8.22.2014

39-week bumpdate


This is what you get at 7am in the 39th week...


How far along: 39 weeks, 2 days

Baby Size: size of a little watermelon

Weight gain: 29 ibs.

Maternity clothes: dresses, dresses and workout clothes

Stretch marks: nope

Sleep: Sleeping OK -- two nights this week I had Braxton Hicks that woke me up a couple of times but nothing that kept me up.

Gender:  Girl

Movement: Not as much. She still moves around but it's just little movements. I think she is out of space.

Best moment this week: Date night with Mike. We had a nice long three-coursed dinner (it's Restaurant Week) at a place we'd never been before. It was so delicious and just really nice to enjoy a lengthy dinner with him and chat about who knows what. 
Also, Mike has been trying everything to get me to go into labor. It's so cute. He's trying to get me to pop. Any myth to make a woman go into labor, he's trying!

looking forward to: Not being pregnant. I'm over it. I'm ready to be able to do things like bend over and ride a bike and comfortably get in and out of bed.

Food cravings:  Nada

Anything making you queasy or sick: nope. Getting heartburn again though.

Labor Signs: Braxton Hicks -- those tricky things get my excited quite often. My bag is basically packed so we're ready to go. Oh and I bought ingredients to make cookies when I go into labor. I figured that would be a delicious thing to do while laboring at home. Now I just have to restrain from making them beforehand.

What I miss:  I miss being able to move around and do what I used to be able to do. And, I miss shopping. I can't justify buying a bunch of stuff for maternity so I haven't bought much clothing. And the clothes right now are real cute so that makes me want to shop even more.

Symptoms: Anxious to be done already! I'm still a week out and already I'm antsy. I think I'm going to change my due date to Sept 10 so that every day doesn't feel like it could be the day.

Nursery: DONE! Wooooo hooo! We chose to do the nursery in neutrals. I like neutrals and when we have another kid, they'll have to be in the same room so it needed to be boy or girl friendly. We incorporated things we love -- natural elements, travel, plants, Jesus. My next addition is I want to add a little rock wall somewhere in here but I ran out of space and we have at least a year before adding that in. Basically everything is from Home Goods or Ikea or homemade.






Belly Button in or out? same old

Wedding rings on or off? On. I switched to a plain band that I use when we travel so that I didn't have to worry about losing my rings when we go to the hospital or them having to be cut off or something.

Mood:  Anticipating. Every twinge I'm thinking, 'OK here it goes.' I need to just relax and let go. It would just be so nice to know when it's going to happen. Argg!!!It didn't help that we had our last Centering appt yesterday and we were the only couple left (or at least that showed up). Oh well, she's just making brain mass and getting super smart in there. I just need to keep reminding myself of that.

8.15.2014

38-week bumpdate




How far along: 38 weeks, 2 days (I'm not very good anymore about posting these on the actual day of the new week. Oh well.)


Baby Size: about the size of a leek. Leeks are pretty long and skinny.... interesting comparison, once again.

Weight gain: 26 ibs. (I go to to the doc today so I'll update that afterwards)

Maternity clothes: Bathing suit, gym clothes, dresses. I tried to wear maternity shorts last night to dinner and oh man, not comfortable. They felt like they were squeezing her head or something. I'll stick to the dresses at this point. I am impressed by all the winter pregnant ladies. From putting on layers to wearing pants -- they're amazing. I can't wear pants without being a big ol baby about it.

Stretch marks: nope and hoping they don't pop up in the last two weeks.. that would really kind of suck.

Sleep: Pretty good. I have to cocoon myself in between Mike and pillows and put one in between my knees to sleep but as long as I do that, I'm out all night (minus the occasional 3am bathroom break). I'm back to not being able to sleep enough. 12 hours. Bring it ON!

