Thanksgiving: No baby (yet)!

I got to enjoy every last calorie at yesterday's Thanksgiving feast in Mansfield! Jeremy and I left Austin on Wednesday to face 4 1/2 hours of a normally 3 hour drive due to heavy traffic all the way up I-35. Yesterday consisted of eating, eating, and more eating. Autumn and I enjoyed every second of it. We're finally back home and I'm about to go work on the nursery some more. According to my d-day countdown calendar, Autumn's official due date is only 25 days away. And those days are going by at the speed of light :)

Here is a picture of the very full Wallace and Konchalski Families! Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Dr Appt Update: 36 weeks

I went to my 36 week appointment today, which marks the first of my weekly appointments from here on out. I was nervous about this one for a couple of reasons...
1) My weight last time was a shock to me and I really haven't changed any eating habits. I feel bigger and clunkier by the day, so I wasn't ready to have that confirmed by seeing another 4 lbs on my ass.
2) When you Google what happens during your 36 week prenatal appointment, the main subject that is returned is the Group B Strep Test. That was not something that I was necessarily looking forward to!
3) I know that realistically I could go in to labor any day now. This week contains the most eating-focused holiday of the year, which I absolutely love! Jeremy and I have planned to go to Mansfield and I was so afraid that the doctor was going to tell me that I couldn't (or shouldn't) go!

As I mentioned earlier, my nerves were a little out of whack when I arrived! I got on the scale and was pleasantly surprised to find that I've only gained 1 lb in the last 2 weeks. The doctor said that all of the weight gain tends to balance itself out overall. And I've really been the only one concerned about it up to this point (well, me and my mother that is- haha). Overall I have gained 14 lbs since the start of my pregnancy!

The nurse then took my blood pressure, which caused some concern because it was really high this time (it was something like 148/86). This sent me into visions of rushing to the hospital for an emergency delivery (making my upcoming turkey dinner farther and farther away). The nurse left the room, and the doctor came in about a minute later to retest. The second time was completely normal (around 127/80-something), thank goodness!

We then discussed my Thanksgiving trip, and my nerves have been officially settled. While she agreed that it is definitely possible that I could go in to labor while I was away from home, it was not probable. She told me to make sure that we stopped the car every hour so I could get up and walk around, and just know where the closest hospitals are just in case! She also put me at ease by checking my cervix, and she told me that I am less than a finger dialated, which basically means that I'm not.

And finally, the GBS test that I was dreading took about 5 seconds and while it was not comfortable, it was not half as bad as I thought it was going to be!

Here is an update to the nursery that I promised! On Sunday, Sam and Jeremy moved in all of the furniture! I bought a rug from Target and then went in to start setting things up. While I did not get everything done, I did make a little progress. My favorite part was when I set up the noise-maker. I bought one that has a projector on the top with changeable picture disks. It plays the normal noise-maker sounds (ocean, rain and heartbeat), but also has a couple of lullabies as well. The projector puts the rotating pictures on the ceiling that theoretically give a baby something to look at while lying in bed. It is just about the cutest thing I have ever seen! I actually sat in the dark and watched it for a while and listened to the music because it is so precious! I hope Autumn loves it as much as I do! I still have a lot to do in the room, but we're officially off to a good start.

Since I just took at belly picture a couple of days ago, I'm going to save this post to only post nursery pics. Enjoy!

Here is the view from the hallway. Here is a better view of the left side of the room. Jeremy's mom had some letters painted to match the room (that spell Autumn) and I think they will look precious over the changing table.

This is the right side of the room. The quilt that matches the bedding will hang above the crib. Once I get all of the gift bags out of the crib, I'll focus on putting in my beautiful hand-made bedding! Finally, here is the back of the room where the closet is still a work-in-progress. I keep finding more clothes and unfortunately I'm out of hangers.

I can't wait to put a baby in this room!

Fashionista

Yesterday, Jeremy gave me the green light that Autumn's closet was mine! I have been collecting clothes for her this entire pregnancy. What can I say, I've always loved clothes and shopping and since it's no fun to shop for maternity clothes, I've redirected my efforts towards our new little girl. What's funny, though, is I really didn't know what I had bought up until this point because all of these clothes had to be stored in bags in my laundry room or in empty drawers where they were out of the way. Needless to say, when all was said and done, and the closet was finally put together, I was a little surprised! Have a look for yourself...

