She's here!

Okay, so, I've been terrible about updating this already... but Presley Rose Duggan came into our lives a week ago today!!!!  February 20, 2012 (exactly 9 months to the date of our wedding!) at 6:49 AM weighing in at 7 lbs. & 12.7 ounces and 20.5 inches long!

Our BEAUTIFUL baby girl!

Life has been absolutely crazy since her debut and I hope to play catch up soon!  In the meantime, just know that I'm holding, feeding, or changing a baby at the moment!  Or MAYBE catching up on sleep... yeah right!

Starting to get the hang of things but could definitely use all the help and advice I can manage!!!!

Pregnancy update!

So, I'm still pregnant. :) And by the sounds of it, this baby isn't going anywhere anytime TOO soon -- my doctor is still adamant in her professional opinion that I'll follow in most first time mother's footsteps and deliver after my due date.  Honestly, even though I feel huge (AND, have just started getting stretch marks on my belly) and am ready for Presley to get here, I would really be okay with waiting until my due date or beyond.  Now, because I want to log everything as I've done throughout my pregnancy, I'm going to continue talking about pregnancy symptoms.  Some of your reactions to the specifics might be alongside the likes of my sister's -- Amanda, to be exact -- and you might think the following is "Ewwie."  You've been warned.  But if you've ever read a pregnancy book in your life or learned the biology of pregnancy, I'm sure you won't hear anything you haven't heard before.

As far as my stats go, my doctor checked me at my appointment today and I am still 1 CM dilated and about 70% effaced.  And on Tuesday night, I started to lose my mucus plug (that was the "ewwie" part for some of you) which is just another sign that my body is progressing as it should.... GO BODY, GO!  :)  So when I got to my appointment today, I was surprised I hadn't dilated any more than I already was.  And, like the good girl that she is, Presley is still in the head down position!!!  This past week I could swear that she moved into a funky position because I've been so uncomfortable and felt so much pressure in my midsection, but it must just be because she's growing bigger and running out of space.

Since my body is beginning to get ready for labor, my doctor said the latest she'll let me go past my due date is Monday, March 5th!  It's kinda cool to have a due date and now an expiration date!!! :)  My next appointment is a week from today, but I won't see my doctor since she'll be out of town all next week.  Yes... if I go into labor next week, my doctor will more than likely not be there.  It's a bummer because I really do love my doctor, but so many people I love and trust know her midwife and have highly recommended her, so I will be requesting her if need be.  So, the next time I'll see my doctor if there is still no baby is going to be the day after my due date -- Monday, February 27 and she'll be stripping my membranes in hopes to induce labor with a more natural technique.  It all felt so surreal to me to be talking to my doctor about the specifics today; to see her look at the calendar and to begin to plan for my baby!

And since I gave all that lovely information, the online guessing game to figure out Presley's due date is now locked so no one has any inside information to influence their guess.  Now, I just have to figure out what the prize is going to be for whomever wins! 

So that is all I really have for a pregnancy update.  I can't believe that tomorrow I'll already be 39 weeks pregnant.  It doesn't seem very long ago that we were just finding out that we were expecting in the first place!!!

A picture of us from my phone the night I took the pregnancy test!

Pretty soon I will be writing about how fast Presley is growing rather than how fast my pregnancy has flown by.  And instead of pictures of my own growth over time, my blog will be full of pictures of her as she grows!  If I guessed correctly on the online pool, only 11 more days until we all get to know the girl who has inspired all this blogging over the past several months. :)

38 week Pregnancy Reflection!

How far along?:  I'm 38 weeks & 3 days into my first pregnancy!  We're hitting the final stretch here!!!

1 week & 4 days until our due date!!!

Size of baby:  Baby is still the size of a watermelon this week!

About 19 to 22 inches and could be up to 7 lbs.!

Gender:  A baby girl :)  And according to the old wives tale, she will be bald as ever because I have still had ZERO heartburn!!!!

Movement:  Still a little jumping bean!  She still loves to move around and is trying to break through my skin it feels like at some points!  Her hiccups have come back to at least twice a day, but they don't seem to last as long as they did before.  I've been a little nervous over the past week because it feels like Presley's moved from being head down back to laying sideways in my belly like she was the majority of my pregnancy.  I hope she is still head down and descending like she should be!

Cravings/Aversions:  FRUIT.  I've recently chowed down on green grapes, bananas, raspberries, black berries, and they've all been SO delicious.  Been loving some ice and water as well!

