Final Countdown...

 

Today was my 39 week appointment at the doctor's office. I could tell all day that something was rather different. She felt so low and I felt as though I had to hold her up most of the day. I just am feeling really uncomfortable these last few days. At the appointment I was told she was super low and dilated to a good 3. I was a 1 last Wednesday. Maybe walking around the fair helped a little?!?! Regardless the guestimate is that little Miss Aubrey may make her debut this weekend or before. Then it was said... or she could just stop everything and wait it out. Regardless it is amazing to think that within a week or two our little girl will have joined us. I'm honestly feeling it all. Weeks ago, I would embarrassingly have to admit that I was not ready. I enjoyed her being nice and safe inside my tummy, feeling her beautiful baby kicks, and knowing that I had plenty of time to check off my to dos. But as each day has passed, I am growing more and more ready. I leave my classroom each day as though I'm not coming back until the holidays. I have a wonderful substitute that I am so blessed to have and know my kids are in amazing hands. I have a fabulous team that has worked so hard to keep me calm and help me in every way possible. I have a great support system with my husband who has seriously been so calm and helpful, friends that offer such great advice and encouragement, and family that is beyond excited to meet our sweet lady. With days(ish) standing between us, we cannot wait. With bags packed, house somewhat clean, and baby girl's things ready to go... I am so ready to meet our beautiful lady. It's amazing to imagine what our next adventures will be in parenthood. So here's to the craziness, the messes, and all the unexpected yet wonderful things to come.

 



 

First Grade Baby Shower Blessings!

This past Friday my students and room moms surprised me with a sweet baby shower of goodies. As the banner read "Baby Shower," other students stopped by my room asking if I was having the baby right then. Talk about melt your heart moments that truly make your heart smile. Each child gave a special book to baby Aubrey with a sweet note inside. 

They even made her a special memory book that guessed her birthday, height, weight, and gave a special piece of advice. I love that the typical weight was 1-3 lbs or my favorite being 40 lbs. While I do hope our little miss is a bit smaller on the scale then that, we are all so excited about her none the less. Then we shared some delicious cupcakes and stories from the kids. I am truly blessed this year to have such a sweet class. I am truly thankful:)

State Fair Fun 2013

This past Saturday, at almost 39 weeks, Ray and I made our way to the State Fair of Texas. Come rain or shine, with or without baby, I knew that I couldn't miss out on one of my favorite annual Dallas activities. I mean come on, amazing fried fair food? Could you really blame this preggo mama? At 10AM we met our good friends, Erin and Richard Ogle, and made our way around the state fair.

 

 



We enjoyed fabulous fried fair food options and tried to catch a few shows. Sadly I mixed up the times, and we found ourselves really early. So we made our way around for more food and fair fun. It did sprinkle a bit, but the skies were fairly clear and the fairgrounds were not packed as I had originally believed since it was opening weekend.

We sampled a few of 2013's winners including fried nutella, fried thanksgiving dinner, and fried king ranch. I have to say that all were good, but I loved the fried king ranch. The nutella was the perfect dessert. But as Ray said he needed a bit more nutella.

 



  

 

 

At 1PM we found ourselves at the Birds of the World show. It was the one that I had sadly mixed up earlier, but I'm glad we went back as it was super cute.

 Big Tex has returned to the State Fair. Last year due to an electrical problem, Big Tex had burned. This year they brought back and new and improved Big Tex. He still looks awkwardly creepy, but again nice to have him back. I thought this grave sight was too perfect for words.

 



So a big thanks to our sweet friends for making this fair day a fun one! It is amazing to think that next year Miss Aubrey will be joining our fun fair traditions as a one year old!

 

