Still waiting...

Dearest content one,

Hi Baby.  Today is September 29, less than one week from your due date.  Today was my last appointment before I will be considered 'overdue.'  Today, I felt like having a baby.  I woke up early, walked two miles on the treadmill (attempting to give you a little bit of a head start before your appointment), and looked forward to going to what I thought would be my last week of school.  There's always an excitement surrounding doctor's appointment days, especially this late in the game.  I was confident I was going to be much closer to having you today than I was last week and even had a weird feeling today might just be the day.  Your birthday.

I wasn't the only one thinking this way.  Your Uncle Gabe sent me a text shortly after 8 am, asking if I was a mom yet.  Your grandma called, reminding me to call her as soon as my appointment was over.  And your dad sent about a dozen text messages throughout the morning hours.  It was difficult to concentrate during my morning classes and I counted down the minutes until 10:20. 

Well, we made a little progress from last week; however, not enough to send me for my hospital bag instead of back to school.  A little discouraged and highly anxious, I left the hospital once again, already looking ahead to next week.  From now on, I'm simply going to plan on you arriving a week overdue...that way, if you come any earlier, it will just be a nice surprise.

Boy, have you been moving lots today.  In fact, at times, especially during lunch with your dad, I even questioned whether I was having contractions.  What was I thinking?  It was probably just you responding to the BEST TENDERLOIN I'VE EVER EXPERIENCED!  Newton's Cafe is legit!  I would have thought that alone would have enticed you to begin your descend to this side of the world.  I guess I was wrong...

What else might entice you?  Well, the house is clean, your room is ready, and the Bears are 3 and 0.  Your dad can't wait to spend Sundays with you and tell you all about his favorite team, and more importantly, you will match!

Whether it's tonight, tomorrow, this weekend, or two weeks from now, know that we are waiting, pacing, and more than ready to welcome and love you right into our lives.  You have already made our lives so exciting and I can't begin to fathom the next chapter.  All I know is that I'm craving...

...listening to a sleeping baby, the little noises you will make, and the way your little head will rest against my chest.

...that distinct, perfectly unique baby smell. 

...baby feet, barefoot or in those tiny baby socks. 

...mornings where the only thing on my 'to-do' list is to hang out with you.  Days where hours spent staring at you becomes the idea of a perfectly accomplished day. 

...hibernating inside as the weather gets colder and the nights get shorter.  I'm dreaming of fires, blankets, and tummy time. 

...the chance to finally get to see the face of this little boy I've been dreaming about for a very long time.

We love you.  Now, come out!  

Your momma. 

39 WEEKS! AHHHHHHH!!!!!!

How far along? 39 Weeks

Total Weight Gain? 29 pounds I think…it’s all starting to run together!

Maternity Clothes? I’m officially out of options. Even though the weather is getting cooler, I keep rocking my summer wardrobe…I refuse to buy a pair of maternity dress pants this late in the game. I’m still wearing my summer flats, but by the end of the day, my swollen feet are half in, half out.

Sleep? I think God knows I need as much sleep as I can get right now. I’ve been sleeping so well lately…going to bed is one of my favorite parts of the day!

Symptoms? My energy level is definitely a roller coaster. Monday night, I was a machine; Tuesday, a zombie. My feet and ankles are swollen by the end of the day; however, nothing terrible. Baby J is officially out of room…when he moves, I can actually make out his body parts. I’ve also had lots of Braxton Hicks, especially after my appointment today. He’s definitely dropped; however, as far as labor signs go, not a whole lot to record!

Cravings? This week, my menu has consisted of Instant Breakfast, lasagna, and apple crisp!

Best Moment This Week? I spoiled myself with a pedicure yesterday after work. I’ve never felt so deserving of one in my life! My feet were swollen, my toe nails were disgustingly long, and the massage chair put me to sleep!

Least Favorite Moment This Week? The thought of planning for another week of school! I didn’t exactly plan on going past my due date!

