33w1d

That's doctor's lingo for 33 weeks and one day!  Sorry about the missed post yesterday.  It was a long day to say the least.  BUT...the great news is that our truck in loaded and currently making its way across the United States.  As I type, my whole world is cruising across New Mexico.  It was a tough day- a few set backs left my hubby leaving much later than he wanted.  Obviously that stresses me out.  I will say that we make a great team.  Although, I wish he would have asked for more help (the process would have gone a lot quicker).  We worked in tandem.  It was strange how I'd say something and it'd click for Mike or vice versa.  Monday night was a different story.  I was tired, overwhelmed, and frustrated.  Once Mike saw the truck and the stuff he had to load, he realized there was no way it was all going to fit.  So I spent an hour of my Tuesday morning in the Penske office getting the 22 foot truck and trading in my 16 foot truck.  Good thing we did- we might have fit all our stuff into the 16 foot truck, but it would have been way more stress.  The 22 footer was packed.  Then we had a bump with our washer.  Just an FYI to anyone planning on moving their front loading washer- the barrel has to be bolted.  You can order these ahead of time, or you may already have them unknowingly like me.  And they somehow go into the back of the washer.  Usually, you have someone come out to do this, but of course, not within 24 hours :)  Whoops!  Hubby did his best and I believe our washer will be fine.  We will see.

I cried when the truck drove off.  Hard.  I'm E-MO-TION-AL.  I wanted to be in the truck SO bad.  I never thought I'd say that.  I truly never thought I'd want to drive halfway across the U.S. again (KS to AZ was good for me), but I was sad I wasn't a part of this journey.  I am worried about Mike.  I know he's being safe, but there are too many things out of our control out there in this world.  I worry about G.  She gets anxiety in the car, but Mike says she's being a champ.  Poor baby girl didn't eat yesterday though...I know it's b/c she is royally confused.  Her little world is being rocked.  And I wanted to be there for her.  She was extremely sweet yesterday.  It was like she knew.  She laid by the front door watching us come in and out 15,000 times.  She'd roll over on her back wanting some attention and affection in a belly rub.  I just need to remember those moments when she's being a little brat!  The next couple of years are going to be hard on her- a new place, a new baby, and no backyard.  But I know she'll grow with us and learn to cope...just like mommy and daddy will :)  G, not that you will ever read this, but mommy loves you very, very, very much!

Now on to our little bean.  Wow- 33 weeks.  My ultrasound on Monday was cool in a different way.  This was more of an appointment for medical reasons than it was for enjoyment.  And I totally got that feeling.  The screen was in a tough spot for me to see anything and the ultrasound tech didn't do much to show me what's going on.  The cool part was seeing how much bigger the lil 'thing' is.  I did see the baby's profile...so perfect and tiny.  The mouth was moving in the sucking motions.  His/her hands were up over the head.  Baby is head down.  The spine goes up the left side of my belly and the feet go out toward my right side.  Which makes sense why I am ALWAYS being kicked on that side!  I saw all kinds of bones, as that's what she needed to measure.  And I believe I saw that the baby was 4 pounds 7 ounces currently.  Well, that's their guess.  Right on target.  The website says the baby is the size of a honeydew and could grow up to an inch this week.  Man, I better be eating a lot for this lil guy/girl.  The brain development is in high mode, so my prenatal DHA will be taken these last few weeks- no doubt!  I am starting to be able to tell what part the movement is coming from...I thought the baby was head down before I heard from the tech.  And the booty is always sticking out in some way or another.  It's funny.  I have those nerve pains in my right leg.  Pretty much on a daily basis.  I still sleep fairly well with my pillows stuffed around my sides.  lol.  I am sure it's a sight to see.  I eat and I eat and I eat.  Especially since I've been given the green light to gain weight.  However, I am not taking that overboard and trying to be obese! 

Life is truly changing.  We are really moving.  Chicago will be my new home.  What?!?!?!  Lol!
(sorry- pics to come later this evening)

Random Fact

I will be a resident of Chicago, IL in ONE WEEK AND FOUR DAYS!!!! Can you believe it?

You don't know how many times I've told myself or been told we were allowed to move from Prescott, AZ.  Nothing against this town- it's just that I moved here for a boy with no aspirations of staying longer than a couple years.  FOUR YEARS LATER, we are (or in reality, he is) officially making the 1,745 mile trek halfway across the United States.  We will have a whole new location to call home.  I cannot wait!

