Baby #2 - 39-40 Weeks

Well, you guys, my due date has come and gone. And with it, most of my brain cells. Can you spot the mistake that took me a whole day to notice? Yep. I misspelled the word forty. I taught spelling and math for 11 years and misspelled forty. And walked past the chalkboard a hundred times (admiring my work each time, btw) before I picked up the mistake at around 9pm. And I'm way too over it to redo the board. So there ya go.

#babybrainisreal #iamanidiot

Anyway, baby brain aside, things have been pretty status quo around here. At my 39 week appointment, the word induction was sprung on me with a crazy urgency due to my age. I've been 40 for about 5 minutes, and this was the first I was hearing about the dangers of delivering after the due date when you are of advanced maternal age. My pregnancy has been pretty healthy and uneventful, with the exception of the diabetes "scare", so when words like "stillborn" and "failing placenta" get thrown around, you start to panic. Which I totally did. Induction was not on my to do list, having heard about horrible experiences from friends, but I was in a panic about what could maybe happen if I didn't let myself get hooked up to the Pitocin ASAP. But after speaking with the Hubs, my mom, and another OB from the practice, I was told it would be fine to wait another week to see if things got rolling on their own. They did not. Obviously. 

So today, I went in for my 40 week check, along with another ultrasound and a non-stress test. Everything with baby boy looks good, about 8lbs 10 oz (give or take), we even got a peek of him sucking his thumb. He certainly looks swished in there, but in no rush to make his way out. I'll spare you the dilation and effacement details, cuz...gross, but I will tell you that things are progressing, just not fast enough for this old broad. So tomorrow morning, we make our way to the hospital to begin the induction. Here's hoping it goes easily and quickly, but not so quickly that I can't get the epidural. Just cuz my body was made for this, doesn't mean I want to feel it. 

I'm definitely excited to meet our little man, but feeling a wee bit nervous for the whole induction process. Fear of the unknown and all that. Focusing on the positive...tomorrow we get to see that sweet face and become a family of four!!

Baby #2 - 37-38 Weeks

You guys, Baby Watch 2016 has officially begun! My mom arrived on Memorial Day to help out with Zoey and we really feel like it could be any day now. Which fills me with equal parts excitement and dread. So super ready to not be pregnant for one more minute, but not so sure I'm ready for life with two kids. Are you ever?

A couple of weeks ago, we had our final ultrasound, to assess the bambino's size. If you've been following along, you might remember that he was forecast to be huge at the time of delivery. I was consistently measuring 2-3 weeks ahead, and he was measuring in the 90th percentile at each ultrasound, estimating his weight to be a pound+ more than the average. There were even discussions of a c-section, which had me totally freaked out, cuz that meant he could weigh over 11 pounds! Holy moly! They even made me go through the diabetes testing again, mostly due to his gargantuan size. Well, at this last ultrasound, he weighed an estimated 6 ½ pounds - right smack in the 50th percentile. I also measured right on time. Not sure how or why, but he graciously slowed his roll, and at my appointment last week, the doctor estimated more like 8½  - 9 pounds. Big by some folks' standards, but tiny when you're fearing a 14 pound baby! We'll just have to wait and see.

How far along: 38 weeks

Maternity clothes: Oh ya! 

Sleep: Terrible lately. Just so uncomfortable these days.  

Best Moment: Finding out that the baby is a more normal size. The Hubs and I got a nice date nite this past week, thanks to Grammy JJ. A great dinner at Tupelo Honey (If you ever go, get the s'mores cake...you won't regret it!) and stroll around Town Center. Zo was sound asleep when we got home. It was perfection! 

Missing anything: Energy, comfort, and exercise. The ship has sailed on all three! 

Cravings: Strawberries, chocolate, peach Izze, fish tacos, strawberry lemonade, fresh strawberry ice cream from the farm stand...it's amazing!

Symptoms: I've lost the rings thanks to my sausage fingers. My feet and hands have been swelling a lot, but that could be due in part to the unseasonable heat here in VB. I'm definitely at the point where there isn't a part of my body that looks like it belongs to me. Also, the baby's watermelon head is putting a ton of pressure on the bottom of my belly. Zero fun. (complain, complain, complain!!!) If I had it to do again, I'd have invested is a support band.
Looking forward to: The next phase of this adventure. Every twinge and tingle I feel seems like it could be the start of things. It hasn't been. The waiting and the unknown are the worst!

Baby #2 - 34-36 Weeks

Well, I've waddled my way into month number 9, you guys. And I definitely mean waddle! Monday is the start of week 37, which means we are at "any time now" status. Being completely uncomfortable 99.9% of the time, I'm totally ready to get this giraffe out of my belly, but (and I know I've been saying this for months now) we are sooo not ready! Good thing the baby won't really be in his room too much in the first month or so, cuz that puppy is maybe halfway done. I finally decided on a changing pad cover, but we still don't even have a curtain rod (curtains-yes, rod-nope). 

