SO FRUSTRATED!!!!!

I'm not sharing this post through facebook.  Only my loyal readers will see it! :)

I am now 3 days overdue.

I know that isn't that much because as I've been told a million times "first babies always come late."  Well, first of all, this isn't true at all.  Second of all, I'm dilating, effacing, dropping, losing my mucus plug, having contractions and still nothing. NOTHING.

I know I'm just an emotional pregnant lady but I seriously sort of want to just cry all the time until this baby comes.  I'm just so overwhelmed with excitement to meet him or her.  I'm excited to start this new journey in our life together.  I'm frustrated with EVERYONE and their mom asking my mom and I if "anything is happening?"  I promise, we'll tell you.  Particularly if you are immediate family, or my husband.  I love you, Justin, but you do not need to call me every hour while you are at work because TRUST ME you are the first person I plan on contacting when I actually go into labor.  :)  (If I ever do.)

D-Day!

No...not delivery day (at least not yet)...due date!

I made it...and I'm still pregnant.  Not gonna lie, getting a little frustrated with this little one.  Maybe I just expected Baby Hales to pop right out when everything (and everyone) was here and ready.

Please come on Baby, I really want to meet you, and I'm READY!

Pregnant forever?

I literally feel like I'm going to be pregnant forever.  The end of pregnancy is this very strange time where you become really uncomfortable and sort of expect to feel something happening, like some sort of build up to labor.  Turns out, apparently it's just going to come at any second without any forewarning which is exactly why I think most women feel like they are going to be pregnant forever.

For those interested, I had my check up appointment for my blood pressure on Thursday.  Turns out, my PIH (pregnancy induced hypertension) blood work was prefect (the midwives like to use this word a lot with me: blood work, baby's heartbeat, etc.)  She said literally perfect, it wasn't even anywhere near borderline abnormal.  My BP was still slightly high when I went in but apparently that's not of a concern.  Now, they are more concerned if this baby doesn't come soon!  I rescheduled my appointment from Monday to Wednesday afternoon, where we will have to talk about possible induction eventually if I don't go into labor before then.  So get ready, Baby Hales, Nana/Ohmi comes tomorrow so if you just wait 24 more hours that'd be great.

Yesterday was my last day at work.  I have to admit I'm a little sad about not being able to see a lot of my patients again, but some of them I'm happy to hand of to Kate, Kim and Kassidy (new therapist, and apparently I'm the only one whose name doesn't start with a K :) ).  I had been bringing gifts from patients home every once in a while and every time Justin would say, "Another one??"  All I could say is, "Well my patients like me!"  The other day, I discharged a patient and she came in the next day to bring me a handmade quilt she sewed herself.  The same day, Great Aunt Shirley (who I rode 100 miles on my bike (while 7 weeks pregnant) for) sent us a gorgeous knitted blanket for Baby Hales in his/her mom's absolutely favorite color!  Here is a picture.  Baby Hales sure is a lucky little one.

Come on baby, we can't wait to meet you!

One Week Countdown...

Yesterday, we had our hospital tour.  It was nice for me to actually see where we would be and learn about the process because I've been a little worried that they say once you get to the hospital, the anxiety you feel can slow down your labor.  I mean, it's not that I'm scared of hospitals at all, I'm in the health care field.  It's just that I've never been the patient, and I'm leaving with a child...so that's a little bit anxiety inducing, but exciting!

Today, we had our 39 week midwife appointment.  Good news: almost 2 cm dilated and the midwife said, "Come on baby, where are you.  He/she is so low, what are they waiting for?"  Good question Danielle, I'm wondering the SAME EXACT thing.  Bad news:  my blood pressure has been a little high my last two visits at the beginning of the visit and then back down to closer to normal afterwards.  Danielle suggested we get some PIH (pregnancy induced hypertension) blood work done and then come back in on Thursday or Friday for another BP check to see how it is.  I think part of it is my nervousness and anxiety causing the heightened blood pressure, but I'm with her.  Better safe than sorry.  Justin asked when they would start talking induction.  She said usually they wouldn't recommend it at all for first time mom's before at least 41 weeks.  I'm really hoping I don't have to be induced and my blood work and BP at the end of this week are back to normal.  I need some hints/tricks to make Baby Hales hurry up and make his/her debut!!  I've been eating chili and having some wine.  I'm taking the cervix softener/fatty acid pills they told me to take.  The Baby is clearly ready, almost -2 station (lower than last week) and 2 cm dilated.  I'm nervous but definitely ready.  Come on, what is taking so long!  I feel like I'm going to be pregnant forever.

