Our little bambino is the size of a honeydew melon (again) or head of romaine lettuce.  She’s still packing on the pounds and is growing at the rate of an ounce a day.  She now weighs almost 6 pounds and is about 18-19 inches long.  I’m excited to say that at the end of this week she’s considered full-term.

This week I spent a few days at school working but the remainder of the week at home preparing the house and the nursery as well as shopping for a few things I needed to decorate the nursery.  Dusty went with his Grandma to visit his Aunt and Mom (who’s already there visiting for a while) in Indianapolis.  I was a little sad not to be able to go but it’s getting a little close to our due date to be thinking about getting on an airplane so I spent the entire weekend doing a lot of cleaning, sewing and spending some time with friends and family, keeping myself busy.  

Gender & Name: It’s not a surprise that we’re having a little girl but everyone’s second questions is about the name.  We’ve started talking about names again.  We thought we had a name and we think we still might have a name but we’ve decided to do a little more thinking to see if we’ve chosen the right one so, because of our indecisiveness, we’re not making it official until we meet her.

Weight Gain: Not only is our little bambino gaining a lot of weight, so is mommy.  I gained 3 pounds this week.  I blame it on a weekend-filled with eating.

Maternity Clothes: Lots of maternity dresses, maxi dresses and maxi skirts with maternity tops.  The weather’s still cool (in the 80s) and it’s been lovely.  I don’t dread going outside or being in my car.

Sleep: I’m still having erratic sleeping patterns but can go back to sleep relatively fast.  I was never a huge pillow person but these past few months I’ve been adding more and more pillows slowly.  Now I’m up to four, one for my head, one for my back, one to prop up my belly and one between my legs to help with my back and belly as well.

Food: Not a lot of specific cravings this week but I sure have been hungry.  There was one night that Dusty took me on a walk and I wanted a root beer float.  This isn’t completely out of the ordinary because there have been times in the past (before I was pregnant) that I craved a root beer float but lately I’ve wanted chocolate ice cream so I guess I was ready for a switch.

My emails and books say that I might get heartburn right about now because of the way the baby is laying and pushing up against everything but I haven’t had any problems (which I feel grateful for).

Movement:  This week our little bambino has started to slow down a bit.  Towards the beginning of the week she was doing a lot of moving but as she continues to get bigger I can tell she’s snuggling up and can’t kick and punch like she did before.

Belly Button:  We have an outie!

Mood: I had another good week.  Every once in a while I feel stressed because I want to get so many things done during the day (and feel like I would if I wasn’t pregnant) but get worn out relatively easy.  I’m learning that I have to do a little of this and a little of that and then come back to it a few hours a later.  I went shopping earlier in the week and after three hours found myself in the car parked at one of the stores feeling so worn out that I decided it was time to cut my errands short and go home.

I was a little down towards the end of the week but that all has to do with me getting a bit of a summer cold.  Friday evening I started having a sore throat, which led to me barely sleeping that night.  By Saturday evening I was going through a lot of tissues and blowing my nose constantly.  I still have it but it’s a bit more manageable.  I hate summer colds under normal conditions but being pregnant and tired and not able to take any kind of real medicine makes it a little more difficult.  I hope this cold is gone very soon!

Pregnancy Symptoms: I most definitely feel some of the third trimester symptoms of pregnancy.  I didn’t realize how much pelvic pressure I’d have.  I know, over sharing a little much but our little bambino must really be getting ready for birth.  I no longer walk but waddle and I still have some back pain.

I’m getting better at knowing how to prevent it or feel less of its effects.  We learned at our baby class last weekend that sitting on a workout ball could help and it does, so any time I’m sewing or sitting I try to use the workout ball.  And then what also helps is to just not be in the same position for a long time.

Best Moment(s) This Week: Best moment(s) this week were going to our doctor’s appointment, they’re now weekly until we deliver our little bambino, attending book club, ordering prints for the nursery, and spending some time with friends and family this weekend.  There were so many wonderful things that happened this week!  I think that normally they might not make my best moments list but the closer I get to delivery the more the small things seem to really matter.

Exciting news, I’m officially 1 cm dilated and the baby’s heartbeat sounds good.  It’s a start and we’ll see this next week how things are progressing.

