introducing ...

Wow ... I've been a bit MIA.

But, how fitting that my 300th post is an announcement of the newest member of my family?

I went into labor on Friday, May 6 (which also happens to be my oldest brother's birthday -- don't worry, he gave me his blessing to have the baby on his birthday) and had baby BOY, Jack Montgomery at 3:35. He weighed in at 8 lbs. 10 oz (much bigger than the doctor's 7.5lb prediction) and was 20" long!

I called my parents that morning around 6 am to tell them my water had broken. They got in the car not shortly after and made it to Oklahoma just in time to come into my room and meet their newest grandchild! I was ecstatic they made it in time!

Jack and I were released from the hospital on Sunday and we have been in the throws of figuring each other out the last couple of days. He's really a great baby, and although today was frustrating (and there are many more frustrating days ahead), I'm in love and life before Jack is becoming a distant memory.

My dad had to head back home on Sunday, but my mom has been with us since we got home and she's offered to stay for 2 weeks! So far she's been a HUGE help and I'm sure when she's out the door, J and I will be very sad.

I've been wanting to sit down and share my news for a few days but haven't found a spare moment until now. My hope is to blog as much as possible about Jack and keep a scrapbook of what he's doing. Keep your fingers crossed I actually get that done!

I have a ton of pics to go through, so you can expect a post with just pics of being in the hospital and the days since we've gotten home. And, I promise them soon!

the nursery.

I finally took pictures of the nursery this morning. I really wish the room was bigger so you could see the whole thing in one picture. Unfortunately, baby has a tiny room and I have to take pics of each little area separately.

Just keep in mind we won't have much on the walls until we know if baby M is a he or a she.

I really love the bedding!

This chair is super comfortable and was the perfect compromise between what J and I wanted in a rocker/recliner for the nursery. Oh, and do you see the Yankees Jeter bobblehead on top of the bookshelf? Yeah, that has J written all over it!

I'm thinking about taking that Happy Birthday hat with the candles to the hospital for baby's first picture! How cute would it be to have the baby in there, wearing it or something?? 

So, that's the gist of the nursery. It's really cute and I kind of think that the individual pics don't really do it justice. 

And, just as an update for any family that might be reading and doesn't already know, if baby M doesn't come on its own, we have an induction date of May 11. So, there's an end in sight!! 

Have a fabulous Thursday!

39 week pic.

Here I am, in all my 39-week glory ...

My comfort level continues to decrease with each passing day and I'm beginning to think baby M likes it so much in there that he/she never wants to come out! 

Please pray for patience ... I need it!!

belly business -- 39 weeks

How far along: 39 weeks 

Size of the baby: baby M is now as big as a watermelon (about 7 lbs. and 19-22 in.) (Thank goodness he/she isn't getting any bigger because I pretty much feel stretched to the limit!)

Total weight gain/loss:  24 pounds

Maternity clothes: Lately, I find myself back to online shopping, looking for dresses that I can (hopefully) wear in the summer that will work for breastfeeding. Have I mentioned I'm sick of maternity clothes??

Cravings: margaritas!

Symptoms: all of the really fun symptoms. I've definitely been having more and more Braxton Hicks, and each time, I wonder if they're going to last longer and start coming regularly ... 

Movement: Movement has slowed a little due to lack of space, but the baby finds ways to move and flip around.

Gender predictions: I feel a little sad that I don't have an inkling what we're having. Some days I think it's a girl for sure because so many of our friends are having girls and then others I think it's a boy. No clue!

This week's highlights are that the nursery is "finished." I use quotes because until we know if we have a little boy or girl, the room won't be completely done. I plan on taking pics sometime this week and posting them for you guys.

Also, I went to the doctor on Thursday. Unfortunately, I hadn't made any more progress. He still thinks I'll go into labor and not have to be induced, but we did make a plan if needed. So, I think, by Wednesday May 11, whether the baby has come on its own or not, we'll have a baby! 

I know I posted this earlier this week, but I'm so excited and anxious at the same time! I wake up most mornings wondering if this is the last morning we won't be dealing with a newborn and wondering what our mornings will be like soon. 

Remember those couple of lunch dates when I picked my friend's brain on all things baby? She had her second girl a month ago and we finally got to meet her on Friday! She's so adorable and so tiny. And, meeting and holding her made both J and me so excited to meet our little miracle! Soon enough, I guess!

