33 weeks

Hey, you know what’s fun to say?  “I’m due NEXT MONTH!”  We’ll just forget for a moment that it’s still technically 7 weeks away because that sounds infinitely longer.   ;)

Thursday was the 4th of July and we had the day off from work.  I ran some errands with my mom, dad, and little bro who is in town visiting.  Uncle Billy was pretty excited to touch a pregnant belly for the first time.  Meanwhile, Bobby was making his weekly trip to Home Depot and working in the yard.  When I came home he asked me to come into the back yard and follow him around to the side of the house.  I was getting a little bit nervous and fully expecting to be shown a snake or some other sort of dead animal that he found.

But instead, I saw this… and my heart exploded.

 

He planted a rose bush right outside Brooke’s window.  He chose it because it’s “tiny and pretty – just like she is going to be".  Umm… melt right into a puddle, why don’t I?

The next day I had an appointment at the doctor’s office.  It followed its normal boring pattern: pee in a cup, get weighed, check blood pressure, measure belly, listen to heartbeat.  And then she started feeling around on my stomach.  She got to the top right section and said “I can’t tell if this is the head or the butt.  Let’s go into the ultrasound room.”  She put the wand thing right up to that spot and instantly said “Yep, that’s the head.  She’s breech.”

@*#&#^@*$&##)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So I left the office with a handout of some uncomfortable looking exercises to do and a few tears in my eyes.  Obviously, having a C-section isn’t the worst thing in the world.  People do it all the time.  It just isn’t my preference… so I needed a few minutes to pout about it.  When the day comes we’re just going to do whatever we have to do to welcome Brooke safely.  But until then, it looks like I’ll be hanging out upside down.   ;)

32 weeks

We closed out the month of June with another baby shower.  This one was thrown by the sweet ladies I work with.  I didn’t sleep well the night before my first baby shower, and the same exact thing happened the night before my work shower.  I think I get major anxiety about being the center of attention and opening gifts in front of people.  I’m so appreciative and so touched by their thoughtfulness and generosity – but I also feel weird and guilty when people spend money on me. 

But clearly, everyone loves buying baby clothes, so I guess I just need to get over it.  :)  Brooke now has enough outfits to clothe 10 baby girls.

This weekend Bobby and I also went out to breakfast at our favorite spot on the island of Palm Beach… followed by a bike ride along our favorite bike path.  I was really turning some heads with my huge basketball belly.  :)

31 weeks

This week we had our maternity photos taken by the supremely talented (and also newly pregnant!) Jessica Lorren.  We didn’t know it at the time because she had not yet gone public with her exciting news – remember, this is still the 35 weeks- pregnant- me going back in time and playing catch up – and maybe that’s for the best because I probably would have screamed with glee and hugged her way too tightly.  An overreaction by society’s standards, considering we hardly know each other.  But the joy that comes with finding out that you’re going to be a mother… well, it’s just explosive, and all-encompassing, and if it is what you want in life.. then I want it for you too.  BADLY.  Because I know firsthand what it feels like to fear that it will never happen.

I also got in some practice with my gorgeous (but not superbly comfortable) new rocking chair

30 weeks

This week baby Brooke was showered with love (and tons of gifts made exclusively for itty bitty humans) by our lovely family and friends.  It was so overwhelming to see and feel the excitement and joy that others have for our expanding family.

{I'll add photos as soon as I have them}

It was also Bobby’s very first Fathers Day.  I know I’ll say the same thing next year because at that point he’ll actually have a sweet little daughter to swoop into his arms while she covers him in hugs and kisses on his special day… but a Daddy-to-be is still a Daddy in my book.  So he got a gift from his little girl in utero and we had breakfast with his family and spent time with my family that afternoon.

Brooke's Uncle Steve, Brooke's Grandpa, Brooke's Daddy

29 weeks

I’m really losing steam on completing my weekly updates.  As I write this, I am currently 35 weeks pregnant and trying to remember the details of week 29.  Exhaustion has set in.  So you can pretty much assume that whatever I mention that I did from here until delivery is literally all that happened in my life that week (with the exception of dragging myself to work and then promptly putting on pjs the second I get home).