Any "tricks" to hurry this along would be really appreciated.  On that note, here is finally a new belly photo and I'm off to drink some wine.  Maybe a glass a night will help things along??

I know, I'm too lazy to blog...

...or maybe it's that I'm way too tired!  I only have 9 days until my due date and it's becoming very real to me.  Actually, maybe the problem is it STILL doesn't seem real, and therefore my head is saying "this is scary" and my heart is saying "I can't wait to be a mom!"  Well, here's a little update since my last post.

We had our 38 week midwife appointment last Tuesday, where we met another midwife who actually delivers babies!  She told me I was about the same dilation/effacement wise as last week, but that she didn't really expect that to change much until I went into labor.  She also told me to go get/take some evening of primrose to help progress things along and avoid going to much over the due date.  Like she had to twist my arm...

Justin and I spent NYE with my sister, Megan.  It was extremely low-key but nice to be with two very important people and one very important dog in my life!  We had dinner at one of those hibachi grill places and I had a glass of wine, and couldn't help but feel like I had to explain that the doctor's said it was ok to all the people sitting with us at our table!

Pregnancy signs/symptoms that have decided to wait until my last two weeks to make their unwelcome debut:

• Carpal Tunnel/hand pain
• Extreme ankle swelling (especially after this weekend - see below)
• Feeling a little cranky, uncomfortable and just plain old "blah"
• The return of nausea

This weekend, my aunt and, well basically other aunt, MEM and Terri were in the DC area.  Terri coaches the Marquette Women's Basketball team and my aunt MEM travels with them occasionally.  Marquette played Georgetown on Saturday afternoon.  On Friday, we had dinner in Georgetown with the team and rode around on their charter bus to see some of the gorgeous DC sites at night (the Korean War Memorial is creepy at night.)  On Saturday, we took MEM to breakfast at the Original Pancake House and then went to watch the women play great against the #15 GU team and pull off a great win in 2 OT.  Terri apologized for making it a little more stressful than desired for me, but I thought it was a great and fun game to watch.

Only negative from weekend: sitting/standing without doing much moving = Melissa's newfound cankles...very uncool.  At least they go down when I elevate my legs.  I'll try to post again on Tuesday after our hospital tour and 39 week appointment.  Until then, I'll leave you with this.

I'm scared/nervous/worried about this impending baby.  Don't get me wrong, I'm really excited too but this odd unsettled sensation has began to sweep over me the past week or so.  It's not that I don't think I can do it - anyone that knows me knows if I put my mind to something, it's going to get done.  It's not that I don't think I'll be a good mom - I have a really great role model.  I can't really describe it, I just am scared because I don't feel ready.  I still feel young and like a newlywed and I'm just not sure how ready I am, but not like I have a choice.  My solution is to tell my husband how I feel and lean on him, because I think he's pretty darn great, and to focus on how excited I am for this whole new, exciting experience in my life.

Until next time, or until baby...

Full Term!!!

Woohoo!  The milestones of pregnancy are so much more exciting in the last month!  Today we are considered full term...so if Baby Hales decides to make his or her debut any day now, the doctors/midwives would just let it happen.

Today we had our appointment with a new midwife who does deliveries, Patricia.  She was really funny and nice and I secretly hope she will be at the hospital with me.  My weight and blood pressure were normal today (thankfully for those of you that know what happened to me last week :) ).  Cervical checks weekly are optional so I thought, why not see how things are going at this point.  Tricia asked if I had been having any contractions...I'm still not sure about this as it feels more like cramping to me.  I was measuring small again today - 35 cm, but within normal limits.

