A few of my favorite things...

   I can't believe Silas is 2 1/2 months old- time is FLYING!  I truly do enjoy and try to savor each moment; even the messy ones;)  I'm thankful that while being a mommy is definitely a learning curve, I'm learning more each day and feel a much greater grasp on this role than those first few weeks:)  Over these couple of months, I've definitely developed my favorites... those things that have made mommy-hood even sweeter and more manageable.  I figured I'd share those things here:)  In no particular order...


1. The floor gym:  If you've talked to me at all, or seen my pictures on facebook, then you're probably rolling your eyes right now thinking "Oh grief, here she goes with the floor gym again!";)  It's true- I'm in love;)  Of course there's the standard great baby essentials that help "hold" Silas like the bouncy seat and swing.  And they're definitely favorite things too.  But this floor gym has been a fave of mine and Silas' since day 1.  Ok wait, day 3 since we didn't exactly take it to the hospital;)  Silas didn't have to wait to grow to fit into it; and it serves different purposes and ages, since you can move the bar down for tummy time, and eventually when Silas can sit up on his own, the piano flips up for him to hit with his hands.  Ok, I'll stop;)  And yes... Ferdy loves it too;)

2. The Velcro swaddlers:  We've been avid swaddlers of Silas; and at first, Jason was the only one that was good at it.  Since Silas was so itty-bitty he didn't quite fit into his Velcro swaddlers and we used swaddle blankets.  I could never get it tight enough to last, and Silas always got out of it.  Now that Silas fits into the Velcro ones we have no more escaping, and I can proudly say I can successfully swaddle:)

3. PJs:  Oh the adorability of my lil man in PJ's!  Be still my heart.  Every morning I take his picture.  Seriously.  Every. Morning.  I'm about to blow up Facebook with an album of nothing but Silas' PJ pictures.  You will die of happiness:)

4. Stain Remover:  Enough said;)

5. The Sleep/Eat/Play Routine:  I've never wanted Silas to be on a "schedule"; I didn't want to force him into too much too quickly, and I myself don't want the rigidness of a schedule.  But I also got to the point where I knew it couldn't stay a total free-for-all.  So I began the Google search and found the "Sleep/Eat/Play routine" that Supernanny and the Baby Whisperer recommend.  It's a combination method of parent-led and baby-led methods.  Let me tell you, it has worked wonders.  There's no longer total guesswork on mommy's end, and it just seems to fit Silas' natural cycle.  It has made for a very happy baby and momma:)

6. Hooded towels:  Silas is becoming a bit more happy... err, happy might be a strong word... a bit more calm;) during bath time, but boy did it use to bring out the lungs in him.  Nevertheless, as soon as bath time is over, all is hunky dory once he's wrapped up in one of his hooded towels.  Not to mention the fact that he's uber cozy and adorable:)

7. Mirrors:  The baby swing has a mirror globe; the seat his car seat goes in has a baby mirror; his floor gym has a mirror.  And I have a little mirror I keep out for when he's not in one of those places:)  He loves staring at the mirrors; they work great for calming and entertaining him!

8. Facebook:  Nothing like being able to upload a bazillion pictures of my lil man and getting to "hear" everyone's comments to make this girl's day:)  It's also great to be able to change my status to a baby question and be able to quickly get so many different people's advice and feedback!

9. Baby Einstein:  My brother-in-law and sister-in-law got us this baby einstein toy that can hang from stuff like his car seat, and plays music and has lights.  He LOVES it, and it has served to calm down many car rides, and to entertain him in many waiting rooms:)

10. Changing his diaper:  Seems weird, right?;)  But Silas LOVES having his diaper changed.  We spend a lot of time hanging out at his changing table:)  If he gets fussy, I'll even fake change his diaper;)  I don't even have to take him to the changing table- I'll just pull up his legs and pretend to be checking/changing his diaper.  Instant happiness:)

6 Weeks

Back before I was in the baby-wanting realm, I heard and knew about those first 6 weeks- those crazy, exhausting, nearly debilitating first 6 weeks of having a baby.  Employers give women 6 weeks off of work, doctors give them 6 weeks to recover, and new parents get their behinds kicked by a tiny but surprisingly strong infant;)

Even in my strongest desires to have a baby, I still always dreaded those first 6 weeks.  Even after we got pregnant, I told people I was blocking out the month of August in my mind because I knew it was gonna be so hard and Twilight-Zoney.