What I Look Forward To? Going into LABOR and having this BABY!

Weekly Wisdom? Ivory soap under the covers! It’s brilliant! My friend, Amy, recommended this after I was complaining of terrible middle-of-the-night leg cramps. Pop a bar of Ivory under your fitted sheet at the end of the bed and let it work its magic…I haven’t had a leg cramp since!

Milestones? My last appointment before I’m ‘overdue.’ Next Wednesday’s appointment will be one day past my due date! Will I make it to then?!?!?!

A Delicious Crisp

Here is a recipe for the absolute best apple crisp.  It's so good!

-10 cups or approximately 6 apples (depending on the size) - I've used Granny Smith or Honey Crisp and both are great, peeled and thinly sliced
-1 cup sugar
-1 tbsp. flour
-1 tsp. cinnamon
-1/2 cup water
-1 cup Quaker quick cooking oats
-1 cup flour
-1 cup packed brown sugar
-1/4 tsp. baking soda
-1/4 tsp. baking powder
-1 stick of butter, melted

1.  Preheat oven to 350.
2.  Place the sliced apples in a mixing bowl.  In a separate bowl, mix the white sugar, 1 tbsp. flour, and ground cinnamon together and sprinkle over apples.  Pour water evenly over all and toss to coat.
3.  Arrange apples in the bottom of a 9x13 pan.
4.  Combine the oats, 1 cup flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and melted butter together.  Crumble evenly over apple mixture.
5.  Bake at 350 degrees for about 45 minutes. 

Serve warm, but store in the fridge for left overs!

A weekend without baby...

This weekend, I celebrated fall.  The first official weekend of fall.  A Saturday filled with an overcast sky, rain showers, and chilly temperatures.  A Sunday of warmth, sunshine, and a distinct, autumn-like scent lingering in the air.  The perfect mix of indoors and outdoors.  The cozy feeling of being trapped inside, followed by a perfectly crisp Sunday of enjoying outside.

This weekend, we celebrated fall without a baby.  We're getting so close and now it seems that every morning, every day, and every night that passes takes on a whole new meaning.  Every night, I go to bed and wonder if it will be the last night I fall asleep without a newborn baby.  Every morning, I go to school and wonder if it will be the last day I see my students for awhile.  And every weekend, I wonder if it will be our last before we have a baby at home.  Soon, this waiting game we've gotten pretty good at playing will turn into the stark realization that it's time to go to the hospital.  Time to have a baby.  Time for our lives to change...forever.

How unbelieveable.  To leave the house, the two of us, and return home as three.  To finally get to see this baby we've been dreaming about for the last forty weeks. To live the reality that has seemed completely surreal for so long.  

So what did we do on this first weekend of fall?  Possibly the last weekend before becoming parents? 

-We slept in.  Listened to the rain do the work outside while we curled up under the covers.  

-We casserole'd'.  A pot of coffee, a couple of Johnson's bakery donuts, and a trip to Fareway for five pounds of hamburger, three pounds of Italian sausage, chicken, and all the essentials to transform our kitchen to a restaurant assembly line.  

We were rock stars.  We had three casseroles made in a little under an hour.  Beau manned the hamburger frying station, and I did the chopping.  A pound of mushrooms for chicken tetrazzini.  Cumin, chili pepper, and a pinch of cayenne for Mexican lasagna.  Egg noodles al dente.  Spaghetti noodles al dente.  Lasagna noodles al dente.  The sounds of Ben Harper could not compete with the smells of the world's best lasagna sauce filling the air.  It was a lot of work, but I remembered how much fun it was to share a kitchen with my husband.  We now have five casseroles in our deep freeze...cross that one off the nesting list!
 