Gender:  Girly-o. We finally sat down Monday night and came up with names and were for once serious about choosing one. Some of the final names were - Beckett, Riley, Harper, Olivia "Olive" and Keely. I think we finally made up our mind to stay with Olivia Grace but she'll go by Olive. Olivia gives her some options in case she wants to be real serious like or something as an adult. Beckett is the second runner up (so we are at least a step ahead for the next kid if it's a girl). Don't hold me to anything though -- I've been known to change my mind at the last minute.

Movement: She's still pretty active but not as wham bam! It's more like, ' ughh mom..I'm cramped and I want to stretch out.' My response....'come on out and you can stretch as much as you want :)!"

Best moment this week: Spending the evening brainstorming names with Mike! It was all his idea and I'm so thankful he did it. We got some delicious ice cream and sat around for like two hours coming up with name combinations and vetoing/picking ones. 

Almost completing the nursery! Only a few more touches and it is done. My goal is to finish it up today basically. I just have two more prints to put up and my air plants to hang. Once my cute little pinch pots are done, then I'll add those! eeek! yay!

looking forward to: Having a baby! Oh man, waiting is so hard. You feel like a ticking time bomb and that at any moment something could happen. I am trying to relax and take the next little while to just chill but it does help to keep myself preoccupied and not focused on every little twinge here and there. I'm so curious what she is going to look like, be like, all that. I can't believe it is almost here. What da heck!

Food cravings:  No cravings. They've all left the building. Although I do love not cooking, so anything that doesn't require work...does that count :).

Anything making you queasy or sick: nope

Labor Signs: I think I've had Braxton Hicks. They aren't painful but I'm guessing I've had them.

What I miss:  Hmmm, I'd have to say mountain biking. And, I probably have a while to go with that one still. Unless of course, we have some lovely family and friends that want to watch a babe so we can go ride some trails for an hour. Anyone??

Symptoms: Waddling. Nuff said.

Nursery: The map came in finally (aka I finally bit the bullet and ordered it) so we've got that hung up and I ordered my air plants (another purchase I was having trouble making). Goal today is to get the air plants hung and the picture frames filled. 

Mobile - Ikea
Crib - PB (hand-me-down)
Frame - Ikea
Map - Society6

Belly Button in or out? same old

Wedding rings on or off? On. Never had to take my beads off either. I will say, I am pretty amazed at that. Do you wear your rings in labor? Or should I leave them at home? Sometimes when I work out and it's hot, my fingers swell. I'm assuming I'll be hot, sweaty and it's definitely a work out during labor.

Mood:  Really good....just anxious. I'm trying to just enjoy the now and take this time to work on little projects I've been wanting to do for a long time or just read and relax and do a whole lot of nothing. I am anxious though, which is allowing a little fear for a natural birth to set in. I just have to keep on reading books about labor and affirming myself that I'm made to do this.

8.08.2014

37 weeks

How far along: 37 1/2 weeks


Baby Size: about the size of a bunch of swiss chard. I must say, these food comparisons are weird.

Weight gain: 26 ibs.

Maternity clothes: Thanks to the rain my bathing suit only got pulled out twice this week. And, I may or may not wear the same outfit two days in a row..... yup.

Stretch marks: nothing yet

Sleep: Slept like a rock last night. I didn't even get up to pee once (because you care, I know). I think it was due to the fact that I didn't sleep much the night before so I was exhausted!

Gender:  Sheeeee. We still need a name. How about Rainbow Fall Christmas?

Movement: All the time. I'm pretty sure she has a cycling class in there that she attends. She's been mellow today though, thankfully! Yesterday, I was pretty sure she was going to spin her way out of there. I spoke too soon......

Best moment this week: Spending most of the day at the pool. Read some books (Thinking Woman's Guide to Childbirth, Happy Chaos and Bringing Up Bebe, Happiest Baby Guide to Great Sleep)

Found the pediatrician we are going with! Very happy about that! Check, check and check. We've almost got all our ducks in a row! 

