39 Weeks!

Seriously? 5 days until May 5?! Where have the last 9 months gone?? Okay so obviously we're coming down to the last few days, and other than some sleeping issues, I'm feeling pretty good. 

I went to the doctor's yesterday, and made NO progress from last week. Very, very disappointing. I promised myself that I wouldn't get upset with the results of the internal checks, but alas, I sulked yesterday like it was my J-O-B. Everyone that I talked to said they mean nothing, and I'm aware, but you still hope your body continues to prep for labor like it should, not stop (or take a break) at week 38.

I was cranky all night, and Hubs said we should go for a walk. It was already 8:00, but I knew it'd make me feel better to get some air and I thought that maybe I'd walk myself into labor. Well, no labor here, but it did make me feel a little better. 

I went to sleep, and got up every few hours to either pee or flip onto my side. I swear I keep waking up on my back (which is really uncomfortable) and flipping back over. I guess the "waking every few hours" has already started. 

At 5:05 this morning, I got up to pee, and reluctantly decided to stay in bed, wide awake, thinking about how our Baby Girl. She hasn't been moving as much as normal, probably because she's running out of room, but I came to the conclusion that maybe, just maybe, my mood is impacting her. So, I've made a promise to myself, and to her, that I'll enjoy the last few days (or weeks...) of this pregnancy, and will trust that everything will go according to plan. 

Now for this weeks bumpdate: 

Um, high basketball. Where did you come from?!

How far along?: 39 weeks

Weight gained?: 27 pounds as of my 39 week appointment 

Showing yet?: Yes!

Stretch Marks?: Not on my belly, just a couple on my hips

Clothes?: Maternity

Cravings?: None, but loving cereal still! 

Aversions?: None!

Sleep?: What's sleep? Blah...

Gender?:  Girl

Movement?: She's been quiet the last few days, more or less squirming around! 

Symptoms?: Stuffy nose is back in action, little back pain, minor cramping

Miss Anything?: Hubs and I enjoyed dinner out at a local Italian restaurant, and the Chianti he got smelled fabulous! Took me back to Italy...

Wedding Rings on or off?: On, getting snug with the heat

Belly Button in or out?: In

Labor Signs?: BH, pelvic pressure, but nothing more than that! As of my 39 week appointment, I was 50-60% effaced and baby was at a -2 station.

Looking Forward To: Summer clothes and meeting/naming our Baby Girl! 

10 Days: Pregnancy Ramblings

So the I's have been dotted and the T's have been crossed. My to-do list is super short, and only includes the 3 first and middle names we've chosen for our Baby Girl.

In less than a few weeks (I hope!), we'll finally have a babe with a name. I'm so excited to meet our little princess, and I can't imagine what it'll feel like to finally do so. I've felt so blessed throughout my pregnancy. Other than some fatigue, which was cured by an iron supplement, I've felt amazing. I know some women dread the last few weeks of their pregnancies because of how uncomfortable they feel, but as of today, I don't have that feeling. I don't want to wish away these last few precious days because I know being blessed with one healthy baby is a miracle in itself. I don't know if I'll be able to have more children (although we would love 1 or 2 more) and I want to embrace this feeling knowing it may not happen again. 

Hubs and I have grown so close throughout the last 9 months. I don't know if it's a combination of a relatively easy pregnancy and the sense of calmness that I've felt, but he and I have bonded over this experience and have enjoyed every minute of it together. He's a saint, that man, and I am blessed to have him! I can't wait to see him with our little girl. He will be such a proud Dad and will love her more than I know he's capable. 

Itty bitty clothes...

Saturday morning, I got up before Hubs, and went into the nursery to organize her hospital (diaper) bag. I sat on the white sheepskin rug, and laid out her things, making sure we had everything we thought we'd need for her arrival. Her sweet little sleepers, coming home dress, and headbands made me swoon. I can't get over how tiny everything is! 

That night, we went out shopping to buy new tennis shoes and use up a Gymboree gift card that we had received from the ladies who do my nails. We ended up purchased this GEM:

Yup. Baby Brine's first bikini!

