A quarter of a year old already.  You are growing like a weed little one and you already have such a personality.


Your quirks this month...

.You LOVE daddy.  I knew you'd be a daddy's girl, but goodness gracious.  We are talking following him around the room with your eyes, smiling his way even if he isn't looking, and laughing at almost everything he does.  It melts momma's heart to hear you two interact.

.You've also started having more interest in your brother.  You will sit there and stare at him.  If you make eye contact with him he takes it as an invitation for kisses.  To which you still aren't too sure about.

.You talk, a lot.  And loudly.

.You aren't a fan of events that take place after 8 pm.  You and daddy are one in the same with wanting to cuddle and do nothing from 8 to bedtime.

.You love to nurse to sleep.  You love to nurse period.  You love to use mommy as a pacifier.

.You still love to nap in your swing.

.You are still wearing size 2 diapers.

.You have transitioned into 3 month clothing and some 3 to 6 month outfits.

.You fall asleep between 11 and 12 still.  And sleep for a good long stretch before starting your up every two hour to nurse game.  I'm okay with it.

.You don't like loud sounds that startle you.  Your little lower lip will pucker out and you'll fuss.

.You always have your hands or a toy in your mouth.  So far you have only shown interest in soft toys.  The hard ones still are not very much fun.

.You broke your first tooth this month.  You didn't have a lot of teething problems with it other than a few days of extra fuss.  It's on your lower left side, so not super noticeable yet.

.You are a social butterfly that will smile and talk to anyone.  You love to be held and don't care who is holding you (unless you are tired or hungry of course).

.You love attention.  If nobody is interacting with you, you will "talk" loudly until someone responds.

.You still look exactly like your daddy.. but several of mommy's friends and family have said they see me in you.  Which makes mommy veryyy happy!

This next month is a big one for you baby girl.  You will go on your first road trip and get to meet a lot of people that are very important in mommy and daddy's life.  I can't wait to introduce you to everyone.  Not to mention watch you grow more.  You are such a smart beautiful girl and as usual I am so so lucky to be your momma!


Don't forget y'all... military spouse/significant other link-up goes live Friday morning!  Stop by, add your link and meet some new bloggers!

A quarter of a year old already.  You are growing like a weed little one and you already have such a personality. Your quirks this mont...

So I've had a half written post in draft for months now.  A post where I went into great detail about how much of a nightmare setting up Grace's nursery was.  To sum it up?

-It took forever and a day to clean the room out.
-The touch up paint had to be re-touched up not once, but twice, because of the wrong finish.
-Our original crib came damaged and had to be exchanged.
-Not to mention half the furniture didn't get there until my parents did.. when Grace was born.

REGARDLESS.  Her room is done.  And I love it.

So without further ado...

As close to seeing the whole room as I can get.

Crib-Gift from my parents. Broyhill brand. Bedding-Gift from my Aunt Ann and Uncle Bob. Buy Buy Baby. Rug-Target on clearance. Bookshelf-Target. White Basket-Family heirloom.

Crib bumper-Gift from my parents. Also Buy Buy Baby.

I made these by spray painting basic wood letters from Hobby Lobby purple and  then wrapping matching ribbon around and hanging.  They are actually hung with a push pin hidden between the two layers.

Dresser-Family heirloom refinished by my Dad. Bookcase-Target. Lamp-Family item that I updated with a new lampshade and ribbon.

Artwork upper left and bottom right-Framed fabric scraps. Artwork on upper right-framed quote with punch outs from baby shower cards. Artwork on bottom left-Gift from my friend Rachel, who made it.  Check out RachJam Decor for yours!

Rocking chair-Family heirloom. Curtains-Purchased from Walmart years ago. And internet wires... because this use to be the office!

Her (sort of) organized closet. Shoes, burp rags, extra bedding on the left in the hanger. Two size ranges of clothing (this picture is nb and 0 to 3 month)(currently though, 3 month and 3 to 6 month). Extra diapers, blankets and receiving blankets. Clothing in bigger sizes on the far right. And 4 giant tubs at the bottom full of one of our family friends baby wardrobe (they graciously loaned it to us!)!

And a bump on the rug... aka Piston.

Side note... we rent, so the walls have to stay that awful yellow color.  It doesn't exactly go with the rest of the room.. but you gotta do what you gotta do.

