Week 35... 5 Weeks to go!!!!

Well, at one point, 10 weeks sounded like no time at all. But now, 5 weeks seems like so long! This baby is quickly running out of room in my little 5 ft. 2 in. body. So much has happened since our last update... so here goes:
We had a doctor's appointment last week with one of our favorite docs in the practice. It was a great appointment. His heartbeat was perfect, he is growing at a good rate, and I've put on a healthy, just-right amount of weight so far. She says there is no indication of pre-term labor (although she also said there aren't always signs of early labor). Starting next week, we will be going every week.
We're continuing with our birthing classes. We've had 3 of the 5 including one on mommy and baby nutrition. I think I'm doing pretty well, picking smart foods to eat, especially in this last month or so. We have learned about all kinds of relaxation methods and massage for labor. We've also learned about the process/progression of labor and I'm feeling less nervous having a better understanding of how things could happen. Scott has been wonderful in the classes... massaging, asking questions, and being supportive all around. We'll go to a breast feeding class on Saturday morning and the maternity ward tour on Sunday afternoon. One more class this Wednesday and one the next and we'll be all finished.
The nursery is officially finished! We've got the pictures hung, the curtains up, the bed is ready and clothes are washed. I only washed some newborn (just in case he's a big boy!) and 3 month clothes. Sheets and towels are done too. It feels pretty good to have all of this part finished. Scott did an awesome job hanging the Winnie-the-Pooh pics. They're perfect!
Work is starting to get progressively harder. I find that I've started feeling tired earlier in the day (around 1:00) and it's harder to get around. The kids are so cute and helpful. In lessons, I can hand them materials and they lay them out for me after we've discussed them. They continue to say cute things and are increasingly curious about Turtle's size and how he makes me feel. We currently have a 20 inch line drawn on the board and a five pound weight out so that they can get an idea of his size. They are amazed! Today, one of my little boys gave me a stocking for Turtle with 'Turtle' written in puffy paint. He told me I could use it this year if he comes early or next year if he's on time. I'll definitely use it!
I feel so lucky to have such a wonderful best friend in Caitlin. She is AMAZING! She's mapped out routes to the hospital, told her team that if I go into labor at school she is out of there, and she's going on our maternity ward tour with us on Sunday. If Scott's not around when the time comes, I know that she is more than ready to be my go to gal. Caitlin... I love you!!!
Turtle continues to move around, although the movements have definitely changed. He has a limb or two  that like to poke and roll down my left side. Since he's head down, his bum is up by my right side ribs and sometimes he likes to push it up and shake it around. It's pretty funny. He gets the hiccups a fair amount, and even got them at the same time as his big brother the other day. I was cuddled with Jack and both of my boys were hiccuping... it was super cute!
'Tis the season... Turtle is now getting to enjoy (hopefully!!!) his mommy singing Christmas songs as I listen in the car and around the house. Hopefully he'll love them as much as his mommy and daddy. I've also started singing camp songs to him every opportunity I get. Maybe if he hears my singing voice now he'll learn to deal with it as he gets older!
Enjoy some pictures of the nursery and my belly... which yes, I realize has totally popped!

The crib complete with mobile, breathable bumper and Pooh blanket. Look at the cute pictures! 

Glider and crib. Look at the cute curtains (thanks mom) and matching pillow in the chair. 

The changer, basket of onesies, diapers, and of course, Scott's handy work with the Pooh pictures. 

Week 35... there he is! 

33 Weeks along...really???

Once again... I know it's been forever. I can't believe that we are in week 33. That means: 3 weeks until 'full-term' and 7 weeks until our due date. Things are definitely changing a lot these days and a lot has been going on, too. As far as movement goes, since he's running out of room in there, the rolling feeling has all but disappeared and now I get little sharp jabs on my side and sometimes we can even see a limb of some sort sticking out on my left side. It's pretty hilarious! What I can only assume is his little bum, is up on my right side and he likes to have his bum and back rubbed sometimes. It seems to calm him. Scott and I enjoy reading out loud in bed at night and watching him move.
At our 30 week appointment, we were told he was measuring about a week and a half larger than 30 weeks. This was all just figured by the outside belly measurement and the doctor told us it was not a bad thing. In true Sarah fashion, I freaked out thinking about all possible troubles, etc. So then, at the 32 week appointment (as they are every other week now!) we asked again and the measurements came out right on track. I had an exam and she determined that he was already head down! That is a good thing because once they are down it is very rare that they would turn back around. Our next appointment is the day before Thanksgiving, so hopefully we'll have some more exciting updates to share with the family.
A couple of weekends ago, I had my first baby shower thrown by my wonderful best friends Caitlin and Elizabeth at Caitlin's house. It was so nice to have some of my closest girlfriends and the ladies in my family gather together. We were spoiled with wonderful gifts and a great time! Vanessa took tons of pictures to I'll post as soon as I get them. Thanks Caitlin and Eliz!
This past weekend I had my second shower at my Aunt Dianne's house with my mom and her friends and my MIL and her friends. And my sister-in-law came in to town for it too! (along with my brother and nephew dog, Moe but they didn't join us at the shower!) What a lovely day! Dianne out-did herself for sure. And once again, we were definitely spoiled!!! This is one lucky baby... he is surrounded by awesome stuff and more importantly, tons of people who already love him. Having these showers was just an amazing reminder that I have fantastic women in my life!
The nursery is coming along perfectly. All that's left to do is hang the pictures. I'll be posting as soon as it's all done.
I'm getting so excited to actually have our baby: to hold him, love him, cuddle, and be together as a family of four (don't forget Jack). But at the same time, my nerves are starting to set in. I think I'm mostly nervous about the aspect of labor. Being a mommy doesn't scare me, becoming a mommy does! We've started our birthing classes and have four more left. The classes are helpful to prepare us for what is to come. We'll go to a day-long breast feeding class in a few weekends as well.
Enjoy some photos from the shower at Aunt Dianne's.

