Weeks 33 & 34...

33 Weeks, 4 Days... Go Bucs!!

Weeks 33 & 34 Update:

Size: At 33 weeks she is said to be a little over 4lbs and 17inches long (the size of a pineapple). At 34 weeks she is said to be 4 and 3/4lbs and 18 inches long (the size of a cantaloupe).

Movement: Lots of hiccuping and pretty consistant acrobatics. Although she does have her lazy days too. 

Sleep: I am only having a difficult time getting to sleep when I start thinking about everything we have to get done in the next month. I stay asleep for about 4 hours before I have to get up to pee. I have been able to fall right back to sleep before having to get up again, to pee of course. 

Symptoms: Just in the past week I have started to feel really HUGE! Breathing is a challenge and I seem to bump my belly into everything (the sink, counters, I've shut the car door on it). Hopefully there is enough padding and fluid to keep from doing any damage but it wouldn't surprise me if she is born with a bump or bruise or 2. 

Cravings: I would say sweets but I have always had a pretty intense sweet tooth so I wouldn't necessarily chalk that up to pregnancy. 

Weeks 33 & 34 Happenings: The Bucs season opener... unfortunately we didn't win. (for those of you who don't know my husband well, he is a DIE HARD Tampa Bay Buccaneers Fan. When the Bucs lose, our entire household, pets included, mourn.) I won't mention the fact that we have mourned 3 weeks in a row now. (Yikes!) Hopefully Brynlee's arrival will come on the heels of a few wins or her first impression of her Daddy could be pretty depressing! Onto more positive happenings like.... 

My (Florida) shower! It was nothing short of fabulous! Brynlee, Cozart and I are very lucky to have such amazing friends and family! We had good food, a gorgeous AND delicious cake, wonderful company and our little girl is sure to be the best dressed kid in town with all the adorable outfits she got! 

Here are just a few pictures from my special day... 

What weeks 35 & 36 had/have in store: Cozart and I attended our (8 hour) Child Birth class. More nursery progress (hopefully). We begin our weekly OB appointments and have our prenatal visit with our pediatrician. And the final countdown begins... Starting with today which marks one month until my last day of work before maternity leave... it can't come soon enough!!!!! 

Cole update and other Prayer Requests: Just after posting my last update on my nephew, Cole, we were informed that the poor little guy would NOT be given the ok to go home until after he has recovered from the surgery they will perform to reconnect his intestines. This could keep him in the hospital for another 2-3 months! It was a pretty rough day for my brother and sister-in-law but since then, they have  been given some good news about potentially reconnecting his intestines sooner rather than later. You can follow his progress, on his Caring Bridge Journal here. He is a tough little guy and has done so well but we are still looking for all the prayers we can get for continued progress and a healthy life for this sweet boy!

My other prayer request is for my Grandmother, Gen. Recently we were given news that she may be leaving us due to a series of little heart attacks (which she will tell you, the doctors were imagining) and a leaky valve in her heart. Selfishly, I want to request prayers for her to get better and stay with us forever, or at least until Brynlee is born and my sister gets married in June, but I know that that's not fair to her. She is 95 years young, has raised 8 children, 9 including Joanie who passed as a baby (Brynlee will be her 90th Grandchild), she has battled and BEAT breast cancer multiple times, she has an amazing sense of humor and an incredible faith in God. She is my favorite person in the entire world and I just can't imagine her not being here. I can't pray for her to stay with us forever so I pray for her peace, comfort and that she knows just how much she is loved, adored and the incredible impact she has made on so many lives, especially my own. I am officially in the NO FLYING part of my pregnancy so if I could just ask for one selfish thing, I pray that she hangs on just until I can come home to say goodbye. Thanks....

Maternity Shoot...

I grew up, raised by a Mother who felt it necessary to have my picture professionally taken about once every 3-6 months. I think it is safe to say, I will be doing the same with our daughter. In fact, why not start before she's even here!?

