31 Weeks Pregnant

Holy crap! Can you believe there is only 9 weeks left??! (Well, hopefully just 9 weeks... I'm being hopeful. She'll probably come fashionably late. "It's an estimation, not an expiration.") I really can't wait to see her!

(Does this shirt look familiar? That's because I have it in 3 colors. ;)  )

How far along? 31 weeks! Single digit countdown!

Baby is the size of a: (the weight of) 4 naval oranges! Almost 3 and a half pounds and over 16 inches long.

Total weight gain: almost 19 lbs

Maternity clothes? Yep!

Stretch marks? Still just a few, but nothing on the belly.

Sleep: Actually sleeping really well... I doubt this will continue for much longer, so I'm enjoying it while it lasts!

Best moment this week? Lots of fun things this week... Thomas woke up in the middle of the night and got to feel one of Zoey's 2 am parties... It was the first time he got to REALLY feel  her jump all over the place! I woke up at 4 and both of his hands were on my belly. He was so excited!! I also have started making the thank you notes for my shower with my Cricut... They're SO cute! I will post pictures of them AFTER I send them out! And one more fun thing, we went to Build-a-Bear and made Zoey a buddy!

After we took our sweet little bear home, it was only appropriate to dress her up in some of Zoey's clothes! :)

See more pics on Instagram... Elbylol

Miss anything? Not really, other than the usual (like sleeping on my belly!) I'm enjoying being pregnant!

Movement: She's all over the place! Thomas got to feel her hiccups last night!

Cravings? Nothing weird... 

Anything making you queasy or sick? Nope!

Labor signs: Nope!
Symptoms: The swelling has worsened in the last week, especially in my feet! I officially can't wear my Toms anymore (wahhhhhh!) but my awesome MIL bought me some Mary Jane Crocs to wear to work for the next month. Ugly as hell, but they'll give me plenty of swelling room so hopefully my feet won't be SO miserable!

Belly Button in or out? Out, and getting more "out" day by day!

Wedding rings on or off? Off. :(

Happy or moody most of the time? Happy!

Looking forward to: Painting her closet today, my baby shower in about a month, and not working anymore in a month! And of course, I can't stop thinking about meeting our little Zoey!

29 and 30 week pregnant, and some maternity photos!

I'm really sorry that I missed last week's post... I had a picture taken and everything, but I didn't have my SD card in my camera, and I couldn't find my cable. Luckily, today I figured out how to copy them from the camera to the card, so I was able to get it! So, today's post is a double post... a 29 week picture, along with the 30 week picture and questions. Also, at the end of the post, you'll see a few of my beautiful maternity pictures taken by my lovely friend Anna! There will be a link to her blog below with all of the pictures that she took for us on Friday!

Our 29 week picture was taken on the day that we celebrated the Queen's Diamond Jubilee... the 60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II's coronation. My husband's family lives in England, and since my MIL is in town visiting with us right now, she missed the big celebration over there... so we had a party here instead! Complete with British-esque foods, tacky British decorations, and good fun with family and friends! It was really a blast!

Now, for 29 weeks. Here's one of our maternity pics... I'll include a few more at the end!

How far along? 30 Weeks... Only 10 weeks left! I can't believe it!

Baby is the size of a: head of Cabbage... 3 pounds, and almost 16 inches!

Total weight gain: 17 lbs.

Maternity clothes? Yes, and loving it! I don't think I'll ever wear regular pants again!

Stretch marks? Still just a few, but nothing on the belly.

Sleep: Sleeping well! For the last week or so, I haven't even woken up to go to the bathroom! Whoa!

Best moment this week? So many good ones this week! My MIL is in town, so we've had fun with her. I have also gotten a lot of work done on her nursery, with only a few small projects left until it's all done! Also our maternity pictures on Friday were a blast!

Miss anything? Wine, and sleeping on my belly.

Movement: After taking a few breaks, she's been SUPER active! A few people have gotten to feel her roll under their hands, and my cousin and step-sister-in-law got to feel her hiccups!

Cravings? Nothing out of the ordinary. (My husband swears that I've been craving Choco-Tacos, but I think that was more "power of suggestion" than anything, because he just wouldn't shut up about them until he found a box and brought them home. Maybe HE is the one having the cravings!

