One day to go?

So, we are nearing the end of this pregnancy journey and I've got a mixed bag of emotions. I'm completely comfortable physically, as the baby has dropped significantly. However, I'm starting to get really anxious to meet the baby.

I believed it. . .I fell for the hype. . .

My doctor (who is AMAZING!!!!) Told me a few weeks ago that my body was progressing faster than usual, and that I could come at ANY MOMENT. That, of course, put me in overdrive. I got everything cleaned and organized thinking that at any hour, I could have our sweet baby in my arms. Here we are almost 3 weeks later, and I'm still pregnant. Don't get me wrong, I feel fabulous, and ultimately want the baby to come when he/she is ready. My due date isn't until Wednesday of this week, so I'm not trying to rush things one bit. I've always known that first time moms usually deliver late.

It's just that with all the excitement, I thought the baby would be here by now, and I'm having a harder time with that emotionally than I thought I would.

I know that all good things are worth waiting for, so I just need to be patient, and let things happen as naturally as possible.

Baby O

34 weeks and counting! I've started journaling to our little one. Every day I write to him/her to talk about the days events, or doctors appointments, or hopes for the future, etc. It's been very nice to spend that time each day focusing on our baby.

Our shower happened last weekend and was a beautiful success. It was nice to have all of our family and friends in one place. There are only a few things left to get now! Today, we took care of getting the car seat. I still can't believe we are so close.

Friday's doctors appointment went great. The doctor says that I've dilated 1 cm, am 50% effaced, have a soft cervix (on a scale of hard, medium, soft), and the baby's head is stationed at -2. All signs point to an early or on time delivery. . . which freaked me out a little, but I'm so excited.

At this point, I'm not yet tired of pregnancy. Some discomfort has set in. I'm peeing 7 times a night, and have a fortress of pillows around me for support. I don't know how Patrick puts up with it, but he's so wonderful.

That's the update for today!

Slowing Down

Hey friends. First, I want to say that my bed is my new best friend.

Things are moving along so fast. We are 28 weeks and 5 days today. Unbelievable! It seems like yesterday I was observing that there were 204 days to go. . .now we are less than 80. Until about 2 weeks ago I felt amazing! I could do what I wanted, had lots of energy, and all that jazz. Now, I'm slowing down a bit. I have to give myself breaks when working on projects, and at then end of the work day (particularly one where I travel a long distance and give several presentations), I just have to "take it to the sheets"

Also, I'm HOT! And, not in the good way, but in the menopausal way. Thank goodness there was some relief in the weather this weekend. We've been holding out on the air conditioner as long as possible. I don't want to freeze poor Patrick out! I did, however, buy a kiddie pool, which I plan to spend the entire summer in! I find that by simply standing outside, I drip sweat in all kinds of new places. . .ugh!

On a brighter note, we started the nursery yesterday! At first, we were going to paint yellow and green. Then we thought about 2 years from now when our little prince or princess would need a definite gender-specific room, so we went with a tan color. That way we can accessorize accordingly. Patrick is going to get a second coat up on Tuesday, and then we are going to get the crib set up over the weekend! We also have a shelf system with 9 cubbies which we'll use for books and toys. I'm on a hunt for a dresser now. We would love something that is low and long with 7 drawers in it (three staggered on top, and four on bottom) preferably in espresso. I've found a few that would work at consignment shops, but I'm keeping faith for the right one. Other than that, we'll have a glider, lamp and lots of wall art to complete the room. YAY!

The neatest feeling is that of my precious child moving inside me! It's strong enough for Patrick to feel now, and his first reaction was so sweet! Patrick makes a point to talk to our baby every day when he gets up, and every night before bed. I adore our little family already!

I'm going to make an honest effort to blog more, especially now that it's getting close. Being able to reflect once the baby is here will be nice!

21 weeks today. . .22 tomorrow!

Rub my belly!!

I totally mean it! Some people get super annoyed by that, and perhaps by June/July I will too. For now, however, I'm feelin' the love!

We have our next ultrasound on Thursday. I thought we were going to see the baby last time, but I was mistaken. I can't wait until Thursday. Patrick has been to every appointment, and gets to come again this week, even though it means totally disrupting his teaching schedule. What a champ! Also, my mom is going to come, which I'm super excited about.

