39 weeks......waiting, waiting, waiting

Like I've heard every mother say, "the last few weeks are the hardest" and its sooooooooooo true!  My last day of work was last week and I almost wish I were working, because all I do is think about the day she will arrive.  That said, one of the groups that I meet with weekly for nutrition classes through me a surprise baby shower on Tuesday....it was so sweet! 

My midwives told me to stay busy and "try not to have a due date in your mind," because I could only be disappointed and that Sophia is going to come when she is ready--most likely not on the "due date"!  They encouraged me to take this time to read, spend time with family, go out to lunch with friends, walk and just relax.....I have to admit this has already been hard for me because I feel like I should be working, but I know its best for me and Sophia.

So, where am I at now???  I'm 1 inch dilated, ya!!!  Again, my midwives said that I could be 1 inch dilated for a day or for a few weeks.....so again, just patiently waiting :)  I can feel she is really low too, because there is A LOT of pressure down south and its hard to walk.

A great book that was recommended to me by one of my friends, Raising Baby Green by Alan Greene.  This is such a great reference, I strongly advise any mother to read :)

Diaper Bag

How fun is this!?!

My friend Carmen told me to get my baby bag from the company thirtyone and I'm so glad I did!  You get to order a bag, pick out the material and personalize it.  I didn't want the typical "Sophia" or "S.L.K" (Sophia Lynn Kosturos), so I put her nick name on it that her dad gave her....

My Lil' Soap Box

 You can also purchase "accessories" to put on the bags, so I chose a hot pink rose to match

Love it!!!

2 Weeks Left!!! OMG!!!!

......maybe she'll come sooner, hopefully not any later :)

It's a waiting game now. All I do is think about the day I'm going to meet my precious girl.  I really hope she arrives a little early or near her due date, and not 10 days late, but only God knows when we will get to finally meet face to face.  I'm just so so anxious!

I'm going into my last "official" work week, however, it is a VERY SLOW and mellow week for me.  Some people think I'm crazy for still working, but when you have your own business, you never really get time off :(  I love what I do though and wouldn't change anything about it!  I think its been good for me, because I'm staying really busy and trying to stay active.....but not too busy. :)

 38 weeks~

Last minute, had to run to Kohl's to find a dress that fit for a wedding we went to on Saturday......such a rip off!  I could of bought this dress at Ross for $9.99, but because its "maternity," they put a price of $52 on it.....that's what I get for waiting til the day of.

Your baby has really plumped up. She weighs about 6.8 pounds and she's over 19 1/2 inches long (like a leek). She has a firm grasp, which you'll soon be able to test when you hold her hand for the first time! Her organs have matured and are ready for life outside the womb.

Wondering what color your baby's eyes will be? You may not be able to tell right away. If she's born with brown eyes, they'll likely stay brown. If she's born with steel gray or dark blue eyes, they may stay gray or blue or turn green, hazel, or brown by the time she's 9 months old. That's because a child's irises (the colored part of the eye) may gain more pigment in the months after she's born, but they usually won't get "lighter" or more blue. (Green, hazel, and brown eyes have more pigment than gray or blue eyes.)

Went to Arts Walk this week

Had beautiful weather this week.....mom and dad are trying to get their one-on-one time in. xo

Went to a wedding.......Dad eating the chocolate "favor" BEFORE dinner....typical.

I couldn't dance because my feet were hurting and swollen.....it was KILLING me to not dance :(  That's my favorite part about weddings.....

MIdwife Appt #.....who knows?

Went into my midwife appointment this morning, and I just have to say that I LOVE my midwives!!!  They have made this experience so so wonderful--I'm already looking forward to having our next baby with them...OK, easy Kristine.  Let's get this first one born :)  I truly have had such a wonderful experience with them though....even though I have nothing to compare it too, I recommend them to anyone having a baby. 

The appointment went great! 

• BP good.  
• Group B stress test--negative.
• My red blood cell count is OFF THE CHARTS and Constance was blown away and wanted to know what I'm using.....its the LEAF GREENS baby!!!!  I think she is going to start selling them or telling preggo women to call me to use them :)  These are the same greens that made my iron levels sky rocket.

