Week 34 - The Growing Belly!

About ME:

Waist: 42.0 inches (Total growth 8.5 inches) - A whooping 1.5 inches in 1 week...guess Monster is becoming LARGE and IN CHARGE!

Weight: 160.8 lbs (Total increase 17.0 lbs)

Pregnancy is starting to wear on me...I have good days, I have great days, and I have ok days!  Definitely feeling a little more tired in the past week...but pushing through to get things done before Monster arrives.  The acid reflux and heartburn have definitely slowed down...and starting this week, I will be going to prenatal yoga 2 times per week! 

About MONSTER:

More preparation for the "real" world...the lungs are continuing to mature in preparation for that first scream come late October (hopefully) or early November!

Inside it is like a little booty shaking party...this Monster loves to dance and has new moves each day!  What used to happen in a bump, bump matter...now happens in 3 pound, pound, pound movements!  It's like a little party every afternoon...

Planning for MONSTER:

The nursery is officially 98% done...with only a few things to hang on the walls!  We can't believe how awesome it turned out!

We also completed Birth Class 4 of 5 and had another tour of Overlake Hospital.  It's weird to think that we will be there in a little over a month!  Time is really flying by...and we can't wait to meet this Little Meyer! 

My toes? Rich's eyes? Who's chin?

Momma and Poppa are so excited to meet you little one!

A MONSTER Weekend...

While Rich is away...the girls will play....

or work there butts off after playing!!!!

Saturday Morning, Michaela and Jenn V threw me a fantastic shower...where Monster and I were again SPOILED ROTTEN!  This kid is already so loved...which means Rich and I have some pretty great friends!!!  Thanks Ladies for such a special day!

A candid shot...before the "REAL" picture was taken...

but I don't have those yet, so enjoy the ladies!

A picture of my sister and I post-shower...

can't believe that 2012 is the year WE both are going to have BABIES!

So fun!

After the shower, it was time to work...

Sort gifts, Wash everything and organize the nursery!

My MOM and SISTER we so helpful with all of this...

the day started at 9 am and we didn't finish up on Saturday until 9 pm!

It was all worth it when I know that we are OFFICIALLY ready to 

BRING MONSTER HOME!

A little picture of the madness...before it became organized chaos!

A picture of it all coming together...

the walls are still bare, but that will be something that I wanted Rich to have some input in~

 The changing table/dresser all stocked and ready for MONSTER!

 And a closet FULL of clothes, toys, monitors, breast pump supplies and MORE!

Lastly, it was time for another craft project for the walls!

Take a few ultrasound pictures, baby month stickers and a frame...

 

...wah-la!

Ready for the wall...and then for the monthly pictures of MONSTER!!!

 

  The FINAL countdown is on...

and we can't wait for MONSTER to be here!!!

Rich's 34th Birthday - White Salmon

 Rich and I spent the weekend in White Salmon to celebrate his 34th Birthday at a little Red Cabin on the River...it was a little bitter sweet.  So fun to get out of town and enjoy a final weekend of summer...but a little sad knowing that it was most likely our final trip before baby as "just us".

We both are so excited for Monster and know that our lives will be so much better once he/she is here...but there is a little "ting" in my heart knowing that things are changing!

We sure enjoyed the weekend, the fresh air, the great cafes and a fantastic dinner in Hood River.  A few pictures from the weekend (most are a little cloudy from the recent fires in White Salmon)...

Rich and our "1st born"...hanging out by the river!

My Boys!

A picture of my boys in from of the cabin...

and a view of the deck (and ledge)!

 Chukar could not get enough of watching the river...he is definitely a "fish" dog!

A final leg stretch before we headed home!

It's amazing how much fun Rich and I have doing next to nothing...just being together, enjoying a new spot and sharing some quiet time together!

Happy 34th Babe...I love you!

Week 33 - A "pop" of emotions!

About ME:

Waist: 40.5 inches (Total growth 7 inches) - I'm guessing that I'm growing is some other direction because around is staying steady.

Weight: 160.6 lbs (Total increase 16.8 lbs)

Well, it's here...emotions, anxiety, the realization that the countdown is on, new pains and of course, acid reflux.  As amazing as pregnancy is, it would be nice if I was able to keep a clear head.  