No picture tonight -- I'll have one tomorrow, I promise! 

ready or not ...

First of all, no I have not had the baby yet.

So, I'm obviously getting very close (11 days til the due date) to meeting our baby (and finally finding out if there's been a boy or girl cooking away), which means that all the excitement has really started to build. But, along with the excitement comes major anxiety.

I'm pretty sure everyone feels this with the impending birth of their first child, but I'm getting really nervous. The nursery is pretty much finished and we have "everything" ready (adults really love to call you on this one...), but are we really ready to take on a new little life? Are we ready to be fully responsible for someone else's well-being?

I guess, ready or not, baby M is coming.

Blue Eyed Bride beat me to this exact same post this morning and I couldn't help but nod my head at everything she was saying (except for the second child stuff...I'm not there yet.).

It's so funny, a couple of months ago a facebook friend was close to the end of her pregnancy. She went in to see her doctor and he said since her blood pressure was up she could have the baby the next day. Her post said that instead, she chickened out and set the date for the next week.

I think about her post all.the.time. I think if my doctor were to tell me tomorrow that I could have the baby by the end of the week, I might chicken out, too.

But, the thing is, whether I have the baby this weekend or on the 8th or a couple days after my due date, this baby is coming no matter what. And, no matter what, J and I are going to do the very best that we can do.

So, when I'm asked I usually say we're pretty ready. That J and I are both really excited and anxious and nervous, but most of all, we're ready for the baby to get here so we can start to figure everything out!

belly business -- 38 weeks

How far along: 38 weeks 

Size of the baby: baby M is now as big as a watermelon (about 7 lbs. and 19-22 in.) 

Total weight gain/loss:  21 pounds

Maternity clothes: Lately, I find myself back to online shopping, looking for dresses that I can (hopefully) wear in the summer that will work for breastfeeding. Have I mentioned I'm sick of maternity clothes??

Cravings: margaritas!

Symptoms: swelling, discomfort while sleeping, back aches, acid reflux and nesting -- I've obviously hit the really fun part of pregnancy...  

Movement: Movement has slowed a little due to lack of space, but the baby finds ways to move and flip around.

Gender predictions: I feel a little sad that I don't have an inkling what we're having. Some days I think it's a girl for sure because so many of our friends are having girls and then others I think it's a boy. No clue!

So, I'm officially 13 days away from my due date, which is so surreal. I'm excited and anxious for the baby to get here. But, I'm also so nervous about everything that comes after: figuring out what the baby needs/wants, making sure we have everything we need and, generally, life after baby. 

I'd say if the baby decided today was the day, we'd be ready. I'm sure there are some things we still need, but the big things are in place and ready. 

As far as I'm concerned, I'd rather the baby come earlier rather than later. I'm getting to the point that sleep isn't as plentiful as it used to be and getting around isn't as easy. But, if I was taking my work situation into consideration, it would be better if the baby were a couple days late. What does this all mean, then? NOTHING! I don't know when the baby is coming and I have pretty much no control over it! Ha...

The nursery is pretty much ready. Once I have the curtains hung and a couple of shelves on the wall, I'll post pics of it!

Until then, here's my weekly picture!

belly business -- 37 weeks

How far along: 37 weeks 

Size of the baby: baby M is now as long a stalk of swiss chard and weighs in at about 6.5 lbs. 

Total weight gain/loss:  21 pounds

Maternity clothes: I'm getting so sick of trying to find something that fits! It's getting warmer, so I don't want to wear jeans, but I don't have that many dresses that fit over my belly. I'll be glad when I can wear my old clothes again!

Cravings: margaritas!

Symptoms: swelling, discomfort while sleeping, back aches, acid reflux and nesting -- I've obviously hit the really fun part of pregnancy...  

Movement: Movement has slowed a little due to lack of space, but the baby finds ways to move and flip around.

Gender predictions: I feel a little sad that I don't have an inkling what we're having. Some days I think it's a girl for sure because so many of our friends are having girls and then others I think it's a boy. No clue!

This past week was way busier than I expected! 

