One week to go!

One week until my due date... Monday August 8th!

I continue to feel great. My feet are the worst of it, swollen and sore especially with this heat and humidity. Will has been really wonderful and offers to rub them every night. How did I get so lucky? 

Will and I just had our last weekend alone for some time. We took advantage of it, and enjoyed every moment together. And we finally finished the nursery. I have posted pictures below. It is a work in progress, as I am still collecting an alphabet to go around the top of the room. I still need 8 letters. (C, I, O, P, Q, V, &, Z) I am very happy with the way it turned out. Will especially loves, what he refers to as “the wall of cuteness”. If you didn’t already know, we both share a love of arctic animals, particularly seals and polar bears.

The name game… no, we do not have a name yet. We are waiting to meet him and get to know him first. Who knows, maybe it will just come to us immediately. Otherwise he may be known as Baby Boy Werwath or Wabbit for awhile. 

 I have absolutely loved being pregnant and am not ready for him to be out in the real world yet. I know I have one more week to go, but don’t think I will get anxious. Now, it may be a different story if I carry him until 42 weeks. But in the meantime I am simply enjoying the last little while of feeling him inside me. I know it is something I am going to miss. Still, I am really excited to think I'll be holding him in my arms soon.  No idea yet when he'll come. He still has to drop, so right now we are just waiting on him.

My parents are set to come out on Saturday and plan to stay for a couple of weeks. It’s going to be great to see them and have them here. Hopefully the wabbit will hold off until they are here before he makes his appearance. Will’s mom is waiting until she gets her ticket, but we shall see for how long. Thankfully, Will’s Dad and step mom are just a few hours away in Maryland.
 

We really are in the homestretch now. 

39 weeks

size : watermelon 

Belly Shot Week 38

Profile Belly Shot Week 38

Braxton Hicks contractions... Will wondering if "it's time". Not yet.

"the wall of cuteness" in the nursery

our storage solution - gotta love city living

The room at a glance. (it is amazing how the harbor side blue comes out differently in each shot)

The office portion of our multi functional nursery.

Baby's first bear

Belly shot Week 39

As you can see, I'm carrying it all out in front.

Hiccups

The baby has the hiccups right now.  He has them an average of four times a day, and I know it is something I am really going to miss feeling once he is born.

We met the last doctor in the practice today, she was really nice. We also found out that I am 2" dilated and 60% effaced. I can't believe it, it has begun! Now, it is possible that I could go into labor soon, or it can be anywhere between 3-5 weeks before labor starts, so it may still be awhile. He hasn't dropped yet, so I think I've got some time. I guess I should make sure everything else is in order, just in case. Still need to find a local pediatrician in our neighborhood (one that is on our insurance and preferably speaks english) Talk about exciting!

We had our maternity photo session on Sunday at a private park in Forest Hills. It was absolutely beautiful. The photographer and his wife were really great to work with, and hopefully they got some good shots. I am looking forward to getting the proofs back in a couple of weeks. (Ideally before this little fella decides to come).
Many thanks to all the parents for my wonderful birthday gift and making it possible. It was exactly what I wanted. Thank you!!

Otherwise, we are just trying to survive this heat wave. It is so hot, humid and disgusting outside. I wish I had a pool or a lake to cool off in. Thankfully I do have air conditioning, and under direct orders have taken to staying in as much as possible this week. I was amazed at how quickly everything just swelled up this morning in the humidity. My poor feet.  Will promptly put me in a cab and sent me home to take a nap after our appointment. I was very grateful.

Next on the docket, breast feeding class tomorrow. It should be interesting. I will keep you posted if anything exciting happens.


37 weeks 2 days
size: watermelon
19 days to go!

out and about with three weeks to go

How you doing in there baby? Gonna drop anytime soon?

Belly Shot Week 37

Full Head of Hair!

We had a really good appointment yesterday with Dr. Feldman. She said that everything looks perfect.  The wabbit is holding up nice and high in my belly still. So now, we just have to wait and hope that he drops in the next week or two. We also got to see the little bruiser. :) He is nice and healthy, currently weighing in at 6 lbs 8 oz. And he has a full head of hair! Which just disproves the ol' wives tail, since I haven't had any heartburn so far this pregnancy. We also got confirmation that it is his little bum nestled up in my ribs. It is quite amazing, I feel even his slightest movements these days. However, it is a little surreal to see his foot stick out and move across my belly. 
Will and I are so excited to meet him. But it looks like he'll be staying put awhile longer. 


