38 week chalkboard

Hi sweet little baby,

The countdown to D-Day is on! Less than two weeks to go and this mama is starting to go a little stir crazy waiting for you!

How far along: 38 weeks + 1 day

Gender: Little baby girl <3
Name: Waverley Violet
Maternity clothes: I have to laugh about this....some of my tank tops don't fit over my belly!
Best moment this week: Spending time with Pemberley before she's not an only child anymore. I constantly wonder what will go through her head when she sees Waverley for the first time. (My money is on something like, "Oh! A big new aaaaattttt!").

Worst moment this week: Everyone getting sick in our house. First it hit Raleigh, then it hit Pemberley, and I've been trying to ward it off with Mucinex and Emergen-C. The LAST thing I want to do is think about being sick and going into labor.

Miss anything: This week it's a toss up between sleeping on my tummy, and having a stronger immune system.

Movements: Yes, and they're getting more uncomfortable the bigger she gets. Baby girl is running out of wiggle room!

Cravings: Still crushed ice. And pancakes. And pears.

Queasy or sick: Unrelated to pregnancy, but yes. Sick. Blah.

Looking forward to: The usual...water breaking...labor...delivery....

Wedding rings on or off: Seriously, I'm doing something right this go around. Normal ankles, normal fingers. I have this pregnancy thing on point!

Belly button in or out: Tickled pink that I have an outtie for a few more weeks!!!
Stretch marks: Not so much. Whatever I saw last week is gone.
Labor signs: I seriously thought I was going into labor on Thursday. I had super strong contractions, but not at regular enough intervals to go to the hospital. They finally died down a little after midnight, so I think I'm just (finally) gearing up for pre-labor!! Strangely enough, my sleep has also gotten better this week, although I'm wondering if it's because my body is getting ready for the big day, or if it's because I'm wearing myself out waaay more quickly than I used to...

That's all for now, sweet little baby girl. I really can't believe we'll be welcoming you in less than two weeks! I'll finally be able to stop wondering what you look like, and what your little personality will be! I'm so excited!!!

With so much love (and a lot of anticipation!),

  

37 week chalkboard

Dear sweet little baby,

Soooo close! And it's so bittersweet. I'm going to miss being pregnant, but I'm too dang excited to meet you! This chalkboard is no.lie. I keep thinking you have to come early because you're seriously running out of room in there!!

How far along: 37 weeks + 2 days

Gender: Little baby girl <3
Name: Waverley Violet
Maternity clothes: Yes. It's going to be so hard to box them up and give them away after Wavie is born :(
Best moment this week: Hearing that we're already 1.5cm dilated! Hoping to hear we've progressed at our next appointment.

Worst moment this week: Hands down, it's been getting ready for my long term substitutes. It's finally starting to hit me that I won't be at work until August. I'm really going to miss those kiddos!

Miss anything: Our bathroom toilet. Yes, you read that right. We're getting the bathroom floors tiled (as well as the long-overdue kitchen ceiling fixed), and right now we don't have a toilet in there. That means I've been using the girls' toilet allllllllllllllllllllll the way down the hall. Four times a night, and that adds up to a lot of walking. Grrrrrr....

Movements: Slow movement. It's the hardest part of pregnancy, but it's the best because I can feel her getting stronger and bigger every week.

Cravings: Crushed ice, pretty much all day. I'm sure my students will enjoy having a teacher who doesn't crunch on it literally every hour.

Queasy or sick: Raleigh has a sore throat, but I'm feeling pretty good! Hoping I don't catch it right before delivery.

Looking forward to: Our next OB appointment in a week :)

Wedding rings on or off: Not only are they still on, they're actually kind of LOOSE!!!!! This is HUGE for me, considering last time I hadn't worn them for weeks by this point and my ankles were roughly the circumference of my neck.

Belly button in or out: I'm calling it. Mostly an outtie!
Stretch marks: Okay, I *think* I have the start of one? Maybe? I asked Raleigh if that's what it was and he wasn't sure either. But I'm going to start using lotion, just in case.
Labor signs: Yes! The dilation, as well as losing bits of my plug. I know that's a lot of info, but that's what this section is for, right? ;) Baby seems to be giving me more contractions late at night, so I'm starting to get anxious about if/when my water breaks!

Wavie, the people I work with...just truly amazing. Jill and Rachelle threw us the best diaper shower last week! They even got some of my students to help, which made it even more special for me. It's also a good thing that I don't drive a smaller car, because I might have had to make two trips home :: that's how many diapers and wipes we got for you! I'm so excited to throw your Sip and See once you get here, so you can meet some of the people I work with. They're almost as excited for you to come as we are!

