Non-Baby Happenings

So we do have things going on in our lives besides baby. We're really trying to take advantage of the time that's left with just the two of us (8 weeks!) so we're spending a lot of quality time together and going to a lot of dinners with friends (and even bowling one night). Last weekend we got all dressed up to attend the wedding of some college friends, Brent and Katie. It was fabulous. The ceremony was so personal, the bride was beautiful, the food was delicious (and catered by Red Pony!) and every detail was obviously well thought out. It was so good to see some old friends too and catch up on everyone's lives and plans and talk babies too! :)

31 Weeks

While Week 30 had a fantastic beginning (remember the roses, chocolate and Girl Scout cookies), there was one less than fantastic moment towards the end of the week. On Saturday morning Keith, Darcy and I set out on a walk. We hadn't gone far when all of a sudden I felt the sharpest shooting pain in the side of my low back. It was all I could do to get home. Keith brought me some water and a heating pad and I settled in on the couch with my "What to Expect" book. Apparently, while moving around, Parker hit my sciatic nerve. Ouch! Thankfully, he moved and the pain went away after about 15 minutes or so.

Here's some other random, more light-hearted pregnancy info:
* I had a true pregnant woman breakfast the other day- a bowl of Whole Foods organic "Frosted Flakes", strawberries and a snack size bag of carrots. Weird.
* Shortness of breath has officially set in and I particularly notice it when I walk Darcy or take the stairs. I don't think it helps that I have a short torso to begin with.
* Pregnancy brain is a real thing. I've been reading about how my brain cells decrease during pregnancy and over the past 7 months or so I have certainly experienced the effects of this with lapses in memory and increased forgetfulness. Apparently, these lost brain cells will return post-delivery. Here's hoping! ;)
* I'm a little less of a cry baby than I was previously. I still tear up on occassion, but I think I can make it through a furniture shopping trip without a melt down (which couldn't be said a month ago when I cried over choosing between two consoles for our living room).
* Bending over is a major ordeal lately. It's difficult to pick up anything off the floor and I can forget about adequately tucking my jeans into my boots!
* Parker's kicks have gotten mighty! If these latest kicks are any indication, he's going to be a strong little guy!

At Week 31 Parker is either the size of a pineapple or weighs as much as four navel oranges (I've seen both comparisons). Between my last appointment 2 weeks ago and my appointment today I've gained 3 pounds (of course, I did have Goldfish, Godiva and homemade pizza right before I left for my appointment). My doctor is very aware of my Type A personality and commented that I'm even being Type A with my weight gain as it is exactly where it should be.

30 Weeks and Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy 30 Weeks

and Happy Valentine's Day! 

To celebrate I got a delicious dinner, two dozen roses, lots of chocolate and a promise for a date night at the Franklin Theatre soon. Keith got a cookie cake. And Darcy had a few extra carrots for her nightly snack.  Our Girl Scout cookies were also delivered. So far, my 30th week has been pretty good. :)

29 Weeks

It is so crazy to think that in one week (actually just a couple of days now since I'm updating late once again) I'll be 30 weeks! 

At Week 29:

Parker is around three pounds and measures about 17 inches. That is close to his birth length, but he'll be packing on the pounds in these last weeks. During the past few months my fatigue had faded and my appetite was pretty normal, but lately I've been feeling tired again (although not as bad as the first trimester) and I'm having to snack more between meals. 

At my 29 week appointment I measured 28 cm and gained four pounds so, according to my doctor, Parker is right on track. I found out that I passed my glucose test! I also learned that from this point forward I'll be seeing my doctor every two weeks instead of every four. 

In other news this week, on Friday I walked into the salon with long hair and walked out with the shortest haircut of my life. Maybe a bad idea right before maternity pictures!?

28 Weeks!

This week marks the beginning of my Third Trimester! I really can't believe it!

I still have SO much on my "to do" list and I know that these last three months are going to fly by. We have made several crucial decisions over the last few weeks including choosing a pediatrician, enrolling Parker in a great Christian-based childcare facility and booking a photographer for maternity photos and sessions throughout Parker's first year. And yes, that last one falls into the crucial category. :) We're registered for classes at Baptist Hospital this weekend and a newborn class at our pediatrician's office next weekend. So even if the nursery isn't finished and Parker has nothing to wear, after these classes we'll (hopefully) be prepared for delivery and his first few weeks at home!

Sunday Night Dinners

For the the past month Keith and I have hosted our life group at our house almost every Sunday night. Coming up with 3 entirely different and easy-to-make meals to serve to a group of 16 is not an easy task! Here's what we did- and judging by the comments and amount of leftovers, everything (especially breakfast) was a hit!

Week One: Breakfast for Dinner
*Spicy Sausage and Egg Breakfast Casserole
(recipe from Eat-Drink-Smile, found HERE)
*Overnight Caramel French Toast
(recipe from Eat-Drink-Smile, found HERE)
*Mini Blueberry Muffins
*Fruit Salad

Week Two: Mardi Gras
*Chicken and Sausage Gumbo
(recipe from Williams-Sonoma, found HERE)
*White and Brown Rice
*Cornbread
*Raspberry and Blueberry King Cake
(made by Wolfe Gourmet Cakes and sold at Porter Road Butcher in Nashville)

Week Three: Mexican
*Chips, Salsa and Guacamole
*Slow Cooker Cilantro Lime Chicken (shredded)
(recipe from Pinterest, found HERE)
*Soft Tortillas
*Taco Fixings- lettuce, tomato, cheese, onion, cilantro, sour cream
*Strawberry Cake with Homemade Frosting
(a mix of confectioners sugar, butter, milk and vanilla)

While it was fun to host (and it was excellent motivation to get some house projects done and things in order) I'm glad to be passing the torch for the rest of the year!

27 Weeks!

3 months to Parker's due date, give or take a few days! I'm getting a little confused on his size comparisons as I get several emails that all say different things (eggplant? head of cauliflower?). What I do know is that this is the end of the last week of my second trimester!

This week I've had my fair share of root beer (who knew it is caffeine free!), king cake and... Tums. Luckily, the Tums have only been on a minimal basis. I feel so lucky to have had very few complaints and an easy pregnancy so far. Here's to hoping the last trimester goes as smoothly!