Those close to us and close followers of this blog, know just how special it is for us to be full term with Baby August. Having been told that we lost the pregnancy very early on, and having been on both bed rest and medication to keep both girls in at some point, it feels surreal to be here. I had my weekly appointment with the Dr. that delivered Eloise last week, and he looked right at me and said "Well, this is a perfect low risk pregnancy" - of course, I started crying. In fact, I tear up even as I type that. And for the first time, I'm not overly anxious for baby to arrive. Don't get me wrong, I am SO excited to meet, kiss, and smell this sweet baby (and another Andrew clone!), but I'm perfectly fine with baby fattening up for a few more weeks. :)
How far along?:37w, 1 day How big is baby?:about 7lbs or so Weight gain/loss?:+34lbs Stretch marks?:Just the oldies. Maternity clothes?: At this point, I've graduated from maternity clothes and they are all tight, and I'm wearing Andrew's basketball shorts and his t-shirts to sleep. Sleep?:Eh, it's ok. I have to wake up to pee 2-3x a night, so that obviously is disruptive. Food cravings?: None. I just want food in general. Gender?:Still Team Green! Movement?: This baby is my most active in utero. The headbutts are starting to hurt and at times hit this nerve that sends an uncomfortable pain down my leg. Belly button?:half in, half out - not very attractive. Symptoms?: hmmmm I don't know, really. I have some Braxton Hicks here and there, and if I've been on my feet too much some lower pelvic pain, but I really cannot complain! I'm pretty comfortable for being full term.
What are you looking forward to this week?: Well, it's my first official week of maternity leave since I finished shooting last Wednesday. I plan on soaking up fun time with the girls and celebrating Adalyn's FOURTH (what?!) birthday on Thursday. Andrew's company is also letting him work out of NYC until the baby comes and then he will take a week's vacation when baby is here. So, I'm also looking forward to the increased family time. And the nursery will be officially finished next weekend. It's been delayed because I had this "brilliant" idea to refinish and distress a crib, and I'm about 3/4 finished with it. I'll share pictures when the crib and everything is up! It's been so fun getting ready for baby! My mom spoiled Baby August with some "gender neutral" clothing items, and Adalyn was SO excited to help fold them all. I'm going to try and keep up her enthusiasm for some diaper changes. ;)
cell phone snap
The Official Coming Home Outfit!
I have the most incredible group of mommy friends that I've had the privilege of knowing since Adalyn was born. They threw me a complete SURPRISE baby shower a few ago. Here is another instance when I can just tear up just thinking about it. No one has every surprised me like that and they put so much thought and effort to make it special for me. They even purchased some sweet things for the girls!! I am so blessed to have these amazing, loving, caring, smart, beautiful women in my life.
cell phone snap
cell phone snap
cell phone snap
cell phone snap
cell phone snap
It's crazy to think that in such a short amount of time, I'll be surrounded by so much baby love, coupled with, I'm sure, complete and utter exhaustion! <3
I can't even believe that it's already mid July! Summer hasn't always been my favorite season, but as the girls get older, I love it more and more. We've had so much fun in the last month, and the weather has been nothing short of spectacular.
We started off the month with Adalyn's first ballet recital. I was definitely more excited than she was, but to say she loves dancing is an understatement. Her ballet school lets parents get up close and personal during the dress rehearsal, so I of course, brought my big girl camera. Adalyn was super excited to get to wear makeup for the first time!
My Nonni came for the occasion. She never missed one of my dance recitals and she wasn't about to miss Adalyn's!
I mean, such a natural!
I am so, so, so, proud of her and have already signed her up for class next year - at her request, of course.
Here is the video!
After her dress rehearsal Saturday morning, we headed off strawberry picking!!
With Kimi's help, we picked almost 10lbs in probably less than 20 minutes.
Eloise was absolutely ridiculous in the fields. She just picked and ate.
And also picked up the straw and threw it everywhere.
Sunday morning was Adalyn's actual recital and my whole family came to watch. Even my brother and his girlfriend Sarah came up from the city.
During the week we've been doing a lot of the YMCA pool, the local beach, icecream, etc. Life is 100x easier with Kimi here! It's so nice to have her not just for work hours, but to have her help for fun hours with the girls as well. Not that I super stressed before, but I had some very stressful days managing everything on my own. My stress level has been almost zero since Kimi arrived. And the girls just love her. She is such a blessing to our family.
Things like going to the aquarium, for example, are a million times easier and more fun with another adult to help you!
cell phone snap
cell phone snap
Kimi even helped me with Ellie's transition to a big girl bed! Ahhhh. The first 2 weeks were a little rough, but she sleeps like a little angel now.
cell phone snap
The weekend after Adalyn's recital was Andrew's sister's wedding. Given my pregnancy history, my doctor had advised me not to fly. Of course, I've had ZERO complications or signs of baby trying to come early and I could have flown, but it ended up being a special weekend for Andrew and Adalyn. Adalyn joined Andrew on his flight to Houston that week, and his mom and sister came to get her and drive her back to New Braunfels. She had a fun week with Andrew's family and then was a flower girl in Emily's wedding.
And June was wedding month! The following Monday, my awesome parents watched the girls while Andrew and I headed off for a long weekend in Rhode Island for my friend's wedding. My bridesmaid dress thankfully zippered, and we had a great time! It was probably the last time that Andrew and I will go away alone together for a while.
cell phone snap
cell phone snap
That next week, my good friend Ute took some maternity photos for me! I know I haven't updated very much at all about the pregnancy, but that's because it's honestly been pretty uneventful. It wasn't really until this week that I started to feel a lot pressure, some heartburn, and interrupted sleep. But I really can't complain at all. I don't even have the hip pain that usually get around this time. I definitely attribute this to not being on modified bed rest and being able to walk with girls 4-5x a week. Pushing these girls up our hills is seriously 90lbs with the stroller!
cell phone snap
Baby August - 32.5 weeks :)
July 4th weekend was super special because Andrew flew home on Wednesday night and we had 4 days of family time. We were super lazy that weekend and didn't do much other than go to the pool, beach, and fireworks! I was so proud of the girls for making it through.
Well, Adalyn alllllmost made it through. I have no idea how, but she actually fell asleep on my mom during the show.
cell phone snap
Look, a family picture! I don't know why I didn't think to take one with my camera. :/
cell phone snap
I think Kimi enjoyed her first 4th here as well. :)
cell phone snap
cell phone snap
And a bare belly shot for you (this was 34 weeks). I can't believe baby turns 36weeks this week!
