Ringing in the New Year with a Babbyyy??

So I have final reached that time where little Harper could arrive at any minute! It's absolutely crazy to think that roughly 30 weeks ago Clay and I were in utter shock over the idea of having a 3rd addition to our family - and now she's ready to make her grand appearance! 

Updates:
- Clay and I have spent hours perfecting the last little bits of Harper's nursery. Clay put together a bookshelf. We hung up fabric swatches by her crib. And we have done some rearranging of stuffed animals, books, and the mobile. Now all we need is the little peanut!

- We took our last trip until Harper comes - all the way to sunny FL! Clay and I made it home for Thanksgiving and had a wonderful shower thrown by my mom. It was definitely a "pinktastic" party with pink balloons, pink pom-poms, pink silverware and plates, and two adorable pink cakes :). More importantly, both sides of the family were able to make it to town for the event. Even the Angert boys attended, refueling with keg and quality football by the pool - at least 20 feet away from all the oo-ing and ahh-ing that went on while I opened presents. Bottom line, Harper is one lucky munchkin! 

 

As you can tell, I am very excited by the spread and decorations...and then with our wonderful host :)

- Unfortunately, shortly after this trip, I went to my 34 week OB appointment. While there, I told her what a mover and shaker Harper was - giving me Braxton Hicks contractions consistently throughout the day (especially when up and walking around). After she completed her exam, she was shocked that I was already beginning to dilate. So she gave me the dreaded prescription of "bedrest" until the baby reached term. Initially I was pretty upset and worried that Harper may be born prematurely. I listened to my doctor and went right home - jumping into bed. After 3 weeks of bedrest, including a lot of sitting, sleeping, reading (3 novels), watching tv (finished the first 2 seasons of Homeland and last season of Dexter), and studying for my pediatric boards - I have reached the goal of 37 weeks! Thank goodness! (I have definitely hit my peak of stir craziness in this house - and now am just counting down the days!) She said I still needed to maintain low activity - but I can at least go out to dinner and the occasional movie. 
- Finally, my parents are coming to town this weekend for New Years. What if Harper decides to make her debut while they are here?? That could be veryyyyyy convenientttttt :)

*During T-giving @ 34 Weeks and below (@ 35, 36, 37 weeks respectively)

Pregnancy Questionnaire: 

How far along: 37 weeks 5 days

Maternity clothes? Absolutely...Although since I have been on bedrest, it primarily consists of leggings or sweat pants, and pregnancy tanks with sweaters/sweatshirts. Clay is one lucky guy ;) 
Stretch marks? Nopers - but I definitely look like an 'egg with legs' 
Sleep?  I have definitely taken a downward spiral on my sleep. I probably wake up 3 times a night to use the restroom, and since I hardly do much during the day (except sitting or laying down), I have a lot of pent up energy at night. Poor clay is probably blinded by my Kindle every night - while I read until I can fall back asleep.  
Best moment last week? Making it to 37 weeks (full term)! It was an absolute relief to know that Harper will not be born prematurely. She will have extra time to put on weight and finish developing the last of her organs (especially her lungs). On Monday, my doctor stated that she would prefer I don't deliver until I am 39 weeks, but she said she would not be worried if I went into labor now. Now it's a waiting game!
Movement? Definitely. All the time - kicking (directly under my ribs...ouch!), stretching (right on my bladder), and lots of hiccups :) 
Food cravings?  I originally craved cucumber tea sandwiches (random, right?) Which we got the ingredients to make. Then, for the past 2 weeks, I have had a craving for coconut cake - luckily Clay pulled through again and found the best coconut cake in the South at the Village Bakery. A delicious 4 layered cake with cream cheese frosting...Ohhhhh my goodness, it's delicious! 
Gender? Girl - who already has an entire closet dedicated to her entirely pink wardrobe 
Labor signs? Braxton Hicks ALL THE TIME - my stomach feels hard as a rock every time I stand up. I hope I'll be able to tell when actual labor starts!
Belly button in/out? I would say that it is flush with my stomach. It wants to pop out - but it's not quite there yet.
What I miss: Let's see...sushi (spicy tuna!), alcohol (a cold beer sounds heavenly), exercising (or at least going on long walks with Clay), working (never thought I would say that!), wearing real clothes (that don't resemble pajamas), sleeping through the night, and being able to take full breaths. With all this bedrest, I feel like a total bum!  
What I am looking forward to: Meeting my sweet little girl! I can't wait to see what she looks like, hold onto her tiny fingers and toes, and welcome her to the Miller household. Clay and I are beyond excited at this point!! 
Milestones: I have reached full term, the nursery is all done, the bags are packed, and the car seat is installed. We can't wait to meet Harper Mae Miller!! 