-We saw Inception.  Or did we?  I was so utterly confused afterwards, I couldn't tell you if I was pregnant, in labor, or in some weird kind of dream limbo.  The movie is amazing, however, and for the most part, I was impressed with the fact that my pregnant brain could keep up with the brilliant, abstract mind of Christopher Nolan for almost three hours.  Beau and I went to the 5:15 show, and our supper became a large popcorn, a Cherry Coke, some Milk Duds, Butterfingers, and Hot Tamales.  The best movie dates are the ones where you remember to stop by Walgreens for cheap candy!  It was a perfect night for a cozy movie theater, followed by a couple of belly aches!    

-I baked.  One of my favorite ways to define the season of fall is by eating tremendous amounts of Honeycrisp apples.  It's a good thing they are only in season a short time, as $1.99 per pound is a bit pricey; however, they are well worth it in my mind.  This morning, I woke up early and baked a pan of apple crisp and monkey bread.  It was one of those mornings where I wish I could have slowed time and trapped the smells that were coming from the kitchen.  

-Church.  Like everything else, I keep wondering if it will be our last Sunday as two.  Since I've been pregnant, I have sat through church with a solid lump in my throat every Sunday.  It's a guaranteed hour each week that I can sit quietly with Beau and take in the sheer magnitude of the blessing that is growing in my tummy.  I'm in awe, of the One who gave it all.  

Baby J rocked out to the music throughout most of church.  I can't wait to dance with him in my arms!

-We continued to nest.  I swear I've mopped the kitchen floor more in the last few weeks than the last year.  Beau got in on some nesting of his own...let's just say, Jade now has the cleanest litter boxes on the block.  I think he also felt sorry for his baby's mama, as he returned from Hy-Vee with not only kitty litter, but a pretty bouquet of fall flowers.  I'd say they did the trick!

-We walked.  Maybe the longest walk we've went on since 'my condition' (as we like to call it).  I'm not sure if it was the absolutely gorgeous late afternoon weather, or the fact that I was motivated to walk this baby out, but I think I could have kept going.  Sad to say, the only response to our walk was a series of Braxton Hicks.  

Another weekend in the history books.  Another weekend without a baby.  We tried to tell him while we were on a walk that the weather was way better out of the womb; however, I'm learning that this little man will come when he's ready.  So, in the meantime, we will continue to enjoy this time together, time we will probably never really look at the same again.  

Happy Fall.  Happy last week of September.  Happy Baby.       

38 WEEKS!

How far along? 38 Weeks

Total Weight Gain? I am up 28 pounds.

Maternity Clothes? Running out of options. I feel like a balloon in everything!

Sleep? Still sleeping like a rock. My nights are getting longer and longer. Went to bed at 9:30 last night and the night before. Woke up in the middle of the night with my contacts still in! I start to get zombie-like after nine…

Symptoms? My hormones have been a rollercoaster this week. I’m learning the difficulties involved with being a teacher on maternity leave. Trying to plan lessons for 12 weeks of class seems demanding and a little impossible. Plus, being a person who likes control, it’s hard to swallow the thought of giving up my classroom. I have a feeling that once this little one arrives, however, my thoughts on this will change!

I finally called about my weird calf pain and ended up having an ultrasound on my leg (the baby ultrasounds are much more fun) to rule out a blood clot. Thankfully, no blood clot; unfortunately, no consensus on why it hurts to walk on my right leg. The doctor thinks that maybe a late night cramp caused a nice muscle strain, but isn’t exactly sure.

Cravings? Honeycrisp apples are in! I’ve had one every day since Saturday

Best Moment This Week? I loved having a weekend at home and am looking forward to another one this weekend.

Least Favorite Moment This Week? Sitting in a doctor’s office for an hour and a half waiting to be ‘excused’ after my leg ultrasound. I know hospitals are busy places, but trying to convince a tired and swollen pregnant woman of this after a long day of work is a tough feat! And my heartburn was terrible!

What I Look Forward To? Going to the doctor’s office and hearing of some progress! Weekly appointments are teasers!

