39 weeks 1 Day :)

We're still hanging on!! :)

My hubby and brother-in-law are out of the D-Day guessing game! Only Mom, Dad, and Kelli left!

At my weekly appointment on Thursday everything checked out great...with no progression towards baby coming early! So we will see! We did set a day and time for a post-due date induction day, so there is an end in sight to meet our little one! I have to be honest though, my feelings on this were unclear.  It made me nervous to have this date in my mind to know I'll be going in to the hospital and starting the pitocin. I know billions of people are induced, but it just wasn't what I thought would happen.  Of course, we still have several days before that...so maybe little one will surprise us! If she doesn't; however, that might mean she's a good listener!! I say that because...when we learned of our final due date {our first one was Sept. 27} than I could just see PUMPKIN birthday parties in her future and I got super excited! haha! I would tell her to wait until October so we could do that! We don't have any kid fall birthdays in my family so I have been dreaming of the fun that will be! I also thought Oct. sounded pretty good when thinking of taking time off from school and trying to determine if I could take off the rest of the semester!

Pregnancy Highlights:
{Due Date: Oct. 1}

Size: still a watermelon but could be between 7-9lbs! whoa! That makes me a bit scared!

Weight: +1 this week

Clothes: I now only have 2 pairs of pants that fit me without being too tight when I sit on my lower belly! haha

Cravings: Nothing really

Sleep: comes and goes...but getting much more worn down during the day than I had

Movements: Harper is still kicking good which is great since the books say she will start slowing down near the end. I haven't had too much trouble making sure she's getting in her 10 kicks a day or more.

Our Feelings: Brian is just over the moon anxious about it all. He's sooo ready for her to be here! I'm still good with a little bit longer on the waiting; but of course I'm ready to meet her! I'm just getting more anxious about the delivery part.

Can't wait to see if I'll be making one more Pregnancy Post or not!! :)

PS- If you haven't commented for the Give-Away...do so! You can comment as many times as you want! It's the post below this one! :)

My Pregnancy Reflection

This might be boring to a lot of my readers {sorry!} but, since this is my on-line journal, I want to remember my pregnancy as a whole.  A lot of my friends tell about how it's hard to remember parts of their pregnancy ~ which is why I'm glad I've chosen to write about it on my blog and keep a pregnancy journal at home to show Harper one day. So, these are my opinions kind of written to myself!

1. Being Pregnant is Different.
It's different because there are so many stages to a pregnancy.  In the beginning, I just remember being so incredibly sick and not being able to do anything about it.  Zofran didn't work for me, and I had to go to work while getting sick all day long {running out of my classroom} because I knew if I took off then, I wouldn't have as many days with Harper after she comes.  I also remember the dreaded fridge stage! I couldn't open it for weeks. Once I finally started feeling better (around 18/19 weeks) it was wonderful.  Then the last stage came and I just felt very run-down again and the pains of my swollen limbs were sometimes unbearable.  I loved the feeling of empowerment I have knowing it was up to me on how the baby grows so that I would eat and drink healthier.

*My favorite time of being pregnant was weeks 20-34. I felt great and I had a lot of energy. Plus, I loved my little baby bump that was getting bigger and bigger!!

2. Relationships Change.
As much as you want your husband, your friends, and your mom to understand what it's like...they don't and they can't.  Every pregnancy is different and every person handles it differently.  I felt like I did the best that I could with my friends in still trying to attend everything throughout my whole time - and that was truly hard. We have always been on the go people and we are blessed to have lots of friends and lots of things to do. Now looking back, I wish I learned the word, "no", and was able to say it sometimes.  I would come home and cry because I was so tired or emotional but didn't want my friends to think differently of me just because I was pregnant. However, your Mom is about the closest you can get to know what you feel like. Not that I had the same pregnancy as my Mom, but because I think they just come with a certain instinct to try and understand their child.

2A Relationships Change with your Husband.
I spent so much time in the beginning being so upset and anxious about my role at home as a wife.  I was exhausted or couldn't smell or see certain foods that Brian has to step up and begin trying to cook for us, clean for us, or go get food. He really had to do a lot and I cannot tell you how much I appreciated him.  It's also hard because you want things to stay the same, but they just can't.  But on the other hand, your relationship grows so much.  There were so many moments that only Brian and I shared.  The first movements and flutters of our baby girl. The secret we kept just between the two of us for a while. The hopes and fears we shared. The dreaming. The shopping. The life changes we talked about.  That part has been amazing.  Although we always felt like we were a family of 2, knowing we had just made an actual person because of our love is just something that I cannot express in words the feeling.  It will no longer be what Megan & Brian want, but more what is best for our little family and what is best for Harper.  I cannot wait to see how our marriage is with actually getting to meet our little one.

3. Faith Grows.
I feel like while trying for a baby, you have to be somewhat faithful.  It boggles my mind that there are people who do not love Christ - especially those with children.  Although we are 'making' her, God created her.  I just feel like both of our faiths grew so much and leaned on God so much during the 9 months and I anticipate that it will be the same throughout the rest of her life.