The last few weeks have been busy with work and sleep. I'm a total slacker. In fact, our house was a complete COMPLETE wreck until I was able to convince my mom and sisters to come over and help clean today. It was actually a wonderful day! The weather was amazing, I got some work done for the job, was able to buy some cleaning supplies, take a nap, wake up in time to clean with the fam, make dinner, watch some March Madness. . .and now a quick blog before bed.

The pregnancy seems to be progressing just fine. I'm feeling like we really need to start on the nursery. I just want to get things ready, you know? I've gained about 20 pounds, and am feeling HUGE. I don't mind it so much, though. Patrick continues to be rock solid! He's now talking to the baby every chance he gets. Oh yeah...I felt the baby kick during Patrick's Disney concert last night. I think it likes hearing Daddy play on stage!

I'll have to post some pics when I get a chance, and it's not past my bedtime!

That's all I've got for now, folks.

Oh yeah. . .

Patrick got me a BEAUTIFUL bouquet of roses for Valentine's Day! For those of you who don't know, Patrick's birthday is February 14th. We try to keep it low key, but he really surprised me this year!

The other thing I wanted to mention is that SPRING IS SPRINGING!!! I saw the first sign in my neighbor's yard:

Hooray for warm weather making it's way to Bowling Green!

Also, I worked at a college fair in Louisville over the weekend. My co-worker (and soulmate), Casi happened to have all of her materials loaded up in her car. . .2 1/2 blocks away from our site! So what did we do? We called on a few good young men to carry 10 boxes of books for us! Below is our "slave-driver" pic:

Ahhhh. . .good times, good times

Ummm. . .Oh, no he didn't!!!!

Yesterday I felt a little betrayed when I happened into Patrick's car and found. . .EMPTY BOXES OF GIRL SCOUT COOKIES. I mean, I thought what we had was special. I've only promised my life to him. . .and I'm carrying his child. How does he repay me? Empty boxes of thin mints, samoas, and a few lemon cookies. Aw, man. . .

Luckily, I ordered a mass amount which was delivered later that day! To Patrick's credit, he was traveling a LOT, and in order to make it home faster, he didn't stop for breakfast. Instead, he ate the cookies. He's a keeper!

Ok, so I'm 16 weeks and 5 days. I slacked on my 15 week picture. I think my mom may have one, but the picture below is a solid 16 week bump.

Here's what Babycenter has to say about Baby O'Rourke this week:

Get ready for a growth spurt. In the next few weeks, your baby will double his weight and add inches to his length. Right now, he's about the size of an avocado: 4 1/2 inches long (head to rump) and 3 1/2 ounces. His legs are much more developed, his head is more erect than it has been, and his eyes have moved closer to the front of his head. His ears are close to their final position, too. The patterning of his scalp has begun, though his locks aren't recognizable yet. He's even started growing toenails. And there's a lot happening inside as well. For example, his heart is now pumping about 25 quarts of blood each day, and this amount will continue to increase as your baby continues to develop.

How exciting! My energy is back, although after last week at work, I'm pooped just from driving a bazillion miles!

I find myself sticking my belly out as far as possible so that people can't mistake that I'm pregnant. During a college fair, a lady told me that I didn't look pregnant at all (FAIL). I pretended to take it as a compliment! During the same college fair, I had a long conversation with a new mom. She gave me some pretty graphic scoop about breastfeeding, and lack of sleep. I was very appreciative of her. Mostly, people want to tell you all the wonderful, happy, adorable moments of pregnancy, delivery and motherhood. I want to real deal, folks! It was good to get some insight from my new friend.

To celebrate the end of a long week, I bought an ice cream cake for Patrick and me. Yummm! I also made burritos a la Pioneer Woman. They were delightful. Plus, the recipe made enough for me to have leftovers for the next few days.

My friend and her husband are about a month farther along, and they just found out that they are having a little boy!! Hooray! Their reveal party was on Sunday. I'm so thrilled for them! It gets tougher and tougher for me to stay strong about not finding out the gender of our baby. I want to know, but I don't want to know! I'm leaning on Patrick to stay strong for us! Our next appointment is March 3, and I can't wait to peek inside my belly to see our baby.

Today I swear I felt the baby move, but I know it's still too soon. I just can't wait!

I feel like there was so much more I wanted to comment on. . .oh well. I'm just glad to get an update in!