34 Weeks!!! Only 42 Days to go!!!

How big is Benjamin this week? Ben is the size of a Butternut Squash!  He weights about 4.2-5.8 pounds and measures about 17.2 to 18.7 inches.

Due Date: April 9th, 2013

Weight Gain: 21.5 pounds total!!! 

Symptoms:  Sleep is getting harder to come by these days... Last week was a great week where I slept through the night every night... but this week has been quite different.  I wake up around 3 a.m. then again around 6 a.m. and then try to go back to sleep but typically can't.

Cravings:  I'm embarrassed to admit this one... McDonalds... I rarely eat McD's but this weekend I ate a quarter pounder with cheese and it was soooo good!!!

Food Aversions:  I bought raisin nut bran cereal the other day... one I have traditional liked in the past, and absolutely hated it... not sure why... maybe the cinnamon... weird!

I am loving:  Over the last week or so we have checked many things off our "to do list before Ben arrives" and it feels SOOO GOOD!  We still have a few more items left, but are making great progress!

I miss:  Again related to sleep... a full night of sleep!

I am looking forward to:  I have another shower this week!  Super excited to celebrate baby Benjamin with great friends!!!

I'm spazzing about:  Does 42 days mean anything to anyone... eeekkk!!!  Also, one of my very best friends is going to have her baby this week!!!  Couldn't be more excited for her!!!

Best thing about this week:  Saturday my sister and sweet niece spent the morning shopping and then came home to our wonderful hubbies boiling crawfish for a small get together!  It was the perfect day spent with great friends and wonderful spring weather!  Just bummed I didn't take any photos... I need to be better about that!

Milestones:  At 34 weeks I have read that I can breathe a little easier, since baby may descent lower into my pelvis giving my lungs some space!  AHHH.  The pitfall of this decent, of course, is even more pressure on my bladder, so I should be prepared to make even more trips to the ladies room over the coming weeks!

Movement:  Our sweet baby boy likes to push his back/butt agains my tummy and stretch out!  Very uncomfortable for momma but love to feel him stretch!  He also love to kick his little feet out so we can feel his little heals!  Can't wait to tickle his little feet when he arrives!

It's a...: BOY!!!!  Benjamin Lawrence Ingram!!!

Exercise:  Nothing here... 

Diet:  More H2O than ever... trying to be proactive about preventing swelling... So far so good!  Rings are still on!  

34 Weeks!

The One with the Baby Shower!

This last weekend the "Berryhill Ladies" hosted a beautiful shower for Ben and me.  It was perfect and so special to see so many friends and family all in one place celebrating the pending arrival of our baby boy!  We were extremely blessed with so many great things for Ben and can't wait for him to arrive to use them all.

Here are a few photos from our special shower!

The Overbeck Ladies!

The Ingram Ladies!

Love these girls!

The Great Grandmothers to be!

All the Prego Ladies and range from 38 weeks to 15 weeks!!!

The Berryhill Ladies!!

Benjamin's new wheels!

She is just sooo cute!!!

Aunt Jennifer!!!

So blessed, my sister is also my Best Friend!!!

Olivia is just so excited to have a little playmate and can't wait for Ben to arrive!

Showing all the fabulous gifts to hubby after the shower!

First item installed... Diaper Genie!!!  

It was a fantastic afternoon spent with the friends and family we love most!  Jay and I are so blessed and feel like we are more prepared to bring Benjamin home... and ever more aware we are in the home stretch!!!  So exciting!!!  To our friends and family who celebrated with us last weekend... we love you all and know we are incredibly lucky to have you!!!  And can't wait for Benjamin to meet you all!

33 Weeks!

How big is Benjamin this week? Ben is the size of a durian!  He weights about 4.2-5.8 pounds and measures about 17.2 to 18.7 inches.  And he may grow up to a full inch this week!

Due Date: April 9th, 2013

Weight Gain: 21 pounds total!  I have read that Benjamin is gaining around a half a pound each week now so I expect this number to keep growing!! :)

Symptoms: I have had a few hot flashes and headaches this week... chalk this one up to hormone changes!

Cravings:  Umm... nothing special here this week.

Food Aversions:  Nothing new here either...

I am loving:  I have been eating fruit like crazy lately... not sure if it is the juiciness I'm loving or what but apples, grapes, bananas and oranges... bring them on!  YUMM!

I miss:  A nice COLD beer!  With crawfish season upon us this is going to be a hard on for the next 7 weeks... 

I am looking forward to:  A productive weekend nesting and organizing!  We have a long to-do list to accomplish over the next 49 days!!!

I'm spazzing about:  All the wonderful gifts we received this weekend at our "Berryhill" shower!  It is amazing how many items are needed for such a little baby!!  But I LOVE them all and look forward to using them!

Best thing about this week:  We had our first shower this weekend it was just perfect!  We were blessed with so many wonderful and thoughtful things and cannot wait for Benjamin to arrive so we can use them all!

Milestones:  Ben is keeping his eyes open while he is awake and he is also starting to coordinate breathing with sucking and swallowing.  