4. The Bump.
I wished for that bump to show.  I think I even sometimes wore clothes to accentuate the bump a little too early.  I was so proud of my bump because it meant my baby was growing and becoming healthy.  I'm so glad it's OK in the fashion world now to wear fitted clothes to show off the bump - because it is a beautiful thing. I thought I would be so embarrassed for when my belly button started to show, but actually I don't even care! It doesn't stick out too much, but at some point you just sort of stop caring about such little and kind of vain things. :)

5. Baby Showers.
Baby showers are so fun.  It was a lot more fun for me than wedding showers because you were opening presents for someone else! You know what I mean? It was neat to see how people are truly excited for you. People also love to recount their own pregnancies and labor stories and it's neat to hear from other people.

6. You are an Open Book.
For some reason, once you reveal you are pregnant, you are a walking open book.  (at least for me) People will say anything to you - good or bad.  People will ask you anything and expect an answer, and people will feel no shame to tell you what they think is the right way or the way you need to do things. That's something I just had to get over.  People truly mean well I think, but again, no one is the same and no pregnancy or baby is the same, so you just have to learn to take things with a grain of salt.

7. Listen to your Doctor, not the Internet.
Opening the internet to search pregnancy questions was the worst thing I did! Then my doctor told me to quit doing it and just listen to him. So I did. And it helped. There's too many crazy things on the internet that are and aren't true...so I just called the OB or asked when I went.  Surprisingly, I was not as crazy as I thought I would be and only called to ask one funny question. :)

8. My favorite Memories.
Seeing the first ultrasound.
Giving my friends and family their treats to reveal we were expecting.
Seeing the first 3D ultrasound with her movements.
Feeling her for the first time.
Brian feeling her kick for the first time.
Finding out the gender and getting to celebrate with all our friends at our Gender Reveal Party {which who knew those parties are now the 'new thing'?!}.
Getting her room ready.
Watching my belly move and move and move!
Looking through weekly photos to see how big the bump got.

9. My favorite 'things'.
Preggie Pops
Palmer's Cocoa Butter Stretch Cream {i swear by this stuff to not get one mark!}
Bella Band
Saltine crackers
ultrasound pictures
enlarged boobs {hey, it only happens once i guess!}
plump lips
What to Expect app

10. Thankful for my sister.
I am very glad I had my sister to ask a million questions to or just call her and talk to her about how I was feeling.  She had 2 pregnancies and they were both different, so she had lots of things to tell me about or help me. She helped Brian and I a lot about knowing what we needed, tricks to help me feel better, or just someone to discuss with. I just love her boys so very much and I just love being their aunt. I know she's going to love being an aunt just as much as me {at least I hope so!}.

11. Try and Realize You aren't the First.
Seriously. I know my hormones are intense, but, some people really just got to me more than usual while I was pregnant. :) I just hope I wasn't one of those I couldn't stand. Please know that when you are pregnant, it is awesome, but you are not the first person to ever be pregnant nor the last.  So although my blog has been wrapped up in my own pregnancy, I certainly hope that in my real life I was not one of those people who talked about it non-stop.  Also, again, your husband does not need to become your 'servant' {seriously, I know some true-life stories of others} just because you are pregnant. It's not his fault nor is it his duty to feel and know everything you do. Remember, it's hard on him, too.

12. Being pregnant is on your mind constantly. 
There's never really a moment once you know you're pregnant that you don't think about it. Not in a vain way for me, but in a scared-am I doing something wrong-way.  You are always second guessing your every move on what you eat or drink.  You are always making sure you aren't walking or running or lifting too much.  You are either freaked out because you haven't counted the 10 kicks yet or worried about feeling too much movement meaning your baby isn't sleeping enough.  You wonder if your stress at work is affecting your baby. You wonder if your sleeping or accidentally rolling over on your back will hurt your baby.  You wonder if you can manage the pain of child birth. You wonder if you can breastfeed. It's a lot, so, the only thing you can really do, is do the best you can and pray!

Guest Feature Post!

Oh my gosh! I'm so excited!!
Jen from

is featuring little ol' me on her Mama's-to-Be Monday!

Go on over to her neat blog and check out my post!!

Thanks so much Jen, it was fun!!

*If you're visiting from her blog, welcome! Go back to the Home button and stay a while! :)

Happy Monday!!

2 Weeks 'till D-Day!

EEK! EEK! EEK! Can you believe it?! Ok, I cannot! I am 38 weeks PREGNANT!!! I've been pregnant for almost 10 months!! So crazy!!!!

OK, I'm sorry for this nasty pic! It was taken at 37 weeks 6 days at 6:15 AM! haha And do you love how nasty my mirror is?! Sorry about that. :) My face looks scary as well b/c I was shocked to see that my NOSE has now expanded I think! But, it was a good shot of the round belly! :)

Here's some things I'm LOVING about it this past week:
1. My little family of 2 is about to become a family of 3!!
2. People are seriously so sweet! I have tons of people tell me that I'm a "cute pregnant girl" or "you must only be 6 months along" and although they are probably lying through their teeth...it sure does feel GOOD to hear this far into the game!
3. We've got all the baby things up and ready for Harper around the house! It is sooo fun to look at the pack-n-play and the diapers and wipes in the living room!
4. I'm relishing in her kicks and tumbles every day {and night!} because pretty soon I won't be feeling those anymore...I'll be SEEING them!
5. We just have no clue when she's coming! My weekly appointments have been GREAT so far...good levels, great blood pressure, and heartbeat has been great. So the doctors have been telling me it's better to just let her stay and 'cook' rather than induce me at this point because she's happy inside! :) So, who knows when she will come!! We don't!
6. My dreams! I've been having the funniest dreams lately. They are of my our little girl after she's born. I never dream of the actual birth (yay i think) but she's always a but older than she should be and she's smiling and so happy. I sure hope we have a happy baby!
7. I just keep looking at my packed bags wondering!!!! They are all ready to go!