So I've had a half written post in draft for months now.  A post where I went into great detail about how much of a nightmare setting up...

I'm beginning to realize that whole "it goes by so fast" sentiment I heard so many times is quite literally the truth.  I always brushed it off while pregnant... but now I find myself saying it over, and over, and over again.  Too much in fact.  Sorry for the broken record.
TO my sweet girl: I value every single moment with you more than I ever thought possible.  I LOVE being a mom.  Thank you for changing my perspective on life.

At two months... your quirks...

.You hate shots.  Haven't heard of a baby yet that does like them.  For you I'm not sure if it was that we woke you up to get them or the shots themselves.  But I do know that I hate shots too.  Why?  Because it kills me seeing you do that no-breathing cry.

.When you are hurt you do the no-breathing cry.  Which is an awesome trait you picked up from yours truly.

.You wear a size 2 diaper.  We have decided we are Huggies fans.

.You wear size 0 to 3 month including 3 month outfits.  Your newborn clothing was all put away a few weeks ago to make room for the bigger sizes.

.You are so alert when you are awake.  The world truly fascinates you.

.You hold your own head up and like to sit up with assistance.  And recently you've started putting weight on your legs if someone holds you up.

.You smile all the time.  Especially when told you are pretty.

.You love to stare at the ceiling fan.

.You haven't started regularly napping in your crib yet.  Usually you take your afternoon slumber in your swing or sprawled across someone's chest.

.Your brother has become obsessed with you even more.  I truly think you two will be best friends.  He takes every chance possible to give you kisses and doesn't stop until someone tells him to.  He seems to think your coos are a personal call for him to lick you.

.You coo a lot.  Love to talk to us in between smiles.

.Your witching hour has for the most part gone away **knock on wood**.  You fall asleep between 11 and 2... but don't tend to scream like you used to.  You just love to cuddle before bed.  But once asleep you can go back to sleep by yourself.


This post has been sitting in draft since March 25th (her 2 monthaversary)... which just goes to prove how life has taken a new direction.  Ain't got time for nuffin.  ;)

I'm beginning to realize that whole "it goes by so fast" sentiment I heard so many times is quite literally the truth.  I alwa...

Saturday I hit that six weeks postpartum milestone.

First off, for the thousandth time, how in the h-e-double hockey sticks has it already been six weeks??

So how am I doing six weeks after??

I'm good, if not great.  I've really been surprised with how "well" I've bounced back from delivery.  But I have learned a few things that nobody tells you before you go into labor, or after delivery while in the hospital.

1. It hurts a lot.  Getting in and out of bed, in and out of a car, up and down off of a chair, all that and more will hurt for a very long time.  This may only be true if you get stitches (like me... they stitched me up for the better part of an hour after delivery) or tear.

2. Pain meds like percocet will make your legs and feet inflate.  I was so swollen for the first few days cause I was popping pain meds to do away with number 1.  When I stopped taking them regularly, magically I returned to a normal leg size.

3. Breastfeeding is tricky.  Don't give up.  More than likely your little one will not take to it right away.  So stay persistent and calm.. it will happen (and then you will have a 2 month old chunk who is healthy in an "I'm-a-breastfed-baby" way.)

4. While you may not realize it while pregnant, when your body starts to go back to normal, you will want to jump for joy.  I wasn't one of those women who wished for my body back the entire time I was pregnant.  I wished to be able to bend, see my toes, sleep on my belly, etc.  But when I dropped the 20 pounds I gained during pregnancy within the first couple of weeks, I was seriously wanting to throw my body a welcome home party.

5. Again, while you may not realize it... if you see progress on the scale of weight being lost, you will want to celebrate.  Like I said, I lost the 20 pounds I gained during pregnancy, and so far an extra 11.  I feel great.  Some parts are still loose and jiggly... but man, even just losing a bit extra has made me a happy camper.

6.  With that being said... you will be loose and jiggly.  Things don't magically shrink and tighten back up.  Own it.

7. Even if you missed sleeping on your belly while pregnant, chances are you will not take that habit back up right away.  Why?  Let's just say your chest will be tender.. and yeah, that hurts to lay on.

8. You may pull muscles you didn't know you could pull.  Somehow during the first week and 4th or 5th week I pulled a muscle in my upper thigh/butt cheek area on my left side.  I've determined that while sitting up to feed in the middle of the night, I was using that muscle.  And holy ow.  I walked with a limp, I grimaced, and I complained about that more than anything else.

