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Happy Monday, friends! I hope everyone had a fun and restful weekend.
I’m super excited for today because not only do I get to share our most recent bump date with you all, but I’m also teaming up with some other expecting mamas to share an awesome giveaway of some of our favorite products for new mamas and little ones. So, if you are expecting or know someone who is, you definitely do not want to miss this.
36 Week Pregnancy Update
And just like that, we’re at 36 weeks with this littlest one! That means that he really could be joining us any day and as excited as I am, I would be lying if I said I wasn’t having a little bit of a hard time wrapping my head around what it will be like to have another baby in our house.
How far along? 36 weeks + 4 days. It’s crazy to me. This pregnancy is FLYING by. I think it especially starts to get real when the doctors appointments become every 2 weeks rather than monthly and even more quickly now that they are every week.
Maternity clothes? Yes and no. I’m basically wearing whatever fits these days since we are so close. That means maternity jeans and leggings. Maternity tops and sweaters, and over sized long-sleeve tees (and in this photo, an oversized pajama shirt…#truelife #noshame) Not feeling particularly stylish, but still have enough things in my closet to where I do not want to buy any maternity specific clothing at this point. I’ve been super grateful this pregnancy for hand-me-down maternity sweaters and my own non-maternity clothes that have been getting me through.
Stretch marks? How can you even tell after you’ve already had a baby? I’ve been keeping an eye out for any “new” stretchmarks this pregnancy, but my belly just looks large. I can’t tell what’s new and what’s been there. I’ve been a lot more diligent about keeping my skin well moisturized this pregnancy and it’s paid off. If there are new stretchmarks, they aren’t dark or distinctly new. But I could be wrong.
Sleep: Eh. I haven’t slept through the night in a while. Between Little waking up 1-2 times at night and my own getting up to use the bathroom (or just to turn over, let’s be real), I’m up at least 3-4 times/night. I’ve also been waking up early, too. I don’t hate it though. I’ve been feeling good during the day and am trying to make the most of my mornings. I know that soon those mornings won’t be as flexible.
Best moment this week: Going to the doctor and confirming baby is head down. This might seem crazy, but it has been my biggest concern as pregnancy has progressed – just wanting to be sure he gets into position for labor.
Movement: Yes – especially at night. It’s like a party in there.
Food cravings: Depends on the day. I ate so much junk over the holidays that I think my body is happy for a little bit of a reset. I’m looking for healthy make-ahead recipes and snacks that I can have on hand for after delivery. (Send me your ideas if you’ve got them!)
Anything making you queasy or sick: Fortunately no.
Labor Signs: Nope. My doctor told me that I might start feeling more Braxton Hicks contractions around now, but I didn’t feel any false contractions with Little and I haven’t with this pregnancy either. When I started feeling contractions, I knew we were close to baby. For reference, I felt my first contractions 4 days after my due date with Little.
Belly Button in or out? Out. Like way out. I can’t even pretend to hide it.
Wedding rings on or off? On. I might be able to make it through with them on. (Fingers crossed!) There is still some wiggle room, so I’m hopeful!
Happy or Moody most of the time: The new year always has me feeling really encouraged and inspired to get things done. I’m in a mix of nesting, but also just motivated to get things done, which makes me really happy. I want to make the most of our time left before baby to get things organized and cleaned up and out. And to spend some really fun quality time as a family of 3.
Weekly Wisdom: Everyday is a new day. So much to be appreciated every single day.
Milestones: I was holding Little recently and Hubs had his arm around me. We were looking in a mirror and asked Little how many people were in our family. He confidently told us there were four and named them all – Mama, Dada, himself, and Hug (The name he’s given the littlest. We still haven’t decided a name.) I feel overwhelmed with joy and anticipation at seeing him transition into his new role as a big brother.
*Side note: Hubs snapped all these photos in the span of about 5 minutes after our New Year’s dinner date. It was close to or below freezing. I also got a pretty significant hair cut recently in preparation for baby since I know it will be a while before I can get into the salon after he’s born.
NEW YEAR, NEW BABY GIVEAWAY!
