Dear Baby: Week 38

DEAR BABY,

NOT MUCH HAS CHANGED SINCE LAST WEEK. THE DR. DIDN'T CHECK FOR DILATION PROGRESSION AT THIS WEEKS APPOINTMENT BUT WITH ALL THE CRAMPING I'VE BEEN HAVING, I KNOW THERE'S BEEN SOME CHANGE. IT'S BEEN VERY STEADY AND CONSISTENT FOR A FEW DAYS NOW AND I JUST KEEP WONDERING, IS THIS IT?! SHE SAID I WILL KNOW WITHOUT A DOUBT WHEN IT REALLY IS TIME THOUGH, AND I WON'T EVEN HAVE TO ASK MYSELF. WE FINALLY WENT AND PRE-REGISTERED AT THE HOSPITAL AND BOY, IS IT NICE. WE HAVE OUR OWN PRIVATE TOUR OF THE LABOR AND DELIVERY FLOOR NEXT WEEK AFTER THE DR. IF WE LAST THAT LONG (BUT I REALLY REALLY REEEEEALLY HOPE YOU'RE HERE BEFORE THAT!) YOU'RE MEASURING 37 CM AND YOU'RE IN HEAD DOWN POSITION, ALL READY TO GO. YOU MAKE THE BIGGEST MOVES NOW, SHIFTING MY BELLY SO DRASTICALLY THAT I JUST KNOW YOU'RE ABOUT TO FALL RIGHT OUT. I HOPED THAT YOU WOULD COME EITHER YESTERDAY ON THE 24TH, OR TOMORROW ON THE 26TH BECAUSE I REALLY LIKE THOSE NUMBERS. YOUR GRANDPA SAYS TOMORROW WOULD BE NEAT BECAUSE 26 IS DOUBLE 13, SO IT'D BE EASY TO REMEMBER 6/26/13. I'VE BEEN RESEARCHING ALL THE WAYS TO JUMP START THE PROGRESS BUT NOT BECAUSE I'M TIRED OR MISERABLE, I'M JUST SO ANXIOUS AND EXCITED TO MEET YOU! WE'RE SO READY LITTLE BABE. YOUR CLOTHES, CRIB, CARSEAT, TOYS, SWING...EVERYTHING IS IN PLACE AND ALL WE NEED IS YOU TO COMPLETE OUR LITTLE WORLD. WE LOVE YOU TIMES INFINITY! XOXO MAMABEAR

Dear Baby: Week 37

DEAR BABY,

THE END IS NEAR! I CAN'T BELIEVE IT. IT FEELS LIKE IT'S KIND OF BEEN A BREEZE AND AT 37 WEEKS I THOUGHT I'D BE MISERABLE BY NOW. INSTEAD I FEEL MORE ENERGIZED AND HEALTHY THAN EVER. I DON'T HAVE TROUBLE BREATHING OR FEEL TENSE OR TIRED. I ONLY START TO WADDLE WHEN I'VE WALKED 7 MILES IN A DAY AND MY SHOES START GETTING UNCOMFORTABLE. IT'S EASY FOR THAT TO HAPPEN THOUGH BECAUSE THEY'VE SPREAD AND THEY'RE MOSTLY ALL TOO TIGHT IN THE WIDTH, BUT NOT THE LENGTH. I DIDN'T GAIN A SINGLE POUND THIS WEEK AND THE DR. SAYS WE'RE DOING SO SO GOOD. IT'S THE WALKING, AND WE'RE GONNA DO EVEN MORE OF IT WHEN YOU'RE OUT! YOU WILL SMELL THIS FRESH OCEAN AIR AND I WILL WORK ON THE POUNDS I GLADLY PUT IN FOR YOU, ALL WHILE LOOKING AT YOUR SWEET FACE IN FRONT OF ME. IT'S GONNA BE GREAT! I'M CURRENTLY 1.5 CM DILATED AND 50% EFFACED. YOU MIGHT BE SMALL BECAUSE YOU MEASURED AT 36 WEEKS EVEN THOUGH WE'RE STILL 37, BUT IT MAY JUST BE BECAUSE I WAS STARVING AND MY EMPTY STOMACH MADE IT A LITTLE FLATTER THAN USUAL. ONE OF YOUR GRANDMAS CAME FOR A SHORT VISIT THIS WEEK. WE WENT TO FIVE DIFFERENT STORES ALL OVER THE COUNTY TO FIND YOU THE PERFECT SWING. IT'S PRETTY FANCY! I KNOW YOU WERE GRATEFUL BECAUSE YOU KICKED FOR HER WHEN WE FINALLY FOUND IT. YOU CAN COME ANY TIME NOW, BABY. YOU'RE FULL TERM AND READY, AND WE'RE ALL READY FOR YOU OUT HERE! EVERYONE'S WAITING AND WE ALL LOVE YOU! XOXO MAMABEAR

