31 Weeks and Pregnancy Pictures

School started last week and so did my nightly 3am wake up calls. I am up frequently at night to use the bathroom and change sleeping positions, but by 3 am my body (and the baby) think that it is time to wake up and be active.
The beginning of the school year is always busy and stressful, but this week it has really set in for both Eric and I that our little one will be arriving in 2 months or less. We have showers planned, but our nursery is a little scarce still which makes me a little nervous. I know when the time comes we will be prepared...and if we aren't then the baby won't know the difference!

Last week we had pregnancy pictures taken- we posted a couple of our favorites!

29 Weeks

I had my 7 month appointment with Karen, one of my midwives this past week. All is well. The baby is growing at the correct rate, which means the belly is continuing to grow too! I measured 28.5 inches and the baby's heart rate was 130, which is a new number because all previous appointments the rate has been around 150.
At the appointment I also had the glucose tolerance test. No news was good news, which means my sugars are good and nothing to worry about.

School is starting next week and I am already tired just thinking about it. I have started to work in my classroom a couple hours today and came home to take a nap. I am hoping I can make it a full school day!! I am sure the next 11 weeks will fly by once the school year gets in full swing.

28 Weeks...only 3 months to go!!

Here is an updated picture of the baby bump....it seems like the past couple weeks I have really grown. I am nervous for my 28 week appointment this week and to see how much I currently weigh...yikes! At the appointment I will also have the glucose test for gestational diabetes and the first of a possible two Rho-Gam shots because I am RH-negative. All tests are routine, but will make for a long appointment. This month I also start seeing the midwives every 2 weeks. I am sure the time will go quickly from here on out!

As you can see from the other picture posted, Eric is already a proud papa. We have had this doe and fawn in our backyard regularly all spring and summer. Our neighbor has been feeding them apples and Eric is constantly on the look-out for Momma and baby. Last night, around 8pm Eric was finishing up mowing the lawn when felt like he was being watched. And he was....by our forest friends! They politely stood and posed for this and many other pictures. I love to watch the fawn follow the doe and the doe take care of her little baby. Nature is a beautiful thing and we are lucky to be able to enjoy it in our own back yard.

27 Weeks and Eagle River, WI

We had a great trip to the north woods of Eagle River, Wisconsin. On Thursday we had the annual mini-golf Battle of the Sexes, with the ladies team claiming the championship! We had a picnic lunch on the deck of our hotel and enjoyed the beautiful weather. Friday was our boat day. The weather cooperated and the boys had a good time tubing and skiing. Unfortunately, I was not able to join in on the festivities as I usually do, but it was an enjoyable day! Saturday was a rainy day in the north woods, so we toured a winery, went out to lunch, and did some shopping downtown Eagle River. We even found a cute duck outfit that the baby can wear for Halloween! Sunday was early church and breakfast with our group of 15, then time to hit the road for the journey home. We had a great time, but as always it was nice to get home to our own bed...especially with all my difficulty sleeping lately!

26 Weeks

We are soon headed on a family vacation to Eagle River, Wisconsin. I have baked, done laundry, cleaned the house, and packed for all climates of weather...North Woods here we come!

Pictures will be posted when we return. Eric and I are excited to visit with family at the annual Simms Family Gathering. Eagle River is always a time of sharing old family memories and making new ones. This year we will have 3 generations present with the 4th on the way; the eldest of the group being my Great Uncle Glenn who will turn 90 this fall. He is the family historian and loves to tell us stories of our family's past. He and Eric have become great friends and I enjoy watching the two of them with their heads together sharing stories.

I am already looking forward to next summer when we can take our daughter/son on their first trip to Eagle River. This trip has become a tradition in my family, and one that we look forward to each July and reminisce about the whole year. Say a prayer for a safe and fun trip!

Baby's First Cubs Game

Eric and I went with my parents to a Cubs game a few nights ago to celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary. We had a great time with Connie's pizza, nachos (with jalapenos), lemon shake-ups, and kettle corn- Baby loved it all!! I was a little uncomfortable towards the end of the game from sitting too long, but it comes with the territory of being 6 months pregnant. We had lots of fun and told Mom and Dad when they make it to their 50th anniversary, we will reserve a private box...better start saving now! :)

4th of July

Even though the weather did not cooperate for the whole weekend, the Snider family gathered on Friday night at the Aurora Country Club for a picnic dinner and fireworks. We had a great time and the weather was perfect. Our nieces LOVED the fireworks and so did the baby- LOTS of movement throughout the show. I have never seen fireworks so close; they were really beautiful. Just a couple shots to share from Friday night.

Unfortunately it was a rainy Saturday, but we still had a great day at my Mom and Dad's house with my grandma, Uncle Omer and Aunt Wanda and the Layne's. We haven't seen them since Easter so they were all excited to see the growing belly. Lots of good food and family, we couldn't ask for anything more!