This Unfamiliar Road

Yikes! This milestone is a huge reality check....delivery is around the corner!

36 Weeks:

What's New: Getting checked + weekly appointments. At my checkup today, I learned that Bean's head has already engaged in the pelvis. Cervix is about a fingertip dilated, but things are definitely starting to happen! Although I still feel great, I am starting to wear down a bit.




What's Old: Hip pain...I guess from a noggin sitting in my pelvis! This pain has become increasingly difficult to deal with at night.

Baby: Around 6 pounds and 19 inches long- the size of a honeydew melon! All systems are in working order, so technically, Bean could make his/her appearance any day now.

Gender: No idea...seriously. HR 140's today at the doctor!

Belly: Out. of. Control.

Cravings: Dealing with a major sweet tooth this week...cookies, cakes, fruit....you name it!

We are getting so close!

34 Weeks:

What's New: I had some pretty serious contractions yesterday at home. I knew I was dehydrated so I sat down and chugged some water and they went away. Thank goodness....I need these remaining 6 weeks :)
Last week, I enjoyed celebrating Bean with my co-workers who were so sweet to throw me a baby shower! Our case manager is due the day before me, so we had a joint shower, and it was perfect. It's so fun to have someone at work to compare notes with.


What's Old: Still lots of pressure, making 13 hour shifts difficult. Otherwise, I feel fabulous!

Baby: Around 5 lbs and 18 inches-the size of a butternut squash. It's hard to tell if this kiddo is still head down because of all of the movement! I'm hoping so...

Gender: HR 150's again at the doctor. Most people are saying boy...with a few stragglers predicting girl. We will see all too soon!

Belly: Growing and growing! I love seeing Bean moving and shaking in there. Measuring on track!

Cravings: FRUIT. I think I'm becoming more thirsty, so fruits like melons and pineapples are especially satisfying.

Warning: I am going to whine for a minute. It's been a pretty difficult week.

On Sunday, we began the Three Day Method for potty training. Things were going well, until Peyton woke up Monday morning with a bad cold. I considered postponing potty training, but we had made such great progress on Day One and I didn't want to back-track. So... we pressed on.

I will be writing a detailed post about my thoughts on this method of potty training, so more details to come. Overall, it has gone extremely well! However... a toddler with a cold + a {pregnant} Mommy with a cold + potty training = difficult week. We have been cooped up in the house all week which has really contributed to both of our negative attitudes!
Sleep disruptions for all, boredom, more Mickey Mouse/Dora/books/Kleenex/puzzles than I know what to do with, and everything involved with potty training.....I am SO DONE! :)

OK, whining over.
What I am thankful for:
~An incredibly supportive/helpful/in-tune husband who comes home from work and takes over.
~A new work schedule that has allowed me to be home this week.
~It's Friday, and although I am working for the next 2 nights, I think getting out of the house and away from home drama will give me more perspective.





As a parent, I know to expect some difficult weeks, but when my sweet P gives me an unsolicited hug or "I love you Momma" it just makes it alllll worth it!

Happy weekend friends! Let's say a prayer for the hubby this weekend as he will be going solo while I'm at work :)

I am frantically trying to put the final touches on Peyton's big girl room! So far, we have a quilt, a bed, a dresser, and paint on the walls, as well as some decor items and a blackout shade. With that, we thought it was a good time to go ahead and move her in there! Although it's not complete, it is functional.

For now, we have moved the crib right in the new room because I'm just not ready for Peyton to give up crib sleeping yet. So far, she has adjusted well, and is super excited about her room.

My inspiration for the room is a 'bright shabby chic'.  I love this style, but wanted a mixture of bright and soft colors to suit a toddler :)




The quilt is actually from BuyBuyBaby and I LOVE the colors-such a nice combination and lots to pull from.
We went with Sherwin Williams Retiring Blue on all four walls-a perfect color to compliment the bright quilt, adding a soft touch to the room.

To Do :

-Hang curtains
-Clean out closet and install organizer
-Purchase new light fixture...hopefully a chandelier :)
-Move clothing to new dresser
-Purchase pillow shams
-Shelving & decor items in place


I feel so much better having Peyton in her room! Check back soon for the completed project!

Only 8 weeks (or less) until we get to meet Bean! I am feeling great still, and trying to cherish those little kicks for as long as I can.

32 Weeks:


What's New: Mild discomfort at night-usually my back or hips. I would love to sleep on my back again! LOTS of Bean movement now! Until now, I have been a little concerned at how lazy this baby is (compared to Peyton) but I am eating my words now! Kicks, rolls, punches...loving every one of them :)

What's Old: The pressure...it's only getting worse!

Baby: About 4 lbs and 17 inches long. At our appointment today, I learned that Bean is HEAD DOWN!

Gender: HR 150's today...this kid is all over the place! Wendy (the midwife who delivered P!) is predicting boy; Ben says boy; Peyton typically says there is a 'baby brother' in there.

Belly: Still measuring on track...starting to feel quite large!

Cravings: Still loving lemon goodies! I've had a bit of a sweet tooth this week.


Until next time!

We didn't intend to wait over 2 years for Peyton to experience her first ice cream cone, I promise! It seems we just never took the opportunity to do it.

Last Saturday was pretty low-key, including an early dinner. The weather was perfect, and Ben thought it would be a great time for us to go out for ice cream! As soon as we walked up to the window, P exclaims "We're gonna have an ice cream cone!" She was definitely excited. She requested "pink" and proceeded to devour it (with very little mess, I should add).






One of the most fun things about being a parent is watching kids experience new things in life...especially ice cream cones! We are definitely enjoying this summer, and the final weeks as a family of three :)

A few weeks ago, I posted about some changes that were coming our way. (I mean...besides a new family member!) Here's an update:

Home Refinance: We closed on our refinance last week, and the process went so smoothly! I could not be more thankful for this change because it will really allow us to achieve some important financial goals.


Work Changes: I have been offered/officially accepted a new position at work. My new job title is Anchor Nurse-basically it's like a charge nurse for the nursery. I won't have assigned patients; rather, I will be responsible for the overall care of all newborns on our unit. Anchor nurses also perform the initial assessment on brand new babies. I have been working towards securing this position in the last few years, so I am really excited about achieving this goal!
Another huge change...I am going back to nights! Yikes...I know, it seems crazy after I couldn't wait to get on day shift. However, I will be going part time so this involves working 2 nights per week (from 7pm-7am).
It will definitely be an adjustment for everyone, but I truly think this is the best decision for our growing family.



On the Home: We are diligently working on Peyton's big girl room and I hope to have it ready in the next 2 weeks. For now, we plan to move her crib into the new room because I am hanging on to crib sleeping as long as I can. I need Peyton contained so I can rest during naps (for night shift work and a new baby!). I would also like to get this kiddo potty trained before Bean arrives. More to come on these things :)


I am truly feeling blessed with the changes that are coming our way! Check back soon to see how we are handling things :)