Well, now August's almost over and I must say: while I've never been more tired in my life, I'm so sad to see August go!

Today my lil man is 6 weeks old- that magic numerical milestone is here.  And while of course I'm excited about his maturing and developing and the possibility that maybe... just maybe... someday I'll sleep more than 5 hours in a row again... I still just want to pause time and be able to further soak in each precious gaze, sweet baby smell, and cozy cuddle.  Because even though these 6 weeks have certainly kicked my behind, and there have been times where life was indeed pretty Twilight-Zoney (like the times where my husband and I would wake up wondering if the baby was somewhere in the bed with us instead of his crib... some frantic sheet flipping ensued;)), life has also been the most glorious, joyful, and beautiful it's ever been.  When bleary-eyed new parents declare confidently that "it's worth it", now I believe them.  Now I get it:)

These past 6 weeks have been so much fun- the latest highlight has been Silas' discovering his voice- so cute!  He makes these little, adorable sounds and then seems surprised by himself:)  He's also starting to smile and laugh when he's awake which is so heart-melting.  Though I think it's heart-melting when he smiles and laughs in his sleep too, though it may just be over dreams of nursing;)

There have been intensely hard moments too- times where I've literally banged my head against the wall at a loss of what to do to make him stop crying.  Times where I've found myself sobbing tears all over his little body while I nurse because I'm just so tired and I feel so guilty for crying at all.

Through these hard times, I've learned in my heart what I've already known in my head- that I am not enough; but God is enough.  One middle of the night feeding where I was feeling especially weak, especially exhausted, and especially guilty for wanting so badly to sleep, a Twitter popped up on my phone that said "Sometimes when we feel most overwhelmed we forget how big God is."  So needed that.

It reminds me of an article I read before I had Silas that talked specifically about how we will never be "Mom enough" but God is and always will be "God enough".  So, so glad this is true.

I'm so grateful for all God's given and done in Silas' life.  I've already seen His hands in so many ways, it blows my soul.  I'm forever blessed and transformed by these past 6 weeks and am beyond excited for the moments of the next 6 weeks:)

Week 39

Since the beginning of my pregnancy I've said that Baby Hart was gonna come a bit early.  I just thought he would, and of course, wanted him to.  But, facts are facts, and almost all first time mommies go a week overdue and have to be induced.  So even though I thought and said he'd come early, I knew my chances were that I'd see 41 weeks of pregnancy.

So when my water broke at 1:37am a full ten days before Baby Hart's due date, I was.... surprised;)  If you'd been a fly on the wall (bless that poor fly's heart) you would have never thought I said he'd come early.  You wouldn't believe that I thought that.  I was a bit less than calm and prepared acting;)

Let me back up a bit.  For a while now I've had a "To Do Before Baby" list.  That list has been pretty much done except for one more thing- to deep clean my whole house.  I hadn't nested so my house was not quite in ready-for-having-a-baby shape.  So I had a list.  On Monday,  I was gonna start in the kitchen of death and grime and work my way room by room, finishing the whole house, top to bottom, on Wednesday.  Then I'd be alllll ready for the baby.  My doctor was also out of town on vacation till Wednesday, so I specifically wasn't doing any of the natural-ways-to-induce labor.  I had to clean my house, get my doc back in town, and then I'd start walking miles, eating alfredo, and goodness whatever other "get-this-baby-outa-me" trick.

So on Monday I began cleaning my kitchen. By the end of the day I had the cupboards halfway done and was nowhere near where I needed to be on my cleaning schedule.  Jason came home to find old ripped out contact paper all over the kitchen floor and dishes all over the counters.  I asked him to order pizza (he didn't object;)).  Jason looked around the kitchen and stated that we might want to get the kitchen a bit more together in case my water broke.  So while he went to get the pizza, I put the kitchen back into a manageable shape and thought about all I would desperately need to get done on Tuesday.

While we ate our pizza, my back was hurting me, which really was not a big deal to me at all since being in my 9th month of pregnancy meant constant back troubles.  This pain was a bit different though, as it came and went and just felt... different.  Still, I thought nothing of it except that I prolly needed to do some prenatal yoga.  So as I got down into cats cradle, Jason looked at me and said "Are you sure you're not having contractions?"  I informed him that of course not, What To Expect said contractions started in the top of my belly, and this was my lower back.  We went to bed that night, and as I lay there all I could think about was how I needed one more day.  One more day for my doctor to arrive back in town.  One more day to clean. Oh, how desperately I needed to vacuum.  I finished reading my book on breastfeeding, and fell asleep around 12:30am.

