35 weeks dog sitting and a visit from our nephew

I'm 35 weeks today. I'm feeling much better and a lil more refreshed. Not as tired as it was. On a side note, yesterday I had such swollen feet. It was crazy.  I had to ice them down and elevate them. They were very itchy on the top and kind of stinging. I took some pictures with my cell phone as I couldn't believe it. Crazy! If they are this big... at 35 weeks... how big could they be at 40 weeks? :/ See for yourself.... 

SO what's going on with Georgie at 35 weeks. Here are some highlights that are going on this week. 

• Georgie is 18 inches long
• Georgie tips the scales at 5 1/4 pounds 
• Pick up a honeydew and that'll give you a feel for Georgie
• It's so snug in my womb, that it isn't likely that Georgie is doing somersaults anymore but the number of times he/she kicks should remain about the same
• Georgie's kidneys are fully developed now!!!
• Georgie's  liver can process some waste products!
• Most of Georgie's basic physical development is now complete
• All that's left is Georgie spending the next few weeks putting on weight
• 34 more days 'til Georgie...

Mason came to visit us on Saturday 4-2-11. My nephew is doing very well. He has 4 teeth and loves to stand up with his mom, Stacy's, help. He likes to stand at the coffee table and loves dogs. We are dog sitting so it was nice for Mason to see 3 dogs.. it was like him visiting a zoo, for sure. Haha. Here are some pix from the cutie pie.

Dave and Mason

Dave and Mason.. look at him standing.

Mason Robert... looking cute.. I think he looks just like my dad, Neil

Mason is nearly 8 months old (born on 8-13-10). He's not into crawling or scooting.. he's into being vertical according to Stacy. So we'll see when he starts moving. It was cute seeing him sit up on his own, and play a lil. He was a lil chit chatty too today talking and saying gaga/dada/ah ah.. or whatever it was that he was saying.  So adorable. It was a nice visit.

Mason playing with his cousin's toy... thanks Dana for the books and toys!

Dave and his nephew, Mason

Mason *8 mo* & me at 35 weeks

Mason & Me

Georgie's nursery with its first visitor... that's a kid.. haha!

Dog sitting from 3.29 to 4.2.11... Buster! He is so cute... all 9 pounds of him.

Me at 35 weeks with my new buddy, Buster

Ernie... sunbathing

Bert snoozing.. it was such a lovely, sunny day yesterday and about 44 degrees

Buster sitting on my lap. 4.2.11

hare comes baby

I read this article and thought it was cute and wanted to share with my other 2011 moms-to-be out there! :)

According to the Chinese Zodiac, babies born between February 3, 2011, and January 22, 2012, are Wu Xing Rabbits. Consider these ancient beliefs as you prepare for your new bunny’s arrival.

• The element of “Wu Xing,” which translates to “metal” in Chinese, gives 2011-born babes greater intensity, strength and resilience than other Rabbits. (The last generation of Wu Xing Rabbits was born in 1951!)

• Children born in this year will be sensitive, creative and compassionate creatures who cherish family and friends. They also are sophisticated and refined, though typically homebodies rather than tots-about-town.

• Expect your offspring to be detail-oriented and hone in on visual cues, specifically color. Decorate baby’s nursery in aqua, white or green (the sign’s colors), as the cool palette will provide an environment that fosters growth and development.
• Check! Georgie's nursery is pistachio which is a very cool palette of green.

• Be ready for a talker! Rabbits are intelligent with a knack for verbal expression. Prolific actors and writers born under this sign include Orson Welles, Ingrid Bergman, Cary Grant and Lewis Carroll.

• Rabbits make successful politicians, diplomats and judges because they consider every angle of a conflict before calmly reaching the best conclusion. Don’t be surprised when your child considers the pros and cons of almost every decision he has to make. And trust his choices—rabbits are keen to making wise assessments.

• Keep a baby journal or scrapbook during your pregnancy. (check.. this blog will do !) Because of the sentimental nature of his sign, baby will deeply appreciate reading your prenatal thoughts and insights once he’s grown.

