Monday, February 27, 2012

Thrift Store Finds

Dear Mia,

On Saturday afternoon I needed to make a few last-minute pre-baby purchases so I headed out to the mall.  I ended up getting a little turned around and taking some back roads which led me by the local Salvation Army Thrift Store.  I decided to stop and take a peek because the Goodwill store in Naperville used to be a favorite hang out for me and your Aunt Kirsten!  (That's actually where I purchased that little brown chair that's now in your playroom!  Aunt Kirsten and I were in high school, and when I bought it we loaded it into the back seat of her little red convertible and drove it to Grandma Young's house.  That was almost 10 years ago!)


Hello new favorite store!  This place is awesome.  The prices are incredible and they have a ton of stuff.  I'm not sure if they always have that much baby/kid stuff but when I was there they had 2 swings, a glider and ottoman, travel system, stroller, 2 play mats, a little desk, dollhouse (which was a little too beat up- otherwise I would have bought it), and plenty of other items.

I ended up buying a pink breathable bumper, pink crib sheet, three bibs, a little summer hat with a chin strap, 5 cotton hats and an umbrella stroller.  My total?  $12!



I wasn't sure if I really needed to buy the bumper (do you really need more than 1?) but it was in perfect condition and when I asked the employee how much they would charge me for it, she said $.75.  SOLD.

Needless to say, we'll be returning to this store often!

Love,
Momma

Saturday, February 25, 2012

38 Weeks

Dear Mia,

We've reached 38 weeks!  Yay!

Doctor’s notes:  I went back to the Doctor on Friday afternoon for a check-up.  Your heart rate was strong and the Doctor was happy to hear that you're still very active.  We had a lengthy chat about my options for delivery and it sounds like your Dad and I have some decisions to make.  I made an appointment for Friday and we'll know more then.  Eek, we're getting close!

Sleep:  I'm still getting plenty of sleep each night which is amazing.  I don't know how I'd be able to function on any less than 9 hours each night at this point.  I'm always so exhausted by the end of the day.

Best moment this past week:  Your nursery is finished!  And the playroom is finished!  I'm so relieved.  I also got a haircut so I'll look nice and refreshed when we take all those hospital photos. :)

Movement:  You still kick me all day long.  I've gotten so used to the feeling that sometimes I don't even realize you're kicking as much as you are.  I still love to put my hand on my belly and feel you kicking from the outside.  It lets me know you're still doing ok in there!

Labor signs:  Still none!  Your Dad asks me every morning "how are you feeling?  Are we going to have a baby today?" and I can read the disappointment on his face when I have to tell him that I feel fine... same as yesterday!

What I am looking forward to:  Your birth!  I finally feel 100% ready.  Your nursery is finished, all of your little clothes have been washed and put away, your playroom is clean and organized, and I've left good notes for my coworkers to take over my responsibilities in my absence.  I'm ready!

Love,
Momma

Nursery Remodel Part 3

Dear Mia,

I have been looking forward to writing this post for months!  This is your big nursery reveal!

I started planning your nursery minutes after I found out I was pregnant.  You may think that's an exaggeration but I can honestly tell you that I took a positive test, celebrated with your Dad and then popped open my laptop and started searching for "crib sets."  I searched for the perfect neutral crib set for days- these were my #1, #2 and #3 favorites- but then I decided to hold off until I found out if you were a boy or a girl.  And I'm so glad I did!  I love that you have a perfectly girly nursery.  This room is exactly what I wanted for you!

I did a lot of planning for your nursery by searching google images, blogs, websites and Pinterest for ideas (many of which I'll link to below).  One of my favorite inspiration websites was ProjectNursery.com and I would visit it daily to see what new and exciting real-world nurseries they were highlighting.  I'm going to submit pictures of your nursery and see if we make the website, but just in case we don't, I'm going to borrow their posting format for here.  I hope they don't mind!

