10.12.2012

40 Weeks


How far along? 40 weeks, 4 days.
Baby Size: Our families' guesses range from 6 pounds 4 ounces to 9 pounds. We will find out soon!
Total weight gain: 35ish pounds.
Maternity clothes? I'm so ready for something non-maternity!
Stretch marks? I ended up with just a few light ones and am hoping not to get any more when my milk comes in!
Sleep: Even though I'm waking up every 1.5-2 hours to go to the bathroom, I really haven't had much problem sleeping throughout my pregnancy - even in these last couple of weeks! There have only been a couple times in the past two weeks where I've laid awake for a couple hours.
Best moment(s) this week: Thoroughly enjoying relaxing and spending time with Matt. 
Miss Anything? Mostly just being able to move easily. 
Movement: She's still moving well, just slowly. A lot of times it feels more like pressure than anything else. And we can feel body parts pretty clearly too.
Food cravings: Frozen yogurt - but that's a regular :).
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope.
Gender: Girl!
Labor Signs:  At my 39 week appointment, I was 1cm with assistance and 50% effaced. Braxton-Hicks contractions are still frequent, and we have timed them when they happen repeatedly, though nothing has become regular just yet. I have another appointment this afternoon so we'll see if anything has changed then.
Symptoms: My hands are less swollen this week (maybe due to cooler temps?)! Lots of pressure in my pelvis, and I can tell she's moved down a bit. And a little bit of hip pain some days.
Belly Button in or out? The top pokes out and the bottom is flat.
Wedding rings on or off? Still off.
Mood: A mix of nervousness, eagerness, and lots of excitement!!!
Looking forward to: Bringing this baby girl into the world and holding her for the first time!

+, Lauren Aiken

10.05.2012

39 Weeks



How far along? 39 weeks, 4 days.
Baby Size: 7ish pounds?? 
Total weight gain: Let's just call it 35. I'm thinking about staying away from the scale for a few weeks now.
Maternity clothes? I've gotten a lot of use out of the maternity clothes we bought (and I'm going to be happy to pack them away).
Stretch marks? Still no stretch marks on my tummy.
Sleep: I am sleeping well but waking up every 1 1/2 to 2 hours to go to the bathroom. I have loved my body pillow and highly suggest to get one early to help avoid hip pain later on.
Best moment(s) this week: A last-minute visit from Matt's mom on Wednesday!
Miss Anything? Feeling normal and being able to move easily.
Movement: Baby's movements are usually slow now - no more of those quick shocking punches. I am still feeling most pokes and rolls on the right-hand side, but every once in awhile I feel her on the left. 
Food cravings: Nope...sorry this answer is pretty boring every week!
Anything making you queasy or sick: No.
Gender: Girl :).
Labor Signs: I've had frequent Braxton-Hicks contractions (though that's nothing unusual for this pregnancy) off and on, some stronger than others. No other signs just yet though.
Symptoms: Ever-growing tummy and mild heartburn. I'm so thankful that I've had a great pregnancy overall though. My blood pressure has been normal, I've had minimal swelling (just my hands), and for the most part I haven't been too exhausted.
Belly Button in or out? Some days it pokes out all the way. Others just the top half does.
Wedding rings on or off? Off.
Mood: This week has been a bit up and down. We're so ready for baby to arrive and are trying to wait patiently for her. You can pray for us as we wait - and for a smooth labor and delivery soon too!!
Looking forward to: A relaxing weekend, maybe our last for awhile. We are ok with that :).

Finally, I have to share this with you. Matt's mom sent me a photo this week that she had taken back in May when I was trying on maternity clothes with one of those strap-on bellies. At the time I was really just starting to show and couldn't imagine that round belly months down the road. I remember it feeling so foreign and couldn't imagine it being real months down the road. Now it's hard to remember not having a tummy though!


18 Weeks Actual Belly // 18 Weeks Fake Belly // 39 Weeks Actual Belly


Enjoy your weekend!
+, Lauren Aiken

10.02.2012

Nursery Sources

I've put together a list of where everything in the nursery is from. I incorporated as many DIY projects and gifts from family and friends as I could to make the room very personal.


Crib: Pottery Barn Kids, gift from Matt's parents
Crib Sheet: Pottery Barn Kids
Crib Skirt: Made by me using this pattern (Fabric is Kaffe Fassett GP125 Tile Flower in Pink)
Blankie: Made by my mom
Sleep sheep: Gift from my parents, Pottery Barn Kids


Bird Mobile: Made by my mom and me
Nursery Rhyme Prints: Free printables from Sprik Space
White Frames: JoAnn Fabrics


Neutral Storage Bin: Home Goods (filled with handmade blankets and quilts from family and friends!)
Changing Table: Pottery Barn Kids, gift from Matt's parents
Lavender Storage Bins: Target (unavailable online)
Cherry Blossom Canvas: Made by me, tutorial here (inspired by PB Kids)


Changing Pad Cover: Made by me (tutorial here)
Burp Cloths: Made by me (tutorial here)


Bookshelf: Old, from Target


Chalkboard: Gift made by a friend
Bird and Bird House: Baby shower decor, made by my sister 


Fabric Rose Headbands: Made by my mom and me


Knit Birds: Hand-knit gift from my Aunt Liz
Stackable eco-friendly cups: Gift from a friend


White frames: IKEA
Shelves: IKEA
Pink Vase: IKEA
Floral Print: IKEA
"I am a child of God" Print: free printable


Framed Burlap and Fabric Bird: DIY
Sophie the Giraffe: Gift from my parents (available on Amazon)


Glider & Ottoman: Craigslist find (similar at Babies R Us)
Afghan: Hand knit by Great-Grandma Aiken
Children's Bench: Made by Great-Grandpa Bothun


Curtain: IKEA (still looking for the link to this one)


Let me know if there's anything I missed, and I'd be happy to provide the source!

+, Lauren Aiken