36 weeks 4 days
size : watermelon

Doesn't it look like he's blowing bubbles? 

Summertime in the city

The weather in the city has been absolutely lovely lately, hot and humid.  Exactly what I was looking forward to being pregnant in the city during summer. Gotta love it!

This weekend was long. It started off with poor Will throwing his back out at work. They are moving offices this week, and were packing up all their equipment last week, and oops! I hate seeing him in so much pain and not being able to help.  He felt really weird about having his “very pregnant wife” take care of him. I can only imagine how difficult it’s going to be when our son is sick.

Then we were set to take our maternity photos on Saturday. Unfortunately due to Will’s condition, he wasn’t able to make it, so I went by myself. However, I never made it to the photo shoot because I had a complete incompetent cabbie. What should have been a fifteen minute drive turned into a two hour fiasco that left me missing my appointment. It turned out the cab driver had no idea where he was going and completely disregard the directions I was giving him. I have never had someone so blatantly ignore what I was saying. Talk about frustrating. Thankfully the photographer was very understanding and we were able to reschedule for next weekend. Sunday at 9am it is, and now Will can make it. Which makes me really happy, since the whole purpose of the photos is to capture the love, joy and excitement that we are both feeling about this pregnancy and baby.

Yesterday we had our childbirth class, which Will suffered through in pain. However he was a real trooper. He told me that being a parent is about not putting yourself first and having to push through and do what you need to for your child. Besides, he is my birthing coach. I couldn’t have been more impressed with his attitude. I know how uncomfortable he was, but am really glad he went. He's already an amazing father. The class was very informative, and we both learned a lot. Most of the information was not new, but it was nice to have a RN with 15 years experience go over what we could expect.  She was great, and very up front about everything. I think we are about as ready as we are going to be. I would like to have a natural birth, but realize things may change.

I am now going to the doctor every week until the baby is born. We met another doctor in the practice last week, Dr. Easterlin. She was really nice and we liked her a lot. If Dr. Feldman (my doc) isn’t able to be there for the delivery that it is Dr. Easterlin.  She said that I look great. I have gained two pounds in the past two weeks, which is good considering how much the baby has grown. Listening to his heartbeat never seizes to amaze me. It is nice and strong. I thought that he shifted positions about a week and half ago, and I got confirmation that he is indeed facing head down now. He is getting ready to come out and meet his crazy parents.  This week I see my doc again, and have an ultrasound to double check his size and position. Then next week I will meet the last remaining doctor in the practice. Hard to believe we are already at this point.

Will and I are getting really excited to meet our little boy soon. (not too soon though)

FYI - my belly button is still an innie. I don’t think it’s going to pop this time. :) Looks like you may have lost this bet Dad.

36 weeks

size : large cantaloupe

another city sunset...

Belly Shot Week 35

I heart my lil' wabbit!

Belly Shot Week 36  - Doesn't it kinda look like I have a balloon under my shirt.

Belly Shot Week 36

Six weeks to go!

I can’t believe it’s been almost a month since my last post, sorry about that. June has been a bit busy to say the least. July is promising to be a slower month (unless I go into labor early) so you will be hearing more from me.

I have truly enjoyed being pregnant thus far. I feel really good. I do get the incidental third trimester uncomfortableness and have occasional difficulty getting around, but all in all I feel great! No complaints... except for my swollen feet, if I’m on them for too long in this summer heat. I think that has been the most difficult for me this trimester, not recognizing my own ankles. But on the positive side, I can’t see my feet past my belly anyways. 

The baby is doing well. He's getting big. All the doctors I've been meeting keep saying he's going to be a big boy. They also can't believe how big I am, still measuring big. I can see his movements in addition to feel them these days. I feel like there’s an alien inside of me some days. His butt has made it's new home in my right ribs. It is quite amazing to feel his different body parts moving around, his feet, arms, elbows, and shoulders. I can only imagine how squished he must be in there. I already know I am going to miss feeling him inside me once he's born. In fact, he has the hiccups right now. 

This past month has been full of all kinds of excitement.  I completed my Masters course in flower design. I am now a certified Flower Designer and am so happy. I look forward to putting it to use soon.