Child's Name: Mia Ellen

Child's Age: Due March 10, 2012

Location: Illinois

Description:
I created a nursery that is bright, fun and youthful.  It's a space that will grow as my baby does.  

Design Inspiration:
My initial inspiration came from a floral fabric I found at our local JoAnn Fabrics store.  I loved the big, bold pattern and the warm colors.

Decorating Style:
I'm not sure what my style would be- I just buy what I like and make sure I never pay full price!  I like splashes of color, dark wood furniture, and I like to pick textiles that make bold statements against solid-colored walls.  I also like to mix new finds with antiques and sentimental pieces.  

Project Details:
  • Technically the canvas above the crib was my very first purchase as a newly-pregnant woman.  I was shopping over my lunch break one afternoon and stumbled up on it at Gordmans.  I fell in love with it and knew that I'd make it work in the nursery- whether or not I ended up having a boy or a girl.
 
  • The fabric was my second find.  It's called Trendi Sorbet (a Home Essentials print) and I bought it during a Black Friday sale at JoAnn Fabrics.  That was a story in itself!  My incredibly talented Mother-in-Law, and owner of The Slipcover Shop, did all of the sewing on the valance, crib skirt and book wall pockets, and I could not be more thrilled with the way it all turned out!
  • The paint came next.  We chose Minuet White, Wisteria and Brave Purple by Sherwin Williams and had a painting party to get it all done.
  • Closet organization was a must for me and I finished the closet well before I started decorating the main room.  A post on the closet can be found here.
  • The furniture was our next selection.  We chose the Delta Bentley 4-in-1 Convertible Crib in chocolate and the matching Delta Bentley 6 Drawer Double Dresser in chocolate from Target and we've very pleased with their quality.
  • The rocking chair is a Snipes family heirloom, lovingly re-covered by my Mother-in-Law (I told you she's awesome) in Glamour Fruit Punch (a Modern Essentials fabric) from JoAnn Fabrics.  I'll be doing an entire post on this chair because there's a lot of history there!  Stay tuned!
  • The idea for the book wall pockets came from Pinterest and I found the actual instructions here.  Of course my Mother-in-Law completely out-did herself by cording the pockets in the same fabric we used on the rocker.  Love it!  The double curtain rods are from Walmart.
  • The inspiration for the four photos above the dresser came from Pinterest.  I found the 11"x14" frames at Hobby Lobby, had custom mats made at Jeffery Alans and then filled them with photos of myself and my husband as children (until they're replaced with photos of our own little one).  A post on how I hung the frames can be found here.
  • Dresser Goodies:  Diaper tote was a gift; ceramic owl bank was a perfect baby shower gift from my niece; the framed letter to the baby is also from my niece (frame from Walmart); and I bought the ladybug nightlight because it's adorable (Target).
  • I knew from all of my pins on Pinterest that I wanted to incorporate some shelving into the room.  The only wall I had left was pretty small so I bought a two-piece ledge set at Kohl's (also on Black Friday!) and filled them with some very special items from my Mom.  The musical puppy and book were baby shower gifts, the small pink plaque about daughters was originally a gift to me (but now I'm passing it on to Mia), and the I Love You needlepoint was originally hand-made by my Mom for her Grandmother in 1978.  She passed it down to me and now I'm giving it to my baby girl.

  • The inspiration for the framed letter M came from Pinterest.  I already owned all of the brads and the paper, but I bought the buttons and the frame at Hobby Lobby.


  • Crib Goodies:  The stuffed owl was the centerpiece at one of my baby showers (Babies R Us), the personalized pillow was a Christmas gift, and I bought the sound machine and mobile (buybuy Baby).

  • The owl toy box was a surprise gift from my Mother-in-Law and it matches the rest of the room so perfectly you'd think it had been the original inspiration for the room!

