31 Weeks

Baby, baby, baby! Man I just can't wait for my little girl to arrive! It's all I've been thinking about. I'm officially down to single digits (only 9 weeks left) until the big day. Don't even mention the 'O' word (OVERDUE). Because I'm not even entertaining the idea.

Right now my precious husband is in the garage painting baby girl's shelf. I have to say I'm happy I have someone to do all the dirty work. I mean honey do's. I mean shit jobs. :) Although I'm not ready for the nursery reveal, here's some progress...

Who really has this many cords/wires/plugs? Don't even know what they go to!

Carpets cleaned.

Wall painted.

How far along?: 31 weeks. 9 to go!
Weight gain?: um, er, I forgot. I mean 10 lbs. Okay, okay 27 pounds! Aghhh!!
Maternity Clothes: Yes, and some of my maternity clothes don't fit! I have some shirts that are becoming midrifs, so my selection is dwindling. Week days: any bottoms I can fit over my butt, long shirt, necklace, flipflops/sandals. Weekends: leggings, yoga pants, work out pants, long tees, flipflops.
Stretch Marks?: OMG! I was prepared for the belly. But the thighs and butt? Please STOP!
Sleep?: Pretty good. Have to say I can't complain. I love you, Snoogle!
*Notice* I'm removing the gender question because it ain't gonna change
Food cravings?: I eat everything.
Belly Button?: Still my biggest amusement. My peircing scar is about an inch above the actual spot where it should be...holy stretching!
What I miss the most?: Being cool, clothes that fit, not taking 3 mins to get off the couch
What I'm looking forward to?: Seeing baby! Baby shower!

30 Weeks!

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This was such a big week for us! It was so much better than last week, I knew things could only get better for my emotional state ;)

We had our 30 week ultrasound/scan. This scan was SO exciting because we basically got tons of "face time" with our little girl! Of course they do measurements, check for problems, etc, but it was an amazing experience for us. It was one step closer to getting to meet her. Andrew was absolutley floored by the images we were seeing because it's hard to imagine that there's a cute little baby under this big BUMP of mine :) We held hands and I held back tears as she wriggled around and totally misbehaved for the technician. She kept saying "be still, baby!". But baby girl was doing her normal circus act in my belly and making all the 4D photos nice and blurry! I have moved to appointments every 2 weeks now (wow, getting close!) and I'm not sure how many more ultrasounds I will get. She is still a girl, which is good, because the nursery wall is PINK! :)

I will share pictures of the nursery when we get the decorations up, last week we cleaned the carpets, painted one wall pink, and assembled all the furniture. Actually, hubs did. I will be in charge of decor! I still need to get: a rug, a small table for next to the glider, curtains, and wall decor. It really looks like a nursery now and that is so exciting!

Another subject that I haven't talked about is CHILDBIRTH CLASSES! We just finished up our 3rd week (of 6) and it has been really fun and informative. Our teacher is great, and she is also a certified lactation consultant, so she will be a great resource for us in the future, if needed. She is extremely caring and open and it's been nice having an expert to talk with about concerns. The other thing that is nice about the class is that there are 13 other couples who are new parents just like us, going through the exact same thing, and asking alot of questions that we too, were curious about. We've already had a visit from a nutritionist (BLAH!), a CHP officer for proper carseat installation, and an anesthetist (epidural guy)! Very informative. What I also really like about these classes is the weekly opportunity to sufficiently freak out and gross out my husband! When the teacher mentions we are going to talk about mucous plugs or vaginal discharge, I grin in delight because for once, I am not the one grossing him out :) I can't wait until I see his reaction next week when we watch real, live birth videos! I'm hoping he's not one to pass out :)

It's also time to start thinking about my Birth Plan, and how I am going to prepare for the labor process. I'm just gonna say now that I'm an epidural supporter! I plan on getting one and hope that it is what works best for me. On the other hand, I am not commonly in support of the use of "drugs" or medications. I do not take any normally and think that any person should do what they can to use other methods of relief than medications, especially for long term use. But I am sane and do realize that labor and delivery is intense and the use of an epidural can greatly reduce pain and stress levels. You choose your battles, I guess.

Ok, lets get to the GOOD STUFF.

Meet Little Miss Cutie Pants Smosna! 29 weeks, 6 days. 3lb, 7 oz - 77th percentile on the growth chart!

Another really EXCITING thing about this week is that THIS showed up on my doorstep!