Movement:  All day every day!!!  Love feeling him stretch out!!!  

It's a...: BOY!!!!  Benjamin Lawrence Ingram!!!

Exercise:  A few walks here and there.

Diet: More fruit than ever!

We took this after my shower on Saturday...
so technically I am 32 weeks and 4 days!

Our Registry: Part 2

Hello!  Back for part 2 of everything baby!  It is crazy how much a little bitty baby needs, or how much I think he will need!  Let's jump in... the fun stuff... feeding, diapering, bath time and other.

Feeding:
Medela Pump in StyleDouble Electric Pump.  When it comes to feeding I'm on board to nurse, we are even taking a nursing class in a few weeks to learn all about the world of breast feeding.  But when it comes to a pump... I'm not sold on purchasing one because of a few reasons... 1.) Not sure how well I will do or if it will even be needed  2.) They are very expensive to purchase and it might be more economical for us to just rent one when needed from the hospital  3.)  Since I'm going back to work after baby arrives I'm not sure how pumping at work will pay out... My schedule is different every day so we will cross that bridge when we get to it.

So in other words, if we do choose to purchase a pump this will be the one!  Or if we decide to rent one from the hospital, $60 per month, it will be very similar to this one... just the industrial strength one.

Medela Brest Milk Bottles.  I never knew there were so many different bottles out there... man it is confusion and A LOT of information!  But after seeking the advise from other mommies we settled on the Medela bottles.  Both the 5oz and 8oz sizes are compatible with the Medela pumps, so I can pump, store and feed with 1 bottle, which is super convent and streamlined in my book!  The less to clean, the better!  But of course we will see how this one goes over with Benjamin...

Aden + Anais Burpy Bibs.  Another hot item that seems to be on everyones must have list.  They are 100% cotton muslin and serve dul purpose as a bib and as a burp cloth!  And another plus they come in cute fabrics!

Other items we registered for on the feeding front are the Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Feeding Bibs, Babies R Us Bottle & Nipple Brush, The First Years Spin & Storage Drying Rack, Avent Microwavable Steam Sterilizer, and My Brest Friend Deluxe wearable nursing pillow.

Diapering:
Diaper Genie Elite Advanced Diaper Disposal System.  In the world of diaper disposals this one allows parents and babies alike to enjoy the fresh smell of their nurseries.  This next-generation Diaper Geni is great in odor control and includes other enhanced features to make diaper changing more hygienic and easier than ever!  And we registered for the refill bags as well.

Pampers Swaddlers Diapers.  Now the diaper aisle can be quite intimidating... so I searched for what mothers of boys recommended and Pampers came back the winner.  I'm sure this will be a trial and error one but we will start with these and see how it goes!  Along with diapers we registered for the partner wipes!  Pampers Sensitive Wipes!

Bathing:

Tubs - Puj Tub.  This flexible tub is perfect for baby when he is little!  Fits perfectly in any sink and allows you to bathe baby in a comfortable position, without hurting your back and knees.  It also cradles baby in with the non-slip, BPA-free material.  And the flat storage is perfect to hang behind a door or in a shower!  This tub is recommended for 0-6 months or up to 17 lbs, whichever comes first!!

Fisher-Price Ocean Wonders Deluxe Aquarium Bath Tub.  This tub is perfect for when Ben can sit up and allow him to play during bath time with ease!  The integrated thermometer has easy to read symbols so you know when the water is safe and comfortable for your little one.

Soap/lotion other - California Baby Super Sensitive Everyday Lotion.  This light non-greasy lotion glides on smooth for quick and easy application.  I love that all California Baby products are fragrance, gluten, soy, oat, dairy and alcohol free!  

 

Hooded Towels - Gingham Hooded Towels from Pottery Barn Kids.  These towels are the best!  Super absorbent and the perfect size for growing baby!  Not too big and not too small.... just right!  

Well-Being:

Crane Cool Mist Drop Shape Humidifier.  This mist humidifier has an attractive drop shaped tank thats output control can be adjusted to suite your needs/environment.  It is also energy efficient, using less energy than a regular household light bulb.

Other must-haves we registered for include: Nasal Aspirator, Medicine Syringe, Little Tummys Gas Releift Drops, Rectal Thermometer, Safety 1st Grooming and Healthcare Kit, Summer Infant Brush and Comb Set, Skip Hop Changing Station and Bath Cozy Whale.

So there you have it... round two of everything baby registry!  One more "registry" post to go... all the 

fun toys, goodies and exciting baby gadgets... stay tuned!

32 Weeks!

How big is Benjamin this week? The size of an!!  At 15.2-16.7 inches and 2.5-3.8 pounds!  (But our sweet baby boy is measuring 4 lbs. 10 oz already!  We have a big baby on the way!!!)

Due Date: April 9th, 2013

Weight Gain: 20 pounds!!!

Symptoms: No major symptoms this week!!  Sleeping much better the last few nights and heartburn has gone down!

