Baby Wisely #2: Week 36

How far along? 36 weeks. I swear, all the apps online change their mind about how big fruit is. Oh well! Round and heavy? Sure! why not honeydew!

Best moment this week: Having my wonderful co-workers throw me a baby shower at work!! It was absolutely perfect. I was a bit nervous about having another shower (there's a weird stigma sometimes about doing it again; but Becky and Anne wanted to throw a party for baby regardless-- they are pretty dang wonderful); but everything was wonderful! Great food, and much spoiling from my oh-so-sweet coworkers! (We didn't need hardly anything, but was still spoiled with a bundle of cute clothes for our new gal, some neat handmade gifts and some gift cards to get additional things we need). We are so spoiled!! 

Confusing pregnancy symptom of the week? Baby is playing me like a freakin' bongo. I don't remember Norah being this violent?! She shakes my stomach from side to side. Goodness lord!

Movement: See above!

Food cravings:  Still on a juice fix! And even though there's been tons of food available this week... I'm not really hungry these days. Pretty sure my stomach has been replaced by baby. Which isn't to say I didn't totally enjoy the scones Anne made for us this morning :)

Anything sounding disgusting? Nope!

Sleep? Up to one tinkle a night or less. Win!

Clothing situation? Uncomfortable, but happy!

I'm generally feeling: Quite overwhelmed at work, so very much trying to relax and enjoy these last few weeks before baby comes at home!

Notable sibling moments: My official answer to, 'how do you think Norah is going to react to new baby?' is, 'as good as we can expect I think, she's two and a half!' Nora is equal parts curious, snugly and inclusive of baby Sprout-- but I can tell she's getting a lot more clingy to us, and also has been changing how she responds to people lately. I think this is going to be a good period of learning time for all of us!

House update?: We have a dryer-- woohoo!! Going on a super romantic trip to Ikea on Valentines' Day (woohoo!) to get her a dresser, then we are going to head to Target once our post-registry coupon comes in to grab the rest-- then it's just decorating, folding and waiting left to do! (Oh yes, and cleaning...)

Looking forward to: Purchasing all of the last minute things!! It's so close! One and a half more weeks I expect before we're 'ready'.... although if she came tonight, we'd still be good. So nice having the piece of mind of, 'we've done this before' to quell (at least a little bit) that crazy nesting instinct of, 'I can't deliver a baby until the curtains are pressed.' Aaaaah, hormones.

Baby Wisely #2: Week 35

How far along? 35 weeks, a crenshaw melon?! Not sure what that is. All I know is this week I had the ultrasound tech show me that her head is in my hip, and her bum and legs are up in my ribs. A much better visual.

Best moment this week: Finding out yesterday that our girl is head down!! YEAH!! (Norah was frank breech and was the reason I needed a c-section-- I've been approved for VBAC, and now just crossing our fingers that everything goes well!) It was wonderful seeing our little sprout again, too-- they were finally able to get a nice profile picture of her, which was amazing! I can't believe we are approaching the home stretch! 

Confusing pregnancy symptom of the week? Is being as wide as you are tall a symptom? I feel like I'm approaching being as wide as I am tall. Especially while sitting.

Movement: We had a great anatomy lesson yesterday with, 'here's where her back is, here's where her bum is,' which was great... all those crazy thumps and whatnot on my right side have been her pushing her back, shoulders and bum out against my tum-- so I get all sorts of octopus-y feelings inside (where her hands and feet are flailing around) and huge thumps where she is just straight up pushing. Nuts!

Food cravings:  Juuuuuuuuuuuuice. Apple juice, in particular. Watered down, actually. That's an odd one.

Anything sounding disgusting? Nope!

Sleep? Sleeping more! And sleeping a bit more comfortably, which is odd considering my size. Not to say flipping over is any easier, though.

Clothing situation? Still hating anything that touches my upper ribs, but I feel like I'm finally figuring out a small piece of my wardrobe that makes me comfortable. Mainly, my four or so maxi dresses. Considering just taping my boobs rather than wearing a bra...

I'm generally feeling: Nesty, excited, and happy all over.

