b.o.b. bump @ 34 weeks

Not too much to report this week.  Everything continues to progress smoothly! 

We had our 34 week checkup today.  All signs still point to a healthy lil' girl.  We met with our doula this evening and talked about birthing positions, our birth plan, and some good ol' chit-chat!

I continue to stay active.  I even picked 7lbs of blueberries last Friday.  I plan to head back this coming weekend and pick more to stock up the freezer.  Mike and I were able to take a walk by the river this morning. 

I have been dealing with some sinus "stuff" over the past few days.  The scratchy throat, head pressure, and constant sneezing/nasal drainage.  Not my idea of fun at this point, but I am very thankful that I haven't been sick at all during the pregnancy. 

And now I am off to bed.  I have returned to the nights of early to bed!  I won't complain because I love my bed and will enjoy it while I still can! :)

b.o.b. bump @ 33 weeks

Can someone slow down the time?!?!?! Summer is quickly coming to an end and the timer for this bun in the oven will be going off very soon!!!

Today actually marks 33 weeks and 3 days of baby baking progress!  Last Friday I had a two week checkup.  Mom went with me because we went out of town afterwards.  Everything was wonderful!  I was measuring correctly, heart beat was 143, and she is head down.  I talk to b.o.b. daily and remind her to stay head down! I was able to ask questions about the actual labor, like how many people are allowed in the delivery room.  The answer-18!  I don't think I will be having that many.  Actually at this point I know I will have for sure Mike and our doula.  I am a pretty independent gal and like to do things on my own, so I may or may not have anyone else.  Only time will tell. My other positive note was my weight gain-1 pound in two weeks.  So far I have only gained 18lbs which keeps me right on track with where I should be! 
Mom and I then went to Fredericksburg to visit my Nona (grandmother), uncle and aunt, and cousins.  We picked up a glider rocker that belongs to my uncle and aunt.  It was used when my cousins were babies.  So it's nice to be able to borrow something that is in the family.  I look forward to the times when I will get to use it with our lil' Miss!  We enjoyed great vegan food while visiting with the family.  Every time I am there they inspire me to make more health conscious choices.  If only I could hire a chef and I would become vegan in a heartbeat.  There are so many great alternatives in the market today!

Mike and I got some great recommendations of pediatricians from friends.  I think we will try talking to a few in the next couple of weeks before I have to go back to work.  One big topic that is on our mind is vaccinations!  Did you know that newborns receive a shot on the day of their birth?!?!?!  We are all for vaccinations, but not the exact schedule that is given these days.  So this will be something we continue to discuss more in detail. 

We have scheduled our next doula meeting for next Tuesday.  Our topic of discussion is going to be our birth plan.  I have already been thinking about what I do and don't want to take place.  Of course I do  know that this is just a plan and that things may not go as "planned." I am optimistic though and hope that we will be able to follow the plan that we put in place.

Summer school has come to an end and I have two weeks left of summer vaycay!  I have already accomplished washing the blankets, sheets, towels, and 0-3 month clothing for our little gal.  A house cleaning party will be in the works for one day.  If you want to join just let me know!!!  I plan on staying active and getting things accomplished.  But I am sure some down time will be squeezed in too :)

BTW have I mentioned this gal has hiccups at least twice a day?!?!  I love feeling her move around, but hiccups are by far my least favorite movement.  I guess it is the repetitiveness of them.  I have been reading that this could be a sign of how often she will have them post-womb.  At least they don't bother her like they do when we have hiccups.

So this pic is more like 33 1/2 weeks!

b.o.b. bump @ 32 weeks

The past week has been quite busy.  I worked summer school from 8-2 each day.  Then on Thursday afternoon I went to White Rocks Campground for the Chamber's Family Reunion.  Mike had already gone up on Wednesday.  We enjoyed great food and catching up with relatives.  On Saturday before the big dinner, Brittany Lambert (who will watch our lil' Miss when I go back to work) threw a "mountain shower" for myself and another cousin, Jamee. I am so excited that Jamee is expecting in January.  It will be wonderful to have another generation running around together on the mountain.  We were showered with a plethera of items and a real rain shower.  Yes, half of the time I was on the mountain it rained, but that is to be expected. Overall it was a blast! 

So at this point in the pregnancy I am getting constantly asked what we are having and then the next question is "Do you have a name picked out?"  Yes, we do have a finalized name, but sorry we are not sharing.  A few close friends and family members do know.  Everyone else I am sorry but you will have to wait till her arrival come mid-September!

I am starting to get a little anxiety about the remaining things we need to accomplish before her arrival.  I know it will get done, but when I say there are 8 weeks/2 months left I become a little distraught.  That time is going to be gone in the blink of an eye.  Ahhhhhh!  We are so anxious for her arrival, but if she wants to bake a little longer I will have not problem with that!

8 weeks to go......

b.o.b. bump @ 31 weeks

Golly day....only 9 weeks to go!

I started teaching summer school on Monday.  It has been going well aside from the unorganized beginning.  It's nice to be around fellow colleagues and enjoy some socialization with adults.

I will be heading off to the 93rd Chambers family reunion tomorrow.  It is a wonderful time!  We camp up at White Rocks in Giles County.  The big meal is always on the Saturday before the third Sunday in July.  As I prepare for this year's reunion I am already thinking about next year and how we will have our little girl joining us!!!  And I think about all the extra stuff we will bring on top of the many boxes and items we already take.  But it is going to be so worth it!  I am glad she will get to be a part of this great tradition.  I think we will also be having a Wills family reunion, so she will be meeting lots of family next summer :)

I had to take this pic on my own, so here is the best I could do......

b.o.b. bump @ 30 weeks

It's hard to believe I am 3/4 of the way through this pregnancy!  So I think it is close enough that I am officially beginning a countdown...which in a way is kind of mind blowing!  This only means I need to get my tooshie in high gear to get some remaining tasks complete!

So the list begins....
1.  Complete paperwork for maternity leave
2.  Find a pediatrician
3.  Finalize nursery (artwork to hang, finish organizing, etc.)
4.  Take a birthing class-we have decided to take a private class with a doula-in-training rather than the hospital classes
5.  Wash all the linens, clothes, and cloth diapers (Yes! I am going to try them) for our little one's arrival
6.  Install the car seat
7.  Begin working on our birth plan
And I am sure I will be adding to this list as the days continue to become ever so closer to birth-day!  Aaaahhh!

On a super happy note I just returned from what I am pretty sure is my last beach visit till after our lil' Miss arrives.  I took a trip to Oak Island, NC with my mom and step-dad last Thursday and returned today.  It was an amazing time.  Sun, fun, and just a relaxing time overall.  I got my fill of seafood which consisted of shrimp, oysters, and clams each day.  Visits were made to the neighboring town of Southport for 4th of July events.  Shopping took place, which mainly was for the nursery.  I found a night light and some artwork that will go perfectly in the space (pictures soon to come).  I was sad to leave today, but know that the next time I return will be even more eventful and exciting because our little girl will be joining us!!!!

So tomorrow is July 4th!  My absolute favorite holiday and it is also our 3rd wedding anniversary!  I must say that a girl couldn't be any happier :)    I am married to an amazing man who is going to be an absolutely magnificent father!

So here is to 10 weeks remaining and the celebration of our family-to-be!!!