I am feeling:  WONDERFUL!  My last appointment was Thursday and my OB checked me for the first time and I was 1 CM dilated, 60% effaced, and my doc could feel Presley's head.  That made me so happy to hear that things are naturally progressing the way that they should!  My pregnancy symptoms at the moment are swollen ankles and legs if I'm walking around too much, hip pain throughout the night, and getting up to pee about every hour -- or so it feels (I stopped looking at the clock each time though)!  I feel absolutely huge and it's IMPOSSIBLE to shave my legs, clip my toenails (this took me literally 5-10 minutes to do last night!!!), or many other little things of that nature.... but I still feel wonderful as long as I give myself enough time to rest and don't try to do too much.

What I miss most:  Oh geee... the same things as always, I guess!  I miss sleeping on my back and my stomach... I will enjoy that SO very much once I'm able to do that again.  I miss being able to bend and fold and flex my body as needed throughout the day.  I miss working out (lifting weights, Zumba class, etc.) and I miss being able to have a cup of coffee or a glass of wine.  But I will definitely miss being pregnant.  Might not miss being THIS pregnant, though. :)

Best moment of the week:  I'd have to say my doctor's appointment was probably a major highlight of my week.  My BP was 110/70 and Presley's heartbeat was 145 BPM, the routine GBS (strep) test came back negative -- woohoo -- and I left feeling like I had accomplished something.

What I'm most looking forward to:  I felt so great after my doctor's appointment last week that I can't help but look forward to my appointment this Thursday!  I'm looking forward to getting a pedicure this week... just can't wait to get pampered.  And of course, I am so looking forward to meeting our baby girl!!!!!!!!!!!  I just cannot wait to find out when that will be. :)

On-going goals:  Getting our cars cleaned out, putting the car seat and it's base into my car, and CLEANING THE HOUSE!



I also want to wish everybody a VERY happy Valentines day!!!  I hope you choose to spend at least a portion of your day with someone who loves you or doing something you love.  I am really looking forward to EVERY day I get to spend with my husband because he makes me so happy.  :)  This journey has honestly just brought that to the forefront of my mind and has given me such an appreciation for him.  I realize how lucky I am to have him with me because I've seen other friends of mine go through huge life changes such as having a baby and it brought havoc into their relationship and forced a wedge between them and we have only gotten stronger!  Even though I know you don't read my blog, HAPPY VALENTINES DAY, baby... cannot believe this is our last holiday just the two of us. :)

Supremely blessed.....

Wishes for Presley

At my second baby shower, everyone filled out their wishes for Presley once she is here and as she grows.  Every answer means so much to me from these people who love me and who are excited to start loving Presley!  I wanted to share some of the responses... the funny ones, the sweet ones, and all of the thoughtful wishes.

I hope that you learn  kindness, to pray, your ABC's, how beautiful you are, baby stuff, to go potty, that God loves you, to love, to make the right choices, how to blow kisses, to love as much as your mom, respect, to cherish every moment, you can't change the past, to be forgiving.

I hope you are not afraid  to be strong, of the dark, to go after your dreams, of Mondays, of cats, of anything, to be yourself, to swim, to take chances, be happy with life, of storms, spiders-- they really won't hurt you!, roller coasters-- they're fun!

I hope you love  to dance, puppies, to laugh, rattles, life, everyone who loves you, school, to play, bananas, books, unconditionally, your Grammy, ice cream.

I hope you get  to go to Disney World, to grow up in the Quad Cities, a good day, spoiled by everyone, lucky, all that you need, everything good in life, good grades.

I hope you laugh  a lot, every day, about Elmo, until you snort, it's good for you, hard, always, at everything, at mommy's funny jokes.

I hope you never forget  how loved you are, what your parents all do, your mom, your family, to be grateful, Mommy & Daddy love you, the people who truly love you, where you came from, to pray.

I hope you ignore  people who will try to bring you down, boys until you are 25, the negativity of the world, criticism, bullies, the haters, things that don't matter, bad music.

I hope you become  just like your mom, a big sister, a confident young woman, a famous actress, a vet, what makes you happy, successful, a lifelong learner, the best daughter ever, a good sleeper!

I hope you respect  your parent's sleep, everyone you encounter, your teachers, your mom, yourself, people that respect you.

I hope you grow  up & enjoy life, up to be just like your mommy, to be a woman of God, slowly (it goes too fast), to be tall, to be famous, proud, to be big & strong, healthy, up accepting people for who they are, into the beautiful woman you are meant to be, up to be as beautiful as  your mom.

