34 Week Baby Bump

Number of weeks: 34 weeks. I have only 6 or less to go!
Measurement: Per the doctor the two of us are measuring right on track. Little lady continues to explore my right side.
Baby Size: According to the Bump, Aubrey is the size of a butternut squash. She weighs approximately 4.2 pounds to 5.8 pounds and measures about 17.2 to 18.7 inches.
Interesting Fact: Per the bump, and she will recognize and react to simple songs.
Heart Beat: I will find out at our next appointment on Wednesday.
Total Weight Gain: +21
Pregnancy Clothes: This baby belly is continuing to grow which makes most of my clothes a bit tight. I'm definitely excited to be going on a small shopping spree soon since I really have about 6 weeks left.
Tiger Stripes: While it has been pretty hard to see my sides these weeks, I have definitely gained many on my sides. All a symptom of pregnancy. I'm not too concerned.
Symptoms: the ever growing baby belly, acid reflux, leg cramps, lower pelvic and tailbone pain, difficulty breathing, waddling, swelling, and my belly button has almost popped!
Sleep: What is this? ha! I get up every 3 hours on the dot and am really uncomfortable. I also am having difficulty sleeping on my right side for some reason which gives me little to no sleeping options. I have such horrible difficulty rolling over these days. While naps are few and far between, I can say this is my best form of sleep on weekends.
Movement: To say that our daughter moves is an understatement. She rocks and rolls in this belly. It has been amazing to watch my tummy groove these last so many months. I enjoy her sweet hiccups and belly rolls.
Cravings: sweet tea, sweets, and Taco Bell bean burrito with no onions
Gender Predictions: We are welcoming our sweet daughter, Aubrey Rose Zellner in early October.
Most Memorable Moment: This week, the teachers started back to school to prepare for our children's return and the beginning of the new school year. I am incredibly blessed to teach at my school as I have a wonderful staff and team. It's been a wild ride this week (honestly some really painful moments as a preggo teacher) but I can say that I feel pretty ready and very excited for my kiddos to return tomorrow. What I Miss: sleep, being comfortable, fitting into my clothes, having energy
What I look forward to: Spending the next 6 weeks (or less) with my first graders, finishing up our nursery, and getting ready for Miss Aubrey's arrival. I can't wait to see her beautiful face!

Bloggable Updates: July & August Edition

The past two months have come and gone more quickly than I could have imagined. I have shared in so many wonderful moments, but sadly have been a little behind on writing about them. So here is my attempt to give a preview of the last two months until I can get around to writing about all the fun we've had.

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1. Two of my besties, Stephanie and Kristin, threw me a baby shower to celebrate Miss Aubrey. It was amazingly adorable. The theme was... Look Whooooo's Having a Baby!

{Stephanie, Paige, me, Kristin}

{Adorable décor and delicious treats}

... 

2. My mom and aunt came to attend my Dallas shower. We enjoyed a weekend filled with celebration, crafts, and met my cousin and his girlfriend for a fun family dinner at BJ's. 



 
{Aunt Erlene, me, and Oma}

{Jennifer and I}

 

{Nursery family photo fun}

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3. Ray and I attended our church's leadership meeting and themed dinner. Fun photo opt with our ABF friends.

 

{Chase, Denise, Colin, Amy, Ray, and I} 

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4. August 19th marked the first day for the teacher's to return to school. My school sure knows how to ROCK! Meet our first grade team, The Beach Girls! 

{The First Grade Beach Girls}

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5. My Ultimate Frisbee Champion! Gray took on blue in the ultimate final this season, and came home victorious!

{My Ultimate Champion}
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6. Friday, August 23rd, the parents and students enjoyed a Sneek-a-Peek! It was a great time to meet my new kiddos for this year. I'm truly excited for this year and all the fun we will have in first grade!