9. I've touched on this in previous posts... but you gotta keep yourself busy and get out of the house to avoid the postpartum blues.  We've had so much family in and out of the area, visitors and in general errands to run, that I have avoided the blues.  But I actively warded them off.

10. No matter how ready you think you are... you aren't.  There is so much to learn.  And probably will be for the next 18 years (at least).  But having faith in yourself, your husband, and your abilities to be parents will get you through.  Plus, it's okay to be a bit of a worry wart about your newborn and their freshly developing habits.  You are a mom after all.

Let me just say.. I love being a mom.  It's challenging, and tiresome.  It is a full time job for sure.  But at least once a day I look at my daughter, and smile.  I love her so much.  I love this job and this adventure.  I love that we were blessed with this opportunity.  And I fully know we are blessed.

Saturday I hit that six weeks postpartum milestone. First off, for the thousandth time, how in the h-e-double hockey sticks has it already...

It is 2 am... the baby is asleep.  The husband is asleep.  And the dog is asleep.  Me?  I'm awake.  All I have been thinking about for a week now is blogging.. and how I need to hop on here and write.  But truth be told, there isn't anything to write about that hasn't already graced the blog since the first of the year.

So just a short update...

Last week we were lucky enough to get to have more family come and visit.  Rob has the best grandparents ever and since all mine are angels now... I am so thankful for these two.  They came and stayed with us from Tuesday to Saturday morning.  Grace enjoyed it.  Grammy enjoyed it.  Grandpapi enjoyed it.  Mommy enjoyed the extra hands.  And even though he had to work, I am fairly certain Rob enjoyed it too.

One thing I've learned since welcoming our first child... you truly find out who is there for you and cares about you.  Even this week, almost six weeks after Grace arrived, we are still receiving surprise packages and cards from family and friends across the country.  I still get texts from friends and family asking how we are doing.  We still have family planning to come see us later this year.  There is so much love for this child, and I love knowing that she not only brings joy to us, her parents, but to countless other people as well.. many who have not even met her yet.  We have had so many people go out of their way for us (visiting in snow storms, bringing us a hot meal, helping us gather our things to leave the hospital.. etc.) in this short less than 2 month time period, and I will be forever grateful.

I've said that before, I know.  But sometimes the love and thoughtfulness of others truly catches you off guard when you are least expecting it.

In other news, we've found our groove.  Or at least I'd like to hope it's a groove at least.  The witching hour has moved to about 10 pm to 1/1:30, depending on the night.  Way more manageable.  The screaming has died out some.  I've learned her cues, which makes things so much easier.  She's awake more, which is fun to say the least.  Nothing compares to the sweet smiles and coos that she is endlessly pouring out.  We are blessed with this one, I will say that.

This week we've even been busy while Rob is at work.  Running errands, just the two of us, going to lunch with ladies from the area, attending board meetings for the spouses club again... it feels good.  It feels good to get out of the house.  Yes, I have a baby, no, I will not use that as an excuse to stay home.  I can't.  If I do, I will wallow.  (I don't think I have ever mentioned it, but I am terrified of post partum depression.  The whole being away from the majority of my support system aspect, mixed with the fact that Rob for the most part gets to do things much the same as he did pre-baby... makes that whole ppd thing a serious concern.. so I keep myself busy, I stay happy, everyone wins.  Especially me!)  Regardless, I'm enjoying the routine of having things to do.  And having a beautiful baby to share it all with makes it extra enjoyable.

Otherwise I have many things I want to do (new blog design, re-doing our master bedroom ((it needs to become an oasis.... and not just the place we sleep and sometimes hang out)), finishing the last few things in the nursery, finally printing and addressing baby announcements) but I have no idea of when these many things will get done.  You know what.. I'm learning to be okay with that.  As long as there is time to cook my family dinner at night, throw a load of laundry in to keep up with the blow outs and spit up, pick up the house before bed... bigger projects can, and will, wait.

Besides, nothing is as fun as cuddling my girl and being on the receiving end of that toothless grin.

Until next time (who knows when that will be)...

It is 2 am... the baby is asleep.  The husband is asleep.  And the dog is asleep.  Me?  I'm awake.  All I have been thinking about for a...

