Almost there...

This morning we finished putting the curtains up in the nursery and laid out the rug. Man oh man did that turn out to be more work than we both thought! The room is tricky because it has three windows and is not that big. We could not figure out how to lay out the rug, the crib and the furniture to make it all look somewhat decent. We had to change the heavy rug multiple times, then make it fit over the rug pad which was challenging given the weight and my limited ability to help with my big belly. Then we had to constantly move the crib around so we could get the rug fitted nicely. It was exhausting to say the least and of course we were the biggest bicker stein's because we had different ideas on how we thought it would look best. In the end, my idea won even though it's not amazing looking it works the best. I'll attach some photos here. The more I walk in there the more I like it. I decorated a little more after I took these photos so it's coming together slowly. I also have two wall decals that I need to put up. So glad the nursery is almost done. I have little energy lately…just feel more and more pregnant and my days never have enough time to complete all the things I need to do. I feel like 2014 is going to be a busy year! It looks like I will be starting to work in private practice in the spring and do the online therapy plus work at Stable place doing equine therapy. I already agreed to teach another semester at the university starting in January and I also want to finish that article I started and work on my book. At some point I also want to start my garden therapy business plan. There is simply not enough time and even though I am super excited to be starting a new chapter after being in school for so long and working on my dissertation for the past two years, it's nerve wrecking and exhausting thinking about all of it especially knowing that I will have a new baby starting March! I know it's going to be crazy with two haha! Maia is getting more and more independent and hopefully she will be potty trained by march! All in all it's good stuff happening! 

Tonight we are going to the movies to see American Hustle and grabbing a quick bite beforehand at Shake Shack. Sounds like the perfect evening to me! Last night we stayed in and I started reading The Gold Finch by Donna Tart that is suppose to be fantastic. It's a thick book so I'm sure it will take me a while to finish given the little time I have to read these days. Then instead of going to bed at 10 as I planned to catch up on some sleep I ended up watching Reality Bites with Brad and went to bed at 11:30. Ugh. Even though I've seen the movie a gazillion times, I can see it one more time again. I just love it and it certainly belongs in my top 10 of all time favorite movies. Ethan Hawke and Winona Ryder are so great in that movie. 

I am still waiting for Douglas and Shelley to get back with me and sign off on my final edits so I can submit my paper to Tommie and then the publisher! Ah, I just can't wait to have my degree conferred and finally take away the cand. after Ph.D! It's going to feel real official then, even though I still can't quite believe that I am a doctor. So strange and so not strange. I worked my butt off for it so in a way I feel like I deserve it. Hopefully by end of february it will be conferred and I will get my degree in the mail. That would be the best birthday present ever! And then little baby boy is going to arrive, shortly after my birthday too! How exciting the beginning of 2014 sounds already! It's been a really good pregnancy so far and I am thrilled to know that we will soon be meeting our little guy. I'm so curious what he will look like. Will he be tan and not as fair skinned as Maia? Will he look like Brad or me or be a mix of the two of us? I just can't take it anymore I need to know LOL 
All I am hoping fore is an easier labour than with Maia. I will have the same doula, Ms. Michelle by my side so I feel better about the whole situation no matter what direction it goes. 

OK I need to get going…I only have so much time to do many things until Maia wakes up from her nap! 

Week 30 Belly Update

Total weight gain:

Over 20 pounds…

Body changes:

Tighter lower back. Bigger belly.

Sleep: 

OK but not great. My lower back and hips are really tight

in the morning and sometimes throughout the night. I have to pee so much during the night making me constantly wake up…

Best moment this week: 

Celebrating Christmas with family in Atlanta and at home in Miami.

Gender: 

Boy.

Food Cravings / Aversions: 

Overall I am craving sweets more than sour things now. I still need my OJ in the morning. Coffee. I’m really into bread, butter and honey.

What I miss:

Ahhh…at this point I’m really missing my baths, sports, sushi, alcohol and simply not feeling like a whale.