I think that's all for now, baby girl. Daddy and Pemberley and I are ready for you, whenever you decide you're ready for us! I'll be posting some of my favorite maternity pictures when they come in, but I must tell you, they're absolutely perfect! I can't wait to show them to you one day when you're older :)

Love, love, love (and counting down the days),

36 week chalkboard

Dear sweet little one,

Tomorrow is officially BABY MONTH!! I remember thinking how eternally far away March felt when we found out I was pregnant again. It seemed like f-o-r-e-v-e-r and that the time was going to drag on and on and on. And here we are, with less than 30 days to go until we get to meet you! So. Freaking. Excited!

How far along: 36 weeks + 1 day

Gender: Little baby girl <3
Name: Waverley Violet
Maternity clothes: Yes. I really should stop buying them, but I just can't help myself. Does Pregnant Shopaholics Anonymous exist?
Best moment this week: Mommy and Daddy maternity pictures taken by my friend and co-worker, Nicole. She did our wedding pictures too, so I know these are going to be amazing! I can't wait to show them off soon!!

Worst moment this week: Pemberley had Raleigh's phone and accidentally heaved it at my face. It hit my upper lip and I started bleeding inside my mouth. I cried in the bathroom for a good 10 minutes. That suuuuucked.

Miss anything: Sleep. Seriously, I miss the hell out of sleep. I know it's not going to get any better once baby is here and we're doing the whole wake-up-a-million-times-a-night thing, but at this point, it honestly can't get any worse. I'm terribly uncomfortable, have to pee at least six times between 10pm and 5am (yes, I counted) even though I stop drinking liquids at 7pm, and my RLS is just awful. Sleep, I miss you.

Movements: Yes! I know I'm going to cry when I can't feel her kicking around in there anymore :(

Cravings: Crushed iceiceiceice

Queasy or sick: Is it weird that I feel way better pregnant than when I'm not??

Looking forward to: OB appointment tomorrow, diaper shower at work on Wednesday, and more maternity pictures later this week! I'm so very blessed!!

Wedding rings on or off: Very minor swelling in my feet, but my hands are totally fine :)

Belly button in or out: It's *finally* starting to poke out! I don't know why I have this weird obsession with an outtie, but I might be on my way to having one for the next 4-ish weeks!
Stretch marks: Nada. Anxious to see how much weight I've put on since Week 34, though. I feel like it's almost impossible to not have one good stretch mark, considering how huuuuge I'm getting!
Labor signs: I seriously thought about going into SMMC yesterday. Raleigh was out tutoring and I was working on long term sub plans while Pem napped (for 3 hours. BOOYEAH!). The contractions started and wouldn't stop like they usually do! I started timing them and they weren't consistent enough to warrant waking up Pemberley and putting on a bra, though. They finally went away after an hour, but man. I was kind of scared! Guess Raleigh and I need to buckle down and think about an emergency plan, just in case!

I put this together, just for fun. I love tracking how healthy you are, and seeing how big you're getting! ((And what a difference between week 16 and week 36!! Helllooooo belly!))

Well, baby girl. One month until we meet you and see your sweet little face. I'm so emotional right now thinking about the moment when the doctors put you on my chest after I give birth! I can't wait to know if you'll look or act like your big sister, or if you'll just be your own little Waverley. I can't wait to see how Daddy and Pemberley will react to meeting you for the first time, and I can't wait to bring you home and show you your pets and house. I'm really the luckiest mommy in the whole world! 
Love, love, love, 

35 week chalkboard

Dear sweet little one,

This chalkboard just.isn't.possible! I can't even.

How far along: 35 weeks

Gender: Little baby girl <3
Name: Waverley Violet
Maternity clothes: Going to miss them soon :(
Best moment this week: In a weird, twisted way, it was staying home with Pemberley on Thursday and Friday, even though she was sick with a 103.8 temperature. She hasn't slept in my arms like that since she was 11 months old.

Worst moment this week: Finding out Pemberley has an ear infection (hence the fever). It hurts so much when your kids are sick and they can't communicate it with you. My mommy heart was  broken watching her be sick. 

Miss anything: A nice glass (or three) of sangria, as well as tummy sleeping. Lord, I miss being comfortable in bed. And RLS can kiss my butt.

Movements: Adoring all of them except the ones *right* to my bladder. Those SUCK.