At 1:37am I woke up to my water breaking.  My first thought was no, this was not happening.  I needed one more day.  As I sat up, the water came out even harder and I realized no, I was not getting one more day.  This was really happening NOW!  I reached for the lamp, and Jason looked groggily at me.  "Jason!! JASON!!" I was panicking.  He asked what was wrong, and I told him my water was breaking, which he of course then noticed.  I then declared "But I haven't vacuumed yet!!" :)  Jason then said "Well we can just sleep till 7 or 8 and then go to the hospital."  I asked him if he was in the same birth class I was.  We had to leave NOW!

I raced to the bathroom and tried to situate things.  Note: when your water breaks, it doesn't gush and stop.  It's like the stinkin' energizer bunny that just keeps going.  I came back to the bedroom, "situated", and we began grabbing our hospital bag and the list of last minute things we needed to pack.  I told Jason how it was weird I wasn't having contractions, and they'd prolly have to put me on pitocin. By 2:20am we were driving down the road heading to the hospital:

I was pretty much in shock.  We got to the hospital and by now my water was leaking through my "situated-ness" and was landing on their nice hardwood floor;)  We checked in with the receptionist and were sent to triage.  I was all smiles and happiness and shock.  "My water broke!" I smiled and waved to the nurses.  They didn't take me into the let's-make-sure-she's-really-in-labor room since it was pretty obvious.  So into my birthing suite I went.  This hospital was glorious.  I knew it would be nice, but over my time there it way exceeded my expectations.  From this moment that I walked into my room, I never left it until we left with the baby.  Everything was taken care of in there!  We got in the room, and the nurse asked if I was having any contractions.  Nope, I said.  She checked me and hooked up the monitors, and surprise surprise, I was at 3 cm and was indeed having contractions!  Being able to see the contractions on the monitor, I realized they were that bit of come-and-go back pain I was having!  Well, great, so far so good.  Contractions I didn't even realize I was having made me happy.  The nurses asked me about an epidural and I said I was just gonna see how long I could go without getting one, but I was sure I would at some point.  My blood pressure was a bit high, so they left me all hooked up to the monitors (they have a wireless option, that would have left me able to walk the halls and such, one of the reasons I wanted to wait for the epidural).  So I was a bit bummed about having to be hooked up, but it was alright.  

After the nurses left, the contractions started to feel more like the contractions I had imagined- cramps, really.  I could handle this still.  They got more intense and uncomfortable; thankfully the nurse came back in to check my blood pressure, which had gone down, and I was given the wireless monitors and freedom to roam.  I began walking the floor of my room as the pain got worse and worse.  The nurses came back in again, smiled, and noted my changed state... not quite so smiley and calm anymore;)  They brought me an exercise ball and showed Jason how to rub my back.  At first these things helped.  Then, as the contractions got worse and worse, walking around the room was all I could stand.  By 5am the pain had gotten bad enough quickly enough that I knew it was time to order the epidural (it would take at least 45 min to get it, since they needed to get 2 bags of fluids into me).  The nurse came in to check me and I was at 4cm which further confirmed my decision to get the epidural.  They started the fluids, and the next hour was the most painful and gross of my life.  Each contraction was a ton worse then the one before, and they were right on top of each other.  The whole "getting a break in between" was not happening for me!  Jason kept trying to crack jokes and I got to the point where I officially "SHHed" him;)  When they brought the epidural to me at 6am and checked me, I was at 7 1/2 cm!  That definitely made me feel better about all the pain I was in!  Getting the epidural was quite the trip, as I had to sit hunched over, perfectly still on the edge of the bed- NOT easy!  But thanks to a death grip on my hubby's hand, and a precious nurse who held me and talked me through it, I finally I got the drugs in me.  