34 weeks.. and feeling tired

I'm 34 weeks now! Yay! Dave is on spring break so I've assigned him some honey-do's like Babyproofing the house (http://www.babycenter.com/viewArticle.htm?articleId=9445&scid=mbtw_preg34:1074) and cleaning out/organizing the garage. We have tons of old paint cans and excess stuff lying around. I hope he gets them done this week as he is super busy so having 40 hours off of work really should put him at ease and let him rest and catch up ! These 2 tasks unfortunately are hard for me.. now that I'm 34 weeks pregnant. Bending over is not a cup of tea! Even dusting, mopping, sweeping is exhausting.

So anyway Georgie is 34 weeks. Congrats to Georgie for making it this far!

• Georgie is a cantaloupe!
• Georgie weighs 4 3/4 pounds!
• Georgie is almost 18 inches long!
• Georgie's fat layers-- which he/she'll need to regulate body temperature once he/she is born-- are filling him/her out, making him/her rounder.
• Georgie's skin is also smoother than ever! (side note: I hope Georgie gets Dave's skin.. because I have that glorious combo oil skin and acne since 3rd grade)
• Georgie's central nervous system is maturing and his/her lungs are continuing to mature as well.
• Honorable mention in this week's update: If you've been nervous about preterm labor, which I haven't, you'll be happy to know that babies born between 34 and 37 weeks who have no othe rhealth problems generally do fine. They may need a short stay in the neonatal nursery and may have a few short-term health issues, but in the long run, they usually do as well as full-term babies.

So... I'm hitting that step in the journey called exhaustion. I'm not sure if it's leftover side effects from the flu but at the end of the day, when I'm home or at work, I feel like I could sleep all day and all night. I've never been big into napping. Life is too short for napping in my opinion. However, nowadays I feel like I could nap a lot. I have been going to bed between 9:30-10:30 at night so I'm definitely not at that 'wall of pregnancy' where I come home and fall asleep on the couch. I'm not that tired. I think half the reason is because we have Bert and Ernie. They keep me energized and continue to beg for attention. LoL. Ernie is the energizer puppy and can play.. and play.. and play. Bert just desires affection, cuddling, love, and nap time on my lap and bump. He's such a cuddle-bug! So speaking of dogs...

On Saturday and Sunday I took the dogs out for 2 long walks with the stroller. I'm trying to get them acclimated to the process of waiting for a stroller to go out of the house and into the house, the sound of the noise over the cracks in the sidewalk, and basically the timing of it all. It's quite the task to walk with a stroller and 2 dogs. A lot to keep focused on. :) Plus, we live in a townhouse community so yea.. EVERYONE AND THEIR MOTHER parks over sidewalks. Illegal people, illegal. Jerk faces! I wish me and my dogs.. and now my stroller didn't have to squeeze in between cars and off-road on the grass. Plus, my leash(s) ALWAYS get caught on exhaust pipes, license plate covers, and grills... I mean all the time! I don't mind hitting cars as I pass them and giving owners the stink eye as I walk past their homes. I'm that neighbor! You don't want to get on my bad side. Soon AFTER ENOUGH IMPATIENCE builds up, I'll be calling the Naperville Police department and having people get ticketed.. hopefully the pigs come out and do it.  Don't you just love me. ;) Sorry inconsiderate people is my #1 complaint.  Watch out!

So the name of today's blog is tired because that's just it. I'm tired. Not of being pregnant or Georgie... just me being tired.

On Saturday on I dusted/cleaned/and mopped. It seriously took me all day and I was very tired.  Dave's dad Ted came over for an hour to help make the nursery even more picture perfect. He hung up 2 shelves. They look great! :) Thanks, Ted! Here are a couple pictures...

the 2 shelves

close-up of the shelf

I also got my car detailed yesterday! :) It looks great. I'll post pictures soon of my 34 week bump and the car. I have to wait for everything to dry still.. but I'm excited to get the car MOMMY-FIED. With seat protector, over-the-seat storage, base, car seat, window shade, rear-view mirror installed. In my trunk, I'm going to put a bag full of baggies (for dirty diapers or dog-walk needs), a roll of paper towels, ArmorAll car wipes, towels, blankets for impromptu picnics this summer, and basically "clean up your car in case of a blow out moment".  So that'll go in the trunk :)

What's coming up for Georgie? Nothing. Seriously. Nothing. We have nothing planned in April for that reason. We are going to relax and just enjoy the time for sleeping. I think I'll make plans with friends over lunch or dinner more on a week-to-week basis. This way I can still catch up with friends before as my friends/family say.. "my life changes forever.". I think we'll try and plan Dave's 31st birthday party (5-13-11 is his bday but we'll be busy) and Mother's Day for my mom and Dave's mom in April (5-8-11 is mother's day but we'll be busy). So kind of pushing up our May events to April will be smart.

