Pregnancy 40 Weeks

 

 

Symptoms:
Everything is the same as last week.
Heartburn
Pressure every now and then
Sleeping well thank goodness
Hot flashes every now and then thanks to the AZ heat and my inferno body
No stretch marks yet
Belly button has a mind of it's own.
 

 

What Baby is up to:

Elliott is as big as a pumpkin--you'd think he'd want to come out and stretch because it surely can't be comfortable being all cramped in there

 

Gender:

Little man

 

Food aversions:

Nothing really out of the ordinary

 

Food cravings:

BBQ was my latest craving. And I couldn't pin point exactly what kind of BBQ I wanted--Chicken, Ribs, Pork?? It all sounded so good. So we went to Famous Dave's and got the Feast for Two

via
Talk about piggies...we brought half of it home and had it for lunch today.

 

Daddy is feeling:
When I asked Cody, his response was, "Just ready to meet this baby boy."

 

Fun moments this week:

 Catching up on my DVR shows. I finally watched the season finale of Revenge. Definitely can't wait for next season!

I had lunch with my work friends Wednesday...and came home with cake! It was my boss's birthday and they are all super health conscious so they knew the preggo lady couldn't resist the two chocolate cakes sitting there ready to be eaten.

 

 

Not so fun moments this week:

Going to the doctor today and finding out that there hasn't been any new progress. Still 1cm dilated and 60% effaced. It was super disappointing and the word induction was thrown around. All the preggo friends that I've known to get induced ended up with C-sections (not including blog friends though I suppose). So I'm terrified that the same will happen to me. I know it's not a guarantee that it'll end up in surgery, but I know there's a higher chance of C-section if I get induced. But I'm also in somewhat denial that this pregnancy will even last until next Thursday. It is a good thing to think that by next weekend Elliott will for sure be here. I just honestly never thought I'd make it to 40 weeks--I was hoping to have him between weeks 38-39. Really, truly I felt like he'd be here for sure by now. How naïve could I be?! Hopefully he'll decide to make his debut this weekend...but we'll just have to wait and see.

 

Excited for:

This being my last pregnancy post :)

Next week at this time I'll either have Elliott or he'll be on his way.

The Austin Family Life Lately

Today is my official due date. And Elliott is still not here.

I started my maternity leave/SAHM?? leave last Friday. As you can see I still haven't officially made my decision on whether I should stay home or not. I'm to the point where I'm just going to play it by ear. Luckily my work is pretty open to this.

Cody and I have been living it up these last few days as just the two of us. We've have such a great time trying new restaurants and going to movies. We saw Iron Man 3 last week after work/school which is totally out of the norm for us to do on a week night and it was a great movie!

The next night, we tried a new restaurant as well as stopped by a few car dealerships to do some test driving. Car shopping is difficult! It's such a big decision on finding the right model for the right price. Basically our goal was to narrow down which model we wanted and then go from there on the technicalities--color, year, mileage, price, etc. We think we've narrowed our choices down to a Kia Sorento and the Ford Edge. Both are super similar body styles, but now we've just got to decide on which is right for us. For the time being, we're going to suck it up with our two door car(s) and see how long we can handle it before we need to buy something.

Friday morning we woke up and went to breakfast at Over Easy. It was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives and we have been meaning to try it. They opened one up really close to our house and I was so excited because you know breakfast food has been one of my biggest cravings. I had the waffle dogs, which is something that Guy tried on the show and OMG it was delicious! It's basically a breakfast sausage on a stick, dipped in waffle batter and fried. So amazing!

We also got to talk to my brother for a while we were at breakfast. I love getting to hear from him, especially lately because he's been so busy these past few weeks. I'm happy that I'll be off for a while and will be more available whenever he wants to talk. He seemed in really good spirits...definitely just as anxious as the rest of us for Elliott's arrival. If you think about it, say a little prayer for him and our troops overseas. It's so stressful over there during fighting season and they have to see some pretty unimaginable things.