As it gets closer to my delivery and knowing how little I might get out of the house for a while little things like getting together with girlfriends is becoming a priority.  I had a great time laughing with everyone at Book Club and listening to everyone’s stories from the past month.  And then this weekend I met up with a friend for a pedicure and more girl talk.  I also was able to sit by the pool with a couple other friends and then to end the weekend I went to paint pottery with my mom, sister and her kids.

Missing Anything: This week I really missed Dusty.  He left early on Thursday to visit his family so I’ve spent a lot of the week by myself and miss him being around to talk to.

I’ve also been missing the ability to exercise like a normal person.  At book club there was a lot of discussion about exercising and eating healthy.  I was a little jealous that I wasn’t really able to participate much.  Exercising because of the baby and the healthy eating because it just doesn’t sound all that much fun when there’s ice cream calling my name across the street.  But in all seriousness, I bought pregnancy exercise videos, which I did quite a bit while I was in Paris, but haven’t gone back into since we’ve gotten back to the States.  Just today I decided to try and fit small amounts of exercise into my daily routine.  I think it’ll help with some of my soreness as well.  And so today I walked on the treadmill and did part of my pregnancy exercise video.  It was a nice feeling! I’ll be excited when I can really start exercising though and use something a little heavier than 3-pound weights!

Looking Forward To: I’m looking forward to saying that I’m full-term next week.  I’m also looking forward to my weekly doctor’s visits to see how I’m progressing.

Weekly Picture:  This week’s picture was taken at the Mastercraft building and was taken by Bridget, one of the interns at FlyWheel because Dusty was gone the last part of the week.  I’m wearing one of those black maternity dresses from Target that I’ve mentioned in previous posts and live in most of the time.  I have three different styles and wear them constantly.

***My weekly posts are written during the week and then posted the following week, after I’ve taken my weekly picture and I’ve had time to edit them.***

Our bambino isn’t so small anymore; she’s about 18 inches long and over 5 pounds.  She’s the size of a honeydew melon or coconut.   She doesn’t have much room to move around and is very snug in my womb although that doesn’t stop her from kicking and shoving.  My weekly emails tell us that her basic physical development is now complete and for the next few weeks she’s just putting on weight.

Weight Gain: I’ve gained another pound this week.

Maternity Clothes: I wore lots of t-shirts and gym shorts as well as maternity dresses at the beginning of the week and then this weekend it cooled down and was in the 80s (and 70s in the evening) so I got a chance to wear my maternity capris again.

Sleep: A friend of mine asked me how I was sleeping and my response was, “Well, last night I slept great but that was because I was so exhausted from a lack of sleep the two nights prior that I feel really rested today.”  I’d say that’s how things are going these days.  I’ll get a few not so good days of sleep and then one or two really good days of sleep.  I’m losing a lot of the energy that I normally had and by the end of the day I’m just exhausted from doing my daily routine.  I’m still having crazy dreams.

Food: This week I craved eggs and toast with peanut butter and jelly.  I blame this craving on a friend of mine who I visited while she was eating lunch one day.  I don’t know what it was about the scrambled eggs and toast but I went home and had breakfast for dinner.  And then ate it for breakfast the next day and for lunch later this week.  And of course, I’m still enjoying those lovely desserts.

Movement:  Even with the little room she has, she’s still finding space to move around.  She likes to snuggle her rear end up in my ribs and it makes it a little difficult to breath at times.  I gently maneuver her so she’s not so far up in my ribs and she seems content for a while before trying to snuggle up again.

Belly Button:  No going back, it’s an outie.  When I laugh it’s funny to see my outie shake and pop out even more.

Mood: I felt really good this week.  I think the key to my good mood is having an understanding husband.  Dusty’s been great and helped out a lot this weekend to get the nursery ready!  We now have a dresser and shelves installed!  I don’t want to make it sounds like everything’s perfect and smelling of roses though.  I do get tired a lot easier and so later in the evenings I’m most definitely a little more irritable then normal and at that point I know it’s time for bed.

Pregnancy Symptoms: Our little bambino likes to bury her head right into my bladder and I’m taking a lot of bathroom breaks.  I’m still having a lot of aches and pains in my back and have to make sure not to sit or lay in the same position for an extended amount of time to lessen the negative effects.  I don’t think I’ve had any contractions yet but I’m not sure if this is because I just don’t know what I’m supposed to feel or it they haven’t happened yet.  I have a feeling it’s the latter and that they’ll be coming soon.