On Monday we finally met with a potential pediatrician. We know several people who go to this doctor and she gets rave reviews. After spending some time with her and getting good answers to our questions, we're decided. So, now that we've decided on a pediatrician, thats a big thing to cross off our pre-baby to-do list! Speaking of the to-do list, we also got the baby bassinet put together and we plan to get the car seat put in J's truck this week!

Wednesday night I went to dinner with a friend of mine that I hadn't seen since probably January. It was so nice to chat and see her before life with baby takes over!

Thursday night J and I had dinner with a couple that we've known since college. Every time we go out with them we sit and talk for 3 hours! This obviously means we need to do dinner/hang out way more often!

Friday night J and I had a date! I've been wanting to go on one last date before the baby since I know we'll be a bit pre-occupied for a while once he/she gets here. We went to The Mantel in Bricktown (thanks to a couple generous gift cards!) and the food was great, especially the molten chocolate cake! Of course I got dessert and was not disappointed! Mmmm...makes me hungry just thinking of it!

Yesterday I got a much-needed pedicure. Considering the fact that I can barely reach my own feet, I'd say prettying up my toes on my own would be nearly impossible! Then, late yesterday afternoon, we went to the Bedlam baseball game in Bricktown. After eating dinner at Abuelo's, we made our way over to the ballpark, but I started feeling kind of weird...and started kind of freaking out that I was going to go into labor. Ha...I'm not at all a spaz...

Anyway, I'm putting some finishing touches on the nursery and just impatiently waiting the arrival of baby M.

Here's this week's picture:

belly business -- 36 weeks

How far along: 36 weeks 

Size of the baby: large canteloupe (up to 22 inches and 6 lbs.) 

Total weight gain/loss:  I go to the doctor on Thursday, but let's just say I'm at 21 by this point

Maternity clothes: I think with the weather warming up so much I'm going to have to invest in some lighter weight maternity pants.  

Cravings: margaritas!

Symptoms: swelling, discomfort while sleeping, back aches, acid reflux and nesting  

Movement: The baby seems to squirm and flip around a lot. When I was at the doctor the heartbeat was 160, which means we have an active one on our hands!

Gender predictions: I feel a little sad that I don't have an inkling what we're having. Some days I think it's a girl for sure because so many of our friends are having girls and then others I think it's a boy. No clue!

Last week wasn't too interesting. I didn't have anything going on in the evenings, which was a welcome change. I ordered a rug for the baby's room and finally ordered this adorable owl hat that I want to use for the newborn pics.

how cute is this???

This week, however, I have a lot going on, but I have a few dinners with friends mixed in, which should be fun!

Yesterday, J hung up a little shelf/cabinet in the baby's room and we are so much closer to having it ready! And, honestly, if the baby came today, we'd be totally fine. The baby can't see farther than a foot or two, so if the shelves and curtains are hung up, I'm sure baby M won't say a word. 

On Monday we are finally going to meet with our potential pediatrician. I'm trying to gather questions for her. If anyone has one, send it my way! And, we're going to the fire department this week to get the car seat put in J's truck. It's going to be so crazy to have a car seat in our car and I'm thinking it's going to make me anxious to have a baby in it! Ahhh!!

I cannot believe we are under a month until baby. I'm thinking these next 4 weeks will creep by, but I'm so excited to finally meet and see our sweet little baby!

And, finally, here's my 36 week pic!

belly business -- 35 weeks

How far along: 35 weeks 

Size of the baby: large canteloupe (up to 22 inches and 6 lbs.) 

Total weight gain/loss:  official weight gain from the doctor -- 19 pounds.

Maternity clothes: I think with the weather warming up so much I'm going to have to invest in some lighter weight maternity pants.  

Cravings: nothing super specific -- I don't have much room anymore and get full super fast.

Symptoms: swelling, discomfort while sleeping, back aches, acid reflux and nesting  

Movement: The baby seems to squirm and flip around a lot. When I was at the doctor the heartbeat was 160, which means we have an active one on our hands!

Gender predictions: I feel a little sad that I don't have an inkling what we're having. Some days I think it's a girl for sure because so many of our friends are having girls and then others I think it's a boy. No clue!

I went to the doctor on Monday and everything looked great! Like I said above, the baby's heartbeat was around 160, which seemed really high considering lately it's been in the high 130s but he said it's normal, that the nurse probably caught the baby moving around.