I think I mentioned last time that I had to re-take the glucose screen, simply because the baby is huge, and I'm of "advanced maternal age." I'm super excited to say that I'm just carrying a big kid (not much of a surprise to us, though) and I passed the horrible three hour fasting test with flying colors. So let's eat all the chocolate!!!

How far along: 36 weeks

Maternity clothes: If I'm not leaving the house, its maternity leggings and one of Damon's old t-shirts. To go anywhere, I'm really limited to, like, three outfit options which I just rotate through. We've had a very cool and wet spring, so hallelujah for long cardigans! Cuz not a single one of my sweaters will cover this gigantic belly of mine! 

Sleep: Meh. I consider lousy sleep at this point as the body's way of preparing for life with a newborn. 

Best Moment: Passing the glucose screen (and the fish tacos I had for lunch after the test!) and surviving this week while the Hubs was away on a business trip. He was super stressed that I was going to go labor while he was gone, but I was more worried that I might sell Zoey to the circus. She's definitely reached the "three-nager" stage of life...the phrase, "I can't do/eat it. It makes me sick," is her go-to. It's equal parts hilarious and infuriating, and makes us a little worried for what she'll be like when she's 14. Sometimes it's just not fair that I can't have alcohol after her bedtime! 

Missing anything: Comfort, the ability to pick things up from the floor

Cravings: Strawberries, chocolate, peach Izze, fish tacos

Symptoms: Complete and utter exhaustion, pelvic pain, and baby hiccups every night between 9:30 & 10. Vibrates my whole body and I never get tired of it! As for the symptoms everyone wonders/asks about: belly button is still an innie, no stretch marks...yet, and my rings still fit on most days.
Looking forward to: Another ultrasound! I have one on Tuesday (also my birthday!) specifically to get a handle on just how big this kid might be at delivery time. A little nervous to hear that answer, but always jazzed to see his little face!

Baby #2 - 30-33 Weeks

Well, we're heading into the home stretch over here, and although I'm so ready for this whole adventure (and I use that term loosely since it implies fun and excitement and being pregnant is kind of the worst) to be over so we can move on to the next, we are sooo not ready! Being a bit indecisive by nature, pregnancy has a way of amping up my indecisiveness to 1000%. Super helpful when trying to decide on nursery items (or anything else, really). Seriously. How long can one woman agonize over which changing pad cover to choose?! Weeks, apparently...and I still can't decide. Gah!!! 

And as if this phase of pregnancy wasn't stressful enough, especially with a 3 year old ruling the roost, my last ultrasound at 32 weeks indicated that the baby giraffe inside me is just that...95th percentile and already estimated at 5lbs 4oz (I read that the average for that time is around 4lbs.), and I'm measuring about 2 weeks ahead. Due to his size (but no other symptoms), I have the privilege of taking the glucola test again this week, even though I passed with flying colors the first time. Another ultrasound in a few weeks will give a better idea of birth weight and whether or not I'll need to "go" early. Uh yikes. Let the nightmares of 20lb babies begin! 

Of course, with all that being said, the bambino seems healthy and strong, which is the most important thing.

How far along: 33 weeks

Maternity clothes: Is there something beyond maternity clothes? Cuz I'm almost there! My belly measures 48 inches around at the biggest point, so a lot of my shirts are getting hilariously short.  I did find these boyfriend jeans which are super comfy and have become my uniform. Just the perfect amount of stretch. 

Sleep: Meh. 

Best Moment: Finally getting somewhere with his nursery. Although we made a design plan ages ago, we've (and by that I mean me) been total slackers. My total inability to make a decision about anything and everything hasn't helped. But this week we started getting somewhere, so I'm feeling better about the whole thing. And with this stuffed shark as the nursery mascot, I mean, come on! 

Missing anything: Just being comfortable.  

Cravings: Strawberries, lemonade, cinnamon toast, chocolate, 

Symptoms: Congestion, hip pain, back pain, total exhaustion, reflux (you could clearly see a ton of hair in the last ultrasound), extreme indecisiveness, and the need to complain at all times. (Sorry, Hubs!)

Looking forward to: Another ultrasound...I'll never get tired of those! Also strawberry picking season has opened around here, so I'm hoping the next few weeks include a few visits to our favorite patch. I'll probably leave the actual picking to Zoey and Damon, since bending is not my best skill these days. But I just can't wait for fresh strawberries...strawberry smoothies...strawberry ice cream...strawberry lemonade...strawberry popsicles...strawberry salsa...strawberry buttercream...