Best Moment(s) This Week: Best moment(s) this week were going to our birthing class on Saturday and going to our car seat installation appointment.  So, maybe these weren’t the best moments of the week (the birthing class was a few hours too long for my liking) but they sure did make me feel so much more prepared for our little bambino’s arrival.

We now have a car seat installed and ready to go!  The appointment was great because it was one-on-one with us an expert so we arrived, got specific directions on our car and our car seat and then got to leave!  The birthing class wasn’t as easy.  We spent our entire Saturday learning all of the necessary information about going through labor and bringing our little girl home, and had to sit through a lot of information that was repeated over and over again.  We were told quite a few times “it just depends and you’ll have to ask your doctor.”  I know all of the information was necessary and very helpful so I’m glad we went to the class.  It does make me more comfortable with the idea of going into labor and there not being so many unknowns.

Missing Anything: This week I really miss sushi.  I told Dusty that might be one of my first meals after our little bambino is born.  I’m also missing a pain-free, ache-free body.  I really can’t complain too much about the aches and pains, I know friends who have had it way worse and for a much longer period of time but I am most definitely not all that comfortable.

Looking Forward To: I’m looking forward to my summer classes being over.  I’m done teaching in two weeks!  I’m also looking forward to being able to say next week that I’m due in just one month!!!  From that point I can start counting down the days and not the months or weeks.  And finally, I’m looking forward to our first weekly doctor’s appointment.  Our doctor will start “checking” to see how I’m progressing and when the little girl might be coming home.

Weekly Picture:  This week’s picture was taken at the Mastercraft building, where Dusty works.  I’m wearing an Old Navy maternity top and Gap maternity capris.

I have another funny picture for you this week.  As I said before, we try to make our weekly baby bump photography sessions fun.  This week I was trying to show Dusty how strong I’m going to be when I go into labor.  Ever since our Saturday birthing class we’ve been pumping ourselves up for the big day!

***My weekly posts are written during the week and then posted the following week, after I’ve taken my weekly picture and I’ve had time to edit them.***

The weeks are going fast and I’m starting to wonder when our little bambino will be joining us in her new home.  Up until this point actually having our bambino was so far in the future that it was hard to start planning what came next but the time is now upon us.  This week I had my last bi-weekly doctor’s appointment and got our maternity pictures taken.  In two weeks we start having weekly doctor visits!

Our little bambino is almost five pounds now and about 18 inches long.  She’s the size of a cantaloupe or butternut squash.  Our little girl can recognize and react to simple songs so we’ve been playing her music!  We got some great CDs from one of Dusty’s Aunts and I found a free app for my phone with lullabies so we’ve been playing those for her.  Dusty even makes up his own lullabies and sings those when he’s feeling really inspired.

Weight Gain: Officially, I gained about 1.5 pounds these past two weeks.  This was at the beginning of the week so I’m sure it was really more like 2 pounds by the end.

Maternity Clothes: Lots of t-shirts and shorts at the house and maternity dresses when I venture outside.

Sleep: Sleep continues to be difficult for a number of reasons including restroom breaks in the middle of the night, weird dreams, waking up to another item I need to add to my to-do list, the heat, achy back, and just restlessness in general.  This morning I woke up at 5am and couldn’t go back to sleep so I got up, did a few things around the house for a few hours and then went back to sleep for an hour.

Food: I’m still craving all of the delicious food around me while trying to maintain some will power!  I’ve decided it’s not a good idea to send a pregnant lady to the grocery store alone for several reasons.  One reason, I brought home dark chocolate covered caramels with sea salt and little donuts.  My second reason is that I decided if I had this baby early we needed to have groceries stocked up, otherwise Dusty would purchase groceries (until I was able to again) at Cubby’s (the corner store).  So, I bought lots of random things we could stock up on like paper towels, toilet paper, pasta noodles, Diet Mountain Dew, etc.

Movement:  She’s moving constantly.  When we went to the doctor this week our doctor said our little bambino was head down and that she was looking out so her pokes and shoves were very easy to feel.  She’s since moved to so her little rear end is to one side and she’s looking to the other side, still head down (or at least that’s what it feels like).

