I can’t believe it’s week 31.  Unreal.  This little baby is going to rock our world before we know it!  Exciting, and yes, a little scary!

It’s been awhile since I’ve posted a good bump picture, so here’s one from last weekend.  This was Eric and my first anniversary!!  One YEAR!!  And I’m seven months pregnant.  Wow.

Picture of us on April 28, 2013. It’s been the best year I could ever imagine.  Baby Dowdell is coming into one happy marriage of two very in love people.

The night before our anniversary, Eric pulled a Chris and gave me a baby present early.  It’s a beautiful vintage locket for a picture of our little one.  Can’t wait to have more than a sonogram picture!!

All smiles, even though we wrecked the Jeep earlier in the day.  Likely to be the last time we drive the beauty.  It’s the end of an era.

Many thanks to Jennifer and Carrie for keeping me adorably clothed!  These are both from Jennifer…aren’t I lucky to have friends with such great style?!

I can’t believe we are only 10 short weeks away from this baby being in our arms! So exciting and surreal. I am positive the reality hasn’t sunk in for Eric or myself. Such excitement and it still seems novel to be pregnant.

I just went to the doctor for my week 29 checkup. Mostly good news. Baby’s little heartbeat is strong, and the head is down, probably for the count. The aches I have are normal. I didn’t gain weight in the past three weeks, actually lost a pound, but the doctor isn’t concerned. I don’t have gestational diabetes, though I do have to start taking an iron supplement. So mostly great news!

See pictures of the bump and the girls from the trip to NC! The baby is Jennifer’s 3mth old, Fletcher. Ed adorable!! And the easiest baby. I want one like that!!! Mary’s also pregnant but not really showing yet. Jenn has two boys and Mary will soon have two girls. We are the tie-breaker!

This weekend, I was in NC for a weekend with the Jennifer and Mary. It was so special!! We spent much of the time just hanging out and chatting about babies, and it was quite informative.

Lessons learned (or learnings as Eric says)
Nursing is tough, tougher than it seems
Babies make tons of noise while they sleep
Hemorrhoids are common…gross and ouch!
Babies see black and white and contrasts for awhile
All babies are different and all the advice in the world can’t match what each parent learns about their own baby!!

I can’t wait!!

Also, had a lunch shower with ladies from UNC and Duke. It was amazing to see everyone. Our baby is so loved!

Last week was my last work trip for a long, long time. Woohoo! Glad to be home. It was a great trip and I love being in the office. I have a great company and great support. Look forward to the next chapter in my career.

Pic of me with Jenns 3 month old, Fletcher:

It’s official. I have an outie. The little one is kicking away and it was inevitable that the baby would eventually kick out my belly button. Will get belly pic soon!! I’ve been a little slack with those.

Other than that, still feeling well though little aches and pains starting to crop up in my back, pelvic region, and side. And sleep eludes me one or two nights a week. Yoga helps and so does stretching regularly.

I’ve been busy this week with scheduling pediatrician appointments, ob appointments, child birthing classes, hospital tour, etc.

I’m excited for the long weekend and sewing some baby nursery gear.

Only three more months to go!! Can’t wait to meet the little one!!

Heading home from Moline and I am so ready to be back with Eric…and I have only been gone two days!

Some great news on the job front: I told my boss I didn’t want to travel for at least a year after I came back, and he took it well. We discussed options, but in the end I got his blessing to look for other opportunities at Deere.

I also had lunch with some of the folks at the foundation. They were optimistic about having a position that could work from the East coast sometime in the next 12 months. This would be an awesome opportunity.

It’s always fun to be in Moline and in person with the team. Still, I am ready to see E and be in our lovely apartment.

See picture below of view from my desk. I love the swans!!! They are so beautiful in the winter with the blanket of snow. We heat the ponds for the swan and koi. Love Deere.

We went to the doctors yesterday for my 22 week check-up and sonogram.  All is well!

At week 22, they have what they call the second anatomy: full anatomy.  The baby has all major organs and bones, and the spine, heart, and brain are developing normally.  Little Dowdell is 1lb 5oz, which is a little big for her age.  Ten fingers, ten toes, and lots of wiggling around.  All tests are showing normal.  I’m progressing as I should be and still feel really well.  You’re supposed to gain about a pound a week after 12 weeks, which I have done.

I even stood the whole ABB concert last night.  I was quite popular actually.  Mothers love to stop and tell you their story and give their advice, and last night was no exception.  Several of the other concert going moms wanted to chat and give advice, even the woman in front of us doing her best yoko impersonation and topping it off with a see-through top, sequin skirt, and fishnet tights.

Here’s a pic of the little one from yesterday!  The 3D pics are kinda creepy actually, but look at this little profile!!!  It’s incredible!  We also saw the eyes moving around, which is unusual since the eyelids are fused.  Curious little one…even though, as the sonogram lady pointed out, there’s barely even a thought developed  🙂

Last night, we took the baby to her first Allman Brothers concert at the Beacon.  Little baby had fourth row seats, so it’s too bad the little eyes are still fused shut!  He can hear though!!

Look at this adorable little ear!

Over the past week, we have started to feel the baby kick! It’s week 22, so a bit later than expected. However, it’s been worth the wait! So thrilled that our little bun is happy and active in the oven. Bump.com tells me that sleep cycles have set in, so the baby is really active at certain times and then completely still at other times. That’s bad news for those hoping for wiggle-on-demand, but for Eric and me, we can enjoy the little movements that remind us that pretty soon we will be chasing this little one on two feet!

Also, the baby has recently been introduced to Skokiaan…

I’m back from São Paulo! So happy to be home and to see my hubby!

Flights were tougher than anticipated, and my days of lifting heavy bags overhead are over. All together, it was a good trip. Great for business, and amazing to be in 80 degree weather. I love it down South. 😉

Pics of São Paulo and Uberlandia from the plane.