37 weeks and impromptu photo shoot :)

*Charlotte must be thinking, "That is one big tummy!"

Pregnancy Highlights

How Far Along: 37 weeks in the pic

Size of baby: He's continuing to gain about an ounce a day.  He's about 6 1/2- 7 pounds and between 18-20 inches.   
Weight gain: I go to the doctor today, so we'll see!

Maternity Clothes: Nothing but maternity clothes although there are just a few outfits left that fit right and are comfortable now. 
Gender: BOY! Pearce Matthew

Movement: I feel more jabs and pointy parts.  I feel him down really low.  What's weird is to feel him low AND up by my ribs.  I feel his heel all the time in the left part of my stomach.
Sleep:  Still hit and miss.  I continue to be sooo sleepy during the day.  I just have to make it through this week of school, and then I can finally take it easy. 

Symptoms:  TONS of Braxton Hicks contractions.  I feel more pressure down low.  I've noticed that if I sit too long, my joints are VERY sore when I get up.  Right now, the old lady hose are not helping as much with my feet swelling.   

Cravings: Lately it's been Whataburger!

What I miss: Nothing!  Wellll...actually that's not true.  When Ash was here this past weekend, she wanted to use her Christmas money to get new clothes.  She got so many cute things and I found myself wishing I could be buying the same things.  But then I quickly shook that thought out of my head and told myself I would gladly wear the small amount of maternity clothes that actually fit and are comfortable for the next couple of weeks.  I will then work hard to get back to my pre-pregnancy body and then go shopping....Mom, will you take me????  :-)

Best moment this week:  Just reaching 37 weeks and knowing that if Pearce decides to come early, he would be just fine!! 

What I am looking forward to: Friday...MATERNITY LEAVE begins!!
How's that scar looking? It's gonna be a doozy at the end. It feels really hard...I just don't see how it can stretch more than it has already. But, I don't care!

Belly Button: F-L-A-T :)

**No stretch marks yet!!**

Ash took my 37 week pictures, but she decided we needed to do a mini maternity photo shoot :)  It was fun...I'm glad I have these now.  

One excited Mommy-to-be! 

My weekend with Ash and Baby Charlotte

This weekend was Cotton Bowl weekend, so Chris went to Dallas to hang with the guys on Thursday night.  Ash and Charlotte came to Austin to hang with me.  They stayed Thursday through Sunday and we had the best time!  My kids were so excited to see Ashley walk into the classroom on Friday!    

The kids LOVED Charlotte.  They wanted to play with her and love on her.  Here she is playing with two of my sweet little girls

Apparently, Charlotte thought my room needed a little cleaning.

Ash read a book to my kids.  She used to teach 2nd grade.  She definitely has not lost her touch.

Charlotte enjoyed listening to the story too :)

Friday night we came home to cheer on the Hogs!!  Before the game started, I asked Charlotte if she would like me to paint her nails.  What do you think her answer was?

We got busy getting beautiful.  She was so still.

In the middle of me painting her nails, she just leaned over and gave me a kiss!  What a sweet girl!!!

Are these not the cutest little feet ever?  Thank goodness the Hogs won!!  That game (actually just about every Razorback game) nearly gave me a heart attack!  We did great though, and I was so happy all of the guys were at the game and left in good moods!!!

Saturday morning, we got up and got dressed and headed out to do some shopping.  Ash and Charlotte looked so cute, so we had a little photo shoot.  I think Charlotte's hair looks so cute in doggie ears!

 

Pretty girl!

What a doll!!

We spent so much time doing our photo shoot, that by the time we got in the car to leave we were hungry and headed to the Cheesecake Factory for lunch!  I just can't get enough of this little cutie!!

We did some shopping and then came home to do some more little chores around the house and just hang out.  Ash helped me install the car seat (what?!), she helped me figure out the baby monitor (OMG!), we looked at baby announcements (for real???), and picked out songs for the slideshow my librarian/photographer will use when she does Pearce's newborn photos (WOW).  I just can't believe we are so close now!!  I remember at the beginning of my pregnancy, I had many fears, but one main fear was going into pre-term labor.  I am SO incredibly thankful that I've now made it to 37 weeks.  Although we have a c-section scheduled for the 25th, Pearce can safely come any time between now and then.  I just can't believe my dreams will come true any day now.  ANY DAY NOW!!!!!