Baby Girl's Nursery

I am so excited that our nursery is finally done! We love how it turned out and know it will be perfect for our sweet little girl. She better like elephants, because we couldn't resist all of the cute elephant decor everywhere! The nursery has been a work in progress for a while now, and we couldn't have done it without the help from our awesome Mom's, Sisters and Grandma Franny. We also got so spoiled by everyone at all of my baby showers, holy cow, we are so overwhelmed with all of the love and support everyone has shown us! This baby girl has more clothes than me and definitely has a great blanky collection started. I have been really anxious to get it done before she comes, even though she probably won't sleep in her nursery for a few months. But it feels so good to have it all done. Now we're ready baby girl! So, without further adieu, here's some pics of her room....

The view from the door

Her crib and bedding that her Great Grandma Franny made

Her daddy built this board & batten wall and shelf all by himself!

I'm sure I'll be spending a lot of time rocking her in this chair soon

The quilt that her Great Grandma Fran made her

Once she has a name, her initial will go on this wall

Her princess crown from Grandma Jen

Just a glimpse of her closet full of adorable clothes

Her blanky drawer

Car seat all ready to go!

Her bag is packed and ready for the hospital 

It's Getting Real!

I had maternity photos done last weekend (in between my visits to Labor & Delivery). I wasn't very excited to go for a photoshoot feeling like a giant whale, but my my parents bought me a photography package for maternity photos and newborn photos, so I thought I'd better go. Even though I look enormous, I'm sure someday I'll look back and be glad that I have pictures of me being preggo.

How Far Along: 35 weeks, 4 days

Baby Size: 5 1/4 lbs, 18+ inches long

Baby Gender: GIRL!

How much weight have you gained/lost: 15ish lbs.

Maternity clothes: Yes!

Stretch marks: Not yet. Let's keep it that way....

Sleep: Sleeping is super uncomfortable, but I've been extra tired lately, so I usually sleep okay in between my nightly trip to the bathroom and trouble rolling over with this huge belly.

Baby Movement: Yes! She is getting bigger so I can feel her movements so much more. She loves to kick me in the ribs.

Miss Anything: Wearing normal clothes, sleeping comfortably

Any Fun Moments to Note: The nursery is finally done!

Food Cravings: Watermelon. It's my favorite.

Sick or Queasy: Nope

Other Symptoms: HEARTBURN! and feeling enormous..I think that's a symptom

Labor Signs: Yep! Lots of contractions and starting to dilate!

Belly Button in or out: Pops out a little now

Happy or Moody most of the time: Both! I've been really tired and uncomfortable, so probably more moody than happy.

Looking forward to: Meeting baby girl.

I have visited Labor and Delivery at the hospital a few times now because of all of my contractions. Anytime I have more than 6 contractions in an hour, I have to go in to get checked out. Let's just say the nurses are starting to recognize me now. This past weekend I was having contractions every 3-4 minutes for a few hours, so we spent most of Friday night at Labor & Delivery. I'm starting to dilate, so they kept me and monitored me for a bit at the hospital. They ended up giving me a steroid shot for the baby's lungs just in case I end up having her early. I had to go back on Saturday night for a second dose of the shot, and we ended up getting a fun little tour of Labor & Delivery, so now we are a little more prepared for our upcoming stay.

The bad news is my contractions keep on coming and they aren't sure why I have so many, but the good news is they aren't doing much and the baby seems to handle them fine (she's just hanging out having parties in there). My goal is to make it until 37 weeks- full-term, so for now I have to take it super easy and monitor my contractions closely. The doc doesn't think she's going to stay in there until her due date, so we may have our baby girl here soon!

Here's some more photos from our maternity shoot...

31 Weeks Along

Picture from my family shower on Saturday

Here's a quick update! A post of my baby showers coming soon! It's been a busy few weeks.

How Far Along: 31 weeks

Baby Size: 3.3 pounds, 16 inches

Baby Gender: GIRL!

How much weight have you gained/lost: 11 lbs.

Maternity clothes: Yes!

Stretch marks: Not yet. Let's keep it that way....

Sleep: Sleeping is getting more difficult. My hips ache and rolling over with a giant belly is getting harder. It's also HOT HOT HOT!

Baby Movement: I'm pretty sure she has dance parties in there some days.

Miss Anything: Being able to enjoy the sunshine and summertime...it's just too hot to be outside long

Any Fun Moments to Note: My first 2 baby showers! Our little lady is getting spoiled. (shower blog post to come...)

Food Cravings: Watermelon. It's my favorite.

Sick or Queasy: The heat is starting to make me nauseous at times

Other Symptoms: I've been having a lot of Braxton Hicks contractions lately and have to lay down on my left side to get them to calm down. They don't feel very good....

Labor Signs: Nope, hopefully not for a while

Belly Button in or out: Starting to pop out

Happy or Moody most of the time: Both--it's been hard to lay down and take it easy  when I know there's so much I still need to do.

Looking forward to: Finishing her nursery.

Third Trimester!