Dear Baby: Week 36

DEAR BABY,

YOU'RE GETTING SO BIG THAT SOME NIGHTS YOU MAKE MY BELLY HEART SHAPED WHEN YOU'RE SQUIRMING AROUND IN THERE. YOUR HEAD AND YOUR KNEES POP OUT AND YOUR LITTLE BUM PUSHES INWARD TOWARD MY BACK MAKING IT SOMETIMES HARD TO BREATH. IT LOOKS NEAT THOUGH! WE DIDN'T GET TO TAKE THE HOSPITAL TOUR BECAUSE WHEN WE CALLED TO SCHEDULE IT THEY INFORMED US THAT THEY ONLY HAVE ONE A MONTH. THIS MONTHS HAS ALREADY COME AND GONE, AND YOU WILL ALREADY BE HERE BY NEXT MONTHS TOUR. INSTEAD WE'RE JUST GOING TO DO A PRACTICE RUN TO THE HOSPITAL AND FIND OUR WAY ON OUR OWN, AND THEN PRE REGISTER AS PLANNED. IT'S GETTING SO CLOSE IT'S SCARY! LAST NIGHT WE WENT TO A LITTLE OLD FASHIONED DINER AND GUESS WHAT HAPPENED? MY BELLY WOULDN'T FIT BETWEEN THE BOOTH AND THE TABLE! I KNOW PEOPLE WERE TINIER BACK IN THE DAY, BUT STILL! I LOST TWO POUNDS AT THIS WEEKS DR. VISIT AND SHE WAS VERY PLEASED. EVERYTHING LOOKS GOOD AS USUAL AND YOU'RE GROWING PERFECTLY ON TRACK. YOUR HEARTBEAT IS FAST AND STRONG EVERY TIME. SHE ALSO SAID THAT I LOST THE "MUCUS PLUG" AND WE'RE BOTH MAKING CHANGES TO PREPARE FOR LABOR. SOUNDS GROSS BUT I HAVE TO DOCUMENT THESE THINGS! SHE DIDN'T CHECK TO SEE IF I'VE DILATED ANYMORE, SHE'S GOING TO DO THAT EVERY OTHER WEEK, SO WE'LL SEE NEXT TIME! CAN I JUST TELL YOU THAT I'M OBSESSED WITH YOU AND YOU'RE NOT EVEN HERE YET? THE LAST THING I DO BEFORE I FALL ASLEEP AT NIGHT IS STARE AT YOUR 3D PHOTOS ON MY PHONE, AND THEN AGAIN IN THE MORNING AND EVERY TIME I PASS BY THE FRIDGE. YOU MAKE ME SMILE SO BIG EVERY TIME, I CAN ONLY IMAGINE WHAT YOU'LL DO TO ME WHEN YOU'RE OUT! WE LOVE YOU TOOTS! XOXO MAMABEAR

A peek at our baby in 3D

Here is our little babe in 3D at 34 weeks! We drove an hour to our appointment and were so excited to see him, and then he had his back toward us. We tried getting him to move by turning side to side, chugging ice cold water, walking around and peeing. He didn't budge. We were forced to move on for the sake of others piling up in the waiting room, but we were fortunate enough to snag an opening spot 3 hours later. Since we were an hour from home we killed time by eating lunch, doing a little shopping, and sucking down a reeses blast just before heading back. We were told anything cold and sweet would help him to move. Move he did, but this time he was blocking his face with his sweet little fists. After twisting and turning up on the table again, and having two people team up to push on my belly full of ice cream, he finally gave up and showed us a quick little peek at that preciously plump face of his. We got tons of photos and  a video of the whole session so we can see him moving around in there any time we want. They even went into HD at the end, which shows him so clearly it looks like he's just under bath water.  He was moving his lips and trying to open and close his eyes, and his cheeks just melt us into a big puddle. I can't wait to kiss this little babe. WE ARE SO IN LOVE!

Drey $ Nicole

Babyshower Cookout Day

Last Sunday we had our second babyshower/cookout party (G's work family threw him a surprise one earlier) and it turned out great. Although the weather was a bit more gloomy than we had hoped for with a sharp chill in the air, it didn't stop us from following our plans. Our friend Nicole gave us her big yard for the day and everyone brought their pups, including our Bentleys of course, to celebrate their human brother coming soon and to run around and mingle together all afternoon. G cooked fajitas on the grill, along with spanish rice + beans, and his famous homemade salsa and guacamole that was gone in an hour. There were beers, babies and babes and even though I couldn't drink I had a good time. Plus someone had to drive my over-enthusiastic husband home who may have celebrated the babe just a little too hard. It's one of his last chances to do it for awhile though, so I'm not mad about that. We got lots more clothes, cards, diapers (both cloth and disposable), and even a baby food processor! G is so excited about that one, being a chef. He's been talking about making the baby his own homemade food since before there was even a baby in question. I loved seeing so many of our friends from different groups, ages and even states come together to celebrate this little boy in my belly, and I can't wait until he's here in just 3 short weeks to meet them all. Plus all of these new things have me so much more anxious and excited for him to come so I can dress him in his adorable clothes and read to him with his new books and watch his face light up when he rattles his toys. I am so thankful for our friends!

