Week 35.5: A New Perspective & Priorities

As the reality of having a baby continues to sink in, I've noticed that I've taken on a whole new perspective on many things in my daily life.  Whether it be my choice of clothing, what items I purchase, food choices, etc.  It seems that everything comes back to Addie.  For example, Every outfit I wear I wonder, "is this mom appropriate?"  (Sadly I have gotten rid of about 1/4 of my clothes because of this question...)  Now don't get me wrong, I don't want to be frumpy, but tube tops and plaid skirts from college that I had held onto just in case they would someday make it into a Halloween costume ensemble had to go.

When I purchase ANY item for the house I think, could Addie hurt herself on this?  That goes for every item currently residing in the house as well.  And, considering that her Father's nickname as a little boy was "tank" because he would ram his head into EVERYTHING, this is a valid concern.  In addition I need the space for all of Addie's fun baby stuff so anything that isn't a necessity is out.

My attitude about food and beverages has followed suit as well. For example, the other day I made Jell-O just for the sake of wanting Jell-O and NOT for the sake of making Jell-O shots.  I haven't made Jell-O without alcohol since my college days...  Is that bad..?  Then, when I was getting ready to head up north for the 4th of July, all I focused on was the food I was bringing.  I used to be thinking about what fun new mixed drink I was going to be making but now all I worry about is if I have my 3 stainless steel water bottles.  Then once I'm at the party, my focus goes back to food.  Oh, and having the word "light" in front of any food item I buy is not acceptable.  I know, I know, getting light is probably healthier, but seriously deep down you know that original is the best.

Our nightly life around the house is starting to change too.  My cats are currently in the process of being demoted from sleeping on our bed to sleeping outside of our room completely.  Yeah, that's a tough one.  I'm weaning them off by allowing them in the room every other night.  For those of you who have never met my cats and are wondering what the harm is of having them in the room with the crib, allow me to explain..  One is 20.2 lbs and the other is 17.6 lbs.  Now, I doubt the 20 lb one would be able to haul his happy @$$ over the side of the crib, however, the 17 lb one has some ups.  The fear of them cuddling too close to baby's head, or sitting on it like they do with Greg, is a real and possible danger.  Therefore, no more cats in the bedroom.

All in all, things are changing, I'd say, for the better around the Walther household.  Our lifestyles are healthier, our happiness levels are higher, and our love stronger.  Just in time for our little baby girl to arrive.  4.5 weeks and counting!

This pic was taken on Monday and I already
feel twice as big today...haha

Week 35.5 Check-In

Weight Gain: 14.5 lbs, still.. (that just goes to show just how much we really do eat over the fourth of July bc I weighed the same when I got back from that weekend, lol)

Cravings: Nothing recently.  Well I've been wanting a lemon lime slushy from Dairy Queen so I finally got one, with soft serve down the middle...delicious

Innie or Outie Belly Button?: I think I can take this one off because I'm not sure if it'll ever retract now..  It looks like a bulls eye through all of my clothes..

Stretch Marks: Negative

Fetal Movement: Addie has been having hiccups!  She's still quite active and really likes to push her butt and/or legs up under my left ribs...ouch!

Contractions: Not so much yet.  I may have had a few Braxton Hicks but I'm still questioning it..

Swelling/Varicose Veins/Linea Nigra:  Swelling has commenced...sometimes my toes look like little sausages...  VV-not yet.  LN-not yet 

Nursery Preparations: Room is almost complete and most items are put in their respective locations!

What I miss:  Being able to get ready without trying on 3 outfits because certain pieces don't fit anymore..

Most Looking Forward To:  Her birth! Let's be honest here people!!

Favorite Moment This Week: Her 36 week ultrasound appointment!  More to come on that in my next blog

Week 34-Bring on the Belly

This last week has been absolutely amazing!  On top of spending a ton of time with my family and 8 month old nephew, I got to see a ton of friends from high school at a classmate's wedding.  In addition, my Mom and Sister threw me the most fabulous baby shower!  It was such a beautiful day and it was SO wonderful having everyone there to support Addie and I and help us prepare for her arrival.  We received so many generous and extremely thoughtful and creative gifts, and I can't wait to get her in all of the adorable outfits!  Leah and my mom had people write out notes of advice, wisdom, and encouraging thoughts that I will forever cherish.  I already know that the days when it seems tough and I'm pulling my hair out, those notes will help get me through.  It truly was such a special occasion and couldn't have been a better beginning to the weekend!