Graco Flipit Travel System (Emery)

I was so excited! Not only because it was a gift, but because it's from my little (tiny, baby) brother who is in AFGHANISTAN right now! Of anyone, I would not expect him to be worrying about ME, nonetheless SEND GIFTS!! So special. I am so thankful to have a wonderful family. It's still hard for me to believe that he is an adult (21) and has his own job, money, and is responsible :) This means so much to us and Andy and I had a fun time figuring out how to work it. Good thing we have a 'Carseat Workshop' with a CHP officer on Sat, August 28th. He will use our own carseat and cars and show us everything we need to know!

29 Weeks- Watch out for the waterworks!

WOW is all I can say about this past week...I thought I was normally a pretty sane person who deals with things well - until the past few days. Let's blame it on the baby :)

I'm feeling good overall, the weather has really cooled down over the past few days (like from 110 to 103 now) and the humidity isnt as bad, so that helps me feel less swollen. But hubby has been working a crazy schedule (it's harder on me than it is on him, I think), and my own job has gotten quite busy. On top of this, we had a 911 situation at work that caused me to have to run out of the building screaming. Everything was ok in the end, after the smoke cleared. But I had no idea I could run so fast in heels with this baby attatched to me :) Later that day, I noticed that I had been feeling decreased baby movement the past day and a half, and hoped that it was a result of just being busy and not paying enough attention. But not 5 mins later after I mentioned it to hubs, the waterworks started. I felt like a leaky faucet and couldnt stop crying. I just couldnt help it. I didnt want my baby to be stressed or sick or anything and I felt like I had done something wrong. I left work so that I could just get myself back together and lay down, drink some juice, and do all the movement tests I had learned at childbirth class. She started moving again like normal, and even got the hiccups :) I think she must have moved positions because the kicks are more like rolling and pulsing now, and not in the same spot they have been ever since 17 weeks. My dream come true of a mother even came over and cooked my dinner and DID THE DISHES! Don't ask what I did to deserve it. But even better than that, she brought cookies for dessert. I love my family. They are so good to me.

This isn't all though. Saturday I cried like 3x because I told my husband he was being grumpy with me. He probably wasnt. It's the baby's fault.

Today on my way to work, I ran out of gas. NEVER in my life have I run out of gas. On a street that doesnt have a bike lane. So I was blocking the right lane with flashers on and NOT ONE PERSON stopped to help. I was outside of my car trying to call someone and the cars just drove around. Took all I had not to just cry and go home for the day. If hubs would have said anything when he pulled up, it woulda been OVER for me. But he didnt :)

Hopefully none of this is a peek into the my overall sanity for the remainder of motherhood. I'd like to say that I can get through a week without crying, nonetheless an upwards of 6 times!

Remember this hot bod? Yeah, me neither.

7 MONTHS!

First off, I would like to say thank you to the lady in the grocery store today. Random Acts of Kindness ROCK!! First, the man in front of me offered for me to go ahead of him. I told him I was just fine, but thank you. Then, the lady at the front of the line said "No, please-come ahead of me too!" Wow, not only 1 cut, but 2?! Do I look that miserable? Ok, I'm just going to appreciate it for what it is. Not to mention I was on my way to work and they saved me a good 5 mins :) I'm not sure if it was the belly or my sheer beauty. One will never know.

I'M 7 MONTHS PREGNANT! That is just so crazy to me. I can't even believe it. I couldn't even imagine how it would feel a few months ago and now here I am. My life has changed in the following ways:

I can't bend over quickly or without squatting.

I have a record amount of craters on areas of my body that shall remain unmentioned.

My ta-ta's are rather large.

I need a recliner with wheels so I won't have to move.

My back hurts a lot.

My feet and hands swell a little in the evenings, especially if I've been active.

I'm living my life in a bubble that ends on October 20th-that's the first day of the rest of my life and I'm nervous.

I love my husband more than I ever thought I could.

I got a new ride.

I can't paint my own toes.

I have an oily face.

I'm scared I might say my daughter's name out loud and ruin the secret we've been keeping.

I eat with no regrets.

I wrote myself a rain check for exercise.

So here's my new car! It's a Mazda CX-7.

A mom car. A cross between a car and an SUV. Just because I'm a mom, doesn't mean I can't be cute anymore! No mini van for me. I have to try and continue wearing makeup, stay in shape, you know- don't wanna lose myself. Believe me, I've seen it happen. Someone speak up when I start to slip. It's your job as my friend. My husband has blinders on, or he lies to me. I haven't determined which one, but he is no longer a valuable source for this kind of thing. While we are on this topic, I will post a picture of me that I do NOT consider to be an OK state.