One of the many many blessings in our lives is having OUTRAGEOUSLY TALENTED friends!! We had our Christmas card pictures done (as seen in the pic to the right, with the puppies) by my friend Jessica Swatts, (you can view her website and blog here).  And we had our maternity photos done, last week, by our friend Angela Lucia (you can see her website here.) 

Our initial plan was to have our maternity pictures done at the beach but after some himming and hawing (on my part) we decided to have them done at Cozart's grandmother's, again. (the same location as the Christmas card pics) I am so glad we did! We had so much fun and the weather was actually a bit cooler than normal, Thank goodness! 

I hope you enjoy the pictures and if you are in the Orlando area and looking for a photographer for family pictures, newborn pics, wedding, holiday cards, senior pics, etc, make one of these girls your first call, they are simply THE BEST!!!! 

Single Digits Remaining.... YIKES!!!!

My feet have officially disappeared...

32 Weeks, 6 Days

Weeks 31 & 32 Update:

How Far & Size: 32 weeks, 6 days at the time of the 2nd photo. At 32 weeks, she is said to be the size of a squash. Weighing approximately 3.8lbs and measuring between 15.2 and 16.7 inches long. And I can feel every centimeter of her squirming! 

Name:  We received the lettering I ordered for her wall, so there is no turning back now, Brynlee is set in stone (or wood)! Still no further discussion regarding the middle name....

Love it!!!

Movement: Still moving like crazy, although she has her lazy days. I can definitely tell she is filling up any left over space in there. Even the slightest movement can about knock me off balance. 

Sleep: 4:30am seems to be my normal waking hour lately. Although, I am happy to say I have been able to fall back to sleep fairly quickly the last few nights. 

Symptoms: Well I started wearing heels again, and miraculously, the sciatic pain vanished. I guess flats aren't always the best option, especially if you're anything like me and wore 4"+ heels every day pre-pregnancy. Heartburn has become more and more frequent and has increased in severity. Tums, chocolate milk or almond milk are my saviors these days. Shortness of breath is something I seem to struggle with every morning and right after I eat.  And last but not least, I am just not comfortable sitting or lying in certain positions for very long. I know it may sound as if I'm complaining, but I can assure you I love every ache, pain, jab, discomfort, etc. They are constant reminders of this little miracle growing inside of me and how far we have come to get to this point. Which reminds me of one last symptom, I'm pretty stinkin emotional! I can't remember the last church service I sat through when there wasn't tears streaming down my face at one point or another. Even the most ridiculous of TV shows leave my eyes puffy and my nose running. (Kay and Phil renewing their vows on Duck Dynasty really had my going, just to give you an example.) 

Cravings: Root beer is still tasting exceptionally delicious, although I wouldn't say it's something I "have to have". I also, did make Cozart take me to Menchies for some frozen yogurt on Monday. :) 

Week 31 & 32 Progress: The carpet is down! Yay!! And the crib, stroller and car seat arrived today! Curtains are hung (I still need to steam them though) and her name will be once the crib is put together. 

The week ahead: I am kind of looking forward to one last week of nothing pressing before all the craziness ensues.  We have baby showers and get togethers with friends and family, classes and weekly doctor's appointments, work stuff I have to do before I am officially on maternity leave and just the overall anticipation of her arrival and it all starts next week. So for this week, my only plan is to take time to count my blessings!! 

The first of many blessings is my sweet baby nephew, Cole. I am happy to report he is doing GREAT! (if you missed his story, you can read it here) He is no longer relying on assisted breathing, has been moved out of the NICU and is very much enjoying being held by Mommy and Daddy. They hope to be able to bring him home in the next couple of weeks. I can't tell you how much I wish I could go see this little guy but for now, staring at pictures (like this) will have to do. Thanks for all your prayers for this sweet boy, they are certainly working!!! 

Is this guy precious or what!!!???

Week 30... Where has the last 6 months gone???