Hubby and I will be living in the same city, spending meals together, and nights cuddled up before this baby rocks our world. It's going to be FAB-U-LOUS! Yes, most certainly, I am going to miss Arizona- our friends who have kept me in survival mode, my 4 babies and their momma, the sunshine 350 days a year, and warm temperatures throughout. BUT my house is full of boxes, I have only my bed left...it's 'empty' to me and I am more than ready to end this long distance phase for Michael and I. We made it :) Or I guess I should say, I made it!  So, pack up that truck boys.  Head out Chicago, my love, with our furry baby, be safe, and Audios Arizona.  The Buttenob's will be back...with an extra one next time!

Pooped

That's exactly how I feel!  However, today I have a wonderful reason to be 'pooped.'  I had shower #2 with all my AZ folk.  It was perfect.  Nichole hosted it at Lauren's house.  Nichole did an amazing job with the theme of Dr. Suess's Thing 1 and Thing 2.  Everything coordinated and every little detail was fabulous.  From the decorations to the food to the gifts.  Thank you Lauren for letting us use your house.  It was awesome to have a shower here in Prescott considering my current state of mind.  And thank you to Nichole for being a wonderful host, as always.  Now, I'm going to have to fly her out to Chicago for any further events :)

Can't tell but there's a belly...

I am so very lucky to have such amazing friends.  And Baby B got spoiled once again.  We got too many things and are overwhelmed with the love that surrounds us!  Here's a shout out to the ladies and a huge THANK YOU to Nichole Cassidy, Lauren Glassman, Juliette Guthrie, Ashley Oliver, Nicole Wright, Jeni Borge, Olea Sortor, Nikki Hepworth, Heather Krzmarzick, Shyloe Franz, and Barb Cassidy, Kim Two Bulls, and Andrea Powell in spirit!  It was exactly what I needed at this time. 

I also wanted to make note that yesterday (Friday, January 21st) we went to the baby doc.  A routine visit.  But for the first time Baby B kicked the heart rate monitor.  He/She was moving and the heartbeat would get louder and softer, then "bop" the baby gave us a nice little hello.  It was SO cool...and brought a huge smile to my face.  I cannot wait to meet you Baby B!  Everything is fine, however, I am measuring a little small and we are taking precautions and having an ultrasound on Tuesday afternoon.  I will give an update then- let's hope it's all good inside there!  

With that this prego is off to bed- Good-night!

Amnesia?!?!?!

My little weekly (or daily) email this morning discussed memory loss of a pregnant woman.

I am sorry, but I cannot be forgetful.  I am packing a house and moving four of us halfway across the United States.  Really?  Ugh!  I feel as if I am keeping on top of things, but lets not get too ahead of ourselves.  I am terrified I am going to forget something really important.  Here's an example:  I flew to Chicago last week, right?  Yes.  Well, I forgot while traveling on any pass you have to dress professionally.  The only thing on my mind lately is comfort b/c I'm typically in an uncomfortable state.  SO, I figured for a 3 hour flight I needed to make sure I was wearing comfy clothes.  WRONG.  Not only did I pack leggings, my boots, and a sweatshirt, but leggings are NEVER accepted in their dress code.  Sweet.  Mind you, I remembered this at 3 am on Thursday (the day I was flying out).  I packed a sweater and borrowed my mother-in-law's black pants.  Way to go prego!  Nice thing is that they didn't hackle me at the airport and I flew first class no problem.  I doubt any of them knew I was in sheer panic- tears falling, shaking, mad at myself...the whole bit...just hours before take off.  

So, I have forgotten things lately.  They've just been things I've been able to deal with.  Let's hope we have no catastrophes within the next 4 weeks or so.  Let me get packed, get to Chicago, unpacked, and at least partially settled.

[Side note:  the TSA guy at the airport that early Thursday morning looked straight at my belly and said, "What is in there?"  And my response was, "A baby."  I think that completely threw him off guard b/c that is obviously not what he was referring to, but I had no clue what he meant.  I am guessing the thought my sweater was bunched weird or that maybe my sweater should have been taken off as a coat, but nonetheless it was surly funny!  He couldn't spit out his next sentence and asked me to collect my things from the x-ray machine.  Good pregnancy moment, no doubt!]

