It's Still a Girl!!!

We had our 36 week sonogram this morning and got great news all around. Most importantly, the little one is healthy! She had a heart rate of 145 and is approximately 6 lbs. 5 oz. There is fluid in both her bladder and her stomach, so we know that her kidneys are working and she's been swallowing and all that. The amniotic fluid levels were right where they should be. We finally got the profile picture that we've been hoping for, and got to see her moving her head and working her mouth a bit. Fun stuff.

In case you haven't notice all the italics, I'm very happy to say that we got some confirmation that we are still expect a little girl. We have no problem with boys at all, but we have an awful lot of pink and lavender stuff at our apartment right now. :)

Little Girl's beautiful profile

Me last night at 36 weeks

36 Weeks, Y'all!!!

How far along? 36 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: I don't know. I go back to the doctor on Thursday.
Maternity clothes? that's all that fits me
Stretch marks? got 'em
Sleep: not cool at all
Best moment this week: every single moment that I've gotten to spend with my husband
Movement: Yesterday the little girl totally conspired with her daddy to ruin my plans for a semi-busy Sunday. We had a little scare when she didn't want to move around much and seriously teetered on the edge of calling the doctor and going in to l&d. Luckily, she figured out that she had given her mommy enough of a panic attack and firmly secured the prospect of a lazy Sunday and got moving. I can see our future right now.
Food cravings: nothing specific
Gender: We have a sonogram tomorrow morning and will be asking for confirmation that this little one is, in fact, a girl. If not, though, I hope he likes lavender.
Labor Signs: nope
What I miss: Nothing right now...I'm ready to get this show on the road and completely give in to our new life as a family.
What I am looking forward to: our sonogram tomorrow
Weekly Wisdom: Don't freak out until you truly have something to freak out about.
Milestones: I am 9 months pregnant!!!

30 Days

Lovely Daughter Of Mine:

I am issuing 30 day notice for EVICTION. You will have 30 days in which you can either gather your belongings and promptly vacate the premises, or wait until the final day, after which you will be physically removed from the property.

You are being evicted due to breech of contract and destruction of property. Expansions only to the FRONT of the house, within reasonable limits, were discussed. Not only have these limits been exceeded, but additions to the back of the house were also made!

Remodeling and gutting of the home was never approved, nor was changing the initial layout and base structure. And due to property damage, there are now leaks in both the upper AND lower levels of the home. On top of which, the landlord has received numerous complaints about nightly disturbances.

After 30 days, non-compliance with this notice will result in immediate and forceful removal at my discretion.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Love,
Mommy

A Month of "Lasts"

Yesterday Mike and I had our pre-admissions appointment at the hospital and then went out to dinner. We went to Kobe, one of our favorites.

As we were sitting and waiting for our soup, Mike mentioned that it's strange to think that this might be the last nice dinner out we have as a couple, without worrying about how to accommodate a baby. Strange.

I have a feeling that I'm going to start looking at a lot of things as a series of "lasts" in the coming month. The last date with my husband...the last lazy Saturday/Sunday as a couple...the last night out with the girls...the last baby-free trip to the grocery store...the last chance to take a long bath and totally pamper myself...the last time I feel my baby kick from inside me...it's so bittersweet.

35 Weeks

How far along? 35 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: I don't know. I go back to the doctor next Thursday.
Maternity clothes? not quite cutting it for the cooler weather...grrr
Stretch marks? not so hot
Sleep: So the hand-tingling has tuned into more of a dull ache. Is that normal?
Best moment this week: Washing some baby clothes and getting to put away all those adorable, tiny little pink and purple items. So cute!!!
Movement: She's slowing down a bit (for lack of room, probably) but not enough for me to ever worry.
Food cravings: We had some crazy cookie cravings on Saturday night. One should not attempt to watch a Food Network program about cookies when there are no actual cookies in the house. It's bad news and leads to late-night grocery shopping.
Gender: Little Lady
Labor Signs: nope
What I miss: sleeping through the night...better get used to it, huh?
What I am looking forward to: seeing the little one again next Tuesday morning
Weekly Wisdom: Nap whenever possible. Sleep is a good thing!
Milestones: I finally feel like our apartment is ready and we have most of what we need to get through the early weeks of having a baby at home. Whew!

Updates and Pictures

On Wednesday I got the wonderful news that I am not, in fact, slowly poisoning my unborn daughter with too much sugar. What a relief! As much as I hate needles, I would gladly take a blood test again and even give myself daily injections if that's what it took to keep my little girl safe...but I'm glad I don't have to. :) We will have a sonogram on October 20 and then back for my 36 week appointment on the 22nd. After that, it's weekly appointments until the girly decides to join us. I can't believe how close I am to holding my child in my arms and looking into her face!!!

We officially have a nursery, complete with crib, dresser/changing table, and a glider rocker. I love it!!! Both Mike and I have wandered in there and just looked around with goofy-ass smiles on our faces at different times. Last night I sat in the glider and could just imagine what it will feel like to sit there holding our baby. I'm so ready. Anyway, this weekend will be all about moving all the random baby items from the piles in the living room to where they will be kept in the nursery. I'm so ready to have the rest of my house back...for a little while, at least.

Okay, okay...pictures...

Me with Mike's mom, sister, and grandma at the shower

Mike and I looking spiffy (and loving Little Girl) at the high school reunion

The crib, complete with ultra-girly bedding and not-so-girly Royals baseball mobile (I love it!!!)

The dresser/changing table with all of the necessary items

The fabulously comfortable glider, with a Grandma-made Royals blanket

Bella testing out the crib (We had to make sure it was safe!!!)

34 Weeks

I did manage to get some more pictures, but I'll post them later on. I didn't bring my camera or the CD with pictures to work with me. Deal with it!

How far along? 34 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: I went to the doctor yesterday. I gained three more pounds, putting me up 23 pounds total.
Maternity clothes? That's what I wear.
Stretch marks? Check.
Sleep: I think I've been so exhausted the past few nights that I just pass out and haven't really notice the things that usually bother me. While it's nice that I'm getting some sleep, I just never feel completely rested. Suck.
Best moment this week: We made some serious headway on the baby's room. We spent the weekend cleaning and moving furniture, and then brought up the baby furniture last night. The next few days will be furniture assembly and putting things away. Finally!
Movement: Check. Actually, I think I felt my first official Braxton Hicks contraction yesterday. I may have had a few before, but that one was pretty unmistakable.
Food cravings: Nothing really, but I think I need to start eating better all around. Maybe that will help my energy level a bit?
Gender: Girl (we're having another sonogram on October 20...I will totally be asking the tech to double check)
Labor Signs: nope
What I miss: Feeling like I'm among the lucky that experience an easy pregnancy. At my appointment yesterday, there was a bit of sugar in my urine sample. That, combined with the fact that I'm measuring a bit ahead, convinced my doctor that I need to redo my glucose screening. As much as I hate needles, that isn't the worst of it. I'm just so worried that there might be a problem. I just want everything to be okay and for Little Girl to be healthy.
What I am looking forward to: not traveling for work anymore for a while after this week
Weekly Wisdom: I got nothing.
Milestones: As of yesterday, my doctor will no longer attempt to stop me if I should go into labor. Wow.