Belly Button:  No going back, it’s an outie.

Mood: For the most part, I’m feeling good and just trying to stay busy so the waiting doesn’t seem so long.  I’m most definitely an emotional ball of worms at times but Dusty’s been such a great husband, always saying the right things, doing nice things for me, and making me feel better!  It’s so crazy how the smallest thing can bring tears to my eyes or get me just a little more frustrated than usual.

Pregnancy Symptoms: My belly is most definitely the center of the attention and is only getting bigger by the week.  I love my growing belly and can’t imagine what it’ll look like in a month.  I went through my pregnancy with very few negative pregnancy symptoms but I’ve started feeling them these past few weeks.  The major symptoms include a lot of backaches, having difficulty sitting in one position for any lengthy amount of time, and feeling this summer heat!

Best Moment(s) This Week: Best moment(s) this week were getting our maternity pictures taken, attending a baby shower co-hosted by two of my close friends, Kate & Robin, and celebrating my sister’s 30th birthday.

Missing Anything: This week I’ve missed being able to do things on my own.  I’m really starting to have to rely on others more, mainly Dusty.  Normally I’d put something on a shelf or unload the groceries or carry something to my car without a second thought but now I have to ask for help with the smallest of things.  And then I’m feeling guilty about having to ask for help.  So weird, I know, to not want to ask for help when I’m almost 8 months pregnant but I sure can’t wait to be a little more independent again.

Looking Forward To: I’m looking forward to a productive week at home, teaching and finishing up some projects around the apartment.  I’m also looking forward to our From Belly to Bassinet class we’re taking at the hospital this coming weekend.  I know it’ll be long day but there are so many things that I’m sure we’ll learn.

Weekly Picture:  This week’s picture was taken by our place in the Old Market.  The dress is Forever 21.

***My weekly posts are written during the week and then posted the following week, after I’ve taken my weekly picture and I’ve had time to edit them.***

Things continue to be busy this week and I have a feeling they’ll stay this way until our bambino arrives.  Dusty’s trying to work as much as possible so he can feel caught up and a little less stressed when the baby comes, and that leaves me getting the house prepared.  I spent the week working from home, teaching, cleaning, and watching my nieces.

This week our bambino is the size of a durian (does anyone really know what that is) or a pineapple (again).  She’s about 17 inches in length and over 4 pounds now.  This week I worked a lot on the nursery, moving things around and getting rid of a lot of unnecessary things we’ve (really, I’ve) been holding on to for way too long.  Our trip to Minneapolis was a success so there were also a few things we bought for the nursery that needed to be put together.  The nursery is looking really good but there are piles of stuff sitting all over our place that need to either go in storage, go back to their original owner or need to find a new home.

Weight Gain: I gained about 1.5 pounds these past two weeks.  Don’t ask me how I did that because I was sure I would be up at least 4 pounds in the past two weeks.

Maternity Clothes: It’s getting hotter!  The weather is in the 90s and I’m feeling it.  When I’m at home I wear t-shirts and shorts and when I leave the apartment I wear one of the black cotton maternity dresses I own or wear one of my more colorful maternity dresses when I’m doing something a little more special (like when I plan on seeing someone I know).

Sleep: This tells you it all, I have bags under my eyes and I just don’t think they’re going away anytime soon.  It’s hard to find a comfortable position and I’m waking up quite a bit in the middle of the night because I feel uncomfortable, am hot, have to use the restroom or just start thinking about something I need to put on my to-do list.

Food: Lots of ice cream this week!  I’m a fan of chocolate!

Movement:  Still love those pokes and jabs she makes.  We’re starting to be able to tell how she’s laying.  Last week her little rear end was up against my right side but she’s moved a little and she must be facing out to the world with her feet near my ribs (so she’s upside down).

Belly Button:  No going back, it’s an outie.

Mood: I’m feeling really good about getting so much accomplished.  My to-do list that needs to be accomplished before our bambino arrives is still long but I’ve been crossing a lot off my list.