Somehow it has already been a month since you joined us in this world bright and early at 1:14 on a Saturday morning.  How that is even possible.. I will never know.


A few of your first month quirks...

.You blew out of newborn size diapers, quite literally.  So size 1 it is.

.Your newborn sleepers no longer fit.  You are just too long.  Of course this was about a week and a half after I added about 5 more sleepers to your rotation.  Smooth move mom.

.You still fit in some of your bigger newborn outfits, but for the most part you've started wearing 0-3 month clothing.

.You like to swing, bounce, have your butt patted.  If the car stops moving with you in it, you aren't a happy camper.  You also like to rock.

.You typically only cry if you are hungry, or your diaper is dirty.  You HATE wet diapers.  You don't have time for that.

.You fight sleep like a champ.  Especially between the hours of midnight and 3 am.  It's your witching hours.  I'm not sure why.  Dad hates it.  Especially cause you bring out this shrill shrieking scream thing.

.You are 100% a daddy's girl, as I expected you would be.  When he holds you.. you latch onto his face with your eyes and just stare.  You never grow tired of him.  Ever.  And somehow he can always calm you down.  (Unless it is during the witching hours.)

.You have met your grandparents on both side of the family.  Your great-grandparents on Daddy's side.  Your Aunt Courtney, Uncle Daylen and Stella.  Plus countless local friends.

.You virtually met your Aunt Erin.

.You have developed to die for arm and leg rolls.  Maybe cause you like to eat every two hours, almost on the dot.  I can keep track of time based on your belly.  (Your grandpa Ritter used to say the same thing about momma's belly... you can always tell what time of day it is based on if mommy is hungry or not.)

.You love to be held.  Hate to be put down.

.You haven't had much of a reaction to your brother yet.  His kisses make you scrunch your face up.  No tears.  As for him, he's not a huge fan of your crying.  Not that any of the rest of us are.  But he leaves the room if he can.

.You get the hiccups at least once a day, just like you did when momma was pregnant with you.

.You have been to the beach already.  Among countless other places you most certainly will not remember.

One month already... time is just flying.  I always thought that was so cliche.  But seriously... it's insane.  Slow down baby girl.  I know I am.  I'm going to spend each day rocking you, staring at your face, loving and remembering every single minute of our time together while you grow up.  Always.

Somehow it has already been a month since you joined us in this world bright and early at 1:14 on a Saturday morning.  How that is even poss...

So now that my life primarily consists of little bit's schedule.. to include-dirty diapers, breastfeeding, sleeping, fussing, calming and cuddling.. life has slowed down just a tiny bit.

Randomness forthcoming->

Not that I'm complaining or anything... but I'm STILL working on mastering changing the baby.  She likes to cry and fuss like there is no tomorrow, then continue to do her business mid diaper change on the changing pad.  Someday she will hate that I put that out there.. but I've spent way too much time cleaning up dirty clothes, a dirty changing table, way too many wipes and multiple dirty diapers.  Something has got to give.

Also, how is it possible that such a little being can have such perfect timing?  The minute I get ready to do something I am needed for a feeding.  I'm finding myself sitting around waiting for her to wake up so that I can feed her and then tackle my to do list after she's done.  Like now.  Pretty sure I was warned about this.

We got dates for Rob's warrant officer schooling.  All I can say is someone up above is listening.  Rob doesn't leave for his 5 week schooling at Fort Rucker until August.  Which gives me plenty of time to adjust to baby girl and being a mommy.  Also super convenient because we get to go home for my sister's college graduation in May and Rob will be here for me to walk for my graduation in Atlanta in June.  Three cheers for all that winning-ness.

I'm feeling oodles better.  I'm still a wee bit sore, but that is probably to be expected with an 8 pounder.  My body has bounced back pretty nicely.  Obviously I'm still overly jiggly... but I've already shed all of the weight gained during my pregnancy.  Not that I'm bragging or anything.. as there is still PLENTY to shed.

Yesterday we got a surprise phone call from my in-laws.  They have been talking about coming down here but had not gotten any dates together yet.  Well surprise!! They are on their way.  They decided to leave Missouri in the middle of a snow storm, so they will arrive at some point later today.  Good news for baby Grace as I am sure she will be held up until they leave on Sunday.  Spoiled rotten.

And with that the baby is awakening... thus I am being called.  Mom life.

