No sleep + physical exhaustion= sick. Ugh.

I am on my 8th day of a head/chest cold and feel awful! Add to that caring for a now 3-week-old that is a bit congested too = bad mommy. I feel so guilty that all I want is for her to immediately go back to sleep after being changed and nursing. Hopefully, this fog will lift to allow me to blog a bit more with pictures of my cute, growing lady.

A Love Letter to my Daughter

Dear baby girl Katelyn,

You are 9 days old already! Daddy and I still can't believe how lucky we are to have a healthy, beautiful girl like you! We think you have my nose, lips, and cheeks and daddy's chin and hair. We were certain that you would be born with full-on strawberry blonde hair like mommy was, but it's more blonde like your daddy's was when he was born. Although, in some pictures, I see a strawberry tint to it...we'll have to see what happens! For now, you have blue eyes, but the pediatrician thinks you will have hazel eyes like daddy's. Oh, so many things to look forward to seeing!

Just like in the womb, you have your days and nights mixed up. I guess you get this from your night-owl mommy. You can sleep all day long and only eat 3-4 times, but when 9 pm comes, you are fussy, you want to eat every hour, and you go through diapers like nobody's business. (You definitely have your daddy's GI tract...ha!)

You only like to be swaddled from the waist down because you are very active with your hands, and you breastfeed like a champ. I love it when you're finished, because you'll latch off, half asleep, and give the biggest smile. Every time! Now, I know this is 99.9% just a "gas smile", but it's cute, nonetheless! I can't wait for the day when you smile on purpose. :)

You are coming to terms with the fact that I will not give up on you sleeping in the bassinet...the first 3 nights at home, you refused to sleep anywhere but on top of my chest, cradled in my arms, or in the bed next to me with my arms around you. Mommy never wanted to do the cosleeping thing, but to get some sleep, I've allowed it a few times . (look at you, already getting your way) Now, you've slept in the bassinet for 2-3 hours at a time, as long as we've preheated it with the electric heating pad and kept the space heater running nearby to keep you cozy.

I do admit, I've become frustrated, teary-eyed, and helpless at times...but I remember that the same things are happening to you. But if I take a moment to gaze down at your pretty little face in the midst of your crying fits, the tears I have are those of joy, because I've never been happier in my life. Yes, the day I married your daddy was incredible, but I didn't quite fall in love with him at first sight like I did with you. (Don't tell him I said that!)nYou are my pretty baby girl, my first born, my angel. I love you more than I thought I could ever love anything in this world.

Love,
Mommy

She is here!

Katelyn Grace was born on Monday, 12/7/09 at 10:58 am, 8 lbs 2 ounces, 20.5 inches, at 40 weeks 2 days. We are in love! I will update more with pictures soon!

40 weeks today and no baby, as predicted

How far along? 40 weeks and counting...

Total weight gain: 28 lbs (I was hoping to keep it under 30, but I dunno)

How big is baby?: who knows by now?

Stretch marks? Oh, boy, yes! Zebra stripes, thank you very much.

Sleep: Better since being on maternity leave. I've slept in until 9 almost daily. (I have to admit, even the crappy sleep I've gotten while pg will be missed once Katelyn is here)

Best moment this week: Today. I got to hang out with my loving, handsome hubby and loyal furbaby...we went out and got a fresh-cut Christmas tree, I had a yummy peppermint mocha, came home and decorated said tree, and then watched "Four Christmases" in peace and quiet. See? I'm trying to enjoy my baby-less time!

Food cravings: since Thanksgiving, pumpkin pie!

Gender: Girl

Labor Signs: now 3 cm dilated, 85% effaced. Frequent Braxton Hicks.

Belly Button in or out? innie still

What I miss: Driving in my car without difficulty breathing. Getting up from the couch in less than 60 seconds.

What I am looking forward to: seeing Katelyn's pretty little face and finding out what color hair she has!

Milestones: Made it to 40 weeks...hopefully, I don't make it to 41!

Nothing yet

I'm 2 days away from my due date, and no signs of baby yet.

LeSigh.

