Baby Bump Update

How far along: 40 weeks.  Yes, you read that correctly.  That means today is my due date! Yet, here I am updating my blog.  I still have that bump, which really looks like a basketball.  Wait, didn't I write that my doctor thought he would be here by now? Yes, yes I did but nope, Lucas has other plans.

Size of baby: I don't really want to know because he is only getting bigger! But I did ask my doctor last week and she thought, based on my current size and what my husband and I weighed at birth that he'll probably be in the 7 pound range.  Oh yeah, she also thought he'd be here by now though...

My body: My belly button is still just sticking out on the top half, the bottom is flush with my tummy.  I can still wear my wedding rings, I have no stretch marks or that line that goes down my belly button.  My toe rings also fit which I bring up because I got a pedicure last week and the woman commented on how my feet weren't swollen.  I'm going to be thankful for all this since my son plans on staying for awhile.

Movement: He constantly reminds me he is still there:)

Symptoms: Still no labor signs...nothing.  I do have this horrible rash on my upper tummy though.  You can barely see it but it burns so badly.  I read that this happens when your tummy is stretching more than it wants to.  I'll have to bring this up with the doc tomorrow because it is awful.

Sleep: Here is an example that happened on Sunday night: went to bed about 9:45 but probably fell asleep at 10:15.  Woke up thinking ooh, did I get some sleep in? Only to look at the clock and saw 11:13.  Went back to sleep and woke up to 1:15.  Went back to sleep and woke up at 3:07.  Went back to sleep and woke up at 5:30ish.  Went back to sleep to wake up at 7.  This is pretty typical lately:(  Finding out that putting my belly on a pillow though seemed to help the last two nights, waking up one less time.

Cravings: After having an entire pregnancy without any major or weird cravings, really just not caring that much about food at all, this past week has been the opposite! I didn't notice it all that much except that I can eat more times throughout the day than I ever have.  Well, today my little sister is here and started laughing because apparently wanting tropical jelly beans, a bottled Starbucks carmel frappuccino and dolmas is weird:)

What I'm looking forward to: Lucas! And I'm excited to see all the family and friends who are trying to or have already planned visits to meet this little guy.  I'm just hoping he'll be here for everyone.

Baby daddy: He is ready too! I brought up our plan if I have to have a c-section, because it's the only part of this birth that there can actually have a plan for us, and I wanted to make sure he knew that he would go with Lucas to the nursery as soon as he was born while I get stitched up.  He got just a bit emotional thinking of leaving me during that time...melt my heart! But we agreed that it is important that he be with Lucas in his first few moments instead of alone.  No one beside the father can be in the nursery with the baby.

Thoughts: Giuliana Rancic created some controversy recently when she said in an interview that she puts her marriage first and her baby second.  One of my uncles told me this "piece of advice" also but he has no children and I was a child at the time so kind of blew this one off.  Now that I am married and having a baby I completely understand it and agree with Giuliana.  This does not mean that if we had food for only person that I would feed my hubby over my child or that I would take a bullet for my husband over my child (nice analogies huh?) but to me this means doing things that keeps our marriage strong to give our child a solid foundation to grow and learn from.  At this time, for our relationship, this will mean that our baby will sleep in his own room (after the first few weeks) because bed time for us is where we wind down, have some good conversations and really talk to each other.  We also are very much people that need/like to be around friends so our child will have a babysitter sometimes so we can go out.  Since I don't have Lucas around yet these are only a couple things I can think of but I don't see anything wrong with what Giuliana said.  I happened to have nannied for a couple where the mom put the children first and the husband told her if things don't change they would be getting a divorce.  It's not to say that putting your children first is wrong but I think that both partners need to be on the same page.  That's what needs to be first.  This is obviously just my opinion and I'm only speaking to what my husband and I think will work for us.  I just think people need to stop all of the judgment on other parents.  If they aren't harming their children then let them be!  

