and dinner and cake tonight, with Joe.

Here's my update for this week.

Week 30

Brody is the size of a head of cabbage. 15.7 inches long and almost 3 pounds.

Milestone: Two weeks into the 3rd trimester. Getting bigger everyday!

Feeling: I'm getting tired again towards the end of the day. Standing for long periods of time is not as easy as it used to be and when I'm sitting for too long, I have to get up and move around for a bit. My rings are definitely tight, but I'm determined to continue wearing them.

Movement: Still lots of movement. He's definitely a mover. I often feel kicks/punches at both ends of my belly at the same time. Not sure if he's stretching out or what, but it's an interesting feeling. The other thing I've been feeling a lot is him pushing up against my ribs. Everyone told me this would happen, but I thought it would be more of a kick, where I am most definitely feeling him push with what I assume are his feet. He's a busy guy in there. I also felt hiccups the other night when I was going to sleep.
Wishing for: Same as last week! Fall weather. Bring on the 60s!

Looking Forward To: More visitors! Katie's trip this last weekend was awesome. We had a great time catching up and doing fun girl stuff. She brought us some super cute things for Brody. I'm excited for this weekend of down time and my niece's first soccer game on Saturday. Cari will be visiting in 2 weeks and Leslie in 3!
Reading: I'm loving the free American Baby magazine I get in the mail. It has a great balance of pregnancy info along with new parent resources. And it's free! I'm also obsessed with the blog http://www.allthingsgd.com/ D's Baby is now 6 months old, but I just discovered her blog. She did the most amazing weekly pregnancy updates and even included her maternity fashions along the way. I'm keeping current with her latest posts, but going back week by week (reading week 30 today) to see her racaps and comparing her experiences to mine.
Favorite clothes right now:  I am over my clothes. :( I'm still looking forward to being able to wear jeans and tops regularly when the temps drop some more.

Current Project: Well, I up and decided to change the bedding in the nursery. I liked the alligators, but originally I'd wanted to do a nautical theme. I looked high and low for a set that I liked and couldn't find anything. However, Pottery Barn just put out a new set called the Owen Nursery Bedding and it's exactly what I'm looking for. Sailboats, navy blue, baby blue and stripes. What more could I ask for? So now we're switching things up a bit. I'm on the hunt for the perfect navy curtains, as well as the right shade of baby blue to paint the walls. I am in love with the nautical theme.

Current Food Cravings: Cake. Maybe that's just because it's my birthday.
Stretch marks: Still none. Please stay away.
 
29 week photo: No photo, sorry. Maybe I'll take a birthday picture with Joe tonight. But here's a look at our new nursery bedding!
 
 

 

Hooray for September Visitors!

It's going to be a great month. I have 3 of my favorite people coming to visit me this month, all on separate weekends. Two are flying across the country to get here and one is driving in from Nevada. I cant wait for some good old fashion girl time!

Tomorrow, the lovely Katie (right) will arrive, followed by Cari (left) on the 17th! My favorite grad school ladies! Katie said she absolutely must see me pregnant in person, and Cari wanted to make sure we got some one on one girly time in before Brody arrives.

Then, my maid of honor, "person" and ultimate partner in crime, Leslie arrives on the 24th for my shower.

I love visitors!

Better Late, Than Never? 29 Weeks....

I'm awful at blogging, so I never committed to do weekly updates on my pregnancy. However, today I found a really easy format to follow, that I can most certainly (try to) commit to for the next 10 weeks or so.

Here we go! I'm 29 week and 2 days pregnant.

Weekly Update:

Brody is the size of a Butternut Squash

Milestone: I am one week into my 3rd Trimester. 76 days to go! I also passed my glucose test. Hooray!

Feeling: I'm feeling remarkably good. Although I'm probably supposed to feel good. Last week was tough, with classing being back in session. I was on my feet a lot, which caused some swelling in my hands and feet at the end of the day. The heat in the middle of the week probably contributed to it as well.

Movement: Tons! He's always the most active in the evenings, but I have been feeling him more and more during the day, especially in the morning and mid afternoon. He's upside down now, so I often feel his little feet going to town up near the top of my belly. I'm always feeling him moving around in the middle of the night if I get up to go to the bathroom. Not sure who's waking up who.