Big sister Lia likes to feel the kicks too   :)

So Tuesday I had another doctor appointment – this time meeting midwife #3.  To cut right to the chase, I waited on the paper covered exam table for 40 minutes before I finally walked out and told the nurse that I couldn’t wait anymore and I was starving and about to faint.  She tells me “Rachel is heading in to see you right now.”  Lo and behold this woman Rachel is just sitting around in her office while I’ve just wasted my entire lunch hour waiting on her (and also starving to death).  So basically I dislike her immensely and never want to see her again.  I *did* however stick around for my 5 minute appointment after finally kicking her butt into gear.  I didn’t want my chart to be missing any information.  I need to find a way to ensure that my regular midwife is the one present for my delivery.  I might just have to beg to be induced on a day that she is working.

In happier news – along with Bobby’s new job came a company car for him to drive.  So last week we said goodbye to his enormous Toyota Tundra (and the car payment and insurance payment that were also kind of enormous).  What a blessing!  Freeing up this extra cash left Bobby feeling hugely generous and he decided to splurge on a “birthing gift” for me.  A term he must have come up with all on his own; in girl world these are more commonly called “push presents”.  But because this is never something I ever brought up to him (because honestly I see Brooke as the ultimate present) it made his terminology all the more hilarious and adorable.

Take a look at mama’s hot new bag!

28 weeks

Last week Bobby put his foot down and insisted that we get a 3D ultrasound.  I had nothing against the idea, of course... but our doctor had never mentioned it to us and people always say it costs hundreds of dollars to get it done.  But hubby said it was worth it and really wanted me to make an appointment.
Out of curiosity, I did a google search for 3D ultrasounds and the results that came back were all of these little businesses that do this as a novelty thing.  As in, it's not a doctor performing the ultrasound and it serves no medical purpose whatsoever.  It's just for fun.  
So that's how we found ourselves at 3D Baby Bump (which is conveniently located next door to a Carvel in a tiny strip mall in West Palm Beach) on Memorial Day.  They did a 20 minute ultrasound, gave us a DVD of the entire thing plus all the pictures, AND recorded Brooke's heartbeat and put it inside a little stuffed lamb.  All for $99!
We signed in and were then led to a large room with a comfy bed for me and a "man chair" for Bobby to sit next to me.  Then over on the other side of the room were two rows of movie theater seats!  Ya know, just in case you wanted to invite everyone you know to come along.

So here she is folks!  Our little miracle.  With a cute little nose and smooshy kissy lips.

So who does she look like?  Mommy or Daddy?  So far, everyone is saying Daddy.

27 weeks

How far along? 27 weeks and 4 days

Baby's size? She’s 2 whole pounds!  Awwwwww.  And she’s 14.5 inches long.

Weight Gain? 21 lbs.

Maternity clothes? I ordered a dress for the baby shower but it hasn’t arrived yet.  So I’m not sure if it’s a keeper.

Stretch marks? Thursday morning I was getting ready for work and saw some lines running down the left side of my belly.  I promptly began to cry and quickly got dressed and headed out the door.  The girls at work saw that I was upset and made me explain… which led to everyone laughing at me.  I guess they were expecting something more serious.  (Stretch marks are forever!!!  This is serious!!!)

When I got home at lunchtime, I took another look and no longer saw them.  Soooo, it’s possible that I overreacted to some marks left on my skin from my pajamas or my sheets or something.  This matter shall remain under further investigation.

Sleep? So great, and I’m so appreciative.

Best moment this week? I think my nesting instinct finally kicked in and I was able to organize and put away some things in Brooke's room.  We have been blessed with TONS of beautiful hand-me-downs... and I've kind of just been piling them up along the edges of her bedroom up until this point.  I also did my first load of baby laundry.  Her clothes are so cute and tiny!

Movement? She’s been pressing something large and hard (I’m guessing her butt or head) up against the front of my belly on the right side quite often!  What a funny feeling.

Food cravings? I kind of just want to eat cereal all the time.  Wheaties or Special K, please.

Symptoms? Braxton Hicks contractions!  Or so I'm told anyway.  I was hanging out with my besties for girls night and would periodically get some tightening and some pain on the right side of my belly.  They all said that's what it is.  It lasted for a couple of hours Thursday evening, but hasn't been back to visit me since then.

What I miss? This is another “I miss my husband” week.  He recently got promoted so he’s in that phase where you have to do your old job, plus train your replacement, plus get trained for your new position.  But this new job will be SO AWESOME for him.  And he won’t have to travel as much.  And we’re still staying local.  So this really couldn’t have come at a better time.  Praise the Lord!

We send him photos when he's traveling so he knows how much we miss him.