Friday night we went to the Diamondbacks vs Phillies game at Chase Field with one of Cody's hunting buddies. His work had a bunch of free tickets so he invited us to go. The game was great and we got an added bonus--a Switchfoot concert afterwards! And because our seats were where they were, we were able to go on the field after the game to watch the concert! It was pretty sweet...I mean, it's not everyday that you get to step foot on a major league baseball field. I do have to admit, I had Cody googling "Is it ok for pregnant lady to go to a concert" as we were walking on to the field because I was worried that Elliott would go deaf, but all sources said it was aok.

Fun fact from the game: Cody and I became those parents. The ones that walk up to other people and talk about baby products. There was a new mom who was at the top of the stairs with her 3 week old baby boy. She had him wrapped up in a Moby wrap. I pointed it out to Cody, who then asked how she liked it. She responded that she LOVED the wrap but her husband loved the bjorn carrier. It was pretty funny that now we talk to complete strangers about baby gear. My how times have changed.

Saturday we went out with friends to a fun restaurant called Brat Haus. They served several artisan styled brats, tons of what I'm sure were delicious beers on tap and probably the best soft pretzels you've ever had. But the greatest part was the atmosphere. We sat outside and it was literally like hanging out in someone's backyard. They had a tetherball set up, washers, ping pong, and a life-size Jenga. It was so fun, even for the preggo lady who got to enjoy a delicious milk shake when everyone else got their last round of beers.

Sunday we basically went to Costco and relaxed. Costco was a fun trip...Cody kept making fun of me because our cart was filled with double of everything--he kept commenting that we were preparing for Armageddon, but really I just bought all the sale items that I would normally buy, just double so I wouldn't have to worry about those things for a while (tissues, toilet paper, etc). One big thing that we bought...well big as in big deal ha---was our first boxes of diapers and wipes because they were on sale too. It was really kind of surreal seeing those in our cart. It was kind of cute because there was some grandma giving us advice on Huggies vs Pampers vs Kirkland brands and she didn't even see my belly until she was done (I don't know how she missed it), but we felt like real parents discussing brands with other people.

I may have had a mini meltdown on Sunday because I was sad Elliott hadn't made his appearance in time for Mother's Day. I didn't think I would be that upset, but for whatever reason I just thought he would have been here by now. Sometimes I feel like I'm in the movie Groundhog Day where everyday I wake up...still pregnant. It really is getting to be kind of a bummer when you realize, nope today is not going to be the day. But I know that he has to come out sooner than later ha. And I just try to remind myself he's giving me a little bit longer to enjoy my me time and get a few last minute things done.

So there's a little update on life around the Austin household. I've been working away at getting guest posters lined up and ready and I am so excited about the ones I've received so far. I know you're going to love reading and getting to know these bloggers. Hopefully you'll get to meet them soon because that will mean that Elliott is here :D!!

Tuesday Topics: One Reason Why You Started Blogging

First things first...I'm still pregnant. Unless I happen to go into labor between now (8:30PM on 5.13.13) and the time this post is scheduled for (12:00AM on 5.14.13). Elliott is nice and cozy and low.  I've definitely been feeling something but nothing too exciting. My official maternity leave has started...and I spent the day cleaning, catching up on DVR and blogging away trying to keep myself occupied. I'll keep you guys posted when Elliott decides to make his debut. Hopefully it's sooner than later because I'm ready to meet him!

***




It's the last week of this round of Tuesday Topics. Starting next week, we'll have a brand new list of fun topics for you guys to link up with us. Check out the button below. Thank you to everyone that has stuck with us--we look forward to reading your posts every week :)

This week Lauren and I would love to hear about your one reason why you started blogging. We all started for different reasons. Some started to document their lives, some started for exposure for their shops, some started to share their recipes or crafts.

My reason for starting The Austin Family Diary was pretty simple:

I wanted a way to document our life. I wanted a single spot to go to in order to post pictures and put our story into words.

Fortunately, I've been able to do this and much more. I have really enjoyed blogging and all the great friendships I've made. Blogging has definitely changed my life for the better and I will always be grateful for the impact it's made on my life.