Wishing for: (consistent) fall weather. We've been so lucky with mild temps, but I'm actually looking forward to when the high temps are in the 60s!
Looking Forward To: Katie coming in Thursday! Lots of fun girl time ahead!

Reading: Same as always, babycenter updates, Your Pregnancy, Week By Week and Mayo Clinic Guide to A Healthy Pregnancy. Joe is still reading Happiest Baby on The Block.

Favorite clothes right now: Jeans with a tank top and cardigan/sweater. I'm so over summer dresses.

Current Project: Still collecting stuff for the nursery. Joe and I went to look at paint colors yesterday, so we just need to decide on one and go get it. I think we're going to go with the Benjamin Moore, no VOC version. The crib is in the garage, waiting to be assembled, as is the book rack my mom bought us.
Current Food Cravings: Anything sweet. Oh and burritos...of course. :)

Stretch marks: None yet...I look everyday. I know they're inevitable. I just hope they can hold off long enough for Cari to get some shots of this big 'ol belly when she visits in 3 weeks.
 
29 week photo:

Third Trimester!

I am only 2 days away from entering my 3rd trimester! While I'm very excited to get closer to Brody's arrival, I'm slightly nervous for things to come in the last three months. The second trimester has been fantastic. I've felt completely normal with the exception of my growing belly. However, within the last week or so, I've noticed that things are starting to change from that feeling of normalcy. Here are the lastest developments, both good and bad:


I'm super tired again in the evenings. Just like in the first trimester, I get home from work and want to do nothing but sit on the couch and watch tv. I am forcing myself to go on evening walks with Joe, however.

I can't sit for longer than an hour and a half or so without becoming extremely uncomfortable. I wiggle around in my chair at work all day long. I get up to pee every hour or so, and still I dread going back to my chair. I'm going to start doing laps around the building just to get up and about.

Shaving my legs has become a workout. Especially in our stand up shower. Propping my leg up on the wall is no longer and inconvenience, it's darn near impossible these days. I've moved to taking baths in order to shave my legs, thus becoming a less frequent activity.

I'm short of breath like no other. Not that I was in the best shape before I got pregnant, but even walking up the flight of stairs in the parking garage has me winded. That basically means it's exercise, right?

A full night of sleep is long gone. I am an excellent sleeper. I love to sleep and generally require at least 8 hours. But getting up to pee every 2-3 hours has kept me from a solid night of sleep. So has the fact that I cant sleep on my back anymore, which is what I would prefer. I'm supposed to be sleeping on my side. It works for a little while, but I always wake up on my back and freak out that I've cut off a vital supply of blood or something else to the baby (because that's what I've read can happen). I'm able to go back to sleep, thank goodness, so at least I have that.

My wedding rings are officially tight. Last year at this time, my ring would spin and I was complaining that it was too loose. These days, I am fearful that I wont get it off at the end of the day. :( I'm really hoping that I can continue to wear them for the rest of the pregnancy, but I'm thinking that as the says go by it's only going to get worse.

**I hope I'm not coming off as a complaining pregnant woman, because really, I love being pregnant. :)**

Here are the changes that have me smiling:

I LOVE tight tops. Never before would I ever want to wear anything that would cling to my middle. I have always been a fan of anything empire waisted or swingy. I've always had more in my midsection than I cared to show off, and thus always shopped for looser styles. Not anymore! Now that I have a full on belly, I am embracing tight tops. I love wearing fitted tanks under cardigans. I say, bring on fall so I can wear more of them. I have been wearing loose dresses all summer, but I am now officially excited to show off my baby bump. I've gotten lots of compliments, too, which make me feel even better. :)

Brody is moving all the time! I've got a busy little boy in there. I absolutely love feeling him kick and punch. It's not the least bit uncomfortable (yet). He has his super awake times of the day- after I eat and in the evenings, but I've been feeling him more and more throughout the day including in the morning when I'm getting ready and even at night when I've gotten up to go to the bathroom. I love the constant reminder that he's in there and doing well. The newest feeling is him full on shifting from side to side or rolling over. It's a crazy feeling, but I love it! He's an active little guy.

