Lately: End of April

Digging:  Well...Rob has been doing a lot of digging in the yard - creating an extension of the flowerbed we created last summer.  It will go all the way around the deck and include space for a "cutting garden" at the end.  This makes me so happy because I LOVE fresh flower bouquets!

Eating:  Strawberries, Popsicles, and I'm always still in the mood for Taco Bell. 

Listening: to a "Delivery Mix" my friend Ann made me.  She is due four weeks later than me...but while I was obsessed with the perfect nursery mix - she was obsessed with the perfect hospital room delivery music.  We decided to exchange CD's - and I'm loving all the new music!  Lots of Beyonce, John Denver, Mumford, Indigo Girls, Tom Petty etc.

Drinking: chocolate milk (of course), sparkling water, regular water, and at night I like to have a cup of hot tea.

Wearing:  leggings, maxi skirts, and pajama pants

Reading: lots of notes in the "labor and delivery" section of my pregnancy books, and my Country Living Magazine :)

Feeling: anxious, happy, uncomfortable, sleepy....it's usually a rollarcoaster of emotions!

Weather: warmer weather all around - has been in the 70's - and that also means lots of showers too (sadly Rob's first night of golf was cancelled due to rain)

Wanting: to meet this baby boy!

Needing: well I don't need it...but I did see a cute robe at Target that I wanted :)  And I love the new Italy candle scents at Bath and Body Works...but probably I just REALLY need my camera battery charger to work!! I tried to charge it last Sunday night and it wouldn't work.  I've been getting by with my iphone camera though...

Wishing: for reassuring news at the doctor tomorrow.

Thinking: about how Pecan will adjust to life with a baby...she loves Rob...and might hate sharing his attention

Enjoying: the nightly walks Rob and I have been taking around the neighborhood.  Hand in hand we stroll down the street - checking out everyone's yards - and remarking about what we would change - and of course, I'm always listening for the ice cream truck! And...I'v been watching "Scandal" on Netflix (thanks Nick and Cassie) and I'm totally addicted! 

Loving: all the tulips that we planted last fall are finally blooming!!!  I may be biased but our yard is probably the best of all :)

39 Weeks

How far along? 39 weeks and 3 days
Total weight gain: up about 30 pounds 
Maternity clothes? I think I just lived in my black leggings, pajama pants, and black maxi skirt this week.  I'm getting a little sick of just being able to choose from such a small portion of clothes in my closet. 
Stretch marks? yes
Sleep: definitely sleeping good on the nights when we do a lot of walking in the evening (which was almost every night this week). However, I was so sleepy this weekend and taking lots of small naps....which makes it difficult to fall asleep in the evening.  So I try not to nap but then I just get cranky!
Best moment this week: Hearing baby boy's heartbeat this past Monday (142) - and knowing that he is still doing good in there!  Feeling good about our decision not to induce today (Sunday)...we'll just see what the doctor says Monday and move forward.  Rob and I are just doing a lot of hanging out together...enjoying these last few days as a family of 2.
Miss Anything? generally just being comfortable...
Movement: yes!  I will probably miss glancing down and seeing my stomach do a little dance in the evenings
Food cravings: this week I really wanted guacamole...And a sub...And chocolate chip cookies - I might have had 2 out of 3 of those! 
Anything making you queasy or sick: nope!
Gender: It better be a boy!
Labor Signs:  Sadly no - I'm dilated almost 4 cm and effaced about 80% as of last Monday...but my uterus is not contracting yet.  Just trying to be patient!
Symptoms: The heartburn is sticking around...swollen fingers seem to be present almost everyday too - I'm down to about 3 pairs of shoes that are comfortable also!
Belly Button in or out? out
Wedding rings on or off? off :(
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy & anxious to get things moving!  I'm sick of every person I know asking if I'm in labor when I call them.  I'm sick of the stares and comments etc.  And I literally just had to smile through my annoyance yesterday when a women asked me "just one?"  Yeah lady, just one - go away.
Looking forward to:  Meeting him, holding him, and loving on our new baby boy!! 

To Induce or Not to Induce...