Notable sibling moments: Norah has been in full on, adorable story telling mode. She will tell me long stories about her day, mixed with whatever she's looking at, or seen on tv throughout the day. I am going to attempt to get this on video (although some of her best stories are on our way home from Nana's house... she played outside and blew bubbles, but then Ursula from the Little Mermaid showed up; who is a stinker; she took her bubbles, but then it was okay because Lily--my parent's cat--came in and took a nap with her, which made it all better.)  

House update?: Crib is assembled, and room is cleaned out-- on to decorating! We still need to find a dresser, but other than that, this is the fun part. I've made it my goal of the week to have things put together. (On a side note, it's hard to clean and nest when your dryer is broken... got a new one from CraigsList, but need to find an adapter to the gas line which apparently isn't available at hardware stores...?!?! still looking. Fingers crossed. Laundry is starting to become an epidemic.

Looking forward to: Even more nesting! Today I tackled the junk drawer and my baking cabinets. And fixed our cabinets (which have forever loosey-goosey joints that like to sag). Next, on to the bathroom cabinets and pantry.... oooooh, the pantry...

Baby Wisely #2: Week 34

How far along? 34 weeks

Best moment this week: Finding out that my sweet coworkers are throwing us a baby shower! (We don't need hardly anything for her, but I love any excuse to eat with friends and celebrate our sweet girl!) I am so lucky to be surrounded by so many awesome folks. Color me spoiled.  

Confusing pregnancy symptom of the week? Baby positioning. I swear-- in the middle of a text conversation about how happy I was that baby was in the right position (I have been feeling hiccips in my hips, and midwife says she's head down--) she flipped over. Massive spins, lots of stretchy sideways pressure (is that a thing? I'm going to go ahead and say that's a thing.) and then BAM. Hiccups in my ribs again. BABY. GO DOWN.

Movement: We're at the full on, 'see that point? Yep. My belly is pointed. Is that a bum? I'm not sure. But man... she's rocking in there. Fully awake and jamming up a storm as I type, actually.

Food cravings:  Oddly, this week I want a piece of nutty white bread, miracle whip and iceberg lettuce. For going on about three days now. Dang. Still sounds good.

Anything sounding disgusting? Nope!

Sleep? Revenge of the creepy, real-life plus a few really horrible things type of dreams. No bueno. I do need to get more sleep though, so that could be contributing...

Clothing situation? Squishier bras have made my life much better... so, so good. I'm wearing my robe now, and I wish this is the way it could be for the next six weeks.

I'm generally feeling: A bit sore, but very squishy about life at the moment.

Notable sibling moments: Getting excited about babies! She's been so excited to go snuggle/hold/give babies presents she finds. Such a far cry from a few weeks ago, were if it absolutely wasn't focused on her she would get confused and ignore you. Reasoning for the win! 

House update?: Minus one set of curtains that needs to be hung, and one set of nerdy shelves that needs to be moved, Norah's room is done! Sprout's room will hopefully be more complete after this weekend, when we get a crib from Meghan and Chris (thanks guys!!!!!) and perhaps a dresser? 

Looking forward to: Still decorating! Now that all the stressful things are done all this is a lot more fun!

Baby Wisely #2: Week 33

How far along? 33 weeks

Best moment this week: Dare I say it-- having my body be (nearly-sorta-kinda-almost) normal again? Other than a bit of hip separation pain, I've been able to move around and do things for nearly--gasp!-- the whole day! Baby appears to be off my nerves! (Also, having a great doctor's appointment-- I am an excellent candidate for a VBAC! Woohoo! Doc said I am just the type of pregnancy that's best for it, and I have a really high chance of a success. YAY!) And alsoalso, having a super fun time glassblowing and going out the the Melting Pot with my wonderful amazing coworkers! (I made things! I have made a vase out of glass! How cool is that! I'm a nerd!) 

Confusing pregnancy symptom of the week? Revenge of the sleepies this week-- I've been doing great staying awake for quite awhile now... minus the past five days or so. Out like a light right after Norah, waking up on the couch at about 2am, then having insomnia and not being able to sleep the rest of the night... sigh.

Movement: Still my happy little kicky-camper!