Baby #2 - 25-29 Weeks

It's more obvious when you see me in person, and from straight on, but I am ALL belly. Thankfully (it's better than being all ass or all big all over). I've put on more weight than I would like, and, much to the dismay of my hips and lower back, it's all out front. Needless to say, I measured "a bit big" at my last OB visit. Shock! I'm sure the giraffe growing inside me has nothing to do with that!


How far along: 29 weeks
Maternity clothes: Yes. Other than my work out clothes (which, I admit, are starting to look ridiculous), everything else is maternity. Rocking leggings at home on the daily...comfort is key at this point!
Sleep: Pretty good. I've set up camp in the guest room where I can position pillows on either side and melt into the memory foam pad on the mattress. It's quite nice, and I don't have to worry about waking the Hubs when I get up to pee at 2am (and 3...and 4...). It also puts me closer to Z's room, which is great since she's now getting up to potty at 2am, too.
Best Moment: So many in the last few weeks...the kid turned 3! A trip to Florida, Easter with my sister-in-law and nephew-pup, Z picking out a book for her baby brother (Your Baby's First Word Will Be DADA, by Jimmy Fallon), which she has been practicing reading ever since, & a successful check up from Z's neurosurgeon (its been almost 3 years since her surgery and she's doing great! She won't have another MRI till she's 5 since she shows no signs of her spinal cord retethering. YAY!). 
Missing anything: A cocktail now and then would be great!! 
Cravings: Strawberries, fish tacos, chocolate, tater tots/waffle fries
Symptoms: Complete exhaustion at all times. Chasing around a three-year-old while this preg is no joke. Some hip and lower back pain. And LOTS of movement. Z was very active as well, but this time it feels so different. Her movements were smooth and fluid. This guy, maybe cuz he's so big, is much pointy-er. Lots of knees and elbows poking about. Like a baby giraffe.
Looking forward to: Getting the nursery done. I'm not kidding when I tell you that, until a few days ago, there was nothing in the nursery but a crib. And now there is a small dresser, too. So were good. (Nope!) Just walking past that room gives me little twitches of anxiety. I'm not usually this unprepared. Zoey came at 38 weeks + a few days, which means we could possibly have only 8 more weeks to get our butts in gear. Yeesh! That's no time at all! 
I also have another ultrasound in a couple of weeks, so we'll get to see the little man (or not-so-little man) again soon! 

Baby #2 - Weeks 21-24

How far along: 24 weeks - Not much has changed in the last few weeks, other than the hugeness of my belly (which is all out in front and not all over, thank goodness!), so I thought I'd combine a few weeks. Of course the last pic was taken shortly after eating Subway, so that can account for some of the extra-hugeness. Although probably not as much as I'd like think. woof.
Maternity clothes: Still about 50/50, but I'm looking forward to getting some new cute stuff for spring.
Sleep: Better, if you overlook getting up 92 times to pee.
Best Moment: Zoey's third birthday. I can't believe she's already 3!
Missing anything: Honestly...alcohol. And I'm not even much of a drinker. But Z has been a lunatic challenge these last couple of months and I think a nice cocktail would make it a wee bit easier to deal with. 
Cravings: All the chocolate. I haven't had much of a taste for sweets since getting pregnant (which is a crazy thought if you know me at all), but I think it's starting to kick back in now. And since seeing this hilarious bit that Adele did on Ellen, I'm super craving Twizzlers now too! As for real food, I'm still wanting a good blackened mahi sandwich, and while looking for one of those in this town, we found some amazing fish tacos at a little local spot, seriously the best we've probably ever had. So now I want those all. the. time. I've already put in a request for their blackened tuna tacos as my first meal after this baby is born! They are that good.
Symptoms: Serious congestion, which is actually pretty typical for me this time of year, so I'm not sure if that counts as a pregancy symptom. I've also started the hip and lower back pain, which didn't start with Z until about the 8th month. Not sure if I'm just that much bigger (I seriously feel like I'm carrying a small whale), or if it's because I'm carrying a lot lower this time, but I'm waddling all over the place because of it. #notcute. I'm also feeling this wiggle worm moving like crazy. The Hubs has finally started feeling the pokes and jabs as the little guy swims around in there, but since he's most active in the evenings, Z hasn't had a chance yet.
Looking forward to: Getting my glucose test over with next week, and then we head home to Florida for a bit. The Hubs has to work down there, so we're making a little vacay out of the trip. Hoping it's a little bit warm when we visit so we can hit the pool, beach, and Brevard Zoo. Also looking forward to hitting our favorite places to eat, and f i n a l l y getting a great fish sandwich at LongDoggers!

Baby #2 - 20 Weeks - It's a...

We are super excited to announce the big news...

I think I've mentioned before, I had a blood test a couple of months ago (it gives you the same info as the amnio, minus the giant scary needle in the belly), so we've known for a while. But I had to see photographic evidence to really take it as truth (cuz DNA can be so unreliable! Haha!!). And wouldn't ya know, his junk was the first thing that showed up when the ultrasound was turned on. Like baby boy was saying, "OK, mommy. Here it is...Do you believe it now?!"