We are so blessed with such wonderful friends and family -- thank you all for your kind words, love, and support throughout our lives.  It has helped us to build a solid foundation for Presley to join in on.  I can't wait to see some of these wishes come true.

Are you planning a baby shower or welcoming a new one into your life soon? 
Whether you landed here by mistake, are an avid follower, or maybe this is your first time reading my blog, I'd love to hear from you!

Happy wishing!

Pregnancy Survey!

Whether you landed here by mistake, are an avid follower, or maybe this is your first time reading my blog, I'd love to hear from you!  Also, if you enjoyed this post, take a moment to vote for our blog - Chasing Moonlight & Roses - by clicking on the button below.  Thanks!

1. What name did you and your spouse call your baby before you knew the gender?

 "Baby" and "It" -- haha!  And I hated that.  I don't remember ever coming up with a nickname that stuck.  Kinda called her a "little peanut" every once in a while.

2. When did "Oh-my-gosh-we're-having-a-baby" really sink it?

 Geez, every so often it still sinks in a little more and more.  I would say the first time he was with me to hear her heartbeat was really one of those moments.  Oh, and DEFINITELY the first ultrasound appointment when we saw our baby moving on the screen!!!  How surreal and amazing!

3. When you think of yourself as a mom, what's the first thing to come to mind?

Giving kisses; eskimo kisses, kissing boo-boo's, forehead kisses, and goodnight kisses.

4. Is your nursery complete? What's the theme and what do you have left to complete?

Almost complete -- just needing to paint the letters of her name and put them up, hang a picture frame, and that's just about it.  The room definitely has a girly jungle theme... lots of pink! 

5. List 5 qualities you hope your baby will possess:

#1.  Easy-going  #2.  A good cuddler  #3.  Independent  #4.  Patient  #5.  A gooood sleeper!

6. What's your ideal labor experience?

Having the will and energy to move around as much as possible and utilizing all the natural pain-management techniques offered by our hospital with my husband right by my side.  If I don't get the room with the whirlpool, I'm going to be one unhappy camper!!!!

7. List 5 things that have changed in your relationship with your spouse since you've been pregnant: 

Honestly, I'm not sure that much has changed.  We've known each other for so long and have been through so many changes in those earlier years that I think things don't change us very much.  I know it must have changed us in some ways, but I'm not sure that I could see what those changes have been.  I would say that we have started spending less time talking about ourselves, less money on ourselves, etc. and have done so much talking about Presley and money spending on her already!!!!

8. List 5 things you think will change once your baby arrives:

#1.  Goodbye sleep  #2.  Less cussing around the house for both of us  #3.  Less time in front of electronics  #4.  More music  #5.  A greater need for cleaning!

9. Where do you think you'll be when you go into labor? Why?

Probably at home because that's where I feel like I am the vast majority of the time.

10. Have you been talking to your baby? Playing music?

I don't talk to her TOO often because honestly, I feel crazy when I do that.  In my second trimester I read to her just about every night!  However, Tony was pissing me off the other day so I was telling her some unfavorable things about him... ;)  I have played music for her -- mainly my favorite Disney songs or Mumford & Sons.

11. In what ways do you hope your baby is like your spouse?

Oh, SO MANY ways do I wish she will be like her father.  I hope she has his sense of humor, the naivety in which he looks at things, his taste in music, the fact that he is sooo easy going, his peacefulness, wouldn't mind staring at two sets of those beautiful eyes, his work ethic and selflessness, his common sense, the way in which he refuses to be part of the crowd.... oh my word, I could honestly go on and on and on!!!

12. In what ways do you hope your baby is like you?

I hope that she has my willingness to consider that there is a God and that Jesus came to earth and died for us as well as a feeling of joy and peace while at church,  I hope she enjoys being thrifty & crafty, my love of words and writing, my silliness, love for Disney!!!, love for food, and I hope she isn't afraid of being independent.

13. How long will you wait for the next baby, or if this is your last one, why/why not?

Tony and I have talked about all different kinds of options.  We've considered the possibility of just having her and spoiling her blindly!!!!  But, if we decide that we'd like a sibling for her then I would like to put about two years in between them because I love being about that close in age to both of my sisters.

14. What kind of grandparents do you think your baby will have? 

I wish I was able to see what kind of Grampa my dad would be... it's so odd to think of him with that title!  I am SO beyond excited to see my FIL, Mike, with Presley.  I think he will be just absolutely sweeter than ever with her but won't be afraid to rough her up once she gets a little bit older.  I think both of her grandmother's will readily spoil her and will enjoy doing girl things with her throughout the years.  I think all of her grandparents are going to want to be a big part of her life and try to guide her through life.

