39 week Bumpdate!

If I look tired in this picture, it's because I am. 

Forgetting to take bump pictures until 9:00 at night isn't good for anyone, 

especially Rocky.

This week: I am tired and achy. Which explains the lack of posts besides Bumpdates. Home by 5:30, in bed by 7:30 most nights this week. My sub started on Tuesday and so this will be my last week at work. This was just decided at my appointment on Wednesday and it's the weirdest thing. I wasn't really sure how long I would work if I didn't have the baby by her due date but it's just becoming impractical for me to be on my feet all day, when I'm unable to take a break, go to the bathroom, or rest if I need it. So now, I'm just trying to embrace and enjoy the last stretch of my pregnancy.

How far along? 39 weeks! 4 days until my due date!

Baby's size: Baby P is the size of a watermelon!

Total weight gain: Still at 18 lbs, no weight gain this week.

Maternity clothes? I have about five outfits that I'm rotating. I'm trying to be very creative at work so I don't start resembling Charlie Brown.

Stretch marks: The stretch marks on my belly are growing and multiplying :( I'm really so sad over it.

Sleep: I am finally so tired that I'm not tossing and turning anymore. Sleeping with the window open and feeling that cool Fall breeze in the room makes for glorious sleeping weather, too. Although, apparently I'm sprawling out more and snoring. This weekend, I found myself alone at about 3am... Jeff made his way to the guest room and Rocky decided to sleep on the couch. Really, guys?

Best moment this week: Just finally getting all the last minute things done. Sub is hired and already working in my room, baby's stuff is washed and all set up, house is clean, bags are packed, pre-baby mani and pedi is done, we are ready for baby!

What I miss: I am so looking forward to a large italian sub with extra pickles and a pumpkin beer with a cinnamon/brown sugar rim. I'd like both of these delivered to the hospital immediately after delivery, please and thank you.

Movement: Yup! She's totally out of room and my whole belly rocks from side to side when she stretches.

Food cravings: Back to cereal. I can only eat small meals so I think that's part of it but I just had to have Corn Pops this week. Like, needed them immediately.

Food aversions: Nothing really.

Gender: All the bows I ordered from Etsy are arriving and that means one thing! Baby girl!

Belly button - in or out? So out. One of my students actually said the other day, "I've been meaning to ask you this.. does your belly button always stick out so far?" Haha this is my life.

Wedding rings - on or off? They're off. And my work somehow accidentally changed my mailbox back to my maiden name so I feel like a hoochie mama these days.

Symptoms: Where to begin? I'm so uncomfortable that it's making me forget how amazing and easy my pregnancy was. I'm trying not to complain but the aches, swelling, and pressure are almost unbearable at times.

Labor signs: Cramping and lower back pain, which I was informed are contractions. Although, my cervix is "doing squat" according to my doctor at my appointment Wednesday. Still hoping for baby to come on her own in the next week!

Mood: Anxious, excited, nervous, excited, and so emotional over every little thing. 

Looking forward to: Meeting my sweet girl and watching my little family grow. 

38 week Bumpdate!

This week: We're in the third week of school and this mama is tired! We hired the sub for my room and I really like her so I'm feeling pretty good about that.

How far along? 38 weeks! (My countdown on The Bump actually says 12 days left! Eek!)

Baby's size: Baby P is the size of a pumpkin! How fitting as my favorite season kicks off!

Total weight gain: I got that pound back from last week, so its back to 18lbs.

Maternity clothes? Oh, yes. There are very few things left in my closet that fit well enough to wear to work.

Stretch marks: My belly has the newest stretch marks, though not much of a change since about two weeks ago. My hips and thighs are also all marked up at this point. 

Sleep: I'm actually sleeping better and sometimes through the night! I think this is because the weather is so much cooler at night and we have windows open and fans on. Good sleeping weather!

Best moment this week: We had our hospital tour! It was so surreal to be walking around the actual hallways where I will meet my baby in just a couple of weeks. They also told us that every time a baby is born, they ring a set of chimes throughout the hospital. Is that not the sweetest thing? I may have been holding back some tears. Baby's heartbeat was 148 yesterday at our appointment and she was a movin' and a shakin' as usual.

What I miss: I could just totally go for a fall beer. I could do without the pelvic pressure, too.

