How far along? 37 Weeks
Maternity clothes? Well...it's been Josh's boxers and t-shirts since I've been on bed rest.  I can't wait to be like a normal person once again.
Stretch marks? None yet
Sleep: Awful. I can't move.  It's so uncomfortable.  My left side cramps up. Ugh!
Best moment this week: Getting out of the house to go to my doctors appointment.  Yes, that was excitement for me.  Thankfully, Juliette is doing well in there.  
Miss Anything? Being comfortable! 
Movement: Constantly...until I get hooked up to the fetal non-stress test.  Then she likes to go to seep on me.
Food cravings: I'm ready for some caffeine!  And I'd die for a big piece of brie cheese.  Warm brie cheese, wrapped in filo dough.  That sounds amazing.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nada.
Gender: Girl.  One stubborn little girl that doesn't want to come out.  Guess I can't blame her!
Labor Signs: None. WTH.  
Symptoms: Week 37 is when I officially hit a wall. Being uncomfortable has a whole new meaning...bed rest is just dreadful.  
Belly Button in or out? In
Wedding rings on or off? Off
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy
Looking forward to: Getting this girl out!  It's time she make her grand appearance!


This week has been hard on me mentally.  I'm just ready to see her and not be pregnant.  Pregnancy is not for the weak of heart.  I have more appreciation for women that go through this more than once or twice.  Men have it so easy.

At our doctors appointment on Monday (which by the way...I am officially a regular at the office...I don't even need to sign in any more!) we had another fetal non-stress test.  I also got to experience my first cervical check.  OUCH!  So far...no dilation, no thinning and she hasn't dropped at all.  All my urine tests and blood tests came back negative and good.  They don't want to induce me until some progress is made.  So cross your fingers and hope some progress is made!  

How far along? 36 Weeks
Maternity clothes? Anything comfy!  Since I haven't been out of the house much, I live in PJ's.
Stretch marks? None yet
Sleep: Nothing is comfortable anymore.  Since I have to be on my left side most of the day, sleep isn't that comfy anymore   I now use SIX pillows.  I have four behind me, one to the left and one to the right of me.  Poor Josh doesn't have much room in the bed anymore. 
Best moment this week: It's come down to this...getting out of the house to go to the doctors office.  I actually look forward to going.  It's the highlight of the week.  We've been going on Mondays & Thursdays.  On the home front, I have really enjoyed watching "Downton Abbey."  We are both addicted!  Such a great show!  Mugsy & Monty are loving having me around!
Miss Anything? Being able to do things.  I miss being able to clean.  I want to vacuum the house so badly!
Movement: She's still having a ball in there.  I get jabs and punches all day long!
Food cravings: Nothing out of the ordinary.  Just steering away from anything that might give me heartburn. 
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nada
Gender: Girl...A.K.A.  "The Diva" 
Labor Signs: No
Symptoms: High blood pressure still.  My left side has started to hurt from laying on it all day.  It wouldn't surprise me if my left shoulder and left hip are messed up after this!  Carpal tunnel in my hands when I wake up. 
Belly Button in or out? In
Wedding rings on or off? Off
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy for the most part.
Looking forward to: Knowing when she is going to come out!  I'm such a planner and this is killing me!

I also got to do ANOTHER 24-Hour urine test.  Josh really loves opening the fridge door and seeing my big jug o' pee.  It's back to the doctor tomorrow for another non-stress test and ultrasound!

BTW...little "Diva" (as I am now calling her) turned herself breech last week.  My fingers are crossed that she has flipped herself back to head down!  

My bed rest companion!  Monty is in heaven!  He gets me all to himself. :)

How far along? 35 Weeks
Maternity clothes? Oh yes
Stretch marks? None yet, still going strong!
Sleep: Sleeping still
Best moment this week: Getting a pedicure.  It was amazing.  It's been a while and it felt so good to be pampered.  I did feel bad for the lady that had to touch my swollen feet!
Miss Anything? Now that I am on bed rest...I miss a LOT. 
Movement: All the time!  She's an active little girl!
Food cravings: Peanut Butter.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nothing.
Gender: Girl still (We asked again at our last ultrasound.  Definitely a girl!)
Labor Signs: Nada.
Symptoms: Still fighting the heartburn and the big enemy...high blood pressure.
Belly Button in or out? Miraculously still in.
Wedding rings on or off? Off
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy...with a few bouts of moody
Looking forward to: Finally getting to see this girl!  It seems so far away, but I know it will come fast!