15. Who will be with you during labor? Who will visit you in the hospital during your recovery? 

My husband - that is it.  If either one of my sisters make it in town before Presley is born then that would be the only possible exception.  I would be open to friends and family who want to visit us in recovery to be able to do some!  The more to celebrate her birth, the merrier... unless it's sleepytime... then ya gotta go, people!

16. How much will you tell your baby (child, teenager) about your past? Why/why not?

I think that will depend on her age at the time, but I am honestly open to telling her all she'd like to know about my past.  I think it's important to share that openness and if she can learn anything by the choices I've made that would be great.

17. Do you have any hopes for your child's activities? (Sports, academics, school preference, activities, etc)

No preference here, I just hope that she finds all sorts of activities and hobbies that interest her.  I would love for her to pick up drawing or writing, but other than that, I can't say that I would mind what she chooses to spend her time on!

18. When will you tell your baby about the birds and the bees?

I'm sure we'll have a "big" conversation about it at some point, but for the most part, I would like to slowly explain the birds and the bees to her throughout her life, taking into consideration the appropriate details for the age she is.  Tony has already told me that it's not his job, though, since he's a boy but I would like for Presley to be able to confide in a honest and kind man's perspective and someone she can trust in addition to hearing from a woman!

19. In what ways do you hope you'll parent like your parents did? In what ways do you hope you aren't like them? 

I like that we did so many fun things as kids with both of my parents and I feel like when we were younger spanking helped us rather than hurting us (even though it hurt like heck!) when we needed it.  And even though I enjoyed having a BAZILLION toys growing up (and I'm sure with 3 girls it's just impossible to not end up with so many toys), I think we're going to (try to) do a lot less toy buying for Presley and save money for her future as much as possible in place of extra "stuff."

20. Which childhood memory do you hope your child will have (similar to one you fondly remember)? 

GOING TO DISNEY WORLD!!!!! :)

21. And finally, Be annoying! What "advice" do you want newly pregnant women to know?

Goodness.  Just know that you can do it.  Every pregnancy is different.  Try not to get hung up on the number you see when you get on the scale and DON'T let people's RUDE comments about your weight get to you!!!!  Also, don't let the rude comments in general about what you could be doing better/what you're doing wrong get to you because it's easier for rude people to talk about your flaws rather than focus on their own!  But for every negative person, there are a HUNDRED sweet, kind, and helpful people willing to support you and expect nothing in return!  Don't pay high prices for maternity clothes if you can help it -- Old Navy & Kohl's both have great maternity clearance sections and Goodwill is a great option, too!  When you have a question or concern, no matter how small or stupid it may seem, DO talk to your doctor and their nurses about it because it will make you feel better.  It goes by very fast, so document (pictures, writing, journals, etc.) things as you go if you think you'd like to look back and reflect on this important time in your life.  I think that's just about it!  Have fun and enjoy this fun fun fun time!!!!

Hey you, with the big belly!

Seems like I can't go anywhere without the mention of my belly.  I'm definitely not complaining, just stating.  It really is such a source of conversation and honestly, I can't blame anyone for noticing it! 

I suppose it has grown a bit, even in the last few weeks!

 
So many people I run into no matter where I go will look at me with big eyes (usually) and ask, "How much longer?"  It's to the point where I almost feel odd when people DON'T mention it-- how backwards!  Just this week a woman well into her 60s or 70s stopped me in the locker room at work to ask me the usuals:  When are you due?, Is this your first?, etc... and then proceeded me to tell her about her experiences first as a young adoptive mother and then a biological mother a few years later.  Today, a sweet, young guy (late 20s, early 30s?) was leaving Hyvee with his young son the same time I was and asked me if he could help me to the car with my groceries.  (I was only carrying 3 bags and my purse, but these days everything probably looks like a struggle!)  Thankfully my car was in the first spot thanks to Hyvee's awesome expectant/new mother parking - so I told him thank you anyways but that we were pretty much already at my car! :)  People being so sweet and doing such selfless things like that really remind me to pay that kindness forward.

