Week 37

How far along? 37 Weeks
Total weight gain/loss: 28lbs
Maternity clothes? Yes.
Stretch marks? No-Thank goodness.
Sleep: Sleep...What is sleep?  Napping is great.
Best moment this week: Having the holidays and spending some time relaxing with Michael before this baby comes!  We definitely need to enjoy this time just us.
Miss Anything? I really want a LARGE glass of red wine.
Movement: This baby likes to stick arms and legs out to really annoy me.
Food cravings: Nothing this week.
Anything making you queasy or sick: No sickness this week.
Feelings: I am so over being pregnant.  I am ready for it to over and done with.  We have three weeks left…no more.  I am hoping the baby will come early or at least before 41 weeks.        
Gender: We are not going to find out.
Labor Signs: No.
Belly Button in or out? In, but it is definitely starting to look different.
Wedding rings on or off? Off, which makes me sad.
Happy or Moody most of the time: Michael says I have become a crazy nester and that he is just letting me.
Looking forward to: January!!

Week 36

How far along? 36 Weeks
Total weight gain/loss: 25lbs
Maternity clothes? Yes.
Stretch marks? No-Thank goodness.
Sleep: Sleep...What is sleep?  I wish I could sleep normally.  I am napping everyday now, for at least an hour. 
Best moment this week: Celebrating Michael’s birthday!  It is his last birthday before the baby and before hitting the big 3-0!
Miss Anything? Nothing new.
Movement: This baby likes to stick arms and legs out to really annoy me. 
Food cravings: Nothing this week.
Anything making you queasy or sick: I got sick this week from Chinese food.  Guess I will not be eating any more of that over the next 3-4 weeks.
Feelings: I have felt overwhelmed.  Between the holiday and the D-Day getting closer there is a lot going on.      
Gender: We are not going to find out.
Labor Signs: No.
Belly Button in or out? In.
Wedding rings on or off? Off, which makes me sad.
Happy or Moody most of the time: I had an in between week on the moods.
Looking forward to: The New Year!  I am kind of over Christmas, and ready for this baby to make its appearance.  I know it will come soon enough. 

Gabby

Gabby is getting just as excited for her baby brother or sister to make his or her appearance.  She likes to snuggle with me, unless the baby is moving and then she wants to not touch me.  I sometimes catch her sniffing my belly when the baby moves.  I think she is trying to figure what is in there.  So I have to share some recent Gabby moments for you.

Please stop working and play outside with me.So sleepy.I couldn’t get over this position.Michael thinks it was a mushroom but it smelled bad.Gabby can be found sleeping in the baby’s room already.She always has to have her head on the pillow…this causes snoring.This is our Christmas Card Photo.  She loves her Mommy and Daddy.

35 Weeks

How far along? 35 Weeks
Total weight gain/loss: 24lbs
Maternity clothes? Yes.
Stretch marks? No-Thank goodness.
Sleep: There once was this thing called a goodnights sleep...I have almost forgotten what one was like.  This is probably a good thing since a newborn doesn’t allow for those either.
Best moment this week: I was so busy all week with work that I didn’t do much else.  I did go enjoy a bowling birthday party.  I got to bowl and I did pretty good!
Miss Anything? Nothing new.
Movement: I feel like the baby’s movements are slowing down.  I still feel them pretty often but they are more stretching than kicking.
Food cravings: Nothing this week.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nothing new.
Feelings: I have been pretty stressed out lately.  I am just nervous and anxious.  Michael and I have some big decisions to make before the baby comes and they are sneaking up on us pretty fast now.      
Gender: We are not going to find out.
Labor Signs: No.
Belly Button in or out? In.
Wedding rings on or off? I am leaving it off at this point.  If I put it on and get hot I can feel it getting tighter and tighter and that is a scary feeling.
Happy or Moody most of the time: I had an in between week on the moods.
Looking forward to: I am now looking forward to Christmas! We also start our weekly checkups this week.  Should be fun!

34 Weeks

We had such a busy weekend, that I forgot to do my chalkboard picture, but instead I have a sneak peek into our maternity photo shoot that was this weekend!!  Photography by Bryan Striegler.  Bryan is awesome!  First he sent me a few to get our Christmas card done (thank goodness), and secondly his pictures are ALWAYS awesome.  I can’t wait to show them all off.  He never disappoints me.  If you ever need a photographer for weddings or maternity or even baby, I tell you to call Bryan Striegler!!  I could brag on him all day, because he has done some awesome pictures for us in the past. 