It's been nice not really having much going on this week. I got almost all of my thank yous done, successfully cleaned the rest of our stuff out of the baby closet, washed and folded 3 loads of baby laundry, bought the baby monitor, picked out curtains and started organizing the baby closet. I'd say I'm definitely getting the nesting bug!

Now that I've done some laundry and started to organize everything, I have a better idea of the stuff we still need for the baby and, don't worry, it's all been added to my ever growing list!

There's not much else to report ... so here's my 35 week picture!

belly business -- 34 weeks

How far along: 34 weeks 

Size of the baby: large canteloupe (up to 22 inches and 5.5 lbs.) 

Total weight gain/loss:  official weight gain from the doctor -- 19 pounds.

Maternity clothes: All maternity pants, but now that the weather is nice, I've been able to wear some of my non-maternity short-sleeved shirts, etc. 

Cravings: still craving all things candy-related

Symptoms: I think I've finally hit the uncomfortable mark. Getting off the couch, walking for any period of time, sleeping, eating etc.; it's all uncomfortable.  

Movement: Lots of movement -- the heartbeat was in the 160 range at the doctor yesterday because the baby is so active.

Gender predictions: The nurse at my last appointment thinks we're having a boy.

Last week was really busy with work stuff and, as a Chi O advisor, I had to be at the house on Saturday for Mom's Day, which went really well. 

The only issue I had with being on my feet for about 4 hours at the house is that I was wearing very unsupportive shoes and my back was killing me -- hurting to the point that walking was extremely painful. Luckily we have a good friend that's a PT and he's given us this heavy duty ice pack and a stim. So I used a heating pad and iced and felt much better by Sunday. 

I've continued heating and icing the last few days and it helps, but my back is still killing me -- the pain is starting to move up to the middle, too! I've said it before: the pain and discomfort sucks but it's all totally worth it!

I made my hospital bag list over the weekend, and I thought I would feel like something was really accomplished when I finished this task, but really, the majority of the list can't be packed until it's time to go ... so unfortunately, I didn't exactly lower my stress level by crossing that item off my to do list.

With March (practically my busiest month so far) almost behind me, I'm looking forward to having free weekends and fewer meetings, appointments, etc. during the week, so I can finally make some progress on organizing the nursery, washing clothes/towels/sheets for the baby and maybe even get a little decor on the walls!

Oh, and in exciting news, a friend of mine, who was scheduled for a c-section Tuesday had her baby girl on Sunday -- 7 lbs. 1 oz.! Can't wait to see pics -- congrats Meghan and Collin!

And, now, since I didn't post a pic last week (I'll probably end up regretting that...), here's my 34 week pic. Enjoy!

belly business -- 33 weeks

How far along: 33 weeks 

Size of the baby: pineapple (19 inches and 4.9 lbs.) 

Total weight gain/loss:  official weight gain from the doctor -- 17 or 19 pounds. I'm not weighing on my own, so I'm going with what the doc told me last time.

Maternity clothes: All maternity pants, but now that the weather is nice, I've been able to wear some of my non-maternity short-sleeved shirts, etc. 

Cravings: still craving all things candy-related

Symptoms: I've noticed that I tire easily and, with the weather warming up, I've started having some swelling (now I understand why everyone said I was lucky to have the baby by May). I sleep with a pillow under my belly every night to keep back pain to a minimum. 

Movement: Lots of movement, especially in the middle of the night, after I've gone to the bathroom.

Gender predictions: The nurse at my last appointment thinks we're having a boy.

Last week was definitely busier than I thought it would be! 

I had a doctor's appointment last Monday and the heartbeat was up to 150 bpm, which is considerably higher than it has been. The nurse said it was just because the baby was moving around (which it does very often). Everything was measuring right and I got another A+ from the doctor.

By Thursday I had enough of my to-do list crossed off, and J and I were off to Dallas to stay with a friend on our way to Houston for a wedding (post on that coming soon). We had dinner with a group of friends, which was super fun despite the terrible service, and then hit the hay early for our four hour drive to Houston.

On Friday (my birthday...post coming soon) we got in to Houston and settled in.

