Pregnancy Photos!

Pregnancy photos!! We decided to get some pregnancy photos done by an amazing photographer and fellow teacher.  She is so talented!  If you are ever looking to find someone in the Buffalo/Niagara area, I would highly recommend Andrea at Vita Bella Photography.  Thanks Andrea for making us smile!

Week 34

There is no doubt that the angels are on our side!  This baby has brought so much joy, happiness and luck to us and he/she hasn't even arrived yet!  There has been so many instances of good luck coming our way in the past nine months (which has been so refreshing considering the last several years), and this week was no different.  While driving downtown to meet Jeff to celebrate a friend's retirement, I happen to be driving during rush hour on a fairly busy highway.  I was in the middle lane and saw a deer coming from my right.  The car next to me startled it and hit it.  The deer flew in the air and hit the car on my left, and then flew into my car.  It was like I was in slow motion.  Luckily, I was as calm as possible and chose to drive forward hitting the deer.  When I finally was able to get over on the side, I was a little shaken, but handled it the best I could.  The deer smashed my front in.  When I got home that night and had time to reflect, the only feelings I had were thankfulness.  So many horrible things could have happened in that situation.  I could have hit another car, the car behind me could have smashed into me, the deer could have went through my windshield....but none of that happened. I am so appreciative, and this was just another reminder that it is so important to count your blessings!

Week 34 Updates....

1. Maternity Clothes: I hate them!
   
2. Stretch Marks:  None
3. Sleep: I am so baby ready!
4. Miss Anything?:  Beer...I really could have used one have the deer incident!
5. Movement: Kicking-that baby has to be getting crunched in there!
   
6. Food Cravings: Fruits
7. Anything making you queasy or sick? When I eat too much
8. Showing yet? 
9. Gender: The verdict today from friend was GIRL
10. Mood:  Anxious
11. Labor Signs: none
12. Symptoms: Sharp pains, cracks in joints, pops in bones and the list goes on (:
13. Looking Forward To: holding our baby in my arms

Week 33

What a week!  This week was my birthday.  By request I was asked to wear Jeff's favorite number (which happens to be how old I am) and jersey for my pic!  How can I say no to him!  It was a great and relaxing birthday and we were able to go to my favorite restaurant, Thai Orchid, for dinner.  I was also able to take a breastfeeding class...god knows I have no clue what I am doing in that department!  I started washing the baby clothes and blankets (we have sooo many, and I can't wait to use them all).  To end the week off we went to an all day birthing class.  I can say that I feel a little bit more at ease with things now.  However, our nursery is STILL not done!!!!  It is driving me crazy, but my goal is to have everything done and in order by November 1st.  Can it be done?  I guess we will find out soon enough!! 

Week 33 Updates....

1. Maternity Clothes: Looking for a pair of cute riding boots that actually fit!  The clothes options are getting pretty sad!
   
2. Stretch Marks:  Not yet....please, please stay strong skin!
3. Sleep: Eli developed a two day habit this week of coming and snuggling right next to my belly.  Some how I ended up in the crack of my bed, Jeff ended up with no covers and Eli was as happy as can be with half of the bed to himself.  We broke that habit real quick!  Sorry Eli!
4. Miss Anything?:  Putting my Uggs on without Jeff to help me
5. Movement: Still kicking away-I am feeling like a stuffed turkey
   
6. Food Cravings: Sweets
7. Anything making you queasy or sick? I have been queasy recently a lot.  I think it is because my stomach is getting squeezed and I can't sit comfortably.
8. Showing yet? 
9. Gender: I had a second dream that we had a girl...I don't know!
10. Mood:  After our birthing class, I left with no worries about the delivery.  I started to get anxious about the baby's health.  I just pray that he/she is happy and healthy-that is all I care about!
11. Labor Signs: none
12. Symptoms: Sharp pains in lower abdomen when I stand up...doc said that is normal, but it ain't fun!
13. Looking Forward To: Our hospital visit is this weekend as well as meeting our pediatrician
    

Packing For the Hospital-What is too much?

