Fur-Baby Goes To Camp

For the past four-ish years, my baby has been Brighton.  Today I had an over-flow of emotions when I took him to “camp” for the next few days. 

Brighton LOVES Pawmetto Lifeline.  We adopted him there back in the day when it was called Project Pet.  They take such good care of him and I know that he loves the group play time.  It makes me feel so good knowing that he’ll be busy playing while we are busying bringing Baby into the world.

Here’s a little shot of him before we left today.

I know that his little life will never be the same once he returns home.  He is so good with children, and I know he will be a great big brother.

41 Weeks.

Well here we are at 41 weeks.  For those of you that I've spoken with today, you already know that I have been a wee bit (okay, extremely) emotional about Baby Gilbert’s arrival. 

I always envisioned a delivery that started naturally when Baby decided to get things a-going.  Now that the doctors are ready to set an induction day, I am a little hesitant.  I know it isn't a huge deal; it just is not the way I thought it would play out. 

I’m still hoping that Baby will come on his/her own accord over the next few days before we get to the induction point. But, I think I am at peace knowing that it will all go the way it is supposed to.

I was talking to my cousin, Staci, today.  She pointed out that our babies (were due 2 days apart) will be 3 weeks apart.  Crazy, huh? 

Well, I suppose I’ll wrap it up so I can spend some quality time with my fur-child while he is still the only baby.    


How far along? 41 Weeks

How big is baby?  Big. I can see it’s little tush moving around right now!

Maternity clothes?   Obviously.

Sleep: Falling asleep is easy.  Getting very crampy in the middle of the night.  Still waking up frequently for bathroom!

Best moment this week:  Sorry WLTX, but leaving work today was the best feeling ever.  I've been very lucky to work with a supportive group, but wrapping things up and heading out felt wonderful.

 
Movement: LOTS

Food cravings: None really

Food Aversions: Still not a fan of peppers

Gender: Can’t wait to find out!!

Pregnancy Symptoms: I had a weird nerve thing in my lower back/upper butt (if indeed “upper butt” is a body part).  It has subsided today, thanks goodness!

Belly Button in or out?  In.

What I miss:  Wearing cute clothes and shoes? I also miss: my wedding rings, climbing in and out of the car with ease, picking up my dog…

What I am looking forward to: Meeting baby soon!

Upcoming appointments/events:  Birth!

Weekly Wisdom:  My friend Shanna encouraged me to let go of any “plans” and just go with what Doctors say is best for baby.  She knows her stuff folks!

Milestones:  We've had two post-due date ultrasounds. I know these aren’t “milestones” but they have been so special!  Baby has some big lips and was moving them around today.  I think it has my nose ;)

Bump Picture:Sorry, I haven’t taken one today and I’m not re-dressing to do so!  A cute picture of Baby G will have to suffice!

About That Time!

Tomorrow is my due date. It’s weird to write that.

I know that I've had 40 weeks to adjust to this life-change but it still seems so outrageous sometimes.  There are days that I look at my stomach and I just stare in disbelief: There’s a person growing in there!

On the material side of things, I feel completely ready.  We have all of the STUFF that I think we need to bring an extra life in our home.  We’re ready to rock with clothes, diapers, a car seat, breast pump – the whole nine yards.

On the physical side of things, I feel absolutely ready!  I’ve actually really enjoyed most of my pregnancy; the last few weeks have been challenging but I know they will be worth it.  I've ballooned in to a swollen ball of mush with lots of lower back pain due to this weird pinched nerve thing.

For real, this “shirt” was purchased as a dress.

On the mental side of things, I feel a little emotional as the pregnancy-life ends and the baby-life begins.   I really love my life right now.  I know it will only be filled with more love in the future, but I have a little anxiety about giving up all of the time that I currently have with our little family (read: James and Brighton).

These two guys are my world!

James and I have been trying to go on as many dates as possible over the past few weeks and it is all very bittersweet.  

All that being said, I am very ready to meet baby Gilbert!  Will it be a boy or a girl? I can hardly wait to find out!  

Is It Too Early To Put On Pajamas?

The last few weeks have been a massive blur- where did they go?  We've been trying to conquer our TO DO list while still making plenty of time for child-less fun.

Let’s see, we’ve done everything from concerts to breastfeeding classes!

Here’s a cute shot of James showing them how it’s done.

It seems like the big chores are finally done and now we can relax a little bit and enjoy our time together before baby.

On a different note, I’m starting to feel very weird about leaving work for so long.   I suppose it is natural to worry a little about that.  I’ve tried to make very realistic goals for myself for each of my remaining weeks.  It is just crazy to think about being away from this place.

Enough about work, now for the update:

How far along? 37 Weeks

How big is baby? As big as a baby!  Full term folks!

Maternity clothes?   Even my maternity clothes feel small.

Sleep: Falling asleep is easy.  I wake up a few times per night to use the bathroom.  Good practice for feedings, right?

Best moment this week:  It feels so good to scratch things off our TO DO list.  Getting the car seat checked by the fire department feels really nice!  James also put together our stroller and we started getting the hospital bag ready.

Movement: Baby loves to wiggle around at night

Food cravings: Blackberries

Food Aversions: Still not a fan of peppers

Gender: ??

Pregnancy Symptoms: SWOLLEN feet.  If I’m on my feet even just a little too much—they double in size.  I can’t even explain how crazy it is.

 

Belly Button in or out?  In. I’m thinking it will be in the whole time.  I have pretty deep belly button though.  Is that TMI?

What I miss:  Picking things up off the ground with ease

What I am looking forward to: My office is throwing a baby shower next week—I am so lucky to work with such sweet people!  

Upcoming appointments/events:  My next appointment is next Friday.  I am meeting one of the last doctors in the practice, which makes me feel good! I want to meet them all before delivery because you never know who will be on call.

Weekly Wisdom:  Stay off your feet!

Milestones:  Last Mother’s Day as a non-mom!  James covered his bases and wrote me a nice card and made a big candy purchase.  Good job babe!

 

Bump Picture: 

I thought James was just getting a picture of Brighton in this last one, so I wasn't smiling.  It cracked me up, so I thought I'd share:

One Month Until Due Date!

Since baby’s due date is only a month away, I thought we’d celebrate with a quick blog update!

The last few weeks have felt particularly insane.   The “nesting” mode continues, and I know I am driving my poor husband crazy.  Sorry babe.  We grabbed some of our last essentials from Buy Buy Baby today, and I am feeling much more prepared.

Speaking of “essentials”, the awesome folks from Palmetto GBA threw us the sweetest shower on Friday!  I feel so lucky that James has such a good group of friends at his work.   We each spend so much time with our coworkers and I am so glad that he is surrounded by such caring people each day.

The food was delish, and they had the most amazing cake!

Is this diaper motorcycle the coolest or what? Part of me wants to keep it forever instead of breaking it apart for the loot!

Again, a HUGE thank you to the awesome Bay 19!

In other news, we saw Band of Horses at the Township last night.  It was a great show, and I know that James really loved it. I had a good time despite a quick freak-out that the loud noise may bother baby.   Oh, hormones.  Again, sorry babe.

Alright – back to trashy tv for the night.