Now, onto more fun. Like I mentioned, I’ve teamed up with some other expecting mama bloggers for a giveaway of some of our favorite things for baby! This is a really special giveaway because each blogger hand-picked one thing for the giveaway. So, not only are there lots of great prizes ($200 worth of great prizes to be exact!), but each one was especially chosen just for this. If you are expecting, or know someone who is, this is a great opportunity to win something awesome for them!
My Pick: Teething Necklace & Bracelet from Mama Bear’s Baby Beads
For my contribution to the giveaway, I wanted to pick something that was a treat for Mama, too. I love the teething jewelry from Mama Bear’s Baby Beads. These necklaces are made by a local mama here in North Carolina, and are stylish and functional. They are so pretty and come in such a variety of colors and styles.
Not only do they look great for Mom, but they can help soothe baby’s teething gums when that time comes. Anyone who has ever tried to wear a necklace and hold a baby (especially a teething baby) knows that it is nearly impossible to keep your jewelry out of baby’s hands, which is why these are so great to have on hand.
The Other Favorites in the Giveaway
The other prizes in the giveaway include:
Aden & Anais Swaddling Blankets from Justine @ Little Dove Blog
SwaddleMe Blankets from Shani @ Sunshine & Munchkins
Fridababy Bitty Bundle of Joy Healthcare & Grooming Kit from Jenise @ A Toddler & a Topknot
A Boppy Pillow from Marette @ Floradise
Be sure to enter below & share with your friends – the more the merrier! Best of luck!
You look great. Congrats on 36 weeks. I am excited for you and your family.They’re so great for nursing and take no time to make ahead. I like to add flaxseed too. Such a great giveaway.
You look amazing! I remember the last few days and feeling totally read and not ready all at once! Wishing you the best!
I feel exactly the same way. Ready in some ways, totally not in other ways! We’ll be there soon enough though – ready or not!
What a wonderful giveaway, there are so many amazing products out there. Plus you look fabulous.
Thanks so much! We loved being able to host such a fun giveaway!
Mary Leigh, you look so wonderful! And how exciting and scary to be so close to the end. While I don’t know the gender of your baby (I don’t know if you have announced it or not), I am now thinking if it is a boy, perhaps you should go with HUG but add an O on the end for Hugo! You may think it’s weird, but I think it’s cute! Hahaha. My first born arrived at 35 weeks 4 days, so I chuckled a bit because I never experienced the late late stages of pregnancy (my second born arrived at exactly 38 weeks). I wish you a very healthy and easy transition bringing the new one into the world! Thanks so much for sharing your update at my link up!
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
You are right – Shelbee! It is a boy! I’m almost certain that we will go with Hug for the nickname and likely even the blog name although I’m still undecided totally! Our first was 5 days late, so I would be happy to avoid that this pregnancy, but I also am in no rush to be “done” with pregnancy. I am really happy to savor all the time with our family of three before our next big transition. I know once it’s here, we would never trade the new season, but I still want to enjoy this season while we have it left!
The clothing thing..ah..its all coming back to me. I had outfits planned, nice outfits….but I ended up wearing same thins over and over..comfy..and , well, not the most attractive. I love the teething necklace!! I eyed those things in store the whole time my daughter was growing up (shes 4 now). I love the idea of them and would be sooo greatful to get one this time around:)
It can be so hard to dress especially in the last parts if pregnancy!! The teething necklaces are my favorites!
Thanks for linking up to Top of the World Style.
You look absolutely stunning, mama! I can’t wait to enter this giveaway!
Thanks so much!! We’re getting close!
You look so great! This is a fun giveaway!
You look great, mama! Hooray for a head-down baby, too! Best of luck in these final weeks to you! (PS Entered your amazing giveaway! Favorite baby product: Nose Frida and Ergo baby carrier!) XO
Even with baby two, I’m struggling to have favorite baby items haha! We got an automatic rock n play this time, and it is so worth it! Also love Booginhead paci clips and all the Take and Toss cups, bowls, etc. They make life so much easier!
Oh, an automatic rock and play sounds awesome! We LOVE the take and toss cups! They are so easy and so affordable!
Awww you look great Mama! Everything flies and then the last few weeks just drug on for me…..It was the anxiously waiting part. Haha!
http://www.mylittlenest.org
Thank you so much!
Lol! Love your post! Good luck and take care of both of you!