Okay Ladies.  So I just read this funny blog on what you really need at the hospital at E tells Tales.  I often find that when I read someone's blog, I like the comments just as much as I like the post itself!  The comments were great, and it really got me thinking-What do I REALLY need to pack for the hospital?  I do not want to bring all of these extra things if I'm not going to use them.  So I came across a list from a book called Baby Lists: What to Do and What to Get to Prepare for Baby (thanks Alayne) and these are some of the things author, Elaine Farber, is recommending:
1. copies of pre-registration paperwork
2.  birth plan (who has actually written one of these out?)
3.  bathrobe
4. slippers
5.  sock (for during labor)
6.  bathing suit (to take a soothing bath with your hubby if your water hasn't broke-I did not write this)
7.  Pillow
8.  hair bands and clips
9.  chapstick
10.  massage lotions for during labor
11.  breath mint or lollipops for sucking on during labor
12.  tea
13. snacks
14.  change for vending machine
15.  watch with a second hand
16.  your glasses
17.  relaxation materials: books, ipod with playlists, cards
18.  tennis ball for back massage
19.  birthing ball, object to focus on during labor, good luck charm
20. camera
21. cell phone and charger
22.  plastic bag for car if nauseous
23.  towels for car
24.  two nursing gowns, nursing bras, special underwear, comfy going home outfit
25.  toiletries
26.  nursing pads, lanolin, hot-water bottle, ice bag, blow dryer, contacts, medications, earplugs
27.  nursing pillow
28. insurance card-to call insurance company within 24 hours after baby is born
29. dried fruit
30. extra duffle bag
31. champagne
32. gifts for nurses
33. diaper wipes, vaseline, nail clippers, mittens, car seat, receiving blankets, going home outfit for baby

So what do you think?  This is a pretty long list and I feel like my whole car will be full if I bring all of this stuff?  Comments?  Suggestions?  Funny stories?

Week 32

This week was our shower!  Words cannot express the joy and happiness Jeff and I had on Saturday, September 29th for our "Ready to Pop" baby themed shower.  It was amazing and so much fun!  We are truly blessed to have so many great people in our lives...many of them there to share our joy.  We got an abundant amount of useful and thoughtful gifts, and we were able to see so many people that we unfortunately don't see that often.  If I could can the happiness and love I felt that day I would have! Thanks to everyone who made that day so special for us!!!!

Week 32 Updates....

1. Maternity Clothes: I am so sad to put away my maternity crop jeans...the time has come to say good bye!
   
2. Stretch Marks:  This Mama Bee is really working!!
3. Sleep: Refer to board...Pinterest is my best friend at 4a.m.
4. Miss Anything?:  Turning over in bed without thinking it through first.
5. Movement: Really active...I love it!
   
6. Food Cravings: Jeff felt the need to buy some Halloween candy this week.  Needless to say the bag is gone and now candy is pretty much what I think about all day...and cookies, and pastry hearts, and Oreos....
7. Anything making you queasy or sick? This is the first week where I actually have been feeling nauseous at different times.  Jeff was eating this disgusting smelling meat and I nearly gagged.  I can't get the smell out of my head...ugh!
8. Showing yet? 
9. Gender: I have gotten so many different opinions that I don't know anymore!  I am getting anxious to find out!!!
10. Mood: Happy of course, but I cry at the silliest commercials.
11. Labor Signs: Braxton Hicks...now I know what that means-Whoa!
12. Symptoms:  I mentioned that I was not getting very much heart burn to someone, and what do you know, that evening it started.  Remind me to keep my mouth shut!
13. Looking Forward To: Maternity photos this weekend if the weather holds up!  I can't wait...an amazing teacher and photographer will be taking our pictures.  She is so talented.  Check her site out. Vita Bella Photography