This and That

* Steve (and I)

thank everyone for the kind and wonderful words on his last post.

Thank you.  Thank you.

  

Okay, really, that six should be a five.  The photo was taken yesterday.  Just five days left until my due date.  I sit here, in my favorite pajama pants that are stretched out to their max with my hair thrown in a ratty mess on top of my head.  And I find it hard to believe that I'm sitting days (at the most, 13 days) away from meeting our daughter.

I had a doctor's appointment last Friday.  Baby is extra comfy in there.   I was still 70% effaced and one centimeter dilated.  The same as the week before.  My doctor predicts I will go around or after my due date, March 24.  The latest she will let the baby come is one week, but because the hospital does not induce on weekends, that puts us at April 1st if I am to be induced.  Yes, an April Fool's baby, if she decides to stay in there that long.  As goofy as I think it is, it would kinda fit well with this whole journey, don't ya think?!   No matter when her birthday falls, she's gonna come when she is ready. 

I feel so calm.  So almost oblivious to the fact of what is about to take place.  I know that doesn't make any sense.  I mean, I think about it all the time.  Envision so very much.  Dream and let my mind wander to those moments that are gonna sweep us off our feet.  But, it's like I keep saying to Steve - "I'm so calm, it's freaking me out!"   I know I'm totally contradicting myself.

But you know what I'm sayin'!

Everything looked great at my appointment.  Blood pressure is nice and low and steady every week.  Baby measured 37 weeks at 38 weeks/5 days - but that's normal due to fluid shifting. 

Weight gain - 26 pounds.  And her heart rate is lowering which is a healthy sign towards the end of pregnancy. 

I'm starting to swell, that's for sure.  It all kinda hit me last week.  It's on and off each day.  One second I'm stuffy and the next I'm puffy.  One minute, my rings are twisting around my finger and loose.  And the next, it looks like my finger is trying to eat them.  My nose (which is already not small) is kinda going all dinosaur on me. 

I feel like this some days.

Okay, not exactly what I was looking for.  But when I Googled "clown dinosaur" this is what it gave me, so I'll go with it.  What in the world is that thing?!!

Maybe I should purchase it for baby girl's nursery!

Last Friday and Saturday, I was feeling so much pressure and huffy and puffy and stuffy, that I wondered if maybe it was a sign.  But other than that, I feel pretty much the same.  A lot of people are asking me if I have had any "it's time" symptoms.  I don't really think I have.  I thought for a quick minute yesterday that maybe something was happening.  I went downstairs to tell Steve I was having frequent cramps and before he could jump out of his chair, I realized it was just that fiber tortilla, two salads and apple I had earlier.

Speaking of Steve...the Mr. is sick.  Well, he was really sick yesterday.  He went to the doctor's immediately.  The same doctor we saw years ago to get our referral to our fertility doctor. 

He told Steve he wasn't gonna mess around with knowing our timeline, and gave him hardcore antibiotics that will clear him of it all in 48 hours.  Steve "grounded" the baby - he said she's not allowed to come out until the end of the week.  We're sleeping in separate beds until he's better. 

But I'm not sleeping much at all.  I wake up almost every hour either to pee or just be wide awake and full of adrenaline.  I did laundry the other night at 3 a.m. for fun.

Okay, I better stop myself before I type another 10 paragraphs.

I will leave you with a "few" photos of the past couple weeks.

Kelly and I went to a little consignment sale two weekends ago.

Found this brand new ducky dress for 3 bucks! I can't wait to see baby in it!

Steve and I went over to Kelly and Kurt's later thant night for chicken marsala, ice cream, fun and Scattergories.  We always have the most interesting and mature answers.

Breakfast at my mom's.  She always asks if I want anything to eat when I get there.  I reply "no, thank you" and ten minutes later food appears.

I made pancakes.  I never ever had before.  Sad, I know.  I only burnt the first one.  It was black and set the smoke alarm off and made us have to open the windows to let the fresh 30 degree weather in.

My second attempt last week was a success. 

I've been cooking a lot lately.  And getting more and more comfortable in the kitchen.

It's actually been kinda fun.

(crappy phone pics)

 A four hour lunch with Kim. <3

Thursday, Karen and I went to a huge consignment sale.  The same one we went to in September.  I remember back in September saying "I bet I won't be able to go because the baby will be here already!"  I was happy I was wrong.  It was even more fun to shop, knowing that baby will be here soon.  Karen (as always) cut in front of me in line and treated baby girl to lots of new toys and a few sweet summer outfits.

Afterwards, we headed to breakfast for two rounds of blueberry crepes.

A visit from Brie and sweet baby Henry. <3

Another four hour lunch.  With Jessica.  This was take #41.  This was the day the clown-dinosaur in me really started coming out.

Don't tell me you don't see the resemblance?!

 Okay, let's move onto something MUCH cuter...Chloe!!

Friday night with Chloe and her mama! 

Kelly made incredible enchiladas and the three of us had a girls' night in while the misters had a guys' night out.

Back to the consignment sale Saturday.

  Everything in the bag for 25 smackers!

Sunday, my mom and I spent the day running errands together.

 We first stopped for produce.  Our fridges are stocked heavily with fruits and vegetables.

It's amazing what not even 20 bucks gets you at Produce Junction.

After  5+ hours of running around, I was ready to put my feet up.

Speaking of feet...my mom gave me these shoes for baby girl.

  They were mine when I was a newbie.

 39 weeks St. Patrick's Day cupcakes

39 weeks

St. Patrick's Day bump

Kelly's awesome enchiladas on Friday inspired me to make a big batch to freeze for a couple meals after baby's arrival.  So last night, I gave it a whirl.

I want them now.

A huge thank you to Alexis and her mom, Michele.  They sent this absolutely beautiful and perfect, drool-worthy headband.

  Their letter had me crying instantly...they made it to match baby's nursery.  I lovelovelove it.

Baby will be rockin' it very soon.  Thank you both so much...you have both been such an incredible support and inspiration to me. <3

I purchased another amazing headband from their shop for baby's first few holidays later this year and oohed and ahhed over it when it arrived.  These ladies are so talented and creative.  Their headbands are my favorite out of all the ones I already have for baby girl.

You can check out their site at http://littlemissmillie.storenvy.com/.

Thank you to Melissa, a friend of Steve's who has become a friend of mine this past year.  We've gotten to know each other so well through our lengthy emails. 

She sent us this sweet canvas photo of Steve and I...one of our favorite pictures from our maternity shoot.  We decided it'd be perfect right outside of the nursery.

Thank you tons, Melissa!   We adore it! <3

***

I hope everyone has a relaxing rest of the day!

And a wonderful week!

 I'm gonna take it pretty easy the rest of the day.  Maybe nest a bit.   Run an errand or two. 

But mostly, just take in these last few days (or hours or week +) until we meet our little girl.

So, I'll see ya soon...whether it be in a few days...or a few more after that.

Time will tell. :)

Sending love to you all. <3

39 Weeks (and 2 days) Lovin',