Day 215

Rian practically had me in tears today. I ended up just turning the tv on for them and going to my room. I have no energy for this. I hope she settles down when Aiden starts school, I'm getting nervous thinking about dealing with her naughtiness and a newborn.

 

Thankfully, they were really slow at work so Steven came home early! We had plans to go to a going away party, for the guy whose position Steven is taking. After my day, I really didn't want to go anymore. I wanted Steven to just take the kids. His parents wanted him to go over last night, but we never made it so he called his dad to tell them we could stop by, Aiden ended up asking if he could spend the night. We went over for a little while and were planning on picking Rian up after the party, but she did pretty well and stayed the whole night! I'm so glad. I needed that break. I don't know why she never wants to be away from me these days, but she's so naughty for me. She doesn't act like this for anybody else.

 

Afterwards, on our way home, we decided to go grocery shopping last minute.



 

A nice, unplanned, unexpected, little date night! :)

 

I think we better plan one more before the baby arrives, there won't be any for a looooong time after that.

Day 214

Today's Steven's 31st birthday!

I'm so lazy when it comes to gift giving for him. My go-to gifts are always along the lines of food, alcohol, socks/underwear/undershirts. Always! That's easiest and what makes him happiest. Ha.

We always blow gifts early in this house. We get over excited and give them early. I wanted him to think I wasn't planning anything, so when he finally came home and went back to work for lunch, the kids and I got busy.

We decorated a little with streamers, a banner and balloons. We baked an ooey-gooey Oreo cake. Yum! And then got a Papa Murphy's pizza to bake when he got home. I made the kids birthday hats and they made him cards.

They were so excited to hide behind the island and yell, "Surprise!" when he got home. :) 

We've been taking a picture every year on his birthday since we've been together. And now with kids, we take a family picture every year:

 

I didn't take one this year. :( I was super bummed when I realized that, after everybody had gone to bed.

 

Happy Birthday, Daddy!

Day 213

August, my last full month being pregnant!

This has been a rough week with Rian. Especially today. We went to the library, to fill out newborn paperwork at the pediatrician's office and to Target for a few things. When we got home I was furious with her behavior. I try my hardest to be patient with her but she makes it so dang difficult.

Aiden has never acted the way she acts in public. I know, I know, they're different people. I shouldn't expect her to be like him. But when it comes to naughty behavior, especially in public, she knows better. And that's what makes it so frustrating.

I've been looking at baby pictures a lot lately. Mostly in anticipation for the new baby, but also because I read that when you're about to lose your temper on your child, look at their baby picture. She was the SWEETEST baby ever. She still has her sweet moments, she's not possessed every second of the day, but she does spend a majority of her day getting into trouble.

I couldn't wait to put her to bed tonight! When she's sleeping, she's my sweet baby again. I go in there every night and pray for a better tomorrow. It's been weeks since we've had a good day. :(

I'm already scared for the teen years. Lord help me.

On a happy note: while I was cooking dinner, she showed me that she wrote a "J"

Exciting! (always making weird faces)

 

She does sooo well with tracing. On her own she can write I, H, L, O, E, F, and now J. She could probably write a few more easily, but we're not that far into her activity book yet.

Day 212 (35 weeks pregnant)

Here we are! The last few weeks of pregnancy. There will be an itty bitty in my arms so soon!

 

While I was brushing my teeth this morning, most of my belly was peeking out from my shirt, like it always is, and I saw a small red mark in my reflection. I tried to see it by looking at my belly, but because of where it is, I can only see it in the mirror. Steven was napping between jobs, I went in to wake him up and make him look at it... he confirmed my suspicions. A stretch mark. :( Nooo! I've felt my belly hasn't gotten much bigger, til about two weeks ago when I realized I can't see anything down yonder anymore! So it's obviously growing, by the day, probably the hour! I've been lathering lotion on it all day, being overly-dramatic, thinking it's going to actually prevent something.

 

Oh well... life of a mom!

There it is.

Braxton hicks have been out of control. They're not painful, but they are uncomfortable and annoying. I hope they're doing something, anything! I wasn't checked for dilation until I was 39 weeks with AJ and 38 weeks with Rian. I didn't care to know, especially with Rian, because it just made me too eager. I was 3cm with her at 38 weeks and three weeks later, I was only at 4. I think because this time I'm expecting to go 41 weeks, I kind of want to know. It'd give me peace of mind that these obnoxious fake contractions are getting me somewhere, even if it's just a little bit along the way. I guess I'll find out in a few more weeks!

Day 211

I was awake this morning, but not out of bed yet. Rian was up and about. I heard something fall, followed by crying...

 

I laughed when I saw her. Poor girl.

 

 

Today I sanitized my pump parts and bottles. I want to stencil a few more onesies and finish one of the swaddles I started a few months ago. Steven still needs to lower the straps on the car seat and we need to buy a swing, then we're about done. Oh and I need to pack for the hospital! I'll probably do that in a couple more weeks. I also need to fill out paperwork at the pediatrician (I'll do that at AJ's well check next month) and after that, preregister at the hospital. I love checking things off of my check list!

 

We also pumped up my yoga ball. I bounced on it at the very end of both of my pregnancies, but we blew it up early this time to see if sitting on it will relieve some of the pressure I've been having. It's helping some, thank God! I really feel like I'm on my last week, so close to giving birth, but I know I'm not. I hope it doesn't make these last 5-6 weeks feel extra long.

Day 210

I'm tired of wearing the same five shirts, so I'm wearing one of Steven's today. It's really long, so I have it folded up a little, but I was pretty surprised when I put it on and his XL fit so well. Yikes!

 

 

Caught these cuties actually loving each other!

 

My parents and Rachel were all off today, so they picked up Aiden and took him to the movies. Rian really wanted to go, but her first time needs to be with us, in case she doesn't last through. So we took her for some ice cream so she didn't feel so left out.

 

Afterwards we went to my parents house for dinner (two nights in a row being cooked for, heck yes!) and swimming.

 

Tonight I'm in a lot of pain. I'm pretty sure the baby dropped. Just when I thought I couldn't hurt anymore too. I'm trying to enjoy it all, soon I'll be missing this!

Day 209

A couple of days ago I started drinking raspberry leaf tea. It has a ton of benefits, mainly it helps contractions be as effective as possible when you have them. Next week I'm going to start drinking it twice a day. You can have up to four cups at the end of your pregnancy. The only bad thing is I don't really like the taste! I love tea, but this one has a flowery taste to me.

I'm also going to start taking evening primrose oil soon. Steven says its all hocus pocus, maybe it is, but it's definitely worth a try! They aren't things that'll put me into labor, but they're things that possibly help it speed along.

I love naptime!