Anything making you queasy or sick? Nope!

Labor signs: Nothing out of the ordinary... still a few Braxton Hicks here and there, but nothing super uncomfortable.
Symptoms: I've started swelling up if I stay outside or on my feet for too long... My hands and feet get very swollen very quickly, followed by my ankles, which have now learned a nifty disappearing trick.

Belly Button in or out? I think we can call it officially OUT! The bottom part is still flat-ish, but the top half is definitely out. I'm going to have an outtie by the end of this!

Wedding rings on or off? I retired my wedding rings to my jewelry box just a few days after my last post. It was just getting too hard to  get them on and off, and I didn't want to take the chance of them getting stuck. I did get them on for my maternity pictures, but they were SCARY tight by the end. I had been wearing my husband's "engagement ring"... a silver band that I got for him to wear while we were engaged, but even that got tight. My mom gave me a pretty fake one that she had to wear while her rings were in the shop recently, and they're very loose, so I'll be sticking with these hopefully until the end!

Happy or moody most of the time? Happy!

Looking forward to: Finishing up her nursery, my shower in about 5 weeks, my career change in about 6 weeks, and of course, my sweet baby girl's arrival! Here's hoping the next 10 weeks go as fast as the last 30 have!

As promised, here are a few more maternity pictures!

You can see more of Anna's beautiful work, as well as the rest of the pictures from our maternity session, at www.annamichellejohnson.com. Also, I joined Instagram this week! Follow me, elbylol! 

See you next week!

28 Weeks Pregnant - Hello, third trimester!

Whoa, tan mama!

How far along? 28 Weeks... Third trimester, YAY!

Baby is the size of a: Chinese cabbage... 2 1/4 lbs and almost 15 inches long!

Total weight gain: 12 lbs

Maternity clothes? Nothing but maternity! I even got to break in my bathing suit this weekend!

Stretch marks? A few new ones have popped up on the inside of my thighs...

Sleep: Much better! Though I'm sure not for long...

Best moment this week? Relaxing! I overdid it last weekend, so I really took a break this weekend. I am off until Wednesday, so I'm going to do some good cleaning before my MIL gets here Wednesday night. Also, I ordered our diaper bag this weekend!! I was going to wait, but it was on sale for Memorial Day (30% off), so my husband said to go ahead. Look how cute it is!

I ordered it from www.timiandleslie.com. Click the link to see more views of the bag! It comes with a changing pad, longer strap to make it a single strap bag, and 2 small straps to attach it to a stroller. I really love it!

Miss anything? Not much.

Movement: She had a blast yesterday when I went to the pool... Every time I got in the water, she'd move and roll around!

Cravings? Nothing out of the ordinary.

Anything making you queasy or sick? Nope!

Labor signs: None, although I think I've started having some mild Braxton Hicks contractions in the last few weeks. I wasn't really sure what they were at first, but they've gotten a bit stronger. VERY infrequent though... Usually when I have a full bladder and I go to the bathroom.

Symptoms: Legs are pretty tired, and over the last week I've had some severe upper back pain. Like, up by my bra strap. It almost feels like I pinched something... I'm going to talk to my doctor about it on Tuesday. Otherwise, I'm really feeling great!

Belly Button in or out? Still flat/out-ish.

Wedding rings on or off? Still on, but getting tighter. I forsee them going in my jewelry box very soon... :(

Happy or moody most of the time? Happy!

Looking forward to: My MIL's visit, finishing some projects in Z's nursery... And of course, meeting our sweet baby girl in just TWELVE weeks!

And, since I have 12 weeks left, I figured I'd post a picture from when I was only 12 weeks pregnant! My, how this belly has changed...

Closer to Stay-at-home-mommy-hood...

And now for something completely different!

I've been meaning to write this out for awhile... And today, I just decided I might as well make a blog post about it. Even if no one reads it, I feel like I just need to get my feelings out.

When my husband and I got engaged,  naturally we talked about having kids and how we would raise them. He mentioned that he'd really like me to stay at home with our babies, as that's what his mom did. Honestly, I'd never really thought of it before. My mom was a single mom, and she always had a job (or three). I always just saw myself working. The more we talked about it, the more exciting the prospect seemed... So we agreed that I would stop working when we had our first. I've actually become pretty excited about it!