She poked around my belly to try to determine the exact position of the baby (I am REALLY ticklish.)  She was poking quite a bit more than normal and then gave this perplexed face and goes, "Well, I'm sure your baby has a head, I just can't find it!"  "It must be way down in there."  So I guess the baby isn't JUST head down, he/she is WAY down - which might explain the 3-4 weeks of significant pubic bone pressure I've been experiencing.  The only thing that worried me a little during the appointment was she had a hard time hearing the heartbeat, then asked me if it was normally low.  I told her no one has really told me a number, they just keep telling me it's perfect!  But she said it's normally between 110 and 160 and our baby's was 115 and it went up to 130 when she poked at him/her (which I warned her baby does not like.) I'll try to keep the details to a minimum regarding the cervical check, but basically I'm very slightly dilated and 50% effaced and the baby's head isn't quite lining up right yet.  I'm so excited.  I'm not sure that this necessarily signifies any expected D-day for the little one, but it's a little more exciting to know a little bit more.  She is the first midwife to tell me to actually do a kick count.  I've been sorta keeping track but maybe I'll try to be more concrete about it now - starting tonight.

Oh, also, Tricia is an Ohio State fan and said they she sometimes brings OSU booties for her moms that are fans and for the Michigan fans, just to piss them off! :)  I told her about our family tradition of Hang on Sloopy at weddings.  I think she likes me!

Here are a few of my favorite maternity photos from our shoot with Rachel Naft!



P.S. I've decided I'd rather be dealing with a crying baby than all my whiney patients, so please come quickly Baby.

Head down

I won't be posting much most likely in the next few days but for now...

36 week check up went well.  Measuring on track this time.  Baby Hales is definitely head down.  Got our crib and dresser.  Not putting the crib together until we move probably, but the dresser looks nice.  Can't wait to put the baby stuff in it.

Missing the rest of my family this Christmas but looking forward to spending the weekend with my wonderful husband, our baby, my awesome sister and my favorite nephew, Samson as well as my in-laws.  Happy Holidays to everyone.  I hope you all get some quality time with the people you love the most.

1 month to go!

This is going to be REALLY short and sweet because...well, frankly...I'm too tired to blog!  Work has been so busy and crazy, but thank God that they are starting to stop giving me new evaluations (seeing as these patients will just have to see someone else anyways in a short while.)  And one of our therapists is going to the Philippines for 2.5 weeks beginning Wed. so I'm going to be seeing quite a few of her patients, as well as all of my own.  Dreading the next 3 weeks, but at least we are SO close to getting our fourth quarter bonus!

Baby class last Monday was all about breastfeeding.  I was initially looking forward to getting off of the birthing/labor topics, but I think I was pretty irritable that day, because I couldn't WAIT to get out of there!  I am of the opinion that the saying "There is no such thing as a stupid question" is stupid because there ARE stupid questions, and one of the couples seemed to be asking a lot of them.  I also think, I've been doing a good amount of reading on my own so I don't feel like I'm learning much new stuff, but it's nice to be there to learn with Justin.  Tomorrow is our last class and it's all about caring for baby when they arrive, hopefully that will be more interesting!

We had pregnancy/maternity photos done tonight with our wedding photographer, Rachel Naft.  I told her we just love her and I refer EVERYONE to her.  She's so easy to be around and I can't wait to see how the photos turn out.

Tuesday is our 36 week doctor/midwife appointment so I'll be getting the Strep B test.  Other than that, nothing exciting except starting to think about things we NEED before the baby may come and considering packing hospital bags (I really just want to pack all the baby things in my new Coach baby bag!)

Until next time...

34 week Doctor Appt.

