33 Weeks

The diapers and wipes in this weeks picture came from the awesome friends and family that attended Bill's Diaper Party last week!  

How far along? 33 weeks

Maternity clothes?  Yup – I found the BEST maternity stretch pants from Old Navy, I bought 2 pairs and you can usually find me in them after work and EVERY weekend! 

Stretch marks?  Nada – I don’t anticipate getting any at this point but keeping a close relationship with my belly butter just in case.

Sleep?  I’m taking in all the advice on resting when I can in these last weeks so I’m happy to report that I have been getting some good sleep in!

Best moment this week?  Getting closer to the nursery being complete!  This week the room has been cleaned from carpet to ceiling and the closet is ready for Baby Laws wardrobe (you’d be surprised to learn that there isn’t much in there yet – waiting till Baby arrives so I don’t have to do a lot of returns!).  Just waiting for the furniture to come in….I’m not freaking out, I’m not freaking out!
Oh and we asked the Godparents this week!  Both accepted and I’m really excited about our selections…  J

Movement?  For sure!  Moving as I type up this week’s blog!

Miss anything? Occasionally I miss bring able to sit comfortably, sleep comfortably (although this hasn’t really disrupted my sleep) and just be comfortable.  Most times I can’t really complain too much but other times I get super frustrated.  Most times it’s after I’ve eaten and I just can’t find that right comfy sitting position.  I also miss being able to get up (from any position) these days.  I tell Bill all the time that if I wind up on my back I often feel like a turtle – I can’t seem to get up and it takes me a while to be able to roll over to a side in order to get up!  LOL

Food cravings?  Nope I firmly believe (as stated last week) that cravings are a myth.  However, my Thanksgiving feast was super yummy this year!!

Exercise?  Keeping up the best I can and happy to say that I still have the energy to work out!

Gender? It’s a surprise till the end!  J

Symptoms? Swollen feet came back one day this week – I couldn’t even get my shoes on….er well the boots that matched my outfit that is… thankfully this occurred on a day where as far as I’m concerned, shoes were optional!  J

Rings on or off?  Still on!  I found a backup ring in my jewelry box that I brought out just in case but I don’t see myself having to utilize it yet!  Yay!

Heels or flats? Yup – Still able to rock most of my shoe selection – this would be debatable by a few close friends but 8 toenails or not I’ll continue to rock what I can, when I can and when fashion says I should!  LOL

Belly button in or out? Flat!

Mood - happy or moody most of the time? Happy!  Seeing lots of progress being made can’t bring this Mommy down right now!

Looking forward to?  We have a maternity photo shoot scheduled for next week!  I can’t wait to see what the photographer comes up with and I’ve already got my own ideas and props set aside!!  I’ll share these with you in the next couple of weeks – hoping they come out as envisioned!  

2 Shades of Gray...the makings of a nursery

Last week I shared that my dad had finished painting the nursery.  It looks AMAZING and he did such an amazing job.  I'm super thankful that he enjoys (and is good at) painting....so far he has painted almost every room in my house, the kitchen twice!!  LOL

We decided to go with a gender neutral color on the walls because we do not know if Baby Laws is a boy or girl.  I didn't want to go with a boring taupe color so we settled on gray!  Boy, is gray a hard color to settle on - you are either get a touch of blue or a touch of purple - I kept telling people I just wanted a touch of black!  Needless to say that we went through 2 shades of gray - the first shade that went up carried a blue tint and I wasn't too happy with it.  The second shade leans more toward the purple family but in the end we stuck with it - it matched the other grays I have perfectly and it isn't that purple... Here's a sneak peak and you can judge for yourself!  :)

Here's what the room looked like before - all four walls where that peachy, taupe, orange-ish color....

Here's the first shade of gray.....

And, here is the final look!  Pardon the clutter in the way - I'll be posting more pics once the furniture is in and set up so you can get the complete look!  I'm super excited!!  J

32 Weeks

The new picture background is brought to you by a freshly painted (and completed) nursery!!