I know that one can walk around 3cm dilated for weeks, but geez! I've been "favorable" for a spontaneous delivery for 2 weeks. At least I didn't take my OB's words (completely) to heart when she expected me to go at 38 weeks.....And the calls/texts are starting to come...baby yet? how's your progress? why isn't she here yet?

I don't know!!!

And Jenny---I know Patrick was born at 39 + 2, so you have no say in this. :) (Yes, I am a blog stalker...)

Love ya!!

I made it to 39 weeks! How much longer???

How far along? 39 weeks!!!!

Total weight gain: 26 lbs (haven't been on the scale since last week...I don't wanna know!)
How big is baby?: 19-20 inches, ~7 to 7.5 pounds

Stretch marks? Oh, boy, yes!

Sleep: Crap. I'm up 3-6 times a night to pee. My body pillow is flattening out. Tylenol PM has been a staple, I have to admit.

Best moment this week: Thanksgiving Day! I got to celebrate the fact that I have a healthy family, my baby is doing well, and it was my first day of maternity leave. Woot!

Food cravings: cranberry sauce and stuffing...appropriate, right?

Gender: Girl

Labor Signs: still 2 cm dilated, 80% effaced, 0 station. I feel like my belly dropped after 4 pm today (after my bout of nesting)

Belly Button in or out? innie all the way

What I miss: Shopping stamina. I tried the Black Friday thing, and it didn't last long!

What I am looking forward to: seeing Katelyn's pretty little face and finding out what color hair she has!

Milestones: One week from my due date!

38 weeks...almost there!

How far along? 38 weeks (pics to come)

Total weight gain: 26 lbs (I hope this slows down)

How big is baby?: 19-20 inches, ~6.5 pounds

Stretch marks? Oh, boy, yes!

Sleep: Crap. I'm up 3-6 times a night to pee. Getting up from/back into bed is becoming more effortful, so that really wakes me up. It takes me about 15 minutes to fall back to sleep after each time up.

Best moment this week: Working my last full week! Three more days to go starting on Monday, then my leave starts on Thanksgiving!

Food cravings: apples and cheese....perhaps preparing me for some wine pretty soon?

Gender: Girl...confirmed again at our 33-wk growth scan

Labor Signs: still 2 cm dilated, but now 80% effaced, 0 station. The doc says she'd be surprised if I made it to Dec 5th (my due date). Braxton Hicks contractions 3-4 daily. I officially feel like my pelvic floor wants to give way every time I stand up.

Belly Button in or out? innie all the way

What I miss: the tiny little kicks I used to feel...now they're huge, almost painful kicks and rolls that sometimes take my breath away.

What I am looking forward to: Our first Christmas with Katelyn!

Milestones: I'm still able to make it through a full work day. (but I'm ready for the break) Plus, the nursery is 99% ready to go, swing/bouncer are put together, my hospital bag is packed, and carseat locked and loaded! Holy crap. We're having a baby!

37 weeks

How far along? 37 weeks and full term

Total weight gain/loss: 24 lbs

How big is baby?: 19 inches, ~6 to 6.5 lbs

Stretch marks? Getting worse by the day. I finally got brave enough to take bare belly pictures showing my tiger stripes.

Sleep: up 3-6 times a night to pee. Tylenol PM is the greatest, though. Not having as much SI pain if I take a couple before bedtime

Best moment this week: Telling my boss that I won't be back to work after the 25th!

Food cravings: chocolate milk, banana smeared with peanut butter

Gender: Girl...confirmed again at our 33-wk growth scan

Labor Signs: 2 cm dilated, 70% effaced, 1 to 2 station (I didn't ask, but I'm guessing my doc uses a -5 to +5 scale); a few Braxton Hicks here and there

Belly Button in or out? still innie....I think (hope)it will stay that way.

What I miss: same as usual: sleeping through the night, walking without waddling, sleeping on my stomach, rolling/bending over easily

What I am looking forward to: Maternity leave, a nice martini

Milestones: Full-term!

36 weeks and I've lost (part of) it!

Glen is home from Florida, finally! My feet were missing his massages SO much! I went to our baby care/breastfeeding workshop today, something Glen had to miss out on due to the work trip. I learned a lot...but something else happened!