It's actually 34 weeks and 3 days... but who's counting?  At our baby/birthing class this week, the nurse instructor was running through a list of names of the midwives from our practice that actually do deliveries at the hospital.  Funny, we/I haven't seen ANY of those midwives!  The practice encourages you to see everyone since you never know who will be there when you deliver, which I totally get, but seriously?  I think we can be pretty sure we won't be seeing any of the midwives that don't even do deliveries at the hospital!

So today, we saw yet another midwife, but this one actually does "a lot of deliveries."  She was very nice just like everyone else at our practice.  The nurse I think may have been new as well because I walked into the bathroom and stepped onto the scale without her even saying anything.  Then she said, "You know the drill, huh? Weight, pee..."  I laughed and said, "Yeah, 34 weeks later!"  :)  We then went into the room and finished the rest of the typical nurse-related activities.  This nurse seemed younger and more thorough than most of the other ones though.  She asked if we had any questions/needed anything and informed me that the next visit I would be getting a Strep B test.

Then the midwife came in, and also joked with us a bit.  She got out the doppler and checked the heartbeat.  Then she poked and prodded my belly to get the baby to move and then checked the heartbeat again.  She said it was supposed to go up after the baby moves, which it did, and like those before her said it was "perfect."  Then she measured my belly.  She said it was 32 cm, which is a pretty normal for 34 weeks.  I said no one ever told me what the measurement was and I was curious because I feel like I'm smaller than other women as far along as me.  She said that was because I was tall and long waisted (which I figured), and then said probably in the next few weeks, I would still measure small and the practitioner would probably recommend an ultrasound to check the growth of the baby and the US would say the baby was in the 90th percentile.  She sounded like this happened a lot! :)

Anyways, all in all yet another uneventful appointment - except that I got to meet one of the midwives who may be with me in the delivery room!  I also made all of our remaining appointments and I realized next week is my last week without an appointment with a doctor before I deliver...scary.  New belly photos for Justin's co-workers (and anyone else who has been wondering what's taking so long!)

Partner yoga post coming up! :)

Taking a break!

So I've been getting a little bit of nausea this week, which is semi frustrating in my third trimester.  Last night I could hardly sleep and still felt pretty crappy this morning.  I think I am so stressed out about preparing for baby and buying Christmas gifts for family while at the same time trying to make sure we save money and have enough to buy the things we need but don't yet have for baby...it's all overwhelming.

Not to mention I don't exactly have an physically easy job, or emotionally for that matter.  I'm a bit tired of hearing my "lovingly whiney" patients, as I call them, complain to me about their pain and their problems.  I know it's my job and I signed up for it and 95% of the time I love it, I just want to vent!

So anyways, today I took a day off.  The list of reasons not to was much longer, but the one reason to take a break was much more important that the many other reasons not to.  I feel SO much better.  I was able to just sleep and rest and also got a few baby things done:

• Called to schedule a "prenatal" visit with a potential pediatrician's office


• Called to schedule a hospital tour of the "maternity ward" as I called it and laughed at myself on the phone with the receptionist (I guess I couldn't think of the word UNIT)


• Researched some more daycare options


• Researched potential apartment options


• Registered our Britax car seat and stroller (some of the car seats were recently recalled due to a "brittle chest clip" but turns out the green color was a good choice because our model # wasn't recalled)


• Researched some invitation wording options for bridal shower/bachelorette party

Did I mention I rested?  I think I just really needed a day to rest, relax and get a few small things done to take some stress out of my life.

I am trying to get Justin to blog about partner prenatal yoga last weekend.  We'll see if he does it, if not I'll try to fill you in!  It was so much fun! :)

27th Birthday Gift: QT with my sister

We went to see Michael Buble.



This is us waiting before the show started.  The couple behind us was obnoxiously funny.  The guy was so impressed with my self photo taking camera with a front screen (hilarious picture of guy being amazing to come...)  Megan bought the tickets as a birthday gift for me and something we could do together before my life changes completely.



After going on and on about my camera, the guy behind us started talking to the couple next to me about the guys smart phone and the front facing camera with a flash.  Being the smarta*s I am, I turned around and said, "You came here to check out all the new technology not for the show, didn't you?"  His wife/gf/whatever started cracking up and he goes, "Yep exactly, I'm outta here in 10 minutes.  I couldn't care less about Michael Buble!"  We all laughed.  Here are some photos from our seats (not zoomed).





