Week 38

Week 38 has been a little rough. I was (and still am) only about 1 centimeter dilated with almost no big signs of baby girl wanting to come out. With no huge progress, but the presence of some symptoms like  sweating, cramping, stomach aches, swollen feet, and little to no sleep due to sciatica… it is a bit hard to keep my spirits up.  I'm trying to keep my eyes on the prize, but I am wishing I could get even a small sign that she is coming soon. I just can't wait to meet her and can't my hands on her.  Her Daddy and I are ready to hunker down for weeks of snuggling and figuring this parenting thing out together.

Taken before Nick surprised me with a dinner at Blue Jacket in MKE. I enjoyed the best mocktail and meal while we dreamt about our baby girl coming.

My sweet nephew, snuggling and kissing his cousin.

Feeling large and in charge

A whole lot of this these last few days of pregnancy.

...Please come soon, sweet Eleanor. Your Mama and Daddy want to hold you and smooch you!

Week 36 & 37

This is exactly how we feel around here these days. Our bags are packed, the car seat is installed, and the house is somewhat clean. As much as I want her to cook as long as possible, I am SO anxious to meet her and kiss her! I am dying to have this little jumping bean in my arms!

Week 36 didn't bring many labor signs. Minor cramping, but thats about it! She gets hiccups all day long, loovveess to kick my right side and occasionally try to punch her way out ;) Doctor said I was closed and 50% effaced. 

Had to add this picture from my nephew's dedication during week 36. My sister looks so beautiful and my nephew steals my heart with his cute little hat and outfit!

Full Term! Woo! Still minimal labor signs. A little cramping and maybe some painless braxton hicks but no signs that she is ready to come out. Doc said I have at least another week (which I already knew). Sleep has been miserable as my sciatic pain is terrible, but I really can't complain. I feel great all day long, so I just spend my sleepless nights dreaming about holding her.

Valentines Day was spent cleaning the house, followed by Nick cooking crab legs and steaks with our favorite dessert - bananas foster! It was a peaceful, romantic night in which is exactly what we wanted. Nick surprised me with lots of candies and flowers, and even bought a little shirt for his littlest Valentine :)

Babymoon + Weeks 34 & 35

During week 34, we were able to finally take a mini-babymoon to Milwaukee! We seriously had the best time ever! Our hotel upgraded us to a huge room, access to the executive lounge and free valet for the weekend..for no reason! It was the perfect way to kick off the weekend :)

Once we checked in, we got dressed up and ready for dinner at Braise. Amazing, as always. 

…And we ended the night with milkshakes, Dateline, and relaxing. The best.

Saturday was filled with brunch at Wolf Beach, record shopping, flea markets, appetizers at Ruby Tap (where I cannot wait to go once this baby is out!), and coffee at Valentine in Tosa. Everything was exactly how I imagined it. A slow day, filled with lots of laughing and dreaming of baby girl.

(I was so happy we finally found this!)

Saturday night we went to Parkside 23 with our BFFs, my sister and her husband..and of course, my little Lucas love. Please note his adorable cardigan and onesie ;) 

No chalkboard since I wanted to remember our time in Milwaukee! Forgive my sleepy eyes :) Week 34 was great, besides being large and in charge! I'm officially at the point where everyone I come into contact likes to tell me whether I'm too big, too little, looking tired or looking great..the list goes on. Most of the time, the comments don't bother me. 95% of the time I don't even feel pregnant. Only when I'm sleeping or attempting to pick something off the ground ;)

Note to self: Although oversized sweaters are super comfortable, they are not the best choice for photos.

Week 35 has been rough for me.  Like I said before, I feel great 95% of the time but sleep is absolutely miserable and feeling 'beautiful' at this point is a struggle. I finally gave in and made some appointments with the chiro so I'm hoping that will bring me some relief. As for feeling 'beautiful', I'm giving that to the Lord.  Looking in the mirror, I don't see myself anymore. I see a large face, swollen calves and feet,  pimples everywhere, and curves everywhere I look.  But I can't let myself go to that negative place anymore.  Baby girl is healthy and strong. I am healthy and strong. My husband and my marriage are healthy and strong. I am blessed to have this baby and as I've said before, there are thousands of women who would kill to be carrying a child of their own. Week 35 was filled with dramatic, unnecessary moments and I'm moving on. On to Week 36!