Thanksgiving Re-Cap

I can't believe another Thanksgiving has already come and gone =(  Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday of the whole year.  There's just something about the family gatherings, cold, crisp air, tons of good food and the smell of gingerbread waffling through the house....it makes me so happy!  Though our plans changed at the last minute this year, they certainly didn't disappoint!  

The day before Thanksgiving, I had my 34 week Dr. Appointment.  I hadn't been feeling great that day - I was having some cramping and Braxton Hicks contractions, but nothing crazy.  

My cousin (who's house we were supposed to go to for Thanksgiving) emailed me that day saying she wasn't feeling well and that it was up to me if I wanted to chance it and come over the following day.  After talking with my Dr. (who told me to take it easy the next couple of days) and taking everything into consideration, I decided to skip out on Thanksgiving at my cousin's (it was a very tough decision).  

Feeling super bummed out and really sad to be missing out on all the Thanksgiving festivities, my AWESOME parents came to the rescue!  They said they wanted to be with me, my Husband, my sister & her Husband for Thanksgiving, so they decided to get all the yummy Thanksgiving food and bring it to our house so I wouldn't have to travel or do much of anything and I could simply rest.  It was truly something to be thankful for.  

My parents came over around 11am with loads of delicious food to cook: cornish game  hens, mashed potatoes, stuffing, corn, fruit, meat/cheese tray, dips and of course, pie!  We had an amazing little Thanksgiving feast and we spent it with the ones we LOVE ♥ so dearly!  By 3pm, everyone had left leaving my & Hubs time to relax.  I actually think I followed up the feast with a nice 2 hour nap!  

I just can't express how amazing my family is - they do so much for me and I'm so grateful for everything!  It certainly makes you think about all the wonderful things in your life....Here are a few things I'm more than thankful for this year (in no particular order):

• Family - they are and always have been there for me when I've needed them.  They never complain when helping me/us do things around the house or when changing last minute Thanksgiving plans.  They are simply amazing!
• My Husband - what can I say, I love the guy with all my heart ♥  I grow to love him more and more everyday.  He has been my rock throughout this pregnancy and without him, I'm not sure I'd be doing as well as I am.  He's an amazing husband and friend and is going to make the most wonderful Daddy!
• A warm house - it may not be the biggest or most luxurious house, but it keeps me warm in the winter, cool in the summer and dry when it rains.  We've made it ours and for that reason, it's perfect!
• A steady income....a.k.a. having a job - though I may not love (or sometimes even like) what I do, it's a job and it brings in a steady paycheck.  With this economy there are so many people that can't rely on steady money coming in the door, so I consider myself extremely lucky to have such a reliable job.  
• Our furbaby, Hannah - she's the most amazing pet ever!  Nothing can brighten up my day more than coming home and seeing her happy, wiggly butt at the door to greet me.  I love her!!
• This pregnancy - I'm so thankful and feel so blessed that Kyle and I are able to experience such a miracle as pregnancy.  It's been the most amazing 8 1/2 months and I know what comes next will be even more amazing!  There are so many women/couples that aren't able to have children that want one so badly, so I know how truly blessed we are.  I'm so thankful that everything has gone so well thus far and look forward to meeting our little one in the next month or so =)
• Friends - my Husband and I both have the best friends in the world!  My girlfriends have always been there for me through the good & bad times.  They've listened to me when I've been upset, they've been there for me when I've cried and they've shared the laughs and good times with me as well.  I consider myself beyond lucky to have such amazing people in my life.  

These are just a few (of the more important) things that I'm truly thankful for not just at Thanksgiving, but each and every day of the year!  I hope everyone had a blessed and wonderful Thanksgiving! 

34 Weeks of Love

We've made it another week - making it a whole 34 weeks!  I know I say this practically every post, but I cannot believe how fast the time has gone!  Just to think that next week is already the start of December...CRAZY!  

Everything has gone so well thus far and I'm so thankful.  I'm definitely starting to feel the 3rd trimester "symptoms".  I can tell I get tired a bit earlier than I have been and I sort of feel like I'm dragging through the day (thankfully it's nothing like the 1st trimester exhaustion).  I'm also having a very hard time getting comfortable at night.  I toss and turn and when I do fall asleep, I'm usually woken up by my bladder, cramps in my legs or the fact that my hands have fallen asleep.  And, by 4am every day, I lay there wide awake.  Not sure why, but I just stay in bed and try to "rest", since I know my time is limited =).  

I'm not sure if this is common in the 3rd trimester, but I've become super irritable (just ask my poor Husband) - I feel constantly annoyed and find myself snapping at people for no good reason.  I feel bad {mostly for my Husband}, but I just can't seem to feel "normal".  Hopefully this doesn't continue for another 6 weeks...maybe it's just from lack of sleep and the 4 day weekend will help with my irritability.  

I head to my last 2 week Dr. appointment this Wednesday and then I start with the once a weeker's.  I will be interested to see if baby is still head down and how much weight I've gained in the past 2 weeks (it's probably a good thing I'm going before Thanksgiving =)).  And, I'm really excited to hear her heartbeat - it's the best sound ever!  