 

 {Welcome to Mrs. Zellner's Classroom}

33 Week Baby Bump

Number of weeks: 33 weeks
Measurement: Per the doctor she is measuring right on track. Little lady is laying sideways across my tummy and way in the back.
Baby Size: According to the Bump, Aubrey is the size of a durian fruit (whatever that is... ha). She weighs about 4.2 to 5.8 pounds and measures about 17.2 to 18.7 inches.
Interesting Fact: Per the bump, and she's keeping her eyes open when she's awake, able to coordinate breathing, sucking, and swallowing, bones are hardening, and lots of brain development.
Heart Beat: Auby likes to run away from the heart monitor each time, but once found was 140 beats per min.
Total Weight Gain: I'll have to check again tomorrow morning. I can def pack on the pounds these days.
Pregnancy Clothes: I've actually grown out of most of my pregnancy clothes and will be going shopping again soon. My tummy has been hanging out of most of them and everything is so tight. It'll be fun to go shopping for school clothes this next weekend.
Tiger Stripes: While it has been pretty hard to see my sides these weeks, I have definitely gained many on my sides. All a symptom of pregnancy. I'm not too concerned.
Symptoms: an ever growing belly, stronger movement, poor sleep, back and lower body pain, yes even some waddling, difficulty sleeping, headaches, grumpiness (ha), clumsiness, and so forth. Baby brain has sure been with me for quite  sometime. At times it seems impossible to think of the right noun and I usually do search for it constantly.
Sleep: I sure do miss my sleep. I get up every 3 hours each night and have lots of tossing and turning. It is so difficult to turn over these days. Sadly I'm really only able to sleep on my left side. Naps are few and far between as I prepare myself to start school tomorrow.
Movement: To say that our daughter moves is an understatement. She rocks and rolls in this belly. It has been amazing to watch my tummy groove these last so many months. I enjoy her sweet hiccups and belly rolls.
Cravings: sweet tea, sweets, and Taco Bell bean burrito with no onions
Gender Predictions: We are welcoming our sweet daughter, Aubrey Rose Zellner in early October.
Most Memorable Moment: This weekend two of my best friends threw me a sweet celebration in honor of baby Aubrey's arrival. It was such a perfect shower with sweet friends and family filled with so many adorable touches. It was a true celebration.
What I Miss: sleep, fitting and into my clothing, and my brain.
What I look forward to: I am looking forward to starting school tomorrow. The kids will return in a week. I can't believe that Aubrey will be here in about 7 weeks. Next weekend is a Zellner work weekend. A weekend to purchase more nursery pieces as well as to do some yard work. I'm just excited about all the fun to do's before little Miss arrives. I can't wait:)

Saying Good-Bye to the Pontiac

Saying good-bye is always bittersweet and this time I feel exactly that way. The Pontiac was my first car. My parents gave it to me in high school. It was a perfect little car and we had over a decade of memories together. But sadly over time she had a lot of wear and tear that just made her a bit of a handful. For a few months, Ray and I have been discussing alternatives as she sadly will not pass inspection. From wiring issues to no air conditioning/heat, the back two windows refuse to shut, and honestly we could have had small animals living in there from time to time, we realized it was her time. This week we donated her to Texas Can Academy. Cars for kids. They picked the Pontiac up on Wednesday. I didn't know it but it was really sad to not see her just sitting in the drive way when I got home. Now it's kind of nice having the extra space at home but I am definitely thankful for the memories I had with her:)

Baby Basics

Yesterday Ray and I attended our first baby class. It was called Baby Basics and included all aspects of taking care of baby from birth until about 6 months. Look who we ran into! The Kiekhoefers were also  attending the class. They are sweet friends who used to attend our church. They are expecting a little boy in November. It was a fun class that gave a lot of great information and was just good practice to get ourselves ready for Aubrey. It is amazing to think she'll be here in less than 8 weeks. Anyway these were just a few cute pictures I took at the class. The daddies were definitely having too much fun! Thank you to my soon-to-be daddy that I know will do such an amazing job raising our sweet girl! One class down, and one to go next week!

