Life with the Rudys: October 2011

10.30.2011

37 Weeks!

Yesterday marked 37 weeks which means this baby is officially full-term! It's a little crazy to think he could come any day but I'm hoping he bakes a little longer. I have been going to weekly appointments and this last week I was 1 cm dilated and 50% effaced. I know I could stay that way for weeks but it's still exciting to see that we're making some progress! I've had a few contractions so far but nothing consistent or even that painful.

A few updates...

The whole nesting feeling hasn't come over me yet and I'm starting to wonder if it ever will. My house is dirty and there is a lot I could do to get organized for this baby and preparing for our move in 6-8 weeks. I'm not quite sure why I'm procrastinating but every time I start to do something I decide sitting down on the couch watching a new episode of Parenthood sounds much better.
Ryan and I recently discovered the Parenthood series on Netflix and we're hooked. We've laughed, cried (well, that was me) but find it very entertaining.
I have washed most of the baby clothes at this point. I'm yet to organize what I will take to the hospital and what we will pack for the baby but I figure we have time. I think...
I've started envisioning crazy stories in my head of when my water will break and I'll go into labor. I know it doesn't always happen like that but I can't help but think of the worst timing possible and convince myself that is when it will happen.
I'm also hoping it doesn't happen in the middle of the night. When I've gotten up these past few nights to use the restroom and glanced into the mirror I've been scared. I'm not quite sure how my hair manages to get into such a tangled mess but these last few weeks it's been frightful! I just hope that I'll have time to hop in the shower and freshen up before making a trip to Labor & Delivery at 3 am...
I went to put on my one of favorite tops this past weekend to find that it no longer fits. I normally wear this top with leggins and my belly is so large in front now that it's incredibly tight across my backside. I'm sure it has nothing to do with the fact that my bum has gotten a little larger lately but the fact that the shirt is using all it's fabric to cover the front and not the back. Regardless, Ryan informed me I could no longer wear it. Bummer.... looks like I'm down to only a few outfit options at this point so if you see me lately there is a good chance that I'll be repeating clothes...
This past weekend Ryan and I have savored the time as just the two of us and have slept in, visited our favorite restaurants and went to see a movie. Not too much longer and we'll be a family of three so we are taking advantage of the time we have just the two of us for now.
And lastly, I'm dying to share the news of the name we have picked! I've come so close to saying it in front of family and friends but I'm trying to be strong and wait until he makes his big appearance. Not too much longer!!

Large & In Charge at 37 weeks :)

Benny at 37 weeks :)

Yes, Benny is always trying to get in the pic with me so we thought we'd take his own so he felt included. And yes, he has packed on a few lbs too.... The lack of running lately and increase in donuts and pizza in his diet has taken to his figure. Here's to hoping we'll both shed the pounds quickly after the baby arrives!

10.19.2011

Baby Shower!

This past Sunday some of my best friends and sister-in-law hosted an amazing baby shower for me. Everything was absolutely perfect and they went over the top with all the details. The invitation was adorable and the theme was "Lauren's little Gentleman" complete with bow tie cut outs draped from the mantle.

I left the shower feeling so blessed by all the family and friends in our lives and everything they have done for us during this special time. This little boy sure is loved and he's yet to even make an appearance!

All the details....

When we pulled up to Alison's house we were greeted with this cute sign....

The entryway was filled with flowers and a wish tree where everyone wrote out wishes for Baby Rudy...

The living room was decorated with gorgeous flowers, cute banners and wreaths...

The food was delicious and some of the hits were the rosemary skewers, fruit cones, mac & cheese and of course the mini bundt cakes!

Some of the girls...

A few of my moms friends...

We received so many great gifts. This little boy has the cutest wardrobe, softest blankets and even vintage books!

Looking cute Mimi :)

All the hostesses.... Thanks girls!!

Alison, Nicole & I

Mom and I :)

Thanks Anna for coming all the way in from Tulsa for the weekend!!

