2 Weeks Old!

HBH | born 3/11 @ 7:06pm | 7 lbs 11 oz | 21 inches long

Definitely my favorite picture of him so far

Name: Hart Barnett Heeter

Hart - We found Hart on my dad's family tree. It is our little Hart's great-great-great-great Uncle on my grandpa's side. We thought Hart Heeter had a great ring to it. It's a unique name, but also classic. The whole pregnancy, we steered toward surnames as first names, and this one was always top of the list.

Barnett - My mom's maiden name! My mom has one brother who had all daughters, so we wanted to keep the Barnett line going! Jon thought "Hart Barnett" sounded like a movie star, so what could be better?

How old: 2 weeks tomorrow :)

Hart's weight: 8 lbs 0.5 oz! He was 7 lbs 1 oz last week, and the doctor was really happy that he's been gaining about 2 oz a day rather than the typical 1 oz a day. What a champ!

Sleep: Hart is getting on a schedule already at 2 weeks! He eats every 3 hours, and naps 1.5 hours after each feeding. He's very active and alert right after he eats, and prefers a pacifier after he's been awake for 1.5 hours to soothe himself into a nap. At night, he has longer stretches anywhere from 2-3.5 hours. He's currently sleeping in a bassinet next to our bed because he never really cries, only whines. We weren't sure we would be able to hear him from the nursery, but have plans of moving him over around 1-2 months. I'm laying him in his crib for naps during the day to get him used to sleeping in the nursery. 

Hart usually wakes up and babbles/grunts to himself for 10-30 minutes before really wanting to be picked up or fed. He's already a self-sufficient little guy! 

Best moment this week: I think the weekend was the best. Since Jon was off work, we got to sleep in and hang out in bed until late morning as a family of four. Jon's family was here this weekend and part of this past week, and we did a lot! Hart went out for dinner in the city with a stop at Little Man after, a fancy dinner at Seasons 52, visited Jon at work, the Breckenridge Brewery in Littleton, Snooze for breakfast, and to Daniel's Park. 

We were here when I was 7 weeks pregnant, 36 weeks pregnant, and when Hart was 9 days old! Definitely one of our favorite look out spots :)

We are so thrilled that he is doing well when we go out and about! That was a huge thing for us, getting him out and acclimated to noise and being in different environments. 

Reading Harry Potter with dad

Happy is OBSESSED with his baby. These two are going to be best buddies.

Worst moment this week: I may have cried on our way home from the city Sunday night because Jon had to go back to work. Hart is a super easy and relaxed baby, so I'm not very overwhelmed during the day, but I just love having Jon around. Luckily, he worked from home Tuesday (while Hart, Happy, and I took an afternoon siesta) and a half day Wednesday so that was awesome.

Eating: Hart is eating like a champ! He's not shy about latching on, and even takes a bottle already. Anything for that milk! He is VERY hard to wake up when he's sleeping, so sometimes he'll go a little long between feedings. I usually pump and then feed him a bottle when that happens, which is probably every other day at most. The doctor encouraged us to do one bottle a day to make sure he's able to take a bottle and nurse. I'm hoping to transition to bottles for night feeds in the next few weeks. He eats a bottle so much faster than he nurses. He likes to eat a little, snooze a little, chomp a little, so I'm excited at the idea that night feedings might go a little quicker.

Looking forward to: My parents come to meet Hart on Sunday night! I'm very excited for them to meet him, and be able to do some fun stuff while they're in town. We don't have any solid plans, but it's nice knowing Hart is able to go out and just hang easily. I think we'll meet up with Jon in the city for lunch one day, maybe go to Daniel's Park again or Lookout Mountain, and I'm even entertaining the idea of a Breckenridge trip (we'll see in grandpa is up for the higher altitude)!

Our relationship: Everyone told me that after baby Jon and I would fight and be at each other throats and that I would love Hart more than Jon. While I DO love Hart, the love I have for him doesn't surpass what I feel for Jon. It definitely helps that Jon is the best. He's always changing diapers (I probably change 1 to every 4 he changes), asking if I need anything, and offering to hold a fussy HBH while I shut my eyes for a few minutes or shower. We were talking before bed how we both are sharing the duties that go with taking care of a newborn, so there's no feeling jealous that he's sleeping all night while I do it all, or feeling frustrated that he won't help more. Jon's mom asked if we've ever loved anything more than Hart, and I said Jon. And it's true. Without him, Hart wouldn't even be here. Seeing how loving he is as a husband and father makes my heart swell. I guess all this to say, don't expect your relationship to struggle after the baby. Talk about what might make your relationship harder BEFORE little one arrives, and hold yourself to changing those things after he/she shows up. Marriage first.

