Nine Month Bumpdate!

How Far Along 40 flipping weeks. I love being pregnant, but I just keep thinking about how big she's going to end up if she keeps cooking...yikes.

New Experiences Heartburn. Only once, but once was enough.

Gender Still assuming both doctors and three US techs are right. and we have a girl ;)

Total Weight Gain I almost made it to 25 LBS, but then I lost a few pounds. Apparently that's normal towards the end, though. Total is now 21 pounds of baby love.

Sleep I'm a bit tired of waking up before my alarm clock, but it could be worse.

Pregnancy nightmares Yup, and it was TERRIBLE.

Miss Anything At this point I know I'll be able to eat and drink the things I 'missed' soon, so now I could care even less. You better bet there will be a Jersey Mike's Sub in my future, though.

Cravings Nada.

Symptoms According to old wives' tales she's about to come out. My uterus has been super tight, I started breaking out from the hormone changes, I was in a 'mood' Thursday, and I'm less hungry. On top of that, the doc confirmed I was 1cm dilated, starting to efface, and she's moved down the canal. Friday also brought on some early labor signs,  but miss thang is holed up.

Mood Mostly, I'm just thankful that we are more prepared for her arrival than I expected to be. However, Thursday I was most definitely in a mood. I was frustrated with everyone bugging me about when they should come like I miraculously know when she's going to make her appearance. I'm very appreciative that she has so many people that love her and want to be here, but I'm not a psychic and our house isn't a hotel. I can't tell you anything other than our home is open to you for the birth, but you will be sharing it with whomever else shows up at the time. I have one guest bedroom, one air mattress, and two couch slots. First come first serve people. #notmyproblem

Best Moment This Week I went to the doctor expecting to hear 'no change' for my 39 week appointment, but when he said 1cm and starting to efface I was elated! I know it's still up to her, but at least that meant my body was doing it's job.

Looking Forward to Meeting her, le duh.

Exercise Still going strong! I have to start off reeaaally slow and build up, but I'm determined not to quit. The thought of not working out for up to six weeks after is extremely motivating. Plus, anything that might move her along is a bonus.

On My Mind Labor is going to suck. That is all.

Nine Month Bumpdate!

Total Weight Gain As of the last appointment I was up 16 pounds, but that was almost a month ago. My at home scale is only saying 17, so I guess somewhere between 17-19 total gain. I never would have thought that I would be happy about weight gain, and yet it's one of my favorite things to track to see how she's progressing. She was measuring in the 30th percentile at the last appointment, which they said was completely normal based on my stature, so I just want to make sure she's continuing to grow. I'm guessing five pounds or so right now. Five perfect little pounds.

Miss Anything No, but I did attend a reception the other day and was super sad when I couldn't eat a single thing because it was all cold cuts, mystery salad sandwiches, and other potentially 'unsafe' appetizers. Where the cookies fruit and veggie trays at??

Cravings The usual...sweets. I actually asked for a smoothie the other day, but when it came down to it I didn't feel like driving to get one and Will had already had a few beers. I guess I should plan any future cravings before he pops a cold one, haha.

Symptoms Other than having to roll out of the bed or off the couch, I started having a little round ligament pain {lower abdomen} while I sleep, but adding another pillow under my belly seems to ease that. Pillows are my best friends these days.

Mood Optimistic, enthusiastic, excited, and just happy in general.

Best Moment This Week Charlie's godmother just moved back to Pensacola, so when I went home this weekend she got to massage my belly and talk to her. Having a nurse massage your belly is quite awesome I might add. I didn't even know they did that.

Looking Forward to A surprise Ultrasound today!

Exercise I ran my last mile on Thursday {insert super sad face}. I still plan on doing my core workouts and keeping active as long as I can, but I started getting cramps in my lower abdomen while running. I don't mind the pain, but it's not worth how it might affect her.

Questions This Month 

Have you tried Amazon Mom?

How many bottles does one need to start out with if you plan on breastfeeding?

What are you tips for last minute baby preparation?

What was in your hospital bag?

EIGHT Month Bumpdate

How Far Along EIGHT flippin' months

New Experiences She had hiccups twice this past week!

Gender Sassy little gal.

Total Weight Gain 13, as in 1-3 at last week's appointment. I know, I'm amazed too. I'm just waiting to blimp up out of nowhere.

Miss Anything Will burped the other night, and I was like "Mmmm beer" I think I just want to get my drink on now that I can't.

Cravings I've been rubbing it in Will's face that he hasn't had to go make a single ice cream/pickle run. I gravitate towards carbs and sweets, but I limit myself and find healthy-ish alternatives around. Every dessert looks divine, and I even walk through the Publix bakery just to admire, but I RESIST. Other than special occasions.

Maternity Clothes Still using the hair tie trick, but maternity clothes are more comfy than regular clothes these days, and my birthday suit is the comfiest. Having anything on is well, constricting.

Best Moment This Week In a conversation, I referred to "My daughter..." and I got chills. I could never wrap my head around saying that until now.

Looking Forward to Another ultrasound Tuesday. It's probably the last, so I want to soak it in!

Exercise I had to buy a maternity support band, but still going strong.

On My Mind How I pretty much have a month to get done everything I can, because after that it's fair game.

In case you haven't heard, her name is now officially on the regular blog, so check it out ;)

A Candid Baby Registry Of Sorts

First off, I apologize for any and all baby showers I have attended in my life. I picked them out some really cute stuff, but I had no clue how important it was to follow the registry. Mom's are picky, have their own style for baby, NEED specific things, and cringe at the thought of nine million newborn outfits when baby may not even fit in them by the time they make an appearance. It's even worse for the military moms...the thought of moving all the 'crap' we get is giving me nightmares. But don't get it twisted. I will take EVERYTHING you give me. I just prefer a receipt to go with it just in case *winkwink.

