Anticipation: Week 38

We're 38 weeks! It's crazy to think that this is the END of pregnancy and our little boy could be here any DAY now... as we only have 10 days to go. Woohoo!

But, this anticipation is killing me!

I feel like I'm in this weird state of limbo. I am SO excited for our baby boy to arrive, and yet I'm nervous and anxious about how our lives are going to change and all of the unknowns associated with childbirth and beyond. I don't like this state of uncertainty. I don't like not knowing when he's going to get here, either. Every night I go to bed and think... will this be the night? It's such a strange feeling that it's hard to describe...

But, I am READY. As ready as I can be! Not that I'm terribly uncomfortable, it's more of the emotional unknowns that are making this waiting period difficult for me. I just can't wait for the baby to get here and to start this next chapter our lives! Come on, baby. Let's GO!

SO, we had our doctor's appointment last Thursday, and we're starting to make some progress. I was 50% effaced, but not dilated yet...

When I was taking the train home on Friday afternoon, I started feeling kinda funky. My stomach was a bit nauseous and I was feeling crampy. I thought, maybe this is it!?! I got home and I felt a few minor contractions... but then they went away, and I haven't felt any since. I've had waves of cramps/nausea, but otherwise nothing new to report. We have our next check-up on Thursday. I'm hoping that I'll be dilated! Fingers crossed :)

38 weeks!

I am not a fan of this picture, but it was the best one we got this week... hopefully this may be the last weekly bump pic!? I think that may be wishful thinking as baby boy seems pretty cozy in there ;)

Baby may already have an inch (or more!) of hair on his head! He's shedding lanugo (thin hair covering his body) and vernix (the white goo on his skin) and he's producing more surfactant to help him be able to breathe once he's born. He's continuing to add fat and is fine-tuning his brain and nervous system. 

How far along: 38 weeks

Baby's size:  PUMPKIN (18.9 - 20.9 inches and 6.2 - 9.2lbs) 

Weight gain: 40 lbs

Symptoms: Achy joints! My fingers and toe joints get really achy and swollen... when I wake up from sleeping, my hands hurt! It's so odd? Lower back pain, but it's not as severe as before. Swollen hands and feet. The joys of pregnancy in the summer! But, I'm still hanging in there. It could be much worse!

Pregnancy perks: Well, I don't know if this counts as a "perk" but I wore a bikini this weekend at 38 weeks pregnant, and I felt like that was quite a feat! Pouring my massive body into a small piece of clothing is not the most enjoyable at this stage of the game... but I did it! Also, the biggest perk of all... knowing our little man will be here SO soon! Ahhhhh! 

Things I miss: I miss being able to walk around and being more active. I don't like feeling "lazy" and incapable of doing things. I miss my old body, and I know I probably won't see that for a while... but I'm ready to get back to more of a "normal" non-pregnant body! And, of course, the forbidden foods. SO SOON!

Food aversions: Same old, same old. Eggs and seafood, and some meats.

Food cravings: Still really into watermelon this week... and all fruits. Frozen yogurt and ice cream... anything cool. Also still love me some baked goods! :)

Labor Signs: I had those minor contractions on Friday, and I've had waves of cramps and nausea, but that's about it. Hoping we make more progress this week!

Waddle Waddle: Week 36

21 days until our sweet little man arrives! I can't believe we only have 3 weeks to go (if that!) as baby could arrive any day now. YAY!

I've been hanging in there and doing my best to keep a positive attitude even though I'm not feeling the best... walking, or should I say waddling, has become my biggest challenge. The back pain continues, but I've found soaking in a bath and a heating pad do help give me some relief. The doctor said I could try physical therapy or get a massage to see if that helps... SO, I scheduled a massage for this weekend. YES, please!

We'll see if that helps, if nothing else, it will be nice to get a little pampering before the baby arrives!

We had our last baby class on Monday to learn about breastfeeding basics, so hypothetically, we should be all set :) Now, we'll see if we remember everything that we've learned. Ha. I feel good that we've at least gone through the classes and heard the information... and the rest is up to us to learn as we go!

And, we had our car seat inspection today, and we're A-okay! First of all, we had a heck of a time finding a location near us that does car seat safety inspection checks. I thought all fire stations did this? Nope! We went to the Pleasantview Fire Department (it's not far from us, and is actually right down the street from my doctor's office) and they were super helpful.

We're ready for you baby! When are you going to get here!?!

