36 Weeks

It's been a while since I've provided an update on the nursery. Here's some pictures - it's about 98% done - just need to install the curtain and get a lamp for the changing table. I love it - it's really cozy! I wonder how many times I'll hit my head (or the baby's) on the angled walls!

View from the door into the nursery. We're hanging a white w/ green-poka dot curtain over the window...one of these days!

With my back to the crib, here's a view of the changing area. The closet is to the left of the door. Note my hospital bag and diaper bag are packed and ready to go!

Baby G's closet. All the 3+ month outfits are hanging up. All the teeny tiny stuff is folded in the changing table drawers (thanks mom!)

All in all, I'm feeling pretty good - just the typical 36+ week pregnancy complaints, but I won't bore you. The biggest complaint this week isn't from me, but from Brian. He says I snore like a lumberjack. At first he wouldn't wake me to get me to stop, but now, he has no fear. But he says the "peace" only latest about 30 seconds, then I'm back to splitting logs. Now he knows how I feel every night sleeping next to him! hee hee :)

Tomorrow we have our 36 week check-up and ultra sound. Then I start going to the doctor every week. I am really nervous for the internal exam, so much so I contemplating not allowing them to do it- I am really not ready (crazy excited, but I can wait a few more week!) for this baby to come yet and do not need anyone poking at anything to expedite this process. I am finished with work next week, Friday and have two weeks off until my official due date. I am asking for at least ONE week off where I can get everything done, do whatever I want, eat out for lunch, go to the movies, etc. And I know what you are thinking, "you'll go late with your first." But I kid you not, 95% of the people I talk to all went early, like 3-4 weeks early!!! Early for me is 39 weeks, period. (You hear me, baby G!?)

I'll provide another update after tomorrow's appointment!

36 Week belly shot

35 Weeks

Did anyone else notice the count down ticker says 34 days?! Thirty-four days!!! I feel like last week it said 200+ days! Holy smokes! Reality is definitely setting in. I am now having dreams about labor and more and more of my thoughts are consumed with what life is going to be like in the next few weeks once our little bundle arrives! The end is near and I am soooo excited (and sooooo scared!)

I am still feeling great, just getting bigger and my stretch marks are getting longer. I can tell Baby G has less and less room to move around. I don't get many kicks but s/he doesn't let me forget s/he is in there. I usually get a butt or back pushed to the limits of my uterus which makes me belly look out of proportion to one side - usually my right side... rarely does s/he venture over to the left side. Such a waste of space!

I get a lot more comments when I am out now. Usually the "Wow, you're pregnant!" type. And my usual smart alack response is "Is it that obvious?" or "No I'm not." Then the person usually tells me what sex that baby is and that "they are never wrong". This cracks me up because in any two encounters I am usually told both boy and girl - and they are never wrong. Well, good news is, they have a 50/50 shot at being right, even if they are never wrong.

Yesterday. Yesterday was a wonderful day and marks the third time in my life I've been really surprised. (Brian is so proud of this!). My girlfriends, Christina, Katie and Alison "kidnapped" me at after work. They barged into my house while I was in the bathroom! I was expecting Brian to be there any minute because the "story" was we were meeting his folks for dinner. So when the front door opened I wasn't surprised, but when I didn't hear Spinner and Brian didn't announce himself (He likes to yell, "Hello, anybody home!?") I thought "What the ___ ?" When I walked out of the bathroom, there were three gitty girls standing in my living room yelling "Happy Baby Palooza!"

Baby Palooza history: Christina, Katie, Alison and I have been friends for about 6 years About 5 years ago, at the shore, we named ourselves "B.A.C.K." (first name initials). We are the "wives" of our respective husband's friends. Over the years we've become very close, these girls are some of my best friends! Katie was the first to have a baby, Grace, now 2 and a 1/2. So almost 2 and a 1/2 years ago we started Baby Palooza - and we've had four since then (Two for Katie, one for Christina and one for me!). Christina, our "creative one" designs t-shirts for everyone and we coordinate with the husband for the best time to execute the "kidnapping". Then, we venture out in public, making as big a scene as possible, with the large pregnant lady in tow, and go get pedicures and out to dinner. It's so much fun! And this time, it was my turn to be that pregnant one!

Here's a couple pictures from Baby Palooza 2009!! Thank you so very much girls! Baby G and I are so lucky to have you in our life! You have truly made this experience so much richer than it already was!!

Straight out of the bathroom, I am tossed a shirt and told, "Happy Baby Palooza!" Sooo shocked!

