39 Weeks

{Picture taken at 38 weeks}

How far along? 39 weeks
Weight gain? 31 pounds
Maternity clothes? Ummm... yeah. And, since GG has dropped, most of my maternity pants don't fit anymore -- it's awesome... NOT!
Stretch marks? No :)
Sleep? Well, since we purchased our king sized bed from IKEA I have been sleeping so-so-so soundly {with the exception of a few sleepless nights}. It is truly a miracle mattress!
Movement? Yes!... and I LOVE it!!  She is big enough now that when she moves my whole belly moves. It is so much fun! I crack up every time it happens.
Food cravings? Not really. I haven't had the best of appetites lately to be honest.
Anything making you queasy or sick? It has been pretty common the past couple of weeks for me to wake up nauseous and not be able to shake it all day. And... I have been getting SO HOT! Thank the Lord I wasn't pregnant during the summer. The second I get hot, I swell up like a puffer fish and feel super claustrophobic. It's really uncomfortable.
Wedding rings on or off? On ... sometimes! If I am hot, forget about it! If not, they fit just fine.
Happy or Moody most of the time? Happy... SO HAPPY!
Looking forward to? The arrival of Greta Grace -- just one week from today! I can not wait to meet this little girl and kiss her face and wrap her in a soft blanket and soothe her when she cries and dress her in all sorts of pink and watch her sleep and hold her hand and wiggle her toes and smell her skin and love her until my heart bursts!

Scrapbook

^^^ Alex and I enjoyed the laid back atmosphere of GG's last shower. ^^^

The shower started at 5:30

which was just 30 minutes after tip off in the NCAA tournament game

 of our beloved Cardinals against Colorado St.

Thankfully the Cards won;

or else it would've really put a damper on the whole party.

We ate dinner at halftime

and opened presents after celebrating our team's sweet victory!

L, Yes!

^^^ My aunt Debbie's contribution to the shower decor. ^^^

She makes THE BEST desserts!

 

^^^ Macklin & Eli kindling their romantic relationship early. ^^^

 I did a horrible job taking photographs during the shower

{no blog recap this time}

but I am praising God above that I just so happened to have my camera

nearby when these two lovebirds decided they couldn't resist each other any longer.

 

 

^^^ Homemade pizza! It doesn't get any better than this.^^^

 

I am beyond picky when it comes to food.

It has more to do with my sensitive tummy than it does with my taste buds

but, nonetheless, eating out can seem like a real downer when you are with me.

I am usually not very adventurous and can find fault with just about any and all seasoning.

Pizza sauce is one of the worst offenders when it comes to upsetting my stomach.

Therefore, Alex and I have learned to master the sauce-less pizza at home.

Trader Giotto's pizza dough + cherry tomatoes +

mushrooms + baby spinach + cheese {lots of cheese} =

my FAVORITE pizza in town!

 

 

 

^^^ School baby shower ^^^

 

A few women at work hosted a baby shower for me

and the FOUR other expecting teachers at school.

It was such a thoughtful and kind gesture.

 

 

 

 

Maternity Favorites

I am forever grateful for our dear friend, Jenna,

and her God-given talent to take beautiful photographs.

 

She is such a blessing in our lives;

much beyond her mad photography skills.

She is one of the most encouraging and kind-hearted women

I have ever been blessed to know.

Jenna has a way with words,

a way that lifts you up and

a way that speaks truth straight into your soul.

Her gentle spirit eases anxiety

and her calm, confident demeanor

makes even the most awkward

{big red arrow pointing at ME}

 feel comfortable.

 

If you are in the Louisville area

and are in need of a talented photographer,

I highly recommend Jenna Maddux.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It is crazy to look back at these photographs from 6 weeks ago!

My belly has grown SO much since then.

And to think that I thought I was big then ... HA!

 



35 Weeks

 

How far along? 35 weeks

Weight gain? 26 pounds
Maternity clothes? Duh! I don't know how in the world people go their whole pregnancy without... but more power to ya!!
Stretch marks? Not yet... 5 more weeks... fingers crossed.
Sleep? Still struggling with the insomnia. I can usually fall asleep with no problems but have to wake up several times to pee. Sometimes I fall back asleep... sometimes I don't. When I don't, I am usually pretty frustrated because I have been super exhausted lately and really need my rest. Everyone says that this is just God preparing me for becoming a mother of a newborn which I suppose is a pretty cool idea when I really think about it. Thanks God -- I can definitely use any help in the prep area that I can get.
Movement? Lots but I wouldn't say GG is the most active of babies. I can really tell that she has grown since the last time I posted {at 30 weeks}. This is BY FAR my most favorite thing about pregnancy. Words really can not express how awesome it is to feel your babe move inside of your belly. She still hiccups like a champ and has been sticking her booty out a lot too.
Food cravings? Still can't get enough sweets! Fruit, chocolate, candy ... it don't matter - I want it all.
Anything making you queasy or sick? I have been suffering with dizzy spells lately and those leave me feeling pretty queasy. Sometimes when GG repositions herself it makes me feel like I am going to throw up and I think I might have had some Braxton Hicks contractions which made me feel like I was going to lose my lunch.
Wedding rings on or off? On :)
Happy or Moody most of the time? Happy! {and anxious!!}
Looking forward to? My last shower... tomorrow!! It will be a lot of fun celebrating GG again with family and friends!