Labor & Delivery: I had probably the easiest first time labor and delivery ever. This was very exciting because my whole pregnancy was spent with people telling me their delivery horror stories. I was totally mentally prepared to be rushed into an emergency c-section just in case something dramatic happened. 

I'm not entirely surprised Hart is so chill, because delivery was too! We thought I would be induced right when we got there, but they needed me to be on 2-3 hours of medicine (for Strep B) before inducing. Luckily that meant some room service before getting things going!

They started me on Pitocin around 11:30, and I was very vocal about my reservations of being on the drug, so they started me at the lowest dose and contractions started right away. They only upped the dose twice (from 2-6, usually women don't start contractions until a 20), and then turned it down once. I was never on a lot of it, just enough to give my body the signal that it was time for a baby.

Unfortunately, I didn't progress much further from just the Pitocin and my doctor broke my water around 2:00. This was probably the most painful part of the whole labor process, which is funny because everyone told me they didn't feel a thing when the doctor broke their water. It was miserable, and I was crying a lot after that. However, that got things moving FAST. I tried a few contractions with nitrous oxide, but I think at that point I was already at the worst of the contractions, and it just made me nauseous. 

At 4:00, I shamelessly asked for an epidural. The hardest part was staying still during the worst contractions while they inserted the needle. I was nervous about getting an epidural until I felt the pain. I probably would have done anything to get rid of it!

45 minutes later, I was 6cm dilated and 90% effaced - active labor! I felt pretty good because of the epidural, minus my right leg going completely numb. I could still feel mild contractions, but I could breathe through them.

Our nurse joked that she got off work at 7, so we had to have the baby before then, so I asked to be checked again at 6:30, and I was 10cm dilated and 100% effaced (along with my nurse saying "OH! There's the baby!")! Our nurse had me push once, and immediately told me to stop so they could call the doctor. 

Our doctor showed up around 6:50, they got the room ready, and three pushes later, Hart Barnett was born at 7:06pm!

One thing I loved about delivery was that our doctor never announced the gender, he just held up our baby so we could see ourselves. Another thing I loved was that while I was in active labor and pushing, it was just Jon, our doctor, and the nurse who started the day with us. The delivery nurses came in after, and they said they had a list of all the women who were in labor and I was at the bottom of the list. They said this would be a delivery to remember :) 

Jon and I peeked at the list of names we had brought with us to the hospital, but I think we both were pretty set on Hart Barnett once meeting him.

Just a few hours old

About a week old <3

40 Weeks, 1 Day Pregnant! (Last pregnancy post!)

40 week belly

How far along: 40 weeks, 1 day

One of the apps I've used this pregnancy has put together a time-lapse of all my belly photos! Check it out here! (Don't be fooled that it says baby is 7.6 lbs...)

Total weight gain: +37 lbs

Stretch marks: It's a miracle people. I only have stretch marks above my belly button. Well, it's where my belly button used to be before it got stretched out. Very interested to see how this turns out post-baby.

Sleep: Great. I cannot believe I made it through 40 weeks of pregnancy with less than 5 sleepless nights. The "pregnancy insomnia" was something that terrified me (note: I am a nightmare when sleep deprived... get ready Jon), so it was an incredible blessing not to struggle with that.

How could you not sleep great with this little cuddle bug?!

Best moment this week: Getting a deadline for baby! The hardest part of being pregnant this late in the game is not knowing when it will end. I'm so thrilled that things will get moving, and I'm truly not super nervous (yet). I feel so good about being 4 cm dilated (that was as of March 1st, so maybe even further now!), and am incredibly hopeful that will speed up labor. Our doc said the longest part of labor is getting to 5 cm, so cross your fingers for me! I'm also really excited because March 11 was my grandma's birthday, so I can't imagine a more meaningful date to (hopefully) bring little one into the world. Although if he/she decides to show up early, I wouldn't be too upset :)

We had our final doctor's appointment on Tuesday and saw baby one more time. The ultrasound was pretty rough because baby is totally squished in there, but we saw the baby BLINKING at us. Jon was pretty impressed and weirded out ("What is it looking at?!"). I would post a picture of the ultrasound, but I seriously can't even make out what it is and I was there.

