40 Weeks and 2 days

So I am two days past my due date and I know I have been saying this for weeks, but this baby can come any day.  She can, and I am hoping she will.  I am huge and it is time!

At my appointment last Wednesday 2/19,  I was measuring 2 cm and was 50% effaced and soft, which is an improvement of .5 cm from my appointment on 2/13, which is good. Its improvement. My next appointment will be on Thursday 2/27. I am hoping I am done being pregnant at that point though.
At my appt on 2/13, the nurse and doctor told me that they can start inducing at 39 weeks so I began thinking about the possibility of being induced.  Being 3 days away from 39 weeks at the time made it much more real.  When I went back at 39.3 weeks they informed me that they won't induce anyone  until 41 weeks.  Now, I am not sure who the heck is running that place but I am really confused as to why I received different facts.  You don't mess with a pregnant lady like that.  I go to a doctor group and don't see the same doctors or nurses every visit, which I hate, I don't suggest it, but out here in PA it really is practically your only choice.  So after getting my hopes up that whether baby girl comes on her own, or I choose to be induced, I won't have to wait much longer.  HA. Now that I will have to wait for the monday after I hit 41 weeks, I won't be able to have baby until March 3 and my due date was February 23. Frustrating. I have been cramping and contracting a lot this week though. I was actually cramping and contracting a lot on 2/23 and all night long and into the morning of 2/24, but it never progressed past that and eventually went away and  I feel stuff here and there intermittently but nothing time-able or unmanageable.  Every time they start up I get my hopes up and they never amount to anything.  

I have been feeling conflicted lately.  I find myself being frustrated with things I can't control.  On one hand, I really want this big baby out so I can return to feeling more like myself and get back to being me, however I feel guilty saying that.  I am trying my best not to be negative and wish this time away. I feel bad because these are the last moments I have to be so close with this baby girl.  We have been pals and constant companions for 10 months now.  It's hard to think its not going to be that way any more.  I know she will still be here- but I won't wake up to her kicks and somersaults, I will wake up to her cries and constant demands.  I really have enjoyed being pregnant and as ready as I am for her to join our family, I can't help but feel a sense of mourning.  I know its only going to get better, but part of me feels sad to give up this part of the process.

It has also been interesting to watch many of my friends who share the same due date as me go days, a week or 3 weeks before I do.  So so happy for them. But now that my due date has come and gone- it makes me sad too.  

Last night I became an aunt again.  Joseph and Aubrey Apple had their baby boy, Jayden. He's adorable. We are so happy for them and are grateful everything went smoothly.  He weighed in at 6lbs 14 ounces and is 20.5 inches long. I'm hoping now that baby girl's cousin is here she will decide it's time to join too.

One of the saddest things about my current state is my feet and ankles that just keep getting worse/more swollen. And no, my doctors don't care.  Greg was rubbing my feet the other night and he said it made him sad because his finger prints were making indentations into my feet and ankles. 

After wearing socks and shoes

My achilles tendon. 

This picture may or may not make them look worse than they are.

 I read this poem yesterday and it made me feel better about where I am at.  Still feeling so conflicted and guilty. I want her out but I love her being in there. 

My baby’s not a library book,
so baby isn’t overdue.
My baby don’t take long to cook,
coz it’s a baby not veggie stew.

My baby’s not an elephant,

and I’m not fit to burst.
The time and date aren’t relevant,
we’re blessed with days, not cursed.

My baby can’t read dates as yet,
because she's very new.
So there’s no cause to fuss and fret,
if baby don’t come on cue.

So stop your worry,
stop your asking,
there’s no hurry
we’re relaxing 

In this golden pregnant time,
this pause, which is just hers and mine

Week 40 Day 1

How far along? 40 Weeks 2 days

Total weight gain? 40 lbs

Maternity clothes? I am down to my last few maternity shirts.

Stretch marks? No, thank goodness.

Best moment this week: Finally feeling contractions and cramping. Which hurts, but it feels like progress.  

Miss anything? Yes. A lot. 

Movement: She likes to move but I can tell that she is pretty cramped.

Food cravings: None.