L to R: Alison, Katie, Brooke, Christina
B.A.C.K. group photo at the end of the evening after a delicious dinner at the Yardley Inn. (Monday night is was half off bottle of wine - so they obviously selected that location for me! :) haa haa)

Back of my Baby Palooza t-shirt

35 Week belly shot!

34 Weeks

Before I start on this week's post I want to address all the emails I got over the past week regarding last week's post. First of all, thank you. Thank you for your kind words (even though I was not fishing for complements, I got a lot of them!) Regardless, solicited or unsolicited, they are always so wonderful to hear. But I do want to make sure I am clear about one thing - I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE being pregnant and I wouldn't trade it for the world. And I am fully aware that the weight gain is one of the many "miracles" that comes with pregnancy. And while my last post probably didn't reflect this, I welcome it with open arms. In fact, if I had to gain 1000 pounds and was told I'd never lose the weight, I'd still sign up for it. Bottom line, the past 34 weeks have been the best weeks of my life and I am so looking forward to what lies ahead!

I'm not sure where the time has gone between last week's post and this week. I am still feeling great, aside from a few minor gripes:

• Cramping: Typically in my calves and occur in the middle of the night... when I won't wake Brian to rub them and I can't do it myself because I can't reach! Ouch!


• Stretch marks: I went the first 30 weeks without them and thought I was in the clear. Well, I should have assumed if I got them on my boobs, I'd get them on my belly. And oh boy, do I have them. Ick! Whoever says lathering yourself in body butter will prevent them, must've been getting kick backs from the manufacturer. Currently they are just at the very bottom of my stomach - where I hope they stay!


• Night sweats: Holy hotness. We've been sleeping with the windows open all winter and I usually can only stand to have a sheet on me. Mom, I am sorry I never believed you when you complained about your hot flashes.


• Clothing: Nothing fits. My belly hangs out of everything I wear. When my mom was here, she made me get a couple new shirts... they fit great, but I don't really feel like spending $25/shirt to last me for the next 4-6 weeks. Brian's undershirts work just fine - as long as I don't leave the house (which I seldom do these days).


• Odor: I never really had a problem with any "smells" during my pregnancy. But I sure can smell myself. Again, while my mom was here I'd constantly say "I stinks". She said she couldn't smell me and it was just my sensitive nose. I do douse myself in perfume before I leave the house, just in case she's lying to me.


• Boobs: Big mistake - I bought nursing bras too early. They are so uncomfortable now, I need new ones. So, I guess this next purchase will make me an F? Maybe I should just buy a G b/c I'll probably grow out of the F too.


• Out of breath: That sums it up. Every activity leaves me breathless. Ew.

So now the big question is, when Baby G make his/her big debut? It seems that when every pregnant woman hits this mark, they wonder how the heck they can go any longer... where will the baby fit? .... if I'm this uncomfortable now, what will I be like at 38-40 weeks?! Well, I am no exception. I keep thinking I am going to go early - but am constantly reminded that you usually go late with your first. I don't really want to go early since my last day of work is 4/10 (38 weeks) and I would love more than anything to have at least one week off, without the baby, to make any final touches, relax, nap, watch movies, etc.etc. And to top it off, my mom is also coming up on 4/14 and if she misses the delivery, I don't know if she'll ever speak to this kid! (kidding!!) But she would be darn upset! So, little one, please hold out until at least 39 weeks, even if I am begging you to come out. It will be better for everyone.

Regardless of how and when, I am preparing as I don't want to be caught off guard. I have half my hospital bag packed and am making it my priority this weekend to pack the rest and a bag for Brian. I still need to get an outfit to bring this little baby home in! Brian said we should just wrap it in a towel (don't worry, baby, I smacked him for you. And may this be a reminder to you to not marry an accountant. hee hee).

Here's the 34 week belly shot (No, I wouldn't wear this outfit in public and note that my shirt no longer covers my stomach. Can you say "Sexy"?)

33 Weeks

I remember before getting pregnant, I swore to myself I wouldn't let the "weight gain" get to me. I swore I would enjoy each and every moment and eat as much as the baby needed - and just accept the weight gain as part of the whole experience. Well, I lied. It's bothering me and it's bothering me a lot. I can go days feeling fine...actually thinking I look pretty good. But then there are always those "comments" that make you take a step back and reevaluate. You know the ones....

"Oh my god, you're huge!"
"Are you sure you aren't having twins!"
"You still have X weeks to go! You'll never make it."