Two of the couples in our Centering classes had their babies and another one is due this Saturday! It's exciting to go to our classes and find out who has had their babies and who is left. Makes it that much more real. We've all spent that last 6-7 months together and now the end is here! Wahooooo!
looking forward to: Getting the nursery finished and our house nice and sparkly clean. Oh and we're going to try to go camping tomorrow if the weather cooperates. That'll be fun!

Food cravings:  anything cold. Anything sweet. Ohhh and Peanut Butter Cliff bars. Gursh I love those things.

Anything making you queasy or sick: nope

Labor Signs: I'm still not sure about the Braxton Hicks things. I think I've had them but they aren't painful or anything so I don't really know. 

She's dropped. Not that that means much but at least she's ready to shoot out like a bullet, right? Isn't that how it works? I sneeze and out she comes?

What I miss:  So I found a bunch of older pictures (honeymoon, travel pics, etc) and I really miss my non-pregnancy body. A lot. Call me selfish or superficial. I don't care. It's been great being pregnant and I love it but I'm ready to not have a baby inside.

Symptoms: pubic bone pain. yup. not fun. it feels like she is going to just fall out. my chiropractor did do an adjustment though to my pelvis, which was weird but helped a lot

Nursery: Made curtains this week and got a few more prints up. It's coming together. Slowly but surely.

Belly Button in or out? same old

Wedding rings on or off? On

Mood:  Good! Decided to take the next few weeks to just chill. Originally I was trying to be hardcore get-everything-done but I've decided to just hang out, relax, go to the pool and get what I can do but not push it. We'll see how that pans out if I haven't gotten everything done and I go into labor :)! Um, if you want to get coffee, grab lunch, do dinner, join me at the pool.... holler at me! I'm down to get my hang out on.

7.30.2014

35 & 36 week bumpdate



How far along:
Day two of 36 weeks. Only a few more weeks.... whaaaaat??


Baby Size: head of romaine lettuce; they estimate she weighs 5 ibs 10 oz

At my last appointment, I was measuring 5 weeks behind so they scheduled us for a growth scan to make sure everything was OK. Of course I was a little freaked out. I was more nervous that they'd do the ultrasound and find out she was breech than I was her being too small. It's always disconcerting when you have to go in for extra stuff though. We found out on Monday that all is well. She's in position, ready to go and is growing! She's on the small side but not alarmingly (plus, Mike and I are little people so.....good assumption that our kids will be too). It was seriously a huge answered prayer to get confirmation that everything was well and she was head down!

Weight gain: 25 ibs gained. I think I'll chill out on the ice cream. 

Maternity clothes: Just wearing the same things over and over and over again. Now that I don't have to go into work, I will probably live in my bathing suit and gym clothes. Ready to wear other clothes again. 

Stretch marks: Still nothing - hoping it stays that way. The area around my belly button does look weird though...almost bruised like and my belly is pretty itchy. 

Sleep: It's been pretty good this past week. I figured out that if I wedge myself in between Mike and a body pillow that I'm out more of the night. I get up a couple times to pee but probably less than 3 times.

Gender:  reconfirmation that it's a girl during our ultrasound

Movement: like crazy. I feel like my stomach isn't a part of me anymore. It just randomly moves. I was pretty sure she flipped around since she was moving so much but she's still head down (thank God!).

Best moment this week: Seeing our baby girl (and all her hair) on the ultrasound. We didn't get to sneak a peak at her face though since she's facing backwards. It was such a relief to hear and see that she's OK and in position! I can't wait to hold that little booger!

looking forward to: Cloth diapering. I am totally obsessed. I seriously could spend hours thinking about, reading about, looking at cloth diapers. I don't know what it is. If anyone has any used they want to sell or give away... I'm your gal :)!