Mommy-to-Be and Grandma Ann

Surrounded by wonderful gifts! 

Cute onesies! 

About to enjoy lunch at the decorated dining room table. 

The table set up in the library... look at the cute toys and book! 

30 Weeks... Let the Countdown Begin!!!

I know it's been a few weeks... sorry (especially to Alice, I know you need an update!) I can't believe that we are only 6 weeks away from being technically 'full-term' and 10 weeks away from the due date. I'm getting more and more excited, as is Scott. However, I'm also more uncomfortable at times. Turtle LOVES my right side ribs. But, with a nice rub, he relaxes and all is good again.
We enjoyed a great weekend getaway this past weekend to Hot Springs, NC with my parents, brother and sister-in-law, some friends, and the pups. My brother Matt and sister-in-law Jes got to feel the baby move. Matt was blown away and Turtle was totally partying for Aunt Jessie. He already loves them! The weather was fantastic and the hiking was great. I must admit, I'm pretty proud of myself for hiking 7.5 miles on Saturday plus an short uphill on Sunday. It felt great getting outside and doing some hiking. I think Turtle enjoyed it as well.
The nursery is coming along. We got our mats for our pictures and I bought frames to match the furniture. We put them all together with our Classic Pooh pictures and they are so cute! I can't wait for Scott to hang them. My mom and Aunt Judy are hard at work on our curtains.
Things are going well at work. Getting up and down off of the floor is a bit harder, but I manage. The kids continue to ask about the baby and how he's doing. Some super cute kid stories:
~We are reading Charlotte's Web. We recently read the part of the story when she makes her egg sac and explains to Wilbur that it is her Magnum Opus, or greatest work, as she puts it. I told my students that I am always looking for their Magnum Opus. One of my 3rd levels, Nina, raised her hand and said, "Ms. Sarah, I think that Turtle is your Magnum Opus." It was the cutest, sweetest thing ever!
~ Today I was working with one of my 'special friends' on the stamp game doing her math. Without even thinking, when Turtle started moving, I touched my belly and said, 'oh!' She looked at me with big eyes and said, 'Is that baby moving?' When I told her he was and asked if she wanted to feel (I haven't let any of them feel the baby) she smiled and, super gently, placed her hand on the side of my belly. Just then he kicked or punched and she just lit up. She said, "Woah! I felt that." I told her that he moves every time she and I work together (which is true) and she was so excited. I think it made her day.
Here are some belly pics from this weekend's trip.

Turtle and I on the AT. 

The whole Fullen Family by the French Broad River. 

Me and my boys by Laurel Stream. 

Week 27... saying good-bye to the 2nd trimester!

It's hard to believe, but we're in our last week of the 2nd trimester! I'm so excited to start this next phase of the pregnancy, even though I've heard that it gets a little tough.
Last week I took had my glucose tolerance test. That entailed: drinking a super sugary orange drink (not as bad as people told me it would be), wait an hour, go get blood drawn (EXACTLY one hour after finishing the drink), then eat some McDonald's breakfast (as my treat), and go back to school and wait. Luckily for me, our next scheduled appointment was the next day so we knew we'd be able to find out the results quickly. Good news... No Gestational Diabetes here! Yay!
As far as movement goes, Turtle is a moving machine! He moves every night when I get in bed and before when we are relaxing. He's also taken to moving in the early morning and it wakes me up. That's ok though, I guess it's good practice for my early morning wake-up calls. Just in the past couple of days, he has started moving so much at school that I'm very aware of it and he even moves around when I'm standing still (before it was just when I was lounging). I must admit, I love feeling his little movements, all except for the ones where he sticks some part of himself up under my right side ribs... OUCH!
The nursery is coming along quite well. We are getting the Classic Pooh pictures we have matted so that we can frame them, my mom is making curtains, and we'll just wait to collect the rest of the goodies.
My belly continues to poke out, the bump is definitely a growing baby!

Week 27 Belly. He looks big here... I think (hope) it's deceiving. 