Now, don't get me wrong, I have more than my fair share of people who are constantly singing praises of how good and healthy I look. And thank goodness for them. But I can't help but think they are lying. Why? Because I've seen pictures of myself - and this weekend there were a lot of pictures taken and I hate all of them! (We'll get to this weekend's festivities in a minute.) I can't tell my belly, from my boobs, from my chin. It's just one big blur. And now I am also having problems with my lower extremities. For the longest time (up until this week) I was proud of my legs and butt - but now, they are joining the race of "who can get the biggest the fastest". I look like I could explode at any minute - I'll need to start telling people to bring an umbrella and wear one of those rain bags like you buy at Niagara Falls, just in case they are with me when this big explosion happens! The people who say "OMG you're huge!" or "You'll be going early!" are right, I should just smile and thank them for being so honest.

I know I am partially to blame for the "bigness". I eat whatever I want and I love it. So, I know I have to deal with the after math. And I will, I am off all summer and vow to get back to my pre-pregnancy weight.... if not less (wouldn't that be great!) Baby steps, Brooke, baby steps.

Readers note: Please don't read into this post that I am not fishing for attention or compliments. I am just documenting exactly "how it is" this week.

This weekend, aside from feeling like a walking hippo, I had one of the greatest weekends of my pregnancy to date! It all started with my folks arrival on Thursday. Right off the bat, we got into baby mode and started running errands and getting everything ready. Thursday night the whole family got together for Spinner's first birthday celebration. (Really, an excuse to eat pizza and ice cream cake!)

Spinner blowing out his candle!

All that partying wore him out. He feel asleep with grandma on the couch.

On Saturday I had my baby shower at a local Yardley restaurant, Vinces!! It was such a wonderful party and I felt so special. My girlfriends did such a spectacular job planning for this big day and making sure each and every detail was perfect. I am so lucky to have them in my life and can't wait for Baby G to meet them!! It was a day I'll never forget. Here's some pictures:

The party planners and me (L to R) : Alisabeth, Rebecca, me, Christina, my mom

The cupcake bottle cake, courtesy of Linda Palsky! Delicious!!

The picture board for the baby's room, courtesy of Rebecca and Sean.

Rebecca made beautiful centerpieces. Put them all together and they spelt "Dream". It was the perfect theme for this day - a day I have been dreaming of for such a long time.
Everyone wrote what they want the baby to call them and advice or a wish on the back.

My mom looks like she is standing guard over the presents ;)


Brian made an appearance. Once he started to shake from the lack of testosterone in the room, I let him leave.

My high school ladies! I love these girls! (L to R): Erin, Katie, Rebecca, me, Heather, and Donna.

After the shower, mom and I were on the mission of the century to get everything washed, unpacked and put away... which continued into Sunday. I have to give my folks most (OK, all) of the credit for all the things we accomplished this weekend. They are troopers and took all my directions very well...hee hee. My mom will be back up in early April to wait out the "big event"... hopefully coming 2 weeks before my due date will be early enough!!

32 Week Check-up

We had our 32 week check-up this morning, which included our "every four week" growth ultra-sound and a visit from one of the doctors. We had our favorite ultra sound tech, Danielle, again. When she called us in from the waiting room, I was so excited. She just gets it and understands how special these intimate views are to us. And I know this, because I have received my fair share of ultra sounds - more than I care to admit - and there have been some techs that check the box and some that don't even turn the screen so I can see my baby with straining my neck. Jerks. But Danielle is great and so is our baby.

Since our last ultrasound, baby has gained 2 pounds, now with an estimated weight of 5 lbs 3 oz. She predicted the baby would be at least 8 lbs 5 oz. Which is about right, if not less than my prediction. I was 8 lbs 13 oz and Brian was 8 lbs 6 oz. And this time s/he has HAIR. And a LOT of it. Maybe this is why I had indigestion the other night!? So much hair, that I think 1.5 of the new 2 pounds is all hair. Now, you must understand, I was a bald, bald baby, for a long time. So, I always assumed I would have a bald baby. But I forgot to take into consideration by hairy husband - which started at birth. Holy cow, did Brian have some hair on him when he was born. Looks like our little one will have the same.... now the question is will they part it like a little "Henry" or put a bow in it like a little girl (name still TBD)? All other check points came out perfect. It was a good day! She also tried to give us another glimpse at the face via the 3D ultrasound, but I am carrying so low and the baby wasn't really cooperating so the pictures don't amount to much. But of course, I'll still post them for those of you that want to stare at your computer for the rest of the day to figure out what the heck you are looking at. You're welcome.