This is my Sunday look. The day that you are allowed to look like hell while you are doing laundry and sweating in your 80-degree house. I am not, however, condoning this look for any other day but Sunday. I just thought this was a good representation of my big 'ol belly these days.

Guess what? I'm not doing a survey this week. Why? Because it's my blog and I don't feel like it. That's why. But I'd like to note that not only am I in my 7th month of pregnancy, I'm now in my 3rd trimester. I don't feel any different than yesterday :) Also, my belly button has taken a rare form these days and it's quite the topic of conversation, because I feel the need to show everyone and make them touch it. I'm gross like that :)

27 Weeks and One Year Anniversary!

First things first...Sunday was our ONE YEAR WEDDING ANNIVERSARY! I can't believe it's already been a year and look, here we are one year later, happy and knocked up! ;) Can't believe I've spent almost 8 years of my life with this perfect guy!

And check this out-it's me. One year ago exactly On our honeymoon - in Kona, HI - wish I was there!!!!
And me today- I've gained a few pounds :)

We originally planned to go see the San Diego Padres play and stay at our wedding resort, but our financial planner (me) said we should probably take care of some things instead, like buy one of these:

Or these:

Or maybe one of these:

So, we went out on a journey to buy a car and it was a total FLOP! The dealer was so shady and even tried to sell us a car that had no inspection report, a flat tire, old tires, and a leak! We came home sunburnt and dissapointed. So our journey will continue next weekend...

On another note, there's a huge problem going on here (and everywhere in the US, it seems). When I open CNN, this is what I see: REPORT: WARMEST JUNE ON RECORD GLOBALLY. We are cooking. Like, we are in an oven and can't get out. It's not only hot, but the combination of heat and humidity are making things deadly in my neck of the woods. And this, ladies and gentleman, leads to me feeling swollen, grumpy, fat, and I become immobile. For fear I might sweat even more than I already am.

SURVEY TIME!

How far along?: 27 Weeks (almost to 7 months!)

Weight gain?: I don't want to talk about it. Let's just say I'm feeling it. I've never had my thighs rub together. New phenomenon for me. Don't like it.

Maternity Clothes: Yeah! And I heard Forever 21 has maternity clothes now...YES!

Stretch Marks?: I don't think so.

Sleep?: Good except I wake up with a jolt and I HAVE TO GO! Right at that moment. Or else it's coming out.

Best moment this week?: Eating at the Yard House with my hunny, unpacking little girl's bedding.

Movement?: Alot!

*Notice*I'm removing the gender question because it ain't gonna change!

Food cravings?: Anything in reach.

Belly Button?: Is dissapearing. It's crazy. I can really say that it might pop out, or just become flush with my stomach instead of a hole.

What I miss the most?: Being cool, fitting into jeans, having skinny(er) arms legs, and ass.

What I'm looking forward to?: Buying a new car! Painting and putting together nursery!

Milestones?: I'm now the "pregnant lady" in public. People take second glances, smile, or just stare.

My little girl is big! - 26 weeks

We had our regular OB appt. last Friday and everything went great. Her heartbeat was in the 160's on the Doppler and we even got a little peek of an ultrasound to check on her weight and my placenta position! She is measuring 1 day ahead, which means she is right on track! 2 FULL POUNDS hanging out in my belly! (I knew ALL the weight gain wasn't my fault!) ;) Andy was excited to see her tummy and her head and legs, but her face was facing toward my spine so we couldn't get a good look at her. She is laying across long ways, which is why all my kicks are always on the right side!

We ordered our glider for the nursery yesterday. Got a great deal that we couldn't pass up at Walmart.com. I know there will be a few long nights in this thing!

Storkcraft Glider

How far along?: 26 Weeks
How big is baby?: 2 pounds!

Weight gain?: Um, yeah. This week was a big one. Let's just say that when the lady was sliding the thing down on the scale, she said "Whoa". EXCUSE ME?! NEVER say 'whoa' when a pregnant woman is standing on a scale next to you! I could have ripped her eyeballs out!
Maternity Clothes?: Yup. And successfully ripped 2 of my regular jeans. Guess they are too small.
Stretch Marks?: Are going to ruin my life. None on the belly yet.Sleep?: A couple of rough nights in there.