Favorite Items:
I love every single thing in this room- from the I Love You needlepoint to the custom-matted frames and hand-made bed skirt- it's my vision come true!
_______________________________

Mia, this nursery would not look anything like this without the help of many people that love you very, very much.  I must remember to say thank you to your Grandpa Snipes, Grandma Snipes, Grandma Young, Aunt Kirsten, Uncle Josh, Aaliyah, and of course your Dad for putting up with me throughout this entire process.  Also, I need to thank everyone that gave so generously at the showers like your Aunt Carol for some of the cutest toys in your toy box and Aunt Cori for some of the beautiful clothes in your closet.

This room was created with so much love, Mia, and from so many people.  That's why I wanted to do this post- so that you would always know and appreciate how much love went into the tiny little room where you lay your head every night.  We all love you so much, baby.

Love,
Momma  

Playroom: Take 2

Dear Mia,

Last weekend I put the finishing touches on your playroom.  I was moving quite a bit slower than I was the weekend before that so thankfully I didn't have a whole lot left to do.  I ironed the new curtains in the living room, finalized placement of the new pillows I bought last weekend (meaning that I stared at them for a while and fell in love) and moved around a few more knick-nacks.  This is what the living room used to look like:



And now:




Not bad, huh?  Then your Dad carried the red couch downstairs for me, I washed its cover, and placed it in the playroom.  I moved the furniture around in there about 20 times until I settled on the arrangement I like best (for now) and added the new brown pillows that I bought last weekend.


I also took down a mirror (that I thought I was going to leave up) and replaced it with a great dog canvas that your Grandma Young gave us for Christmas.  I love the colors in it and how it perfectly matches the little toy bin.





After I was done in these two rooms I moved on to the guest bedroom/office upstairs.  I hung four prints, a corkboard and a mirror in there.  Then I finished by hanging another great print from Grandma Young in the bathroom.  It was a busy weekend!

I finished up this morning and snapped some pictures of both rooms.  I'm really happy with the way everything has turned out.  These are quickly becoming my two favorite rooms in the whole house!  (It might have something to do with the dogs being on the other side of the gates!)

Love,
Momma

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Bribery

Dear Mia,

Your Dad is the best.  He is loving, supportive, dependable and fun.  He's also spontaneous and generous- two qualities I've been enjoying today!  This afternoon I received a box of chocolate-dipped strawberries from Edible Arrangements and they are SO delicious!  Your Dad is so thoughtful!



Oh, and he wanted me to tell you that he'll buy you chocolate too if you hurry up and pop out.  We're ready when you are, sweet cheeks!

Love,
Momma

Friday, February 17, 2012

37 Weeks

Dear Mia,

Doctor’s notes:  I had my most recent appointment this afternoon and although you are measuring almost 3 weeks ahead, my Doctor will not adjust your due date.  (Oh, and by the way, you weighed 8 pounds, 3 ounces on Tuesday.  I made sure to ask since I couldn't remember what I was told!)  So according to her, I'm still considered 37 weeks along (tomorrow) which is too early to induce.  If I wanted to be induced I'd have to wait until 39 weeks.  Right now the plan is to wait and see if I go into labor naturally.  If I go into labor soon I'll probably be able to have you vaginally.  However, if you decide to keep cooking for a few more weeks, you'll probably be too big and I'll be looking at a cesarean.  A cesarean wasn't the plan but there's not much I can do.  So, we're waiting!  I've scheduled a follow-up appointment for 1 week from today and we'll check on your progress again at that point (if I haven't already gone into labor).  Also, my doctor checked my cervix for the first time today and I'm 1 cm dilated.  She said that's a good sign.

Sleep:  I'm getting roughly nine hours of sleep each night but it's in short bursts between my many, many bathroom runs.

Best moment this past week:  Your Dad surprising me and being there for the ultrasound!

Movement:  You're still very active.  In fact, on Wednesday night after a long day at work I came home and cuddled in bed with your Dad.  He had his arm draped over my belly and each time you'd give a little kick he'd exclaim, "Wow!  That was a big one!"  I told him that these kicks were nothing- sometimes you'd kick me so hard it'd knock the wind out of me!  It was nice of you to let him feel some good kicking tho, since most of the time you stop kicking the moment he places a hand on my belly.