How far along? 32 weeks, 6 days

Maternity clothes?  Yuppers – at this point there is nothing more comfortable than that stretchy band around my belly.  I recently did just a little bit of shopping and was happy to learn that I am still able to rock my regular sizes at Old Navy when it came to dresses -snagged a super cute sweater dress for the holidays!  J

Stretch marks?  None!  I recently learned that my mother didn't get any for either of her pregnancies so I’m keeping my fingers crossed that the amazing genes I've inherited keep up the good work of keeping them away for another 8 weeks (well almost 7 now!)

Sleep? I can’t really complain about my sleep – it’s pretty good in comparison to the stories I've read or hear about.  I have only had a problem with falling asleep 2 nites this week and it wasn't even that awful – I most likely only laid there for an additional 15 minutes after the hubby fell asleep which in my mind is not complaint worthy.  I’m still able to make it through (most) nites without getting up and if/when I do I can easily fall back asleep without issues…. I've gotten used to my new sleep positions which I’m sure helps too!

Best moment this week?  The nursery is painted!!!  I can’t wait to give you all a sneak peak of the paint job – my dad did an AMAZING job and it’s just as I envisioned it!  I LOVE it and I’ll post some pics soon!!
I had my 32 week appointment this week and as always got to hear the beating of lil Laws’ heart (result = 147)!

Movement?  Oh yeah – this baby is a mover and a shaker…..Bill and I find ourselves mesmerized by the movement of my belly – we can NOT stop staring at it (even when at church!) when it starts to wiggle and dance!  LOL

Miss anything?  I miss being able to just eat when attending events and not having to worry about how things are prepared.  Especially with the holiday season coming up this is a big one – I’ve been really good about making sure that I’m not eating foods that I’ve read can be harmful.  This isn’t to say that I haven’t gotten more lenient about certain things since the beginning of my pregnancy (because I for sure have) but it will be nice when I don’t have to worry about it at all!  Also topping this list: greatly missing adult beverages (of all sorts) and that bending over/down motion will most likely remain (and get worse) on this list for the duration of my pregnancy.

Food cravings?  None – I think that this whole cravings thing is for a sure a myth and what people make of it….maybe even an excuse or two (yeah, I know that will get me some dirty looks from people). Things that have tasted good this week: a Red Robin cheeseburger, my always favorite Taco Bell and I wouldn't be sad if another bag of powdered donuts appeared in my cart when I go to the grocery store later on…

Exercise?  Not this week L  Thankfully not because I physically can’t but b/c I was on vacation this week and when I wasn't running errands for baby prep, I was taking advantage of the (much deserved) down time!

Gender? Place your bets – boy or girl!?  While my suspicions screamed boy early on, with 8 weeks (almost 7!) to go I am leaning more towards a girl.  What in the world will Bill do in a house full of ALL girls (2 human, 1 furry)!?!?!

Symptoms? The swollen feet symptom has taken a break from visiting as of lately – thank you Jesus!  Back aches at the end of the day and when I’m trying to nestle into my sleeping position, shortness of breath –(especially when this little one gets a good kick into my ribs!) and the bathroom continues to be my best friend!  LOL
Oh and I was told that I MUST mention the fact that I have lost my 2 pinky toe nails….I believe that this is due to the fact that I have so far refused to give up my heels and other fashionable shoes!  Not to worry though the nail isn't completely lost – it’s a very weird symptom by far!

Rings on or off?  ON – starting to feel a little tight some mornings and I’ll notice some small indentations on these days…. Just hoping that I can make it a couple more weeks before having to keep them off AND also that the cold weather that is coming will help out with any extra swelling….they say that your fingers actually shrink in the cold weather right??

Heels or flats? D.) All of the above.  I love the fact that I can still wear my most favorite pair of black booties (and yes they are at least 3 inch heels)!

