My New Love

I have had such a relaxing past four days and definitely feel well rested for my insane week (work is nuts this coming week)! Anyway, I just had to share my new found love. Today was the first day that I finally got to the gym to swim laps (with a kick board most of the time!) Up until this point I have felt a bit nervous to do anything differently as everything has been going so well. But, my doctor recommended getting into the water to help with water weight and to get my blood moving. It was the most amazing feeling to literally feel weightless. I know it's nothing new as we all have been in the water at some point or another, but being so pregnant with all this extra weight it really felt so amazing. That is until I had to get out and climb up the ladder and was quickly reminded of all that extra lbs that I am carrying! However, I went straight from the pool for a Spa Pedicure and met my girlfriend Jessica right after for lunch. Such a great day to kick off my Sunday and get me geared up for the work week. I highly recommend that if you are prego to find a pool and swim...you won't regret it!

Happy Thanksgiving

Wishing you all a very Happy Thanksgiving filled with good food, family and naps....well and maybe a Seahawk's win too! I am very thankful for having each and everyone of you in our lives and truly feel so blessed to have the life I have. Happy Turkey Day!

"My Son"

So I just had a weird and exciting moment happen! To sum it up I have been trying to come up with the perfect gift for my mom and mother-in-law for putting together my upcoming baby shower with Robynn. My girlfriend Leah had the best idea (can't share just yet as it's still a surprise!). Anyway, I was on the phone with the gal to order the gift for my mom and had to explain who the gift was for, etc. Without even thinking about it I said, "It's for my mom and my son." After I hung up the phone I realized I just said "my son" for the first time! I have said our baby a lot but never once have I referred to him as my son. It was so natural and just slipped out of my mouth. I guess things are starting to become more of a reality as we get closer! Can't wait.

Birth Class

Yesterday was our first birth class of the 4 week series. We actually both really enjoyed it and are by far the fun couple of the class! As my girlfriend Ashley said, "We will be the teachers pets" by the end of the series. I have to admit I totally agree. There are about 7 couples total, all due within the same month and all but 1 with their first baby. It was interesting to hear each person describe what comes to mind when they think of labor. Every single person said pain or fear. Which really does not represent the feelings Chris or I are having at this point. I honestly can say that I am not scared and am really looking forward to experiencing this miracle of life. I guess at this point I am just viewing this class as an opportunity to absorb information and give us the tools to have a positive birth experience. Maybe the fear will set in as we get closer but I do believe knowledge builds confidence and this class will give us the knowledge we need to at least have some what of a clue as to what we are doing. Anyway, this class focused on a few key breathing exercises, exercises for building my muscles for birth, how to time contractions, relaxation techniques and the overall anatomy of a pregnant women. Next week we really get into the stages of labor...the good, bad and ugly! So until then I will be doing my daily homework of breathe work, positive visualization of being in labor, squats to help build my legs muscles in case I have to be in the squatting position to deliver, pelvic tilts to build the back muscle and kegal exercises to help during pushing and to prevent having to wear Depends later in life!! 9 more weeks and counting!

Flashbacks & Surprises

This weekend was a busy one! I definitely think from here on out I need to chill out a bit more and not book my calendar so much as it is starting to catch up with me. I just don’t know how to lay around very well.

Anyway, Saturday we went up to our friend Brenda & Tylers house in Magnolia for a Crab Feed & “Crapple Cup” Bash. It was really fun to get together with some Cougs we haven’t seen in a really long time. Watching the game and catching up with old friends really brought back a lot of memories of roaming the streets of Pullman. I definitely feel very blessed to have had such an incredible college experience. There is just something that bonds you to fellow Cougs that you knew during those days that no matter how much time has passed you still have this sense of family. Those years were some of the best times of my life. Who would have ever thought that I would have met my future husband at WSU! So thankful to have met a life partner that fully understands the connection and experience living in the Palouse gives you. Maybe one day I will get to go back for Mom’s Weekend! After the Coug Bash, I headed out to the New Kids On the Block Concert with my friend Ryan from work. I was a HUGE NKOTB fan in elementary school. My mom recently found a letter I wrote to them in 4th grade asking them to come perform at our talent show, so funny. It was comically how much they all look and sound the same. Pretty funny and oh so entertaining. I don’t think I have heard girls scream like that ever! I actually started to get worried that our poor baby might be a bit alarmed by the noise, so I took my bulky sweater off and put it around my belly and my purse in front of where his head is to try to muffle the noise. I guess after a day of Cougs and NKOTB he probably was ready for some peace and quiet.

