Nora's Nursery

I would like to live there, wouldn't you?

When this post publishes, I could be lying in a hospital bed waiting to get started, in the middle of labor, or cradling Nora June in my arms. Whatever the case may be, I'm a bit busy at the moment. That's why I took the opportunity to gather a nursery reveal post. I figured you might as well have something to read during Baby Watch 2013, right?

It took me a long time to decide what I was going to do in this space. I knew I didn't like many of the bedding sets I browsed through online, so I decided to take a homemade approach, inspired by this awesome nursery. Patchwork or shabby chic - whatever you want to call it, there were many hands involved in the details of this room.

And I wouldn't have it any other way.

Let's start with a few of the purchased details of the room:

• Wall Color: PPG's Seascape Green. This is the perfect blend of aqua blue and sea foam green. I love it.
  
• Crib Sheet: I wanted solid pink so the quilt could be the star. Both the sheet and the changing pad cover are by Aden + Anais.
  
• Bumpers: Again, I stuck with simple and purchased the solid white Breathable Bumpers from Target.
  
• Wall Art: Most was purchased at Hobby Lobby with the exception of some handmade creations.
  
• Furniture: It's all from Target circa 2007. It's lasted through both boys and will be great for Nora. The blue glider was recovered.

Although I really like the items I bought, the most meaningful touches were created. Inspiration started with a colorful quilt. I got the idea from the nursery I linked to above and I think the woman from my church who put this one together nailed it. I can't look at it without smiling. It's a happy little quilt:

Another favorite aspect of Nora's room are the sweet yarn letters above her bed. I'm fudging a little here, as I did pay for them, but they were handmade by an awesome seller on Etsy. Check her out here. She did an amazing job of giving me exactly what I wanted. It's still weird to know that I had the honor of naming yet another human being:

There are also a couple of things in baby girl's room that span decades. My great-grandmother was a writer and I have several fantastic poems she penned in her early years. One in particular was about daughters. My mom framed and matted it in soft pink to hang on the wall. The mother-in-law of my Granny (the author) was named Nora. It's a great big circle:

From the other side of the family, this sweet little chair used to rock my SIL and her baby dolls in her grandparent's home. Jonathan's paternal grandparents were very special people and they spent quite a bit of time together while he and his sister were growing up. Knowing this chair will live on, thanks to Nora's grandparents who kept it all these years, is a pretty special thought:

Other personal touches include a fabric scrap lampshade made by my pal Becky, the letter N crafted by the hostesses at my baby shower, and the yellow canvas full of well wishes from lots of people who love Nora.

I love this room so much and I still can't believe that the day this publishes is the day I meet its resident. I'm ready to come home and walk straight into this space with my daughter in my arms. I will head to the white chair, look through the willowy curtains, and breathe in deep.

My new life starts today. And it starts here.

Week 39

This time around, we aren't making it to pumpkin. Can't wait to meet my melon!
Week: Thirty-nine
Size: Mini Watermelon
Feeling: Like a ball of nerves mixed with complete joy. It's nice, really.
Symptoms: This week has been rougher than most. I'm ready, y'all.
Maternity Clothes: Sigh, my last week for stretchy pants and tent dresses.
Sleep: I'd rather lose sleep feeding a baby than from these aches and pains.
Gender: Still my sweet girl.
Movement: She hasn't slowed down yet!
What I Miss: My body to be my own. It's time to evacuate, Miss Nora.
What I Want: Monday!
Best Moment this Week: Hands down, it was settling on an induction date with my doctor at my last appointment. In only three short days I will be checking into labor and delivery before the sun rises and then making my way to the room where I'll meet my daughter. I am trying my best to relax and enjoy my final days of pregnancy, but I just want her so badly.

I want to touch her cheeks, watch her study my face, and hold her as much as possible. I am desperate to hear that first cry and my doctor tell me she's healthy. I want to watch all three of my Bauer boys cradle her for the first time, making an instant connection of love and the family that was meant to be. It will be as though the five of us were always there.

I am ready.