Cravings: Crushed ice, strawberries, and root beer

Queasy or sick: Nope. Keeping up on my Vitamin C intake so I'm healthy for the home stretch!

Looking forward to: Maternity pictures on Tuesday. I'm celebrating my last pregnancy with a bang :)

Wedding rings on or off: Still on. No swelling. Boom.

Belly button in or out: Staring to poke out a little bit!
Stretch marks: Not a one.
Labor signs: A few bouts of super sharp, really painful round ligament pain (they call it "lightning crotch" for a reason). I literally dropped to my knees today and cried out in pain! Hopefully it doesn't happen at school...

Your Gigi, a very wise woman, told me tonight that I didn't need to be scared of dividing my love between you and your big sister, because a mother's heart doesn't divide love - it adds and multiplies it. Considering how much stress I've experienced this past week thinking about what it's going to be like when you get here, that piece of comfort was so well-timed and exactly what I needed to hear that it reaffirms belief that everything will be okay; that I can handle this mommy-of-two thing. Between Gigi, Grandma Joanne, Great Grannie, all of your aunts, and your big sister, you are very lucky to have such wonderful female role models in your life. I can't wait to introduce them all to you very, very soon!

With all of the love in the world (multiplied),

34 week chalkboard

Dear sweet little one,

Only a month and a half to go! Eight and a half months pregnant never was so much fun, my sweet little Valentine!<3

How far along: 34 weeks (finally, an on-time update!)

Gender: Little baby girl <3
Name: Waverley Violet
Maternity clothes: Duh
Best moment this week: Getting our Little Giraffe package for Miss Waverlely from Gigi in the mail (more on that below). Also, celebrating Valentine's Day at First Watch with a delicious breakfast!

Worst moment this week: The nightmares I've been having about delivery. I think I was traumatized with Pemberley's and now I'm scaring myself stupid the closer we get to D-Day.

Miss anything: So many things, but right now I can't stop thinking how much I'm going to miss my baby bump after I give birth!

Movements: Ohhhhh Lordy yes. She's running out of room (if you couldn't tell) and the movements are less kicks & jabs and more slow-moving rolls. She still hasn't 'dropped' yet, so Raleigh gets to hear me ask her to please stop kicking my ribs about a million times a day.

Cravings: Funfetti cake mix cookies (it's a thing...Google it and thank me later), and raw pancake batter.

Queasy or sick: Nope

Looking forward to: No school tomorrow (hurray!) and our 34 week OB appointment on Tuesday

Wedding rings on or off: Still on...pretty proud considering they were off by this time with Pemberley!

Belly button in or out: Borderline both. Again - weird.
Stretch marks: Nada
Labor signs: Damn Braxton Hicks! But other than that...no :)

We got the CUTEST package from Little Giraffe this week. I pulled up after work one day and saw the package sitting on the front steps and literally squee'd with delight. They make the best baby gifts! Here it is, all bundled up. I can't bring myself to open it just yet, because it's so stinking adorable! Your Gigi loves you very much, sweet girl!! 

Well, I think that's just about it for this week, little princess! I've said it before and I'll say it again...we love you and can't wait to meet you!
Lovelovelove,

33 week chalkboard

Dear sweet little one,

ONLY SEVEN WEEKS TO GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

How far along: 33 weeks + 1 day

Gender: Little baby girl <3
Name: Waverley Violet
Maternity clothes: Yes, and as much as I am loving dressing the little huge ass baby bump, I was thinking this week about how nice it'll be to wear cute shorts again this summer (they just don't make cute maternity shorts).
Best moment this week: Caroline came over on Saturday afternoon and hung out until we put Pemberley to bed at 7pm. It was so fun seeing her and just catching up! I miss my sister :) It was also pretty neat to find out on Friday morning that the ladies who work at Dunkin Donuts had a bet going as to if I only ordered decaf iced coffee because I am pregnant - haha!

Worst moment this week: Explaining to my students that Waverley doesn't fart in utero. The joys of teaching 8th grade...

Miss anything: Sushi. I'd love to go out on a nice sushi date for Valentine's Day, but sadly, that'll have to wait until next year.

Movements: Big kicks and punches! Sometimes they cause me to stop and have to catch my breath!

Cravings: Well, sushi, now that I'm thinking about it. And crunchy cookie butter. But not together because gross.

Queasy or sick: Feeling pretty fabulous :)

Looking forward to: Getting this week over with so we can go hear Waverley's heartbeat on the 16th. (OB/GYN appointment counts are down to FIVE!)

