Week in Photos: Work and Play

Last week, the focus at school was birds!  The kids made binoculars and went bird watching in the forest:

 

Ben and his buddies.  (Always with the girls).

Making bird nests.

The next week, they focused on the senses.  This day they were learning about sight and eyes.

At work, we got a new table and some art up on the walls!  Me and my two bosses had an art hanging party.  (We drank beer while hanging art).

Bagel date before school.  Becoming a weekly tradition!

Looking cute while annoying dad.

These two stopped by the store after work/school one day to get me flowers and a card!  For no reason!  (I wonder what kind of trouble they caused that they feel badly about....) ;)

Ben locked up in a pretzel hold.

Emily and Chris had a BBQ last weekend (complete with a slip and slide, a bouncy house, sandbox, and bike riding).  All of the kids had a blast and so did we!  Definitely going to plan on hanging out over there more often :)

Being Ninja Turtles with Jaxon.

Meal Planning: Week of October 26th

Review from last week:

The stuffed pepper soup was good (with or without the rice).  Very easy and made for a good lunch:

The slow cooker Korean beef was money.  A great recipe find that I'm sure to make over and over again.

We made this lamb/lentil dish (with mint and feta) that Greg loved so much from a few weeks ago.  So easy!

Crock Pot Picadillo

Plan for next week:

Soup Sunday: Creamy Tomato Basil


Monday: Butternut Squash Alfredo Pasta

Tuesday: Leftover Picadillo from Sunday

Wednesday: Fish and rice pilaf (Birthday dinner for my mom)!

Thursday: Chicken Enchiladas (from the freezer)

Friday: Chicken Soup (from the freezer)

Saturday:  Halloween!!! We are having some friends over to join us for trick-or-treating, so I'm going to make a big batch of Lagered Chili (with ground sirloin instead of the turkey the recipe calls for) for us.  I'm also going to make a batch of Pumpkin Cookies.  I can't believe it's the end of October and I have not made them yet - it's my favorite Fall treat.

Post-Pregnancy Survey

After doing 30-something weekly surveys during my pregnancy, I have become accustomed to thinking in "best part of the week" and "what I'm missing" terms.  I thought as a nice wrap-up to the year, I would do one final survey - post pregnancy, because - why not?

How far along: 12.5 weeks post-partum!
Weight gain: None, thankfully!  I'm down all of my pregnancy weight, and some of last year's holiday weight!
How big is baby: Well, he has got to be at least 14 pounds by now.  I'm happy that he chose to bulk-up AFTER being born.
Maternity clothes: Nope!  They have all either been tucked away in storage or have found new homes.
Stretch marks: No
Sleep: Sleep has been awesome.  I'm one of the lucky ones.  Ben has been sleeping through the night (aka at least an 8 hour stretch, plus another 3-4 hours) since he was 8 weeks old.
Best moments: His birthday was my favorite day, and I'm jealous of everyone I know who is pregnant and gets to experience those moments in the upcoming months!  But every day has just been such a gift. 
Movement: Yep!  He isn't "mobile" by any means, but this kid seems to have restless leg syndrome!
Food Cravings: I have been eating cookies like it's my job.  I am willing to guess that I have had more cookies in the last three months than I have had in the past few years combined.  I was pretty careful for the most part while I was pregnant, but my appetite is ravenous a lot of the time due to breastfeeding, and I'm not holding back much in that department.  The minute I can tell that these cookie calories are no longer being burned off, I will stop...I hope.
Labor Signs: N/A
Belly button in or out: In!
What I miss: I think the only thing I miss right now is having (or should I say, taking) the time to exercise.  I can count on one hand the amount of times I have worked out since having Ben (minus walks we take together).  I really do miss my yoga practice.
What I'm looking forward to: As much as I want him to stay a little baby forever, I am SO looking forward to hearing him say "mama" and having him reach out with his arms for me to pick him up.

