33 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: 26 lbs. This means that I didn't gain any weight in the last 2 weeks. I really haven't had much of an appetite, but I am eating...so, it's a mystery. I'm sure with a baby shower this week and a cookie exchange next week, I will make up for the lack of weight gain by my next visit. 

Maternity clothes? I left the house in my oversized Steeler sweatpants from VS, sneakers and Nick's XXL puffy jacket today. 

On our e-bike. 

No shame.

 I fit right in with my Chinese counterparts now. Matching? What's that? My challenge will be to find something comfortable and party worthy for my baby shower on Friday. 

Stretch marks? Nope, but I have some awesome blue veins showing through my belly. 

Sleep: As good as it can get overnight. I'm napping less too. 

                      [ outside Redleaf Hospital last Saturday ]

Best moment this week: We had an ultrasound last Saturday (just before 33w) and the baby measures right at her gestational age. Not bigger, not smaller...right in the middle. We didn't get any pictures, but hearing that we aren't faced with growth restriction at this point took a weight off my chest. I am so thankful to be at this point, and be so close to bringing another baby into our family. I don't take for granted a single day of carrying this child one more day. 

     [my personal assistant removing my UGGS]

Miss Anything? Breathing easily. Bending over to put shoes on instead of sitting down. Sal figured out how to unzip my UGG boots for me yesterday so I think I'll hire him for boot removal from here on out. 

Movement: Yes. Feet out my right side, and head into my bladder seem to be her favorite places to jab. 

Food cravings: melting ice and anything potato based. Cheddar ruffles, potato soup, hash browns, French fries.....

Anything making you queasy or sick: The thought of eating chicken. 

Gender: Girl.

Labor Signs: unfortunately yes. A few b-h contractions here and there. Sal is going through a phases (at least that's what I'm telling myself) where he refuses nap until I rock him to sleep. We have always just put him down and he goes to sleep--so where this insistence on being rocked comes from, I don't know. He's out within 5 minutes of me rocking, but good God he's long and heavy to be rocking with a big ol belly of my own. I have a feeling the rocking may have something to do with the increase in contractions during the early evening. 

Symptoms: Back pain, leg cramps

Belly Button in or out? Flat

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody?: Hopeful. Thankful. Happy.

Looking forward to: My baby shower this week. I look forward to an afternoon with friends.

THIRTY THREE weeks

How far along? 33 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: 30 lbs (yikes!!!!)

Maternity clothes? Over them. Even the biggest hand me downs aren't fitting anymore. Hello, sweatpants, I love you!!!!! If only they'd be deemed appropriate attire for my office's holiday luncheon at the Country Club next weekend... After all, the dress code only indicates that collars must be worn, and denim is frowned upon. Nothing about sweat pants (=

Stretch marks? Knock on wood. None yet.

Sleep: Much better this week. NZ is finally home after 3 weeks of jet setting, so I always sleep better with him home, and also, my cold of the century is starting to clear up, so it makes it like totally possible to breathe again, which helps with the sleeping situation.

Best moment this week: Having the lady at Weinerschnitzel ask me if my order of 3 dozen chili dogs was "for here or to go" when I stopped by to pick up lunch for my husband's office. Yes, as if I was going to devour all 36 chili dogs on my own..I know I'm pregnant, and all, but really???! It gave me a good laugh. 3 dozen corn dogs, maybe...but chili dogs, no thanks!

Miss Anything? Being able to look in my closet and pick out a cute outfit, and knowing that it's going to fit. Seems like I am at the point where everything I put on just magnifies my big-ness these days. I miss my favorite pair of blue jeans!!!!!!!!!!

Movement: He's been super active this week. Lots of rolls..and he has an arsenal of different types of rib and bladder kicks. No two are the same, and they've forced me out of bed at 3 a.m. a couple times this week until he calms down.

Food cravings: Frozen lemonade, even though the only place it's available is at the mall, and I am avoiding the mall at all costs, therefore, my craving is left unsatisfied. Maybe it will pass?

Anything making you queasy or sick: Considering I bought steak for steak tacos a few days ago, and it is still sitting in our fridge because now I can't bear the thought of eating a steak taco...I guess steak is not my friend this week.

Gender: Boy

Labor Signs: After a stellar check up on Thursday with my OB, and a NST that he passed with flying colors, I was on top of the world and had energy to spare. I picked up lunch for NZ and his office mates, then decided that hitting up target and Ross was a great idea....until I got home, 5 hours after I left the house..which was my longest outing in about 8 weeks... and had contractions at 10 minute intervals for a good hour. I laid on my side, drank water and they were still coming. I finally called NZ who was working late, and he told me to call my OB and he headed home to possibly take me in for monitoring again. I called the OB, and by the time I received a call-back, they had subsided. The OB and I agreed that I had overdone it, and I was allowed to stay home with instructions to head to L&D if they picked up again. Thank goodness they went away. I want to meet the kid and all, but I'd like at least 3 more weeks of baking before we meet.

Symptoms: Sore ribs. Difficulty getting a deep breath when he is in certain positions.

Belly Button in or out? NZ says it's flush, I say it's out.

Wedding rings on or off? I can't get them off. I will be getting the baby oil out shortly so I can avoid having them cut off in the hospital. As a treat, I'll send them to the jeweler to be cleaned and buffed so that when I can wear them again, they will sparkle like the day we said " I do!"!

Happy or Moody?: Happy. So freakin' excited to have the weeks fly by.

Looking forward to: My last ultrasound with my fedora wearing MFM is on Tuesday!! How big will he be???