On to how week 34 has gone:

How far along? 34 Weeks
Total weight gain/loss: 25lbs
Maternity clothes? Yes.
Stretch marks? No-Thank goodness.
Sleep: I do believe pregnancy insomnia has officially kicked in.  I haven’t slept well this last week.  I will wake up in the middle of the night and then I will be up for at least an hour.
Best moment this week: Having our maternity pictures taken.
Miss Anything? Nothing new.
Movement: The baby’s movements are stronger and sometimes I feel an arm or leg just sticking out which can be a little weird.
Food cravings: Nothing this week.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nothing new.
Feelings: The biggest feeling has become nervousness.  I am such a planner and I am at a point where planning really isn’t an option.  Michael and I have a plan for giving birth and it is something we have known we would do from the beginning, but not knowing how it will all go makes things no fun.         
Gender: We are not going to find out.
Labor Signs: No.
Belly Button in or out? In.
Wedding rings on or off? It spent most of this week off.  I can get it on and off still but it is tight and makes me feel scared that I might get to a point where it won’t come off at all. 
Happy or Moody most of the time: I have been very moody this week.  When I plan something and things change I usually care, but I move on.  This week has been one of those when things change someone might loose a head. 
Looking forward to: I am now looking forward to Christmas!

Gulf Shores BabyMoon

The month of November was just so busy for Michael and I.  I had my final work trips, a vacation, and Thanksgiving.  Needless to say we spent the majority of the month away from home.  I will say it helped keep my mind off my ever growing belly and the fact that we are getting closer and closer to the end.  Michael took two weeks of vacation in November, and he spent one week with me in Virginia for work and the other week we went to Gulf Shores, AL with my parents. 

It was my first time to Gulf Shores and I have to say it was a very nice vacation.  It was cool weather, so no sun bathing or swimming for us, but it was a great get away and time off from work.  Michael and my Dad played golf a few days and my Mom and I did some movie watching and shopping.  They have a great outlet mall there.  We spent most of the time just relaxing and sitting outside enjoying the waves crashing.  Nothing too exciting, which is a complete change of pace from our normal vacations.  It was much needed before baby Sperry joins our world and creates a big fuss.

Michael relaxing on the porch.Seashells from the first morning.View every morning was wonderful.Seashell graveyard.This seagull tried to get in every picture I took.My Daddy looking for pretty seashells.Mimi and Papaw on the Pier.I don’t even look pregnant in this picture.Patiently waiting for someone to catch food.I just thought this was funny.View from the Pier.Sunset from our house.Me standing in front of the sandbar.Eating yummy Royal Reds at Gulf Coast Steamers.My Mom wanting a belly photo here.My parents at the Oyster House.Michael and I at the Oyster House.  Yummy Gumbo.Had to get a shot of the Marlin.Water on the last day was so clear.

Week 33

My puppy dog really loves posing for pictures.  She was so cute this weekend, so of course she came over to sit for a picture with her brother or sister.  Hopefully she will be this good for our maternity/family photos this weekend.

How far along? 33 Weeks
Total weight gain/loss: 22lbs
Maternity clothes? Yes.
Stretch marks? No-Thank goodness.
Sleep: I am getting up more and more each night.  I have noticed my need to use the restroom at night has again increased.  I think some nights are better than others, probably depending on where the baby is positioned.
Best moment this week: This week has been slow in my life.  The best moment probably was watching my bestie’s, Megan, face when the baby did some crazy movements.  She was shocked!  Michael thinks he felt a foot this week. 
Miss Anything? Nothing new.
Movement: The baby’s movements are hard and hurt most of the time.  He/she is definitely running out of room and when it stretches or attempts to stretch it can get quite painful. 
Food cravings: Nothing this week.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nothing new.
Feelings: I am having a hard time getting my mind around birth.  We have been preparing everything for delivery.  Packing a bag (or starting).  Making sure we have everything that is important.  It is getting to be a little overwhelming.         
Gender: We are not going to find out.
Labor Signs: No.
Belly Button in or out? In.
Wedding rings on or off? On and off.  It depends.  My fingers have had some swelling, but I think it is because the weather has been unusually warm.  I can put the ring on, but it has been tighter and that worries me.  
Happy or Moody most of the time: I have been very happy, but my nerves are starting to get to me, but their will still be a smile on my face.
Looking forward to: I am now looking forward to Christmas, my doctor’s appointment tomorrow, and our maternity pictures this weekend!

Friend Baby Shower

A few weeks back our close friends threw us a baby shower.  It was a lot of fun getting everyone together.  We had a Razorback themed couples shower.  I think Michael learned a lot while opening presents.  Each one that he opened he got an explanation of what it was or does.  We have the best friends.  You know what they say friends are the family we choose. 