Well, well, well....here we (still) are at 40 weeks

How far along: 40 weeks
Weight gain: 30 lbs
How big is baby: 7.5 pounds and 20 inches long (although, who really knows at this point...!)  Greg and I asked our moms what our measurements were at birth.  I was 7 lbs, 1/2 an ounce and we think 20 inches long (there may have been an error on my birth certificate, LOL).  Greg was 7 lbs, 7 oz and 19 inches long.  Wondering if Ben will be similar in size?
Maternity clothes:  Yep. 
Stretch marks: Still in the clear!
Sleep: Still annoyed by the frequent (as in hourly) bathroom trips and heartburn, but I still wake up feeling rested. Sleeping on my stomach is something that will be an option for me again soooo soon.  Yippie! 
Best moment this week: Hmmm.  "Best".  I spent a lot of this week mildly annoyed that things didn't seem to be progressing, but in between pity parties, I did squeeze in a few fun things :)  Over the weekend, Greg and I watched our friend Collin skydive and then had a lunch and movie date.  (Contagion was a great movie - I highly recommend it)!  My friends Lisa and Rachel came over and hung out for awhile on Sunday evening - always fun!  Also, my friend Kim took me out to dinner on Wednesday night, which was super nice of her.  I swear, I have been SO spoiled throughout this pregnancy.  I know I say it a lot, but I feel so incredibly lucky by the amazing support system Greg and I (and soon Ben) have.
Movement: Yes - and uncomfortable again.  In fact, this is the foot that I am constantly feeling dig into my right ribs:

Food Cravings: My appetite is still about half what it was during most of my pregnancy.
Labor Signs: Ha.  I think that most first time moms can relate to what I'm going through, in that I'm having a hard time determining what is and is not a labor sign.  From what I'm told, I will KNOW when what I'm experiencing is "real" and when it's just a "pre-labor" symptom.  I do know, however, that I'm experiencing a lot more braxton hicks lately and a lot of cramping and back aches.  I have also progressed since last week's appointment in that I'm slightly dilated (maybe 1/2 - 1 cm) and 50% effaced.  After about 4 hours of appointments yesterday (weekly check up, ultrasound, fetal heart rate monitoring, etc.) I went to my friend Willow for a labor-inducing massage.  She basically focused on pressure points on my feet, ankles and legs that DEFINITELY made me have contractions while I was there.  I had some cramping throughout the evening as well, but that is about it.  Maybe it will kick start something soon?
Belly button in or out: Sometimes out, sometimes flat - always disgusting.
What I miss: I know that I am not the most patient person in the world....but making someone like me wait potentially another week for their baby is a mild form of torture ;)  I can tell Greg is getting anxious as well!  For now, we will continue to wait...
What I'm looking forward to: This week is going to be the week, that much I know for sure.  Unless Ben decides to arrive on his own, I'm scheduled for induction next Friday! 

39 Weeks - And hoping this will be my last weekly update...!

How far along: 39 weeks
Weight gain: 30 lbs
How big is baby: About 7 pounds and 20 inches long.
Maternity clothes:  Yes and getting SO sick of them.  It doesn't help that summer seems to have finally arrived in Seattle and I'm hot all the time.  Yes folks, we've reached the complain-y part of pregnancy.
Stretch marks: No..and fingers crossed I can make it to the end without them!
Sleep: Decent, but I feel like I'm getting up or having to switch sides all the time.  I'm lucky that I'm usually able to fall right back asleep after doing so.  I'm hoping that this means I will be able to get some good chunks of sleep in between feeding/changing Ben throughout the night as well.
Best moment this week: I think the best thing that happened this week was that my best friend Lisa reached the summit of Mount Rainier!  Her account of her adventures have me thinking that childbirth will be a BREEZE!  Lisa is someone I have always looked up to, and it didn't surprise me at all that she accomplished something SO major this last weekend!  Ben is so lucky to have someone like her to take him out to do things his mom is too scared to do herself :)