Wedding rings on or off: Still on! Minor victory!

Belly button in or out: Flat as a pancake. Mmmm...pancakes...
Stretch marks: Miraculously, none.
Labor signs: Nothing yet, aside from Braxton Hicks. I'm anxious to see if I'm dilated at all in a few weeks!

Despite no labor signs yet (thank goodness), I still have a feeling you'll come a little bit early like your big sister did. I really can't wait to see what labor is like with you, even if that sounds a little crazy. People are telling me all the time how the second is much easier than the first (and after Pemberley's 12 hour labor, I desperately need that to be true!). Either way, I grow more and more excited to meet you every passing day. I love you, Little Miss Waverley!

32 week chalkboard

Dear sweet little one,
We can officially say that you'll be here NEXT MONTH! 

How far along: 32 weeks + 1 day

Gender: Little baby girl <3
Name: Waverley Violet
Maternity clothes: Loving them! Especially this pink tank top. I just realized I own it in four different colors, and that it's a leftover from my pregnancy with Pemberley.
Best moment this week: Getting stopped by a random stranger at Wal-Mart and being told I "have the perfect bump." We talked for a few minutes before parting ways, but I thought it was really awesome for a complete stranger to give a compliment :)

Worst moment this week: Leak peeing. It's horribly embarrassing, but it's the truth. I have the world's weakest bladder all of a sudden and let's just say I'm happy to be taking off work a few weeks before my due date...just in case.

Miss anything: The weather was really nice this weekend, so we grilled out. Delicious food, but a cold beer or margarita would have been the icing on the cake.

Movements: Big, huge kicks! I swear that my students could see my belly moving if they were paying close enough attention!!

Cravings: Crushed ice, obvi. And I pretty much can't function in the mornings if I don't have my iced decaf from DD. (Yes, I realize the coffee does nothing for me sans caffeine, but let me pretend, ok?)

Queasy or sick: Feel awesome!

Looking forward to: Pemberley's Valentine's Day mini  photo session. I made the most DARLING pink tutu dress for her to wear, and I know Jo Snaps will do a fabulous job taking pictures!

Wedding rings on or off: Still have everything on. I'm nervous it won't be much longer, though :(

Belly button in or out: I guess in, but that's a close call.
Stretch marks: Still none!
Labor signs: A few pretty intense Braxton Hicks contractions, but other than that, nope.

Daddy and I can't hardly wait until you're here, baby girl! We'll be setting up the Pack and Play in the living room soon, as well as your bassinet next to my side of the bed. It's going to be so exciting to finally hold you!!!!!!
Love, love, love,

  

30 week chalkboard

Dear sweet little one,

Three quarters of the way there! We're in the home stretch now, baby girl!

How far along: 30 weeks + 3 days...we can now officially count down the remaining weeks in single digits. Holla!

Gender: Little baby girl <3
Name: Waverley Violet
Maternity clothes: Not in this picture , but you'd better believe I'm living in maternity tops and yoga pants for the other 6 days of the week.
Best moment this week: Passing my three hour glucose test. In fact, that may be the highlight of like, my entire life. I don't think I could make it the next 10 weeks if I had to give up chocolate chips or cookie butter in my pancakes.
Worst moment this week: Having to take the three hour glucose test because I failed the one hour by 20 points. The office was running late and it took over four hours. The drink was as thick as syrup, and I was pissed I had to spend my day off at the doctor's instead of home with Pemberley. 

Miss anything: My immune system. I've been batting a drippy nose, cough, and cloudy head all week, not to mention I'm really.freaking.tired.
Movements: Loving every single one.
Cravings: Pancakes and cereal. No shame from getting up at midnight to eat some Cinnamon Toast Crunch. In bed. While watching Breaking Bad. And waking up Raleigh :)
Queasy or sick: Just from my head cold.
Looking forward to: a SNOW DAY. This would be the year when we have zero snow and I have to go to work every single day! GRRRR

Now that we're closer to our due date, I am adding a few categories related to labor...

Wedding rings on or off: Ring and band are still on. The swelling at the end was easily the hardest part of my pregnancy with Pemberley, so I'm going to be keeping an eye out for puffiness/water retention so I can invest in a pair of compression socks this time around!
Belly button in or out: Flat as a pancake. It's bizarre.
Stretch marks: I'm soooooooo lucky here. I didn't get any with Pemberley, and I don't have any as of yet. Praise the Lord for small miracles!
Labor signs: Some Braxton Hicks contractions, mostly when I'm hip-carrying Pemberley for a long time (read : 2+ minutes), or when I'm walking a lot at school. But after a break and some water, I'm good to go! 