A few other things.....I purchased my "postpartum sitz bath" which is a combination of organically-grown herbs that are made into a tea, then put into the bath tub to help ease pain, promote healing and give good hygiene to the perineal area. This is particularly helpful after an episiotomy or tearing during birth. Though it also helps ease swelling in the perineum or a swollen labia.  I get to sit in this bath daily after I give birth.

I also purchased and am going to start drinking 3rd Trimester tea from a local woman that makes both the sitz baths and pregnancy teas and other items in Oly.  Third trimester tea is 100% Organic and was formulated as a tonic for mamas who are heading into the home stretch! It is a blend of vitamin and mineral packed herbs formulated especially to nurture all those mama parts gearing up for the arrival of my lil' Sophia.

I also am going to start using primrose oil to ripen/soften my cervix.  You do this by inserting 1 capsule nightly into the vagaegae.  :)

Constance also said that Sophia seems to already be a little over 7 POUNDS!!! Wow!  Let's hope I don't go until 42 weeks....other than that, she is still very deep into my pelvic bone and positioned perfectly for labor....PLEASE stay that way my little girl :)

37 Weeks.......let the countdown begin!!!!

This morning I woke up totally excited!  I am anticipating Sophia's entrance into this world more than ever!  I am nesting, preparing, excited, anxious, fearful at times and just READY.

Sometimes I have to pinch myself, because I can't believe that God has given me this wonderful life that I live.  I feel so blessed with my husband, my family and friends, my health, my job and now this miracle baby!  I have everything in life, and I could not ask for more.  These are the moments I thank God that I'm alive :)  The pregnancy/birth process is truly a miracle, and just the fact that the Lord has chosen Zach and I to bring Sophia into this world, I am in awe....I'm continually amazed with Gods creation, love and grace.....I know I don't deserve any of it.  I give praise to our Creator for this life He has given me!

I'm experiencing BH contractions, especially when I walk.  My walking has greatly slowed down....yesterday when I was walking around the lake, an old man passed me :(

Zachary is nesting too.....he decided to completely re-organize the garage this weekend and is getting all the "last minute" things done.  I LOVE how we are in this together!  He constantly talks about how excited he is to meet our little girl. 

 

Your baby is now considered "full term," even though your due date is three weeks away. If you go into labor now, her lungs will likely be mature enough to fully adjust to life outside the womb. 

Your baby weighs 6 1/3 pounds and measures a bit over 19 inches, head to heel (like a stalk of Swiss chard). Many babies have a full head of hair at birth, with locks from 1/2 inch to 1 1/2 inches long. But don't be surprised if your baby's hair isn't the same color as yours. Dark-haired couples are sometimes thrown for a loop when their children come out as blonds or redheads, and fair-haired couples have been surprised by Elvis look-alikes. And then, of course, some babies sport only peach fuzz.

--VERY INTERESTING!  In other words, don't freak out if she is bald or comes out with blonde hair and blue eyes :)

Sneak Peak of our Belly pics!

36 Weeks and I'm feeling soooo ready....

I'm officially huge.....and trust me, people are letting me know.  My own mother called me Santa today :)

wearing the free Old Navy maternity shirt that I think is hideous....however, its fits :)

 Well, my baby girl has officially "dropped" and Constance, my midwife today said that she may be here sooner than we think!   Let's just hope Sophia waits at least until Sunday, because we officially hit 37 weeks then, which means she is full term and safe to enter the world without any concerns.  I don't think she will be that early, but I am reminded every day that goes by that its only a matter of days that I get to meet her!!!

 "Practice" with Pooh bear--this thing is hard to figure out....

Curious Zues

Starting to pack my "birth house" bag with an outfit for Sophia and a blanket....that's all I've done so far :)

Daddy got me a stroller!

I'm so excited!  Since walking is something I do on a daily basis, I wanted to invest in a stroller that is going to keep up with me :)  After doing a lot of research, I decided on the Bob Revolution.  Apparently, they just came out with the 2011 models, so I got this 2010 model for $100 off!!  Ya for a good deal!  You can't even get used ones on Craigslist for this price! I will definitely get every penny out of this, because I plan to use it daily :)

How I'm Doing.,....

