Pack it up, pack it in, let the countdown begin...

So we are finally in the last month!! Yesterday, officially marked week 36 and we are now in countdown mode at our house. I went to the doctor today and everything went very well. The baby is in the head down position, although that doesn't stop those arms and legs from kicking away at my ribcage. It is amazing to actually see the baby shift from one side of my stomach to another. I will never get tired of that feeling and I realize I should treasure every moment now because before I know it, this little one will finally be here. Last week at my appointment the doctor told me to pack a bag, so I did, and we are all ready to go whenever this child decides to bless us with his/her presence. I still can't believe that sometime in the VERY near future, we are going to be parents!

I realize I haven't posted an actual belly shot in a while, so for those of you that requested it...enjoy!


36 weeks

Thank heaven, for grandparents

This past weekend my mom and dad came down to visit. I have never seen two people work so hard and still have so much fun. We finally put together the nursery and it came out GREAT!! There is NO WAY Mark and I could have done all of that without my parents, so I thank you both from the bottom of my heart!! In the midst of all that hard work we took a little time out to go to my doctor's appointment where they got to hear the heartbeat of their first grandchild! It was a great weekend overall and I still cannot believe my little peanut will be here in just a few weeks.

Here are a couple of pics of the nursery...we love it!


Baby's first library

Crib all ready to go

Artwork (thanks to Papi) and an amazing border (thanks to my Buddy)

Dresser/Changing table

Baby Shower - Take Two!

Last week, my two bestest girls at work (Barbrie and Jenn) threw me a beautiful baby shower. I was completely surprised, which luckily no one caught on film (because I have been told I was as red as red can get). They worked so hard to pull it all together and I love them for it! I honestly could not work with two better girls that I feel lucky to call my friends. I got lots of adorable stuff and some definite necessities that I didn't have yet, so it was a great day. Plus I think I had the most amazing piece (who am I kidding "pieces") of cake I have ever tasted.

B and Jenn made this; complete with the softest little stuffed animals

Ice cream cake from ColdStone - if you haven't had one yet, go and get one!

I thought they only did this at bridal showers, but I was wrong

Thank you Auntie B and Auntie Jenn, you guys are the BEST!!! XOXO!

Horray for Hollywood

No, we aren't moving to Cali, but Hollywood might be coming to us. At my doctor's appointment today my doctor was asking lots of questions, which is weird for him because he doesn't talk much normally. After a few minutes of talking about birth plans, epidurals, and labor, he said he wanted to "throw an idea out to me". At this point I really had no clue where he was going with this statement...did he have some crazy experimental plan for my child's birth? He said he had been asked to be on "A Baby Story" and was looking for a couple who would want to do the show with him. He said they needed someone who was due at the end of July, so he was trying to think of a few of his patients who he thinks would be good for the show and may be willing to do it. I was excited because as you can imagine I am addicted to all the baby shows now, but I assumed Mark would want no part of it. I told Dr. Newman I would talk it over with my other half and get back to him. When I left the office and called Mark, he was surprisingly all for it! (He seems to think his humor will translate well on TV and soon enough we will be signing our "Mark and Bianica, plus 1" contract with TLC). So needless to say, I called the office this afternoon and told them that we would be interested. I know Dr. Newman said he needed a few options, so we may not be the chosen ones, but its worth a shot. We will keep you posted on our small screen debut (if it happens) but in the meantime - baby and I are doing great and moving right along. Less than 8 weeks till the due date and whether all of America watches this little miracle or it's just Mark and I in L&D; I will be thrilled to finally meet him/her!!

Up close and personal

Today we had our 3D ultrasound, thanks to my wonderful co-workers, who gave it to me as my birthday gift last month. I scheduled it for Mother's Day weekend and it was the greatest gift I could have gotten. As you will see from the succession of pictures below, my baby is nothing if not determined. The baby just had to show us how good he/she is at sucking its thumb. Well, I don't have to write much, since these pictures speak for themselves...THEY ARE AMAZING!!

Since most of you got to see me last weekend and now you have an up close look at Baby Power, make sure you cast your vote for boy or girl!

April Showers...bring presents!!

Well, technically the shower was on May 2nd, but I couldn't come up with a name for this post. As most of you know, this past weekend was baby shower weekend! I had a great time in Jersey and my mom threw me the most beautiful shower (thank you also to Coleen for your house and your help)! I posted a few pictures below of the festivities. Thank you everyone for coming and for all your generosity. I wish I could have taken everything back here with me (in due time it will all be here), but a few items did get jammed into my carry on. Among them...the baby's first Red Sox and Patriots Jerseys, an adorable Winnie the Pooh robe, the softest blanket I have ever felt, the sweater and booties Nonni knitted, and the "party at my crib" onesie. I cant wait to start to set up the nursery!!

4 generations (including the little one in the belly)

My sister-in-law Lynne

Mom and Coleen showing me the room

Britt and Alex

Nonni and Kerri

Sweater knitted by Nonni

Baby's first Red Sox Jersey

Got, sugar?

Today I went for my monthly appointment and my glucose screening test. At first, I didn't think the sugar filled drink tasted that bad, but halfway through the bottle I was praying I wouldn't gag, upchuck, and have to start over. I made it through and should have the results in about two days. Let's hope all is well.

As for the appointment, all went well and the baby and I are doing just fine. The baby was moving like crazy after getting his/her sugar shock and the heartbeat sounded wonderful, as usual. After my appointment, I decided to start checking out day care places around our house. All I can say about that is...are you sure you don't want to be a snowbird, Nonni? Living in Florida for the winter isn't so bad. PLEASE!!

Below are pictures from today. I am officially just over 26 weeks now.