34 Weeks

Where do I begin?  Becoming a mommy is becoming more and more real.  I feel like I still have SO much to do to get ready for Ella Kate's arrival.  We went to the doctor last week- Tuesday, September 4th and had our last ultrasound.  We didn't get many good photos because Ella Kate is much bigger now but we did get to see her face and of course I made them check to make sure she was still a girl! :) Her heartbeat was 157 bpm.  At this appointment they were able to get her weight which was 5 pounds and 3 ounces.  She should gain 1/2 pound each week until my due date.  Hunter says there is no way I'm having an 8 pound baby.  They also said she already has a head full of hair!  No wonder I've had so much heartburn.  We will now go to the doctor on a weekly basis.  I can't believe it's so close.  I'm feeling very nervous, anxious, scared, and excited!

This past weekend, I had planned to get a lot accomplished around the house and in her nursery but my exhaustion and busy schedule got the best of me!  In the fall, I judge GHSA Cheer Competitions and have one pretty much every Saturday until October.  I asked for the month off in October so that I can enjoy our little one.  And I'm sure cheerleading will be the last thing on my mind when she comes.  I can't wait to take maternity leave and spend these special weeks at home with her.  I know that I will miss my 1st graders- they are one of the sweetest classes EVER!!  But, they will be left in very good hands.  Speaking of school- my sweet co-workers are hosting me a shower on Thursday of this week (Sept. 13th).  SO EXCITED!

I did write as much as I could in Ella Kate's baby book and the rest will have to wait until she arrives.  I can't wait to fill it with special memories.  I also organized all of her clothes and put them away.  Her ultrasound album is also complete.  Yesterday, we had maternity pictures made with the amazing Amberly Foster.  I've shared some of them below.  We plan to put a few in her nursery and one in our room. I am glad that one day Ella Kate will be able to look back on this blog and see how much we have loved her since we found out we were expecting.  I plan to update it as she grows so she will always have this as a keepsake.

This coming weekend we plan to get the house deep cleaned, finish the nursery, and "baby-ize" the house with the bouncer, pack-n-play, tub, bottles, etc.  I also plan to pack both of our bags.  On Sunday, Hunter's family is hosting a shower for me and I can't wait to see everyone.

And let me just say I'm not very good with the chalkboard pictures each week.  With mine and Hunter's crazy schedules, we never have time to take pictures like we wanted!  We are always on the go!

Ella Kate's head (September 4, 2012)

We have LOTS of hair!

You can never be too sure!  Made her check again!

One of my favorites! I think we're putting this one in her room!

LOVE!

Another favorite!

Showing off the belly!  In this picture I am 34 Weeks, 4 days!

We're so ready to meet you!

Our first load of baby clothes- August 25, 2012!

All folded!  This past weekend I lined her dresser drawers and organized these by size and put them away!

How far along: 34 weeks, 5 days

Total Weight Gain/Loss: + 15 pounds 

Baby Bump: Yes

Maternity Clothes: Yes!  Not so much in shirts, but definitely have to wear maternity pants.  I can still wear most of my dresses and flowy shirts.

Stretch Marks: No

Sleep: I'm always exhausted but am waking up about every two hours to use the restroom or turn over.  It's so hard to get comfortable these days.

Best Moment this Week: Writing in Ella Kate's baby book and taking maternity pictures.

Miss Anything: Jeans without bands? HA!

Movement: All the time!

Food Cravings: Anything sweet (as usual)

Anything Making You Queasy or Sick: No

Labor Signs: None

Symptoms: Swollen feet and legs and some cramping up high in my legs.

Belly Button (In or Out): Out

Wedding Rings (On or Off): On

Mood: Happy/Tired

Looking Forward to: LOTS- Doctor appointment on Wednesday, Baby Shower on Thursday, getting the house "baby-ized" this weekend, and my last shower on Sunday!