Worst moment this week: Jon was very sick this week, which was a bit stressful with not knowing baby's timeline. He had a fever and incredibly runny nose, and we were worried he wouldn't be allowed to touch baby if he wasn't better! Luckily he's on the mend, and feeling a lot better.

Food cravings: Not so much this week. I've been feeling nauseous lately, but that hasn't stopped me from indulging in some sweets. Iced coffee is probably the thing I have needed/craved the most this pregnancy. I was never a "coffee-a-day" kind of girl, but this pregnancy I was! Luckily, they know now that one coffee a day is okay for pregnant mothers, or else I would have been very sad. I thought my baking kick was over, but Jon and I made our famous angel food cake with berries and homemade whipped cream. Deeeelish! One really exciting thing was that our doctor said he doesn't mind if I eat intermittently during labor. He did say the nurses don't like it, so we'll have to sneak it, but that was encouraging to hear.

Contrary to what Jon thought, and you are probably thinking, this is an acceptable single serving.

Movement: Still going strong. Especially when it's bedtime now, baby is going nuts! It's very easy to see now that baby is, well, the size of a baby, and my stomach is at capacity.

Labor signs: My hips feel like jello, which means they are loosening for labor. I also have a lot of cramping, but no real contractions. I'm taking Happy on our first long walk since Sunday (it has been below freezing here the last few days), and am wondering if that will spur something on. As of yesterday, baby was measuring 8 lbs 3 oz, so I'm excited to see how accurate that was. I was 8 lbs 11 oz and my mom said I FLEW out (after two big (like, larger) brothers), so I'm hopefully a smaller babe will be no problem at all. 

Wedding rings on or off: Still on, and not coming off. They don't hurt and aren't squeezing my finger, but they are not going anywhere until some swelling goes down!

Happy or moody: Happy! Now that we have a definite end day, if not sooner, I'm getting so excited and feel I can really knock out these last few days with less complaining and more grace. I'm not even sure we'll make it to Saturday. I feel like baby has dropped even further, and walking can be difficult. Maybe our walk today will do something...

Miss anything: Not being pregnant! I know I will strangely miss the belly and feeling little kicks all day, but I cannot wait to regain my balance and sleep however I'd like (when baby allows us to sleep). I wake up with a lot of abdominal pain because baby has been squished to one side all night. That will be great not to deal with. I know my body will go through many changes in the next few days, weeks, and months, but I'm so done with having a human live inside me.

Looking forward to: If we make it to Saturday, Jon and I will drop Happy off at Joe's on Friday night and do a last HURRAH in the city! We don't have any plans yet, but it will be fun to have a "final date night" before little one arrives. Also, last weekend we bought my favorite beer, so that's been taunting me in the fridge. I cannot wait to sip on that! And of course, baby coming. I can't wait to see if we'll have son or daughter and finally see his/her face. We've seriously NEVER gotten a good look at the face or even profile, so I'm just praying baby has one!

Induction: IF I make it to Saturday (my personal estimated due date is still March 10th!), here's our plan. We'll go to the doctor Saturday at 7:30am. They will check my cervix, get me all hooked up to IVs and then break my water. Our doctor said they'll let me walk around for a few hours in the hopes that contractions will start on their own. He seemed very confident things would move along since I am so dilated already. If contractions don't start, they will give me pitocin. As I've mentioned, I'm terrified of pitocin and the way it speeds up and makes labor harder on the woman, so please say endless prayers this isn't needed! Hopefully we will have a sweet little babe in our arms before the 11th is over. We will certainly let all you know once things settle, but don't expect a text the minute baby arrives. I will do an hour of skin-to-skin, they will monitor baby, and then we will get moved to a recovery room where we will spread the joyous news!

I don't think it needs to be said, but we would really appreciate keeping the news, and especially photos, off of social media until we're able to disclose it in our own time. We are in no rush to "let the world know," and appreciate the privacy and intimacy of this time when we will first be a family of four (don't forget Happy!).