36 weeks!

Basically all of baby's systems, from circulatory to musculoskeletal are ready to go, except for digestion, which won't mature until after birth. His skin is getting smooth and soft and his gums are rigid. He's getting ready to make his big DEBUT (and so is his momma)!

How far along: 36 weeks

Baby's size:  HONEYDEW MELON (17.2 - 18.7 inches and 4.2 - 5.8lbs) 

Weight gain: 37 lbs

Symptoms: Swollen hands and feet. I can no longer wear my wedding rings... well, I can force them on, but then I'm afraid they won't come off, and I don't want them to have to cut them off, so I'm playing it safe and going sans rings. I still have bad lower back pain when I walk. It's fine when I'm sitting, so that's good, at least. My belly has been itchy... and, I feel HUGE. But, otherwise, I'm hanging in there!

Pregnancy perks: I just have my eye on the prize... baby boy will be here SO soon and all of this will be worth it!

Things I miss: I'm not going to lie, I'm getting pretty excited to drink some VINO soon! And eat sushi, and deli meat and drink coffee... wooohooo! 

Food aversions: Eggs. Seafood.

Food cravings: Hmmmmm.... nothing in particular lately. Donuts (always good), ice cream, peanut butter, fruit, cheese, carbs... the usual...

Labor Signs: Well, I think I may have had some contractions last night!? I woke up in the middle of the night (per usual) and either the baby was going wild kicking or my uterus was contracting... I haven't felt contractions before, so I don't exactly know what to expect? I laid awake for a while waiting to see what happened... and they went away... so I'm not sure? We'll see what this next week brings!

The Need to Pee: Week 35

And we have less than 1 month until baby's due date! The final countdown is ON.

We are 35 weeks and I am getting uncomfortable. I now have to pee 50 times a day, my hands and feet are swollen, I have severe lower back pain every time I walk and I'm gaining weight like it's my job. FUN STUFF, I tell you!

The back pain is the worst, because I really like to walk, and I want to stay active... but now every time I take a step, I feel the severe pain. Boo :( I keep hoping that it will just go away? My doctor said it's my sciatic nerve and that it will probably go away after I have the baby.... joy, joy.

BUT, the end is in sight and we only have a few more weeks to go until we can meet our sweet baby boy! YAY!

We had our weekly check-up on Tuesday and everything looks good! Baby is head down, heart beat is a strong 130 bpm, and my cervix is still CLOSED. Good news all around :)

Everyone has been telling me that we're going to go early... but I'm starting to think that may not be the case... I'm just really hoping that we don't go LATE. Ha. When are you going to make your arrival little man!?! We shall see...

35 weeks!

This week baby is busy packing on the fat! He has probably reached his maximum length (apps say he's around 20 inches) but he'll continue to pack on 1-2 lbs (or more!) before birth.  His brain is also continuing to develop, but otherwise all systems are a go! I can't believe he'll be here SO soon!

How far along: 35 weeks

Baby's size:  COCONUT (17.2 - 18.7 inches and 4.2 - 5.8lbs) 

Weight gain: 36 lbs (baby must have had a massive growth spurt this week... or I'm majorly retaining water... but the scale has been rising quickly. NOT cool!)

Symptoms: Lower back pain. Swollen hands and feet. Frequent need to pee. I honestly feel fine when I'm sitting down... but when I have to walk around, it hurts :( Let's hope this feeling doesn't last long!

Pregnancy perks: Getting the nursery setup this week was a pretty awesome feeling and knowing that the end is in sight. We're SO close!

Things I miss: Walking without being in PAIN! Not having my feet look like they belong to a 200lb lady... being able to comfortable wear my wedding rings...

Food aversions: Eggs. Seafood.

Food cravings: Still really into peanut butter... peanut butter & jelly, peanut butter and apples, chocolate and peanut butter... and all the usual suspects (cheese, pizza, yum yum!)

Labor Signs: Nada! Not a single contraction... we'll see what next week brings!

Sausage Toes: Week 34

36 days until our little man arrives! Woohoo! We are 34 weeks (going on 35) and hope the next few weeks cruise by!

I have reached a point in the pregnancy where I'm starting to get uncomfortable. The weather (it's been muggy and humid in Chicago) and my bulging belly have made things a bit more challenging... my 2.5 mile walk to work each morning is starting to get a bit unpleasant, to say the least :) BUT, I'm hanging in there...

