35 Weeks

WOW! Where has time gone? It's almost October and I'm almost a mommy! I feel like we're so close to the finish line, but time is crawling like a snail....wait, didn't I just say time has gone quickly?! Well days are going quickly, but I feel like the part I'm anxiously waiting for is taking forever!

The past few days I've experienced the "nesting" phase. I want to clean sooo badly. Unfortunately, my vacuum is not working and that is driving me insane. I want to vacuum more than I've ever wanted to do before. We also had an unexpected issue come up with our sprinklers and while I normally wouldn't care about the outside (that's hubby thing) the water puddle in the backyard is driving me NUTS!

I also have been hinting around to hubby that I wanted to rearrange the living room (again) back to the way it was a few months ago and last night he willingly offered to do it...maybe he's nesting too! Our living room is cozy again and there is more room for the dogs and Roxy's kids to play.

I am definitely not nesting in the kitchen department. Lately (since month 2 of pregnancy) I have not wanted to cook. It got a little better a few months ago, but now I'm back to square 1 where the idea, the smell, and the work it takes to make dinner are just not something I want to do right now. Thankfully I have a great friend who is understanding and a great cook living with us....she cooks almost every day and it's always something my husband loves. I'm hoping once Peighton is here and I'm back to "normal" I will feel up to cooking again.

Pregnancy is something I have dreamed of experiencing for the last 3 years. I never thought I'd have the chance to experience it, but here I am! It's both rewarding and extremely hard at times. I have horrible pain in my hips, more than frequent urination, and back pain. I have to think though my pregnancy could be much much worse so my few complaints are nothing to be too upset about. The few weeks on "couch" rest were not horrible and actually allowed me to slow down.

So, there are no other updates and nothing new to report on....maybe next week's appointment will have some news to share :) Here is my weekly pic.

34 weeks

I totally forgot to post a 34 week update last week....and sadly, I did not take a picture. But, here's my latest on the pregnant front:

1. I had a great 34 weeks visit with my doctor!

2. I only gained 2 pounds in 2 weeks....I don't want to gain anymore unless its strictly Peighton weight :)

3. We discussed possibly inducing me (for personal reasons I will not discuss at this time. No its not a scheduled c-section).

4. I'm excited and nervous for my next appt where Dr. L will strip my membranes to encourage natural labor.

5. My parents will be joining us to meet Peighton Joy! I am super excited to share this with my parents.

6. Jeff is preparing for Peighton in the sweetest of ways and I can't wait to see his face when he first meets his baby girl.

7. Sleeping is no more....already my body has prepared me for sleepless nights. I have such horrible pain in my hips, heartburn that does not go away no matter what side I sleep on, and back pain that is only explained by the 20 lb. belly under my shirt.

8. I've become nasal. All of the time.

9. Our bags are packed. She's welcome to come any time after next week. :) (wishful thinking I know....)

10. I've given in to caffeine. I have not had anything to drink with caffeine for 8 months and in the last week I've had a Pumpkin Spice Latte, a Cherry coke, and 2 cans of coke.

11. I'm having chest pains as I type this...maybe it's from the caffeine.

12. Peighton's movements are becoming painful. Maybe it's the caffeine lol.

13. I am now only able to fit in clothes that I should not be leaving the house in....the bottom of my belly hangs out...its not attractive.

14. Next week Peighton will be considered FULL TERM a.k.a. welcome to come anytime....mama is ready!

15. Even though Jeff & I got lost in the hospital last week and practically found our way around several floors....we are having our official hospital tour this weekend....super excited to see where Peighton will be born.

So that's all I have for now. My maternity photos did not work out so I am hoping to get a few shots this weekend, but it all depends on the weather. Most of my clothes no longer fit properly so I may be settling for a few photos taken at home with a sheet as the backdrop :)

Love you all! Looking forward to my 35 week update....tomorrow :)

My etsy

I finally added some things I made to my etsy shop. I'm hoping to add many more items, but going through all of my pictures is not that easy!

Plus, I need to retake a few photos since most of the photos were taken with my non-photographer skills :)

Anyway, check it out...pass it along!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/lezasc20?ref=si_shop

33 weeks

Yesterday Peighton turned 33 weeks! I can't believe how fast time is flying by now! Her hospital bag is packed and ready by her door. I still have to pack mine and make sure we have stuff for Jeff ready too. But, those things will happen in the coming weeks.

