34 weeks

How Far Along: 34 weeks

Size of baby: Month 8 (32-36 wk) Baby is size of honeydew; 17.2 - 18.7 inches long and 4.2 - 5.8 lbs. This baby is getting big!!!

34w - Peyton's fat layers — which will help regulate her body temperature once she's born — are filling her out, making her rounder. Her skin is also smoother than ever. Her central nervous system is maturing and her lungs are continuing to mature as well.

Maternity Clothes: Yup.

Weight Gain: Up 17 lbs.

Belly: Here is a photo that my friends forced me to take at the wedding this past weekend. And as much as I fought them on it, I actually really like it. I think my belly looks huge in it ... I don't think I'm actually that big. But either way, it's a nice picture to have for memories.


Stretch Marks: Nope, not yet.

Sleep: Same thing ... one night I actually don't even wake up to pee and the next I'm up every two hours.

Best Moment of the Week: The wedding was a lot of fun and boy, am I going to miss the compliments of "You look fantastic!" and "Wow, you look great." all the time. It's not everyday normally that people tell you how great you look! :)

Movement: She has been moving a lot more. Not really kicks or jabs, but I'm constantly feeling her swing her butt up into my lung. My midwife confirmed that she is still head down - I think she is staying that way until she comes.

Symptoms: Tired, hip pain at night and of course gas. :) Oh and apparently I snore now. My poor husband.

Food cravings: I just crave food in general. :) I am hungry beyond belief now. I swear I can eat all day long if given the chance!

Gender: A Little Lady.

What I Miss: Nothing much.

What I'm Looking Forward To: Hitting May. Then I can say "I'm due next month." :) And I'm counting down the days until a firm maternity leave date (now that I know my insurance is cool.) June 3rd ... 34 days!

Weekly Wisdom: I'm back to "drink water!" I have been waking up in the middle of the night with leg cramps again. God they suck. I need to drink more water.

Milestones: 34 weeks. Each week is a milestone.

Emotions: My patience for people is gone. I have no more. I'm feeling the pressure of trying to get work finished in the next 5 weeks and the fact that people ask me the same questions twice is pissing me off to no end. I don't have time to answer the same question AGAIN.

I'm melting!

I am officially hot! I have been begging and pleading for the warm weather to come, but I didn't know I would feel so hot all the time! Granted I'm at work, in a suit and the AC in this piece sucks balls, so I don't want to shun the warmth away. I just want to be in a tank top and a skirt sitting outside and enjoying the breeze. I very sternly asked a co-worker to shut her window and turn up the air in her office. Luckily, she has two kids, so she feels for me ... a little I think. Her office also controls most of the AC power in this office. The one in my art room is "supposed" to control my office and my two neighbors, but since hers is so powerful and the thermostat is closer to her office then mine, it actually shuts mine off. We went through this last year here, but I was able to just grin and bear it .... not now. I'm too fucking hot. I had our assistant call for someone to look at this again. But I'm sure there really isn't a solution - this is just the way it's going to be. I guess I better get a table fan tonight, place it on my desk and aim it directly into my face ...

I went to speak to the benefits woman yesterday about my leave. I've been having major anxiety about it because there was a timing issue. Not sure if you remember, but I was a freelancer here for many years and decided to come on staff when I found out that they covered some IVF stuff. Well my official hire date was June 7th and for an employee to received paid insurance while off they need to be here for a year. Well my due date is June 9th - so let's just say I am cutting it close - I planned on working as close to labor as possible so it wouldn't be a problem. I don't even care about getting paid for the time off - although that was never an issue. (NJ has paid short term disability and then there is a NJ Family Leave Act that pays you as well after those 6-8 weeks.) I was more concerned about the insurance because if I wasn't here a year I would have to pay into Cobra which is basically an arm and a leg. Well the benefits woman put my mind at ease yesterday. Regardless when I leave - although I'm planning on working until June 3rd - my insurance won't lapse. She will put me in for Personal Leave if I'm out before the start of June and then on June 7th, all my benefits kick in. If I leave on June 3rd - although a few days shy of my anniversary date - it doesn't matter. I already paid into June and am covered until the anniversary date. I know sounds confusing. But she basically just said to me, "Don't worry about it. You are so close it really doesn't matter." Whew! What a relief. So now whereas I was going to see how it goes, I think I'm really going to go out on June 3rd. That's nice to see an end to all the work crap! 37 more days (21 more actual days of work!!!) YAY!

33 weeks

How Far Along: 33 weeks

Size of baby: Month 8 (32-36 wk) Baby is size of honeydew; 17.2 - 18.7 inches long and 4.2 - 5.8 lbs. This baby is getting big!!!