Real

Okay, so if you've been keeping up lately you've noticed a bit of a sappy trend, right?

Turns out those gigantic, swirling hormones don't just go one way, my friends. Although everything I've posted in the past few days is 100% truth (as far as my pregnancy brain can tell), it's time to get real.

Today I am 38 weeks and 5 days pregnant. The next time I see my OB's dapper little grin, I may or may not be writhing in pain as contractions wrack my body without pause and my daughter tries to shove her way out in a method best reserved for TLC shows and National Geographic.

Hopefully "writhing in pain" will be skipped and "numb from the waist down" will take its place, but this time around, I'm preparing for the worst, y'all.

That's next week though. Next week I will give birth and add another screaming mouth to the two that already drive me insane and melt my heart simultaneously. Those four brown eyes work wonders, I tell you.

Today, I'm tired. My body is worn out and seems to be falling apart, every food I eat gives me heartburn and excess saliva, and the ligaments that attach my enormous uterus to some other important muscles are stretched to capacity and could burst at any moment.

And I'm anxious.

And scared.

The same hormones that have me head over heels for a baby girl I haven't met have brought on the last-minute jitters I'd hope are common in pregnant ladies - first child or fifth. I have a big job to do next week (and then the remainder of my life after that, but I'm trying to focus on the whole birth thing first). It's time to try to relax.

Pedicure, check. Nursery, check. Bag is completely packed and infant car seat is ready to go. I have diapers, butt cream, and the teeniest diapers ever. I am ready in every sense of the word, but it's hard to be ready mentally. Not just about a baby bursting through my loins, but the part that comes after.

How do I get myself ready to be a mother of three? There will be more children than parents and before long, one of those parents has to get back to work. How in the world am I going to soothe a screaming baby, prevent Owen from destroying the house, and restart the same episode of Ninja Turtles all at the same time?

If we're being real, it's a pretty terrifying thought, but I can assure you I wouldn't be doing this if I didn't want to. I have no doubt that chaos will rule in a matter of days, but it's my chaos. I created it, I try my best to rule it, and ready or not, I'm jumping in with both feet.

Just so long as I can sneak a nap every now and then. :)

Happy (hectic) Wednesday, y'all!

Induction

Baby's got a birth date!

I think the heart palpitations and immediate thoughts of "Oh snap, this is real" have slowed enough to announce that unless she decides to come on her own before then, Nora June Bauer will greet the world Monday, July 8, 2013, after what I hope and pray will be a smooth (painless?) induction.

Jonathan and I have been thinking about this for several weeks now. I've always been one to not jump the gun on baby birthing, as evidenced by the fact that I kept Owen in until an on-call doctor ordered him out, but we're going a different route this time.

My doctor is heading out of town on July 12, my estimated due date. I'm so appreciative of the fact that he told me about this.

To be frank, I'm madly in love with the man. I was more than a little bummed when the on-call doctor had to do an emergency induction with Owen due to high blood pressure, and one of my biggest hopes this time was to spend a little time in the birthing room with Dr. G. Nathan's equally awesome central Arkansas OB was in Colorado when my water broke, so if all goes as planned, this will be the first time I get to have my actual doctor there.

As you can see, he's kind of a big deal.

Then there's the thought that I won't have to drive the hour to the hospital soaking my car seat with amniotic fluid and/or breathing through contractions. Seems like a plus, doesn't it?

All that aside, I've definitely come across some articles on Dr. Google and hormone-filled birth boards that tell me this is not the way to go. That it'll all end up with more problems than I bargained for and a baby who isn't ready to come. I know there are risks associated with an induction, but I also know I delivered after facing drug-free Pitocin contractions and it only took 2.5 hours start to finish.

Therefore, we look at the pros and cons:

PROS
• Starting labor at a hospital.
• My body loves pitocin.
• Control over the situation.
• Birthing with my OB.
• I don't like surprises.
• More time for epidural.
• Relaxed atmosphere.
• Planned childcare.