Cravings:  Hubbell and Hudson's Southwest Chicken wrap!!! YUMM!!!

Food Aversions:  Anything too spicy because it causes heartburn... not worth it!

I am loving:  The rocker/chair was delivered last week and Benjamin's room is almost finished!  Two more things to go then I'll share photos!!!  LOVE how everything turned out!

I miss:  Not missing anything this week.

I am looking forward to: This weekend is my first shower and I am so excited to see friends and family all in one place!  We are so blessed and look forward to to celebrating with everyone!!

I'm spazzing about:  This week we have seriously begun the search for childcare... it is extremely overwhelming, but we know know that when we find the right place we will knot is and have faith we will find that place and soon!!! 

Best thing about this week:  Two things... both happened on Valentines Day!  Our 32 week dr. appointment... everything is looking good... and they told us he is ~ 4 lbs 10 oz!!!  And that at full term he will most likely be 8 lbs+!   Our Dr. was also shocked to see that we have a big baby on the way!!!   Then after our appointment my hubby and I enjoyed a low key evening out for dinner and dessert to celebrate Valentines Day!

Milestones: Ben now has toenails, fingernails and real hair!!!  His skin is becoming soft and smooth as he plumps up in preparation for delivery!

Movement: Lately I have been playing music for Ben by putting headphones to my belly and I just love to feel and see him react!  He loves it and when the songs changes he moves a bit more... I like to think he is saying... "Hey momma... where did my music go?" 

It's a...: BOY!!!!  Benjamin Lawrence Ingram!!!

Exercise:  A few walks here and there.

Diet: Girl Scott Cookies were delivered last week... Thin Mints!!! YUMM!!!

32 Weeks!

Happy belated Valentines Day!!!

Maternity Clothes!!

YEAH for Spring!!!  I have been anxiously waiting for Spring to arrive along with the bright colors and new season of clothes!  And it has finally arrived!!!

Just a few of my favorites that have come along in the last few weeks!  I'm just loving the bright red and mint jeans!!  And the tank tops!  Also, can you tell... I'm loving stripes!  It is only February and we have already reached the high 70's!  So glad Ben will make his arrival before the dreaded 100+ temps Texas summers bring!

These are a few of my fall/winter clothes... some maternity, some regular.  My advice for those prego ladies out there is to be resourceful!  Explore your closet... you will be surprised how many things will actually fit and work for your growing belly bump.  Just add some leggings and boots and presto... cute outfit without breaking the bank!  

For those searching and looking for the perfect maternity clothes check out these favorites of mine.

www.gap.com

www.oldnavy.com

www.picklesandicecream.com

www.apeainapod.com

If you have any other must shop stores please share!!!  Since I only have 8 or so weeks left I'm going to shift my focus to "after prego" clothes... not sure what all that entails, but I've heard I need comfy, soft,  and stretchy clothes... things also easy to nurse in... As I find those things I'll share and please do the same! 

Happy Thursday!!!

31 Week Update!

How big is Benjamin this week? The size of an Pineapple!!  At 15.2-16.7 inches and 2.5-3.8 pounds!

Due Date: April 9th, 2013

Weight Gain: 19 pounds... no weight gain again this week!

Symptoms: Heartburn like crazy... Having a prescription filled and hope that will help!

Cravings:  Truffle fries from Hubbell and Hudson... YUMMMM!!!

Food Aversions:  Anything too spicy because it causes heartburn... not worth it!

I am loving:  We tried the 4D ultrasound again yesterday and finally got a glimpse of Benjamin's sweet face!  He was still hiding behind his little knee, but for a quick second we got a sneak peek.  I posted the cute little photo below!

I miss:  A full nights rest without a restroom break.

I am looking forward to: The rocker/glider will be delivered this week!!!  Super excited to put the final touches on his room over the next few weeks!

I'm spazzing about:  Ben is still in the breech position... :(  We have our 32 week appointment next week and we will discuss options and what to expect in the coming weeks if he fails to move... Our prayer is that he moves, head down so this won't be an issue.

Best thing about this week:  Seeing our sweet baby boy yesterday at the ultrasound!  He was quite playful, kicking and moving his fingers and toes!  So cute to see!  We are so in love!!!

Milestones: Ben is going through major brain and nerve development this week.  His eyes are developing more and his irises now react to light!  Also, all five of his senses are in working order!!  

Movement: This weekend he had the hiccups and it was the sweetest thing ever!  I felt bad for him since he couldn't hold his breath to make them go away... they didn't last too long, but I was able to capture a video of it!  They were so strong my entire belly would twitch!  Love love love his kicks, jabs, rolls, hiccups and stretches!  Can't get enough of them!

It's a...: BOY!!!!  Benjamin Lawrence Ingram!!!

Exercise: Went for a great walk this weekend!  It was way to pretty to be inside.

Diet: Umm...  nothing new here.

31 Weeks!

Ben finally let us see a little bit of his sweet face.  He is still breech and facing my spine, but our fabulous ultrasound tech worked her magic and was able to get this sweet photo for us!