Week 36 Update (A Day Late)

Week 36 Belly Pic

How far along: 36 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: 41 pounds . . . .

Maternity clothes: Always!

Stretch marks: Yes, just on the hips!

Sleep: Little better this week!

Best moment this week: My School Shower (another post)

Movement: Sooooo Much, You can really see her moving from the outside now!

Food cravings: Nothing Really

Gender: Girl . . . . Elizabeth "Scout"

Labor signs: Braxton-Hicks (happening more and more)

Belly button in or out: Still in!!!! . . . . No flatty (flat-e), but close!

What I miss: Nothing really . . .

What I am looking forward to: My last shower this Saturday! and another Ultrasound tomorrow.


Another little exciting note . . . . I have booked Baby Scout's photographer for her newborn and one year pictures. You can take a look at the photographer's website here: Jessica Winn. She is also coming on May 9th to do some maternity photos with Daniel and me. I hope I can take a few decent pictures to help me remember this special time.


Here is what Baby Scout is up to these days as of yesterday:

*Baby Scout is 252 days, and we are 90.0% through

*Baby Scout has about 28 days left in my belly and will be full term in 7 days (OMG, that is ONE week!)

*Baby Scout is approximately 18.6 inches and about 5 pounds 13 oz (Remember Baby Scout was 5 lbs. 15 oz. at her last ultrasound a week and a half ago)

*Baby Scout is getting fatter and plumper; still gaining a 1/2 pound per week.

*Baby Scout's toenails now reach the end of her toes.

*Baby Scout's lanugo has now disappeared.

*Baby Scout's amount of amniotic fluid has decreased somewhat.

*If Baby Scout was born today, her survival rate would be 99+% and her rate of serious medical complications would be 5%.

*Baby Scout is about the same size as a watermelon (oh my!).

Baby Shower #3

This past Saturday, these four beautiful ladies hosted my third baby shower. Again, Daniel and I feel so blessed by all the wonderful people who attended and all the gifts we received.

Amanda, Ashley, Me, Michelle, Jodi

It was a come-and-go type shower, but everyone got to enjoy the yummy cake.

Many special guests made an appearance. This is a picture of me and Ms. Patty. Ms. Patty is very special to both Daniel and me. She was Daniel's assistant when he taught at Clark Memorial. Patty misses Daniel so much now that he is at South, and Daniel misses Patty too! I am lucky, because I get to see her everyday!

Another important lady to me, Ms. Donna, was unable to attend, but she sent her gift with her daughter Michelle (see above). You might remember that Baby Scout's room is pink, black, and white. Look at this beautiful quilt that Ms. Donna made to match Scout's room. Also, you might notice in the other picture, the sweet monogrammed burp cloths. My friend Charlene and her mother made those for Baby Scout.

On another note, you would not believe the fabulous hand-made gifts I have received for Baby Scout. They are all so lovely, and I am so impressed by the talent of the ladies who have made these things. I wish I had pictures of them all! Maybe I will work on pictures and a blogpost of hand-made baby gifts :)

Again, thank you so much to Amanda, Ashley, Michelle and Jodi. You all were so sweet to host a shower for me and Baby Scout!

35 Week Belly Pic

How far along: 35 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: 40 pounds . . . .Yes, I know! That is a lot!

Maternity clothes: Always!

Stretch marks: Yes, but not too bad!

Sleep: Not much! I am waking every one to two hours.

Best moment this week: Ultrasound (More on that later), Shower (another post)

Movement: Sooooo Much, You can really see her moving from the outside now!

Food cravings: Nothing Really

Gender: Girl . . . . Elizabeth "Scout"

Labor signs: Braxton-Hicks (happening more and more)

Belly button in or out: Still in!!!! . . . . No flatty (flat-e), yet!

What I miss: Sleep! I feel so grumpy all the time!

What I am looking forward to: My shower at school next Wednesday! I think we are having strawberry cake . . . .Yum!

Baby Scout and I were able to have another ultrasound this week which was very exciting. I learned a few new things about Baby Scout that were very fun! One thing I learned was that Baby Scout has hair. You could see it sticking out from the back of her head. Now, we have to wonder if it will be dark enough to see or too light. But, we know it is there! Something else was that she still loves her thumb. She would put it in and out everytime we tried to get a good picture. She also likes to open and close her eyes. This was another little trick she did while we were watching. Finally, according to her measurements, Baby Scout weighs approximately 5 pounds 15 ounces. I can't believe she started out at half the size of a fingernail at our first ultrasound and now she is the size of a melon!

Another little exciting note . . . . I have booked Baby Scout's photographer for her newborn and one year pictures. You can take a look at the photographer's website here: Jessica Winn. She is also coming on May 9th to do some maternity photos with Daniel and me. I hope I can take a few decent pictures to help me remember this special time.


Here is what Baby Scout is up to these days:

*Baby Scout is 245 days, and we are 87.5% through

*Baby Scout has about 35 days left in my belly and will be full term in 14 days (OMG, that is two weeks!)

*Baby Scout is approximately 18.2 inches and about 5 pounds 6 oz

*Baby Scout has increasing amounts of fat that are being stored in her skin.