I've started to have to say "no" to things...like a hike last weekend! It really bums me out that my body is starting to not cooperate and any extended activity really takes a toll on me.  I'm trying to remain active with yoga, stretching and short walks...but that is really all I have the energy for!  I also get the 2pm narcolepsy....the bad news is I'm typically at a client so I don't get that little refresher!

About MONSTER:

Monster is currently 17 to 19 inches and weighs more than 4.5 pounds...seriously, now I get the back pain!  Another milestone has been reached - Monster's immune system is now developed!  It seems like Monster tends to be more active during the day and has taken a liking to "punching the desk" if I am working too long!

Planning for MONSTER:

No BIG planning this week...just getting lists together to start trying to get the nursery organized and attended our 3rd birthing class! Rich and I are working on "distraction" techniques to help me through labor and will be spending the next 6-7 weeks perfecting these.  We've figured out what doesn't work...but need to figure out the ones that do work.

Coming up this weekend is another Monster Shower...so there will be more to do in a few days and we aren't even caught up from the other shower.  

Baby Shower Time...already!

 Can someone say SPOILED? 

Can someone say SPOILED ROTTEN?

Well, I sure can and that is exactly how I felt for Monster, Rich and I on Sunday after my sister threw me a wonderful BABY SHOWER for my family and friends. 

Seriously, the pictures do not do it justice...it was just perfect!

Every detail was perfect!

THANKS JENN for being such an AWESOME sister and everyone who came that made it such a special day for ME, RICH and MONSTER!

 Getting a little practice with my beautiful niece JILLIAN!  

She is just scrumptious!

 After eating all the amazing food...it was time for presents!  This is where we continued to get spoiled by our loved ones....from this beautiful rocker/glider for the nursery, to a baby crib, to a fancy baby monitor and EVERYTHING in between...SPOILED ROTTEN!

Of course, function with Rich and I is complete until someone gets us some Husky vs. Cougar gear...guess that Little Monster will have a little something for Game Day!

Rich showed up to help pack things up and of course had to check out the chair...

we both know that there will be MANY hours spent in this over the next months/years!

A picture of my Auntie Roxy and Grandma with me!

 

A picture of me with 2 of my oldest friends

...Presca (met in 3rd grade) and Kelby (met in 11th grade)!

A picture of my awesome Mama and I!

Rich and I practicing with Beckett and Jillian...

we could totally do twins!

And Last but not least...SISTERS!
 

 Thanks to everyone who made this such a special day! 

Jenn & Jillian, Mom, Denise, Grandma, Aunt Roxy, Aunt Cindy, 

Lori & Avea, Viki, Presca & Ally, Kelby & Beckett

Week 32 - Feeling Bigger!

About ME:

Waist: 40.5 inches (Total growth 7 inches) - I'm guessing that I'm growing is some other direction because around is staying steady.

Weight: 159.4 lbs (Total increase 15.6 lbs)

I'm starting to feel a little more awkward...but still rocking heels and don't feel TOO pregnant.  The acid reflux has become a constant, but so worth it for this little one. 

Emotions are also back in full force...overwhelming feelings of how blessed Rich and I are bring me to tears daily...but then I also have to bite my tongue at some of the things that set me off these days!  Another fun emotion is that "protective mama bear" feeling...wow, that's intense! I can only imagine what it will be like when Monster gets her!

About MONSTER:

Monster is just continuing to put on some weight and also getting "real" hair....plus, the skin is becoming soft and smooth!  It's really all the finishing touches from here on out...so while MONSTER is just hanging out, he/she makes sure to give me a nice kick, punch or roll about every 15 minutes to make sure I remember what's going on in there ;)

Planning for MONSTER:

This was a big week on planning for Monster....

• We were thrown our 1st Baby Shower by my sister on Sunday and had such a blast (see separate post)!
• We attended our 2nd (of 5) Birthing Classes and got to watch the "video".  I have to say, after seeing it live, I'm not as scared and know that Rich and I can do this!
• We had ANOTHER doctor's appointment and ultrasound and EVERYTHING checked out great.  Little Monster has even flipped already and is in the head down aka READY TO COME position!

Week 31 - Seriously FLYING by!

Week 31, all-freaking-ready?!?!  Holy smokes, we are starting to fly down the hill with no breaks and guess what (?!?!) there is no stopping now.  Monster is on his/her way and Rich and I are like a deer in headlights.  Well, maybe not that bad, but the excitement turns to fear and then turns back to excitement on about an every 30 minute time table!