We had our doctor's appointment last week and the doctor said everything looks good, but my belly was measuring small. She wanted us to get an ultrasound, just to make sure everything was okay with the little guy. Of course, that's never news that you want to hear, but I wasn't TOO worried. I could feel the baby moving like crazy, he had a strong heartbeat, and I was gaining weight (and plenty of it!) so I knew deep down that he was A-OK. But, I couldn't wait until we had the ultrasound for the doctor to confirm that.

We had our ultrasound last Thursday, and the doctor said that the baby was PERFECT! He was right on schedule in terms of his growth, and they estimated that he weighs 5 lbs! That's pretty big! Here are a few pics from the ultrasound.

It was SO wonderful to see his sweet little face again...

Looks at those chubby cheeks!

I knew he was doing some crazy moves in there!

My little chubbster!

He's smiling! Melts my heart :)

It was so reassuring to see him again! I'm SO in love already. I could just stare at his sweet little face all day :) And, it made me feel really good to know that he was growing right on schedule. If he keeps on this trajectory (gaining .5lbs per week) and we go until 40 weeks, he's going to be around 8lbs! Ha.

And, here's my 34 week bump:

34 weeks!

This week baby is listening to our conversations (and songs) and may be able to detect them when he's born! He testicles are making their descent from the abdomen (ha!), his intestines are maturing and baby's finger nails have reached the tips of his fingers.

He's getting ready to make his big debut. Only a few more weeks to go! Ah!

How far along: 34 weeks

Baby's size:  BUTTERNUT SQUASH (17.2 - 18.7 inches and 4.2 - 5.8lbs) but we know he's around 5lbs

Weight gain: 33 lbs 

Symptoms: My hands and feet have definitely been swollen this week. I think it's the combination of the heat and sitting at my desk at work... by the end of the day I look at my feet and they look like fat little sausages! SO weird. And, Lukas said I've started snoring... just lovely :) Otherwise, it's just getting harder to get around, put on my shoes, walk longer distances... All in all, I can't complain too much. I'm feeling pretty good!

Pregnancy perks: Seeing our sweet baby boy's face again! AHHH! Love him! It reminds me that the end is near... only a few more weeks to go!

Things I miss: Being able to do things without heaving my body around.... WINE (so soon!!!) and the forbidden foods. I can't wait to eat sushi!

Food aversions: Eggs. Seafood.

Food cravings: Hmmmm... nothing unusual... pizza, anything cheesy carby, baked good, peanut butter chocolate ice cream :) Yummmm.

Labor Signs: Still nothing! But, when I had my ultrasound, the technician said "oh, good contraction!" and I didn't feel a thing... so I guess I've been having some Braxton Hicks contractions? Who knows?

Chicago Baby Shower: Week 33

This post is a few days late as it's been a BUSY week, but we are 33 weeks! 33 weeks! Baby is going to be here SO soon!

We had our second baby shower this week and it was wonderful! All of the aunts on the Loukas side and my mother-in-law, Stella, threw us a gorgeous shower at my Aunt Patty's house, and it was stunning. It was literally straight out of a Pinterest board. SO adorable!

Baby boy was spoiled for a second weekend in a row, and we got a ton of stuff off our registry... our stroller (yay!), pack n' play, swing, rock n' play... baby blankets, clothes, bath time accessories and more! We were definitely showered with love!

Here are a few pics from the day:

Entry table with mine and Lukas's baby pics!

Baby clothes decor! I should have gotten a better picture as it was so cute!

Adorable table settings :)

My mother-in-law and mom! Such wonderful role models!

My handsome hubby!

My mom and sissy and me! The last time we'll see each other before the baby!

It was such a special day to feel all the love for our baby boy! We are so lucky to have such wonderful family and friends. I can't wait until baby arrives and he can meet all of the wonderful people in his life. Thanks to all :)

In other news, baby boy is growing away! Everyone says that I look small, but I feel BIG.

Here's my bump at 33 weeks:

33 weeks!

This week baby's bones are hardening, his brain is going through more major development, he's developing his immune system and he's keeping his eyes open when he's awake! How cool is that!? 

In addition, baby may grow up to ONE INCH this week (wow!) as he continues to pack on a half pound per week. Grow baby, grow! It's crazy to think he may double in weight by the time that he arrives. I don't know how he will fit in there... it's feeling like pretty cramped quarters to me!