CONS
• Pitocin won't work.
• Epidural won't work.
• Some say risk of C-section.
• Everyone knows.

I actually asked my doctor at my final(!) prenatal appointment yesterday if he considered me favorable and he nodded toward the two guys monkeying around in the exam room. He said he absolutely would not do it if he didn't think I could and the fact that I've had two vaginal births is a good sign that I can have another. I'm dilated about a centimeter and a half and hopefully that increases a little before we hand Nora her eviction notice.

Yes, I feel like we made the best decision for our family. The next step is to go to the hospital this afternoon and make a little dent in the admissions process before Monday. Then it's last-minute chaos, a Ninja Turtle birthday party, a day full of celebrating my favorite six-year-old, and a 6:00 AM call time to be prepped to meet my daughter.

EEK. Wish me luck, y'all. :)

Week 38

My guess is she's bigger than a leek; however, I'm not sure I've ever seen a leek?
Week: Thirty-eight
Size: Leek
Feeling: Anxious!
Symptoms: The almost-there aches and pains have arrived. Not long now!
Maternity Clothes: I will maintain that my rings still fit, but my pants do not.
Sleep: Love it.
Gender: Still my sweet girl.
Movement: Still passing those kick counts with flying colors. She's a wild one.
What I Miss: Swimming. I did it yesterday, but I am more than ready to be back.
What I Want: Right at the moment? Quiet boys.
Best Moment this Week: Let's see. I turned 29 over the weekend and I am okay with that. I have spent much of this hot week with my big belly immersed in the pool. I attended my 37-week check on Tuesday and discovered progress has begun. I am one cm dilated and 50% effaced (Google it, but expect to see the word "cervix"). I go back on Monday, which is when we will choose an induction date for the week after, just in case she doesn't come on her own. No matter what happens, next Monday is my last appointment. When I say final stretch, y'all, I mean it. I am SO excited!!

Week 37

I know this comparison makes no sense at all, so I found this pretty picture of Rainbow Chard. If being similar in size to Swiss Chard means you weigh about 6.5 pounds and take up your mom's whole belly, then Nora June is right on track.
Week: Thirty-seven
Size: Swiss Chard
Feeling: Full Term.
Symptoms: Honestly, nothing new. Thankful that my cold is gone!
Maternity Clothes: My rings still fit, but my pants sure don't.
Sleep: Last night was oddly amazing, but all the other nights - not so much.
Gender: Still my sweet girl.
Movement: From hiccups to high-fives all day long.
What I Miss: Picking things up off the ground.
What I Want: DRINKS. I am so incredibly thirsty.
Best Moment this Week: Again, I have so many bests. I know how you like lists, so let's start there. It's been a big week, y'all.

1. Another Baby SHOWER: The girls in my youth group threw me a surprise shower last weekend with presents, food, games, and a fun-loving priest who was happy to join the festivities. :)
2. Passing THE TIME: As I talked about here, when I passed 36 weeks and 4 days last pregnancy, I was pumped to once again hit that milestone. That's the exact gestational period that Nathan made me a mama; however, here I am, full term, water intact, and not a contraction in sight. (PS: Read through those super naive posts at the end of my pregnancy with Owen. "As IF I'll make it to my due date...")
3. Bag is PACKED: Yes, I am as ready as I'll ever be to go to the hospital and birth a baby. Swaddle blankets and tiny pink clothes are nestled next to the most comfortable pajamas and enough toiletries to make me feel human. I suppose I'm ready whenever she is.
4. Appointment SUCCESS: This time I can't report anything about my cervix (go ahead, breathe a sigh of relief), but we did take a peek inside the womb and saw that Nora is growing just fine. She just measured one day behind and weighed 6 pounds, 7 ounces. Dr. G swears there's no way she'll make it to 9 pounds and guesses she might not even hit 8. We'll see about that, doc.
5. Kicking into HIGH GEAR: With so much work from everyone but me, Nora's room is coming together - and quickly! The gorgeous aqua color has been splashed onto the walls, the newly upholstered white glider is in place, and pink covers the mattress, the changing pad, and the majority of her belongings. I will absolutely do a full post when we get closer to being finished, but I know you won't mind a sneak peek...
   
