36 Weeks

We are only four weeks away! This week is number 36, and Anthony is now the size of a honeydew melon. We had our doctor appointment this morning and I had my strep culture done. Starting next week, we'll be going every week until delivery.

I'm still sick, unfortunately, with nasal congestion, a slightly sore throat, and just not getting enough sleep. That's why this is my last week at work before going on maternity. It's a ways out, but I need to rest and relax before Anthony arrives. I'm hoping I'll get better since I won't be around my sick coworkers as well.

Matt and I took all of Anthony's clothes (sizes newborn to 3 months) home this past weekend to wash before he wears them. We wanted to use my parents' washing machine instead of the laundromat as well as the wonderful smelling Dreft detergent for babies. On Monday I spent a while putting away the clothes, which turned out to be a pain since I had to match up the outfits.

This Friday Matt is working an event for Verizon (where he works) in Newport. It's two nights in a really nice hotel as well as an awards ceremony and dinner on Friday night. He was able to bring a guest, so I'm going with him. We're treating this as our mini "baby moon" before Anthony is born. Although he has to help out Friday during the day, I get to relax and lounge around all day until the awards banquet. They have an indoor pool that I plan to make good use of!

I'll be updating this Saturday with pictures of my belly at 36 weeks!

35 Weeks

We're getting so close to the end! Anthony and I are now at 35 weeks, next week we'll be a month away from delivery (hopefully). In addition to Anthony being upside down, he has definitely dropped! My stomach is sitting (even) lower and it's taken pressure off of my upper organs. Anthony is now the size of a coconut and will be putting on a little more weight before delivery.

Matt and I now have almost everything we need for Anthony's arrival. We ordered the last big thing off our registry with our registry completion card: the 3-in-1 rocker/napper from Target. It came in on Monday and I have put it together in our living room. Of course, it's full of stuff so the cats don't climb in it. The crib has a ton of stuff in it, too, so that they don't lay in that either. Soon we're going to have to start keeping the bedroom door closed so they get used to not sleeping in there once Anthony is born.

The Godfather

Anthony now as both godparents! This past weekend we asked Matt's best man from the wedding, Nick, to be Anthony's godfather. He was a little taken aback, but happily accepted the position.

34 Weeks

Anthony and I have hit 34 weeks which means we only have six(ish) left! He's now the size of a butternut squash and has already turned upside down in preparation for his grand entrance into the world. We went to the doctor today and he's doing well; I heard his heartbeat and he's growing right on schedule!

Yesterday I ordered two of the items off of our Target registry that we didn't receive at the shower: a toy net that we'll need for the stuffed animals that are currently taking up space in Anthony's crib and a 3-in-1 rocker/ napper that doubles as a bouncy chair. (We originally had that on our Babies 'R' Us registry, but I found it on Target for $10 less and we also had a gift card from the shower there.)

Mom and Dad are planning on ordering our crib bedding set this weekend as well as the changing table pad and cover. I'm very excited because, even though we have plenty of sheets, I'd like a matching set for when he's old enough to use the comforter. Mom also wants to get us the Baby Brezza, which would be a huge help when doing late night feedings! (If you're formula feeding and haven't looked into this gadget, you should! It's basically a Keurig for formula!)

Matt and I have pretty much cleared out the mess that was our house after the shower! We've put together the swing (Cristina helped me with that), the stroller, car seat, and bases, as well as the pack 'n' play. We have the clothes organized and put away as well as most of the other gear that we received. Now we just need to find something to do with all the baby gift bags we have...

And, last, but not least, I have finished the shower thank yous! I started them on Monday and finished them last night so all we need to do is buy stamps and send them out!

March Shower

Today was my baby shower! We had it at Tony and Penny's Restaurant in Ludlow, MA and it was wonderful! We were served a wonderful breakfast including waffles with strawberries and whipped cream. Matt, Anthony, and I got wonderful gifts from our family and friends (including our travel system!) and I had a great time. I'll post some of the pictures of the room and me with family below.

Thank you to everyone who attended and especially to mine and Matt's mothers who did a wonderful job planning and hosting the shower!

Gifted

We've received more gifts in the past two weeks from those unable to attend our shower!

Kara bought us a set of bibs and burp clothes as well as pacifiers and a teether. All of which will get a TON of use once Anthony is born!

From Sophie (and Erik) we received a set of swaddlers off of our registry. Another gift that will go to good use since Anthony can't sleep under a blanket when he's first born.

The other day we received our Baby Bjorn, by far Matt's favorite gift, from Meagan, Amanda, Margaret, and Komal! (Matt can't wait to use that for when we take Anthony to Friars games!)

And today, I came into work to find my desk decorated and a gift from my coworker and friend, Sarah! She bought a basket and filled it with little things including some onesies and a couple toys, diaper wipes, a bath set, and a couple books. (She got us Put Me in the Zoo, One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish, and The Foot Book!)

Thank you everyone for the wonderful gifts! We'll be sending your thank yous out shortly!!

33 Weeks

Anthony and I have reached our 33rd week! Only 7 more to go (hopefully) until Matt and I meet baby Anthony for the first time! He is now about the size of a durian, which I have never heard of, but it looks like a prickly porcupine of a fruit. He's continuing to grow and develop, moving around constantly and making my stomach move all over. As for me, my metabolic rate is raised which is why I'm hungry all the time and overheating constantly.

So I went on a bit of a shopping spree for Anthony this past week. Matt's bonus came in last week at the same time half of the baby stores in existence were running sales. I bought a bunch of clothes from Carter's, Crazy 8, The Children's Place, and Old Navy as well as some baby supplies (burp clothes and bibs) from Target. Anthony will be one well-dressed baby boy!

I had my dad dig up a picture of my mom and I from when she was pregnant with my brother. I posted it last week to Instagram and Facebook as my throwback Thursday. One of the comments left was from my uncle who suggested that we retake the photo this weekend at my baby shower, which I think is awesome. It'll be a reverse of this photo:

I'll be sure to post it after my shower on Saturday! So excited!