39 Weeks and Counting!

Number of weeks: 39 Weeks
Measurement: Per our last appointment, Aubrey was measuring on track. I am measuring about 37-38 weeks. We will find out more at our appointment on Monday.
Baby Size: According to the Bump, Aubrey is the size of a watermelon. She is about 18.9 to 20.9 inches long and weighs about 6.2 to 9.2 pounds. Her head is now about the same circumference as her abdomen.
Interesting Fact: Per the Bump, Aubrey is able to flex her limbs. Her brain is still developing as she is getting smarter by the week, and her nails may even extend past her fingertips.
Heart Beat: 135 beats per minute at our last appointment. Our next appointment is on Monday.
Total Weight Gain: +29.8. That was what the scale read this morning. After our weekend at the fair, I'm sure that number will go up by 5 lbs next week:) I've also had a LOT OF SWELLING. While my loving husband claims I look the same, I really feel like I'm starting to retain a lot of water in my face, arms, hands, and of course feet. I guess it's time to increase the water intake and putting my feet up more. Maybe this will help with being uncomfortable.
Pregnancy Clothes: I hate that I still try to fit into clothes that are too small. I refuse to buy anything maternity at this point as I am so close to my due date. So I wear the same clothes over and over at this point.
Tiger Stripes: I've definitely gained a few tiger stripes this pregnancy. The best part is I really can't see my tummy or sides these days. I am not too worried as I know baby girl will be totally worth it.
Symptoms: Swelling, reflux, lack of sleep (understatement of the year:), lots of pressure, stiffness, congestion, dry skin, baby brain, clumsiness, and exhaustion. Many of these symptoms I'm sure will last for a bit after pregnancy.
Sleep: I get up about every hour to two. There are times that I may fall back to sleep out of exhaustion, but typically my mind is racing. I'm in the nesting phase, which makes the idea of getting things done so much more appealing than sleep. I do try to nap on weekends for an hour or two which seems to help. It is just so hard to get comfortable. Why is it is so hard to roll over or get out of bed?!?!
Movement: Little girl acts as though she's doggy paddling most of the time or giving lots of big stretches and kicks. She's found my ribs and seems to want to stand most days or take a diver's pose. I do love those baby movements, but sure does make me short of breath or at times try to push her back in. My kids have even seen her movement in the classroom. This sure makes for great kiddo conversation and questions.
Cravings: I am hungry all the time. I do crave my sweets but have had an interesting craving for bacon lately. For those that know me, I'm not a huge "meat" fan so this is kind of strange to me.
Gender Predictions: We are welcoming our sweet daughter, Aubrey Rose Zellner in early October. Our official due date is October 6th. I'll be working up until this next Friday, October 4th (if I make it that long). If she doesn't decide to arrive on her own by then, she will be induced on Thursday, October 10th. So by then, we will be meeting our sweet baby girl. Can't wait:)
Most Memorable Moment: This past Friday, my room moms and kiddos through me a surprise baby shower. They each gave a special book to Miss Aubrey with a sweet note inside. They also put together a album that guessed her birthday, height, and weight. It also gave advice for the little miss. Talk about adorable and melt your heart moments.
What I Miss: fitting into clothes, being comfortable, rolling over, and sleep.
What I look forward to: I can't wait to meet our baby girl. I would love to finish my last week at school with my kids, but I am so ready to begin our new adventures in parenthood with my best friend and the greatest partner and husband that God could ever have blessed me with. I'm so ready!

38 Week Baby Bump

Number of weeks: 38 Weeks
Measurement: To my amazement our little girl is measuring as of this last week right at 37 weeks and 2 days. She already weighs approximately 7.2 pounds (give or take 8 oz). Mommy is measuring (as of our appointment on Friday) between 35-36 weeks.
Baby Size: According to the Bump, Aubrey is the size of a pumpkin. (How perfect for the first day of fall:) She is about 18.9 to 20.9 inches long and weighs about 6.2 to 9.2 pounds. Her head is now about the same circumference as her abdomen.
Interesting Fact: Per the Bump, Aubrey may have about an inch of hair already. Per our last sonogram, our doctor confirmed that she could already see her beautiful locks. She is also slowly shedding that white goo on her skin (called vernix caseosa) but you might see some of it at birth.
Heart Beat: 145 bpm at our last appointment.
Total Weight Gain: +28.5
Pregnancy Clothes: I've been stocking up on a few maternity and non maternity items lately. I figure it is time to get our hospital bags packed. While currently I'm in almost 100% maternity, I've been enjoying some comfy oversized pjs and tops to relax in. I know this will be great after little miss arrives as well.
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. She will be totally worth it:)
Symptoms: I love the way the Bump refers to it as "lightning crouch." I do have shooting pains down my legs from little miss hitting nerves, lots of swelling in both my hands and feet, acid reflux, sore muscles, grumpiness, and irritability:)
Sleep: This week I've done a little better. I think it is out of pure exhaustion that I am able to go back to sleep after my 1-2 hour bathroom trips. It is still very difficult getting out of bed as I am pretty stiff and half asleep getting up. I'm sure this is all in preparation for Aubrey's arrival.
Movement: Since Aubrey is starting to run out of room, I feel a lot more jabs and pushes these days. She's constantly moving. I wonder if this will let us know anything about her little personality when she's older.
Cravings: anything sweet
Gender Predictions: We are welcoming our sweet daughter, Aubrey Rose Zellner in early October. Our official due date is October 6th. If she doesn't decide to arrive on her own by then, she will be induced on Thursday, October 10th. So by then, we will be meeting our sweet baby girl. Can't wait:)
Most Memorable Moment: I enjoyed buying some last minute purchases for little miss and mommy. This week we also celebrated a few sweet friends from a bestie's 30th birthday party and a double diaper shower for some sweet ABF mamas.
What I Miss: being comfortable, rolling over, and sleep.
What I look forward to: I am looking forward to finishing my last two weeks or 10 days of school with my kids. Then I cannot wait to meet our sweet girl. I have loved this pregnancy but am ready to have her in my arms. I will miss those beautiful kicks and rolls from inside the tummy.