So now that my life primarily consists of little bit's schedule.. to include-dirty diapers, breastfeeding, sleeping, fussing, calming an...

She's one week old.  We survived?  We made it?  We got through?  Not sure how to sum it up.

It's surreal.  I can't believe she has been here for a week.  I can't even remember a time without her now.  It seems like she has been here for so long.

I don't know how to sum up the week because honestly it wasn't too terrible.  **knock HARD on wood**  Sure there were moments where my emotions were OUT of this world.  There were moments when the baby woke up in the night and just couldn't go back to sleep.  There were moments where the pain from giving birth was absurd.

But when I look back I don't feel tired, stressed, unprepared.  I was blessed to have my parents here in Georgia for a week.  My mom helped by cooking for us and doing our laundry for a week.  Both my mom and my dad helped with Piston.  Plus grandparents make the absolute best baby holders and my daughter was not going to fight that.  They held her late a few nights so that Rob and I could rest.

They left this morning.  I'm sad, not going to lie.  It would be so nice to have my parents near us.  But unfortunately we have chosen the military life, which will often take us far away from our support system.

We are lucky nonetheless.  Grace is a beautiful baby.  In the last week, we figured out the breast feeding thing.  We learned she does not like wet diapers, at all.  We've both been peed on while changing a diaper.  We've cuddled.  She's enjoyed her swing.  We went to a restaurant for the first time.  We got out of the house on three other occasions with baby.  She sleeps well and hard.  She's spent time alert and awake staring at her surroundings.  She even has good head control.  She's gotten a sponge bath.  She's adjusted.

And Piston?  Was meant to be a big brother.  She cries? He runs.  He gives her the softest little kisses.  When he is away from her for any amount of time.. he runs to find her and check on her.  I don't know what I expected with him... I knew he'd adjust well, he is hands down the most easy going dog.. ever.  But I guess I didn't realize he would adjust so easily and well.

So back to summing up the first week?  We've soaked up every last second... and I thank God for this sweet little girl... there really are no other words.

written Saturday February first.

She's one week old.  We survived?  We made it?  We got through?  Not sure how to sum it up. It's surreal.  I can't believe ...

When I posted last Wednesday hoping for the doctor to give us news like... "we are inducing, tomorrow!".. I never expected to actually go to the doctor on Thursday and be told that I was to report to the hospital that night to be induced.

Unfortunately I had been having some high numbers at night with my gestational diabetes.  Those high numbers COULD have signaled that my diabetes was switching to needing insulin.  So rather than risk it, it was time to get the baby out.  Plus we asked an estimate on her weight (the last we heard she was 1 pound, 1 ounce)... the doctors response? 8 pounds 11 ounces.. give or take a few.  YIKES!  Not exactly awesome words for a first time momma to hear.

Nevertheless, you can imagine our shock when all of a sudden we had mere hours left of just Rob and Amanda.  Mere hours that included me cleaning the house, Rob wrapping up things at work and my parents rushing around KC to hit the road for Georgia.

By 9 we were at the hospital and by midnight I had gotten my first dose of meds.  We were told to sleep.  Rob did.  I tried.  I've never been admitted to a hospital, like ever, so between the IV, the sounds and oh yeah.. it not being my bed.. I did my best.  Not to mention the anticipation of what was to come... way worse than the weeks leading up to it all.

I got a couple more doses of meds and was progressing... but I honestly don't remember 90% of that morning.  I was given some pain meds at some point that put me about ten feet above the clouds.  Which of course prompted a visit from Rob's higher-ups.. hopefully I didn't embarrass him or I TOO much.

The next thing I remember is my parents getting there around lunchtime.  From there the pain started to set in.  I waited as long as possible before the epidural but didn't want to wait too long and by 4, I was ready.  All I can say is thank God for the epidural.  Like seriously.

It took most of the pain away, but not the pressure which is what I battled through most of the evening.  I felt like my body was telling me to push and of course the doctors were telling me not to.  Eventually it became pretty evident that we were not meeting our girl on Friday.  Shortly after midnight though.. it was time.

Finally they let me push.  Which I did for an hour.  Half of it was spent doing the three sets of pushes per contraction.  The other half was me pushing through my contractions on my own.  Finally I asked the doctor where things stood.. and he said that part of her head was out.

Much to my surprise the next contraction and 3 pushes later Grace Elaine was here.

