Week 31 | an update

How far along: 31 weeks

Best moment this week: Several walks on the beach with T, enjoying amazing seafood, and catching up with some of my relatives in Florida.

On a baby note:

I booked a local photographer to take some amazing newborn photos once Baby W arrives. Yeaa! Looking forward to capturing some of those precious moments of a cuddly, sleepy little newborn.

Also moving into baby appointments every two weeks! Everything checked out this week, and now I'm starting to feel the crunch to get all the necessities ready for Baby W's arrival. I've got a big hurdle when it comes to nursery - our crib/dresser/rocker won't be showing up until the end of April, and I really want to see what they look like situated in the room before ordering any bedding, wall hangings, or accessories. Once again, I find myself wishing I had a great interior designer friend for some inspiration. So far, the only thing I know for sure is white sheets. I did get the crib mattress and a couple of mattress pads ordered this week though, so Baby W will at the very least have a place to sleep. Whew!

Worst moment this week: Leaving Florida to come back to a brown landscape. Green grass just makes such a difference! The weather has been pretty chilly and super windy here at home this week (literally almost blew over on the walk I tried to go on). On a positive note...open water behind our house!

Things I miss: Warm weather. Dressing the baby bump when it is warm out is sooooo much easier than dressing in winter clothes. I can't wait until sundress season arrives.

Maternity clothes: Yes. Leggings (Motherhood Maternity), Tank (Target), non-maternity Jacket (Banana Republic - new purchase in FL! Love. Love. Love. Can't wait to continue wearing this post-baby.)

Sleep: Pretty good, although I much prefer the King sized beds we were able to enjoy on our vacation rather than the Queen sized version that sinks in the middle that we currently have at home. Any recommendations for a new mattress are welcome!

Movement: Still lots of movement this week, although starting to notice some sleep patterns. I'm supposed to start counting kicks during Baby W's most active time of day, but this tends to vary and is typically late at night (we have a night owl on our hands!), so haven't been too involved with it yet.

Food Cravings: Healthy food. Steamed veggies, salad, and fruit. Also made some dark chocolate rice krispy treats (obviously not healthy food, but also not a super heavy dessert either) that Baby W and I have been enjoying. We did so much eating out on vacation that I've been craving simpler, healthier meals with smaller portion sizes this week.

Food Aversions: Nothing really. T & I went to Taco House for dinner this week, and we both agreed that we're kind of over it. There are so many healthier and tastier options out there, especially now that some of the 'We're only open in the nice weather months' restaurants have started to re-open. On that note, can't wait to try out Rabab's at Brooks - they are even having Sunday brunch! I foresee this becoming our go-to spot this summer.

Queasy or sick: No, but it seems that T has caught another cold, so I'm sure it's only a matter of time.

Belly button in or out: Flat and out on the top.

Rings on or off: On.

Looking forward to: Weather warming up?? Continued work on the baby scrapbook I'm working on for the little. It's coming along nicely, and I'm looking forward to filling it up with some pictures once Baby W arrives.

Week 30

Week 30 | an update

How far along: 30 weeks

Best moment this week: Being on vacation in Florida. More on this next week :)

Worst moment this week: While the weather in Orlando (first leg of our trip) couldn't possibly have been better, the weather in Anna Maria has been less than spectacular with lots of rain and cold. We've decided that our future trips will be later during the spring or fall to ensure nicer weather and warmer water for swimming. Still...it's not snowing or 16 degrees like it has been at home this week, so can't complain too much! 

Things I miss: Being able to enjoy a glass of vino and certain 'off-limits-for-pregnant-ladies' menu items at some of the restaurants during our trip. This has not stopped T, however, who has been enjoying many things this week that I am unable to participate in...hot tub time, wine, etc.

Maternity clothes: Yes - warm weather clothes are so much easier and more comfy! Dress (Old Navy)

Sleep: Lots of tossing and turning. See 'movement'.

Movement: Baby W is supposed to start having sleep cycles now that we are into the last 10 weeks. This has not been the case so far, and baby is more active than ever. T has been commenting on how much kicking Baby W has been up to while I'm sleeping. I'm not sure if I have just become more accustomed to it, or if T is just noticing it more because the strength of Baby W's kicks have increased.

