36 Weeks

We've made it to 36 weeks! How crazy/scary is that?! I'm just amazed at how quickly we've gotten to this point. Everyone keeps telling me that time will start to slow down, but I'm still waiting for that part.

I've begun to experience some Braxton Hicks every now and then. The first time it happened, it caught me off guard, a little scary! But now when they occur, I feel like a pro... sort of. Having those contractions brings the reality of this baby arriving at any point now.

Speaking of arriving at any point, we recently installed the car seat bases into our vehicles. It seems so strange seeing that in my backseat when I (slowly) get into my car. I can't believe I'll be putting a baby in there so soon! We need to work on packing our hospital bag as well. And we also have to shop and find our 'bring-home-outfit'. John is really wanting this to be an MSU outfit, so we will be hitting up campus before next weekends' first football game to find something.

This past weekend we were able to escape away to my in-laws cottage. Its nice because its only 45 mins away, still close enough to Lansing just in case we would need to head back quickly. The weather was gorgeous, it was so relaxing and sunny! (Unlike the hurricane winds and rain my family endured on the east coast) Needless to say, both John and I will be soaking up our last weekend at the cottage over Labor Day. Here's hoping for another beautiful weekend to come!

36 Week Belly Shots:

36 Week Stats: Baby is the size of a crenshaw melon. (Once again, I had to look this one up because I had no idea what it was. Its a hybrid melon, very sweet, most popular between July and September. Maybe I'll have to give this one a try!)

-Length: 18.5 inches

-Weight: almost 6 lbs.

-Major Milestones: Baby L is still packing on the pounds, about 1 ounce every day. Most of the bones (except skull) have almost completely hardened providing a solid structure for the baby. Also muscle tone is improving, getting it ready for its grand debut! At the end of week 36, we are considered full term, but I'm hoping baby can stick it out in there just a wee bit longer!

32 Weeks

As I was recently transferring pictures off my camera, it dawned on me that I never posted our 32 week/8 month info and pictures! It's been a busy few weeks since then and my baby brain certainly didn't help with remembering, or not remembering as was the case.

As I recall, the 32 week appointment was rather uneventful. We have moved onto appointments every 2 weeks now. That's when you know its getting closer! They keep asking if we'd like to do any pre-natal classes and we are torn. Even though I work on the mother/baby floor and am around newborn babies 24/7 at work, I still don't believe I'm an expert by any means. I'm just wondering what additional information the classes might provide me. I know they will be helpful for John, but I'll tell you what, he's been reading the What to Expect when Expecting and What to Expect the First Year pretty religiously. (and asking a billion questions) What do you think we should do?

PS. I passed the glucose test! Thankfully!

Besides the continually heartburn, I have been feeling really good. Still working, still walking, still keeping myself rather busy (as I like it). I can't say I have any real complaints I guess. We'll just keep truckin' along for a few more weeks!

32 Week Belly Shots:

I can tell its getting bigger when looking at each month's picture.

32 Week Stats: Baby L is the size of a large jimica- I've never heard of this veggie before. Apparently its good on salads... I'm gonna take someone else's word on that.

-Length: 17 inches. I have no idea where it could be fitting in my belly! I hardly feel like there is any room left.

-Weight: 4 lbs

-Major Milestones: Baby L has toenails, fingernails, and REAL hair! (which I'm sure there is a lot of if its any reflection on the heartburn I've been having) Also baby's skin is becoming more soft and smooth as it continues to pack on the pounds.

Zeuty Wedding/Tigers Game July 29-30

Enjoying our time together at Bridget and Eric Zeuty's wedding. It was a beautiful ceremony and we had a blast at the reception!

We also headed to the Tiger's game. What a HOT and humid day to be 33 weeks pregnant and partaking in! But we had a great time.

Our seats were right along the wall on the Left field foul line

Baby L's 2nd Tigers Game

Hopefully the next Tiger's game we attend, we will have a baby in tow (next season of course)

August 9, 2008

Happy 3 years!

To the man who means the world to me- my John

On this day, 3 years ago, I said "I do" to the love of my life and best friend in the whole world. What a wonderful day full of memories that are truly unforgettable. I'm so glad to have you as my husband.

I wouldn't trade one moment of our life together. Everything we have shared has made us stronger and I know our future holds even more happiness together. Here's to many, many more years together!! I love you!

Girlfriends Baby Shower

I had the pleasure of my close friends Colleen and Christina throwing me a lovely baby shower in Colleen's home. It was a wonderful day, I'm so thankful for those who came to help celebrate. We played fun games, enjoyed each other's company, and ate delicious homemade food courtesy of Colleen!! What a great time!

Here are some pictures from the day:

Decorations on the front door/front of her house

More decorations inside

Delicious cake!

Look at this food spread, yum!

Lovely hostesses Christina and Colleen

Jamie creating what our baby will look like

Linds and Christy hard at work!

Hey Kath!

Mrs Simpson studying the magazine

John showed up to judge

Winner!

Playing some games

Opening gifts

LOVE the MSU blanket

Tayla and I

Colleen and I- LOVE her!

All in all, it was a great day. We enjoyed a lot of laughs, good food, and great company. Thanks again!

LaMacchia family Baby Shower - July 16th

My wonderful mother-in-law MaryLynn and super-sweet sister-in-law Cassie, along with John's godmother/aunt Becky graciously threw us a baby shower. The day was just beautiful. Baby L is already one spoiled baby and it's not even here yet!

The shower was just lovely, the food was delicious, and it is always so nice to see family and friends all together. We were lucky enough to have John's grandma Elaine, Aunt Mimi, cousins Erin and Natalie Jo travel from Rogers City/Alpena (4 hours drive). Along with great friend Bobbi Jo and her mom Mary Jo who traveled from Traverse City and Alpena as well.

I cannot forget my own Mom and sister, with nephew JD and niece Lola who made the long 12 hour drive from PA as well. I was so glad they could be here for John and I and spend a wonderful long weekend together.

Of course, thank you to everyone else who made the journey, near or far, it was so nice to see everyone and spend some time together.

Both John and I are so very grateful to everyone who was able to attend and even more thankful for your generosity. Having a baby is terribly overwhelming (but so worth it), we certainly did not anticipate all of the needed clothes, baby accessories, and traveling gear. Everyone has definitely helped us to prepare so much, we are forever grateful! (And hope you will get a chance to visit once the baby is born)

I will have to steal some more pictures from my mother-in-law and Cassie. I certainly missed a lot of people!