Lilly: 36 Weeks

The girl behind this belly:

One of my favorite people on the planet.

My maid of honor.

The one that I traveled half way around the world with doing missions in South Africa.

Has a servant’s heart.

Loves Jesus.

Is SNL kind of funny.

We’ve peed our pants together. A lot.

Is beautiful.

Strong.

A Physical Therapist.

My cousin.

About to experience one of the best miracles on earth, becoming a Mama.

I can’t WAIT to meet sweet baby girl T.!!

My sister, in her most voluptuous form.

Written by Shannon Leigh

This is my sister. She is 8 months pregnant with baby boy #3! Yep, that's 3 little boys... under the age of 3. Isn't she insane?

Insane and cute.

We had about 10 minutes to do a "belly" shoot while she came to visit. This is what we got.

I can't wait to meet baby "no-name." Betcha his name will start with a K.

Week 39

Written by Shannon Leigh

So it's official, my due date has come and gone and Peanut is going to make her entrance into this world fashionably late. Go figure.

It serves me right with all of the times I've been late in my life right? She's already taking after her mama!

I didn't think I could possibly get any bigger but week 39 proved me wrong. They say the baby can gain an average of a half-pound a week so this little thing will probably be quite the chunker (I'm definitely betting on an 8-pounder now). I can't believe how big I have gotten and I am really looking forward to being done.

I've had a slew of emotions in the last week ranging from major panic to total peace. I'm trying to remember that it's all God's timing, not mine. Hard to remember but true. I know the first time I see Peanut's face, I'll forget it all.

BUT It's definitely going to be a test for the next week or so.

I had my 39 week appointment and the doctor was less than encouraging. I hadn't progressed much and they didn't seem very concerned that I may go a week or two past my due date. I, on the other hand was not excited at the idea. Matt learned the hard way NOT to laugh when the doctor left the room. I might have had a mini breakdown.

I have my "40 week" appointment on Monday and IF and only IF I have progressed enough, we will discuss induction. We'll see what comes of it, I am not expecting much.

I'm really not sure if my poor ab muscles (or lack there of) can take much more.

Getting very anxious to meet our little girl!!

38 weeks (aka... ready to be done)

Written by Shannon Leigh

Well it's official... I am HUGE! I seriously think Peanut is going to be MASSIVE. Only time will tell I suppose (cue labor).

Peanut really doesn't sound like the right name any more but Watermelon doesn't have the same ring.

I've given up completely on tying my own shoes (bending over makes me queezy) and sometimes it's not even possible. Socks are hard enough.

The skin on my belly has HAD ENOUGH. It's rebelling against the growth with itchiness and burning.

The constant contractions are just plain annoying (but not consistent enough to create progress).

I am hoping every day to wake up in writhing pain... strange I know but I am so ready for REAL contractions.

I'm still sleeping pretty well at night so no complaints there.

I'm sick of cleaning my house.

Wondering how I will lose these 25 pounds after baby comes.

Enjoying the Olympics (not pregnancy related). They keep my mind off of my uncomfortableness.

I'm really thankful to my husband for doing our taxes. He's handsome.

Thinking that the "go into labor" practices are crap. I've been doing them all. They haven't worked yet. Note the VERY large belly.

I had my 38 week appointment and I was 1 cm dilated and 50 % effaced. It's nothing impressive but it is definitely progress from last week. I had my breast feeding class at the hospital last night (Matt had a Dad's class too). It was my last class/engagement that I wanted to make it to. Now that it is over, I am sooooo ready for Peanut to make her grand appearance. I guess we'll see what week 39 brings. Exactly one week to my due date!

Week 37

Written by Shannon Leigh

It's officially the waiting game.

Week 37 came and went and nothing exciting happened, which I was expecting.

I had my 37 week appointment and it was confirmed that "not much is going on." I guess that means that I at least have a few weeks left.

It's definitely hard to get around now and thank the good LORD that I am working from home until the baby comes or February 26th, which ever one comes first. I am guessing my end date will come before baby does.

