37 Weeks

This week marks 37 weeks and baby Claire is officially full term! Good thing because I have a feeling she is coming sooner rather than later. I'm already 3 cm dilated and getting regular Braxton Hicks contractions. The doctor also wanted me to go into the hospital today and get hooked up to the fetal monitors for a non-stress test. Her heartbeat looked good and you could tell she was active and kicking, so she passed the test! We'll be going in soon for another sonogram to size her up and make sure she can make the trip to the exit! :) I'm just hoping she holds out for another week. I have a hair appointment next Saturday that I don't want to miss! Also, today is NYE and Claire's grandma's birthday, so we are hoping she stays put for now. But if she's ready we have the carseats installed and the bags (over)packed for the trek to the hospital.

Claire's room is ready!

Well we finally got the nursery all completed for Claire. The sheets are washed and her name is hung on the wall. We finally got the glider and the armoire so the furniture is complete! We are really pleased how it all turned out and are now referring to it as "the nicest room in the house". The bathroom is all ready to go as well. Lately I find myself sitting in the glider just taking it all in (and stealing some cat naps!) Check out the updated pics below.

Christmas Decorations

This year Jon and I are doing minimal effort for the holidays. Between work, baby preparations, and oh yeah that Christmas thing coming up, our motto is keep it simple. This year we decided that included switching over to an artificial tree. We got our Lowes special put up this weekend with less hassle. Jon didn't have to fight the white lights which was nice. Also, this tree is a bit smaller and skinnier than our normal fresh tree, so it required less decorating. At first we didn't know if we liked it, but it has been growing on us. Our favorite new ornament this year is the 3D sonogram picture of Claire. :) We also put up some lights and garland outside to decorate the exterior this year. In the spirit of keep it simple, none of the lights required a ladder to put out. All of them are bush height or lower. We departed a little from the all white light theme this year and put out some green and red lights on our moundy bushes. Check out the pictures (sorry the lights don't show up that well).

Baby Shower

Erika, Meredith, and Aquina hosted my baby shower on December 1st and it was absolutely wonderful. The food was amazing and the little touches made it so special. Thanks to all our friends and family who attended and made the afternoon so much fun! Little Claire is totally set with so many great gifts! Jon and I had so much fun getting the nursery ready for her.

Welcome Baby Claire!

Hostesses with the Most!

Erika made this bouquet from baby clothes! Too cute!

Claire's mommy and Grandma

33 Weeks

Well I'm officially huge. At 33 weeks Claire has caused my tummy to go projectile forward. She's definitely getting heavy to lug around. She is still kicking all the time. I'm amazed how much real estate she covers. I feel kicks from way on one side to the other and from right below my chest to way far "south". Jon and I are getting really excited to finally meet her. Only 7 weeks left to go! (If she waits that long...)

Thanksgiving

My parents hosted Turkey Day this year, and as always mom outdid herself. The food spread was incredible. Mom's famous dressing, Don's rolls, turkey *and* ham, Megan's cranberry relish, my broccoli casserole, and Leo's exquisite wine selection really made for a yummy meal. Top that off with count them 4 pies, a cake, and gingerbread muffins we covered every one's sweet tooth! We had a wonderful treat this year with so much family that could join us. Jon's mom, sisters Megan and Elise and Elise's husband Leo and son Tristan came in from New Jersey. We also had Don's daughter Shelley, her husband Rick and their kids Caitlin and Evan who flew in from Dallas. We were very Thankful for such a fun day, and that I was a big winner at that night's poker game! Check out some photos!

Claire in 3D!!!

We went on Tuesday to get our 3D/4D sonogram. Claire looked great, but was being a little shy. Most of the pictures she has her hands in front of her face. She was rubbing her eyes and kicking around. She even opened her mouth a couple times. She definitely looks like Daddy's little girl. That chin and nose are all Jon. However, he thinks she has my cheeks and lips. We also once again got confirmation that Claire is indeed a girl. Those parts in 3D are unmistakable! The whole experience made us that more excited to see her in person. Check out the pictures below.

Chris & Rachel's Wedding!!

Congrats to the Domencics! What a beautiful wedding and reception. We had so much fun the entire weekend celebrating such an awesome couple. You can see all the photos here.

29 Weeks

Okay. I'm a little late with the newest belly shot, but here it is! At 29 weeks (last week) Claire and I both are getting pretty big. She's moving around all the time and getting pretty coordinated with kicks and movements. They are less jerky and random and more like she's squirming or swimming. I even felt her get the hiccups for the first time. Jon is getting a "kick" out of it too...he can feel and see her movements as well. I'm feeling pretty well considering, but moving around and sleeping are getting tougher. She's also starting to put a strain on my back. Now I have a real excuse to go get the weekly massage from the lady who comes to work!

Graduation Day!

Well we are officially trained in the ways of birthing. We completed our childbirth classes at Reston Hospital this weekend. Jon as always kept me laughing through the whole thing. All the students show up the first day with our pillows and blankets and we walk in and Jon says "is this the slumber party?" We got all the info on what to expect (good and bad) during delivery and even got a tour of the hospital labor and delivery rooms. I was really impressed with how large the individual rooms are and how much personal attention you get. The second day we learned about the wonderful epidural and got to try out diapering and swaddling (aka "burrito wrap") on our little doll. There was also the breastfeeding introduction which considering it was Sunday was very appropriate that we learned how to do the "football hold". I definitely feel more educated and better prepared for the big day. Let's just hope little Claire doesn't get too hefty and become a "BBNCO" (big baby no come out!)

Baby Claire's Room

We are finally making progress getting the room ready for Claire's arrival. We painted the bedroom and bath, got new carpet, and today the furniture (at least some of it) was delivered! We put out a few of the things we have picked up or have been given as gifts to start decorating the room. We now have a crib and dresser. The nightstand is a loaner until they can get us one with a fixed leg. Also the beautiful armoire had to be reordered due to a defect. Here are some photos!