Anything making you queasy or sick: No

Gender: Baby Girl

Symptoms: Swollen ankles and feet. arthritis in my fingers. Cramping and contractions.

Belly Button in or out? OUT!

Looking forward to: Baby girl getting here. Holding her. Greg finally getting to meet her. I feel as though I know her already. 

38 Weeks

So baby girl could come at any time.  This waiting game business is exhausting ALREADY.  Every little cramp or hard kick makes me stop and think for a split second.. is this it? Am I going into labor?? And boy is it tiring.

This last week my mom informed me that I couldn't go into labor and have baby girl because she and my dad were going on an impromptu trip to Costa Rica. Um okay, great, thanks for the invite. But now that they are flying back to the states and the fact that she will be able to get to me a lot faster now has me thinking okay... anytime now.  I just want to hold her and look at her so badly.  And of course it consumes my thoughts 24/7.

I have been feeling a need to really get things ready.  Not just like the crib and fun things but as in any minute I might not have the physical ability to clean up and have the house presentable like I would want to.  I have been cleaning all the bathrooms and finishing all laundry just to make sure we are caught up and to hopefully make a smoother transition.

This last week I bought some props for baby girls newborn pictures and I am really excited to take them.

This week I also got some mascara in the mail from my sister as an early birthday present. It's pretty rad stuff. Most of you have probably been invited to my online party for it, if not let me know, and I will add you! It's called 3-D Fiber Mascara and it builds off of your natural lashes using transplanting gel and fibers to make your own lashes appear longer and thicker. 

It is pretty neat.  The LEFT side has the 3-D mascara and the RIGHT side is just mascara.  At first I had a hard time applying it but by the second and third day I figured out my system and really enjoy using it now.  

Anyways, I think thats all the updates I have.  Nothing really going on.  At my last appointment I hadn't  progressed at all from the week before so that is sort of boring. It is literally just a waiting game.

Week 38

 How far along? 38 Weeks

Total weight gain? 35 lbs.

Maternity clothes? A must.

Best moment this week: Hitting the 38 week mark and finding fun props for her newborn pictures. 

Miss anything? A full nights sleep.  I wake up 3 times a night now, at least. And I don't see a full nights sleep anywhere in my future for a LONG time. 

Movement: She's always moving.  Lately I have been seeing feet or fists poking so far out of my sides its comical.  Greg always goes nuts.

Food cravings: Just food in general. I am still so hungry and my Pregnancy Apps made it sound like that should be tapering off and my weight gain should be tapering BUT it's not. 

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope

Gender: Baby girl!

Symptoms: So I still have swollen feet and ankles and fingers and even lower legs however it is way better the last couple of days then it was before. I have been trying harder to stay off my feet and reduce sodium and it is helping. They don't look nearly as sad as they used to.  My fingers still have some aching and arthritis going on but its not terrible. I think I have gotten use to it. 

Belly Button in or out? Out.

Looking forward to: I am looking forward to getting into shape. For those of you who know me... like.. really know me... your jaw is dropping as I say that, but I really look forward to tightening up and doing some damage control after baby is out.  AND Baby girl getting here.  My everyday life is just me waiting around for her to come. I want to hold her, see the color of her hair.. or if she even has hair for that matter, and just give her kisses.  Anytime, baby girl. Mama's waiting. 

37 Weeks

Reaching 37 weeks is a pretty cool feeling.  Knowing that your baby could come at any time and she will be most likely fully developed and ready to survive outside my body on her own. Awesome.
However, the transition between milestone week 36 and 37 was terrible. Not Awesome.  When I was 36 weeks I was telling everyone that things had been going well and if they continued that way I wouldn't mind keeping baby girl in the oven a while longer, after all, my belly is the best baby sitter she will ever have. However, only days after making that comment I have felt my body take a turn for miserable.  I swear it was just days ago that I was sleeping through the night without any bathroom breaks. I did that like three days in a row. And then last night I had to get up like 3-4 times, had terrible heart burn, all the while dealing with early stages of getting a cold and my throat and the back on my nasal cavity just burns and aches. Arghhghhgh. Lovely.