It's the final countttttt...doowwwwnnnnn

So I realize I am not the best with keeping up with this blog...but who knew that as you got closer to your 'due date'...nesting instincts would completely take over??? 

Yes, I am talking about the nursery. Through hours of putting furniture together, hiring painters, sweating through multiple outfits, and finally hanging up all of harpers tutus/pink-tastic clothes, I think we are on the home stretch! (See pics below :) ) 

 Harper's Drawers

A few details... 
Wall color: Pale Pink
Dresser and Crib: Baby Bloomers (Baby's Dream)
Glider: Costco
Big Bear: Courtesy of Mom Angert (Costco)
Harper frames/letters: Etsy
Curtains: Courtesy of my dental attending with a little daughter 
Butterfly Mobile: Courtesy of Mom Miller 

Updates:

- Kristin and Justin are officially the Edwards! See pictures below for the wedding of the year :) Clay and I had an absolute blast with everyone in Richmond... It was perfect weather, great company, and fabulous union between two best friends. I am thrilled I got to be apart of it!

At the rehearsal dinner 

                                                      

                                                

                                                               

                                         Bridesmaids

- The following weekend after the wedding, we had our shower in Virginia Beach. Once again, Clay's mom out did herself...we had quite the spread of: oysters, potato leek soup, crab cocktail, tomato tart, and a delicious 2-tiered baby shower cake. The shower actually lasted into the wee hours of the night with fireworks on the beach...however, you better believe I was already sound asleep by this point. Overall, so good to see all our friends and family from all over. Harper has quite the fan club ;)

The girls w/ Mom Angert - gearing up for a long night of festivities...Note the photo bomb in the background (thank you Darren and Clay!)

Sticking Harper way out, so everyone could rub my stomach for good luck - like a Lucky Buddha or Troll...

 

- Finally, bump picture updates:

     26 weeks                                                                                           27 weeks

                                                       

                                                      29 weeks

    32 weeks

Pregnancy Questionnaire: 

How far along: 32 weeks 2 days

Maternity clothes? Most definitely - finally got a jacket yesterday from 'Here to Maternity'..so I will no longer need to sport belly-jackets (jackets that stop midway down my stomach) in this chilly weather! 
Stretch marks? Nopers
Sleep?  I sleep pretty well - recently I have been getting tired around 8/8:30 PM and hit the sack not too much later (or Clay finds me passed out on the couch ;) ).
Best moment last week? Perfect evening with Clay...I had a really rough Thursday/Friday in the clinic. So when I got home late Friday night, we got in our sweats, made grilled cheeses, tomato soup, built a fire, and watched the latest Spiderman. It was wonderful to relax with the four of us - Clay, me, Hominy, and Harper. I love our little family. 
Movement? Definitely. She loves to kick and punch particularly as I am trying to fall asleep.
Food cravings?  I think 4 out of the 5 days last week, I had soup. It's the perfect fall treat! However, after reading this, Clay didn't want me to forget about my sweet cravings - I'll admit...I'll have a cupcake or two...or three...or four... 
Gender? Dipped in tutus and glitter, a little Girl :)
Labor signs? Not yet - No Braxton Hicks either!
Belly button in/out? Innie - but I have a feeling in the next couple of weeks, we could be seeing an outtie. 
What I miss: Being able to fit into all my fun fall clothing...Now I have to wear strictly maternity pants and long torso shirts. Even worse, Clay has to help me take off my boots every night (It's fairly tricky navigating around this protruding tummy!)
What I am looking forward to: Thanksgiving festivities and baby shower in Florida! I know my mom has been working tirelessly on this shower - and I am so excited to be there and celebrate! This will end our shower trifecta. Last night we were out our friends (the Sengs) for a Charleston shower. It was pink-tastic and wonderful!! Laura put up pink lanterns, pink tablecloths, pink cups/plates, and a slew of pink candy. With a roaring fire inside, all the guests got to sample her delicious tortilla soup and black bean  burgers! (Did I mention the pink cupcakes??)  
Milestones: I can now recognize Harper's hiccups!! It feels like little twitches from inside my tummy - so wild, but excites me even more to meet her. Less than 8 weeks - and we should have our sweet munchkin. 

Ohhhhhhhhhh Baby!

Ohhhh Babyyyyy..I'm Back! 

I only took a 10 week reprieve :) where my life became crazy hectic with patients, research, moving into a new house, planning a gender reveal party, family/friend visits, and getting ready for my best friend's bachelorette/wedding. So I apologize about the long vacation from blogging~ but am ready to update on the latest happenings for baby miller. 