I lost part of my mucus plug today. This does not mean that I'm having this baby soon, but it is a sign that things are coming along! I'm 99.9% sure it happened since I had my 1st internal exam yesterday. Since noticing today's "loss", I've been contracting every 30 minutes or so...some are not bothersome at all, and a few are uncomfortable, like moderate period cramps and lower back discomfort. I'd like to say this part is "all in my head", but it's not. I'm fully prepared to go another 3-4 weeks without anything eventful happening, but on the other hand, what if?

36 week appointment and sick of work

Today I had my 36-week appointment, and all is well! My BP is normal, no swelling, weight gain perfect...1 cm dilated, cervix is softening, and the doc says that for a 1st time mom, that is great. Of course, I read nothing into the dilation part, especially because I know I could stay that way for another month +. But, the goal is to work up until Thanksgiving, and then I think I'll take my leave then. I've left that up in the air, considering that I wanted to save up as much sick leave as possible. This week at work was super busy, and my body is giving me signs that I can't live up to my own expectations for much longer.

I'm a bit bitter when it comes to work...luckily my days are fully booked with patients so that I'm getting in my full 40 hours. My productivity is the best of all 10+ therapists in the clinic. BUT: There are therapists who don't have full schedules, they stay on the clock when they shouldn't be (because they have time to surf the net and plan their weddings), have poor productivity, and end up working with 1/2 the heart that I do. And I'm NINE MONTHS PREGNANT. I should be the one with a lighter schedule and more breaks. I should be the one milking the clock. I should be the one who gets to roam the internet before I don't have time to do that anymore. But I'm not.

Why?

Because I'm dedicated. I care about the well-being of my patients. Even the ones who come to P.T. emotionally broken and just need someone to listen to their struggles because no one else will. Today I took pride in treating a patient with mastitis. I was scheduled to have the afternoon off after my MD appt, but the women's clinic called with an emergency request to see this woman. I'm the only therapist in our clinic who knows how to treat mastitis/breast engorgement, and could I say no? Could I turn my back away from a woman who can't breastfeed her child because it is so swollen and painful? Never. Yet all of my other colleauges told me to "just say no and take the day off". That's when I know I'm special. My job is not just a job. I truly care. My patient left today with the ability to pump more milk with less pain. Let's just call that a successful day.

My maternity leave will be sweet because I get to spend time with my little girl and learn as much about her as I can. My coworkers can just go to hell, but I'll worry about my patients the whole time.

35 week picture

This is me tonight, 35 weeks + 4 days, taken with our new camera! I love the picture quality difference compared to our old camera. It sucked.

35/35

Yesterday, I reached the 35-week mark, 35 days left! Wow! I'm really starting to feel it now (yes, Jenny, you can laugh at my "pregnancy has been great" comment a few weeks back)...

My dear hubby bought me a new camera as a shower gift, and we've been toying with it here and there, but I haven't been great about taking belly pics on time. (or posting them, for that matter). He's gone to Florida until next Saturday for work, so I'll have a bit more "alone time" to blog a little more about recent events. Sorry to all the people who actually still read my blog, as it's become uber-lame-o as of late...but I'm sure I'll be able to lure you in with cute baby pictures soon!

Please, baby Katelyn....don't make yourself too cozy in there...and don't try to overbake! Love, mommy

34 weeks....are you kidding me?

How far along? 34 weeks.....omg. (pics to come)
Total weight gain/loss: 20 lbs thank you very much
How big is baby?: 17-18 inches, almost 5 lbs
Maternity clothes? Yep...only because I have to. Ready for my old clothes.
Stretch marks? Oh, definitely. This is seriously ugly, people. But so worth it!
Sleep: up 2 times a night to pee, toss & turn every 15 minutes to either get rid of leg/arm numbness or to alleviate my left SI joint pain.
Best moment this week: Someone actually told me I look great, not tired, and NOT HUGE!
Food cravings: rice krispie treats
Gender: Girl!
Labor Signs: a few Braxton Hicks here and there
Belly Button in or out? still innie....we'll see.
What I miss: good sleep, tying my shoes (easily), bending over, working out and actually sweating.
What I am looking forward to: Bedtime every night. :) Oh, and finishing the nursery.
Milestones: Katelyn is head down, locked and loaded!