Face shot: Rubbing left eye. And check out those lips!

We met with Dr. Koon today and what a funny guy. I had a feeling he would be since the last I heard about him he was rollerblading through the delivery floor at the hospital. He just had a way about him and I'd be thrilled if he showed up during my labor (depending on how much pain I am in my "thrill" level my vary). He covered all our questions and put my mind at ease. And we had a few really hard laughs too. One non-baby related story from our visit - the office is under going a major re haul so the exam room we were in is shared with a wall next to the "construction zone". Literally, the doctor walked in and said if a jack-hammer falls through the ceiling, "Duck". You could also hear the construction workers through the wall. One overheard conversation was "I almost got laid last night." Dr. Koon was thrilled that this type of information was being shared with his patients. HILARIOUS!

32 Weeks

The weeks seem to be going faster and faster. Is that a good thing....? While I am excited and thrilled to have our little one, I am not quite yet ready for him/her to arrive (obviously s/he wouldn't be fully cooked either!!). Brian and I are enjoying these last few weeks of "life without baby" and doing the things we enjoy - which basically consist of nothing - doing nothing because we don't have to do anything. We know, in a few short weeks, this will change dramatically. We will now longer have a say in what we do and don't do. It will all be governed by this little life growing inside of me. Don't get me wrong - we are sooo excited and trying so hard not to wish this time away. We know these next few weeks will fly by and before we know it, the baby will be celebrating his/her first birthday, then we'll be car shopping for his/her 16th birthday, etc. etc. I am trying to slow things down by appreciating each and every day of this experience in the present - even if I feel fatter by the day, I can't take a full breath, my hips kill at night, etc. etc. I love every second of it.

Yesterday we had our full-day child birthing class. Our instructor was a lovely woman, Mary, who has been working at the hospital for 40 years. Not because she has to, but because she has an incredible passion for the birthing process and can't give this passion up - even if her husband insists on her retirement. She does it all for "fun". We watched several videos on the birthing process (Brian did not pass out!), C-sections, epidurals, car seat installation, etc. She taught us some breathing techniques and described in detail what to expect - - although, she caveatted (sp?) every other sentence with "labor is different for everyone". Bottom line, she encouraged us to learn how to "release the tension" and "breathe through the pain". We even had to lay on the floor and listen to a video of some renowned Doula talk about "letting go of each and every part of your body" - seriously, she went through every body part, starting with our toes. I thought Brian was going to die, he mumbled the whole time saying "Do they have any idea how much pain you are going to be in. If I touch you and tell you to 'release your toes', you will knock me out!" Needless to say, Brian and I were the couple that couldn't stop giggling in class. When we had to practice these so called "breathing techniques" I couldn't look at him, because every time I did, I would burst out laughing and tears would pour down my face. It seemed so silly - but for some reason, I know we will both be thanking Mary once labor strikes.

On Wednesday we have our next 4 week check-up and ultrasound. And on Thursday my folks are coming in for a long weekend visit and my PA baby shower. I am so excited to see them (and for my shower!!)! I can't help but think that their next visit will be for the arrival of the baby! Yikes! Hopefully they don't have anything planned because I have a long list of things that I need them to do. ;)

32 week belly shot

On a sad note, Saturday night, my great Aunt Audrey passed away. Many of you knew her and were graced by her love for life, people, (always putting you first) and of course, making sure you were fed well. Some of you may not of known her but she was the "grandma" you always wanted. You may also be familiar with some of her "specialties" that she passed down including her "sin cake" and "carrot cake" that I have made on several occasions. She was like a second grandmother to me. And while I wanted nothing more than for her to meet our baby this summer, I had to let go of my selfish reasons to keep her here and remind myself that she is now in a better place and will no longer suffer. She will be missed dearly. I will never forget her and the memories we shared and will be certain that our little one will know all about her and how amazing of a person she was. Luckily, she was at my shower last month in St. Louis and Nikki took this fantastic picture of her - always smiling:

And on Friday night, we lost the Garlits' family mascot, Rusty, the "king of the castle", "Ferdinand", "Stinky".... the list of nicknames goes on and on. Rusty was my brother-in-law, Dale's, dog of 13 years. He found him by a dumpster at the shore and they have been best of friends ever since. Rusty was the most loyal dog any owner could hope for and brought a ton of joy to our family. He will be greatly missed, but lived a long, full, and happy life. (He may have even lived a better life than many humans!)