Mike's looking forward to giving el baby a bath. He was super excited one morning and I didn't know why. Turns out....waiting for baby to arrive is like Christmas for him :)

Food cravings:  Ohhhh still eating ice cream like there is no tomorrow

Anything making you queasy or sick: nope -- just heartburn

Labor Signs: I think I had Braxton Hicks once in the night. It woke me up several times and I was convinced I was going into labor but I wanted to get some sleep. Needless to say...it wasn't labor.

What I miss:  Having the energy and ability to run around and exercise and all that jazz. I miss being active. 

Symptoms: Feeling pretty good this week....just heaaaaavy. Itchy belly skin. 

Nursery: It's coming together. I should post some pictures but it's often under construction.....

Belly Button in or out? It's flatter... so I guess that's so far out it doesn't exist anymore ???

Wedding rings on or off? On

Mood:  Good. Getting in nesting mode and feeling really good about having time to get stuff done. Finished our birth wish list, starting looking into pediatricians, returned and purchased some things we need. Feeling productive! 

Just started getting a little nervous about the labor part. I haven't been nervous yet or fearful of it but I can sense it creeping in. I think I need to just keep reading labor books that empower you to do it and keep focusing on it being positive, etc. I also keep forgetting that we are about to have a kid. When I remember, I get bouts of anxiety. As everyone always tells you, our lives are about to change forever. I am also starting to get sad that from here on out, it won't ever be just mike and I. Our family dynamic is about to get rocked. I'm excited but selfishly going to miss the time that it was just us. 

Who knew one could have so many competing emotions in one swoop?! Welcome to pregnancy.  

7.19.2014

34-week bumpdate



How far along: 
34 weeks (technically 34 1/2 by the time this is getting posted)

 Baby Size: 

 Weight gain: 22.8 ibs gained -- will have an updated one on Thursday when we go to our appointment 

Maternity clothes: I basically now only fit into like 3 tank tops and the maxi dresses. I'm going to be real tired of the three dresses I have. 

Stretch marks: not yet. That one thing is gone basically. I think it was just a dry skin patch. 

Sleep: Kind of sucks. Still not sleeping through the night and can't sleep in. I woke up at 6:30am this morning and couldn't go back to sleep for the life of me. 

Gender:  girl and boy have I gotten some super cute girl clothes! People know me too well! 

Movement: All the time still. She prefers bedtime and early mornings. Joy! 

Best moment this week: The baby showers! It was so much to celebrate with all my closest friends and family! I had a blast and the sweet hosts did ah-mazing jobs!! So thankful for how many people love our little nugget already. She's going to have some amazing women in her life! Once I get photos....I need to post some! 

looking forward to: Having a baby 😜!

Food cravings:  Ice cream and OJ. Anything cold really! 

Anything making you queasy or sick: nope -- still having heartburn a lot

Labor Signs: I don't think so. No Braxton hicks yet that I'm aware of. 

What I miss:  Not being sleepy. Guess I've got awhile until that will change! 

Symptoms: my feet! Omg they hurt all the time. I have really high arches so I think they're falling and it sucks. Just bought some shoe inserts but not sure how to pull them off with sandals. I may just have to look weird for a few weeks! 

Nursery: nothing new here! Ohhh well we did get a surprise! My mom surprised us with the mattress I really wanted. I'm a little psycho when it comes to things that baby will be using a lot. It freaks me out that mattresses can even be sold that emit gases... Like really? Oh and of course the one mike and I sleep on does, I'm sure, but I'm more worried about a little baby sleeping in that. Anyway, my mom knows my worries and surprised. Me with it while she was here. It was a sweet surprise and now our little bambino has a safer place to rest her head. 


Belly Button in or out? still the same -- I will finally admit that it's out.

Wedding rings on or off? On

Mood:  pretty good. Just sleepy all the time so if I seem spacey or uninterested....I'm just tired. 