So this is something I have to look forward to in my April's weekly appointments.. yuck. I won't comment on it but seriously not looking forward to this test .

Group B streptococcus screening

What is the test like?

Your practitioner will swab the lower end of your vagina and your rectum (this won't be painful) and send the swabs to a lab to be grown in a culture that will identify whether GBS bacteria is present. Your results should be available in two to three days, and your practitioner will give them to you at your next prenatal appointment. If she doesn't tell you, be sure to ask.

You may have heard about GBS tests that can be done during labor and delivery in some hospitals, with results available within an hour or so. But the rapid tests are not as sensitive as those that allow time for the GBS to incubate. So at the present time, the CDC, ACOG, and AAP all still recommend screening at 35 to 37 weeks.

the flu part deux

now daddy has the flu :(

Dad woke me up this morning at 4:50 a.m. looking for my Imodium A-D since I've still had flu-like symptoms up until yesterday.

Dad caught the flu from mom so now he is at home sick. Dave called in sick today to school.. and hopefully someone picks up his shift tonight at Outback.

I just got a voicemail from Dave and it said in more words or less... "hanging out in the bathroom... nothing left to puke up..." :( :P

ewww!

What a way for him to start his spring break. :/ Oh well! It happens.

Georgie & I will be home by 5:00 to check in on daddy and his flu.

the flu

I got the flu this past weekend. I started to feel nauseous at our Edward Hospital Babycare Plus class on Saturday. I did my best to pay attention to the class as we already paid for it and I didn't want to miss out on this information. Dave was nice to me and rubbed my back a lil during class. So, I kept my head down a lot of the class and we learned a lot. The class was worth it. We learned how to swaddle Georgie, how to change Georgie's diaper, how to bathe Georgie (clean to dirty, head to toe) in the beginning then after the cord falls off, how to deal with Georgie when he/she's fussy (the 5 S's from the Happiest Baby on the Block series), how to perform infant CPR on Georgie, how to help Georgie out if he/she is choking, how to install a car seat using the LATCH system vs. the seatbelt system, how to care for juandice, how to care for a circumcision (if it's a boy), the benefits of breastfeeding vs. bottle feeding, how not to use baby oil or baby powder, etc. It was a great class! I recommend it! Worth the $75!

So I got home after the class.. 102 degree temp later :( Yea I was sick.

I had the flu so I rested and took it easy on Saturday and Sunday. I had about 100.8 temp on Sunday still. On Sunday, we woke up to RAIN! Which was kind of good since I was feeling ill so we had to reschedule our maternity photo session to March 30th. Sondie decided to come on over anyway and give Georgie his/her gift! Georgie got some great onesies, bibs, pants, and booties... Mustela gift set for channging, Mustela face cream, and Mustela diaper rash cream. Thanks Sondie for the visit and GRACIOUS gift :) Georgie loves it all! :)

On Sunday, I took a nap and rested up a lil but we had plans to go out and spend some time with the Nash's. So we went over to Maggiano's at 6:00. I wasn't really into eating a lot so I just filled up on bread/oil and a couple bites of my gnocci! Yum! I put my food in the freezer since I didn't really have an appetite. I came home and went straight to bed after I walked the dogs.

