William's Nursery

Picture overload, William's nursery is done (for now, at least!)

37 Weeks -- Officially Full Term!

How far along? 37 weeks

Total weight gain? 24 lbs

Maternity clothes: oh yes! 

Stretch marks: none!!

Sleep: My sleep is still pretty amazing for being this far along! I get up at least twice a night to use the bathroom. Good thing is that I can usually get back to sleep pretty easily. I'm enjoying the sleep before it all disappears with the new bundle of joy ;)

Best moment this week: Having three extra days off work for Thanksgiving Break! Having more time with Bret and not having to set an alarm are simple, but amazing things.

*Also, ONE MONTH 'TIL MY SISTER IS HERE!!! 

Worst moment this week: My hips and lower back have started to hurt. This is uncomfortable, but it means that things are getting closer to baby time!

Miss anything? Still the energy in the evenings and the dependence on others

Movement: The evenings are Nemo's favorite time to move all around. He flips around and finds a comfortable place in my belly. He's running out of room in there, so his movements are stronger in that I can see them more on the outside as well as feeling them from the inside.

Food cravings: Nothing major, I actually don't feel as hungry much of the time. Unhealthy foods are currently my favorite. I try to mix in fruits also with my burger & fries.

Anything making you queasy or sick? Nothing!

Belly button in or out? in & stretched

Happy or moody most of the time? Happy and excited about the things to come. Unless I'm hungry, then steer clear ;)

Nervous about: The actual laboring process! Every birth is different, so there's no way to know what to expect. I keep telling myself that thousands of women give birth each day and I will be in a hospital full of doctors so all will be okay.

Looking forward to: Thanksgiving with family!

Next appointment: 
Dec 3
Dec 10
Dec 17

36 Weeks

How far along? 36 weeks

Total weight gain? 23 pounds 

Maternity clothes: Definitely!

Stretch marks: None!

Sleep: Still sleeping well as long as I stay in the right position 

Best moment this week: Quiet time at home with Bret

Worst moment this week: Retaining water in my feet, these things are ballooning up like crazy!

Miss anything? Energy in the evenings

Movement: Moving all around and kicking like crazy

Food cravings: Salty snacks

Anything making you queasy or sick? Nothing

Belly button in or out? In but stretched

Happy or moody most of the time? 

Nervous about: Being ready to become a momma

Looking forward to: Thanksgiving break next week!

Next appointment: 

November 25

December 3

December 10

December 17

35 Week Update

How far along? 35 weeks

Total weight gain? 21 lbs

Maternity clothes: Oh yeah! And my non-maternity yoga pants are just low riders now 

Stretch marks: still none, still lotioning up each day and after each shower 

Sleep: sleeping well and getting good rest, pretty lucky for this!

Best moment this week: Bought a stroller & car seat which makes us feel more ready to have a little one. 

Worst moment this week: nothing really

Miss anything? Having extra energy in the evening 

Movement: He's punching and kicking all the time

Food cravings: salty snacks

Anything making you queasy or sick? Nope 

Belly button in or out? In/stretched 

Happy or moody most of the time? Happy unless I'm hungry

Nervous about: Being sure my classroom and students are ready for me to be gone

Looking forward to: weekly Dr updates

Prayer for baby:

Dear Lord,

Thank You for the classes and people to support us while we prepare for Nemo. Our friends & family have been so generous to give us gifts and resources to help us be parents. Thank You for the time You have given to Bret & me to adjust to becoming parents together. Although our journey to pregnancy was not the easiest, the actual pregnancy has been painless & easy. Thank You for the comfort You have provided me. Please continue to be with us as we prepare our home & hearts for our baby. Help us keep in mind that he is Your child that You have entrusted to us. 

Next appointment: 

Nov 19 @ 4:20pm

Nov 25 @ 11:30am

Dec 3 @ 3:55pm

Dec 10 @ 3:55pm

Dec 17 @ 4:15pm

34 Week Update

How far along? 34 weeks

Total weight gain? 20 lbs

Maternity clothes: For sure! The bump is growing at a rapid pace now :)

Stretch marks: Still none!

Sleep: Sleeping well and getting naps in while I can. Everyone keeps telling me to rest while I can, so I am doing just that!

Best moment this week: THE ROYALS WON THE WORLD SERIES!!!!!

Worst moment this week: Getting overwhelmed with making sure we are ready for Nemo. The list seems to be ever-growing. Trying to stay caught up!

