38 Weeks!

We have officially made it 38 weeks.  I hate to complain as this has been a great pregnancy for me but I'm starting to really feel the aches and pains of being so close to the end.  Everything is so much harder and I find myself grunting when I have to pick something up off the floor.  In good news, when I went to the doctor this past week she said I had progressed even more.  I go back this Friday and I'm anxious to see where I'm at then.  Assuming he hasn't come already :)

A few updates....

• We have way too much Halloween candy leftover at our house for someone that is due in less than two weeks.  I've always had a sweet tooth but it's been taken to a new level... :/
• Our stroller arrived this week and I LOVE it!  Ryan put it together and it's looking good in our house just waiting to have a little boy to ride in it. 
• Ryan also installed our car seat this past week.  We are all ready to go in case we have a late night trip to the hospital. 
• I picked up the last few necessities for the hospital this weekend so for the most part our bags are packed.  Well mine are at least.  I'm not sure what Ryan is planning on bringing but he doesn't seem too worried :)
• Ryan and I went to the movies again this afternoon.  We are slightly obsessed with movie popcorn and are trying to get in as many movie/popcorn dates as we can before Baby Rudy comes.  
• About halfway through the movie I started getting intense lower back pain.  This is a new feeling for me and I was slightly worried.  I got up and walked around and the pain went away but still scared me a little bit.  Not sure if it means we are close or if this is just part of those aches and pains that come with pregnancy this late in the game.
• And lastly, I'm pretty sure my belly resembles a torpedo.... Is this normal?!?

Sweet new ride...

38 weeks :)

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!

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 :)

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 :)

32 Weeks!

I officially look really pregnant and feel really pregnant.  There's no denying that I'm 8 months along.  Everywhere I go someone asks me when I'm due, is it a boy or girl and is this my first.  I even had the checkout guy at Kroger ask if he could push my cart out to my car.  I truly don't mind answering the questions as everyone seems genuinely interested and happy for me.  I've only had one incident when the crazy sales lady in the shoe department at Dillards asked if she could touch my belly while putting her hand on my stomach even after I gave her a crazy look.  I'm happy to answer any questions but please don't put your hands on my stomach.  Especially if I don't even know you...

A few updates...

• Since my last post I've been to the doctor twice.  We had an ultrasound at 30 weeks and we're able to see our sweet little boy.  He's grown so much since our last peek and at 30 weeks he was measuring about 3 pounds.  She said I was measuring a little ahead of our due date which is fine by me!  Everything is checking out fine and we're grateful to have a healthy little boy growing in my belly. 
• I scheduled the rest of my appointments until our due date and I start going every week at 35 weeks.  Crazy....
• My coworkers hosted a baby shower for another girl and I and we are so thankful!  They gifted us with many nice things. 
• I received an invitation for a baby shower my friends are hosting for me in October and it is absolutely adorable.  I can't wait to see what they come up with :)
•  My brother's wedding is this weekend and I'm so excited to celebrate this great occasion with them.  I'm a little concerned about my bridesmaid dress fitting as it was pretty tight when I tried it on yesterday but I'm hoping I won't grow too much in the next week... Maybe I should have passed on the donut holes I ate this morning :/
• Ryan's aunt made us the cutest rompers out of his dad's dress shirts.  I can't wait to dress him up in these and take his picture!  
• All in all, things are still going well!

Work shower

Cute Rompers

32 Weeks :)

29 Weeks

I'm officially in my third trimester and according to my pregnancy app on my phone we only have 75 more days until our due date.  Yikes.... where did the time go?!?  Don't get me wrong, we are so excited to meet this little guy but reality is really hitting and I'm thinking of all the things we still need to do...

What's new?

• I realized I can no longer paint my toenails.  I went to take the polish off my toes and this was a much harder task and took way more time than was worth it.  Ryan didn't offer to help so I made the executive decision to only get pedicures between now and November 19th :)
• Heartburn has set in.  It hasn't been terrible but I find myself popping tums about once a day. 
• I am officially going to the doctor every two weeks now.  We have an ultrasound on Thursday and I'm excited to see that sweet boy that is constantly doing somersaults in my belly.  
• I'm waking up at least once to go to the bathroom every night.  On the weekends when I can actually sleep in a little I wake up either because I have to go to the bathroom or I'm hungry.  Once I'm up it's over and sleeping in is out of the question.  
• I miss shopping at Banana Republic.  I receive daily emails about their new Fall line and it's hard not to look.  BR was always my go to shopping place and I'm looking forward to being able to fit into their clothes again.  Someday...
• I also miss margaritas.  I don't know if it's the heat but that is the one drink I miss the most.  
• We purchased a glider last week.  The estimated delivery date is Nov 2nd which is cutting it close but I'm excited.  Besides, we don't exactly have a nursery at the moment to put it in....