Ahhhh relief!  Now I was the one crackin' jokes and having a good time with my half-numbed body resting comfortably in bed;)  It was great to see the mega contractions of death on the monitor and no longer be able to feel them at all!  Back to the happy place of contractions I didn't even realize I was having;) The nurse had to leave at 7am as the shift changed, and informed us we'd have a baby by 10am since things were plugging along so quickly.  I was still in some shock that I wasn't still sleeping in my bed or vacuuming my house, so the thought that I'd be holding my newborn in just a few hours was both terrifying and thrilling.  Since I was feeling so great though, and the room was a lot more pleasant than it had been the last few hours;) we decided to take a lil video of the room:

I can now quickly sum up the next several hours by stating that my body took a break.  A big break.  There was definitely no baby by 10am, and hardly any progress from my body either.  I was dilating at a snails pace.  Actually, the doctor (not my doctor, who was in Rhode Island- I had been told 5 different doctors' names I was having, but it ended up being Dr. Child's that I got, and he was fantastic; and it was super sweet when my doctor called me from Rhode Island to see how I was doing!) nicknamed me "turtle".  He'd come in the room and be like "Hey turtle!" LOL.  If I didn't have that epidural I'm sure I would have punched him in the face.  Thanks to drugs I thought it was a riot!!;)  I was actually worried that the epidural had been the reason for my sluggish progress, but they said since I was so far dilated and was moving so slowly now that the epidural was not the cause.  Basically, my body just thought it was done.  I had thought by lunch time I'd be eating lunch holding my newborn, instead I got a popsicle:

The nurse that was on duty at this point came in to check me- I was around 8 1/2 cm- and asked if my doctor had ever said anything about my pelvis bone being too small to fit the baby's head.  I said actually my doctor had said the total opposite and thought everything was going to fit just fine.  Note: I get a lil sensitive in this area because throughout my pregnancy there's been some comments about how I would need a C-section because I was so petite.  Actually, I've known women larger than me to need C-sections for the baby-not-fitting reason and people even more petite than I am to have no problems fitting things at all.  So when the nurse said she had concerns of this I had two thoughts: 1. Ugh, I'd rather not have a C-section. 2. I really don't want to have a C-section for THAT reason.  But, I knew that this was why I'd had no birth plan and all that mattered was getting my healthy lil baby boy in my arms.  The nurse sent for the doctor to come check and I began mentally wrapping my head around a C-section.  The doctor came and said my pelvis bone would fit the baby just fine- WOOT- but that the baby was turned to the side and time was a tickin' so a C-section was still a strong possibility.  They gave me some pitocin and had me lay on my side hoping to shift baby and speed up things.  A while later it looked like baby had turned a bit and I had dilated some more so things were looking up for a vaginal delivery.  I had finally come to terms with a C-section but now released those thoughts and came back to terms with pushing this baby out.

At  5pm they came to check me and I had dilated up to 9 1/2 cm.  They wheeled in all the birthing equipment and said they'd be back in 1/2 an hour to start pushing.  The nurse explained that it would probably take a good 2 hours to push since at first I'd have to figure out how to push since I couldn't feel anything.  So for the next 1/2 hr I got in the "get ready to push" mental zone.  The nurse came at 5:30, checked me, and I was still at 9 1/2cm.  I'd also been having a bit of a fever all day, and it had spiked up to 100.4.  She texted the doctor "no more progress, fever's up" and he texted back "prep her for a C-section". Not gonna lie, though I truly just wanted a healthy baby in my arms, I almost started crying at this point, as they wheeled all the birth equipment back out of the room.  9 1/2 cm... SO close!:/   I tried to stay calm and again wrap my mind around the surgery that was about to happen.  The nurse left, and came back in a few minutes later to say that there was an emergency C-section that just took precedence and the doctor said we mine as well try pushing some in the meantime.  I was grateful for the opportunity to try pushing, but also told the nurse I just didn't want to end up pushing for 2 hrs and then still end up getting a C-section.  But she assured me that we'd only try a few times to see what kind of "pusher" I was and if we could make any progress.

I've never been so determined in my life.  All the prenatal yoga and kegels were gonna help now, or never.  I pushed for the life of me through a few contractions, and the nurse was quite pleased.  She texted the doctor that I could push well and had made some progress, and he said he would come in, and we'd give it a try.

