31 weeks...

Just a quick little update with some information from our 31 week appointment yesterday. Everything looked good... my BP was fine, blood sugar looked good, and I was measuring where I should. Appointments will be every 2 weeks now-- whoa!

How far along are you?  31 weeks
How big is baby?  the size of a head of lettuce... more than 3 pounds now
Maternity clothes?  yes, mostly. Although some shirts are plenty big
Weight -Loss or Gain?  As of yesterday, I have gained a total of 13 pounds
Stretch marks?  none that I didn't have before haha
Sleep?  Sleep.... oh how I miss thee... 
Best moment this week:  A piece of her wall art came in... I was able to get the other knobs on her drawers... and I got a lovely baby gift package from my friend Alisha!
Any Movement?  all the time.... Jason finally felt her move the other night!
Food Cravings?  Fast food, spicy steamed shrimp, sour candies
Food Aversions?  Not much...
Belly Button in or out?  In... but getting flatter... lol
What do you miss:  sleeping on my belly
What are you looking forward to:  Maternity leave. Please hurry.
What was the BEST part of this week?  Having 3 days off from work. Thank you God!
What was the WORST part of this week? Job stress. Long story. And I'm not getting into it!

Cause everyone likes pictures!

 30 weeks and 3 days

 Not so bad from the front!

 Super soft pink on the walls.... all those clothes have been washed PS haha

 Here's all the furniture so far... still waiting on the crib....

A little bookshelf for her books... We have also hung up curtains since I last took pictures... Still waiting on the crib and the fan to come in... and all of her wall art!

Childbirth class

I just wanted to make a quick post about our childbirth classes that we had this weekend. I was hesitant about signing up for the class to begin with.... would the $90 really be worth it, isn't this supposed to be a natural process, would Jason be supportive and enjoy the class with me?

Wellllll, it was actually way better than I expected. The class was a two- part series... Friday night at 7-9 and Saturday from 9-2. There were 3 other couples taking the class with us, so it was nice to get to know some other couples due around the same time that we are. The instructor covered SO much information... everything from pain management to the stages of labor to relaxation to tips for dads.... breastfeeding, newborn care, preventing SIDS, a tour around the maternity ward.... I mean, I'm missing so much right now because there was just SO much that we learned!

The best part was that it was a great chance for Jason and I to bond over this life- changing experience that we are about to go through together. We got to ask each other questions, laugh, giggle, and share our concerns. I could not ask for a better birth partner, husband, or best friend.

Next on our list (besides my appointment THIS WEEK!!!!) is our breastfeeding class February 1 and our infant care class February 15. Before our classes-- my baby shower! AH!!!!!!

We are getting ready, baby Natalie!!!!!!!

Dear Natalie,

I work with a lot of children throughout the week. Recently, because I have been working with the school counselor to finish my degree, I have seen a lot of sad cases where DSS and CPS has to be notified because parents do not treat their children with all the love they deserve. It breaks my heart.

Natalie, even though you aren't here, you need to know that you are SO loved. You are the biggest blessing to your Daddy and me. We cannot wait to give you the best that life has to offer. I have cherished every tiny kick and movement... every time we have been able to hear your heartbeat or see you on the big screen. You are the greatest accomplishment of my life.

Daddy and I love you so much, sweet girl. We cannot wait until you're in our arms!

Mommy

No one else will ever know,
the strength of my LOVE
FOR YOU. After all you're
the only one who knows what
my HEART sounds like from the inside.

29 weeks 2 days

How far along are you?  29 weeks & 2 days
How big is baby?  the size of a butternut squash... somewhere around 2 and a half or 3 pounds I believe
Maternity clothes?  yes, but not exclusively
Weight -Loss or Gain?  I'm assuming around 10 pounds
Stretch marks?  one super tiny little guy around my belly button piercing. Sad story. lol
Sleep?  What's that? Sleep has been hard to come by lately. If I'm not waking up from tossing and turning, then I'm waking up from excruciating charley horses. They are the worst. 
Best moment this week:  baby- wise... just watching my belly grow and knowing my daughter is getting bigger. I love getting stuff done with her room too
Any Movement?  all the time.... it's such a gift!
Food Cravings?  I do love a McDonald's double cheeseburger... and steamed shrimp with Old Bay!
Food Aversions?  Not much...
Belly Button in or out?  In... but getting flatter... lol
What do you miss:  the evening glass of wine... and sleeping on my belly
What are you looking forward to:  More frequent appointments... and the countdown is ON until maternity leave... OH! And we have birthing class this week. That might horrify me. lol
What was the BEST part of this week?  all of my coworkers seem to be getting really excited for us.
What was the WORST part of this week? Working two jobs while pregnant. Only a month left of counseling, but it's rough for sure.