Will and I went on our Babymoon a couple weeks ago out to Montauk, Long Island in the Hamptons. It was our last romantic getaway before the baby comes and it rained on what was suppose to be a weekend at the beach. It was a delightful and relaxing weekend all the same, just not quite what we were hoping for, especially after record heat in the city all week. Nice to have alone time with Will outside of the city though.

We took a tour for of the hospital where I'll be giving birth, Tisch Hospital, otherwise known as NYU Medical Center. It definitely made it all a little more real. They are a baby friendly hospital that advocates the baby spending all the time in the room with the mom and they strongly encourage breast feeding.  I think it's a good fit, as far as hospitals go. Ideally, I would prefer a home birth, but believe all parties involved feel more comfortable with the hospital route this time around. Maybe next time.

My friend Kelli threw me a beautiful garden baby shower last weekend. The weather was simply perfect and I had a marvelous time. My mom and sister flew in from Arizona. Will’s dad drove up from Maryland, and Will’s mom surprised everyone by flying in from Floridia. It was really nice to have family there along with all our wonderful friends that were able to make it. Thank you to everyone for making it so memorable. Many thanks to Kelli and Holly for all their hard work and the amazing food. A special thanks to Hannis for playing beautiful jazz that just added that extra charm to the day. I wasn't the only one who loved it, the wabbit would not stop grooving when Hannis played. 

 It was really wonderful having all the girls here. It was fun to watch the Grandmas spend time together, and have them share their stories and experiences. It was a real gift to have my sister here as well. She is so excited to be Aunt Megi. A truly memorable time for me. I miss them all already. 

After feeling Braxton Hicks contracts for the past week, we decided to pack the hospital bag just in case.  Now all we need is our childbirth class, which isn't until the 10th. I will feel better once we complete that. We also got certified for infant, child and adult CPR. No matter what we do to prepare, I know my socks are going to be blown off once he arrives. I look forward to it.

34 weeks 1 day

size : large cantaloupe

Belly Week 31

Belly Shot Week 31

Belly Shot Week 32

Will on the beach in the rain at Montauk Point Lighthouse.

Belly Shot Week 33

Babymoon in Montauk

So wonderful to have Mom in NY for a week.

Me and the Grandmas at my garden baby shower.

Will and his father, Peter. 

The most amazing Creme Brulee Cupcakes - thank you Kelli!

the sweet sounds of Hannis Brown

some of our friends that made it out for the shower

Family Shot - Grandma Beth, Grandma Paula, Will, Aunt Megi, Grandpa Peter, and Me

Feeling the love for the Wabbit and Astoria!

Belly Shot Week 34

Sunset on the city from Socrates Sculpture Park, Astoria.

30 weeks and camping . . .

I can’t believe there is only two months left until my due date. Where has the time gone? This pregnancy is flying by so quickly.  I really wouldn’t mind if it slowed down a little.

Will and I are getting more and more excited to meet our little mystery man. He is an estimated 17 inches long, weighing in over 3 pounds. He prefers to hang out on the right side of my rib cage. Which is growing a bit uncomfortable, I must admit. Will read this morning that boys prefer the right side. I wonder why that is… The wabbit is quite active these days. It is comforting to feel him squiggle all over the place. However, as he's gotten bigger, some of his movements definitely catch me off guard, stopping me in my tracks. I’m just hoping his head isn’t as big as his Daddy’s. (Will has a remarkably large head).   

Have I mentioned how amazing Will is, especially since I’ve gotten pregnant. We went camping for Memorial Day weekend, along the Delaware River in upstate New York. Against my many protests, he insisted on getting a blow up mattress for me to sleep on. Which was really considerate of him. It definitely beat our thermarest pads, and I slept very comfortably, no complaints. (Although I still hold firm that I would've been fine without one). A mattress wouldn’t fit in our current tent, so Will decided it was time for our growing family to get a new family sized tent. I love watching him nest in his own way. 

 It was absolutely wonderful to be out in nature. We went with a group of twenty friends, some old and some new. As we sat around the campfire one night, we realized that 8 of us had lived in Flagstaff at one point or another. It really is a small world. Our camping spots were right on the river. It was great to go swimming and just hang out with friends. I had an amazing time and felt good. Although, by the end of the trip, I was ready for a comfortable seat. I never noticed before how little support camping chairs really offer. There was an awesome rain storm the night before we left, which resulted in us having to dry out our tents around our apartment. Really do miss having a backyard.