What I'm looking forward to? The rocking chair that I have been stalking because it’s been on backorder is finally on its way to me!!  This has been the only piece of furniture missing from Brooke’s room for months!  The nursery will finally feel complete.  Well, then we’ll just be missing the baby.  All in due time…

Weekly Wisdom: Well, I learned that I do NOT have gestational diabetes.  Score!!  I had to drink this sugary "fruit punch" drink and then have my blood drawn exactly one hour later.  My body is still processing sugars properly.  Whoo-hooo!

Milestones: This is the final week of my 2^nd trimester.  We’re in the home stretch now! 

Emotions: Stretch mark scare day was a disaster, but other than that, I’m just anxious.  Anxious to meet my daughter and anxious to drop this weight!

26 weeks

How far along? 26 weeks 4 days

Baby's size? Brooke is approximately 14 inches from head to heel and about 1.66 lbs.

Weight Gain? Ummm…. Like 20 lbs.  Don’t tell anyone.

Maternity clothes? I got a few new things from Destination Maternity online a few weeks ago.  I felt like I needed some shorts and a few casual tops to get me through our trip to Mexico without dying of heat stroke.  I’m hoping that once I find a dress for my baby shower I’ll be done buying maternity clothes for good.

Stretch marks? I haven’t seen anything suspicious yet.

Sleep? Glorious.  I want to just take one long nap until the baby is ready to come out.

Best moment this week? When I went to my parents’ house to pick up my dog after our trip, there was a gift there waiting for me!  From my Pop-pop!  I got so emotional at the thought of him picking this out for me… at 90 years old.  I just don’t have any words.  I’m so excited that he is finally getting promoted to Great Grandfather.  Brooke is going to absolutely love him.

Movement? When she’s awake she moves around constantly!  Sometimes she nudges me so hard, it’s uncomfortable.  She’s strong like her daddy.

Food cravings? Does ice water count?  I just want cold cold water.  And if my glass isn’t filled to the brim with ice… you’re gonna get an earful from me.

Symptoms? Oh my goodness, I had my first swollen feet experience on Wednesday!  When I put on my shoes to go to work that morning, they felt a little snug.  And when I got home for lunch, I kicked my shoes off to relax for a bit, and they looked all puffy!  I got a little nervous, but I was mostly just grossed out.  It was not cute.

What I miss? My dresses and pencil skirts that I haven’t been able to wear in months

What I'm looking forward to? I can’t wait to see what Baby B looks like.  I hope she has a tiny Duffin head (for obvious reasons)… and I hope she has some hair that she’ll let me put bows and barrettes in.   :)

Weekly Wisdom: We traveled home from Mexico on Monday… so this wisdom was in fact obtained this week and not last week:  Mexican men do not get up and offer their seat to pregnant chicks.  However, SO MANY of the Mexican women DO!  ?Como se dice “backwards!”?  Right?!

I totally wasn’t offended or anything.  I never even took any of the offered up seats.  It was just a funny observation.

Milestones: Successful completion of an international vacation while larger than a whale!!  And non-pregnancy related:  I upgraded my iPhone 4S to a new iPhone 5 AND upgraded our crummy first generation iPad to a cute little iPad mini.  Still important.  Still exciting. 

Emotions: Happy to be home in our own bed with our dog.  I like it when our whole family is together.

25 weeks

This post is super late because we were in Mexico most of this week!  Bobby's friend Aaron got married at his family's house in Chacala.  We have visited there once before about two years ago (see the pics here).

While it wasn't the ideal time for me to be in a bathing suit and surrounded by delicious looking cocktails, we really had SO much fun.  All of the other wedding guests were so friendly and above-and-beyond nice to me and my huge belly.  They all even made sure to wish me a Happy Mothers Day on my very first holiday where I kind of qualify as a celebrant.

Thankfully I felt super awesome the entire time we were there.  I got tired before everyone else, but I guess that is to be expected.  Even our air travel went off without a hitch - however, when you are blatantly pregnant the airline staff makes you sign a form that you assume all of the risks of flying while pregnant and won't hold them responsible.  I also had the privilege of getting the pat-down service from the female security team instead of going through the scanners.  Lots of fun!

My concerns were more centered around germy airplane air.  The thought of catching a cold and then being unable to take any medicine led to this decision.

Sorry to already be an embarrassing parent, Brooke.  But my air is your air and I want you to have the best.

I've already forgotten what I weighed in at this week.  But I think it was getting dangerously close to the 20 lb gain mark.