As for me, this has been a pretty boring week.  Since I am still supposed to keep my activity level on the low side, I have not been able to do much.  I also have done literally everything I can think of to prepare for the baby.  I'm so thankful that I have work to distract me until the end of my pregnancy!  I did, however, get to visit with some friends this week - which is always a "best" in my book!  Maureen, Rachel and Maeve stopped by for a visit over the weekend, as did Shauna, Brandon and Bronson.  We had lunch with our friend Adam while he was visiting in town as well!  I'm sure that Greg would much rather be out and about, doing fun activities in the sunshine (as would I), but he has done a great job at keeping me company and reminding me that this is only temporary.  We both can't wait for next summer to roll around!
Movement: Yep!
Food Cravings: Not really.  My appetite has really decreased this week...
Labor Signs: I occasionally think that I feel something (cramping, contractions?) but nothing that has me feeling like labor is approaching.  I think I'm just hyper-sensitive to every sensation I feel right now, especially because I'm hoping for labor signs at this point.  My doctor confirmed this morning that my cervix is "closed and thick".  Dang it.  This does not necessarily mean that labor is far away, but it definitely means that nothing is in the works at this moment!
Belly button in or out: Out/Flat depending on his position
What I miss: Cold weather - I'm so ready for Fall!
What I'm looking forward to: Baby time.

38 Weeks

How far along: 38 weeks
Weight gain: 28 lbs - down 1 from last week.
How big is baby: 6.8 pounds and over 19.5 inches long.
Maternity clothes:  Yes.  SO looking forward to wearing some of my non-maternity clothes (hopefully) soon.
Stretch marks: No
Sleep: Sleep has been good, but less-good this week.  Overall,  I really have lucked out with this throughout my pregnancy....but lately I've found myself waking up and staying awake more often.  I'm not sure if it's a physical discomfort issue, or if my mind is preoccupied with the baby coming so soon.  Probably both.
Best moment this week: Speaking of sleep, I spent a lot of this last weekend napping :)  After visiting with Shauna, I got a glimpse into what the first few days is like after bringing home a brand new baby.  I hope to get as much rest as possible in these last days/weeks leading up to delivery.  I think the best moment this week was meeting baby Bronson.  Another best was the ultrasound I had done over the weekend (last Saturday).  They really are staying on top of my low amniotic fluid issue, and I'm happy to report that I'm now at a 12.4 (much better than my low of 8.7 which was what caused all of this additional testing and check ups).  They also conducted a Biophysical Profile to measure how Ben is doing, and he received 8 out of 8 points!  They gave him 2 points for the good fluid level, 2 points for "tone" (opening and closing his hands - he was even grabbing his toes!), 2 points for how well he was practicing his breathing and 2 points for movement.  Also in the "best" category?  Nightly foot rubs, courtesy of Greg :)
Movement: Yes.  It's nice because it really does not hurt anymore, I'm more just surprised by his sometimes sudden movements.
Food Cravings: Not really, no.  I'm trying to shift my mind into my post-baby food mindset, where I hopefully will not give in to my cravings as easily as I have been able to during pregnancy ;)
Labor Signs: Some mild-moderate cramping here and there and some low back pain, but otherwise, no.
Belly button in or out: Out....but there are times, depending on Ben's position, that it's flat again.
What I miss: I don't really miss anything too much right now.  Trying to enjoy the moment before everything changes!
What I'm looking forward to: Now that Ben is full term, I am REALLY looking forward to his arrival!  I am still nervous about what my labor and delivery will be like (not to mention everything that follows), but it's more of a curious-nervous than anything else :)  Greg and I are officially on baby watch!