And, to top off the eventful weekend I was pleasantly surprised that my bedding came in! They originally told me it would take up to mid-December but it came in early! My mother-in-law and I picked it up yesterday and put it all together. It looks amazing! Once I get the crib sheets on I will take some pics and show you all. But, until my showers are over I am not buying anything else so it will be a couple weeks until I post pics.

Anyway, we start our birth classes tomorrow. I will let you all know how it goes. I am really looking forward to the 4 week series as I am sure it will start to really hit home for Chris that we are having a baby and exactly what role he gets to play during the birth. :o)

30 week ultrasound

We had a 30 week ultrasound today and here are a couple pics of our little boy. Once I get the DVD uploaded I will put a clip of that too so you can see him in action!

30 weeks - face shot

Baby Face w/ Hands -

Baby Boy Parts - cute butt cheeks in the right corner and his package hanging down...it's HUGE looking! LOL

Baby Face Shot

Parking

Today I had an interesting turn of events and a bit of an embarrassing moment! To sum it up I was pulling into a parking garage at MS, where parking is really hard to find at times and instantly saw front row parking. I thought, "yes, VIP parking what a great way to start the day!" I pulled in to the spot, got out and started to walk away and thought to myself "it says compact I sure hope someone doesn't park real close to me." As you know I am now driving an SUV and am still getting used to the change from a sports car. Anyway, I proceeded to my meeting not worrying about the compact spot and didn't think about it again until the end of the day. My co-worker Ty needed a ride after the meeting so he and I were walking back to my car and I said to him half jokingly, "I sure hope someone didn't park too close to me as I may not be able to get in!" We both put our stuff in the car and he gets in. I approach the driver side open the door and attempt to get in the car but wait my belly doesn't fit. I tried to turn sideways towards the left and then towards the right and finally said 'Ty, I don't think I can fit!" He then said, "Can you try it belly first and then wiggle in?" So, I turned facing the opening and nope just belly...no way my hips were also getting in that little spot. At this point we were both laughing so hard. I had to have him get out and pull my car out of the parking spot for me. Needless to say it was one of the funniest moments I have had thus far in the pregnancy and a tad bit embarrassing. However, he and his wife just had a little girl a couple months ago so totally can relate. I guess bottom line is I can't get tempted by those VIP parking spots anymore and need to find the ones that offer a bit more room for my big rig and big belly! I am only 30 weeks...can't imagine how hard it's going to be as we continue on.

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday Grandma Ardy!

Yesterday evening we had family dinner at my mother-in-law Carol's for Grandma Ardy's 83rd Birthday (Carol's mom). It was really nice to all get together and celebrate the wonderful life she has led. I just love being part of such a large family and really cherish these times we are all able to get together.

Grandma Ardy & all the grandchildren (plus our great-grandbaby on the way!)

Cousin Annabelle (Bella)...love her!

Two of brother-in-laws at play with Sammy and Annabelle (airplanes and pony rides)...they are going to be great uncles!