The opening act was a group of 7 guys, called Naturally 7.  They are a group that does what is called "vocal play."  They basically make the sounds of the instruments with their voices.  The guy who was the bass was amazing!  (And of course the skinniest guy in the group.)  I highly recommend checking them out on iTunes.  Then we waited about 15 minutes for Michael Buble to come on.

He was, simply put, totally AWESOME!  He was funny and sounded awesome, and his band was fantastic.  It was just all around such a great time...even though my ankles and shins swelled up like balloons during the 3 hours of sitting/standing.  I loved every second of it, and got emotional a few times thinking about how scared I am of my life completely changing, but I think I'm ready.  Or maybe I'm not quite yet but I have at least another month or so to come to terms with the whole idea of being a mom.  Thanks, Meg, for a really great birthday gift and for making me feel special for my birthday.

Here are a couple more photos from the show of Michael.

Baby turning?

So I've been pretty darn uncomfortable since this past Sunday.  I think eating a large amount of salty foods over Thanksgiving holiday made my feet and hands swell a little bit because I had a hard time wearing both my engagement ring and wedding band.  It seems to be a lot better now and they are fitting just fine.

Back to my extreme discomfort.  I really don't even know how to describe it.  It isn't the same as Braxton Hicks because the "tight" sensation doesn't go away for any period like it would with contractions.  It almost feels like I'm being punished for having a relatively small belly because it feels like the baby wants more room than is available and he/she is lying entirely against the front of my belly.  I'm hoping this new discomfort is just because the baby is trying to flip to be head down - that would eliminate a lot of my worry about that.  If that is what is going on I hope it doesn't feel this uncomfortable for 7 more weeks.

Heading to flood Baby's ears with the sweet serenade of Michael Buble with Aunt Megan tonight, I'll try to blog a little more often!  Until next time, not much new to report! :)

Happy Birthday Mom!

Sounds weird, eh?

Melissa's birthday was yesterday. We had baby class (quite the present, I know).  She also had to work on her birthday - I must have done something wrong in telling her to go in yesterday. It was a long day for her but I know that she's looking forward to the long weekend. I'm not one for sappy stuff, especially on birthday's but this one is special. She's going to be a mom (and me a dad). Last birthday as a non-parent...

 

Melissa - I love you. We have been through a lot the last few months and I know that the next few will be even more exciting and probably even more rewarding. I want you to know that you are an amazing woman and I'm so proud that I can call you my wife. Keep on "cruisin" (who was she kidding?) and the baby will be here before we know it. Happy Birthday beautiful. I love you.

32 week check-up

Justin and I went to the usual OB office visit today: check-in, check weight, pee in a cup, get blood pressure, wait for doctor or midwife, measure belly, listen to heartbeat, ask questions...every time...  Justin hasn't been to the OB with me in quite some time and after the appointment he says, "So is that pretty standard for your visits?"  Haha, um yeah pretty much exactly every time.

Great things from this visit:

• I haven't gained that much weight since my last visit (which I think it awesome, especially because they aren't saying there is anything wrong with the growth of the baby or anything like that)


• The doctor we saw today was very nice, just like everyone at this office (Justin is taking credit for finding us a great OB-GYN office)


• She eased some labor fears by repeating multiple times how "nice and tall" we are and how she thinks I will do "just fine"


• She also eased my fears about the baby being breach because of my poorly positioned sacrum.  She told me not to worry about anything until 36 weeks- so we have another month.


• She (along with pretty much every other person we've seen) mentioned that the baby's heartbeat is 130-140 bpm - "Perfect"

I can't believe we only have 8 weeks left.  If you haven't put your vote in on the pool, see my previous post, or the link on the right side of the page!

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!  I hope everyone spends some time letting the important people in their lives know how thankful they are to have them!

Baby Pool!!