Here's the next round of Tuesday Topics! Lauren and I are so excited to continue on with this fun link-up and we hope you are too! Next week we'll start out with:
Ten things that make you happy

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Thanks for stopping by! Go ahead and grab a button, link up your post and visit your friends :)

 

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Elliott's Nursery Reveal

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sources:

Bedding: Target

Pillow cases: Fabric from Carousel Designs

Crib: Sleigh Crib

Crib Bedding: Carousel Designs

Wall art above crib: gift from One Crafty Cupcake etsy shop

Vinyl: vinyl was cut by me, using vinyl from Expressions Vinyl

Curtains: Fabric from Carousel Designs

Dresser: Target
Changing Pad: Babies R Us
Changing Pad Cover: Carousel Designs

Humidifier: Crane

Turtle: Babies R Us

Scentsy: a gift, can be found here

Glider: Babies R Us

Wall art above glider: created by me

Mobile: DIY using this tutorial

Storage in dresser: IKEA

Storage in closet: IKEA
"Climb Trees" canvas: created by me using this quote
Shelf: repurposed and painted by me

Wall art above shelf
White frames--Michaels
E is for Elliott
Deer created by me
Harry Potter quote "I solemnly swear..." created by me
E: Hobby Lobby
ABCs: Pinterest
"Be so happy..." Pinterest

Owl: pier1

Lamb: Scentsy

Sophie: Babies R Us

Lantern: IKEA
Piggy bank: gift
Snips and snails frame: gift



Pregnancy Week 39

 

Symptoms:

Heartburn...still.

 

Lots of pressure down below, but it comes and goes in severity so I guess that's kind of nice.

 

Slight swelling when I get warm to the point where my rings can still slide on and off, but it's a little uncomfortable.

 

I'm still sleeping pretty well thankfully. Of course I have to get up to go to the bathroom every few hours, but that's nothing new.

 

No stretch marks to report.

Belly button is officially "out"

 

What Baby is up to:

Elliott is as big as a watermelon! He's starting to shed his outer layer of skin...but that's kind of weird to think about ha.

 

Gender:

Baby boy! Little Elliott Austin :D And no he still doesn't have a middle name ha

 

Food aversions:

Nothing really out of the ordinary right now.

 

Food cravings:

Sorry to all the fellow preggos that started craving Swiss Cake Rolls last week. If it makes you feel any better, I may or may not have bought another box for this week...

Breakfast food. OMG Cody and I tried a new restaurant this week called Chompie's. It's an Arizona must and I had their special French toast. It was fried French toast. Are you kidding me?! It was literally like a funnel cake in French toast form and it was so delicious. I can't even describe to you the amazingness of it.

 

Daddy is feeling:
When I asked Cody, his response was, "I want Elliott to get here because I don't want my wife to be uncomfortable anymore." Really, I'm not that uncomfortable during the day. It's mainly at night which is when Cody sees me the most.

 

Fun moments this week:

 I had my 39 week appointment today and I've made a little more progress. I'm 1cm dilated and 60% effaced. Elliott's super low and my doctor was really happy about that.

 

Today was my LAST day of work. As in...I may or may not have started my early retirement today. I still haven't made up my mind about going back after Elliott is born so we're playing it by ear as of now.

 

Our pantry and freezer are fully stocked and ready for us to be homebodies for a while.

 

Cody and I have been having a week of fun. We went to the movies on Tuesday after I got home from work and saw Iron Man 3. We went to dinner at Chompie's on Wednesday night and we went car shopping tonight after my appointment and then tried another new restaurant. And since Cody doesn't have school on Friday, we're going to have a Friday Funday.

 

Getting blog posts scheduled for when Elliott comes. I've got a few posts that I need to finish up (nursery reveal, baby showers, randoms) plus I've got a fun line up of guest posters that I think you all are going to love!

 

Not so fun moments this week:

Just the stiffness after sitting too long and trying to get up and walk. Oh man, it's slow moving for a few minutes.

Excited for:

Meeting little man :D

 

Hopefully buying a new car soon!

Tuesday Topics: Two Must Do Bucket List Items

This week Lauren and I want to know your
two must-do bucket list items.

See the Grand Canyon

 via

I mean...I do live in Arizona. I think it's definitely a must that I see the Grand Canyon.

