Gettin Shiz Done

Despite my inability to contribute to any big projects very much, this is our summer to get shit done!

This weekend was busy again... on Saturday we celebrated Caleb's birthday by going to Jethro's for some wings and a big ole lemonade whisky-drink (for him), and then proceeded to BuyBuy Baby to finish up our baby registry. I need to make some final online adjustments, but I feel pretty good about being thisclose to calling 'er done. Caleb is in charge of researching and selecting a video baby monitor - while looking at them in the store of course he set off at least two alarms. I can't take him anywhere. ;)

Birthday boy with his whisky-drink

Then we headed down to Creston to celebrate our nieces' 4th birthday party! It was a princess party and we brought our own tiaras, but they were quickly stolen. The party was at a park shelter in the evening, and I managed to survive the heat. I was pretty swollen and tired by the time we got home though, so early to bed for both of us.

The birthday princesses with their princess grandma

They applied makeup with all their little friends before cake... so funny.

On Sunday we started early with me getting some shopping done, where I found part of what I think I want to put over the crib in the nursery (below). I think I'll spray paint the frame yellow, which I think should pop against the grey walls.

Baby C's name does not start with an A, so don't think you're getting any clues! :)

On Friday night I also got some more work done on a project I've been meaning to do for two years or so (below). I now have all the materials to finish it, so I'll post another picture when I get the artwork hung on here too. Then it will go above the dresser in the nursery.

I think I'll just need a few more things for wall decor in the nursery. I've had my eye on these bird pictures (1 & 2) and white birds, plus I also have these shelves on my Target registry (below). I can't wait for it to all come together!

On Sunday, Caleb, his dad, and his friend Andrew built some awesome wooden shelves in our basement. We've been receiving hand-me-down baby stuff from some very generous friends and cousins, and we needed a place to put it all! It will be so nice to have so much storage down there! While the boys built shelves, I went to Waukee for a bridal shower for my cousin Brittany.

Finally, here is a picture of me this week. Not shown are my constantly swollen feet and ankles. So swollen that I can only wear flip flops, so I need to find another pair of shoes to wear to work.

30 weeks, 2 days

I've been a little self-conscious lately about my swollen feet/ankles/legs.... I know it's normal in pregnancy and especially when it gets this hot, but it's still.... unsightly. And just makes me feel gross and fat. Full disclosure - I've gained around 30 pounds already since the start of this pregnancy. Most of what I've read recommends weight gain of 25-35 pounds during pregnancy if you start out at a healthy weight, so I'm pretty sure at this point that I'm gonna be over that. I've been trying to stay active and eat decently, but it really is harder due to bodily exhaustion/soreness, decreased ability to do certain types of workouts, emotions (regarding eating), etc. I don't think I look grotesque or anything, but I mostly just feel THICK. The swelling in my legs doesn't help that.

I've been getting some fun new comments lately, now that I'm so visibly showing. It's just so great how people tell you just what they're thinking - especially what they think you look like! (*sarcasm*) Favorite comments so far:

• You look like you're due any day now! or You're due in June, right?
• You look like you're having twins!
• If you keep getting bigger, it's not gonna be good...
• So do you feel like you've really grown a lot since the last time I saw you? (Which was 2 weeks before.)
• I never got that big with any of my kids...

I'm trying very hard not to dwell on these unhelpful comments or take them to heart, and luckily I have a great mom, husband, and friends who reassure me how AMAZING I look. :) In all honesty, most people are kind and if they think I look big, they keep it to themselves or say something not offensive. For future reference, it's best to either not comment on a pregnant woman's appearance at all, or if you want to, use phrases like: You look great! or You look cute! Or if you want to comment on the belly, again using generic, complimentary words works best. Trust me, your pregnant friend knows she's big, she knows she's "popped", she knows she's "showing," etc. etc.

On Thursday we have a midwife appointment, and I hope to get even more stuff done in the next week. We also have plans to go to Adventurebay (Adventureland water park) with friends on Friday, and we have friends coming to visit this weekend, and some plans for the 4th on Monday. So, until next week, tata!