The weekend was really fun, but were up for a rude awakening on our drive home. Not only was it 7 hour drive back home on a Sunday, we were also up against Spring Break traffic. By the time we go to Oklahoma, I thought it would be smooth sailing the rest of the way, but no. We hit traffic moving just 4 mph and stayed in that for 30 minutes before turning around and taking another highway.

Needless to say, this preggo was really ready to get out of the car by the time we got home around 8 that night!

In more pregnancy-related news, J and I preregistered at the hospital on Monday. That's a big thing that got crossed off our list! Yay!

belly business -- 32 weeks

How far along: 32 weeks 

Size of the baby: honeydew melon (19 inches and 4.5 lbs.) 

Total weight gain/loss:  official weight gain from the doctor -- 15 pounds. I'm not weighing on my own, so I'm going with what the doc told me last time.

Maternity clothes: All maternity pants, but now that the weather is nice, I've been able to wear some of my non-maternity short-sleeved shirts, etc. 

Cravings: still craving all thing candy-related

Symptoms: My back aches a little more often and standing for too long tires me. I've also started to notice that my ankles and legs will start aching, and those aches will just move up my body. It's fun. 

Movement: Lots of movement, especially in the middle of the night, after I've gone to the bathroom.

Gender predictions: The nurse at my last appointment thinks we're having a boy.

Last week was super busy, but we got a lot of baby stuff accomplished!

Monday night was our final childbirth class. We toured the new hospital where baby M will officially makes it's debut and met one of 9 pediatricians in Norman. 

Tuesday and Thursday night, I had meetings. And then, pretty much my whole family came in town on Friday. 

I was running around early on Friday getting last minute things done, and then I picked up my brother and sister in law from the airport. That evening we had drinks and snacks and then dinner at Othello's. It was really nice to have everyone around!

Saturday was my baby shower (thanks B, Libby, Tara & Rachel!!). It was super nice and to say that everyone was generous is a huge understatement. We got our travel system, the bouncer, the pack 'n play and the high chair. Not to mention, we also got tons of super cute neutral clothes, diapers, bath products, toys, etc. It was awesome! I'm going to have my work cut out for me getting thank yous out in a timely fashion!

J got the furniture put together and the room set up just in time for my whole family to get to see where baby M will eventually call home! I'll post pics very soon. 

This week my plan is to get the contents of the closet transferred to plastic tubs and then really get everything organized. I'm really excited to do a load of baby laundry with my brand new bottle of Dreft! It's the little things...

Anyway, I had another doctor's appointment this morning, and everything is still coming along as it should! I cannot believe how close we are getting! Ahh!!!

(PS -- I'm sorry this has really turned into a baby blog, it's just that's what I've got going on, but I'm really trying my hardest not to become all baby, all the time. You'll be happy to know that this coming weekend is my birthday and we're headed to a wedding, which means there are non-baby posts to come!)

the picture

Since I never remember to get J to take my picture before I've changed into my pajamas every night, I'm left with iphone pics of my belly. They do the trick well enough I guess.

Here I am at 31 weeks and 4 days.

Please excuse the laundry basket and unmade bed. 

belly business -- 31 weeks

How far along: 31 weeks 

Size of the baby: head of lettuce (19 inches and 3.9 lbs.) 

Total weight gain/loss:  official weight gain from the doctor -- 15 pounds. I'm not weighing on my own, so I'm going with what the doc told me last time.

Maternity clothes: All maternity pants, but now that the weather is nice, I've been able to wear some of my non-maternity short-sleeved shirts, etc. 

Cravings: yesterday I had to have McDonald's french fries, and I think that's my first true random craving

Symptoms: The backaches are getting more frequent and I'm sleeping with a couple pillows to ease back and leg pain. Sleeping is getting a little tough, but I've had two good nights in a row. 

Movement: Lots of movement.

Gender predictions: The nurse at my last appointment thinks we're having a boy.

We've had a pretty eventful week -- full of ups and a downs. 

On Monday I had a doctor's appointment, and, once again, I got a thumbs up on everything. The baby's heartbeat was 136 bpm. Sadly, we won't be getting to see our little buggaboo again (in an ultrasound), unless something isn't measuring as it should be, so I'm crossing my fingers that won't be the case. So, the next time we'll see baby M will be when we meet him/her in 9 weeks or less!