Labor signs:  None, but I am more uncomfortable with each passing day.  On Thursday I texted your Dad to tell him I was feeling particularly miserable and he got all excited thinking I might be in the early signs of labor.  When I assured him that no, I'm just uncomfortable, he replied, "Ok well let me know when I need to meet you at the hospital" and then "I got so excited thinking about it, I began to tear up."  Your Dad is the best, Mia.  You're so lucky to have him.  :)

What I am looking forward to:  I happily re-scheduled my appointment (after I missed it due to your Dad surprising me on Valentine's Day) so I'm still really looking forward to that!  I need one SO bad!

Love you tons,
Momma

Thursday, February 16, 2012

My Valentine

Dear Mia,

Tuesday was Valentine's Day and I got to spend it doing my favorite thing- looking at you!  I had my final ultrasound on Tuesday afternoon and although you Dad told me he wasn't going to make it, he showed up and surprised me!  So we both got to see you.  Best Valentine's Day ever.  I'm so lucky :)

The ultrasound technician took us into the room, I laid down on the bed and she asked what brought me in for this ultrasound.  I explained that a few weeks ago my doctor had mentioned that I was measuring "slightly ahead" so she wanted to check on your growth, as well as on your placement.  She believed you were head-down but wanted the ultrasound to confirm.

The tech started to do the ultrasound and you popped up on the screen.  She measured the placenta and fluid pockets first (boring) and then moved on to your different organs and bones.  Then suddenly she showed us your beautiful face.  You are so precious, Mia.  You have these adorable, HUGE cheeks that look like they're eating your face and a little dimple of a nose.  You are the cutest thing I've ever seen!  But we immediately noticed how squished you looked!  Your little arms were all scrunched up and your poor little face was being squished on all sides!  I mentioned to the tech that you looked really packed in there and she said, "Yea, she's pretty big!"  Your Dad and I looked at each other- "How big?"  "Well," she said, "pretty big.  Let me finish these measurements and I can tell you for sure."  So she continued to scan and measure you and showed us your little heart beating and your lugs- you were breathing!  Your heart rate was strong and in the 140s and she said that everything she could see looked normal.  Then she showed us the measurements.

This is where things get hazy for me.  Because I almost passed out.  Mia, you are ginormous.  According to the ultrasound technician, that day you measured in at 39 weeks, 1 day.  The conversation went something like this:

"Well, according to the measurements I took, it looks like she's measuring in at 39 weeks, 1 day."

"Wait, what?"

"She's measuring in at 39 weeks, 1 day."

"I'm sorry.  What did you say?"

"Just over 39 weeks."

"What?  How can that be?  The doctor said 'slightly ahead!'"

"The calculations could be slightly off... [something about national averages]... but I'm fairly certain that you're measuring almost 3 weeks ahead."

"But I'm not ready yet!  I still need to [rattling off ridiculous reasons why I'm not ready for labor]..."

"Oh, and it looks like she weighs [x] pounds, [x] ounces at this point."

I would enter the amount, but both your Dad and I must have blacked out because neither one of us can remember the exact number.  We'd just been told that you're fully developed, head-down, breathing on your own and have a very strong heartbeat.  And now we were being told that you weighed over 8 pounds.  OVER EIGHT POUNDS.  That's all I can remember.  I remember her saying 8 pounds, [something] ounces and all I could think was that if I carry you to March 10th I'm going to be one of those women you read about in the paper or see on TV- "Woman gives birth to 15 pound baby!"

"Don't worry," the ultrasound technician said.  "If these calculations are correct, they won't let you go to March 10th.  I'll send these results upstairs [to the OB] right now so she has them ASAP."