33w - Peyton's rapidly losing that wrinkled, alien look and her skeleton is hardening. The bones in her skull aren't fused together, which allows them to move and slightly overlap, thus making it easier for her to fit through the birth canal. These bones don't entirely fuse until early adulthood, so they can grow as her brain and other tissue expands during infancy and childhood.

Maternity Clothes: Yup.

Weight Gain: Up 16 lbs.

Belly: You get a bare belly one because I'm wearing a flow-y shirt.

Stretch Marks: Nope, not yet.

Sleep: Same thing ... one night I actually don't even wake up to pee and the next I'm up every two hours.

Best Moment of the Week: Wrapping up the nursery and putting away all the little clothes.

Movement: Sometimes barely nothing and then there is a small window where she moves a ton. Like this morning at 6 AM - she must have been doing her exercises because there was no down time for about 30 mins.

Symptoms:Exhaustion, hip pain, lower back pain ... it's starting. I have to have C rub my lower back and hips each night while in bed. Oh and an unbelievable amount of discharge (tmi.) And two days ago, was the first time I really felt uncomfortable pregnant. She was on top of my lungs and I just couldn't breath. I came home from a 12 hour day in almost tears because I was just so tired. I don't ever want to complain about the pregnancy, but man was I done that day.

Food cravings: I just crave food in general. :)

Gender: A Little Lady.

What I Miss: Today I miss sleep.

What I'm Looking Forward To: Tonight is our second childbirth class - we'll see how this all pans out. We have our friends wedding this wedding, so I'm looking forward to that. And then May is just around the corner!

Weekly Wisdom: Don't lay flat on your back - regardless of how long. Yesterday I went to get my eyebrows waxed and laid on the table. I started to feel a little heavy in my chest, but could still breath and didn't feel lightheaded like the MW said I would if anything was compressing. Well when I got up from the table, I had a shooting pain in my lower back and almost passed out.

Milestones: 33 weeks! Less than 50 days left!

Emotions: Feeling good emotionally. Feeling ready. (that's a lie, trying to feel ready!)

Nursery in Progress

As requested, here are some pictures of the nursery. It is def still a work in progress, but it's coming along.

C and I put up the tree decal last Friday. The person from E.tsy sent us the birds in the wrong color, so we are waiting for those to finish up. I placed the ones they gave us in for placement. Also that chair in the corner isn't staying in the room. We still need to pick out a glider and then find a home for this chair.

That bench also isn't staying in the room. I think I may just put the basket of books on the floor or something ... who knows.





Here is the changing table area. I need to still get a changing pad and such.



The dresser is in the closet - as you can see, this room isn't exactly big!


Messy closet!


When I told my Dad that we are naming her Peyton, he said "Oh Peyton Place!" So rather than getting letters to spell out her name on the wall, I ordered a movie poster from the movie Peyton Place. C is working on building a cool, bulky frame for it. But I put it on the wall to see how it all works together.


The bedding - I love this bedding. I'm undecided about the bumpers ... may use them, may not.

It still needs some work, but considering she won't be in there much during the first few months anyway, I'm not too concerned on finishing it completely. I do however need to start washing her clothes, blankets, etc. I have a feeling that I'm going to procrastinate on that one!

Mondays Shumdays

OMG ... Monday mornings are seriously a waste of time.

I sit here at work - next to an extensive To Do list - and read blogs, message boards, etc that I've missed over the weekend instead of chipping away at my obligations. I do answer the occasional email that I don't have to do a ton of work to answer and then flag the others that require me more than a "thanks." or "got it." response.

In a perfect world, Mondays wouldn't technically start until after lunchtime. That is basically when I catch my FIRST wind of the day. I hate feeling so unmotivated here, but I just can't seem to shake it. I count the minutes until 12, so I can go to the cafe, kill a little time there, bring my lunch back, kill a little more time here and then that eats up another hour. Usually by 1 pm, I no longer can push off emails and have to do some work. I don't know why I wait to start because when I'm actually working, I find that the time flies by. I get so immersed in a design that hours can just slip away. And those are good days ... why can't Monday mornings be that way. If I were just to start working, jump into a design or a media plan, I know that the time would just melt away. BUT that is the logical side of my brain talking, and let's be honest here, I haven't consulted my logical brain in months! Everything is based on emotion, hormones and exhaustion. And Monday mornings are fueled strictly by exhaustion. I want to sleep. I want to stay in bed with my puppy dog and my hand on my belly, watching shitty TV. I don't seem to get to do that during the weekend - that's always filled with more To Do lists ... do laundry, run errands, unpack baby stuff, do a little more in the nursery, do some freelance work, etc, etc.

OK. Well my rant has taken me to 2 mins of 12. I will now commence with the next hour of blowing off work to bring me to the better part of the day. Monday afternoons. :)
Hope you all are having a better Monday AM than me!