Belly button in or out? Still FLAT!!  Wondering if it will eventually poke out in the next couple of weeks…?

Mood - happy or moody most of the time? Happy, I wouldn't say moody – at least not ‘mean’ moody.  For sure pretty emotional – even the silliest of things can cause me to produce tears.

Looking forward to?  Thanksgiving is next week!  Seeing how I won’t be seeing my Bay City family or my brother this year at Christmas time, I’m really looking forward to spending time with them.  I’m also eagerly anticipating the call from BuyBuy Baby on the whereabouts of Baby Laws’ furniture – I can’t wait to get that set up and organized!

31 Weeks

How far along? 31 weeks, 5 days

Maternity clothes?  Yup and loving them!  Although I’m happy to remote that I’m STILL able to fit into some pre-maternity tops!

Stretch marks?  Nada and believe me – I do a thorough check as I’m lathering up with my belly butter!

Sleep? Sure – I’m loving the addition of the 3^rd pillow, although the bed seems to be getting smaller.  I’m able to sleep throughout the nite lately with minimal tossing this week – which I’m extremely thankful for!  My first wake up seems to be around 4/4:30am.

Best moment this week?  This past week we toured the hospital that we will delivery Baby Laws at.  Although it brought back that ‘it’s getting really real!’ feeling it also brought a lot of comfort.  One thing I LOVED about the baby wing was that they play a lullaby throughout the halls when baby is delivered – too sweet!
We also put together the baby's stroller this week - I LOVE it and I can't wait to get this baby into it and push him/her around!  If I'm being honest I did push it around the house for a bit before folding it up (it's super easy!) and putting it away. J

Movement?  Yuppers – happy to report not ALL nite though so I’m able to get some shut eye.  This baby has got some super strong kicks so I’m already thinking about the many activities he/she can get into.  Bill and I have already agreed that boy or girl this little one just might be the kicker on the football team!!  LOL

Miss anything?  Being able to easily make that bending motion continues its reign on top of the list this week.  Now that the weather is changing and the holidays are coming up (fast) I already know that I will really miss sipping coffee with Bailys & Kaluha with my bestie, Makenzie…  L

Food cravings?  Nah….somehow during our weekly shopping trip a bag of powdered donuts make their way into our cart – it really wasn't me!  However I was pleased that they did b/c they were super yummy and I was said when they were gone.  However I’m not craving them and rushing out the store to get another bag.

Exercise?  I am determined to exercise all the way to the end.  This week consisted of a 3 mile treadmill date and a 1 hour zumba class!  Yippee for working out!

Gender? Only the man upstairs knows!

Symptoms? Still get the swollen feet at the end of the day, back aches from time to time, I get out of breath doing the simplest things – even after just eating!, and the bathroom is for sure my best friend!

Rings on or off?  ON and there isn't any inclination (at this point) that they will have to stay off!

Heels or flats? Pregnant in heels, flats and boots!  I’m so happy that I’m still able to rock my favorite shoe styles and it takes EVERY ounce of my being NOT to buy any new shoes at this point – I would have to buy something and then not be able to wear them again, that would be a travesty! 

Belly button in or out? This belly button is neither in or out – it is FLAT!  LOL  Not really sure if it will get pushed out or not…

Mood - happy or moody most of the time? Thank goodness I was able to reign in my emotions from last week.  I still have moments from time to time but over all this week I have been once happy momma!

Looking forward to?  We are finally beginning work on the baby’s room!  I can’t wait to see my vision come to life.  Our furniture hasn't come in yet but we are going to get started on the décor and organizing all of Baby Laws’ gifts!

