Avery and I were talking about her upcoming birthday the other day. You know, her birthday party, who was coming, what she wanted for decorations and what she wanted for a present. (That last one is where things got weird.)
Me: What do you want for a birthday present?
Avery: Hmmmmm.
Me: You don't have to answer now. Just think about it and you can tell me later.
Avery: A real knife and syrup.
Whhhaaaattt??
Oy vey!
Needless to say, I was confused and shocked while nearly peeing my pants from laughing so hard. My Mom was in another room when this conversation was taking place and I could hear her belly laugh all the way across the house!
FPT
This is a special picture as much as it is funny. Avery and I were practicing changing her doll's diaper (in preparation for our baby, of course). She totally nailed it on the first try by herself and was beyond proud of herself. Look at that expression. Proud, sweet girl!
It's about time I do a pregnancy post, right? Let's do it!
How far along: 33 weeks, 3 days!
Total weight gain: (...this is a fun one...) 33 pounds. (I gained a total of 35 pounds with Avery and actually dropped a pound or two the week or so before having her. With this baby, I'm potentially on track to gain 40!)
Sleep: I love sleep. Always have, always will. Fortunately, I have been sleeping soundly and comfortably so far. I have to get up to use the bathroom from time to time, but immediately fall back asleep once I hit the pillow. A big, cozy, comfy bed is one of my most favorite things in the world! Since I've been through the newborn stage once before, I know I have a few sleepless months ahead of me and am already starting to mentally prepare.
Best moment this week: Avery asking me a handful of times "when will the baby come out?" She's starting to get really excited, which makes this whole experience that much sweeter. Another great moment - hanging out in my bed yesterday before we got ready for the day. The baby was really active and Avery's face kept lighting up from seeing all the movement. She has seen it before, but the baby was showing off its dance moves for a few minutes straight. Avery loved seeing it and kept looking at me like "is this real?" Then, she leaned into my belly and whispered right into my belly button (which is how you talk to a baby in a belly, right?), "hi, baby." Oh my. Loooove!
Miss anything: Sleeping on my back. Wine. Running. Staying awake past 9:30 8:30 p.m.
Movement: This baby moves, shakes and throws down some dance moves from time to time, but overall, it's a "quieter" baby than Avery was inside. Avery moved constantly...like the "does she ever sleep?!" kind of constant. With this baby, well, there are stretches when I wonder if there is even a baby in there. Just kidding. Kind of. Until about 30 weeks, there were nights when I had to drink orange juice just to get the kid to move. Thankfully, the baby has been more active lately, but is still chill for the most part. I remember laughing in the face of kick counts with Avery, but this time around, I have to consciously count the movements most nights.
Food cravings: Potatoes! Baked variety is at the top of my list, but I'll eat any kind. I also crave sweets, buuuuut that might just be me and not a pregnancy thing.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nothing specific, but I find myself to still be nauseous from time to time. Not that bad, but a light queasiness shows itself a few times a week. Also, when not pregnant, I am a pasta lover, a sushi lover (veggie rolls!) and a Doritos lover, but those three haven't appealed to me much at all. Whaaaa?
Gender: No idea. Some days I think boy, some days I think girl. Lately, it's been more of a girl feeling, but really - no idea. Avery's guess always flip flopped between boy and girl when we talked about it or someone asked, but lately has been on a strong girl kick. Jeff and I keep saying we can't wait for the "it's a girl!" or "it's a boy!" call. We would be absolutely thrilled with a boy. One of each. Both Jeff and I grew up in families with one of each and loved it! It would be special for Jeff to have a son to play catch with (Avery throws the ball once, becomes disinterested and wants to play tea party...) and do "boy" things with. I would love to experience being a mom of a boy. Can only imagine the world of change that would be! On the other hand, having two girls would be a blast. We know girls and love ours. Having a mini-Avery just blows our minds with how cute that could be. And, I never had a sister and always thought it would be so great to have one. And, matching dresses? Come on!
Labor signs: Ha. Yes, possibly. Contractions have been my best friend lately. Does this mean I'll deliver early? Or, does it just mean I'll have to deal with this for the next 6+ weeks? No one knows, but it keeps me on my toes to put it mildly!
Happy or moody most of the time:Happy...with bouts of moodiness! I'd be lying if I said there hasn't been a time or two when something somewhat disruptive/annoying/sad has seemed like the most catastrophic thing ever. Hormones, man.
Looking forward to: Meeting my little wonder of a baby! Starting our lives as a family of 4.5 (did you forget Belle?!)! And, what gets me so choked up and so excited I want to crawl out of my skin...witnessing Avery meet her baby sister/brother for the first time. I'm crying just thinking about that moment. (Hormones, man.)
Jeff and I met on a blind date in December 2004 and were married in October 2007. He is the apple of my eye, the hop in my step and the love of my life. In September 2010 we proudly welcomed our first child, daughter Avery Elizabeth and this site was created to share with our friends and family, near and far, Avery's journey through this magical thing called life.