   The room color and an expert painter - Owen was not involved:
   
   I will say that when Owen returned from day care to find his old forest animal room was a girly nursery, his first words were: "Wooooowww. Beautiful!!" Then he proceeded to approach every toy, point at it, and state: "Owen's." He's getting there. :)
   
   Two of the few pieces that are actually complete:
   The dresser is also finished and packed full of the largest amount of newborn clothes I've ever seen. I still can't get over the fact that its contents are so stinking pink.

To be honest, I really wished I lived in there! It's beautiful, the colors are relaxing, and I can't wait until the decor brings it all together. Don't be too anxious for that full report, though, it's going to be a few days. Happy Friday!

Week 36

Week: Thirty-six
Size: Head of Romaine Lettuce
Feeling: Sick! Being "very pregnant" is a lot easier to deal with while breathing.
Symptoms: Just the coughing and sneezing, nothing new on the baby front.
Maternity Clothes: Dresses for all!
Sleep: Not so great this week. Hopefully I'll catch a break before the fun begins.
Gender: Still my sweet girl.
Movement: Yes. She rocked her NST and makes quick work of kick counts.
What I Miss: Working in the garden. It's my favorite, but it's hard on my body.
What I Want: Soup? I don't know.
Best Moment this Week: It's been a weird week, y'all. Started feeling sick after the shower on Saturday and called the OB nurse to beg for antibiotics on Monday. Hormones are raging like crazy and all sorts of overwhelming feelings are starting to creep up with less than a month to go. That being said, however, a lot of fabulous things happened this week! Let's count down my "best moments" shall we?

1. MY BABY SHOWER. Check back to yesterday's post if you missed all of the cutie details.
2. Owen spent his second night wandering into our room every half hour, but now he's doing great in his big boy bed - although tonight we did have to take away a noisy tractor he smuggled under his blanket.
3. Celebrating seven years of wedded bliss. He bought flowers, cooked dinner, cleaned the kitchen (and the whole house), and I sat on the couch and coughed. He is really extra nice to me.
4. A great 35-week checkup. I'm still not dilated and still pretty thrilled. I need this baby to stay put as long as possible! We did a non-stress test because I'm continuing to measure small, but she passed with flying colors. He's going to check on her size on ultrasound next Tuesday.

Cute as a Button

WARNING: Cuteness Overload.
Yes, I made this font pink. No, I will not apologize for it.
It was probably the cutest, most adorable day of my life.

On Saturday I walked into my mom's house to find mason jars of pink lemonade, fabric garlands hanging from everywhere, and my daughter's initials sitting on the table, complete with buttons and bows.

One of my favorite friends whom I've known since the band days of high school, along with her awesome mom who serves as BFF to my own, threw a shower for little Miss Nora June. I was absolutely not expecting a party for my third baby and was thrilled when I first heard about it months ago. Little did I know, these ladies would go all out.

Though I wasn't expecting it, I am quick to admit that I loved every second.

The theme du jour was "Cute as a Button" - you've seen ultrasound pictures, you know how fitting it is. Buttons dotted the lace-covered food table, the pastel-colored cupcakes, and the incredible cake. The decor was shabby chic, a phrase I keep hearing when describing my nursery ideas. Thanks to the craftiness of these two ladies, I have a little more direction since I happily stuffed all their homemade decorations into a bag. :)

I won't leave you hanging on the details. Not only is Ashley a great hostess, she's an amazing photographer, too. All images on this post are to her credit:


After we devoured everything on the gorgeous table, from the sausage balls to the mini fruit pizzas, we made our way into the living room and I laughed as Ashley made me sit in the same seat of honor I forced her into at her own baby shower, just months ago. Thus, the present opening commenced.

Let's just say I'm feeling more prepared today than I was last week.