Even though the past 8 months have gone by fast and I've had an easy pregnancy, I'm really starting to look forward to being done and meeting our baby girl!!

Things they never tell you....

I feel like I heard so many things about pregnancy and being pregnant, but there are definitely things they never tell you....

• They never tell you that morning sickness doesn't happen solely in the mornings, it happens all freakin' day.  Whomever made up the term "morning sickness" was totally wrong...it should be changed to "who knows when you're going to be sick, but plan on ALL DAY, EVERY DAY" sickness.
• They never tell you how constipated you really will be (TMI, sorry).  Seriously, not going #2 for well over a week is just plain wrong.  But apparently it's "normal" when you're pregnant.
• They never tell you that getting up to pee 3 times a night is also "normal".  I like to think of it as Mother Nature's way of preparing you for the 3+ times a night you'll be up with baby.  At least getting up to pee only takes a minute and you can crawl back into bed....with a crying baby, not so much.
• They never tell you that not being able to "tolerate foods" means (or at least meant for me) the sheer thought of *fill in the blank* would make me want to vomit right then and there.
• They never tell you that sleep would literally be your new BEST friend.  I knew you would feel "more tired", but in reality it was like someone made me OD on sleeping medicine for about 12 weeks.  
• They never tell you that seeing somebody lose (or win, for that matter) on Wheel of Fortune would make you bawl like a baby...gotta love {pregnancy} hormones!
• They never tell you how amazing it would be to feel your baby kick you for the FIRST time.  It is a feeling I will never forget...it was beyond words WONDERFUL!!
• They never tell you how fast your pregnancy really goes.  It's still hard for me to believe I'm already in my EIGHTH month of pregnancy.  It feels like just yesterday I was peeing on that little stick.
• They never tell you that everyone has unsolicited advice to give you...and of course, they think they are always right.   
• They never tell you that craving something doesn't mean that you'd like to have *fill in the blank* eventually, it means that you want it right then and there...or you might die.  Seriously.
• They never tell you about how you will worry about each and every decision you make...wondering how/if it will affect your little one.  It's enough to make you crazy, but it's just the start - we'll end up worrying about our little ones as long as we live.  
• They never tell you to make sure you have an abundant amount of pillows around come the 3rd trimester.  Seriously - one for under the belly, one to support your back and one in between your legs...yep, it's true.  It makes for a much more comfortable night's sleep!
• They never tell you how nice people are to a pregnant lady!  I ride the train and bus to & from work, and I can't tell you how many times, I'll be standing and someone will offer me their seat.  It's nice to know that there are people like this in the world.  And, even at work - if I'm waiting to warm up my lunch, I've had people tell me to go ahead of them because they don't want the "pregnant lady to be hungry".  Seriously...awesomeness!
• They never tell you how comfortable maternity pants are.  They are about the best pregnancy invention ever!  Is it sad that I'd like to continue wearing them even after I've had the baby?!
• They never tell you how hard it is to look at Daycare's.  I mean, we haven't even met our little one and we're already looking into places to bring her when she's only 3 short months old (excuse me as I wipe the tears from my eyes).  I already feel like no-one will EVER be good enough to look after my baby, but I know deep down, it has to happen.  I already DREAD the day that we have to drop her off into the care of some stranger...oh my gosh, seriously, I need to wipe these tears away.  It's such a HUGE & SCARY decision, but as {soon-to-be} parents I know we will make the best decision for our baby.
• They never tell you that the things you're not supposed to eat while pregnant are the things you suddenly CRAVE.  I know that some Dr.'s say it's okay to eat certain foods while others say not to, but the common ones that come to mind are: lunch meats, soft cheeses, any sort of meat that's not fully cooked, cookie dough, etc.  
• They never tell you how often you really will go to the bathroom each day.  I probably hit up the bathroom at least 15 times a day.  What's worse is that it feels like I've been holding it for hours and then I actually go and it's merely a few drops.  
• They never tell you that no matter how nervous/scared you are about actually having to give birth, the excitement of meeting your little one totally takes over!  I'm definitely freaking out about the painful contractions/labor part of this whole thing, but just thinking about seeing & meeting our daughter makes me so excited.  I can't wait to hold her and snuggle with her and just see what she looks like (adorable, no doubt =)).  
• They never tell you what a truly amazing experience pregnancy really is.  Sure, it has it's ups and downs, but it's the greatest thing I've ever done on my 31 years here on Earth.  I feel so blessed to be able to experience this miracle.  The best is yet to come....

Still can't believe that I'm 33 + weeks along.  I have one more 2 week appointment and then I start going every week....ahh, mind blowing!  Really looking forward to meeting our daughter.  It's going to be AMAZING!