How far along: 33 weeks

Baby's size:  DURIAN (17.2 - 18.7 inches and 4.2 - 5.8lbs) 

Weight gain: 31 lbs 

Symptoms: My hands have been a little swollen this week as it's getting harder to put on my wedding ring some days... my nose has also been swollen and congested (oh joy!) and I've been getting some light nose bleeds (this has happened the last few weeks). Sleep insomnia is also back this week. But overall, I still continue to feel good for being 8 1/2 months preggo!

Pregnancy perks: Again, the baby shower was the highlight of the week! Such a special day filled with love :) 

Things I miss: Wearing my normal clothes... coffee! Being able to take deep breaths.

Food aversions: Eggs, eggs, eggs.

Food cravings: Nothing too crazy this week. Still could eat anything chocolate peanut butter all day long... Chipotle... pizza... oatmeal with berries (best thing ever!). Let's just say I'm hungry. ALL. THE. TIME.

Labor Signs: Still nothing! 

Madison Baby Shower: Week 32

Only 50 days to go until my sweet baby boy arrives! YAY!!!

We are 32 weeks and counting... and time is FLYING! I blink and another week goes by.

My mom and my sisters threw us our first baby shower at Doolittle's Woodfire Grill (where my brother-in-law Michael works) in Madison, and it was just lovely! We got a ton of cute clothes and books and trinkets... baby boy is going to be one styling dude :)

Here are a few pictures from the day:

My sisters and my baby bump!

Me and my baby daddy!

My mom and her girls :)

My sisters-in-law and sweet baby nephew, Emmett!

My best girlfriends, Natalie and Lindsay!

It was such a special day all around. I felt all the love in the room for our baby boy and I couldn't contain my joy. I can't wait to meet my little man and be his momma!

We were also able to celebrate Mother's Day with my mom and Grandma while we were back, and that was really nice. When we were leaving, my mom made a comment... that this may be the last time I'll see everyone before we have the baby. OMG! For some reason, that made everything seem VERY real...

I have so many mixed emotions, as I can't wait to meet our baby, but at the same time, our life is going to change forever, and it's such a hard thing to process... I am so so excited for this next chapter to begin, but at the same time, I'm also sad to say good-bye to our current life. It's just a bit unnerving to not know what the future holds.

WHELP! Here's to our next big adventure!

32 weeks!

This week baby is busy at work practicing breathing, swallowing, kicking (lots of it!) and sucking. His lungs are going through further development and producing surfactin. He's putting on more fat (and so is his momma!), shedding lanugo and getting ready for his big debut.


How far along: 32 weeks

Baby's size:  SQUASH (15.2 - 16.7 inches and 2.5 - 3.8lbs) 

Weight gain: 30 lbs 

Symptoms: Sometimes I think the baby is going to burst out of my belly... he does these crazy maneuvers in there and it feels so ODD! Ha. Besides crazy baby movement, my hips and lower back have been achy, but otherwise I feel good. I actually might be sleeping a bit better this week, do I dare say!? 

Pregnancy perks: Our baby shower takes the cake this week! It made me (and baby) feel very special and loved :)

Things I miss: I'm hanging in there this week... of course I continue to miss my vino (and mimosas)... but it's been bearable knowing I only have a few weeks to go!

Food aversions: Eggs. Seafood. Same old, same old.

Food cravings: I'm still really into the oatmeal and PB&J this week... also avocados, baked goods and anything carby... and for some reason today I HAD to have some Nutella... I don't know why it popped into my head... but luckily we have some, and it was indeed delicious :) 

Labor Signs: Nada! What are these Braxton Hicks contractions you speak of? Still haven't had any...

Tight Quarters: Week 31

We're 31 weeks! 8 weeks and 1 day to go... 57 days...

Oh, baby boy! You're going to be here before we know it.

Work has been REALLY busy (of course, it has to get crazy right before my maternity leave!) and the days are flying by. I feel like I blink and it's Friday, which is amazing, and scary... because we still have SO much to do! Ha.

We have our first baby shower in Madison this weekend and I'm beyond thrilled :) I can't wait to celebrate baby boy with some of my friends and family. It will be a such a sweet treat. And, it will be nice to be home to celebrate Mother's Day (for my mom). You don't celebrate Mother's Day if you're pregnant, right?