Well, we went to the doctor yesterday (Monday) for our weekly appointment.  The good news - I'm still progressing...almost 4 cm dilated and 80% effaced.  It's weird...I always thought when you started dilating, you would feel it...but alas, I had no idea!  Other good things - baby is still head down, fetal heart rate is a good 142 and I was down about two pounds!  Say what?!  Doctor said it might just be that I was a little more swollen last week and this week I wasn't - either way, I'll take it! The bad news - I'm not really contracting - or as I like to say, my uterus is lazy!  ha! 

This wouldn't really bother me either way...but we have major insurance changes occuring at the Zoo. Basically, we going from a PPO plan to an HRA plan come May 1.  All of it has been confusing to say the least.  Going into it - we knew based on our old insurnace, exactly how much we would owe.  With the new plan, it's sort of up in the air.  My greatest fear is going into labor on April 30 and needing to stay in the hospital over the May 1 plan change over, and thus entering a new "plan" year.  As far as anyone can tell me then we will owe more money to both the doctor and the hospital because we are using both plans. 

We have been upfront with the doctor about this - and she offered to induce me Sunday evening - thinking that we would be out of the hospital come May 1 and she's on call Sunday evening - so it looked like a win win.  However, she can't (obviously) guarantee anything about the delivery.  She didn't outright say it - but I think she thinks there is a good possibility that I will need a C-section based on the baby size and my stature.  If that's the case, we would not be out of the hospital come May 1....so it's not really helping anything.  Plus, the more I read about inductions and talked to people who have experienced them - they can be really quite uncomfortable.  You're basically forcing your uterus to contract with the help of a drug called Pitocin.  The pitocin causes rather strong contractions, possible vomiting, and almost always, a longer labor than if you would wait for your body to go on it's own. 

The doctor said we should talk about what we wanted to do - and just call the office if we were choosing to induce. The more Rob and I talked about it - the more we decided we probably would just wait to see if baby boy comes on his own!  To help that along we are walking every night and trying to stay active, I'm eating spicy foods, and squatting every time I need to pick something up (I read that forces the baby's head down the birth canal).  So we'll see if those things help....and return to the doctor for our last "scheduled' appointment this coming Monday.  In the meantime - send postive vibes to my uterus!  haha!

38 Weeks

 

How far along? 38 Weeks
Total weight gain: up about 30 pounds (and I'm okay with that...I know it will suck to lose, but it seems reasonable). 
Maternity clothes? oh yeah! During the week, I wear my maternity khaki pants to work and then come home and put on leggings or pajama pants.  On the weekends, I usually wear leggings with a cute, tunic top or otherwise...and now that it's been warmer I have a few skirts and dresses that I'm adding in.  
Stretch marks? yes - over it. The only person who sees them is me and Rob - so if we don't think they are a big deal, then who cares?!
Sleep: not terrible this week, but I have been more tired than ever - so this might be a factor in that.
Best moment this week: Hearing that the baby is doing great and still growing at the doctor on Monday...soaking up the two weeks of being pregnant...sitting in glider in the nursery a lot just imagining when our baby will be in the crib...and celebrating two years of being married to Rob!
Miss Anything? not really....but I do think a lot about having subway and diet coke :)
Movement: oh yes he is active as ever! I notice it more so in the evenings still...but that is probably because I'm running around all day.
Food cravings: chocolate milk (still), strawberries, and sweets (cookies, pies, pretty much any of it)
Anything making you queasy or sick: nope!
Gender: boy
Labor Signs: Nope. A few weird stomach movements but otherwise I get the feeling that this baby boy is pretty cozy in there...  Rob also put some garbage bags down under the fitted sheet on the bed this week just in case my water breaks (I know it's not that likely) because I don't want to ruin the mattress.
Symptoms: lots of heartburn and I can't really stay on one side while sleeping for too long because my hips start to hurt.  Swollen feet this week too (because the weather brought some 80 degree sunshine)...and my fingers sometimes hurt to bend in the morning...so weird!
Belly Button in or out? out
Wedding rings on or off? off :(
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy & EXCITED to say the least!
Looking forward to:  His arrival!  

