Week 33 
Baby H is the size of a Durian.

How far along? 33 Weeks

Maternity clothes: I love the new dress I'm wearing in the picture above, and I can't wait to see how it looks in the maternity photos we'll be taking in early October! Thank you to Macy's for your awesome clearance sale! Pregnancy is about small success and big changes; Even though finding a dress that fits is a small success, I'm grateful to have something I feel cute in now that Max, and my bump, are taking over. 

Sleep: I knew it wouldn't last... This week I've been tossing and turning all night long.

Best moment this week: Catching Max on the move...on video. He's so active at night, so I couldn't resist taping him as he moved around the other night. It will be so much fun to have this video to look back on once he's born! Check it out on our Facebook if you want to.

Miss Anything? Not really. I'm a lucky lady.

Movement: When I'm at work I don't get much time off my feet, so when I finally get to sit down Max has little dance parties to celebrate. As he gets bigger and has less space to move around this has gotten a little uncomfortable, but I still love feeling his little hiccups, twists, and kicks.

Food cravings: Cuban... especially plantain chips with mojo sauce. Did someone say date night? 

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope.

Gender: Our little man

Labor Signs: No, although my Braxton Hicks contractions are becoming stronger, and I'm beginning to feel some pelvic pressure. Sometimes I feel like an overstuffed turkey- It's not a glamorous comparison, but anyone who tells you that pregnancy is glamorous is lying through their teeth.

Symptoms: Braxton Hicks contractions, nesting, pelvic pressure, frequent urination, slight dizziness, backache, leg cramps, leaking colostrum, fatigue, hot flashes, and the best part, ever-growing baby and belly :-) 

Belly Button in or out? Still an innie, somehow. Maybe it will stay that way the whole time?

Wedding rings on or off? On!

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy and so in love!

Looking forward to: Date night tonight!

Week 32 
Baby H is the size of a Squash.

                                   
The nursery is complete! I went into full nesting mode this week and washed all Max's little onesies, towels, blankets, and sheets. Max definitely has enough clothes- we were both surprised by the amount of tiny mittens, socks, hats, and rompers we've accumulated over the past seven months. Our family and friends have been so generous, and we are incredibly grateful for their help. All in all, we are pretty prepared for our little man's arrival. Check out these pics of the nursery to see the place he will call home!-

Letting in the sunshine-

Max's stash of homemade blankets!

Our glider (and presents we haven't unpacked yet!)

You can tell we're book lovers since Max already needs a second bookshelf.

All the art is up now...

little touches

A hand-painted card from Auntie Lauren

The bassinet, of course...

and now for the art-

Those tiny clothes!

How soon will he outgrow these adorable little pieces?

How far along? 32 Weeks

Maternity clothes: Barely fit- and I have two months to go!

Sleep: Still sleeping through the night :-D!!!!

Best moment this week: Wednesday afternoon with Gabe. I had a doctor's appointment in the early afternoon, so I only had a half day at work. When I got home, Gabe made us lunch and we curled up on the couch to watch The Great British Bake Off. After that, we watched a PBS special on pie shops around the country...obviously we were indulging our sweet side. Once the show finished up we headed to my appointment. All is well with little Max, but my doctor told me that she does not advise me working past 36 or 37 weeks because of the severity of the Braxton Hicks contractions and cramps I've been having lately (I had been planning on trying to work until Oct. 16th, so my last day of work got moved up to Oct. 2nd. I'll be full term about then, so I feel like it's a good choice to leave work earlier rather than later. I have mixed feelings about leaving my school, but at the same time I am so excited to have a few weeks of free time to relax and finish off my classwork (and to lounge in my pjs) before Max comes. Gabe's been supportive of this decision, because, of course, he wants what is best for me a little Max). After my appointment, we went to Fresh Market and loaded up on healthy staples (okay, we also bought some Peach Praline pie). Finally, we headed home and enjoyed a simple dinner together before Gabe headed to work for an overnight. Thanks to my pregnancy hormones, I randomly started crying after he left...because we'd been having such a great day and I didn't want it to end. While our afternoon sounds pretty normal, it was just one of those days when you have an amazing time doing ordinary things. And that's what marriage is all about <3   

Miss Anything? Pumpkin Hard Cider...yes, it's officially pumpkin season again!

Movement: Max is constantly on the move. Once I hit 36 weeks, he should be head down and his movements will be less obvious. For now though, I'm treasuring every little kick, shift, and wiggle!

Food cravings: Salad, salad, salad...and pie, thanks to PBS.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope.

Gender: Mr. Max!

Labor Signs: No, I've still been having slight cramping though, and my Braxton Hicks contractions are becoming more frequent.

Symptoms: Same as last week: Braxton Hicks contractions, nesting, slight dizziness, backache, leg cramps, leaking colostrum, fatigue, hot flashes, and the best part, ever-growing baby and belly :-) 

Belly Button in or out? Still an innie

Wedding rings on or off? On!

Happy or Moody most of the time: Excited and happy.

Looking forward to: Maternity leave!

Week 31 Baby H is the size of a Pineapple.

I'm so in love with Max and my basketball-sized belly!

