Jack-Month 2!

So we're a few days late...This post was ready to go earlier this week, but life kept getting in the way of taking his picture. Oops. Better late than never...

I know it's a cliche, but this month has flown by. Mr. Jack, you went to bed one evening a newborn and woke up a little infant! And you grew so much...Suddenly, a set of sleepers were too small, and you were much heavier to hold.

You have the cutest smile. but you hate to let it show when the camera comes out!

You were a trooper on vacation. You were lucky enough to visit two beaches and even made it to two different states. You loved the beach. You took some awesome naps out on the sand, and by the end of the week, you liked to pull back the towel and kick your feet in the sand. When we came home and found that the cat had peed all over your Ikea play gym, I decided it was the perfect opportunity to get the Fisher Price Kick and Play Piano. You love that thing. You're content to play with it for  quite a while, staring at yourself in the mirror and kicking away at the piano.

You also had your first taste at being a studio rat this month. Last week there was a summer intensive at the studio so you hung out there Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday for part of the day while mommy took class. You were pretty well behaved.

Weight: 11 lb 0oz

Length: 22.5 inches

Head Circumference: 15.125 inches

Clothing: You are officially in 0-3 month clothing, and you've actually outgrown your 3 month sleepers in the Babies R Us brand (too short!). Your current shorts are a bit big in the waist although they fit your fluffy cloth diaper butt really well. 
Hair: Still brown, but lightening up. Your ears are almost completely covered by your hair...I'm wondering how long we can go before you get your first hair cut.
Eyes: Brown, with a surround of blue. I still believe they will end up hazel in the end. 
Sleep: It's hit or miss. You have had a few 4.5 and 5 stretches lately, but then wake up every 2 hours like clockwork afterwards. Sunday night, however, you went down as usual, and only slept for about 2.5 hours. I think you were a bit constipated and your swaddle didn't let you stretch out the way you like in order to work out the poop. We worked on sleeping from 11:30-3AM, when I finally laid you down with me, in your diaper only, on the twin bed and we red books. You seem to calm down enough we could nurse one more time and get some sleep...until 5:30AM. At 7, we were up for good and I was just happy you took a long nap. You transitioned pretty easily to the crib when we got back from vacation, although you were so fussy Sunday night we went back to the Rock and Play for the night.The rest of the week has been difficult, too, although not quite that bad. I've read this fussyiness and clinginess can be part of "Wonder Weeks," so I'm hoping we'll get back to normal and you'll have made a huge cognitive development when we're done.
Nicknames: You still have just as many nicknames as last month, but your father has taken to calling you "The Jack," which I'm not too thrilled about, but what does it hurt?
Milestone: You are so animated. You love to see and interact with people. You are good at playing by yourself, but you prefer to have your gym in the middle of everything so you can play and still know what's going on. You smile and laugh at people all the time.

The beach is a bore...

Not a fan of the Atlantic Ocean

Play gym, before it became a casualty of the cat.

One of the many pictures your cousin David wanted to take with you.

Yaaaaawn.

Dad, leave me alone.

Vacation 2013-The Beach(es)

One of the blessings of Nick not teaching Summer School this year is the luxury spending our time when and where we like. Usually, we're lucky to go out of town for a couple days, but this year we were gone for 11 days. It was amazing.

The view out of window...no wonder we didn't go on the beach Thursday.

I manipulated my 6 week post partum appointment a few days early and as soon as I was cleared to resume all normal activities, we headed down to the Outer Banks to join my parents at their beach front condo. Unfortunately, they had to leave the next morning due to a business emergency, so we were left on our own. Thursday was cloudy and nasty, so we visited some shops and found some grub. And we had a little mishap where we wouldn't find the key to the condo. We searched everywhere-retraced everywhere we had been-only to find it in the bottom of the diaper bag. Oops.

You get to see the sunrise when you're up with a little one...