Nursery work is coming along so nicely! We'll be done waaaay sooner than we were with your big sister's room (thank GOD because I don't think I can keep it up at this place for much longer). I'd love to take a few more pictures once we get things finished. Your room has just the sweetest little details :)

Lastly, this past week Daddy made the worst joke (that I'm only good at decorating nurseries), and what did I think about having another baby so I could decorate some more? Waverley, I could have smacked him! Three under three is just a big HELL NO. But it did get me thinking about redecorating Pemberley's room soon...hmmm....

Love you sooooo much,

29 week chalkboard

Dear sweet little one,
Twenty-nine. 29. 30-1. I don't care how you write it, I'm still in disbelief that we're this far along already. I realize the hard part of pregnancy hasn't hit us yet, but I'm going to hate when this is all over.

How far along: 29 weeks

Gender: Little baby girl <3
Name: Waverley Violet
Maternity clothes: Yes and no this week! I'm loving the maternity shirt + open cardigan + scarf + leggings + boots look lately.
Best moment this week: Raleigh got a new job! So. So. So exciting for our family!
Worst moment this week: Hearing that Papa G lost consciousness while he was driving after a hike. Raleigh and I were really scared after we got the call from Darcy. We're still hoping for some answers as to the cause. It's such a terrifying thing to think about, but we are so grateful that no one was seriously hurt.

Miss anything: Silence. I feel like whenever I walk or bend over, I can hear myself breathing. I HATE breathing noises like that!
Movements: Hiccups! Rolls! Kicks! And all as I'm settling down to go to sleep...
Cravings: The usual ice and pancakes.
Queasy or sick: Eh, I'm having regular light nose bleeds now, but I had them with Pemberley so it's not too surprising. I might try a humidifier next to my side of the bed and see if that helps.
Looking forward to: warmer weather. Is it summer yet?? I want to dress Pemberley and Waverley in matching summer rompers SO BAD!

We've gotten so many compliments from the nursery pictures I posted! I'm just positive that your darling little personality will match your sweet little room. As much as I don't want this to be over, I honestly can't wait until you're here! I have dibbs on kissing and hugging you first!

Love you sooooo much,

28 week chalkboard + nursery sneak peek

Dear sweet little one,

 Well, it's official. The third trimester. It honestly feels like your Daddy and I just found out that we were expecting again, and here we are, two thirds of the way closer to meeting you. It's so unreal how fast time flies, especially when you're having fun - believe me, I am having a blast being your mama!! (And, as you can see, also embracing the new year with some new blonde hair!)

How far along: 28 weeks - third trimester, here we come!

Gender: Little baby girl <3
Name: Waverley Violet
Maternity clothes: At this point, the number of maternity clothes I own may have eclipsed the number of non-maternity ones! I'll be so sad once I don't have a need to wear them anymore...
Best moment this week: Seeing all of the progress on the nursery! I may or may not have (but definitely did) repainted the purple accent wall this past week. I saw a color at Home Depot that I knew was just perfect, so I bought a sample and tried it out. And I love it! More on the nursery below...
Worst moment this week: It's pretty safe to say that pregnancy RLS is back. Thank God I'm going in on Tuesday for my (last) monthly checkup so I can ask about some relief. I get so crabby when I have no sleep!
Miss anything: Sleep. Rest. Naps. Siestas. Shut eye. Ugh.
Movements: With a belly that big, you'd better believe it!
Cravings: Crushed ice is life. Pretty sure Raleigh is sick of cleaning up cups with spoons in them that he finds littered around the house. #sorrynotsorry #crushediceisbestwithaspoon
Queasy or sick: Starting this year off feeling really good :)
Looking forward to: Getting my glucose tolerance test over with on Tuesday. Fingers crossed for low numbers like I had with Pemberley!

Okay, so your nursery. It. Is. Amazing! It's definitely a tie between your room and Pemberley's room for my favorite space in the house. I'm really happy we decided to go with purple and pink, instead of just purple. I think it adds a sweet, girly touch :) The alphabet wall is done and hung, and the lampshade is finished too. They couldn't match with your rug any better! I hope, hope, hope you grow to love your room as much as I do when you're old enough. Once the closet is finished and your name is done for above your crib, I'll post more pictures. But for now...here are some sneaks! 

 

Love you so much, little baby girl!