He just can't wait to be a big brother!

I do intend to keep up the blog after baby comes to keep family and friends in the loop. It may not be as consistent, but it will be a good way to document baby's days and have you all be a part of his/her life :)

39 Weeks, 4 Days Pregnant!

How far along: 39 weeks, 4 days

Total weight gain: +36 lbs

Stretch marks: No new ones!

Sleep: Even better now that I'm on maternity leave! I still wake up to take Jon to the train, but I can skip all the getting ready hassle. Averaging 9 hours this week!

Best moment this week: Sunday was fun because I was extremely tired and took a midday nap with Happy. Jon did all the grocery shopping and carting his buyings up three flights of stairs (plus a surprise Starbucks run) all by himself because he's just the best. We also got desserts from Eddie Merlot's and watched the Oscars!

Jon snapped this right before he left for grocery shopping

Peanut Butter Cup. Also, please note Happy's hopeful sniffing.

Wednesday was probably my favorite. We had a morning appointment, which we never have, so I picked up Jon from work around 9:30 and we went to the doctor. The doctor went well, and then Jon picked out this little sandwich place, Olive & Finch and it was not only delicious, but healthy and adorable too! It was fun to have a lunch with him midday before dropping him back at work. Since being off work, I've gotten a lot done and a lot of resting, which is really great.

The Ankara. Turkey, brie, apples, and arugula. YUM!

Worst moment this week: Um... not having baby? Everyone has said they'd be shocked if I go any longer based on how dilated and effaced I am, yet here I stand! It's not awful though. I'm not in any discomfort, it's just hard to wait.

Food cravings: Sweets! I got some macaroons, meringues, chocolate covered bananas, and have been chowing down on pineapple like it's never growing back. That's more because I heard it can spur on labor, but it's still delicious.

I didn't save any for Jon. Not. Even. One. 

Movement: Still pounding away in there. Not as violent or harsh, but baby is still moving a lot!

Labor signs: Some very inconsistent and minor contractions (I can talk, walk, and move around easily through them). I am now officially 4 cm dilated and 70% effaced. I read that being 4 cm dilated means you're in active labor, but I can tell you there is nothing active about the labor I'm having over here. I've been walking over a mile daily with Happ, and we went on a nice long walk today, so I'm hoping that spurs on something!

There are a ton of walking trails right outside our apartment, so it's been nice exploring them. Plus they all go in little loops, so I'm never far from home just in case something happens!

Wedding rings on or off: On!

Happy or moody: Mostly happy, with some moodiness sprinkled in for good measure. Like I said, I'm feeling totally fine. This waiting game is rough though. Especially when ladies who were due weeks after me are welcoming their little ones now! Luckily for me, and unfortunately for her, Grace still hasn't had her sweet one, so we're in the same boat there.

Miss anything: Getting real excited at the prospect of beer! Really looking forward to my first Breckinridge Vanilla Porter after baby shows :)

Looking forward to: Baby's arrival! If baby doesn't show, we'll have another appointment Tuesday with a definite ultrasound to check on little one and fluid levels. That'll be really fun to see him/her one last time before it's in real life! Plus if I make it to then, we get another date in the city! Pros and cons of having to wait.

9 weeks ~ 19 weeks ~ 29 weeks ~ 39 weeks

38 Weeks, 4 Days Pregnant!

How far along: 38 weeks, 4 days

Total weight gain: +35 lbs. I'm not even stressed over this any more.

Stretch marks: Just the ones above my belly button. Still waiting on ones on the side to pop up!

Sleep: Good! Averaging 8 hours this week, but still feeling exhausted. I plan to take advantage of maternity leave (if I make it to then) by resting and snoozing as much as possible.

Best moment this week: Last weekend was actually great because Jon cleaned the tub for me and I took two baths! I'm not typically a bath person, but I set up candles, used a bath bomb (which I am officially obsessed with) and listened to my audiobook. It made all my back pain go away. It really made me think I'll be taking advantage of the tub in my birthing suite.

Tuesday was fun because we had another doctor's appointment and it was a BEAUTIFUL day - like 72 out! We went to Lowry Beer Garden after and indulged in the most delicious burgers we haven't had since this fall. It was the best, and it really hit me that this won't happen much more. We can certainly go out with baby, but random day dates in the city just the two of us will soon be things of the past.