Movement: Yes, slowly but always.

Food cravings: I made mac & cheese and it was yummy! Other than that, I'm eating pretty normally, just can't ever finish a meal.

Food aversions: Still staying away from steak but other than that, I'm good.

Gender: Baby girl!

Belly button - in or out? Out and about.

Wedding rings - on or off? Off :( and I can't even get them past my knuckle when I try.

Symptoms: Just uncomfortable all over.

Labor signs: I'm still cramping a bit with sudden sharp pains real low sometimes, I'm assuming her head is hitting a nerve or something. My pelvis hurts like a mofo and I think I'm even having some contractions. My cervix is still locked up tight as of yesterday but my doctor said not to worry about it. He also said he won't let me go past 41 weeks, which is September 30. So I will eventually have a baby!

Mood: Still anxious, a little more nervous, and excited.

Looking forward to: Holding my baby! And if I'm being honest, not having to wake up to the damn alarm every day. I know the baby will wake me but something about that alarm just drives me nuts!

37 week Bumpdate!

I'm catching up from last week with two posts but I am now 37 weeks, 4 days.

This week: It's September!!!! Our due date month is here and I have a full term baby in my uterus!!!!! I can't even believe that my baby is a real baby that could be here at any time.

How far along? 37 weeks! Full term! (9/2/13)

Baby's size: Baby P is the size of a winter melon! (I think I wrote this for wk 36, too, but it's actually wk 37). As of our last appointment on Tuesday, the doctor still thinks she will be average sized, around 7-7.5 lbs. He said he can't see her being 8lbs, so that's a plus.

Total weight gain: Down a pound at my appointment on Tuesday for a total of 17 lbs.

Maternity clothes? Yup, yup, yup.

Stretch marks: The little ones on my belly are growing. My doctor noticed and was sad with me. He said to put something cool on my belly or take a cool shower to stop the itching. I just want to stop the stretching!

Sleep: Ugh. I guess I'm practicing for what's to come.

Best moment this week: In baby news, we got the last piece of our nursery.. the curtains! Now I just need to find curtain rods and re-organize a few things and the nursery is done!  Of course, I love listening to baby girl's heartbeat every week, too. This week it was 142 and she was a wiggly worm while the Dr. was trying to listen. In non baby news, my sweet Princess turned 14 this week! She's not big on birthdays but she accepted lots of treats and extra snuggles. :)

What I miss: I wish I could walk around at work without a million people commenting on my belly and telling me they don't think I'll be here much longer. I love that people are asking about me and the baby and excited for us but it's a little weird when people say "oh, I don't think we'll see you tomorrow!". Um, actually, you will. With all the baby talk, I feel like I have senior-itis. We just started school but I'm already SO looking forward to spending time at home with my girl.

Movement: Yup! They are big and sometimes hurt. She's also definitely shimmying her way down.

Food cravings: Homemade Macaroni & Cheese - there are plans to add it to the growing stash that I have been making and freezing for baby girl's arrival.

Food aversions: Still staying away from steak but other than that, I'm good.

Gender: Baby girl!

Belly button - in or out? Out. I'm afraid a student is going to touch it! They keep pointing at it and asking about it.

Wedding rings - on or off?  Off :( I kind of want a fake but I feel like it's a little late in the game for that.

Symptoms: Still trying to get over this stupid cold. My doctor said that because of the edema, it probably won't be out of my system until the baby comes. Overall, I still feel good but I'm definitely feeling more uncomfortable. 

Labor signs: Cramping and what I can assume is "lightening crotch" according to my all my blog friends. It feels like she's dropping or dropped since I can definitely feel much, much more in my pelvis all of a sudden. This past week, I feel like there is a lot of pressure down there.

Mood: Anxious & excited!

Looking forward to: Meeting my baby! Some of my blog friends who have due dates close to mine are starting to have their babies and that makes me even more excited!! I really just can't believe that my favorite season is about to start and we will have a sweet baby girl to enjoy it with. We are already planning our first family apple picking trip and may even have her apple picking outfit all washed and picked out :) 

Cara Box Reveal

I was so excited to join up with Wifessionals for the Cara Box Exchange this month. I wanted to join for a while and when I had a couple of weeks off of work, I figured that now was the time. The theme this month was "seasons of life", which was also appealing. My partners were Kristine @ The Foley Fam - Unedited and Ashley @ Twinkle Toes and Princess Bows. I sent a box to Kristine and Ashley sent a box to me. 

