How far along? 35 weeks

Weight Gained: 27 lbs. Bye bye target weight :'(

Symptoms: Are violent sneezes a pregnancy symptom? Mine have become other earthly. Greg said they literally hurt his ears. Also, the embarrassing symptoms are saying hello again ….probably on account of the sneezing… And my bladder is apparently the size of a pea.

Movement: Oh :) We took her to a concert this weekend and she either really loved it or really hated it because she hasn’t stopped moving since. She was especially thrilled with the drumming portions which makes me so very happy because, well… When we were trying to figure out her name, I thought, of all the women I’d want her to take after, I’d most want her to take after my sister (who, if you didn’t know, is quite possibly the most wonderful human being you’ll ever meet). Anyways, little known fact about Taylor is…. she loves all things drums and drummers ;) And would you look at this! Little is already taking after her auntie :):) Oh how I hope she gets her daddy’s musical abilities (and her Papi’s and her auntie’s) and most definitely NOT her mommas. I am strictly a music appreciator and should not be let near any sort of musical equipment lest your ears be irreparably damaged.

Food cravings: I got a donut :) Actually I got two. No one was there to stop me. But then there was the other day when I was driving home from a photoshoot and found myself at the drive-thru, gladly accepting some chicken nuggets from the nice lady in the window and promptly shoving them in my mouth on the short ride home before Greg could question my decisions. Who knows how I ended up there. Who knows…. Mmm fried chicken bits.

Food aversions: Not really

Sleep: Involves a big, sleepy woman stumbling to the bathroom for multiple sessions of try-to-find-the-toilet-in-the-dark.

Stretch marks? No

Belly button in or out? Oooo! The top popped out today (barely)! And the middle is in, and the bottom is flat. It’s a button full of diversity.

Miss anything? Not really

Mood? I just realized in my effort to prepare myself for labor in which I’ve done BOATloads of research, I have yet to read one parenting book or frankly know anything at all about what to do once she comes. You know, the small area of the rest of her life. Needless to say, I’m feeling awfully unprepared and a little overwhelmed when I think about that task.

Maternity Clothes? Imma buy more next time. I’m getting over my frugal paranoia little by little. Plus, it turns out, you really do need them at this stage ;)

New baby items: Still knitting away… it’s almost the size of a dolly blanket! Hooray for me.

Exercise: Bentley and I have been enjoying some lovely rainy day walks. Someday, I’m just sure we’ll all walk as a family. I’m just sure of it.

Best moment of the week: This week, I was feeling especially anxious about everything coming up but the Lord was sweet enough to sit me between two women who had home births too and were more than encouraging. Since as a culture we seem to be extremely hospital happy, most people’s reactions have been very fear based or fear inducing.. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard, “Oh you’re having a home birth… I knew a girl who did that and she died” or “Oh ya…. my friend just had one of those and they lost the baby..” Usually followed by a monologue on making sure you know what you’re getting into, as if this was a whim decision made with absolutely no research or thought. It kinda makes you feel like you are the most incredibly irresponsible, inconsiderate soon-to-be-mother for even attempting such things when really, it’s a natural, normal way to deliver a baby and has been done since well, the beginning of time. So, anyways, being able to talk to some women that have actually been through it and would recommend it again and again, was such a gift. I am awfully excited and am looking forward to her birth day with sweet anticipation :)

Looking forward to: Tomorrow!!! Tomorrow I get to get my very first (and last, HA) prenatal massage and oh boy oh boy oh boy I can’t wait!!! And then there is the Christmas tea and then a girls city day and then and then!! There are just so many festive and wonderful things coming up :):) I love this time of year.

Happy Thursday!