The belly definitely has Joe more excited about the baby. He's so excited to see my belly growing as well as watching it jump around and feel Brody moving in there. I think the progress makes it more real to him, and it's been fun having him touch and talk to my belly.


Being pregnant is pretty much the coolest thing I've ever experienced and I hope to be able to do it again. I think I'm going to miss the bond that I have with the little man now, being inside of me. At the same time, I cant wait to see his little face and start the next chapter together as a family. 3 more months!

This pretty much sums up my life right now...

Oh the joys of pregnancy!

I love my job...and I'm so glad to still have it.

If I weren't so lucky, I would be unemployed as of today...but I'm not!

Back in the middle of April, actually, it was one day before my first Transfer Orientation of the season, I received a layoff notice, effective July 1, 2010. Although the position I hold was safe, because of seniority points, I was being laid off and someone else would be reassignmed to my job. It was an awful feeling for sure and it hit me like a ton of bricks.

However, throughout the last 3 months or so, I remained positive. I didn't tell too many people about the layoff, only because I was hopeful that something would work out for me. I was given hope by my supervisor that anything could happen and she'd do whatever she could to keep me in my current position or help me get another job on campus.

I love my job. I like the people I work with, I like the programs I get to plan and I like feeling like I've made some great connections on campus. I could not lose my job. Oh, and the fact that I'm growing a little life inside me made it all that more scary that I could be unemployed.

Anyway, after months of being positive but asking my boss for daily updates on my status, I was told that good things were in play, but still I was left to wait....so I did.

On June 16th, my boss came running to my office and exclaimed "your letter is ready". I gave her a blank stare to which she replied, "the letter rescinding your layoff is ready for you". I was safe. I was staying in my job. No lay off. No packing up my stuff and saying goodbye to wonderful people.

I am very thankful that everything worked out. My life in the last year and a half just continues to amaze me. I am so thankful for all that has come to me and all that is yet to come.

PS. I've been feeling the little man moving inside me and it's the most amazing feeling. :)

Nautical Baby Shower

How stinkin cute is this? And very Delta Gamma, without the girliness. :)

 Can it be true? A nautical themed shower for a baby boy! Oh man, the fun that could be had with this.

CUTEST IDEA EVER! I'm just sayin...

More cute ideas for nautical baby showers...

http://overcocktails.blogspot.com/2010/01/nautical-shower-for-baby-oliver.html

"Little Boys Love Their Mommies"

From the very beginning (of time) Joe and I decided we definitely wanted to know the gender of our babies before I gave birth. We are both major planners and wanted to make sure we had everything all ready to go. By this I mean, registering for "boy like" or "girl like" items. I know some people think this is wrong, viewing it at stereotyping or labeling our child even before it's born, but I just want thing to be in place, you know. I know some of you are with me. Plus, I don't like surprises. I don't like knowing something is out there that I could possibly have or know about but it's being withheld. I'm just not that patient. :)

Anyway, now that we know it's a boy, I'm on a mission. A mission to find the cutest nursery bedding, the most stylish clothes and accessories and of course, it all being appropriate for a little man.

While I realize that keeping it neutral is the best bet especially since we want to have more kids, i just cant help myself when it comes to certain items. In terms of the big stuff, we'll be keeping things pretty neutral, all the while knowing that I'm a sucker for new things so I'm sure when #2 comes along, there will be cooler, more fun thing to purchase and replace the stuff we get for this baby.

Here is my list of must haves for little man, Brody.

His baby bedding. Alligators!

Bananafish Nantucket Bedding 

Because his daddy loves golf

 

 Trumpette Golf Socks

 

"I'm told I like Golf" onesie 

Because he's going to be one stylin dude

  

Infant Newsie Cap

 

Necktie Onesie

Just because he's a boy doesn't mean he cant love anchors as much as his Mommy does...

 

"First Mate" tee  

 

Anchor blanket

I'm sure this list is going to keep on growing, and growing, and growing. :)

It's a Boy!

And we're naming him Brody. :)

Although it took two ultrasound techs to confirm it and we never actually got to see his "parts" we're told we're having a little boy!

Here he is:

I cant wait to meet this little man!

I'm so sad...

I'm sad that it's all coming to an end.

I'm sad that by the time the 9pm episode starts for me, the east coast peeps will already have all the answers.