It was so nice getting to know both of these women. Both are girl mamas and it was fun to see what life looks like with their adorable girls. Kristine makes the cutest headbands and her girls are always perfectly accessorized :) Ashley has a boxer, and boxer people are my people. I love that I have two new friends from this and that we have a lot in common.

Ashley and I emailed back and forth throughout the month and she sent me a sweet box with goodies for everyone in my family.

Ashley knows that Jeff is a coach and that I'm pregnant, so we each got a fancy water bottle. We have actually both used our water bottles every day since receiving them. She also sent toys for Princess and Rocky. Princess was so confused as to why her toy was moving but she was loving it. She loves batting it around on the table when she comes to eat. Rocky loves sinking his teeth into sweet, innocent stuffed animals, so the adorable giraffe was perfect for him. My favorite item in the box? The 'I love my Boxer' onesie for baby girl!! My jaw hit the floor when I opened this because anyone who knows me knows that I am abnormally obsessed with my sweet Boxer and that I cannot wait to see my babies become the best of friends.

Seriously?! So stinkin' cute!!!

Rocky loved his new toy! I say loved because sadly, it didn't last long. 

Bratface has figured out a way to kill all dog toys, even the ones labeled 'indestructible'.

I guess he has too much love to give :)

Thanks for such a sweet box, Ashley! xo

To see what I sent Kristine, go check out her cute blog!

I think I will definitely be signing up for the Cara Box again, especially since it will now be four times a year rather than monthly. I can see where the cost would add up so I am thinking that four times a year will be a fun way to participate and make new friends but not spend a ton of money. This next box is "Fall" in love with the season'. For real? I love Fall too much not to participate! 

36 week Bumpdate! (a week behind)

I am a week behind on my bump date, so I will be posting week 37 this week, too.

real life: tired, getting over a gnarly cold, and in pajamas

This week: has been CRAZY. I was officially 9 months pregnant on the first day of school.  My bump update is now behind because every day after work, I pretty much face-planted on the couch and didn't move until Jeff came to check that I was breathing or to bring me dinner. I seem to have a sweet, sweet group of kiddos but there is no tired like teacher tired during the first week of school. I also got my annual "back to school cold" right on time for my long weekend and spent the entire labor day weekend in bed. I've never been so sick and coughing with my sore ribs was probably good pain tolerance practice for labor. I really wanted to take my 9 month picture in my classroom on the first day of school but I think I was sleep walking by the end of the day. Then, when I asked Jeff to take one, he said "You're a mess. Your eyes are watery, your nose is red, your hair is a mess, go to bed." Good thing he didn't see what I spilled on my belly. Hot mess.

How far along? 36 weeks (August 29)

Baby's size: Baby P is the size of a honeydew!

Total weight gain: Up 4 lbs at my last appointment for a total of 18 lbs. I'm pretty sure that it was just my feet, though. They were bad.

Maternity clothes? Oh, yes. Only my regular maxi dresses, yoga pants, and pajama pants still fit.

Stretch marks: The saddest damn thing happened this week and I found stretch marks on my lower belly :( It started out as small red marks and I lotioned and oiled those suckers up but they still came. I was really hoping to avoid my belly, especially since my belly button ring scars are already looking atrocious but it is what it is.

Sleep: None. Literally. I lay awake tossing and turning for HOURS. When I finally fall asleep, I wake up to go to the bathroom. Then with a cold this weekend, I slept maybe six hours in three days. I was given the ok to take Tylenol PM this weekend and it was a God send. I still tossed and turned at first but I actually slept well ALL night long.

Best moment this week: I loved meeting my new kiddos this week but the only real highlight was listening to baby's heartbeat at the doctor's appointment. It's the best sound in the world. We also got most of the baby laundry done and I love that baby smell!

Worst moment this week: I'm adding this one because this is serious. Rocky killed my pregnancy pillow. He has a thing for tearing apart his dog bed and any toy with stuffing doesn't stand a chance and apparently had a grand old time with my pillow. That morning when I left for work, it was kinda dangling off the side of the bed and I did think that I should move it but I didn't. I can't even blame him because it was so tempting but I was surprised because he loved it, too. This is actually the first thing that he has destroyed that doesn't belong to him. He has always done such a good job with knowing what is okay to chew and what isn't. What the heck, man. My cold was also pretty terrible.