4D is amazing, especially when it's free

Yikes! I have been so behind on blogging! I'm packing for a weekend trip with the hubs, but just wanted to check in quickly since I won't be back until Sunday night.

Lots has happened this week...I had 2 incredible baby showers last weekend that I'll eventually post pics of, and today I had my 32-week OB appt. I'll officially be 33 weeks tomorrow, and my next appointment is in 3 weeks. My BP and everything else has been normal, my weight gain has been "perfect" (per the doc), and Katelyn (yes, in case you didn't catch my slip-up here last month, that's her name) is measuring a full week ahead! The U/S tech said she is measuring 4 lbs 14 oz, in the 55th percentile, with her head measuring the largest. Go figure. (of course I know this is only an estimate, and that she is likely a bit smaller) I need to prepare myself for her cantaloupe-sized head! We did get a nice surprise...the tech allowed us to see her in 4D, and it was amazing! Of course, it only lasted about 30 seconds or so, but she did give us a printout of Katelyn's gorgeous face that I'll have to scan and post. She is so cute!!!

I hope you all have a safe and restful weekend!

Bedrest Follow-up

So my blood pressure held at a low/normal range all weekend...I was a good girl on Saturday, rested all day with my feet up, drank 100+ oz of water. Sunday, did a little laundry, cleaned house (just a little), and went out to eat with the fam for MIL's birthday. Plus another 100 oz of water.
This morning: bp 118/70. Perfect. Turned in my urine sample (all 2500 mL) of it---freakin huge!!!!----saw patients all morning, and went back to see the midwife at noon.
I unbelievably "dropped" 4 pounds since Friday (all that water helped,eh?), bp 122/80, everything "looks great". Still waiting on the urine results, but I am officially allowed to continue working (thank goodness for that paycheck) for now.

I appreciate the concern from the midwife, but I am so glad everything was a "false alarm". I just can't enjoy all those salty things I've been craving lately. Those veggies are way less appealing without the processed dip. Ok, ok, I'll be honest. The tortilla chips and queso/salsa were likely the culprits. ::face blush::

I thought things were running smoothly

And they were....until today. I had my 31-week checkup today with a midwife (Dr was out of town), only to have gained 8 pounds in the last 4 weeks and with a high blood pressure of 156/90. So I had to have bloodwork done, and they will call me tonight to let me know whether or not I have to do a 24-hour urine collection. Fun. She also put me on bedrest for the entire weekend and suggested I reschedule our baby care/breastfeeding workshop we were supposed to go to tomorrow. Then, I have to go back in on Monday at lunchtime for another check, and to see if work is elevating my pressures. Knowing that I'm on my feet 8-10 hours a day 5 days a week, doing massage/manual therapy on patients and also exercising, she thinks I might be overdoing myself. I really hope they don't take me off of work completely, because I can't afford not to work right now. Don't get me wrong, I will do it to keep this baby packed away for at least another 6 weeks, but I worry. I really don't want to have preeclampsia! Too bad we don't have any say in that matter.

Let's hope this was just a fluke hypertension. (I can dream, right?)

Enjoying the Moment

Slept in 'til 9, had a yummy latte made by my fab hubby, leisurely read the paper/clipped coupons, perusing the internet....soon, Sundays will never be like this again.

Now I'm off to dig out the fall decorations and turn our home into a cozy retreat for the rains soon to come....

Updates/belly pic later today! :)

Random thoughts on a Sunday night

It seems that time is flying...I just can't keep up with sleep, laundry, housecleaning, work....and I don't even have a newborn yet. I'm becoming more and more nervous internally, considering I have 10 1/2 weeks until my due date. Have I really done everything I need to do? No, I haven't. Well, not everything I WANT to do.

