38 weeks {Bumpdate}

I stopped taking pictures of my bump at 36 weeks with Leila. I was close to 50 lbs of weight gain by 38 weeks and was way too unhappy with any photos of myself. 

How far along: 38 weeks.

Weight gain/loss:  No weight gain this week after a HUGE gain last week. Total weight gain of 26 lbs so far. I am officially swollen. My sister even thinks my lips are swollen.  All I know is that when I look in the mirror, I do not see MY face.  It has been replaced by a big ole' "pregnancy face". 

Feeling: Terrible.  Yeah, let's be honest here, I am overly emotional and am tired of not being able to do things normally (like put on pants, shoes, wash dishes, get off the couch, etc.)

Stretch marks:  No, no, no!

Sleep: I am sleeping just fine and am loving my early bedtime.

Best moment(s) this week: Checking a lot of things off my to-do list.  Only a few more big things to accomplish before I can pack my hospital bag!

Food cravings: Still feeling really hungry.  No specific cravings though.

Gender: BOY!

Movement: Yes, and I wonder how he even finds room in there to squirm at all.

What I miss:  My regular, non-pregnant face.  Yuck.

What I'm looking forward to:  I am getting together with some work friends on Thursday to celebrate Carson.  Looking forward to catching up with them over some good food. 

Weekly wisdom: Everyone keeps saying this is the "home stretch", but I don't feel like it's close enough to say that.  It could still be three more weeks until Carson arrives. 

Milestones:  Is it March yet...no?  Then I've got nothing.

Due date: 3-13-13

The Great List {2.25.13}

I may be in the minority here, but I really love Mondays.  I love a fresh start and I love routines (something our weekends have been lacking).  Like all weeks, this one had its ups and downs, but focusing on the positive helps me move on and let go.

Toddler artwork on my fridge makes me happy.

1.  The best part of my week was meeting my BFF's new baby boy, Kai.  Talking to Amy about how GOOD she was feeling now that she was no longer pregnant really helped my over-hormonal mood.  Kai is so tiny and squishy.  I loved holding him and watching his big sister show her affection to him too.  Being pregnant sucks, but we all know the end result it worth it!

2.  I'm in full nesting mode over here.  My mom, aunt, and I spent Saturday washing baby toys, books, the car seat, and checking to-do items off my list. There is still more to do, but as the list gets shorter I know that the last thing on my list is getting closer...packing my hospital bag.  Can't wait!

3.  My sister was gone for over a week visiting our new nephew and rest of our family back in Chicago.  I was so jealous she was able to spend some uninterrupted time with out sister and Jaxon but hearing how great they are both doing made me feel better.  We spent yesterday on the balcony catching up while catching some rays.  Sunshine and sister talk was another "I-am-so-over-this-pregnancy" mood buster.

Enjoy your week!

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Come back each week for my newest list and don't forget to check out Betsy's list each week too.  Warning...positive thinking is addicting!

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Potty-training vs. Diapers: A mom's perspective

It's been three weeks since our big potty-training day.  It seems like it's been much longer than that. Keeping that in mind, things don't seem so bad. Yes... she's had accidents, sometimes refuses to use the toilet, says she has to go just to see how I will react, and is still learning.

Learning takes time and experiences.  She'll get there and one day it will be easier on us all.  It better!  Because right now there are times I wish she was still in diapers.

Diapers are easier.  Leila could go quite some time without needing a diaper change.  No need to interrupt her play or activity.  No bribes needed.  She rarely pooped on the go, which made diapers not-so-messy.  I carried three diapers and some wipes with ease.  Life was simpler with diapers, but that doesn't mean we made the wrong decision to teach her how to use the toilet. 

Learning to use the toilet involves going in the wet beach and park public bathrooms. Messy. Gross. Stinky. It means lugging around a folding toilet seat so she doesn't fall in or touch the germs, carrying extra clothes and septic-safe wipes (in addition to the multi-purpose baby wipes).  Teaching Leila to use the bathroom requires patience, time, encouragement, and consistency...none of which are bad things.  

Life before potty training was less complicated.  Really though, life before Leila was less complicated in general.  And I'm perfectly okay with that! 

37 weeks {Bumpdate}

How far along: 37 weeks...FULL TERM!

Weight gain/loss:  Up 3.5 pound this week...how embarrassing!  Total weight gain= 26 lbs. It felt great to exercise this week!  I'm one of those people that need exercise to help balance my mood.  Apparently I ate way to much though.

Feeling: Just as I expected with 3 weeks left.  Huge.  

Maternity clothes: This question is just silly.

Stretch marks:  Nope.

Sleep: Not nearly as bad as with Leila.  After hearing another pregnant mom (who is half as pregnant as me) complain about sleep this time around, I have decided to blame GIRL pregnancies on terrible sleep.  I struggled to get comfortable at 18 weeks with Leila. With Carson, I sleep like a baby (that gets up to pee a lot).

Best moment(s) this week: I got a much needed haircut and pedicure.

Food cravings: Anything and everything.  I am still so hungry.  Hope this guy is packing on some of the lbs I'm gaining!

Gender: Oh BOY!

Movement: Lots at night when I finally settle myself on the couch.  He gets the hiccups daily!

What I miss:  My wedding band.  I took it off after posting a belly pic that had my ring finger in it.  I didn't realize what an accomplishment it was to still be wearing it until someone pointed it out.  I immediately tried to take it off and struggled.  Once I got it off I decided that it was not going back on.

What I'm looking forward to:  Weekly doctor appointments!  My belly is measuring small, but not small enough for concern from the doctor yet.  I am anxious to go back on Monday and see the growth.

Weekly wisdom: Making it full term is a wonderful feeling (not physically of course!).

Milestones: I can no longer wear my shoes comfortably.  My flats squeeze my feet and my sneakers can barely be tied. 

Due date: 3-13-13