It just makes me realize how loved our new little one is going to be, when we are constantly surrounded by our friends and family’s support.  It is definitely getting close to D-day and I can’t wait to meet this little guy or gal.  It is going to make our lives better!

Michael’s Daddy Belt…It is well stocked.Bandaids and a beer, just in case.Rick’s Bakery YummyIt was such a nice day outside!The kids played under the tent.Thanks to some great friends, Michael and I will have a baby that sleeps.Practicing staying clean.Michael’s cousin is practicing here to be our babysitter!Opening more presents.Papaw got baby Sperry a giant bear!Not all the predictions but most of them!My beautiful hostesses! They are the greatest friends a girl could ask for! 

32 Weeks

How far along? 32 Weeks
Total weight gain/loss: 23lbs
Maternity clothes? Yes.
Stretch marks? No-Thank goodness.
Sleep: Sleep is getting more difficult.  I am becoming increasingly more uncomfortable, but when I sleep I typically sleep hard.
Best moment this week: Getting to eat some yummy Thanksgiving food. I love my Aunt’s fudge and I have been looking forward to eating all of it!
Miss Anything? Nothing new.
Movement: Lots of movement.
Food cravings: Chocolate Fudge.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nothing new.
Feelings: I am starting to be ready for this to be over with and to know what is inside of me.  I am dying to start this next phase of my life.  Michael is getting more and more excited as well.       
Gender: We are not going to find out.
Labor Signs: No.
Belly Button in or out? In.
Wedding rings on or off? On.
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy all the time. 
Looking forward to: I am now looking forward to Christmas!

Week 31

How far along? 31 Weeks
Total weight gain/loss: 21 lbs (according to the doctor)
Maternity clothes? Yes.
Stretch marks? No-Thank goodness.
Sleep: I have been extra sleepy at night lately.  My desire to nap has gone down, and my need to have a clean house has increased.
Best moment this week: We went to the beach with my parents.  It was great and very relaxing.  It was a little cool, but it was perfect for walking on the beach and just taking time away from work.
Miss Anything? Nothing new.
Movement: Lots of movement.
Food cravings: I ate seafood like it was going out of style last week.  Fresh shrimp and crab at the beach was amazing.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nothing new.
Feelings: I feel like our little alien is trying to find his/her way out.  The pushing on my belly is getting harder and harder and sometimes a lot painful.       
Gender: We are not going to find out.
Labor Signs: No.
Belly Button in or out? In.
Wedding rings on or off? On.
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy all the time. 
Looking forward to: Decorating for Christmas!!!

Week 30

Sorry for the delay, but last week we spent the week at the beach.  I have been traveling for three weeks straight.  Now I am home until after this little one decides to makes its appearance.

How far along? 30 Weeks
Total weight gain/loss: 20 lbs
Maternity clothes? Yes.
Stretch marks? No-Thank goodness.
Sleep: Sleeping harder lately, but still waking up 2-3 times a night.
Best moment this week: Michael went with me on a work trip and we had our friend baby shower.  We have been busy!
Miss Anything? Nothing new this week.
Movement: Lots of movement.
Food cravings: I still want Taco Bell at least 2x a week. 
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nothing new.
Feelings: Excitement!     
Gender: We are not going to find out.
Labor Signs: No.
Belly Button in or out? In.
Wedding rings on or off? On.
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy all the time.  
Looking forward to: Going on vacation to the beach!!

Family Baby Shower

Sunday, my Aunt and my cousin threw me a wonderful baby shower.  I was so excited to see everyone and to eat some yummy cake.  My family is so excited for me to have a baby.  I think most of them can’t believe I am all grown up enough to be having baby’s of my own, and sometimes I can’t believe it either.  I am the youngest on my Mom’s side, so next we will have 2nd cousin’s going through all this, but probably not for several years.   

The shower was a duck theme after my maiden name and ducks are very baby neutral.  I loved it.  My cousin and her mom did some adorable decoration and the cake (did I mention we had cake) was so cute.  The cake was a bathtub with ducks and bubbles.  Too cute!  We got tons of much needed items.  I will let the pictures do the talking.

Yummy Food with Sausage Balls!!Pretty Flowers!Check out that cake!!Punch with the rubber ducky pirates.Getting excited about opening present.Posing with my cake.Michael’s side of the family.  Cousin, Mom and Aunt.Me with my wonderful Hostesses! My Mom, her sister (my aunt) and me!Me and my MAMA…soon to be Mimi (I called her mimi as a kid)My MIL and me.Don’t you love my big helper! Thank goodness for her.  Opening presents can be tiring.This picture makes me look huge…so I had to post.All the wonderful gifts for Baby Sperry…he or she is already so loved by their family.