So back in wheels all the birth equipment (deja vu) and in comes the doctor and all the other nurses and staff   to be ready in case this actually works.  The doctor explained that he would have to use the vacuum some when I pushed since the baby was still a bit turned and I hadn't quite made it to 10cm.  I pushed a couple times without the vacuum (such an intense experience- takes all the strength of you and all you hear are all these people cheering you on and yelling PUSH!) then the doc tried with the vacuum.  After that next push, the doctor asked if I wanted to feel the baby's head.  In kind of a daze I said, no, I had to keep a hold of my legs so I was ready to push as soon as the next contraction came.  All the nurses and the doc exclaimed no, feel the baby's head!  I looked around dazed and confused, then looked at the doc and said "Wait... does this mean I'm not having a C-section??"  He smiled super sweetly and said no, I was not having a C-section:)  I reached down and felt my sweet boy's head and that was all the more motivation I needed.  I pushed on the next contraction and out came my baby's head!  I hadn't even known- I my eyes squeezed shut and was in the PUSH-zone and heard Jason go "I see his head!"  I opened my eyes and Jason had the most amazing expression on his face, as he again said "Em, I see his head!"  I looked down and there was my baby boy's head and sweet face! The doctor said to give it another half push, and then there was my whole baby boy!  He had a head full of dark hair and was the most precious, adorable thing I've ever seen.  I couldn't stop saying how cute he was;)  He was just so cute... did everyone see how cute he is??  Excuse me, nurse, do you see how cute my baby is?  Jason, look at how cute he is!!:)

And so Silas Lloyd Hart came into the world, at 6:20 pm, 7 lbs. 7 oz. and 19 3/4 in. long:)  They had to take him right over to get cleaned up, since he had already gone a lil potty inside of me.  The doctor stitched me up (and stitched... and stiched...:( )  and I was hit by how exhausted and absolutely starving I was.  I couldn't hold the baby for a bit cause I couldn't stop shaking:/  So Jason held him right by me:

When I finally was able to hold my Silas myself, it was the most incredible, powerful feeling ever:

                            

The rest of our time at the hospital was wonderful- I've never been so tired and in so much pain, and yet never, ever been happier!  One time, as I was hobbling back from the bathroom, I looked at Jason and said "I'm having so much fun!" at which Jason looked at my barely-able-to-walk-self  and said "Why??" LOL:)  The hospital was great- the nurses were all super; we were given a "Serenity Time" from 2:30-4:30 each afternoon which meant no visitors and family time for just the three of us; I had a menu I could order off of whenever I wanted; etc.  We were surrounded by friends and family that loved us and our Silas.  And we had our new, precious boy in our arms!

Our amazing Silas!!!

Breakfast of prettiness:)

This was the nurse that was there when we first got there, who helped so much through the worst of it, and got me through the epidural!:)

Jason's parents, who headed in from Iowa and have helped us a ton since we've been home with him!

Our fantabulous friends from Ohio, who headed in that morning to come be with us and meet Silas!  We thought when they got here, we'd have a 6 hr. old ready to meet them, but they ended up having to wait a couple hrs. still in the waiting room for his arrival!  They were such a help and encouragement to us!!

Our family!!!:)

  

Week 38

How far along? 38 weeks.

Baby Hart is the size of:  A pumpkin.

Total weight gain/loss:  Added 2 more lbs. for 27 gained.

Maternity clothes? Yes, though I'm even outgrowing some of them.... I'd say it's time to have this baby;)

Stretch marks? A little one right above my belly button...as if that area wasn't odd enough already.

Sleep: Trying to enjoy it despite the potty trips and achiness... I know it's a lot more/better sleep than I'll be getting soon...

Best moment this week:  Getting our prenatal pics was a blast!  Can't wait to share them soon:)  Also, seeing my friend Rikki from out of town:)  She passed on a bundle of super helpful baby gear from her babies, and was sooo encouraging and refreshing to chat with!

Miss anything? Bending over without it being an event;)

Movement: Poor little crowded guy- but he still gets in his stretches and rolls:)

Food cravings:  I had a Pepsi for the first time in over 3 years.  Then I remembered why I gave up soda in the first place.

Symptoms:  I really cannot complain... a lot of the horrible symptoms I've heard are common at this point I haven't had.  I'm really not that uncomfortable, those there's definitely those moments.  And I'm peeing even more now that Baby Hart's scooted even lower;)  

Showing?  I definitely look like I'm 9 months pregnant:)  

Gender:  Lil boy:)

Belly button in or out?  Out and weird.
Wedding rings on or off? On (Yes I forgot to wear it in this week's pic).

Adjustments?  Adjusting to the stares/gasps/comments out in public, all the time, everywhere, from everyone.  Yes, I'm about to have a baby.

Emotions: Excited!!

Learned this week:  That Baby Hart might be here sooner than expected!  At our appt. on Thursday we found out he's way low at -1 and I'm more than 80% effaced.  The doctor said he wouldn't be surprised if he comes next week.... here's to hoping!!