How far along? 20 weeks - halfway! Woot woot! (Technically I'm 21 weeks, but not much has changed...)

Maternity clothes? About 50/50

Sleep? I'm fighting a nasty cold, so sleep is a little tough. Z has been waking up pretty early lately, too, which isn't helpful. 

Best moment this week? Definitely the anatomy scan. Nice to see a strong heart beating, that sweet little overbite (just like his big sister had), and photographic evidence that he is most definitely a boy! He's also measuring in the 90th percentile ALREADY, so I'm a little freaked out by that. Hopefully baby boy's growth will level out soon, although it could explain why I feel so gigantic!

Miss anything? Just when I started getting over the reflux induced vomits and general pregnancy grossness, I caught a crappy cold (thanks toddler class at My Gym!). So I'm still missing feeling good. 

Movement? This kid is constantly on the move, so I'm feeling all kinds of rolls and bumps!  

Food cravings? I just really want a good blackened mahi sandwich on a nice soft bun with a basket of waffle fries and a cherry coke - Dune Dogs/LongDoggers style (there's gotta be a place like those somewhere in this town). And can everything else I eat be smothered in melted cheese? 

Anything make you queasy or sick? Eggs, eggs, and did I mention eggs?  

Gender? A BOY! 

Happy or moody most of the time? Mostly just tired! 

Looking forward to: The day when Z can feel her baby brother kicking. Right now it isn't strong enough to feel from the outside, but she's obsessed with "her baby", so I think she'll love it!

Baby #2 - Nineteen Weeks

How far along? 19 weeks 

Total weight gain: No idea. 

Maternity clothes? Not too much yet. Waiting for a good deal to come my way so I can stock up on some cute tops and a new pair of jeans. 

Sleep? Sleeping Ok, just not enough.

Best moment this week? Playing with Z in the falling snow.

Have you told family and friends? Yes!

Miss anything? Nap time. Z hasn't napped in a few months, and it might just be the cruelest thing ever. Planning to establish a "rest time", so she can chill in her room and I can lay in bed and watch Housewives.

Movement? Feeling some movement if I'm sitting r e a l l y still. 

Food cravings? I'm not a big potato chip girl, but I die for salt & vinegar chips lately. A fountain cherry coke would be pretty great, too! I was super craving the cilantro shrimp burgers we used to get at the Whole Foods back in Palm Beach Gardens. Our store in VB doesn't make them (apparently everyone around here wants crab cakes. Boo.), so I found this recipe, topped it with this coleslaw, and threw it all on an onion bun. It may have been the best thing I've eaten since getting pregnant. Totally satisfied my craving and will be thrown into regular dinner rotation. So. Good! 

Anything make you queasy or sick? Eggs are still at the top of the list.  

Gender? We'll be sharing soon! Any predictions? 

Happy or moody most of the time? Mostly just tired! 

Looking forward to: More snow this weekend, and our anatomy scan on Monday. 

Baby #2 - Seventeen Weeks

Ok. So I've already failed at my resolution of being a better blogger. The last few weeks have been crazy. Our parents were here for Christmas, the Hubs and Z were both sick the week after, and now Hubs is back to work and Z is in the midst of potty training. So now my days are pretty much spent sitting on a folding chair in the bathroom reading Pete the Cat and singing the Frozen soundtrack a cappella. #glamorouslife

Although I've been really good about taking bump shots on time, they haven't quite made it to the blog, so I'm starting with week seventeen (although today I technically eighteen weeks, so hopefully I'll post that one in a couple of days). 

 sweater in burgundy & gray [non-maternity]

How far along? 17 weeks 

Total weight gain: about 11 lbs...more than I had hoped, but considering I've eaten nothing but carbs for the last few months, probably not too bad. 

Maternity clothes? Just a couple of tops and a comfy pair of maternity leggings. Still rocking my regular jeans (thanks to the rubber band trick). Definitely in need of cold weather clothes that will cover this bump. Big difference between being preggo in winter in SoFlo and preggo in winter in VB!

Sleep? Meh. Some nights are great, but I just can't get comfy on my side. And then there's this toddler in our house...

Best moment this week? Hearing a strong baby heartbeat on Monday is always tops on the list! Z rocking this potty training thing is #2. (see what I did there?)

Have you told family and friends? Yes!

Miss anything? My motivation to do just about anything. And I would give my right arm for a spicy tuna roll from Thai Thai. (Though geography prevents that more than pregnancy).

Movement? Flutters and rolls like crazy, especially in the evenings. Probably gas. Haha! 