How far along? 36 weeks baby!

Total weight gain: oh, you know....33 pounds and some :)  People say I'm "all belly" but honestly, I must hide it well because that is not the case

Maternity clothes? I pretty much go back-n-forth between 3 outfits, because not much fits.  My favorite PINK sweatpants are a staple on the weekends and when I get home from work.....I actually just bought another pair in a larger size because of my growing butt!

Stretch marks? Nada

Sleep: If you follow my blog, you know how sleep has been going...Sleep?  What's that?  No, actually I'm sleeping, but very sporadically.  Between naps and trying to sleep at night, I'm getting enough though.  I have woken up with the WORST cramp in my calf 2 times now...I seriously have to breathe through it, and then they hurt in the morning....so weird.

Best moment this week: So many!  Finishing the nursery and checking things off my list of things to do.  I ALWAYS love feeling my lil' girls kicks and rolls :)

Movement: Her movements are much slower, because she is a lot bigger now.  Zach was laying on my belly singing to Sophia yesterday and she kicked his head.....so cute!

Food cravings: Honestly, I eat ALL the time....its like I have a bottomless pit or something. So my new favorite thing to eat for a snack is a ripe banana dipped in peanut butter then dipped in shredded coconut....SO GOOD and I eat it just about daily :)  It's very filling too.

Symptoms:  I squeezed my boobies the other day when I got out of the shower and colostrum came out.....crazy!  (maybe this is TMI :)).  I'm so intrigued with all of the changes my body is going through.  I know Sophia is growing not only because I continue to gain weight, but because I can literally feel my insides expanding.  It's like I'm a teenager going through a major growth spurt.

Labor Signs: I pee all the time, but I have been throughout my entire pregnancy.  When I walk, I get contractions.  Other than that, not really.  I'm definitely nesting!

Belly Button in or out? Still IN, but very stretched :)

What I miss: Sleeping on my back, working out and feeling sexy for my hubby.  He tells me all the time how beautiful I am, but I'm definitely not feeling it these days.

What I am looking forward to: Meeting Sophia!  I can already tell these next 4 weeks are going to drag.....I'm done being pregnant, but need to be patient  :)  And I get to see my midwifes weekly until she is born.  Also, we got our belly pics taken last week, so I can't wait to see them......pics to come.

Weekly Wisdom: I never learned how to breath in my birthing class......is this a problem ???? :)  I think I'm asking for some wisdom here.....

Thoughts:  Sometimes I get anxious thinking about what is to come, but overall I'm very calm and ready.  I'm ready for the next chapter of our lives to begin!

Mothering Styles

For fun, I took a "what kind of mother will you be" quiz and the results are........my mothering style is "ENTJ" aka: The Executive Mother, and this is pretty right on :)  or at least I think it will be, because this is how I seem to be in life now....

• Extroverted
• Intuitive
• Thinking
• Judging

To take the quiz, click HERE.


"My mind is always going. How can I fine-tune the system to everyone's advantage?"  Competent and confident in a management role, the ENTJ mother organizes the needs and schedules of family members into a workable family system. Within the system, she provides her children with care-taking, direction, and limits, but she also gives them space to develop their own self-sufficiency and judgment.
Analytical and adept at problem-solving, the ENTJ mother listens to her children's concerns empathetically and then strategizes with them how to improve the situation—either by intervening on their behalf or backing off to let them solve problems on their own. She particularly enjoys watching them take responsibility and accomplish something they find important on their own.
Intense and insightful, the ENTJ mother is cued in to her children's intellectual and emotional development. She uses her quickness and communication skills to talk things through and help her children connect with people and better understand life.

Tips for me:

• The ENTJ could benefit from some unstructured time for herself and her family. She needs to factor "unrushed time" into the family system. Scheduling a slow morning after a major push on a project or building in an hour of downtime mid-day can help her recharge with the time she needs to regroup and relax.
• The ENTJ mother needs to examine realistically—and ultimately reject for herself—the myth of the "supermom." If she can accept her human vulnerabilities and limitations, she will not only enjoy life and her children more fully, she will also avoid passing on her legacy of "perfection" to the next generation.

