maternity sitting

In May we had a photos taken. Our first family portraits! We saved the pictures for Father's Day, but now that both grandfathers have received their pictures we can share some of our favorites.

33 weeks and Father's Day

Thursday we had another midwife appointment. Everything seems to be progressing well. Lil' man is measuring a little ahead (as he has been the whole time), and the braxton hicks contractions seem to be coming more often, but the midwife is not concerned. She is not convinced that I will carry to 40 weeks, but she does not seem to be worried that he will come too soon to be of concern.
I am definitely in the uncomfortable stage of the pregnancy. Struggling with keeping the swelling down, and moving around is getting more difficult. Epsom salt and I are on a regular acquaintance thanks to the heat and "cankles" I am starting to develop!
Otherwise, all is well. Mister moves all the time, which I love! Lets me know he is okay and healthy. He seems to really like his back rubbed. I notice he lays with his back on my right side a lot. Hopefully he stays in this position, and keeps his head down and his back away from mine.

image of a baby @ 33weeks in the womb

Steven and I had a great weekend. It was the first weekend in a long time that I didn't have to work, and neither of us had any plans. It was great! We had time to go to both farmer markets in the area, work in the yard, and any other chores we had been putting off. Steven also bought me a swing for the sunroom, like I have wanted. We even found pillows at the farmers market to go on it! I absolutely love it. I can see nice Fall days sitting out there swinging with my baby boy!

Sitting in the sunroom on my new wood porch swing!

Sunday we celebrated Father's Day. Steven spent time doing Fatherly chores (finishing up the sunroom). Steven working in the sunroom. First full wall he's built, so proud of him!

We also went out to eat with Stevens family. We had a great day, and despite the chores, I hope Steven enjoyed his almost a Father- Father's Day. One new advancement that has amazed Steven is we are pretty sure that our son recognizes his voice. Whenever he talks to him now, lil' man starts a wiggling and squirming in there. I think it's great! Next Father's Day we will be working on him saying "daddy". How exciting!

About 7 weeks give or take. . .we can't wait to meet you!!!!

Baby Shower

On Sunday my Mom and sister hosted a baby shower for me. I had such a great time and it was so good to see everyone. Family from all over was able to visit and even one of my best friends from grade school! My Grandmother, Aunt Linda, Cousin Stephenie, Aunt Peggy, Aunt Kathy, Aunt Hope were all able to make it, plus, Cindy (Leighton) Spaid and her boy Tyler. So many of us had not seen each other in ages, so it was so good to visit. Lil' man is going to have the best Great Aunts around (not that I'm biased).
We played a few games (of course), had lots of food and yummy cake. The cake made me only miss Publix grocery stores that much more. I keep crossing my fingers that they will make their way into NC.
Lil' man got so many gifts and is already so spoiled. I'm slightly afraid of Christmas, and I am pretty sure people are going to think I'm the nanny with how well dressed he is going to be! He has so many clothes it is unbelievable!

Punch bowl with floating rubber duck. Lil' man's first bath toy!

Diaper Cake Grandmoo made, plus all kinds of goodies on it.

Aunt Jessie- she looks like I caught her at something!

Aunt Linda and Steph playing one of the games. . .

Must be a serious game! Do you notice all three Aunts have legs crossed the same?

Moo and Aunt Hope

Cindy and her son Tyler. He was very excited about the cake.

He also helped me open gifts.

Cute little baby boy outfits. . .

and cute little toddler boy outfits.

Plus, bags and boxes filled with other goodies.

Thank you everyone!!!

Working in the garden

Every year I have a vegetable garden, and though I am a little slower playing in the yard these days, I was still able to keep the garden going this year. Steven has also been working hard on landscaping in the front yard. He takes care of the timbers and hauling the mulch, but he lets me plant all the plants. Yes, I said lets me. He worries so much that I am going to wear myself out. But I enjoy being out there so much, I don't mind. It is the least bit of exercise I can get some days, but I figure it's something.

