35 Weeks

We had our 35 week check up and 3rd ultra sound yesterday! Ellery had to be measured to see why/if she was measuring small. I was very nervous and anxious leading up to it. I really need to stop reading the internet. Turns out she is not so tiny after all! She is already 5 lbs 12 ounces. My doctor predicted that she could be at least 7 lbs by birth! I'm just so relieved that she is growing as she should. She is very squished in there so we could only get one discernable picture. Look at her lips! Geoff and I think she kinda looks like her Aunt Ally :)

I am 1/2 a centimeter dilated and 50% effaced which means she could arrive a little early. We put the carseat in my car on Wednesday night and my hospital bag is packed! I feel like everything that I am able to control is prepared. Now the rest is up to her!

Our other child Norman has been acting strange for the couple of past weeks. He jumps out of bed then whines to get back in the bed AT LEAST 10 times a night. I'm not joking. Lucky for him I'm not a hard sleeper. Lucky for Geoff because he somehow never hears Norman whining! We'll see if that translates to baby night cries. Norm has also been peeing on our carper almost every night. We put the gate up during the day so he can't go upstairs. We are having the carpet cleaned this weekend and if he doesn't stop we may have to crate him at night! That would be so sad, but no way am I sleeping in a room that smells like piss. We think Norm senses something is about to change and is freaking out. Or he could just be a spoiled and needy dog. I'll go with the first to make myself feel better.

Memorial Day Weekend and Packing our Hospital Bag

3 day weekends are the best! I feel like more people would be ok with going to work on a Tuesday rather than a Monday every week. We got so much done this Memorial Day weekend. It's hard to believe that this time last year was our last weekend as Chicago residents. Geoff and I went to Target and Babies R Us on Saturday to finish getting what we needed off of our registry. I tried to make the shopping time as efficient and speedy as possible to keep Geoff from getting antsy and therefore rushing me. See, I already have practice for a child ;) We bought Dreft and washed all of her clothes, blankets, sheets and towels. Geoff left for Dallas on Sunday so I had all day Sunday and Monday to do Ellery prepping. I hung pictures and put together her swing, bouncer, sound machine and baby monitor. I plan to see how she responds to the swing and bouncer before putting the MamaRoo together. As soon as the birdy mobile arrives and is hung I will post pictures of her room! I began packing our hospital bag, which is hard to do so early in advance! Thanks to my friends Maggie Layrisson and Lori Hale, I know that I need the following:

For Mom:

• Razor
• Contact Solution
• Extra pair of contacts
• Glasses
• Chapstick
• Brush
• Hair ties
• Something to go home in (maxi dress, legging and over sized tshirt, etc.)
• Outfit for visitors (cute PJs and robe)
• Flip flops
• Socks
• Nursing Bra
• Nursing Pads
• Lanolin
• Granny Panties (yep)

For Dad:

• Pillow
• Blanket
• PJs (its cold in the hospital, so just boxers won't cut it)
• 2 pairs of clothes
• Snacks (lucky him...I can't eat once I'm in labor)
• Change for vending machine

For Mom and Dad:

• iPad
• Phone chargers
• Camera and charger
• Entertainment (magazines, cards, etc.)
• Travel Sizes of:
• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Soap/Body Wash
• Toothpaste
• Toothbrush
• Lotion

For Ellery:

• Boppy
• Outfit to go home in
• Socks and mittens (if outfit doesn't fold over hands)
• Burp clothes
• Pacifier
• Blanket for car ride home
• Baby book
• Car seat in car 

We'll see how many bags we actually bring. I've always been known to be an over packer.

Finding our Pediatrician

After a thorough search and interview process, I believe we have our pediatrician! Dr. Stephanie Kelleher is at The Pediatric Clinic of Baton Rouge. She came highly recommended by my OB/GYN who sends her kids to Dr. Kelleher. Who isn't going to trust a doctor on doctor recommendation? I met with Dr. Kelleher myself and both she and the clinic passed my test:

• She is highly recommended by someone I trust
• I felt like she cares and wants to know about Ellery
• She is a part of a clinic so that if she is not readily available, other doctors on the staff can assist
• The clinic has late night and weekend hours
• The clinic has separate waiting areas for well and sick kids
• The clinic has a nurse hotline for questions
• She takes our insurance

I'm so glad that is figured out!

Ellery's Bedding

Ellery's bedding came in yesterday and we LOVE it! I had it made by the Little Charlie May shop on Etsy. I love the pink floral kaleidoscope fabric because it reminds me of birds and the polka dot fabric matches her seafoam colored dresser. We can't wait to see her laying in that crib! We will leave the blanket on the chair for a long time, but at least it gives the chair a color of pop.