Symptoms:

Hot flashes (I didn’t have that with Maia at all. I was always more cold with her than anything. Now I am constantly feeling warm/hot). Heart burn. U also didn’t have that with Maia but have had it over the past two weeks several times.

Movement: 

Yes a lot. Especially at night when I lay on my sides.

What I am looking forward to:

Finishing the nursery tomorrow (or at least almost)

Going to the movies and dinner with my hubby tomorrow night.

2014 and the birth of our son J

Milestones: 

Week 39 ;)

Thought of the week: 

I’ve been reflecting on 2013 lately and thinking about how exciting and new 2014 will be and all the things I want to accomplish…

Here are a few things:

-       Have my degree conferred in February.

-       Start working in private practice.

-       Finish my article and submit for publication.

-       Start my book.

-       Start my garden therapy business plan.

-       Sign up for Spanish class.

-       Get my body back.

-       Enjoy and have fun with my family!

Week 29 Belly Update

Total weight gain:

23 pounds…ouch!

Body changes:

Wider in every angle lol

My skin has been amazing. It’s astonishing to me that my skin  has been so good throughout this pregnancy. Considering all the stuff that I eat (dairy, sweets, etc.) I have not gotten a single zit. It’s truly the best thing about this pregnancy. To eat what I want and to not have to worry about breaking out. I absolutely love it. I hope it stays like that after…which of course I know it will not but I can dream, right?

Sleep: 

Pretty good but waking up several times a night to pee.

Best moment this week: 

Enjoying the beautiful Miami weather!

Gender: 

Boy!

Food Cravings / Aversions: 

Bread and butter…bread and honey…I’ve been all about bread! Carb overload…

What I miss:

All the usual stuff, and simply being able to move around freely!

Symptoms:

Hungry. Tired. Sore feet. Really, sore feet.

Movement: 

Yes, lots of movement.

What I am looking forward to:

A mini vacation to Atlanta!

Milestones: 

This 3^rd trimester. I feel like time has been dragging, and now I want it to speed up! Can’t wait to meet this little guy and to not be pregnant anymore!

Thought of the week: 

I’m watching Good Will Hunting right now…ahh it’s still one of my favorite movies!

Photo Update

Week 27 & 28 Belly Update

Total weight gain:

18 pounds.

Body changes:

Pointy and round belly.

Sleep: 

Pretty good. Vivid dreams.

Best moment this week: 

Spending time with my family…my nephews, sister and dad.

Gender: 

BOY!

Food Cravings / Aversions:

Cereal. Dairy. Carbs. Muffins. 

What I miss:

Feeling sexy and fit. Champagne. A hot bath.

Symptoms:

Prego brain. No real other symptoms I can think of…

Movement: 

Lots of movement. At times it almost freaks me out the kicks are so strong. I don’t remember Maia moving like that. Clearly a boy lol.

What I am looking forward to:

Christmas and the holidays!

Milestones: 

Going into labor. Home stretch now, well still ways a way but 3^rd trimester is in full gear and I’m ready for this trimester to go by FAST!

Thought of the week: 

I’ve been seeing elf’s on display on facebook and instagram everywhere…makes me excited to start with Maia next year!

Week 26 Update

Total weight gain:

Not sure, around 15lbs

Body changes:

Everything is growing and widening at this point. I feel pregnant lol

Sleep: 

Not so good. I’m starting to feel more uncomfortable and I’ve been waking up in the middle of the night more.

Best moment this week: 

Thanksgiving, getting our Christmas tree and spending time with my family.

Gender:

Boy!  

Food Cravings / Aversions: 

Sweets and carbs. Sigh.

What I miss:

Feeling skinny and the usual I mention every week.

Symptoms:

Braxton Hicks contractions.

Movement: 

Lots of kicking and movement this week. Little guy is excited for the holidays!

What I am looking forward to:

Holiday time and listening to Christmas music. It’s my favorite time of the year!

Milestones: 

I have so many things on my to do list at the moment, I feel a little overwhelmed. One thing at a time I tell myself. I just hope I can get lots of it done by end of the year.

Thought of the week: 

Gobble Gobble J