7.11.2014

33- week bumpdate


I started posting these updates so that those closest to me get the updates on the growing belly. All of our family lives far away and a lot of our closest friends do too so it was the easiest way for them to be a part of it. That still is the sole reason why I do these but I also want to normalize the wacky and unpredictable things/feelings that come with pregnancy, hence why I try to be as candid as possible. I realize some people probably think I should keep that to myself (although those people prob stopped reading this after two updates) but I have found so much relief through others ability to be honest and open about the good, the bad and the ugly. I am hopeful that my lack of filter helps someone else feel normal when they aren't 100% attached to the baby inside of them or they find themselves stuck on the floor of a grocery store flailing around like an upside down turtle. *Drop mic*


How far along: 33 weeks (and man am I starting to really slack at this....)

 Baby Size: a pineapple! By goly that seems huge!

 Weight gain: 22.8 ibs gained -- Almost 3 pounds in 2 weeks.... guess I should lay off the ice cream and pool snacks. Numbers aside (because I know that I'm small...I'm short and designed small so no scoffing allowed), it is shocking to see something so far off from your normal weight. I'm happy because I know this means I have a growing baby in there but def still makes you go ' woah.' And I still have potentially ~9 weeks left... we could do a lot of packing on the pounds in these last weeks.

Maternity clothes: I really want an excuse to buy something new but I can't justify it this late in the game. up to ~9 more weeks of the same outfits...here we go.

Stretch marks: still nothing except maybe one (the same thing that appeared awhile back). It looks more like ring worm except its not itchy but at this point I'm guessing its a stretch mark since it hasn't gone away. 

Sleep: OK struggling now in this area. It sucks. I can never get comfortable. Nothing helps. I can't sleep on my back because after a minute I feel like I'm suffocating or something and laying on my sides hurts my hips. Maybe I should try sleep standing. That could be a thing, right?

Gender:  femalia.... still name thinking. We love the name Olive but would prob go with Olivia and call her Olive. I'm starting to lean more with just going for Olive but we'll see. I also found a name last night that I like (Mike, not 100% sure) - Neriah. It supposedly means light, lamp of the Lord. I love the meaning and it's def unique. Maybe a middle name? Although I also love Grace for a middle name. Oh, choices. Blech.

Picking a name is hard. I want to pick out a name that is solid and has good meaning. But at the same time, I want it to be something we like. Plus, your stuck once you pick it. No going back.

Movement: All the time. I'm getting more used to it though. I think it kind of hurt once she beefed up and moved around a lot. It doesn't anymore but everyone seemed to think I was a freak for saying it hurt. FYI, it may hurt initially while you get used to be drop kicked constantly. Don't let people make you feel like a wimp. 

She's still head down. ahhhhhh she's getting ready for take off.

Best moment this week: Doing our birthing classes together. Not only did we get to do a lot of activities together and just learn together but I think it's a great thing to do to help build confidence and engagement from the dad. Mike's not a huge reader/researcher, although he is reading The Birth Partner, which is not a bad thing but it's just hard for him to have something pregnancy related to do. This really brought him into the labor picture and made him feel confident. Some dads do more than mom (reading tons of books, talking to people about experiences, researching and signing up for things) but for the dad that doesn't know what to do, this was a great thing to do together. Plus, we both heard the same thing and talked through them together so it helped us be on the same page. I would recommend it solely for the benefit of dad (plus its super helpful for mom too!).

How funny is this?!



looking forward to: Baby showers this weekend! I can't wait! I am SOOOO incredibly awkward when I'm the center of attention (and even worse when opening gifts.. I don't know what it is) but I really can't wait to celebrate our little nugget. Plus, who doesn't love a room full of your most favorite people? It doesn't get better than that.

Food cravings:  Well....ice cream and chocolate milk. Three pounds in two weeks = my inability to say no to ice cream and full fat, local chocolate milk. OMG it was so good. Straight from the cow's teet. I wish I was a baby cow.

Anything making you queasy or sick: nope -- still having heartburn a lot but that's otay.