Here's a sneak peak of the bedding.  The bumper and crib skirt is a white and light blue seersucker and I've paired it with a printed sheet.  I have another sheet that I plan on using as well and I love the combo.  Now, if only I had the crib set up so I could put this together...

And lastly, here I am at 29 weeks!  I know I had a few rants I mentioned above but honestly pregnancy is going great and I'm loving every moment.  The countdown is on and not too many more weeks until we get to hold baby Rudy!

25 Weeks!

This past Saturday I hit 25 weeks and it's hard to believe not too much longer and I'll be in the third trimester.  So far pregnancy has been going very well and I really don't have anything to complain about.  I know things may change as we get closer to the due date so I'm trying to soak it all up now and enjoy this time.  A few highlights...

• Bedding and furniture have finally been decided and ordered!  I know Ryan was sick of me asking his opinion on colors, fabrics, etc. but we've finally decided on something and I'm really excited about.  I haven't set anything up yet but I will share details and pictures as we get closer.  
• Running is no longer a part of my exercise routine.  I just wasn't comfortable anymore and I have since moved to walking.  Ryan and I have been able to take longs walks on the weekends with the pup and I really enjoy this time together.  I wasn't able to carry on a conversation during our runs anymore so this has been a welcome change.  I'm still going to my cardio classes at the gym though and I think I'll be able to keep this up for some time. 
• Shopping for maternity clothes is fun.  Yet my wallet has taken a beating... I am still struggling with finding clothes for work though as there seem to be so many cute options for casual weekend wear.  I'm trying to find items that I can wear for both and of course the items I do find tend to be pricier.... 
• Shopping for baby clothes is even more fun.  I have quite a few cute items already that I can't wait to dress our baby boy in...
• Prenatal massages are a must during pregnancy!  Ryan gave me a gift certificate for our anniversary in June and I just used it last week.  I had a 90 min prenatal massage and it was pure bliss.  I think I'll definitely be making another return before November. 
• Weight gain has slowed down in the last few weeks.  I'm actually a little surprised as I find myself eating large cookies in the afternoon at work but I guess I should be thankful for now.  I hear that about this time it can really pack on so I'm sure my time is yet to come.  Let's just hope it holds off for another few weeks since we're going on a beach trip with our friends and I am still hoping to wear a swimsuit without completing scaring everyone...

25 weeks :)

And just because I haven't shared a pic lately of this cute guy... Regardless of the heat he still wants to be outside playing with the ball!

Have a good week!

23 Weeks and A Baby Shower!

This past Sunday Ryan's sisters hosted a wonderful baby shower for us!  Everything was amazing and we feel so blessed with everything we have received.  Before I get to the details though I want to share a bump picture before the shower at 23 weeks.  I feel like my belly is growing everyday now and I continue to be amazed that there is actually a little boy kicking around in there :)

On to the shower... I must admit I was a little nervous at first as I really am one of the first of my good friends to have a baby and I haven't been to very many baby showers.  I was afraid I would not know all the baby lingo and not even know what some of the gadgets were that I would be opening but in the end it all worked out.  At least I'd like to think that I fooled everyone and looked like a natural "mom to be" that has read all the baby books...

Ryan's sisters had really outdone themselves and all the details were great.  They had cute onesies, socks and hats hanging from the mantle, a cute diaper cake on the table, baby pictures of Ryan & I and even cake balls that looked like little baby rattles!

It was fun to mingle with all the guests and we enjoyed a delicious lunch before opening gifts.  All of our nieces and nephews were there and I had a ton of little helpers :)

I couldn't believe how generous everyone was and feel so blessed with all the gifts we received to welcome this new baby into our family.

My Mom, Grandmother, Courtney and myself 

Ryan's sisters 

With my Mom and Ryan's Mom

Since we are trying to sell our house we decided not to bring everything back to our little two bedroom home and my wonderful mother offered to hold onto it for the time being.  I hated that Ryan wasn't able to see all our things so my mom snapped a few pics of everything.  Now, I just need to remember what we all received in case anything happens to go missing.  I know she already has a stash of baby items for her house and I think I heard her mention at the shower that she needs her own pack and play, towels, clothes, etc....