Nursery Reveal

Dear Baby,

Ever since we found out about you....I've been dreaming about your nursery!  With the help of your dad, Auntie Stacy, all your grandparents, Pinterest, Babies R Us, Target, and my imagination...I can finally say, it's pretty much done!  I love spending time in your nursery....marveling at all my crazy ideas come to life.  I'm pretty sure a lot of times when I say "Rob....I have this idea"...he cringes inside...knowing that I will likely need his assistance and it probably won't be as easy as I'm making it seem.  It will also likely involve a trip to Lowes or Target (but those are our favorite stores...so in that case...win!)  From top to bottom, I can honestly say this nursery was put together with lots of love, sweat, giggles, and diet coke. 

 

I knew from the beginning if we had a boy I would want the walls in the nursery to be grey.  While I didn't exactly share that fact with your dad - we did agree on this when we painted the walls this past summer.  We also never really said outloud - "this will be the nursery" - but we both knew.  So, we Rob spent a good week, spackling, sanding, priming, and painting the walls a lovely shade of grey.  I believe it was called "Notre Dame" by Valspar.  I did help with the painting...but I'm not so good (read - lack the patience) to do all the prep.  And, Rob always says, "painting is 90% prep.  You should also know that the closet in this room had hideous gold, mirrored doors that we took down and never put back up.  (Conveniently, your crib fits right in the closet space).  We will likely replace these in the future...but for now, we like having your bed back there.

From there - it was my job to empty out/organize the space.  I ended up having to donate the desk (it was a sidewalk find) and we kept the armoire.  All of my scrapbooking/crafting supplies found a new home in the basement and the armoire was empty.  Auntie Stacy recommended taking out the top shelf and putting in a rod to hold all your little sweatshirts, button ups etc. And...that's just what we did!  Your dad rigged up a tension rod and it's completely full of adorable, manly clothes! 

 

In December, Grandpa Jim and your dad put together all the "big" pieces of furniture...so your crib, changing table, and glider were in place.  Next, it was really just about adding all the fun details - my job!  Instead of a mobile - I had my mind set on using pom poms and paper lanterns dangling from the ceiling..and while there were doubters...it is one of my favorite parts about the nursery.  I also really wanted to decorate with a subtle elephant theme - so on a snowy night in January, your dad and I bought fabric to be put in embroidery hoops from JoAnn Fabrics.  (I also embroidered a little one to say "little peanut"...awww).  Other projects I took on - sewing a crib skirt and curtains, handpainting some artwork, fixing up the lamp and the overall organization of things (you need a lot of stuff apparently). 

 

 

 

I have to say the curtains were such a time consuming project!  It might have also been a night where Rob was tired of my crazy - but went to JoAnn Fabrics to get me more needles because I broke two of them trying to sew through 4 layers of fabric!!

 

Other favorite parts about your nursery include the adorable elephant hamper, teal baskets under the changing table, and our IKEA cart for all the little goodies you need! 

 

 

 

 

 

Can we just pause for a second - the above picture is your dad's baby blanket!  How cute is that??!!  I love being able to have little touches of our own childhood in here. And of course, it has a duck on it :)

 

And finally, we got a special basket to hold all your blankets.  One things is for certain - you will never be cold!  We have swaddle blankets, receiving blankets, crocheted blankets, and even stroller blankets.  I am very jealous!

 

We hope you know little one that this spot was prepared with such love and anticipation of your arrival!  It will surely be a spot we spend a lot of time in...so we wanted it to be just perfect for you!

2 years

 

Tuesday was our anniversary! 

Two years ago we had a wedding. 

Everyday since then we've been working on our marriage. 

Rob is my favorite person. 

He believes in me. 

He challenges me (and my patience ... sometimes) 

He inspires me.  

And now we are going to be parents (holy moly!). 

I know we'll have to keep working at this - but

honestly I couldn't have asked for a better partner.   

Can't wait for the next 60 years!

37 Dr. Appointment - Update

Just wanted to pop in and mention that I went to the doctor this morning (when you are 36 weeks - you begin to go once a week).  We got to hear the baby's heartbeat - 124...which freaked me out because it was a lot slower than last week.  Basically my doctor said that the bigger the baby gets, the lower their heart rate can go.  (She likened this to an elephant...but I'm trying to forget that part).  The doctor did not seem concerned so I'm choosing not to be either. (My new motto is "everything will work out").  She did the required cervical check - and I'm the same as I was last week.  Boo.  Still 2 cm. and 75% effaced.  So, I will continue to walk, walk, walk, and stay as active as possible (when all I want to do is nap). :)  I did mention that I was hoping to have the baby before May 1...as our Zoo insurance changes on May 1 from a PPO plan to an HRA plan.  To my surprise, my doctor said that could probably be arranged (if nothing happens before that)!  I have another appointment next Monday (April 22)...so possibly we will talk about inductions at that point.  Time will tell....and I will just have to put on my patience pants (though, I may have outgrown those about 6 months ago...hahaha!)

