35 weeks

I think I'm finally glowing! I went to the doctor last Friday for some prescription strength heartburn relief and hallelujah it works!!! I had no idea how miserable I was until it was taken care of. I feel like a new person! It has made a HUGE difference. I wish someone would have told me I could feel this good earlier:) Although I'm not sure if they would have prescribed something until the third trimester anyway...but that was seven weeks ago! Other new things this week: Hands and fingers- Baby has been head down for awhile and I consistently feel feet and knees under my ribs on the right side, with occasional hands/elbows...this week, I've started feeling "tickling" above my right hip. I think Baby's hands/arms are finally big/long/strong enough to be just as annoying as the feet now! Swelling/water retention- Monday was the first day I really noticed it and Tuesday I had to take my rings off during the day. Both Monday and Tuesday it was really hot and humid so I definitely think that had something to do with it. I haven't been as swollen Wednesday or today. Exhaustion- I've been SO tired...and not sleeping again! So frustrating! BUT I've also worked everyday last week and this week and had a busy weekend with another one this week...hopefully I can get some rest next Monday and Tuesday which I've blocked out so I can't get any jobs:) Plus I really need to get to work in Baby's room! Burping- I think this might have to do with the meds I'm on for heartburn but I've been burping like a highschool boy this week! It's kind of funny in the classroom, the kids laugh anyway. Sleepy hands- I've been waking up this week in the middle of the night and my hands have fallen asleep...not sure what that's all about?

I had my first baby shower on Saturday. My mother-in-law Susie hosted and planned it with my mom- they did such a great job! I don't really enjoy being the center of attention but they did such a good job and all the friends and family were so nice and full of love that it really wasn't too uncomfortable. Baby B has SUCH an amazing family and family of extended friends, there will be no shortage of love to go around! I feel so blessed and all the gifts were so thoughtful and will help us out so much. I think reality is starting to set in and although I've been loving on babies for as long as I can remember and I'm not worried about diapers or anything like that...I'm starting to realize what a big deal becoming a parent is! WOW! What an awesome responsibility...SO glad I've got so many people to love us:)!

34 weeks

I went "back" to work this week subbing my first day on Thursday only a half day...and then I have jobs lined up for TWO full weeks! I've never worked so much in September, not a lot of teachers need subs so early in the school year BUT I've now made some good contacts/friends and so I'm staying buiser. This means that I've been taking Pax to "daycare"- my good friend Jackie has agreed to the majority of days with his Grandma Nettie and my friend Tracy helping out too. I have a whole new respect for working moms now! Just 3 days of full-time work (and I don't even have to "parent" after 6pm!) and I'm exhausted and sneezing. I'm hoping this doesn't develop into another full blown cold. It also means I'm missing MOPS for two weeks but the paycheck at the end of October will be worth it. Ryan has been coaching and teaching for three weeks now and he's really enjoying this year! He's very optimistic that his soccer team this year is going to be awesome! We got some fabulous news this week too- Ryan's teaching partner Amy and her husband Matt are expecting their first baby too- in early March 2011. We're so excited for them...and for playdates in the summer!

Bailey has not enjoyed me going back to work because he ends up kenneled during the workday. He was definitely spoiled this summer! Another unfortunate side effect of this pregnancy is that the couch is now my bed...for two reasons. 1) I snore too loud for Ryan and he's the one who has to get up early and 2) my back hurts after spending a night in our bed. So Bailey has also been kind of thrown off because he has to wake up in the middle of the night to evenly divide his snuggle time:) He's quite protective of Pax and Baby B...tonight he curled up next to the tub while I soaked and I woke up this week to him cuddling my belly! He's going to be such a great doggie to Baby B:)

Bailey cuddling the belly!

Bailey making sure Baby B and mommy are okay in the tub.