30 Week, 4 Days

30 Week Update:

How Far: 30 weeks, 4 Days (at time of photo)

Gender & Name: We were able to confirm, at our 3D/4D ultrasound on Tuesday, that she is still in fact a girl! Thank goodness because there is so much pink being added to this house; from clothes to toys to hair bows and even a wall in her room is pink. I ordered wooden letters (Brynlee in pink) for her wall from Etsy and can not wait until they get here! There hasn't been much more discussion about her middle name but I'm sure that conversation will resurface any day now.

Movement: She's still very active but I can definitely tell she is getting quite snug in there. There isn't quite as much room for her to wind up before she punches me in the bladder. 

Sleep: Between the sciatic pain and restless leg syndrome, sleep has become challenging. Dr. S says it's ok for me to take Benedryl which not only helps with falling asleep but I also don't wake up quite as stuffed up. I am trying not to rely on it every night but it's definitely helped when I'm desperate for some rest. I am still probably getting more sleep now,  than I will in a few months. 

Symptoms: Sciatica, Heartburn, Restless Leg Syndrome, general discomfort. 

Cravings: My sweet tooth is pretty out of control. Still loving fruit and root beer. 

Week 30 Happenings: We successfully held a garage sale and earned enough money to pay for her carpet and installation. (not to mention we got rid of a bunch of junk which is what I'm happiest about!) We ordered carpet; it will be laid next week. Cozart finished painting the trim. Mom has started on her bedding. As I mentioned, we also had our 3D/4D ultrasounds. And here she is.... "some" of you may not think she's very cute from these images but I think she's adorable. (I may be a little biased though)

The blurry patch over her left eye is actually her foot. (already working on her Eka Pada Sirsasana or Yogaidrasana)

The ultrasound tech also took measurements which indicated her weight to be approximately 3lbs 6oz and measuring 30 weeks (which was just one day ahead at the time). She wasn't very cooperative, having her feet or hands in front of her face for most of the time, but I am very happy we were able to get a few shots of her face. 

My sweet baby nephew was born last Tuesday. He was a month early and was delivered by c-section due to his recent ultrasound indicating fluid in his belly. What a little trooper he is. He spent his 2nd day in this big scary world in surgery where they found his intestines had twisted and a portion died due to lack of blood. They removed the dead tissue and created 2 stomas with bags attached for now. They removed 650ml of fluid from his belly. He's definitely our little miracle baby. Tyler and Amanda (my brother and sister-in-law) were able to hold him for the first time yesterday. It makes me tear up just thinking about it and how strong they have been for him. Little Cole Patrick Fraser is a fighter and improving more and more everyday. I can't wait to see what kind of mischief Brynlee and her cousin get into when they grow up! If you have a minute and could say a quick little prayer for Cole and Tyler and Amanda, it would be so appreciated.  

Cole Patrick Fraser born August 13th, 2013 @ 2:49pm, weighing 7lbs 4oz.
I love this little guy so much already! 

Week 31 preparations/plans: We have another appointment on Monday, it's always exciting when we get to hear her little heartbeat. I will be happy once the carpet is in (next Monday or Tuesday) and we can order her crib, FINALLY! And Cozart's Mema is getting baptized on Sunday. Not nearly as busy of a week as this last one was, so I hope to fit a prenatal massage in at sometime as well!

65 days to go.......

27-29 Week Update... Sorry for the delay! :(

29 Weeks, 3 Days

It goes without saying, I have been a bad blogger! I have no idea where 3 weeks went and why I wasn't able to get one picture (or at least give you an update). So sorry! Here is your 27, 28 and most of 29 week update....

27, 28 & 29 Week(s) Update: 

How Far: 29 weeks, 3 days at time of photo. 

Gender & Name: We have our 3D/4D Ultrasound on Tuesday so hopefully they are able to confirm she is still a girl, at that time. :) I think it's safe to say Brynlee is set in stone but as for her middle name... (as I mentioned in a previous post, Cozart likes to change his mind.... a lot) I still would like it to be Dahl but Cozart feels it should be something biblical or something that means "Gift from God" or something of the sort. She just may end up with 2 middle names. Not a huge deal, accept it would totally mess with all the monogramming I'd like to do! ;) 

Movement: She is still very active and still often while I am trying to fall asleep. And she likes to jab me in the bladder. I am constantly feeling a rhythmic pattern of movement which I am convinced is hiccups. Although, Cozart seems to think I'm crazy. 

