40 Weeks - The End of Pregnancy

 (Please excuse the no makeup. New parent = lucky I was showered.)

Surprise! Miss Anna Grace was born on Friday, June 19 at 5:56pm. She was 6 lbz 9.7oz and 19in long. We are so incredibly in love. I thought it would be really fun to still do my 40 week bump date as a way of updating you on what we are up to. 

How Far Along? Well I only made it to 39 weeks and 2 days. I really was scared I would have to be induced and I really didn't want that. I wanted baby to come on her own and she did!

Size of Baby: A little under 7 lbs, well played What to Expect app.

Gender:  She is all girl!

Maternity Clothes:  I’ve already been able to use some of my maternity dresses as nursing outfits. I love that I can still use my maternity clothes.

Nursery: I still have a couple bare walls, but I have big plans for pictures of our new little family for them.

Movement: Umm…nope. That would be a little weird if I still felt something.

Sleep: LOL This is funny. I thought I was so tired before and I just had no idea. I’m slowly becoming a napper, which I never was before. But when baby eats every 3 hours, and I have to be present for every feeding, you learn to sleep when you can.

Cravings: Sandwiches, lots of sandwiches! I’ve had a ton of cold turkey sandwiches since little Miss arrived and I’m still not tired of them. (If you are a Columbia native, I specifically wanted a T-Bird from Beezers. It’s like Jimmy Jones, but better.)

What I Miss:  I wondered if I would miss being pregnant, but nope, not really. I had an amazing pregnancy, but I love having baby here in my arms instead.  

Best Moment This Week: AG’s birth was life changing and I can’t wait to share her birth story.

Looking Forward To: Parenthood, we are here!

Beauty Splurges

I don't splurge on stuff very often and I know my version of what's splurging could be very different than most girls. I think buying a fun top from Target that I don't need is exciting to give you a scale.

So when I go to places like Ulta I usually have a specific list of what I'm out of and I don't let myself browse. However, recently I did a little wandering around just to see what's out there and made myself a list that if I could splurge what I would get.

Whish Shave Cream and Body Butter in Pomegranate

This stuff is so creamy and luxurious and the smell is amazing!

Clarisonic Mia

I know I'm super behind and still don't own one of these. Everyone loves theirs and I want one so bad.

Naked Eye Shadow

I never buy super nice makeup, mostly because I don't know how to make the most of it. If I bought this I would have to have a lesson about all the ways to apply it.

St. Tropez Sunless Tanner

I do not tan naturally and while I love a spray tan I can't afford to do them all the time. I've heard this is the absolute best.

Do you let yourself go wild in Ulta or Sephora? What do you usually pick up?

39 Weeks

How Far Along? 39 weeks - Ok real talk, I didn’t think I would still be pregnant at 39 weeks. My mom came two weeks early with both me and my brother and my pregnancy has been almost identical to hers. And with the temperature reaching 100 degrees I’m a little over being pregnant.

Size of Baby: Watermelon (19-22 in, 7 lbs) Good grief, a watermelon……..

Gender: I’ve got lots of bows ready for our little girl.

Maternity Clothes: Still rocking my four maxi dresses and now this short nursing dress.

 
Nursery: We finally got the new ceiling fan installed, but unfortunately the dimmer switch was wrong so we have to put a whole new remote in the wall. Hopefully the dimmer will be worth the pain in the middle of the night.

Movement: Baby’s movements have definitely slowed down and I rarely feel her during the day. That being said she moves a lot when I’m laying on the couch in the evenings and while it used to only be at the top and sides of my belly I now feel her everywhere.

Symptoms: I’m exhausted, like all the time. I wake up from a full night’s rest and I’m exhausted. It’s kind of weird, although I’m guessing the huge belly and heat have something to do with it. Some people have said it looks like my belly has dropped, some don’t think so. I have no idea.

Sleep: As I stated before I’m still sleeping through the night, just waking up tired. Also it’s a struggle to turn over in the middle of the night, I have to talk myself into it. But I’ve been really congested so I have to turn over every so often so I can breathe through my nose. Andy said while I’m not really snoring I’m definitely breathing really loud while I sleep.

Cravings: My appetite comes and goes, although I’ve been warned not to skip a meal, because as soon as I do I’ll go into labor and then not get to eat for ages.

What I Miss: My energy, my wedding rings, being able to schedule my life (which I know I’ll never really be able to do fully again.) 

Best Moment This Week:  My pregnancy buddy (who was due just a week before me) had her little girl last Friday and I got to visit them on Monday evening. I loved hearing all the labor details, picking up tips for those first new days as parents, and holding that sweet baby. Although it did make me ache to hold my own baby girl.  

Also, Andy told me that I was a “pretty pregnant lady” and I almost cried. When you feel huge and nowhere close to looking like yourself it’s so nice to hear your spouse say you are pretty.