Again, can't believe how tiny this is! We ended up buying a 3-6 month since we'll be heading to the beach in July when she'll be around 2.5 months. I'm hoping for a Buddha belly, but that's just me ;) Hubs died at the cuteness, if that means anything!

I asked Hubs this morning if he was getting nervous about her impending arrival. He said no, he was ready. I asked him if he thinks he'll panic once I'm in labor, and he again said no, but said he may have a hard time seeing me in pain. Love that man. 

All in all, we're super ready, and super excited, to announce the arrival of our baby girl. We're enjoying the last few days of our family of two, and are soaking up the quiet time in the interim. 

38 Weeks!

Holy cow!! As close as we're getting, I'm so calm its almost concerning haha! We hit 38 weeks yesterday, only 2 more to go, unless Baby Brine decides to come early! We are certainly ready for her arrival, so whenever she decides to come we will be as prepared as possible.

We had a low key weekend, which was much needed, and I think the rest of the next few weeks are pretty bare as far as plans go. 

My Baby Girl to do list has been completed, minus the baby names (first and middle) that we are contemplating! 

I know I'm going to miss this baby bump but I can't imagine anything will trump the sight of our baby girl. We have been blessed with a very easy pregnancy (thus far), and I'm hoping the delivery is the same. I'm prepared for whatever might come, and am going to be flexible with options so as to not be disappointed if things don't go according to our my plan.

Here's this weeks bumpdate: 

How far along?: 38 weeks

Weight gained?: 26 pounds as of my 38 week appointment 

Showing yet?: Yes!

Stretch Marks?: I think I've found a few, but they aren't too bad...

Clothes?: Maternity

Cravings?: None!

Aversions?: None!

Sleep?: Really good, surprisingly! 

Gender?:  Girl

Movement?: All morning and evening, she's squirming around in there! I just hope she's not getting TOO comfortable! We want to meet her! ;)

Symptoms?: Stuffy nose, back pain, cramping, lost some feeling in my right leg on Saturday night I think she was hitting my nerve.

Miss Anything?: A few things, but I think I'll miss being pregnant! 

Wedding Rings on or off?: On

Belly Button in or out?: In

Labor Signs?: BH, pelvic pressure, but nothing more than that! As of my 38 week appointment, I was 50-60% effaced and baby was at a -2 station.

Looking Forward To: Bringing home baby! Ah! 

Baby Brine Style: Diaper Bag!

After weeks  months of harassing Hubs about buying Baby Brine's diaper bag, he surprised me last night with this beautifully wrapped Kate Spade box: 

This beauty was inside:

Stripe Stevie Baby Bag

It has so many pockets to help keep this organized, and Hubs loves the red changing pad that came with it. The fabric is nylon, so it'll be easy to wipe down, and when Mama only has the ability to carry one bag, it's easily disguised as a purse! It's the perfect size, not too big, not too small, so it'll help limit the overpacking that I'm accustomed to :)

THANK YOU HUBS! You are the greatest and you spoil both of us rotten! We love you! :)

Baby Brine Style: Summertime Edition!

I LOVE all of the adorable summer outfits that are out in the stores right now. In Pittsburgh, we always have a very short spring, and come Memorial Day, we're pushing 90 degree weather. Baby Brine already has a large summer wardrobe, but we've also purchased lots pants and sleepers since she'll be in the AC a lot. 

I'm loving the new arrivals at Old Navy, Gap & Gymboree. They just keep coming out with more and more adorable things! The only thing I can't seem to find is a bikini for Baby Brine's first trip to the beach! 

Belted Chambray Romper-Purple Polka Dot Shorts -Teal Bubble Romper-Pink Print Romper -Chambray Romper-Green Bloomers-Floral Headband-Plaid Bubble One Piece-Chambray Headband-Red Plaid Bloomers

37 Weeks!

Well, we've reached what the Dr.'s say is full term! Today, the countdown hit 20 days until May 5, and I can't explain how excited Hubs and I are!