That's a lot of baby clothes!! Jeremy actually asked if we were just going to throw things away once they got poop or pee or spit-up on them... I am very proud because everything is sorted by size and type (short-sleeved onesies, long-sleeved onesies, jumpers, dresses, pants, etc). I also bought the little green baskets yesterday at World Market for a great price and have stuffed one with socks, one with hats, and one with cotton pants. The fourth larger one will be for the changing table to put all of the lotions and wipes and stuff in. This nesting bug has changed me. I have never been this organized in my life... thanks Pregnancy! I still have lots to do, but I am happy with my first day of moving in to the nursery. Today, Jeremy and Sam will be moving in the furniture so it's really going to start taking shape. I'll post more pics once we've got things in place.

I've been hesitant to keep up the weekly belly shots, as it gets bigger every single day! The books say she's gaining a half an ounce a day. I have a little over 4 weeks left of this pregnancy and I just don't see how it's possible for her to get any bigger! I did take a picture of it this morning in my pjs to share. Here is the belly at 35 weeks and 5 days. Enjoy!

Dr Appt Update: 34 weeks

What a wonderful weekend last weekend was! On Saturday, I rang in my 31st birthday in style with some beautiful roses from Jeremy, a visit from my friend, Char, and a fun evening at the Walburg Restaurant! We jammed to Loreli und Schatzi (who have been dubbed the female Smothers Brothers, haha) and ate everything in site! Here are pics of the Walburg gang:

On Sunday, my wonderful friends threw Autumn a baby shower and it shows once again how truly blessed I am! I received tons of baby items, and all will be extremely useful once she gets here. The highlight of the shower, though, was that I was given my nursery bedding that was made especially for Autumn. My mother in-law made a beautiful quilt that will hang on the wall and my friend Elizabeth's sister, Gretchen, made the bumper pads. I teared up when I saw them both, as they are so incredibly perfect! I can't wait until I'm able to actually set up the nursery!!I forgot to take my camera to the shower and I am so bummed. There are some that were snapping shots, but I wasn't really paying attention who that was. So whoever you are, share the pictures, please! I did take some pictures of the aftermath once I got home and have shared a couple of them here.

Yesterday, I went to my 34 week doctor appointment! It all started out normally with them asking me to get on the scale. I was absolutely shocked to learn that I have gained 4 pounds in 2 weeks!!!! Then they took my bp, which was a little high, but I told them that it was purely because I was not yet over the shock of my weight :) And then they asked me to pee in the cup, which unfortunately I am all too used to. Side note: my doctor's doesn't have her own office right now because she is getting a brand new one at the Cedar Park Hospital. She currently operates out of a local Urgent Care Clinic. I don't want to complain, but I really hate the hand soap in the bathroom!!! I'm sure it is some generic anti-bac concoction, but it just smells awful! That is the main reason I can't wait for her office construction to be done, haha. Anyways, back to the original subject. I think that they need to change the way that they do things. When a pregnant woman first comes in to the office, she needs to pee in the cup. Then, she can have her BP taken, and finally, she needs to have her weight recorded. Doesn't that make sense?


When my doctor came in the office, we talked about the normal stuff... She asked about aches and pains and the Braxton-Hicks contractions that I've been having, all of which are completely normal at this point. She measured by belly (which is still on track) and we heard her heartbeat. The highlight was when she rolled out the ultrasound machine! Unfortunately, at 34 weeks, it's harder to see details of the baby due to the cramped quarters, but I at least got to take a peek at my little precious. Her arms were in front of her face, so I didn't see anything there, but we did see an ear! I also saw a knee, a couple of bones, lots of ribs, and her strong beating heart. The best part, though, was that I now know what parts of her body have been poking me! At this point, she is in the head-down position with her back facing my left side. Her little butt is what has been up in my ribs under my left boob, and her little legs and arms are pointed to the right side of my body.

And finally, here's the belly (and my work-gear pjs) at 34 weeks and 3 days! Enjoy :)

Big Ol' Belly Shots - 33 weeks

Well my day has started out to be a good one so far! I just checked the blogs I follow and found out that I am the lucky winner of the Mommy2Be Austin Blog October giveaway! Check out my score: http://www.mypreciousarrival.com/Cupcakes.html

As most of you know, I am very blessed to have a photographer in the family! My sister Kate is the most talented photographer I know, and luckily, I get to use her for free :) She has really chronicled my adult life... She took our engagement pics, my bridal pics, our wedding pics, and most recently, by maternity pics. Here are a couple of pictures from last night!