Even my coworkers, people who see me nearly every day, have been commenting on how quickly my belly is growing.  The constant talk about it all makes me SO antsy about when the big day will be here.  Will she be here early?  Will she go past her due date?  How long will my labor last?  Will I end up accepting medication during labor?  What will it feel like when they set her on my chest for the first time?  But the wonderful thing is I am NOT feeling any amount of upsetting anxiety over all the unknown.  I hope that makes sense because while I do feel antsy and anxious, it's nothing that is messing with my psyche.  So while I would love to know all the answers to my questions, I feel a great amount of peace in where we're currently at; there is nothing wrong with being surprised with what's to come because once we get there, there is nothing we can do to stop it or to turn back, you know?  And although I can't fathom it, I know it's going to be a painful journey, and so even though I'm ready to get started, I'm also not sure how to ready myself to be in a great deal of pain.

Anyways, just felt the need to unwind and write on and off about all this on here today.  Won't be many more childless days of casually writing whenever I'd like to!  I'm so excited to see how EVERYTHING changes once she's here....

37 week Pregnancy Reflection!

How far along?:  37 weeks & 2 days into my first pregnancy!

2 weeks & 5 days until my due date! O-M-G!!!!

Size of baby:  Still the size of a watermelon... about 6.5lbs and 19 to 22 inches!

Gender:  As far as we know, still a baby girl!  I didn't put the ultrasound picture of Presley's lady bits on Facebook because Tony & I just found it a little unnecessary and distasteful.  However, I kinda want to share it on here so I have it on my blog and also just to ease my mind because I am SO terrified that there will be a last minute switcheroo!  Unless you are familiar with ultrasounds, you may not even be able to tell what you are looking at anyways!!!

Movement:  Presley's been so funny over the past week.  About 15-20 minutes before I get ready to lay down, Presley will start moving around ALL over my belly and this will last for a good 30 minutes or more.  Just when I think I will never get the chance to sleep in peace, she slows down and seems to fall asleep herself!  I am so anxious to see if she is a wiggle worm when she gets here.

Cravings/Aversions:  Tacos from the Adolphs in Moline have been hitting the spot lately... I typically pick it up for lunch at least twice a week these days.

I am feeling:  Pretty great these days.  Only complaints consist of the constant trips to the bathroom, especially at night, and the difficulty I face in maneuvering out of the bed each time I need to go potty!

What I miss most:  I will definitely enjoy being able to stand again for longer periods of time without feeling woozy.  And as usual, I miss being able to move around with no problem... missing my balance!  I also miss just having a tiny, cute little baby bump from around 20 weeks... that was definitely a nice time in the pregnancy!

Best moment of the week:  DEFINITELY my amazing baby shower!  I really had a blast and it was such a great feeling to have so many people I love in the same room.  I wish I had gotten more time to visit with everybody there but I always feel so overwhelmed in those situations.  We brought home so many amazing gifts for Presley that are going to get such good use!!!!  We got our bottles, bathtub, diaper pail, so many diapers and wipes, all kinds of fun books, CUTE outfits, and tons more.  I've still gotta find some place to put everything, thank goodness I'm off tomorrow! :)

Presents EVERYWHERE!

What I'm most looking forward to:  I'm definitely looking forward to seeing my doctor this Thursday for my appointment.  I'm anxious to hear what she has to say, although, she is so laid back I am sure there won't be much to be heard.

On-going goals:  CLEAN OUT BOTH CARS!!!!  That is definitely the top of my to-do list for the week!  Another weekly to-do is using our 10% off coupons for the rest of the items on our registry... I am excited to bring home "everything" we think we might need!  SO!  If any of you mommies have suggestions on the things you used and enjoyed most with raising your tiny kiddos, I'd love to hear some suggestions of what are must-buys and what can be left off the list!


I am really hoping that this week I will have a great meeting with my OB and will leave feeling more comforted and at peace with everything.  I am just really the type of lady who likes to be comforted and babied, pretty much, so it will be so nice to have a long conversation with the doctor when I see her this week.  I am also hoping for another productive week around here.  We've really, REALLY got the nursery almost exactly where we'd like it to be and that is a wonderful feeling.  I'm so excited that I can hardly stand it!!!!!

Fulfillment.

One thing I am SO incredibly thankful for is the support I've gotten throughout my pregnancy from various women in my life.  Whether they are my coworkers & mom's from the kids gym, family members, friends, fellow-bloggers, strangers... these ladies have helped to make this time in my life a positive experience.  Each person comes from a different background and has experienced separate things from one another therefore giving me a more holistic view of pregnancy, motherhood, and all the stages you may encounter as a woman.  I've gotten to know these various women on a different level than before as they share with me their personal and intimate stories (childbirth, parenting, etc.), their frustrations and joys throughout it all, all while making me and my nine month journey seem totally new and special.  The connections you make with people change you and this is the reason (or... one of the many) it fulfills me to work around children and families.