I love my job. I'm an orthodontic assistant, and I've been working for the same doctor for almost 7 years. I can honestly, truly say that I really love my job. Of course, there are the days where I just want to scream, and I think that's true with ANY job... But I can really say that over all, I really do enjoy what I do. I get to work with kids, and I get to watch them grow up and blossom into beautiful, confident young adults. I get to see them turn from that shy, self-conscious, awkward kid into a beautiful, self confident young person. People say that braces are "all cosmetic", but they really do change lives. Just to see the change in people's outlook on life as their smile changes and they become more confident... It's just amazing! Of course, that may not be true with ALL of my patients, but I have seen some really amazing changes in the last few years of working along side my boss. I really feel like we change lives! Call it cheesy if you will... but I did say I love my job. ;)

Now, here we are, 12-ish weeks until my due date. I've officially given my boss heads up for my last day. July 19th. 8 weeks and 2 days from now. A month before our sweet baby girl makes her big debut. I'll be leaving the job that I love so much to take on a whole new role in life. A mom. I will have a little girl that I will spend all of my time with. She'll be my little side-kick... We'll go for walks, we'll dance and sing, we'll paint our toes... and we'll get to know each other really well at 2 am. I am so excited! But at the same time... I'm leaving my kids at work! I'm starting to see patients that I won't see again, and I have to break the news that this is the last time they'll see me. I've had a few patients cry when I tell them. I can't tell you how many times a day I now hear "We're going to miss you!" or "What are we going to do without you?" As much as it warms my heart, I want to cry at the same time... And I have. I have shed many tears over it. It really is bittersweet... I feel like I'm leaving the life I know behind for a new, exciting adventure... And I'm nervous. I'm nervous as hell, but at the same time, I can't wait. So many mixed feelings...

There's one thing I keep reminding myself... They can get another orthodontic assistant. Zoey won't get another mommy.

I hope you're ready for this, baby girl... We're both going to be learning as we go, but I think we can handle it.

27 Weeks Pregnant

My sincerest apologies for the lack of post last week.... Things have been NUTS around here!

How far along? 27 Weeks

Baby is the size of an: Head of cauliflower in weight... 2 pounds and 14.5 inches long!

Total weight gain: 11 lbs

Maternity clothes? Nothing but maternity! :)

Stretch marks? Same... just a few.

Sleep: Better now that my doctor said it's not absolutely critical that I sleep on my left side... 

Best moment this week? Our room mate moved out, so I gained a craft room! We have been so busy cleaning, shampooing carpets, and de-junking... But it was SO worth it!

Miss anything? Not much.

Movement: A ton! My friend Krystal got to feel her roll around the other day.

Cravings? Chicken salad sandwiches this week. :)

Anything making you queasy or sick? Nope!

Labor signs: Nada.

Symptoms: Same as usual. I'm pretty tired and achey, and my feet have decided they want to start swelling up at the end of long days.

Belly Button in or out? 1/4 out... I can officially see the inside of my belly button when I look at it. :D

Wedding rings on or off? Still on! I hope they stay that way!

Happy or moody most of the time? Happy!

Looking forward to: Finishing Z's nursery! It's almost done... Krystal helped me spray paint some picture frames this weekend, as well as a funky mirror that we found at Target. I also hung some shelves beside her crib. I have to get a book case, but then everything is done! Can't believe this is the last week of my 2nd trimester... She's going to be here SO SOON! Also, my MIL is coming to town next week! I can't wait to show her all that we've done! This will be her last visit until Zoey arrives!

25 Weeks Pregnant, and a nursery sneak peek!

This is me, after 5 days of working my butt off!

How far along? 25 Weeks

Baby is the size of an: Rutabaga in size... About 13 and a half inches long!

Total weight gain: Still 9 lbs... No gain from last week.

Maternity clothes? Yep! Like my maternity shorts?

Stretch marks? Same as last week!

Sleep: Ehhh.... Tossing and turning!

Best moment this week? Painting Miss Z's nursery! We got all of the spare bedroom furniture moved out, and painted the whole thing... Yep! PINK! Also, my mom came over and helped me clean out the entire kitchen, so we got rid of a lot of things and replaced them with things that we received as wedding presents... It's like living in a new kitchen! :D

Miss anything? Good sleep and a big glass of wine.