Best Moment(s) This Week: Best moment(s) this week were going to the pool with my nieces, co-hosting another sewing partying at my place and attending my family baby shower.  So many exciting things happened this week.  I went swimming while I was in Minneapolis last weekend and loved it!!!  I thought that swimming almost 8 months pregnant wouldn’t be my thing but it’s actually really relaxing so I went out and bought a maternity swimsuit and asked my nieces if they wanted to go to the pool (they were a great excuse to go).

Saturday I co-hosted a sewing party with my friend Beth and we made ironing board covers.  There were five of us and we had a blast.  I’ll post something about it soon.  It was nice to relax and forget about my to-do list for a few hours.

Sunday my sister and sister-in-law threw me a beautiful baby shower!!!  It was so overwhelming to have so many family and close friends together, celebrating our little bambino.  She’s a lucky little girl and so are Dusty and I.  We had three soon-to-be great-grandmas there, which was so amazing.  And I can’t forget to thank all those other people who helped with the party as well.

Missing Anything: This week I’ve been missing sleep!  And of course, this is something that I’m not getting it back anytime soon.  It’s only going to get worse so I’m trying to be thankful for the sleep and naps I do get.

Looking Forward To: I’m still looking forward to our doctor’s appointment next week (I thought it was last week but it’s not until Monday)!  I’m also looking forward to our maternity photo shoot (but a little anxious about finding a cute outfit)!

Weekly Picture:  This week’s picture was taken at my Mother-in-law’s house after our family baby shower.  She has beautiful flowers all around the house and I thought it would be an excellent backdrop to the pictures this week.  The dress is maternity from Gap.

***My weekly posts are written during the week and then posted the following week, after I’ve taken my weekly picture and I’ve had time to edit them.***

This post is coming a little late.  I can’t believe how fast the days are going and how little I feel like I’ve accomplished since we’ve gotten home from Paris.  I know we are getting a lot done to prepare for the bambino but the to-do list keeps getting longer.

This week our bambino is the size of a large jicama or squash and is about 16 1/2 inches in length and about 4 pounds.  This week was spent teaching my summer classes (mostly from home and then in class on Friday), catching up with friends, and going to Minneapolis for a last visit before our little one arrives.  The weekly emails we get say that this is the time to start connecting with our bambino, making sure to sing to her and when she is pushing or kicking in one spot, rub or push back gently.

Weight Gain: I’m going to the doctor’s every two weeks now so I decided to just wait until I visit next week before weighting myself.  That means I can worry about it later.

Maternity Clothes: This week was it cooled down a little in Omaha.  There were a few days in the mid 80s and then the rest of the week of in the 90s.  I have three black cotton maternity dresses from Target and I’ve been wearing those nonstop.

Sleep: I’ve officially adjusted to the time difference but this week has also signaled a change in my sleeping.  I’m waking up early, no matter what time I go to bed.  I work from home most days and could sleep in as late as I wanted but instead, I’m getting up at 7am.  And still getting up in the middle of the night.  It’s getting more and more difficult to get comfortable.  I’m using 4 pillows to prop me up on all sides.

Food: We’ve been getting into a routine of eating at home but it seems like so much more work to make dinner than it was a couple of weeks ago.  I’m making a lot of simple meals so I don’t have to dirty a lot of dishes and go to the grocery store all of the time.

Movement:  Lots of movement from our little bambino these days.  Dusty describes it as an alien in my belly, and often times that’s what it feels like.

Belly Button:  No going back, it’s an outie.

Mood: Overall, it’s been another great week.  I think that pregnancy has made me in a really happy mood (for the most part).  These past few months I’ve laughed at Dusty’s stories and jokes more than I ever have before.  I’ve always thought Dusty was funny and told some of the most entertaining stories but I can’t tell if he’s getting funnier or if it’s just the pregnancy that makes me laugh at everything he says (even when he’s making fun of me).

I’m still feeling more sentimental and emotional these days but it’s always because of the wonderful things happening!  I find myself thinking about Dusty being a dad or us being a family of three or how much our parents are doing for us and start getting tears in my eyes.

Best Moment(s) This Week: Best moment(s) this week were catching up with friends and family and going to Minneapolis to visit some of Dusty’s family and do a little shopping for the nursery in the big city.