Jon got a burger with sugared bacon, cheddar, and BBQ and I got a garden burger with avocado and swiss. AND I got a $2 chocolate soft serve cone! 

Worst moment this week: Today. It was both the worst and best. I spent over 6 hours at school getting ready for my leave - writing out detailed plans for March 1-17 for all four of my classes, getting all necessary copies and documents, and cleaning my classroom - and then about 2 more hours here at home working. It was exhausting and terrible, but it feels so good to know everything is set. While I was working today, my principal popped in and said they're interviewing for my sub Monday, and then want to see the person sample teach, and then want to get the person in my room for a few days to observe me... and I had to remind her that my last day is Tuesday (not the first reminder). So that's a bit stressful, but it's out of my hands.

Food cravings: Still mostly sweets, but I'm really craving a good salad/veggie sub right now. 

Movement: I can tell babe is definitely restricted in there, but still a steady amount of movement. I had a dream that we could see baby's fingers and handprint because they were pushing so hard! Luckily that's not a reality. Mostly, I'm just lopsided. I think it's because I have a narrow waist, so my stomach is just protruding straight out rather than to the sides. I can tell baby has dropped because the kicks are now bellow my belly button!

This is the norm. Even when I walk around, baby's poking out to my left.

Symptoms: Back ache has been a killer, especially since I was bending over and standing a lot today in my classroom. Pressure in my pelvis, too, because baby is gradually moving lower.

Labor signs: I'm 3cm dilated and 60% effaced! The doctor said that means I could have the baby any day, or in two weeks (so it means nothing). I had some contractions on Wednesday that sent me home a little early, but the doctor warned that can happen after they check your cervix for the first time. They weren't terrible, and I haven't had any since. Now that work is all settled (in terms of plans at least), I feel more ready. I also feel good about potentially waiting!

Doctor said they will look at inducing if baby hasn't come by March 14, but will try to induce by natural methods rather than drugs like Pitocin. Say a prayer now, because I've heard Pitocin makes labor a thousand times harder - it forces your body to have contraction after contraction, rather than your body naturally resting between contractions. 

Wedding rings on or off: Still on!

Happy or moody: Definitely back to happy this week. I have TWO more days of work (what!), and everything at our apartment is ready for baby. I feel really good physically, mentally, and am ready for baby to show any day, or when he/she is ready. I'm glad I'm not incredibly uncomfortable and am able to enjoy this fleeting part of life. I'm also excited to spend more time with Happy. He's been pretty obsessed with me and will follow me around when I get up to pee in the middle of the night. He can tell something is happening, and is being the best as usual.

Miss anything: This is so petty to complain about, especially since I've been sleeping so well, but it takes me forever to fall asleep. Like 1-2 hours. Once I'm out, I'm out though.

Looking forward to: Tuesday being over! I will officially be on maternity leave, and this will probably be the most peaceful few days of life. We have our next appointment on Wednesday morning, and I'm excited to see if I've dilated any more, or if baby's still doing their thing.

Poor thing got his teeth cleaned on Thursday. He was zombie-pup after and was staring into space, sleeping in his food bowl, and groaning non-stop. He's doing a lot better now and his teeth look GREAT!

37 Weeks, 4 Days Pregnant!

How far along: 37 weeks, 4 days

Total weight gain: +33 lbs

Stretch marks: The first have appeared :( They are between my old belly button piercing and where my belly button is now. Sometimes they look like tiny cuts, but I think they're stretch marks.

Sleep: Eh. I had been sleeping great - like 9+ hours a night. And then on Thursday morning I woke up at 4:30am, and Thursday night I got 1 hour and 45 minutes of sleep according to my FitBit. Thank heavens we had a PD the next day at school because there's no way I would have been a quality teacher. It's starting to get very uncomfortable/painful because baby has most definitely dropped and there's an extreme amount of pressure in my pelvis. You can't just snooze off when it feels there's a bowling ball in your pelvis. Luckily last night I got 9.5 hours of sleep, so it's all evened out. Plus I have Monday off to recuperate!