Today we went to Fetal Fotos for a 3D ultrasound and our little miss wasn't cooperating. She had her hands AND HER FEET up in front of her face, so we couldn't get a good shot. We know she's flexible like her mama and has long skinny legs like her daddy. She is definitely still a girl and has cute little feet, but that's all we got to see. We'll try again in a couple more weeks. It's pretty crazy that I'm officially in my third trimester! Second trimester flew by so fast and now we are on the home stretch. Now I'm feeling like we still have so much to do before we are ready for the little lady to make her grand appearance. My belly is growing so fast these days and I'm starting to get a little uncomfortable. But, everything is still looking great, she is healthy and growing and that's the most important thing. I did fail my glucose screening a few weeks ago, so I had to go in and do the 3-hour test. They drew my blood 4 times in a 4-hour period. If you know me, you know I HATE needles, but I guess it's just something you get used to when you have a baby. My mom was right! I ended up passing the test, so all is well and I can continue to indulge on watermelon and ice cream to keep me cool this summer. It's getting really real! We are so excited!

Here's my little update...

• How far along: 28 weeks, 2 days--- THIRD TRIMESTER!
• Baby Size: 2 1/4 pounds, 14 inches
• Baby Gender: GIRL!
• How much weight have you gained/lost: last doc appointment, 9 lbs.
• Maternity clothes: Yes! But I'm starting to get bored with my outfit choices already
• Stretch marks: Not yet. Let's keep it that way....
• Sleep: Sleeping is getting more uncomfortable, but thank goodness for the maternity pillow that my sis-in-law Nicole let me borrow!
• Baby Movement: Holy cow she's an active little thing! She kicks me all over the place nowadays. 
• Miss Anything: Being able to reach my toes 
• Any Fun Moments to Note: Making it to my third trimester! It's crazy how fast time is flying!
• Food Cravings: Not yet.
• Sick or Queasy: I still get car sick really bad...and even when I'm driving.
• Other Symptoms: worrying, achy back, braxton hicks contractions and starting to feel hot.
• Labor Signs: Nope, hopefully not for a while
• Belly Button in or out: Still in, but stretching!
• Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy!
• Looking forward to: Finishing her nursery.

A Day for Mother's

Mother's Day this year was extra special-- not only did I get spoiled as a Mother-to-Be, but I was able to more fully appreciate the role of Mothers. It's crazy how from the moment I found out I was pregnant, my mind is now consumed with this little girl. I worry about everything now-- if I don't feel her kick for a day, if what I eat could harm her, if the things we buy for her are safe, how I'll protect her from the evils of the world.... the list could go on and on. It's crazy how much I love her already and I haven't even met her.

Being pregnant has helped me to truly appreciate Mother's and what they go through for their children. My mom was in the hospital 8 times before I was born and lost over 30 pounds during her pregnancy because she was so sick. My mom always says... "I remember the day that you were born". And I have always thought that was impossible. But not anymore... I realize now what she means. I imagine the day our little baby girl joins our family will be a day I will never ever forget. In fact, it's so momentous that I've been waiting, planning and counting down for it my whole life.
I have an amazing Mom and many other wonderful "other mother's" in my life that have set such great examples for me to follow. I hope that I can be as amazing as they are someday. My mom is ALWAYS, always serving others and always makes sure everyone is taken care of. She is so talented and driven and puts 110% into everything she does. Growing up, I was always excited to come home from school each day and tell my mom about everything that happened at school. We developed an amazing friendship that we still have to this day. I hope that I can be an amazing Mom to my kids as my Mom has been for me. I am sure I'll be calling her daily asking questions on what to do when my little girl arrives. I can't imagine not having my mom there as this adventure of parenthood unfolds! Thanks Mom for all that you do. I love you!

Ryan surprised me with a really nice "First Mother's Day" present. I have been looking for a rocker/glider for the nursery for a while now, and he found a really nice recliner that rocks too. I'm so excited to sit in it and rock my sweet baby girl to sleep. I have a feeling that I'll be sleeping in it lots too when I'm up at 3am with her. But it's really comfy AND it has a USB port in it, so I can charge my phone or whatever I need while I'm chilling in my new chair. Leave it to Ryan to buy something with some cool technological feature.

My new rocker recliner

The sign he made (with the help of his Mom)

And I'm officially 25 weeks along now. Baby girl is getting big! Here's my big belly pic.

25 weeks along.. in my comfy pants

Happy Mother's Day!

Half Way Baby!

