38 weeks

Currently: 38 weeks and 5 days
Left to go: 1 week and 2 days

THE COUNTDOWN IS ON!

Momma's Feeling:

READY!!

38 week and 5 days

I am eating fresh pineapple, going on walks, stretching, praying and generally just feeling READY for Miss Bea to arrive.

She's low down and at our doctor visit this week we received a good report on her. My belly measured just fine, blood pressure was normal, and Bea's heart rate was right on track. No further labor progress for me, though. I was still hanging out at 3cm dilated and 50%  effaced.

I was glad to have the good report but a bit disappointed to not have had any labor progression in the prior week. Especially with all the walking I had been doing. But I'm also keeping in mind that I am only 38 weeks along and really have no reason to feel rushed to have her. She can bake a bit longer.

I read that the best "full term" time for her to arrive will be in the next two weeks once I hit the 39 week mark so that is what I am praying and hoping for now.

Getting up to pee a lot every night. Heartburn is still a bit of a problem but diminishing as she gets lower down in my abdomen. Had a touch of a cold last weekend that gave me a sore throat and then turned into the sniffles. That makes breathing at night not so fun, but I'm getting some solid sleep in between the interruptions.

Bea's Feeling:
She's still kicking around, though - I can tell it's movement down low and less dramatic. She's obviously getting cramped down in there and her acrobatics/dancing had to be cut back.

I listened to her heartbeat yesterday with my doppler and had to go below my belly button to catch a strong heartbeat  - so I know she's dropping down which is a good sign.

I'm hoping she gets tired of being cramped in there soon.

I did a little photo shoot of her nursery this week. I wanted to catch it before it got busy in there.

Tiny baby shoes awaiting their owner.

Bea's stuffed animal friends awaiting her arrival.

Going home from the hospital dress made by her Marmee.
Awaiting her arrival....

Diapers, wipes, creams, and swaddling blankets awaiting her arrival....
Are you sensing a theme here?

Cute toys and gifts on her bookcase.

More toys and books in the bookcase.

Crib corner.

I also made her some cute felt flowers and bows for headbands.

Bows

Roll Tide Collection

Auburn Collection

While I'm ready for her to arrive I definitely have been enjoying my free time these past two weeks. I've actually had the time and the energy to make these things for her. If I had still been working it would have probably never gotten done as my time at home was spent cleaning or resting.

I know once she arrives things will be SO different - it's kinda hard to imagine.

But it will be a good different.

When I did the photoshoot of her nursery I set up the tripod for a few snapshots of me. 

Stevie and Wil could NOT figure out why I wanted them to move.
I quickly learned they would need to be put away.
Which is how I got the photo above.

Daddy's Feeling:
I'm about out of thoughts.
I'm just ready for her to get here.
I hope she'll be a big healthy baby.
I'm ready to take her to Orlando.

Upcoming Events:
October 29th - Dr. Appointment - 39 weeks

November 4th - DUE DATE!

Your dress is ready when you are BB!!

37 weeks

Currently: 37 weeks and 5 days
Left to go: 2 weeks and 2 days

Probably less?

37 weeks has gone well.

Me at 37 weeks and 0 days

This week I went to my 37 week appointment (I've started the weekly visits to the Dr. now). Appointment went well. My belly measured well. Bea's heartbeat was in the 150s and sounded great.

The doctor checked me for any signs of labor progress and reported I had already dilated 3 centimeters!?

Pretty crazy.

Mommy's Feeling:
I haven't felt any regular contractions yet, which is what would send me to the hospital. That or water breaking which hasn't happened either.

I guess if the other 7 cm dilation can be as easy as the first 3, I'll take it.

Right now I feel contractions, but they're very irregular. Nothing that comes in intervals or comes on intensely and then goes away like I'm supposed to be watching for. Just normal Braxton Hicks warm up contractions so far.

I've been doing a lot of walking to hopefully keep things progressing. I hope I'm still moving forward when I go in for my next Dr. appointment on THIS Tuesday.

