Getting Ready for Baby

I had a cute friend take some maternity photos for me a couple weeks ago (at around 35-36 weeks).  I have really wanted to document this pregnancy and my baby bump more than with any other pregnancy.  We didn't think it would be possible for me to carry another child, so I have felt very blessed to be able to do it one more time.  I have really enjoyed every second of feeling the baby move and anticipating his arrival.  That's not to say it hasn't been hard, but boy I wouldn't trade it for the world.  In fact, the whole family is super excited.  The kids LOVE to feel him move and see my belly change shape as he wiggles around.  Q has been super sweet and told me he was sorry I had to go through all this pain AND make dinner too.  :)  We cannot wait to get him here and see who he looks like and snuggle him endlessly.  I think it will be a very special Christmas indeed.

The last few days/week, I have been very anxious to get ready for not only the baby, but Christmas as well.  I feel like we need to have all the gifts bought and the decorations up ASAP.  I have been scrambling to wash baby clothes and get everything ready and waiting.  So far we have painted a dresser, put up the crib and cradle, rearranged rooms and furniture and bought and assembled a car seat and stroller.  I have my hospital bag packed and ready to go and I think we have enough clothes, diapers and accessories to last a bit. I may be short on baby socks though!  We got Christmas decorations out and mostly up last night and now I would love to deep clean absolutely everything in sight! Ha! We shall see how that goes. :)

I'm also trying to get prepared to take a few newborn shots and decide what I'm going to do for Christmas cards this year...it will be tricky for sure.  Wish me luck!

I've been having NST's (non-stress tests) to check in with the baby and make sure he is healthy and happy.  I have been going in twice a week for the past month or so.  I love being able to check in on him and know that he is doing great. And I get to kick back, read magazines and sip apple juice.  It's a pretty sweet deal!  

Some fabulous friends threw me a baby shower in October and one sweet friend surprised us with the cutest nautical cupcakes.  I seriously cried (pregnancy hormones at work people) because it was so thoughtful and they were so, so beautiful.  The food was outrageous too, I didn't get a good photo, but we had goat cheese bruschetta, mint brownies, mini quiche, chocolate-dipped strawberries, hummus and more...AND I was even able to eat it...which was awesome.

These last two are from my phone and show the belly at 30 and 38 weeks respectively.  Now all we need to do is put up lights outside, finish cleaning, buy the last of the gifts, make cookies for neighbors and pick a baby name!  He should arrive sometime next week.