Food cravings:  Nothing too crazy, just happily eating all the things.

Anything sounding disgusting? Nope!

Sleep? Up to about one tinkle break a night, but it's not a normal thing quite yet.

Clothing situation? Definitely bought a few wireless and muy-huge bras today-- SO HAPPY ABOUT IT. Seriously. Worse part of my day is when I have to put on a bra.... or think about having to wear clothes, actually. I've been living in my 9th grade softball sweatpants and Bryan's band hoodies; pretty much the epitome of sexy. I'm hoping a few new comfy bras and fancy shirts with tons of stretch and room will make my life happier for the next month and a half!

I'm generally feeling: So, so nesty. So nesty. NEST ALL THE THINGS. I don't even know what that means.

Notable sibling moments: Having our sweet gal be able to reason with us. Which can't be said about our past so far... if she's upset, we can generally explain what's going on, have her repeat it, and then trust her that it's going to happen. SO GREAT. I think the hardest part of having a two year old is that she is upset and overwhelmed and can't really explain herself, yet alone listen-- so this is a pretty dang awesome step for us! (And holy cow-- she's officially two and a half. When did this happen!?!?) 

House update?: Got Norah in to her big girl room (woohoo!!) which she's actually pretty cool with, minus two naps or so  (if you come over she will tell you to 'go see her purple room!!'). It's so nice to have her be in a larger space, although I'm not going to lie, it was a bit sad moving her out of the nursery. I'm a bit too sentimental... we spent lots of hours in there together!! I'm excited for her big girl upgrade, but not even a little bit prepared to admit that our tiny bean is growing up... 

Looking forward to: Decorating! I'm having fun with all the colors in Norah's room, and excited to stock the Sprout's room with tiny woodland creatures. Now that we're starting to wrangle the mess (just,... don't look in my garage, okay?) I can start having a little more fun! We've been ultra busy these past few weeks/months, so I'm finally able to get a bit of time to myself to get some things done... starting next week, that is!

Baby Wisely #2: Week 32

How far along? 32 weeks

Best moment this week: Having Sprout be super amped nearly all day at work, kicking me all sorts of crazy, and putting her little appendages straight in to my side-- at this point, I feel like we can communicate a bit-- she gets startled if I bump in to her, has daily hiccups, and kicks things if I put them on my belly. Super neat.

Confusing pregnancy symptom of the week? Feeling like my rib cage is trying to peel itself up from the rest of my ribs like a sardine can. Pretty dang uncomfortable, and it doesn't even feel like she's jammed up in there like Norah. Moreso just like my abs are twisted in half over the wrong part of my ribs... yeowch.

Movement: So dang active! She's feeling pretty silly in there. She's definitely a 'bopper.'

Food cravings:  Apples! Crispy, amazing, fresh apples... and orange juice first thing in the AM!

Anything sounding disgusting? Nope!

Sleep? Pretty great, other than getting suffocated upon laying down at first.

Clothing situation? Finding more clothes that I don't need to wear belly-hugging things with. Also have started cutting old leggings down the front, which is the best of all worlds. 

I'm generally feeling: Pretty dang perky this week! You know, other than the sardine-can rib thing.

Notable sibling moments: Norah was playing with us tonight, telling us super intense stories 'with a purpose'. She was rambling on a bit, but we'd catch phrases like, 'shoes for only $40!' 'My friends were so excited!' 'So many shoes!' ... and then a few confusing minutes later, she busts out with, 'visit shoedazzle.com now for more great deals!' .... oh my gosh. Ladies and gentleman, we officially have a parrot. :D

House update?: Moving day tomorrow! Hopefullly moving day tomorrow... as long as we can deconstruct Norah's crib and get it through the doorway (always fun building furniture in a room and then realizing it might not fit out... :/

Looking forward to: Nit-picky nesting. These big room swaps are exhausting. I so badly just want to organize cabinets and throw things away... no more lifting, moving and planning, please!!

Baby Sprout #2: Week 31

How far along? 31 Weeks-- coconut baby!

Best moment this week: Every day at the end of the day, coming home and removing every article of clothing that doesn't make me neighbor-inappropriate (aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah! Wonderous feeling.).

