38 weeks {Happy Halloween!}

38 weeks..filled with a date night, pumpkin carving, friends, delicious food, football, lazy days with the hubby and puppy, lots of listening to the new T-Swizzle CD, Halloween soon, and currently chilly, chilly temperatures with the wind howling outside my windows. Brrr!

38 weeks

This was taken inside thanks to that nasty cold wind out there!

• How far along?: 38 weeks, 4 days
  
• Baby is the size of a: Pumpkin! How appropriate and just in time for Halloween!
• 
• Total weight gain/loss: +27
• The Bump: Big, and dropping a little.
  
• Symptoms: Random pains here and there... Also, my hands still hurt to move sometimes, and 2 of my fingertips have been numb for over a week now..apparently normal and should go away within weeks after delivery.
• Food Cravings: Nada.
  
• Anything Making Me Queasy or Sick: Nope.
• Sleep: Getting up early again. 4:45am this morning. But actually, this weekend I slept very nicely and was happy my husband got to sleep in with me -- with windows open :)
  
• What I miss: Nothing...but I think I am going to miss having baby in my belly and with me all the time while feeling her little squirms. But I know it will be wonderful to have her here to stare at and admire!!
  
• Weddings Rings On or Off: Off :(
  
• Any Names Picked Out Yet: Yes, actually, this came very easy for us contrary to what everyone told us about picking out names...but you'll just have to wait ;)
• Gender: Baby Barr is a girl! :)
  
• Movement: I actually tried recording some of her movements that look like she's trying to bust out of my belly, but she usually gets shy just as soon as I hit record, or 2 seconds thereafter!
  
• Maternity Clothes: Same as every week...not too much..but the shirt in this chalkboard pic is maternity from Motherhood. I highly suggest every preggo gets the belly band so you can wear most of your regular pants. This is the one I have from Target .. I love it!
• Labor Signs: Not too much, just a few random pains here and there and pressure once in a while...BUT, I am 1cm dilated and cervix has softened and moved toward the front..so now it's just the waiting game! Boringgg
• Best Moment of the Week: Hmm..hearing that things are beginning to progress and baby should be here soon! 10 days until the due date! Oh and I also learned how to use my sewing machine thanks to my wonderful friend Erica! So needless to say, I have made mucho items for baby!
  
• What I’m excited about/looking forward to: Hopefully by next week labor will progress lots and baby girl will make her debut!! Her mommy and daddy are ready to hold her and kiss her and love her! And her big bro is ready to lick her toes when she gets home :)

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We took advantage of the beautiful weather this weekend brought (which was much nicer than the current weather status!) On Saturday, we had friends over to celebrate the season..oh yes, fall and Halloween coming up is indeed a reason to celebrate! I'll find any excuse for a celebration..why not! I think I've watched Hocus Pocus three and a half times in the past week, and friends even played a drinking game while watching. We found one online but made up our own as it required mucho sips of beer or wine or whatever you prefer to down while watching a classic childhood movie.

Rules are simple:
-Drink every time Thackary Binx says "Emily"
-Drink every time Bette Midler says "Sistahhhs!"
-Drink every time Max is called "Hollywood"
-Drink when the black flame candle is lit

Not many rules there, but I can assure you that you'll drink more than you think. I'll have to try it out next year!

And well, what is a fall night without friends, fall beer, or backyard corn hole?

And you know it isn't a fall night without a delicious pot of chili filled with bacon, topped with tots and cheese...



Mmm... can't forget the treats :) Or the pumpkin pie thanks to Erica!

These ghost cookies were very easy to make! Just dip nutter butter cookies in melted almond bark (or candy chips) and put 2 chocolate chips on for the eyes. Simple and quick!

Gotta love the pirate costume..



And better yet, a man in a pirate costume trying to scare the 3 year old..


Yup, J decided to confuse the crap out of him.. I still don't think Ben knew it was J ;)

Ended the night with some pumpkin carving and baked pumpkin seeds..



Nights like this just make me happy..Now if only the weather would stay put the way it was this weekend..it just calls for a good mood!