Last Thursday I had a doctors appt. and everything continues to look good.  I measured 36 cm and was dilated . 5 cm.  Not too shabby. However it was my first time getting my cervix checked which isn't the worst thing in the world but Yowzas! No one prepped me for that!

On Saturday I noticed my feet were quite swollen again (they have been pretty bad this whole last week) and I also noticed I was starting to get a really bad headache. So I decided to check my blood pressure with Greg's help and it was way higher than normal so just to be cautious I called my doctor just to let them know. I usually wouldn't have called over something like that, buuut lately whenever I go to my appt. and they see my feet, they always ask if I have any headaches and want to check my blood pressure.  So I was a little bit worried and called.  They had me go into the hospital which turned out to be quite the ordeal. I had a gown, bracelet and everything and then everything turned out to be fine so I felt a little bit silly, but better safe than sorry I suppose. When I was at the hospital the nurse was all up on my belly and touching baby and trying to find the right spot for my monitor and then she said " Oh my goodness, you are all baby, and let me tell you, that is one tall baby." She went on to explain that she could feel baby girls back on one far side, her bum, and then her legs clear on the other side and well, I guess according to her, this is gonna be a tall baby. We will see. I was 21 inches and thats not short.  I guess if that story proves anything it proves how desperate I am to find out any information about baby girl.  I am dying for even an estimate of her size. Pathetic. haha. While at the hospital they checked my cervix again.. :/ .... and in two days I went from a . 5cm to 1cm.  Which doesn't mean anything but it is fun to know that my body is starting to think about labor.  I can't believe baby girl's arrival is getting so close.

This week baby girls crib arrived and on Saturday we set it up.  After a lot of debate and thinking, I am very happy with the crib we chose. I waited until I got my Target 10% off card for registry completion and then used my Target red card for another 5% off and free shipping. Boo ya.  And then there was a deal that if you spend $250 on nursery furniture you get $50 off. So I made sure I got that discount too. Yay. I also decided against a bumper. I figure if I get anything I will do a mesh lining around crib.

Since I was getting a decent discount already, I decided to go ahead and buy this little playmat thing that I knew I would want eventually. A couple of my friends have this for their babies and I think it's so cute. 

And then last and also least of the updates- I was talking to my mom the other day about late night diaper changers for baby girl. I always figured I would just use a blanket and change her on my bed, but then I realized that this Table/Desk in our room was the perfect size.  I never wanted to spend the money on a changing table and I am glad I didn't because I basically already had one.  I just went to kid to kid and bought the pad and the little green minky cover was an extra from my friend Sarah. It fit perfectly. All for just 9.99. Sweet. Now late night changes hopefully won't be as challenging.

Now for the bump! (sorry but I HATE smiling now days, this is what you get)

Week 36 Day 5

Week 37 Day 2
In this picture I cant believe I am even pretending to smile. I feel terrible!

How far along? 37 Weeks

Total weight gain? 32 lbs

Maternity clothes? I am down to my last few maternity shirts. My choices are few!

Best moment this week: Hearing that I have started dilating. It makes it all seem more real. 

Miss anything? I miss feeling like me.  I feel like I am in someone else's body.  I miss seeing my own feet instead of these swollen cankle feet. I also miss having energy.  I have really hit bottom this week, especially today. 

Movement: She's a mover!

Food cravings: Still love my pop however I also really wanted some good buffalo wings this week. Where is buffalo wild wings when you need them!

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope

Gender: Baby girl!

Symptoms: Swollen fingers, ANKLES AND FEET especially, my flats are getting small. ha. Arthritis in my fingers and ankles. Swelling in my face still.  My back and hips hurt when I sit in my chair too long. Not sure if I could still do a day of shopping like I said last week. 

Belly Button in or out? OUT!

Looking forward to: Baby girl getting here. Everything is ready- I feel like now we are just waiting on her. I guess my mom can't come out east for another week so baby girl can wait a while longer but my life is kind of on the boring side now. 