If this baby came tomorrow, the only things we would need are diapers and baby bath items. I am OK with that. My shower is in 3 weeks, so those things are coming! Really, the thing I want is a bigger car, and we are looking but can't settle on anything. I want a mid-sized SUV that would accomodate kiddo in the backseat and our furbaby way in the back. I'd love 7-8 passenger seating to prepare for 2 adults + 2 carseats/kids + dog + other potential passengers, but we'll see. Unfortunately, we don't have a clunker to trade in and take advantage of the money our government is offering (apparently Obama thinks it grows on trees, but most people know I'm republican and can't stand the guy's financial management of our money)....another topic for another day.

The hubs and I had grandiose intentions when we bought his new Silverado 4 years ago...that he was getting his new car, and I would get the car of my choice after it was paid off. Well, his truck has been paid off for 6 months, we now have a mortgage + more bills that we didn't have 4 years ago. So unfortunately, the plans of buying the shiny new car of my picking (with heated seats and XM radio) are somewhat altered. I'll be lucky if I get a car built in the last 5 years that both he and I agree on. In case you can't tell, I'm a little bitter.

I suppose if that's all I have to complain about, I really need to stop complaining, right?

Battle Wounds

I am in denial. As I finally showered and dressed for the day today, I looked in the mirror, and to my horror I was not-so-kindly greeted by my own entourage of stretch marks...full-blown fringes of them about 4 inches below my belly-button, 2+ inches long and spanning about 8 inches across. I knew it was coming. I'm a fair, red-headed woman who has had stretch marks on her back and hips since puberty. I am no stranger to this, but the fact that I catch a glimpse of their purpleness in the mirror every time I go to the bathroom is a constant reminder.
I know, I should get over it. What a small price to pay to have a child of my own. After all, this will be nothing compared to the wrinkles this girl will cause me when she's a teenager....
I love this little girl so much already.

Houston, we have hiccups

Milestone: hiccups! They only lasted about 10 minutes or so, but little one did an encore of back handsprings to extend the show. This part of pregnancy is uber-awesome. Too bad it comes with heartbearn and constipation. :(

27 1/2 weeks

How far along? 27 weeks, 4 days
Total weight gain/loss: 15 pounds on my scale, 13 on doctor's
How big is baby?: 15 inches head to feet, a little over 2 pounds
Maternity clothes? Yep...all bottoms except stretchy pjs. A few tees, too. I can still wear some non-pg camis and tees, but I'm slowly transitioning to my big,comfy stuff. Just got a new pair of secret fit belly jeans from motherhood....awesome.
Stretch marks? Ummm, yeah. Those dots from last week turned into zebra stripes this week.
Sleep: Getting some here and there, but not at my best. Lastnight I had the sharpest left SI joint pains I've felt yet.
Best moment this week: FINALLY finding someone who could draw blood from me for my one hour glucose test. I had to repeat the one-hour test because the chick at the doc's office took too long. Also, my great friend Megan just found out yesterday that she's having a baby girl too!
Food cravings: hummus and sugar snap peas...something healthy for once!
Gender: Girl!
Labor Signs: Nah!
Belly Button in or out? Innie, becoming more shallow by the day.
What I miss: Being able to stand up from our comfy couch in one try, sleeping on my stomach
What I am looking forward to: my 1st baby shower on Oct. 10th! Milestones: We have rolling, people! I was able to confirm Katelyn's booty anatomy as she was finding a comfy place to settle in for the night lastnight. :)

In other news, I finished the cherry blossom tree, and I sewed the curtains for the nursery over labor day weekend! A pic of the tree:



I want to paint a few little birdies here and there, possibly on the opposite wall where I'll hang her name letters. I still need to iron and install the curtain rod to hang the curtains, but progress is progress!

Here's a shout-out to Jeanie, my friend IRL who is in the same childbirth class as I am! (It's so much easier having a familiar face there!) Luckily for you, you will see your Evie sooner than I'll see my little girl.

Back to School

We're having our first of six childbirth education classes tonight! I almost forgot, considering I went to Target after work to register for "just a few things" and ended up with 70. Oye. Let's hope my fam/friends don't think I'm greedy...I just picked the 'necessities'. I'll probably go online when my registry is updated and whittle it down a little. Anyway, I'm regretting the hour-plus window shopping, because now all I want to do is stay on the couch, prop my feet up, and catch up on Big Brother!