I've been having a lot of braxton hicks contractions while I'm attempting to sleep. It's also becoming very uncomfortable to change positions and when I do change sides I have pain somewhere....either my hip, legs, side, or instant heartburn. But, while I'm complaining it's also something I realize is going to pass and I'll forget all about when I have my beautiful daughter at home.

That's one thing I'm trying to get used to...saying the word "daughter". Hubby & I both constantly say "we're going to have a daughter" or "we're going to be parents". It's so surreal!

As we get closer to my due date I have all these things that are causing anxiety from wondering if my hubby will be here for her birth or if I'll be alone and then I worry that he will be here and he will pass out in the delivery room and miss everything...ha!

I have managed to wash all of her newborn-3 months clothing, bed sheets, blankets, socks, mittens, and bibs. Going through all of her stuff allows me to realize what we need and how blessed we are to have so many people who care and love for Peighton as much as we do.

We are starting to notice a difference in the dogs. Lucki has become even more protective of me and against the other dogs, which is new. Makai has become distant he does not really pay attention to me unless he's cold or I have food. Chloe and Buck are becoming more disobedient and ignoring commands. I am not afraid of any of the dogs being aggressive toward Peighton, but I do worry that they will be overwhelmed by the sudden change and will treat people differently...but, I guess we will see.

As far as feeling pregnant, this week has been very difficult. I spent a day cleaning last week which left me so sore I soaked in the tub for an hour and it did not make a difference. Needless to say, that night I did not sleep at all. Then, I got impatient and moved some things around that I should have let my hubby do which resulted in a pulled muscle in my side. Sometimes I forget I have this huge belly in front of me and that is why I do things that I probably should not be doing.

My heartburn has gotten a lot better and I only have it now if I drink juice (any kind), eat marinara sauce, pizza, or eat oranges. I still eat and drink all of those items though because life is just too short to avoid my favorite foods.

Ok, here's what you've all waited for...my belly picture for this week. This weekend I am planning to take my maternity photos. I'm hoping the weather is nice and we can find a nice spot that is feeling the effects of fall...I'm hoping to do a fall themed maternity shoot.

Until next time, God bless everyone and goodnight.

Many of the blogs I read started linking up to this weekly "The Simple Things in Life" so I thought I'd join too. I don't usually participate in these, but every once in a while it's great to appreciate the simple things.

Here's what I'm appreciating this week:

1. Feeling accomplished during the 3rd trimester...even if I only completed one thing on my list.

2. 2 minute phone calls from the hubby just to say goodnight when he's in the field.

3. Fall weather in southern Colorado.

4. Reunions with hubby....even if it has only been 5 days.

5. When my doggies do super-uber-adorable things. Makai's love for towels is so cute!

6. Being 33 weeks pregnant with my miracle baby.

7. Complaining that Peighton has not kicked enough today....only to follow with a huge jab to the ribs :)

Be sure to link up at http://jesslynamber.blogspot.com/ to share what you're thankful for this week!

College Football

I made a tutu for Peighton with my college colors and extra fabric I had left over. It turned out so cute and I'm super excited to see her in it. Since she will be about 3 weeks old when the Gamecocks play Clemson (my parents team) she will be sporting this for the game! Of course we can't attend it since we're across the country, but we'll definitely celebrate anyway! Hopefully my parents will be here to see her in it too :)

I had to take a break from sewing anything because of my stubborn sewing machine. Somehow it corrected itself over the course of a few days so I will have to continue a few more unfinished projects soon.

I will post my 33 week appointment later tonight...but the picture will have to wait. I forgot to take one today.

Camping Trip/6th Anniversary

This year for our 6th anniversary we went camping. It was fun, cold, uncomfortable at times, but overall a great time together!

We took a few pregnancy update shots while we

were there as well.

We needed water at one point and the "pumping

station" did not provide reliable drinking water.

The many views were beautiful. We couldn't get enough of the endless rows of trees and the beautiful Bear Lake.

This is where we slept! No, it was not comfortable! The first night we slept on the air mattress, but it was not inflated (we forgot the pump) and with individual army-issued sleeping bags. Finally, the second day we went in to the small town of Cuchara and bought a ($20) HAND PUMP! That night was a little better except when you're 8 months pregnant and not supposed to use your stomach muscles....and you're sleeping on a small downward slope on an air mattress.....needless to say, I woke up hourly in pain.

