32 weeks

The last few weeks have been very special and exciting for us. 

-          We celebrated our 6 year dating anniversary at Asia de Cuba.

-          I turned 31 years old the same week that LL turned 31 weeks.   Having a baby has changed my perspective on birthdays, and I was more excited for my mom than for myself on my birthday.   I called her the day before and wished her “happy 31^st anniversary of the last day of pregnancy.” 

-          I had my family shower, hosted by my mom, Erin, Sam and Bonnie.  It was truly a special event and we were overwhelmed by everyone’s generosity and thoughtfulness.  We had so much fun we completely forgot about taking pictures once guests started to arrive, but I will try and collect some from others that were there.  The good news is that we received an SLR camera, so photo quality on this blog should be improving!  The shower was at my parents house, the house that I was born and grew up in.   My dad prepared an incredible brunch spread—everything was homemade with such love and care over the last several weeks.  The tables were set with beautiful china from my mom’s, Diane’s (Brice’s mom) and Martha’s (Brice’s grandmother) collections and stunning flowers that Sam picked out (pics below).  Not only was each place setting beautiful and one-of-a-kind, it was especially meaningful to have Diane and Martha’s presence at the shower.  And the gifts!!!  This is going to be one stylish, sophisticated and smart little baby, thanks to all of the clothes, gear, toys, products, etc. that we received.  We feel incredibly lucky to have such unbelievably loving, supportive and generous friends and family. 

-          I had my work shower- which was very unexpected.   Working from home, I am only in the office 4-5 times a year for board meetings.  I do see some of my counterparts and of course my bosses more regularly, as we typically attend trade shows or meetings together.   About 10 weeks into my pregnancy, I had to attend a trade show with Alex, who is our Product & Sales Support in the office and works closely with me.  The show was in Vegas, and on the first night, when we went for dinner at 6, both wanted to go to bed by 8, and neither of us had had a sip of alcohol, we knew something was going on.  It turned out that Alex was also pregnant and due just 5 days after me!   It has been wonderful to share our experiences/horror stories/strange symptoms/billions of questions, and our babies have been dubbed the “EvriBabies” (the company is Evriholder).   At any rate, there was a baby shower “for the EvriBabies” this week after our board meeting when everyone was in town.  It was really touching to have so many people from the office and warehouse, many of whom I’ve only met a handful of times, come to celebrate with us.   We wore “Mommy to Be” tiaras and sashes, margaritas, Mexican food and cupcakes were served, and Gary had everyone go around the room and give us their best advice and good wishes.  The graphics department designed the adorable invitation below, and our product development team might have even come up with a few new baby products to launch!       

Pregnancy Highlights:
How Far Along: 32 weeks, 3 days 

Size of Baby:  4 lbs, 6 oz

Total Weight Gain/Loss:  +21 lbs

Doctor’s visits:   We’ve just returned from our 32 week appointment, and everything looks perfect!  LL’s weight was derived from measurements of her skull, femur and stomach, so is very accurate and right on track.  Based on her strong kicks and body pushing out, I’ve been able to take guesses at how she has been positioned, and the ultrasound confirmed my speculations.   We had a special guest at the appointment, Sam, who got to “meet” her niece!    

Maternity Clothes:   It’s supposed to be 80 here tomorrow which is going to throw me for a loop in terms of wardrobe selection!   I am definitely not complaining though (about the weather).     

Movement:  Her legs are on my right side, and she pushes so hard I feel like I can almost grab her knee or foot.  Her butt is up against my belly button, which protrudes during big stretches.        

Symptoms:  After dealing with sleeplessness and the frustration that followed for weeks, I decided to just go ahead and start taking (doctor approved) sleeping pills every night, and they have helped greatly.  Although I still have to get up 4-5 times a night to go to the bathroom, at least I’m not up for hours at a time.  I’m in bed for 8-10 hours a night, which I am trying to enjoy as much as possible knowing that these days are numbered.   Veins on my left leg only look like the Amazon. 

What I Miss:  Belts

Health/Exercise:  The sleeplessness and travel this week threw off my workout routine, but I’m hoping to get back to spinning, yoga and jogging this weekend.        

Belly button In or Out:   Still flat! 

Cravings:  Grapefruit   
Preparations/accomplishments:  

-          Brice finished touch-up painting on the nursery, and we are ready to start arranging and putting things away! 

-          Brice started a major paint project on LL's bathroom. 

BEFORE:

 DURING:

-          I finished my last work trip so I’m officially OFF the road now!!!  Traveling was difficult, but everyone was especially nice- especially the flight attendants who gave me extra snacks and drinks. 

My favorite products:   My bathrobe, which is often my outfit for the entire day.    

Best Moment This Week:   Between anniversary, birthday and shower celebrations, it has been an amazing few weeks!