So thankful for:  The cooler temps! Sooooo much nicer!

Looking forward to: Holding my son!! So soon!!!

Other highlights:   Our nursery is officially all ready!  

Week 37

How far along? 37 weeks.

Baby Hart is the size of:  A winter melon.

Total weight gain/loss:  Lost 1/2 lb. so 25 gained even.

Maternity clothes? I don't even want to go there.   Between the 100+ temps and my massive belly I am getting quite the use out of the couple of things that make me not as miserable.  And then there's Jason's T-shirts....

Stretch marks? I think I might be getting a little one above my belly button... however, that area is so bizarre looking right now it's hard to tell :P

Sleep: Not so awesome this week.

Best moment this week:  Having our last ultrasound this past Thursday!  And getting our prenatal pics:):)

Miss anything? Cooler temps.  And crossing me legs;)

Movement: Been the same, and totally golden!

Food cravings:  Ice cream.

Symptoms:  Sciatic pain :P And swollen feet/hands, prolly mainly thanks to the insane heat;)
Showing?  I'm a truck.

Gender:  Lil boy:)

Belly button in or out?  Out and weird.
Wedding rings on or off? On.

Adjustments?  Adjusting to the quickly moving countdown....

Emotions: Excited and anxious for the big day!  And a lil confused as to my lack of nesting;)

Learned this week:  Learned some fun things about our lil munchkin at our ultrasound.  Baby Hart's head is good and super low.  It was also confirmed that he has Jason's long toes;)  And the one thing measuring bigger than schedule?  His belly;)  

So thankful for:  Water!  I've been so hit by how amazing it is to have clean, cold water accessible all the time.  I was watering our flowers outside the other day and all the sudden realized how crazy that would seem to so many people in the world- we water our flowers.  We're that blessed with water, we can pour it on our plants.  Such a blessing- and I'm deeply grateful!

Looking forward to: Getting the last couple things off the "to-do-before-baby" list this week!  Then I'm gonna start trying alll the old wives tales to get this train a rollin'!:)

Other highlights: We got our car seat and stroller all set up and installed this week!  And our hospital bag almost completely packed! So neat to feel so close to "ready" :)

Week 36

How far along? 36 weeks.

Baby Hart is the size of:  A honeydew- which I'm ironically eating right now...;)

Total weight gain/loss:  2 more pounds gained for  25 1/2 lbs. total.

Maternity clothes? Yes and I've been thinking about how fun it will be when I fit back into my regular clothes... like a massive free shopping trip...

Stretch marks? Not yet... lotsa  mineral-oil-free cocoa butter...  but who knows what these last few weeks will bring....

Sleep: Better this week.

Best moment this week:  On Monday I had a "me" day (prolly the last one for a long time!) and superly enjoyed a prenatal massage, ton of Chinese food, and girly movies all day.  It was fantabulous:)

Miss anything? Laying on my tummy.

Movement: It's been a lot more "muffled"- as he's getting crowded in there!  But still lotsa twisting and stretching and stuff:)

Food cravings:  Chocolate ice cream/milkshakes.

Symptoms:  A bit more comfortable this week, but still some back/hip pain, and the sciatic nerve has been HATEFUL to me.
Showing?  Just a bit, yeah;)

Gender:  Boy:)

Belly button in or out?  So out.
Wedding rings on or off? On.

Adjustments?  Adjusting to how quickly time is going!:)

Emotions: So excited... and a lot more humbled/grateful/and burdened since...

Learned this week:  ...I learned this week that some friends of ours 18 month old daughter has cancer.  In the last couple weeks it seems there's been a lot of news of sick/passing of lil ones and tragedies in pregnancies.  I have been so saddened, weeping with those who weep.... and also feeling especially grateful for the health in my family.  So reminded of how fragile life is...   please join me in prayers for these friends!

So thankful for:  So, so many things... but a specific thing from this week- getting our car seat/stroller and having a great coupon to use for it!

Looking forward to:  Getting our prenatal pics done next Monday:)

Other highlights: We took our Infant/Child/Adult CPR class this week.  It was great and kinda scary lol!  After I left I found myself scanning wherever I was for people laying on the ground, just in case, I was ready;):)

Week 35

How far along? 35 weeks.

Baby Hart is the size of:  A coconut.