Go on a real honeymoon

via

Because we got married over Cody's Thanksgiving break, we never went on a honeymoon. Sure we've taken a few long weekend trips, but we've never been on a trip that lasted over a week that wasn't to visit our families back home. So I'd LOVE to go somewhere tropical, preferably somewhere like Bora Bora and stay in these amazing over-water bungalows. Sigh...a girl can dream :)


Thanks for linking up. Go ahead and grab a button, link up and hop around to visit your friends.

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What's in our Hospital Bag

I've done a lot of looking around at different blogs for what to pack in our hospital bag for Elliott, Cody and myself. Luckily, my friend Kaitlyn hosted a link-up in such a timely manner and quite a few bloggers shared what they packed in their hospital bags. After reviewing what they posted, I was able to get a pretty good idea of what I needed and didn't need to bring along for the big event.

 

For Mom:

 Comfy clothes:

I picked up some nursing pajamas from Motherhood as well as some cheapy pajama pants from Old Navy that are a size bigger than what I'd normally wear. I know I am going to want to feel human after all the goo and gore is done and I have a feeling having new PJs will be just the trick.

Make-up:

Same thing goes along with feeling normal for here. I can almost guarantee that I will be showering and applying makeup for visitors while in the hospital. I know some of you are thinking, "Oh yea right..." but truly I won't be able to have visitors if I don't have a little bit of mascara/concealer on.

Hair dryer/Straightener:

This is something that I'm so-so on. Unlike the makeup issue, I can handle my hair being up in a ponytail and still feel human. Probably just because I wear it up everyday at work. So as long as it looks decent, I'll be ok. But I'd like my obligatory leaving the hospital picture to look nice so I have high hopes of showering and doing my hair before we leave. We'll see.

Makeup remover face wipes:

I use these nightly to remove my makeup already so I went ahead and just threw a new packet in my bag because this is a must for me. I asked a friend that had a baby last year and she said the packet I brought her was a life savor so I know I'll definitely be happy that I remembered to bring these.

Sonicare toothbrush/floss:

Obvi. Come on...I'm a hygienist. I can't not bring my electric toothbrush with me. I've been super conscious to make sure it stays pretty charged so it doesn't die on me when I'm in the hospital. It's another feel human thing for me.

Travel sized toiletries:

I just wanted to bring my own along because I've heard the hospitals version of shampoo/conditioner/bar soap are not so great. I also threw in deodorant and lotion into the mix.

Nursing Essentials:

I wanted to make sure that nursing started off on the best possible foot. So I am planning on bringing:

boppy pillow since I'm planning on using this a lot at home, some Lansinoh lanolin just in case my nips start hurting right away, nursing pads, nursing cover--in case of visitors when Elliott is trying to nurse, and a nursing bra.

A size bigger undies:

I'm bringing a pair just in case I don't get any extra mesh undies from the nurses. I bought a pack of cheapy Hanes that I won't mind getting messy for the days after delivery.

Going home clothes:
Since it's going to be in the 100s by the time Elliott is here, I plan on wearing a maternity dress that will be loose fitting and cool enough for when we get discharged. All of this in hopes for that going home pic :)

 

For Dad:

Comfy clothes:

He's got a pair of gym shorts and a t-shirt for lounging around.

Going home clothes:

We bought him a new polo and some khaki shorts for his going home pic :)

Toothbrush

Deodorant
Extra pair of socks/underwear

 Study materials for his boards exam

For Elliott:
Newborn & 0-3mos Sleeper
Newborn & 0-3mos Going home outfit
This way he's bound to fit into something

aden + anais blanket:
Our hospital doesn't provide blankets to take home
Extra set of mittens/hat
Infant nail clippers in case his nails are extra gnarly

Randoms:
Snacks--packed in a tote bag that we'll be able to bring extra hospital swag home in
Change for vending machines
Goodie bag and thank you note for nurses
Camera + charger + extra memory card + tripod
Laptop + charger
Cell phone + charger

Pillows
Sleep machine--I can't sleep without white noise
Carseat
Carmex
Slippers
Flip flops
 

After the delivery/hospital stay, I'll check back and let you know what we actually needed or what I wish we would have had.