Now that's a belly

No hiding this big thing!

The most recent belly photo taken last night:




38 weeks and 3 days


11 days to go...

HAPPY FRIDAY ALL! 

12 days and counting....

Well, the time is drawing near!  Just 12 days to go until March 1 -- hard to believe, but really, I have a feeling these might be the longest 12 days I've ever experienced in my life!  Just so anxious and excited!  Joey just keeps telling me to be patient and that he/she will join us when he/she is ready... easier said than done, but I appreciate his attempts to calm my eagnerness none the less :)

Had our weekly appointment yesterday afternoon and Dr. said I was 80% effaced and about 2 cm dialated!!  At last week's appointment I wasn't dialated at all, so this was great news!  Baby's heartbeat sounded good, baby is still low, and blood pressure was great!  It was a great appointment :)  When I went up to the counter after the appointment was over to schedule my visit for next week, the front desk ladies (who are awesome) asked me how it went and when I told them they were like "What are you even scheduling an appoiontment for?  We're not going to see you next week!"  I told them not to jynx me and my next appointment is set for Monday at 3:15! :)

I do have to say that I have heard a lot about women giving birth on full moons.  SUPPOSEDLY, delivery rooms seem to fill up on these days.  A co-worker was the first to inform me of this, and then the nurse practioner at my dr's office also said it.  Well folks, the next full moon is tomorrow, February 18 -- guess we'll see if there is any truth to it ;) 

This is all I could find on why the moon could possibly have an effect:
The book The Lunar Effect, brought the "biological tides theory" to the forefront and the author, Arnold L. Lieber, argued that the moon affects the human body in much the same way as it does the world's oceans. This means that if a woman is close to her due date during a full moon, the pressure caused by the moon's effect on the water inside the amniotic sac could cause it to burst.

Last weekend was a GREAT weekend!  Had my third and final baby shower on Sunday and it was wonderufl!  It was great seeing family and friends and people's generosity never ceases to amaze me.  Baby H truly received many great things and Joey and I couldn't thank everyone enough (yet again) for all of their love and support!

I also did a lot of walking over the weekend!  Exercise hasn't really been in my vocabulary during this pregnancy (whoops -- will try to do better at that next time ;)).  I told Joey, "okay, we are going to walk all weekend and get things moving!"  After the results from last week to this weeks appointment, I'd say maybe some of that walking worked :)  Sooo, Joey and I took the pups on a long (well long for me at 9 months prego) walk last night after my appointment.  Since it's supposed to be record highs today weather wise, I am predicting another walk after work tonight! :) 

On Monday night (V-day) Joey and I ordered takeout from PF Changs as I wanted to eat the only really "spciy" thing in my diet, Garlic Noodles (those things are hot!).  As everyone can see, I am totally falling for the wives tails of what is supposed to trigger labor. Obviously, since the baby is still in my stomach and not in my arms, the spiceness did nothing but give me heartburn. 

Anyway, I know this is a long post -- just so much going on!

We are definitely ready and just WAITING! 

Baby H, you are welcome to join this world whenever you want -- we're ready for you!! <3

READY!

THREE WEEKS TO GO!

 

I have a feeling, these next few weeks are going to feel like the slowest ever.  I have reached the point where I am just READY!  I told Joey on Saturday -- "ok, I'm ready to not be pregnant anymore." haha.  I also feel like today would be a great day for Baby H to arrive if he/she would like to come early, because the house is all clean, every piece of laundry is done, the dogs both got baths, teeth brushed, and nails clipped yesterday, hospital bag is packed, and the nursery is now 99% finished (other 1% will be finished once we know the gender and we can make it look more boyish or girlish)!  :) 

 

 

Crib and Armoire (view from the doorway)

Crib and lanterns we hung this weekend

Teddy Bear on the dresser is Joey's from when he was little... name is Sammy Bear :)

Rocker, changing table, and funky lamp.  Will add baby's initial to the wall once we know if it will be an "E" or "B" :)

 

Now that we are 37 weeks, the baby is considered full term and therefore, doctor said I could go at anytime!  Crazy to think there is a full sized newborn baby in my stomach (although it is very believable with how large my stomach is).  I noticed the baby had "dropped" on Friday of last week and I am now carrying him/her much lower... just a sign we are getting closer! :) 

 

Two of my best friends hosted a baby shower last weekend and baby received some really great things!  He/she is already extremely spoiled!  We are so lucky to have so many great friends... thanks to all those who were able to come!  I had a blast at the shower -- it was themed green and brown just like the nursery and we played some pretty fun games!  It was wonderful and I am so lucky -- thanks Kristin and Colleen!! 

 

Collen, myself, and Kristin at the shower.

 

 

I have another shower this upcoming weekend which I am really excited about as well!  This one is hosted by my Aunt Christie and cousins Emilie and Meredith.  Looking forward to seeing everyone!

 

This week on the to do list is to get a pediatrician figured out for the baby.  We have a couple of options, but just need to nail one down.

 

Thanks for everyone's support throughout this entire pregnancy -- Joey and I are very blessed and thankful to have so many wonderful people in our lives! :)

 

Please continue to keep us in your prayers for a safe and healthy rest of the pregnancy, delivery, and recovery!