The good, the bad and the just plain ugly...

The good...Juliette is doing great in there!

The bad...I am still fighting high blood pressure.  I can't wait to get some color and to go back to being a blond!  Sorry I look like crap here folks, but I'm keeping it real.

And the just plain ugly...I had to do a 24-hour urine test.  Check out my jug o' pee!  I also had to get swabbed for "GBS"...Group B streptococcus.  That was fun too.

It's back to the doctor tomorrow!  We have another ultrasound and yet another non-stress test. I am soooo glad that she is holding up better than me!  She's just having a great time in there!

How far along? 34 Weeks
Maternity clothes? Mostly
Stretch marks? Nope
Sleep: Fairly good.  Still fighting this darn cold.  I've been using a cool mist humidifier that helps at night.
Best moment this week: Making it through a LONG Saturday Childbirth Class!  8.5 Hours!
Miss Anything? Being able to breathe.  This never-ending cold is making me really appreciate those times when I can breathe without thinking about breathing.
Movement: Constantly
Food cravings: Nothing crazy this week.  Still chugging water like there's no tomorrow.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nothing.  I guess I can say that I never had any morning sickness or nausea.
Gender: Girl 
Labor Signs: No
Symptoms: Heartburn still.  Ugh.  At least the Tums are good for extra calcium too.  High blood pressure...see below.
Belly Button in or out? In
Wedding rings on or off? Off
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy
Looking forward to:  Having normal ankles, feet and hands again!  I have never felt so huge!


We went to our Childbirth Class this past Saturday.  It was quite informative.  After attending, I think it has helped me determine that I DO want an epidural!  Josh says he is all for the epidural too (not that he gets much say in that choice) because he doesn't want to deal with an unmediated pregnant lady.  Can't say I blame him.  I cannot believe we are only 6 weeks away from her due date!  Craziness!  

Proof we went...

Special thanks to Uncle Chris for sending Juliette a gift.  I'm sure she will love her Billy Bob pacifier!

And in other news...my blood pressure continues to be high.  Thankfully, Juliette is doing good and seemingly unaffected by my high blood pressure.  We had an ultrasound done yesterday that showed the amniotic fluid is at a good level and she is responding well.  She was moving around and had hiccups!  I will be going on complete bed rest soon.  I'm in the process of getting everyone caught up at work so I can leave and not worry.  I've never been good at just sitting so hopefully I don't drive Josh crazy! 

How far along? 33 Weeks
Maternity clothes? Maternity & comfy clothes.
Stretch marks? No.  I've really been making a conscious effort to slather on the stretch mark lotion!
Sleep: Not enough.  I have been waking up feeling like I need more...even though I'm getting at least 8 hours every night.
Best moment this week: Sleep.  Not gonna lie....it's been a rough week with Josh & I being sick with colds.
Miss Anything? Being able to sleep on my stomach and being able to get up off the couch easily.
Movement: She's having fun in there!
Food cravings: Water.  Water has never tasted so good.  I've always been a big water drinker, but lately I cannot get enough
Anything making you queasy or sick: Not really.
Gender: Still a girl.
Labor Signs: No ..but it's starting to get me nervous thinking about labor.  She's gotta come out one way or another.  And Josh has a pretty large head...
Symptoms: Heartburn.  I had to buy another bottle of Tums to keep in my purse.  I don't leave home without them!
Belly Button in or out? Holding on to an innie.
Wedding rings on or off? Off.
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy! 
Looking forward to: Getting to Week 37...full term!  Getting closer!


I've been fighting a cold all week.  Being pregnant, a cold sucks even more than it does for a normal person.  You cannot take anything.  My nose is raw and I feel like poo.  Hopefully, this cold goes away soon.  I'm going on day 6 today.

We missed Jackie's Birthday/New Year's Eve Extravaganza due to being sick :(.  I even missed the countdown and ball dropping.  At least next year, we will have a beautiful little girl to join us...even though she will most likely be asleep!