Organizing the Nursery

Kelsey came over yesterday to help me organize and put away all of the shower gifts. She also had to listen to my frustration as I put together a bookcase for Ellery's room. I had to take a few breathers in the process. At one point, Norman jumped in my lap and laid his head on my belly. My heart melted. I have been waiting for him to realize that something about me was different. It may have just been convenience, but I like to think that he could hear Ellery's little heartbeat.

I finally finished the bookcase. It is filled with my books from when I was a kid (so they are vintage, right?), Geoff's Peter Rabbit piggy bank, a plate and teapot from Grandma Polly, a silver spoon and fork set from Aunt Cathy and two of John's baby toys. I'm sure more will be added, but I think it looks adorable in her room. As I mentioned before, Norman wants the stuffed elephant and stands at the bookcase barking and whining. It's going to be an interesting challenge trying to teach him the difference between "Norman's toys" and "Ellery's toys." I'm sure a few toys will be destroyed in the process.

Circus Baby Shower

Our baby shower was on Saturday at my Aunt Cathy and Uncle Pat's house and it was seriously the cutest baby shower I have seen! My sister Kelsey, my Mom, my Aunt Cathy and the hostesses who helped them should probably go into the party planning profession. It was a circus theme and the pictures below don't even do the decorations justice!

Ellery received so many adorable outfits, blankets, toys, diapers, essentials, etc. She is almost set for at least the first year of her life!  I had friends that drove in from Houston and Lake Charles. Geoff's cousins Betty Jo and LeeAnn  Peters drove in from Quincy, IL and Corliss and Ally were in town all week! Friends from Chicago and family who couldn't be there sent amazing gifts and cards. We felt the love, from family and friends near and far and we couldn't be more appreciative!

Shower Invitation

The cake matches the invitation!

All guests signed sweet messages to Ellery in "If I Ran the Circus" 

(side note: Norman wants this elephant as his own toy and continues to 

bark at it now that it is on top of Ellery's bookcase)

Circus onesie wreath

 Diaper cake by Aunt Cathy and center pieces by my Mom and sister Anna

Adorable circus cookies

Popcorn Station (white cheddar, cotton candy and caramel flavors)

Animal Crackers, Gumballs, Mini Corn Dogs, Twizzlers, Peanuts...

anything you would want from the circus!

Iced Animal Cracker Goody Bags for the guests

Fruit Kabobs...for the healthy guests

Headband station explanation

Headband Station! Ellery now has some cute customized 

headbands made by the shower guests.

Guests guessed how many jelly beans were in the baby bottle 

and named the baby food in each jar for prizes.

Guessing my belly size with ribbon

Kelsey measuring my belly size (96 cm)

Gift Station

Me with the shower hostesses (Kayli, Mia, Maggie, Emily, 

Kelsey, Ally, Kelly and Aunt Cathy)

The LC Crew

Anna, Mom, me, Kelsey

Crystal, me, and Maggie 

Monica and me

Geoff played golf with my Dad, Uncle Pat, my cousin Emily's fiance John and Brian Barr. They all came over to my aunt and uncle's house while I was opening presents and Geoff received a little present himself...A Daddy Tool Belt! Equipped with safety goggles, wipes, diapers, a changing pad, latex gloves and baby powder.

It was such a great day! I was nervous about being the center of attention, but really we were all just there to celebrate Ellery! And that is what I wanted the most. 

33 Weeks and Kelsey's Graduation

We had our 33 week check up today! Corliss and Ally are in town for my baby shower (it is tomorrow!) so they were able to come and meet Dr. Gautreau and hear Ellery's heartbeat which was at 155. Baby Ellery is measuring on the smaller side...my fundal height is at 31.5 centimeters. Since she is smaller, we get to have another ultrasound in 2 weeks where they will actually meausure her instead of my stomach! Dr. Gautreau said this is common and not to worry. You can read here for more information on measuring small for your due date. I will try not to worry, and I'm sure everything is ok with her, but I tend to worry...a lot.

The big news of the appointent was that I gained 6 pounds in 2 weeks!!! I was shocked. The nurse brought me into the room where she takes my blood pressure and weighs me. Corliss and Ally were in the waiting room and said they could hear me say "I've gained 6 pounds?!" I guess I should have toned down my reaction. Dr. Gautreau didn't seem too concerned. She said that she expects me to even out by the next appointment, but to go easy on the carbs and sugar. That is easier said than done! I had at least half a loaf of bread and butter at Kelsey's graduation dinner last night. I will cut back, after the shower of course. I can't pass up the cake.