Weekly Wisdom? This baby will come, but all in God’s timing!



Pep talk...

Hi peanut,

We've made it to 38 weeks, less than two weeks from my due date.  I'm getting more and more prepared, more and more anxious to see you, hold you, and try my hand at this new mommy thing.  About a week ago, I decided it was time for you to come out.  I had waited long enough, had been pregnant long enough, and it was time to get on with things.  I would say I'm usually a pretty patient person; however, I once heard that 'patience is the art of hoping,' and well, I was really hoping for a baby this week!  

After today's appointment, however, I learned that it's really not up to me when this whole birth thing happens.  Weekly doctor's appointments are so much fun, as I wait in anticipation all week to see how much closer we are to D-day.  I like to call this 'cervical suspense.'  Today's appointment, however, was like one of those really suspenseful movies that ends about 10 minutes too soon.  The ones where you stay in the theater a little longer, watching all the credits, hoping the director will turn around and yell, 'Gotcha!' before revealing another, more satisfying ending. 

What I learned at my appointment today is that you are warm, snuggly, and content exactly where you are.  I'm not sure if it was the meal at Texas Roadhouse last weekend, or the dreary weather we've been having lately, but you are showing no strong signs of wanting to exit the ute anytime soon.  This is okay, as I've always envisioned an October baby, and have final work to complete at school; however, let's not get too carried away, deal?  I mentioned I was a patient person; however, your daddy is terrible at waiting.  In fact, he would like to remind you that he would really prefer a buddy to watch football with this weekend.  And the Bears have looked quite impressive so far this season!

Other news to report from this side of the ute?  Your momma has been a little emotional lately, my belly button is now half in, half out, and new shows started on TV this week.  Fall is in full swing in the Jorgensen household, with a Pepsi roast in the crockpot, a squash on the countertop, and mums planted outside.  I ordered you a Halloween costume last night and can't wait to see you in it.  

As I wait in suspense for another week to go by, I want you to know how incredibly loved you are.  You have given our lives a whole new meaning and for that, I can wait.  Your birth day will be here soon enough and until then, it's about savoring the last few days of carrying you, feeling you move, and having your sweet little companionship with me always. 

I love you, always and forever...

Mom

The three of us, 38 weeks pregnant.  Your dad is a goof ball.







Just what I needed...

My favorite pair of Gap leggings, an oversized hoodie, and a warm recliner.  My first Honeycrisp apple of the season, and the Bears are looking good.  This has been the tone of the entire weekend and it is exactly what I needed.  

Don't get me wrong.  I haven't sat in the recliner all weekend long.  I got some things crossed off my pre-baby to-do list and feel more ready to say hello to our peanut than ever before.  

Especially now that the kitchen floor is mopped.

  

And the junk drawer is clean.  

And my pumpkin spice and harvest candles now engulf the air in our home instead of the funk that was coming from the wastebasket last week.    Our fridge is now full of apples, yogurt, and fresh herbs, instead of a cardboard pizza box.  The diaper bag is packed, Beau's sock drawer is full, and the pantry is stocked with tomato soup, chicken noodle soup, and stuff for spaghetti marinara.  

My mums are planted and my tummy is still full from a complete and utter takedown at Texas Roadhouse last night.  We stocked up on last minute baby needs at Target, and more importantly, turned our storage room into a bomb shelter after a Sam's Club run.  We now buy in packs.  A 12-pack of paper towels.  A 5-pack of toothpaste.  A 24-pack of fruit snacks.  When we walk in to Sam's Club, I let Beau lead the way.  Funny how I had no idea he had such a love for buying in bulk.