Food cravings?  I've had crazy cravings and aversions over the last few months. And they're always changing. Right now, it's all carbs, carbs, carbs (hence the huge belly). Pasta, sandwiches, sushi (veggie & shrimp rolls...nothing uncooked) and Tijuana Flats! Also eating a lot of apples and yogurt. 

Anything make you queasy or sick? It's usually something random and unexpected. Lately, applesauce, tomato sauce, and eggs. It's gonna be a while before I'll be able to eat eggs again! 

Have you started to show yet? Thanks to all the carbs I've been mainlining, I'm huge!

Gender? Thanks to my old lady womb "advanced maternal age", blood work a few weeks ago at the genetic counselor told us the gender. So we already know, but you suckers will just have to wait a bit longer! 

Happy or moody most of the time? Kind of neither. Z has been really testing us lately, so between that and feeling exhausted & gross all the time... 

Looking forward to: Feeling better and getting more energy, which is already slowly coming back. Hoping to get back into my fitness regimen and healthy eating soon, too. 

38 Weeks

How far along? 38 weeks 1 day

Total weight gain: 39 lbs and I feel every ounce of that in my poor hips.

How big is baby? The size of a pumpkin. . . somewhere between 7 and 8 lbs (according to doctor’s estimates) and most likely about 20 inches long.

Maternity clothes? um, ya.  

Stretch marks? None so far. . . I LOVE my Burt’s Bees Mama Bee Belly Butter! 

Sleep? Sleeping pretty well (not counting the potty breaks), probably because I’m so exhausted from lugging this pumpkin belly around everywhere!

Best moment this week? Is it wrong if I say donuts? Last Sunday while my mom was visiting, the Hubs popped out to the Jupiter Donut Factory and brought home a dozen, including red velvets and a s’mores donut. They were a-maz-ing!  If you are ever in the area, you’ve gotta visit that place!

How are you feeling? Pretty good but pretty tired, too. Waiting for that burst of energy everybody talks about so I can give this place once last clean and organize.   

Miss anything? Mostly just being comfortable. I know that I will miss my baby belly when this is all over, and getting to feel Baby Tuna squirming around inside. 

Movement? All the time! And I’ve finally started feeling the hiccups, which I was so bummed about never feeling. Now she gets them at least once a day and they always make me laugh. My whole torso bounces up and down. Also, the other night, during our Newborn Care class, I looked down and saw that my belly was totally distorted. The little booger was pushing her back out of the right side of my belly giving it a strange triangular shape. I’d love to know what goes on inside there!  

Food cravings? Fresh strawberries!!! Can’t get enough! Thank goodness they’re in season right now. I'm also craving all the junk food that I passed on for the first eight months in an effort to be healthy. . . Cheetos, Chex Mix, cookies, candy, and the previously mentioned donuts. Haven't indulged too much, but I may have to run out for a big bag of Cheetos tomorrow. Also, God help me, the Hubs' spicy jerk turkey deli meat smells so damn good. . . part of me would love to chow down on the whole bag. (Now this is a problem for two reasons. #1: Deli meat is off limits when you're pregnant, and #2: I've been a vegetarian for 21 years and the actual thought of eating said deli meat is pretty disgusting. It just SMELLS. SO. GOOD!)

Aversions? Nothing new.    

Anything make you queasy or sick? Nope.

Gender: IT’S A GIRL!!!

Any names picked out? Yep. . . and wouldn’t you like to know! Some people have been guessing, but all have been way off the mark. 

Labor signs? Dilating slowly, but other than that. . .nada.    

Belly button in or out? It kinda sticks out a little around the edges, but is still classified as an inny.

Wedding rings on or off? I think my wedding band still fits, but I don’t bother putting it on anymore since my fingers just feel swollen all the time.

Mood? Pretty good most of the time.  

Looking forward to: Meeting Baby Tuna. . .but not for at least another week. Ten days would be better. :0)

37 Weeks - Full Term!!!

How far along? 37 weeks and 2 days

Total weight gain: 38 lbs and holding.  Haven’t gained anything this week, despite the overabundance of cheese, chocolate Cheerios, and frozen yogurt in my diet.

How big is baby? Well, according to our ultrasound Wednesday, Baby Tuna weighs somewhere between 6lbs 15 oz and 7lbs 5 oz, which means I will definitely NOT be giving birth to a giant whale baby. Hallelujah! No clue as to how long this little peanut is, but judging from the fact that her feet were in her face throughout the ultrasound (the reason why we couldn’t get a good picture from it), she’s probably 9 feet long.

Maternity clothes? You betcha! Wearing my leggings and maxi dresses a lot lately.  Since the belly dropped, pants of all kinds are no longer my friends.  

Stretch marks? None so far. . . I LOVE my Burt’s Bees Mama Bee Belly Butter! 

