32-33.

Our week 32-33 doctor's appt went smoothly, and the excitement is building! Her heartbeat was around 135-140, everything was measuring great, and I'm only up 18 lbs. The countdown is now 50!!! People are still shocked when I tell them that I am 8 months along. There seems to be a consensus that I'm not big enough to possibly be that far along?! I sure do feel it though by the end of the day though.

I try not to complain, since I'm just so happy that I'm pregnant. I remember thinking last year that all I wanted was to be pregnant, so I wouldn't complain no matter what, if I was ever fortunate to have another baby. If we are being honest here though, the facts are that it's painful to roll over in bed at night and to walk after I've been sitting for a while. There's a heavy pressure down there that makes me waddle. And I've thrown up in my mouth a few times too due to heartburn issues. Good times.

Not the most flattering first-thing-in-the-morning pic, but you get the idea.

 

Oh, and the swelling has begun!...

 

This week, David ordered both a backpack and beanie with her name on it, as well as a big brother gift for Nico that we can give to him at the hospital from his new baby sister! I also booked a newborn photographer that will be coming out to the house within the first week or so of her birth. We're running out of things on our to-do list over here!

Miley doesn't leave my side these days and prefers to be right by my belly. When Natalie kicks, she looks up at me. I wonder what she's thinking.

One cool moment these days (yet also very uncool depending on the time in the morning) is when Nico comes down to our bed. This morning, he didn't come in until 7, so that was 2 thumbs up! He is so extra cuddly these days and just wants to be close to us. He got right in the middle and passed out for another hour this morning. I've been trying to memorize these moments in my mind as I'm aware that they will pass all too soon.

He's been ALL about ME lately. I'm sure he can sense the upcoming changes and has some insecurity about it all. He seems to be extra sensitive about when I'm going to work and when I'm going to be home. Then, the second that I'm home, he's glued to my side. "Mommy, let's play baseball." "Mommy, let's go play in the PAYroom." (Nope, we still don't correct him on how to say playroom.) "Mommy, you're the best mommy in the whole wide world." He's so loving and full of so many spontaneous "I love you's" every day. One of his best qualities is his huge heart.

I've been feeling the mom guilt lately though. It's a tug of war between getting some rest and soaking every moment in with him as our only child. I hope he can make a smooth adjustment to all of this and doesn't feel any less loved! 

He has moved his work table into the office to work some when I work now.

This past Monday night, he requested a snow cone run followed by stopping at grandma and grandpa's to play baseball in the backyard. He got himself fully dressed for the occasion. He's a goofball.

Muellar Lake Park/Farmer's Market outing

I woke up with energy on Sunday and said, "Hey let's go to that Muellar Farmer's Market that I have been wanting to try and let Nico ride his bike around!" David looked at me with shocking eyes, given the fact that we had a full day of activity yesterday. I'm not sure what got into me either.

This was such a cute little area with a lake, bike/walking trail, playground, and a Farmer's Market every Sunday morning.

There was even some entertaining zydeco music playing in the background.

The Tiny Tails Petting Zoo was there, and Nico was excited to hold a variety of little animals.

 

 

We bought some gelato, homemade lemonade, and the best Brazilian cheese bread ever.

 

He didn't run into anybody on the trail. Success.

We finished our little trip at the playground. This was such a fun morning doing something outdoorsy and new!

Dripping Springs Founders Day/Monster Truck Jam

We had a full Saturday this past weekend with the Dripping Springs Founder's Day Festival during the first half of the day and a trip to the Monster Truck Jam with Nico's buddy, Jake, in the evening.

There were a ton of games and rides for kids at the festival, plus vendors and food. We got our money's worth of activities in the 2+ hours we were there.

He hit the target smack in the middle on his first try. It didn't sink the school principal, so they let him run up there and hit it with his hand. He thought that was hilarious.

Thankfully, he didn't make the ball in the bowl to win a fish. David was so mad that I even let him try this. Ha!

Fun rides.

I felt like such a mom carrying all of this stuff.

After a much needed nap time, we went to Doc's for dinner and playground fun with Jake and his family before the Monster Truck Jam.

The boys were in heaven. The trucks got loud at times and initially scared them, but this is something that Nico has talked about every day since! He now thinks his monster truck cars at the house are even cooler, and he has made a ramp for them out of a box.

At one point, he looked at me and said, "Do you think my baby sister is wondering what the heck is this noise?!" It melts this mommy heart that he thinks of her so often already!!!

30-31.

It's so amazing to say that we are finally in the 30's! I'm feeling about as good as one can at 30 weeks pregnant, and everything is moving right along. My 30 week appt checked out normally with a good heartbeat heard over doppler. I have gained 15 lbs, which I think is a huge success considering that I had gained 25 with Nico at this point in time! She's been moving around like crazy and even started getting the hiccups often! I notice her every couple hours throughout the day since there are stronger kicks and jabs going on now! We put together the pack n play, hung the mobile on the crib, and bought some cute, little pink beanies.

 

David and I enjoyed possibly one of our last few date nights for a while and went to the James Bay ACL taping on Tuesday! We ate at my FAV place, Ra, for sushi and apps. We worked our way over to the concert venue, but not without a stop for frozen yogurt for the fat lady and an espresso for the tired dad.

 

Nico wrapped up his final session of the Lil' Rookies hockey clinic on Saturday. He did great listening to his coach and learning a few new skating tips. I think he enjoyed nailing the puck against the side more than any other drill. My parents came to watch, and we went to Rebel Pizza again afterward. We were supposed to go to the Round rock Express baseball game, but it was rainy. Boooo.

 

The rain boots have come out to play with all of the rain we have had lately.

There was a recent guys trip to the Jungle Book movie too. The fun never stops!

  

Austin Parks & Pizza

In an effort to get some extra special Nico time in before the baby's arrival (as if Nico doesn't do enough fun things?!), we spent the afternoon at Austin Parks & Pizza! There was just about anything a kid could think of here- outdoor rides and go karts, arcade games, laser tag, miniature golf, bowling... you name it. And we did almost all of it too!

 

David got soaked in the water squirting bumper cars. It was hilarious (and possibly my favorite part of the day) to watch him squirm and try to avoid the spraying by Nico and a few other kids!

Nico hates loud noises and rode around the track mostly with his ears covered. That didn't stop him from smiling and giggling the whole time though.

I think bowling was his favorite. We played one and a half games and tried not to get too competitive with each other! (Yeah right.)

We had pizza and salad for lunch before heading out to play 18 holes of miniature golf.

After a couple games of laser tag, we didn't have the energy to do anything else. Completely worn out. Such a fun day!