Friday brought better weather, so we headed down to the beach. The beach sucks when there are only two of you with a newborn. We couldn't go out in the water together, as someone had to stay with Jack. Hanging on the beach was relaxing, but I would have loved to get further than ankle deep in the water. I started out putting Jack in his baby bathtub on the beach (thank you, Pinterest!), but later we found he was just as content laying on a couple blankets on the sand. 

Saturday morning we packed up and trekked 6 hours further down the coast of North Carolina to Holden Beach to join Nick's family. Of course, we procrastinated on filling up, so we coasted through a wildlife refuge on fumes, holding our breath and crossing our fingers the whole time. Additionally, 6 week old babies require lots of stopping. 

We spent almost everyday down at the beach. This time we took turns watching Jack and going out in the water with our siblings, which was awesome. Additionally, we were surrounded with people who love Jack as much as we do, so there was always someone willing to watch him. 

We made a couple of outings down to Myrtle Beach...the first time, we were hoping to go to Margaritaville for dinner. 2.5 hour wait-no ma'am. So we ventured over to Planet Hollywood. I hopped out, in the rain, to get a table for 12 while Nick parked the car. Just as soon as I put our name on the list, I saw Nick walking up the stairs to the entrance-empty handed. I mouthed to him, "Where's the baby?"

"What?" With a shrug. 

"WHERE'S JACK?"

"Oh, shit!" 

My husband left the baby in the car. Seriously. Who does that? Never mind, my husband. In his defense, it was cold, rainy, and Jack was in there about 2-3 minutes alone. Certainly not something I would encourage, but if you have to make that kind of mistake, I guess this was the best way. And I can promise you, he will never do it again. 

Jack's thoughts on the 2.5 hour wait.

Jack's first introduction to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles at Planet Hollywood.

But, on a happier note, I was able to send the week getting some of my physicality back. Bike rides, long walks, miniature gold, I was even convinced to lead a family Pilates class. It felt so good to start moving again-even if I ingested many more calories than I expended that week.

I'm a baby wearing pro! I even got 2 hole in ones that night.

Dad, however, got creative.

Family Yoga/Pilates/Stretch class...notice the little ones photo bombing.

Friday evening when we left it was bittersweet. We had a wonderful time, but I'm not sure we were ready to head back to the real world. The best part, though: we left at 8PM, made it home about 1:45AM, and only had to stop one time for Mr. Jack this time. Fabulous.

Liebster Blog Award

 

I feel so honored. Rachel nominated me for this award, which, in all honesty, the only award I should be getting right now is for blog neglect. Oops. I have so much writing to get caught up with. Hopefully little man will start napping more and I can finally get on top of that. At any rate, many thanks to Rachel, who's blog I love reading to see her adorable boys, Jack and Cal, and see what good things she's cooking. 

When you’re nominated for a Liebster, here’s what you do:
1.    Thank the Liebster Blog presenter who nominated you and link back to their blog.
2.    Nominate 11 blogs who you feel deserve to be noticed and leave a comment on their blog letting them know they have been chosen.
3.    Answer the 11 questions you were asked and create 11 questions for your nominees.
4.    Display the Liebster Award logo.
5.    No tag backs, meaning you can’t just re-nominate the person who nominated you.