How far along? 32 Weeks
Maternity clothes? Yes. Starting to feel like ten pounds of s*** in a five pound bag.
Stretch marks? None yet
Sleep: Sleep is good...I just can't seem to get enough.
Best moment this week: Rolling into 2013...the year our baby will be born!! it seemed so far away but now here we are!
Miss Anything? Oh the things we take for granted!  It has gotten really hard for me to bend over.  If I drop something, I am getting really cleaver at using my feet to pick them up!
Movement: Still lots of movement & baby hiccups.. I know I will miss this feeling so much.
Food cravings: Anything from "The Floridian."  Josh and I ate there on Christmas Eve.  And it was amazing.  Everything on their menu is so inventive and creative...and well, just amazing.  I had tempeh for the first time and it was incredible.  I honestly didn't really even know what I was ordering, but I thought I would give it a whirl.  For those of you who have no idea what it is... From wikipedia.org..."Tempeh, is a traditional soy product originally from Indonesia. It is made by a natural culturing and controlled fermentation process that binds soybeans into a cake form, similar to a very firm vegetarian burger patty.  It originated in today's Indonesia, and is especially popular on the island of Java, where it is a staple source of protein. Like tofu, tempeh is made from soybeans, but it is a whole soybean product with different nutritional characteristics and textural qualities.  Tempeh's fermentation process and its retention of the whole bean give it a higher content of protein, dietary fiber, and vitamins. It has a firm texture and an earthy flavor which becomes more pronounced as it ages."
Anything making you queasy or sick: Not really..but the Cornish hens I made for Christmas Dinner were hard for me to look at.  Not sure if it's because I'm pregnant or what, but they just looked like little babies.  I had a hard time cooking them.

Gender: Girl
Labor Signs: No
Symptoms: Heartburn and swelling in my calves/feet and hands.  Sodium is the enemy.
Belly Button in or out? Still in.  Barely.
Wedding rings on or off? Off :(
Happy or Moody most of the time: HAPPY!
Looking forward to: 2013 is right around the corner!


I went to my first class the other night...Breastfeeding 101.  Wowza!  I am going to give it a go!  We go to our Childbirth class soon too!  D-Day is quickly approaching!  We need to get the hospital bag packed!  (I started packing Juliette's bag last night!  I can't decide on what clothes to bring her!)

Josh got me an awesome camera for Christmas!  I have been reading up on how to take great pictures so the pictures on here should start to get MUCH better!  I found a great blog that has some wonderful hints for not-so-professional-yet-wannabe-professional-photographers...Kevin & Amanda.  Thanks Lovee!  Some of my pics I've taken so far...

How far along? 31 Weeks 
Maternity clothes? Yes
Stretch marks? None that I can see
Sleep: Great. I wish I could stockpile sleep so when Juliette arrives I need less.  Too bad that's not how it works.
Best moment this week: Having all my friends over for our last baby shower.  I have the best friends ever!
Miss Anything? Just preparing myself for that Magic Hat #9.  I just know it is going to be delish.  I also was craving an iced caramel macchiato from Starbucks the other day.  It's been so hot here lately that an iced coffee sounded amazing.  And I want it fully leaded.
Movement: Lots. I think she was hiccuping the other day.  I made Josh come and feel it.  I can't wait to see her hiccup in person!
Food cravings: Josh brought home some lobster ravioli from SW Grill last night.  It was amazing.  And I ate it cold.  I bet it's even better warm!  Maybe Josh will take me there one day.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope.
Gender: Girl
Labor Signs: No
Symptoms: Heartburn.  It's bad.  I woke up a few times this week with bad heartburn.  Tums are my friend.
Belly Button in or out? In.  I'm hoping it stays that way.
Wedding rings on or off? Off :(  Better safe than sorry.
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy!  Ready for Santa!
Looking forward to: CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Josh has been biting at the bit to open gifts.  I hope Santa brings him what he wants!


I saw this cute little picture on Pinterest this week.  I know it will soon become my motto for Juliette!