In other news, our crib and nursery furniture were supposed to arrive this week, but unfortunately they are delayed and won't arrive until May 22nd. Grrrrr... I'm dying not being able to work on our nursery! I just want to make sure I have enough time to get  it all ready before baby makes his appearance! Eeeek...

In other news, we had another check-up this week, and baby boy is healthy and growing right on schedule! I'm always curious what my "measurement" is when they measure my belly... and the doctor just tells me that everything is "normal" and right on track, which is wonderful to hear, of course. But how big is my belly!?! The only thing we need to keep in mind is that the baby hasn't turned yet, so he's still in breech position (his head is up and his feet are down). The doctor said not to worry about it, that babies are smart and he'll turn in the next few weeks.... but if he doesn't turn by week 36, then we have a problem. Come on baby, turn, turn, turn!

It's weird because I feel like he's constantly shifting and turning in there... it feel like he likes to lie horizontally... so maybe he's making his approach to turn. Ha.

I can tell that his quarters are getting tight and it's making us both a bit uncomfortable! He's learned to smush my lungs and kick me in the bladder, both of which are just lovely. I feel him move all of the time... and it's not that it hurts... but sometimes he can get in wacky position and it just feels so ODD.

The good news is, we're both GROWING. A lot.

31 weeks!

This week baby is going through major brain and nerve development. All five of his senses are now functioning... he can see, smell, hear, taste and touch. How cool is that!?! He keeps getting smarter and smarter. He's going to be our little genius :)

How far along: 31 weeks

Baby's size: PINEAPPLE (15.2 - 16.7 inches and 2.5 - 3.8lbs) 

Weight gain: 28 lbs 

Symptoms: My belly is getting heavier and baby is starting to smush my lungs at times... sometimes I wonder how he's going to keep growing in there? I've noticed that I have to walk slower and I can't be a speed racer anymore, otherwise I can't breathe. Ha. Sleeping continues to be difficult, but I have some good nights and some bad nights. But, overall, I continue to feel good for the most part!

Pregnancy perks: Now that I'm visibly pregnant and I'm not hiding my bump under a jacket anymore, I've noticed that people have been nicer to me... actually letting me board the train before them or allowing me the open seat.

Things I miss: Feeling skinny, not heaving my body out of bed... out of chairs.... WINE, coffee! SOON!

Food aversions: Eggs. Seafood. Omg, one of my co-workers brought in fish yesterday, and the whole office reeked of seafood... I thought I was going to puke. Ugh!

Food cravings: I've all about my oatmeal and fruit this week. Blueberries, raspberries, bananas... Oh, and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.... anything (and everything) chocolate peanut butter! I am hungry almost all of the time, so food in general is just SO. good!

Labor Signs: Still nothing... keep on cooking in there, little bun!

Clumsy Cathy: Week 30

I know that "pregnancy brain" is a symptom... but is becoming a major klutz also a side effect of pregnancy? In my case, it definitely is...

I have never been a very clumsy person, and boy, oh boy, I don't know what happened? I drop things ALL of the time... if Lukas tries to throw me something, forget about it... I don't know what it is, but I think my hand eye coordination is WAY off these days. HA. Hopefully that's a symptom that won't stick around after baby boy arrives :)

We are 30 weeks and counting! It feels really good to say we're in the 30's. The big 3-0. It's funny how time seems to drag on and on in the beginning of pregnancy, and now, time is FLYING... up until around week 24, it seemed to take forever to get to the next week. And now, I blink and another week has gone by.

This is WONDERFUL and terrifying at the same time! I am so so so excited to meet our little man, I can barely contain it... but at the same time, I am somewhat terrified. I have been feeling much better about things in general. I've been spending time with our baby nephew Emmett, and it feels good to get a little practice holding a newborn baby. But, there are so many unknowns that exist.

I'm just going to block them out and enjoy NOW. We only have 9 weeks left as a family of 2, so we better enjoy it while we can :)

We have been busy getting our house in order. Everything except for the nursery, that is. Unfortunately our crib and nursery furniture don't arrive until next week (it took 12 weeks for delivery). To all the other expecting mamas out there, take a friendly word of advice and order your crib early. Anyway, we installed some new lights, ceiling fans and rearranged some furniture this weekend, and the house is coming along nicely :) Lukas says that I'm in my "uber nesting" phase right now, and I won't argue with that!

In baby news, baby boy is growing, growing, growing...

30 weeks!