Missing Anything: I’m missing my old body.  My back is starting to ache a lot more and it’s not only difficult to get out of bed but it’s also a little painful.  I’m glad this hasn’t gone on for the entire 9 months I was pregnant!  It’s a lot more difficult to stay in one position for a long period of time.

Looking Forward To: I’m looking forward to our doctor’s appointment next week and the family baby shower!  I’m also looking forward to cleaning out the spare bedroom that will become the nursery.  My mom is coming over to help clean out the closet and organize everything and my Mother-in-law is going to paint for us! We have some wonderful Moms!

Weekly Picture:  This week’s picture was taken by our apartment in the Old Market.  The dress is maternity from Target.

***My weekly posts are written during the week and then posted the following week, after I’ve taken my weekly picture and I’ve had time to edit them.***

This week our bambino is the size of a pineapple and is approximately 15-16 inches in length and weighs 3-4 pounds.  The first part of the week we spent doing lots of nostalgic Paris things like going to the Eiffel Tower for lunch and then going at night to see all of the sparkles, and of course, eating crepes.  The later part of the week was spent traveling home and then attending two baby showers as well as seeing family and friends.

Weight Gain: I went in for a check-up Friday and was happy to hear that I only gained 5 pounds over the past 5 weeks! I was quite sure the nurse was going to tell me I had doubled my weight and that I was going to have to really be careful these last few weeks.  That means a total weight gain of 15 pounds.  I guess all that walking around Paris really paid off.

Maternity Clothes: This week was a little cooler and rainy while in Paris so I’ve been wearing maxi dresses and then when we got back to Omaha it was a bit warmer, 80s and so I wore lots of cotton maternity dresses.  It’s so different adjusting to these warmer temperatures.  I’m spending a lot more time in doors with the air conditioning on.

Sleep: With the time shift of returning from Paris, in addition to the wake up calls of pregnancy, I had a bit of trouble sleeping the second half of the week.  I’m going to bed early and then waking up very early in the morning.  By Sunday, I was completely exhausted.

Food: Now that I’m back in the states I really do love Kit Kat bars.  Not sure what it is about them but they’re lovely!  Otherwise, I’m just trying to get back in the habit of grocery shopping and not going to the open market right out my front door twice a week.

Movement:  She still loves wiggling her little butt and moving around.  We had a quick ultra sound during our check-up and it was great to find out what little parts were moving where.  Her cute little rear end is right up against my right side and I feel a lot of pushing on that side. We feel her hiccups on occasion as well.

Belly Button:  No going back, it’s an outie.

Mood:  The bambino and I had another good week.  I was most definitely tired by the end of the week, with all of our traveling and then baby showers, but it was all worth it.  It was so good to see our family and friends.  Those hormones have most definitely started kicking into gear again.  I found myself waking up crying a little Sunday morning, thinking about how lucky we are to have such wonderful friends and family around that care so much about us.

Best Moment(s) This Week: Best moment(s) this week were spending our last few days in Paris together.  The day after our anniversary we went for a picnic at the Eiffel Tower, the same exact thing we were doing 7 years ago when Dusty proposed.  The other great moments this week were seeing friends and family at the baby showers our friends threw for us. And finally, seeing our little bambino during the ultra sound and hearing her heartbeat.  It’s so reassuring to hear she’s growing faster than ever and doing really good.

Missing Anything: I’m missing being able to travel easily and sleep on airplanes! Although everyone was very nice through the entire process, it was not the most comfortable and I was very glad to be home after almost 24 hours of traveling.

Looking Forward To: I’m looking forward to preparing for our little bambino and putting the nursery together. The stroller, car seat and crib are on the way!

Weekly Picture: This week’s picture was taken by our apartment in the Old Market after one of the baby showers.  The dress is from Target.

***My weekly posts are written during the week and then posted the following week, after I’ve taken my weekly picture and I’ve had time to edit them.***

This week our bambino is the size of a cucumber (I’m assuming that’s height) or the size of a large cabbage (that’s more like it).  The later part of the week was spent rushing around Paris doing all of the things we wanted to do but hadn’t done yet.  Dusty still worked a lot but we did find a few days to go out to lunch or dinner and see a few of the sights.  We also celebrated our 6th wedding anniversary (and last one before we’re a family of three).