Michael's Surprise 30th!

Saturday night, gathered with friends and family, we celebrated a best friend's 30th birthday surprise. Our night consisted of great people, delicious food, lots of fun, and an aggie victory over SMU. I truly am so thankful for these friends that we call family. We have formed more than a decade of memories with these sweet people and are so excited for those yet to come. Thank you to our Fant family who hosted this fun surprise party at their beautiful home. The fall weather was perfect for an outdoor party. From sweet babes, delicious cake (as I had to try both vanilla and chocolate options... baby girl was hungry), great conversation, and even a guitar solo and performance by my favorite 3 year old... I have to say it was surely a sweet night! Enjoy some action shots of the party!

 

 

 

What a FANTastic party and celebration of our dear friend, Michael. Here's to the next 30:) 

 

Baby Garage Sales

Ok, I have to say that I am pretty pumped about garage sales but this one for sure was the best one yet. Last week, my friend, Kristin, told me about the moms of multiples garage sale in McKinney. While I have gone to several typical house garage sales, I've never gone to one that was focused all on baby. Being an expectant mom of my first and not truly sure of how it all worked, I was a bit overwhelmed. There were lots of great tables with toys, books, clothing, games, and honestly everything baby. I quickly got to shopping and loved every minute. From 8AM-9:15AM I was hooked. Everything was so cheap and good quality. As you can see I had some great finds. I focused on a lot of games and toys. Kristin even found this great jumparoo for me as I had just mentioned to her that I was looking for something similar. It was marked $15. Talk about a steal. I also found a few items that I just couldn't live without including a super cute modern elephants nb sleeper, an adorable A&M outfit, an entire bag of pacis for $3, an extra crib sheet, chewies and teethers, rattles, and so forth. I loved getting to visit with Kristin and her sister Jenn. They too found great finds for their little ones.  Oh how I can't wait for the girls to grow up together. Ok sorry side note:) Just melts this mommy's heart! Anyway... When it was time to leave, I have to say I was so thankful for my mama friends. I stood by the Prius trying to figure out who this jumparoo was going to make it home with me. And thank goodness for Jenn because she worked some miracles and got it all situated for me. I am so excited for sales such as these. I'm already so excited for the next ones.

A List: September 2013 Activities

This month...
... celebrated my birthday by enjoying food trucks at Klyde Warren Park and a date night at Savory Bistro. My team brought in Jet's pizza and ice cream while my kiddos adorned my room with flowers and sweet handmade cards.
... enjoyed a celebration for Miss Aubrey as two beautiful ladies from our ABF hosted an adorable baby shower at our house.
... said good-bye to a sweet ELC friend and previous co-worker as she makes her journey to Atlanta to be with her family. We enjoyed a delicious dinner at Chuys in Plano and were even greeted by our old ELC mascot and interesting friend, Boobah.
... Ray and I have visited the doctor on a weekly basis to hear great news about our daughter. This month we even were able to see her sweet body and face. At 37 weeks she was measuring 7 pounds 2 ounces and measuring right on track while my body was a few weeks behind. Her heartbeat was perfect, has adorable hair, and is absolutely perfect.
... celebrated my favorite birthday tradition of pedis and food with my bestie.
... attended a sweet baby shower put on by my work and hosted by my first grade team.
... held my beginning of the year conferences and met my amazing first grade parents
... bought out Target, BabiesRUs, and Buy Buy Baby for some final pieces to ready ourselves for our sweet girl.
... attended a double diaper shower for two sweet ladies from our ABF at breadwinners.
... went baby garage sale shopping and made some great steals for little miss.
... celebrated a best friend's 30th with family and friends.
... spent many weekends nesting... cleaning, organizing, and purchasing necessary items for our girl.
... Enjoyed many relaxing nights with the husband and pups as well as are trying to find fun date night activities before her arrival from dinner and movie dates.

With two weeks before baby girl's arrival... I am excited to see what other fun activities may come for this month:)

iPhone Catch Up

Saying that this has been a hectic time would be the understatement of the year. We have been blessed by so many wonderful people in our lives from showers, kind words of encouragement, support, and sweet gifts. From celebrating my birthday, the moving on of sweet friends, dates with the husband, and countless hours at school, I would have to say this preggo mama is happy and  exhausted. But I don't want to forget any of these sweet moments. So enjoy this iphone picture post... a catch up if you will of several sweet moments over the past month.

 Saying Good-bye to Trout and ELC mascot Boobah

 Saturday Brunch with the husband at 5th Street Patio Café in Frisco 

 Wyatt Baby Shower hosted by my amazing Firsties

37 Week Sonogram and Brunch at Mimis

 

Loving all of this sweet time until little miss arrives.