37 Weeks

How far along: 37 weeks
Weight gain: 29 lbs ---> growth spurt this week?
How big is baby: 6 and 1/3 pounds and around 19 inches long. 
Maternity clothes: Stretchy pants are my new BFF's. 
Stretch marks: None yet.
Sleep: Sleep is the same.
Best moment this week: This has been a pretty great week:  We had another great baby shower thrown for us, my work threw me a "shower" at our company staff meeting/dinner this week, and my friend Shauna had her baby boy, Bronson!  After 24 hours of labor (OMG!), Bronson entered the world on August 23rd at 11:04 am, weighing in at 9 lbs, 10 oz!  I look forward to meeting the little big guy sometime this weekend!

Movement: Still a lot, but luckily his moving hasn't caused me as much discomfort this week as it has in the past.  Apparently he is running out of room...
Food Cravings: I haven't had any specific cravings this week.  I have been living on PB&J's, fruit, minute maid light, and beet/spinach salads for the most part. 
Labor Signs: I've experienced some cramping this week - and being that I have never been pregnant before, I had no idea if they were contractions or not?  I checked with my doctor and she said that things sound like they are progressing.  The other news is that this week I was measuring 38 weeks (wow)!  Such a change from last week.  I will be getting weekly ultrasounds and non stress tests (heart rate monitoring for Ben) to make sure that my fluid levels stay in the "safe zone". 
Belly button in or out: Out. 

What I miss: I am feeling ready (for the most part) for my pregnancy to be over and for parenthood to begin.  I have to admit, I'm feeling a little tired of constantly having people tell me how hard caring for a newborn will be on us.  I believe I have a healthy expectation set for the amount of work the first few weeks and months will be like, but I also believe that it will be a special and rewarding time for us as a family.  I have discussed this with Shauna a lot over the last few months.  She and I are both used to doing SO much (and all at once) over the past few years between going to school full time, working full time, having fairly full social calendars, keeping up with house work, teaching yoga (me), cooking dinners (her), etc.  I really do believe that after cutting out ALL of that and adding in "taking care of the baby", that we will each be in pretty good shape.  Sure, there are things that will be unexpected and hard, but that is life.  I am looking forward to the change and the challenge!
What I'm looking forward to: Meeting my baby :)

36 Weeks - 9 Months Pregnant!

How far along: 36 weeks
Weight gain: 26 lbs
How big is baby: Almost 6 pounds and more than 18/5 inches long.  Apparently he is putting on about 1 ounce a day at this point.

Maternity clothes: Same. 
Stretch marks: No
Sleep: Sleep is still good, once I'm asleep.  Ben has been beating me up most nights as I am trying to get to sleep, so that has been fun.  This week he had been most violent active when I'm at my desk at work and then right before bed.
Best moment this week: We had such a great time in Victoria.  I loved the fact that our cell phones were off the entire time.  We probably talked more on this trip than we have in the past couple weeks combined.  Might need to enforce a "no technology" rule at home once in awhile.  We also did our hospital tour and got our car seat installed/checked, leaving me feeling much more prepared than I was last week.
Movement: Too much.
Food Cravings: Beets and sweet breads/cookies (not at the same time).  We brought home a box of maple cream cookies from Canada that were absolutely delicious. 
Labor Signs: No.  I've felt less exhaustion this week as I was experiencing last week, but still not even close to the energy levels I'm used to.
Belly button in or out: Out. 

What I miss: I miss the feeling of not having a human being inside me.  I can't wait to carry him around on the outside.  I've been daydreaming about what my first yoga practice will be like post-pregnancy.  Greg bought a Groupon to one of my studios, so it will be fun to take some classes together.  Friends - counting on you to step in and watch Ben for 2 hours :)
What I'm looking forward to: Our amazing friends Dan and Jeannette are throwing us a baby shower this weekend, and I'm REALLY looking forward to it! 

35 Weeks! O. M. G.

How far along: 35 weeks
Weight gain: 26 lbs?  I feel heavier in general, probably because moving around, bending over, sitting up, etc. all require a lot more effort than they used to.  Just feeling lethargic overall.
How big is baby: About 5 and 1/4 pounds and over 18 inches long!  I just read over the results from my ultrasound I had done at 32 weeks, and it said that Ben was in the 25% percentile for size (at that time).