This was too funny to not share...and a picture from a mere 10 weeks ago.  A friend did something similar on her pregnancy blog and I thought that it was a must do!  

Best part about this picture is...
I really thought that I couldn't get any bigger!

HAHAHAHAH! I'm now eating my words and know that even the picture above is not even close to how BIG I'll be at the end of this adventure!  Let's just hope that 10 weeks post baby I can look like the picture below...that would be ideal!

 

About ME:

Waist: 40.5 inches (Total growth 7 inches) - Staying steady

Weight: 158.8 lbs (Total increase 15.0 lbs)

This week I was able to get my emotions under control and realize that everything is going to be FINE!  After hearing from some friends with newborns about the struggles they are going through, I really can't say anything negative about pregnancy...or at least I don't really remember anything that sticks out as "sucking" this week.  The acid reflux has flared back up and is a constant after any meal...seriously, water gives me acid reflux now, but it typically comes and goes pretty fast.

I've also come to grips with this size of my belly.  Rich likes to refer to it as "HUGE" and I can finally smile and say "Holy smokes, it is".  I got back into yoga this past week and have also been doing lots of stretches at night to help with the baby discomfort...sometimes it feels like the baby might just detach and fall out.  Plus, the Braxton Hicks are in full force...I have them multiple times per day and honestly, if that was labor, I would be happy.  However, I'm pretty sure that it is going to be a little, ok - A LOT, more intense!  A girl can dream, right?!?

About MONSTER:

Our Little Monster continues to marinate and grow and move!  Now the size of a large head of lettuce and weighing upwards of 3.0 lbs.  Brain development continues to be in the forefront of development these next few weeks and Monster can now perceive information from all 5 senses!  It's really amazing!!

Planning for MONSTER:

Another week, another doctor's appt...and all things are going well.  I'm measuring where I should and my weight is in the low (but acceptable) range!  Basically, doctor is happy with how active I have been able to stay and says it will only help for delivery and post-delivery!  YEAH!  It's nice to know that we are doing something right!

Another fun thing we did was put together the stroller and also attach the newborn car-seat to it...basically, it's the Cadillac of strollers and it's pretty awesome!

We also had a little fun with arts and crafts for the nursery...found the idea on ETSY and had to make it for Monster's nursery!  We aren't too big into things that are too baby...so this was a fun take on something baby for the nursery.  To be determined where we will hang it...but it is ready when we are!

Looking forward to a FAMILY MONSTER SHOWER this Sunday...

and also our next OB appointment, Ultrasound and Birthing Class on Monday!  

A busy WEEK 32 is ahead!

Labor Day Weekend...

Typically, a long weekend for Rich and I means hitting the road ASAP and staying out as long as we can to...this year, Labor Day was a little different for the Meyer Family!

After a LONG week...we stayed in on Friday night and enjoyed just a little peace and quiet with a late night trip to our favorite Greek restaurant!

Saturday...was a little busier! Work, Yoga, Emily's 1st Birthday party and Kaylin & Pat's Wedding!  It was JAM packed with fun and friends!

A little shot of Rich at I at the festivities at Hotel 1000! 
Definitely starting to feel like the 8 month pregnant lady that I am...but I lasted until after 11pm (which was awesome)!

Sunday morning...we slept in and hit the road a little after 12 to get "lost" in the woods and have a little more time together.  Of course, Grouse season opened on Saturday, so we brought the necessities, in case we were lucky enough to get Chukar on some birds!

No such luck...but look at my handsome boys!

It's been a couple months since Chukar was really able to let loose...and he took advantage of his time in the woods.  Mom was a little slower than normal, which was probably good for the recovery of Chukar too!

Water break!

A cool shot of a 6-point (or so Rich tells me) Bull Elk...which was only about 50 yards from the truck.  He had a harem of about 8 lady friends who didn't stick around to get their pictures taken!  Pretty awesome to see wildlife like this so close!

Finally, a FAMILY SHOT...just chillin' on a dirt road!  Chukar has crazy bird (or possibly squirrel) eyes in the picture...but that is how happy he is out there!

And last but not least...a trip to Munchen haus in Leavenworth on our way back home!

Monday was another day filled with work, a trip to my parents to visit, more work and a trip to the dog park...basically, a low-key day to get us prepped for the week!

This is the LAST 3 day weekend on the books before MONSTER is here...so we are happy we were able to take advantage of it...