35 weeks

How far along:  35+ weeks (a little bit late)

About the baby: Baby Matthews weighs about 5 lbs and growing great.  We had an ultrasound on Wednesday and his or her head is down and sitting low.  

Maternity Clothes?: I am running out of clothes but trying my best not to buy anything new as time is really winding down.  I am still able to wear a lot of regular styles just up a size but I definitely in maternity shirts, which are getting a bit shorter!

Sleep: My sleep is average.  I have to spend most of the night on my right side and seem to be waking up at least once to go to the bathroom

Best Moment of the week:  Definitely having our ultrasound.  Gregg came with me and while space is getting very cramped we were able to see the baby's face on.  Definitely a goose bump moment.  We cannot wait to meet this little guy or gal!!

( a picture of Baby M profile  from our ultrasound)

Miss anything?: Well I am now on a low sugar diet because my glucose test showed that while I do not have gestational diabetes I am having slight sugar issues.  So of course now that Dr. Speier has told me to limit my carbs and no dessert it seems thats all I want!!  I also miss being able to lie on my belly.  Despite all the limitations I know that the time is quickly approaching so I am trying to savor the great moments.

Movement: Movement is slowing down but still feeling movement especially in the morning and at night

Food cravings:  Bread, pasta, ice cream!! All the things I cannot eat:)

Anything make you sick:  Eggs 

Labor Signs:  I have been experiencing a lot of Braxton Hicks contractions and tightening of my belly.  I never experienced this with Reece but I am quickly learning that not only is it rather uncomfortable but it is my bodies way of telling me to take it easy, now just to a get a 5 1/2 year old to understand .

Happy or Moody:  I am pretty happy and getting excited to meet this baby except very tired and uncomfortable, if that can all possibly go together!

Looking forward :  We are definitely looking forward to getting the nursery finished, this weekend hopefully.  But more importantly I am looking forward having no schedule until Baby M arrives.  I finished up my class on Thursday and Reece's baseball ends today.  I am definitely ready to hopefully relax a bit and spending as much quality time with Reece as I can!!

Celebrating Baby Matthews

We have been honored and blessed to be surrounded by amazing friends and family.  Today was a day when we were reminded of that love.  While I was initially uneasy when my Mom approached me on having a sprinkle, after giving it some thought it was exactly what we needed to prepare and celebrate Baby Matthews impending arrival.  Today was amazing , we are sitting here reminiscing about all our friends and family who joined us in celebrating Baby Matthews!!  While I love a party, it is certainly never easy being the center of attention.  I certainly tried to savor the moment and am incredible grateful for everyone who has shown us their support throughout this pregnancy and especially today!! Baby Matthews is certainly a lucky guy or gal!!!

 A beautiful garden sprinkle

( before the guests arrive)

One of the highlights for a pregnant lady...the delicious dessert table!
The dessert table included cheesecake pops, mini cupcakes, white chocolate brownies, white chocolate marshmallows, french macaroons and ombre cake, and the best of all mini glazed donuts...AMAZING!!

 The food was so yummy, I especially loved these fruit skewers -shaped as hearts

The hostesses - Baby Matthews Nana and Aunties

Love these ladies

Big Brother Reece being so helpful already

With Father's day tomorrow I just want to be sure to most importantly thank Gregg! Six years ago I never thought I could be more in love and then we had Reece.  Not only are you an amazing husband but to watch you as a father makes me realize a love I never knew possible.  This pregnancy certainly has been everything but easy , yet Gregg you has never waived in your support and love. More than your foot rubs,  your continuous reassurance in telling me I look beautiful as I feel far from, or all the extra help around the house, it is the smile on your face when Reece runs up to you after work each day that make me realize how lucky I really am.  You come home after long hot days on the golf course, laces up your "soccer shoes" and immediately fills in where I have little left.  When I doubt my capabilities or patience you step in with confidence.  Gregg you are an absolutely amazing father!!  We love you - BEST

Moving Up and On

Where has the year gone?  We are really cannot believe that we now officially have a 1'st grader!!!  
Emotional is a pretty accurate word to describe it all.  We had the opportunity to write Reece a letter which we will hopefully save (and then find again) at his high school graduation and of course a thank you card to his wonderful teacher Ms. Stachura. I guess when anything comes to an end naturally we reflect back on the experience and writing the letters certainly helped.  My initial thought in the first week or so of school was wondering if Reece would ever adjust or if the tears would stop.  Little did we imagine how incredibly he would adjust and grow.  It is really one of the most incredible things to date we have experienced with Reece, watching your child learn to read.  The pride and excitement on his face when he reads a new book or progresses to a new level, is nothing sort of amazing.  Reading only scratches the surface of his growth this year.  
So we are moving up and on which is where all the emotion comes.  While we know he is ready and excited, it is hard to leave somewhere we have become so comfortable.  We have built a relationship with Ms. Stachura, her knowing us and Reece so well.  She certainly set the bar quite high for what we expect out of Reece's teachers.  Then throw in the dynamic of a new baby,  a sibling.  Are we ready but more importantly is Reece ready?  Gregg and I have been spending a lot of time talking with each other and also talking with Reece about  this new transition.  While we know it is perfectly natural to be emotional, scared, and excited about starting something new, comfort certainly comes from the expected.  Clearly this school year has been exactly what we needed as a family.  We hope our new journeys prove to be as successful as Reece's kindergarten experience!  
One thing for is for certain we are looking forward to the next five in a half weeks before Baby Matthews arrives enjoying the lake!!  But we are also much more ready for the excitement of the unexpected.

 Reece and his best buddies - Aidan and Jack

One proud Dad!!