This was my first week at home and it has been really nice. I'm moving so slow lately due to the waddle and the soreness so it's nice to have all the time I need to do things. The puppies and I take a walk in the morning (almost 1.5 miles, but not quite). We take another shorter walk with Matt when he gets home in the evenings.

Still having my regular pregnancy symptoms: pressure, potty breaks, swelling, heartburn, etc.

Wil makes a nice nap spot on top of my head.

Bea's Feeling:
I feel like she's feeling good.

I feel that she's riding pretty low down there. I hope this means she's preparing for an arrival sometime in the next 2 weeks.

She likes the walks I take. I can feel her stretching out - just like what I'm doing when I take the walk - so I know she appreciates the extra bit of space she gets when I'm walking and throwing my shoulders back and practicing my posture.

Last night she was going CRAZY in my belly. I hadn't felt her move around this much in a while and I was surprised she had the room to do it. Matt would lay his hand on my belly and just crack up at how much movement he could feel. It was like a raving dance party in there. I was laying in the bed and was surprised we weren't shaking the bed around. I got up and got a midnight snack and she settled down. I guess she was hungry. It was pretty hilarious. Matt said perhaps she was trying to find the right outfit for her impending arrival. (He knows she'll be like her Mama in that respect.)

I feel her little nudges all the time and I'm just waiting for the moment when she decides it's time to make her arrival.

We had our prepared childbirth class at the hospital last weekend. This was our baby we were assigned for "kangaroo" holding practice. (Basically skin-to-skin contact after baby is first born.)

Kangaroo hold practice. I had to pat the baby on the back.
It's like an automatic reflex when holding any baby sized thing.

Daddy's Feeling:
Bea gave me a lot of good luck in the Auburn vs. Texas A&M football game.
(Mommy note: I'm writing this blog on Saturday just after the AU game ended. Matt rubbed my belly/Bea for good luck before a lot of big plays. )

I pretty much chalk that win up to Bea.

When she's born I'll have to rub her head.

Steve post-walk.
Our walks have been very good as they have made for some very sleepy pups.

I worked on some burp cloths today for BB. My mom had set out some burp cloths and fabrics to dress them up and so when I was home for the funeral I collected her stacks and brought them home with me to finish.

This is only about half the stash.

I'm pretty excited about how cute they're turning out. I'm no sewing expert of course, but projects like these that require mainly straight lines are right up my alley.

Here's a belly shot from today. Matt was watching the end of the Auburn game on the big TV so I started the Bama game on the computer. Steve was by my side as always (she's followed me around a lot lately - probably hoping I'll have some food for her).

Belly watching Bama Football.

Upcoming Events:

October 20th - Uncle Tyson Birthday

October 22nd - 38 week Dr. appointment

October 23rd - Poppie's Birthday!

36 weeks

Currently: 36 weeks and 4 days
Left to go: 3 weeks and 3 days

Today is my last day at USF. I'll start my life as a stay-at-home-mom on Monday morning!

36 weeks and 5 days

This week has been a good week. I have been wrapping up some things at work and have been able to use some sick time to come in a little later which has allowed me to have a slower morning and that has been SO useful.

Mommy's Feeling:
Happy, excited, uncomfortable, ready.

My tummy is getting tighter, I've got a waddle and some hip/pelvic soreness. Still having heartburn. Restless legs and restless sleep. Main complaint/symptom is just a general uncomfy feeling. Bea's a big gal as we heard at our 36 week appointment this week so she's filling in the space I have for her quite well.

I'm glad to be leaving work when I am, mainly because sitting all day in a desk chair is getting more and more uncomfortable. BB's positions herself sometimes where there's pressure either up in my ribs or down low on my bladder. I have to recline back in my desk chair to get comfy or sometimes even to breathe well. It's pretty hard to type and see your computer screen that way, if you haven't tried it.

I'm mainly excited to be starting this new chapter in my life. Next week I have plans to work on the nursery and finalize my organization for Bea's space. I've got some cloth diapers my mom had laid out to finish and I brought them home to Florida to finish them for her. I have some baby hair bows to make and some other DIY stuff. I've got a voucher for a house cleaning service (Thanks Matt!) and I plan on calling them to get the house in tip top shape.