Chris, Grandma Ardy, Me and baby -

Busy Boy

Just when I thought there was no way I could possible feel any more intensity to the baby movements he proves me wrong. It actually took me by surprise as it is so spastic and jerky. Not like anything I have felt up to this point. I started to wonder if it was normal it was so crazy. But, after some reading I have found many moms actually have felt this "seizure like" movement. It only lasts for a few seconds and then he always follows with moving some body part or another from one side of my belly to the other. At times it honestly feels like a body part is going to pop out of my skin. I can totally tell he is running out of room in there and while it doesn't necessarily hurt when he rolls over it does feel much more intense than it used to. Last night he kept me up for awhile as he had the hiccups for a really long time. It's a constant flutter that happens in the exact same intervals for a period of time. Really kind of funny as I can just picture him in there hiccuping. I actually grabbed Chris' hand and put it on my belly and he was really shocked at how much activity I am actually felling right now. It's no longer a waiting game for him to move, it's become more of a waiting game for him to go to sleep so mom can sleep too. But, honestly I just love to feel him and am happy to lose some sleep for these special moments. However, if his activity inside is any indication of what he will be like once he joins our world I am going to get in great shape chasing him around! I am really going to miss the fetal movement inside of me once he joins our world, as it is the most amazing sensation I have ever had in my entire life. Although, holding him in my arms is going to be the best gift ever I am starting to think about when I don't get these little movements in my body that he and I just share and it makes me want to savour each and every day until he arrives. I guess that feeling of they grow up so fast is starting to hit home in a different way. I really love being pregnant and am going to love being a mom even more. Such a blessing.

Quick Update

Just got a call from my doctor's office and my blood work from the Glucose Test came back perfect! My sugar and iron counts are exactly where they should be so nothing else is needed! Thank goodness!

Now, I am just anxiously awaiting my hubby's return from his 2 week hunting trip. He will be getting home this evening and I am SOOOO excited! I really have missed him so much! I have to send a BIG thank you to Robynn for moving in with baby and me over the last 2 weeks. I would not have been able to make it without you! We love you very much and are so thankful to have such a wonderful auntie to take care of us! XOXO

Glucose Test

I had the Glucose Test this morning and have to admit it wasn't so bad. The hardest part is not being able to eat/drink anything up to the test but the drink itself really wasn't as bad as I expected it to be. Literally tasted like a flat orange soda pop. I will have my test results in a couple weeks but everything seems to be fine.

After the Glucose Test I had my regular monthly appointment with my doctor. I so look forward to each of these visits as I get to hear the heartbeat and I just love my doctor. Everything checked out perfectly. The baby is right on track. His heart was beating away and the measurements are right where they should be. This was actually my first appointment where he literally measured my belly with measuring tape. Guess that will be the routine from here on out. Since my blood pressure is so good I don't have to go back until another 4 weeks and then it will be every 2 weeks until January. Once I hit January we will go into weekly appointments until the baby arrives. It's is getting so close! I just can't wait to meet this little bundle of joy!

Mraz

I had such a blast at the Jason Mraz Concert last night with the Sheridan clan. Not only is it incredible to watch someone you have known for years jam on stage, my best friend from high school Katie's brother is the base player, but Jason has such a phenomenal voice. Literally I cant get enough of his vocals, not to mention his stage presence. I have yet to be disappointed with one of his live performances and highly recommend you see him one day in the future. Here is a camera photo from the show last night of Katie and I (not the best photo but you can tell by our big smiles how much fun we were having!)

I am pretty sure our little guy liked the show too as he was moving around quite a bit. I am really proud of myself as I managed to stay on my feet the entire show and dance the night away. So fun to "rock" the night away with my baby and good friends. He has now been to Willie Nelson, Jason Mraz and soon to be NKOTB. Highly doubt he will like the boy band though but we shall see next weekend. ;o)

Lovely Weekend

I have had such a great weekend and it’s not over just yet! My hubby has been out of town so I have kept myself really busy to keep time passing by. I am really excited for him to get home! He has been so thoughtful and has called to check on us just about every day, which is very unusual for Chris. Typically we don’t talk on the phone much when he is gone hunting as it’s not the easiest to get cell service in the mountains, but he has gone out of his way this year to let us know he loves us and to make sure we are doing well. I am so lucky and really couldn’t ask for a better life partner. Can’t wait to wrap my arms around him and give him a big ole’ welcome home smooch!