Labor Signs: Well, weak stomachs or people that really just don't want to know too much, stop reading. No braxton hicks that I'm aware of. I occasionally have a crampish type feeling thing but I'm not sure it's anything..prob just a gas bubble. However, I did see a mucusy, half-dollar sized (a little bigger) thingamajig in the toilet the other day. My midwife said it was probably part of my mucus plug. She said it can come up to 6 weeks beforehand. So that's kind of cool.

What I miss:  My back and feet not hurting. That seems to be constant these days. Sitting, standing, laying..all the same. Hurts. Lame.

Symptoms: back pain, hip pain, feet pain and constant complaining (is that a symptom... I think so.)

Not sure if I mentioned this last time but I have developed a lovely skin funk. It's basically chronic armpit abscess/cysts. Appetizing, eh? They've never seen it appear just in pregnancy but pregnancy I guess brought it out to the open. It's rather annoying and painful at times but goes to show that the weirdest things can happen when your hormones are all over the place. 

I will say, I have had a very good pregnancy. I know of women that have had pregnancies way worse than mine. With that said, your pregnancy is your pregnancy. It does not deflate your feelings, your pains, etc. I constantly feel myself feeling guilty the second I say anything negative or complain but if it sucks, it sucks. No beating around that bush. 

Nursery: Made some little pinch pots with Anna (who is a potter and knows what she is doing.. I do not). We're doing four in the nursery. Three will be hanging and one to sit somewhere. She took them to get fired and then we glaze them! 

Other than that....not a thang.  Waiting for the money tree so I can buy all the decorative stuff I want to..... come on money tree. Grow! Grow!


Belly Button in or out? still the same -- I will finally admit that it's out.

Wedding rings on or off? On

Mood:  I went through a season of anxiety but looking back it had nothing to do with labor, having a baby, the life change, etc. I think it just had to do with feeling overwhelmed with what is currently going on. I felt completely underwater and like I was failing at most things. Working, doctors appointments constantly (2-4 a week between all my different things..ugh), researching (I'm seriously addicted but I just love it so much), home maker, nesting and just normal life in general. 

When it comes to baby stuff, I'm to the freaking moon. I have no idea what she's like but I love her. I think she's cute, fo sho.  I'm way too excited. I can't wait. I can't wait to meet other moms, to build community with them, to learn from them, to have a cute little baby to take care, to fail constantly and just figure it out, for the unpredictability and all the life changes it will bring. And OMG I can't wait to snuggle the heck out of that girl. I hope she's touchy feely because both Mike and I are and I'm already obsessed with baby wearing and I don't even have a baby yet. Ohhh and seeing Mike as a dad. He's going to be so cute. I just have a huge desire for family (and have as long as I can remember) and could pour all my energy into that. I'd say it is def my passion......

Alas, today has been weird. I've cried three times already. I don't even remember over what. A cute baby picture, who knows? Hopefully that's over and done with though. Maybe I'll watch a sappy girly movie on Netflix. Give myself a good cry. 
 




7.02.2014

32 week bumpdate





How far along: 32 weeks (and yes I missed an update!)

 Baby Size: squash (about 4ibs)

 Weight gain: 20 ibs gained

Maternity clothes: same stuff. I think I wear the same 4 things over and over....nothing new there. 

Stretch marks: not yet

Sleep: some nights are better than others. Starting not to be comfortable no matter which way I lay. I get uncomfortable after a few hours in a position. 

Gender:  still a girl, I hope 

Movement: lots of it! She's head down (and seems really low) but wiggles her butt all around. She packed on the pounds while we were on vacation (it was all the eating out 😉) so now when she moves, she protrudes out! My belly moves all over the place. She also gets hiccups a lot. Poor little girl. I def called the nurse to make sure that was OK. It is. And mike learned how to 'rock the baby.' He rocked her and read her a book last night. Super cute. 