Yesterday, Monday, was the worst. I called in sick. First sick day of the year. I was hoping to save my 3 sick days for my maternity leave. Oh well. :( I still had a fever and absolutely no appetite. I called my OB.. and to no avail and help there. They said it sounded like "I had the flu and to let it run its course". I'm not allowed to really take any over-the-counter meds so I just drank what I could. I'd hope they would help me out more but the nurses really can't do much for me. They said to go to my GP. What for? In my opinion, they won't prescribe me anything since I'm 33 weeks pregnant and will tell me to drink fluids and rest. I'd rather save my $ and copay. So I stayed home and rested all day. I ate a banana for breakfast, 1 granola bar at lunch, and forced down vegetable soup and crackers at dinner time. Afterall, Georgie needs food! I went to bed with 100.3 degree temperature still feeling pretty awful.

This morning I woke up and felt much better,  no fever/temperature but still really exhausted and feeling lathargic. I feel like I'm getting better as the hours past. At least I'm not in the bathroom like I was 20 times yesterday. Eww! Day 4.. and on the mend.

Georgie's got 46 days until his/her arrival. :)

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Happy St. Patrick's Day, Georgie!

You are just about 33 weeks old now but guess what, at Tuesday's OB appointment you are already measuring 33 weeks.. so kind of ahead of the curve. :) Woo hoo!  Perhaps we'll have a cinco de mayo baby or maybe an April baby. We'll see! Everything looks good, according to the doc and I'm keeping up with all of my to-do's in order to be prepared for Georgie. I'll start to feel braxton hicks contractions any day now.. or not at all. My next appointment is March 30th.. every 2 weeks now.

Georgie wasn't as active on St. Patrick's Day as he/she was on Tuesday and Wednesday.. nonetheless we had a nice day. On Wednesday and Thursday, we had some nice weather in Chicago. Sunny and warmer... in the 50's and 60's. It was nice. Renee and I got together too. We had dinner at Sweet Tomatoes and caught up. Renee missed the shower because she had her niece's 4th birthday party to attend. Renee and Nick got Georgie a changing-station basket full of goodies like an 18 piece grooming kit, dreft on-the-go tube for the diaper bag, formula dispenser, pacifier holder, pacifiers, pacifier wipes, bordeaux butt paste! So generous and we are excited for more goodies for Georgie. Thanks! :) 

I made sure to take pictures of Bert and Ernie today. They got groomed! Much needed! The last time they were groomed was the day after Thanksgiving. Here are some before and after pictures of Bert and Ernie. LOL. I should call the duo.. "the neglected".

thing 1.. Bert

AFTER.. sticking his tongue out at me. Haha!

AFTER.. all pooped and tuckered out.

Bert hates going to the groomer. :( so sad!

thing 2.. Ernie

Ernie was shaking at the groomer! Poor thing! He looks great though.

Closeup of Ernie!

My adorable lil guy!

I timed out their haircuts to coincide with our maternity photo session this Sunday. I wanted to make sure they looked cute, cut, and festive for our family pictures. This Sunday will be the first time we ever got any family pictures taken so I think it's worth seeing the 4 of us... before we become 5! Sondie said she'll come over and do my makeup before hand so that'll be nice catching up with her and getting some pampering done. She wants to see the nursery too so that'll be nice. She had to miss our shower last Saturday due to teaching at her aesthitician school/skin institute.  Amy then will come over around probably 2:30-3:00ish.  I'm excited! I know she'll do a great job. :)

On Saturday, Dave and I have our 'babycare plus' class from 9:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. at Edward Hospital. This is our second of three classes we registered for. The class, according to our friends who took classes at the hospital, is THE BEST. We'll learn everything about 'baby care'. We'll learn about swaddling, how to install the car seat, sleep schedule, feeding, sick babies, jaundice, circumcision care, changing babies, etc. It'll be a real HANDS ON CLASS and I'm excited for Dave and I to take it :) Most of our friends are real forthright with giving us advice and we appreciate it. Renee and Stacey both attended this class and raved about it. I'm looking forward to learning more. Plus, I'm excited to learn how to put our car seat, into the car! Dave really feels our instincts will kick in and we'll be just fine. :) So we'll see.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!d Next year.. I'll drink a green beer ;) for now apple juice it is.