Total weight gain/loss:  1/2 pound, which I think was really allll Baby Hart's gain.... uff da!  23 1/2 lbs. total.

Maternity clothes? Yes.

Stretch marks? No.

Sleep: Not sure which wakes me up more now- needing to pee or the aches in my hips and legs:P

Best moment this week:  Completing 8 months of pregnancy and beginning #9!  

Miss anything? Not hurting;)

Movement: Lots- Baby Hart decided to explore a few different positions this week, which meant his usual kicks and squirms in my ribs ended up being in different places- mainly, right on my bladder.  Glad to say he's back to the knees and squirms being in my ribs;)

Food cravings:  Skittles.  I've eaten a LOT of skittles lately;)

Symptoms:  Just a week ago I was all like "Yeah feeling great, woo hoo..."  This week the uncomfortableness has struck!  My lower back and hips are superly hurting, and I've definitely embraced the pregnancy waddle.  Yay for my sweet hubby's foot and back rubs and help around the house!
Showing?  Umm yes I think so;)

Gender:  Boy:)

Belly button in or out?  Out.
Wedding rings on or off? On, though yes, I forgot to wear it when we took this picture.  Woops:)

Adjustments?  Had a great chiropractic adjustment this week that helped a lot with the back pain.... for a couple days;)

Emotions: Happy and so excited- with a bit of grumpiness over the uncomfortableness;)

Learned this week:  That everything I've heard about the "uncomfortable stage" of the 3rd trimester is true.  And I know it's not even at its worse yet:P

So thankful for:  Prenatal yoga!  It's been so helpful all along but especially now...

Looking forward to:  Getting a prenatal massage on Monday!  And hitting full-term next Friday!:)

Other highlights:  I'm so excited about Baby Hart's arrival- and having baby stuff around the house is making it even more exciting!!!  Here's the swing we got from my parents- love it!:

And here's the adorable bouncer seat from my lil brother and his wife:

Week 34

How far along? 34 weeks.

Baby Hart is the size of:  A butternut squash.

Total weight gain/loss:  2 more pounds this week for 23 total gained.

Maternity clothes? Yes, and I'm finding myself wearing the same few comfortable things over and over and....

Stretch marks? Nope.

Sleep: Been sleeping super, which seems strange, but I'm not complaining:)

Best moment this week:  When my hubby got back from his LAST- thank goodness!- business trip before baby:)

Miss anything? Had to miss my hubby AGAIN because of another business trip.

Movement: Yes he's still quite the active guy- it's so fun at this stage to be able to figure out his napping/playtime routines:)

Food cravings:  Just still having a very big appetite.  

Symptoms:  Overall feeling very super, though the lower back is definitely starting to take a toll.

Showing? Umm YES and I love how random strangers in public feel like they can tell me how huge I am :P  Nice.

Gender:  Baby Harts a lil boy:)

Belly button in or out?  It's pretty much an outie now;)
Wedding rings on or off? On.

Adjustments?  Adjusting, still ;), to the ever-growing belly.  Sorry Baby Hart for the times I've underestimated it's size;)

Emotions: Been getting out of the freak-out stage and into the just plain stinkin' excited phase:)

Learned this week:  That Target gives you a "10% off whatever's left on your baby registry" coupon- wooooot!  I knew Babies-R-Us did, but did not know Target did too!  YAYYY blessings!

So thankful for:  Getting such 10% off coupons in the mail this week:)  

Looking forward to:  Using said coupons ASAP to get everything else we need from our registries!:)

Other highlights:  Running through this pregnancy may end up being one of my proudest accomplishments ever- it has not been easy, but only a lil bit left to go!

Several weeks ago on the way to an ultrasound I heard a song on the radio that made me think of Baby Hart; and I then proceeded to cry throughout it;)  I tried and tried when I was home then to find the name and singer online, but couldn't even remember the specific enough lyrics (ahhh pregnancy brain).  I eventually gave up hope of finding it; but this week as I was listening to Pandora I heard it again!  I then proceeded to of course get the name of it, look it up on YouTube, and listen to it several times through more said tears:)

Week 33

How far along? 33 weeks.

Baby Hart is the size of:  A Durian (yeah... I'd never heard of that either;) )

Total weight gain/loss:  No change this week so still at 21 lbs total

Maternity clothes? Absolutely.

Stretch marks? Not yet.

Sleep: Been pretty decent considering all the potty breaks;)

Best moment this week:  My baby shower at church!

