Nursery Update

We are running out of time to prep the nursery and yes, there are things still to do. Here's what we've got so far:

So, what's left? Here's the rundown:

• Artwork needs to be hung up on the wall above the crib. (Notice the frames in the crib? Yeah, those don't belong there.) 
• I need to finish wrapping this beast in yarn to hang above the crib as well...

• Brent needs to finish painting the closet door (which is currently in progress) and the interior of the closet.
• I need to make the crib skirt.
• The armoire needs new handles attached (and new holes drilled) to the drawers.
• I need to hang a wall basket/book holder thing next to the cow painting. 

I think that covers it. Honestly, it isn't too bad. If Fisher decided to arrive sooner than expected, we would still have a completely functional nursery. Although, I must admit that I'm ready for it to be finished. Hopefully it will be in the next week or so. We shall see...

Until next time...

Preggers Update: 34 Weeks

I'm entering 34 weeks of pregnancy with new pains and I'm not digging it. 

I now have (via self-diagnosis) sciatic nerve pain which is literally a pain in the butt. Every time I take a step with my right leg, bend over, pick up something semi-heavy, sneeze or cough I have an intense shooting pain from my right hip down into my rear and leg. It is awesome. (My husband apparently thinks it is amusing to watch me attempt to walk around these days. What a nice man, huh?)

My baby boy has also obviously increased in size/strength because he is now causing some serious discomfort for me when he moves around. I can't imagine what I'll be feeling in a few weeks. 

On the positive side, I keep getting told that I "look great for being 34 weeks" which is always nice for a pregnant lady to hear. This picture from our family Easter gathering this past weekend shows my updated figure. (I'm pretty sure I just look huge, but that's just me.)

Babycenter.com update for 34 weeks: Your baby now weighs about 4 3/4 pounds (like your average cantaloupe) and is almost 18 inches long. His fat layers — which will help regulate his body temperature once he's born — are filling her out, making his rounder. His skin is also smoother than ever. His central nervous system is maturing and his lungs are continuing to mature as well. (If you've been nervous about preterm labor, you'll be happy to know that babies born between 34 and 37 weeks who have no other health problems generally do fine.)

Our next doctor's appointment is this coming Friday. Hopefully we will continue to get positive news on my health as well as Fisher's. 

Until next time...

Preggers Update: 33 Weeks

I am now 33 weeks pregnant (33 weeks and 2 days to be exact) and I'm feeling less and less comfortable as each day passes. Fisher is definitely filling up the space available to him. He's constantly poking out and making my belly lopsided. 

We had our last doctor's appointment on Friday. I was still at 22 pounds of weight gain which my doc seems to be pleased with. Fisher will be doubling in weight from here on out so I have plenty of room to grow while remaining in the "healthy weight gain" of 25 to 35 pounds. I was happy since for a while there I thought I'd be surpassing the top of that range before all was said and done. 

The appointment was just a quick "belly check" to make sure I'm measuring on track, listening to his heartbeat and checking my weight and blood pressure. Everything is looking great. We'll do the same type appointment in two weeks and then from there we will be seen every Friday until my little man makes his appearance. Once we begin those weekly appointments, I'll start having cervical checks to see how things are progressing. 

According to babycenter.com, our little guy should be weighing a little over 4 lbs at this point. They also warn that I might start waddling at any time now. Awesome.

OK. Here's the official 33 weeks pictures:

Until next time...

Pigeon Forge Weekend

We spent our weekend in Pigeon Forge, TN with Brent's parents, his sister and his sister's boyfriend, John. It was basically just a little family getaway before the baby arrives and we had a really good time hanging out with everyone.

We went to Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede Dinner Show on Friday night which is...well, it's an experience. One of those, just embrace your surroundings type experiences.  It was entertaining, but very country and totally "Dolly". 

Saturday, I must say, was my favorite part of the weekend. We did a little shopping at the outlet stores and then I was treated by my mother-in-law to a prenatal massage. It was lovely. (Seriously, it should be a requirement for all pregnant women. I think weekly massages would do it.) While we were getting pampered, the others were supposed to be ziplining, but it unfortunately got rained out. Sorry guys, should have gone the lazy route like this lady. 

Before we headed home this afternoon, we took a trip to Clingman's Dome. At 6,643 feet, it is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We drove to the trail which was only 1/2 mile in length, but was deceivingly steep. The hike was listed as "easy" which why this pregnant lady was willing to partake (also because the online description listed the presence of restrooms) ,  but trust me, it was more effort than expected. I'm pretty sure I should have been cleared by my doctor beforehand. Oops. 

Climbing up the trail was quite amusing. I seemed to stand out to others, but it also seemed to motivate people. You could see that "hey, if that pregnant chick is still going then so can I" look on their faces. Quite funny. When we made it to the observation tower one couple even said, "Oh, she made it!" Glad I had others invested in my journey. 

Here are the photos we took along the way. (And yes, we took most of these as an excuse to pause the walking efforts.)

Until next time...

I Love Mail!

I don't know about the rest of you, but I love getting mail. You know, the non-bill, non-junk mail kind of mail? It's always such a surprise and a joy!

Last night we received a package from my Aunt Terri and Uncle Frank in Kansas City. It was a wonderful gift for Neil Fisher. Terri actually handmade a beautiful baby quilt for us! I can't wait to use it for some "tummy-time" with our little man. We also got an adorable elephant  (I'm a sucker for elephants) that plays music and, my husband's favorite, a "Storm Poopers" onsie. 

Overall, a pretty perfect gift and an awesome way wrap up our Monday night. Thanks, Terri and Frank!

A book we order also arrived in the mail last night. It is Becoming Babywise: Giving your Infant the Gift of Nighttime Sleep. It is supposed to help us set up a healthy sleeping schedule for our little man. I've had a few friends recommend it and it is supposed to have wonderful results, but we shall see. (You know this lady loves her sleep so I'll try anything.) I'll be sure to let you all know how it goes for us. 

Until next time..