Highlights:
Sleep: HA! I jinxed myself dangit! I did not sleep this week. I also like to now go back to puking in the night, thanks to my heartburn!! Ahh well!

Weight: no change
Clothes: I'm running out of things to fit me! Luckily, although we have cooler temps, I believe flip-flops are still ok. And if they aren't...well... my chubby feet can't fit into my boat shoes, tennis shoes, or any other closed toed shoes and I'm not about to purchase them for 2 WEEKS left! :)

Mood: Sooo tired from working and being on-the-go-non-stop, but I'm making it!! My students of course have no clue they have a zombie for a teacher, because I don't let them see that side of me! {you're welcome kids...wish I could tell them that! ha!}

Baby: Baby is still measuring like a watermelon! No wonder she's so stinking heavy to carry around! Her weight could be about 7 lbs now and about 20 inches long. We shall soon see I guess! Do you think we'll have a little baby, an average baby, or a big baby? I was 4-5 lbs and Brian was I think around 9lbs! Hmm... I was also 4 weeks early, though.  Her skin color has now changed from pink to white! All things are clear to go and she's ready to enter into the world!

As always, thanks for reading and following us! :)

37 weeks Down!

The weeks are just flying by now!! :)

*thanks for all the very sweet comments on the nursery!! i really appreciate it!

Pregnancy Highlights:
Size: still a large watermelon! baby could be 7+ lbs.  Unfortunately, I do not get another ultrasound before the baby {but this is actually a good sign b/c it means there's no foreseen problems!} but the doc did measure me and I'm still measuring perfectly with my weeks, so my due date is still right on Oct. 1!
{ps-I tried to get Brian to walk around holding a watermelon for a day so he'd know what it felt like, but he wouldn't! hahaha}

Weight: no change this week from last week!

What's baby up to: Baby is shedding the skin-protecting vernix.  She's also producing surfactant (??) which prevents the air sacs in the lungs from sticking to each other when baby begins to breathe - which could be very soon!

Sleep: Actually, much to my surprise it's kind of getting better! I think I'm back to the 'hibernating' stage because I am taking naps almost every day! I take a 15-30 min. nap almost every day after work and the weekend is my haven! I slept a lot this weekend and it was wonderful!

Hubby and I are really trying to enjoy this time together and savor the moments of the 2 of us.  We stuck to our plans of not-making-plans and were still able to see friends last minute and do fun things! It's just easier that way right now! We went to BW3's to watch football games on Saturday night and saw 2 tiny babies out there around 8:00. It gave us hope that we can get out once our baby comes too! Is that totally unrealistic?!

I'm also getting pretty nostalgic I think about my pregnancy! I cannot believe we are getting so close to the end.  I know I can't wait to meet our little girl, but I know that I will really, really miss feeling her kicking and movements and knowing that she's safe and sound inside me!!

Did anyone else feel this way, too? I'm just really trying to enjoy these next few weeks of pregnancy!

36 Weeks and 1 Day!

Wow! We're moving right along!

Pregnancy Highlights:
Size: Watermelon! Whoa! She could weigh around 6.5 lbs! I sure hope I get another U/S before it's time just to know what I'm in for. :)

What's Going On: Luckily, according to the What to Expect app., since we are technically into week 37, I am considered full-term and it would be ok if Harper came any day now! So, since baby is considered full term, she's close to being able to breathe on her own once out.  She's currently practicing inhaling and exhaling, sucking on her thumb {I wish I could see this!!}, and swinging from one side to another in my belly! Which I can see kind of and feel!

Weight: +1

How am I feeling: I've got lots of not-so-fun things going on...but I'm a tough girl and it's only a bit longer! Pregnancy is really tough in any stage; and as much as you try to understand, I've come to realize others just don't because everyone is different.  So, today, I don't feel the need to list any of it! I am just glad things are going well still!

Weekly Appt.'s: We've been going to our OB appts weekly now.  I enjoy being able to hear the heartbeat each week, but some of the tests they are doing are not fun - very uncomfortable! haha! My doctor and I have been going back and forth about being induced the last week before my due date.  I very much do not want to do this, but he kind of does.  I just really want him to be my doctor when the time comes, and he can't exactly guarantee me this - which I knew going in. But, I am just really hoping he is! Every week I remind him how I need him to be with me since he's so calm and I'm so not!

Nursery Update: So the nursery has been completely finished for about a week.  This means even her closet is finished, the pictures are up, etc.  There's just one thing that isn't in yet - her changing pad cover.  I have another one, but the one that matches the bedding still isn't in (it was on back order).  So I was really wanting to wait and share the nursery once it was COMPLETELY finished and nothing left to add...so, I think I'll wait a few more days and then if it's not in I will show! I know my out-of-town family is really wanting to see it!!!