I think that Kate did a wonderful job and I'm really pleased with the way things turned out. It's really hard for me to look at these pictures and realize that it's actually me in them :) That is one big ol' belly!

This week, the tiredness has really started to set in. I have been going to bed earlier these days and still, by the middle of the afternoon, I'm already ready for a nap. I know that Autumn is doing a lot of growing these days, so I guess she's just sucking the energy right out of me!

This weekend, I have a couple of fun things to look forward to... On Saturday, I turn 31 (YIKES) and my friend Char is coming in from CA to visit. We are planning a little trip out to the Walburg German Restaurant for some good food and some fun in the biergarten (my friends are lucky they have a designated driver in the group). If you're ever in the area, I highly recommend this little hole in the wall. It's kind of a hike to get there, but so worth it once you do! On Sunday, my wonderful friends are hosting a baby shower for me! The whole weekend is going to be a blast and I can't wait for it all to start :)

Dr Appt Update: 32 weeks

I just got home from my 32 week doctor appointment and everything is still looking good! I've gained 1 lb since my last appt (which is a shocker considering all of the Halloween candy I've consumed this week). My belly is measuring right on schedule for being as far along as I am, and the doctor says that Autumn weighs about 3 1/2 lbs now! At this point, she will gain approx. 1/2 lb each week, which is absolutely mind-blowing to me! I got to hear her little strong heartbeat again. I just can't get enough of that sound.

Here is the obligatory belly shot from today...

This weekend should be fun! Kate will be taking professional belly pics of me on Friday, so that should be interesting! I hope they turn out good and I hope that I don't look like a beached whale, which is how I feel most days.

Here's a picture of my great CL purchase yesterday. I can't wait to see it in my nursery! It's currently being stored in the hallway next to the half-bath. It looks like I have a ladies lounge downstairs... It's just like being in the bathroom at Nordstroms! The cushions are extra smooshy and the glider is extra glide-y, so I think that the chair will definitely serve its purpose.

Yay for Craigs List!

Let me just say, I have had some great luck with Craigs List lately! A couple of weeks ago, I was able to find a high-quality crib for a low-quality price. When Felicia was visiting, we assembled the crib so she could sleep in it and I'm very happy with the result. The crib is beautiful and I think it's going to look great in the nursery.

I have been wanting a glider that looks like a real chair for a while now, but have not been able to find one in my price range (aka CHEAP). I've been keeping my eye on Craigs List, but really haven't seen anything that was going to work. This morning, I saw a posting for a glider that caught my eye so I emailed the lady who posted the ad. I went over to her house this afternoon to take a look at what she had and took all of my swatches and a paint sample. I sat in the chair and it's so comfy! So I paid for the chair and when Jeremy gets off work, we'll be going back over to pick it up. I think it's going to be perfect in the nursery!

I think that CL can be hit or miss. But I swear, I have had the best luck! Both of the purchases I've made over the last couple of months have been great deals coming from really great places. The furniture has been in excellent condition, and the people that I've dealt with have been fabulous as well! I think that says a little about the community that I live in :)

31 weeks!!

This past weekend, Elizabeth and Felicia came to stay with us! We had way too much fun eating, shopping and playing with Felicia (who is a little ball of fire!). She is now 11 months old and is such a good baby! She loved our high ceilings which made her voice echo so she just yelled out because it was so much fun! When she yelled, the dogs barked because they aren't used to hearing a baby yell yet. But Felicia just thought they were talking to her so she'd throw back her own little version of a bark which was precious. While I loved every minute of it, I now know why God does not just give you an 11 month old off the bat. It was a lot of work, but I can't wait until I have one of my own to spoil rotten!

This week marks week 31 of my pregnancy! I cannot believe how fast these last few weeks have flown by! I have a feeling, though, that time is about to come to a virtual stand-still because the closer I get, the more anxious I get and the more I want her here! I feel Autumn constantly now which is absolutely wonderful (except when she gets right up under my ribs). I took a picture of my 31 week belly today and am just shocked at how big it looks from the other side of the camera! When I bought the shirt I'm wearing in this picture, I swear I thought it would be slimming because of the diagonal stripes. I think I'm waaaaay past anything slimming these days. I am really just looking for things that cover the belly so the bottom doesn't stick out. Believe me, I do not want to be like Rachel on Friends when she was sporting half-shirts towards the end of her pregnancy!