Maternity clothes: Same old, same old.

Sleep: Sleep is the same.  Good, despite all of the bathroom runs and frequent heartburn.
Best moment this week: Can't think of a *best* from this week.  It was just a regular week!  Oh wait - I thought of one. 

Movement: Yes!  And still, OUCH.  I'm waiting for him to become too cramped to move too much, but I still feel him rolling from side to side a lot.  I will find myself doubled over in pain at times.  I look forward to holding this over Ben's head someday ;)
Food Cravings: I had a craving for some chocolate chip cookies this week, which I satisfied. I made the mistake of watching the Food Network for 15 minutes the other night, and decided that I absolutely NEEDED to have pot roast this week, (which I did).  Greg and I also enjoyed a trip to Menchies the other night (basically a place to make your own blizzards, on crack).

* Please note that as we are leaving the place, ice-cream in hand for approximately 15 seconds, Greg has already spilled.  It later was on his shirt (naturally).  Good thing I'm learning to find sloppiness endearing (mostly) ;)

Labor Signs: Sore joints, sore joints, sore joints.  I think I might have had a contraction this week.  So to answer this question, no - not really.

Belly button in or out: Out. 

What I miss: Sleeping on my back/stomach.  My hips have been getting sore from laying on my side.
What I'm looking forward to: This weekend we are heading to Victoria for our last little getaway pre-baby!  I'm really looking forward to dining out, sleeping in, window shopping, and enjoying each other's undivided attention :)  I'm also really looking forward to next week's doctor's appointment.  I'm told I will be getting "checked" to see if I have made any progress with labor (which I highly doubt), but still - exciting to be getting closer and closer...!

34 Weeks!

How far along: 34 weeks
Weight gain: 25 lbs
How big is baby: About 4 and 3/4 pounds and almost 18 inches long!

Maternity clothes: Still mostly just maternity jeans with bigger tops, dresses and leggings.

Stretch marks: Not yet...
Sleep: Sleep is good this week.  My body pillow has come in very handy this week and I plan to use it up until the end (and maybe forever...).

Best moment this week: My baby shower was by far the best day of the week, followed closely by Sunday when we took our maternity photos.  Such a great weekend that was all about baby Ben.

Movement: Yes!  On Tuesday night, I felt him have the hiccups for the first time, and he has had them daily since.  His nighttime movements continue to be super uncomfortable.  My doctor confirmed today that he is still head down, but as he moves his body  from side to side, it hurts!
Food Cravings: Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.  It seems to be ALL I want this week, although I'm trying to incorporate some fruits and vegetables to go along with that.  I have ordered a few produce boxes this month to keep me motivated to eat my greens.

Labor Signs: Still no contractions (that I'm aware of), but my pelvis and joints in general are getting increasingly sore.  I am also finding myself WIPED OUT mid-day, and often taking naps after work.

Belly button in or out: Out. 

What I miss: With approximately 40-something days left of being pregnant, I'm starting to miss things like booze and my clothes a little less.  I'm trying to focus more on enjoying what I will miss when Ben arrives, like the freedom to do things on my own schedule and sleep!
What I'm looking forward to: I'm starting to feel more and more ready for the baby to arrive.  With all of the baby gear we were given over the weekend, the room is really starting to look like a baby belongs in it!  I'm going to spend some time this weekend washing bedding, clothes, organizing closets and drawers, making a list of the items we still need to purchase, and I'm hoping by Monday I will feel even more ready.

33 Weeks!

How far along: 33 weeks
Weight gain: 24-25 lbs
How big is baby: A little over 4 pounds and over 17 inches long. 

Maternity clothes:  Yes.