We've both been super calm so far, and I think we're both just soaking up the last few weeks of just us. I'd like to say I've been getting extra sleep for the weeks to come, but that'd be a big, fat, joke. Sleep has been rough for me lately, and my allergies from the now blooming flowers and trees aren't help the cause either. 

We had a good weekend, keeping it low key on Friday's as usual, and Saturday we celebrated by brother-in-law's birthday. I wasn't feel so well, so I left pretty early, and Hubs enjoyed what I'd consider one of his last few nights out before the baby arrives. At this point, I need him on point for when she decides it's go time!

Sunday, we went to church (and both almost fell asleep...) and then to Pirate game. I thought I'd be super uncomfortable in the plastic seats, but I did fine! I enjoyed some ice cream and french fries, knowing my post-partum diet will soon be under way :) 

And here is this weeks bumpdate: 

How far along?: 37 weeks

Weight gained?: 24 pounds as of my 36 week appointment

Showing yet?: Yep! Finding it hilarious that only 4 weeks ago the Dr. thought she was small. I think she's growing rapidly!

Stretch Marks?: No

Clothes?: Maternity

Cravings?: None. Eating lots of cereal though since I've been too lazy to cook at times. 

Aversions?: No cake for me Saturday night...I had flashbacks to my first trimester when anything sweet made me queasy!

Sleep?: Meh, not so good this weekend

Gender?:  Girl

Movement?: Lots and lots, and we think she dropped because I don't feel her butt/feet in my ribs lately

Symptoms?: Stuffy nose, back pain, cramping...

Miss Anything?: Sweating from a good workout, sushi, and a hot dog at the Pirate game sounded delicious!

Wedding Rings on or off?: On

Belly Button in or out?: In

Labor Signs?: I've been having some random contractions, nothing that I can time, but more painful than BH. 

Looking Forward To: Meeting our princess! I can't believe it's so close!

Our to-do list is getting quite short, and I'm liking it :) 

Purchase breast pump (Going to talk with my Dr. about this tomorrow)

Pack hospital bag (will finish tonight! 

FINISH OUR BASEMENT

My goal was to have the car seat (not just the base) and my hospital bag in the car as of 37 weeks. We had a busy day yesterday, so we're going to do that tonight. I have to finish up packing my hospital bag, and get Hubs to pack his. Baby girl's things are all ready to be packed, but Hubs is in the process of buying her diaper bag, so that'll have to wait! 

I also realized that I have overpacked for our short stay. They suggest packing pillows and blankets, but that just seems like a lot to bring! Instead, I'm going to have them readily available for my parents to pick up at our house in case we really want them. 

I got some more information on breast pumps and need to discuss the Preventive Care Act with my Dr. at our appointment tomorrow. If she'll write me a script that I need one for when I return to work, I may be able to have it before little one arrives. More on that when I talk to her! 

All in all we're just playing the waiting game. We know she could come any time, day or night, at work or at home, so we're trying to be as ready as possible! 

Labor & Delivery Thank You Tutorial!

As mentioned in this post, I wanted make baskets of snacks and treats for our labor & delivery nurses. After touring our hospital, I realized that I'd be moving from L&D to the post-partum recovery floor a few hours after giving birth. I decided to make two baskets, one for each nurses station, so that ALL of the nurses that take care of us know how much we appreciate their hard work! 

Here are the different goodies that I ended up buying:

Chocolate chip granola bars, Special K breakfast bars, fruit snacks, gum, Hawaiian Punch drink packets, snack size M&M's & an assorted box of cheese/peanut butter crackers. I got everything at Target, including the baskets (found in the Dollar Days section)

Here is everything assembled:

I found these silver sticker letters in the Dollar Days section at Target, and made the sign using those. I'm terrible at creating things on the computer, so this was an easier option. 

Obviously this is super simple to do, but hopefully it'll let our nurses know how much we appreciate them. If you will be at a smaller hospital, the individual bags are also a great idea, but since our hospital is pretty large, this was easiest to ensure all of them get some treats. 

I'll probably have Hubs run down the street and grab other goodies throughout our stay, but this will at least keep them satisfied in the interim! 

Enjoy!