The nursery is coming along wonderfully! Jeremy has finished putting in the floors and the new ceiling fan. I will take a picture very soon to show the progress. Currently he is working on the baseboards. Once those are finished, I think we'll be able to start moving in furniture!!

Theoretically, we have 9 more weeks to go! Right now, according to the pregnancy websites and books that I've been reading, I need to be studying up on knowing when labor begins (yikes) and birth plans (double yikes). I'm still not planning on taking any birthing classes. I've seen enough episodes of a Baby Story that I think I know what to expect! Those words may very well come back to bite me square in the ass...

Dr Appt Update: 30 weeks

I had my 30 week doctor appointment yesterday! I have gained 1 pound and my belly has grown 1 inch since my last appointment. I am now seeing the doctor every 2 weeks and the appointments are short, sweet, and predictable... get on the scale, pee in a cup, measure the belly, listen to the heartbeat, and I'll see you in 2 weeks! Autumn is measuring perfectly and everything is right on track for my Dec 23 due date.

Here's my belly at 30 weeks and 1 day.



I cannot believe we're so close! 10 weeks may sound like a long time, but it's really not. Especially when my remaining weekends are filling up with things to do. These last 2 months or so have really flown by, and I imagine the next 2 will fly by as well. My only complaints are the achy joints and the heartburn. I hear it's not going to get any better, so I will have to tough it out.

For some more exciting news, yesterday was our 2 year wedding anniversary! We had planned on going out to dinner, but I had a tummy ache so that has been postponed to this weekend. I did get a thoughtful card and some beautiful flowers from my wonderful husband! I did cry a little, but I suspect that had something to do with my raging hormones :) I bought the same cakes that we had on our wedding day (the lady who made them distributes her cakes to Whole Foods) and after dining on a romantic dinner of Subway Sandwiches, we indulged in dessert. These last 2 years have really flown by. The next year is going to bring so much change, but we are completely looking forward to it. I feel so blessed to be in a happy, healthy marriage to a man that I am still head over heels in love with.

nesting...

Long ago, when I was first pregnant, I read about a phenomenon called nesting. Pregnancy Weekly.com says the following about it:

"Around the fifth month of pregnancy, the "nesting" instinct can set in. This is an uncontrollable urge to clean one's house brought on by a desire to prepare a nest for the new baby, to tie up loose ends of old projects and to organize your world."

I may have thought during either of the two times in the last 4 months that I was nesting when I tore apart my house to participate in 2 separate garage sales. The thought definitely crossed my mind.

After last night, however, I am pretty positive that I have got the nesting bug. While making dinner, I came across an expired box of food in my pantry. No big deal, I just threw it away. I walked away, and could not stop thinking about that expired box of food in my pantry!! I went back and 2 huge garbage bags later, I actually felt that I had accomplished something productive. It's not that everything that was disposed of was expired, either. I just did not think that we needed these things anymore. My pantry was just too cluttered. It was at 10pm when I was filling another bag from our refrigerator that I realized that I was obsessed.

I feel a little better this morning, but I'm still thinking about it. Just a couple of minutes ago, I went to the pantry and a smile came across my face when I saw the work that I had done. Throwing things out truly is a cleansing process. I wonder how long this feeling will last...

Nursery!

Today, I made up up for being lazy yesterday! Sunday was a day of work for sure. Jeremy and I worked on the turning my ex-office into the soon-to-be nursery. Here is a good representation of what we started with!

We started with clearing out the room (which was a task in itself) and then Jeremy ripped up all of the baseboards. We painted the walls, and while that might not sound like much, it took the majority of the day. The color is beautiful and it really brightens up the room.

There is still a lot of work to be done, but I really feel like we got a great start. Jeremy painted my belly with Autumn's face so she could watch what we were doing. I thought she had a good view and ended up liking what she saw...

This week we're planning on finishing the trim putting in the new floors, so I'll keep the progress updated!

for Autumn

I am currently 28 weeks and 5 days pregnant. It has been a looooong journey! I do not think of myself as a good pregnant woman. I am not going to miss most things about being pregnant! What I do love, however, is being able to just be with Autumn 24 hours a day. I love being able to feel her move and know that she is ours. I cannot wait to meet her. I cannot wait to see what she looks like and to get to know her personality.

Right now, we are being lazy on a beautiful Saturday afternoon. There are a million things that I should be doing, but we're just going to take it easy today.

Here is my belly at 28 weeks and 5 days!