Thursday afternoon I saw on facebook that one of our friends was in labor with their little girl! She came about 5 or 6 weeks early, weighing in at 6 lbs and measuring 19" and both mom and baby were doing really well. The funny thing is that we were supposed to be in Dallas this weekend for their baby shower! I'm packing up their gift and putting it in the mail tomorrow -- their going to need everything they can get their hands on!

The same day, I found out another friend of ours were not going to be having a baby afterall. They were supposed to find out if it was a boy or girl and instead found out that it had health issues and wouldn't end up making it. Needless to say, we went from very excited to devastated for our friends. The events of this week just reiterates what John says: having a baby really is a miracle. 

Friday night, J and I put together the crib (with a little help from his friend Brad). I love the crib and can't wait to get the mattress and be able to put it all together with the bedding!

Saturday (since we didn't end up in Dallas for a baby shower) we went to OKC to look for a chair for the nursery. J's grandparents are very generous and have decided that that is going to be their gift to us. Though we both had different ideas of what we did/didn't want, we found something that is a definite compromise. I'm really excited!

And, finally, yesterdayJ will finished the final paint touchups in the room. We have a shower next weekend (almost my entire family will be in town!) and I'd like the room to be as ready as possible.

Below are a couple pics of the crib. I'll have a 31 week pic up tomorrow! Have a fab Monday!

hootie hoo.

As a Chi Omega it's kind of a rule that you have to love owls. And, how perfect is it that owls are so en vogue?

Speaking of owls being in style, look at this adorable little sleep sack I found on Gilt this morning. And, thankfully its neutral -- no pink or blue!

**Edited to add: I checked online and though this is no longer available on Gilt, I found it on here, along with tons of other cute owl baby stuff!

belly business -- 30 weeks

How far along: 30 weeks -- just 10 weeks to go. nutso!

Size of the baby: head of lettuce (18 inches and 3.2 lbs.) 

Total weight gain/loss:  official weight gain from the doctor -- 12 pounds. I'm not weighing on my own, so I'm going with what the doc told me last time.

Maternity clothes: All maternity pants, but now that the weather is nice, I've been able to wear some of my non-maternity short-sleeved shirts, etc. 

Cravings: sweets and pasta with alfredo sauce

Symptoms: Bending over is definitely getting harder and getting in and out of bed has gotten harder, too. A little bit of an aching back, but really I can't complain. I still feel pretty darn good! 

Movement: Lots of movement.  

Gender predictions: I got a pedicure with a friend yesterday and the the lady doing my nails thinks it's a girl. 

I'd say this week has been pretty darn productive as far as baby is concerned. 

We had our first childbirth class on Monday. J and an family friend primed the nursery on Wednesday. And, J and another friend painted the nursery and hung a new fan in there. My goal is to get the furniture put together before our shower in the middle of March. And, I'm fully willing to help with that one!

In a bit of bad news, J's aunt called me today telling me that Babies R Us no longer carries the travel system (stroller and coordinating car seat) that we loved, nor do they carry the highchair or the swing. Great. And, I have a feeling that going back to BRU to try out strollers is low on J's list of things he wants to do. Ugh! This shouldn't be happening!

I've added a highchair and swing to our Target registry since seeing those in person isn't as essential. Now ... on to the stroller/car seat. This should be fun ...

In a bit of good news, though, I found out another friend is pregnant, due in September!! Now, if only all my friends would tell me they're pregnant so we can all have kids the same age!!

I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow morning, so keep your fingers crossed that all is still well with baby M!

And, here are a couple pics I took of myself today. I took a 29 week pic on Thursday, but had a little miscommunication with J and it got deleted. But, I haven't changed that much since Thursday, so you get the idea.

belly business -- 29 weeks

How far along: 29 weeks as of Sunday

Size of the baby: butternut squash (17 inches and 3 lbs.) 

Total weight gain/loss:  official weight gain from the doctor -- 12 pounds. I'm not weighing on my own, so I'm going with what the doc told me last time.

Maternity clothes: All maternity pants, but now that the weather is nice, I've been able to wear some of my non-maternity short-sleeved shirts, etc. 

Cravings: sweets and pasta with alfredo sauce

Symptoms: Bending over is definitely getting harder and getting in and out of bed has gotten harder, too. And, let me tell ya (while I'm complaining), I slept terribly last night. I woke up and my back and legs were aching, then my stomach started churning. I'm crossing my fingers that that won't be a regular occurrence just yet. 

