31 weeks, 3 days

How far along? 31 weeks, 3 days
Total weight gain/loss: 11 pounds
Maternity clothes? Yes, starting to think about my 10 year reunion and what I am going to still be able to fit into by August 11.
Stretch marks? They are bound to happen I'm growing so fast now!
Sleep: I wake up super early no matter what but at least I'm getting a ton done on the weekends.
Best moment this week: My Bellingham Baby Shower!!!!
Miss Anything? The sun... we have had to push back our maternity pictures three times now.
Movement: I'm pretty sure there is an alien in my body
Food cravings: Ice Cream
Anything making you queasy or sick: Strong smells
Have you started to show yet: oh heak yeah.
Gender: Boy
Labor Signs: nope but only 6 weeks left until full term
Belly Button in or out? It now can be seen through my shirts (even with an extra tank top on)
Wedding rings on or off? On, no swelling yet…
Happy or Moody most of the time: I started to cry Sunday and had no reason what so ever.
Looking forward to: Finally getting our maternity pitures taken on Wednesday (think sun) and the doctor appointment on Thursday!

Predicting Baby Rourke

Just something cool we did in our birthing class. I guess we will have to see who gets more right...

Prediction:                    Colleen                 Brad

Birth Date:                               August 22                   September 1

Time of Birth:                         8:00 PM                      10:00 AM

Length of Labor:                    16 hours                       6 hours

Baby’s Weight:                       8 pounds                       8.8 pounds

Baby’s Length:                        21 inches                      18.75 inches

Baby’s Hair Color:                  Blonde                          Brown

Baby’s Hair Amount:             Full Head                      A little on top

Baby’s Temperament:          Fussy                              Awesome

29 weeks, 3 days

How far along? 29 weeks, 3 days
Total weight gain/loss: 9 pounds
Maternity clothes? I have been using my “pre pregnancy” summer dresses as shirts.
Stretch marks? Looking good so far
Sleep: I just bought a body pillow! His name is Edward and I love him... he supports the belly while I sleep
Best moment this week: Flying to Cali to visit family, they got to feel Rourke move!
Miss Anything? Alcohol, really wanted to try one of Uncle Mike's "Dark& Stormies" this weekend
Movement: Yes, day and night! Love the feeling; I know I'm going to miss that the most when he is here… that and sleep.
Food cravings: Food... I want to eat everything all the time. I'm going to gain a ton in these last 10 weeks.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Strong smells have lately started to get to me.
Have you started to show yet: There is no way to hide it, hence the bikini pictures from this weekend. I have just decided to own it!
Gender prediction: He had better still be a boy or really like boy clothes
Labor Signs: None but our birth plan is ready
Belly Button in or out? Almost out, I need it to hold on until after this weekend and our maternity pictures!
Wedding rings on or off? On, that way old people stop asking if I'm married.
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy but as I get bigger, I can tell this may change
Looking forward to: Friday, I get to hear his heartbeat again and this Saturday we have our Maternity pictures!!!

Showered with Support

This last Saturday, June 2, 2012, I had my first baby shower to celebrate the end of my young adult years and this leap into parenthood. That’s what I truly believe showers are, whether they are bridal or baby showers, they are meant to be celebrations of ending chapters of our life. Yes, you get presents (and boy oh boy (pun intended) did we need/ appreciate them) but to me what meant the most is to see my friends and family there to support and encourage me. Any new parent-to-be who tells you they are not scared stiff at the thought of impending parenthood as it draws every closer are either big fat (not a pregnancy joke) liars or much stronger than me. There are a lot of changes that come with becoming a parent that not only change who you are, how you live your life, but also how you interact with the people around you. One of my biggest fears is that by making the choice to become a mom, I will lose my friends. Who wants to have a weekend sleep over at the Venables’ house when it means that you may be woken up by a fussy hungry baby? “Hey everyone lets go celebrate, so-and-so’s, birthday out at the bar!”, sorry guys we have to pass AGAIN as they don’t allow babies in bars and we can’t find a sitter. One of the reasons Brad and I wanted to become parents is that we are so happy with our lives and the people around us that we wanted to share this home we have made with another and to show him how great life can be. But by having a baby could we then be losing that life? By coming to my baby shower I felt like everyone there was there to support us and reassure me of their love. I know there is so much joy you gain in bringing life into this world and we are so very excited to meet Rourke. This weekend showed me that my family and friends will always be there for me, maybe not in the exact way they were before but just because there is change does not make it negative. The shower made this all see so real to me, he is coming and it is not that far off (12 more weeks)! I have spent the last two days doing baby clothes laundry and setting up our nursery which has really put things in perspective for me. I can’t say that we are completely ready, but I can say that I know we can do this and I’m so happy I have the support of those I love around me.

 

PS A huge "Thank You", to my Mom, Lois, Katie, Amy, Whitney, and Kaylee for putting the shower together! Love You!