Weekend Wrap-Up

Since I'm on maternity leave my "weekends" are pretty long:)

One friend of mine who was due with her first child on April 2 ended up having her beautiful baby girl this past Wednesday, 3/13/13.  Baby Fiona was born at 5 lbs 3 oz and oh so blonde.  She was born at the same hospital that I am going to give birth at so I went over the next day to drop off flowers and ended up getting in a little visit.  I wasn't planning on a visit so no pictures:( but believe me this baby is adorable! So tiny but so healthy and she is just gorgeous.  I have to admit that I was/am pretty jealous that mama and baby got to meet already.

At our doctor's appointment on Friday my doctor wanted to check on the progress of the labor by seeing if I was dilated at all and if the baby had dropped.  Lucas is definitely down in position but no dilation.  The doctor said she was able to touch his head.  Watch your husband's face when the doctor tells you this...haha!  My husband, who has not been a quiet bystander during these appointments which I love because he is just as involved, definitely questioned the doctor about this.  She said that all husbands tend to perk up at this part.  It really was so funny.  Well after all that she told us that our baby seems ready and she thinks that he'll be here within the week.  That would mean before my next appointment on Thursday.  Well, it's Tuesday and I don't think we are any closer:(

On Saturday our new sliding glass door finally came in!

This is a picture before we moved in.

This door was broken and couldn't really open.  I mean, it could, but it took some major effort and wiggling and some times two people.

No door!

Putting the new door in!

Please excuse the TV.  We finally wall mounted our TVs but didn't really think about all the cords.  We're working on that this week:)

On Sunday we went for a hike to try and get this labor going.  It didn't really help but it was beautiful out and made me feel good.

Having fun with our camera:)

We really love how beautiful this area is.

Last night we had our last date night before Lucas arrives. Though at this rate I feel we can probably get another one in... We went to a restaurant nearby that is supposedly haunted.  Kevin loves that kind of stuff.  It was right on the water so I loved that.  

Ok, here's hoping to some news before my my bump update tomorrow!

Baby Bump Update

How far along: 39 weeks...what?! I'm one week from my due date.  Could this be my last bump post? I'm pretty sure that's wishful thinking:)

Size of baby: A watermelon, 6.5-9.5 pounds and 18 - 20 inches.  My guess is more 6.5-8 lbs right now.  Tomorrow I'm hoping my doctor will give me an estimate on the weight.

My body: Due to the size of my belly my ta-tas seem small but I know that they are larger than they have ever been and my bum seems very flat but I think that is also because my tummy is so large.  My mom has had no issue letting my know my bum looks bigger...in a nice way of course.

Movement: He rolls/stretches/punches all day long.  I have yet to feel the need to do the kick test because he moves every hour.

Symptoms: This will be more of labor signs from here on out but as of yet there are none:(  My doctor will be checking if I'm dilated at all tomorrow but I'm thinking I won't be.

Sleep: So awful.  The last couple of nights whatever side I'm sleeping on that rib feels like it's burning. So I pretty much have to rotate each side about every hour with some angled back sleeping.  I don't get sleepy during the day (I think I'm getting used to the lack of sleep) but I do think it makes it so I get exhausted easier when I'm doing things.

Cravings: Food is not really on the forefront of my mind so I wouldn't say that I have any cravings.  Still love my smoothies and fruit though.  Cereal has also been added to my morning routine.

What I'm looking forward to: Having this baby in my arms instead of my tummy!  My sisters and mom are getting ready for their visits and my call so I can't wait to see them all.

Baby Daddy: He is getting ready for Lucas's arrival also.  He pats my belly and and tells Lucas to be nice to me or to come on out already:)

Thoughts: I don't know why but it really bothers me when people assume that I am just sitting around resting.  Maybe that's better than assuming I'm getting a ton done and I'm actually sitting around but I'm getting stuff done!  Just because I'm not working doesn't mean I'm not working.  Every night Kevin and I put a list together of things I can get done the next day.  I am staying busy so when I get the "I'm sure you're just resting" comment or text I slightly freak out.  Yes, my mornings are a bit slower and start later and that's ok, 9.5 months pregnant over here!  I also really would like this baby to come and staying active helps that out, or so I've read.