Resting in the scattered nursery is a teetering tower of diaper boxes, drawers full of tiny dresses and onesies, and pink toys, blankets, and other necessities. Oh, and a pint-sized Razorback cheerleader's uniform. "Why?" you may ask. I will counter with "Why not?"

Sentimental gifts came out of the woodwork while celebrating my first daughter. My MIL and SIL had something very special planned for me. My seester Bridget used to rock her baby dolls in a little chair decades ago (I won't share how many!) at her grandmother's house. Nora's Grammy kept this chair and took it to Becky (jack-of-all trades, Ashley's mom, and shower hostess extraordinaire). It's now an updated pink and white addition to the nursery.

My own mom had a few tricks up her sleeve, as well. I opened a box and saw outfits I'd worn as a baby, complete with pictures of the original model. How sweet is that? You'd better believe Nora will recreate some of those old photos. What other choice do we have when the stuff is this cute?!

During the party we also played a few fun games. We pondered the number of buttons in a jar, we played a rousing round of Baby Bingo, and we guessed what white powder substances were in non-labeled baggies. Nathan was my partner for all three and though we didn't claim any wins, the kid correctly guessed formula for one of the white substances. I argued corn starch until Ashley finally proved him right. Needless to say, he was proud.

After the new ride was loaded down and Owen and I ate 20 more sausage balls, the shower was over. I said it then and I'll say it now - best baby shower ever. (Needing to see more pictures? Click here for the Facebook album.) I am so honored and blessed to know these two women who did so much to make me and my baby girl feel special.

Posing with Becky and Ashley. And also a photo-bombing Owen.
Thanks to everyone who attended and made this party a success, but an enormous thank you to Becky and Ashley. Y'all are awesome people and you not only made me feel loved and Nora feel welcomed, but you made this family feel a lot more prepared to grow.

I guess if we have diapers and girl clothes, this is really going to happen, isn't it?

And SOON!

Week 35

Week: Thirty-five (and one)
Size: Honeydew Melon
Feeling: Inspired!
Symptoms: Something's starting to happen in there. Braxton Hicks galore.
Maternity Clothes: Living in maternity dresses, but rocking a regular tankini. It's a ridiculous sight to see, friends.
Sleep: It involves a pillow mountain, but it's still happening.
Gender: Still my sweet girl.
Movement: Yes. The OB even commented on her craziness this week.
What I Miss: Sleeping on my back.
What I Want: Watermelon.
Best Moment this Week: Finally starting to get ready! When I realized that hitting 35 weeks meant 35 days on the countdown, I knew it was time to get to work. This week we picked a paint color (PPG Seascape Green for curious minds), a lady from my church finished Nora's quilt and crib skirt, and I ordered her crib sheet. On Thursday my mom came out and made quick work of sorting/eliminating much of the boys' toys and then storing them neatly in Nathan's room. We set up the toddler bed, moved Owen's name above it and a boys' paradise was complete. This afternoon I will celebrate Baby Nora at my shower and then begin transforming the nursery. Here's a peek at the first official item for Nora's room:


PS: Another "best moment" happened at my 34-week checkup. I'm not dilated! I was very surprised and pleased to hear that. No bed rest, no change in activity, nothing. I'm just going to keep on keeping on and hope this baby bakes as long as she needs to. I am moving into weekly appointments now, just because of my history. Every Wednesday until Nora makes her debut!

Week 34

Week: Thirty-four (plus a day)
Size: Cantaloupe
Feeling: Sore, but spirits are still high for the most part. :)
Symptoms: Just your run-of-the-mill third trimester aches and pains.
Maternity Clothes: Still rockin' my dresses. SO comfy.
Sleep: I've actually been getting some. It helps that I've stayed busy.
Gender: Still my sweet girl.
Movement: You'd better believe it.
What I Miss: Fruity cocktails and the hot tub sound pretty nice.
What I Want: The next six weeks to creep by. And my "Cute as a Button" baby shower! It's next Saturday and I have my fingers crossed that it will kick me into nesting mode. (If not, it's still going to be so fun!)
Best Moment this Week: Play dates galore! After spending the weekend with my BFF and crew, we had the week with our St. Louis cousins, and finished with a Chuck E. Cheese party for one of Nathan's buds. These Bauer boys have stayed entertained. I think this may have had something to do with my sleep comment!