Just another baby update-- Can you believe I'm half way there!? It feels like since I hit my second trimester, time has been flying by and baby girl is growing fast! Maybe it's because I am finally feeling better and we have been up to our ears in house projects the past month, or maybe it really does go faster when you hit a certain point...who knows? Anyhoo, baby girl is doing awesome! At my 20 week ultrasound (anatomy scan) a few weeks ago, the doctor said everything looks great. She's growing and healthy and she has all of her limbs and organs! She was measuring a little big, so he moved my due date to August 24th! In the ultrasound, she still looked a little bit like an alien, but she should start looking more like a baby in the months to come. Here's some fun facts about my pregnancy so far:

• How far along: 22 weeks, 5 days
• Baby Size: One pound, 8 inches long
• Baby Gender: GIRL!
• How much weight have you gained/lost: last doc appointment, 4 lbs.
• Maternity clothes: Yes! I'm down to one regular pair of pants that still fits
• Stretch marks: Not yet. Let's keep it that way....
• Sleep: Sleeping good other than my insane crazy horrible dreams!
• Baby Movement: Yes! Just the past 2 weeks I've started feeling her move. Every night while I'm laying in bed she kicks a bunch.
• Miss Anything: Being able to wear regular clothes...and high heels! 
• Any Fun Moments to Note: Ryan feeling her kick for the first time. 
• Food Cravings: Nothing too weird yet.
• Sick or Queasy: My sickness has mostly subsided (thank heavens!), but I have to make sure I eat every few hours and snack a lot or I'll get sick.
• Other Symptoms: Emotional, my belly itches, lower back aches, bathroom stops every hour, hungry, tired
• Labor Signs: Nope, hopefully not for a while
• Belly Button in or out: Still in, but stretching!
• Happy or Moody most of the time: You'd have to ask Ryan, but I feel like I'm happy most of the time, just way more emotional than normal
• Looking forward to: New carpet being installed next week so I can start on the baby's room!

Girl Girl Girl

I'm a little late on this post, since we found out the gender of our little babe a few weeks ago. But the fact that I'm late doesn't make it any less exciting!! We are having a baby GIRL! 

Ryan and I both had the feeling from the beginning that it was a girl. I had always thought it would be fun to have a boy first because growing up I always wanted an older brother, and naturally, Ryan wanted a boy first...well, because he's a guy. But, I think secretly I was hoping for a girl. It's just too fun to think about dressing her up in bows and frilly girly pink stuff. As much as I think Ryan liked the thoughts of having a little football buddy, after watching him with our sweet niece Charlotte, I'm pretty sure he'll love a baby girl just as much. I'm sure she'll have her daddy wrapped around her little finger in no time!

I'm in my second trimester now, and starting to feel so much better! When we had our gender ultrasound (at 14 weeks), it was so fun to see her dancing around in there. She's an active little thing! I can't feel her moving yet, but I'm sure I will pretty soon. Everything in the ultrasound looked good and she's still measuring big, so I'm hoping they'll move my due date up when I go for my 20 week ultrasound in a few weeks. My mom and Grams have already started buying lots of pink stuff and making blankets and stuff like crazy! Here's some more pics of our little girl...

Her cute little profile

Girl Parts

Cute little thing!

Some BIG News

We are so excited to announce that we have a little human on the way! Ryan and I are so excited...and so nervous... to become parents, but we are ready for this awesome adventure! I mean, Ryan is 30 and I'm 29, so I guess it's about time. People have been bugging us about having a baby since the day we got married, I swear. So we are excited to finally join the Mom & Dad club.

I had my first ultrasound and doctor visit about 3 weeks ago and we got to see our teeny peanut and hear the little heartbeat! It was such a relief to hear the heartbeat and know that our baby is growing like it should. Here's our baby's first picture:

I am 12 weeks along now and finally starting into my second trimester. Woohoo! My official due date is August 28th, but the babe is already measuring a week or so ahead. 

THE STORY:

I found out I was pregnant in December--December 18th to be exact. I had suspected I was pregnant because I had a few symptoms, so I took a pregnancy test to work with me that morning. I saw the two pink lines when I took the test at work and decided to wait until I got home from work to tell Ryan. It was the LOONGGEST day at work, I was so excited to tell him! When I got home, I had a little present for him. I put the positive pregnancy test in a little bag with a baby onesie I made that said "You will soon learn that your Daddy is a nerd. He'll teach you all about Muggles, the one Ring and the ways of the force".

The first thing he said when he opened the bag was "We're pregnant!?" and then he gave me a big hug and kiss. Even though it was really early, we were too excited and we decided to tell our immediate family a few days later on Christmas. It seemed like the perfect Christmas gift for our parents.

We have all been keeping this big secret now for a few months, and it's been SO hard!

I was pretty sick from weeks 6-9, and have been really exhausted and zombie-ish since day one.... hence the lack of blog posts and social interaction. I haven't felt like doing much of anything so we've been laying low for the last little bit. Ryan has been so great to help me out since I've been feeling crappy and he's been so patient with me. I still have rough days here and there, but they are getting fewer and farther between. Now that I'm starting into my second trimester, I am feeling so much better and I almost feel human again. Growing a baby is exhausting! I feel so lucky that I was only really sick for a few weeks-- and although I was so miserable, I know I could have been much more sick and am so thankful that I was still able to work. Being pregnant so far has been quite the adventure! It's so crazy to wake up every morning and know that there's a little person growing inside of me. What an amazing gift it is. I'm looking forward to the rest of this grand adventure and mostly excited to see Ryan as a Daddy.

We will be able to find out if it's a BOY or a GIRL in just a few weeks!