Drey $ Nicole

Rosie Pope Maternity Fashion Show

Last week while walking through The Grove, we came across a little maternity fashion show and book signing party for Rosie Pope of "Pregnant in Heels." We were lucky to have been let in at the last minute because of my ever so obvious bump. We got to enjoy sparking lemonade and the yummiest cupcakes of my life from Sparkles Cupcakes. Everything was set up so pretty and chic and we were surrounded by lots of fellow preggers. After indulging in our treats and taking everything in, Rosie came out for a few photos with fans and the fashion show began. She showed off her new maternity line and took questions from anxious moms-to-be seeking advice. It was such a treat to have stumbled upon and the perfectly relevant event for me to attend on a nice afternoon.

Drey $ Nicole

Dear Baby: Week 35

DEAR BABY,

We are officially in countdown mode! We had two baby showers for you in the last two weeks - one planned and one a surprise for your papa from all of his work buddies. You have lots of new goodies and so much love from so many people that can't wait to meet you! We ended up seeing you in 3D last week after all and let me tell you little one, you were stubborn. We had to work for it but you showed us that sweet little face and it was really something special. We're going to register and take a tour of the hospital this week so we know what to expect and where to go when the big day comes. The Dr. tells us you may come just a tad bit early too because I'm currently at 1cm already. Eeeek! That's a little scary and exciting all at once. I got the whooping cough shot while we were there to protect you when you come out into this world. Your papa has to get one too. Finally some kind of pain on his part! We spent an afternoon taking pictures together with you in the bump this weekend and I can't wait to get the end results! In just about 5 short weeks we'll be taking your newborn photos and sending out announcement cards to all of the people waiting for you to join us! You are so loved little boy! XOXO MAMABEAR

Dear Baby: Week 33

DEAR BABY,

WE SAW THE DR. YESTERDAY AND EVERYTHING LOOKS GOOD AND HEALTHY AS USUAL. I'VE GAINED 2 POUNDS IN A MONTH, SO THE GROWTH SPURTS ARE SLOWING DOWN. THIS WEEK I GOT MY VERY FIRST STRETCH MARKS THOUGH, AND I COULD CRY. THERE'S A TINY CLUSTER ON EACH OF MY HIP BONES AND ALTHOUGH YOU CAN'T SEE THEM UNLESS YOU'RE REALLY IN MY BUBBLE, IT'S ALL I CAN HELP BUT NOTICE WHEN I'M DOING MY DAILY COCONUT OIL RUB DOWN IN FRONT OF THE MIRROR. WHEN I THINK OF WHAT I'M TRADING THEM FOR I FEEL BETTER. THEY'LL EVENTUALLY FADE AWAY AND I'VE GOT YOU FOR LIFE! YOU'RE STILL MEASURING AT A WEEK LATER THAN WE ARE ACCORDING TO MY DUE DATE, SO MAYBE YOU'LL BE HERE EVEN EARLIER THAN WE THOUGHT! PEOPLE KEEP TELLING ME FIRST BABIES COME LATE THOUGH, SO THIS MIGHT PUT YOU RIGHT ON TIME. WE'VE REALLY BEEN ABLE TO SEE YOU MOVE THESE DAYS. MY WHOLE BELLY SHIFTS FROM SIDE TO SIDE AND POPS OUT ALL OVER AND YOUR PAPA REALLY GETS A KICK OUT OF THAT. I'VE ALWAYS GOTTEN THE PRIVILEGE OF BEING ABLE TO FEEL YOU SO I THINK HE LOVES THAT HE CAN GET IN ON IT TOO NOW. I HAVEN'T HAD ANY OF THE DREADED PREGNANCY DISCOMFORTS OR COMPLAINTS I EXPECTED TO HAVE BY NOW BASED OFF WORD OF MOUTH, AND I JUST KEEP WAITING FOR THE HARD PART. NOT THAT I'M ASKING FOR IT, IF YOU WANT TO KEEP MAKING THIS BREEZY FOR MAMA, PLEASE DO! I THINK YOU'LL BE HAPPY AND MELLOW AND LOW MAINTENANCE LIKE US. YOUR HEARTBEAT WAS THE MOST LOUD AND CLEAR IT'S EVER BEEN WHEN WE LISTENED ON THE DOPPLER THIS WEEK. THERE WAS NO MORE WHITE NOISE AROUND IT, JUST A CLEAN, STRONG BEAT. SOME OF YOUR GRANDPARENTS ARE COMING TO VISIT IN THREE DAYS! WE ALL HOPE TO SEE YOU IN 3D IF THE DR. WILL ALLOW US, BUT I READ SOMEWHERE THAT IT'S NOT RECOMMENDED AFTER 34 WEEKS (WHICH YOU'RE MEASURING AT), SO WE'LL SEE! I'VE REALLY BEEN GETTING EXCITED FOR YOU TO COME OUT SO I CAN DRESS YOU AND ENTERTAIN YOU AND TAKE YOU EVERYWHERE! WE BOTH WENT THROUGH A FEAR FAZE BUT ALL THE SHOPPING AND PREPPING FOR YOU HAS US READY AND ANXIOUS. I JUST WANT TO SEE YOUR SWEET FACE AND GET TO KNOW YOUR PERSONALITY! WE LOVE YOU LITTLE BOY! XOXO MAMABEAR