THREE to the TWO

Happy 32 Weeks!!

We are still feeling great.  Baby B is now at, near, or over 4 pounds and 19 inches long.  It says the baby is the size of a head of lettuce...however, I've never seen one weighing in at 4 lbs!  We've got 8 weeks left.  And now we know officially Baby B will be born at Delnor Hospital in Geneva, IL.  Yayyy!  My first doc appt with the practice up North is Feb. 9th at 2 pm!  We have baby shower #2 this weekend.  Thrown by my dear friend, Nichole, and hosted at Lauren's house.  I will put up a shower post afterwards and give details on all things/accessories baby :)  Our doctor's appointment is Friday, so we will have more info then.  Although, I feel like all they tell me is "yup- everything looks fine."  And give me a high-five.  Lol.  Hopefully, I've gained some weight.  Considering I was down last time and the baby is supposed to be gaining a half a pound a week now!  What to Expect When You're Expecting says that I've just started my 8th month.  Wow...time has flown by.  

Can't wait to meet you, Baby B.  So many fun, exciting things going on in our lives right now.  You have no idea!  I love feeling your fast, teeny, tiny hiccups!  They happen usually twice a day.  I tend to feel them once in the morning and once in the evening...although that doesn't mean anything.  You've still been on the move.  Every now and then I get a kick or punch that makes mommy stop breathing for a second.  Ouch!  They're painful little bean.  I wonder what position you're in and which body part is poking me in my sides :)  I already love you to pieces.

Just the Ball I Needed For My Grand Slam!!

Thank you, life, for pitching this ball to me.  Are you ready for this??

Talk about my whirlwind life as of late.  I got a call on Thursday afternoon from our landlord saying the woman who looked at our house Monday liked what she saw and is supposed to sign the application and cough up the dough at 3 pm tomorrow (being Friday).  Of course, I freak out, start shaking, smile, scream a little, and get "the look" from Mike.  "Now hun, you can't get that excited yet.  This means nothing until it's a signed done deal."  He is right, but it's SO SO SO hard for me to refrain from excitement.  I was 24 hours away from knowing where I will deliver Baby B and having the ability to live in the same city/time zone/house as my husband after too many months of being long distance.

I tell the family...and we go to pizza as per their typical Thursday tradition.  Lou Malnati's = yum!  Can't help but think of our rehearsal dinner (even though it was a different location altogether) and many, many memories over the years.  Great time with the family...I laughed so hard, I cried...and almost peed my pants!  I love our family...we are truly so very lucky.  Friday we spent the day apartment searching.  Come to find out, you can't find anything relatively close to my sister-in-law for less than $1,000 a month built within the last 20 years or bigger than a pea.  No joke.  A 900 square foot, 2 bedroom apartment, built 40 years ago is $995 (ie. the ghetto).  I have to laugh b/c it's not that bad and very temporary (18 months-tops).  But we currently rent a 3 bedroom, 1800ish square foot home with a fenced backyard for $870.  A dagger in my heart...I had no idea how well we were living, I guess.  Everyone starts out somewhere and more likely than not, it's not as nice as where they end up.  So, I am keeping life in perspective.  I've got reality in check.  And I get the phone call promptly at 4 pm Chicago time letting me know that our house is in fact rented...SIGNED, PAID FOR, AND DONE.  Then I hear "How soon can you be out?"  "Feburary first, " I say confidently.  "Perfect.  They'd like to move in on the 3rd."  WHOA!

Then I go into planning mode.  HOW ARE WE GOING TO PULL THIS OFF???  Lol.  Final walk through is Feb. 1 at 10:30 am.  Carpets get black lighted at 6 pm on Thursday the 27th (routine when there's a dog in the house) and cleaned on Friday the 28th.  All furniture must be out of the house.  Sweet- that gives me a few days to come back in and make sure it's spotless.  But when and how will we get our stuff out before the 27th?  Mike luckily has 3 days off ending the 28th...he will fly to AZ, load the truck with some friends, and head out for his very long drive to our new home.  Yayyyy!!!  He's taking one for the team.  The poor man has been driving (and flying for that matter) all over the country...although that was his choice, it's never fun.  In the meantime, I am homebound packing until all I see are full boxes :)

SO SO SO many emotions get caught up in moves.  I have moved several times in my 27 [side note: when I was 26, I always said 27...now I say 26. Unconscious denial?!?!?] years of life.  I am a pro at moving, being the new girl, and find my niche in a strange place.  However, I'm older now.  Finding a new job, being a first time mom, and moving to the area where we plan to raise our family, therefore, we are talking several years of residency is weird.  Exciting.  So, there are tears...both happy and sad ones...lots of tears considering my hormones are all out of whack.