Here are just a couple pictures from the trip.

24 weeks

New and noteworthy this week:  My regular midwife wanted me to meet the other two midwives within the practice just in case she is unavailable when I go into labor.  So I had my 24 week appointment with one of them... and I really hope she's not the one who catches baby Brooke as she enters the world.  I just like my regular lady so much more.
We did the funny little measuring tape on my belly again though.  And once again she is measuring big!  2 weeks bigger, in fact!  But I think I finally have this weight gain thing in check, because I've only gained one pound in several weeks.  It's a miracle!  I'm up a grand total of 17 lbs.  We also took a quick peek at baby girl... but as they get bigger in there, it's kinda harder to see them.  You can really only see a piece of them at a time.

23 weeks

How far along? 23 weeks and 3 days

Baby's size? She’s probably about a foot long and just over a pound.

Weight Gain? I maintained my weight from last week.  Hallelujah!

Maternity clothes? Nothing exciting to add here this week

Stretch marks? Still no.  :)

Sleep? Can’t complain

Best moment this week? The only thing that really stood out to me this week is that strangers are now suddenly completely aware that I am pregnant… and completely comfortable asking me when I’m due, if I know the gender, and whatever else may come to their mind.  I was in an elevator with an old woman, and as she got out on her floor she said “If you want to name her after me, my name is Judy.”  Thanks, lady-I-talked-to-for-a-whole-10-seconds,  I’ll keep that in mind.  ;)

Movement? I’m finding that she’s most active at night.  Ya know, when I’m trying to sleep.

Food cravings? Hot sandwiches were my jam this week.  Pulled pork… Cuban… the Hero from Firehouse.  I ate them all.

Symptoms? Just a big bulbous belly!

What I miss? I saw someone drinking a margarita and I was kinda jealous.

What I'm looking forward to? Seeing my husband become a father.  I’m pretty sure I’ll just melt right into a puddle.

Emotions: Blessed beyond belief and eager to meet this sweet girl.

22 weeks

How far along? 22 weeks and 3 days.

Baby's size? 11 inches long and probably about one pound.  Her lips, eyelids, and eyebrows are more distinct, and tiny tooth buds are developing beneath her gums.

Weight Gain? 16 lbs!  Holy moly.  Time to lay off the sweets.

Maternity clothes? Funny/embarrassing admission:  I ordered a “swim skirt” this week.  It’s just plain black and I’m going to wear it with a regular black bikini top.  So… maybe in the end it will actually be cute.  I’m just really self-conscious of my butt at the moment and we’re going to Mexico in a few weeks for a wedding.

Stretch marks? Nope.

Sleep? Pretty great.  The Snoogle pillow and I are getting along nicely.

Best moment this week? I swam laps twice this week and started paying more attention to what I eat.  While it was sad to give up ice cream, it made me happy to think that I could possibly maintain this current weight for another week or two.  I’m taking control!

Movement? I simultaneously felt thumps on BOTH SIDES of my belly and I couldn’t help but laugh.  I was trying to picture what on earth she could be doing in there.  Stretching out before there’s no more room, I suppose.

Food cravings? Well – Ben & Jerry’s Phish Food ice cream would be ideal.  But I’ve been subbing it out for ice cold chocolate milk.  1%.  ;)

Symptoms? Sometimes my belly feels really tight and uncomfortable.  Sometimes I cry at movies that are supposed to be funny.  But overall, things are great!

What I miss? My slimmer legs and butt… and being able to drink however much coffee I want.

What I'm looking forward to? Putting Brooke in this outfit.  Are you kidding me with this cuteness?!?  It’s my favorite thing I’ve bought for her so far.

Emotions: Completely happy – with the exception of the moments when I feel really fat.  :)

21 weeks

In all of the excitement last week, I completely forgot to mention that we have a name for this sweet little angel growing inside of me.

The middle name is still undecided.  But Bobby and I both agreed upon our girl's name way back when I first found out I was pregnant.  It was only going to be a heated debate if it were a boy.   :)

How far along? 21 weeks and 3 days.

Baby's size? We found out at the 20 week ultrasound that our little girl weighs about 13 oz now.  And the internet (which has proven to be completely unreliable) says she is about 10.5 inches long.  When I saw my midwife on Tuesday, she used a tape measure and said that the baby is measuring 22 weeks.

Weight Gain? Up 14 lbs!

Maternity clothes? Dara just lent me some of her maternity stuff, so my collection is growing.  I just really need some shorts that fit because it is starting to get HOT!

