(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 ;)

25 (almost) down (WHAT!?!?!) ... 15 to go!

25 Weeks 1 Day

25 Week Update:

How Far: 25 Weeks, 1 Day (at time of photo)

Baby Size: 13.5 inches, 1.5 pounds (the size of a rutabaga - I will be googling this because I have no idea what a rutabaga looks like)

Gender & Name: As far as I know she is still a girl. Although, I have been told several stories recently, of friends or family members that know someone who thought they were having a girl until they actually gave birth. If that's the case with us, this little boy is going to wear pink like the strong man he will one day be! Her name is still Brynlee Dahl this week. ;) 

Movement: Not only am I feeling her kicks, punches, twists and turns; I am pretty sure I also felt hiccups last night. I just love feeling any movement (no matter how uncomfortable and even if it sends me running for the bathroom). I kind of wonder if I'll be sad after she is here and I don't feel her in my belly all day every day. It has definitely been a constant reminder of God's miracles and how blessed we are. 

Sleep: Some days are better than others. This week hasn't been so bad, which I can attribute to having a sick puppy who hasn't felt like going out 2-3 times in the middle of the night.

Maternity Clothes: Clearly (as you can see in the picture) there is no avoiding maternity clothes any longer. The stretchier the better. Jersey material dresses are my best friend right now and will continue to be for the next 3-4 months, I have a feeling. 

Symptoms: Round ligament pain... ugh! Stretching and expanding skin and muscles has also been a bit annoying. Shortness of breath is a common morning occurrence and it's getting more and more difficult to lean forward. Cozart better brush up on his toenail painting!

Aversions: nothing really

Cravings: Still sweets but mainly fruit

What I am looking forward to in the week to come: Going home to Minnesota!! It's going to be a jam packed 4 days but I am so excited for every minute of it! I am flying to Michigan to drive with my sister and 2 nephews to Minnesota on Thursday. 10 hours in the car with a 2 year old, a 6 year old and a pregnant lady... My sister could use your prayers! Friday we are wedding dress shopping with my sister! I didn't get to dress shop with my Mom and sister so I am super excited to get to experience this with Katey, my Mom, my sister-in-law Amanda and Katey's best friends. Friday evening, I am walking in the Relay for Life with my Grandma Dahl in memory of my Grandfather. Saturday, my Mom, sister and one of my best friends are throwing me a baby shower. And Sunday, I hope to spend the day with my Grandma who recently moved to an assisted living facility. Busy busy busy but I can't wait!!!

Today I am going to leave you with a picture that was taken at a wedding Cozart and I attended 2 weeks ago. I love this picture not because I think it's a better picture of us than another but because after it was taken is when it hit me that we are going to be someone's parents! 

Brynlee's Daddy & Mommy ;)

  

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!!! 

Half Way There!!!

Bleh! Horrible picture but it'll have to do. :(

20 Week Update: 

How Far: 20 weeks, 6 days (at time of photo)

Baby Size: 10.5 ounces & 6.5 inches from head to rump or 10 inches from head to heel (about the size of a banana)

Gender: Sweet Baby Girl!

Movement: She is constantly moving and I LOVE IT!!! And I love that you can see it now too!

Sleep: No complaints!

Maternity Clothes: Still sticking to stretchy dresses (as seen above) no actual "maternity clothes" purchased. This has been quite a frustrating stage, maternity clothes are too big but my regular clothes are uncomfortable. Ugh!  

Symptoms: Heartburn occasionally. I believe I experienced Braxton Hicks for the first time on Monday. Completely freaked me out!!!!!! 

Aversions: None

Cravings: Fruit and root beer. 

What I miss: Clothing options 

Feelings toward pregnancy: This isn't so bad but I really can not wait to meet her!!!!!!! 

Best moment of this week: I am so grateful to be able to share this experience with one of my best friends, who is due 2 weeks before me and had her gender reveal on Saturday. We were so excited to find out that our baby girl will have a BOYFRIEND! I can't wait to see these 2 little ones grow up together! 

Moms-to-be with our boy and girl!!! 

19 Weeks... IT'S A.....?

19 Weeks, 1 Day. Right before our Gender Reveal!!

This past week was so packed with exciting, fun things, I completely forgot to post my 18 week update. Oops! And we didn't even take a bump picture so the 19 week pic will have to do.

Cozart and I spent a very relaxing day at the beach on Monday (Memorial Day). It was just what we needed to kick off our most exciting week of pregnancy yet! Tuesday was back to work (Ugh!) for both of us and Wednesday was our BIG anatomy ultrasound appointment. Our appointment wasn't until the very end of the day so the day felt like 4! I was so nervous going into the appointment, not because of what they may or may not see or for fear the baby wouldn't cooperate but worried that Cozart would actually be disappointed if it is in fact a girl. Everything looked good according to what the ultrasound tech could see (Dr. S will look at the pics and discuss with us, if he has any concerns, at our next appointment) and the baby did cooperate. Not with out a little poking, prodding and me having to take a stroll down the hall. 

Sweet baby at exactly 19 weeks. Look at that button nose! Precious!

Unfortunately, my concern over Cozart's disappointment was valid. When the ultrasound tech was finally able to get a good look at the "goods", she confirmed that what she saw was in fact a hamburger, not a turtle. (Girls look like hamburgers, boys look like turtles for any of you wondering if she was looking for a baby or what I had for lunch) Cozart turned as white as a ghost and made her double, triple and quadruple check! She said she never tells anyone 100% but this was pretty close! YAY!!! A GIRL!!!!! Or at least that's what I was feeling (although I would have felt the same if it were a boy) Sorry Babe, no Cozart Jr. this time! I do predict a few more firearms purchases in his future though!