*Baby Scout was head down this Saturday when we had our ultrasound.

*Baby Scout may not be ready to regulate her own temperature yet.

*Baby Scout's lungs area almost completely formed but still have some time left to mature.

*If Baby Scout was born today, her survival rate would be 99% and her rate of serious medical complications would be 8%.

*Baby Scout is about the same size as a large cantaloupe.

Happy Thursday!

34 Week Update

34 Week Belly Pic

How far along: 34 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: 36 pounds . . . .Hooray! I only gained 2 pounds in the last month!

Maternity clothes: Always!

Stretch marks: Yes, but not too bad!

Sleep: Still pretty good!

Best moment this week: Getting Scout's Nursery Almost Finished!

Movement: Sooooo Much

Food cravings: Nothing Really

Gender: Girl . . . . Elizabeth "Scout"

Labor signs: Braxton-Hicks (happening more and more)

Belly button in or out: Still in!!!! . . . . No flatty (flat-e), yet!

What I miss: Just today, I was so jealous of the tea my colleagues were drinking at lunch!

What I am looking forward to: Our first appointment at Dr. Rivero's new office, My shower on Saturday



Here is what Baby Scout is up to these days:

*Baby Scout is 238 days, and we are 85.0% through

*Baby Scout has about 42 days left in my belly and will be full term in 21 days (whoa!)

*Baby Scout is approximately 17.8 inches and about 4 pounds 14 oz

*Baby Scout has some surfactant in her lungs, which helps keep her air sacs open. Baby Scout would no longer need steroids if I were to go into preterm labor.

*Baby Scout was head down last week when we had our ultrasound. About 10% of babies remain in the breech position

*Baby Scout's is getting chunkier, with creases and dimples forming in her neck, elbows, and knees.

*Baby Scout's gums have become more hardened.

*If Baby Scout was born today, her survival rate would be 98% and her rate of serious medical complications would be 10% (I hope Baby Scout makes it to the end of school)

*Baby Scout is about the same size as a large cantaloupe.

Baby Shower #2

The Saturday before last, three wonderful members of Daniel's family hosted my second baby shower! Again, this baby shower was better than Christmas! I feel so blessed that so many people care about Baby Scout, Daniel and me.

Just like my last shower, the first item on the party agenda was enjoying some yummy treats. All the party guests enjoyed fruit, vegetables, chicken salad, and other tasty treats! It was all so yummy. My favorite dessert was strawberry brownie (made especially for this shower), but I also loved the yummy cake with Scout's initials.

We spent the next few minutes playing some fun shower games. The first one was Baby Bingo. It was so cute with all the fun pictures of things baby might do or need. Next, we did a word unscramble of baby things, and I was not so good at this one. Of course, the person who got the most was a momma. The last game was the diaper memory game. There were 12 diapers with pictures inside, and you had to remember what the pictures were on each one. With my pregnancy brain, I failed at this challenge.

Lastly, I opened all the sweet gifts for Baby Scout. We were so blessed to receive some of the bigger items we had asked for on our registry. One really fun thing we got was a jungle exersaucer. This one was kind of special, because it was the exersaucer Daniel picked. I have to admit it looks really fun. I think Baby Scout will love it.

Another item that Daniel was very fond of was this UNC onesie with matching socks. Most of you know that Daniel is a big Univeristy of North Carolina basketball fan! Thanks to Uncle Avery and his fiancee Amanda for this cute outfit. I am afraid if it would fit Baby Scout now, we would have to bring her home from the hospital in it. Luckily, it is six months, so it should fit right in time for basketball season! Of course, I loved all of the other wonderful things we received too!

I felt so blessed by everyone. I can not say enough thanks for all the gracious aunts, cousins, and other relatives who attended. Baby Scout is going to be one spoiled girl.

The Bucket List

Does everyone remember this movie from a couple of years ago? If you have not seen it, I do recommend you take the time to check it out! The plot of the movie is two terminally ill men escape from a cancer ward and head off on a road trip with a wish list of to-dos before they die.

Now, I never have been one to sit and make a list of things that I want to do before I die, but I have kept in my mind things that I would like to do or accomplish sometime during my life. Daniel also frequently does this as well. Both of us have had the chance to act on a couple of these things in the last year or so.

One thing I always wanted to do was run a half-marathon. Up until about five years ago, this would have never of been possible because I was so out of shape. But, last year, my wonderful friend Karen and I, knocked this challenge off the list. Take a look . . . .you can see Karen and I crossing the finish line at the very end. No, I didn't have a great finish time, but that leaves much room for improvement for the next one (In December, I hope!).

Daniel has always been a big fan of sports. Many items on his list include visiting a certain ballpark or place related to a certain sporting event. Last year on our family vacation, we were able to cross off one of his items - Visiting Wrigley Field! We all enjoyed a Cubs vs. Braves game, and the boys got to take a tour of the stadium as well!

Just this past week, Daniel was able to cross another item off his list. Take a look at this collage of pictures and see if you can guess what it was!

