Where have the past 9 months gone?!? 36 weeks today!

My precious Little Luda, I can not believe that you have been growing in my belly for 9 months. It seems like only yesterday that I was telling your Daddy that you'd be arriving in December and now we are just weeks away from your big debut! We love you so much already and can't wait to hold you in our arms for the first time! And as always, bake baby, bake!

(Sorry for the cheesy mirror pictures, it was the best I could do this evening.)

Along: 36 weeks...Little Luda is the size of a head of romaine lettuce!

Size: Our Nugget is continuing to pack on the chub at a rate of about an ounce a day. He or she now weighs nearly 6 pounds and could be more than 18.5 inches long. All of these weights and lengths are estimated based on the average weights/heights of babies, but I'm thinking they may be pretty accurate. Only time will tell! Little Luda is also starting to shed the downy covering of hair that has been on his or her body as well as the vernix caseosa, the waxy substance that has been protecting our Nugget's skin for the last 9 months from the amniotic fluid. At this point our Nugget is estimated to be head down, yay! We start weekly appointments next week and we will know more about Little Luda's position and labor progression then.

Total Weight Gain/Loss: My guess is between 24 and 26 pounds, maybe more. Little Luda and I are definitely packing on the pounds here towards the end. Again we will have an official number next week after our appointment on Wednesday.

Maternity Clothes: Mostly maternity clothes with a few sweaters and such that still work from pre-pregnancy.

Gender: We may be on the boy train...Shawn had the first baby boy dream that either of us have had throughout the pregnancy last night. Up until now we have both only had baby girl dreams and can I just say, I LOVE that he dreams about our Baby too!

Movement: Still staying super active. I know that it is normal for movement to slow down as our little one runs out of room in my belly, but I'm hoping that he or she keeps on kicking and rolling until the very end. I love every movement I feel and think that it is definitely going to be something I miss once Little Luda arrives.

Sleep: We had a really busy weekend, so sleep was minimal, but I still have felt pretty rested, which is all that I can ask for.

Exercise: We ran the FCA 5k this past Sunday with my family. Little Luda and I finished in just over 36 minutes, we did a combination of walk/running, and I ended up placing third in my age group. I was pretty proud of myself to have been able to do that at nearly 9 months pregnant. Since then I have doing my normal walks/jogs and prenatal yoga to keep me feeling active without over doing it.

Cravings: Carbs, coffee and chocolate. I have allowed myself more decaffeinated drinks this week. I was originally avoiding coffee all together, but I have definitely enjoyed indulging.

Symptoms: Heart burn, back pain, legs cramps and PREGNANCY BRAIN. I seem to be forgetting everything. I left my glasses and phone charger at my parents house and forgot to close the garage all in one day. At least I remember to lock to the door to the house, right?!

Best Moment of the Week: We have had quite the week. Last Thursday I left for North Carolina and spent the weekend celebrating my cousin Jennifer and her now husband, Casey! We had such a fun weekend. Nails, bridesmaid luncheon and rehearsal dinner on Friday and of course the big celebration on Saturday. Everything was absolutely beautiful and I love that all the hard work Jen put into making her wedding one of a kind came together beautifully!

AND THEN, on Sunday I was blown away, by my cousin/friend Laura as she asked me to stand beside her on her big day in March! Laura and I grew up together, our Dad's are first cousins making us third cousins, and she has remained someone that I know I can count on at anytime in my life. I have loved seeing her relationship with her soon to be Hubby, Mike, develop and look forward to sharing with them in celebrating their love for one another. Let the party planning and bridesmaid fun begin!

Yes Honeydew, we do love you! 35 weeks!

Along: 35 weeks...Little Luda is the size of a honeydew melon!

Size: This week Little Luda is weighing about 5.25 pounds and roughly 18 inches long. At this point all of our Nugget's major organs are nearly complete! The kidneys are completely developed and Little Luda's liver is capable of processing waste. 

Total Weight Gain/Loss: As of yesterday I was up 24 pounds, I think Halloween candy and all the other sweets I have been craving are catching up to me. With that being said, I'm ok with that number. My original goal was to try to stay around 25 pounds, so we'll see what happens. As I always say, a healthy Baby and a healthy Mommy are all that we are worried about. 

Maternity Clothes: I'm rocking mostly maternity clothes these days. They are so much more comfortable and seeing as I am only in this stage of life for a limited time, I may as well take advantage it. 

Gender: For the first time EVER I had a mother of a patient tell me I was having a girl and with all my girl dreams that I have been having we are definitely riding the girl train this week. I'm literally dying to know at this point!

Movement: Little Luda has been his or her active self. At my appointment this week the doctor told me that they are pretty sure that the baby is head down, which is good news! I'm just hoping the Nugget stays that way!

Sleep:  I take what I can get!