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And the rest of the weekend was spent with the hubby and puppy -- relaxing, enjoying the weather, watching football, and getting stuff done around the house. I must say I'm thankful for my wonderful husband who has helped me clean up around the house, made our delicious dinner Saturday night and breakfast Sunday morning, helped me carve a pretty pumpkin, has helped fulfill my love for fall decorations, and has just made things easier on me while pregnant. He may not give me all the massages or OMM treatments in the world that I would like haha, but hey, if he were perfect, I'd probably be worried! He's been great and I am so thankful for him and can't wait to see how great of a daddy he will be to our little girl :)

Lazy days are wonderful!

37 weeks! {Full Term + Fall Photos}

So now it's official -- we are full term and baby girl is welcome to come whenever she would like.  However, I'd prefer her sticking in there a little longer and I'd be very happy with her coming anytime after 39 weeks! Everyone keeps asking if I am "so over the whole being pregnant thing yet," but to be honest, I'm just fine.  I know it helps that I am able to relax during the day, but I still haven't reached that 'holy uncomfortable' feeling yet.  Maybe I'll get there, maybe I won't! Either way, we are about 2 1/2 weeks until her due date and that's pretty crazy in itself. I go to the doctor tomorrow for another cervix check to see if she's even thinking about making an appearance soon (although, I know she has a mind of her own and can surprise us any day).

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37 weeks!

• How far along?: 37 weeks, 3 days
  
• Baby is the size of a: Wintermelon..?
• 
• Total weight gain/loss: +25
• The Bump: To me, it seems like it grows just a little bigger each and every day! But we'll see at the doctor's on Monday
  
• Symptoms: Braxton Hicks contractions..lots of 'em in no pattern and don't really hurt
• Food Cravings: Nothing in particular. But greatly enjoying food :)
  
• Anything Making Me Queasy or Sick: Nope.
• Sleep: Same as last week...don't want to jinx anything...so I'm going to skip this answer today ;)
  
• What I miss: The fall beer selections being thrown in my face! Only a few more weeks until I can enjoy one..I can handle that!
  
• Weddings Rings On or Off: Off :(
  
• Any Names Picked Out Yet: Yes, actually, this came very easy for us contrary to what everyone told us about picking out names...but you'll just have to wait ;)
• Gender: Baby Barr is a girl! :)
  
• Movement: She just gave me a few kicks as we speak
  
• Maternity Clothes: I've bought 4 maternity shirts, 1 pair of capris, and 1 pair of shorts throughout the whole pregnancy and otherwise have stuck to my regular clothes.  Really glad I haven't gone overboard with all that!
• Labor Signs: Nada..like I said just BH contractions that don't mean too much
• Best Moment of the Week: Reaching full term and knowing that baby girl can safely (well, hopefully) make her debut any day now. I'm good with her cookin' a little longer though!
  
• What I’m excited about/looking forward to: Holding our lil punkin in my arms!

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The gorgeous weather has welcomed us outside and Grizz has loved every moment of that, especially with being able to master his frisbee catching skills. We've gone to the park to walk, and have been keeping busy by doing all things we know will be somewhat hard to do when baby is here. We've gone on a date night, trivia/wings/beer nights with friends (came in first one night - woot woot!), watched football games with friends, spontaneously gone out on a whim and have said yes to last minute plans just because we know it's easy right now! We are soaking up life as the two of us while getting ready to embrace all that parenthood has to offer.

We've decorated the house and have been enjoying all things Fall. We're stocked up on pumpkins, which are patiently awaiting our fabulous carved masterpieces. ;) And even bought some Halloween candy in anticipation of trick-or-treaters -- cause you know, the Barr's front porch just screams "trick-or-treat here, please!"

Crap. What if we are in the hospital on Halloween....what a tease that would be to potential trick-or-treaters! Oh well ;) Pup would scare them away, I'm sure of that.

 
Being able to enjoy the outdoors has been fantastic.  We had breakfast outside yesterday morning and spent more of the day out back than we did indoors. I think Grizz enjoyed it slightly more than we did -- which was proven by his lethargic state last night during the Florida State Game. Don't think he batted an eye as J screamed at the TV each time.