Maternity Clothes: This week was a little cooler and rainy with most of the week in the 60s so I’ve been wearing maternity jeans and t-shirts or long maxi dresses.

Sleep: I’m most definitely starting to feel the symptoms of being 30 weeks pregnant.  I’m waking up more often in the middle of the night and finding it a little more difficult to find a comfortable sleeping position.  I’m still able to go back to sleep easily when I do wake up and am feeling refreshed in the morning.

Food: It’s crazy to see how much food I could consume if I wanted.  I can most definitely eat just as much as Dusty and sometimes more if I wanted.

Movement:  She loves to move around.  She especially loves kicking and punching (sounds so violent but it’s really not or at least not yet) on my right side, she must be really comfortable over there.  You can still find me beckoning Dusty to put his hand on my stomach to feel her move.  I still can’t get over how much she moves.

Belly Button:  It’s officially an outie.  As you can see in this week’s photo, it’s poking out just a bit (click on the image if you’d like to see it larger)!

Mood: This week was great!  I’m feeling really good and have actually enjoyed the cooler weather.  It’s so nice to have the windows of our place open and enjoy the cool breeze (I know it’s not going to be like that when we get home to the 90s).

Best Moment(s) This Week: Best moment(s) this week was celebrating our anniversary on Sunday.

Missing Anything: Being it’s our last full week in Paris I was missing all of the wonderful things I would normally be eating and drinking in Paris including those lovely cheeses and wine.

Looking Forward To: Although I love our time in Paris, I’m looking forward to being at home and getting ready for our little girl to arrive!  We were so busy before we left that we haven’t bought anything (except a dresser) or done anything for the nursery.

Weekly Picture:  This week’s picture was taken at the Parc du Champ de Mars.  The Champ de Mars is a long stretch of grass right at the base of the Eiffel Tower giving you a magnificent view of the Eiffel Tower.  We were actually a good half mile away from the Eiffel Tower on the grass and it gave us a perfect view of the tower.  This week I’m wearing a black maxi skirt that I made and a Target maternity top.  The scarf is my newest souvenir from Paris.

Weekly picture of me with the Eiffel Tower behind.

This week our bambino is the size of a butternut squash.  We spent another great week in Paris.  Dusty worked a lot again.  I enjoyed a couple of afternoons at the park and started prepping for my summer classes.  Dusty did find some time to leave the apartment this weekend and Friday we went for a great lunch at Verjus.  Then on Saturday went for a long walk around the city, ending with some great steak frites at Le Relais de l’Entrecôte.  Sunday was Father’s day and we took some time to relax together at the park.

When I’m out and about I spend a lot of time watching parents with their children (and looking at strollers–I love all of the European style strollers).  Dusty and I talk often about what it will be like to come to Paris with our little bambino.  We’re not sure when that will happen but we do know it will happen!

Gender & Name: We have a name picked our for our little bambino but we’re not making it official until we meet her.

Weight Gain:  No scale in Paris! I’ve been eating a lot of fruits and vegetables but I’m also in love with nutella so I’m not sure what that means for my weight gain.

Maternity Clothes: The week was split between the high 70s and lower 60s so I’ve been wearing cotton dresses when it’s warmer and maternity jeans and t-shirts when it’s cooler.

Sleep: This week I’ve started waking up in the middle of the night a little more than usual.  My belly is most definitely getting bigger and it’s getting more difficult to stay comfortable so I wake up every few hours to switch from laying on one side to the other.  No complaining though, I go back to sleep very easily and wake up feeling refreshed.

Food: I’m trying to get all of the nutrients I need to keep our bambino healthy so I’ve been trying to eat a lot of fruits, vegetables and grains.  Specifically, lots of bananas, raspberries, peaches, oranges, avocados, green beans, and lentils.  And yes, I’m still craving sweets!

Movement:  She’s still a mover and a shaker and we love it.  It’s so much fun to feel her move around all of the time.  I haven’t felt any braxton hicks which my weekly emails say can start at anytime.

Belly Button:  It’s still half in, half out.

Mood: Bambino and I have been in a great mood this week.  Like I said a few weeks ago, who wouldn’t be in a good mood spending a month in Paris.