To make my life your life easier friends and family that have asked us what to get, I've created a comprehensive registry of MUST haves here for you. If you want to know what we really need/want, just follow this list and avoid boutique ruffle pant suits {BLEH} and all things PINK. Mint, Amethyst, Mustard = winners. Pink = heck to the nope. Yes, I know I will have to get used to pink, but I sure as heck don't have to start off with it. Tell me these colors aren't just as fun and more 'us':

Also important to note, we have acquired a few things already that you can skip over. We are so incredibly blessed to have my Portuguese FIL making us a bassinet, we have the privilege of using the rocking horse and changing table that my grandfather handcrafted for me when I was a baby, blankets from all the grandmas, and my other grandparents have bought us a crib and glider set. Since we are moving this year, I would have just bought a pack'n play and called it a day, but who am I to say no to all these fabulous free things...To say the least, we are overwhelmed with the family support.

Potential Nursery Set up:

If you don't care for the specifics, we are registered at Target, Amazon, and Babies 'R Us (I hate Babies 'R Us, which is a story for a different day), but either way, I suggest ordering online. They actually make it super difficult by having different things at different stores, so as long as you can get free/discounted shipping it's WAY easier. Don't forget Craigslist either. I am completely fine with gently used items. As long as it's on our list, I should add.

*For Non-Bloggers, links to the products are purple. Click the link and it will take you to the exact item! I tried to choose the best price/most wanted of the three registries for each link, but feel free to search whichever registry you prefer.*

NEEDS, or at least what I think we 'need':
Graco Travel System I love anything convertible/transitional, so this is a must. Car seat and stroller in one wins in my book, and this is one of the only sets that met all of our needs.
Car Seat Protector
The Coolest High Chair Ever
Baby Monitor
Baby Einstein DVD Set When I worked at the gym daycare, these DVD's were my secret to keeping the babies from crying when their mom's left. I am most definitely claiming them as a need. Amazon has it used too!
Baby clothes and Swaddlers To reiterate...NO PINK.
Crib Sheets Any lavender, sage, mint, ivory, white, etc will do!
Changing Pad and Cover
Breast Pump These babies are expensive, so used it A-OKAY. Hint: There's one for sale on the Fort Rucker Classifieds site that a few could go in on ;) (Tricare doesn't cover)
GIFT CARDS. I would have put diapers and wipes, but that would mean we could end up with nine million newborn diapers or have to move those diapers with us very soon. If you would like to donate to our diaper fund, then gift cards are the shizz. I really don't want to come off greedy, but I want people to know that I won't think you insincere for going the gift card route.

WANTS:

My #1: This GORGEOUS Chandelier Table Lamp. We move from rental to rental, so this is something to jazz up the room without having to paint or change light fixtures. That makes it practically a need. I neeeeeeed this ;)
Will's #1: The safest and most efficient Jogging Stroller you've ever seen. First, let me say that it's NOT cheap, and as such we have NO problem with a used BOB off Craigslist. Also, this could be an item to go in on with a group. We have researched extensively and this is the only one that has the best safety features, rubber tires, locking wheels, etc. that would make us feel safe running with her, which we will most definitely be doing as soon as she's strong enough to hang.

Pack 'n Play or Travel Crib
Bumbo
BOOKS

Precious Moments

Berenstein Bears
Guess How Much I Love You
The Tale Of Peter Rabbit
Tikki Tikki Tembo
The Story Of Babar
Stone Soup
Puff The Magic Dragon
Pippi Longstock
Princess And The Pea
Baby Belluga and Hello, Baby Beluga
There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed A Fly


Disney Movies
Playpod/Playmat
Swing/Bouncer System
Cart and Highchair Cover
Ergo Baby Carrier

 I hope you find this list 'fun enough', but you mom's know that it's the not-so-fun stuff that really matters. Like diapers, bottles, pacifiers, nipple covers (still don't know what those are), breast pumps, etc. We are so thankful for anything that we are given, but if all else fails, please include the receipt ;) With having multiple registries, I know we will end up with double gifts in spite of my best efforts.
Happy shopping!

Target Registry

Amazon, www.amazon.com/babyregistry and search our name.

Babies 'R Us, Registry #: 55794595

Baby Makes Three

Welcome friends! If you are here, I'm assuming you are excited about our little bundle of joy, and I hope you know what that means to us. This blog is going to be my way of tracking this pregnancy in a more intimate way, and I thank you for being a part of it. I know, I know, a public blog isn't intimate, but this space will provide me the freedom to tell you aaaaall about our little bundle of joy without the pressure and attention that Perception Is Everything gets.

Today marks the official halfway point in this insane pregnancy, but as most of you know, we were only clued in at 18 weeks. It has been the CRAZIEST two weeks of my life since we got the news, as it was coupled with purchasing our first investment property, big steps in her daddy's career, purchasing a mommy mobile, and on top of that we did most of it while in a complete state of shock. I'm telling you, Will and I should be on that show Amazing Race. We make such a good team that we would murder the competition. No question in my mind.

In case you haven't seen it, and because I'm super proud of the sign I made, the fact that we chased the last bit of light that day, and that Will came up with the concept for our reveal because we don't like to do what's already been done...Here is our Reveal photo:

Thank you for starting this crazy new chapter of our lives with us. It's an adventure we weren't expecting, but it's exciting