Thank Heaven...

It was at our 36 week appointment that we found out the most amazing news. We would be seeing our daughter one more time by sono before her arrival in early October. The week of our appointment, the husband and I had so much fun using our extra gift cards. While many of our necessary baby items were bought, I will have to say we did have to buy a few just super cute adorable baby girl items including this owl hat, shoes, and baby softies.

So with our sono scheduled, a half day and sub planned, Ray and I made our way to our doctor's office. Sadly an extra snooze and unexpected rain shower caused us to be a few minutes late. Once in the room, I quickly got over the tardiness (on my part) of our arrival and grabbed some tissues as we saw our beautiful baby girl as she was cuddled up next to my hip bone and continued to make the sweetest little lip pursing and sucking movements.

 

I know for some this picture is a bit out of focused and a bit large, but I love her pudgy nose after mommy and big baby lips that she has gotten from daddy. It was almost impossible to see her little side profile as she was so scrunched inside her little home. While I am still measuring small at 35-36 weeks, she is measuring 37 weeks and 2 days and is already estimated to weigh 7 pounds 2 ounces. She has a full head of hair and her heart beat was 145 bpm. Everything looked perfect. We also were able to double check her lady parts as we didn't get a chance to check the first time. We definitely have a lady. After our sonogram, I was checked and sadly I have minimal dilation. So minimal in fact I'm about a half a cm right now and baby girl is still pretty high. It definitely looks as though she's going to stay put until her due date. Regardless, it is amazing to think that she will be joining us within the next few weeks. Excited, scared, anxious, nervous... but most of all blessed! We cannot wait to meet this sweet girl.

 

Thank heaven for little girls:)

37 Weeks/Full Term

Number of weeks: 37 Weeks
Measurement: Our baby girl is measuring about a week small. Because of this, our amazing doctor would like to do a sono just to see that beautiful baby and check her size/position.
Baby Size: According to the Bump, Aubrey is the size of a winter melon. She is around 18.9 to 20.9 inches and weighs about 6.2 to 9.2 pounds. She's gaining about 1/2 ounce each day.
Interesting Fact: Aubrey is officially full term. According to the bump, she is practicing some skills: inhaling, exhaling, sucking, gripping and blinking. She's getting her first sticky poop (called meconium) ready for her first diaper.
Heart Beat: 140 bpm at our last appointment.
Total Weight Gain: +27.2
Pregnancy Clothes: This baby belly is continuing to grow all.the.time even though I'm still a bit on the smaller size. I personally feel huge ha. I'm 100% in pregnancy clothes. This past Friday, I bought a few clothes to wear at the hospital...some even non maternity:)
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. She will be totally worth it:)
Symptoms: My poor feet and hands swell daily. They are pretty painful but my blood pressure is great so there is no concern at this point. I am experiencing reflux, lower body pain, and just feel uncomfortable most of the time. It is impossible to bend, sit or lay down comfortably, roll over, get up. Anyway only 3 more weeks to go:)
Sleep: This has been the worst week in regards to sleep. I have gotten up about every hour to two hours. I have pretty much been able to go back to sleep most days, but the other nights my mind sure does wonder. Then I make my mental to do lists. I also run into random walls and doors as I am half asleep. This does not make for a happy preggo mama.
Movement: I love watching my belly rolls. The doctor says that our baby is officially in the right position which is great news. She loves stretching and pushing on mama's tummy.
Cravings: Sweet tea
Gender Predictions: We are welcoming our sweet daughter, Aubrey Rose Zellner in early October. Our official due date is October 6th. If she doesn't decide to arrive on her own by then, she will be induced on Thursday, October 10th. So by then, we will be meeting our sweet baby girl. Can't wait:)
Most Memorable Moment: This weekend was a perfect combo of relaxation and productivity. I enjoyed a birthday tradition of lunch and pedis with my bestie. I came home to a cleaned garage and the car seat put into the car. We cleaned the closets and began packing backs and making house ready for baby.
What I Miss: fitting into clothes, rolling over, sleep, and normal bathroom breaks
What I look forward to: This week, my school is throwing me a baby shower and on Friday we get to see our sweet girl again. Talk about an amazing next few days. After this weekend... she can come whenever she is ready:) Mommy and Daddy can't wait to meet you sweet lady!

Maternity Photo Session by Gabby Malcuit Photography

At 31 weeks, we were given an amazing gift from an old friend and family photographer, a maternity photo session. Gabby Malcuit did an amazing job and I am so thankful for these sweet pictures of our growing family. Enjoy some of my favorites by Gabby Malcuit Photography.

What a beautiful and hot day in Sugar Land for maternity pictures. I couldn't have asked for a sweeter gift. We are so thankful to be able to remember this precious moment in our lives and for the little girl that's growing inside.