Just taking it one day at a time...I think I can, I think I can :)

I love O'Hare...they have those handy dandy toilet rotating toilet seat covers.  Although ppl always tell me they're just reused over and over and over again...I like to think not :)  And I like their public bathrooms.  I can't help but think of my little sister, Caitlin, when we were traveling as kids.  She hates germs, being in the inside of a booth and airplane aisle kills her, so a bathroom is off the charts. She LOVED these and talked about them for years...love you Caitor!

Nothing like HOMEMADE carmel corn on a Saturday night.  It was such fun night with my sister-in-law, Kim, and her kids.  I can't wait to live close to them and become a betty homemaker myself! lol!

31...Almost Done

Not really almost done, but it rhymed.  Good news is at 36 weeks the baby is considered healthy to deliver...I like to say, deliverable.  So little bun in the oven, please, please, please make it to 36 weeks.  I'm only asking you stay inside for at least 5 more weeks.  And the other part of me says, Baby B, please stay in the oven until mommy knows where she is going to deliver :)  Plus, I really want a March baby.  In that case, we have to make it to 38 weeks.  I am not the least bit worried.  Don't take any of this the wrong way.  I'm just counting down...and have been for a long, long, long time!  lol.  We have no signs of baby coming early and nothing to be worried about as far as we know.  

So...baby is still the size of a squash says one site.  According to "What to Expect When You're Expecting" this is the last week of the seventh month.  Baby is weighing in at 3+ lbs this week...probably somewhere over 3.5, but not quite 4.  The lil bugger is about 18 inches long, give or take b/c all babies are different.  Some babies are born at 18 inches...I think I was around 21.5 and 6 lbs 1 oz (which I didn't know, I thought I was 6 lbs 7 oz- oops!) and I was also early.  Interesting to know.  One thing Michael and I know for sure...we will not make a big baby!  Neither one of us reached 100 lbs until high school (maybe even senior year for me).  We are scrawny folk :)  And that's OK...b/c I'm perfectly content laboring & delivering a small baby...safely small that is.  The baby's main focus for awhile is brain connections.  He/She is learning to process information, track light, and use all five senses.  The book says that baby is sleeping in longer stretches, which is funny b/c I've been noticing no movement times of the day versus lots of movement times.  It's fun to think about the lil bun just snoozing away.  

There's Baby B :)

According to the docs records I've gained 18 lbs.  I was down 2 from my last appointment, but there was no alarm...we will see how next time goes.  However, I weigh myself at the same time any time I've decided to step on the scale.  That would be first thing in the morning after I pee before I gain any "water weight" (I have to laugh b/c I've never cared about my weight until I started packing lbs on...for a good reason, but still)...and to my records I've gained 15 lbs.  A fun lil bit of info...I will weigh more than Michael at the end of this pregnancy.  Sad day!  But not hard to do.  When I look down I can still see everything.  From the cute undies I have put on that morning to my toes.  In the shower this morning, I was thinking my ankles seem a bit larger than before, but who knows.  Belly button is still in the 'popped' position, but is quickly becoming more flat.  Guess the poor thing doesn't really know what to do with itself!  I sleep moderately well...the only way I'd sleep better is if I could lay on my tummy.  However, there's a large somethin' somethin' in the way!  Thank goodness for my tempurpedic.  Speaking of- I think hubby misses it.  And I've told him several times, I'd be willing to share if you'd just come home!!!  No weird cravings or aversions...although I've been on a yogurt kick this past week.  Cool, smooth, and fruity...yummy to my tummy!  Knock on wood- the heartburn has given me a little breather.  Only a few bad bouts here and there.  

Anyways..I think that's a fairly inclusive update!  On to fun things...like cleaning the frig. lol

It looks pretty snazzy if you ask me!  Since I can't really 'nest' like most moms-to-be do.  Well, hold that thought, I am/can nest, it's just a little different.  The baby's room will not be set up.  End of story.  Instead, I am nesting in the sense that I am preparing for our move.  Let's get out of this nest and on to the next! Clean frig- check.  