We are getting SO anxious to meet our sweet little girl!!!! My family has all placed their bets on when she will arrive...can't wait to see who wins!! {I hope it's not my sister...she said 3 days late!!}

Month 9 {35 weeks down!}

Hello 9 Months!

35 weeks 1 day

35 weeks 1 day

Pregnancy Highlights:

size: large cantaloupe (possibly 6 lbs!)

weight: +2
*Yesterday (Saturday) I was 35 weeks pregnant with 35 days to go! I thought that was neat. :)

what's baby doing: Pretty much all the things inside are matured as they can be to this point and will be able to work once out in the real world! Her bones are more like cartilage to it will be able to come out. :)

what's up with me: I'm doing a waddle! But there is an actual reason for that - who knew! It's because of my connective tissue in my body is beginning to soften and loosen so I can get this baby out! :) Also, because she 'burrowing' down low and making it hard to walk. 

symptoms: arthritis in hands and feet, major swelling after being at work, some pressure on lower back and abdomen, acne

In light of it though, I actually still feel really well and I seriously feel happy still about being pregnant ~ I'm just ready to meet our girl!

Baby Update @ 34.5 weeks

So I'm now into my weekly appointments! I feel like that marks the start of the end!

I went to the doctor on my own but I met up with Amanda's cousin, Crystal, so it wasn't so bad sitting in the waiting room for hours {literally!}. :)

I know I've said it before, but my OB is so cooky and I love him! I've been seeing him for many, many years, but I really do love him as my 'baby doc' now.  He's so laid back and calm about everything which helps me stay like that, too!

Today I was measured and measured perfectly! He also was able to feel around and that head I kept swearing I was rubbing on...well it's her booty! hahaha! But that means...she's head down!! YAY! I never felt the movement, which he said is sometimes painful, so I wasn't sure if she had turned or not!

I also go to hear her heartbeat and talk about my birth plan.  I was a little upset Brian wasn't there with me while we worked out some details of the plan...but oh well.  I also told my doctor that after these 9 months of waiting on him for up to 3 hours when he had unexpected deliveries he at least owed me to deliver my baby! haha! But seriously, I pleaded with him that I think I need his calm and cooky attitude to help me not freak out! Which of course his reply was, "well, you'll have drugs. you won't stress. and I will be there unless I'm drunk. and I don't drink. so I guess I'll be there." Just take my word for it, it was funny. :)

So, he also said I've had a pretty much textbook pregnancy. That's pretty amazing and one HUGE thing I am thankful for. So even though I missed my own linky party, that's my Thankful Thursday this week!

Looks like we'll be having a baby in about 5 weeks or so!!!!

34 Weeks and 1 Day!

34 weeks down!

Pregnancy Highlights:

Size: Large Cantaloupe: possibly around 5.5 lbs and 19-22 inches long!

What's Happening: Baby's fat continues to accumulate (around 15 percent) and her brain power is getting better every day!  I'm not sure if she's turned or not...I feel something still in the same spot up in my right rib but I don't know if it's her head or foot! Sometimes it feels like each one! I do think she is long because I can feel her move on each end of my belly at once! She's starting 'stretching' out more and we can see major waves across my belly or a little elbow or hand jet out!

Weight: -2 lbs {i don't know what this is about!}

Sleep: HAHAHAHHAHA

Food: Hmm, I've not really craved anything...it's more like I don't feel like anything will taste good! So poor Brian has to suggest where or what we eat or cook because I cannot make a decision!

Symptoms: I'm back to peeing a ton! And the rest are still with me (arthritis in hands and feet, swelling feet and ankles, pain in hips, acne, etc.). 

Work: It's actually been ok with being back to work! I am so thankful I was able to have a 'relief' from work for a bit of my pregnancy! While I am on my feet ALL DAY LONG, I'm able to come home and prop them up and then my awesome husband offers to rub those crazy big things nightly, so I really can't complain! I've actually somehow had pretty good energy for the little bit of sleep I run on daily.  PTL! :) I've also got some great friends/co-workers at school who remind me that I cannot do it all! B's been great with helping to clean and cook again, and he sure makes a great lunch of PB&J each day for me!

Best Moment of the Week: The nursery is pretty much finished!! Woo Hoo! After all the chair drama, we got it in on Saturday and it really goes well with the green from the bedding ~ I think better than the first fabric I picked out! I'm waiting on *hopefully* getting 2 more things from the bedding company in before sharing; but it's said they will be in mid-September so I may not be able to wait that long! :)

***********************
I am thinking that Harper won't ever forget her name... :) Look at all these sweet monogrammed burp cloth gifts she's accumulated!!

I digress; I'm chubby. Preggo Update 34.1

I keep thinking to myself that I don't look that bad and all that weight I'm gaining is going to my belly and feet; but friends, after the past 2 Saturdays and looking through pictures I've come to a cold. hard. fact: I'm chubby.  I've got about 3 chins and a linebacker's dream of shoulder-puff.  {if you don't believe me, wait until the shower pics!}

Pregnancy Update: 34 Weeks, 1 Day

Size: little girl is the size of a pineapple: possibly weighing around 4.9 lbs and 19 inches long {like holding a 5-lb bag of flour}

What's She Doing: Her fingernails now reach the end of the fingertips and could curl at the end...making it necessary to cut them as soon as she comes out!She's still developing her own immune system for the outside world, too.