3 Cooks in the Kitchen!

One of the "to-do's" on my seemingly never ending to do list, was preparing several freezer meals for those first crazy weeks when the baby is a newborn and we have no energy to prep or cook a meal (much less shower, do laundry etc - so be forewarned if you come over, we might look 8 shades of crazy).  This was really not important or necessary to anyone but myself...but thankfully Auntie Stacy and Grams were game to help.  I took to Pinterest (is there anything you can't find there??) and had been bookmarking some freezer friendly meals.  I stayed home from work on Friday due to some dizziness/swollen feet/lack of sleep issues and between snoozing and watching Downton Abbey, made a pretty solid list of recipes and the ingredients for each.  Then on Saturday, Rob and I hit Costco and Krogers to stock up our kitchen and get ready for Freezer Meal Fest 2013.

**Sidenote - when you're almost 38 weeks pregnant, people stare A LOT.  And, they feel it's necessary to offer you advice like "don't walk to much", "shouldn't you be staying off your feet", and "turn back and save the baby!"  That last gem was offered to Stacy, Lynn, and me at the park on Wednesday when we were attempting to walk with a looming thunderstorm overhead.

Anyway - come Sunday - I was ready!  I had pulled aprons for everyone, started the chicken in the crock pot at 6:45 in the morning (so it could be shredded by 1:00), and even made cookies!  (alright, they were break and bake...but still...).  And, my mom stopped to get us Taco Bell (and between the four of us...she claimed it was the largest Taco Bell order she'd ever placed!). 

With Chili Cheese Burritos in our bellies - we began!  Chicken Enchiladas were up first.  The chicken was all ready to go - mom sliced and diced the onion (while Senorita Stacy did some sweet moves in the background) - and we assembled everything pretty quickly.  It made 20 enchiladas - so we put two pans in the freezer and I was even able to send some home with Stacy and my mom.

 

While the enchiladas were being assembled, I started the water boiling on the stove for some Baked Ziti.  This recipe also came together pretty quickly..as it was all about layering.  Pasta, Sauce, Cheese - repeat.  You probably get the idea.  Again, two pans later - we were finished! 

Our final recipe was "Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes".  Now, some might argue (my mom and Stacy) that the pan they were provided with was "too small" - but props to them for making it work!  Basically we prepared a meat mixture, and then let it cook in the slow cooker for a couple more hours.

 

 

 

At this point - the whole house was smelling pretty good...and we were on a roll....so of course - I had to throw one more task at everyone! I had been planning on using cloth diapers for burp clothes because everyone says they are super absorbent.  The trouble is - because I'm crazy creative, I wanted to fancy them up just a bit.  Using the fabric I had left from the embroidery hoops, I convinced Stacy to sew a strip of this fabric down the middle of the cloth.  Even though I thought the tension on my sewing machine was jacked up, Stacy somehow (sewing miracle?) managed to make it work on literally the first try - so we were all systems go!  She sewed the first seam, then my mom would iron the rest into place and she would finish.  What might you ask, was I doing?  Important business like snipping threads, eating cookies, and telling them my pregnancy woes of course.  They busted out 12 beautiful burp clothes in no time at all!  I know they will get dirty pronto - but somehow this makes me feel better.

 

 

I think I can officially say after this weekend that my to-do list is dwindling!  The only thing that might be left is packing the hospital bag -- which I plan to tackle very soon.  Thanks to Auntie Stacy, Grams, and Rob this weekend for all of their hard work! We love you all!