Here are my boys after dinner yesterday.  You can see, they're enjoying an Oreo.  It's all over their faces and, as you can see, they already know that taking off one of the chocolate cookies is the best way to eat an Oreo!  Nobody taught them that either.  Crazy what kids can come up with.  They're getting SO big though, it's fun.  I will surly miss these little personalities when I leave!

AND.....look what came in the mail for me yesterday!?!?!?  Now Baby B is all set with:

An infant seat with the snap n'stroll (or whatever) stroller.  I attached my diaper bag on the handles just to get the full effect.

We're just missing you, Baby B.

AND.....Here's our beyond the infant seat ride for Baby B.  Yes, he/she is very spoiled.  It's the Britax I love :) This seat can be rear and forward facing...so this will be the seat in Daddy's ride (most likely) and will most certainly grow with Baby B beyond 35 lbs.  

Safety for the bebe- check!

I'm SO pumped.  Our baby collection is coming along quite nicely.  We got the highchair we registered for from my sister-in-law, Kim, and her family for Christmas.  (pic to come)  Then after my shower #2 in Arizona Jan. 22nd, we will surly be more than set.  I cannot thank our friends and family enough for all our gifts and unconditional love.  We are truly so very blessed and this lil bean is loved more than ever.  The poor lil guy/girl has no idea what's in store upon it's entrance into the "real" world.  But I absolutely cannot wait to finally see him/her! *ah* I get tears just thinking about it :)

Photo Update

Not much to say, but many cute pics to post.  SO SO SO mad at myself for not getting a pic with my mom nor my dad over Christmas.  Ggggggggrrrrrrrr..........

Sisters and I on Christmas Eve morning at my dad's.

Hubs and I at Brio for dinner one evening

Hubs and his new door mat- will go perfect with his sister's wedding gift!

Us and "our" (it's really his, I guess) autographed Bears helmet :) 

There's a first time for everything!!

My sister's pup, Noelle, and I- we were buddies in the morning hours.  I miss her!

Before heading to dinner Sunday night- last dinner with pops.

PF Changs is not ready for us- lol.  No, we just have the same boots!!

30 Weeks from Houston's Bush Intercontinental Airport

I feel like my hubby today!  I was hoping to simply jump on the earlier flight to Phoenix this afternoon, but quickly realized that wasn't going to happen upon my arrival to the airport oh, four and a half hours early.  Oh the joys of traveling.  My fault for choosing a late flight, but man, I wanted to sleep in my own bed tonight and know that with this sleepy 3rd trimester lifestyle I won't be able to drive come 8 or 9 pm.  We will see.

So, instead of just staring aimlessly at the thousands of random people walking by, I decided to update my blog.  What else would one do??  lol.  Here we are 30 (or is it 31?) weeks:

As you can see, we are growing.  And the whole week counting thing is still bothering me :)

At this point in my pregnancy I cannot wait to meet my lil bean.  BUT I am totally freaked out just the same.  Am I really going to be a mom?  Am I really going to have this baby and make our twosome/threesome a threesome/foursome?!?!?  What?  Why?  And the fact that this thing is stuck with me for life just freaks me out.  Anyways...baby is the size of a squash, which apparently is 15-16 inches long and 3.5 pounds.  Heartburn is kicking in...and it just depends on what my stomach thinks is "not settling well."  Whatever.  The baby's grip is now strong enough to grasp a finger and there's a blurb about the brain gaining wrinkles as the skin smoothes out.  I guess those wrinkles are adding brain tissue to my lil beans very smart brain :)  Kinda fun to think about!

I am SO SO SO excited for my friend Devon and her fiance Steveo!  They had their little girl, Avry, yesterday.  Four weeks early, but she's always been that momma-to-be that was one step ahead of me. I blogged about her earlier.  Their precious bundle of joy is here...and I can't believe it.  What's really getting me is the fact that I am the one next on the list of pregos that are due.  Strange.  It's me, my turn!!

Yes, that would be my sister's pup, Noelle, sprawled out squished style behind me while I surfed the net yesterday morning.  She's such a nut, but I love her so!

And I couldn't help but post this picture of the outstanding molten lava chocolate cake my dad and Jenny made on NYE.  Talk about everything a prego needs.  Plus, a scoop of Vanilla Bean ice cream. My favorite thing by far!