26 weeks and nursery progress!

It's been a pretty uneventful week, besides new carpet and reorganization/purging of bedroom stuff last weekend. I do plan on registering tomorrow, so that's the big news of the week. Sad, right? I'm just more and more tired lately, I'm starting to panic about money issues while I'm on maternity leave, and other family issues.

We did get the nursery going, finally!!

I freehanded the cherry blossom tree skeleton today...not too bad, right? I was pretty impressed with myself, if I do say so. :) Tomorrow I'll paint the actual flowers. We'll put the crib against this wall, and I have a birdie mobile that I can hang to look like they're flying around the tree.




Our Baby Mod "Cadence" crib from WalMart (evil place, I know) with Bananafish Lily bumper:


I forgot to take a pic of the Hemnes 8-drawer dresser from Ikea that we're using as a changing table, but I'll get that in soon. For now, here's my 26-week belly and the boring survey:






How far along? 26 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: 15 pounds on my scale
How big is baby?: 14 inches head to feet, 1.75 pounds
Maternity clothes? Yep...all bottoms except stretchy pjs. A few tees, too. I can still wear some non-pg camis and tees.
Stretch marks? My lovely husband kindly pointed out the beginning of 2 new stretches on the underside of my belly---the side I can see if I bend backwards and look in the mirror. It was a sad day, but they are totally worth it.
Sleep: Eh. I got my Snoogle on Monday, and it worked like a dream the first 2 nights!! The last 3 nights, I've been pretty restless, but I'm chalking it up to a growth spurt.
Best moment this week: Feeling kicks by my ribcage! Also: New carpet last Saturday, putting the crib and dresser together. It's starting to look like a nursery! I also painted the skeleton of the cherry blossom tree today. See pic above.
Food cravings: cheese pizza and milk...together.
Gender: Girl!
Labor Signs: *Maybe* a couple of little BH's in the last 2-3 days. Definitely not labor.
Belly Button in or out? Innie, becoming more shallow by the day.
What I miss: 6-7 straight hours of sleep. Won't see that again for...years. :(
What I am looking forward to: my 1st baby shower on Oct. 10th! NOT looking forward to seeing the scale at the doctor's on Friday, though. Too many slices of pizza, blueberry crisp, chimichangas, etc.
Milestones: I'm peeing about 20 times during the day. If that's not a milestone, I don't know what is. All the water I drink is definitely worth not having any swelling yet!

Holy Cow

Only 99 days to go!!! It's been a busy week,, but tomorrow I'll post my 26-week info and some pics of the nursery in progress!

24 weeks

I have been a bad blogger the last 2 weeks---no energy to do it!

How far along? 24 weeks, 1 day
Total weight gain/loss: 12 pounds total
How big is baby?: 12+ inches head to feet, a little over a pound
Maternity clothes? Yep...pants/capris/shorts. A few tees, too. I can still wear some non-pg camis and tees.
Stretch marks? No new ones....just some old, faded ones from years past.
Sleep: Getting more restless. I wake up with one hip sore from laying on it, roll over, and last about 2 hours before switching over. Ordered a snoogle tonight. The body pillow/use of multiple pillows is not working anymore.
Best moment this week: My birthday on the 11th; Getting the nursery painted last Sunday! Now I need to paint the cherry blossom tree I have planned
Food cravings: pretty much anything at this point!
Gender: Girl!
Labor Signs: Nope
Belly Button in or out? Innie, definitely a bit more shallow, but nowhere close to popping out.
What I miss: Having drinks on mhy b-day. Pitiful.
What I am looking forward to: getting new carpet installed on Saturday
Milestones: Viability day, though I am not truly celebrating, as I want a full-term baby!

Happy Birthday, babe!

Happy Birthday to my wonderful hubs on his 31st year!