1.  If given the choice, and money were no option, what would you choose to do for your career? I'd probably do something similar to what I'm doing now...maybe I'd teach on the collegiate level, or maybe I'd just be a free lance choreographer. Something along those lines.
2.  Name a food or a meal that you could eat every day. Just about anything Italian or Mexican. I'm debating both for dinner. 
3.  Do you have a regret about something?  Feel free to unload! Buying a house when we did. Don't get me wrong, I love our house, and I'm thrilled to be a home owner, but given the market we were buying in, we definitely overpaid. Now we feel stuck in our home with little option as far as where we can move if our jobs took us there.
4.  What is your guilty pleasure tv show? What Not to Wear...there are some stupid people on there.
5.  Kids or pets not included.  What would you grab in the event of a house fire? My dance bag, although it lives in the car, so it might be OK. Otherwise, Jack's baby book, our wedding album, and our iPads.
6.  What is one thing you consider yourself really good at? Organizing.
7.  What does your dream home look like? Craftsman style rambling ranch with front room over garage (FROG) which would be an awesome sports bar type room for all Nick's memorabilia.
8.  Are you an introvert or an extrovert?  Why? Some people think I'm an extrovert, and I can play one well, but I'm really more introverted.
9.  In your Favorites menu on your internet page, list the first three that come up. Facebook, TheBump.com, and and Bloglovin'
10.  Where is your favorite place in the world? The beach. I feel most at peace when I'm there.
11.  Name an actor, author, political figure, alive or deceased that you would love to spend a day with. She doesn't quite fit into any category, but probably Helen Keller. 


  And here are my questions for those I've tagged...
1. What color best describes your personality?
2. How do you see yourself in 20 years?
3. You meet someone for a summer. How do you hope they remember you?
4. What's your hidden talent?
5. Beer, wine, or cocktail? If you don't drink, what are doing reading my blog?
6. What's your favorite childhood memory?
7. What is your ideal pet? Why?
8. If you could live inside one movie, what would it be?
9. What celebrity is top on your freebie list? (You know, the freebie that your spouse/significant other would let you sleep with if the opportunity arose.)
10. What's your favorite type of weather?
11. If you could solve one world problem by snapping your fingers, what would it be?

So...keep your eyes open to see if I tagged you as a nominee!

Post Partum- Weeks 3 & 4

So things have gotten a bit crazy around here. To be honest, the shit hit the fan, not with Jack or Nick and I, but in several things regarding our lives, and it's been difficult to find the time to breathe, let alone blog. We are thinking things are going to slow down for a little bit, so I should be hopping back on the blog more frequently. Also, I've had the chance to try a few new beers, malt beverages and wine, so I need to get back on writing about some of them!

As soon as I think we're getting into the groove of breastfeeding, something ends going not quite as smooth. Jack has hit several growth spurts lately, encouraging him to feed like crazy and very little time between feedings. I get cranky from sitting for long periods, and sore. My butt hurts, my back hurts, and heaven help my poor nipples. That being said, after a day or two of frustration, it calms down and we're good again. I've started pumping more to build up a supply, and Nick has taken one of the middle of the night feedings. It's nice to not have get out of bed at 3AM, but I'm still using that time to pump. Additionally, even though I know Nick is completely competent, I stay up listening to him on the monitor, wondering if I need to get up and help him. I have not gone in there yet (although, I would if he asked me to), but I can't let myself fall back to sleep while he's in there.

We left Jack with a baby sitter for the first time. He stayed with Nick's sister Ellen while we went to see Paul McCartney (which, by the way, it sucked to try to pump while there). I was thankful to have some pocket/all-in-one diapers for her to use on him. Of course, he was a pooping machine while we were gone, so he went through all 6 of them and 2 additional disposables while we were gone. I thought that Nick would like these diapers, too, but he actually avoids them like the plague. He much prefers the prefolds and covers (now that he knows how to use them).

During the week, I also celebrated my 31st birthday during the week. It was an awesome birthday. My family asked what I wanted/needed for my birthday. I knew I needed a new purse, so I was perusing the Vera Bradley website. I ended up finding 2 purses, a cooler tote, and a check book cover for $100, with a beach towel thrown in for free. Mom got me those for Christmas, and considering that each of the purses were originally $74 or so, I think it was a pretty good deal. I also got some beautiful flowers to plant in our front yard (which desperately needs some attention) and a promise for manual labor to help get everything cleaned up/planted, and a gift certificate for a spa package (pedicure, facial and upper body massage). I'm debating whether or not to try to use it before we go to the beach for pretty toes, or wait until we come back.