Weight: +1 this week...but feeling very heavy

Symptoms: I forgot to add this one the last 2 weeks...I have what the nurses called "pregnant arthritis" meaning my hands, fingers, toes, and ankles are stiff and hard to bend and move at the joints.  She said this should go away after labor...but it's quite uncomfortable and hurts a lot!  I'm also just more tired that I'm used to; although I'm sure going back to work full time has something to do with it as well.  I officially have cankles and not sure if I'll even see my regular ankles again...HA! My feet have also swelled so that there is no hope in getting into any type of heels or my tennis shoes for now {yes, I tried!!}.

Mood: On Wednesday of last week I told Brian I was finally ready to meet Harper.  Before that, I was and am excited, but I felt like I wanted to keep her inside and still had so much to do before she comes.  Now, I'm getting to the point where things are wearing on my quickly and even though I have TONS left to get ready for her arrival ~ I'm just ready for her to be here and welcome the change to our lifestyle!! :)

Food: No aversions or cravings and actually, nothing really sounded good to eat at all this week so I just ate what was around! ha!

Doctor Update: I went to the DR on Thursday {yes, the first day of school - crazy} and I ended up getting into a little 'trouble'.  He and the nurses were not at all impressed with me and gave me a hard "talking to" about going and doing too much.  They threatened me that if I didn't stop I'd see bed rest in my future.  I know that's horrible...but I feel like I have to go and do especially in the beginning of school and I've got so much to do at home prepping for her arrival or just my daily things I need to get done I don't seem to know how to slow down.  But I know for sure I don't want to have to be hooked up to the fetal monitor anymore because that was pretty scary! So this week I'm going to try and do the best I can without *hopefully* going overboard...

The 8th Month ~ working on 33 weeks...

I'm slacking on the preggo posts. :)  The 8th Month has hit me very hard! But, IT'S THE 8th MONTH! I only have one more until we meet our little baby GIRL!!! So, I remind myself of that during the hours of 1am-6am while I am wide awake with back pain and hip pains. :)

I didn't take a photo for 31 weeks, but here is my 32 week & 1 day photo:

Honestly, on Thursday I woke up and thought, I've gained. She's definitely gained, and she's heavy! I'm not quite sure if this happens to everyone, but I really feel like I can truly feel her! She's getting heavy and she needs more room in there!

Pregnancy Highlights:

Size: honeydew! wowza! She could be weighing in around 4.5 lbs! No wonder I feel so much heavier and my pains are getting worse! She's getting big!

What's Going On: Baby has less fluid with her now, so I can feel her jabbing and kicking even more than I had before - if that was possible!  She's also able to open and close her eyes with ease and is aware of day and night time.  She's also finished with her immune system development to provide her from mild infections when she's born. What a milestone!

Weight: Well, I'm definitely gaining.  In the last 2 weeks, I've gained +3 each week. WHOA. But, I can't say it's all baby's fault. :) I have been letting myself go a little more than I had just because I know we're nearing the end.  Oh-so-thankfully, I've had some extremely sweet co-workers this past week (we're all back to work now) tell me how good I look for being so close to the end, so that has honestly meant so much to me! I never knew how I would take the weight gain...but I won't lie and tell you it's easy. But I know that pushing that scale on Saturdays means that I am being healthy for my little growing girl.

Clothes: Um, hi, I can't fit into some of my earlier pregnancy clothes!! What?! I was shocked about this! But I am sooo close to the end I can't bear to spend more silly money on these clothes! So I am just trying to make due with what I have and can fit in to!

Food: No aversions, cravings are the same: dessert and cinnamon toast crunch cereal

Mood: very, very tired; sore; worn down.  I had no idea this month would take such a bigger toll on me than previous ones.  I get upset easily when I have to say "no" to friends or events because I'm so exhausted. Brian says people understand, but I still hate to miss out or disappoint others. 

Momma: I'm starting to get extremely anxious about all things baby! I'm nervous about delivery and once we have her here.  People keep asking me if I'm ready ~ and honestly, I think I'm ready, but I'm also scared at the same time! I feel like we have so much more to organize?!?! Who knows...  I'm also getting so nervous about work.  I don't sleep - like ever - and ever since this last week I have been in constant pain with my back and neck.  I am very nervous about being on my feet all day.  I also know I have to be the best teacher ever for the part I'm back for so I cannot let exhaustion or pain creep in.  I'm also worried about maternity leave and leaving my classroom. I'm worried about parents being upset or the kids acting up or me missing out on important things I need to know about.  I'm already worried about going back to work after leave and if I can do it!  However, I keep trying to remember when my team-teacher had her maternity leave and everything went fine.  It wasn't how she would have done things, but the kids all learned and the parents were fine...so hopefully I can get over my worries. My teammate says that is her prayer for me: to stop worrying about what others have to say or do and just relish in the moments.  WOW. Can you say I'm a worrier? I always have been...I think that's the thing I hate the most about myself!

Anyways, give or take ~ we'll be seeing our girl in about 7 more weeks!

Maternity Photos!

Here are only a few of my favorite Maternity Photos!  We took them at a local winery in town. We also did some belly shots but I'm not brave enough to let those out to the internet! :)
If you like them, please visit Mary Maldonado Photography. She's got an amazing price AND you get all the pictures on a CD included in your price!
Now...I just have to pick out a few to frame! :)

Harper, we are SO excited to meet you!!! :)

Maternity Pics Preview!