Baby Brain

For the past couple of weeks I've had strokes of brilliance when it comes to posting. Waxing poetic on the beautiful details of motherhood, the much more abundant stress caused by said motherhood, and the way it comes together to form my life.

And then I have to go to the bathroom or get a snack or something and all thoughts fall out of my head.

So, what better way to break the blog silence than writing a post about how I can never remember anything I want to write about? Makes sense to me.

Hopefully it doesn't make sense to you, you do not want to be on this level.

With only 46 days left on my baby countdown (horrifying), I hate to admit that I have done nothing to prepare for the impending arrival of Miss Nora June. Sure I've documented my pregnancy (shout out to Ashley Mhoon for snapping some awesome maternity pictures this weekend - see more here) and I've attended every prenatal appointment, though my average punctuality is about 7 minutes late. As much as I want to see my daughter's sweet face, my brain cannot handle the amount of work I have to do to get ready.

Let's tick through a list, shall we? Perhaps you're not interested in the things I need to do that I cannot remember to do, but publishing it on the Internet is one way to keep it fresh. Follow? No? It's okay.

• Choose the Perfect Shade of Pale. Bright. Girly. Aqua. Blue.
• Paint the Walls That Shade.
• Redecorate Nathan's Room with an Outer Space Theme.
• Make That Room Double Occupancy.
• Convince Owen to Sleep in That Room.
• Buy Diapers (thank HEAVENS for good friends and an upcoming baby shower).
• Pre-Register at the Hospital (this came out of nowhere, but I'm glad it popped onto my blank slate).
• Design and Administer the Perfect Ninja Turtle Birthday Party (fingers crossed Nora's not there).
• Wash and Fold Tiny Clothes.
• DECORATE The Pale. Bright. Girly. Aqua. Blue. Nursery.
• Sleep In. (I'd like to have one day where I sleep until I wake up.)

Maybe once I check that last item off of my list, this brain will kick into high gear and I can get the rest of it (and whatever else I'm forgetting) done in no time. Either way, as long as I snag those diapers, she can come when she's ready.

Even if I'm not.

Have a great Monday, y'all, eat an extra Memorial Day hot dog for me!

Week 33

Week: Thirty-three (and one day)
Size: Pineapple
Feeling: OVER. WHELMED. The weeks are speeding past.
Symptoms: Nothing new other than daily earthquakes in my belly.
Maternity Clothes: I've given up on pants. It's dresses/skirts from here on.
Sleep: Would love some, thanks.
Gender: Still my sweet girl.
Movement: It's getting ridiculous.
What I Miss: Energy!
What I Want: More hours in the day. I can barely keep my house in order - I don't know how I'm going to find the time for extra chores like oh, you know, decorating and painting a nursery, combining the boys' room, potty training... Anyone have some hours they're willing to share?
Best Moment this Week: Seeing this smiling face:


I was surprised with an ultrasound at my 32-week appointment on Wednesday. My belly was measuring about two weeks small (I'm definitely carrying her differently), so OB wanted to check on her size, as well. Thankfully she was only small by a couple of days and everything looked great. She was moving constantly, chewing her hands, and we even got to see what looked like a sweet little yawn. The best part was seeing her head down and ready to go, after being breech at 29 weeks. I'm not ready for her, but hopefully she stays in position until that time comes. A long, long time from now. :)

Week 32

Week: Thirty-two
Size: Large Jicama
Feeling: Worn out, overwhelmed, anxious, and super excited. The usual.
Symptoms: This body is wearing down, y'all. Lots of couch-lying in the plans.
Maternity Clothes: Yup.
Sleep: When it's comfortable, it's oh, so good.
Gender: Still my sweet girl.
Movement: Always.
What I Miss: Walking quickly?
What I Want: Owen to feel better. A toddler with strep throat and a giant lymph node makes for one worried mama.
Best Moment this Week: Love and hugs on Mother's Day. :)