As far as the weight loss goes, ehhh...not pleased. 2 weeks ago, I was up 3lbs, and then down 1.5 this week. I rejoined Weight Watchers this week, and although I haven't been as good as I was previously with tracking thus far, I have been making better decisions. Everyone keeps telling me my stomach has gone down so much, which is great, but in all honestly, I'm much more concerned about my hips and thighs. I cannot wait until I can start Pilates again (and maybe throw in some yoga) once I'm cleared at my 6 week post partum appointment.

While I am not digging my body right now, at least my hair looks decent.

Stay tuned for Jack's One Month post...I'm waiting until we go to the doctor tomorrow to update his height and weight stats.

Induction thoughts

The further past my due date I go, the more I think about the possibility of induction. I really, really hate drugs. In a situation where I have minimal control, they make me feel even more out of control. And, for me at least, a planned induction equates a C section, something I truly want to avoid.

I was born 6 days late. My mother's water broke at 11PM, with no contractions in sight. They gave her pitocin right away, and when her body made minimal progress (and I was in distress), they switched to an emergency C section 24 hours later.

My sister was induced around 37 weeks with my nephew due to pre-eclampsia. Her body was not ready, so 46 hours later, he arrived via C section. When my niece bordered on 2 weeks late, they didn't even other to try to induce, they went straight to C section.

I know family history is not the be all, end all of how things will go down for me, but the longer I go, the more likely I believe it. And I don't want it. (But, truly, who does?) It just seems like the women in my family are not cut out for birthing babies.

At the same time, I'm over being pregnant. Yes, I'm uncomfortable and huge, but that seems minimal at this point. I'm ready to move on to the next phase. This week in particular I feel like I've been in a holding pattern. I'm ready to move past that.

So when I go for my appointment next week at 41 weeks 1 day, what do I say? Ask them to try to hold off longer to see if I can make this happen and avoid induction? Beg them to induce me that day so I can move on? Then there is always the fear that baby won't be doing too well at the Non Stress Test tomorrow. We could be looking at an induction (or C section if its really bad) tomorrow afternoon.

All I can do at this point is hope, wish, and pray that Nick Jr decides to make his appearance today...or at least sometime before Monday.

Labor? No, not really...

Prodromal labor-which sounds better than false labr-sums, mentally, physically, and emotionally. This past week has been a bit of a roller coaster ride...I hate questioning "Is this real?" I have constantly told myself I would end going over due, but after the events of the weekend, I've really felt down and blues out it. I keep telling myself it'll come-I'm only 2 days past a silly estimate at this point-and after some retail therapy yesterday afternoon, I think I actually believe it. 

Wednesday, June 5-
Woke up feeling off; tired, a little nauseous, and just not with it. Add in a ridiculously hormonal moment at the OB's office.

Thursday, June 6-
Woke up super early (4AMish). Felt like I had to pee all day long. Before we left to go up to Richmond to look at cars, thought I had a change in discharge. Had to stop at a rest stop along the way, realized I was losing my mucus plug. The rest of it made its exodus at a BMW dealership. Had 3 intense contractions on the way home (while I was driving) about 10 minutes apart. Had a serious conversation with Nick Jr that I had to get home before he did anymore.  He decided to go back to being super quiet.

Friday, June 7-
Up again fom 3:30-5, then awake for the day at 6:30AM. Nothing the rest of the day-no contractions.

Saturday, June 8-
Morning three of being up early. (This shit is getting old.) Woke up with back aches, which were inconsistent yet harsh enough for me to question if I was sore from the position I was in, or having contractions. Seemed to go away after napping on the couch. Went to a work picnic, felt really off and tired. Every movement I made extremely painful in my crotch. At about 8:30 PM, started to feel some contractions, mainly in back. Started timing them about 10 PM-lasting 45-60 secs, about 1.5-2 mins apart. Called Beth, gave her a heads up. Since she was already over this way, she came over to stay the night. I decided to get some sleep. Fell asleep around 11:30 PM. 