33 weeks

33 weeks...time keeps on ticking:) My email today from whattoexpect.com said Baby B could already be 20 inches long and 5lbs...no wonder my back is killing me, my heartburn is flaming, and I'm so tired! I've been realizing lately how much I've been complaining and I'm feeling a little bit guilty about it. I so wish I was one of those women who loved every minute of being pregnant...maybe I need to focus more on the miracle that's happening inside of me and less on all the pain and discomfort that miracle is causing. (On a more pessimistic note, the thought that crossed my mind last night was the Bible says children are a blessing, yes. But wasn't Eve's punishment painful childbearing. So really, pregnancy is part of the curse and the children are the blessing?! Haha...just my pregnant theology!)

MOPS started today and I'm already loving my ORANGE group. I'm sad I have to miss next week to sub, but the paycheck is worth it. Pax loves playing with other kiddos and all the new toys...and it wears him out. He doesn't even make it home and we only live 2 miles from SPCC! There are 2 other preggos in my group, one due October 13 and the other in January. I couldn't even tell the other october mom was pregnant she looks so good! (I couldn't tell the January mom was pregnant either!)

I managed to get the trim in the baby's room painted (mostly) and hung up yesterday. Today I'm going to try to fill in the holes, touch up and paint the doorframe...but I'm leaning towards taking a nap instead! We'll see:) Only 7 more weeks (or so) to go!!

thirty- TWO weeks!

Okay...now we're talking, only 8 weeks or so to go! I'm definitely getting crabbier the more crowded it gets in my belly. I'm rarely comfortable anymore...I can't sit or stand for long and I toss and turn all night. I can't believe women do this multiple times...although I imagine after meeting Baby B I'll be ready to do it again too:) I cope by taking LOTS of bubble baths. They help me relax and ease the back pain.

This week has been pretty low-key. Ryan has been up to his classroom getting ready for the first day of school tomorrow and we enjoyed a lazy 3-day Labor Day weekend. The only thing productive we really accomplished was getting the molding cut and in place to finish off the remodel. Now we just have to paint...and get furniture! Thanks Grandpa Joe for helping!!

Maternity photos...8 months

The only things I've really craved have been fruit and milk!

On Tuesday (8 months) I had some maternity photos taken by a friend from church, Tina Tang (Parris Blue Productions http://www.parrisblue.com/). Hair and Makeup was done by Pandora Sparrow (pandora_renea@yahoo.com). It was a lot of fun and even my family members are having a hard time recognizing me (including my husband)! Baby B will probably never see mommy done up so pretty again:)

Thirty- ONE weeks!

And the countdown begins! 9 weeks or so left...and I learned this week that I need to be ready to go ahead of time. Some babies really do come early...like Isabella Klaire Williamson, born 9 days early and catching everyone by surprise! Daddy (JT) had to go straight to the hospital from work and mommy (Jamie) didn't even have time to go home and get the carseat! I think I'll try to have the car ready by 37 weeks....just in case, but that will probably just jinx me into going 10 days late!

This weekend I got to spend at my church's annual retreat on Whidbey Island. What a great time with people I consider to be extended family! I've been attending AC3 for 14 years now and was am so blessed to have so many loving and supportive people in my life and Baby B's future. The best part was driving to and from the retreat with my mom. I love those extended times together when we can just talk and share and get to know each other better, she's going to make such a great grandma! Ryan has been in his classroom twice this last week, getting all set up for a new year. Tomorrow is his first mandatory day back...and school starts next Wednesday. This summer has been fantastic but I'm excited for routine to return...and this pregnancy to end and Baby B to be here!!

30 weeks!

30 weeks! Oh my...so in theory I only have 8-12 more weeks left. And I'm unable to fathom how much more I'll grow. I already think I waddle when walking...at least at the end of the day when I'm tired out. And I'm pretty sure Baby B is already cramped and missing the spaciousness of the 1st and 2nd trimesters:) Heartburn has stepped it up a notch and I've started chewing down the Tums again (in addition to my 450mg of Zantac daily). I wake up at least once in the middle of the night looking for some extra relief. This week has been exhausting and hungry...maybe another growth spurt? I can no longer reach something on the floor by my feet when sitting in the car!! We had another family reunion this week, this time the annual Bobfest...and the weather was so much cooler (maybe 30 degrees?) than last week's Petersen reunion!