Last night, Beau dropped me off at Hobby Lobby to return a few remaining supplies from Baby J's palm tree creation.  As I was waiting in a line only fit for Black Friday, I saw my doctor walk in with some girlfriends.  She didn't notice me, but just like my students act when I see them outside of school, I was fascinated to see her in an environment other than the hospital without a white hospital coat on.  I was not the only one to notice her, as a minute later, I received a text from Beau, still waiting in the parking lot.  "Doc just walked in...see if she can induce you."  Fifteen minutes later, still waiting in line to return a meager $8 worth of merchandise, Beau texted again.  

"ARE YOU IN LABOR?!?!?!"

As I laughed out loud, picturing me giving birth to our baby in between the artificial flowers and gallery frames, I noticed everyone else in line was staring at me.  Staring at the pregnant woman who had seemingly lost her mind.  I never did see my doctor again, but I now have a funny story to share with her Wednesday.

I have no idea when Baby J is going to arrive, but I wish he'd hurry up.  Sure I'm still a good two weeks away from my due date, but pretty soon I'm going to run out of things to prepare.  And I'm for sure going to run out of clothes to wear. 

In the meantime, I will continue to enjoy the beginning of fall, continue to wander in and out of the baby's room, and continue to take pictures of my cat. 



Who was not where she was supposed to be when we returned from church this morning.
 



Friends, football, and fireworks

Shortly after finding out I was pregnant, Beau and I received a call from Dallas, Beau's friend from Texas, telling us he had proposed to his girlfriend, Teresa.  We were beyond excited for the two of them, 1) because we knew Dallas was incredibly happy, and 2) because knowing Dallas, the wedding would be something big and exciting.  We envisioned a beach wedding, a week of all-inclusive with good friends, and a welcomed getaway after becoming parents (even though I now wonder if I could have left our little man after all).

After we found out Dallas and Teresa were planning a September wedding in Hawaii, we were a little disappointed that we would not be travelling to the the tropics to celebrate with them; however, we also knew that with all the expenses that go along with a new baby, it was probably better we stay put and focus on crib-building, sub planning, and diaper-buying.   

Last weekend, we got the next best thing!  We traveled to Fort Dodge to welcome the newlyweds back to the mainland and celebrate at a wedding reception.  No, we didn't have fresh flower leis, sand between our toes, and an umbrella drink in hand, but it didn't matter.  We had a river, a totally B.A. bar that resembled a 1970s style basement (complete with a lava lamps and an 8-track player), and Iowa football...what could be better than that?!?! 

Best of all was the fact that we had an entire day to hang out with great friends.  We laughed, listened to our husbands reminisce and tell the same college stories we've heard a million times before, and ate really great food (I'm allowed to comment on the food for a couple more weeks)...



We don't get together near as often as we should; however, it's such a comfort to know that when we do, nothing seems to change.  Families may grow and locations may change, but the relationships remain strong. 

The reception was held at this beautiful little golf course in Fort Dodge.  The patio overlooked this really pretty hilly area, perfect for the fireworks show Dallas put on as a finale to the night.

Yes, there was a fireworks show. 

A really great fireworks show.  

I told you Dallas likes to go all out.  

Although I was utterly exhausted by the time we made the trek home at the end of the night, it was worth it.  Beau was his typical giddy self after getting to spend a day harassing and telling jokes with his friends, I was forced to relax a bit, and Jen got to feel Baby J move...twice.  This might have been my favorite moment!  



Now, we await for July to celebrate the wedding of Heiney and Danielle.    



And if we're lucky, we'll have some visitors after Baby J arrives!

After a full day away Saturday, and a busy baby shower last Sunday, I am looking forward to a full weekend at home.  Lots to do before this little one arrives and Texas Roadhouse is calling my name!  

Defining the 'ah-ha' moment...

3:15.  I watch and wait for one student to make the move.  3:16.  No one bothers to check the cell phone that hangs halfway out of their pocket, or check the outdated clock that hangs on the wall.  3:17.  As the first sounds to mark the end of another school day fill the hallway outside of my classroom, my students stay seated.  Writing.  Working.  Thinking.  3:18.  No movement.  3:19.  3:20.  Finally, I tell them.  It's five minutes past the end of the school day.  They look at each other a little surprised, every single one of them, we laugh together, and they file out, almost acting disappointed to be leaving Room 222.