I got to hold her for a brief moment... a moment I will seriously never forget.  Rob stood silently by my shoulder and I could tell he was feeling every emotion possible.  Emotions I was feeling as well.  Who knew you could fall in love so quickly?

The nurse took her to clean her up and get all her measurements.  8 pounds 5 ounces.  With a full head of hair, a splitting image of my husband.  20.5 inches with blue eyes.

After a bit the nurse thought she wasn't breathing as well as she could be so they took her to the NICU to do some vitals.  Rob went with for her first bath as I finished getting stitched up (holy ouch.. my meds wore off and I felt EVERYTHING!).  Next thing I know my husband is walking back into the room holding our baby, ready for her first feeding.

Seriously.. I never knew love until this moment.  Nothing can compare to seeing my husband hold our sweet girl.

Nothing can compare to this experience.  I can't say I enjoyed every moment.  But the reward, is so so sweet.  I was meant to be a mother to this sweet girl and so far, I wouldn't trade it for the world.

Thanks for all the sweet wishes friends.

When I posted last Wednesday hoping for the doctor to give us news like... "we are inducing, tomorrow!".. I never expected to a...

Grace Elaine Gregory was born January 25 in the wee hours of the morning after 25 hours of induced labor.
Our sweet girl weighs a whopping 8 pounds 5 ounces and is sporting a full head of hair. After spending a few hours in the nicu for some breathing problems I am happy to report Mom, Dad and baby are all doing well.

Grace Elaine Gregory was born January 25 in the wee hours of the morning after 25 hours of induced labor. Our sweet girl weighs a whoppin...

I need to put down on "paper" my thoughts right now.  Like for'real.

Two weeks ago my husband was all like... "you are under house arrest... you can't go anywhere without me".  Last week I was all like... I neeeeeeeeeeeeeed out of this house.  So I went.  I ran errands, I went to lunches, I left the house.  This week... Rob was all like, not going to happen again.  He claims he has been taking my car everyday cause my seat warmers kick ass.  Let's be real here, he's driving my car because he knows I can't climb my very pregnant butt into his very tall truck.  How rude.

I'm going insane.... you can only clean so much (surprisingly).  You can only watch so much Real Housewives of ________________.  You can only lay on your left hip, then your right hip, back to your left so much before you must sit up.

And seriously... you can only answer "how are you feeling?" so many times before literally going insane.  I'm feeling the same.

Anxious.
Impatient.
Excited.
Nervous.
Ready.
Uncomfortable.

Physically not much has changed.  Friday we had contractions every 20 minutes for about 2 hours.  We were ready for the hospital... but sike.. and since then, not a whole lot of anything.  One of my old co-workers had her baby on Sunday... her due date?  Our due date.  Come onnnnn!!!!

I know, I know, she will come when she is ready.  Let her grow as much as possible for she will be as healthy as possible.  I've heard it all, and I am.. I'm letting her do her thing.

But I'm also hoping our appointment tomorrow morning delivers some much anticipated good news.  I wouldn't be opposed to be induced.. oh I don't know.. Friday.  I'm so ready to meet this baby.  So. Ready.

I need to put down on "paper" my thoughts right now.  Like for'real. Two weeks ago my husband was all like... "you are ...

I realize this has kind of morphed into a blog all about baby... but let's be real here... we are playing the baby waiting game and there isn't a whole lot else going on to talk about... so deal with it.

Sorry bout my sweater covering that bump.

What Fruit are you?
A leek.

Due date:  
January 28th... less than two weeks!

How far along:  
38 weeks one day.

Next appointment:  
Next Thursday.

Gender:  
It's a girl!
Total weight gain/loss:  
Up 18 total.

Swelling: 
Some.. if I'm on my feet all day.  My ring was pretty stuck on my finger the other day.  But I'm determined to make it last until baby gets here!

Maternity clothes:  
All the way.

Belly button:  
In.

Sleep:
Horrendous.  Between peeing 354698643 times a night and having to practically be awake to turn over, I'm not getting very good sleep these days.  I guess my body is preparing for once little bit is here. ;)

Food cravings:  
Had a weird craving for pigs in a blanket the other day.  Haven't had those since I was like 10 maybe... so I have no idea where THAT one came from.  (For the record, I didn't follow through on my craving.)
Symptoms:  
Rough sleep. Back pain.  My feet have been super sore.  Some cramping. Really just any aching that can possibly be happening on my body.. is.