Sunday, June 9-

Woke up around 2:30, went downstairs around 3AM. Tried to go to sleep on the couch. Contractions started to get a little stronger, encomassing more of my abdomen rather than just my back. Fell asleep from 4:30-6:30. Got up, asked Nick to start making breakfast while I walked the dogs. I was sore and experiencing crazy lightning crotch while walking, but couldn't time any contractions while walking the dogs. At this point, contractions slowed down. We did everything-took a drive, walked around the mall...whenever I got still, contractions would slow down or stop. Took a much needed nap while Nick went to pay hockey (and we decided it there was no sense in Beth staying), I woke up to no contractions. *sigh*

Monday, June 10-

Dr's appt...no change in dilation or effacement. Non Stress Test scheduled for Friday, appointment for next Monday, an induction will be scheduled for sometime next Tuesday through Friday, unless Nick, Jr decides to come sometime sooner. 

Here's hoping the  real thing comes about before Friday so we don't even have to go the NST route!

Week 40

How far along? 40 weeks

How big is baby? A baby. Between 6 and 10 pounds, 18-21ish inches long

Total weight gain/loss: I was up to almost my WW starting weight on Wednesday at my appointment. 

Maternity clothes? Still have some non maternity items I can wear, like a really cute maxi dress I had on today. 

Sleep: Not good this week. Consistently waking up way too early.

Best moment this week: Getting Nick's car taken care of. Surprise shower thrown for me at the studio. 

Movement: He's slowed own some. Conserving his energy maybe?

Food Cravings: None. My appetite as actually decreased some. 

Food Aversions: Bananas. 

Gender: Boy. 

Labor Signs: Contractions coming nd going throughout the week. Lost my mucus plug Thursday. Baby seems to be settling lower and lower, given his increased pressure on my bladder and the pain in my crotch. 

Pregnancy Symptoms: Exhaustion. Loss of breath. Frequent urination. Sore crotch. 

Belly Button in or out? In!

What I miss: People not being overly once rend with my cervix. 

What I am looking forward to: Meeting my little boy (hopefully) soon.

Upcoming appointments/events: Assuming I do go not labor, 40 week appointment is Monday at 10:30AM. 

Milestones: Full term. It's here at last. 

The truth about being 39 weeks pregnant

I hate the whole "Hurry and Wait" mentality. I feel like that is how I have lived this week. Make sure the house is picked up. Don't leave any dishes in the sink. You never know when the baby might come. To make matters worse, there are times when I just don't want to worry about picking up. I want to sit around and be a bum. Productivity has not always been first on my mind. 

And my evenings have been occupied with car shopping. Not my favorite thing to do, but a necessary evil right now. We found out Monday for certain the insurance company was going to total Nick's car after the accident last Friday. We kept going back and forth with which scenario we should do, replace his car and keep mine, get a new family car for me and have him drive mine, or replace both. Last night, after driving an hour and a half out of town, we found the perfect compromise of speed, power, and maturity for Nick at Carmax. I'm thrilled to be done with car shopping, and hoping that later this summer we can get my car replaced, too. Two car payments will suck, but I think at this point, it's a necessary evil. 

Between worrying over money, being harassed about when Nick, Jr, is going to arrive, and a sudden apprehension about labor and delivery, my Dr's appointment wasn't so good on Wednesday. My blood pressure was way up (usually its about 112-124/70-80; this time it was 138/86), my weight was 1 lb below what I was when I started Weight Watchers. My feet and ankles ave been ridiculously swollen this week (especially last night), and I felt like crap-nauseated, run down, and generally hating life at that moment. While we were in the examining room, Nick asked if I was OK. The flood gates opened up just as the Dr opened door. I have never been more embarrassed, which only made me cry harder. I can say I haven't had many emotional meltdowns this pregnancy, but that was truly a special one. 