According to my pregnancy app, Max is about 3.5 lbs now

DIY Nursing Scarf- They are way too easy and addictive to make. I made 4 of these this week!

One of Gabe's sweet co-workers sent us this awesome mommy and daddy set for Max. I know he will be adorable in his little Arsenal kit!

I may share croissants, but the bacon is mine!

Class treats for the kiddos... so I had to have one too!

Nesting has set in! Max's nursery is almost complete and it will be featured in my next post!

How far along? 31 Weeks

Maternity clothes: DIY Nursing Scarves! Also, my maternity pants no longer fit...Pregnancy is one long lesson in being humbled by your body and all the changes it goes through.

Sleep: I've actually had four nights of sleeping through the night!! Why didn't I spring for that little pregnancy wedge pillow sooner?

Best moment this week: Our Sunday morning breakfast date and stroll downtown. Gabe and I went to Goose Feathers, one of our favorite little places in the historic district, for a lovely early morning treat. We ordered up two breakfast sandwiches and a raspberry cream croissant to split, then relaxed and talked about our week, what we've been reading, and the excitement of parenting which will be upon us soon. I love that even after three years, something as simple as sitting at a table together and holding hands still sends shivers up my spine. While our time as a two-some is drawing to a close, I know we will fall even more as we enter the next stage of our life together. I cherish every moment we share and I know our love will grow and continue with the addition of little Max to our life. Until he arrives, I plan to relish these little moments that are just ours.

Miss Anything? Owning a bra that fits...and wearing a bra size that is sold in stores. Judging from the growth going on little Max will be well fed! 

Movement: Still loving it! Since my amniotic fluid has reached its peak now, Max's movements are stronger than ever. Sometimes that translates to being painful, and I've been pretty uncomfortable the last few days. That being said, many of his movements are pain-free and I love watching him move around, and the effect it creates on the surface of my belly. I have no idea what he's doing in there, but Gabe and I love making up silly little scenarios for his actions. It's so good to know he is strong and healthy, and I can hardly wait to meet our little man!

Food cravings: Hazelnut, Bagels, Chinese food (homemade, take-out, you name it), Pumpkin (it's back!)

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope.

Gender: Our handsome little boy :-)

Labor Signs: No, although I had some cramping this week and I had Braxton Hicks contractions for three or four hours the other day. Working on my feet all day is pretty taxing, and I actually left work early yesterday because I was in so much pain (I'm not the kind of person that leaves work). I went to the doctor and was grateful to learn that everything is fine with me and Max. Max's heart rate was around 140, which is nice and strong! Everything checked out with my lady bits too, but they ran a test that screens for the likelihood of pre-term labor just to be safe. Thankfully the results came back normal this morning, so Max will stay where he belongs for now. The Nurse Practitioner (who is amazing) told me that I've probably just been pushing it too hard at work and asked me to take the day off to be cautious. I have a four day weekend ahead and I plan to rest up, enjoy a weekend off with Gabe, and spoil Max with love and attention (and maybe some ice cream...). 

Symptoms: Braxton Hicks contractions, nesting, slight dizziness, backache, leg cramps, leaking colostrum, fatigue, hot flashes, and the best part, ever-growing baby and belly :-) 

Belly Button in or out? Is it weird to say that my belly looks surprised? Gabe thinks I'll have an outie in 28 days... I think I'll have an outie in 7. We'll see who's closer...

Wedding rings on or off? On!

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy as can be!

Looking forward to: This four day weekend of rest and relaxation!

Week 30 
Baby H is the size of an Cucumber.

 

                                  

How far along? 30 Weeks

Maternity clothes: This week I started prepping for Max's arrival and got a nursing nightgown and a stretchy nursing bra that is pretty much the only one I fit now...and my milk won't come in for two more months! Why is it so hard to find nursing tops? I thought finding maternity clothes was difficult. They barely even have nursing gowns and shirts at Motherhood. Is there some secret store I'm missing out on? I also ordered a maternity belt since my back has been bothering me, so we'll see if that actually provides any relief.

Sleep: The usual toss and turn, however my back hurts slightly less thanks to my new Boppy wedge. 

Best moment this week: Nothing beats the little moments at home with Gabe and our increasingly not-so-little man. 

Miss Anything? Running. I was doing really well staying active during the summer, but now that school is back in I am exhausted by the time I get home. Thankfully I walk around all day at work, but I still feel guilty for being so lazy. I'm really looking forward to running a few days a week after Max is born, especially since I found out that there is a Harry Potter Running Club! I doubt I'll be doing the Gate this year, but I'm going to try my best to get in shape for it anyway. My goal is to run at least three races before then.  

Movement: I could seriously stare at my belly all day long. It's amazing to know how strong Max is already. He is particularly active early in the morning, around noon-two, and again late at night, so we may actually get some sleep once he's born! 

Food cravings: Waffles! I also may have had a mini M&M Blast from Sonic after our breastfeeding class. So much for one per pregnancy!

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope.

Gender: Mr.

Labor Signs: No

Symptoms: Dizziness, backache, aching feet, restlessness, leg cramps, leaking colostrum, fatigue, hot flashes, and the best part, ever-growing baby and belly :-) 

Belly Button in or out? Still shrinking...