37 Weeks - Full Term!!

 

 

 

How far along? 37 Weeks

Total weight gain: up 29 lbs. - maybe more...will find out tomorrow at the doctor!
Maternity clothes? oh yes!  Thankfully the weather has been a bit nicer so I can wear my favorite maxi dresses and skirts.  Also, I'm being a rebel at work and wearing sandals (we're not supposed to) but there are literally like two pairs of shoes that feel comfortable by 3:00 in the afternoon when your feet are swollen from chasing around pre-schoolers.
Stretch marks? yes - sometimes I just don't look in the mirror (if I don't see them...they're not there...right??)
Sleep: not so great...but apparently I can survive on 4-5 hours of sleep.  I actually didn't go to work on Friday because I was just spent from a week of not sleeping and I was dizzy all night and my feet were swollen.  Boo.
Best moment this week:  for sure seeing the little man on the screen - he looks so chubby and squishy and cute!  He has a beautiful head and buddha belly already :)  Also...we got sooooo much done this weekend!!  Prepped meals, finished burp clothes, finished cleaning out basement and garage, got Rob on my cell phone plan with an I-Phone 5 (color me jealous), went Costco-ing, returned some stuff to Babies R'Us, and got caught up on the little one's baby book. 
Miss Anything? generally just being comfortable, putting on my shoes like a normal person, sleeping.....but again it will all be worth it!!Movement: lots of small movements, jabs, kicks, flexing etc.
Food cravings: Still want Chili Cheese Burritos for every meal - also eating lots of strawberries, chocolate milk (of course), popsicles....and I think about Subway A LOT.
Anything making you queasy or sick: no
Gender: boy
Labor Signs: None - but hoping they start after next Sunday :) (because I'm getting my nails done).
Symptoms: swollen feet and swollen fingers, hip pain, back pain, blah blah blah....
Belly Button in or out? out
Wedding rings on or off? Unfortunately with the weather being so warm, I noticed that it was becoming more difficult to move my wedding ring at all - so on a cold morning this week, I took it off and put it with my engagement ring.  I really miss both of them.
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy
Looking forward to: baby boy's arrival of course ... can't believe it is almost time!!

Pregnancy Favorites

While I haven't read a lot of pregnancy books (except What to Expect to When Your Expecting)...I do read a lot of pregnancy blogs.  Almost all the authors post about their pregnancy "must haves" and "favorites" and so I've decided to do the same!  I don't consider myself an expert by any means or on the "high maintence" side either -- but there have been a few things that definitely keep me happy!

1.) Mumford and Sons "Babel" Album- I have been obsessed with this CD since it's release in September.  Honestly, I listen to it all the time in the car...on the way to work, on the way home, while out running errands etc.  I know most of the songs by heart and the lyrics just relax me. 

2.)  I-Pad - Rob and I were lucky enough to receive this for Christmas and while I thought I-Pads were sort of unneccesary at first (maybe I was just jealous of Stacy's??) - I love it now! I love being able to use it in any room of the house and without all the cords!  Lately I'v been watching episode after episode of Downton Abbey on it...from the comfort of my bed.  :)

3.)  Popsicles - it's no secret that I've craved cold food items since the beginning of my pregnancy.  Our freezer is always stocked with popsicles and I still have at least one a night. 

4.)  Dr. Palmer's Stretch Mark Cream - Again, I've used this since the beginning...and while I definitely have stretch marks...the lotion helps keep my skin hydrated and stops the itching on my belly sometimes.  They say stretch marks are sometimes due to genetics...so maybe I was going to get them either way.

5.) Humidifier - We bought the Crane Humidifier once I started getting bloody noses.  While those have passed....Rob and I both love the humidifier still.  It lets off a steady hum which is sort of comforting and the green light glows all night which makes it easy to find my way to the bathroom.  I joke with Rob that we will have a hard time giving it up once the baby needs it...

6.)  New Horizon Organic Chocolate Milk - I could drink gallons and gallons of chocolate milk!  This is my favorite brand -- I decided to go the organic route since I was drinking so much of it.  We usually have this in the refrigerator or in travel sizes so I can take it to work. 

7.)  Yoga Pants - Once the bump started growing and I could no longer wear my "normal" clothes, all I wanted to wear was yoga pants.  They are soft...the waist line is forgiving...and they sort of grow with you.  I would recommend buying a size up from what you normally wear so you have even more room to grow!

8.)  Water Bottle - Cutting myself off bascially cold turkey from diet coke was no easy feat - but my cute pink water bottle made it a little easier.  I can usually be seen at work with water bottle in hand and I make several trips to the water filter/cooler/I'm not sure what it's called thing to fill it up. It's a pain in the butt to clean...but I like being able to know how much water I've been drinking.