Best moment this week: Tuesday was fun because it was Valentine's Day and our doctor's appointment. The appointment was as uneventful as ever - baby is still alive! But we went back to el Camino and got $1 tacos and delicious queso and guac. It was a $15 dinner, which is pretty impressive for Valentine's Day!

My three Valentine's! :)

I made homemade gingerbread cookies for my coworkers. They keep asking if I'll come back every Monday to drop off treats, because this has been happening for the past month. I'm already planning what I'll bring next week!

I also got Jon and microwavable s'mores maker, so we've been indulging in that since Valentines!

Thursday and Friday were great because my school doted on me both days with tons of beautiful and practical baby essentials. I've only been there 7 months, and I was completely overwhelmed by the love and support. Each half hour on Thursday people popped into my room and filled up a beautiful basket with onesies, swaddles, blankets, lotion, bath essentials, and tons of books. And on Friday, there was a breakfast and tons of diapers and just a nice little gathering before our Professional Development started. It was especially fun because they doted on Grace as well. I can't believe how lucky I am to be pregnant when she is, and have this amazing support system when I still feel new here. So much love.

You can't even see it all. There's a basket in there STUFFED with things, and a bag full of goodies and more diapers.

Worst moment this week: Definitely Thursday night getting my cavities filled. The nurse who did my Novocain was a little harsh and I still feel kind of bruised in my mouth. I was also having a few fleeting contractions, and my hands were really shaky, and I thought I was going to throw up. Not ideal when your mouth is gradually going numb. It helped to go to the bathroom and get some water, but was not fun while it was happening. The dentist filled three cavities in 20 minutes, so that was a blessing. And she reiterated this was not my fault and it won't happen again as long as I'm following my home care routine - which I plan to!

Food cravings: Definitely peanut butter and chocolate combinations. I had the most delicious and rich pancake flight at Snooze this morning that REALLY hit the spot.

Peanut butter cup // Chocolate pancake with rum sauce and walnuts // Molten pomegranate chocolate pancake

Movement: Still very active, even though the doctor mentioned it will slow down. Baby likes to roll either a foot or elbow or knee around my belly button and it's quite easy to see. 

Symptoms: Just a lot of pelvic pressure. It's worse when I've been sitting for a while because baby just hunkers down in my pelvis. Sleeping is getting uncomfortable, but that's all normal!

Labor signs: Not really. I've had very minor contractions which I'm able to talk and walk through without thought, and sometimes I'm not even sure they are contractions because they're so vague or fleeting. The doctor said at our last visit to anticipate 3 more weeks of baby in belly!

Wedding rings on or off: On. I got my engagement ring off yesterday, but popped it right back on. I'm definitely more swollen, but it's not uncomfortable or tight.

Happy or moody: Definitely more moody this week. Each night I just feel like bursting into tears, even though I've had a perfectly fine day and nothing bad has happened. Maybe this new rush of hormones means baby is getting ready to make their grade debut!

Miss anything: Honestly, no. For being a little over 37 weeks, I feel really good. I'm praying the lack of sleep does not become a constant because that would be rough. But I only have 6 more school days and then I'm on my leave, so I can power through!

Looking forward to: Like I said before, I have Monday off and I plan to wash all our new baby things and get the nursery back in order. We have our next appointment Tuesday, and my doctor won't be there so we're meeting with one of the other doctors in the practice. I'm actually really glad because any of the 3 doctors could be the one to deliver baby, so I'm excited to meet this one before she is potentially delivering baby. It'll also be interesting to see if she checks to see if I'm dilated (they haven't done it since I have Strep B and they don't want to stir up bacteria) or just let me cook some more. And my maternity leave starts on March 1st, and I couldn't be more excited for that! My sister-in-law's little sister is currently in labor (!!) and I am SO excited to hear what they name their little girl and how her labor/delivery goes. Hoping everything goes smoothly and their little one arrives happy and healthy!

Last weekend Jon made me the BEST french toast he's ever made. He got cinnamon swirl bread and it was like eating at a restaurant. Breakfast in bed in kind of our thing.

Happy just couldn't figure out why my belly was continually kicking him in the face. Gosh, he's cute!