Looking Forward To: We have our last scheduled doctor’s appointment today. I honestly don’t know what to expect so send good thoughts. We can't wait to meeting Miss Anna Grace! We are ready for you honey, come on out.

Freezer Meals

I mentioned a couple weeks ago that I made a bunch of freezer meals so we don't have to worry during those first couple of weeks of parenthood. I split most of the recipes into two portions because we are terrible at eating leftovers and plus we got more meals out of it. Most of the meals are chicken based and I took advantage of the $2.99 per pound at the Fresh Market on a couple Tuesday afternoons. (If you live by a Fresh Market you have to take advantage of this deal!)

I thought I would share which recipes I made. Many of them are new to me so I'll have to report back on how they work. Or if you have used them let me know.

Angel Chicken (one of our favorite crockpot meals via Southern Plate)

• ½ cup butter (1 stick)
• 2 packets Italian Dressing Mix Powder (0.7 ounces each)
• 1 Cup Chicken Broth (Original recipe uses white cooking wine)
• 2 cans golden mushroom soup
• 8 ounces cream cheese (I like using the onion and chives)
• 2-3 lbs chicken 

Instructions

1. Mix butter, italian dressing mix, broth, soup, and cream cheese in a sauce pot on top of stove. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until melted and well mixed.
2. I put two chicken breast in two freezer bags and split the sauce between them. 
3. Either thaw the chicken and bake or throw everything in the crockpot. Serve with egg noodles.

Cafe Rio Chicken (via Chef in Training)

• 2 lbs chicken breasts
• 8 oz. zesty Italian dressing
• ½ Tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 packet ranch dressing mix (mixed with ½ cup of water)
• ½ Tablespoon chili powder
• ½ Tablespoon ground cumin

Instructions

1. Place all ingredients in a crock pot. Cook on LOW for about 5 hours or until chicken is done.
2. Shred with fork and serve in salads, burritos, tacos...etc.

Worlds Best Chicken (via Rachel Schultz)

• 6-8 pound Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs or Breasts
• 1 cup Dijon Mustard
• 1/2 cup Maple Syrup
• 2 Tablespoon Red Wine Vinegar
• Salt & Pepper
• Season after w/ Rosemary

Instructions

1. Mix all ingredients and split between two bags. 
2. Season with fresh rosemary when cooking.  

 Garlic Lime Chicken (via Over the Big Moon)

• 6-8 Bone-In Chicken Thighs or Breasts
  1 Cup Soy Sauce
  1/2 Cup Lime Juice
  2 Tbs Worcestershire Sauce
  4 Garlic Cloves, Minced
  1 tsp Dry Mustard
  1 tsp Ground Pepper
  2 Tbs Cornstarch

Instructions

1. Mix all ingredients and pour over chicken in two freezer bags.

Lemon Garlic Dump Chicken (via One Good Thing)

• 1 – 2 tsp minced garlic (I like more so I used 2)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 Tbls parsley flakes
• 2 Tbls lemon juice (or the juice of one whole lemon)
• 4-6 chicken breasts (or 8 to 10 chicken tenders)

Instructions

1.  Mix all ingredients and pour over chicken in freezer bag.
2. Thaw chicken. Pour chicken and marinade into a baking dish, turn chicken to coat. Bake at 350 F for 35 minutes. OR
3. Thaw and grill in a cast iron skillet on the stove, or outside on the barbecue grill, until no longer pink inside. OR
4. Place the frozen chicken in the crockpot and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours (or high for 4-6 hours.)

Five on Friday

ONE
I was so excited with April from A. Liz Adventures posted on Instagram about the $1 hairbows at Walmart that I went to stock up. We still need to hang the bow holder in the nursery, but how pretty it is all filled with fun bows? I've been dreaming of hairbow buying ever since we found out we were having a girl. 

TWO
I'm a little sad to say that I've been spending more time with my DVR than usual, mainly because I have no energy to do anything else. I'm a little bored with the Bachelorette this season, but love reading the recaps here and here. However, to follow that reality show up with UnReal is great. It's a show about making a very Bachelor-ish show. From what people are saying it's pretty close to the real deal and it explains why the couples rarely stay together, because there is so little that's real. Anyone else watching UnReal?

THREE
Last weekend my mom and husband secured the "best people ever" award by planting azalea bushes all along the front of our house. I kept asking how I could help and they kept telling me to sit down. We have waited so long to replant in our front yard and I can't wait for the bushes to mature and be in full bloom.

 

We are hoping ours will be more of a hedge, but fingers crossed they look like this next spring.

FOUR
Andy and I had a little date night on Saturday and went to see the Entourage movie. The show was a guilty pleasure of mine and the movie was just like the show. Was it something I will watch over and over, no, but it was super entertaining. 

FIVE
I will leave you with a cute picture of my sweet pup. He has been so cuddly lately and we hope he stays that way.

Nurses Gifts

I loved seeing that people are taking little surseys to the hospital for the nurses and doctors when they deliver. These people are helping you on one of the biggest days of your life, the least you can do is thank them. (Plus I'm not above a little bribery to be the favorite on the floor.)