Exercise: We went for several walks this week and I squeezed a short 2 mile run on Tuesday. I definitely feel better on days that I walk/run, so I am trying to do that as much as possible. Big "race" this weekend!

Cravings: Sweets will remain at the top of my list, along with their close cousin, salads. I really need to watch what I'm eating a little bit more, but everything tastes SO GOOD!!

Symptoms: Heart burn, back pain, some abdominal cramping and LEG cramps! I have woken up with cramps in my legs several times a night this week, definitely not fun!

Best Moment of the Week: I've worked 6 of the last 8 days, so there hasn't been much time for relaxing, but we did manage to get some more work done around the house. We added a few touches to the Nursery and have been hanging up pictures around the house. I feel like I have so much to do before Little Luda comes and even though I know he or she won't really care what the house looks like, I just want everything to be perfect!

34 weeks && our GORGEOUS maternity photos!

33 weeks 2 days, Photo by Abby Grace Photography

Along: 34 weeks and 1 day! Little Luda is the size of a Cantaloupe!

Size: This week Little Luda is weighing about 4 3/4 pounds and is just about 18 inches long! His or her fat layers are started to fill out which is making him or her rounder and will help with temperature regulation once the Big Day arrives! Our Nugget's nervous system is continuing to mature along with his or her lungs. Good news, if our Nugget were to be born between 34 and 37 weeks he or she may have a few short term health problems, but in the long-run will most likely do just as well as a full term baby! Of course as I always say..bake, baby bake! 

Total Weight Gain/Loss: I 'm going to go with 21-22 pounds

Maternity Clothes: Still wearing a mixture of both! I really do love dressing my baby bump, which as of now is stretch mark free! (I probably just jinxed myself.)

Gender: We are definitely starting to get anxious to find out whether or not we are going to have a son or daughter. There is an overwhelming amount of little boys running around in our friend pool, with the newest addition being added just this morning, so with that being said, we are bound to have the girl! Only time will tell!

Movement: Still staying super active! At times is can be a little uncomfortable, but I am not complaining about the awesome feeling of having Little Luda move around in my belly!

Sleep:  Can't complain about sleep this week. It's been pretty good and I've been able to grab a few naps here and there which have been really helpful.

Exercise: For the month of October I wanted to jog/walk 50 miles. Although I did not reach that goal, moving and working have taken it's toll on my outdoor time, I did manage to go for 37.5 miles this month. I'm still really pretty great when I'm jogging/walking, so as long as my body lets me I plan to keep on moving. We've signed up for a 5K in Fredericksburg next weekend, so I'm excited to "run" another race with our Little Luda!

Cravings: Sweets, which has been perfect with Halloween! And I also have fallen in love with plain yogurt and granola. Shawn suggested we eat that instead of cereal and it has been a big hit for me and Little Luda.

Symptoms: Heart burn wasn't as bad this week, but it is definitely still an issue, especially on nights that I work. My back has been pretty achy and I'm starting to feel pretty tired most of the time. 

Best Moment of the Week: On Sunday Saturday Shawn and I got to go and take our maternity photos at a farm out in Leesburg. My roommate from college, Abby, is a photographer and although she typically sticks to weddings and engagements, she willing took our photos for us. I've only seen a few sneak peeks, but from what I have seen they are absolutely GORGEOUS! Abby is so talented and I am so blessed to have someone in my life to capture this special moment for us. Here is a link to her blog with a full post of our shoot! Check her out, she's pretty awesome!

Photo by Abby Grace Photography

33 weeks...we were showered with LOVE! : )

October Jog/Walk update: We weren't very active this week and only clocked 4.5 miles for a total of 28 miles. I'm thinking that it may be difficult to reach our goal, but we're just going to keep on moving and stay as active as we can.

Along: 33 weeks! Little Luda is the size pineapple.

Size: This week Little Luda is weighing over 4 pounds and has passes the 17 inches in length. 

Total Weight Gain/Loss: At my doctor's appointment on Monday the number was 19 pounds...I'm thinking it's more around the 20-22 pound mark, but I guess what the doctor says, goes!

Maternity Clothes: Wearing a mixture of both, but definitely feel more comfortable in maternity clothes. I'm so thankful that my Mom decided to treat me to Maternity clothes,

Gender: We had our baby showers this past week and everyone guessed the sex of Little Luda. The majority is by far leaning towards boy, but there are few out there that think our Nugget is going to be a girl. With each week that passes I am getting more and more excited/anxious to meet our little one. 

Movement: Still staying super active! At times is can be a little uncomfortable, but I am not complaining about the awesome feeling of having Little Luda move around in my belly!

Sleep:  Hit or miss. I take what I can get. 

Cravings: Cucumbers, green peppers, banana peppers and sweets!

Symptoms: Small bladder, heartburn (it has been so bad lately) and back and leg pain.