Some of the Landscaping completed in the front. Our front yard has been clay for so long, it's good to see some green! I planted some bee balm, ground juniper, hostas, asters, christmas ferns, small evergreen trees and autumn ferns. I need the evergreens to help me get through the Winters up here. 10 years later and this Florida girl still can't stand everything being dead for so long.

My first blueberries! I have been waiting on these bushes for two years!

The first yellow squash of the season. . .

The strawberries are all done, and ready for me to clean up the bed and get it ready for next year. I had the best, sweetest crop this year. I picked my first harvest of green beans last night, and tomatoes. I finished harvesting the lettuce and cabbage out of the cold frame, so it could be ready for some transplants. Now I am just waiting on the jalapenos, cucumbers, squash and broccoli. If anyone needs some parsley. . .it is taking over!

My other favorite in the back yard. . .my roses. These smell the best, but I also love the yellow ones, and the white ones.

Trip to HOT, sunny FL

On Wednesday last week I flew to Florida to visit with friends and family one last time before the baby got here. It was the first time anyone got to see the baby bump in person, and the reactions were all worth the trip!
Wednesday evening, Jessie Lou (soon-to-be Aunt) picked me up, and at first she just hugged me and next thing I know she's crying with excitement over the belly! (Yes, I am ratting you out- that is what sisters do, right)? The plane trip had been much to be desired, including a lady telling me to move out of her way in the aisle (really, people?!) and being hit in the head with a big briefcase because idgits don't pay attention when opening the overhead compartments. Yes, that safety message is really for a reason. Contents really do shift. But soon at last, I was on my way down wonderful Hwy 436 to my Moo's house.
Everyday there was something, but overall the trip was pretty relaxing. Despite Grandmoo getting over being sick, she had taken care of everything, so there wasn't much for me to help with. On Thursday, friends of the family came over. Melanie Mueller and her daughter Amber came to visit, and it was so good to see them and visit. Melanie had made so much for the baby. She is so amazing and gifted. She embroidered cute little burp towels, and a baby bib that says baby Hoke. She also made my corsage for the baby shower on Sunday. It had cute little baby socks made into flowers. Thank you Mel!
On Friday, Grandmoo and Grandma Great (Jacob, the first great grandchild got to decide her title) and I went shopping. This is Grandma Great's favorite past time. She gets tired a little sooner, but rarely is ready to completely call it quits and go home. In the end we found nothing for us, but stuff for Steven and Pop-pop. How did the men get so lucky? We ended the trip with a ice cream sundae from Friendly's. They have the best Reese's Peanut Butter Cup ice cream sundaes and we don't have any restaurants around us.
That evening I was able to meet up with my friends Mike and Kim. Mike and I went to high school together and were able to meet up a couple of years ago at my high school reunion. Since then they've come to visit us in NC and it's been great the four of us being able to hang out. We went out for fondue and had a great time. Love ya Mike and Kim! Thanks for dinner. . .still thinking about where the four of us are going to decide to settle down and live!
Saturday was reserved for Jessie. We went to Ulta (her favorite store), and she showed her big sis how to buy makeup. Yes, I really do need help. In the end I left with powder and a brush. My basics. I couldn't even tell you what all Jess bought! Then Jessie showed me her new apartment, and lucky big preggo sis got the best preggo massage. Jessica finished school in May and just got a job at Illusions hair salon and spa in Casselberry. I felt so relaxed afterwards, and I think lil' man enjoyed it too. I am so lucky! Afterwards, we headed back to Grandmoo's for a girls night. Jim (Pop-pop) quickly left to escape the baby shower.
On Sunday, I had my baby shower, hosted by Grandmoo and Jessie. They did so much, and I had such a great time. I'll post pictures and write more about that later.
On Monday, I headed home. Steven and Cadha picked me up at the airport. What a happy pup she was! Steven had the nursery all painted! It is perfect. It will be so bright and cheery in there! There is still a lot to do, but I feel so much better that at least that much is done now. To top it off it was our wonderful neighbors across the street that came and helped him paint! Thank you James and Jolinda! We are such lucky people to have you two as neighbors.

The whole trip was so wonderful, and I was glad I got time to visit with so much of my family. Jessie got to feel her nephew kick, and Grandmoo got to spoil him and feel a kick or two also. I have such an amazing circle of friends & family to welcome this lil' guy into.