Poppyseed

Thumb sucking

Little foot

First of all, Clay and I DID find out the gender of the baby.....to give you a little background...all along I have felt that "poppy" was a girl. I dreamt she was a girl - and just had this feeling down to my little pinky toes that she was going to be a tutu-wearing, pigtail-sporting, giggly princess :). Clay even told me he thought it was a little girl - and had a dream too! When we went to the ultrasound appointment - we practiced self-control - and would not let her tell us. We were just thrilled the baby was a healthy beautiful baby with 10 fingers and 10 toes. The little one even had their thumb in their mouth and their legs crossed. Our plan was to wait until Saturday night (the ultrasound was on Thursday morning) to reveal the gender with a delectable dessert with either blue or pink cake filling. When Saturday rolled around, I just could not wait any longer. As the hours ticked by and it approached ten o'clock, I was at my wits end and insisted we cut the cake in front of friends and family. During the ultrasound I really had thought it was a boy on the images....but to my surprise, it was a little GIRL - pink cake all around!!! Clay  looked in disbelief when all his buddies yelled out "It's a GIRL!" I could not be happier... Everything flashed before my eyes....her as a little munchkin crawling around in diapers, her first day of school backpack and all, her learning to drive with her daddy's help, her getting married...the list goes on and on. I was absolutely speechless. As you can see from the ultrasound images above, baby miller is positively perfect! 

With my best friend - absolutely THRILLED!...and did I mention her wedding is roughly in 1 month!!

The cutest gender reveal cake - thank you Debra Miller!

Pure happiness :)

So that was the obvious excitement that I had to spill the beans about :). 

Other updates include:
1) MORE big news...Clay and I MOVED!! Now settled in to our new HOUSE (yess..HOUSE! no longer a 1 bedroom apartment) - we have 3 bedrooms, a FROG (finished room over the garage), 2.5 bathrooms, and best of all a screened in back porch with a large back yard for Hominy to frolic in! We really hit the jackpot on this one...and I have to give all the credit to my husband. When we initially saw the house, I was very distracted by the disarray the previous tenants had left it in - scuffs along the stairs, heinous colors on the walls (like hunter green and fire-engine red), cat hair everywhere, and no attempt at keeping the place remotely clean. However, with our wonderful realtor and a lot of hard work, we have a spotless house with new fresh paint :) - and I LOVE IT! 

My favorite spot :) Back porch watching Hominy run around like a maniac in the back yard!

This was taken right when we moved in - we have since added more artwork and done a little rearranging.

2) Additionally, on a side note, my best friend is getting married in a month - so it's MOH go-time! My biggest dilemma - finding a bridesmaid dress that I can zip up over my large rotund midsection. I have tried on 3 bridesmaid dresses - and now don't fit into any of them. Hooray for weddings when you are 6 months pregnant and look like Shamu. My new plan is to paint myself orange - and be introduced into the bridal party as the Pumpkin mascot...I think this could work - as the wedding is 1 week prior to Halloween, what do you think?? Even more entertaining will be attending a bachelorette in New Orleans next weekend as a large pregnant woman, stuffed into some tight dress with heels. Wish me luck!

3) Lastly, Clay and I finally are planning our nursery - the nesting phase has settled in. We are going with a color scheme of pale pink and light/dark browns. So far our walls are painted pale pink - luckily Clay did not go with my original choice of 'bubblegum pink'. We have a light brown glider, a metallic butterfly mobile (courtesy of my mother-in-law), a big brown bear (courtesy of my mom), and soon to receive our Baby's Dream white crib/dresser. We have registered for brown/pink bedding too. All in all, this is a super fun project - and I soon will have pics to come! 
4) Now for a photo update. As you have discovered above, my tummy is finally sporting a "bump". So here are some pictures - so you can see how things have progressed....Wider ...and Wider...

13 weeks                                   ~16 weeks                                                18 weeks

 

20 weeks                                                                           23 weeks           
                                      

 

                                                             24 weeks

 

And to conclude, the Pregnancy Survey:
How far along?  24 weeks  2 days
Total weight gain/loss? 13 lbs
Maternity clothes?  Finally in maternity wear - it's just so much more comfortable! I love the elastic bands on the pants, shorts, and skirts - and fully intend to wear these at future Thanksgiving dinners ;) (so much better than drawstring!)
Stretch marks? Nopers
Sleep?  My sleep schedule is finally normal - I go to bed around 10 - 10:30 PM and wake up roughly around 6:30 AM. The only time my sleep is interrupted is to pee (which unfortunately can be a couple times a night!) My bladder has to be a punching bag to this little peanut. 
Best moment last week? Clay feeling the little one kick...He was so shocked and speechless when it happened. I am so glad he can finally be apart of all the tummy goodness :) 
Movement? YES YES YES - all the time! She is a kicker and a puncher! 
Food cravings?  Mix fall + pregnancy hormones = PUMPKIN CRAVINGS GALORE. In the last two weeks, I have made 2 pumpkin breads and a pumpkin roll - and did I mention eaten a whole bag of pumpkin candy corn?! 
Gender? GIRL (now I can say it with 100% positivity!)
Labor signs? Roughly 3 more months
Belly button in/out? Innie
What I miss: Working out - and being able to easily tie my shoes. Clay and I go on a walk every evening and have started swimming on the weekends - but I wish I could go for a good run, especially in this crisp fall weather.
What I am looking forward to: Upcoming baby showers :) The month of November is flooded with showers in Virginia Beach, Florida, and South Carolina. I can't thank my friends and family enough for all the support.
Milestones: Clay and I chose a name :) I will reveal this soon~ but we LOVE it! I cannot wait for this sweet little girl to join us early next year! January is right around the corner...