Weekend Wrap-Up

Yesterday the time change didn't really affect me at all...today, I just can't really get with it but maybe that is because I am also just nine days away from my due date!

On Saturday our new bed frame arrived.  We ordered a storage bed online.  Our Cal King bed just does not fit with anything else in our small bedroom so we decided to get a storage bed.  We have been looking high and low and finally found what we wanted but it was online only.  Everything seemed to be going well until it all didn't.  We will never use this company again.  The headboard broke, one of the drawer sides looked like someone had punched it and the 4-step instructions were a bunch of bologna.

However, it would have been a huge hassle to return and we had already moved everything out of our room.  I'm 9 months pregnant, I had to sleep somewhere that night!  Kevin was able to fix everything and put it all together in a manner where you couldn't see any of the imperfections and is safe for us to sleep.  We pretty much love it right now as it does do everything we wanted to.  We just won't use that company again and this frame won't go to the next house with house.

While Kevin was doing that two of my friends came over to help finally get the nursery together.

Before

Sneak peak with Lee and Debbie

There are just a few more touches I need to complete before I can give a full shot of the nursery but these ladies came over and just went to work.  Kevin and I could not be more appreciative because every time we looked at the room we felt overwhelmed.  It is just so nice now.  I even sat in my rocker and read Lucas a book:)

On Sunday the in-laws came in to town to have lunch and then we walked to Mavericks.  The tide was very low and we found out that the area is great for tidepooling.  It was amazing.  We weren't quite prepared for this adventure but we spent at least an hour out there.  I had to be very careful (no slipping and falling for this preggo lady!) but it was still cool and we can't wait to take our son out there.  We then had some shopping to do for the baby.  We had no idea how late it had gotten though and with it being Sunday the shopping was a huge fail.  I did get most of it done online today though;)  We pretty much got everything we needed for the baby through our friends and family but the few things we still have left sure are adding up.  We will be fine and have budgeted for the baby but it is still hard for me to press "purchase" sometimes.

Ok, now off to put in the car seat!

The Liebster

The Liebster award is given to an up and coming blogger who has less than 200 followers.

-RULES-

1. Post 11 random things about yourself.

2. Answer the questions that the nominator sets for you.

3. Create 11 questions for the people you nominate.

4. Nominate the blogs that you love (also with less than 200 followers); Link them to your post and let them know that they have been nominated.

I was nominated by Kaysie at Chasers of Kaysers

11 Random Things About Myself

1. I am obsessed with Family Feud right now, well the Game Show Network in general.

2.  I have a mole next to my belly button that I will not allow a dermatologist to remove because both my sisters and one of my cousins each have a mole in a different spot next to their belly button so if you put them together they form a diamond. (The doctor said this is fine for now, by the way.)

3. I love to read, most thriller or detective books and lawyer books.

4. People find my pickiness with food odd.  It makes sense to me, but not others.  I don't think fruit and vegetables should mix...no apples in my salad thank you! I have a thing about certain foods crunching when I don't think they should...no cucumber in my sushi, no nuts in my brownie (really no nuts in anything).  I have my rules and I know what they are and the exceptions make sense to me;)

5. I have a routine in the shower.  Wash face while shampoo is in my hair,  wash body while conditioner is in my hair.  Since it takes longer to wash my body than my face and I want the conditioner to sit for a minute this timing works great.

6. I have never had any surgery or ever been hospitalized.  I have my wisdom teeth, my tonsils and my appendix. I've never broken a bone.

7. It's a wonder the above is true because I'm kind of a hypochondriac. Every headache is a brain tumor, every leg pain is a blood clot, my hurts so I have cancer, etc.  Don't even get me started on all that is going on with this pregnancy!