Third trimester

It's been a great week. Second week of the third trimester, a little uncomfortable, but we are in the homestretch. This week we had another midwife check up. Everything is progressing perfectly.
We also had a busy week with friends. Steven and I got to meet Harrison this week. Harrison was born 4 weeks ago to friends of ours. Harrison was a hungry boy and spent most of the visit eating. He is adorable, and we are so excited for our friends Guy and Elizabeth. Elizabeth looked great, and was able to fill me in a little on what to expect, and joys and challenges they have gone through in the short, but busy last 4 weeks of their lives. It will be exciting to see Harrison and our lil'man grow up together!
I also got to visit with my best friend Anita. It was the first time we had gotten to visit in months. She couldn't believe the belly! It was great being able to visit, and she got to get some belly rubs in. I was hoping lil' man would wake up and give her some good kicks, but I think all the pizza I ate had him in a carb load coma. He did wake up as soon as I got home of course!
While out with Anita, I also ran into my girlfriend Michelle. It was so good to see her, as I hadn't seen her since I got pregnant. Michelle was the first friend I made when I moved to North Carolina, and we worked together at the hospital while I was in college. We have stayed good friends and it was so nice to run into her unexpectedly. She made sure to get some belly rubs in too!
It is hard to believe how quickly time goes. I will be 29 weeks on Monday. Only 11 more weeks give or take until we get to meet our little man. Though we already got a sneak peek at him a couple of weeks ago. . .it's just not enough. I am so excited to meet him and kiss those little toes that have been kicking me in the ribs! There are going to be things that I will miss for the rest of my life, and then there will be some things that I will be glad are over and done with.

Things I will miss:

• Little jabs into my ribs, and lil' man trying out for gymnastics in there.
• Knowing that he is forever hearing my heartbeat. We are already bonding. Before we have even laid eyes on one another.
• The change in Steven, as he appreciates the new me. Even when I am having a hard time accepting the "mommy body". His constant amazement in what my body is going through and has done to create our son. I think I have earned a new respect from him, and that is wonderful.
• Being able to eat and not worrying about hitting the gym or feeling guilty!
• Knowing how well I can protect him.

What I will not miss:

• Difficulty of tying my shoes.
• Being so hot all the time. What am I going to do come July!
  
• Sweats. I vow to not wear sweatpants for at least 5 months after lil' man gets here. (I know Steven will be glad for this too).
• Heartburn.
• Knowing every bathroom in town, because I can't go anywhere with out visiting one. Yeah for no more weight on my bladder!
• Telling my husband to slow down. How did this happen??? I'm usually running laps around him!
• Sleepless nights filled with being uncomfortable and in pain. Sure, I know the baby will fill the sleepless nights when he gets here. But at least in between times, my hips will not hurt, my back will not hurt, I won't have to get up to pee on the hour, and I won't have the occasional acid reflux waking me up gagging.
• The weird things going on with my skin. Thanks to the "mask of pregnancy", sunscreen stock has gone way up.
  

Pregnancy is an amazing thing. I am grateful for being able to go through it, but will also be glad when the time comes for us to meet our son. Now, just a few more things to take care of before he gets here, like the nursery. . .if I just had the energy and time!

Day care visits

We have begun the decision of who is going to take care of our boy once I go back to work in January. What a decision! We started last week with visiting the YMCA that is down the street from the house. Both of us liked the facilities and the folks there when we left, but with no real experience in this we both felt a little lost as to what we should be looking for.

The next appoints were this week. We visited Abernethy Memorial CDC on Tuesday. It was nice as well, and the staff was all very friendly. But there were few things that Steven and I had concerns with. We visited Conover Academy on Wednesday. The diversity at this center was the best, and that is a big concern for us, but there were some security concerns we had. There are pluses and minuses with all of them, and now the decision is to figure out which will be the best for us. Only one has a wait list, but since we will not need care until January they think we will be able to get in. Such a big decision with so many things to think about. I am just thankful that I am going to have the chance to have so much paid time off to spend with my little man.