This has never happened.  At the end of the day, I teach 10th graders.  10th graders who are much more concerned with the latest text message fight, break-up story, or after school event than the curriculum I've spent hours upon hours planning, perfecting, and revising.  7th hour, the last period of the day, is the worst.  Although school does not dismiss until 3:15, I'm lucky to keep their attention past the hour most days.  The bags start to rustle, the fidgeting begins, and I know I've lost them.  They're 16, they're distracted, and most days, I really can't blame them.  I'm usually feeling pretty restless (and lately, swollen) by then too. 

Today, however, I realized something a bit more about these kids that I've learned to love the past two years of having them in my language arts classroom.  They are kids in need.  They are kids who want to talk, who yearn to have someone reach out to them, show an interest in them, and care about them.  They are students who are struggling to find their place in high school, their place with friends on the weekends, their place within their families, and their place in the future.

For the past several weeks, my students and I have been studying the impact of stereotypes on a given culture.  We've spent time uncovering the stereotypes that have marginalized and trivialized the Native American culture for years.  We've studied how those typical John Wayne, 'cowboys vs. Indians,' face painted, braided, feather adorned images we've all grown up with have shaped our limited understanding, and left a strong impact on writers of our time.  We've looked at these stereotypes in our own backyards, watching 'The Breakfast Club,' seeking to answer the essential question, 'How can we overcome stereotypes in order to be ourselves?'  Students have wrestled with the complex nature of the term, 'identity,' exploring how stereotypes, images in the media, and the social game of school impact our concept of 'self.' 

Yesterday, the students were asked to analyze two identity conflicts they face in their lives.  This required them to reflect; to look deeply at areas of their life that they struggle with.  Perhaps a particular student struggles acting a certain way at school, and then a different way at church.  Or maybe a student is caught in two worlds: the way their parents push them to be and the way they want to be.  I wanted all students to see that no matter how comfortable we may feel in our own skin, we all find times when we struggle to walk and find our place in two different worlds. 

At first, I was getting nothing but surface stuff.  One student analyzed their 'cabin' self vs. their 'school' self; another wrote about their 'athletic' side vs. their 'school' side.  Yes, they were understanding the assignment; no, they weren't getting to the depths that I wanted.

So, I gave them a pep talk.  I talked about my high school experience, the challenges I faced, and what I learned as I look back at those often rough years now.  I looked them in the eyes and challenged them with questions.  How many of you are involved in something at school only because it's what your friends do, or what's popular, or accepted?  How many of you feel like you can't be your true self?  How many of you struggle even knowing what that means?  How many of you struggle with conflicts between what you know is right, and what you know is popular?  When do they clash?  When do they synchronize? 

I love those rare moments as teachers when you can actually see students thinking.  You can see the wheels turning, the thoughts racing, the mind exploding with new ideas.  After our 'pep talk,' the students started talking.   

One girl wrote a poem to the new 9th grade girls, pleading with them to not make the same mistakes she made during her 9th grade year. 

One girl wrote a letter to herself, an inner pep talk about staying strong amidst the pressures to drink and party with the upper classmen on the weekends.

One boy wrote about living two lives with divorced parents. 

Another boy wrote about his struggle to achieve the high standards he cares about, yet still fit in with his less motivated friends.

Another wrote about the many masks he wears throughout the day, and that lately, it's hard to remember what his true 'face' even looks like.  As the 'new kid' for three years in a row, he wrote about his struggle to overcome the label and find a place at NU High.  They say the third time is the charm...was written at the top of his paper. 

I have always said that a language arts teacher carries a different load than other secondary disciplined teachers.  Writing has such a power about it...with the right assignment, students will pour themselves into their work, revealing the inner most workings of their minds, their souls, and their identities.  It's scary and exciting at the same time. 