Craft Days with Kristin

At a shower about a month ago, I learned how to make some pretty adorable headbands for my little lady. Over the past two weeks, Kristin and I have gotten together for a few craft days. It has been so fun spending time with her and her sweet three. Plus it is great to share fun ideas. I love this sweet picture of Bryson. He was such a good big helper and even wanted a special bow tie for baby Bobby. I love that he joined in all the fun. I'm definitely looking forward to many more craft days in our future and can't wait to show pictures of the three little ladies that will model them.

32 Weeks Baby Bump/8 Months

Number of weeks: 32 weeks
Measurement: She was measuring right on track from my latest appointment
Baby Size: According to the Bump, Aubrey is the size of a squash and already measures about 15.2 to 16.7 inches long. Right now, she weighs between 2.5 to 3.8 pounds.
Interesting Fact: Per the bump, she is getting ready for her descent and is probably face down. To be honest, I'm unsure which position she's in as I feel kicks high and low and all around. I will find out more at my appointment this week.
Heart Beat: My appointment is this Tuesday, so I will update then
Total Weight Gain: 19.4 pounds... yep I think she's starting to grow or mama sure is;) ha
Pregnancy Clothes: I definitely don't fit in normal clothes. My tummy for sure likes to get in the way. I'm still kind of in the awkward phase where things just don't fit anywhere. I'm feeling another shopping trip is in order.
Tiger Stripes: While I have definitely gained some on my sides. Again not sure of the count, but at this point, I can't really see too much of the tummy.
Symptoms: an ever growing belly, my first Braxton hicks contractions, my belly button is getting smaller and may be on the verge of popping in the future, a faint linea nigra line under my belly button, swelling, hot flashes, difficulty breathing (oh I have been informed that I kind of sound like Darth Vader at night when I'm sleeping), pregnancy dreams, and anxiousness.
Sleep: I have been getting up almost every 3 hours on the dot. I do toss and turn, but am sleeping during this time. I am 100% off my back as I've started getting light headed if I stay too long. With school standing only a week away, I've also limited my naps to prepare myself.
Movement: To say that our daughter moves is an understatement. She rocks and rolls in this belly. She definitely can be a bit stubborn as I feel like anytime I get someone to try to feel her, she stops moving. But I feel beautiful baby kicks most of the day. She has found my ribs lately which have been a bit interesting. I love her hiccups which she does have a lot of the day. She
Cravings: anything cold and sweet (maybe the cause of weight gain?! ;)
Gender Predictions: We are welcoming our sweet daughter, Aubrey Rose Zellner in early October.
Most Memorable Moment: This weekend I helped celebrate my college roommate and her little boy that is due about a week before me, enjoyed sweet lunch and brunch dates with friends, and a craft day to make bows.
What I Miss: sleep and fitting into clothes. This still holds true!
What I look forward to: I am so excited about my Dallas shower this weekend that is being hosted by two of my best friends. I am also excited to set up our nursery for my mom and aunt's arrival. I have one week until school begins!

Showered with BABY love

 

This past weekend, the husband and I traveled home for a fun weekend with family and friends to shower Miss Aubrey with some sweet baby love. What an amazing job our families did putting together this sweet shower. The theme was based on our nursery colors with little bird, chevron, and special homemade touches. The food was delicious and incorporated many of my personal cravings including fruit, queso, cheese cubes, and cupcakes. YUM!  

  

I loved all the sweet personal homemade touches from my mom's homemade baby diaper cake and baby attendant's gifts with pretty in pink nail polish. The wooden owl décor pieces were such a sweet touch and hand crafted by my sister-in-law's boyfriend's grandfather.  



 

The sugar cookies were not only adorable but super delicious. My sister-in-law's boyfriend's step mother has a dessert company where she makes yummy desserts. The baby bootie candy dishes were such a cute creation made by my aunt.  

 

After we munched on some shower goodies, it was time for the games to begin. We began with the clothespin game where you are unable to mention the word "B-A-B-Y." 