So excited I think I found a really neat, free online baby pool!  I've been wanting to do this for a while so I'm pretty pumped.  You can take a guess at a bunch of things in the pool and the website will use a point system to calculate a winner.  Maybe Justin and I can come up with something really cool and exciting to send to the winner!  Make sure to enter your email address if you want a day of birth announcement since it seems that using the pool will be an easy way to send out a mass email about Baby Hales!

List of guess-able things:

• Birthday


• Birth time


• Gender


• Length


• Weight


• Hair Color


• Eye Color


• First Name


• Middle Name


• Comments

I left the names in there, not because I want you to guess what you think we will name them (although that's how you get points) I've liked hearing other people's name suggestions because sometimes it can give us good ideas!  I will also post new belly photos from the front and side tonight so those of you that want to see all angles to guess gender can do that! So have at it!  I'm excited to see everyone's guesses!

http://bebepool.com/melissamhales

In other news:

I am seriously having a rough week at work, and next week, although shorter is looking even rougher.  I'm also becoming increasingly uncomfortable this week.  Not just like "big" uncomfortable, like cramping and unable to bend over without gasping for breath uncomfortable.  I was so excited for yoga yesterday, but even that didn't help too much this week.  I couldn't do some of the poses due to the aforementioned discomfort, and my self diagnosed subluxing knee, subluxed so it is really hurting today.  I hope it's just the week.  Looking forward to a relaxing weekend and some time with friends and family Saturday night at a "Pigger!"

Birthing classes!

So this will probably be a quick post but we attended our first birthing class on Monday.  Justin said he is more excited afterwards, whereas the more I learn and see the more nervous I become...so hopefully he will be calm, cool and collected and pull through for me!  The instructor asked us to introduce ourselves and, among other things, say what we had least expected about this pregnancy.  I quickly came up with my response: the "pregnancy brain."  I mean seriously, I spent all afternoon on Sunday with my husband who I have known and been with for 6 years, and I didn't even notice he shaved his beard!  I'm embarrassed to admit it since I pretty much observe people for a living, but I'm sorry Justin!

My highlight from the class:

While watching the first of I'm sure many "birthing videos," which was relatively PG, there was some cheesy music and narration playing in the background.  I really can't even describe it, but the reason it was a highlight for me was because it made me realize that although Justin and I are VERY VERY different, there are some things that are so similar and always make me smile.  Such as Monday night, while watching this video, about 5 minutes in, all I could think was "man this is pretty cheesy with the music and the narrator."  The moment I'm thinking this, Justin squeezes my  hand to get my attention.  I turn to him and he whispers to me, "Is it just me or is this a little cheesy?"  Haha, exactly what I was thinking!  I love you!  More to come tomorrow maybe- including new photos!

Official Due Date....ONLY 1!

I had my 30 week doctor's appointment yesterday.  I saw a new nurse midwife who I haven't seen before.  She was really nice.  When she came in and sat down, she said "So, 30 weeks and 3 days?"  I was like, wait what?  Because you see, according to the doctor's until yesterday, I was under the assumption they were still using the January 24th due date and I would have been 29 weeks and 4 days yesterday.  So I said, "Oh, you guys changed the due date?"  She said maybe the previous midwife I had seen had done it since I wasn't really sure at all about the first day of my last period.  This seems like a stupid thing to be excited about but I'm thrilled I can stop saying "Depends on who you ask," when people ask me when I am due.  I'm officially only due on the 18th of January!

The midwife also told me the first thing that might not be a perfect easy pregnancy this week.  My iron levels are borderline low so I'm supposed to add more to my diet.  She said I can get it by eating things like spinach, beans, and ... liver.  I said, "So all the delicious things!" :)  She said she cringed every time she said it!  Anyways, looks like more steaks for me!  She also told me that I should get a flu shot and that we most likely will not get another ultrasound unless they need to see something (position) or if I go past my due date - to check everything out.