36 Weeks, 4 Days Pregnant!

This was one of my favorite dresses before pregnancy because it made me feel super slim. And while it has a different effect now, I felt really good showing off the bump at work. One of my kids gasped when she saw me and told me I looked very beautiful :)

How far along: 36 weeks, 4 days

Total weight gain: + 32 lbs

Stretch marks: Somehow, still none. My belly button is definitely being weird. It has no feeling at all, and is starting to go purple, which I think might just be a giant stretch mark that I can't see yet because it's so stretched.

Sleep: Good! Still averaging a little over 8 hours a night. I'm a lucky lady.

Best moment this week: Jon returning from his trip! Happy was SO adorably thrilled. He snuggled between us in bed for a few hours and was at a lot more peace since we were together. Thursday night he spent the whole night crying at me and trying to get me out the door, presumably so we could go pick up Jon. He's been in a much better mood since Jon's been home. We also went out to Castle Pines yesterday after I picked up Jon and just caught the sunset. It was beautiful, but cold and windy!

Happy LOVES this view. Both times we've been here, he just puts his face into the wind and stares. He loves jumping up and down the boulders. It's so adorable.

<3

Last time the bump was here, I was 7 weeks pregnant and on the verge of throwing up. This time we talked about picnicking here with baby in tow. My, how things change!

Worst moment this week: I went to the dentist and found out I have a few cavities. BUT (listen close, mom and dad!) the doctor said they're not my fault! She said I have the best teeth and gums of any pregnant lady she's worked with - I floss and use fluoride religiously. However, a few of the cavities I've had in the past were sealed rather than filled. That sealing cracked and bacteria got in there, causing cavities UNDER the sealant. There's no way I could've gotten that cleaned, hence the cavities (see... not my fault!). So I'm getting them filled on Thursday, and she said insurance will cover most of it so that's a relief! I'm also very glad it's getting done before baby because they could easily turn into root canals and I do NOT want to deal with that. 

Food cravings: Cinnamon toast crunch. I also got some dark chocolate covered pretzel thins, which are really hitting my sweet cravings.

Movement: Yep! Still hitting hard and looking like an alien!

Symptoms: I've got my backache back :( I've also been feeling super exhausted by 11 am, which is very hard to deal with when you teach. I just realized, though, that I have only 11 days left of work - and one of those days is a PD day! I'm shocked, and VERY excited. I know motherhood will be a completely different, and more difficult job. However, I'm excited for a different type of stress. It's hard being evaluated on your students' test scores when you're doing the best you can in the classroom. And it's hard knowing you're hitting all the different learners in your classroom, and still holding them to the standards dictated by the state. I'm ready for a little break from that stress and completely excited to trade it in to hold our little mystery babe.

Labor signs: I did have a few, fleeting Braxton Hicks contractions on Monday and Wednesday. It was scary on Monday because I was very anxious about going into labor right after Jon left for Florida. Then I had some contractions at work while my kids were getting ready to go to lunch. It was ROUGH because I just wanted to lay down, but I needed to round them up - you know, reminding them to pick up scraps and clean their desks and push in their chairs - and walk them to the lunchroom. Walking actually helped, but it took a lot out of me. People were not shy about saying "WHOA! You look exhausted!" One lady even told me I looked much more bloated than the previous day. Thanks. 

Wedding rings on or off: I think they're permanently on. I might've missed the window to take them off, and I'm hoping I don't swell TOO much and have to get them cut off. I would die.

Happy or moody: Still happy! I feel like I might go to my due date, which I would be totally fine with, mostly because I still feel relatively normal for being 9 months pregnant. Baby is definitely sitting lower and heavier, but all in all I feel good. I have not had many of the negative pregnancy symptoms, which completely helps my mood. I also don't feel the rush of hormones, and am not particularly weepy or grouchy. It's been good.

Miss anything: Being able to roll over in the middle of the night without needing to wake up and heave myself around. I also have been peeing a ton more in the middle of the night. I'm lucky that I can go right back to sleep, but it's rather annoying having to get up every 2 hours.