Gender Reveal Invite

Thursday we had a get together at our house to reveal the gender of Baby Lawrence. Every other person I talk to asks why we knew what the baby is before the gender reveal. Because we wanted to. Oh, and I failed to read the Gender Reveal party rule book. Who knew there were so many rules when it comes to this stuff? I think it was also good for Cozart to have a solid 24 hours to let it all sink in before facing our friends and family. Our theme for the party was cheerleader or quarterback and "the plan" was to unwrap either a baby Buccaneers jersey or cheerleading uniform but I couldn't find either ANYWHERE! So I went to Build-A-Bear and built a cheerleader bear. That place is so cute, even if I did feel a little silly building myself a bear. 

Cozart and my baby pictures and the latest picture of our baby girl! Who will she look like?

Her first Teddy Bear! 

Now that it has been a few days, I am happy to report Cozart's disappointment has morphed into excitement and we just couldn't be more happy about all we have to look forward to. We are completely overwhelmed by this blessing and are counting down the days until we get to meet her! 

19 Week Update: 

How Far?: 19 Weeks, 1 Day (at time of photo)

Baby Size: According to Babycenter.com she is about 6 inches long and 8.5oz (The size of an heirloom tomato) BUT... the ultrasound tech shows her weighing about 11oz. (she didn't give us length)

Gender: IT'S A GIRL!!!!! 

Movement: I am finally able to decipher gas or air bubbles vs. actual movement and she has been increasingly more active since my last post. AMAZING!!!!!!!!!

Sleep: The frequency in midnight bathroom breaks has drastically reduced (thank goodness) and the pregnancy pillow had to be put to the side for a fews days due to a pulled muscle in my neck but, I'm still sleeping pretty well. Cherishing it, as I know it won't last!

Maternity Clothes: I still haven't bought anything more than a few maxi dresses which I can't wear to work. I am going to have to just suck it up and go shopping SOON! 

Symptoms: The headaches have dissipated but I seem to have traded them in for heartburn. It's not too bad but I have been getting it at least once a day. Let's hope the old wives' tale is true: heartburn = LOTS OF HAIR!

Aversions: none

Cravings: FRUIT! And really anything sweet. 

What I will miss about being pregnant: Not caring about an ever expanding mid section. 

Feelings toward pregnancy: I am so blessed. I have really been lucky, I don't feel all that different and am completely overwhelmed with this little HUGE blessing! 

Best moment(s) of this week: Well there's the obvious, finding out we're having a GIRL! But my very close second happened Wednesday night/Thursday morning. I woke up in the middle of the night to our sweet little girl moving around like crazy. Well, she settled into a rather awkward position. It was almost as if she was pushing her head, or her butt, not really sure which is which yet, into my stomach, just below my belly button. I felt my belly and there was a definite point sticking out. I wasn't sure whether or not to wake Cozart up but I really wanted him to feel her. Just as I was thinking I would just go back to sleep, he rolled over and sighed like he may be awake. I said, "Are you awake?' and he said yes. I placed his hand on my belly and he was able to feel her for the first time. She continued to squirm around for a little bit before we (all 3 of us) fell back to sleep. Such an amazing moment. 

What am I looking forward to this week: One of my best friends is also pregnant (due 2 weeks before me) and her gender reveal is on Saturday. I can't wait to find out if our little girl will have a BFF or a future husband! HA! 

Could my smile be any bigger??? 

Until next week.... (Our half way point!)

17...

Still looking more as if I've enjoyed a few too many cartons of ice cream rather than looking like I'm pregnant.  The bump watch continues...

How Far?: 17 weeks 5 Days (at time of photo)

Baby Size: approx. 5 ounces and 5 inches (head to rump) About the size of a turnip.

Gender: Still unknown but we will know SOON! (hopefully!)

Movement: I am still not sure if what I am feeling is actual "movement" but I have felt something.

Sleep: Gotta love my new pillow!! I also don't get up as often to pee which has helped a great deal. I do, however, feel as if I am more tired when I'm waking up than I was before when I was having a difficult time sleeping. Weird!

Maternity Clothes: Believe it or not, the dress pictured above is NOT a maternity dress. I still haven't purchased any maternity clothes and am still just wearing everything in my wardrobe that is the least restricting as possible.

Symptoms: Just when I thought the headaches were gone for good... UGH!!! No fun! Let's hope they vanish completely within the next couple weeks as Dr. S predicts. I have also found my energy level less than adequate or less than what it has been. I think I can also attribute the depleting energy to the Florida humidity gracing us with its presence over the last week or so. And I do NOT foresee the humidity to be going anywhere (but getting worse) anytime in the near future, unfortunately!

Aversions: Still none.

Cravings: Still sweets and fruit (watermelon and pineapple in particular).

What I miss:  Just in the past few days, I have really wanted sushi. :(

Feelings toward pregnancy: Holy Moly... We're having a BABY!!!!

Best moment(s) of this week: Hearing the baby's heartbeat at our appointment on Friday. Amazing!!!! And Dr. Sweet saying we can come back in 2 weeks (instead of waiting until our next appointment... in a month) to find out what it is!! Our anatomy ultrasound is scheduled for Wednesday (5/29) afternoon. CAN'T WAIT!!!!

What I am looking forward to this week: Every nap I can squeeze in!