8. I absolutely love sunsets.  Wherever new place I go I have to see at least one sunset there.

9. Some of my biggest fears are what others don't believe exist.  I am deathly afraid of aliens, ghosts, the monster under my bed, Bloody Mary (remember her? I can't have a mirror in my room that I would walk by in the dark) and really the dark in general.

10. I keep my phone by me at all times in case of an emergency. It is set on my nightstand when I sleep, sound on, just in case something happens and I would need to be called.  It's not that I've had that many emergency phone calls but I get nervous.  If you haven't figured it out yet, yes I have anxiety:/

11.  I am not really a fan of odd numbers so it is quite annoying that there are 11 items for this but then there are 11 items that I have to answer which makes 22 so I'm ok:)

My 11 Questions From Kaysie

1. How many siblings do you have?
This isn't an easy one:) I have to full sisters and 7 half siblings, 4 brothers and 3 sisters, all on my father's side.

2. What is one thing that you have done, that you never thought you would do?
Hmmm...I'm kind of a planned person so this is hard.  I also have high expectations of myself and my life so even the "big" things in life I kind of knew.  I guess having such a fear of needles I would probably have never thought I would have gotten a tattoo.  My tattoo was in no way a rash decision but it also wasn't a "life-planned" decision.

3. Makeup or no makeup?

I pretty much won't leave the house without makeup but when I'm home I like to let my skin breathe.

4. What is your worst habit?

My worst habit is probably starting something and then taking my sweet time finishing it.  I get very excited about a project but if it can't be finished in an hour it may take me a week (or two!) to finish it.  This is just my personal life though.  My hubby wishes I would bring my work habits home:)

5. What is your biggest fear?

Right now it is labor.  I am freaking out about giving birth.

6. If you knew the world would end a week from today, what would you try to get done/see/say beforehand?

This is probably one of my greatest fears in life (you did hear about the asteroid in Russia right?!) but I'm not sure I have answer.  I would just want to spend the time with my family, it it was on an island in Greece or Bora Bora that wouldn't be horrible.

7. What is your favorite snack food?

Ooh, I think this would be fruit or yogurt-covered pretzels.

8. How often do you wash your hair?
Depends on what color it is:)  When I'm blond I may wash it twice a week, if I'm not working out.  Right now I'm a brunette so I don't get my hair done as often which means it gets oily easier so normally every other day but I may skip two days.

9. What is your favorite movie of all time?
I've been asked this quite a bit and it is so hard. I really have categories. Sleeping Beauty is my all-time favorite cartoon/Disney movie.  Grease is my favorite dancing/singing movie.  Love and Basketball is probably my all-around favorite though.

10. Do you believe in ghosts?

Absolutely

11. Which do you like better: manis or pedis?

Pedis, only because I don't think manis last long enough for what you pay.

My 11 Questions For You

1. What would be your ultimate dream job?

2. Who in your family do you most resemble?

3. What is your favorite decade of fashion?

4. Would your 15-year-old self be surprised where you are in life right now or has your plan pretty much gone the way that self thought?

5. What is your favorite book?

6. Do you have any birth marks?

7. What do you do to relax?

8. Who is your go-to person when you have a dilemma?

9. What can you not leave the house without?

10. What is something you find annoying?

11. How many hours did you sleep last night?

My nominations:

Kylie at Kylie Ever After

Sarah at Messes Made with Love

Baby Bump Update

How far along: 38 weeks!

Size of baby: My email update said a pumpkin but had a picture of a apple.  Because of this I have added an app to my phone to get a second opinion:)  That one still says watermelon.  Baby is about 6.5 lbs and 19-22 in.

My body: It looks like my belly button has a huge aged bruise around it.  It's attractive;)  It's blue and yellow.  I think my skin is just pulled so tight in that area that the veins are showing through and the skin is looking somewhat transparent.

