38 weeks!

How far along: 38 weeks 3 days
Size of baby: About 6.5 lbs, 19.5 inches long
Movement: I feel movement throughout the day and night. It's more like whole-body wiggling now with some occasional jabs from her feet in my ribs.
Sleep: This unfortunately is getting worse...I feel more restless and have trouble staying comfortable for long. My hips hurt from sleeping on my sides and my arms occasionally fall asleep. I take naps fairly often.
Symptoms: I still have swelling in my hands and feet (thank goodness for flip-flops!). I notice stronger and more frequent Braxton-Hicks contractions now and am just waiting for those to turn into labor contractions!
Best moment of the week: We had another ultrasound to make sure the baby was doing well and the fluid levels were good (all is well, by the way). It was so fun to see her again. This time the ultrasound tech pointed out the hair on her head! I'm hoping for lots of crazy baby hair :)
Labor Signs: At my appointment this week, the doctor said I was approaching 2cm dilated, 20% effaced. We scheduled an induction date in case I don't go into labor on my own.
What I miss: I miss most everything about not being pregnant...being able to wear anything in my closet, sushi, wine, a good night of sleep with minimal trips to the bathroom, bending over without grunting, etc. I'm trying to keep it all in perspective and enjoy these last "simple" days of my life.
What I'm looking forward to: Finally meeting this little girl! We are so ready...
Next appointment: July 20

36 weeks and Something Sentimental

On one of my last trips to my parent's house, I was rooting through my closet and found these two blankets...MY blankies. The quilt was made by my Grandma Graber and the little white blankie was one my mom made for me. Actually, the story goes that I used to lift up her dress to find this silky slip and rub it between my fingers. To stop me from doing that, she just cut up her old slips to give to me. I would hold the slip in my hand, rub it on my nose, and suck my fingers to fall asleep. I'm happy to have saved these to pass along to my baby girl. In addition to these hand-me-downs, Miss Peter will get a new handmade quilt from Bryce's mom. Can't wait to see the finished product!

Here is what I'm looking like lately. It feels like that belly is really popping out now!

35 weeks

How far along: 35 weeks 2 days
Size of baby: About 5.5 lbs, 18.2 inches long (one website says the size of a cantaloupe!)
Movement: I feel lots of movement each day. Sometimes I can just feel her wiggling around and sometimes I feel a limb pushing across my stomach. Bryce and I enjoy tapping at what we think are her feet and getting kicked back. It never gets old!
Sleep: I'm still doing okay, but I'm progressively getting up more times through the night to use the bathroom. Fortunately, my flexible work schedule allows lots of daytime naps.
Symptoms: Swelling has finally made its debut! I shouldn't be surprised, since it's been so hot. The tops of my feet almost always look puffy now, and my fingers are definitely more swollen than usual.
Best moment of the week: Collecting some of the last few items we need (travel system, mattress, diaper pail, etc.). I am feeling much better now that we have a carseat to take her home in.
Food cravings: I wouldn't necessarily call it a craving, but I sure am enjoying pop-ices.
Labor Signs: Only more frequent and stronger Braxton-Hicks contractions.
What I miss: My ankle bones...oh, and I've had to give up my wedding rings. I thought I might have to get them cut off the other night.
What I'm looking forward to: Adding the finishing decorative touches to the nursery. We have most of the furniture (minus the glider) and I am excited to get some things on the walls!
Next appointment: June 29 (the final 2-week appt, then we go once a week)

We're so close to the one-month countdown!

Baby shower

Last weekend I had a wonderful baby shower hosted by the women in Bryce's family. My mom and sister helped with the food and everything was wonderful! The theme was Beatrix Potter's Peter Rabbit (chosen because of our Peter Skeeters nickname) and was a tea party. The party was fun, planned so well down to the last detail, and we received lots of adorable baby things! Thanks to everyone who was involved!

The beautiful spread with so much delicious food

Cups for the tea party

Jill and her adorable and delicious petit fours!

Cyndie making some chocolate desserts with fresh berries

Mom made some tiny tarts

Just a few of the frilly girl clothes I received...can't wait to play dress-up!