Sleep: I have been experiencing some serious sciatic pain over the past 2 weeks which has really made sleeping (or lack there of) a ton of fun. [insert sarcasm font] I also seem to wake up as I normally would, earlier on, only now, I can't get back to sleep for a prolonged period of time. I guess I should just chalk this up as preparation for what's to come, huh?

Maternity Clothes: Obviously! I'm not a fan of what is available and justifying the cost of something I will only (hopefully) wear for a another few weeks has become increasingly difficult. I think it would help if I didn't live in AFRICA... or at least a comparable climate. It's HOT.... REALLY REALLY HOT!!!! 

Symptoms: SCIATICA!!! Ouch! Round ligament pain... also OUCH! Sleepiness and irritability although I think both are more a result of the ridiculous heat. (Never thought this Minnesota girl would say this but... "Is it winter yet?") Even with the aches, pains and heat, I am still all consumed with joy and overwhelmed by this little blessing growing inside of me. 

Aversions: Nothing

Cravings: Ice cold water because.... Did I mention it's HOT? 

What we've been up to in weeks 27, 28 & 29: Fabric was ordered and has been delivered to my Mom's house for her to work her magic! Her room has been completely cleared out, painted and the new trim installed. We also have gone through all of our crap valuable possessions and held a garage sale to get rid of what we didn't want. What didn't sell will be donated and/or put on craigslist or ebay. We registered for our child birth and newborn class as well as the breast feeding class. 

What I am looking forward to in the coming week: Our ultrasound on Tuesday (fingers crossed she cooperates and we get some good pictures). Picking carpet and having it installed so we can start buying her furniture. I'm not really "excited" about the breast feeding class, which is also Tuesday, but it will be good to check it off the list. Showering Baby Dylan and Leanne on Sunday. And getting to see one of my BFF's, Ashley. 

So much going on and I don't anticipate it slowing down anytime soon. It's so hard to believe she will be here in less than 3 months!!!! YIKES!!!!! 73 days to go......................

(Crazy Busy) Week 26...

26 Weeks, 4 Days - this picture cracks me up! Ha!

What a crazy busy week! I am still trying to recoup from the go go go, but it was worth every minute. My adventure began on Wednesday evening with a flight from Orlando to Detroit and then on to Grand Rapids. I didn't get into GRR until almost midnight but was so excited to be greeted by my 2 favorite boys, my nephews, Jack and Owen. I seriously can't get enough of these 2. And I can still say that (honestly), even after our 11 hour drive from Michigan to Minnesota the following day. This trip is old hat for the boys, my sister and their 2 dogs but not one I would want to make while 6 months pregnant ever again. My back was sore, feet were swollen, I had a headache and felt achy all over. I even shed a few tears once we pulled into my parents' driveway. 

Owen

Jack

Cocoa and (part of) Boo

Friday, a group of us, including the bride to be (Katey), her friends, Maeve, Brianne and Brittney, our sister-in-law, Amanda, a friend of the family, Bri and my Mom all made our way to the Wedding Shoppe in St. Paul to go dress shopping for Katey. We had a ton of fun and she said Yes to the Dress after just trying on a few dresses. She was stunning in everything she tried on but we were all oohing and ahhing when she slipped into "the one". It's perfect and gorgeous and everything you would hope your wedding dress to be. We had lunch after and decided to cancel her second appointment for the day. With 4 of the 8 of us being pregnant, we spent the time we would have spent at the 2nd dress shop, at Babies-R-Us instead. A day full of wedding stuff and babies... doesn't get much better than that! 

After we returned from dress and baby shopping I met my Grandmother (Shirley) at the local Relay for Life to walk in honor of my Grandfather. He passed away from lung cancer a year ago on July 17th; I was so grateful to be a part of this evening in his memory. 