Today, I learned more from the students than they could ever learn from me. 

“Writing is a form of personal freedom. It frees us from the mass identity we see in the making all around us. In the end, writers will write not to be outlaw heroes of some underculture but mainly to save themselves, to survive as individuals.”

-Don Delillo

Fooled you!

Dear Baby J...

Well, you pulled a fast one on your parents today.  Probably one of many more to come.  Throughout my pregnancy, my doctors have guessed me 'smaller' than average.  I had an ultrasound at 28 weeks because I was measuring small, and now, at 37 weeks, I'm supposedly still measuring at 34.  I, on the otherhand, have felt quite large (especially lately), and if I listened to the words of my Grandma Henrichs, I should have delivered weeks ago by the looks of my bump.  So, today, with all the opinions in mind, we had a Skype date, aka, an ultrasound, aka, the best appointments ever.  Your dad and I got 15 minutes to peek through a window into your world and let me tell you, the bigger you get, the more we see.  You weren't much for company today, however, watching you yawn big and sleep so sweet was good enough for me.  We could see your face and features better than ever, and your dad and I are struggling to decide which one of us you look like more.  

Last week, I asked the doctor what she guessed your size to be.  She said, based on how I measured, that you were about five pounds.  

Well...the ultrasound guessed you at 6 pounds, 14 ounces!  Beau immediately asked the ultrasound tech. if it would be possible to schedule the delivery yet today!  You have three weeks to go and are dang near seven pounds!  After hearing this news, you instantly went from a tiny baby to a baby Buddha!  The ultrasounds are typically within one pound of the approximate, meaning, you could be anywhere from 5 lbs. 14 oz., to 7 lbs. 14 oz.!  You, little man, maybe aren't as little as we thought you were going to be!

With that said, you are strong, healthy, and ready to join this world and this family whenever you want.  And, since you are a son that is going to listen to the advice and guidance of your parents, know that we are ready for your arrival at any time.  You have a really comfy crib to sleep in, a chair that vibrates, and a little stuffed lamb that makes sounds similar to the ones you are used to hearing now.  We love you so much and can't wait to welcome you into our little world....

...whether you're five pounds...

....seven pounds....

...or ten pounds.

Until next week...

I love you,

Mom
      

Closer...

How far along? 37 Weeks

Total Weight Gain? We are up 27 pounds total; however, I am down a pound from last week. It must be the clothes I was wearing!

Maternity Clothes? Yes. I’m managing to get by on summer dresses and my white, Gap city shorts. I’ve never broken the ‘white after Labor Day’ rule until now, and I guess at this point, I’m calling it an exception. God bless Judy, my teacher friend, who brought me a black cotton skirt yesterday. I might just make it to October!

Sleep? I’ve been sleeping like a rock lately. I still move from side to side on and off all night; however, it usually takes about 2.5 seconds to fall back asleep. Ironically, daddy-to-be hasn’t been sleeping the best; however, I think he requires less sleep than me.  If only men could breast feed…

Symptoms? New symptoms have been appearing almost every day and quite frankly, none of them have been glamorous. My feet continue to swell throughout the school day and by the time I get home, I can hardly bend my toes. The swelling has settled in my calf muscles, too, which makes walking a little unsettling. My stomach has been so itchy and the other day I noticed my first set of stretch marks (tear). Baby J has been moving a lot and his movements are slower and stronger. He’s running out of room and trying to stretch out his stay (literally).

Cravings? Not much of an appetite the last week or so. My stomach doesn’t have a whole lot of room to grow, so my meals are small, but occur more often.

Best Moment This Week? I had a wonderful baby shower last weekend at Jordan and Kelli’s, and today, Beau and I got to ‘skype’ with our little one! He wasn’t much for company though. We watched him yawn a lot and take what looked like a pretty great nap. He’s definitely growing and all signs show he’s on track to be out of the ute in a matter of a couple of weeks!