Miss anything? I am missing not being dependent on others. I like doing things for myself, but I understand I need to rely on others as I get further and further along in this pregnancy.

Movement: Nemo is moving all the time! I think it's so fun to see his movements from outside my belly!

Food cravings: I'm loving food that isn't so good for me- mc 'n' cheese, pizza, sweets, etc. Trying to get myself to drink water and eat fruits instead.

Anything making you queasy or sick? Nothing!

Belly button in or out? Not in or out, just stretched out.

Happy or moody most of the time? Happy most of the time, unless it's mealtime and there's no plan for what to eat. Being hangry is a real thing, people!

Nervous about: When labor will start! Trying not to focus on the fact that it could happen while Bret is at work :/

Looking forward to: My next appointment this Thursday, love to hear the little man's heartbeat! We will now be going to the Ob each week!!

Next appointment: 
November 12th
*November 14th- Childbirth Prep Class, Session II
November 19th
November 25th

In-Laws Baby Shower & Work Shower

Brown/Dinkel shower

My amazing in-law family threw my a shower on October 25th. I am so very blessed to be a part of these two families. They are very loving and I have never felt like an outsider looking in when at family events. My husband and I have been together since we were 16, so about 14 years now. I grown up with them! My sister-in-law and two of Bret's aunts hosted the shower for me & Baby Nemo. I was overwhelmed by the love & support they showed me. Of course, I teared up at the end of the shower thanking everyone for coming :)

Work Shower

I have taught 3rd grade at my school for eight years. I have taught on a range of teams of 3 to 6 people. For two years, I taught with the two lovely ladies in the picture below. Jen & Mallory have been INCREDIBLY supportive throughout our infertility struggles and pregnancy journey. I could not have created a better team to work with. We read each others' minds and our strengths balance each other out. Plus, it doesn't hurt that we have a blond, brunette, & a redhead working together (Hello Charlie's Angels!)

My school shower was a blessing as well. Little Nemo received some adorable outfits and gifts that will make life easier. Again, I can't get over how generous people are to our little family.

A Royal Influence?

Bret was born the day after the Kansas City Royals won the World Series in 1985. I was born a couple month before and was probably enthralled with the win (or I was sleeping, you never know!). Because of that wonderful win 30 years ago, Bret was named after Bret Saberhagen, the winning pitcher of that World Series winning game. (Sidenote: Bret Saberhagen's middle name is also William, just like my Bret!)

Now that the amazing Kansas City Royals have done it again in 2015, we need to decide our little man's name!! I'm sure there will be a Royals influence on his middle name!

GO ROYALS!!!

Baby Shower and Questions for Mommy & Daddy

My sister & my neighbor hosted a wonderful shower for my October 24th. The theme was baseball and it was oh so convenient that the Kansas City Royals continued to play well in their post-season. Guests at the baby shower were asked to bring a book instead of a card. Little Nemo's library is growing and growing! We can't wait to read to the little guy!!

One of the games we played was a Mommy/Daddy question. Alisha (my neighbor) asked Bret and I questions and chose answers to give the guests. Guests then chose whether they thought Bret or I gave the answer. Here are the games & answers:

Do you want more kids? How many?

B- yes, enough to get our own TV show

E- yes, maybe 1 or 2 more

What are you most looking forward to?

B- watching him grow up

E- going to sports games

Where are you most looking forward to taking him on vacation?

B- Big Brutus (West Mineral, KS)

E- Disney World

The thing I'm least happy about giving up as a parents is...
B- sleep, I like sleep
E- the ability to go wherever, whenever

What trait do you hope the baby inherits from you?
B- athletic ability
E- ability to read a map & know directions (plus a love of reading!)

Most important lesson you will teach him
B- how to put others before yourself
E- always make memories, live in the moment

What trait do you hope he gets from the other parent?
B- book smarts
E- blue eyes

The baby milestone I am most looking forward to?
 B- first steps
E- first time he says "I love you"

What are you most nervous about in becoming a parent?
B- explosive diarrhea
E- he will be a picky eater (like his mama)

How soon will you leave the baby with a non-family member or close friend babysitter?
B- never!
E- 3 or 4 months

In just a few words, how would you describe this pregnancy?
B- better than I could have imagined
E- a dream come true

The baby shower was amazing and I could not have asked for a better way to welcome our son into the world. I had so much fun with my family & friends!!