Week 35: You put the coconut in the lime??

It's Week 35 and Bean is the size of a coconut. At this point, she is fully formed, her bones are hardening, she's running out of room (although Mom would never know it from all the kicks), and she's getting fatter every day. Bean can also hear sounds much better now, and may even recognize some sounds when she's born. I'm hoping she recognizes my bark - it'll make colluding with her so much easier.

24 weeks ago, when Mom was only 11 weeks pregnant, I posted Mom's first official bump picture. You can reread the post here. That post had a similar title, but look at the difference a few months makes!

Mom at 11 weeks

Mom at 35 weeks

Bean is definitely ready - as is Mom - to make an appearance! Mom and Dad have been busy preparing for her arrival with the nursery preparations, installing car seats, getting the stroller ready, and washing all of her tiny clothes. She has so many TINY TINY socks - I can't wait to steal them!! Next week's post will feature the nursery, but here's a snapshot of the new stroller. Apparently babies aren't born being able to walk so we get to push her around in this for a bit. 

Also this week, Grandma Sheri hosted a final baby shower for Bean - and it was amazing! It was a co-ed shower complete with a bourbon tasting for the guys, yummy food, and a head band making station. Bean, Mom and Dad got lots of love while I stayed home and napped. It was a really great day, and now Bean has everything she needs. I can't wait to meet her. Aunt Meg was the awesome photographer at this event - I can't take any credit for these great photos.

A present just for Dad

An awesome book from Uncle Brad and Aunt Chelsea

The host - Grandma Sheri!

Week 34: Captain Squash - The Winter Pumpkin

Bean is the size of a butternut squash this week and continuing to grow happily inside Mom's belly. Mom had another doctor's appointment with Dr. Hamel this week. Everything looks good, and Bean is growing right on schedule. Mom is also growing - rather uncomfortable, that is. Lots more aches and pains this week as her belly gets bigger and bigger. But, she still doesn't have any swelling and is relatively mobile. Dad, however, is having to help her around the house and off the couch/out of the car/out of bed, etc. It's kind of funny.

Week 34: Mom is having a hard
time finding clothes that fit.

This week, Mom and Dad visited the brand new mall. It's beautiful, but you know, a mall. They had a great dinner at Season's 52 and then Mom caved and went shopping. There is a fabulous and all too expensive 

baby and kids store called Janie & Jack that Mom visited. She and Dad bought this for Bean as a Christmas Eve outfit. 

One of Bean's first fancy outfits from the new mall

Last Friday, after I posted the update, Mom's co-workers threw a baby shower for her. Bean's New College Family is going to spoil her rotten! It was a great afternoon gathering hosted by Nicole and Shelley, Mom's work pals, and everyone had a great time.

A present from the baby shower -
Bean's bathroom looks so preppy

Another gift - this one from Andrea. I have a feeling I'm going
to get blamed for A LOT of Bean's mistakes

Mom's NCF Family

Mom and Nicole with one of Bean's baby shower presents.
I helped Mom hang this up in the nursery last night.

Week 33: Durian Durian

Bean is the size of a durian this week. What is that, you ask? Well, according to Wikipedia, "Regarded by many people in southeast Asia as the "king of fruits", the durian is distinctive for its large size, strong odour, and formidable thorn-covered husk." I have no idea. It sounds absolutely disgusting, looks super weird, and seems like it would be terribly hard to cook with.

Aside from that weird introduction, Bean is around 4.5 pounds this week and growing rapidly. Her bones are hardening (which Mom can really feel now), and she's continuing to develop brain functions. Bean is probably brilliant by now! She is getting heavier for Mom to carry around, but she has also dropped slightly which is great. Mom can breathe easier, but she is hot all the time and definitely waddling around a bit more. Today, Mom's co-workers are throwing her a baby shower at New College. I can't wait to see all of the goodies Bean comes home with! 

Week 33 - look at that bump!!
(special thanks to Andrea for taking the picture)

Me and Dad - we pretty much the best friends

Random Update: Third Trimester Thoughts

My thoughts on my third trimester "morning sickness": 




My reaction to strangers' unsolicited parenting advice:




Bruce and I during our prepared childbirth class:




Realizing that babies eat about 12 times a day/night (#thestruggleisreal): 




Me, eating 12 times a day now: 




The hospital suites at Sarasota Memorial:




My feelings about pants before I got pregnant: 




My feelings about pants 8 months pregnant: 

Week 32: Squishy Squash

This week, Bean is the size of a squash but is moving around a lot more than a squash. Sometimes, I can see her moving around inside Mom's belly. It's weird. Mom had a doctor's appointment on Monday, and Bean's heartbeat is strong and she's really happy inside Mom's belly. She's about 3 pounds, and Dr. Hamel (Mom's doctor) thinks she's going to be a nice, small baby. They're both aiming for a 7-8 pound baby.

Mom has been feeling tired and nauseous lately, as well as experiencing some Braxton Hicks contractions. Not to worry, though. That's all normal third trimester stuff. Everyone is right on track and doing well. Mom and Dad went to a day-long Prepared Childbirth class at the hospital last weekend. They learned a lot and are feeling much less anxious about Bean's arrival. They also had a chance to tour the Labor & Delivery and Mother/Baby units of the hospital at Sarasota Memorial. Apparently, they are VERY NICE. Bean will be coming into quite the posh setting.  Then, Mom went to a breastfeeding class later in the week with her other pregnant friend, Erica. They had a hard time not giggling. They are both super overwhelmed with the thought of breastfeeding now. Oh well - nothing to be done about that!

Week 32 - today was a good morning

This week, we had visitors which was SO MUCH FUN!!! Grammy Babiarz and her best friend Ellen came to town. Ellen is THE BEST at playing sock which has made me so happy. I like going to work with Dad, but it's really fun to come home to Grammy snuggles and Ellen sock time.

Week 31: 31 Bump Street and Pineapple Ave

Bean is the size of a pineapple this week! I know of at least one TV power couple that is excited by the news. Mom and Dad know what I mean. That's all that matters.

Shawn and Gus from Psych....obviously

Bean has developed all five senses at this point, and her brain is getting smarter and smarter. She'll be ready for college in to time (Gettysburg Class of 2035!!!). She is also working on her ninja skills as she tries to re-position herself for delivery. Over the next few weeks, she's trying to spin so she's facing down. Currently, Mom is convinced she has her sense of direction, as in none. She just keeps kicking back and forth, side to side, usually while Mom is trying to sleep or in an important meeting at work. Not cool, Bean. 

31 weeks - picture taken at work thanks
to Paige since Dad is out of town.

Dad had to travel again this week for work. He went to California. I hear it's really nice there. While he was gone, Mom and I hung around the house and watched an abnormal amount of Law & Order. Mom is really into it. I just like the snuggles. Plus, she gives me leftovers of her dinner, so that's a plus. This weekend, Mom and Dad have an all day child-birthing class at the hospital. I imagine that they will both be scared, tired and totally overwhelmed by the time they come home from it. Again - that should lead to some good snuggle time for me. 

In the end, though, they're going to be the coolest parents in the class. I know it.