Sleep? Meh. It’s good when I’m asleep and when I don’t’ have that Will I Am song stuck in my head all night (. . . you are now rocking with, Will I Am and Britney bitch!).  And rolling over from one side to the other makes it abundantly clear that I have almost 40 lbs of baby and whatever else crushing my insides.  

Best moment this week? Obviously seeing the little one (yes, LITTLE one!) at our ultrasound. Her little heart is beating strong, we got to see her little mouth “drinking”, and she is definitely still a girl. So, no surprises there on delivery day!

How are you feeling? Other than feeling uncomfortable, like, 22 hours a day. . . I feel pretty good. Things could always be worse.  

Miss anything? Comfort and hands, feet, and ankles that actually look like they belong to my body.

Movement? YES!  

Food cravings? Still with the strawberries and sweet tarts, but not at the same time. Strawberry toaster strudels are another one.  The Hubs also made these A-MAZ-ING mozzarella grilled cheese Panini sandwiches on sour dough. . . I could probably eat them every night for dinner with tater tots.

Aversions? Nothing new.    

Anything make you queasy or sick? Not this week.

Gender: IT’S A GIRL!!!

Any names picked out? We have a first and middle name ready for debut upon baby girl’s arrival. 

Labor signs? None. Is that normal?   

Belly button in or out? It kinda sticks out a little around the edges, but is still classified as an inny.

Wedding rings on or off? I think my wedding band still fits, but I don’t bother putting it on anymore since my fingers just feel swollen all the time.

Mood? Totally freaking out. Baby Tuna could arrive any. minute. So excited to meet her and see who she will look like, but totally anxious about the big fat question mark that is labor and delivery.

Looking forward to: Meeting Baby Tuna. . . but not for at least two more weeks! 

The Baby Shower

During the MLK holiday weekend, my mom's lovely friend Carolyn opened her home to friends and family for our baby shower. We had a delicious lunch followed by CAKE!! and more gifts than I could have ever expected. I feel so blessed to have so many kind and generous women in my life.

Since we haven't lived in Melbourne for almost two years, I was seriously not expecting so many of my girls to be there. But I am soooo happy that they were!!! I knew I missed them all, and why wouldn't I? They are all awesome! I can't wait to bring Baby Tuna back to Melbourne in a couple of months so they can all meet her!

I have more than just the next two pictures of the day, but have been so busy, I haven't had a second to edit them all. But here are two of my favorite things from that wonderful day: 

Publix cake!! I'm pretty sure that I ate at least half of this cake and most of the icing flowers along the side!!

How seriously cute is this diaper motorcycle?! It broke my heart when I had to finally dismantle it. 

36 Weeks

36 weeks! The official start of the ninth month. Holy. Crap. I'm already on my once-a-week doctor visits, and everything is checking out right on track. Baby girl is head down, but looks like she is happy to stay right where she is for the next couple of weeks. This according to my internal exam, but I'll spare you all the details. 

We still have so much to do around here (does it ever feel done?!), but after this week, we should be in pretty good shape. We drove up to Port St. Lucie to Babies R Us to grab what we could from the last of the registry items, and my mom will be here this weekend with her sewing machine to help out with the nursery curtains. And the last of the DIY projects should be done by the end of the week, including the elephant mobile, crib skirt, and some digital typography that I am making. I can't wait to have it all done so I can take some pictures to show you guys! It's looking so cute!! A posting of the baby shower will also happen this week (I've just been such a slacker!). 

How far along? 36 weeks and 2 days

Total weight gain: According to the doctor’s scale yesterday morning, 38 lbs – 30 in the belly and the rest in my face.

How big is baby? About as big as a watermelon. (“I carried a watermelon,” suddenly comes into my mind . . . yes, a Dirty Dancing reference!)  It certainly feels like there is a watermelon in there!  

Maternity clothes? According to everyone who sees me, I am all belly. Only a few things still cover it, so I probably won’t be leaving the house much for fear of looking a little too white trashy.

Stretch marks? None so far. . . I LOVE my Burt’s Bees Mama Bee Belly Butter! 

Sleep? Sleeping well, when the windows are open. Thank God for this cool weather!

Best moment this week? Finally washing, organizing, and putting away a zillion baby clothes and blankets. And yet, I'm still tempted to buy more clothes!! Gotta have something for St. Pat's Day, Easter, and my cousin's wedding in April! 

How are you feeling? Feeling ok. Apparently the belly has begun the drop, but no one told my lungs. Not only do I now have horrible discomfort in my hip joints and pelvis, but I still can’t breathe!  And thanks to the hip issues, heavy watermelon belly, and swollen feet, I am in full waddle mode.  “Lightening”, my ass! Everything just feels heavier.  I get lots of stares as Scout and I waddle our way around the neighborhood.