Jeff took this with his flip phone and sent it to me.

What I miss: I always thought all the pregnant women were crazy when they said they were done being pregnant at 9 months, but I'm on that train now. I miss sleep, sleep on my belly, my feet, my shoes, beer, wine, my body, my regular clothes. It was like a light switch went on and I am SO uncomfortable. I will say that it is all worth it, though. It really, really is.

Movement: The movements are more like stretching. She's out of room.

Food cravings: Not much, I'm just starving and then full after two bites.

Food aversions: Still staying away from steak but other than that, I'm good.

Gender: Baby girl!

Belly button - in or out? It is so out that I may have to pull a Christina Ricci in 'Now & Then' and tape it down. I'm afraid someone's going to touch it.

Wedding rings - on or off? They are finally off. I had a panic attack Monday at work when I couldn't move them and I rushed to my colleague's sink and needed lots and lots of soap to get them off. So sad to start the first week of school with no rings. I kept emphasizing the MRS. in my name so my kiddos wouldn't think their teacher's a floozy. 

Symptoms: My ribs are still sore but the worst is my swollen feet. I have never seen anything more disgusting than my feet by Thursday afternoon. They looked like when you blow up a latex glove. Gross.

Labor signs: I'm having Braxton Hicks and some cramping but when the doctor checked my cervix, he actually laughed and said 'it's completely closed". Um, what? Then he said that I'll probably have a baby at the end of the month. Not what I wanted to hear.

Mood: Tired and anxious. I keep having baby dreams and whenever people say 'any day now', I have a small panic attack. On the flip side, though, I cannot wait to have that baby girl here!!!

Looking forward to: Is it bad that I'm already looking forward to the weekend?

  

35 week Bumpdate!

tired mama, swollen feet, and a photobomber

This week: It's the last week before school starts and I've been crossing things off my list, left and right. The heat's coming back so hopefully I can crank the AC and finish it up.

How far along? 35 weeks! How did this happen?!

Baby's size: Baby P is the size of a coconut!

Total weight gain: 14 lbs. 

Maternity clothes? My long & lean tanks from Target are officially too short! They still fit over the belly but I am constantly pulling it down. Unless I'm home, then I'm rocking the hill billy look, with my belly hanging out of the bottom of my shirt.

Stretch marks: Just hips and thighs but my left hip has those deep, shiny red ones :( and my right front thigh now has a few of those, too. Enough with the stretch marks!!!!

Sleep: I think I've officially hit pregnant insomnia. I now lie away tossing and turning, sometimes literally for a couple of hours. This won't be fun next week when I'm back to work full time.

Best moment this week: We got a big shipment of just about the last of our baby stuff! Now I get to wash teeny, tiny baby clothes!!!! :) We also had a couple of family parties this weekend and I loved that my sister and brother, and a few others, got to feel baby kick!

What I miss: Sleeping on my stomach will continue to be the #1 thing I miss.

Movement: All the time. There are lumps and bumps sticking out and girlfriend has shimmied herself in my ribs.

Food cravings: I did go to McDonald's a couple of times this week. So good.

Food aversions: Tried steak again, not a fan.

Gender: Baby girl!

Belly button - in or out? Out!

Wedding rings - on or off? On or off, depending on the day or time of day. Warmer days, I try to take them off mid-day or I sleep with them off but always put them back on before I go anywhere.

Symptoms: My rib hurts like a mofo. I actually thought I had a broken rib, according to Google and the fact that when I sneeze, I'm practically crying in pain. She's always on the right side and it's my right rib so I think that she's just moving there a lot. Maybe it's bruised? Maybe she's big? Yikes. My feet are definitely swelling more, too. Lots of errands to run means lots of time on these old dogs. They don't like it.

Mood: Tired, happy, excited. Getting more anxious!

Looking forward to: As much as I won't love waking up at 5am, sitting in traffic, and being on my feet for 8-10 hours a day, I am excited for school to start. I love this time of year. Once school starts, though, the time is going to FLY!