BaBy-Q

My dearest friend, Amanda,

and my sweet s-i-l, Blair,

hosted the most adorable BaBy-Q themed shower

 for our little Miss Greta Grace
last Sunday evening.

  

 

 

 The spread was absolutely delicious!

And, if I wasn't already inflicted with Spring Fever,

 the summer-inspired feast got me really craving the warm sunshine.

It was refreshing to eat summer favorites at the end of February.

I highly recommend we do this every year, shower or not,

as a way to officially kick winter out the door

and usher in Spring with open arms.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The table's centerpiece was a hand-painted {by Amanda} wooden name puzzle.

She ordered the customized wood puzzle from Etsy

and then hand-painted it according to G's nursery.

I mean, seriously, can you think of a more thoughtful gift?!?

I am overwhelmed with gratitude.

It is so precious, I really don't know if I will ever let G actually play with it.

 

 

{Also, I may or may not steal this idea for other/future littles. Thanks, A!} 

 

 

 

 

The dessert table was obviously my fave {my sweet tooth has been insatiable}!

The colors {yellow & grey} were prefectly coordinated,

and each treat was oh-so savory and sweet!

 

 

Greta's cake was even more delicious than it looks!

All that icing made me and baby girl

VERY HAPPY!

 

 

In addition to having the most delicious cake ever,

the girls ordered beer-flavored cake balls.

Despite not being a fan of beer,

these cake balls were ah-maaazing.

By the time I tried them,

I wished I hadn't eaten my weight in cake and icing

because I really could not put another bite of food in my body

and they were sooooo good.

The ladies were kind enough to send us home with some extras

which I thoroughly enjoyed the very next day! 

 

 

 

 

I tried to make a concious effort to take pictures

during the party but of course I failed miserably.

Check out more pics of the beautiful shower on Blair's blog.

^^^ The Piazza's ^^^

^^^ Al's brother, Andrew, with his precious son, Eli ^^^

^^^ Amanda & Julio ^^^

I love this couple!

^^^ Teacher friends ^^^

Kelly, Jonathan, Me, Amanda

 

^^^The gracious hosts with Al & me ^^^

We are holding an adorable, hand-made {by Blair} "Greta" banner.

I wish I had taken a better picture of it but I plan to be put it in her nursery,

so I will be sure to show you pics later.

 

 

The whole evening was absolutely lovely.

I loved having a co-ed shower

with my man by my side.

 

 

Thank you, Amanda and Blair,

for putting together a very thoughtful and fun evening

in honor of our little miss.

Greta is truly blessed to have one of you as her aunt

and the other as her "auntie".

And, I am truly blessed to have you both as friends and sisters.

We love you!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maternity Photo Shoot

We could not be more thrilled with our maternity pictures

 by Jenna Maddux Photography.

We are still waiting on the full disc of photos

but you can check out her blog post for a preview.

I will post my faves once we have them!

Advice Please... Maternity Clothes!!!

Now that my bump is starting to show,

I am gearing up to wear maternity clothes full-time.

It has been an enlightening experience learning about

 this entire section of clothing that I used to avoid.

I have been rather appalled by the prices

since I will only be wearing these clothes for less than half a year

but totally impressed with the style and choices.

Gap Body has become my new best friend since they now have

a maternity section in stores

(if you are in the area,

it's only at the Summit location)

and

AH-MAZING clearance sales.

I have been able to purchase several tanks and tees for under $5/pop.

Indulging myself a little, I also bought some cords that I am lu-hu-ving.

(Seriously, I might wear these after I am pregnant!

Watch out Thanksgiving 2013!)

* * * * * *

But I am in need of advice...

Local mamas -- where did you get cute local maternity loot?

Far away mamas -- what online resources were the best for maternity wear?

Did you find yourself wearing more dresses and skirts or sticking to pants and tops?

What were your favorite pieces?

Anything that you couldn't have lived without?