It was a wonderful day and we're so thankful to have such amazing family and friends in our lives!

20 Weeks!

Halfway there!  Hard to believe that in just a few short months we'll finally get to meet the newest member of our family :).  This week we have our big ultrasound and I'm anxious to see him again and make sure we have a healthy baby boy in there.  A few highlights of the past few weeks...

• I think it's safe to say "I've popped!"  I'm no longer able to hide this growing belly of mine and mostly wearing maternity clothes.  I still have some tops that I'm wearing that are "flowy" and some dresses that I can pull off but most pants/shorts are now maternity.
• Baby Rudy is kicking away! I felt him a few weeks ago for the first time but the kicks are getting much stronger now.  I can't see anything from the outside of my stomach but definitely on the inside.  It's such a crazy but great feeling.
• Ryan and I had our first trip to Babies R Us to start taking a look at things we like/need, etc. It was obvious we were first time parents as we strolled down every aisle questioning what everything was for and how it works.  I think we spent about 15 minutes trying to open and close one stroller...  We somehow managed to pick out a few things and called it a successful day.
• I've been looking at bedding and nursery furniture but we haven't been able to decide on anything.  As for a crib, I always thought I wanted white and Ryan is leaning more towards espresso.  We did find one we both really liked though and was a compromise for both of us.  I'm not sure we're going to go with it but it's in the running!

• On another stop on our baby shopping day we came across a life size Benny.  Wouldn't this be cute in the nursery??  Haha, I don't think we'll need another black lab hanging out at our house (even if it is stuffed) but I had to snap a picture since we had so much fun playing with him.  

20 weeks :)

It's A .....

BOY!!!

We had a fun surprise yesterday and found out the gender earlier than expected.  I had an appointment scheduled for Wednesday morning and Ryan didn't come with me since it was just a regular check-up and we didn't think he would need to be there.  When I was talking to my doctor she asked if we knew what the gender was yet.  I told her no but that we were planning on finding out.  She asked if I wanted to find out.  Again, I said we were planning on knowing the gender but our ultrasound wasn't scheduled for three more weeks.  She then said, "No, do you want to find out today?"  I think I looked at her a little confused and said something along the lines of, YES!  The only problem was that Ryan wasn't there.  In the end I couldn't turn down an ultrasound since we haven't had a peak since I was 8 1/2 weeks along.  We decided that she would see if she could see anything and if so, she'd make me close my eyes and would print off a few pictures for us.  I got to see the sweet little face and then I shut me eyes as she said she was able to tell the gender.  Next thing I know she is handing me a sealed envelope that included two pictures with notes written on them and gave me a hug.

As soon as I left I called Ryan and told him I was picking him up for lunch and that I had a a fun surprise for him.  Luckily Ryan and I work together because there was no way I could have waited until the end of the day.  We drove to a nearby restaurant and opened up the envelope in the parking lot.  Sure enough, the pictures confirmed that it was a boy!

We couldn't stop smiling and walked right away to a Baby Gap that was nearby.  We picked up our first blue outfit and took a picture so we could send a text to all our family and friends to spread the exciting news.

Now, let the shopping and planning begin :)

16 Weeks

Hard to believe I've hit the 16 week mark and I can't believe it's been three weeks since my last pregnancy update!  I will try to do a better job but I feel like there hasn't been much change.  I will say I've been feeling great and not as tired as I was in the first trimester.  Here's a few updates:

• I went out and bought quite a few maternity items this weekend.  I've been able to wear some regular clothes with the help of the belly band but I think it's time to switch to full on maternity pants.  They are much more comfortable.  I haven't really "popped" but I think we're getting pretty close!
• I'm still keeping up with exercising whether that is going for a jog, attended a cardio class at the gym or long walk.  I don't think I'll ever be able to cut this out and hope I can keep it up for quite some time.  I'm also looking into taking a prenatal yoga class here soon. 
• Weight gain is progressing....  I don't plan on sharing an actual number but I'll just keep it as I'm in the suggested range :)
• No cravings, still just find myself needing snacks more often throughout the day. 
• I have an obsession lately with strollers.  There are so many options out there and I have no idea where to start.  Any suggestions???
• Ryan and I plan on finding out the gender but we still have 4 weeks until we'll know.  The doctor likes to wait until the 20 week ultrasound and the wait is killing us!  Honestly, I'm more anxious to see the baby again and make sure everything looks good.  A boy or girl makes no difference to me but Ryan still thinks boy.  
• We have a few names in mind but at this point we are keeping that to ourselves.  
• In other news, Ryan and I celebrated our 4 year anniversary this past week!  We were pretty crazy and stayed home and ordered in a pizza.  It's not quite the same when you can't pop open a bottle of bubbly but we enjoyed our evening at home with each other and talking about the future.