30 Weeks

Howfar along? 30 weeks, 4 days

Maternityclothes?  There is no turning back now – thankful thatmy fav stores have some cute (and comfy) selections!  Currently trying to avoid their websites so Idon’t go overboard!  I broke down andbought a new winter jacket the other day….I held out for as long as I could butreally couldn’t rock the ‘fat man in a little jacket’ look anymore…

Stretchmarks?  Nope – broke open my thirdjar of belly butter and continue to lather up morning and night J

Sleep? I haverecently added a THIRD pillow into the bed! This seems to be helping a lot and although I continue to wake up spontaneouslythroughout the nite I’m very THANKFUL that as soon as my head reacquaintsitself with the pillow I’m back in REM.

Bestmoment this week?  We had our first babyclass this week!  It was very informativeand I it brought Bill and I a lot of comfort. It also made us realize that this is coming up quick!

Movement?  Oh for sure….this babyseems to be at his/her prime right before bed time.  He/she kicked her dad in the face again theother day (he was attempting to ‘listen’ to the baby?) – I love this and itmakes me smile every time I think about it! J

Missanything?  I miss the ability to bend over, pick thingsup, put on shoes – pretty much anything that cause me to have to make that (dreaded)motion!  I also miss the ability tochange sleeping positions quickly- these days it seems to take a good minute and a couple of deep sighs (sometimes even grunts if I'm being honest) to flip over! LOL

Foodcravings?  Still no cravings toreport – loving the food items that I stumble across though!

Exercise?  Yup – my relationship with the treadmill isunbreakable! lol

Gender? We’ll findout in less than 10 weeks – the countdown begins!

Symptoms? Swollen feetand legs top the list – I’m not able to wear some of my shoes anymore. L And now that I’m in the 3^rd trimester that tirednessfrom the 1^st is coming back…

Ringson or off?  ON – although I have begunto take them off every nite in fear that I won’t be able to get them off….

Heelsor flats? Pregnant in heels,flats and boots!  Although my selectionis slowly dwindling down due to the swelling…

Bellybutton in or out? This belly button is still in!

Mood- happy or moody most of the time? This week I would say that I haven’t beenhappy but I haven’t been moody either (if that makes sense).  I have been pretty emotional though… I’mlooking to turn that around in the next week!

Lookingforward to?  We are touring thehospital where we will welcome this beautiful baby in a couple days!  I’m looking forward to seeing the rooms,nursery, how things will work, etc.  

Halloween 2012

Happy Halloween from Juno & Paulie Bleeker!!!  

We took home the prize for "Best Couple Costume" which consisted of some Blue Moon brew-ski's (which I reluctantly told Bill he could have, *sigh*) and a iTunes gift card!  The iTunes gift card will be put to good use purchasing baby soothing sounds and music for those first couple weeks of sleepless nites!

Pardon my 'non-thrilled' facial expression as I was attempting to stay in character! LOL

Showering lil Baby Laws

This past week Baby Laws was blessed with not one, but two showers!  Thrown by our amazing friends and family both of these showers were truly AMAZING!!

Here are a couple pics from both of Baby Laws' showers!

The first shower was thrown by Grandma Laws, Aunt Bridgett and Aunt Sarah!

My seesters got Baby Laws this adorable elephant rocker - I can't wait to put this to use!

Aunt Sarah got Mommy & Daddy these amazing coupons to use once Baby Laws is here....Among the favs - Starbucks run (WITH caffiene!), homemade dinners brought to us and house cleaning! J

 This is an amazing MSU sleeper (made by Aunt Bridgett) that will keep Baby Laws styling (and warm!) during the winter months!

The second shower was thrown by Mimi (my mom), Auntie Jancie, and 2 of my besties - Aunt Kenzie & Aunt Mel J

This cute little Thank You sign adorned a basket of homemade chocolate covered pretzel rods (not pictured).....which were delicious!!!!

 The table centerpieces had bags of shelled nuts with this CUTE little saying!  We are all about elephants with this baby - let's hope Baby Laws doesn't tire of them too quickly once here!

Here is a pic of my Aunt Michelle, Auntie Jancie, myself and Mimi!