Stretch marks: No.
Sleep: While I am still sleeping just fine, I am now noticing more aches when I wake up throughout the night.  After sleeping on one side for a long period of time, my body actually hurts so much that I need to switch sides....which seems to align perfectly timing wise with my frequent bathroom trips.  I also think I overdid it a little while taking yoga pictures this week, and now I have an additional ache on my side/low back :(  #Idiot

Best moment this week: This week has been VERY low key, which has been exactly what I needed.  I feel like the third trimester of pregnancy is preparing me for what life will be like when Ben first arrives, which is that I will not have the energy to do much of anything.  My friend Brooke was kind enough to offer to do a pregnancy yoga photo shoot with me on Wednesday night, which was SO much fun!  As much as I am looking forward to being sans belly, I just had to capture a few asana + belly shots before my pregnancy was over :)  I also taught my last yoga class (for awhile) on Thursday night.  It was a little sad to say goodbye, but it certainly was time for me to cut back on my extra curricular activities!

Movement: Yes - tons!  I was not prepared for how intense the pressure of him moving would be.  Sometime he will press his (butt, back, head?) so hard against my belly button that I feel like he might burst straight out through my skin!  (Okay, maybe that is a little dramatic, but be warned pregos - ouch).

Food Cravings: Nothing stands out this week.  Heartburn is now a daily occurrence.  It still is manageable, but I'm ready for it to be a thing of the past.

Labor Signs: No, but I am starting to feel my body preparing for the big day.  I'm starting to experience some pelvic pain, and I think the pains I'm feeling throughout the night are related.  My assumption (and from what I have read/heard) is that this is part of the whole "loosening joints" thing that needs to happen in order for Ben to make his way out...
Belly button in or out: Out. 

What I miss: Having energy and my old clothes tops the list this week.
What I'm looking forward to: My baby shower this weekend!  There is absolutely nothing better than a room full of girlfriends, delicious food, and the celebration of Ben's upcoming arrival!   My friend Kate has offered to take some maternity photos of me and Greg while she is in town, which was so nice of her!  We are doing that on Sunday :)

32 Weeks!

How far along: 32 weeks
Weight gain: 23 lbs
How big is baby: 3.75 lbs and about 16.7 inches long.  My source says that the baby is going to start gaining about 1/2 a pound a week now, and that 1/3 - 1/2 of his total birth weight will be gained in the upcoming weeks.
Maternity clothes:  My full panel maternity jeans arrived this week, so it's been nice to have a more comfortable pair to wear.  I am officially done with purchasing new "maternity" clothes now.  It's been fun, but Greg reminded me how much more fun it will be to shop for "skinny" clothes once I'm back to my normal post-belly size, and I have to agree with him :)
Stretch marks: No.
Sleep: I'm dreaming almost every night - so strange!  This week I have noticed an increase in my night time bathroom runs.  I also have been waking up SO incredibly thirsty several times throughout the night, so I've made it a habit to keep 2 full bottles of water on my nightstand.
Best moment this week: I had a delightful prenatal massage this week, which felt awesome.  Greg has been working hard and has gotten a few more things done in the nursery, and I have purchased a few more items to hang on the wall.  I will save that for another post.  Otherwise this week has been pretty uneventful as I have been trying to take it easy and get over my cold.  I did visit my friend Shauna, who is due approximately 3.5 weeks before I am, and got to see her adorable nursery all put together.  I have to say, it kicked my nesting urge in BIG TIME and now it is all I can think about.  I want to get as much done as I possibly can RIGHT NOW.  I need to chill out.  (I always need to chill out).  Check out the picture of us below.  We constantly are cracking up over just how differently we are carrying our babies.  I told her that Bronson (her son) might have to be Ben's bodyguard ;)

Movement: All the time, and it seriously is starting to hurt more and more.  This week we tried playing a little Enya for Fetus Ben on Pandora Radio.  Greg thought it might settle him down a little, which it actually kind of did...
Food Cravings: I had been craving seafood mac and cheese towards the end of last week, and was able to satisfy that craving at Semiahmoo!  Otherwise, I really have not been craving much.  I have been more into just finding SOMETHING to eat and satisfy my hunger when it hits, so my desk is currently stocked up with chocolate mint zone bars, yogurt covered raisins, pretzels, etc.  The work fridge is also loaded with fruit.  It looks like I live there with the amount of food I bring in to the office.
Labor Signs: No
Belly button in or out: Out.  (It will go back in, right?)
What I miss: Being in control.
What I'm looking forward to: We are seeing Harry Potter this weekend with Lisa and my parents.  I'm also looking forward to getting a few nap in.