Yes, you guessed it! Daniel attended a Master's practice round on Monday! He had such a fantastic time. Here are a few pictures of the 240 he took while there!

So, what items are on your "bucket list"? What would you like to do or accomplish?

Week 33 Update (One Day Late)

Week 33 Belly Pic

How far along: 33 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: 36 pounds . . . .Hooray! I only gained 2 pounds in the last month!

Maternity clothes: Always!

Stretch marks: Yes, but not too bad!

Sleep: Still pretty good!

Best moment this week: My second shower . . . . I will blog about it later this week!

Movement: All the time. . . .She would not be still for another 3-D ultrasound!

Food cravings: Easter Candy, anyone?

Gender: Girl . . . . Elizabeth "Scout"

Labor signs: Braxton-Hicks (usually when I am walking)

Belly button in or out: Still in!!!! . . . . No flatty (flat-e), yet!

What I miss: I have had a little sinus infection this past week, and I would have loved to been able to take a little medicine!

What I am looking forward to: My next shower and going through all her fun stuff!

Yesterday, Daniel and I ventured off to the doctor's office to see the Nurse Practitioner for the last time before we make the move over to Dr. Rivero's Tullahoma office. Our appointment was short and sweet. Weight was good, blood pressure was good, and the baby's heartbeat was good. I measured at 33 Weeks which made me excited! It was the first time I actually measured where I was supposed to be! We also tried another 3-D ultrasound, but Baby Scout was way too wiggly to get a good picture. But, we were able to see her swallowing and sucking her thumb.


Here is what Baby Scout is up to these days:

*Baby Scout is 231 days, and we are 82.6% through

*Baby Scout has about 49 days left in my belly and will be full term in 27 days

*Baby Scout is approximately 17.2 inches and about 4 pounds 7 oz

*Baby Scout is slowly running out of space; which may mean she might move less.

*Baby Scout was head down yesterday when we had our ultrasound. About 80% of babies have settled head-down position by now. I hope she stays that way!

*Baby Scout's weight gain is helping the skin on her arms and legs to become plumper and fuller.

*Baby Scout regularly practices breathing amniotic fluid.

*Baby Scout's bones continue the process of calcification.

*Baby Scout can now tell the difference between night and day. She will even respond to a bright light shone on my tummy.

*If Baby Scout was born today, her survival rate would be 98% and her rate of serious medical complications would be 12% (I hope Baby Scout makes it to the end of school)

*Baby Scout is about the same size as a pineapple.



On another note, is anyone watching Dancing with the Stars? I missed most of Monday night's episode due to a little TIVO error, but I did see where Buzz was eliminated on Tuesday night. Unfortunately, I didn't realize I could watch the entire episode on ABC.com before seeing the elimination. I might go back anyway and watch anyway if I have time before Monday. I want to see why Chelsea and Jake were in the bottom two. I am a big fan of Chelsea. My friend Michelle and I got to meet her back in her So You Think You Can Dance days. She was such a sweetie! I hope she is able to bounce back next week!



I hope everyone has a happy rest of the week!

Overwhelmed!!!!!

I have found that when you are preparing to have a baby, you encounter many experiences that are a little overwhelming. From childbirth class to everyday tasks, everything now takes on new meaning. A couple of weeks ago, I had the opportunity to experience something that I have heard my "mommy" friends talk about many times. This little experience has by far been something that I was not expecting to be overwhelming, but you might understand after looking at the pictures about what I am talking. Now, don't get me wrong! I absolutely loved this event and had so much fun going, shopping and working. But, I think there should be a disclaimer on the flier that should read . . . . . . FIRST TIMERS - BRING AN EXPERIENCED FRIEND!

What event am I talking about? Well, it is the huge consignment sale that takes place in our area in the spring and fall! A sweet friend of our family is in charge of the amazing event and does a fabulous job. You can check out the website here: Marketplace Consignment. I will post one or two pictures just to show you.

Now, you might be able to guess but all the pink signs are for girl clothes and all the blue signs are for boy clothes. Luckily, I was able to shop on the first day (thanks to my sweet hubby hauling racks), and I spent a little over two hours looking at 0 - 6 months clothes for Baby Scout and some maternity clothes. I can't imagine needing to shop for two children! Also, I had so much fun looking at all the fun toys (top photo, right-hand side) and looking forward to the time when Baby Scout will be ready for some of those (maybe the fall?).

So . . . . . what I would like to know experienced consignors in my area: What are some of your consignment sale tips? For example, my friend Alyson said that I should bring a laundry basket or box to put things in as I am looking! What kinds of things do you find are the best to purchase at consignment sales? What do you check for when you find a garment you like? How much do you generally spend on each garment? If putting items in the sale, how do you price them? What else does a first-time consignor need to know?

For consignors in other areas: What are some of your tips? What consignment sales do you have close to you? What else does a first-time consignor need to know?

Please feel free to leave comments if you like or just send me an e-mail. I can't wait to hear what everyone has to say!

So . . . . if you live in my area and have children or grandchildren, take a look at the Marketplace website and make plans to attend in the fall. You will have such a fun time and get so many great deals on fun items for your little ones!