Movement:  
All the time.  Like I've said before, she's out of room, so I feel every little roll.

Labor signs: 
Just some cramping.  I may have had my first contraction the other day.  But since I've never done this before I am not entirely sure what to be looking for.  We are 30 to 40% effaced and 1 cm dilated as of Monday.

What I miss:  
The way my body used to handle long days.. as in it could.  Now it can't.  Haha.

What I'm loving:  
That she could be here any day!!  Baby watch is more fun than baby growing. :)
What I'm looking forward to:  
Friday!  Warrant board results come out... say a prayer the husband man is picked up please and thank you.

Best moment this week: 
Besides the appointment on Monday... I'd say having lunch today with old co-workers and having them repeatedly tell me that I look great and that the weight I am carrying is ALL baby.  Seriously made my day. :)

I realize this has kind of morphed into a blog all about baby... but let's be real here... we are playing the baby waiting game and ther...

Source.

I've got nothing to do but wait.
I guess that is all there is to do at the end of your pregnancy.
Wait for my sweet baby to make her grand arrival.

It may or may not come as a surprise to some of you followers... but I am not a patient person.  In fact I am VERY impatient.  Plus I get anxiety when things don't happen as switfly as I think they should.  Which means this whole waiting on a baby game... is not fun.

Rob's over it.  My emotions are like a roller coaster ride.  Usually he gets the butt end of the stick.  I mean he thought the last 8 months were kind of rough (since we found out in May) so this anxiety ridden impatient wait is basically the worst.

I've cleaned.
I've folded.
I've checked off the to do list.
I've shopped.
I've walked.
I've slept, well kind of.

And now... I just wait.

For those curious... I've had some pretty good cramping, but few actual contractions.  As for the rest of the process... there is little to no progress.  I guess I shouldn't be surprised since I still technically have over two weeks.  But 1 cm is nowhere near what I was hoping to hear this morning!

Pray I can find the patience needed to make it until this baby makes her debut.  Pray.Hard.

Source. I've got nothing to do but wait. I guess that is all there is to do at the end of your pregnancy. Wait for my sweet baby ...

The weeks are seriously running together... Thus why these bump posts are going to be combined.  Because I legit don't ever take pictures when I have a nice outfit on.  Too much work.  I legit don't do much of anything except lay around.  Also too much work.  Is this how the end of pregnancy is for everyone?!

What Fruit are you?
A cantaloupe // Romaine lettuce.

Due date:  
January 28th.

35 weeks.. Christmas.

How far along:  
34 weeks!!! A little over a month left. // 36 weeks... officially in the home stretch!

Next appointment:  
Tomorrow. // Had one today.. next one is next week!! Ah, on to weekly appointments!

Gender:  
It's a girl!!

37 weeks.

Total weight gain/loss:
15 total.. so far.
 
Swelling: 
None!

Maternity clothes:  
All the way.. I still have a few shirts that fit, but it's getting fewer and further between. // Sweatpants and t-shirts.  Haha.  That IS my uniform.  When I do leave the house I have a few shirts that still fit.. a few though.

Belly button:  
In. // My belly button piercing though? Took it out a few weeks ago as it was starting to hurt.

Sleep:
Very hit or miss.  Have to wake up to roll over.  Got not one but two little feet in my right rib.  Which is super fun.  Not to mention the occasional bout of insomnia keeping me awake when I want to be asleep. // Still very hit or miss.  Up basically every two hours to pee.  Which is fabulous, y'all have no idea.  Plus my hips go numb and I have to roll to the other side.  It's a joy.

Food cravings:  
Chocolate.  Glad to know she is just like her momma. // Texas Roadhouse ceasar salad.

Symptoms:  
Some sharp rib pain due to the lovely feeties in my rib. Waddling.  Shortness of breath a lot quicker than before. // All the above.. plus virtually not being able to bend over.

37 weeks.

Movement:  
All the time.  She's apparently out of space because it hurts when she moves sometimes!  // Still fairly often.  She responds to our voices a lot.  Rob will put his face next to my belly and talk to her and she will kick him.  He loves it.

Labor signs: 
None! // My first sign of Braxton Hicks came last week.  Some low dull cramping.  Luckily it all subsided with some water and laying down.