I'm keeping my hopes up that labor is right around the corner but at the same time I'm trying to soak up my time with my Matty before she comes in and consumes our lives. I know everything will be drastically different after she comes.

Hopefully the next update is BABY but I am doubting it. In fact you can count a few more belly updates, I'm just sure of it.

Week 36

Week 36 was an exciting one. It feels really great to finally be "full term." But it's a little bitter sweet.
I could technically go into labor at any time or it could be another MONTH! That is really hard to deal with and it's making me pretty anxious. I am still counting on going AFTER my due date... so all Peanut has to do for the next few weeks is put on the pudge.

I have been having a few more braxton hicks contractions (I think) and according to my doctor, Peanut's head is REALLY low (she FEELS really low). These things are great but none of them point to me going into labor any time soon. At my 36 week appointment my midwife said that most first time moms go AFTER their due date, so I am just planning on a March baby instead of a February one.

Matt's firm threw us a shower last Friday, which was SO nice of them. Unfortunately I forgot to take pictures. It was lovely and once again we felt very blessed and spoiled!

The doctor thinks that Peanut is still on the small side (I don't FEEL very small) so she is predicting a birth weight of low sevens if I go after 40 weeks. At this point she was estimating the low 5s. There is really no way of knowing for sure though.

I have one more shower this weekend... and any time after that I am ready to go!

35 Weeks

Written by Shannon Leigh

Week 35 was a busy one.

If you read my last post, you know that getting around town is getting a lot more difficult, especially my commute to work. Albeit pretty, the snow is NOT making it easier, that's for sure.

I had an appointment last week and my midwife said that from here on out if I go into labor they won't do anything to stop me. THAT is a pretty huge milestone. I feel like we have finally MADE IT (God willing). I feel blessed that everything has gone well so far. We're praying that it continues that way.

Peanut's room is ALMOST complete. I finished binding the quilt and my Mom helped me finish the crib skirt last weekend. The curtain topper got finished this week too. We have the car seat/stroller put together and the swing and highchair (I know we won't need that for awhile, but we were too excited). We only have a few things left to do! I even washed diapers and blankets in Dreft this week. Onsies are next!

I'm pretty sure the baby has dropped a little in the last few weeks. I am able to breath a little better so that is nice. Last week Peanut weighed over 5 pounds and was over 18 inches long! Only one more week until I'm "full term."

The ladies at work threw me a wonderful shower at Biaggi's last week and I feel SO spoiled. I am really going to miss these ladies once the baby comes. It was just lovely and I got so many wonderful gifts! Here are some pictures to prove it.

Week 34

Written by Shannon Leigh

Last week was week 34.
It went fast.
I had my first shower.
There was punch and lots of dessert.

It was lovely.
I felt very spoiled.
My family and friends are awesome.
I got LOTS of books... (everyone was told to bring a children's book with a message to Peanut).
We've been reading to her at night.

{My girls from school- minus a few}

{Some besties from home}

{The Gardner Girls- minus a few}

{The In-Laws}

Last week Peanut weighed approximately 4 3/4 pounds and was 18 inches long. She won't be getting much longer (probably) but will be packing on the pounds. From here on out she could put on up to a half a pound a week! I start going to the doctor weekly now, so we will be closely monitored until D-day which I am predicting to be March 2nd (just a guess).
It feels good to be so close but at the same time it is OH so far! I am still sleeping pretty good, just getting up once or twice to pee. I noticed this week that my hips are kind loose, which is a very strange feeling. I am definitely feeling like I have the pregnant-lady-waddle going on now. Oh joy.

Peanut's room is really taking shape and there isn't a ton of stuff left to do. Thanks to my darling brother-in-law, Josh, we get our rocking chair this weekend (which is the LAST piece of furniture to add). He's driving to Nashville Tennessee to get it... it's a long story, trust me.
Peanut's quilt is very close to being finished and THAT feels good too. All I have left to do is finish quilting it and then do the binding! Here is a little sneak peak.

By the way, I would really be okay with NOT taking my picture for the next 5 weeks, but I know I would regret it if i didn't.