Baby is getting so big that when he moves around in my belly, my whole tummy shifts from one side to the other. It's such an awesome (and weird) feeling! It's so entertaining. When I get home, I sit on the couch and stare at my belly as he wiggles around... is that an arm? a leg? his head? I'm still trying to figure out how he's situated, but it seems like he's lying horizontally? When I sleep at night, I've started to feel him creep up toward my ribs, but otherwise he stays low throughout the day. His kicks and punches are quite powerful these days, but it's reassuring to know that he's an active little guy in there!

This week baby's brain is growing and getting wrinklier, and he is busy putting on weight. He'll gain 1/2 lb per week from here on out! How wild is that? I'm just worried to see how much I'll gain each week from here on out, ha :)

How far along: 30 weeks

Baby's size: CUCUMBER (15.2 - 16.7 inches and 2.5 - 3.8lbs) 

Weight gain: 26 lbs 

Symptoms: I have to say, I'm feeling better this week than I did last week. That Tdap vaccine really did a number on me and made me nauseous for a few days... thankfully, I'm feeling much better now! Albeit I'm getting bigger, achy and tired, I feel pretty darn good. I do notice that I get a bit out of breath on my walks (or going up stairs) and I have more indigestion (sensitive tummy), so I just need to be more conscious of what doesn't sit well with me.

Pregnancy perks: Knowing that the end is in sight... 2 months to go! I can do this!

Things I miss: Sleep (I have a feeling this will be constant theme for the next few years) but I've forgotten what it feels like to sleep through the night. In between pee breaks and shifting around to get comfortable, a solid night of sleep is a thing of the past.

Food aversions: Eggs. Seafood.

Food cravings: I've been really into avocados this week (sooo good!) and I've been craving salad, ha! I also can't get enough Reese's peanut butter cups. YUM. And of course, carbs, carbs, carbs.

Labor Signs: Nothing yet!

My Hips Don't Lie: Week 29

29 weeks, here we go!

T-minus 71 days until our due date. Woohoo! Let the countdown begin :)

Let's see, what did we do this week...

I had a maternity massage last weekend at Kohler Waters Spa in Burr Ridge, and it was pretty darn amazing... I don't know if you've ever been to the original Kohler Waters Spa at the American Club in Kohler, Wisconsin, but THAT is the place to go. The sister spa in Burr Ridge was very nice, too, but it's got nothing on the original! We went to the original Kohler spa for our mini moon after we got married and it was AMAZING! (but super pricey!). I can't wait to go back there, hopefully someday soon :)

Anywho, my maternity massage was wonderful, except for one tiny fact... my masseuse did NOT stop talking for the entire 80 minute massage!? Now, I don't know about you, but when I get a massage it's a splurge, and I want absolute relaxation (i.e. no talking! just shut up and rub me!). SO, this lady was very nice, but she wanted to tell me all about her birth and how she became a mother... and how challenging and difficult it was... and how I'll never sleep again and my boobs will be really saggy and I'll lose all my friends... Way to help a pregnant lady relax! HA. I tried to tune her out and the massage felt great, but really... COME ON.

But, she did say that the baby is nestled right in my hips and I had a ton of tension there... which makes sense, given all the hip pain I've had, especially when I sleep, so it felt great to get some of that worked out. Now, if only I could afford to have a massage every week... preferably one without talking :)

In other news, since we're in the third trimester, I have a doctor's appointment every 2 weeks. I had my appointment on Tuesday, and the doc said all looks great! I passed my Glucose test (yay!) and baby boy has a strong heartbeat and is growing right on schedule. I had to get my Tdap vaccine (protects against tetanus, diptheria and whooping cough) and I forgot how sore that makes your arm! Ouch! My arm still hurts...

I've been feeling a little off since then (tired, achy, nauseous) which are some side effects (oh joy!) from the vaccine. At least I'm done with that!

AND, we had another child care class this week: Childcare 101! I really enjoy the classes and find it reassuring to be around other couples who are expecting their first baby. It's a helpful refresher to go through the basics and be able to ask questions. One woman raised her hand and said she's never been around a newborn before in her life... so that made me feel good... at least we're not the most clueless people there. Ha!

29 weeks!