32 weeks

How Far Along: 32w3d ... I forgot to post my weekly update.

Size of baby: I'm in a new month. Month 8 (33-36 wk) Baby is size of honeydew; 17.2 - 18.7 inches long and 4.2 - 5.8 lbs. This baby is getting big!!!

32w - Peyton is taking up a lot of space in my uterus. I'm gaining about a pound a week and roughly half of that goes right to the baby. In fact, she'll gain a third to half of her birth weight during the next 7 weeks as she fattens up for survival outside the womb. She now has toenails, fingernails, and real hair (or at least respectable peach fuzz). Her skin is becoming soft and smooth as she plumps up in preparation for birth.

Maternity Clothes: Still in them.

Weight Gain: I weighed myself on Thursday when I turned 32 weeks and I was up 15 lbs still. Same as the previous two weeks. So I'm sticking with that.

Belly: Sorry - I'm going to pass on 32 wk photo. I'll do one this week.

Stretch Marks: Nope, not yet. I am paranoid that they are coming. I'm carrying pretty high so I have a feeling when I drop, that's when they will make their appearance.

Sleep: It's hit or miss. One night I actually don't even wake up to pee and the next I'm up every two hours.

Best Moment of the Week: As you know I had the baby shower last Sunday. We got so much stuff. We started to put some of it together. Oh and we also got the tree decal and C and I put it up on Friday night - you know a ROCKIN' Friday night!

Movement: She was going NUTS last night. It was a good full two hours of her scooting around.

Symptoms:Nothing really - oh exhaustion. It's there. And hip pain. oh and back pain .... it's all there.

Food cravings: I just crave food in general. :)

Gender: A Little Lady.

What I Miss: Nothing much.

What I'm Looking Forward To: Our second childbirth class. Well really - I know it's odd - but I'm looking forward to putting what we learned to test. I think I'm ready to have this baby - not b/c I'm tired of pregnant, but I just want to meet her!

Weekly Wisdom: Don't eat a lot of cheese - it only adds to the excessive gas problem pregnant ladies have already.

Milestones: 32 weeks! Had a baby shower! Started baby classes! Nursery is almost done! The milestones are coming daily now! :)

Emotions: Pretty good. I'm trying not to get all crazy about the MILLION things we still need to get done before the baby comes. One day at a time.

A shower of photos

As promised, here are some images from the shower:

Here are the centerpieces - potted "cake pops." They were delish!




Me and My mom




Me and my BFF - we've been best friends for almost 20 years!
Wow - we are getting old! haha.




My mom giving an awkward speech - she isn't really a speaker.




Some of my favorite little outfits:






Baby book - I totally forgot to register for one, but my BFF got me one.








My two sisters, my mom and I.




The kick ass cupcakes my sister made.
See the blocked ones - they spell out "Peyton."
And of course the delish cake ... again, I house two pieces of it!








On top of the two pieces of cake, I had to try one of my sister's cupcakes ...




This gift pretty much wraps up my feeling
about this pregnancy and this little girl ...





And lastly, because it's sooo cute ... Sammy.
C put together the pack and play (he was itching to build something) and
I out Samson in it last night. He seemed to have no problem getting comfy. Too cute!

Baby Shower Day

Yesterday was my shower. My family had planned it earlier than usual because C is the best man in his BFF’s wedding in two weeks and we didn’t want to interfere with their last minute planning. We originally thought about May, but the first weekend didn’t work out for my SIL and the following weekend was Mother’s Day. Then we start encroaching on just a few weeks before the due date. So April 10^th was the date.

After all the exhaustion of the phone calls and everyone’s bitching, it turned out to be a really nice afternoon. My BFF, my mom and my MIL planned it. It was kind of small – there were about 40 people there. We had it at this restaurant that C and I go to all the time. We go there for anniversaries, celebrations and birthdays – so it meant something to us. I was watching the weather as the days were approaching because I bought these new heeled sandals I wanted to wear to it. I was so happy when I found out that the weather was going to agree! I bought a black dress from the G.ap that I absolutely loved and even though C thought it was too fancy, I said “It’s my shower – I’ll wear whatever I want.” (hello hormones)

It was set up so beautifully. I walked in a little after the start time and was greeted with an applause – which I thought was silly, but I guess normal. I did the hugs and kisses for a while and then sat down. The food was amazing … garlic and veggie cheese bread, a salad, penne and vodka and then the main entrée. Sooo good and everyone kept saying how good the food was. It was BYOB, so C bought a ton of alcohol. I partook in one glass of champagne. It was so good! The centerpieces were “potted flowers” and the flowers were these things called Cake Pops. Balls of cake with icing on a lollipop stick. They were little baby heads with flower petals around the necks.