And a Seminole win was just what we needed to finish off a relaxing, yet beautiful day! Woohoo. Not to mention, I've seen so many updates of friends getting engaged, announcing pregnancies, and mucho wedding celebrations lately -- Congrats to everyone!! I knew of 3 weddings this weekend, 2 engagements, and a pregnancy announcement. What a wonderful time of year for so many celebrations.  Hope everyone has been soaking it all up. I sure have.

Our morning started out at church, went on to Cracker Barrel (because we have no unique breakfast places here), and shooting a family session later today in this beautiful weather. Maybe I'll get the hospital bag packed soon...pretty funny how much crap I gave my sister for not having hers packed in advance..oh well!

On to enjoy my Sunday!

Happy Day, everyone! 

36 weeks {+5 days}

I really do try to get these posts in earlier in my gestational weeks, but it just doesn't happen. I forget to have my husband take a picture when he's around and then when I think about doing a blog post, I realize 'crap, I need a picture taken.' But it's okay! I know I'll be glad I did all of these so I can look back on them. Things got a bit hectic this week as J received an email from his school stating that there are no OB doctors in the area willing to take on a male student for his next rotation and they set him up on an away rotation with housing. Wait a minute..one problem..Baby is due then! So panic sort of set in and we were both a little desperate to figure out a way to work this out. We contacted whoever we could, and thankfully, there are some good, good people around these parts!! (including my doctor who went above and beyond to help us find him an OB in the area to work with) Big thank you to those who put forth the effort :) Relief set in.

I had a doctor's appointment yesterday and the first cervix check. She seemed a little surprised that the baby had not dropped at all with me being nearly 37 weeks, but was optimistic that it can still happen on it's own in the next few weeks. She did cause a few contractions (that only she felt, not me!) Baby girl must be very comfy where she's at. No dilation either, but head is down..so there's a plus! The doctor also asked J if he wants to help deliver our baby....and the labor and delivery nurse asked him today as well! As of now, he's thinking he just wants to be "Dad" that day, but we shall see when the moment strikes. The appointment went well overall..soo, moving right along!

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36 weeks, 5 days!

Excuse the nerdy glasses look ;) The contacts are making a comeback in the next few days!

• How far along?: 36 weeks, 5 days
  
• Baby is the size of a: Watermelon (Approx. 19 to 22 in, 6.5 lbs)
• Total weight gain/loss: +25 -- "Normal" weight gain is between 25-35 and I was reallly hoping to stay under 25. So much for that! It's all this danggg swelling. (Also doesn't help that Halloween treats and goodies are up for grabs these days)
• The Bump: Big. Every single place I have been to in the past week, I've been told, "That baby looks like it's ready to come on out!" Except for the lady at the dollar store who asked if I was due late this year or next year. I would sure as heck hope my belly wouldn't look like this if I still had to wait til next year!
  
• Symptoms: Feet/ankle SWELLING. Gross. My feet get ginormous at times and balloon a bit. I couldn't get a pair of (usually loose) sandals on the other day because the strap wouldn't buckle around the ankle. How sad. Lot's of elevating for these babies.
• Food Cravings: I'd love a Subway Spicy Italian sub...not even sure why cause Subway is certainly not my favorite! I'm saving that for the hospital...if I still want it then! And I've been wanting sweets lately. Trying to hold back! Keyword: Trying
  
• Anything Making Me Queasy or Sick: Nope.
  
• Sleep: Don't want to jinx anything...so I'm going to skip this answer today ;)
  
• What I miss: My ankles..haha
  
• Weddings Rings On or Off: Off :(
  
• Any Names Picked Out Yet: Yes, actually, this came very easy for us contrary to what everyone told us about picking out names...but you'll just have to wait ;)
• Gender: Baby Barr is a girl! :)
  
• Movement: We had a date night over the weekend since we rarely think to do that..and she was moving like crazy the whole night. She actually hurt me a few times which is rare, but absolutely worth it!
  