Miss anything? My hubby who had to go away for work again:(

Movement: Yes- lotsa rolling and stretching and such:)  And lotsa hiccups!  Too cute!

Food cravings:  Food.  That's right.

Symptoms:  Been feeling really well, but the back is starting to get a bit sore from the extra work load.

Showing? Ha. Ha.  Yes;)

Gender:  Lil boy:)

Belly button in or out?  Both.
Wedding rings on or off? On.

Adjustments?  Adjusting our "to get for baby" list now that our showers are done:):)

Emotions: Well I started crying in the car after not having the appropriate coupon at our grocery store this week.  That says enough;)

Learned this week:  Learned a lot from some great conversations with mom-friends... none of what I learned needs to be shared here;)  *shudder* 

So thankful for:  It being flip-flop season:)  While being so pregnant in the summer certainly has it's negatives, flip flops are not one of them!

Looking forward to:  Getting a prenatal massage and pedicure, both of which I have gift certificates for and just need to actually do:)

Other highlights:  Remember that 100 day countdown we started back in week 26? Well this week we crossed the 50 day mark, and are officially more than halfway done with that countdown!

And here are some pics from my church shower!

Me with the fantastic ladies who put it all together:

Week 32

How far along? 32 weeks.

Baby Hart is the size of: A squash.

Total weight gain/loss:  2 more pounds this week for 21 total.

Maternity clothes?  Yes, and starting to experience near "pants of the ground" from the stretchy part not quite holding on enough;)

Stretch marks? Not yet.

Sleep: Been good, and I'm trying to appreciate each night of it before it's over;)

Best moment this week:  Having my older brother and his family come visit!

Miss anything? Having normal or no dreams would be nice;)

Movement: Yups, been keeping up the same active pace!

Food cravings:  Cheesy New York style pizza.

Symptoms:  Been feeling really good; still got the pregnancy brain full force though;)

Showing? Oh, yes.

Gender:  Baby Hart's a boy.

Belly button in or out? Mostly out... still stubbornly partly in;)
Wedding rings on or off? On.

Adjustments? Adjusting to the big belly still.  

Emotions: Been getting a bit more calm and less anxious... but a bit more edgy too.... weird?

Learned this week:  Got a lot of great advice from my sis-in-law this week and learned a lot from her!

So thankful for:  A healthy pregnancy so far... been especially reminded lately how precious this is.

Looking forward to:  My church baby shower this Sunday!!!

Other highlights:  It was sooo great to meet my lil' niece Naomi and enjoy rare time with my adorable nephew Jonah!  Seeing such a cute lil boy definitely got me and Jason even more excited about having our own lil boy!

Week 31

How far along? 31 weeks.

Baby Hart is the size of: A pineapple.

Total weight gain/loss:  No change this week so still at  19 gained.

Maternity clothes?  Yeppers.

Stretch marks? Not yet...

Sleep: Was fantastic while we were gone on our Babymoon- been a bit more rough since coming home... I miss that King size bed...:)

Best moment this week:  Going on our Babymoon!  It was so relaxing and enjoyable!

Miss anything? Medium cooked steak.  I said it.

Movement: Oh yes, he's keeping up the activity for sure.  Had a kick in my rib this week that definitely went in the OUCH category!

Food cravings:  Ice cream.

Symptoms:  Sore, swollen feet after being on them for a while... which really isn't even that long of a while...

Showing? Yes, and though no weight difference this week the belly definitely looks different- I think he's scooting down a bit!

Gender:  Baby Hart's all boy:)

Belly button in or out? Almost all the way an outie.... won't be long now;)
Wedding rings on or off? On.

Adjustments? Adjusting to all the free time since I'm done at my job!  Enjoying all the time I can use now to focus on baby prep!

Emotions: Anxious... excited... and some more anxious;)

Learned this week:  That if I go down the worry path now I could be forever on it...

So thankful for:  Being done at my job, and becoming a stay at home mom!

Looking forward to:  My brother and his family visiting next week!  And meeting my new lil niece!!!

Other highlights:  Here are pics of the nursery so far- lots to still get/do; but I can't believe a week and half ago it was just a pile of stuff!

Lining it with Con-Tact paper took me a while... so I had to snag a pic;)

Ta-da!  Cute lil baby clothes, washed and ready for the lil man!

So excited about this closet organizer my amazing hair dresser got us!!!