9.)  Sweet Husband/Supportive Family - from the beginning, Rob has been nothing short of spectacular.  He has certainly stepped up his game around here...insisting on cleaning the bathrooms, doing the vacumming, dusting, etc.  He is also always the first to suggest I go lie down and take a nap or put my feet up (hopefully this continues after the baby is born)!  Also, we couldn't have asked for a more supportive family - when we announced the little one's arrival - the outpouring of love, care, and gifts has been non-stop!  Our little family of two and a half (almost three!) has certainly been spoiled and we are grateful every day.

April : Lately

Digging:  our new ultrasound pics (even though they are super blurry)...and also all the spring weather and sandals...and the tulips that are growing in the yard!

Eating:  Chili Cheese Burritos and Popsicles

Listening: Well the Mumford and Sons album is always in rotation...but I'm also listening a lot to the mix I made for the nursery...rediscovering my love of the Indigo Girls..and Zac Brown Band on Pandora

Drinking: Stacy introduced me to a new drink at Starbucks that I'm OBSESSED with...Decaf Vanilla Tea Latte with whip cream.  So Yummy!

Wearing:  Maxi skirts like it's my job - I saw like four more at Target that I wanted - I have a bad Target habit...(but seriously, how many maxi skirts is too many?)

Reading: What To Expect When Your Expecting...also reviewing notes from our baby care basics class and pinterest posts on what to pack in your hospital bag.

Feeling: Like any day could be "the day" - and also a little nervous about giving birth to a giant baby

Weather: Holy Moly it was 82 degrees today!!  Loving having all the windows and screen door open...a big storm rolled in also...

Wanting: to not got to work anymore..for the to-do list to be finished...for my freezer to be magically full of meals...for a maid service...for the baby to be born before May 1 because I don't understand our new insurance plan

Needing: to relax and just know that everything will be okay

Wishing: for more energy and hours in a day

Thinking: about how accurate ultrasounds really are??  And, is Rob getting my an anniversary present...because I probably should get moving on that!

Enjoying: putting together the baby album and reflecting a lot on Rob and I's relationship

Loving: that Rob fixed the garbage disposal tonight!  That I was able to meet Lynn and Stacy for a brief walk before a scary storm where we were able to discuss important topics such as "what is a latte exactly?" and "do you warm up formula in a bottle" and where we decided "that don't impress me much"! :)

36 Weeks

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How far along?  36 Weeks

Total weight gain: up 29 lbs - confirmed at the doctor this morning!
Maternity clothes? yep - literally leggings & maternity shirts or dresses from here on out.  Did end up ordering another maxi skirt from Old Navy figuring that I could wear it after the baby is born. (See above).  It's probably the most comfortable thing I own right now...so I told Rob to get used to seeing me in it.  Also, Rob's pajamas are pretty darn comfy too!
Stretch marks? duh - yes, over it.
Sleep: still waking up in piles of drool (gross!) and getting up to go to the bathroom about two times a night.  Also it's hard to turn off my mind at the end of the night because the to-do list of "little things" seems never ending...
Best moment this week: graduating from birth class (they actually gave us a certificate)....surviving breastfeeding class (all FOUR HOURS of it...seriously...so many boobs)...and putting together a pretty awesome nursery mix of music for baby boy's room! 
Miss Anything? I miss a lot of things..but nothing super in particular this week.  Being pregnant has been a pretty amazing experience...can't believe it's almost over.
Movement: not as much as before - I assume because there is less room to move around - and I'm always trying to guess if he is head down yet (especially after seeing a very graphic c-section video).
Food cravings: Chili cheese burritos from Taco Bell, strawberries, frozen yogurt, and orange juice!
Anything making you queasy or sick: nope
Gender: boy
Labor Signs: No
Symptoms: overall feeling okay - except the occassional pressure in my stomach, back pain in the morning, and swollen feet...but none of it's really that bad. .
Belly Button in or out? out - but flat, nothing protruding
Wedding rings on or off? wedding ring on - tried on my engagement ring today while cleaning and could only get it half way down my finger (might have had a small breakdown over that).
Happy or Moody most of the time: I'm pretty emotional all the time... but so very happy.
Looking forward to: baby's arrival of course! Looking forward to meeting the doctor on Monday (was supposed to go on Thursday but doctor was sick) and getting an ultrasound, cervical check etc.  She will also give us directions on when to go to the hospital, as far as contractions.