Showered With Love - The FRIENDS Edition

This past weekend, my friends threw me an amazing shower for me and baby Mack.  It was completely perfect.  There was awesome food & great friends...what more could a {pregnant} lady ask for?!  We played a couple baby games (really, what shower is complete without baby games!?), had brunch and opened some gifts.  

We got so many amazing things: diaper bag, pacifiers, pacifier clips, bibs, socks, onesies, crib sheets, changing pad covers, toys, diaper genie (which I hear will be a lifesaver some day), hats, burp rags, sleep-n-plays, boppy, boppy covers and night light (I'm sure I'm missing something).  

I have the best friends EVER!  

I can't tell you how blessed I felt on Saturday.  This baby girl is one lucky little lady!  Sadly, I was so into the shower, that I totally forgot to take pictures =(  I promise to take tons of pictures at our family shower this weekend.  It was such a fun day and I'm so thankful for everything my friends' did to make this such a special time for Kyle, the baby and me.  

Once I got home, I showed Kyle everything we received and instantly washed everything so I could put it away.  I'm starting to hit "panic mode" and am worried we won't get things done in time for her arrival.  I know that most of the stuff is done, but there are a few things that we still need to do before I'll feel completely ready for baby's arrival.  I'm hoping we have plenty of time.  I can't believe that in FOUR weeks, we'll be "full term".  It's crazy and so exciting all at once!  I just can't believe how fast the time goes.  

Thanks again to my friends for making our baby shower so special.  I'm so thankful for everything that was done to make it such a great time and for all the amazing gifts we received.  I truly have the very best friends in the world!! 

32 Weeks of LOVE and a Weekend Wrap-Up

I'm still trying to wrap my head around the fact that we are now at 32 weeks!  Seriously, where does the time go?  I can't believe in just a couple months, we'll be holding our sweet, little angel...it's completely mind blowing!  

Things are still going really well.  I'm starting to have a harder time moving around.  It definitely takes me longer to do things such as walking up the stairs, getting dressed & putting on shoes.  However, I'm feeling well and soaking up all of her little kicks, punches, jabs, somersaults and hiccups - because in no time, they'll be gone {even though she'll be doing all that on the outside} and I will certainly miss them!  

We're moving along (albeit slowly) on her room and getting the house ready for her.  I still have a million things on my "to-do" list, but I'm taking it one day at a time.  It doesn't necessarily all have to get done, but I'm hoping to get most of it done (we'll see)!  It's been a bit harder since the Hubby is still hobbling around after his knee surgery.  I've been trying to take care of him, the dog, the house and oh yeah, me & baby, but I can tell it's a bit wearing at times.  But, husband has been working hard on his rehab and is getting around really well.  Hopefully by the time baby arrives, he'll be getting around almost as well as he was pre-surgery.  

The weekend was fairly uneventful...which is definitely a good thing.  Friday morning we had a bit of a mis-hap with our {not so smart} "smart" alarm clock.  The alarm went off at 5:40am {as it does every weekday}...I got up, hopped in the shower and started my morning routine as if it were any other Friday.  I was planning to take Hubby to work as he had a PT appointment at 7am.  

Once I finished up in the bathroom, Husband hopped in the shower.  I went to look at my phone (as I do every morning....man we are creature's of habit) and it said 6:50am....WHOA!!!  All I could think was, "why would my phone jump ahead an hour?"  My initial thought was I messed up the time when I was setting the alarm on in a couple days prior.  So, before I completely freaked out, I went into the kitchen to look at our oven & microwave clock.  

Both said 6:50.  

I just kept thinking: what the heck is going on here?  Why would Kyle change the clocks forward when it wasn't even time for Daylight savings, and we're supposed to "fall behind"?.  Then it hit me, the other clocks were right and our clock had set itself behind....2 days early.  So much for it being a "smart" clock.  

I frantically told Kyle what happened and that it was really almost 7am.  Thankfully, he was able to move his PT appointment back to 7:30am.  We both got ready in about 10 minutes and he made it to his appointment at 7:31am.  Not bad considering the time crunch!  

Well, in our rush to get out of the house, I forgot to take some meat out for dinner, so we went to plan b and headed out to dinner.  I figure we might as well take advantage of that now, while we're child free.  

Saturday my parents so generously offered to come over and help us rake our leaves (it's a bit tricky when one of us is hobbling around on crutches and one of us can barely bend over to put their shoes on).  Our trees have hardly shed any leaves, but we still managed to rake about 10 bags.  After my parents left, I was completely wiped out, so we just laid around, watched TV and were pretty lazy the rest of the day/night.  

Sunday, we did some "indoor" chores and just hung out.  We did head out to Babies R Us and USA Baby in search of a glider/rocking chair for the baby's room, but didn't have much luck.  They both had nice chairs, but the prices were (at least in my opinion) down right outrageous.  Thankfully, we've seen some nice gliders at Target for a fraction of the price.  Gotta love TARGET.  

Anyway, as you can see, we're not the most entertaining people, but I have a feeling that when the baby arrives, we'll have all kinds of fun(ny) stories to share =)

53 days and counting....