::YOU ARE MY SONSHINE::

And 10 lbs (25%). Way to grow, Nolan!

You obviously have a healthy appetite.

And now for the good stuff.

At 2 months old, you recognize faces, especially Momma's.

You study the face of whoever is holding you, particularly their hairline.

Your dimple is as cute as ever!

You are smiling lots, even laughing a few times recently.

You coo at me when I talk to you softly.

You are still only sleeping for a few hours at a time. It seems your grumbly tummy wakes you up, demanding milk.

Time is flying by, little man. Your brothers adore you and can't wait for you to "get bigger and play" but I am just treasuring each second of your infancy.

How far along? 36 Weeks
Total weight gain/loss: Up 24 lbs. since becoming pregnant.
Maternity clothes? Bare minimum, mostly elastic waisted shorts and yoga pants on bottom and long tanks on top.
Sleep: Becoming harder and harder. Thanks, Mother-Nature, for preparing me for a newborn!
Best moment this week: Everywhere in public, people just smile and say "it's another boy, isn't it?" That makes me laugh.
Movement: Movement is too benign of a word...more like karate kicks and punches...in my ribs.
Food cravings: Not really.
Gender: Another boy to love. Nolan Patrick!
Labor Signs: Yes, lots of Braxton Hicks contractions and nesting and other stuff ;)
Belly Button in or out? Couldn't be more out.
Stretch Marks? No, thanks!
What I miss: Not having heart burn nearly every day.
What I am looking forward to: Delivery...weird I know...but then I will be able to breathe again!
Weekly Wisdom: Just the other day Bryan asked me "where exactly are your stomach muscles right now?" Me: "Um, curled up waving a white flag I'm sure." Later I secretly had to google it because I wasn't entirely sure what happens to them.
Milestones: Baby is considered full term in a week! And we are 100% ready for him now. Still need to pack bags for the mad dash to the hospital though.

{An array of stripes, truck patterns, and baseball themed jumpers}

Do you think Nolan has a sufficient wardrobe for someone that isn't even born yet?

All the clothes up to 6 months old are washed and ready to go! I have to admit it was a little fun to go through them all again and recall Warren and Jack wearing them. And to think of all the new memories that will take place in these little outfits.

I am even going to pack our bags for the hospital this week since I am having lots of Braxton Hicks contractions and just generally feel like this baby will be at least a little earlier than the due date of July 25th.

Just about due for another belly picture!

The two weeks between each prenatal appointment go by so quickly these days. It is a good thing for my nerves and my nesting that the crib is all set up and ready. I am having lots of Braxton Hicks contractions and getting more excited by the day to have another baby. I can't wait to hold him and nurse him and watch him for hours as he sleeps.

I had an appointment yesterday and everything is perfect. The weight gain has slowed down a bit (only one pound gain in two weeks), which I am sort of glad for. I am still under 140, so I don't think I will break the 150 marker this time around. The baby measures perfectly and is very active still. The doctor said he couldn't tell if he is head down yet but I know he is based on feeling little feet in my ribs, oh and actually seeing them travel across my upper belly. That is something you just never get used to!

Here is a silly little collage I made from some pictures I took of my belly the other morning in the bathroom mirror:



We got the crib set up...well it is actually sitting in the living room upstairs at the moment, since Bryan has to take it apart to get it to fit through the bedroom door. I am so excited to get the mattress in and decide which of the many sets of linens to put on. I got a new washer and dryer! With three boys, an extra large capacity washer with steam capability is a must!

The bassinet is set up next to our bed in the master bedroom, it is so special to me that all three of you boys will have slept in it. The only thing I still need is a nice rocking chair...oh and to find the newborn clothes. I know I combined them with another age category for storage, so it is just going to be a matter of rummaging through all the crates.

Then we are set! Can't wait to meet you, Nolan. I am dying to see what you look like, since Warren takes so strongly after Bryan and his mom's features and Jack is a spitting image of Grandpa John...we'll see if it's in the cards for one of you boys to resemble me and/or my family!

I got the most fabulous new stoller and carseat. I found it on Craigs List and had to drive across town to get them, but oh so worth it to have a Peg Perego travel system (with the Prima Viaggio carseat) that retails new for over $500, all for $125. My favorite part is the stroller, which is the A3 Pramette model. It converts from a regular unsuspecting stroller to a Pram-style buggy with a few simple steps. I have always wanted to have one of these European looking buggies to push my little babe around in. And the icing on the cake...it is a lovely shade of orangey-red!

{traditional stroller mode}

{complete travel mode with the carseat clipped on}

{pram mode...with a baby doll modeling in for Nolan ;)}


I had another appointment on 4/28 and all is well. Gained 6 more pounds and most importantly got my one and only concern taken care of. See, Jack was essentially born in the car on the way to the hospital. And, we live considerably further from the hospital now at our new house. So, naturally I asked my doctor what we (meaning Bryan) would need to do in the event that little Nolan is born at home. Big sigh of relief, doc said we will just make sure that doesn't happen by going in for a scheduled induction at least a week before my due date. It is official, our newest son will be here in July and most likely in the middle of the month. Yeah! Can't wait to see his little face peeking out from the new (to me) buggy!