• Maternity Clothes: All regular clothes in this week's pic. Oh yes I can still get those jeans on. Probably not after I wash & dry them tomorrow...
• Labor Signs: Nada
• Best Moment of the Week: Well I think I officially finished cleaning baby clothes, blankets, etc. --well all the stuff I wanted to get done in advance at least. So that's a good feeling! Today we finished signing all the consent forms at the hospital with one of the labor & delivery nurses. Now to wait on baby girl to begin dropping!
  
• What I’m excited about/looking forward to: Lots! Baby girl making her debut in the next 3 weeks, 2 days! (hoping to not go over the due date, but we shall see!) And family coming into town :) I've been meaning to start packing our hospital bag -- I'll try to get on that this week!

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So unfortunately we are only about 1.5-2 hours south of where we used to live, yet the trees just DON'T change like they do up there! Sad story for this girl who looooves the look of fall outside! Buttt, I did finally got some fall decorations up! Woohoo. Pictures to come :)

35 weeks {+ 6 days}

Typical of me :) Waiting until 35 weeks, 6 days for the post -- so, tomorrow I will hit 36 weeks and come up with a whole new chalkboard drawing..woohoo! But for now, enjoy this one!

The 35th week has been a fun one. All the weekend festivities and lots of friends involved -- it certainly was busy and great. I got more of the nursery finished -- we are near completion! And finished up all of our birthing classes -- which included a tour of the hospital's maternity ward, labor and delivery rooms, and the postpartum rooms as well. Whew, $h!t just got real, people! We officially have under a month left on the countdown. I do still have more preparing to conquer, though, so I betta get a move on!

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35 weeks {+ 6 days}

• How far along?: 35 weeks, 6 days
  
• Baby is the size of a: Coconut
• 
• Total weight gain/loss: +23
• The Bump: Growing by the day. And I was told I'm looking like I've started to 'drop'
  
• Symptoms: Heartburn! I can say this is a first for me. I haven't ever had the pleasure of knowing what heartburn feels like, but now I can cross that off the list. My weekly updates I get have always included heartburn as a common symptom, but I just thought I was one of the lucky ones missing out on that. No longer the case! I also wake up with my hands/fingers hurtinggg to move, squeeze, apply pressure -- they feel arthritic! What's up with that?!
• Food Cravings: Oh boy did I eat a crap load at the fair...whew! Too much. Oh, and Erica made BLT muffins to go along with my BLT cravings I've had throughout my pregnancy! How funny :) and yummy!
  
• Anything Making Me Queasy or Sick: Nope.
  
• Sleep: On and off. Saturday night J stayed up late with friends and I woke up when he came into the room at 2:30am -- and I was up until 6:00am -- blah! But then Sunday night I went to sleep around midnight and woke up at nearly 11am!!! That is pretty crazy for me these days :) I was shocked, but Grizz didn't seem to mind sleeping in!
  
• What I miss: My wedding rings
  
• Weddings Rings On or Off: Off :(
  
• Any Names Picked Out Yet: Yes, actually, this came very easy for us contrary to what everyone told us about picking out names...but you'll just have to wait ;)
• Gender: Baby Barr is a girl! :)
  
• Movement: It's there. And her baby hiccups - they're funny, but I love 'em!
  
• Maternity Clothes: I'm actually wearing maternity pants AND a shirt in this week's post. But I do still squeeze into mainly regular clothes.
• Labor Signs: N/A
• Best Moment of the Week: Feeling baby girl squirm about, being told she is in the head down and ready position by the doctor, and all of the excitement of the shower, fair, and friends :)
  
• What I’m excited about/looking forward to: Finishing her room. And of course, getting more and more anxious to meet baby girl! All they talk about in the birthing class and videos are how important baby and mommy skin-to-skin contact is right after birth..and it get's me emotional just thinking about those moments! We are excited.

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I love that Monday brought such beautiful weather. Walking at the park was a must, followed by a crock pot meal. Mmm...

Some of our walk {in pictures}













Oh, how I love this time of year! {Not sure how many times I'll say that!}

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Join me on our official countdown -- 29 days left until the due date!