All the while, I'm getting incessant phone calls and texts as to when I'm going to pop out this baby. Because, you know, I have so much control over that. Anyone I call automatically assumes I'm telling them the baby is on the way. (What they don't realize is there are very few people I'm going to call to tell that to. I don't care about people knowing, but I'm not going to be spending my time on the phone telling them all.) Here's a conversation from earlier this week with my grandmother:

Me: Hey grandma. 

Grandma: Are you on the way to the hospital?

Me: No, I'm on my way to see you.

Grandma: Oh {disappointed sigh}

Additionally, people are asking me questions about how dilated and effaced I am. Seriously, the waitress last night at Friendly's asked me about my cervix. Why is that appropriate, necessary or helpful? Wednesday, I was a little more dilated (a real, true centimeter) and about 50% effaced. Awesome. I also know that means jack shit-I might never go more than that on my own, or my body could have taken over, gone warp speed ahead and finished off the other 9 that night. I also lost my mucus plug last night. It was the most disgustingly, exciting thing ever; however, it could still be another week before I go into labor, or before they have to induce me. So while it is weird that people are so interested in these very intimate parts of my body that I am not really comfortable sharing, I also don't want to give them any false hope. If I tell them I truly believe the baby is coming this weekend (and I still kinda do), if he doesn't, they are going to be so disappointed. And I know it's all because they are excited and so eager to meet him, but so am I. None of us have any control over the situation, and I trying as hard as possible to relax and be zen about the whole thing, but let's face it, I'm a planner. I want to know when and how he's going to get here so I can prepare. But I can't. I don't need everyone reminding me how little control I have. 

Hospital Bag

We all know I'm a ridiculous, plan ahead packer. I started thinking about what to put in my hospital bag at about 30 weeks or so. Here I am, 9 weeks later, and still haven't touched it, but that's beside the point. At least I was ready to go.

Some things I held off on packing, waiting to see if I would need them or not in the mean time, and some things I kept switching out (or back in) for other items. I am certain I have over packed, and I'm OK with that. I feel like everything fits nicely in my suitcase with extra room to carry home any goodies from the hospital. While we live close enough Nick could run home to get something, I think he's going to be too afraid he's going to miss something if he leaves. I'd rather have too much right now that not enough.

So what's in the bag?

For Me:

• 2 sets of Nursing PJs, one with a coordinating robe
• Flip Flop Slippers
• Plastic Flip Flops 
• Nursing Tank Top
• Yoga Pants
• Black Maxi Dress for coming home
• Nursing Sleep Bra
• Nursing Sports Bra
• 3 pairs of underwear in a variety of styles (who knows what will feel more comfortable, if I decide to wear anything other than the hospital mesh panties)
• Post Partum Support Band

For Dad:

• 3 pairs of socks
• 3 tshirts (one is a surprise to go with matching onesie for baby)
• pair of comfy pants
• pair shorts
• 3 pairs of underwear
•  Plastic Flip Flops

Our toiletry bag stays packed all the time, but I did through in a few Labor and Delivery "specialty items"

• Gum
• Chapstick
• Plethora of Hairties

And some extras...

• Celebratory Bottle of Wine (one of my favorites-bonus that it's red and doesn't need to be kept cold)
• Baby Book
• Glasses
• Thank you Notes (Just in Case-I hope to be too busy!)
• Tennis Ball (For massaging during labor)
• Iphone Charger
• Ipad Charger
• Corkscrew (that bottle ain't going to open itself!)
• Towel and Washcloth (I've heard mixed reviews on the ones at the hospital. I'm most concerned about having one big enough for me!

Clothes for Baby

• 3 sleepers (2 size newborn, 1 size 3 month)
• 3 going home outfits 
• Blue Bubblesuit
• White Bubblesuit
• Blue overall set
•  Kimono Undershirt
• "Adorable Baby" Onesie

Other Items for Baby

• Aden +Anias Swaddle Blanket
• Carter Cotton Blanket
• Crib Shoes
• White Socks
• Blue Crocheted Socks
• White Mittens
• Blue Sweater and Hat

And just because the diaper bag is already packed...

