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!

30 weeks.

Written September 30th.
how far along: 30 weeks.

size of baby: cucumber.

maternity clothes: yes.

symptoms:  This week brought with it some new symptoms.  My back has been starting to hurt if I sit or stand for too long in the same position.  I also had some braxton hicks contractions on Friday night. It wasn't anything really hurt, but more just uncomfortable and startling considering I have never had contractions before!

exercise: A few walks, but mostly rested this week after an eventful weekend full of walking last weekend!

cravings/aversions: I haven't been too hungry lately, but apple cider and pumpkin pancakes are perfect this time of year!

movement: Yep!

sleep: Oh I have been super sleepy.  I'm starting to take an iron supplement because my iron count had been low, so I'm hoping that it might make a difference in my energy level too.

gender: oh boy :)

looking forward to: My baby shower!!  I'm so totally pumped and feeling extremely special and spoiled to have my bestie, Ashley, hosting a shower for me this coming weekend.  I CAN. NOT. WAIT.!!!!

worries: Signed up for childbirth and breastfeeding classes last week-- check! Now onto insurance and childcare... Also, a little worried that he could come early.  

milestones:  Into the "30's"!

best moment this week: I spent most of this week waking up excited about going back to bed.  Ha.  Friday and Saturday were delightful, however.  I got to catch up with some old work friends, which never fails to be a great time.  Saturday J and I went to his best friend's family concert where we sat outside sipping cider and listening to some good music.  Good times, for sure.

Fresh Market.

(Tuesday, September 24:) Review a book, place, or product.

Last Friday, I had a few minutes to spare so I ran into the new Fresh Market in Kansas City.  A friend had told me that it was like a mix between Dean and Deluca and Whole Foods.  I'd say that's pretty close. 

This is definitely an upscale grocery experience, where everything is, you guessed it, FRESH! Everything looked delicious.  There was an entire section of fresh produce, a huge deli counter, cheese selection, salad bar, olive bar, and many prepared dishes such as pizzas, sandwiches, and salads to go.  I ordered a 1/2 pound of their greek artichoke salad to go, and it was filled with olives, onions, tomatoes, and artichokes.

One of my favorite stations was the old-fashioned candy aisle.  Not only did everything look delicious, but it was also organized and displayed so neatly.  You could buy these items by the pound, so I was able to just pick out a couple of things that I wanted to try for a reasonable cost.

Another great station was the dried fruit/veggie/snack mix/nuts section, where again you could buy by the pound.  You can also sample anything you want before purchasing, so I tried some dried okra (it was actually really good, and they told me it was a top seller), some dried star fruit and dried green beans.  I walked away with a small bag of dried apples with cinnamon.  

I didn't spend much time in the refrigerated section or the coffee station, but I hope to look more into those next time I stop by.  I don't plan to go once a week or anything, but it will be on my list of places to visit when I need something special or sweet!