 

Aunt Sally won!
 

We also played the string game... guess how big my belly is. I had three ladies that were very close but my mom's good friend and co-worker, Carol Ann, was right on track. Happy 31 weeks to my little girl and ever growing belly! 

 

The dirty diaper game led to a lot of silly faces and questionable chocolate leftovers. It is always hilarious;)

 

 

Here is a super special picture from the shower with my Mama  and soon to be Oma. I am so truly thankful for the lessons learned and the special bond I have with her. I hope she truly knows how thankful I am for her and all she has done:) I know she and Miss Aubrey will have such a special relationship and know she is already so loved!

 

 

All I can say is that this shower was a true blessing. I am so thankful for the sweet gifts for our baby girl and again know that she is already so loved:) Thank you family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, and to all those who made this shower so special.

I am so thankful for the love of my sweet sisters and their love for Miss Aubrey Rose. These may be some of my favorite pictures of all times:)

 My amazing hostesses... Grammy, Oma, Aunt Rachel, and Aunt Becky!

 Grammy, Oma, baby Aubrey, and I

 

 The baby daddy and I:)

  Aubrey's beautiful opal necklace from her Uncle Chris

 

It was definitely an exciting weekend with family and friends and of course filled with lots of  baby love!

Fantlet Faces!

 

What would my summer be if I couldn't visit with these sweet little faces? It's amazing to think that over a decade ago when I met their mama and daddy that this is how sweet life would be with a snuggly three year old super hero and two adorable twin ladies. I love that our little group has continued to grow over the years and cannot wait to bring Miss Aubrey into the mix. I know they will have such special friends to grow old with. So here's to summer fun and all the moments in between.

31 Weeks Baby Bump

Number of weeks: 31 weeks
Measurement: She was measuring right on track from my latest appointment
Baby Size: According to the Bump, Aubrey is the size of a pineapple and already measures about 15.2 to 16.7 inches long. Right now, she weighs between 2.5 to 3.8 pounds.
Interesting Fact: all five senses are working, continued brain, eye, and nerve development
Heart Beat: 150 bpm with a side of hiccups at my 30 week appointment.
Total Weight Gain: 16 pounds
Pregnancy Clothes: I wear maternity clothes almost always. I am definitely feeling bigger these days and clothes just don't seem to fit the way they used to.
Tiger Stripes: While I had a few on my hips pre-baby, I think I'm definitely seeing more on my hips lately. Sadly I didn't take a head count before all of this started. I'm not too worried.
Symptoms: an ever growing belly, stretch marks, swelling, lower body pain, soreness, stiffness, lack of sleep, anxiousness
Sleep: I am uncomfortable most nights. I toss and turn from side to side as little miss usually kicks to whichever side I'm at. I get up to go to the bathroom at least 3 times a night and find myself waddling the whole way:) I love naps when I can and seem to sleep better during the afternoon than nights. My mind is constantly wondering, but I love feeling little misses kicks during the night. At least it is a special time we can spend together.
Movement: Our little lady sure likes to party. She moves and grooves a lot during the day but does seem stubborn when I want someone else to feel her. Moments after the hand has been moved, she goes right back to kicking and rolling. I love feeling the full body stretches. It just amazes me how much she continues to grow! I've even caught a few cute little kicking videos:)
Cravings: icees, chocolate milkshake, and chips and queso
Gender Predictions: We are welcoming our sweet daughter, Aubrey Rose Zellner in early October.
Most Memorable Moment: This weekend, the baby daddy and I traveled back home for a baby shower in celebration of miss Aubrey Rose. It was such a special and blessed time with family and friends. We are so thankful for those that were able to share in our celebration:)
What I Miss: sleep and fitting into clothes
What I look forward to: Tomorrow I will be joining my first grade team at Tanglewood Resort for a night of relaxation and team building. Tuesday Ray and I will be "meeting the doctors" in regards to picking a pediatrician. Lots of fun updates to come. Happy 31 Weeks:)