I'm sad that I don't get to watch the end of the best series ever, with my favorite Lost watching partner, KP.


Counting down the hours until the beginning of the end.

We're Having A Baby!

Although this is not really news at this point, I'm finally getting around to blogging about it.

I found out that I was pregnant on March 4th, which is basically the earliest day that I could find out. I had just had a conversation with Joe about how I wanted to surprise him in a fun way when I found out the good news. I had all these fun ideas of how I could announce the good news and was so excited to do so. However, I didn't really get to do anything because when I took the test that morning, I was unsure if I was actually seeing two lines or not! I read the directions again very carefully and it said if you see two lines, even if one is very faint, then, yes you are pregnant. I still wasn't sure. Was I imagining the line on the left? I had to get a second opinion. I went back in the bedroom to ask Joe. I woke him up, with the stick in his face, saying "do you see two lines?" He said yes, but it didn't seem to click. Then he opened his eyes and said "two lines!" We both inspected it again and although we both thought we saw two lines, we decided I would test again in a few days.

Here's the first test:

Well, "a few days" turned into the next morning, where I got a line just a tad darker than the day before. I was still pretty positive that it was...well positive, but decided to take a digital test, since they're a little less difficult to misinterpret.

That afternoon, I took the digital test and got this result:

Yay! We were so excited. I highly recommend using the digital test the first time, even if they are more expensive.

Anyway, I called the doctor the next week and made an appointment for April 7th. It seemed to take forever for that day to get here. But it came, and we had so much fun getting all the info that we needed and also getting to see our little peanut on the ultrasound with it's little heartbeat fluttering away! Here he/she is at 8 1/2 weeks of pregnancy.

I'm now 15 weeks, officially in my second trimester and feeling great. I've actually felt great the whole time so far with the exception of being extremely tired in the first two months or so.

At my last appointment I heard the heartbeat and hope to do so again at my appointment next week. We'll find out the sex of the baby on June 21st.  We are literally counting down the days. :)

We're so excited to be starting our own little family! Joe's brother and his wife are having a little boy in mid August, so there will be two little ones in the family around for the holidays and they can play together growing up!

Oh and how cool is this: Our obgyn is the same doctor who not only delivered both of my nephews and niece, but one of my good friends kids and both boys that I used to nanny for. She must be good! :)


Did I mention that we're excited?  :)

More to come on this topic, I'm sure....

Anchors Away...

I love anything with anchors on it. This obviously stems from the love of my Delta Gamma-ness, but you have to admit that anchors are just fun! Anything nautical usually grabs my attention, though there's really nothing like a good 'ol anchor that gets my heart all a flutter. Here are just a few things that I think are fabulous...

How cute with this look with a pair of white capri pants and a navy tank?

LLBean

Another to add to my collection.

Tiffany & Co.

This tote is made from recycled sails...very green.

Seabags

Oh yes, I would totally put this on my child. :)

Babies to Kids Boutique

for my husband...

J.Crew

A classic, but how can you go wrong with these?

J.Crew

How can you not love anchors?

Things I'm excited about today...

It's FRIDAY! While it's not a furlough Friday, it's friday nontheless (is that a/one word?), which ultimately means that the weekend starts tomorrow, or this afternoon!

I have nothing on my calendar today except lunch with Lupe- which I love. We will actually leave campus, for quite possibly more than an hour, to chat it up and enjoy some good food.

The weather is awesome! Like over 70 degrees. Hello, flip flops! I have flip flops in my work bag, so I can put them on for my lunch outting, just because I can. I love flips flops? Did you know that? Love them.

In exactly one week from today, Joe and I will be on a plane to Maryland to see my bestie, Erin and her family. I am so excited to see her and finally meet my godson, Jack! It's going to be an awesome visit, I cant wait. We have so many fun things planned! Addy's 3rd birthday party, Jack's baptism, moving day for the Johnsons, chik fil a, girl talks, watching New Moon, the cherry blossom festival in DC, rides in the swaggerwagon.... too many things to count.

Mostly, I'm just beyond excited to see Erin! I haven't seen her since the wedding, and well, that just too long. :)

This is me and Erin in Vegas, 2008- yep, we're wearing fish hats.