Movement: Lots of movement.  

Gender predictions: I've had people tell me they are convinced I'm having a girl and people convinced I'm having a boy. J's great grandmother (who turned 100 right before Thanksgiving) is certain it's a girl and apparently she called all 3 of one of her granddaughter's kids.

J and I had our first of three childbirth classes last night. And, even though a lot of the information was TMI, I'll be glad that I know what to expect in the long run. The more I think about it, the more I just get excited to finally meet our baby! I can't believe I'm almost to the single-digit weeks left point!

One of J's best friends is coming up this weekend to help him paint the nursery and put together the crib and changing table and get some of the stuff hung up in there! So, maybe, if you're good little readers, I'll post a pic of the nursery when it's all put together.

Since Thomas is coming, I'm going to make myself scarce -- I have plans for lunch and maybe a mani/pedi with a friend on Saturday! Yay for pampering myself!

My weekly picture is in the works.

wordless wednesday.

(my usual terrible pic -- I just don't like bothering J to take one...)

belly business -- 28 weeks

How far along: 28 weeks as of Sunday

Size of the baby: small cabbage (17 inches and 2.9 lbs.) 

Total weight gain/loss:  official weight gain from the doctor -- 12 pounds. I got an A+ from the doc on Thursday on my weight gain! Go me!

Maternity clothes: I'm now rocking mostly maternity clothes. I can still fit into most of my non-maternity tops, but the pants are All Maternity, All the Time. 

Cravings: sweets and pasta with alfredo sauce

Symptoms: It's getting hard and harder to get up from the couch or get out of bed and bending over isn't as easy either. I think I've started getting more tired again and on Wednesday I got a headache and my stomach wasn't feeling good. Other than those, I'm good! 

Movement: Lots of movement.  

Gender predictions: I've had people tell me they are convinced I'm having a girl and people convinced I'm having a boy. J's great grandmother (who turned 100 right before Thanksgiving) is certain it's a girl and apparently she called all 3 of one of her granddaughter's kids.

Like I said, I had my doctor's appointment on Thursday morning and I heard today that my glucose levels were fine, but that my iron level was a little lower than the doctor wants. So, I'm adding an iron supplement to my daily ritual. I just hope I can remember the iron supplement better than I remember my prenatal vitamin!

I go back to the doctor on the 28th and after that, I start going every 2 weeks, which is totally crazy! I cannot believe how far along I am and how little time we have left to get everything ready!

We had a pretty uneventful weekend, and got a couple more things checked off my list of to-dos: taping off the nursery to get it painted ASAP and doing my Target registry! Now, who wants to help J paint? And, who wants to buy me everything off my registry?? Ha!

My weekly pic is coming tomorrow. I promise!

if only it were 2008.

I've been on the search for a cute rug for the nursery. J and I, without ever discussing it, both really wanted a round rug for that room. Unfortunately, finding a round rug that is basically neutral and not $800 is not the easiest thing.

So, I've been scouring blogs looking for something just as cute, but not as expensive.

Now, I love me some animal print, however J isn't as enamored...

A couple of years ago, DwellStudio did a collaboration with Target and they sold the cutest Zebra rug for a really reasonable price. I've found several images on the web, but, considering we're now in the year 2011, it's no longer available.

Below are some of the images I was able to find.

found here

from here

So, now that I know I can't get the rug that I want (it was sold for $150-180 at the time), I've been searching for something similar. I randomly put the HSN and QVC apps on my phone a couple weeks ago, and last night, I thought about checking their websites for rugs. Hey, why not?

So, I'm on HSN, looking at the gorgeous Nate Berkus upholstered and tufted headboards. After drooling over those, I perused the rugs. And, guess what I saw! Jonathan Adler has a rug that is almost exactly like the Target rug!

But. It's almost $1000. Yes. A grand. That is so not worth it, unless it's made of actual Zebra, then it might be worth $1000. But, it's not, so the price is way too high. 

Too bad I wasn't thinking three years in the future when the DwellStudio for Target line came out in 2008. I should have spent $150 then, and been happy now. Ugh! Who has a time machine??