Miss anything? Thanks to the Publix deli guy, I am now jonesing for spicy tuna rolls again. He told us about a great local sushi joint that we will be trying as soon as humanly possible following Baby Tuna’s birth.  I wonder if they do take out?

Movement? All the time! We can even feel her stick out her little toushie from time to time.

Food cravings? Fresh strawberries, either with vanilla frozen yogurt and magic shell topping, or in a parfait with vanilla yogurt, granola, and agave. Looking forward to our neighborhood green market this Sunday so I can visit the strawberry lady. She always has the best berries!! I could also go for a bag of Sweet Tart Hearts. Or two.

Aversions? Nothing new.    

Anything make you queasy or sick? Not this week.

Gender: IT’S A GIRL!!!

Any names picked out? We have a first and middle name ready for debut upon baby girl’s arrival. 

Labor signs? I may or may not have had my first Braxton Hicks contraction the other night. I’m just not sure since it didn’t really feel the way it was described it would. 

Belly button in or out? Mostly an inny, but definitely looking weird.

Wedding rings on or off? Most days, the wedding band is still on, but I’ve had to retire the engagement ring.

Mood? Happy, nervous . . .February used to feel like it was soooo far in the future. Holy crap!!!

Looking forward to: Our last ultrasound next week!! And finishing the nursery (for real this time!). And we still have to pack our bags for the hospital (thanks for all the suggestions!). 

35 Weeks and So Much To Do!

How far along? 35 weeks and 2 days

Total weight gain: According to the doctor’s scale, 36 lbs, which is surprising given how much cake I ate this past weekend.     

How big is baby? Dr. H. estimates close to 6 lbs (and that she will most likely weigh in the 8lb range at birth, which is a HUGE relief, and should quiet my fears of giving birth to a 20lb baby!).  The website compares her to a coconut. I’m guessing that’s a weight thing, cuz she’s also around 19-20 inches long.  That’s one big-ass coconut!

Maternity clothes? Um . . . ya. Though I’m down to the same 2 or 3 outfits cuz most of my stuff no longer fits.

Stretch marks? None so far. . . I LOVE my Burt’s Bees Mama Bee Belly Butter! 

Sleep? Sleep continues to be ok. Hip pain makes it difficult to fall asleep, but once I do, I’m usually ok

(not counting the 95 times I get up to visit the bathroom or grab some honey nut cheerios).

Best moment this week? My baby shower! If I can get my hands on some of the pictures, I’ll do a post. A HUGE thank you to my mom’s friend Carolyn for arranging such a lovely afternoon. And another HUGE thank you to my mom for making sure there was a Publix cake!! So good! (And Kelly, I ate more than enough cake to cover your share!) And another HUGE thank you to Volkswagen for designing my car to work like Mary Poppins’ carpetbag. We were given so many wonderful gifts, and almost all of them fit in the back of my VW Rabbit. It was so amazing to see so many of my friends. As much as we love where we live right now, I miss those girls in the worst way! I just wish I had been able to spend more time with each of them.

How are you feeling? Well, my usually skinny feet and bony ankles are looking a little foreign to me these days, as are my hands and fingers. If you can overlook that and this awful hip pain I’ve been feeling the last couple of days, I still feel pretty good. I’m still able to waddle my way around the neighborhood, and Scout is getting better about not pulling so much. She was so used to the two of us running together, it’s been hard for her to slow it down.   

Miss anything? Laying down, sitting, getting out of the car, getting off the couch, getting off the bed and walking like a normal person.   

Movement? This little girl is such a squirm!!

Food cravings? Strawberries and vanilla frozen yogurt are big this week (topped with Magic Shell – yum-o) . . . and of course, peppermint.  

Aversions? Nothing new.    

Anything make you queasy or sick? Not this week.

Gender: IT’S A GIRL!!!

Any names picked out? We have a first and middle name ready for debut upon baby girl’s arrival. 

Labor signs? No

Belly button in or out? Still an inny…but not sure for how much longer.

Wedding rings on or off? The wedding band is still on, but I’ve had to retire the engagement ring (although today I was able to wear both thanks to the cooler weather.)

Looking forward to: Our last ultrasound in two weeks (when the doctor heard how big my brother was at birth – about 10 and a half lbs!!! – she scheduled one just to double check that Baby Tuna was not headed for a similar weight), finishing with the nursery, and the Hubs’ birthday tomorrow (we’re keeping it low key, but it’s another excuse for Publix cake!!!)

With only a month left in this phase of the adventure, it’s becoming massively overwhelming to think about how much is left to do. This could be why I can’t take a nap to save my life.

Still To Do List

 + Find a pediatrician

+ Thank you cards 

(of course they need to be purchased first)

+ Purchase items left on our registries 

(Thank God for gift cards!!)