I also plan on resting, reading, watching movies, cooking some food to freeze for later and generally taking it easy. BB's going to keep me on my toes when I arrive so I want to take full advantage of this time before she comes to relax and get ready.

Matt and I are SO excited that her arrival time is getting closer. It's hard to be patient. Matt said he feels like the month is dragging by and I know what he means.

We have our Prepared Childbirth class at St. Joseph Women's hospital this weekend. We'll get to tour the hospital, learn about some third trimester/labor things and practice some relaxation techniques. I am excited to share this with Matt.

Wil, all comfy and stretched out over me and BB.

Bea's Feeling:
If I were to guess I'd say "Cramped"?

We got to see her at our 36 week appointment on Tuesday.

Bea at 36 weeks 1 day

We were excited to get such a good view of her face as that can be hard this far along.

The Dr. wanted to do the ultrasound at 36 weeks to measure her size and position. My belly was measuring about a week ahead at the last visit (34 weeks) so she wanted a better estimate on BB's size.

According to the ultrasound, she weighs about 6 lbs. 11 oz. This puts her in the 80th percentile for babies at her gestational age. So like the ultrasound tech said, "she's not off the charts, but she's a big girl." They didn't measure my belly at this appointment, but I could tell from the readings on her sizes for the ultrasound that she's still measuring about a week head. Most of the size estimates on her head, abdomen and leg were reading at about 37 weeks or 37 weeks plus a few days.

She was moving around and busy as always during the ultrasound. The technician had to try a couple times to get the heart rate as she would move away from the doppler and mess up the reading.

She had her hand up beside her face again, as per her normal thing. I'm going to have to remember that's her comfy position when she's born.

Of course Matt and I continue to be smitten with this little gal. We cannot wait to meet her.

Speaking of when we'll meet her, I was checked by my doctor on Tuesday for any signs of labor. No dilation or anything like that. My cervix was soft and moving forward so I'm moving in the right direction, but not so far along that she thought BB was coming this week.

She's still kicking and moving around a lot - I love to feel it even when it's hurting or uncomfy because I know she's happy and playing around in there.

Daddy's Feeling:
I am sleepy because Bea is keeping my wife up all night.
I am ready for her to be born so I can get a good night's sleep (wink face)
I am glad she looks very healthy and amazed that the journey is almost over.

My last photo from my "studio" at work - 36 weeks and 0 days

One update: last Friday my faculty threw a little shower for me after work. It was at a wine and cigar bar in Temple Terrace, which is an odd place for a baby shower, but it gave my coworkers a reason to sip a glass of wine after work. The owner made a cherry limeade for me that was delicious.

They gave me all of the feeding items I had registered for including bottles, a baby food processor that steams, reheats, and blends to help you make your own baby foods, the grass looking bottle and bottle parts dryer for beside the sink and some pacifiers. They are so excited for me and even though they are sad I'm leaving USF, they are all genuinely excited to welcome Bea to the world. I can't wait to take her by the office some time in Dec. and show her off!

From L to R:
Julia Ogg , Shannon Suldo, George Batsche, Sandy Turner, Me, Judi Hyde, Kathy Bradley-Klug, Jose Castillo, Linda Raffale-Mendez

I have been very blessed to have worked with such great folks over the past 2 1/2 years.

Upcoming Events:
October 12-13 - Prepared Childbirth Class at St. Joseph Women's Hospital

October 11 - Uncle Robert's Birthday!

October 15 - 37 week appointment

October 20 - Uncle Tyson's Birthday

October 23 - Poppy's Birthday

October 25 - Great Aunt Nancy's Birthday

October 26 - Mimi's Birthday

October 28 - Cousin Elizabeth and Great Uncle Andy's birthday

(You can see here that if Bea decides to come in late October the chances are high that she'll share her special day with another family member. This is fine with me as I shared my birthday growing up with my PawPaw and my cousin Brad. Even when I got married I kept sharing my birthday celebration with Ed. Bea will be in very good company ANY day she picks.)