Wedding rings on or off? On!

Happy or Moody most of the time: Total happiness!

Looking forward to: Becoming a mama in exactly two months!

Week 29 - Max's Baby Shower!
Baby H is the size of an acorn squash.

Max is the size of an acorn squash! 

The Adorable Welcome Signs My Dad Made :-)

Hedgehog cookies!

The spread! Croissants, Mini quiche, macarons, mini scones, mini cheesecakes, trail mix, veggie dip and more! 

Check out this owl platter!

Quality Trail Mix- Can I have more please?

Donut-hole acorns and delicious macarons

Moscow Mule Mocktails!

Woodland critter decor <3

The awesome picture backdrop Andrea made- this is hanging in Max's nursery now!

Pure joy!

The ladies that put this all together!

All the girls! 

Best Auntie ever!

Calvin hung out an extra week so he could come to his future BFF's party!

Four generations in one photo!

The movie night crew!

Jazzy :-)

So much love!

Gabe and Grace

Party games!

More critter decor

The Guestbook!

Basking in the love of our friends and family (and the sun).

More critters- and gifts!

Max is going to be so spoiled!

Lauren snapped this sweet shot of us opening gifts :-)

My wonderful man!

The flower crowns Andrea crafted made me feel like a fairy queen!

Impromptu outdoor photo session after the shower

We can barely contain our excitment! 

My whole world <3

boop!

Is there anything more romantic than kisses in the rain?

How far along? 29 Weeks

Maternity clothes: I'm excited to show off my cute new dress at the shower! Finally, something that resembles my pre-pregnancy clothes!

Sleep: I've pretty much been passing out by 9 pm every night now that I'm back to work.

Best moment this week: 

   Max's Baby Shower!!!! My mom and Andrea have been working hard to put together the perfect party for Max, and they definitely pulled it off! They carefully crafted an adorable woodland theme for everything, from the decorations to the food. My mom baked for two days, making a spread of cookies, mini quiche, mini cheesecakes, gruyere puffs (my favorite) and more. Andrea also made six kinds of her perfect macarons! On top of all that the buffet also included trail mix, croissants, mini vanilla scones, donut holes, and an owl shaped veggies and dip platter! Andrea and Gabe made Moscow Mule Mocktails for everyone too. Max isn't the only one that's spoiled!  
   Andrea and my mom also spent a great deal of time on the decor. Andrea made everyone beautiful flower crowns- even Gabe! I felt like a fairy queen in mine, and I thought Gabe looked pretty sexy in his ;-) Andrea also put together an amazing picture backdrop and an adorable guestbook tree for everyone to place a thumbprint on. My mom raided Hobby Lobby and found plenty of forest creatures to decorate with, from little felt friends to the fluffy owl, hedgehog, and fox that hid out around the house. These ladies know how to throw a party! 
   Of course, the best part of the party was getting to see all of our friends and family. I'm not sure exactly how many guests we had, but the party was a full house! Our family, the B&N gang, the movie night crew, all my girls (even Lauren, who was 4 days overdue with Calvin!), and the Oceanway ladies all made it, which made us feel so special. Gabe and I tried to visit with everyone, but I always feel like I've missed catching up with some people after a big party like that. At least I know everyone had a great time and enjoyed delicious food!
   After some party games it was present time, and we were overwhelmed by everyone's generosity. Even people who couldn't make it to the shower sent gifts! Gabe and I had a great time opening presents and reading the sweet messages that each person wrote us in their cards. Half the fun of opening presents was picturing Max in each little outfit, or using each little gift. We got everything from nursing supplies and bottles to handmade quilts and crocheted blankets to onesies, diapers, tummy time mats, toys, bibs, and books. Thanks to our friends and family, Max is well prepared for his first year of life! 
    Once everyone had left for the afternoon, Gabe and I snuck outside for an impromptu photo session in the rain. My dad took pictures for us and got some great shots. I especially love the way that Gabe is looking at me in these photos; the love he has for me and Max radiates from his gaze. The light rain was perfectly romantic- not too long ago we were taking our wedding pictures in the summer rain also. All I know is that I am one incredibly lucky lady to have this man as my husband, my best friend, my soulmate, and as the father of our child. I cannot wait to experience parenthood with him as we begin this next phase of our life together!

Miss Anything? I am completely content <3

Movement: Max loves to move around all day long. Sometimes I even notice his movements when I'm up walking around, which is new. He is getting so big, and I love feeling each of his twists, turns, and kicks. My heart swells with joy when I think of how soon our little man will be born!  

Food cravings: Did anyone say donuts? Oh, that was just Max demanding them again ;-)

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope.

Gender: Our precious baby boy!

Labor Signs: No

Symptoms: Aching feet, restlessness, leg cramps, leaking colostrum, fatigue, hot flashes, and the best part, ever-growing baby and belly :-) 

Belly Button in or out? In, but it seems to be getting smaller as Max takes over...

Wedding rings on or off? On!

Happy or Moody most of the time: Pure joy!

Looking forward to: Having Max- only 65 days to go (as of today)!