Stretch marks? Not yet.  But at the rate that I am expanding, I’m really worried about it happening soon.

Sleep? I’ve been going to bed super early.  Like 9pm.  It’s tough to find a comfortable position, but I am able to sleep through the night. (Except for when I wake up because I’m sweating through my pjs).  HORMONES!

Best moment this week? I get together with my best friends most weeks to hang out and catch up.  This Wednesday we all went to Erica’s house and she bestowed two gigantic bags of baby girl hand-me-downs upon me.  It seriously felt like a baby shower.

Movement? She’s definitely still moving around in there, but she has taken it rather easy on me this week.

Food cravings? Again with the strawberry flavored things – Strawberry Eggo Waffles.  Amazing.

Symptoms? I had a nose bleed for a split second.  It didn’t ever drip down out of my nose… but as I was drying my face after washing my makeup off, I got blood all over my towel!  So weird.

Gender? It’s a baby girl!!  Bobby shall remain the only man of the house.

What I miss? The days when I felt like I always had enough oxygen, and my pre-preggo bod that I didn’t appreciate nearly as much as I should have.

What I'm looking forward to? Finally focusing my plans for the nursery.  I’ve been trying to keep it as neutral as possible up until this point.  So now I can finally collect my thoughts and girl it up!

Emotions: I think I’ve cried at least once a day this week about my changing shape.  Don’t get me wrong – being pregnant is everything I’ve ever wanted… but it gets a bit scary to watch everything chub out.  I can’t manage to go a week without the number on the scale jumping up and up and up.  I’ve got to find a way to just push this out of my mind for another few months.

20 weeks - 50% done!

We are halfway there!  {Hence the celebratory sequins.}  This has been the craziest week yet!  First of all, to be halfway done with this pregnancy is just blowing my mind.  Second of all, well… I feel like this requires a full story.

So, it’s Tuesday morning and I’ve been in the waiting room of Dr. Lowe’s office for an hour.  Bobby is still out of town, so my mom is there with me.  My stomach is growling because I missed my mid-morning snack.  (Yes, I eat something in between breakfast and lunch every day.  Don’t judge.  ;) )  Anyhow, they finally call my name and we head back to our tiny room with the ultrasound tech.  She dumps about a gallon of that goo on my belly and gets to work measuring all of the baby’s parts.  She says “Do you know what you’re having?”  And I say “I’m pretty sure it’s a boy.”  And she goes on measuring and clicking buttons and printing pictures.  We’re looking at the cute profile at this point and the baby has their hands up like you do when you ride a rollercoaster.  So I say “Awwww, look how cute he is.  He has his hands up.  If he is, in fact, a boy.”  I say this because I want to ensure that this ultrasound tech takes a look down below.  I never did get a solid answer from my regular doctor.  I’ve just been basing all of my thoughts on things I’ve read on the internet and things that a million women who have been pregnant before me have said about guessing the gender early.  The tech says “Who told you that you were having a boy?”  and I say “Well, no one really.”  And just as I begin to feel a bit silly for being so sure that I knew… she moves the wand over to the sweet spot and I have my answer.  “Where is the peen?” I think to myself.  I spent a good amount of time on Google beforehand - researching what it would look like if the baby were a girl vs. a boy.  And I knew immediately when I saw it.  
“It’s not a boy!”  says the tech.  “It’s a girl!!”

My mom and I burst into a mix of giggles and tears.  Holy cannoli… a baby girl!  At this point I become a complete jabber monkey.  My head is spinning with this utterly shocking and utterly exhilarating news.  So I just talk and talk and talk, which is so unlike me.  I don’t even remember what I was saying.  But I guess I was just trying to make sense of being completely wrong for the entire first half of my pregnancy.  HA!  I feel like such a goof ball.

And it’s only 12:30pm!

My agenda for the rest of the day included:

Returning to work where everyone was waiting with baited breath for the news

Taking back an entire baby boy’s wardrobe worth of clothes to Baby Gap

And, oh yea, telling my HUSBAND!

He had been traveling home from Costa Rica all day and would finally be getting home just shy of midnight.  I wanted to surprise him in person rather than just tell him over the phone as soon as his cell regained service.  So after work I got some pink balloons and our baby girl’s first dress and set it all up in her bedroom (which needs some major tweaks because it was definitely heading in a boy-ish direction).

Lia helped, of course

Bobby was so surprised!!