35 weeks

Currently: 35 weeks and 4 days
Left to go: 4 weeks and 3 days

Me at 35 weeks and 3 days.

Today is October 4th - I am one month to my due date!

Matt and I are VERY ready to meet our little Bea.

Mommy's Feeling:
TIRED.
This week has been challenging. Sleep is hard to come by. I am definitely tired when I lay down at night, but between restless legs, clearing my nose to breath, drooling all over myself, 3-4 bathroom trips a night, heartburn and just not finding a comfy position to let my body relax - I'm really missing out on quality sleep time.

I realize this is good preparation for when BB is here and waking up at night for various reasons - but it's hard to deal with the lack of sleep when you don't even get to rock a baby as payoff. :-)

The Dr. recommended small doses of benadryl as a safe sleep aid - and that would probably help my stuffed up nose issues, too. The drooling may surprise you - I had read in pregnancy books that saliva increases during pregnancy and boy howdy - does it ever. I elevate my head to keep me from soaking pillows or sheets. It's a mess.

Other than feeling worn out from not sleeping well, I feel pretty good. Next week is my last week at USF and I have been utilizing some sick leave to come in a bit later in the mornings. This has been nice. The day goes by faster and I get to move a little slower in the mornings and relax in bed a little longer.

Still missing my momma very much - there's good moments and bad moments - but overall I am looking to the future with excitement and only a small amount of, "What am I gonna do without her?". She trained me well as far as taking care of babies go - she was already supporting me and trusting my instincts over parenting and pregnancy decisions so I feel good about that. I imagine I'm going to spend a lot of time thinking - "What would Momma do?" when it comes to BB's exploits and adventures.

Finalizing my hospital bag packing this weekend!

Wil is propped up on my belly for some nice pets and snuggles.
Bea finally kicked at him a bit this time around.
He must have been blocking her view of the Bama game.

Bea's Feeling:
For the most part I'd say she's feeling good. Her movement is still strong and regular. I notice naps a bit more as I guess I'm getting more and more paranoid about making sure she's moving so I pay attention a lot. I feel ripples and kicks up next to my ribs and down below on my bladder and <ahem> other areas.

Matt got to feel her rolling around last night when we laid down. At first I laid on my side and she didn't move at all. She was just too comfy, I guess. I rolled over onto my back and she immediately started readjusting herself. He was cracking up at all the bumps and rolls he could feel. She's gotten so big and strong!

According to the apps/books/websites she is about 6 lbs. and 19-22 inches long. They say for the next few weeks she's mainly just putting on weight and getting ready to join the world outside my belly.

She likes for me to lay on my right side the most. She likes to tickle me on the side by kicking me in the ribs where I'm the most ticklish. I'd say she's dropped lower into my pelvis as I have a strong waddle going. She sends me to the bathroom several times a night and several times during the day. I think we're both the most comfortable soaking in the bathtub as we can both stretch out.

I seriously can't wait to meet this kid. I blogged about her name when we first announced the pregnancy -

Beatrice: 
Italian Meaning: 

The name Beatrice is an Italian baby name. In Italian the meaning of the name Beatrice is: Blesses.

American Meaning: 
The name Beatrice is an American baby name. In American the meaning of the name Beatrice is: Blesses.

Gaelic Meaning: 
The name Beatrice is a Gaelic baby name. In Gaelic the meaning of the name Beatrice is: Bringer of joy; blesses.

Latin Meaning: 
The name Beatrice is a Latin baby name. In Latin the meaning of the name Beatrice is: meaning bringer of joy.

This name couldn't be more appropriate for our families wishes and excitement for her. She's already a true blessing and a bundle of joy!

Daddy's Feeling:
I am glad she's healthy and I am looking forward to the ultrasound on Tuesday. We should be able to see her face exactly as it's going to appear in 4 weeks. I wonder if she's grown even fatter.