Baby boy is growing! He's had a growth spurt and is up to 2.5 - 3.8lbs this week. It's crazy to think that he'll double (maybe even triple) in weight before he's born! This week he is busy putting on more fat and hiccuping... a lot... it's fun to feel my belly vibrate :)

How far along: 29 weeks

Baby's size: Acorn Squash (15.2 - 16.7 inches and 2.5 - 3.8lbs) 

Weight gain: 24 lbs 

Symptoms: Tired. I could probably take a nap everyday... my belly is getting heavier and the baby is putting more pressure on my bladder, which means I pee about 50 times a day. I think I'm carrying him really low, as he hasn't been up near my rib cage (thank goodness!), but my lower back and hips have been a bit achy. Overall, I feel good! Sleep is probably my biggest complaint... hello, sleepless nights!

Pregnancy perks: We were out and about this past weekend and I had a handful of people tell me they couldn't believe I was 29 weeks pregnant... SO, that's always nice to hear, especially when I'm feeling large and in charge! AND, I got a size C bra this weekend. Woohoo! Gotta enjoy these babies while they're here :) 

Things I miss: Sleeping, wine, fitting into my clothes. 

Food aversions: Eggs. Seafood.

Food cravings: Frozen yogurt (could eat this every day!), Chocolate Peanut Butter ice cream (from Oberweis! is the best), turkey burgers and CARBS. 

Labor Signs: Nothing yet!

Third Trimester, Let's Go!: Week 28

Hello, third trimester! I am SO happy to see you :)

Only 11 weeks to go until we can meet our little man. YAY!

I have to admit, I have been having some anxiety about his birth and about being a mom lately. Will I know what to do? Will I know how to nurse him and hold him? Will I be a good mom? How much is our life going to change? Will I ever sleep again...

I'm trying not to focus on all of that... as I know every new mom goes through something similar... but I'm such a planner and I want to be prepared for when he arrives and what I need to do. I just hope it all comes naturally :) And, in the meantime, I'm trying my best to relax. It will all work out.

Otherwise, we have been busy busy getting ready for our little boy. And yet, we still have SO much to do! We pulled the trigger and we bought a new car this weekend, so we have one less thing to worry about.

Say hello to Albie, our new Acura RDX (it's short for Albert).

Our new car!

Isn't he sharp?

After 4+ hours of negotiation at the dealership, we finally made a deal! Woohoo. And, we felt like we did a pretty good job. We went through the Costco Auto Program (they already pre-negotiate a low rate with certain dealers) and we negotiated an even LOWER rate... we don't know if the Finance Manager was just blowing smoke, or what, but he told us we got the best deal they've ever given on an RDX. He said if he would have known about it before the Sales Manager gave it to us, he wouldn't have approved it. HA. So, that made us feel pretty darn good :) We love a good deal.

Now that we bought the car, we can turn our focus back to the nursery and getting our house in order! 

I've still been feeling good overall. I've been tired, but we've been really busy. I feel like our weekends have been non-stop, so it's not wonder I'm pooped! And, here's the latest bump pic.

28 weeks!

Baby boy is growing! This week his lungs are more mature, so he's practicing breathing, hiccuping, coughing... he's also now blinking and dreaming in REM sleep. How cool is that? What are you dreaming about, little dude? And, he's putting on FAT. He's already pretty long, so now he just needs to bulk up before his arrival.

How far along: 28 weeks

Baby's size: EGGPLANT (13.6 - 14.8 inches and 1.5 to 2.5lbs) 

Weight gain: 23 lbs 

Symptoms: I've been tired, but otherwise I'm still feeling good overall. I haven't been swollen (knock on wood) or had too many aches and pains (beyond my hips when I'm sleeping). I've still been really active and walk 5 miles 3-4 times a week, so although I'm getting bigger, I'm still getting around pretty good. Let's hope this continues!

Pregnancy perks: Being in the THIRD TRIMESTER is pretty awesome! Knowing that the baby is basically fully developed and just needs some finishing touches, also makes me feel good.

Things I miss: I've been doing pretty good about keeping it in check. Although walking by all the patios on my walk home from work and seeing all the people enjoying their favorite beverages makes me jealous. Less than 3 months to go!

Food aversions: Eggs. Seafood.

Food cravings: I haven't had any major cravings this week... if I see something and it sounds good, I want it. Sweets and chocolate are always at the top of my list. Ice cream. Carbs. You name it, I'll eat it. I definitely have a hearty appetite these days!

Labor Signs: None yet! I haven't felt any Braxton Hicks contractions or anything yet. 

Keep on keeping on, baby boy! We love you.