31 Weeks!

* I spy a very obvious outtie : /

How far along: 31 weeks
Weight gain: 22 lbs is my guess.  This week I have made more of an effort to watch what I eat.  I'm not cutting calories necessarily, I'm more just trying to choose more nutritious foods - (i.e. a glass of milk instead of a glass of sugary lemonade, or a mashed up banana and peanut butter instead of a bowl of ice cream)...although that plan went out the window when I came down with a cold on Wednesday and the only thing that sounded good on my sore throat was popsicles ;)
How big is baby: 3.3 pounds and a little over 16 inches long.
Maternity clothes:  Yes.  I'm sad to report that some of my maternity jeans are feeling less comfortable.  I didn't realize this before, but they make these jeans with different "panels" on the top.  The ones I bought earlier in my pregnancy have the "demi" panel, but they also make "full panel" jeans for later in pregnancy to accommodate the growing belly (and other growing areas I suppose...).  More info here (if you care).  Anyway, I mulled it over a bit, and decided to purchase ONE MORE pair of maternity jeans.  I wear jeans almost every day to work and on the weekends, plus - I am assuming I won't be wearing my pre-pregnancy skinny jeans immediately upon leaving the hospital, (dang it) so it's a good investment.  I will be offering them up to my friend Kate to use for the last 1/2 of her pregnancy, so they should get some good use out of them :) 
Stretch marks: Nope, although I haven't been examining myself carefully to look for them.  What I do have are obvious blue veins all over my belly.  I really could use a tan...
Sleep: Sleep is good again.  I'm dreaming a lot, which is a little unusual for me, but only have had 2 significant baby dreams so far.
Best moment this week: It has been a really great week.  Over the weekend we not only scored some like-new baby clothes from a garage sale thanks to my friend Kristin who attended it, but we also were given a TON of stuff from my coworker Rhea and his wife Janet!  I'm blown away by how generous the people in our lives have been!  I cannot wait to share our things with others in the future :)
Movement: All the time - it never gets old!
Food Cravings: The past few weeks I have had a serious craving for lemonade (hence me needing to consciously try to consume other beverages in its place).  Popsicles are still at the top of my list as well.
Labor Signs: No
Belly button in or out: So out.
What I miss: My husband!  After moving on from his job at the Post Office a few months back and giving a sales position a try, (not a great fit) Greg is back at Canyons both managing and bartending.  His plans are to spend the rest of the year determining what job will be the best fit for him in the future, however, I have to admit - the timing of all of this is actually working to our benefit.  While he is working 3 nights a week (and several days), he has had weekends off - and the flexibility that they are giving him is really going to come in handy when Ben arrives - and for the rest of the year while I'm on maternity leave!  On the days that Greg is at home, I will be able to go in to work as needed to take care of some projects that are too difficult for me to hand off completely.  Anyway, that was the long explanation of "what I miss"!  It's a slight adjustment for me to not be with Greg during the week nights, but it makes me appreciate the time we have together that much more :)
What I'm looking forward to: With this weekend being the last one where we don't have plans for awhile, we decided to take advantage and go away for a night!  We are heading up to Semiahmoo and are both looking forward to a little relaxation (and golf and a trip to the spa) :)

