We took some maternity pictures at 36 weeks. It was a beautiful autumn day and perfect to grab a few shots to remember.
I can't believe I'll be 38 weeks on Sunday. In some ways it feels like i have been pregnant forever, while in others it feels like we just found out we were expecting. We have watched seasons come and go, as my belly expanded with this new life inside.
I'm still feeling great, overall. Sleeping is tough with the heartburn i have all day long. Not to mention the weight on my bladder. But i know very soon, we'll be meeting our baby. I am so, so thankful that i have had a pretty ideal pregnancy. Normal weight gain, no high blood pressure, etc. We check my thyroid levels every 4 weeks, and even that had remained in balance.
We took a one-day birthing class a few weeks back. We both found it so helpful, and I'm so glad we did it. I feel much more prepared to tackle labor and delivery. I've never thought of it as scary, but taking the class really helped Jason and I understand how it can all happen. Of course, I've been reading lots of books, but it was a good day to connect and help my hubby get a taste of what's to come. I think he'll be amazing in the birth room.
Since we took the class, i have seen a shift in him from nervous to protective (of me & the baby) and excited. He has been so sweet and supportive, as i moan and groan my way around the house most evenings. I'm so grateful he's my husband. Everyday.
We've finished up the nursery, packed our hospital bags, charged the camera battery and set up a pack & play in our room. I am ready to meet our baby, and hold him in my arms. I'm ready to watch my husband become a father. I'm ready for this next chapter in our lives to begin.
Here are some shots of his nursery. I took them in the late afternoon, so it wasn't the best timing with the sun glare.
When i initially thought of my baby's nursery, i knew i never wanted a thyme, as most people do these days. My vision was a colorful, happy room, with hand-me-downs and homemade goodness throughout. The crib is from one of my mom's friends who is done having babies. The dresser was a sweet Craig's list score. The bookcase was my grandfathers. The rocking chair was my parents. I love re-using all of this beautiful furniture, and look forward to the memories to come.
Some new items were a Jenny Lind dressing table (for our bedroom downstairs) amongst other baby goodies, like a Chicco Car seat & carriers / wraps. We got a sweet BOB stroller as well. Other baby gear was hand-me-downs from friends or gifts at our showers. Our diaper bag is a new LL Bean tote, as i didn't really like any of the typical ones out there. We got a Phil & Ted's lobster high chair for our baby shower - the kind that hooks on the counter. I'm still on the fence about needing a regular one. I don't really like most of the plastic ones out there, but i know they are probably more sensible. I love the old fashioned Jenny Lind wooden ones. So other than that, i mostly bought way too many clothes from Zulily. But hey, it's my first baby, so i couldn't resist :).
The two framed prints are note cards by Nikki McClure. I stenciled the canvas and embroidered the smaller quote; a nursery rhyme that my dad always sang to me when i was young.
We were lucky enough to receive a ton of books from our baby showers. Also on his shelf are books from my childhood. He's off to a good start! The bin in the corner is a toy basket. I stenciled the animal prints as well.
Land of nod - flannel crib sheet & some newborn props ready :)
The quilt i started back when i found out i was pregnant.
The (huge) basket of homemade quilts and blankets we received for our showers.
Two prints from my Taproot magazine, by Phoebe Wahl. One over his crib, one over the rocking chair.
My cloth diaper stash. Bum-Genius AIO's and a few 4.0's. My good friend also gave me a bunch of covers and inserts of various makes/models. I have a few wet bags as well. I don't think I'll do cloth full time, but just when I'm home and feel like it. We'll see how it all goes :)
In the bathroom upstairs, various shampoo's, bath towels and washcloths.
I also have a rocking chair in the room that my parents rocked me in as a baby. I still have to make a cover for the pad, so it's not shown here.
We are ready and waiting for that first strong contraction to change our life and to finally begin the process of birthing our baby.