36 Weeks

So, I have been dying to do a blog update since about two days after posted my last update. So many fun things going on! I love sharing what I have been up to. And btw if these updates are too much and a little too annoying.. Then easy solution... don't read it. haha

Most recently, my friends here in PA threw me a baby shower.  I am soooo grateful for them and all the work they put into my "High Tea Party" themed shower. It was beautiful.  I am a pretty simple person when it comes to parties.  I don't have a lot of the decorating gift in me and was blown away by their work.  Here are just a few pictures that barely do justice for all there hard work and planning. It was lovely. Whitney, Sarah, Katie and everyone else- Thank you!

So our baby girl's bedroom has always been intended to be her nursery since we moved in, however, we have had many various different pieces of furniture in there and it hasn't always looked the part. It's latest occupant was a queen sized bed that took up basically the whole room and because many of our guests prefer to sleep on the twin and trundle we have in our other guest room, we figured why not sell our queen bed. So, one craigslist post and some $$ later I had my nursery back and it was ready to be put together! 

Before

After

Now by all means the nursery is far from complete. I actually just barely ordered our crib and it should be arriving in the next week. (eeeek!) I'm pretty excited.  I have been receiving many packages in the mail and every time I do it's all I can do not to take a million pictures to document everything. A lot of the things I take pictures of I don't know why it would matter whether or not I had documentation but I am having a lot of fun and thats all that really matters. Right?

Now before I share the fun stories about great deals I got on baby things with online sales I have to brag about a recent purchase I made from Craigslist.  I am not a patient shopper. When I find something and I want it I usually have to get it right then because the anxiety of waiting and coming back and it not being there. Sometimes I am happy when I look back and am glad I walked away but thats usually because Greg has talked sense into me.  But when I saw this deal on Craigslist I had to act and I am SO GLAD I did. I have been wanting to get baby girl a swing, but to get the really nice Graco ones you need to be committed to spend $130+ or occasionally a good one goes on sale for around $100.  But still, that is a big purchase, and I hadn't really talked to Greg about that kind of purchase for baby. He knew about the travel system and crib but another big purchase I thought might put him over the edge- especially with my recent clothes shopping behavior.  So my MOM (major props) mentioned I check craigslist and lo and behold I found this wonderful little swing that had only been used with one baby for a span of four months.  The lady said she paid $165 for it at Target.  So I go check it out and the thing is perfect. And she only wants $40.00 for it. SOLD.
The next day I was at Target and this little beauty was still on DISPLAY for 165.00. I got so lucky.  Baby girl is going to love it. Love it. Love it. Love it.

So after I shopped Craigslist I finally made some purchases that I had been contemplating  and strategizing for a while. I finally picked and ordered a diaper bag.  I decided on a bag by Timi and Leslie, "Dawn" and think that I am going to love it! I like the quality, appearance and all the extras that came with it. 

I also purchased our car seat and jogger combo from Kohls (we also bought a video baby moniter for a pretty good deal but thats not very exciting so I didn't post pictures).  I waited for a sale where I could get 30% off with a Kohls Charge Card and made my move. When they arrived I couldn't help but put everything together. I am such a nerd but I just looove getting things ready. 

Teddy ready to go! (I'm so lame)

I also just made a big old purchase from Target to get the remainder of things we need/want.  I will post pictures in my next post.  I love online shopping. UPS guy I am sure HATES me loving online shopping. Sorry not sorry. 

Sooo there has been something I have been struggling with lately.  I didn't even think about this until a few weeks ago and once I realized it was something I needed to decide on and move on, it kind of took over my life and my time.  Newborn Photography.  Nowadays a super popular thing. A must? No. Want? HECK YES. Expensive? You know it. I really haven't noticed much price difference in a lot of things since moving to PA. Milk is more expensive, but most things not too different. Out here just to get an hour photo shoot and then to order pictures is around 330.00 from a decent photographer.  I hate that.  And then there are people who think because they have a DSLR that they are photographers and they aren't .. exactly.. what you want and still want $$$.  I feel like options in Idaho were way better.  Can't believe I am saying that. haha  So now, because I have a DSLR, I have decided to become a photographer (joking) but no, really, I am going to do her pictures myself.  And I am excited for the challenge.  Does this make me sad? Yeah, kinda of. Buttt I just CAN'T justify spending more on pictures than I did her carseat/jogger/baby monitor put together. Oh and btw all the photo studios in Sears, JCP, and WalMart have been shut down in the area. Ok. Rant over.