I want to take her to Typhoon Lagoon as soon as possible and show her one of my favorite weekend spots: The LAZY RIVER.

35 weeks
My "Good Morning from me and Bea" text to Daddy and Andrea.
Got mostly the bathroom, but luckily my belly happened to be in the background.

Upcoming Events:
October 8 - 36 week Dr. appointment. Having an ultrasound to determine her size and position. Will also be checked to see if any labor signs have started. Will have Group B Strep test done.

October 11 - Last day at USF

October 12-13 - Prepared Childbirth class at St. Joseph Women's Hospital

Personal note: Thank you for all your prayers and thoughts for me and BB. My biggest request is to keep them coming as they are what has gotten me through so much and will continue to help me!

Baby Shower in Tampa

My two closest friends in Tampa planned a very fun baby shower for me on Sunday, September 29th.

One of the many Bee decorations at the party.

Shower hosted by:
Heather Campbell
Jessica Gonzalez

Honey and beehive soaps were the sweetest little favors
 in honor of me and Bea at the shower.

The party was held at Heather's home. Heather and Jessica did all the food which included chicken nuggets, spinach dip, pasta salad, hummus and pita chips, cheese and cold cuts. They decorated Heather's house so adorably with bee items and baby items. They had really cute wish cards for BB that all the guests filled out. We also had bibs and puff paint so everyone got to personalize a bib just for Bea. It was super special and very fun.

Heather breading the chicken nuggets.
I could NOT have been more flattered by this act of love on her part - she's not into cooking. :-)

Heather and Jessica had offered to cancel the shower after they heard about my mom, but I said no and I'm glad I did. It was certainly hard as I thought of her often during the shower and on the way home afterward I wished I could have called her to tell her about it - but it was a baby step towards life moving on. I hate to use the term, "life moves on" when talking about life after my mom's passing because I don't want to imply she's not a part of it. Because to me she is. She's constantly in my thoughts and I know she always will be. But I also know that for my own sake and especially for Bea's  - I need to tackle life events without my mom and enjoy them to the fullest. Momma would want that for me and she'd especially want that for Bea.

So despite a slightly heavy heart on my part - I had a WONDERFUL time with good friends celebrating Bea. She is a super blessed gal to be surrounded by loving people spread out all over the USA. I can't wait to introduce her to our friends here in town.

Could this cake "BEE" ANY cuter!?

And it tasted AMAZING.

In addition to her wonderful Aunts (Andrea, Marg and Maggie) - she has two pretty rockin' "Aunts" here in town - Jessica and Heather - who could not be more excited about her. She and I are lucky gals.

Heather and Jessica working on their bibs for BB.

Here's some of the bibs:

LtoR - Bibs made by Kyla Gribbons, Leticia Gaglianone, and Mandi Martin
(The green one with the family was made by me)

First birthday bib by Rachel Braukman, Bees Knees by Jessica Gonzalez, Fish by Ms. Helen Gonzalez

Bibs by Tonia Campisi (or Tonia Marie), Jessica Williams and Coleen Savard.

The guests were all good friend of me AND Matt - some of them even work with Matt at EY.

They actually did a very cool thing on the invites and requested that guests bring a book signed by them for BB rather than a card. Such a cool idea. Matt's looking over the Winnie the Pooh books given to Bea from Jessica's mom - Ms. Helen. 

Matt came by towards the end of the shower to enjoy some tasty food -
Say thanks to the ladies and help me pack up the goodies.

Jessica took tons of photos at the shower and is going to put them in a scrapbook for me along with the wish cards for BB. The wish cards were such fun idea. They include wishes for Bea like: "I hope you love..." "I hope you respect...." "I hope you get this trait from your Mom....." "I hope you get this trait from your Dad...." I'm looking forward to getting the scrapbook and reading what everyone said.

It was a wonderful party and I am so grateful to Heather and Jessica to devoting so much to making it a success. I was completely flattered. Having the books signed just for her and the written wishes for BB warms my heart so much. She is truly a loved little girl already and I am so lucky to have folks who are so excited to welcome her to the world.