Saturday was my baby shower, hosted by my Mom, sister and friend Angie. It was so much fun to celebrate little Miss Brynlee and a pretty emotional day too. I feel so blessed to have the amazing friends and family that I do. All of which took time out of their busy summer schedules to join us for a morning of onesie decorating, lots of laughs, a few tears and some of Mom's home-cooking. (oh and some yummy cake that was almost too cute to cut into!) 

                                     

Diaper Cake made by Katey

Sunday, after church, we went to see my Grandmother (Gen) in the facility where she is currently living. She was so happy to have visitors and she finally got to "get her hands on that bump she's been praying for for so long". She made a quilt for Brynlee and although she would tell me it was made to be used (like all the others she's made); I think it just may have to be tucked away until she can understand just how special it is and how special the person who made it is to me. (she's kinda my favorite person in the whole universe!) It was another emotional day but yet another I am so very grateful for. 

Bright and early (4:30am), Monday morning, Katey and I headed to the airport. It is such a crazy feeling knowing, the next time I set foot in Minnesota, I'll be a Mom and have a little one in tow. (here I go crying again...) 

26 Week Update: 

How Far: 26 weeks, 4 days at the time of the picture with my nephews at the very top. Jack is supposed to be holding up a 2 and Owen is holding up a 6 (ironically, Jack is 2 and Owen is 6). There was actually a picture of us all posed the way we had intended but this one makes me laugh so I had to post it.

Gender & Name: I hope it's still a girl (as you can see she has a pretty good start on her wardrobe - courtesy [mostly] of Aunt Katey and Grandma Mary. I'd really hate to have to take all this back). Provided she is still a girl, her name is still Brynlee. 

Movement: She's still a little wiggle worm. One of these days, I hope she cooperates so I am able to get a quick video of it. I really don't know how woman can go without knowing their pregnant. I would be seriously concerned if my stomach moved the way it does due to indigestion! 

Sleep: Yes please! This week kicked my booty but the positive is I am having no trouble sleeping at all. 

Maternity Clothes: Oh yes! There is no more hiding this bump. I just hope my ever expanding belly, butt and thighs decide to disappear as quickly as they've made their appearance. :( 

Symptoms: Heartburn. Slowing fading energy. 

Aversions: After this weekend, I will NEVER eat Taco John's again! BLEH!!!!!!

Cravings: Fruit, Rootbeer, Sweets

Week 27 Projects: Ordering fabric for her bedding. More work on the nursery. Preparations for a garage sale that MUST happen SOON!!! 

Gen and Gen ;)

Happy 4th of July....

23 Weeks 6 Days

23 Week Update:

How Far: 23 Weeks, 6 Days (at time of photo)

Baby Size: 11 inches long and just over a pound (the size of a mango)

Gender & Name: Still a girl as far as we know! ;) Her name is.... Brynlee Dahl Lawrence (her middle name has changed a few times so don't be surprised if it changes again. Dahl is my maiden name.)

Movement: She's still a little dancing queen and apparently she thinks 10:30-11:00pm is the best time to bust-a-move! Which also just so happens to be when I've just fallen asleep and not yet in a deep enough sleep to stay asleep. A taste of what's to come I guess. 

Sleep: Falling asleep doesn't seem to be a problem... staying asleep on the other hand.... not possible. I wake up either to let the dogs out, because Brynlee is dancing around and sometimes, for no reason whatsoever, I just find myself wide awake.

Maternity Clothes: Oh yes, I finally broke down and bought a few dresses, a pair of pants and a couple shirts. Pants, shorts or anything with stiff elastic... no bueno! I'm ok in for about 30 minutes then I can't stand anything on my belly. Looks like I will be wearing dresses for the next few months. 

Symptoms: My energy level seems to have taken a nose dive but I don't blame it completely on being pregnant. The Florida heat and humidity always kicks my butt and it has been very hot and humid this year!

Aversions: none

Cravings: Root beer, fruit, anything sweet.