After a little research on Pinterest and a quick trip to Sam's Club I was ready to assemble.

Here is what I included:

Pack of crackers

2 Granola Bars

Pack of Gum

A couple fun sized candy bars

I borrowed the cute tag design from All Things Katie Marie and printed them on labels I already had. Everything went in clear gift bags that you can get at the dollar store.

I wasn't sure how many to make but I figure we'll have a couple nurses throughout the stay, the doctor, and then anything left can go to visitors who stop by.

38 Weeks

How Far Along? 38 Weeks

Size of Baby: Swiss Chard (19-22 in, 6.5lbs)

Gender:  Can’t wait to meet our little girl

Maternity Clothes: You are officially looking at the last maxi dress in my rotation above. You have now seen what I’ve been wearing on repeat for the last couple of weeks.

Nursery: We finally got a rug in the nursery, which is great. We’ve had to reschedule having the new ceiling fan and dimmer switch installed twice which is super frustrating, but we’ll make it work. My best friend from childhood sent me a Mother’s Day gift of baby’s initials that she hand crossed stitched. Since my friend lives in Vermont it’ll be nice to look up on the wall and feel like she is there looking over us.

Movement: Baby’s movements have definitely slowed down, but when she does kick it’s with lots of force. While we can’t see an outline, I can specifically feel her foot when she kicks. I can’t wait to hold that little foot in my hand soon.

Symptoms: My energy level is super low and I’m having a hard time getting everything I want to do done during the day. I don’t think baby has “dropped” yet, but I’m definitely feeling *cough* pressure *cough*. Just as a reference at my appointment last Friday I was 50% effaced, but only 1 cm dilated. We’ll see if anything has changed this Friday.

Sleep: I thank the Lord every morning for letting me sleep through the night. It’s been such a blessing since I know most women aren’t sleep well by now. That being said, I wake up and I’m almost more exhausted than when I went to sleep. I think it’s just the lack of energy, but by the time I’m ready for work in the morning I need a nap.

Cravings: I still have a normal appetite, but I’m pretty uncomfortable if I accidently eat too much.  

What I Miss: I miss my energy, wearing my wedding rings, fitting in more than one pair of shoes. 

Best Moment This Week: Andy and I watched The Happiest Baby on the Block DVD this weekend and it really got us in the baby mood. I think we have both hit the “we are just ready for her to get here” stage. I also had my last hair appointment, had my eyebrows done, and painted my nails so I'm caught up on all the last minute primping.

Looking Forward To: My appointment on Friday. I’m anxious to see if we have made any progress since last week.

37 Weeks

How Far Along? 37 weeks and one day. Baby is official FULL TERM!

Size of Baby: Winter Melon (what is that?)

Gender:  Little Miss Anna Grace!

Maternity Clothes: I broke down and bought one more maxi dress (the one in the picture), but I justified it because it’s perfect for nursing and it’s garnet and black so it’s perfect for the office. I had to take one of my precious few dresses out of the mix for my going home outfit, so I figured why not. Lord knows I’m getting plenty of use out of them.

Nursery: Yay for getting lots accomplished this weekend. We got the shelves hung, the crib made, the changing station set up, bought a foot stool, and the last load of laundry is done. I’m super sad to have learned that the rug we ordered is back ordered so now we have to decide if we want to wait for it or choose another one.

Movement: Her movements are definitely slowing down but she is still pretty active. She has attracted attention during meetings because people can see her every move from the outside. Of course she never moves when I want her to though, like when Andy’s parents were in town this week.

Symptoms: Still have puffy feet and hands and my middle three fingers on my right hand have been numb for a week. Such a weird feeling.

Sleep: Well….I’m definitely still sleeping, just waking up a bit when I turn over. Really I can’t complain about sleep, I’ve been so lucky. Also, Camden is still sleeping in our room, which is super cute, until last night when it stormed all night and he paced from my side of the bed to Andy’s side.

Cravings: Pasta and chocolate and fruit. Unfortunately I give in to all of the above.

What I Miss: This is going to sound so weird, but I miss the ease of turning the radio station in my car. My belly has grown enough that it makes it uncomfortable to lean over to change the channel. How pitiful is that? 

Best Moment This Week: I loved getting lots of stuff marked off our to-do list, but everything is making baby girl’s arrival very real feeling. We packed our hospital bags and they are by the front door, we put the carseat bases in each of our cars, I made goodie bags for our nurses (I’m not above bribing), and we have a date to watch the Happiest Baby on the Block video this weekend. 

 

We are having the carseats checked tomorrow. Should we move it to the middle seat?

Looking Forward To: I have my last hair appointment this afternoon and I think I’m going to have my nails done soon so they are picture ready. I’m just so anxious about her arrival. (I keep joking that I don’t care if it’s 3:00am, if she could just schedule her birth on my Outlook calendar I would be so much happier.)