Kelsey graduated from LSU with a Bachelor's of Science in Early Childhood Education last night! We couldn't be more proud and excited for her! She is currently applying for teacher positions. Of course we want her to score a teaching job, but if she doesn't she has a job lined up as Ellery's nanny! Especially because we just found out that Ellery didn't get into the Parkview infant program that we really wanted :( However, we believe that she will end up at the school where she belongs!

Bump Progressoin (8 - 32 Weeks)

Click HERE to see my baby bump progression from 8 weeks to 32 weeks! Unfortunately the whole picture won't fit on the blog (or I've just exhausted my ability in trying to make it fit). I will have to add weeks 36 and 40 if I can!

Babymoon

We spent May 9 - May 12 at Orange Beach with John and Corliss. It was our mini morthland vacation/babymoon. The last big trip without Ellery!

Staying out of the sun. First trip to the beach where I wasn't concerned about my tan!

Ellery's Movements

I love feeling and watching Ellery move around. I always thought I would be totally freaked out and feel like I had an alien inside of me. But so far its amazing and I anticipate her movements. She seems to be on a schedule. She wakes up around 5am and moves around until 7am. I feel her moving here and there throughout the day, but her main performance is from 8pm to 10pm. That is my favorite time to lay in bed and watch her go. Looking down at my stomach, she is head down, bottom to the left and feet to the right. She pushes her bottom out and kicks her little feet over and over, distorting my stomach like a ball of clay. Geoff watches and is weirded out/fascinated. The only "bad" movement is her head bouncing on my bladder when I'm standing. So even if I really don't NEED to pee and could hold it, I end up in the bathroom every hour. I know that soon she won't have much room in there to move, so I'm living up every moment!

32 Weeks

32 Weeks

Ellery is the size of a jicama (what the heck is that?! 

Compare it to a pineapple, because that is week 33). 

She weights about 3.75 lbs and is about 16.75 inches head to heel. 

Who Will Ellery Look Like?

I was just day dreaming about what Ellery will look like. Here are Geoff and I both at 12 months. We can't wait to see her!

Leg Cramps

I've been having terrible leg pain these last few weeks, especially in my right leg. It feels like the growing pains I had as a kid and I keep picturing my mom rubbing icy hot on my legs while I watch TV to ease the pain. One of the many reasons why she is the best mom ever. I've also been having charlie horses that wake me up in the middle of the night. In the moment I'm convinced the cramp will never end and permanently freeze my leg. By some miracle my yelling doesn't wake Geoff up. It must be nice to be a hard sleeper!

I did some research and leg pain and cramps are fairly common during pregnancy. I love/hate Mom Answers on BabyCenter because you can read about people's similar problems and what they did to relieve pain or solve the issue. Or it can make you extremely paranoid. I refer to it with caution.

I think I will try to elevate my legs when possible, buy some icy hot and continue stretching my legs. If all else fails, I can push through the pain for 8.5 more weeks!

31 Weeks and Doc Advice

We had our 31 week check up today and I came prepared with questions: How accurate is the gender sonogram? Are we sure its a girl? I don't think the name Ellery suits a boy and she already has monogrammed dresses and girly bedding. Is it normal to be gaining a pound a week?! As long as she is growing as she needs to then I'm ok with the weight gain, although seeing those numbers on the scale is slightly alarming! I want her to stay in me as long as she needs to, but no longer than 41 weeks. Can we make sure of this?

Dr. Gautreau always has the answers. She completely trusts her sonogram technician who has never been wrong. She also reviewed the sonogram pictures herself and could identify that the baby is a girl. It is completely normal at this stage to be gaining 1/2 a pound to 1 pound a week, especially if you don't gain much in the first and second trimester. A 25 pound weight gain is our goal, but a little bit over wouldn't be an issue. Woman's requires you to be 2 centimeters dilated before being induced, but as a standard rule Dr. Gautreau will not let her patients go over 41 weeks. She will also not stop labor after 35 weeks because the benefits outweigh the risks. Which means if she is coming early, then there is no stopping her! But as of now the due date is still July 3.

My fundal height is measuring at 30 centimeters, which means Ellery should be on the smaller side. Her heartbeat was at 152 and she is still upside down! She is such a wiggle worm. She knocked the heart beat monitor a couple of times. I hope we have an active tiny dancer on our hands!