Also this week, we got our new stroller!  They said it would take 2 weeks to ship but that turned into 2 days!  So I went into nesting/cleaning mode on Thursday night.  I put together the swing, bouncer and stroller.  I pushed the stroller around our kitchen island (the only place where there is ANY room) and said, "Justin, how do I look?"  He told me I looked pregnant!

Hopefully today, I'll make some thank you cards for my generous friends and family and/or actually make my honeymoon scrapbook!  Here is a picture of some of our organized baby things in the den/nursery!

Baby Shower Weekend

My older sister, Megan, hosted my baby shower this weekend.  She is so creative and crafty that my younger sister, Lauren, and I are almost dreading planning her bridal shower - we have so much to live up to.  I should have taken more pictures of the awesome decor!

Lauren and one of my aunts (MEM) were flying down from Milwaukee to spend the weekend with us, my in-laws were driving up from VA Beach and quite a few of my friends in the area were coming to celebrate with us.  My mom also wasn't supposed to be able to come, but she flew down to surprise me - it meant a whole lot to me since she had to miss my bridal shower due to work.  Honestly, I felt so overwhelmed and loved it was so wonderful!  Just a simple little gathering of some family and friends talking about babies.  Baby Hales is lucky to have so many people who already love him/her and that love his/her mom and dad.  I'm a little less stressed now that we have some of the bigger things that we really need.  Here are some pictures from the weekend.  Thank you to my family and friends that could come, I wish I could explain to you how much it means to me!

New Shape!!

So you know how the other day I decided no more bare belly photos since I felt like my belly was funny shaped?  Well, today when I looked in the mirror before I got in the shower, I noticed something...my belly looks like it changed shape!  I went into work and told my boss Kate my thoughts from the morning, she said "Yeah...maybe."  But she also tells me EVERY SINGLE MONDAY that I grew a lot since the last time she saw me (read: over the weekend).  When she goes to see her family in Australia for 2 weeks, she's going to be shocked when she gets back!

So I came home and told Justin I think my belly changed.  I stood up and put one hand above and one hand below my belly and prepared to tell him what I thought, and he goes, "it looks lower."  AH- that's exactly what I was going to say!  I feel like the shape when from long, tall and flat to shorter and rounder!  I can't believe it wasn't just in my head!  Justin even noticed it. :)  We decided that maybe the baby has flipped to be head down and that's why the shape is a little different.  Anyways, nothing else exciting to report! :)

Halloween Weekend 2010

On Friday after work, Aunt Meg and I drove 3.5 hours up to State College, PA to seen soon-to-be Uncle Paul and the Indiana Hoosiers play Penn State.  The ride was actually pretty fun.  The GPS was pretty much dying to take us down all these back roads so we were hardly on any highways, which was ok because it was light out and had nice views.  We drove through a bunch of little towns and finally arrived at State College.  It was fun to be sitting in the stands and watching volleyball again for me, unfortunately Indiana didn't play too well and Penn State was sort of unimpressive to me.  But after the game, we got to say hi to Nancy, the assistant coach who knows both Megan and I (she was my coach when I went to Holland to play for a week.)  We only got to say hi to Paul for about 2 minutes since he lost his bag and was frantically running around.  So after a 3.5 hour drive up, a 1.5-2 hour game and 15 minutes of "catching up," we took the 3 hour drive on (on all the highways) which was also fun because we talked the whole way!  I'll try to upload some of the fall-ish photos I took on our ride up.

Yesterday, Justin and I just hung out with Megan and Samson for most of the day and then came home to get ready to get dinner at Red Robin (I've been craving a burger SO badly) and then head out to see a friend's band play in Fairfax.  It was relatively uneventful but the burger was delicious!  Here we are in our costumes- simple, cheap and homemade, and I posted a new belly photo.





P.S. I am no longer going to post un-clothed belly photos as I think my bump is slightly oddly shaped.  Maybe the maternity photos will be an exception.

Happy almost November! (Oh Aunt Meg got me an early birthday gift- tickets for us to see Michael Buble in concert - SOOOOO excited to see a great singer and have a sister's night out.)