Luckily, we never saw a bear or any other scary wild animals. We did see a few deer though! We brought two of the dogs and of course the lab was in Heaven, but Makai was not so happy. He spent most of the time bundled up in a blanket by the fire. The average temperature those two days was about 55 (at the highest) and the second morning we woke up at 7am and it was 39 outside. BRRRR! But, my sweet 4 pound angel gave me extra insulation so I stayed warm.

On the way home we stopped at a small restaurant that had the. best. burgers in southern Colorado. We loooooved that place and will definitely go back there soon.

I do believe Bear Lake will be a place we visit with Peighton while we are still living here. Overall, it was a great way to spend our 6th Anniversary!

32 weeks

Only 8 weeks remaining! Where has time gone?

Peighton is topping the charts at a little over 4 pounds.

She's most likely around 19 inches long....wow!

The last two days she's been very lazy and has hardly moved. (except if I poke her, then she will kick me back).

In 3 weeks we have our hospital visit and registration....surreal.

The last few days I have not taken a nap and actually accomplished stuff around the house.

But, moving around and getting off the couch has become a little more difficult.

Sleep? what's that? I think my body is playing a cruel joke on me and preparing me for sleepless nights with Peighton. Getting comfortable is not easy to do and when I roll over to get more comfortable I somehow pull a muscle at the bottom of my uterus and it hurts for about 2 minutes. Then, my hips start to hurt and I get a horrible pain when I try to move. So, the result....no sleep :( meanwhile, my caring husband snores away beside me. HA! Typical.

Peighton Joy is definitely growing this week! I wore a shirt yesterday that did fit a little big last week and this week I had to keep pulling it down to make sure it covered my belly.

Next weekend, we're hoping to take maternity photos. It has been rather cool around here (70 yesterday) so I'm hoping to find a nice location with fall like grass and trees for our photo shoot.

Exciting news, I won a free cloth diaper from itti bitti! I am super excited to add to our stash. I ordered a bigger size so that I can start on the next size stash and have something that fits her once I have to sell the smaller ones.

Well, that's all for week 32. I'll be back to share whatever exciting happens...if anything this week.

Pinterest

I am addicted.

So many great recipes, DIY projects, maternity photos, newborn photos, outfits, etc.

Check out my boards:

www.pinterest.com/leza_strayer

31 weeks

Another week down! Only 5 more weeks until you're considered full term Peighton. By the time I get this posted, I'll be a few days closer to 32 weeks.

This week you are 4 pounds.....and probably a few ounces since you're such a big girl.

You are at least 18 inches....once again, you have loooong legs so probably 19 inches. I am hoping you will be around 20.5 at birth so I don't have to push a toddler out :)

You're moving less and less these days and taking naps for longer periods of time. You give me a worry quite often, but between the heart doppler and daddy's gentle rubs you quickly remind me that you're just comfortable for the moment and I need to relax.

This weekend your daddy & I celebrated our 6th Anniversary. We were saying it feels like it has flown by, which reminds me that we need to cherish every single day. I know the days will fly by even more when you get here. We need to make sure we take advantage of every day and not let life get in the way of making memories. We visited a beautiful place in southern Colorado that we are eager to take you to when you're old enough. We took a few pictures to remember this time as a couple and with you at Bear Lake.

Your daddy loves you so much already and rubs my belly everyday saying "my baby girl". He says it with such a cute smile on his face. I can't wait until he gets to hold you and kiss your little cheeks. Every time he kisses my belly you kick or move and when he sings or plays the guitar you get so excited and kick my like crazy! You are definitely going to be a daddy's girl.

Sleeping has become a thing of the past for me. I am not able to sleep much at night these days. I usually take two naps a day (one in the morning for 2 hours & one in the afternoon for 1.5 hours). I have lots of lower back pain when I'm sleeping and my hips hurt if I sleep on one side for too long. I'm thinking a prenatal massage is in order some time soon.

The best moment this week has been spending time with your daddy and watching my belly move as you wiggle to get comfy. We love to tickle my belly and watch you move around.

*Peighton when you see these pictures years from now, please do not judge your parents by the way we look. In our defense, it was 3 days without a shower, puffiness from head to toe, and extreme exhaustion. We usually look pretty decent. :)

Peighton Joy you are going to be such a loved little girl. So many people are anticipating your arrival and I can hardly wait to share you with everyone. Continue to grow and get strong and we'll see you hopefully in about 6-8 weeks. We love you PJ.