Week 31

Week: Thirty-one
Size: Four Navel Oranges (the most perplexing of all comparisons)
Feeling: Tired, but still good.
Symptoms: No new symptoms other than a constantly moving belly.
Maternity Clothes: Oh, yeah.
Sleep: I totally spoke too soon last week. (Don't look back, it'll jinx me!)
Gender: Still a baby girl.
Movement: She. Is. Crazy.
What I Miss: Sleeping all night!
What I Want: My house to be magically clean. Owen's not much help today. :)
Best Moment this Week: Right now, actually. Although I'm cleaning and preparing for the State Convention with the youth this weekend, I'm at home. I'm snuggled under my big blanket, watching Owen watch Dora, and listening to the light rain fall on this lazy day. I think the bathrooms and vacuuming can wait a few more minutes, don't you?

Week 30

Week: Thirty
Size: Cabbage
Feeling: Awesome!
Symptoms: Being down to 10 weeks freaks me out, but physically I'm fine.
Maternity Clothes: Absolutely. Still wanting to wear more summery stuff.
Sleep: With my first pregnancy, I dreaded the night because sleep was hard. This is not the current case. Bedtime is my favorite!
Gender: Got even more proof of team pink at our 4D ultrasound.
Movement: Always. I think she goes from head up to head down every day.
What I Miss: It's time to say margaritas again. Ready for a poolside cocktail.
What I Want: The marshmallows in my Lucky Charms! I have a sneaky breakfast partner.
Best Moment this Week: Seeing my daughter's face! And, more importantly, knowing she is happy, healthy, and whole. I can't help but remember last Thanksgiving, when I was certain this pregnancy had ended. Now I'm preparing to meet my baby girl in a couple of months. I am incredibly blessed.

Nora June

Now, isn't my sweet baby daughter the sweetest baby daughter you ever did see?

(I know those of you with daughters may not agree, but work with me here!)

We took a sneak peek at Nora June Bauer in four dimensions this week (don't ask, I still don't get it). With her being our third and having 4D ultrasounds with the first two, we planned on skipping it. However, when a certain grandma caught wind of this plan, it quickly changed.

On a gorgeous Tuesday afternoon, all four grandparents, both big brothers, and a proud mom and dad piled into the dimly lit Baby Views room. We collectively held our breath as the wand hit my belly.

Right away, a secret world unfolded. We saw two feet wrap around a perfectly shaped head. We watched tiny fists, each with five fingers, open and close and wave around. We were assured that Nora is still 100% girl and we exhaled as the technician ticked through a list of healthy markers.

Nora wasn't exactly the best baby model, as she preferred to bury her face into the placenta and cover her features with a stray hand or foot. We did get a couple of good shots, though, and you know I'm going to share them with you. Heck, I even stuck her first pink bow on there!


There you have it, folks. My perfectly healthy, growing daughter. My DAUGHTER. Weird, isn't it? And speaking of growing, Nora is the first Bauer baby to actual measure a few days small! Our ultrasound tech said she would guess 7.5-8 pounds at birth and be really surprised if she made it to 9. That, my friends, is music to my ears. I know that can all change in about 10 weeks, but I'm going to stick with that prediction until my OB tells me otherwise.

I no longer fear the 10-pound baby. :)

Also, if your mind is as curious as mine, you'll want to see the comparison. Lucky for you, I made one right away. Here's the original post for Owen's 4D experience. I didn't know about the blogging six years ago.


As always, click to enlarge. View the cuteness full force.
Hope you guys are having an awesome Thursday. I can't wait until the day I post pictures of her actual sweet face. (Except I should probably start you know... preparing for her arrival. That realization of "in about 10 weeks" just hit me. Yikes!)

