38 weeks.

No photo :(

Written November 25th
how far along: 38 weeks.

size of baby: a pumpkin.

maternity clothes: yes.

symptoms: Tight belly- not much room left.  Wrists so sore I can't open doors, turn doorknobs, and most importantly, swipe through my Pinterest feed. Integestion and not very hungry.

exercise: moving in General is difficult at the end of the day, but I'm still pretty quick in the mornings!

cravings/aversions: I ate the best Chik-fil-a sandwich go my life tonight.

movement: Yep! I had a dream that I was freaking people out with the moving baby in my belly. Good thing it's probably only noticeable to me.

Sleep: I have been going to bed early, but am wide awake for at least an hour in the middle of the night.  

gender: oh boy :)

looking forward to: Seeing the little guy in person! And seeing all my family for thanksgiving. Also, I'm a Black Friday sucker- I can't wait to head out with my list.

worries: Crossing my fingers he holds out until Dec. 4 because J has a final on the 3rd. Also just praying for a safe and healthy arrival!

milestones:  Its Thanksgiving week! 

best moment this week:  Finishing up the nursery.  I'll post pictures in a few weeks when I can officially reveal his name. Also did a lot of freezer cooking over the weekend. Ashley came by with her littlest babe to help me with the final touches of the nursery, and to be sure my bags were properly packed!

37 weeks

Written November 21st.
how far along: 37 weeks.

size of baby: a watermelon?!

maternity clothes: yes.

symptoms: feeling overwhelmed with my "to do" list, when in reality nothing has to be done. I'm in definite get things situated, nesting mode, but also feeling completely unprepared. Physically, the baby feels lower and is causing some discomfort walking, especially later in the day.  My feet are ridiculous looking- it's horrific. My hands are cramped, still. But overall, I'm still feeling great!

exercise: not so much. Does walking target count?

cravings/aversions: I still drink a glass of milk and graham crackers if I'm up in the night. I used to HATE milk. 

movement: Lots! And he's running out of room!

sleep: I've been getting up 2-3 times each night, but can generally get back to sleep pretty quickly. I've had some Braxton hicks this week as well.

gender: oh boy :)

looking forward to: Announcing his name! I can't wait to tell the world :) I had a dream that I accidentally named him one of my students' names... a female student.  Also looking forward to a few days off work, visiting family and some good eating next week.

worries: Slightly concerned he will be early, but I have absolutely no control over that :) 

milestones:  37 weeks = full term!

best moment this week:  Again, I'm behind on this post. I didn't even take a "real" picture.  So much going on! I'm busy at school just keeping up, but also trying to prep for my time away. I officially have a long-term sub lined up which is a huge relief. We celebrated my moms birthday last weekend, which is always fun. I've been to anorher birth class (our last one is tonight). Lots of good things!

On a sadder note, one of my best friends lost her dad this week. My heart is heavy thinking of her and her family.  Another good friend has a 5-year-old daughter who is fighting her battle with leukemia. Please help me pray for these ladies and their families. Squeeze your loved ones tight.

35 weeks.

Written November 5th.
how far along: 35 weeks.

size of baby: a coconut.

maternity clothes: yes.

symptoms:  Does being excited count? It really is starting to feel close, and I'm just so pumped to meet this guy. Feeling sentimental and blessed to be carrying this baby. Of course there are also some symptoms I'm ready to get rid of- swollen feet, swollen hands (finally lost one of three rings last week), hands are still asleep, and back is still bothering me. Oh, and my belly button has officially "popped".

exercise: Some walks, but more sits. :)

cravings/aversions: I've had this carving for a while, but haven't shared.  I could drink soda water forever, preferably with lime. I blame you, AB.

movement: Lots!

sleep: I've been getting up 2-3 times each night, but can generally get back to sleep pretty quickly.

gender: oh boy :)

looking forward to: We begin our childbirth classes this Thursday- woot! Also, thanksgiving. Because, food and Black Friday and time off work. Oh, and is it too soon to look forward to having my body back? I'm not talking fit and fab, but just the ability to put on socks without feeling like a freak.

worries: Still worried about labor and delivery, but I don't think that will ever go away. 

milestones:  Officially considered nine months pregnant this week. Craziness. Although, I'm starting to feel like I've been pregnant forever.

best moment this week:  I'm a post behind, so technically this was LAST week, but my Aunt threw me an amazing shower for my extended family. It was awesome to get to see so many people I don't get a chance to see that often, and they were so generously spoiling our little man! Great food, great people, great times. 

33 weeks.