Strengths

• Commitment to a family system. Energetic and hard working, the ENTJ mother organizes a family system designed to bring out the best in each family member. Her children feel secure that someone competent is in charge, things are in order, and their needs are being addressed fairly.
• Fostering independence. The ENTJ mother is focused on building her children's competence and self-sufficiency by allowing choices and autonomy within a structured family environment. She is constantly seeking the optimum balance between being directive and increasingly giving a child the freedom to make his or her own decisions.
• Problem-solving. The ENTJ mother is a natural strategist and teacher. She helps children of any age think through solutions to a variety of situations, pointing out options, offering her analysis and perceptions, and instilling a "can do" attitude. When appropriate, she advocates for children at school or in any system where their best interests are not being addressed.
• In-depth conversations. The ENTJ mother stimulates her children's intellectual development by engaging them in thought-provoking conversations. Interested in what they're thinking, she listens with respect, perception, and empathy. She uses ordinary life events to explain connections and broad meanings as well as to challenge children to think logically and analytically.

Struggles

• Busyness. Fast paced and tightly scheduled, the ENTJ mother finds it difficult to slow down to a "normal" pace and be flexible to changes in plans. More often than she'd like, she finds herself rushing and telling her children to "hurry up." Frequently over-scheduled and over-committed, she may worry she's not as available to her children as she'd like to be on a regular basis.
• Self-criticism. Intensely committed and wanting to be equally competent at work and family, the ENTJ mother struggles to live up to her "superhuman" expectations for herself. She may find herself constantly assessing her performance, confident about what she did well but even more self-critical when she thinks she should have done more.
• Letting feelings "be." The ENTJ struggles to be patient with children's feelings. She is more comfortable trying to solve the problem and getting on with things than letting children experience unpleasant feelings for a while.

the "almost" finished nursery

Here is more than you ever wanted to know/or see about Sophia's nursery!!!!
I had 2 goals in mind:  It wouldn't be all pink and we would purchase white furniture.

It all started with the word plaques from Pottery Barn Kids.

 Her crib and recliner....

 Bookcase

Changing table and dresser with shelf and birdhouses made by Auntie Denise

 

Some of her clothes and blankets perfectly put away :)

One of my favorite homemade pieces......a birch tree branch as the window rod

 

Part of her closet, and two of the homemade gifts from Auntie KT

 up close bed bumper and sheets

GiGi making herself at home on the rug....3 plastic storage bins under the crib with clothes organized (6, 12 and 14+ months)

Up at 2am again.....what to do? What to do?

Why not go shopping!?!

I've had terrible heartburn most of the night because I gave into letting Zach order "Friday night" Brewery City Pizza.  I was cautious and made myself a large spinach salad and only had 2 pieces of pizza......apparently I can't even have 2 small pieces of pizza without my body hating me.  So now I'm dealing with it. So typical.....did I not just blog about dealing with heartburn?  My own fault :(

Anyway--Since waking up in the wee morning hours is starting to become routine, I'm trying to get things accomplished, because I will most likely be passing out for a nap or two during the day :)

Now, when I roll out of bed and head out into the living room, Zeus quietly scratches on the door to be let in from the garage to hang out with me and Soph. :)  I love the quietness of the dark morning.

So this morning, I sat on the couch, grabbed my laptop and started shopping for baby stuff....why not?!?  (I think Zach is starting to hate this new early morning shopping habit of mine :))

Here's my purchase from Sticky Bellies:

 

How cute are these!!?!!!

So now we have a fun sticker that appears to be "sewn" on to Sophia's lil outfits each month as we watch her grow. Ya for fun purchase!

We didn't have a diaper changing pad to put into the adorable customized diaper bag I ordered last week (pic to come when it arrives), so I found this on Etsy (my new fav website thanks to Plass and Denny) from Angel Baby Treasures......so cute.  We haven't done much "pink" so far with all of Sophia's clothing, furniture, toys and such, but ordered a black an white diaper bag with hot pink script on it.....so this should match perfectly!

So easy:  fold, roll and tie a bow!  The perfect on-the-go accessory!