Best Moment of the Week: We had two baby showers this week! On Saturday we had a shower in Fredericksburg with tons of family and friends. I felt so loved and blessed to have so many people in my life that are supporting me and Shawn as we venture into parenthood. We were blessed with so many gifts and it is easy to see that Little Luda is going to be one loved baby! Once we got home and started looking through everything, it really started to hit me that is 7 weeks, give or take, we will be bringing home our little miracle. You'd think that I would have been able to wrap my mind around that by now, but every time I look at my growing belly I am more and more amazed at the miracle God is doing in me. Our Nugget has changed Shawn and I so much already and i know that once he or she makes their entrance into the world, that our lives will be forever changed.

On Monday, my Mom came up to visit and got to come with me to a Doctor's appointment. I loved getting to see her reaction to hearing her Grand baby's heartbeat...it still amazes me every time! Afterwards, we went to another Baby Shower that my co-workers had for me. Of course I forgot my camera, but it was a WONDERFUL evening and I am so blessed to work with such caring and loving people that have supported me through this stage in my life!

Here are some pictures from the Fredericksburg shower:

The soon to be Mommy and Daddy!

The cake was DELICIOUS!

Aunt Katie, keeping track of all the goodies

She is going to be a wonderful Aunt!

Grandma and Aunt Alli

The ladies that put together the BEAUTIFUL shower!

Cousins!

32 weeks! (2 months to go!)

October Jog/Walk update: So far, 23.5 miles done with our Little Luda! Almost half way to my goal as of yesterday. We better kick it into high gear if we are going to make it!

Along: 32 weeks! Little Luda is the size of a large jicama, also known as a Mexican turnip or yam. 

Size: This week Nugget is measuring about 16.7 inches and weighing in around 3.75 pounds. From here on out I should be gaining roughly a pound a week and approximately half of that goes to the baby. Our sweet baby now has toenails, fingernails and real hair of which I am hoping he or she has a head full of. Little Luda's skin is becoming soft and smooth.

Total Weight Gain/Loss: I'm going to guess 20-22 pounds. I'm feeling as if I am really starting to, "pack on the pounds," mainly because my belly just feels heavy and of course because the number on the scale keeps rising. As always though, I am OK with whatever the number is, as long as we are both healthy.  

Maternity Clothes: Still wearing a mixture of both.

Gender: Everyone I'm around still says boy. I'm even starting to have patients' parents tell me I was having a boy. With that being said we have 2 months until we know the gender for sure and I am getting so excited! I just can't wait to hold our Little Luda! 

Movement: The crazy movement continues and I wouldn't have it any other way. We are still having aggressive movements and on Monday Shawn made the comment that our Little Luda was trying to bust out of Mommy's tummy. Although I know that is not the case, it sure did feel like it!

Sleep:  Still not getting the best sleep, so I guess my body is really trying to prepare me for the arrival of our little blessing. 

Cravings: My love for pringles (or any chip/cracker) has been rekindled. I'm also still addicted to chocolate milk/hot chocolate and banana's, especially with peanut butter. For breakfast one day this week I have pancakes with crunchy peanut butter, bananas and a drizzle of honey, it was delicious!

Symptoms: I'm tired most of the time and my body just feels more achy, especially when I have been running or doing a lot of physical activity. I still have heartburn, but it's tolerable and I get cramps in my legs several mornings out of the week. With that being said, I really am feeling great! 

Best Moment of the Week: Saturday evening we went to a Murder Mystery party that one of my co-workers hosted. Shawn and I had such a good time and Shawn was thrilled about his role as the MURDERER. It was an  early 1800's theme and the entire evening was a blast! Here's a picture of us at our house before the party, the schoolteacher and the prospector.

 

Tomorrow is Baby Shower #1 for Little Luda, we're so excited we can hardly sleep!

Happy Friday! : )

The Big MOVE!

On Monday morning, Shawn and I woke up with excitement and adrenaline running through our bones. We were told on Friday that we would be closing between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. so after a few pit stops we headed to Gainesville to sit and wait to be able to go to our title company for closing. What we didn't know was that we would be waiting literally until the last possible minute for us to close on Monday.

We had been in communication with our Lender and with our Title Company all week, so they weren't surprised when we started harassing them with calls. As lunch time approached and there was still no word, we knew that the loan had been approved, but we were waiting for our Lender's underwriter to make the official approval, we grabbed lunch and did some more waiting. After eating we thought the best thing to do would be to sit in front of the bank until we knew just how much we needed our certified check to be made out to. What we didn't think about was how that would look. Two people sitting outside of the bank in their cars, making tons of phone calls, for 2+ hours, they definitely probably thought we were going to rob the place.