We took Maternity Pictures last night and our photographer already had sneak peeks ready for us by the time I woke up {7am!}! Here's a few...more to come!

30 Weeks Down!

Man! When my What to Expect App. changed the countdown to 9 weeks yesterday...WHOA! It's really getting close!

sorry, i realize not the best pic!

Pregnancy Highlights:
Size: Baby girl is the size of a head of lettuce weighing in around 3.2 lbs and 18 in. long. 

What's Developing: Her brain is working overtime! She can perceive all 5 senses now! She's also making faces, hiccuping, swallowing, breathing, and pedaling with her little hands and feet. 

Weight: I lost a pound from last week...

Movement: I'm still feeling her move, but it is not as constant as it has been.  When I sit on the couch in a certain way I can definitely feel her move.  I'm still keeping track of her kick counts - which haven't been hard to find in an hour if I sit a certain way!

Cravings: So, honestly, I have still never had those crazy movie cravings where you eat the weirdest combos and have your hubby go out at all hours of the night to get for you. {I'm sure he's glad!}  I did always think that would be sort of fun though! I've tried to limit my desserts since I was getting a little crazy on them, but I still love my Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal at least 2 times a day!

Symptoms: The fatigue is definitely back! It's hard moving all day long!! :) haha Pre-teen acne, leg cramps and back cramps are mainly the worst things now.

Sleep: Same story. I don't. Oh well! It's just preparing me for life after the baby, right?

Best Moment of the Week: Brian and I made a list of what we thought Harper will look like when she makes her debut.  We didn't look at each other's lists until we were finished! We had to write which of our features she'd have.  Our lists were actually very similar! So can't wait to see! :)

30 Week Doctor Appt.

This morning we went in for our 30 week check-up and ultrasound.  We were both really excited because we hadn't had an u/s for a couple of weeks, and this one was supposed to be a great one because we were going to get lots of 3D pics! Well...Harper had other plans! :) She wasn't feeling up to getting her precious picture taken, so we only got one picture. But that's ok, because everything checked out great and we were able to watch her a little bit on the 4D screen.

Harper officially weighs 3.1 lbs!! She also already has lots of hair! Isn't that neat that you can tell that from an ultrasound? I guess the old wives' tale could be true?! I have had lots of heartburn lately!
She's also officially still showing that my correct due date is Oct. 1. So...looks like we have 10 or less weeks to go!

Here's the picture we had taken from my phone. It's not the best, but you can still see her chubby cheeks, cute little nose, and puffy lips! {the dark part on her face is the cord}

28 & 29 :)

Whoops! I skipped the 28th bump update. I'm sure you all were just dying to read it...HAHA.

I'm 7 months preggo and we're working on week 30 as I type!

Not much changed between the two weeks {except for my weight:)}.

Here's my 28th week bump pic:

And my 29th week bump pic:

I'll just share the neat things Harper is doing and what's developed in the past 2 weeks and keep this Pregnancy Update short and sweet.

Harper's Movements: My girl is a wiggly worm! Her Daddy says she takes after her Mom in that respect. :) She's constantly moving and I truly love it.  It is soooo neat to feel her at all times of the day and even the night! She's been consistent since I could first feel her staying on the right side.  I am determined that she's finally moved up a bit because I feel her move against my ribs, but I also don't feel like I have to hold up my uterus like I had been feeling for so many weeks.  I guess we'll find out this Thursday when we get to have another u/s.  She sort of 'runs' from one side to another and if you catch it on my belly it's amazing to see!

Kick Counts: On my 28th week I had to start the Kick Counts chart. I was really nervous about this because it sort of seems intense.  I have to record a time frame every day and see how long it takes her to kick (move, turn, etc.) 10 times until I deliver. They would like it to take less than 2 hours.  Well, let me tell you! She certainly makes this easy on her anxious Mom! I can usually get all kicks in from about 6:00am to 6:30am! Sometimes I wait to do it in the afternoon just to make sure everything is going alright, but it hasn't been that big of a problem, yet.  She might sleep more once I'm working - who knows! I bet my new students will be in for a show a time or two watching her jet out of my belly a little! ha!

What's Developing: This week she's as big as a cabbage! Baby's brain isn't smooth anymore - which is a good thing! She's got grooves and indentations from getting more brain tissue.  Also, baby has bone marrow which will help her survive when she comes out of the womb.  She's also getting fatter :) which is the reason why it (What to Expect App) says my uterus is ginormous!

What's Happening with Me: I've got heartburn bad!! Friday night around 9:00 I was craving wings, so we went to BW3's! I paid for it by being up from 4-6 with heartburn! Funny thing is the App told me I was about to have heartburn really bad this last leg of pregnancy due to some changes going on in there! It was right on cue! :) I'm actually feeling pretty good but I also realize that's probably due to not being back to work yet.  Still not sleeping, etc., but it's ok! I can't believe we only have 10 more weeks to go! Yikes!