Food Cravings: Seafood! It's very rare that I can enjoy good seafood while at home in Northwest Iowa. While I'm still somewhat limited on types of seafood acceptable for pregnant ladies (mostly due to mercury levels of certain fish and how it is cooked), it's refreshing to have access to some fresh caught seafood. Now if only I knew anything about how to season or cook it (tips welcome!!). Oh well...nothing wrong with going out for dinner on vacation...right?

Food Aversions: Nothing this week.

Queasy or sick: Not too bad.

Belly button in or out: Out on top.

Rings on or off: Still on.

Random Baby Growth Info: Baby is about 3 pounds this week, the size of a cabbage, and about 15.5 inches long. Lots of growing to look forward to in the weeks ahead! 

Looking forward to: The remainder of our vacation in Florida, and hopefully at least one more good day of warmth and sunshine!

Week 29

Week 29 | an update

How far along: 29 weeks

Best moment this week: Several exciting moments to report this week!

1. We finally got to meet Baby N! Jacob David arrived via C-section on Saturday, March 15. He is absolutely precious, and definitely the center of attention. T & I are thrilled to be an Aunt and Uncle.

2. We made an impromptu trip to Des Moines over the weekend and ordered our dining room table. Hopefully it will arrive before Baby W. Expected arrival of the table is March 22, so we should have a chance to have at least a couple of quiet romantic dinners together...even if it's just takeout pizza or Taco House :) If not, I'm taking applications for babysitter so T & I can have a date night.

3. The new rug and ottoman I ordered arrived! Our living space looks soooooo much nicer with these new additions. At some point, I'll post an update on how the casa is coming together once I have things how I want them.

Worst moment this week: As I am typing this, it is snowing outside...again...one would think we would be done with the snow at some point! 

Things I miss: Being able to quickly jump up from the couch, chair, bed, etc...It has become a process.

Maternity clothes: Yes. Above sweater and leggings from Motherhood Maternity, cami from Target.

Sleep: Pretty good this week.

Movement: Soooo much movement. T is convinced that Baby W is much more active than the average baby, and I am convinced that Baby W might actually be a ninja.

Food Cravings: Fruit. Love my grapes, pineapple, melons. My mother-in-law was kind enough to invite us over for dinner this week (we should do this on a more regular basis by the way), and sent the extra fruit salad home with us. Yum. Yum. Yum. 

Food Aversions: Nothing to report here.

Queasy or sick: I've been having some issues this week with my hands getting all numb and tingly at night while I'm sleeping. Pretty sure carpal tunnel has set in, and is likely here to stay until Baby W arrives.

Belly button in or out: Mostly out at this point!

Rings on or off: On, but my fingers are definitely more consistently swollen this week.

Looking forward to: T & I leave on vacation to Florida today for one last adventure before Baby W arrives! TRUTH: The real reason for the trip is because T is attending a couple of medical conferences in Orlando and Sarasota, I'm lucky enough to tag along. Most of his afternoons and evenings are free, and we are planning an evening touring the world via Epcot, catching Cirque du Soleil's show La Nouba in Downtown Disney, lots of beach time, and checking out some yummy seafood restaurants. I'll report back on our trip when we get home!

Introducing Jacob David

As of Saturday afternoon, March 15, T & I are officially an Aunt and Uncle! Sooo exciting!

INTRODUCING: 

Jacob David Nielsen | 8 lb. 2 oz. | 19.5 inches long

Baby N finally decided to arrive via c-section after almost 48 hours of trying to induce labor to no avail. If you know my brother T and sister-in-law H, you can about imagine how much patience they had for the waiting game of an induction. Now that the little guy has arrived, T & H have been keeping busy bonding and getting to know their little one. 

Wide awake to meet Grandma & Grandpa N, and some of his Aunt and Uncles.

So far, Baby Jacob/Jake/J.D. (so many options!) has been entertained with a small stream of immediate family members stopping by for brief visits while H recovers from her c-section, and starts to get feeling better. He likely has no idea what's in store for him in the visitor department once he gets home!

So precious!

T & I are so excited to have a nephew to spoil, and can't wait for cousin play dates this summer at the lake after Baby W arrives!