And lastly, the cute onesies Nicole made. You will definitely be seeing him in these every month :)

10.11.2011

34 Weeks!

This past Saturday I hit 34 weeks. My doctor said I was measuring 34 weeks when I saw her last Wednesday so I'm crossing my fingers that I won't go past my due date and we have less than 6 weeks to go. So far everything still looks good and I start going every week this next time. Where has the time gone?? Baby prep is officially in full swing now that the wedding is behind us and I'm looking forward to getting everything organized here soon. As most of you know, we are moving in the next few months so we haven't done a nursery or put anything together until this point. It's looking like we'll still be in our house though when he arrives so Ryan and I did set up the crib this past weekend. It was fairly easy and I only had to ask Ryan to take it apart once so we could get the mattress height right. The instructions indicated to put it at the highest notch for a newborn but I failed to think of what that would do to the crib skirt. Lesson learned - it was way too short. Ryan was good though and only gave me one look when I so kindly asked him to redo it :)

A few updates....

Every time I get in the elevator with someone else they feel the need to comment on my growing belly. When I tell them my due date they give the "Oh wow, that's soon" comment and then mention how our lives are about to change. I don't always get the feeling they are saying this in a good way though....
This past Sunday morning Ryan and I caught the end of the movie Knocked Up. I've seen this movie a ton of times and normally I find myself laughing through most of it. This time I cried. Thoughts going through my head of how that is going to be us in a few weeks in the hospital. Thoughts that freaked me out with the fear of delivery and then thoughts of pure joy when we actually get to meet him. Too many emotions going on with this chick right now...
Nursing bras suck. Maybe I'm the only one that feels this way but I would like to wear something with a little support and apparently they don't recommend this at first. Looks like I won't be venturing out of the house anytime soon after he arrives.
Do people actually wear Belly Bandit's and do they actually work?!? I really have no intention of wearing this uncomfortable contraption but if it works I may change my mind. I was kind of OK with having a post pregnancy belly for a little while and since I won't be leaving the house anytime soon with my nursing bra that lacks support I'm probably OK...
As I mentioned above, Ryan and I put the crib up this past Saturday. Benny wanted to be included and was constantly in the way. Actually, he wouldn't stop laying in the middle when we were trying to put it together. I'm pretty sure he's starting to get the clue that big changes are about to come...
OU/TX was this past weekend and I managed to squeeze into an OU shirt. I'm pretty sure I have officially stretched it out but I was determined to show my support. It did seem a little odd to be setting up a crib on this day when I'm usually cheering them on with an adult beverage in my hand. It's true, we are getting old...
And on a positive note, things are going well and we're beyond excited to meet baby Rudy. Only 39 days to go - the countdown is on!!

34 Weeks!

Benny looking sad in the crib...

And the finished product :)

10.08.2011

Ryan&Courtney's Wedding Weekend

I'm a little late getting this posted and I actually started last Monday night but had a hard time putting my thoughts into words. The weekend was wonderful and I'm really happy for my brother and his new wife. Everything was beautiful - the rehearsal dinner flowers, my mother and the mother of the brides' toast, the bride's gown, the ceremony, the cake, the father/daughter dance, the getaway car and of course the bride and groom. It was a wonderful celebration and one we'll never forgot. I took quite a few pictures on Friday but failed to get very many Saturday night. I'll share a few from that night but I really want to save those for another post when we have some from the awesome photographer.

We were greeted with a fabulous welcome bag when we arrived at our hotel. A delicious bottle of Prosecco was included that is chilling in our fridge and will be enjoyed shortly after Baby Rudy arrives. We were also loaded up with tons of snacks which is perfect for this preggo chick :)

The rehearsal dinner was held onsite at Clark Gardens at a beautiful venue overlooking a small lake. My mom had a vision for how she wanted everything to look and I think she pulled it off with the help of DFW Events. Everything was beautiful and the evening was perfect.