Some of our cute stuff! We couldn't resist the North Face snow suit when we realized it was 50% off!!! And Pooh looks super cute cuddling with the sea turtle. 

Week 25 and feeling fine!

It's hard to believe that we're in week 25 already. Only 15 weeks left to go! I know 15 weeks is a fairly long time, but in the whole of the pregnancy, it's not that long.
I'm feeling pretty good these days. I'm keeping active at the gym and going to prenatal water aerobics twice a week still. I walk to work each day, even though it's a short walk, there and back each day adds up to some good activity and continued movement really helps the joints.
Sleeping has gotten better too. I've mastered sleeping with my body boppy, but I'd be lying if I said I'm not counting down until the time I can sleep on my stomach again. I think I've started dreaming about it! In that regard, 15 weeks IS a long time!
Little Turtle is moving all over the place these days. It feels like he is flipping and dancing in there. I'm pretty sure I woke up the other morning to hiccups. Wow! That was a bizarre feeling. Scott is feeling him move a lot. Now we can even see my tummy moving. It ripples and and had little punch outs. It's especially apparent when we are relaxing. My relaxation seems to wake the baby. Let's hope that doesn't become a trend when he's out here in the world.
We have a doctor's appointment next Wednesday. Just a normal check-up. The day before however I have to get the blood work done to test for gestational diabetes. From what I hear, my little orange drink might just be one of the nastiest things I ever have to drink. I'm not looking forward to it, but every mommy-to-be endures it, so I guess I can too!
We are continuing to work on the little things in the nursery and work on our baby registry. It's all so fun! Here's an update of the bump.

Week 25 by the baby's dresser. The cute bank is from Turtle's great, great Aunt Mary. 

Lot's of Excitement!!! (and Week 23 breezing into month 6)

A lot has happened since our last post! First of all, the most exciting, Scott has finally felt Turtle moving!!!! Laying in bed on Saturday night Turtle was moving all around so I told Scott to put his hand on my belly and be patient. Sure enough... he felt him! The look on his face and his excitement was awesome! Since Saturday, he's felt Turtle a few more times and each time is equally as awesome for both of us.
Next bit of excitement: the nursery is well under way. I know it's a tad pre-mature, but with Scott going back to school in a few weeks, we needed to use the time we had to get it done. Walls are painted, furniture assembled/placed, windows cleaned and a rug picked out (but not picked up until tomorrow). Now all that's left is for my mom to make the awesome curtains she's so generously offered to make (thanks mom!), a lamp, and artwork. Since we're going with a Classic Pooh theme, we've found some beautiful drawings in the Pooh Friendship Book that we plan to blow up and frame. It really is shaping up to be a peaceful and calming environment.
I'm continuing to enjoy my pre-natal water aerobics class. It's great to be with other moms-to-be and just be able to chat. Surprisingly, it's also a really great workout! The weightlessness of the water feels wonderful on my pulled joints.
My students continue to be a constant source of amusement. This morning when I asked "What is something that makes you happy?" in morning circle, one of my 2nd levels answered, "Just knowing Turtle will get out of there." Then she proceeded to chant, "Go Turtle Go! Go Turtle Go!" Hmmm... don't go just yet Turtle!
Enjoy some pictures of the recent bump and the nursery progress!

That's one excited daddy!!!

Jack's helping too!

Oohh! Look at that crib. 

The dresser, changing table, and walk-through doors. 

Comfy corner! Glider. 

Week 23 Belly

21 Weeks... and a runny/stuffy nose

This week has found Cincinnatians suffering from serious allergies and I'm definitely no exception! Apparently, (as I've found in my readings) allergies love pregnant women. This along with increased congestion have led to an interesting last few days. Luckily, there are a few things that I can take that are safe for baby. However, Scott and I would like to limit the intake of meds, even "safe" ones. So, hopefully the allergy boom of Cincinnati will lighten up soon!
Turtle is in full bloom this week! He is about the size of a large banana. He is swallowing fluids and therefore tasting the food that I eat. Studies have shown that children are more likely to enjoy the foods that mom eats while pregnant when they are older. I'm making sure to eat tons of berries, peppers, soy patties, and of course Busken tea cookies.
He's also on the move! I find that I feel him moving more and more these days. He had me up a fair amount last night with some flips. And... while Scott read to him last night he was moving like crazy! He already recognizes his daddy's voice!!! Turtle seems to hid out during the school day, though. Every day around 4:15 (about 1/2 after the kids are gone) he starts wiggling. But the kids still want to know all about him.
Most recent kid quotes... "Ms. Sarah, I think you should probably eat snack. I think Turtle is hungry," "How did you know you were having a baby?" (that one was harder to answer), and "Ms. Sarah, are you excited to have Turtle? ("Yes.") Because I think he is going to be ready to get out and meet the world!" I love Montessori children.
The bump is definitely out there! One of my co-workers told me today she thought the babe grew over the weekend. But, boy=all baby!

Week 21 Baby Bump!