Looking forward to: Jon and I are in the process of upgrading our phones! Ours have been slowly crapping out, and we figure we better get this done before baby makes their grand entrance. This next week is a short week at school - at least for the kids. We have our next appointment on Tuesday so I'm leaving work early for that. It's on Valentine's Day, which will be great since we generally do a date in the city after. I'm thinking taco Tuesday at El Camino again. Then the kids have their Valentine's party on Thursday, and we have professional development on Friday. I love PD days because you can wear whatever you want, and it's not as emotionally/mentally draining as dealing with the kids. I LOVE teaching, but it's a lot of work to manage their behavior and be sure they're getting an education to the standards in place. Stressful. And I have next Monday off, so that's a joy!

Happy was ALL OVER me when Jon was gone. He was very protective, and such a good pup. He would poop right when expected so I was never late for work or bed, ate really well (until Thursday) and was super snuggly. Everything I needed while Jon was gone.

This photo is from just over two years ago, and my heart just burst seeing it. This was when Genevieve was absolutely enamored with Uncle Jon's face. And look at his sweet smile! He's going to be such a great dad :)

35 Weeks, 5 Days Pregnant!

How far along: 35 weeks, 4 days

Total weight gain: +30lbs

Stretch marks: None.

Sleep: On and off. I woke up at 4am on Saturday morning and couldn't go back to sleep, but made up for it with 11.5 hours of sleep last night. It could be way worse, and I'm thankful I'm still getting solid and restful sleep. 

Best moment this week: Tuesday was really fun! I picked Jon up and his boss's house (so I got to snuggle their two golden retrievers real quick) and then we went to our doctor's appointment. Super uneventful, literally just heard the heartbeat. I'm now going to the doctor every week! After that, we went to El Comida at The Source and got delicious quesadillas and guacamole. It was great. 

This weekend has been very relaxing and fun, too. We grocery shopped yesterday, and then went to Lookout Mountain with Happy. It was VERY windy, so we didn't stay for long, but it was beautiful! We will definitely be going back. 

Today we're making lots of fun treats for the Super Bowl! We already made a buffalo chicken croissant ring, and there are snickerdoodles cooling on the counter. Later, we're making bacon wrapped dates, nachos, and hummus. And for dinner we're having chili! A LOT of food, especially knowing Jon will be gone this week, but we had to go all out for the Super Bowl! We've all been relaxing a lot, which has been exactly what I want to do all.the.time.

He's convinced this is his pillow now.

Worst moment this week: I felt really sick on our way home from Lookout Mountain yesterday. It was about a 45 minute trip there, and I'm not sure if it was the elevation or running around in the cold, but I felt like throwing up the entire drive home. Some women get nauseous and vomit before labor, so I was very nervous about going into labor early, but luckily it settled down once we got to a lower elevation and I got some water. We had a lazy night after with pizza, a movie, and sleeping on the couch around 7:30pm. Overall, it all turned out okay!

Food cravings: Still veggies, though sweets are not far off. I'm excited to make some fajitas this week, and I got a bunch of bags of fancy salads to enjoy. 

Gender: Still a mystery! :)

Movement: YES! Oh my goodness, and it hurts. Baby keeps stretching its space to the limit. It constantly pushes its butt into my ribs and its feet straight out at my belly button. I got a good shot of my lopsided belly!

Symptoms: My back ache has died down because baby dropped a bit! I did a comparison photo from last week to this week, and you can see it's just a tad lower. I can definitely feel it in my pelvis (which makes it a lot harder to roll over at night) and it's causing me to waddle more.

Wedding rings on or off: On, but getting tight. I couldn't get them off yesterday, but then came off just fine today. I'm considering wearing my engagement ring on a necklace because my wedding band is much thinner. We'll see though.

Happy or moody: Happy. I am bummed that Jon is leaving tomorrow, but I know the week will go fast and he'll be home soon. My mood overall has been really good!

Miss anything: Nope!

Looking forward to: My appointment on Tuesday! We might have an ultrasound to get final measurements, but who knows. This will be my first appointment without Jon, and thus I will come straight home with no Tuesday Date Night, but Happy will be thrilled to not be left out. I'm reeeeally looking forward to Jon coming home! We found out his work will pay for a taxi to/from the airport, so I won't need to wake up super early to drive him. I already did a lot of cleaning today, so I think I might just relax this week!

Morning snuggles are a necessity. Happy recently has taken to sitting his butt directly on my stomach, so we're trying to encourage better manners. Also, how spoiled is this dog to get breakfast in bed every morning!?

Someone must have hidden a beach ball under there...