I am starting to walk with a bit of a waddle. (Will thinks it’s cute, I just feel fat sometimes) And my ankles swelled up for the first time the other day…ugh! The heat and humidity have come to the city and I am not liking it one bit. It wasn’t even June yet, and 90 degrees. I am hoping that it is just a heat wave and that it will cool down soon. I am really not looking forward to being so big in the this summer heat. I will never get used to this humidity.

At this point, I am going the doctor every two weeks for check ups. We are starting to meet the other five doctors in the practice, just incase my doctor is unable to make the delivery. My next appointment is Wednesday.

30 weeks 3 days

size : head of lettuce

Wabbits first camping trip... Barryville, NY

Belly shot Week 30

yummy s'mores

Gotta love camping! (our new tent behind me)

Wabbit Hunting in Arizona

We had a marvelous time back in Arizona. I was so happy that Will was able to join me. It was so wonderful to see my family and friends. I especially enjoyed showing off my big belly. I felt like a fertile goddess. It was great to see everyone that was able to make it out for the weekend celebrations as well. Thank you Aunt Debbie and Uncle Jim for bring the love all the way from Milwaukee. Stephanie, it meant a lot to me that you were able to make it. I really appreciate everyone going to the trouble of being there. You made it so very special for me. I will remember it and treasure it always. 
Special thanks to Mom, Megan, Cara and Ian for preparing and hosting the shower. I love you!

The timing was perfect for us to be back in Arizona. It wasn't too hot yet, plus we got to attend Jake Greenwade's graduation from ASU. I remember when he was born.. It meant a lot to me to be there and be able to celebrate with the whole Greenwade family, my second family.  In fact, the next time we will be in Arizona will be for Ty and Tori's wedding in September. I am done flying until then.

It was so nice to spend time with my family. It has been difficult for me to be so far from everyone during this pregnancy. I wish we lived closer.  It was nice to have my belly loved and rubbed by the people I love most. It was exactly what I needed, very comforting to the soul. I had a really hard time leaving.
Everyone is so excited to meet you lil' Wabbit!

I got back to NY just in time to start my Masters Flower Design Class. Loving it. Thank you Will!

I went in on Friday for my three hour glucose tolerance test. All I have to say is OUCH! They had to poke me 9 times for the 4 times they needed my blood. Inevitably having to get it off my hands every time except one. Thankfully I had a gentle nurse. I also learned that not only do I have tiny deep veins, but they also roll. (A little tip, massaging really helps the bruises go away quicker.) I don't know what was worse, not eating for 15 hours or the digging for veins.
I am happy to report that the doctor got the results back today and everything is normal. Amen! I knew it was my recent sugar binge that had caused my numbers to increase, no thanks to my Sugar Bump. (one of my nicknames for the wabbit) I am definitely going to watch my sugar and simple carb intake from now on though.

I am feeling more and more pregnant each day. It is getting harder to get up. In the past week, older gentlemen in my neighborhood have been stopping to talk to me. Inquiring if I am having a son, due to the way I am carrying. Asking how I'm doing, when I'm due and wishing me luck. One even told me that boys are all about cars and computers, it's in the blood. Haha!  I have even had a few Greek women spit on me as I walk by. I know better than to take insult on it, as it is their way of wishing me luck. I really like living in Queens, there is such cultural diversity. 

Hope everyone has a wonderful week!
Happy Birthday Mark!


29 weeks
size : small cabbage

Ian and Cara made this sign for me when they picked me up at the airport.

The Greenwade Family (plus girlfriends) at Jake's graduation.

Wabi at Jake's Graduation.

Dad and I -  I'm wearing one of Mom's old maternity shirts, notice it's already a little small on me.

The Blong Family!

Enjoying the sun and warm weather!

My painted belly from the blessing shower.

Jan and I with the quilt that she made for the baby. So sweet and amazing.

Stephanie and Meghan, it was so wonderful to see you two even if it was brief.

Feeling the love ... unfortunately, not everyone pictured

I'm wearing a beautiful dress from Gilberto y Yolanda from Pueblo de Alamos.

Already so in love with our son.  Week 28