Nursery Update: So...as always, something has to go wrong!!! :( The crib is STILL NOT IN. To make a long story short, the company lied when they told us they ordered it and it would be in in 2 weeks. Because it's not. And when I called they said it was out of stock and they won't be re-ordering it. WHAT? I. WENT. OFF.  I asked to speak to the manager. He told me I needed to calm down. Let's just say you don't need to tell a 7 month OCD preggo that. So I went off again.  Supposedly they've called the actual furniture company and have the crib being shipped to us. I don't know. I went there again today to check that that was the actual truth, and supposedly it is. I guess we will see... Who knows. Good Things: I made her big thing for her room and will be showing it soon, we've got it painted, and we are just waiting on a few personalized items to get finished and her nursery chair.

*please don't tell me 'it's ok if it's not finished she won't know' because I will know and I am way too OCD for this craziness! plus, who has time to work on the nursery after the baby?!?!*

Preggie Post ~ 27 weeks DOWN! Hello 3rd!

Wow! That's really scary to say! I just completed 27 weeks on Saturday, so I'm working on my first week of being into the 3rd trimester! Yikes! The last one! Only 12 more weeks until we meet Harper!

Pregnancy Highlights:
*I passed my glucose test! Yay!

Size: Harper is the size of a cucumber! About 15 inches long and 2.2 lbs! She's also being measured from the top of her head to her toes instead of crown to rump. 

Movement: Harper is still all over the place and I love it! It's much more noticeable to others when she's moving! It's really neat!  Brian has also been able to hear her heartbeat! If I lay down and we are very quiet, he can press his ear against my belly and hear her little heart! Isn't that amazing! I am sad I can't hear it, but glad he is able to get an 'extra' little thing since he doesn't get to feel her constantly moving inside me!

What's Baby Up To?: She can now recognize mine and Brian's voices.  Her taste buds are very developed, too.  She can taste everything I eat and will let me know if she likes it or not! {I haven't had any complaints, yet!}

Weight: I'm honestly starting to feel really huge and that scares me because I know I have a long way to go.  My legs and feet have started to really feel the weight as well as my skin on my belly feeling pulled.  I'm up...I'm almost afraid to admit...please don't judge me...20 whopping lbs...  So, needless to say, we'll be putting the desserts kept in our house on a hold. :)

Symptoms: I've started all kinds of new stuff this week! :)  I've never had heartburn before, but I have it SO bad now! It's almost every time I eat! At first, I didn't know what that burning feeling was ~ but then Brian explained to me it was heartburn! Will she have lots of hair at birth then?!?!  My hands, feet, and legs have started swelling anytime I am outside or have been on my feet for longer than like 30 minutes {which wasn't good for this weekend}.  I like to refer to myself as puffy-feet girl.
Also ~ I've finally realized why all these women always give me such sorrowful looks when they know I'm pregnant in the summer. UM HELLO IT'S HOT IN HERE!!!! Wow! So, I have always been hot-natured. BUT WOW. A pregnant woman is like 10 degrees hotter than everyone else! It's honestly getting hard to be outside! Which makes me sad because I love patios, but, I'm roasting here!! :)

Sleep: Still the same, but I have been able to sleep a little longer in the mornings! I'm pretty used to flipping due to the hip pain every hour so it's becoming not that big of a deal to just deal with!

What I'm looking forward to: I have my first BABY SHOWER this weekend! I'm soooo excited!!!

Thanks for visiting! :)

26 Weeks :)

Ok, I am a believer now...this pregnancy is flying by! When I first got pregnant and weeks 4-18 were about to drive me nuts with all the sickness, I thought I would be pregnant forever! But it really is seemingly quickly going by! Brian says every day how he just can't wait for her to get here.  I feel like I can wait just a little longer! I need too many things done before that!!!

Pregnancy Highlights:


early morning Saturday pic ~ no face! ha! On my way to the pool with the little ones :)

Size: basically a 2-pound chuck roast! ha! She could also measure 9+inches long! Although we went to the doctor last week, I didn't have an ultrasound, so I don't know her exact weight/length yet.  Dr. did measure my stomach and I'm measuring perfectly at 22 inches long! I could probably bet she really is the exact 2 pounds since all her other measurements have been exactly on.
Weight Gain: I'm up +18 lbs. WHOA WHOA WHOA  I'm still wearing anything and everything. ;) Regular dresses, maternity dresses, maternity pants/shorts, regular tops, maternity tops...

Gender: It's a GIRL! Harper Alan
What's Baby up to?: Baby girl's eyes are beginning to open!! Baby is able to really see, although it's dark in there.  I can also notice when it's super bright (like using a flashlight on my belly!) she will move a lot and move a lot when she hears loud, unexpected noises.  She can also blink!

Movement: She moves all the time! She moves any time I am sitting, always early in the morning and late at night.  She's also getting pretty predictable in moving when I sit or lay in certain positions.  I feel her rolling up and down my belly a lot now, and what seems like a little foot or hand jabbing up close to my ribs. Brian and I think she's finally moving up a little and not sitting so low just by the look of how I'm carrying her now.  I can feel her when she kicks my bladder - and basically - get out of my way! ha! Her kicks are kind of hard, but I don't mind!

Cravings: Just anything really. And yes, desserts.  I'm noticing I need to eat a lot more than normal - which I sort of never realized before since I've always liked to eat and ate a lot. 

Sleep: Same thing...Not really sleeping at all.  About an hour at a time with about 30 minutes of awake time in between.

Symptoms: Mild Mood Swings;) Does that count as one?! Leg Cramps & little bumps are forming all over my body?!