Baby Shower

On Saturday, Georgie had a baby shower! Georgie scored some serious swag. Everything turned out great and almost everyone made it out who RSVPed. We had 19 people come on out plus Dave, me, and mom makes 22! We had to order 2 entrees to go but dad and Dave had dinner for the night then.

table #1 at our shower

mommy at the shower 

the parents to be

Mom got a cake from Costco

the punch for the shower

Jameson's Charhouse table display.. 3 tables of 8

the menu at Jameson's Charhouse

our baby shower area... upstairs :)

our diaper cake... care of my gf, Angel.. thanks!!!

Georgie got lots of cute stuff for the nursery, car, and gettin' around town! We couldn't feel more loved and be happier than being at our shower on Saturday. :) It's all very exciting and we are so very appreciative to see our family and friends share in the joy and excitement over Georgie. We are over the moon for Georgie and it's exciting putting things in their place in the nursery.

We want to say thank you to the hostess, my mom for putting everything together and making our shower so special. We also want to thank Elizabeth Fellwock for treating us with her fabulous cookies! :) The favors were cute and everyone raved about them. 

me & the cookie monster, Elizabeth :) xoxox

We also want to thank Donna Hagler for making creative and custom centerpieces for our shower. They turned out fabulous and we made a decorative tower out of the ABC boxes and put them in Georgie's nursery. 

We finally want to thank Lauren Stuckey for creating fun games for all to play. It made the shower more entertaining for sure, for our guests. We appreciate all of your thoughtfulness and support. Thanks!

games!

games!

Leah, me and Lauren :)

My mom purchased Georgie's nursery furniture and mattress. Dave's mom & dad purchased Georgie a baby carrier, Graco travel system (base, car seat (<30lbs), and stroller (<50lbs), and some organic baby stuff. My sister-in-law got Georgie a baby carrier.. the baby bjorn.   Dave's aunts/family/cousins all got Georgie some books, toys, boppy, car mirror, swaddler, onesie, diapers, wipes, and more essentials. Tons of stuff! Spoiled rotten! My neighbor, Renate, purchased Georgie 3 baby einstein cds for soothing/sleeping/car rides and gave us some much needed cash to put into Georgie's piggy bank.. or more likely... for diapers! LOL!

Linda & Dave

me with Grandma

Georgie's swag

Dave, Linda, Stacy, Monika, and Hanna

My aunt and cousin got Georgie the lamb swing, batteries, and diapers. I heard this swing is amazing for sleeping/soothing and getting things done around the house. My coworker Katie has a 7 week old and her baby ONLY SLEEPS in the swing so far. LOL. My good gf Becca made a blanket for Georgie and got Georgie some diapers, a blackhawks onesie, hats/mittens, baby lotion! So creative! My other gf, Angel also was feeling crafty and made a cute ducky diaper cake for Georgie and got Georgie 2 sets of pjs and a cute rubber ducky onesie :) 

Angel, Becca, with the rest of Dave's family

Alexis and her mom, Cheryl got Georgie a basketfull of goodies like 2 packs of diapers, the bumbo, the bumbo play tray, a cute book to read, and swaddler! 

Alexis, me, and Cheryl

Megan & Doug got Georgie diapers, bears socks, diaper genie (Dave loves this gift most!),  and onesies. Dave's father's aunt Shirley crocheted a blanket and bonnet for Georgie... ironically IT MATCHES THE NURSERY WALLS identically. Spooky! Yet cool! Very creative and an heirloom. Here are some pix of the crafty stuff in Georgie's room.

Georgie's goodies from the shower

Georgie's blanket

Georgie's bonnet

After the shower ended on Saturday, we spent Sunday nesting and going through Georgie's goodies. We are excited about the arrival of our lil critter. We'll probably return some of our duplicate gifts and other gifts to get some essentials like feeding/bottles/breast pump which we'll need from the get go! Otherwise, we loved EVERYTHING and feel so very lucky and blessed to see everyone support us, love us, and be there for Georgie. :)

Georgie's changing station!

Thanks Kate N., Dave H., Bailey/Theresa/Taylor for the changing pad and cover

thanks everyone for diapers, thanks Leah for the brush/comb!

thanks Stacie/Josh/Zack for the wonderful Mustela bath stuff :)

Georgie's Nursery full of goodies

Thanks Uncle Jim, Dee, Ashley, Kate, Alexis, and everyone who got Georgie some books! He/She will love the reading corner!