I left the office a little stunned and simply shocked that you are as developed as you are.  But believe me, it is very comforting to know that if I was to suddenly go into labor that it's because you're ready, and not because something is wrong.  I feel a lot more confident because I know you're prepared to enter this world.

I haven't heard from my doctor since my ultrasound, but I have an appointment tomorrow so I know we'll talk about you then.  I'm curious to know if she will let me carry you to March 10th (if I make it) or if she'll want to induce me at a certain point (before you hit that record-breaking 15lb mark!).  Your Dad is a little worried about me and you, not wanting you to get so big that I can't deliver you naturally, like we've planned.  We'll have to wait and see what she thinks!

I love you, Mia.  I can't wait to meet you!
Momma

P.S. When your Grandma Snipes heard the news she told us that you already weigh more than any of your cousins did when they were born.  You're already an over-achiever.

Monday, February 13, 2012

Playroom: Take 1

Dear Mia,

One thing that you should know about me early on, is that I am a planner.  But I'm also slightly impulsive.  And impatient.  Things change around here pretty quickly because I'll get an idea, obsess over every detail of its implementation, and then spring into action like I'm being shot out of a canon and my life depends on how quickly and perfectly I can execute my vision.  Usually this leaves your Dad in the dust because although we'd discussed turning the den in to a playroom, he didn't think I meant doing that TODAY.  And so there I go, running all around the house dismantling furniture, moving chachkies and taking art off the walls; the entire time with your Dad looking at me like I've lost my mind.

I moved slightly slower with the progress on your nursery because I really wanted your Dad to be involved.  I wanted his help picking out paint colors (he was the one who suggested a light purple chair rail, after all) and choosing the right crib and dresser.  I wanted his input because I knew that of all the rooms in the house this was going to be the most important- because it's for our little girl!

But here I am, 36 weeks pregnant feeling like a crazed, impulsive, impatient, nester.  I am an organizing machine- everything from the kitchen cabinets to the linen closet has been organized- but that wasn't doing the trick.  I decided that I needed to turn the den on our first floor into a playroom.  Poof. Just like that.  Decision made.

So I talked to your Dad about it, sold him on the idea of creating a comfortable space for you and all of your stuff, and then went to town.  On Friday our den looked like this (more-or-less):


This is a very old picture, as I moved so fast in the demolition of this room that I neglected to take a "before" shot.  In reality, this room had accumulated a TON more stuff including office supplies and papers on every desk shelf, mountains of books and all of your baby swings and bouncers.  By Friday night all of the office supplies had been moved upstairs (and re-organized, duh!) to the guest room which will now double as my office.  By Saturday morning I had completely dismantled the desk and hutch, put all of the pieces neatly in the garage, cleared the bookshelf of all books, and removed all remaining baby stuff and chachkies.  Your Dad helped me move the heaviest stuff out of the room (like the bookshelf) and then the room looked like this:


We let the carpet dry overnight and on Sunday morning I came in and washed the chair rail, baseboards, walls, and windows.  I also vacuumed the blinds, took down that hideous valance and added outlet covers (because why not?).  I removed two pieces of art from the walls but left a mirror because I think I'll still be able to make it work in the space.  I added all of your toys and jumpers back into the room, along with a newly-cleaned brown chair.  I did all of that, showered and got dressed by noon.  NOON.  I'm a pregnant machine.

I decided that next on my list was a new valance for the playroom (with coordinating pillows) and new curtains for the adjoining living room (with more coordinating pillows).  I totally lucked out and found the perfect drapes and valances at Lowes, for a great price!  Then I went over to TJMaxx and found the most amazing coordinating pillows.  Check this out:


I rushed home with my new purchases and immediately got to work hanging the new brown drapery rod (also from Lowes) and valance in the playroom.  It looked GREAT!