Nursery: Although I know a lot of people don't get their nursery done until right before the baby ~ that's just not me.  If I could have had it my way, I would have had the whole thing done a MONTH ago. :(  I'm still waiting on Brian to paint the nursery so we can finally pick up our furniture that's been ready for forever and I can start the actual decorating and crafting things in the room.  I have a pretty big project to work on once the paint and furniture is in the room, so I'm wanting to get started on it quickly! Believe me, if I could smell/be around the paint, I would be painting myself!

25 Weeks & Counting

25 weeks (6th month) was spent a lot like 24 weeks...riding in the car! Only this time, we were coming home from vacation!  The ride back was much easier on my back than the ride there! No pain! Must be the seats in Brian's new-to-him car. :)

Pregnancy Highlights:

Size: We are the size of an eggplant this week! Weird!
When you look at the ticker on the top of the blog, it doesn't look like there's that much to go...which totally stresses me out! She's basically 2 juice boxes stacked tall!

What's Baby been up to?: Baby could weight up to 1 1/2 pounds and sized between 9-12 inches! Baby is learning right-side up now! Baby's vocal cords are functioning now and her lungs are taking practice breaths. Baby's nostrils are also starting to open this week.

Movement: She's moving, rolling, flipping, almost feels like running! ha! We can see her through my belly now and it's so amazing! I can feel her rolling up and down my right side mostly and then she give a little punch out when she's done! ha!

Aversions & Cravings: Well, on vacay, we had our fair share of Rolo McFlurry's!! :) I haven't really craved anything and haven't had any aversions...so that's been great!

Weight & Clothes: Although I ate like a cow this week and didn't really watch my fruits and veggies too much...I actually didn't gain as much as I had thought! I only gained 2 lbs, so I'm up 17 lbs. Is that a lot or OK? I'm not sure... We go back to the doctor this coming week, so hopefully we will get to know how much little Harper weighs and see if I'm on the right track!  I also got my wedding rings sized up from 4 1/4 to a 5... :)  My back has been starting to ache more after walking around...but I think that is to be expected since she is sitting SO low!  As far as clothes, I definitely have a very big growing belly! You can't really see how much it sticks out with clothes on, but without clothes it is so amazing...and a little weird! I can wear some normal tops and dresses since flowy is kind of in, but I'm also wearing maternity a lot, too! I am thankful for flip-flops as well since, as Brian described, my feet are getting puffy! EWW!

Sleep: Same old thing :)

What I'm Starting to Miss: I'm really starting to miss a big fountain Coke from McDonald's!  I haven't had any type of carbonated drink (including coffee!) since I found out I was pregnant. I know, I know, I am allowed to have a certain small amount each day without it hurting, but I am just trying not to.  But it is getting hard on these hot summer days! ;)  I have cheated a few times and taken a 'shot' of my Dad's coke once and a 'shot' of my sister's Mt. Dew. shot=one swig

New Symptoms: This week I've experienced some new preggo things... bloody nose, my own personal summers, and...the dreaded...NOSE EXPLOSION. Ok, not really, but my nose is starting to get bigger and I just about want to cry about it. :(

What's on the To-Do List this week: I'm hoping to find a nursery chair this week and FINALLY get the room painted since we've had the paint since May! :)

24 Weeks!

A little late! :) We turned 24 weeks last Saturday (June 11th)! :)

{I know these get boring, but I want to remember each week!}

We spent our 24th week anniversary in the car to HHI! The car ride was actually better than I had anticipated, with only a few more stops than usual to pee and back aching for only about the last 3 hours! I was pretty happy! :)

Pregnancy Highlights:

24 weeks + 1 day

The size of the baby:  We are still a papaya! Baby could be as long as 11.5 inches! We go to the doctor next week. 

What's baby been up to?: Baby's skin is becoming more opaque as the fat starts to pack on. And, thanks to the formation of small capillaries, her newly thick skin is taking on a fresh pink glow.

Movement: Harper is getting pretty predictable on when she moves now.  She mostly starts around 8 or 8:30 at night and moves around until about 8:30 in the morning! Then, she move on and off through out the day depending on how I'm sitting or if I've eaten a bigger meal! I love feeling her and Brian does, too! We spend a lot of nights with our hands on my belly or just watching her kick through my belly! Wow, we sound so boring now, but it is so fun! :)

Weight: Well, I've started to pack on more than just a pound a week... I've gained 15 lbs so far! whoa! I'm in to most maternity clothes and still shoving myself into a few summer dresses and bigger tops.

Cravings & Aversions: Well, I headed to a Mexican restaurant this past week and I made it sans getting sick! I didn't have meat (cheese quesadilla), but I still made it! I'm still just craving desserts! :) Not one in particular.

Sleep: Well, I don't. I haven't been sleeping well and I feel so bad for keeping Brian up all night every night, too. :(  I'm using lots of pillows behind my back, in between my legs, and up under my belly, but nothing seems to help.  I still have to switch sides every hour because of my numbing pains and of course pee all night, so that doesn't help either. HOWEVER, I am so lucky to be having this right now when it is summer for me and I don't have to go in to a daily job! So, the sleep thing is just one of those pregnancy deals as was my horrible sickness the first 4-16 weeks, and look, I got through it! :)

Thanks for reading!