33 Weeks

We finished the nursery. It wasn't hard because we didn't change much. The furniture we chose when it was Magnolia's was pretty feminine because we thought we'd have at least two girls before having a boy. (Still learning that you just can't plan these things) So working around a very feminine crib, bookshelf, and chandelier, this is what I came up with it and I really like it! Someday he may ask for a room that's orange and blue with trucks and dinosaurs so for now this room is for me. Nurseries are always for us moms anyway, right? We replaced the little 1950s french provincial dresser that I had accented with pink paint because I just wasn't going to work around that. We replaced it with the dresser I bought at a thrift store for the triplets, not because I particularly liked it but because it was big, it was there, and I was desperate. I like it now and I like it in the nursery. Aside from the bedding and wall decals, I found the rest of the stuff around our house. I bought those beautiful hand colored prints years ago and found the frames at a thrift store and hung them with satin ribbon from W*almart. My sister (a former fly fishing guide living in Montana) sent me those beautiful wooden bears and buffaloes when she was living there. For a long time they were ornaments for our Christmas tree but I realized how perfect they would be for a mobile so I hung them on an embroidery hoop I painted white. Since I made Magnolia a growth chart I thought I should make one for this baby too. You can tell I was short on time and energy, his turned out pretty simple. :)

I can't believe I'm posting this photo but I really like it for the composition. I set the camera on a timer trying to capture shots of myself since George doesn't seem to have any interest in photographing me lately. I think my stomach is amazing so I want to document it and I feel like my days are getting numbered. Every Tuesday I wake up and read the chapter on what to expect this week. George asked what the baby was up to this week. I told him the baby should weigh 4.5lbs. Ha! The baby probably weighs 6lbs. by now! I'm feeling fine. My blood pressure has been good. My ankles are starting to swell if I'm on my feet too long and I'm absolutely exhausted. Oh and the acid reflux has been wonderful too. Other than that, I can't complain. I'm ready. I know I could still have another 6 weeks but I'm really hoping I go earlier. I confessed to George that if I start to have contractions I'm not going to the hospital for fear that they will stop them. I'd be happy to have this baby today. I know it's not rational and he thinks I'm a bit crazy but if he was carrying around this belly, he'd understand. There's more and more talk of "baby brother" around here with Magnolia. She does and doesn't like to feel my stomach. Last week she put her head to my belly and he really kicked her. She got so scared she covered her face and told me to "shut the door" (pull my shirt back down). I couldn't help but laugh which made my belly shake and scared her even more...poor thing, I must really be scary! What's amazing is that she's carrying a baby too and loves to pull up her shirt and show me! We've been washing lots of new clothes and putting them away in his room. I think she's getting used to the idea that it's his space now. I'm sure it will be a different story when he's actually here.

Thank you for all of your tips on things to bring to the hospital. I have my list going but have yet to pack my bag. I don't understand how to do it ahead of time when I use so much of the stuff I want to bring. I have a feeling I will be throwing it all together last minute...

I had the most wonderful day out last Friday when George and his dad gave me the day to myself. I spent my morning in the bookstore and the afternoon watching two movies. Both of which won Oscars so it was fun to see them beforehand.

Magnolia and I are touring the birth center at the hospital this evening. They've renovated it since I was there 4 years ago. I've debated whether or not to do this as I know it's going to be really hard but I realized I have to face it one way or another. I think we'll have a private tour which is good in case I break down.

My doctor's appointment this week is Thursday and I'll have my first non stress test. If there's anything to update after my appointment I will try to do so. Hopefully it will be non eventful.

Hope everyone is having a good week!