Doctor update - Saw my fabulous doctor today who did an ultrasound.  It was so great to see baby boy!  He is HUGE - the last time we saw him, his whole body fit on the screen....now we just got to see one part at a time.  He has a beautiful head, big belly, and squishy little fingers and toes.  He is currently head down...so that's good.  His heart rate was 149.  The doctor told us he is measuring at 7 pounds 6 ounces...What???!!!  I about peed my pants!  Most babies are about 6 pounds right now - so we were quite shocked!    While Rob says he is just an over achiever already...I'm a little nervous!  Ultrasounds aren't totally reliable - meaning they can be about 1-2 pounds off - but he is definitely measuring big!  And basically the doctor said - the bigger he gets, the more likely we would need a C-section (cue me moaning and groaning and scared). Her advice was to get moving - walk, walk, walk!  So that's my plan!  She also did a cervical check - and I was 2 cm dilated and 75% effaced - all good signs...though you can stay like this for a few weeks.  I'm at the point where we go to the doctor once a week now....so next Monday we will see if all this walking has helped :)

 

Music for the Nursery

Dear Baby,

It occurred to me that while in my tummy, you've probably heard me belting out a song or two...and while it's true I have the voice of an angel - I thought once out of the womb, you might appreciate some good tunes in your nursery!  So, your dad got this really cool speaker that we can hook to an old i-pod of mine and it will play in your nursery (isn't he the best?)!  For the last three nights I've been putting together a nursery mix especially for you.  There is a wide assortment of songs...but I love them all and I'm sure you will too :)  In case your curious - here is what I have put together for your listening pleasure:

Blackbird - Sarah McLachlan
Three Little Birds - Renee & Jeremy  
Blessed Be Alison Krauss  
The Heart of the Matter - India.Arie
Always Be My Baby - Mariah Carey
New Soul -Yael Naïm
You Are My Sunshine - Elizabeth Mitchell  
Imagine - Jack Johnson  
Everything'll Be Alright (Will's Lullaby) - Joshua Radin  
Galileo - Indigo Girls  
I Hope - Dixie Chicks  
Have a Little Faith In Me - John Hiatt
You and Me - Dave Matthews Band
Sunrise - Norah Jones
Lullaby - Dixie Chicks
Just the Way You Are - Diana Krall
How Wonderful Life - Elton John  
Sweet Baby James - James Taylor
Lucky (feat. Colbie Caillat) -  Jason Mraz
You Are the Best Thing - Ray LaMontagne
Love - Sugarland
Gone, Gone, Gone - Phillip Phillips
Sing Me Sweet - Matt Nathanson
One Sweet World - Dave Matthews Band
I'll Back You Up - Dave Matthews Band
Send Me on My Way - Rusted Root
When You Say Nothing at All - 4:22 Alison Krauss & Union Station
Make You Feel My Love - Adele
Peace Train - Cat Stevens
Free Fallin' (Live) - John Mayer
Let my love open the door - Pete Townshed 
Let It Go - Zac Brown Band
Where the Boat Leaves From - Zac Brown Band

We also have some pretty cool "Rockabye Baby" CD's - one for Dave Matthews Band and one for the "Beatles".   The idea of lullabized versions of songs we already enjoy listening too greatly appeals to us...so hopefully you'll love them too!  If you do - maybe we will get the Coldplay version next?  Or Kiss?  Or Madonna?  Or Beach Boys? Maybe your dad's choice - Metallica?  Time will tell...(and yes, they make all these bands and more!)

 

 

 

So, your dad and I feel you'll be pretty well versed in fine music selections :)  We're just waiting for the CD of lullabye guitar strumming from Grandpa Jim to arrive...any day now... :)



We're Famous!