Like I said before, I have been really lucky to find a group of women to keep in touch with throughout our pregnancies via facebook, blogspot, and various other online means.  It's incredible to see the similarities and differences we've encountered.  One of the people I've had so much fun following is the hilarious Megan (Life lessons of a crazy hormonal pregnant lady) throughout her pregnancy with "Herman Sherman" (I will be so thrilled to learn his REAL name once it's unveiled after his birth).  She recently made a list of things she's looking forward to accomplishing once she's just a regular crazy hormonal lady! :)  I thought it was such a fun idea to compile a personal list of "to do's" once I'm no longer a vessel of human life so I've decided to partake in the fun.  (However, I, too, will be breastfeeding postpartum, so some of these will have to wait or will need special accommodations for them to happen... but oh boy, they WILL be happening!)  Without further ado...

10 things I'm SUPER excited to do postpartum!

#10.  Driving my happy butt up to Starbucks and ordering a VENTI tuxedo!!!!  I am not one to over-indulge on the warm coffee drinks from Starbucks... mostly because the high price and amount of calories... so I stick with ordering a tall.  However, this will be the most joyous of occasions and I will HAPPILY over-indulge! 

#09.  ZUMBA!!!!!  I know that so many women keep up with their workout routines, but I was not one of them.  (Hello extra weight!)  And you know what?  I feel justified in it.  I spent months beating myself up over it and have not enjoyed having others willingly comment on my weight and figure in less than beautiful ways, but I realize that my baby is healthy as far as we know and THAT is most important to me in this moment.  So, I am going to be abso-freaking-lutely THRILLED to get back to my Zumba (aerobic dance) class and shape my happy butt, hips, and thighs to fun, loud music!  I always leave that class in a better mood than I walked in with and a smile on my face!!

#08.  Going to Chili's and enjoying a delicious margarita with my husband!

#07.  I am so excited to be able to ride roller coasters again!  Not that I will be going anywhere to take advantage of this anytime soon, just KNOWING that I can makes me so happy.  We got invited to go to Six Flags a few months ago and I was super excited until I realized that I wouldn't really be able to do anything there after all.  Needless to say, we didn't partake in that adventure, but I am excited to be able to do that if the opportunity comes along.  (So now, in my daydreams about revisiting Walt Disney World, I will be able to ride all the rides in my head... YAY!)

#06.  Enjoying a nice, long, luxurious soak in a hot tub (at a million degrees!) and visiting the steam room at the Y and being able to half-suffocate in all it's glory again!  :) 

#05.  Being able to sit flat on the floor with ease again.  It's incredible how something so (seemingly) insignificant can really impact you throughout the day. 

#04.  While we're at it, I will be happy to be able to sit, lay, stand, etc. in WHATEVER position I want!  Perhaps I am most excited to lay flat on my back!!!!

#03.  Handing the baby off to my husband!!!!!  Man, THIS WILL BE A WONDERFUL FEELING!  We've joked throughout my pregnancy about this...

Me: carrying stuff into the house from the car...
Tony: "Want me to take something?"
Me: "Ugh, yeah, Presley is really killing my back... mind carrying her for the next little bit?"

And it will be fabulous to be able to REALLY do this!  Whether it's Tony taking her so I can take a short nap, carrying her in her carrier because it's for sure going to get heavy, or just holding her while we're out when my arms get tired -- it will be so fantastic to not be the only one caring for her/physically carrying her 100% of the time!

#02.  SUSHI!  I am not one who has been super restrictive on what I eat -- I've had lunch meats, tuna & seafood, and caffeine while being pregnant and my doctor is okay with it!  I don't go overboard on any of the aforementioned items and I stay within safe limits of those things, but sushi is one thing I chose not to really mess with.  I will be so excited to eat sushi again and order my steak and burgers MEDIUM again!

#01.  Okay I honestly can't find of one thing I am more excited to do than to see my baby girl's precious face!!!!!!!!!!  I know this list was intended to be about things I'm excited to do for myself once I'm no longer pregnant, but I can't think of anything I am more excited to see or do!  I want to see her skin, her eyes, her hair... her tiny toes and fingers... her big belly, her lips, backbone, EVERYTHING!!!  I can't picture what any of that is going to look like - but I can tell you I get weepy just thinking about it all and I look forward to holding her and taking it all in. 



EXTREMELY BLESSED,