--love, your wife, who is also celebrating her 29th birthday! :)

22 week survey

How far along? 22 weeks, 5 days
Total weight gain/loss: 8 pounds total (eek---up 3 lbs since last OB visit)
How big is baby?: 10.5 inches head to feet, 12.7 oz
Maternity clothes? Yep...pants/capris/shorts. A few tees, too. I can still wear some non-pg clothing.
Stretch marks? No new ones....just some old, faded ones from years past.
Sleep: My hips/pelvis are starting to get sore from sleeping on my sides.
Best moment this week: Getting the nursery and closet cleaned out to prepare for new paint and carpet; little girl kicking like a soccer player during the Kenny Chesney concert on Saturday!
Food cravings: peanut butter cup ice cream
Gender: Girl!
Labor Signs: Nope
Belly Button in or out? Innie, definitely a bit more shallow, but nowhere close to popping out.
What I miss: turning over easier in bed
What I am looking forward to: getting the nursery painted on Sunday
Milestones: my belly starting to pop

Sad Story

I just heard today that a nurse at my hospital who was pregnant and due on August 3rd came down with the swine flu and was admitted to ICU due to being pregnant. She became so ill that she had to be put under anesthesia and intubated for a c-section. Then, they quarantined her from the baby for 5 miserable days, and she doesn't recall the 2 days prior to being admitted to the hospital. She is still recovering, but the baby is doing well.

Let's just say that I am more than thankful for my good health these days, and that you never really do know what the future holds.

21 weeks and nusery progress

Boy, did this weekend fly! We did manage to pick out carpet and order it today...it should be here in 2 weeks. I also ordered our crib today: it's a Baby Mod Cadence 4-in-1. It looks nice, gets great reviews, and most importantly, it's affordable! Now, it comes from my least favorite national retailer, but I put all moral worries aside and bought from them anyway, for the sake of my own [soon-to-be-empty] pocketbook. If you have a problem with that, bite me. :)
















All of my bedding came on Friday, except for the bumper. It is perfect! So...it was enough to motivate me to start cleaning out the nursery closet and get rid of all of the crap I haven't touched since we moved in. I ended up finding a box of old pictures, old love letters/cards from G, and momentos that made me cry...damned pregnancy hormones. I also found a journal that I started right after G and I met, and just thinking about how far we've come since that point made me so emotional. I knew I loved him from day one, and now we're having our first baby. I am so happy.

So, that's the progress thus far. I need to kick things into gear! Until then, here's the weekly survey:

How far along? 21 weeks, 1 day
Total weight gain/loss: 5 pounds total (last time I checked)
How big is baby?: 10.5 inches head to feet, 12.7 oz
Maternity clothes? Work pants and a couple of tees...need to pick up a few more things, though!
Stretch marks? No new ones....just some old, faded ones from years past.
Sleep: Better, except for my arms falling asleep from being on my sides too long.
Best moment this week: G felt baby kick!
Food cravings: lemon anything....today: cake!
Gender: Girl!
Labor Signs: Nope
Belly Button in or out? Innie, maybe a bit more shallow
What I miss: not getting tired by 4 pm
What I am looking forward to: our Seattle trip this weekend! (non-baby related, I know)
Milestones: the hubs feeling little one kick

Slow week and bedding ordered!

It is Wednesday, and it feels like a week of Mondays. Long story short, I am tired. Moreso than usual. We finally got our guest room furniture moved to the in-laws', so now we have an empty nursery! That is, except for the loaded closet that I have yet to go through. I have ordered this bedding from Target. It is the Bananafish Lily collection:

Bumper:
(we obviously won't use this until SIDS risk is over, but it's pretty!)















Bedskirt:
















Fitted sheets:










According to the online reviews, the pink is more fuschia than the pictures indicate (more like the pink in the crib skirt), and all pieces are in the same shade of fuschia. That's a lot of pink, but I'm making a green slipcover for our glider (and ottoman that I hope to find soon), and I *think* I want to go with a very pale green for the walls to break up all the pink. I also plan on painting my own cherry blossom tree with birdies on one or two walls, and I'm making curtains as well! We also need to order our new carpet and put it in after the painting is done. Oye! SO much work that I can't wait to get done, but I really don't want to do it right now. I will get myself into gear soon, hopefully. I haven't even mentioned the fact that we still need to order the crib (as soon as it's available online again) and go to Ikea and buy the dresser I want. Phew!