Dear Baby,

It was sort of unplanned - but our media team at the Zoo made a surprise stop in the ZooKids classroom a couple weeks ago.  Tom Stalf, our CEO, tries to promote different areas and programs around the Zoo from week to week.  While I wasn't thrilled to be on camera...I do think it's a cute video about ZooKids!  And, they posted it to Facebook (you know, so it's really legit!) :)

Follow the link below!

http://youtu.be/uU1eU7iDlEs

Making Maternity Memories

Dear Baby,

Anyone who knows me, knows two things - 1.) I love taking pictures and 2.) I love documenting our life and scrapbooking.  Soon, you will be the star of many pictures(and scrapbooks, mini albums, photo frames etc.)...but before you make your appearance, I wanted to see if your dad would be up for taking some maternity photos.  We haven't had any "professional" photos taken since our wedding, and while lately I haven't felt the need to make an appearance in front of the camera....I knew I did want to capture this stage in our lives.  The problem is - we live in the day and age of "Pinterest" and "picture perfect" blog families.  So, I had really high expectations for these pictures. 

Enter Kelly Buerhle.  I know Kelly by way of your Aunt Stacy.  Aunt Stacy is very good friends with Kelly's sister Tracy.  I thought Kelly lived in Chicago but was pleased to find out that she actually lives in Cincinnati, Ohio and was willing to travel to us in Columbus! She was great to work with from the very beginning.  She had wonderful suggestions - including taking pictures around areas in Columbus that were special to us.  Also, let's face it - I had some strict guidelines I wanted her to adhere to. At no point, was I going be taking off my shirt and exposing my stomach (and stretch marks for that matter).   Nor was I going to be wrapped in flowing sheets and sheer fabric. That's really just not my style.  I wanted more "lifestyle" type photos that featured our growing baby bump!  In typical Carrie fashion, I stressed over what I was going to wear and bought a new shirt (that I ended up hating when I got home and consequently returning).  I even texted Kelly two photos of possible outfits (she probably regretted working with my crazy at that point). In the end, I wore stuff that was comfortable to me (even though it had horizontal stripes...) and of course, your dad looked adorable without even trying (not fair).

I really love that the pictures are in our home, around our town, and very close to the place we got married.  I'm also glad I overcame my body image woes and trusted Kelly to capture this maternity magic.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Rob's a wee bit squinty in this one :)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

35 Weeks

 

 

 

 

How far along? 35 Weeks

Total weight gain: probably about 29 lbs...but will find out at my doctor's appointment on Thursday
Maternity clothes? oh yes - was so thankful that a dress I bought in February for our Arizona trip still fit for Easter Sunday.  Admittedly, it was a little casual for church...but I'm not planning on buying anything else at this point - so I made it work!
Stretch marks? of course - all below my belly button...but I'm still trying to not get overly crazy about them
Sleep: still sleeping like crap - between the restless right leg and the bathroom visits (thanks to my "ballooning uterus" cramping my other organs)...I'm getting up a couple times a night still.  Also - I've also turned into a drooler!  I never drooled before...but I constantly wake up in piles of my own drool.  It's so gross - but I'm not quite sure what to do about it ??
Best moment this week: getting more of our "wish cards" back in the mail - baby loves getting mail ;)  Also, we survived week number 4 of birth class and even got out early!  Rob also cleaned out/vacummed out my car and put the car seat and stroller frame in - looks so weird to see it in the rearview mirror.  Won't be long now...
Miss Anything? breathing, sitting & laying normally.... my wedding rings, having energy, and I saw a commercial for Summer Shandy beer and it made me REALLY miss beer.  Like a lot.
Movement: mostly wiggles these days.
Food cravings: applesauce, strawberries, chili cheese burritos from Taco Bell, and eggs!
Anything making you queasy or sick: nope
Gender: baby Hauck is a boy!
Labor Signs: nada
Symptoms: immobility and lately swollen feet and ankles.  My fingers looked like sausages today :)
Belly Button in or out? I don't know what to call it - nothing is really sticking out...it just looks flat and weird.
Wedding rings on or off? wedding band on
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy - though we made a LOOOOONG to do list in the car driving to Dayton this weekend and that made me stress out a bit.  I'm hoping baby stays in there a couple more weeks because I want to cross a lot of these items off!
Looking forward to: getting a 36 week ultrasound on Thursday and seeing what baby boy's up to - finishing up birth class on Wednesday, and our one night breastfeeding class on Thursday evening. So much to learn still!  I'm also getting another pre-natal massage this weekend (thanks to a very generous birthday gift from Grandpa Jim and Grandma Sugar)!!!