Last thing I wanted to talk about was my most recent Dr. appt on Friday 1/24.  I had actually just got done complaining the day before that my appts are so boring. Which is GOOD, I know, but I wish they would do an U/S or tell me how big my baby is. I am dying to know!!  So after my appt my doctor asks that if I want to, and if I have time, they would like to hook me up to the baby monitor and watch baby girls heart rate. Of course I said yes.  So I sat in their comfy arm chair and chowed down on a snack they brought me and pushed this button every time baby girl kicked, which was a lot more than the person on the other side of the divider. I did get competitive and baby girl performed. I was proud.  And then the nurse comes in and looks at her HR print out and explains that they want her HR to go up  15 beats/minute ( or maybe 20? can't remember?) and stay there for 15 seconds, twice and then the doctor would evaluate her print out.  But baby girl only did that once, barely, so eventually they just took my print out to the doctor for evaluation. I wasn't really worried- because Greg's heart rate and my heart rate are rather low, and even though thats not the same thing, I just wasn't worried. 

And then the doctor ordered a "biophysical Ultrasound" to check the baby. Not sure what all this means and I wish I could say that I got to find out how big she is and her positioning and length and everything but I didn't. Believe me I tried.  All they did was track her movements.  They wanted her to do a list of things within 30 minutes and she did them within 5 minutes. At the end the tech was like- "Tell me again why they ordered this?" and I really wasn't sure but it was fun to get to see baby girl doing her thing.  It wasn't a clear picture but she was definitely there. So overall the appointment went well. My belly is measuring 35 cm.  And all in all I just can't wait to meet her in just a few short weeks.  That's right, folks, a few short weeks because I am 36 WEEKS!!! Holy Smokes!

Week 34 Day 5

Week 35 

Week 35 Day 4

Week 36 (Please excuse my coat on the stairs, and my chubby cheeks! :) )

How far along? 36 Weeks

Total weight gain? 30 lbs

Maternity clothes? I have retired many shirts and am living in my spandex pants full time.  I am also getting low on dresses but hopefully only have four sundays left. 

Best moment this week: Getting to see baby girl on the Ultrasound and getting the car seat in mail. It was a relief! Now we can at least be somewhat prepared to take her home.

Miss anything? I miss being able to put on my make up, brush my teeth and cook while standing on our linoleum flooring without having my feet and legs prickle/burn! It's weird, and applying lotion kinda helps but i have to stand on a mat.  I also  miss wearing my wedding ring because I really sincerely feel that people look at me and think, "that poor girl, I hope she finishes high school...".  I miss having the energy I had before Christmas. I was super wife. Now, I'm tired wife begging husband to run upstairs to get my phone charger and asking if its okay if we have breakfast for dinner...... again. 

Movement: She moves a lot still, however things are getting snug in there. I don't feel her doing quite as much as she use to. I guess baby and mama are a little less active lately. 

Food cravings: No cravings, however, we have had fruit loops in the house and I have eaten nearly the whole bag of malt-o-meal brand big bag fruit loops. YUM. I just like them.  I still enjoy a good Diet Pepsi but its not such a need as it was before. 

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope

Gender: Baby girl!

Symptoms: Swollen fingers, ANKLES AND FEET especially, my flats are getting small. ha. Arthritis in my fingers and ankles. Swelling in my face still.  My back and hips hurt when I sit in my chair too long but I can do a day of shopping or running errands and be on my feet and be fine.  I honestly have been feeling really good. I still sleep through the night occasionally which is pretty good. I am enjoying those nights because I know once baby comes that won't happen!

Belly Button in or out? OUT OUT OUT.

Looking forward to: Getting baby girl's crib and the rest of our target purchases this next week. So excited. I am also excited for my appointment this Friday. Which is most likely a boring appt with the Strep B test, but I am down to weekly appointments which means this is getting REAL and FAST!  