  

DIY wine basket and going to the liquor store pregnant

This weekend we were overbooked and loving it. We had a jam-packed weekend that included a trip to the liquor store with my big belly and perhaps a broken rib. Maybe I'm exaggerating but maybe I'm not.

Friday night, Jeff and I had big plans to watch The Godfather. I'm probably in the 1% of Americans that have never seen it. Apparently Mobweek was right after Sharkweek and Jeff was totally into it. I couldn't really follow the movie but I definitely didn't hate it. With commercials, it was SO long and we ended falling asleep early but not before I got in some snuggles with my favorite cuddlebug.

Saturday, we had a family cookout during the day and a couples bridal shower at night. I loved spending time with my family and wish I could move away from the buffalo chicken dip long enough to take a picture or something. When we got home, we literally had about 20 minutes to get back out the door for the shower. It was set up more like a wedding, with cocktail hour, a meal, and a DJ. Such a fun time but still so weird to watch everyone drink and party while I need to sit down with my feet up. My cankles made an appearance late night so we had to bust outta there. Thankfully, they had some yummy food, a serious dessert spread, and gorgeous cake. Why drink when you can eat?

Earlier in the day on Saturday, I made my first trip to the liquor store in almost 9 months. Ironically, my last trip to the liquor store was the same night I bought a pregnancy test. After I bought my favorite fall beer, I had this overwhelming feeling that I shouldn't drink it and should buy a pregnancy test instead. Glad I listened to my instincts and that pumpkin beer is still sitting in my fridge waiting for baby to make her appearance so mama can have a bevy. 

So, the reason for the trip... I made a wine basket for the couple and had been putting off actually buying the wine because I felt pretty uncomfortable doing a packy run with my big ole' belly. Much to my surprise, not a single person even gave me a second glance. Let me elaborate, I was waddling up and down aisles and aisles of booze, resting four bottles of wine and a few nips on my almost 9 month pregnant belly, and no one thought it was strange. I actually live in a pretty normal, middle class town and I'm not really sure why this was acceptable. Not that I want anyone judging me but I was ready to let the world know that I was making a wine basket, not binge drinking in the parking lot. Considering the looks and comments I hear all the time when I'm just minding my own business, I thought for sure I would get one while buying alcohol. It must be a more laid back crowd in there.

Anyways, of course Pinterest helped me with the wine basket and this is what I came up with.

This couple registered for a few wine accessories but must already have glasses, so I was able to add a few bottles of wine with free labels that can be found here, and pack it all in a fab basket found at Homegoods. I printed out the labels in black ink on white card stock and glued them onto brown craft card stock paper, tying it to the bottle with ribbon. I only used four labels, instead of the six, since this couple has been together already for over ten years and I felt these would fit best for the first year of marriage. 

I tried to pair the labels with wine that had names that kind of matched it. I used Wedding Night with Entwine cabernet, First Fight with Turning Leaf Refresh and also paired two nips, Jack Daniels and Captain Morgan for the hubby, First Anniversary with Cupcake Red Velvet, and First Baby with Fre Alcohol Removed sparkling wine. 

The basket was super easy to put together since I ordered the accessories from the couples registry and the labels took about ten minutes to print, cut, and assemble. It was also a big hit at the shower. I love making gifts that are personalized but also appreciate when people use the registry so I try to mix the two.

Sunday, we were supposed to go to a Christening but on Saturday night, I started having some rib pain and by Sunday morning, I sneezed and thought I was going to die. It feels like one of my ribs is broken.  I know that baby girl has been all up on my right side and in my right rib but holy moly this thing HURTS! I'm still 5 weeks out and if this is what it feels like when people say that their baby has a foot or something in their ribs, well then I might not make it. I was pretty immobile yesterday and found relief sitting in a certain position, so I worked on some curriculum and planning for my maternity leave. Of course, I googled my symptoms and diagnosed myself with a broken, fractured, or bruised rib. Damn you Google!! The pain has actually subsided quite a bit, so I'm pretty sure I'm just overreacting but it hurts!

Rocky gets a break from following me. Can you stand his wrinkly forehead?!

Now it's Monday and school starts in ONE WEEK! so I have a million things to do for baby girl and for my other babies so I'm going to get to it!

Happy Monday, loves!