Best moment this week: prob mike rocking the baby. It was super sweet. We went to a Self Care for the Pregnant Couple class that taught acupressure, massage and yoga for prenatal health and labor comforts. It was a really cool class. All hands on. We both LOVED the class. I'd def recommend doing something like this even if it's just for the bonding experience for mom/dad. I think it was helpful for Mike because it showed him different ways to help comfort me. Pregnancy ain't all pie and cookies (for some it's mostly barf and aches) and most husbands want to help make us feel better during it. I think this class really empowered him to do that during pregnancy and labor.

My friend, Anna,  and and I went shopping and found some super cute pieces for the nursery. It was so much fun to run around looking for pieces with her. Not to mention she has amazing taste (check out her art)! 

 looking forward to: we've got our comprehensive birth classes this weekend. I'm not totally excited that the 12 hours of instruction is packed into three days but it's all that fit our schedule and is probably better to do it that way anyway. The class is with our doula so it will be nice to get to know her more!

Getting some more done in the nursery. I've never enjoyed decorating so much. And it may quite possibly be leaking into other rooms. I'm legit nesting. Watch out bank account.

Food cravings:  cold stuff. Ice cream, Popsicles, fruit, water with ice. Anything cold. Gimme Gimme

Anything making you queasy or sick: nope -- but I have had some good cases of heartburn. Made it through like half a bottle of Tums this week.

Labor Signs: not that I'm aware of. I really want a Braxton Hicks contraction. Would I know it if I had it?? Sometimes I think maybe I had one but I don't know. Could just be she's in an uncomfortable spot. 

What I miss:  So I was looking at pics and saw one before I was preggers. I kind of miss a flat stomach (although it's nice not having to watch what I eat for pool season). I def miss the agility that came with pre-preg body.

Symptoms: Roly poly syndrome -- she's huge and I can't maneuver the same way I used to be able to. I feel like she's going to poke out of my stomach. And I have to like roll to get out of bed

Ohhhhh and this isn't a symptom but it's a funny. Went to Trader Joes....was grabbing something via squat from the bottom shelf. Fell backwards and couldn't get up. I felt like a turtle on my back. Just kind of squirmed around a little bit.  Mike had to pull me up and the old man next to me commented 'that'll happen more often the older I get.' Looking forward to that. Thanks kind, old man (in case you've been perusing the internet and landed here). 

Nursery: I washed, folded and organized all the stuff we have so far. Found some cute pieces at Marshalls and Home Goods (update pic below -- new stuff = wooden side table, pillow on rocking chair and basket next to crib). Played with a little watercolor to try and see if I could create some art for the room (yes, I used Rifle Paper to look at for the one on the left..total knockoff).



Belly Button in or out? Same ol

Wedding rings on or off? Still on. I keep forgetting that I want to get the beads taken off but it hasn't been an issue at all yet.

Mood:  It's been alright. I'm ready to have her here and start that 'new' chapter. To be able to focus on that and learn to adjust and what not. I am a little worn out from all the life changes that have taken place in the past year and I think it's kind of hitting me.... like I need a little break from everything and just have some solitude or something. HA! 

 I didn't know anything before I got pregnant (and still don't) but word of mouth and lots of research has been the way I've sifted through everything out there. I figure I should share anything I remember to share.

Books: 
Pregnancy/labor ones that I've read and enjoy -- Ina Mays Guide to Childbirth; Birthing From Within (had a few chapters I skipped...I'm not super artsy); The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth; Mike's reading The Birth Partner (and we've heard great things); I've read a couple others but I don't remember them so they must not have been that great

Child care books - Happiest Baby on the Block (I've heard about this book the most); Baby Wise; parts of Caring for Your Baby Birth to Age 5; I heard something about Moms on Call and Bringing Up Bebe. I want to read both of those. Ohhh and I accidentally bought Confessions of a Cloth Diaper Convert (that Buy now with one click button on Amazon is not joking). I'm excited to read it though! I think it will be helpful (or I hope so). 

Any other books I should read???