Written October 22nd.
how far along: 33 weeks.

size of baby: a durian fruit? 

maternity clothes: yes.

symptoms:  This is the weirdest... My hands have been falling asleep, which apparently is very common and is related to pregnancy induced carpel tunnel syndrome. Also, I guess the back pain is here to stay. 

exercise: Some walks, but more sits. :)

cravings/aversions: I'm running out of room and get full fast!

movement: New this week- I can feel the difference between body and limbs! He feels absolutely gigantic now.

sleep: more please!

gender: oh boy :)

looking forward to: My Aunt is throwing me a shower for me this weekend and I'll get to spend some time with family I haven't seen in far too long. I can't wait.

worries: After breast feeding class last week, I'm both more and less worried about that adventure. The class was awesome, and I learned a ton, but I still feel nervous and anxious about my role in, oh you know, keeping a kid alive!

milestones:  We are almost positive we have infant care for when I return to school up until summer break. HUGE relief! 

best moment this week:  Breast feeding class, finding infant care, a maternity photo shoot, and a date night! Good week, I'd say.

32 weeks.

Written October 15th.
how far along: 32 weeks.

size of baby: a squash.

maternity clothes: yep, and now that it's a little colder out I can add some sweaters to the mix.

symptoms:  more back aches- womp womp....

exercise: Ummmmmm,

cravings/aversions: I've been snacking on fall baked goods from a little baking party I attended over the weekend. Yummmmm

movement: Yep!

sleep: more please!

gender: oh boy :)

looking forward to: I'm attending a breast feeding class this week so I'm hoping to learn lots!

worries: What if my water breaks while I'm teaching? Or it's a snow storm and I'm in labor? Or if my husband doesn't answer his phone when it all goes down? Ah!

milestones:  less than 2 months left!

best moment this week:  I had a great time doing some baking with friends last Sunday. Overall, just a normal, busy week :)

Random.

Just some random thoughts for a random blog post today.

1. I have lost my favorite pajamas. How does that even happen? (Don't answer that.)

2. Fall candles soothe my soul. There's just something about having a pumpkin spice scent in the house and the windows open that is so calming.

3. As is a clean kitchen.

4. New iOS- love or not? I'm still getting used to it, but really haven't noticed anything life changing.

5. New curtains- 95 in or 84 in? 84 inch will go from the floor to the top of the window, while 95 will go from floor to ceiling. I told you this post was random. 

 6. I am sleeping in like a teenager, as in sleeping in on the weekends. Although I myself never slept in as a teenager... And I'm still heading to bed early like a grandma. It's lovely.

7. Jessica Alba is my girl crush. Her and Olivia Palmero. (Images from Day Old News)

8. Considering chopping my hair, but I will probably never do it.

9. I thought I heard Xmas music the other day and my stomach flipped with excitement. I'm one of those freaks who likes to "fa la la la la" as long as possible.

10. Beauty Brands is having their lash Bash event where many many mascaras are on sale for about $11. Get yourself the Smashbox Full Exposure. You won't be sorry.

That's all. Have a good weekend!

-m

31 weeks.

Written October 7th. Officially worst photo yet, but it's better than no photo, yes? I need to be home in daylight sometime!
how far along: 31 weeks.

size of baby: pineapple- now that's sounding more accurate.

maternity clothes: yes. I'm getting anxious yo shop in the regular clothes sections again. There are so many cute things out for fall! It's probably a good thing I'm forced to resist :)

symptoms:  nothing new! I had my 30 week appointment on Friday and I'm measuring right on track. 

exercise: More of the same- walk walk walk. J is thinking of signing up for a half marathon in 2 weeks so I'm getting excited for him. It will be fun to be on the sidelines, and I think I know a couple other friends running that I could cheer on as well.

cravings/aversions: I about kicked my husband out of the house when he was eating salad with ranch for a Friday night snack. Absolutely repulsed me! 

movement: Yep!

sleep: I could stay in bed for 12 hours each night and I think that might be enough. It's not without 3-4 bathroom breaks, but sleep is so good.

gender: oh boy :)

looking forward to: Meeting this little man! There is so much talk about him actually being here, I want to see and hold him so badly. He had better stay snug for another 9 weeks, though.

worries: I've started thing about how labor and delivery could all go down. Everyone has a shorty, and it's just so unknown.

milestones:  Baby shower was last weekend!

best moment this week: Definitely the absolutely incredible baby shower hosted by Ashley, her mom, and Katelynn. They went above and beyond to make the party the most special day I could have wished for. I know Ashley took pictures, so I'll be sure to get some do those up here soon. The decorations were all vintage maps in coordinating colors to my nursery. The food was delicious- I could've spent the whole time munching on a curried cheese all made bt Ashley's mom. There was sparkling cider sangria, macaroons, mini apple pies, and the list goes on. We played a couple games on specially printed game cards (did I mention Ashley is a graphic designer?). The best part, though? All of my friends who showed up to give me and my little babe lots of love. I'm so incredibly blessed to have The. Best. Friends. I feel totally spoiled and especially cared for. My girlfriend (also Ashley) totally suprised me when she walked through the door- she lives 6 hours away, and has school Monday! Thank you to everyone for all of the love. It was felt full force, and I give you much love back!