Then I moved into the living room and added the drapes to the existing wood drapery rod (left by the previous owner- thanks!) and put the pillows on the couch.  The colors all match so perfectly and I'm SO excited to finally be able to close drapes in that room when we want privacy.  I had also recently added the bookshelf, books and various chachkies to that room so it felt like a brand new room, too.  After I was satisfied with my progress for the day, I poured myself a (Caffeine Free) Diet Coke, stretched out on the green sofa, and soaked it all in.  We're making progress!

Love,
Momma

Not Today, Ok?

Dear Mia,

Today as your Dad and I left for work, he kissed me goodbye and said "let's try to not have a baby today, ok?"  His reasoning was that it's too close to Valentine's Day and he'd hate for this little holiday to ever ruin your birthday.  He also added that I should try to not have you in February at all because usually this time of year we're experiencing heavy snow and he'd hate for you to have less than stellar attendance at your future birthday parties because people can't travel in bad weather.  He thinks it'd be in your best interest to hold off until March.  I just thought I'd pass along his wishes... let's see what you think!

Love,
Momma (& Daddy)

Saturday, February 11, 2012

36 Weeks

Dear Mia,

We've reached 36 weeks and I haven't slowed down one bit!  Remember how I said I was holding off on making you a playroom?  Well, I've spent all morning taking apart furniture and moving books, office supplies and remaining furniture!  As of 20 minutes ago our den/office is now your playroom!

The den/office before!

I'm pretty excited to be able to give you your own space in the house (besides your nursery).  You're not even here yet and you've already amassed a crazy amount of "big girl" toys that need a home.  In additon to those toys, you have your new toy bin organizer that Grandma and Grandpa Snipes bought you and your jumperoo.  I'll also be putting a small chair and couch in here so this can still be a nice room for us to all use when your cousins come over.  I probably won't get around to painting this room for a while, but that's ok since the existing wall colors already blend nicely with the rest of the house.  I'll update you more on the playroom as it progresses!

Clothes:  The other day I wore a sweater to work for the first time (I'd been keeping the tags on it, hoping I wouldn't end up needing to wear it) and my coworker told me that I have the cutest maternity clothes.  That was really nice to hear!

Sleep:  I'm still getting plenty of sleep each night but my stuffy nose and sore throat is back (along with the colder weather) so getting up in the morning is still not easy!

Best moment this past week:  Your Dad had to go to Oklahoma this week for business so my favorite moment was when he finally came home!  He was supposed to fly from Oklahoma to Chicago and  then from Chicago to Bloomington where I'd drive us both home after I got off work.  However, Chicago got hit with some nasty winter weather yesterday and his second flight was cancelled!  Your Dad was on the trip with a coworker and they decided to rent a car and drive home instead of taking a chance on catching a later flight.  I was so relieved when he finally walked through that door (only a few hours late)!

Movement:  I can tell you're running out of space in my belly because your short jabs and kicks are now long, slow, movements that make my entire belly move.

Food cravings:  Same 'ol, same 'ol.

Labor signs:  Nope.

Belly button in or out?  In, but I think I'll become an outtie in a few days!

What I miss:  I missed your Dad!  Really, I am so relieved to have him home, I didn't know what I'd do if I went in to labor without him!

Doctor’s notes:  We're on schedule to have my third and final ultrasound on Valentine's Day!

What I am looking forward to:  The ultrasound (of course!), but I also have a much-needed haircut scheduled for this week, and a very important annual meeting with work.  It's going to be a very busy few days (Monday-Wednesday) but then I'll get to relax through the weekend.  Yay!

Love,
Momma

Friday, February 10, 2012

Making Progress

Dear Mia,

Last Friday I received a text from your Grandma Snipes that she had a very special present for you and she wanted to know if she could drop it off.  I told her yes, of course, and came home to find the most beautiful toy box waiting in our garage.  Your Dad carried it up to your nursery and we couldn't believe how spectacular it looked in there!  This new addition to the room lit a fire under my butt to make some more progress in your nursery!