Week 23 Preparations: Registry finished! Cozart did a fantastic job going through his office. We found a smaller desk to replace the enormous one he has now. (Yay!) The old desk has been listed to sell. The fabric swatches came for Brynlee's bedding, crib ruffle, bumper, etc. My Mom is going to make it all so we will be deciding on fabric while I'm in Minnesota in 2 weeks. Next week: (Hopefully), the monster desk will be sold and our new joint office will be completely put together. 

Best Moment of This Week: Celebrating my Birthday with the thought of having this precious little girl here for my next birthday!

How can one little, tiny person need SO MUCH STUFF???

22 Weeks 4 Days - 122 Days until her (estimated) arrival!

Overwhelmed doesn't even BEGIN to describe how I am feeling these days about all the stuff that this little girl will need. And I am BEYOND overwhelmed over the amount of things we have to do before she arrives.

Cozart and I made a trip to Babies-R-Us on Saturday morning. I had taken the advice of a few people and started our registry online. I did as much researching of products, before we set foot in the store, as I could; I figured we had a pretty good head start. Our plan was to go in and see the items we had yet to see in person and make any decisions on the few items we were not able to decide on from doing our research. We would be there for an hour, hour and a half MAX... or so I thought. I am seriously laughing out loud over the level of naivety. 3.5 hours later we were walking out, exhausted, hungry and still not completely finished registering. The Babies-R-Us registry expert (who spoke much faster than my pregnant brain could think) gave us a suggested number of 200 items. We left the store with just over 40 items on our list. Yikes!!! I have to take a minute to give some BIG PROPS to my FABULOUS husband and Daddy-to-be! He was quite the trooper and much more actively involved in the registering process than I thought he would be. In fact, if it wasn't for him trying out every item we looked at, we may have made it out of there in half the time. I am so thankful for him and LOVE that he has an opinion in all this stuff. I was able to add items to the Babies-R-Us registry as well as completing the Target registry from home. We only have half the suggested number the registry expert suggested but it will have to do. There is just so much STUFF! And only time will tell whether or not she even uses half of it. 

I have to say, I am feeling some relief after finishing the registering process HOWEVER, we still have a MAJOR task ahead of us. For the past 8+ years Cozart and I have had the luxury of having his and hers offices in our little 3 bedroom house. These offices include: 2 closets FULL of very valuable stuff crap (including half my clothes and more coats than any Floridian should be allowed to own), 2 desks (Cozart's happens to be the size of 3), 2 office chairs, 2 filing cabinets, 2 book cases, 2 printer/scanner/fax machines, 2 dog crates, a day bed (which I have already sold, thankfully), a ton of Buccaneers memorabilia and several storage bins, all of which must be consolidated into 1 of the offices to make room for our peanut and ALL OF HER STUFF!!! Not to mention replacing the flooring in her room (my old office), painting and decorating. Thankfully, I am still able to move around quite easily but I can't imagine I will be as nimble or have as much energy in another few weeks. Every day that passes that a dent isn't made in this task, my anxiety increases. So much to do, and only just over 100 days to do it in. EEK!!!!!

22 Week Update:

How Far: 22 Weeks, 4 Days (at time of photo)

Baby Size: 11 inches long, approximately 1 pound (about the size of a spaghetti squash)

Gender: Girl

Movement: All the time and I love it!

Sleep: Some positions are getting increasingly more uncomfortable but, for the most part, still no complaints.

Maternity Clothes: Still wearing anything and everything stretchy I own in non-maternity. I did wear a pair of maternity shorts (a pair with the really heavy elastic band) to the movies on Father's Day. I almost took them off in the car on the way home. That elastic drives me batty! 

Symptoms: Sometimes I feel like I'm waddling... already! Ugh! Heartburn. 

Aversions: none

Cravings: fruit and root beer

Feelings toward pregnancy: It is FLYING by!

Best moment of this week: Registering, although time consuming, it was still fun. It's all becoming so real!!! ;) 

Until next week... my last Birthday before becoming a MOM and hopefully an update on the ENORMOUS amount of progress we made on the office consolidation process!!!