• 2 Burp Rags
• 2 bibs
• Wet Bag
•  Diaper Clutch
• Diaper Cream
• Travel Wipes
• A few disposable diapers
• Medicine bag
• Bandaids
• Nasal Aspirator
• Medical Syringe
• Medicine Dropper
• Gripe Water
• Infant Tylenol
• Orajel
• Nail Clippers 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  All baby items are packed in the diaper bag, ready to go, and the diaper bag is inside the big suitcase.
  
  
  
  

What I don't have photographed here are a few things that are in a My Thirty-One Large Utility Tote out in the car (too lazy to bring it in)

• Regular Pillow
• Blanket
• Boppy Pillow

Last minute items to grab on our way out the door:

• Camera
• Camera Charger
• Ipads
• Phones (which seems silly as they are with us 99% of the time)

I have also through our pump in the car, just in case, and we have snacks in the front pocket of the hospital bag. I (hopefully) have packed everything so that it's easy to get to. The toiletry bag is on top of everything when you unzip the bag, but everything else I might need while in labor is a front pocket of the suitcase-not that I anticipate needing much. And yes, I did decide to use a carryon compliant suitcase as our hospital bag. I like that it's on wheels, so easy to move about, and when you open it, it's easy to see where everything is.

Hopefully, in the next couple of days, we'll find out just how good of a job I did with attempting to plan ahead and pack for the hospital. 

Week 39

In general, it was a rough week. I've gone back and forth with extreme energy and extreme exhaustion. We found out Nick is being transferred to a new school, which we have mixed feelings on, but once we realized is current job is being cut to part time, we do feel better. Additionally, we got a little more wok on the house done. Nick painted the downstairs wall, but the color doesn't match. The plumber came, and while he made progress, things aren't quite finished yet. And Nick was in a minor accident on Friday, which may have caused one major damage to his car. We're waiting to find out more. It's definitely been a roller coaster week. 

How far along? 39 weeks

How big is baby? Pretty much as big as he can be. A mini watermelon, anywhere from 6-10 lbs, and 19-21 inches. 

Total weight gain/loss: +1lb at the Dr on Thursday. 

Maternity clothes? I hate clothes. I have a few staples I am wearing, some maternity, some not. I wore a beach over up/sundress the past to nights and actually felt cute. 

Sleep: I've been pretty tired this week, although about every third morning (Wednesday and Saturday) I've been up ridiculously early. The actual sleep is OK though. I'm usually up during the 4AM hour, which makes me think he'll come around tat time. 

Best moment this week: Waking up Tuesday AM, and despite Nick having to go to work, I didn't!

Movement: Pretty active. Wednesday he did go through a quiet phase, but made up for it Thursday. 

Food Cravings: None. 

Food Aversions: Bananas. 

Gender: Boy. 

Labor Signs: Some inconsistent contractions. As of Thursday, still no change in dilation. Contractions (and back pain) increase while I'm up and active, but disappear when I sit down. 

Pregnancy Symptoms: Swollen feet. They improved, and then got worse. My lady parts are also incredibly swollen. 

Belly Button in or out? In! I can do this-I can keep an innie the entire time!

What I miss: People not wanting to know the status of my cervix. It's very awkward. Additionally, if I could go back in time, I probably wouldn't have gotten any internal exams till this week. Ignorance is bliss, especially on something that could change so quickly. And it would really irritate them if I had no clue as to my status, too. 

What I am looking forward to: Finally not being pregnant. 

Upcoming appointments/events: Next appointment is Wednesday. I'm sure I'll be there, and not in the hospital. We also already have our 40 week appointment set up for Monday, June 10 at 10:30AM. 

Milestones: I guess the next major milestone will be either making it to my due date, or surviving labor. I'd really like this baby to come on this week. 

Sadly enough, it took 5 pictures to get this good of an expression. It was just not happening today.

I feel huge and low. Please let this be the week.