Movement: Lots of stretching.  Today though I feel like he wasn't moving that much.  I tried not freaking out and just see how the day went.  The last hour and a half he has been moving as normal though.  I am really supposed to watch his movement now and if it slows or stops I have to go to the doctor.  It is so hard not to focus on this!

Sleep: Ugh...I just cannot get comfortable.  On Saturday night I slept straight from about midnight to 6 am and it was wonderful!

Symptoms: Nothing new that I can think of.

Cravings: A local cafe by me has home-made hot apple cider...YUM! Oh, I love this.

What I'm looking forward to: This weekend I have a friend's baby shower and then I have friends coming over to help out with Lucas's nursery.  I am so excited to get this done.

Baby daddy: Kevin has started referring to my stomach as a large third boob.  He thinks my tummy is hysterical.  

Thoughts: We met with our pediatrician today.  There is only one in town but my friend's sister lives here and has two kids and said he was great so we went to talk to him.  We walked out very happy.  I think he will be a great fit which makes me feel good.  What doesn't make me feel good is that the nearest emergency room is about 15 miles away over the two-lane windy road.  Let's pray for no emergencies!

Weekend Wrap-Up

I'm on maternity leave! Yay! So here's a wrap-up of the past three weekends...mostly through pictures.  That's more interesting, right?

On Valentine's Day we did our regular of getting crab and making dinner at home.  The local fish shop was great and we realized how nice people in this town are.  There was a woman and her young son that were getting fish also and she talked to us for about half an hour.  I honestly wanted to ask her for her phone number but that would've been weird.  Anyway, after dinner we got the crib built!

Finished product!

Three weekends ago I had my bay area baby shower.  What a gorgeous, perfect day!

Everyone designed sleepers. Look at our view for the day!

Little Lucas received so many cute wearable items.

My youngest sis who co-hosted the shower.

My Aunt Denise made this incredible quilt for the baby.

Four generations...almost:) Granny, mom, me and Lucas.

The whole group!

My mom and her bestie were pregnant with us girls for a bit at the same time and now their daughters are having babies a couple weeks, if not days apart! They are so excited to be experiencing grandmotherhood for the first time together.

Friends!

 

Favors

The following weekend I had another fabulous shower hosted by my mother-in-law and sister-in-law.  I forgot my camera so I only got one picture:(  Waiting for others to send me their pics.

Delicious, adorable cake!

This past weekend Kevin and I went into the city Friday night to go out with friends.  Kevin said he had a perfect "last hoorah" weekend before the baby arrives and that is exactly what I wanted for him. Even though we weren't supposed to have any weekend plans for March that isn't really happening so we aren't going on a babymoon:( BUT the night was so fun for me too that it is ok;)

Random...but at the last bar we were at I had a water with lemon.  One of the bouncers/bussers gave me a strange look when he saw me with the glass so I instinctively said it's not alcohol.  He then proceeded to tell me that's good because he has thrown women out for that before and it can get crazy.  Your first thought may be "there are women drinking while pregnant?!" but one of the friends I was with is in the alcohol business and told me early on that it is illegal to not serve a pregnant woman alcohol so all I could think is, wait, that's illegal! I don't think women should drink while pregnant but I'm also about the law (whether I agree with it or not I don't like to get in trouble).  I kept thinking about this and realized that most stores/restaurants have a "We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone" so I'm not sure how that fits in.

Kevin's "bestie" came and visited on Saturday and stayed with us so it was a friend-filled weekend!

On Sunday we went and checked out the Mavericks surf break.  It's important to us that I get some good walks in at least a few times a week and Mavericks is a bit of a walk.

Our little fishing town.

The pelicans were doing some fishing too!

Mavericks.  I did not realize how crazy this break was.

Ok, off to fold and hangup Lucas's clothes.  This week is focused on being as prepared as possible for Lucas to come because I AM READY!