Best Moment(s) This Week: Best thing this week was spending quality time with Dusty.  I’m cherishing every moment we have together while I can.  I can’t put into words how much I’ve loved going through this pregnancy with Dusty and being able to share it with him.  He’s been such a supportive husband and couldn’t have asked for a better partner.

Missing Anything: This week I’ve really missed lying on my stomach.  I really missed lying on my stomach when I went to the park and just wanted to sprawl out on my blanket (most definitely can’t do that) and then during the night when it gets difficult to sleep.

Looking Forward To: Looking forward to our last week in Paris!  During the last week we’re always trying to fit in as many fun things as we can before we leave.

Weekly Picture:  This week’s picture was taken outside our apartment at the Bastille.  This time around you can actually see the monument in the background.  I’m wearing a sleeveless striped black maternity dress from H&M (different then the one I wore a couple weeks ago) and a pink scarf I bought on a vacation many years ago.

Welcome to the third trimester! This week our bambino is the size of an eggplant.  My weekly baby email updates say that our little girl weighs around 2.5 pounds and measures about 14 inches long.

I spent this week lounging around the apartment, updating our blog, and spending some quality time with Dusty.

Gender & Name: We still like the name we’ve picked out and are trying to think of a backup just in case we decide it doesn’t work when we actually meet her.

Weight Gain:  No scale in Paris means I don’t need to feel guilty for eating all of the delicious food.  In all seriousness though, I’ve actually been eating pretty darn healthy, lots of fresh fruits and vegetables since we go the market twice a week.

Maternity Clothes: Paris has had beautiful weather this week.  It’s been in the high 70s and low 80s for most f the week.  This weekend has cooled down a little and is back in the high 60s/low 70s, which is perfect weather!  I’ve been wearing cotton maternity dresses like the one in my picture this week or a t-shirt and gym shorts when I’m around the apartment.

Sleep: Paris is at the same latitude as the Canadian border and because it’s further north, stays lighter later into the evening.  With this and then with Dusty working late because of the time difference, I’ve been staying up later and getting up later in the morning as well.  I’ve had a few nights that have been a little more difficult to sleep but overall, I’m sleeping comfortably.

Food: No specific cravings but I’ve really enjoyed all of the fresh fruits at the market.  I’m eating a lot of peaches, strawberries and avocados.  And of course, I’m in love with nutella with baguettes.

Movement:  This week has marked the beginning of a huge change.  I can see how the third-trimester can seem long and tiring.  Our bambino is moving around more vigorously and I can feel her jabs and kicks regularly.  Dusty’s able to feel her movements and sometimes see her movements as well.  At least once during the day I’m beaconing Dusty over to feel her violent moves.  Needless to say, I know it’s only going to get worse as she gets bigger and stronger and has less room to move around.

Belly Button:  My belly button is officially half in, half out most of the time.

Mood: Overall, I’ve been in an excellent mood this week.  I have been a little more emotional this past week and getting sentimental at times, looking at the other little bambinos on the sidewalk and thinking about what life’s going to be like when we’re a party of three.

Best Moment(s) This Week: Best moments this week: 1) The beautiful Paris weather and 2) Going on an adventure with Dusty.  We first went to ‪Galeries Lafayette, a huge upscale department store (can you believe Dusty suggested we go).  They have shops like Versace, Valentino, Gucci, and Prada.  They have the world’s largest shoe department, which I’m sad to say, I didn’t get to see because the place was a complete zoo and the size of several city blocks.  In fact, we did no traditional shopping.  I would not suggest going on a Saturday afternoon (although I’m sure it’s busy every day of the week).  Our sole desire was to go to the grocery department (and yes, this is why Dusty suggested we go), which was like a gourmet supermarket with kiosks of some of the highest end products you’ll ever see.  After Galeries Lafayette we strolled around the Eiffel Tower and went to dinner at a restaurant we’ve wanted to try out.

Missing Anything: Not missing anything at all!

Looking Forward To: I am a bit excited to go home in a couple of weeks and start on the nursery but for right now I’m enjoying this quality time with Dusty (in between his work).

Weekly Picture:  This week’s picture was taken outside the Louvre when we went on adventure.  I’m wearing a black maternity dress from Target and a handmade necklace.

***My weekly posts are written during the week and then posted the following week, after I’ve taken my weekly picture and I’ve had time to edit them.***