Week 38

How far along? 38 weeks.

How big is baby? Between 6 and 9 lbs and 19-21 inches, a pumpkin or the length of a leek. 

Total weight gain/loss: While I was down last week, I was up about 5 this week. I think a lot of that is luid, even how my feet and ankles have swollen up this week. 

Maternity clothes? Primarily. I had someone in Target last night ask me if I was wearing a BellaBand. I replied, "Not tonight, but I have one." We had a pleasant little chat about it.

Sleep: Ok. I still only wake up about once to go to the bathroom, and waking up brutally early with the dogs.

Best moment this week:Ummm...another week of several. 

1) Maternity leave officially started on Friday afternoon! I have about 40 research papers to finish grading, but otherwise I'm freeeeeeee.


2) The nursery is completely done. See yesterday's post. :-)


3) The new wall enclosing the loft is finished, just needs to be painted. We got the house cleaned up  from the sanding, and Dad pressure washed the house.
 
Movement: A lot.

Food Cravings: None. And my appetite has decreased.

Food Aversions: Bananas. I feel like a broken record.

Gender: Boy.

Labor Signs: I've had a few contractions this week. I feel like my body is getting ready, but it still has a ways to go.  

Pregnancy Symptoms: This week my feet have taken to swelling up-a lot. It's not painful, but I'm glad I can get away with wearing nothing but flip flops. 

See? Not pretty. 

Belly Button in or out?In, but tight.

What I miss: Not having to stop while cleaning because my back hurts or I'm exhausted.

What I am looking forward to: I'm starting to feel some trepidation about labor. And life with baby. I'm getting really nervous. I'm ready to have this baby, but at the same time, I'm afraid of how I'll handle labor and delivery. I'm also scared I'm going to screw up this child. It's a huge responsibility, which I've always known, but I'm kinda freaking out over it right now.

Upcoming appointments/events: Next appointment is Thursday.

Milestones: I'd say the nursery being complete is a pretty big one. 

Nursery!

Now that the nursery is done, I thought I'd share some pictures over. Warning, this will be ridiculously picture heavy.

Peaking in the door...

Awesome bookshelves my dad built, inspired by this and this.

As you come in the door. (Don't mind Sissi, she's never going to want to be in this room again once the baby gets here.) The shadow bow to the left of the crib will eventually  house things we wish to keep from the hospital/first days home.

I love my polka dot inspired lanterns.

Twin bed, for those nights I can't get to sleep elsewhere. Etsy prints by Chickadee Digital.

Bedding is Mod Dot Complete Sheet Set by Skip Hop. Art work is by my mother and sister in law. Eventually, I will have some artwork from Rachel to go up here, too. And yes, Raggedy Andy is hunping the camera of the video monitor for now. I have yet to hook it up to make sure it works.

Matching Laundry hampers, for clothes and dirty diapers.

The changing table. Pockets on the wall contain newborn pockets, fitteds, covers, and accessories (diaper cream, lotions, snapis, etc). Red bins on the wall have pacifiers, a few disposable diapers, grooming items, and healthcare/meds). My fabulous baby book is on the wall.

Newborn Prefolds on the left, Small Prefolds on the right.

Newborn and 0-3 month sleepers on the left, one size pockets and all in ones on the right.

Osocozy size 2 Prefolds on the left, doublers and Medium Prefolds on the right.

Clothes galore! Most of what you can see is Newborn and 0-3 month. For right now, only clothes up to size 9 months are hanging. Anything I have 12 month + are in storage bins from Ikea to the right side of the closet, on shelves that were already there.

Labeled bins, from left to right: Extras, Burp Cloths, Hats, Socks, Blankets, Swaddles

Sleepers 3-6 months, sleep blankets, and plain onesies and undershirts.

6-9 month sleepers, sleep sacks

Stroller Accessories.

Extra Bedding.

Toys (and clothes that need to be washed before being hung in the proper location.

Baby shoes...All hand me downs.