+ Make and hang curtains in nursery 

(just waiting for the fabric to arrive)

+ Finish making the mobile and name letters

+ Put away and organize a butt-load of baby clothes 

(they’re all washed, but somehow I don’t think leaving them in a pile on the back of a chair in the living room is acceptable.)

+ DIY some maternity photos 

(This is an easy one, we just have to find the time during daylight hours)

+ Get a pedicure 

(maybe when my mom comes down in a couple of weeks)

+ Write out our birth plan

+ Get a baby book that isn’t pink 

(Why are they all either pink or blue?!)

+ Pick an outfit for Baby Tuna to come home in

+ Pack our “Go” bags

+ Get some last minute things to go in our "Go" bags

And speaking of "Go" bags, to my mommy friends out there, was there something that you brought with you to the hospital that you could never have lived without? AND . . . was there anything that you wished you had brought, but didn’t? 

34 Weeks!

How far along? 34 weeks and 2 days

Total weight gain: Probably 40 at this point.   

How big is baby? The size of a butternut squash. She’s anywhere from 5 to 5.8 lbs and about 19 inches. Baby Tuna can also recognize and react to music, which is pretty cool. I’ve noticed her reacting to strong bass for weeks now (like at the Gator game), but it’s crazy to think that if I start singing the same song to her every day, she will recognize it after she’s born.  

Maternity clothes? A lot of the maternity tops that I bought months ago are getting too short to wear now, and none of my shorts fit, which wouldn’t be a big deal, it being winter and all. But somehow the weather down here didn’t catch that memo.

Stretch marks? None so far. . . I LOVE my Burt’s Bees Mama Bee Belly Butter! 

Sleep? Sleep has been ok this week. nothing to write a song about, but ok. My joints, especially my hips and knees, feel super stiff when I wake up.  

Best moment this week? The Hubs had a work party last Sunday (technically their Christmas party. . . go figure) and they had a mini shower for us, complete with cupcakes and a diaper cake, which was great since we haven’t purchased any diapers yet. At least now I know that if Baby Tuna decided to show up tomorrow, we’d be covered for a few days. Diapers are definitely on our “must get” list before she arrives. We also had dinner this week with our great friends Jason and Lara. I’ve known Jason for about 100 years, and we now live 25 minutes away from each other, but never see each other because we are slackers of our busy schedules. We had such a good time at dinner. . . we REALLY have to do it more often!

How are you feeling? Honestly, I’m ready to not be pregnant anymore, even though that means we will have a little one and that is slightly terrifying, so I much prefer she bake a little longer. I feel lucky that I feel so good this late into the adventure, but I do get super uncomfortable. Sitting for too long (like at the movies where you don’t want to get up, or on a car trip where you can’t) bothers my back and makes my toes puffy if I can’t elevate my feet. My joints also feel stiff by the end of the day, in spite of the exercise and stretching that I do every day. I also have a hard time breathing sometimes, as baby girl gets bigger and bigger.

Miss anything? I miss being able to sit comfortably for longer than 10 minutes.

Movement? I feel her moving all the time. I can tell when her head shifts to one side or the other (because the pressure changes on my poor bladder), and can feel her little butt wiggle around from time to time, too.  I felt the first “painful” movement the other morning, which wasn’t actually that painful, but it didn’t feel good either. I think she just wasn’t too pleased with the position I was laying in and wanted to let me know.

Food cravings? Well, I finally caved to the Frosty craving this week. . . and it was wonderful!!! May have to hit the drive-thru again soon. Froyo kind of fills the same craving, and I’ve also enjoyed that this week. All that calcium is good for me and the baby, though, right?! Haha!! 

You can't have a frosty without french fries to dip in. Yum-o!

I’m also loving crunchy things like ice and kettle chips. Besides that, I think I could probably eat pizza for every meal at this point, but I don’t cuz the Hubs won’t go for it. I’m trying to eat as much healthy food as possible, but the junk just sounds so much more appealing.

Aversions? Breakfast eggs (egg salad doesn’t bother me). The Hubs made some cheesy scrambled eggs the other morning, and I ate them, but immediately wished I hadn’t. They were delicious, but something about eggs is just a big turn off. Boo!     

Anything make you queasy or sick? Just eggs.

Gender: IT’S A GIRL!!!

Any names picked out? We have a first and middle name ready for debut upon baby girl’s arrival.  But don’t bother asking, because the Hubs will just tell you that her name is Shaniqua.

Labor signs? No

Belly button in or out? Still an inny, but getting flatter and flatter.   

Wedding rings on or off? Wearing my wedding band, but have had to retire my engagement ring. I’m just so afraid of it getting stuck as my fingers puff up throughout the day.  

Mood? I’m one happy and slightly freaked-out little camper.  

Looking forward to: Heading back home to Melbourne for the baby shower this weekend. I can’t wait to see all of my old friends! And, you know. . .another excuse to eat cake!!!