Lazy And Lovin' It

Good afternoon.  I'm still in my pajamas.  Well, what I call my pajamas these days - an over-sized t-shirt, non-maternity pj pants that sit extremely low and cause me to have a serious case of "plumber's crack," and slippers...I can't seem to live without slippers these days.

Today, I've taken it easy.  Told myself to step away from anything that makes the nesting bug come alive and just take a breather and savor the quiet.

I had my 37 week appointment yesterday (at 37 weeks/4days). 

Made a little progress from last week.

*70% effaced (50% last week)

*Fingertip dilated (cervix closed last week)

*Lost almost a pound - said it's normal as water and fluid shift

*Baby measuring 37 weeks

*Doctor said "Anything can happen, of course, but as of now, I see you going near your due date."

*Head still down and in position

Woo Weeee, it brings back memories, lying there with my feet in those stirrups.  I mean, I'm no stranger to 'em.  They were my BFFs for three years.  Last week, the nurse laughed at how quickly I was ready and in position for the exam.  It used to be my routine.  But it's been months and months - since the fall.  So, when my doctor went to begin the internal (without a warning), Steve said he watched my toes curl right around those stirrups as my voice went super high with my response to her question.  It was definitely internal.  So maybe, after yesterday's exam, I'm about 80% effaced. ;)

I'm feeling good.  I have lots of energy still.  Night is getting a little restless.  My belly is heavy and it's hard to get comfortable in bed.  Steve wants to murder my huge body pillow (that finds a way of taking up "his side" of the bed).  And I want to jam it up his nose for his excessive snoring.  But I can't complain. 

Funny, Muffin never gets yelled at for the space she takes up on Steve's side of the bed.  

I don't blame him.  

Muffin turned three on Wednesday.  We had a huge party and invited all the cats in the neighborhood.  There were fishsticks and a cake made of Whisker Lickin's.
And a Hello Kitty pinata.
Okay, I wish.  I seriously do.
You can laugh all you want at my crazy cat lady ways.  I  We really don't know what we'd do without our cats.  Especially these past few years.  They've been our babies.  Our little shadows.  Our fluffy minions.  They will always be our babies.  Yes, I realize I sound insane.   But, we're insane for them.  And we more than love them.  I know that it will take some adjusting for them once we bring baby girl home.  But I trust in time, that they'll love her and be just as crazy about baby as we are.

*end crazy cat lady blubbering*

Happy, happy birthday, Muffin - Moofy - Misty Chicken - Moofinator 3000 -
Squishems - Lil' Chicken Head

*okay, seriously, now I'm done*

<3

More birthday fun...
Addison turned 5 at the end of February.  Yesterday, we celebrated with our tradition (since she turned 3) of going on a little shopping spree - my gift to her.  She's becoming quite the lil' lady.  It has been such a gift to watch her grow and share in my friend's children's lives all these years.

We started at Target.  And made a quick stop at the dollar bins.
Addison scoped the goods and found a bunch of sweet treats to stuff in her basket.

Kelly, Chloe and Daxon left us to do some shopping of their own and Addison and I ventured off to the clothing section.  She went straight for the dresses - my kinda girl.  It barely took her a minute to proclaim her love for a bright and soft, color-blocked maxi dress.  She knew it was "the one" instantly.  We went to find her mama and Addison instantly ran up to her to proudly show off

her new summer dress.

 Addison was nice enough to take a break and go on a hunt for some "nip cream" for Mimi.  From what I hear, it's a "must add" for my hospital bag.

 Addison browsed through her new coloring book while she waited. 

And after, we headed to the checkout line.  What an "order" - a maxi dress, a coloring book, a sparkly necklace, stickers, note cards and nipple cream.

Next stop - her birthday lunch at Olive Garden

Addison had no trouble deciding on where to have her lunch celebration.

She went with the mac n' cheese and a side of grapes and shared in our soup and salad feast.

Smiley mama and handsome boy

I had the pleasure of sitting with Chloe and the birthday girl.

They had their funny faces painted on before Mimi was ready.

There.  That's more like it.  <3  I love it.

And finally, a trip to Five Below

It's amazing what 20 bucks gets you at this super fun-filled spot.

We spent a long time there.  Addison had too many decisions.  Jewelry.  Makeup.  Games.  Posters.  Headbands.  Candy.  Art Supplies.  Even funky toilet scrubbers...she turned down my suggestion on that one.

 

I convinced her into getting the book of 1,885 Lisa Frank stickers.  For a buck, I shoulda got a few.  I used to love Lisa Frank.  I'm pretty sure I had a L.F. Trapper Keeper one year.  

After we shopped 'til we dropped, we headed to the register.  A few of her choices - a neon pillow pet, a diary, that was probably her most favorite find.  As soon as she put that baby in her basket she exclaimed "Ahh, a diary, I'm so excited, I've been wanting one for years!"  :) 

Also, a spiral maker art thingy, stickers galore and colored pencils. 

She placed the change (87 cents) in her pocket and thanked me.

  Really, I should be thanking her...it was a special day.

<3

Last night, Kelly, Jessica and I headed out to dinner - our last girls' night before baby girl's arrival.  

There's no doubt we left our tush prints in those seats.  We sat for three hours laughing, mixing olive oil and parmesan cheese for our "bread party," talking about food as we ate our food (a signature move of ours), gabbing the night away and smirking at the conversations we get ourselves into.

There was more than one time a server walked by us or popped up at our table when I, of course, had to be saying something so "Maria-like" and hilarious for dinnertime talk.

Like Kelly said, "You can dress me up, but you can't take me out."

I love these girls.  Last night was special too. 

It's incredible to think there's a good chance that our next photo together 

will include another (little) girl.

<3

Thank you to my friend, Ashlee, who sent this cheery, happy, floral dress for baby.  Along with precious hair bows.  And a beautiful letter that brought tears to my eyes.
Baby girl will definitely be sportin' these come summertime.
Thank you so much, Ashlee!!!

<3

Thank you to my friend, Katie, who I "met" when I very first began my blog.  She has been such a support, constantly rooting for Steve and I and always encouraging me.  We had a giant package on our doorstep the other day and had no idea who the gift was from until we opened it.  I can't wait to see baby rockin' on this.  It looks adorable in her nursery.  Katie, thank you for everything.

<3  

And here we are...16 days until our due date...

I'm gonna go make dinner.  Get ready for a relaxing weekend.  And keep on cherishing the days.

I'll be back next week with a post I'm looking forward to writing later this weekend.

And later next week...a post from Steve.

(of course, as long as baby doesn't decide to make her debut.:) )

You just never know.  I like those four words more than ever lately.

Have a beautiful weekend, everyone. <3

Weekend Lovin'