Soon-to-be parents with our parents

The belly at 33 weeks

8 months!

How far along: 32 weeks 4 days
Size of baby: About 3.7 lbs, 16.7 inches long
Maternity clothes: I still wear mostly maternity clothes when going out. I'm collecting more, but can still wear some of my pre-pregnancy clothes, depending on how roomy the style is!
Movement: Most movement now is on my left side near my ribs. Baby is still head-down and her back is along my right side, legs to the left. I've felt a few bouts of hiccups--so cute!
Sleep: Now that I'm on a drug regimen for heartburn, I'm sleeping pretty well!
Symptoms: I'm trying to get lots of things done with my days off, but feel that I wear out more quickly. Joints are achy after standing/walking a lot. I'm starting to notice a little swelling also (thanks to the 90-degree weather here!)
Nursery Progress: We ordered a dresser that is low enough to double as a changing station. We've also been receiving some gifts in the mail for the baby. It makes me so happy every time I get to add something to the nursery!
Labor Signs: More frequent/stronger Braxton Hicks contractions.
What I miss: Walking into my closet and fitting into anything I choose.
What I'm looking forward to: Baby shower this Sunday!
Next appointment: June 15

Pretty Little Things

When I first found out that we were having a girl, I got so excited about buying frilly pink and purple things. However, when I started shopping I realized how particular I was about my first purchases for her. There are lots of cute clothes for baby girls out there, but I wanted the first outfits I bought for her to be "keepers". I envisioned something I would save and show her years down the road as the first outfits I ever bought her.

After much shopping, I finally found THE ones. The Children's Place happened to have two perfect outfits that made me smile when I thought about dressing her up in them.

This is an adorable blue and white seersucker dress with cloth flowers lining the bottom. I found a white sun hat with a bow that looked like it belonged. The tiny white shoes are compliments of Auntie Erica!


This lilac two-piece outfit is my absolute favorite! The frilly tutu-like skirt is exactly what I was hoping to find to play dress-up with my little girl. The headband is just the icing on top of the whole outfit. This reminds me of a poofy purple dress I practically lived in when I was little.

Bonus picture: Another pretty little thing blooming outside our house. I love these peonies!

30 weeks

Today I'm just over thirty weeks...only 10 to go! Time has really been flying by lately, especially knowing there is much to do to prepare for this baby.

I've seen pregnancy surveys on several blogs, so I thought I'd include my own to share some more info about how I'm feeling...

How far along: 30 weeks 2 days
Size of baby: About 3 lbs, 15.7 inches long
Maternity clothes: I am slowly collecting them and generally wear mostly maternity clothes when we go out. For work, the scrubs I wear are one size larger than I wore pre-pregnancy. At home, I still wear my old sweatpants and Bryce's t-shirts (though I'm not sure how much longer those will last)!
Movement: I feel her move at several random times throughout the day, but pretty consistently when relaxing after dinner and while lying down to go to sleep at night. I feel kicks and punches on the sides of my stomach. Today the Dr. said she believes the baby is head-down, but I'm still feeling jabs on both sides.
Sleep: For quite awhile now I've had to fall asleep on my side (I was always a stomach-sleeper). I hug a big body pillow, which makes things relatively comfortable. Lately it's been more challenging to flop my big belly from side to side throughout the night.
Symptoms: The worst symptom I've had so far was severe heartburn Monday night. It was hard to sleep, even when I propped myself up with lots of pillows. Last night was back to normal, so fingers crossed that it doesn't happen again! Aside from the one bout of heartburn, I'm still feeling well. My joints are a little achy if I stand for long periods of time.
Best moment of the week: Getting our nursery painted! Thanks again Viki!
Food cravings: None lately.
Labor Signs: Not so far. I have some Braxton Hicks contractions occasionally, but no pain.
What I miss: I won't lie, I miss the occasional glass of wine! Also, sushi. I've (easily) convinced Bryce to take me for sushi and wine directly after I deliver this baby :)
What I'm looking forward to: Decorating the nursery. I'm browsing to get ideas and hope to start soon!
Next appointment: June 1