How far along? 30 Weeks
Maternity clothes? Yes.
Stretch marks? No
Sleep: Really good.
Best moment this week: Being told my blood pressure is better!
Miss Anything? Not really...other than being able to do things like a normal person.  I have been told that I am to cut all working out, out.  So...it's work and then home to lay down on my left side for me for the next 9 weeks!
Movement: LOTS!  She's going to be a night owl like her father!
Food cravings: Pretzels are a "no go" now.  I went in on Monday for a checkup and was told my blood pressure was high.  Since then, I have cut salt out and increased my water intake.  I lost 5 lbs. in water weight AND got my blood pressure down.  It's amazing the huge effect salt has on the body!  So now I am eating lots of spinach, sweet potatoes, apples, grilled chicken, lima beans and pretty much anything that helps with high blood pressure.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope
Gender: Girl
Labor Signs: No
Symptoms: Heartburn and some swelling.  The swelling has gotten MUCH better since I cut most all salt from my diet.
Belly Button in or out? In
Wedding rings on or off? Off :(  The swelling got bad this week so they are off.  When I went to the doctor on Monday, the doctor told me that many women have to get their rings cut off!  So...better safe than sorry!  I did get a temporary replacement. (Note: my hands are looking close to normal size today!  The swelling is soooooo much better!)

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy.  Monday was not a good day though.  My doctor appointment on Monday had me a little down.  My blood pressure was 130/90 and my feet were pretty swollen.  I went back in on Thursday and everything was better!
Looking forward to: Meeting this little girl!  This week I have been pondering what she is going to look like.  I think she will come out without any hair.  Josh's brown eyes will most likely prevail over her momma's baby blues.  


The week started off not-so-good, but has definitely gotten better!  Only 12 more days till Christmas!  I can't wait!  Till then, I will snuggle on the couch with my Bitty.  He loves my new "pillow"!

How far along? 29 Weeks
Maternity clothes?  Yes
Stretch marks? No
Sleep: Still sleeping great
Best moment this week: Mugsy the Boston Terrorist is become more and more lovey and cuddly.  This morning before work he curled up next to me for a good hour.  It was such a small thing, but so precious.  If you know Mugsy, you understand!
Miss Anything? Being able to work out like normal without getting out of breath and being able to lay on my back! 
Movement: Lots of movement still, although I'd imagine she's going to start getting pretty cramped in there.  Last night it felt like she was working on a gymnastic routine in there.  I hope she is having fun in there!
Food cravings: Pretzels with spicy brown mustard.  I bought a HUGE bottle of Gulden's Spicy Brown Mustard at the beginning of the week (we're talking the JUMBO size!) and I've gone through a good third of the bottle already.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope
Gender: Girl
Labor Signs: No
Symptoms: Swollen ankles...they get bad if I don't elevate them!  This is what they looked like the other day at work after sitting for a few hours.  No ankle bone present there!

Belly Button in or out? In...here's proof!

Wedding rings on or off? On
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy! 
Looking forward to: Christmas!  Josh and I both have Christmas Eve & Christmas Day off!


I decided this was my last week at the gym I go to for bootcamp classes.  It's started to make me frustrated that I can't do everything like everyone else.  So...from now until Juliette has made her arrival, I will be walking and exercising like a pregnant lady!

Also, I forgot to say this last week, but I did pass the Glucose Tolerance Test! Who hoo!

How far along? 28 Weeks
Maternity clothes? Yes
Stretch marks? Not yet.
Sleep: Sleeping o.k.  My neck is so sore it hurts to move it at night making sleep a bit more difficult.
Best moment this week: Going to the doctor and hearing her heartbeat.  I always hold my breath until that moment when they "capture" it.  
Miss Anything?  Being able to move around like normal.  Everything seems a bit harder now to do now.  Like getting off of the couch.  I now roll off.
Movement: Constantly!  She is one little busy body!  At nighttime, she seems to be having a party in there.  She will kick my bladder to the point where I have to pee.  
Food cravings: Apple juice this week.  It's so refreshing!  
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope. Still eating like there's no tomorrow.  
Gender: Girl
Labor Signs: No
Symptoms: My neck and back constantly hurt.  I have been using a heating pad and taking two Tylenol, but it doesn't seem to help much.  I need a massage!
Belly Button in or out? In
Wedding rings on or off? On...getting tight though.
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy.  I did have one small meltdown this week...sorry Lovee!
Looking forward to: Being able to hold her!  

At our doctor's appointment this week, I got to actually feel her head (from the outside)!  I haven't known exactly how she has been positioning herself inside of me, but the doctor directed me towards her head.  So far, she is head down, butt up!

I did have a beer this past week!  It was non-alcoholic, but tasted pretty close to the real thing.  Only 80 days (or so...) till I can enjoy that Magic Hat #9!

I've been practicing my swaddling on Monty.  So far so good!  He liked it!