What I miss:  
Alcohol.  Being able to move like normal.  Not having to prick my finger. // My mobility!  LOL.

What I'm loving: 
That we get to see her every two weeks... and things are looking good! // That we are into the last month.  Today I had my first cervix check.  It's getting so so real.  We are on to under a month [hopefully].  The final checklist is created.. and now it's a waiting game while crossing stuff off!

What I'm looking forward to:  
The appointment on Wednesday and Christmas!! // The middle of the month.. warrant board lists are released.  Then we can plan through May a bit more.  SO much is left in limbo while we wait.

37 weeks. I apologize for the smudged mirror..

Best moment this week: 
Rob was off for the whole week... and thus hanging out with him and P was definitely the highlight of my weekend.  // More husband off time.  Plus, Christmas.  It was a peaceful quiet holiday spent together with our dog.  I enjoyed it and look forward to what our next holiday will entail.  Truly magical.

The weeks are seriously running together... Thus why these bump posts are going to be combined.  Because I legit don't ever take picture...

It's officially getting real y'all... I'm going to be a mother soon.  More than just a fur-mom.  I'm going to be responsible for a living breathing real life human...

Pause for effect.  Let's let that sink in.

I'd be lying if I sat here and said I'm not scared or nervous.  Let's be frank.  I'm terrified. Terrified of labor and giving birth.  Terrified of learning the ropes of this huge responsibility. Terrified to raise a child, not to mention a girl.  Terrified of how drastically (and potentially quickly) my life is going to change.

My one bit of strength?  My support group.  I may be the only one able to deliver this little bit to the real world... but I get to learn the parenthood ropes with my husband.  So far he's had it relatively easy... but once she is here... it's on.  I couldn't ask for a better partner to tackle this next step in our life with.  With him, I am blessed to have parents that are excited for this adventure.  Excited to help in any way they can as we transition into this new world.  Finally, I am blessed with countless family members and friends who have checked in on me and share our enthusiasm for this little person about to make her appearance.

I know I am blessed to even have this opportunity.  I know I am strong enough to get through it... but the fear of the unknown has been on my mind so much lately.  Uncharted territory gives me the jitters... and all I can say is... the definition of uncharted territory doesn't even being to describe this next life change.

Source.

"God will never lead you to it, if he can't get you through it." It's officially getting real y'all... I'm go...

In case you missed my Thanksgiving post we just rolled back into town after a 5 day get away to Tampa to spend the holiday with Rob's grandparents, aunt, and her family.  It was glorious... but exhausting.  Funny how vacation does that to you.  Maybe because I am now into my 32nd week of pregnancy... that doesn't help either.  But what, 32nd week?!  Wow how time flies!

What Fruit are you?
A large jicama... aka a Mexican yam apparently.

Due date:  
January 28th!

How far along:  
32 weeks!  8 to go.

Next appointment:  
Tomorrow!

Gender:  
Sweet baby girl!

Total weight gain/loss:  
Up 11 pounds total.

Swelling: 
Ankle swelling from riding in the car.  My feet look hugenormous... it's gross.

Maternity clothes:  
Pretty much if I want to wear anything other than sweats I am officially into maternity clothes.  Which is awesome when you have two maternity shirts.. :D

Belly button:  
In.

Sleep:
A wee bit rough.  I wake myself up to roll over for the most part, so that is not fun, at all.

Food cravings:  
Rum.  Does that count as a food?
Oh and wine this week.

Symptoms:  
Crazy back pain, swollen ankles and over pricked fingers.  Shout out to gestational diabetes for that last one.

Movement:  
All. The. Time.  Her and Rob play together.. he will shake my belly and she kicks him back.  I love it.

Labor signs: 
None.

What I miss:  
Sleeping on my belly.. and just overall being comfortable.

What I'm loving: 
That we are officially less than two months away!!

What I'm looking forward to:  
The doctors appointment and getting our tree and decorations set up this week!

Best moment this week: 
Getting to be around family with the baby bump.  It is something I haven't really gotten to do during this pregnancy, so it was exciting to get to share it with others that mean so much to us.
And now for some maternity pictures!  A huge thanks to my uncle-in-law and grandfather for taking these pictures for me! :) I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.  [[all were taken at 31 weeks]]

In case you missed my Thanksgiving post  we just rolled back into town after a 5 day get away to Tampa to spend the holiday with Rob's g...