34 Weeks

Being back in Pennsylvania after our nearly month long Christmas vacation is definitely bitter sweet. It was so nice to get out of town and go to our homes and see family and friends. However now that we're home we remember how nice it is to sleep in our own beds and to have our own space.  I have been having a hard time getting back into my daily routine though. Apparently I have forgotten how to cook while I was away and I forgot all of our favorite things that I used to once cook... which is just great. 

While we were in Colorado my MIL, MarrLin threw a double baby shower for my SIL Aubrey and I.  Our due dates are one day apart and she is having a baby boy! It was so fun to share the day with her and I was so grateful for everyone who came and for those who showed their love and support!

Today I am 34 weeks and 2 days. Baby girl has found her way into my ribs and is constantly there and everywhere else I wish she wouldn't be. I have come to really dislike our couches even more than I already did because they are so uncomfortable on my back. Heartburn has been happening also, however one tums tablet seems to fix it, so thats good!   She is constantly bobbing up and down all over my belly. I tease that she's doing the breast stroke and I can see her move all over. Greg has gotten to see her in action a couple of times and he's always like "whoa!!! How do you sleep with that going on!!" I don't know, Greg. I just don't know.

Top picture: normal
Bottom picture: baby girl going nuts on the left side.

Last night, however, was my first night really having a hard time sleeping because baby girl had her head up in my left side/ribs and I sleep on my left- so it was weird. I had to switch my routine up and roll to my right which means I had a big pillow between Greg and I to separate my arms while I slept so that MY ARMS don't fall asleep too, which has become a huge problem.  Then Greg ended up waking in the middle of the night whimpering because he couldn't reach me. So sweet. Then he tossed my much needed arm pillow off the bed. Great.

On Thursday I will be touring the Hospital where I will be having our baby girl.  Then on Saturday we are doing a prenatal class. Its from 8:30am-4:00pm.  Because its just going to be me and Greg in the delivery room and no moms or anyone to really talk us through anything, I feel more comfortable with the idea of us doing a class, however- a class that last alll day long??? COME ON!! I'm still suspicious Greg might ditch. I might even ditch, so I can't blame him.

My face is officially plump!

Week 33

Week 33 Day 3

Big girl says "heyyyyyy"

Week 34 Day 2

How far along? 34 Weeks 2 days

Total weight gain? 25 lbs

Maternity clothes? I have officially stopped wearing some maternity clothes because I am just getting too big. I guess they were meant for second trimester only.

Best moment this week: Capturing baby girl's movements on camera and getting to share that with Greg. She's such a performer. Rarely does she miss an opportunity to show off when someone's hand is on my belly. Also, Greg and I were out shopping and I found this gem. I am in LOOVE. I love how feminine it is. Awwww. Can't wait.

Miss anything? I feel guilty saying I miss sleep because I slept so well all last fall since I wasn't working, but I do miss just sleeping through the night and not needing to go to the bathroom or needing my pillow or feeling like I gotta sit up because the content of my stomach are so close to coming up my throat its scary. Yeah I miss not having to deal with that. I also miss being able to buckle my seat belt without having to work the strap to get more slack. Seriously, does loads for my self esteem. haha. Greg told me today that he missed being able to wrap me up in a hug and slam me down on the bed (I mean that in the most appropriate way possible). I am not sure I miss being forced to wrestle all THAT much. I also miss not wearing my ring. 

Movement: All the time. I love that she is moving because I know she's okay but I have already come to appreciate her nap times. lol

Food cravings: Still my only real craving is pop. I really enjoy diet pepsi, diet coke and root beer. yum.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope

Gender: Baby girl!

Symptoms: Swollen fingers, ankles, feet. Arthritis in my fingers and ankles. Swelling in my face. My back has been hurting a lot too. 

Belly Button in or out? Its sooo out.

Looking forward to: Seeing baby girl. I have been dying to see an ultrasound or something. I am pretty sure I won't get to see her until she's born though. Dang it.  I have read that she is supposed to be about 4 lbs and 3/4 ounces. I can't believe she's that big. Its crazy. Love my baby girl so much.

