36 Weeks!

This was a highly anticipated weekend for Aiden and Chris.  After school on Friday, they packed up and headed to Grammie and Dziadzu’s for the weekend!  They were beyond excited and their little minds were filled with all of the plans they had.  They were so excited that they even packed their own suitcases!  We met Grammie to do the “kid swap” and off they went, beaming as they drove away.  They cherished their time there and stayed very busy, even managing to squeeze in a visit to the Holyoke Carousel – their ultimate treat!  Mike worked Friday and spending the day working at the house on Saturday. We snuck in a date night on Friday and enjoyed an adult only dinner out.  We really treated ourselves and relaxed and watched a movie together last night.  Such a treat! I took advantage of having a productive weekend and I am happy to say that I am nesting.  My spring cleaning is done and I am beyond thrilled.  Every pillow, comforter, curtain, couch/chair slip cover has been washed.  Every appliance, scrubbed.  All laundry washed, folded and put away.  Floor steam cleaned.  Drawers – all sorted and organized. Billed sorted, organized and put away.  Several small projects wrapped up. A few crafty ideas completed.  Work for Mike is almost wrapped up for the weekend.  The only project that I didn’t get to is my never ending hope of starting A & C’s scrapbooks.  Honestly, I think the idea  is for some off reason overwhelming and I am a bit intimidated.  God willing, I will dig in this week now that my chore list is minimal.  Thank you Grammie and Dziadzu for allowing us time to just be us.  Having almost exhausted my to-do list, I may run out of excuses of things that “have to be done” once I go into labor.  {If you haven’t heard about my crazy decisions of necessary chores while in labor with A & C, ask Mike.  He would be all too happy to share!}

This morning we headed out bright and early to reclaim our little men to head to Boston to celebrate Ivy and Rose’s first birthday!  Can you believe our nieces are one already?  They are beyond precious and it was wonderful to see everyone.  I love that age and as I‘ve mentioned in the past, it’s a riot watching them.  It’s like stepping back in time, watching Aiden and Chris.  Our boys love their cousins and were just as excited as they were about their gifts.  It was a fun afternoon and we headed home in time for dinner and to let the boys unwind a bit before the school week begins.

Last week we were thrilled to have a play date on Thursday with Ashley, Julia and their Mom Steph.  We headed to the East Granby library and had a blast.  That library has some of the best toys and play centers and the kids can stayed self entertained for quite some time which is always a nice treat.  I enjoyed catching up with Steph and we all enjoyed the change of pace.

Friday I had the pleasure of volunteering in Aiden’s classroom for a cooking demonstration.  At AFM, they try to do a seasonal, healthy recipe every few months.  This was my second time participating {unfortunately Chris is getting the short end of the stick as his class hasn’t been in need of volunteers on either occasion} and it’s been a blast getting to know A’s classmates.  They are adorable with the things that they say, do and ask.  One little girl took one look at my exploding belly and said “you have a very full belly.”  Well said and very PC for a 5 year old!  Another little boys was insistent on wanting to lift my shirt to look underneath.  Curious, yes, but let’s just say that I was firm on that one!  We made sweet potato french fries and had so much fun.

After dropping off the boys on Friday afternoon, I went to my Dr’s to have a small routine procedure done and was beyond thrilled.  I met with a PA who spent over an hour with me.  He wasn’t rushed at all and offered all kinds of information, tips and advice.  The icing on the cake was when he called me on Saturday morning to see how I was feeling.  I was beyond impressed!  I’ve never experienced that kind of care and concern before and am so pleased to be at such an incredible practice.

This week ahead is yet another busy but fun filled week.  Dr’s. appointments, teachers conferences, play dates and some Easter preparation.  As this weekend marks the start of week 36 I feel like jumping for joy!  I’ve never made it this far and it feels great.  The baby has dropped a bit and feels like he is riding low so it’s alleviated some pressure from my ribs which is a good thing.  I am feeling like I swallowed a dinosaur but outside of not sleeping well, I’m ready to keep going!  Having made it two weeks beyond my last pregnancy, I wonder how big he is and what is will look like. Will a couple of additional pounds at birth make a difference in his appearance?  I wonder if I’ll be able to finalize our name plans {I am SO indecisive!} And I am oh so hopeful for a “normal” delivery with the end result of hearing a crying baby.  One that can be admired and held from the moment we welcome him into this world.  Little man, we love you so very much already and truly can not wait to have you join our family!

Here is our 36 week belly/torpedo shot. Oh to have the stomach of a 4 year old!