Newborn Photos.

Photos by Allison Corrin Photography.

Nursery:
Rug- IKEA
Curtains- World Market
Crib- Young America Tribute
Glider- Best Chairs Inc., Storytime Collection
Changing Table- Local Consignment
Giraffe- Melissa & Doug
Letters- Hobby Lobby

Hello 2014!

Happy New Year!

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I'm kicking off 2014 in my new role as mom and am just settling into a new routine.  I've been thinking about what I want this little space on the internet to look like as I move forward, and honestly, I still haven't quite figured it out.  Finding time to update the blog is my biggest struggle, but I hope to make documenting my family's life a priority this year.  I'm getting worse with keeping track of papers and photos, so this blog seems to be a great solution to jot down these memories that are fleeting by so fast! "Savoring the Sweet Stuff" will not be short on baby pictures, that is for certain!  Here's a list (yeah, I can't help it) of some ideas I hope to write about this year.

1. Monthly Baby Updates. Wipe the shocked look off of your face.... ;)  I've committed to taking a weekly photo of the new man (thank goodness he was born on a Saturday, I don't think I could manage a week day photo!), and I think a monthly update for the first year should be feasible.

2. Family Events, Travels and Holidays.  Hopefully I'll actually take pictures of this kind of thing this year!

3. Exercise/Fitness Goals.  I'm planning a separate post for my 2014 resolutions, but basically, I want to RUN!

4. Monthly "What I'm Loving Lately" Posts.  For all the material things that I feel the need to blab about.

5. New Closet Additions. I think it'd be fun to see what all I add to my wardrobe over the year... could be scary, but maybe I'll be more aware of what I already have and what I really need if I'm documenting it publicly!  

Here's to a happy, healthy and FUN 2014! Wishing all of you the happiest of New Year's!

-m

40 weeks.

Written December 10th
how far along: 40 weeks.

size of baby: a pumpkin.

maternity clothes: yes... YES.

symptoms: I'm starting to have contractions here and there. Nothing consistent, and nothing too painful. 

exercise: it's about 0 degrees outside this week-- no outdoor activity whatsoever!

cravings/aversions: This is probably not related to pregnancy, but all holiday food sounds good. Peppermint flavored kisses, creme-de-mints, cookies, homeade bread....

movement: He's definitely out off room, but still squirmy.

Sleep: Nope! But it hasn't really bothered me. I figure I'd better get used to this anyway!

gender: oh boy :)

looking forward to: BIRTH!

worries: Still worried about my water breaking while teaching, although I think my students might be even more worried than I am.

milestones:  Due date today! Full term baby- woot woot! If he doesn't come naturally, I'll be induced next Wednesday. 

best moment this week:  This week was generally uneventful. I visited the doctor on Friday afternoon and the routinely took my blood pressure. It wasn't abnormally high, but high for me. I was admitted to triage in the hospital right then for about 3 hours and was sent home after a few lower readings. That was a bit of excitement! We took it easy the rest of the weekend. We even joined the modern world and now have Netflix!

39 weeks

Please excuse the hair and the back-to-work-after-a-break exhaustion look :)

Written December 3rd
how far along: 39 weeks.

size of baby: a watermelon.

maternity clothes: yes... And mostly leggings and boots because, well, they fit.

symptoms: Mostly more of the same with a bigger belly!

exercise: decorating the Christmas tree and cleaning my house about did me in. It's sad.

cravings/aversions: Nothing really, although I'm looking forward to a Jimmy john's sandwich soon after this babe is born.

movement: Yes, although I feel like he's been slowing down a little in the past few days.

Sleep: Eh. Having 5 days off work was wonderful last week! Even though I don't sleep longer than 3 hours, I'm still managing to get plenty on sleep.

gender: oh boy :)

looking forward to: Pretty much everything about meeting our son! Outside of pregnancy, I'm looking forward to dinner with friends this week and general nesting and Xmas prep.

worries: Hm... I'm trying my hardest to not be an anxious freak in this last week and to just enjoy the days and take it one day at a time. I can't say that I'm doing so well, but I am trying!

milestones:  We made it to December 4th (J's last final!) and to my cross-over day with my substitute.

best moment this week:  I loved everything about this holiday week. I had two fabulous Thankgiving gatherings with family, we did all of our Christmas shopping (which might be my favorite chore) ;), picked, chopped down and decorated our Christmas tree and found time for a date night to see Catching Fire. This is and always has been my favorite time of the year!b

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.