Nine. More. Weeks.

Actually, 8 weeks and 6 days to be exact. I feel like I've been pregnant forever, but I know he'll be here before I know it. I'm prepared, mentally and physically. The nursery is waiting, and mommy and daddy are excited to meet their new addition. :)


How far along? 31weeks

Total weight gain: 8 lbs

Maternity clothes: Recently bought an active maternity tank for all my walks outside and a few maxi dresses for my showers and upcoming maternity shoots.

Stretch marks? None to report
Sleep: Not the greatest these days. I have a shooting pain in my right lower back/leg area making it a slow and painful process to switch sides at night, or basically move at all.
Best moment this week: Had my first baby shower on Sunday. It was a joint shower with my sister and all our friends. I am smitten by everyone's generosity! 

Miss anything? Wearing heels. I decided to boycott them until my back pain subsided...which isn't likely to happen until after delivery!
Movement: He is ALL OVER THE PLACE! Twisting, turning, punching, flipping, stretching, dancing. He must be exhausted in there. There have been several times he kicked to the far left or right of my belly hitting my obliques. I am so ticklish...and this is my weakest spot. I have yet to talk to a mother who experienced a "tickling" sensation, but it was very real, and I laughed out loud until he stopped.
Food cravings: Are cravings a myth? Because I still haven't experienced them!
Anything making you queasy or sick? Been getting morning sickness again, but nothing severe.
Labor signs: My pelvic bones & joints are loosening up for labor. Been feeling the affects of this on my right SI joint. Had a physical therapy session for the pain last week. I can frequently be seen limping around the office and being playfully teased by my husband.
Symptoms: SI Joint/Sciatic nerve pain - but honestly, I feel lucky that everything is going so well, despite being uncomfortable when I sleep and (sometimes) when I walk. I know things could be so much worse! I'm not exhausted, and I'm able to walk comfortably outside for several miles at a time.
Belly button in or out? Totes out
Wedding rings on or off? Totes on
Happy or moody most of the time: Generally in a happy/positive mood. This changes when the pain gets intense...but I'm managing!
Looking forward to: My maternity shoots. I have 3 of them scheduled within the next week!

Current Bennett Boy Stats: Little Baby B is not so little anymore! He's measuring about 19 inches head to heel and weighs in around 3.9 lbs! What a heffer!

Nursery Tour

As soon as I found out I was pregnant, nursery ideas swarmed my head. We have a two bedroom home and both rooms were being utilized, so I knew we'd be using the small yet very charming office for our little one's room. It comes with plenty of built in shelves, detailed woodwork, and a gas fireplace. We hired a professional to paint because neither of us wanted to tackle the detail. The main walls are coated with Navajo Sand by Glidden and the back of the shelves are Spring Cactus, also by Glidden. The trim, ceiling, shelves, and fireplace are white. We wanted to keep a semi neutral canvas as we weren't sure of the babies gender yet.


This photo was taken from the doorway. Our crib and changing table/dresser combo is by DaVinci. We both agreed white furniture was the way to go. After we found out I was carrying a boy, we decided to add a light blue to the mix via bedding and accessories. The room reminds me of a clear Spring day. :)

 

We splurged on our bedding set - Pottery Barn Kids, and Dan found the cute owl/bear mobile on Amazon.

 

I can't wait to sit with my nugget in this rocker! It's over-sized and extra cushiony. This was a hand-me-down from my sister in law (Thanks Leanne!!). It came with a yellow slip cover but we loved the creamy oatmeal color of the fabric underneath.

 

We had to improvise with a closet since the room was originally an office/library, NOT a bedroom! We removed three shelves and installed hand painted white wooden rods to make a "mini" open closet. Baby clothes are adorable, why not show them off?!

 

I LOVE that this room has a fireplace. I dream about the warm cozy winter nights we'll have snuggled up in the rocker with the fire going.

 

Feelin Crafty

This mantel art was a DIY project found via Pinterest. We wanted something large for the mantel, but didn't want to spend our entire savings. Dan purchased pine boards from Home Depot, painted them blue, and attached them with dowels. The white frames we found at Meijer, and the prints are from an artist on Etsy!

 

I made these decorative blocks from wooden cubes purchased at Michaels, craft paper, and a little modge podge. Wa-la! Inexpensive shelf accessory.

Dan spotted this adorable owl night light on Amazon. Easy purchase!!

Of course the nursery is still a work in progress, but it's come a long way and we're both very proud of the transformation!

Through My Husbands Eyes

Week 29 has arrived, and instead of me blabbering on and on about my symptoms and best moments again, I thought it would be a nice change of pace for my husband to complete the survey through my perspective. When I asked him to do this I thought it could be fairly entertaining as he does not lack wit or sarcasm. 

So not to be taken too seriously, I present to you "Week 29" by Daniel Charles Bennett.

How far along? Can still see toenail color but can’t reach toes

Total weight gain: Smaller than Kim, bigger than Kourtney, screw Khloe  
Maternity clothes: Quietly stealing husbands boxers, still tight

Stretch marks? You try pulling a condom over your head without stretching it

Sleep? Up in time for Snuggie Infomercial on Channel 8 

Best moment this week: Strange noises were coming from the dog and not me 

Miss anything? Outrunning old people

Movement: Terrible rendition of Gangnam style 

Food cravings: Anything in pancake/muffin form

Anything making you queasy or sick? Watching husband figure out how rare is safe for a steak

Gender: Still a boy, frequent hiccuping, possible boy with drinking problem 

Labor signs: Capricorns

Symptoms: Human being in my stomach

Belly button in or out? Pencil eraser of someone with PICA 

Wedding rings on or off? On at home, off at the bar 

Happy or moody most of the time: Happy is a mood, so yes

Looking forward to: Not pouring my beers into a Coke can 

Thank you babe for painting that beautiful, glowing picture of your pregnant wife. (I totally asked for it) ;)

A couple rebuttals...no stretch marks, thank you. Panties fit great. I have not been drinking! Wedding rings are only off when I sleep...and yes, I may have a recent obsession with pancakes and muffins. So what! ;)

My little monster has been hiccuping a lot this week! I hear that's a sign of good health. Here we are on Week 29!!