Please stop by at http://www.colorandgrace.com every Monday, Wednesday and Friday for linkup parties! Hope to see you there!
Grace Liang
http://www.colorandgrace.com
Thank you so much! I appreciate you stopping by!
1) Yay for baby being head down! 2) that is so cute your son said 4! 3) I was looking at these photos thinking it must have been a little warm — haha 4) I love your shoes!
Oh my goodness! I was so glad to hear that he was head down; such a relief! We have been enjoying the more mild temps this week, for sure! And yes…be still my heart. 4!
You look amazing for so far along. Pregnancy can be so tough for some people; I’m happy your experiencing such a blessed one!
Thank you! I am thankful everyday that pregnancy treats me mostly well!!
I loved reading all of these updates! It makes me (sort of) miss pregnancy!
That’s a great giveaway! Hope you have a smooth rest of your pregnancy!
You are looking great!! 4 more weeks to go (or maybe less!!) I bet you are excited to see your new baby <3
Thanks so much, Em! We are getting really excited that’s for sure!
This was such a cute little update, I like that you covered everything people commonly think about when they think of a pregnant woman, cravings and all! I didn’t even know belly buttons change from being in and out during pregnancy!!
Thanks! Belly buttons definitely change! Mine is usually is, but has been a definite out during both pregnancies!
You look so adorable–stylish at 36 weeks! It is hard not to be anxious about going from 1 to 2 kids but it really all works out once the baby comes! I was so worried about my first adjusting to a sibling.
I’m hoping so. I definitely feel more prepared in some ways and totally nervous about some parts of it!
Excited for you! So cute your little one named the baby “Hug”.
Thank you! I love the nickname! It might stick around on the blog!
Swaddles are one of my favorite baby products! They make parenting that much easier!
They really are a game changer!
Good luck with the new baby! My kiddos always had a really hard time accepting the new baby, even when they were excited initially. The first few months are rough! But you look amazing! Enjoy your last few moments with an only child!
Thank you so much! I really have no idea how Little will adjust, but I’m hoping he’ll do well! We are spending a lot of time talking about it in advance and I’m excited to see him transition into his role as big brother!
I can’t believe we’re almost at the end! And seriously, the belly button thing, with each pregnancy mine pops out sooner and sooner. I think with my first my belly button didn’t pop until a few weeks before delivery, this time it had popped a little before I even announced!
Yeah, there’s just no hiding it at this point. At least it does tend to go back in after a while though. Silver lining?
You look so great!! He will be here before you know it! 🙌🏼
Thank you so much!! I know. I’m kind of counting down and also trying to soak in every little bit before he gets here!
Yay, head down! You’re getting so close, Mama! I really like to make oatmeal, PB, chocolate chip energy bites. They’re so great for nursing and take no time to make ahead. I like to add flaxseed too. Such a great giveaway!
I have been eating oatmeal and peanut butter in the regular over here!!
You look gorgeous!!! You’re seriously one of the most beautiful pregnant women, and you may not think you look stylish, but you’re way more stylish than I was at that point in either pregnancy! What a wonderful giveaway, too! Thanks for the chance! Here’s hoping the last few weeks go smoothly and (relatively) comfortably for you! <3
Thank you so much! You are so kind. I have been loving following along with your adventures!
You look SO cute in your photos!! And these prizes are adorable – I love that the teething necklace is made by a NC mom! 🙂
Thank you!! I love all the prizes!! If only I could enter! And I love the necklace from and NC mom! You know I wanted to represent in my pick! And I really love that necklace and bracelet!
Wow, 36 weeks! Baby will be here before we know it. I am excited for you and your family. While there will be new adjustments for your family, I am sure your son will love having a sibling. Hang in there mama and happy Monday!
Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com
Thank you so much, Maureen! We are excited and I am looking forward to seeing Little transition into his new role as big brother!
Congrats on 36 weeks!! You look great! I’m with you on the party in the belly and lack of sleep. Between arms falling asleep, stuffy nose, turning over and bathroom runs, I don’t ever feel like I actually get decent sleep. That comment from Little, though, oh my hormonal heart. So sweet! So excited for your newest!
I know!! Little is a sweetheart and such a good big brother! Wishing you all the best in these last few weeks!