I also am purchasing our car seat/jogger combo this week and am soooooo excited.  

      

32 Weeks

I swear I was just posting about reaching week 29 and I can't believe I am already at 32 weeks! Before I know it this little girl is going to be here! AHHHH
On December 14 we flew to WA to spend Christmas with my family.  Weather in State College, PA was kind of crazy that morning and we were very grateful and fortunate that none of our flights were cancelled and that our arrival wasn't delayed by much time.
On December 17 Greg and I celebrated our two year anniversary. I love him so much.  While doing this blog post I found these old picture in the deep archives of his parents computer.

Photo snapped without our knowledge. We had been dating for maybe 2 weeks?

Greg's 22 birthday spent in CO where I met his family. 

While in WA my mom threw a baby shower for me and I felt so lucky and thankful for everyone that came! She is going to be one spoiled little girl.
Christmas was also a fun time because all of my siblings (except Tanner on his mission, of whom we got to talk to on Christmas Day! He's doing great!) were able to come together and spend about 6 days together.  It was a crazy household with nieces and nephews running around, people talking loud and lots of card games/volleyball to be played as well as food to be made but we enjoyed our trip very much and I had a hard time leaving. I always do. Especially when I don't know when I will next be back to visit? That is the hardest thing about living on the East Coast.  Christmas Day was awesome. Highlights being the Canon Rebel camera my parents gave us and the new cute wallet Greg got me, AND talking to tanner of course. It was hard to imagine that next Christmas we will have to be Santa for our little girl. Not that she will even care.. ha.
We are now in Colorado and are enjoying being with Greg's family.  They are a pretty quiet bunch compared to my family so I might have to spice things up.

Week 32 came with some not so glamorous details.  I officially feel huge. I feel like there is no more room inside me and can't fathom that I still potentially have 7-8 weeks left. My feet are swelling. Not huge, but lets just say my high heels are a little too snug. I won't be wearing them next week for church. My hands are swollen to the point that I can't take my ring off and I have arthritis in my knuckles and joints in my hands, feet, ankles. Baby girl has been moving lots. It used to be that she was quiet during the day and really crazy at night but I realized the last three nights I have slept through the night and then she has been going crazy all day long so my theory is that she is now on my sleeping schedule and hopefully she stays there.

Week 30

While in Washington, my sister-in-law, Courtney Casper, snapped some quick pictures of the belly.  I took too long to get ready and left her with a small window of good lighting, but as you can see she's pretty amazing!
You can see more of her work at www.courtneycasperphotography.blogspot.com and I just found out she is officially taking clients starting January 2014.
Here are a few!

Week 31

And then of course one to bring in the new year.

Week 32. Happy New Year!!

Now for the details!

How far along? 32 Weeks 2 days

Total weight gain: 22 lbs

Maternity clothes? Full time maternity clothes and I am actually growing out of some of my maternity clothes.....? Can you say yikes??

Best moment this week: Spending time with my family for Christmas and the baby shower my mom threw for me. I had so much fun!

Miss Anything? I have been missing lunch meat lately. I miss sleeping without my arms falling asleep and being able to lay on my belly. And now I miss wearing my wedding ring. 

Movement: All the time. Shes been really active during the day and so I'm hoping her sleep schedule is becoming more like mine?

Food cravings: None really. I do enjoy my Diet Pepsi but thats still the only real craving I have had, besides Christmas candy and sugar cookies but I am pretty sure we all have had those cravings this last week. 

Anything making you queasy or sick: No, nothing has been bothering me as of late, however I can't lay flat on my back after I eat anything or I pretty much throw up in my mouth. 

Gender: Baby girl!                      

Symptoms: Swollen fingers(can't wear my wedding ring anymore), swollen ankles/feet(can't wear my high heels anymore), arthritis in fingers and feet/ankles, and I have noticed the weight/swelling coming on in my face. I see it in pictures and it makes me cringe. That started week 30-31.      

Belly Button in or out? Its been out for months. 

Looking forward to: 2014! The year our lives change forever!!!! We are so excited to meet her.