30 Weeks!

Hippie Prego

How far along: 30 weeks.  3/4 done with this pregnancy.  10 weeks to go (or as several people have reminded me...maybe 9, or 8, or 7...or shoot, maybe 12!).  Insane.
Weight gain: 21 lbs.  (Okay, 21.5) ;)
How big is baby: 15.7 inches long and 3 pounds (and surrounded by a pint and a half of amniotic fluid - no wonder my stomach feels heavier)!
Maternity clothes:  This doesn't even need to be a question on my survey anymore.   
Stretch marks: So far, no.
Sleep: Sleeping good.
Best moment this week: It was really, really nice to have 3 days off - from both working and teaching yoga!  My mom and I went out and purchased some cubbies and bins for the closets in the nursery, which was something I needed to get checked off the list.  I have organized his current wardrobe into sizes, and I'm looking forward to organizing the rest of his things once we get them!

We purchased and have installed an air conditioner (YAY) to keep the upstairs cool over the next couple months, and we spent the 4th of July hanging out with our friends.  I also have made a point to get lots of exercise in this week in an attempt to clear my increasingly cluttered, chaotic and emotional brain :)  Side note - walking long distances has become a challenge!  I have had to slow my pace WAY down.  On Wednesday night, I was able to make last minute plans to walk Greenlake and have dinner with my best friend Lisa, who recently moved to Seattle!  Lisa and I grew up essentially sharing a backyard in Brier, and this week we were talking about how we have not lived this close since before she went off to college at Gonzaga!  I'm SO happy to have her close to me again - and Ben will be happy to have his Aunt Lisa just a short drive away.
Movement: Seemingly constant.
Food Cravings:  With the beautiful and warm weather we have had, popsicles have been a favorite! 
Labor Signs: No, but I am experiencing an occasional braxton hicks contraction while out on my walks.
Belly button in or out: Out.
What I miss: Feeling normal.
What I'm looking forward to: Even though it is a month away, I'm starting to really look forward to our weekend trip to Victoria!

29 Weeks!

How far along: 29 weeks
Weight gain: TBD next Friday at my doctors appointment.  Let's say 20.  They say it's normal to gain 1 lb a week in the last trimester....and I guess I'm feeling "normal".
How big is baby: 2 and a 1/2 pounds (gained a whole 1/4 pound this week!) and over 15 inches long.  Apparently all of this fast growth happening right now is causing him to steal more and more of my nutrients!  According to Baby Center: To meet his increasing nutritional demands, you'll need plenty of protein, vitamins C, folic acid, and iron. And because his bones are soaking up lots of calcium, be sure to drink your milk (or find another good source of calcium, such as cheese, yogurt, or enriched orange juice). This trimester, about 250 milligrams of calcium are deposited in your baby's hardening skeleton each day.  I suppose that is reason enough for me to suffer and take the dreaded iron supplements my doctor has prescribed.  It's also a good excuse to enjoy more cereal - a new craving of mine.
Maternity clothes:  Yes!  I made another quick trip to Forever 21 this week.  I spent $35 and got 4 items to incorporate into my "maternity" wardrobe (see above). 
Stretch marks: No
Sleep: Sleep has been good again this week.  My days have been so full between preparing for my departure from work and with teaching yoga that I am totally wiped out when bed time comes.
Best moment this week: True Blood season 4 started. :)
Movement: Oh yes.  I get a nice rib jab on a daily basis these days.  Despite how uncomfortable it can be, I'm going to miss this feeling when Ben is on the outside.  I'm also really wondering what position he is in.  I would say the majority of his kicks seem to be about 2 inches up and to the side of my belly button, so would that mean he is head down and feet up?
Food Cravings: Fruit cravings are dwindling (at least from my extreme obsession with them over the past few months).  Cereal - specifically Honey Bunches of Oats and Kashi Cinnamon Harvest - and cheeseburgers (sans bun) are at the top of the list this week.
Labor Signs: No
Belly button in or out: Out.
What I miss: A smaller chest, my waist, jogging (or even walking at my normal pace), and wine.
What I'm looking forward to: The THREE DAY WEEKEND!