Confusing pregnancy symptom of the week? Not wanting any piece of clothing touching me. Ever. Ha! Also, my back has officially given up on me, and I'm developing a bit of a waddle. (Aleady?! I still have two months left!!) 

Movement: Such an active girl! She's been bopping away in there, our happy little sprout.

Food cravings:  Orange julius. I'm going to need to learn to make it myself. Stat. 

Anything sounding disgusting? Nope!

Sleep? Still pretty darn awesome. 

Clothing situation? Very, very anti-bra and anything over my belly (including those amazing, snuggly leggings... So weird!! I invested in a few bras that are mainly just stretch. Pretty excited about them. Excited that scarf season can hide my poor, unsupported boobs. (TMI? Hey! This is my blog!)

I'm generally feeling: Starting to feel a little slower! It's been a little emotionally rough having to step down and let people help me, because my back has been super tender. (By about 9pm I walk like I'm about 90... thinking it's the sciatica, midwife says baby is head down so I think the pressure on my lower back is more intense than with Norah)

Notable sibling moments: She's been so chatty lately!! The new thing has been telling stories, which has been precious. She's also been super happy to call Sprout 'Her baby,' which includes lots of snuggles. Which makes my heart smile.

House update?: We have a purple wall in Norah's new room, polka dots and moving to come next weekend-- super excited!! After that, I think baby Sprout is going to get a girlie woodland theme, and Norah will get lots of purple dots. Huzzah!

Looking forward to: Finishing up moving the girl's rooms around, and then hopefully relaxing a bit! Everything's been so busy at work and at home, I'm ready for everything to be settled, for sure. Hopefully after next week!

Baby Wisely #2: Week 30

How far along? 30 weeks, the length of a cucumber (3+ pounds at this point??)

Best moment this week: Having a wonderful Christmas with our little bean, and growing sprout! (I promise I'm growing humans, not vegetables. We're on question two, and I've already named three..) Norah had a pretty odd but overall great day, and we got to spend a bit of time relaxing too after all the holiday planning!

Confusing pregnancy symptom of the week? Any time I sit for more than a few minutes, it takes me a little while to get up to speed when standing... (I feel like an old lady, I do the creaky, slow-moving dance after I've been sitting at my desk too long...)

Movement: Lots of jabs, and pretty sure there's a consistent knee right in my right side (exactly where Norah used to prod me... pleeeeeease move head-down, baby!!)

Food cravings:  Nothing really-- although I dare say I've had enough sweets?! I attacked a veggie tray full force yesterday and it was glorious. 

Anything sounding disgusting? Nope! Life is pretty good. I got a Chemex from my parents for Christmas, so I've been even digging my decaf coffee with milk only. (Not as sweet as I usually go, but it's now something that's sounding amazing.) 

Sleep? Still great, although she likes to suffocate me the first few minutes upon settling and lying down :) 

Clothing situation? Pretty anti-pant at the moment. I've been spending this week in maxi dresses and trying to pretend that it's not 25 degrees outside (I am getting to the point where anything touching my belly/waistband area is horrid... I want to be freeeeeeeeeee! At this point with Norah I could go full-on tent dress because it was summer.)

I'm generally feeling: Really, really well these days. Other than my body not wanting to keep up with how much I'd like to do; life is pretty grand. I'm feeling super fortunate for lots of things these days; mainly pretty darn family-squishy... I love my family!! (How did I get so lucky??)

Notable sibling moments: Norah wanting to organize and play with her wrapped presents only. After letting her play for quite awhile, we told her she had to open them... which lead to a full-on tantrum in her room for ten minutes. I'm going to remind her in six years or so of this. We got it on video. Muahaha.

Looking forward to: More nesting!! All this decluttering and downsizing we've been doing has been one part stressful, three parts theraputic. We put some paint samples on the wall today in Norah's new big girl room (purple, go figure!) and are making some serious progress. Tomorrow all Bryan's things get re-homed in the garage or attic, and I start attacking all the frivolously boxed up and tossed in the attic in case we had another girl baby things-- hopefully will be a productive week!