Week 29

Week: Twenty-nine
Size: Butternut Squash (the be-all, end-all of veggie comparisons)
Feeling: Much, much better. My respiratory/sinus issues are finally gone.
Symptoms: Nothing new. The third trimester is pretty good to me.
Maternity Clothes: Oh yeah.
Sleep: I have no problem sleeping, I just need later mornings. :)
Gender: Still my baby girl. We're going to make extra sure next week.
Movement: Constant.
What I Miss: Thankful I don't have to say sugar (see two answers down).
What I Want: A nap.
Best Moment this Week: My best moment this week was actually prompted by my worst. After getting the call that I failed my one-hour glucose test (while eating ice cream, no less), I settled in on Thursday morning for three hours of glucose fun. Thankfully, two hours after I finished, the nurse called to let me know that all is normal. No gestational diabetes here. Whew!

To celebrate, here's a belly pic:

Week 28

Week: Twenty-eight
Size: Chinese cabbage
Feeling: Pretty miserable if we're being honest.
Symptoms: The combination of a nasty cold and pregnancy is not good.
Maternity Clothes: More regular PJs than maternity pants this week.
Sleep: Need more. I've been up with my little boys coughing all week.
Gender: Still a baby girl - hope my coughs don't bother her.
Movement: She's been going crazy! I can see my belly move already.
What I Miss: Breathing?
What I Want: To feel better. Pregnancy is easier when I'm well. I feel this:


Best Moment this Week: This illness hit Owen first last Thursday and showed up for Nathan and me over the weekend. It's been a long week. However, Jonathan picked up a ridiculous amount of prescriptions the other day and we're starting to show signs of improvement. That being said, there were a few highlights in this gross week:

1. I loved spending time with my friend Meredith as we showered her soon-to-arrive baby boy with love, food, and lots of presents.
   
2. Also there was yesterday, when Nathan felt his sister move for the first time. There aren't any words to describe his reaction other than I wish I had a camera. It was awesome. :)
   
3. And, last but not least, today I start my third trimester. The glucose test is coming Tuesday and biweekly appointments aren't far behind. It's about to be crunch time, y'all!

Week 27

Week: Twenty-seven
Size: Cauliflower
Feeling: Great!
Symptoms: The bathroom trips are increasing. By a lot.
Maternity Clothes: Yes! Regular shirts are officially too short by themselves.
Sleep: With my crafting out of the way, today is ripe for a nap.
Gender: Sweet baby girl. (Starting to get used to this pink thing, too!)
Movement: Her rolls and tumbles are getting strong. She's a wild one.
What I Miss: Nothing. Life is pretty swell today.
What I Want: Owen to feel better. He's coughing and feverish, but snuggly.
Best Moment this Week: The start of nursery planning! (I figured closing in on the third trimester was a good time to start.) This week I visited a woman from our church to get the ball rolling on Nora's quilt. I didn't fall in love with a bedding set, so we're going from scratch. Pale aqua walls, pink crib sheet, white crib skirt, and a very colorful patchwork quilt. I can't wait to start sharing updates. Here's the picture I found online that she's drawing inspiration from:


Photo comes from this awesome nursery. Love it!!
Also, here's a photo of the yarn my MIL and I picked out for Nora's afghan! (She's going to add a solid soft pink thread to it, as well.) Plus the pattern she's going to use. This nursery has some pretty precious potential, my friends. I'm loving the homemade aspects already.

Week 26

Week: Twenty-six (and a day)
Size: English Hothouse Cucumber (seriously.)
Feeling: I'm tired, I'm sore, but I keep on trucking.
Symptoms: Nothing new, just the usual post-20-week down slide.
Maternity Clothes: I'm ready for warm temps and comfy skirts/dresses.
Sleep: Once I get in the right position, it's still pretty darn good.
Gender: Still my baby girl.
Movement: Crazy! She's most active when I wake up and right before bed.
What I Miss: Working out. So. Much. Weight.
What I Want: For the chocolate cake I just pinned to magically be cooling in my kitchen. (I understand this contradicts the previous answer.)
Best Moment this Week: Celebrating Easter with my family, of course! I'll even admit I get giddy thinking about the sweet little dresses and hair bows this holiday will involve next year. :)