Anyway, back to my weekend. Saturday morning my brother-in-law Adam and I picked up the glider chair for the nursery. It arrived early and I just couldn’t wait to go pick it up. Adam was nice enough to help me out while Chris was away. I am so excited to finally have a chair in the nursery to sit in and just have some quiet time with the baby. I have read a lot about him being able to hear my voice and that some recommend even starting to read to your little one. I am looking forward to enjoying a cup of decaf, a good children’s book and sitting in our chair for our first reading.

After getting the chair all set up I headed out for lunch and baby shopping with my girlfriend Alicia. She is more like family than a friend as really she and Chris are like brother and sisters as they have grown up their entire lives together. We are so looking forward to raising our little ones together as she just had baby Ayla in August. Baby Carpinito and Ayla are sure to be best buds and I so look forward to watching them roam around the campsites at our annual camping trips.

Sunday has been just as lovely, sharing it with another close girlfriend Deanna. She is unable to make it to my baby shower so treated me to brunch at Salty’s. I think I am still full! It was great to sit and catch up over yummy brunch. D and I have been friends for the past 10 years and her family is also one very near and dear to my heart. I definitely feel so blessed to have such a wonderful group of friends in my life.

And to top it all off I am headed out to a concert with one of my other best friends, Katie. She and I have know each other for 14 years and definitely will be friends for the rest of our lives. Her brother is the bass player for Jason Mraz and is playing at the Paramount in Seattle tonight so I am headed out to catch the show. It’s been several years since I saw Mraz so I am super excited for some chill music and great company.

Here are a couple new pics of the nursery and me…
28 weeks, 2 days:

Lightswitch Plate Cover (I just love this!)
Our new chair w/ the blanket a co-worker Teresa made for me:

Pure Bliss

I just had to share what a wonderful evening I am having. It all started with a 90 minute pure organic facial that included a foot and arm/hand massage. Absolutely the most relaxing time I have had in a long time! Then I followed it with some comfort food...grilled cheese and tomato soup (one of my favorites). And, to top it all off I am relaxing on my couch getting ready to pop in a chick flick and loving the company of my little baby boy letting me know he is right here with me! Life doesn't get much better! Enjoy your weekend and remember to take some time to kick your feet up and maybe get your special someone to rub those piggies for you too!

Swollen

Well, it finally happened. I officially am unable to wear my wedding rings. I have been dreading this day as I really love wearing my rings and was really hoping I would be a lucky one that doesnt swell too much. But, they have started to hurt and after a co-worker informed me that if my fingers continue to swell and I end up not being able to get my rings off and if it starts to cut off my circulation they may have to be cut off. The rings that is…not my sausage looking fingers! I woke up feeling a bit more swollen than usual today so I am hoping this will not last too long and just maybe I can get those suckers back on. It was quite the workout getting them off...I think I may have left a bruise on my poor knuckle. So, I guess I have two options. I just continue through the last trimester ringless and field the stares of “look at that huge pregnant woman with no husband” looks you get (trust me I already got a few today) or I buy a “fake” that actually fits. At this point it feels really good to let me fingers breathe so I think that is the route I will take and who really cares what other people think, right? However, as soon as my hubby gets home I am sure he will have an opinion. He really likes me to wear my rings. I think it’s his way of making a statement of what is his…lol. I kind of like his protectiveness, call me old fashion. So, I guess I will wait and see if these fluffy fingers are a result of something I ate yesterday and will settle down or if this is just another joy of pregnancy I get to experience for the homestretch! Until next time…enjoy the weekend. I am sure looking forward to it! Headed to get a facial in just a few short hours!

5,7,9

Yesterday was my girlfriend Laurel's Baby Shower. She is due in about 1 month with little Jett James Ortega. I am just sure he and our little guy will have tons of fun together. We had a pretty funny moment when we were both in the doorway and I went to walk by her and our bellies rubbed. There is no longer any squeezing to get by that's for sure! Her little guy is about 6 lbs and right in position to join the world so very soon! It was also so nice to see some of the girls that I haven't been able to get together with for a long time and that 3 of us are pregnant!

Laurel & I -

Here is a pic of Ashley (5 months), Me (7 months) and Laurel (9 months) -

More of the girls celebrating with Laurel -