Around 3:30 we got word that we could get the certified check and that the documents would be arriving to our Title Company, "shortly." When we arrived at settlement 30 minutes later, there were still no documents. At this point we had pretty much told ourselves that we weren't going to be able to close. We knew that the cut off time was 5:30 and that with the way things were going we'd probably have to wait until Tuesday. So, we started praying, one because we knew that we needed a miracle to make this happen and two because my blood was boiling. 

Our closer let us start signing documents around 4:00 o'clock. We still hadn't gotten the wire transfer for the funds or the official go from our Lender's underwriter, but he thought we might as well get things underway. After signing our names dozens of times, we sat and waited. At 5:15 we got word that the funds were wired through and then the greatest thing happen, keys to our NEW HOME were placed in our hands! Praise the Lord, we were official homeowners!

And now is where the real craziness starts. Shawn and I rushed to our home and were met by our friends Danielle, Luke and Baby "C." We unloaded boxes from our cars, so Danielle and I would have something to work on and Luke and Shawn booked it to rent a U HAUL. Around 8:30/9:00 Shawn and Luke showed back up to the house with a truck full of our belongings and another friend Dan. The three of them, along with 2 more friends, Zach and Trey, had packed everything in the truck so that we could stay in our house for the first time. After moving everything into the garage, the guys hoisted our box spring up over the balcony and we were able to sleep in our bed for our first night in our FIRST HOME. 

The unpacking process has been so much more fun that the packing process. We still have lots to do, but thankfully my brother, Luke, and my Dad made the trip up on Tuesday to help us move the "big" stuff. Dad even installed our washer and dryer and the 3 guys, hung a ceiling fan in the living room. Yes, apparently it took all 3 of them to hang it, it was quite fun to watch.

Throughout this process I feel like I have grown so much. It was stressful, but I learned a lot. Especially about the calm, loving and supportive man that I married. Shawn has been such a a great support throughout this whole process and I wouldn't have been able to keep myself together through the challenging moments if it weren't for his steady presence throughout the whole process. I feel beyond blessed and know that even in the midst of all that is going on in this world, that God is faithful to provide. 

Thank you to everyone who prayed and supported us throughout this process! We wouldn't have made it here with out you!

Here are the few pictures we managed to take of the moving/unpacking process. I'm sure once things get settled, if that ever happens since we are about to be PARENTS, I'll post more of our new home!

The night we moved in! We couldn't sleep, so we decided to unpack the kitchen at 3:30 in the morning!



 Our favorite Little Guy came to check out the progress and help us unpack.

 

While my Dad and Brother were in town, my Dad installed our washer and dryer and all 3 of them hung up a fan in the Living Room...it was a really heavy fan!

 

Later in the week Shawn's parents came to help paint. We were so grateful for the time they took to come and help us

31 weeks!

We have a crib in Little Luda's nursery!

Update on our October goals. So far Little Luda and I have gone only 12 miles, not as far as I would have liked, but with moving (yes MOVING) we have not had the time we would have like for designated walks/jogs. However, moving while 31 weeks pregnant is definitely a workout! My legs are sore and my back is more achy than usual.

Along: 31 weeks! Little Luda is the size of a coconut!

Size: This week Nugget is measuring over 16 inches, weighs about 3 1/3 pound and is apparently heading into a growth spurt! He or she can move his or her head from side to side and that adorable little body is starting to put on some chub.

Total Weight Gain/Loss: 18 pounds as of yesterday! We had another appointment and Little Luda is looking perfect! Measuring right on target with a heartbeat of 150. 

Maternity Clothes: Mixture of both. On Sunday the dresses I had to wear to church were slim pickings, so I opted to wear one that I knew would work and has survived all 3 Trimesters of this pregnancy. I bought it well before I knew I was pregnant, so I'd say it was a good purchase!

Gender: We're down to single digit weeks until we meet our Nugget! Can't wait!

Movement: Tons of movement and I love it. Little Luda seems to be getting a little more aggressive in there with his or her movements, I think we are going to have an active one on our hands. At my appointment yesterday my NP commented on just how active our Nugget is. She also noted that with movement Little Luda's heart rate goes up, which is a good thing!

Sleep:  Sleep has been pretty good this week, minus a few rough nights. I just try to take advantage of downtime whenever I can get it. Hopefully this coming week I will get a little more time to rest.

Cravings: Chips, Bananas and Ice Cream. 

Symptoms: Heartburn and back pain, which I am pretty sure I did to myself. My hips are still bothering me, mainly when I go to lay down and I'm having some sciatic nerve pain. Nothing this Mommy can't handle though. I take each symptom as a sign of a healthy, growing Nugget! 

Best Moment of the Week: God answered our prayers and on Monday evening we closed on our home and were able to stay the night for the first time in our First Home! We were so overjoyed with all the help that we received. I'll do a full recap of how everything occurred early next week, but for now here's a picture of the very happy Homeowners!