I wanted to finalize my plans for art and shelving, and in the process I started to second-guess what I'd already bought.  I had originally intended to hang picture frames above your dresser, a piece of art above your crib, and two shelves near your closet, but I just couldn't 100% commit for some reason.  So on Saturday your Dad and I ran tons of errands- to Lowe's, Target and Petsmart, just to name a few places.  We were looking for shelving for your Dad's office, as well as different options for shelving in the nursery.  I ended up purchasing a new black shelving set at Target but when I got home and opened the box I realized the shelves were really poor quality.  I decided to forgo the new shelving and just stick with the original plan.  I'd been excited about the art and shelves I'd already purchased for months now, so there was no reason to change my mind now!

I started with the four pictures above the dresser- two horizontal and two vertical.  I was worried about hanging the frames because I wanted to make sure they were all the same distance apart.  I decided to use wrapping paper to draft the placement of the frames and it turned out GREAT!  I'm not sure where this idea came from- I suppose it could be an original idea of mine- but I'm sure I stumbled across it sometime in the past and was just saving it to use today!

(Can't show the actual photos in the frames just yet!)

I laid out the wrapping paper with the grid-side up, placed the first frame and marked its placement.  I experimented with placement and decided I wanted the frames all 3" apart.  I used the grid on the wrapping paper to ensure that all of the frames were lined up and spaced correctly.


After all of the frames were marked on the paper I enlisted your Dad's help to hang the paper on the wall.  Before I went any further I wanted to make sure I liked the way the outlines looked on the wall.


I was worried that the 3" separation would be too much but I ended up really liking how it looked on the wall (and your Dad agreed).  I took the paper down, and marked on the paper where I needed to drill to hang each frame.

I re-hung the paper (again, enlisting your Dad's help!) but this time I made sure it was completely level and centered above the dresser.  I taped it securely to the wall and started hammering!



I hammered small holes into each of my 8 marks and then removed the paper.

(Can't show the actual photos in the frames just yet!)
I finished the project by drilling screws into each of my marks and hanging the pictures!  I think it turned out great and I can't wait to reveal how the frames look with the rest of the nursery decor!  I think you're going to love it, Mia!

Love,
Momma :)

Monday, February 6, 2012

Leap Year Baby?

Dear Mia,

Every month or so we have a dip day at my office where we all bring different dips or appetizers and then we eat, eat, eat ALL day long.  We had scheduled a dip day for Friday, January 24th but it wasn't a regular dip day, it was a surprise, mini baby shower!  In addition to all of the food, Megan baked a beautiful cake, we played the dirty diaper guessing game, and everyone made a guess as to the date you'll arrive.  The guesses were as follows:  February 29th (Erin), March 2nd (Meg), March 3rd (Momma), March 4th (Danny, because that's his birthday), March 6th (Yvonne), March 7th (Crystal), March 8th (Matt) and March 13th (Megan, because that's her birthday).  It's funny, becuase it wasn't until we played that game that I realized you could be a leap-year baby!  I think that'd be pretty neat, but we'll have to wait and see which day you pick!


After we all inhaled the delicious cake, my coworkers presented me with their gift to you- your convertible car seat!  It's exactly what you'll need for when you've outgrown your little red one.  Everyone at work has been very supportive and encouraging throughout this entire pregnancy, and they're all very excited to meet you.  We'll have to plan a little day trip to drive in and say hi once you arrive!

Love,
Momma

Childbirth Prep

Dear Mia,

I just registered you for your first class!  Well, it's actually for me... but I'm bringing you along for the ride.  Aren't you excited?  It's a Prepared Childbirth Education class at the hospital where (I think) you'll be born.  I'll get to learn techniques for coping with labor, general relaxation and breathing methods, and I’ll also receive a tour of the labor and delivery and postpartum area.  Of course they recommend that this class be completed by the 37th week of pregnancy and I'll be starting it during my 37th week... but I know you won't judge me.  You'll most likely inherit my procrastination, so I'll never judge you, either.