Least Favorite Moment This Week? Sub plans, sub plans, sub plans! I stayed at school for three hours today attempting to put together a plan for my long term sub. It took me one hour to describe a ten minute, daily routine. I think I need to come up with a different system…

What I Look Forward To? Having a weekend at home. I’m thinking a Sam’s Club trip, some couch time, and a date night. My goal is to take it easy from here on out.

Milestones? It looks like Baby J dropped this week. He’s slowly but surely getting closer to take-off!



Showered...

Sunday was Beau's equivalent of Christmas Day.  He woke up early, showered early, dressed in his best navy and blue, and sunk in his recliner for a long day of NFL football.  Yes, regular season football has begun and the Bears were opening their season at Soldier Field on a picture perfect day.  Since the Cubs' season ended rather early this year, Beau has anxiously awaited the kickoff to the NFL for weeks now.  So while he cheered on his team, cracked open a can of brew, and texted his fellow fantasy football comrades, I went to have my own fun...

Baby shower fun!

My sister-in-law, Kelli, threw us the perfect baby shower.  Simple, sweet, and all boy, the soft blues, greens, and whites made the perfect color scheme against the picturesque, pre-fall backdrop.  The sun was shining, the breeze was light, and a few hours with good friends, good food, and sweet babies was exactly what this 37-week pregnant woman needed on her Sunday afternoon.

 

I've always been a sucker for the details and my sister-in-law did not disappoint.  Little white favor bags filled with blue foil-wrapped sweets, tied securely with ribbon stamped with baby blue footprints.  A clothesline of onesies and sweet little sockies hung over a table full of delicious dips, breads, and sweets.  A glass vase filled with candy corn and peanuts, a red and white speckled platter of sliced apples and a brown sugar spiced dip, and a variety of homemade bread slices with flavored cream cheeses (kudos to Grandma for that one) made my mouth water and my tummy growl!







My favorite details of the day were the cookies, shaped into 'Baby J' onesies and footprints, my very first diaper cake, and of course, an adorably shy little niece.  Charly did not quite know what to think about all the strange women in her house; however, after the party, she showed us just how fun she was going to be this Christmas.  



I am so blessed to have such sweet, generous, supportive friends and family in my life as I prepare to become a mommy.  The love they showed to Baby J, the thoughtful and unique gifts they picked out for him, and the support they showed this momma-to-be was so appreciated!  The last couple days it seems I've been struggling to stay out of a sort of pregnancy rut; as I've hit month nine, I feel more than ready to get this show on the road.  This shower was exactly what I needed to rejuvinate my pregnancy glow and help me rekindle my love for this special time in my life.

 



We played Baby J Jeopardy, laughed until our faces hurt, snuggled with babies, and shared stories and memories about motherhood, friendhood, and girlhood. 

Beau was blown away by the car load of gift bags that accompanied me home.  Together, we unpacked every gift, laughed at how little the clothes was, and carefully found places for each special gift.  As Baby J's room filled up, Beau and I filled our diaper bags (yes, he now has his very own, ultimate manly man's diaper bag), unwrapped 84 newborn diapers, and laughed at Pat the Beastie, a book from Aunt Gina with a strongly stated message about being nice to animals!  

Now, just three weeks shy of my due date, we feel pretty set.  A drawer full of diapers, a dresser full of cuddly clothes, and a diaper bag (or two) packed and ready to go, let's bring this baby on!  

Tomorrow we have an ultrasound to find out how big this little boy is.  I'm anxious and excited to see him and hopefully find out a little more on when he might be expected.  Wishful thinking, maybe, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed! 

A few more pictures of the day...

My mom and me.  Thanks to her, Baby J is going to be one well-dressed baby.

Digging in!  The swaddle wraps in this picture are some of my favorite blankets I have. 



Charly was into the gift bags too!