Movement: Less this weekend, but probably because I've been so active... I'm sure she's worn out too!

Cravings? Nothing out of the ordinary.

Anything making you queasy or sick? Nope!

Labor signs: Nada.

Symptoms: Still the usual... I get tired easily, I've got some rockin' heartburn, and a pretty significant waddle... Closing in on the 3rd tri!

Belly Button in or out? Flat!

Wedding rings on or off? Still on! I hope they stay that way!

Happy or moody most of the time? Happy!

Looking forward to: The pool opening at the end of this month!!!


Now for a few teaser pictures! Of the many projects I did this weekend, here are some cute ones. I succeeded in making some tissue paper pom poms to put together as a mobile above Z's crib! I just used basic tissue paper from Walmart (A little over a dollar a pack, take THAT, Martha Stewart with your expensive, stupid, useless kit!) and some jewelry wire. I hung them from the ceiling with white thread and a screw-in cup hook!

Aren't they cute??! I also have some of those yarn balls that I made with brown yarn... they're drying  as we speak, so I can't hang them up yet, but they'll be hung tomorrow! If you want to make some of these cute poms, check out this great tutorial that I found from Nothing But Bonfires!

Also, I started painting some cute bird houses that I found at Joann Fabric & Crafts (My favorite store!!) for $1!! With my discount (thanks to my hubby working there), it was even less than that! I got 3 different ones, and painted them in coordinating nursery colors.

I know, they don't match at all right? Oh, but that's because you haven't actually seen the fabric! The thing is, the crib quilt features 3 little birds, one in each of these colors! So now, each bird has it's own house! Cute!

I hope you've enjoyed the sneak peeks... There will be more and more in the coming weeks, until everything is done! :)

Also, stay tuned for a post (hopefully this week) featuring some adorable headband clips that I made this weekend for Zoey as well! I dabbled in felt and, well... I'm a little obsessed!

See you soon!

24 Weeks Pregnant!

How far along? 24 Weeks

Baby is the size of an: Ear of Corn

Total weight gain: 9 lbs... I must say that I'm quite proud that I'm over half way and I've gained less than 10 pounds! I'm really trying to eat healthy and not go overboard, and so far it's paid off!

Maternity clothes? Oh yeah.

Stretch marks? Still the few on my hips. 

Sleep: Getting more and more uncomfortable. 

Best moment this week? Getting my maternity bathing suit from Kohls... It's SUPER adorable! Also, I officially notified my boss of my last day at work... Stay at home mommy-hood, here I come!

Miss anything? Good sleep!

Movement: Lots! And she has a schedule too. :)

Cravings? Nothing this week... Still loving mexican food, mac n cheese, and lots of veggies. 

Anything making you queasy or sick? Nope!

Labor signs: Nada.

Symptoms: Here in the last few days, I've started to get more tired.. I'm not sure if it's just because I did a TON this weekend, or because I'm edging closer and closer to the home stretch.

Belly Button in or out? On it's way to out!

Wedding rings on or off? On, but I'm starting to doubt how long that's going to stay that way! With it getting hotter, my hands are starting to swell! :(

Happy or moody most of the time? Happy!

Looking forward to: I have a 5 day weekend coming up, so I'm really looking forward to getting a lot done. I'm supervising some furniture moving, we'll be painting Z's ceiling and walls (YAY!), and I'll be doing a lot of crafting. My mom is also coming over to help do a major kitchen cabinet spring cleaning!

I took an extra picture today... I wanted to show you a few of Zoey's cute little outfits! The first is a cute dress from my best friend Jessica. The second is a dress and legging combo I got from Kohls on clearance yesterday... I just couldn't resist those rainbow leggings!!! And the last is a dress I got at Target on clearance! I'm loving the clearance racks right now! :)

I'm really loving the cute outfits and accessories I am finding.... I'm so excited to have a girl!! And this is the most of a sneak peek you're going to get of her nursery... I'm not posting pictures until it's DONE! I made the pillows that you see the corner of a few weeks ago, with a tutorial I found on Pinterest... I will post a link to it when I post the pictures of her room when I  get it done... Hopefully in about a month! :)