Lately

I apologize for my absence...I realize it's been quite awhile since my last post...and there is lots to update!

Here it goes...

1) I have finally finished the first trimester finish line....sure I had some nauseous moments...and went to bed around 7:30 - 8 PM every night from shear exhaustion....and yes I was absolutely repulsed from such foods and drink as broccoli, walnuts, yogurt, and coffee...and only occasionally when I was out to dinner did I need to unbutton my pants from "food baby" + "real baby"....but overall I crossed this hurdle unscathed. 

So much so, that Clay has been telling his friends and family that I have done great and had 'no symptoms at all' (riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight). 

2) I have put on a whopping 2 poundsssss. I have included pictures below of my ever-growing baby bump. I realize not many people can "see" it...but to me - I know it's there :) and ready to keep expanding...

3) My dreaded acne that makes me look like I'm in high school has finally disappeared after a much-needed 'baby moon' to Savannah, GA at the end of June. Because I'm in residency and can literally take off no time before this little peanut decides to arrive, I had to condense our trip to two days. However, this was a glorious vacation - and we stayed in the best bed and breakfast (owned by Glenn and Maurice Gaylord). Of course Clay booked the Robert E. Lee room - so we were surrounded by pictures of guns and little figurines of the famous general. Besides the sweltering heat keeping us indoors for much of the day, we did manage to go to the spa for some wonderful pampering, Lulu's chocolate bar (yes we had dessert for dinner - a delicious layered strawberry cake, in fact!), shopped down Market Street (where Clay had to stop at World of Beers....obviously, I had a water),  and finished up our trip walking down Forsyth Park. I can't wait to go back!

4)This past weekend, I finally visited The Pea in the Pod and bought maternity jeans....and dang, they are stylish! I figured they would look old, faded and utterly non-appealing...but these jeans may just do the trick - and without a single button or zipper to jab at my growing belly. 

5) Lastly, Clay and I ventured into Babies R' Us yesterday. To say this was an experience is an understatement. I have never seen Clay get so involved with "test-driving" strollers - he was a man on a mission. So while all these woman 8 or 9 months pregnant were picking out bedding and swaddling blankets, I was rolling around the whole periphery of the store with the latest and greatest BOB stroller. Then he had me lift car seats to test their 'heaviness'- I felt like I was in a boot camp class rather than shopping for baby gear. To top it all off, he called me today to let me know he's already begun setting up the registry.....He's a keeper :)

So that about sums it up...I have included the daily questionnaire below and some updated pictures. 

How far along?  14 weeks 3 days
Total weight gain/loss?  2 - 3 lbs
Maternity clothes?  I have bought a pair of maternity jeans - but have not had the opportunity to sport those bad boys yet
Stretch marks? Nopers
Sleep?  My sleep schedule is finally getting back to normal. I now go to bed around 10 or 11 PM like I would during most days.
Best moment last week? Well it's been more than a week, but having Clay come to my OB GYN appointment and actually see the little poppy seed bounce around on the ultrasound screen was priceless. Additionally, the little one passed the first trimester screenings - already an over-achiever ;)
Movement? Not yet
Food cravings?  Can we say sweets!! Clay whipped up a peach crisp last night - and I needed 3 helpings to satiate my never-ending sweet tooth.
Gender? I still think it's a girl...and in fact have been referring to the baby as a "she"
Labor signs? Roughly 6 more months
Belly button in/out? Innie
What I miss: Working out like a normal person - although taking Hominy on long walks at night is becoming an enjoyable pastime.
What I am looking forward to: The anatomy screening at the end of August!!!! I can't wait to find out the gender! We are thinking of a possible gender reveal party....
Milestones: Clay and I are moving to a bigger place in just 3 weeks...a new house with 4 bedrooms (1 being the nursery!). I can't wait to start the decorating fun!

 Walking around Forsyth Park (Savannah, GA)

 @ 12 Weeks

 Eating dinner at the Old Pink House

The Robert E Lee Room

Lulu's for Dinner...Yummmm

Fourth of July Festivities....prior to grilling out with Clay's co-workers

This past weekend at 14 Weeks :)