I half way finished my meal (I was so full from the three previous courses) and started to open the gifts. There were so many of them. We got all of our larger items – which I was surprised about. The swing, the bouncy seat, the stroller/infant seat, extra base, high chair, pack and play, all the bedding, bath tub … and then there were the clothes! Tons of clothes. I actually didn’t register for that many because I know people like to pick them out. And I have to be honest, I was quite impressed with the lack of the traditional princesses, bears, and pink that are usually associated with girls. We got a lot of retro onesies (The Beatles and WonderWoman), a lot of R.alph Lauren stuff (so cute) and a ton of brown/gray items. I know those are traditionally boys’ colors, but I love them! Oh and we got a TON of books. C was so happy about that. My BFF got C a Fathers and Daughters book. It was really sweet. I flew through opening the gifts in 45 mins!!! I know it’s not overly enjoyable for anyone else, so I tried to make it as painless as possible. :)

And then came the dessert. My sister is a cake decorator and she made homemade, all natural cupcakes. They were AMAZING to say the least. She made 6 that had ABC blocks on top that spelt out Peyton and then she did three more designs – a stork holding a bundle, a little baby head coming out of greens (kind of like cabbage Patch) and booties. Everyone loved them. My mom also got a cake – my favorite and that was a hit too. The server who was “assigned” to me, brought me a piece of cake but someone had already given me one. I told her “Leave it. I’ll eat a second piece.” So good.

People started to file out after that and all that was left after a little bit was me and my high school girlfriends. God I love them. We had such a good time talking about babies and such – but in the same sarcastic, smart ass way we’ve always been.

C came with his dad and his BFF to pick up all the loot. We finally got back to the house and I was able to relax. All the stuff is sitting in the living room and I said to C “It was a great day. But do you realize that none of this” and I waved my hand to all the boxes and bags, “is for us?!?!” We both laughed and realized that our life is certainly going to change so very shortly!

I will post some pictures of the best things I got, the shower itself and of course the cupcakes when I get home later. Or maybe tomorrow. (we have a baby basics class tonight) It really was a wonderful day and I am so thankful and lucky to have great friends and family to share these times with.

31 weeks

How Far Along: 31w

Size of baby: Month 7 (29w - 32w)– Baby is the size of Squash - about 15.2 - 16.7 inches long and 2.5 - 3.8 lbs.

31w - This week, Peyton approximately measures over 16 inches long and weighs about 3.3 pounds and is heading into a growth spurt. She can turn her head from side to side, and her arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath her skin.

Maternity Clothes: I wish I could wear my maternity jeans everyday instead of getting dressed for work.

Weight Gain: 15 lbs I guess. I didn't weigh myself this morning. I go to the MW tomorrow, so I guess I'll find out then.

Belly: No picture right now. I don't want to get up and take it. :)

Stretch Marks: Nope, not yet. But I am seeing a few capillaries on the stomach - small little veins.

Sleep: I am finding out there isn't anything really great on TV at 3-4am. Mostly infomercials. I've watched the P90x and the Insanity ones a bunch and it makes me want to do them after the baby is born. :)

Best Moment of the Week: Having the 3D ultrasound and seeing her move around, open her mouth, wave her hands, and smile (probably a faux smile, but I'll take it!) Oh and our crib came in on Friday. C put it together on Saturday.

Movement: She is finding her way to the side of my belly. It's weird. I get kicks literally on the side of my body. I don't know where she is trying to go.

Symptoms: Braxton Hicks contractions ... they seem to come on pretty regularly now. How another bout with swelling yesterday - but just in my left ankle. Weird.

Food cravings: I just crave food in general. :)

Gender: A Little Lady.

What I Miss: Not much. C got home last Thursday night and then left again on Monday. He got home late last night.

What I'm Looking Forward To: My baby shower. It's this Sunday. So excited to have it. And relieved that it will be over ... it caused some family issues as EVERYTHING does! Ugh.

Weekly Wisdom: I took off from work on Monday and took two naps. I suggest doing that once in a while.

Milestones: I made it to April ... is that a milestone?

Emotions: Pretty good. I'm trying not to get all crazy about the MILLION things we still need to get done before the baby comes. One day at a time.

Peyton's First Photo Shoot

C and I went to the 3D ultrasound this morning. My mom and BFF came along too. It was a lot fun. I'll be honest - they aren't the best 3D photos I've seen, but it was really cool to see her move around. She - ONCE AGAIN - had her hands in front of her face so that's the majority of the images we have of her. She was moving her mouth a lot - my BFF said "Already a talker - just like Daddy!" (C is a gabber.) And then she kept trying to jam her hands into her mouth. It really was so cute.

Here are a few of the winners from this morning:

Here she is sucking her thumb.

Here she is trying to eat her fingers.

And finally, here she is smiling. What a face!

So excited to meet her! I can't wait!