The Fourth of July is without a doubt my family's favorite holiday.  Every year we hang out all weekend and family and friends bring their RVs and campers and stay overnight.  One night is always capped off with an amazing firework show, courtesy of my Uncle Jeff, and my Dad's grill never, and I mean NEVER, stops going.  He even grills breakfast at least once during the weekend.  (p.s. If you have never experienced my Dad's grilling, whether it be breakfast, lunch, dinner, or fourth meal...or fifth meal at that, you are missing out and you NEED to plan on attending our 4th of July celebration next year. I'll get off of my soap box now.)  One night I believe he was even cooking hot wings, chicken, and steak until 2:30am.  Can you say amazing?  Though most people can't fathom eating such hearty food that late, let me just tell you, we train people well and pretty soon you'll be joining in too.  Bonfires are had and there is a ton of relaxing, catching up, and great food.

This year was particularly special because we had some new additions to our celebration!  We were blessed with the presence of Greyden (my 8 month old nephew), Jacob, Bryson, and Alana.  All of whom are under a year old.  Holding and playing with all of these cuties made me SO anxious to hold Addie....only 6.5 weeks left!!!!!!!!!!!!  (I can't believe it!!!)

Nikki with Bryson, Katie with Alana, Leah with Greyden
I mean really, HOW CUTE?! ?!

Speaking of having 6.5 weeks left, I am blowing up even more rapidly than ever before.  Apparently Addie is now supposed to be gaining about a 1/2 lb a week, and I feel every bit of it.  In addition,  heat + ever expanding belly=tiredness.  I just don't have as much oomph as I used to!  I seriously have to push myself through my household duties without allowing myself to rest or else I'll never get back up.  I just don't remember what it was like to be able to accomplish all of these tasks with ease!  And I know once the baby actually comes, it'll be 100% harder than it is now.  Needless to say, I'm currently in the process of recruiting Greg to help with some of the chores and am toying with the idea of making a chore checklist.....  Anyone think he'll actually go for it?!? (now don't get me wrong, he does help out a lot, I just need a little more consistency for my sanity's sake)  I know, I know, wishful thinking, but I may just give it a go.  You don't know unless you try, right?!

Recently I'm not only tired but I'm also ridiculously clumsy.  I'm not sure if it's my big belly or my baby brain or both but I can hardly keep it together.  I am more of a liability in the kitchen than what I'm worth, trust me, my mom and sister will vouch for that.  During the course of helping prep food for the weekend I managed to nail myself in the chest with a flying strawberry, mess up the pineapple salsa recipe not once, but twice, and anything I could drop or splatter, I did.  When it comes to common sense cooking in the kitchen, you might as well count me out for that too.  I have to read, and then re-read, recipes over and over, and even then I still manage to screw them up.  I'm hoping that it's just because I have SO much on my mind and once I'm not pregnant anymore that I'll get my brain back.  Wishful thinking?

Ay yay yay...Holy Belly here we come!

Week 34 Check-In

Weight Gain: 14.5 pounds  

Cravings: Nothing recently.  I just can't eat a lot because of heartburn, and heavy foods turn me off.  I prefer cold things like popsicles and watermelon...Mmmmm

Innie or Outie Belly Button?: Oh for SURE an outie now.

Stretch Marks: Not yet!  Knock on wood...

Nursery Preparations:  The room itself is set up, I'm plan on washing sheets etc. on Sunday

Most Looking Forward To:  Our 36 week ultrasound on July 21st!  That's when we'll find out her placement, about how big she'll be, and see what she looks like.  Gotta love 3D ultrasounds :)  I kinda don't want to spoil the surprise of seeing her for the first time at the hospital, but at the same time, my impatience/excitement is getting the best of me...

Favorite Moment This Week: Of course, as stated above, my baby shower and seeing all of my family and friends!  Playing and hanging out with Greyden has to be the highlight though.  Life is good :)