Best moment this week?: Ordering the glider :)

Movement?: She is definately trying to escape. She is such a gymnast!
Food cravings?: Any and all, please!Aversions?: Nah.
Gender?: Girly-girl!
Belly button in or out?: Still an innie.
What I miss most?: Working out. Seriously. I know I could right now, but I get so hot and uncomfortable. And then my feet swell a little. Then I just go eat some ice cream to wash my sorrows away.

What I'm looking forward to?: My one year WEDDING anniversary is Sunday! That is so crazy!Milestones: Hearing my baby weighs 2 pounds and growing!

What the crap is a rutabaga?

No Good Deed Goes Unpunished - 25 weeks!

So yeah. I'm 25 weeks. I don't believe it. It's getting so close. I'm starting to have mini-in-my-head-freakouts about what's to come in the next 10 or so weeks...Am I capable of caring for a wee little baby? I mean-yeah, in general, but 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week for the REST OF MY LIFE? What did I sign up for? Who's idea was this? Gosh, I've lost my mind.

A few of my focus points lately have been getting the major stuff lined up. I have come leaps and bounds (Thanks to my wonderful parents who spoil me and will spoil my baby). We have chosen the bedding, which I'm so glad Andy liked when I showed it to him because this could have been an all-out war. Here it is in all it's cuteness:

Bananafish Love Bird bedding set

Now for the crib. This weekend while I was out of town visiting this little cutie,

My dearest most precious sweet loving pookie pie husband decided to "surprise" me with putting together the crib. Aww, how sweet! I really loved it when I walked into the house and saw it IN THE LIVING ROOM with a surprise sign on it:

Then, I got to thinking (in my hormone-induced irritation)...Why did he put it together in the living room, and how on EARTH are we going to get it into the BACK bedroom without taking it apart?! And then I thought some more (dangerous, I know)- we can't have the furniture together yet; we still have to paint and clean the carpets! I don't want there to be a CHANCE that any paint is going to get on this brand new GORGEOUS cherry wood. So then I got really annoyed and unappreciative. Not to mention that its a convertible crib and hubby mentions that there were "lots of extra parts" and threw them in the drawer with all the other random parts and pieces that came with other junk. And the instructions? Oh yeah, in the bottom of the trash can. Toddler bed? No. Full size bed? Never. Why? Because hubby didn't understand that at a later point, we would need all of that to make full use of this crib/toddler bed/full size bed!! So in a minor "tiff" we will call it, baby sweet precious darling husband dug to the bottom of the trash for the instruction manual and collected all the "extra parts" to nicely put in a baggie and label it. Then, he took the crib apart and put it in the back bedroom. Hence the title of this post. Poor sweetie-he just can't win.

Andrew: I love you more than you will ever know. You make me laugh, make me mad, make no sense, make too much sense, and you keep my life fun and interesting. Thank you for everything you do (and don't do). Muah!

How far along?: 25 weeks! So close to the 30's. Am I ready?
How big is baby?: 13 1/2 inches, a pound and a half!

Weight gain?: The truth will come out at my appt. this week.

Maternity Clothes?: Wearing the heck out of them. Trying to rotate them so I don't end up in the same comfortable outfit everyday :)

Stretch Marks?: Nowhere new thank god!

Sleep?: Sleep is ok...little annoyances can be the death of the night's sleep. Like the dog, or hubby working late!

Best moment this week?: Bedding ordered! So excited.

Movement?: I think she is going to be born out of the right side of my stomach. Sometimes it's like there is an escape hatch there and she is trying to kick it open. Also, dancing on my bladder provides hours of fun for me. I think a catheter at this point would be easiest.

Food cravings?: Gotta have dessert. Which is rare for me; but GOTTA have it!

Aversions?: I eat whatever, whenever.

Gender?: Girly-girl!

Belly button in or out?: Still an innie.

What I miss most?: Not worrying. I mean, really. I wake up everyday and wonder if she is doing ok in there. If anything is going to go wrong, if she is growing right. But I know I'm never really going to get to 'not worry' again. Because once she is born, I'll be worrying still :)

What I'm looking forward to?: Gonna drag hubs into Babies R Us to make a decision on a travel system this weekend! Suggestions?

Milestones: Reaching 6 months healthy and happy, big purchases made!

Here's some fun belly pics for this week, just to change things up a little :)

Supposed to be watching fireworks, but my dad and husband's COMBINED age is about 6.