Love,
Momma

Saturday, February 4, 2012

35 Weeks

Dear Mia,

A few weeks ago I must have reached the point where I finally look pregnant, and not just fat, meaning that now complete strangers will ask me about my pregnancy.  People ask "Boy or girl?" (totally out of the blue and it takes me a second to figure out what they're talking about), "When are you due?" or they'll comment on my meal selection saying "Oh, the baby must want that."  Your Dad and I went out to lunch with Grandma Snipes and Aaliyah last weekend and when we asked for a booth the waitress said to me, "Oh shoot, I just gave away my pregnant booth," meaning the booth with extra tummy room.  So she walks over to another booth, sits down, and proceeds to push the entire booth seat back a good six inches from its original position to ensure that I could fit comfortably.  I thought that was really nice.

I don't mind when people comment on my pregnant status, or even touch my belly, at this point.  I'm pretty desensitized from bumping you into tables, chairs and car doors so people giving you a little rub doesn't bother me.  You still won't kick on command so your Dad is the only other person that's been able to feel you kick, and he's only felt it a few times because every time I tell him to feel you immediately stop moving around.  I think you just like to be difficult!

Clothes:  I caved and bought myself a new pair of maternity work pants in the next size this past week.  The ones I've been wearing have just become unbearably tight (where the actual pant materials meets the elastic belly panel) and I feel SO much better.  I was in so much pain that I actually changed into the new pants right after I bought them during my lunch hour!

Sleep:  I'm a terrible snorer now, and your poor Dad has been a trooper.  It's been so bad that I woke up with a sore throat for over a week!  I thought it was due to the dry air in our bedroom so I moved the humidifier to my side of the bed and I tried my best to keep my trap shut during the night.  But despite my best efforts, on Sunday I woke up with a terrible sore throat and my uvula was so swollen that it was activating my gag reflex and I felt like I was choking!  Nothing like that has ever happened to me before so I was a little freaked out.  After a quick trip to Walgreens for throat lozenges and some glasses of water, the swelling went down slightly and I could breathe again!  The swelling and sore throat persisted until Thursday when it finally subsided.  

Best moment this past week:  Last Saturday your Aunt Kirsten threw a lia sophia jewelry party at her house and I had a great time browsing the new jewelry catalog, catching up with old friends and making some new ones, too!  Afterwards I stopped by the buybuy Baby superstore and couldn't get over how much baby stuff they can pack into one space!  I was slightly overwhelmed by the two-story displays of pacifiers, bibs and diapers but I was able to find and purchase what I needed.  I also stopped at HomeGoods (because I have an addiction) and I bought the most fabulous little footstool and some Curious George books.

Movement:  You still move around all day long, but mostly when I'm hungry or laying down to sleep.  For some reason you were especially active again on Monday during my staff meeting- making my belly jump up and down the entire time!

Food cravings:  This week I craved Mexican food so your Dad and I went to El Toro for dinner.  Yum!

Labor signs:  Nope.

Belly button in or out?  In and barely recognizable.

What I miss:  I miss being able to lift and move things unassisted.  I am really nesting right now, and my need to prepare for your arrival has expanded beyond your bedroom.  I'm now obsessed with the idea of creating a playroom for you on the main level of our house and I hate the fact that I can't just move a bookshelf, couch or big chair on my own.  I don't like asking for help with these kinds of things, but I also know that pushing myself too hard could make me go into labor.  So, I think I'll just wait.

Doctor’s notes:  I went to my routine doctor's appointment on Wednesday and we're making good progress! She said my blood pressure is still great and therefore the swelling I'm experiencing (in my face, feet and hands) is nothing to be concerned about.  I also told her all about my snoring, sore throat and swollen uvula but once again, she told me that it's all to be expected.  Phew!  She scheduled me for another ultrasound and another appointment with her in two weeks.  Can't wait!

What I am looking forward to:  The ultrasound!

Love,
Momma