16 weeks :)

13 Weeks

Yesterday I hit 13 weeks and I wanted to capture a few highlights from the first trimester.  I'm not sure I will do a weekly post but I do hope to capture a few belly pictures and feelings along the way.

• Naps have been a daily occurrence.  Ryan and I are fortunate to ride to work together and I drive in the  mornings and he drives home.  Everyday I'm able to catch a quick 30 minute nap on the way home and I'm not sure how I'd survive without these!
• No specific cravings (besides orange juice) but I have found myself more hungry in general.  I try to keep my extra snacks healthy but I do have a sweet tooth and I have a hard time denying that cookie sitting in the break room in the afternoon...
• Thankfully no sickness or nausea!  I feel very fortunate as I know how miserable that can be.  
• I've been able to keep up exercising for the  most part.  I do find myself tiring easily but I've managed to keep up my runs at the park and even my cardio class at the gym.  
• I'm still wearing normal clothes but they definitely are more snug!  I think it's time to bust out the belly band I just purchased at Target and will probably make the switch to maternity pants in the next few weeks. 

And here's the 13 week pic.... It's hard to tell but there definitely is a little bump/pooch there.  I can tell that I've been growing in other areas as well and I'm just trying to embrace this as it's all a part of pregnancy!

Baby Rudy

Ryan and I are expecting Baby Rudy this November and we are feeling so blessed and excited.  We found out March 9th and it's been so hard keeping it a secret. Well, we did tell immediate family and a few friends within a few weeks of us finding us but it's been fun sharing with everyone else recently.

So, here's our story.... :)

Ryan and I had decided in the fall of 2010 that we were ready to expand our family.  Well, as ready as you can be.... We were in no rush and new when the time was right it would happen for us.  So, fast forward to the spring of 2011 and I was a couple of days late.  At that point I had taken a few pregnancy tests and all were negative.  I was disappointed but figured I had at least one more month to enjoy vino.... Well, one evening it dawned on me that I was going about it all wrong!  I had been taking the tests in the evening when in fact the best time to take them was right away in the morning.  I'm not sure how I missed that fact but decided to take one the next morning.  I didn't tell Ryan because I really figured that it would be negative and no point in getting his hopes up.  Well, next morning at 5 am I pulled out another test and peed on a stick..... I hopped in the shower and said I'd read the results when I got out.  Well sure enough - I saw two lines.  Two lines..  Not just one.  I smiled.  Then I panicked.  Thoughts of "Oh my gosh, this is really happening" were going through my head.  "Are we ready??"   Then I smiled again.  Yes, it was really happening and I was overcome with joy.

I normally wake Ryan up around 5:45 once I'm done in the bathroom and that morning I did the same.  Except this time I casually mentioned to him that he was going to be a dad.  I've never seen a more confused expression on his face.  It was priceless.  He rubbed his eyes and looked at me and then it hit him.  I showed him the proof and he smiled.  We were going to be parents.  Let the journey begin....

Baby Rudy has already received so much love and has been showered with several gifts.  The day that Ryan and I actually found out I already had lunch plans with my mom.  I wasn't sure if I was going to tell her yet but I couldn't keep the secret.  There happened to be a Baby Gap right near us and of course we had to go in and purchase something.  We ended up walking away a stuffed animal that I know will be super cute in his/her nursery.  My mom also ran out that afternoon and picked up a stack of books.  I've also received a few other items pictured below...

Baby Rudy also received his/her first OU outfit!  Ryan wasn't too thrilled but I love it :)

My  mom also gave me a few skincare items for myself...

So far I have been really fortunate and felt fine most of the first trimester.  The biggest thing I've noticed is that I've been a little more tired than usual.  I also find myself craving orange juice which is something I was never really a big fan of before, unless it had champagne in it :)

All in all, Ryan and I are so excited and truly are blessed to begin this next chapter in our lives!

Exciting News...

Baby Rudy.... due November 19th!!

More details to come :)