7 weeks to go... That's only 49 days!

Three generations... Grandpa, me, Baby Girl Schaab, & GrandmaSo week 33... only 7 weeks to go! This week was a pretty busy baby week for Mike & I! We went to our first baby class on Tuesday night at Evanston hospital. What a beautiful place!

In our Baby Basics class we learned some very basic things like diapering, swaddling, taking care of the umbilical cord, bathing, etc. We practice on our baby boy above. We also learned some important information about SIDS as well as signs of illnesses in a newborn. This 2 1/2 hour first session was very informative and Mike and I left feeling a little more confident as parents... we're excited for the next session of this class which is at the end of the month. We went on the mad hunt for onesies with mittens attached after this class, and luckily Mimi Barb found them at Target after Mike & I struck out online.

I didn't have to work on Friday, which worked out nice because I had to visit the doctor. We talked a little more about my birth plan as well as how the baby was doing. Heartbeat is good and her head is still down. Everything is still looking nice and healthy and our little girl is still measuring a little on the bigger side... we see Dr. Ashby in two weeks to make sure everything's still on track.

My mom and I ventured to Lazar's Juvenille Furniture on Friday after having some issues with the Pottery Barn Crib and delivery... We picked out a beautiful set (no worries - Mike's opinion was available due to picture texting). The set came with a crib and a dresser that we'll also use as a changing table. Of course, we have different bedding (Daisy Garden from Pottery Barn). We also choose not to buy the second dresser on the right... for now at least! :) I'm really excited about this beautifully made sturdy furniture that will sleep Baby Girl Schaab! I also LOVED Lazar's and hope to visit there again! We'll have it delivered as soon as we figure out where we'll be setting up the nursery...


Yesterday, Mike & I (with the helpful observations and help of Mimi & Pop Pop) installed the car seat. The next step is going to get it checked at the police department to make sure we installed it correctly. It's kind of crazy driving around with it in the back knowing that in not too long there will be a baby in there! Mike also put the stroller together, which is also now traveling in my trunk. Check out the process...

Mike found that his beer fit perfect in the cup holder! :) He and my dad were joking there was room for each of the beers and then room on the bottom for a cooler and empties. Those boys are so funny...

Since so many people love Baby Girl Schaab already, I decided it was time to start washing some baby clothes... mainly just the onesies. After I detagged and destickered everything, I realized that the Dreft I had was not for HD washing machines (Wrigley used to get his stuff washed in the special detergent - clearly we hadn't used it in awhile). :( I'll be running to Target after work today to pick some up.

Well... What's going on with the baby?
Baby Center says... This week Baby Girl Schaab is a little over 4 1/2 pounds and has passed the 17 inch mark. She's rapidly losing that wrinkled, alien look and her skeleton is hardening. The bones in her skull aren't fused together, which allows them to move and slightly overlap, thus making it easier for her to fit through the birth canal. These bones don't entirely fuse until early adulthood, so they can grow as her brain and other tissue expands during infancy and childhood.

The Bump says... Baby Girl Schaab’s senses are continuing to improve -- when light peeks in through Mommy Caroline's (extremely) stretched belly, those tiny eyelids and irises blink and dilate. And, baby can now recognize and react to simple songs… time to start practicing your lullabies! Growth (at least inside Caroline's womb) is starting to slow, and you may notice baby descend into your pelvis at the end of this month.
How far along? 33 weeks

Total weight gain: 22 pounds

Maternity Clothes: yup - and I love them! I wore a new Target Easter dress today too! Check out the pic with Grandma & Grandpa!

Sleep: Lots of getting up and lots of kicking baby...

Best Moment this Week: There were so many to choose from! I loved baby class, loved picking out furniture in person, and was excited that we got the car seat installed! We may not have a nursery yet, however, at least we can bring the baby home!

Movement: Libby got kicked finally! Baby Girl Schaab kicked her ear and then her hand on Friday. She's still pretty active, however she's discovered my ribs... not a feeling that is very comfortable.

Food Cravings: Pancake House Skillets and Smoothies!

Gender: GIRL

Labor Signs: Braxton Hicks contractions - these are coming more frequently... which means my body is getting ready for the baby to come out! Her head is also down, which is a good thing too!

Belly Button in or out? In - which is where I think it is staying.

What I miss: Sleeping comfortably.

Milestones: Car seat installed! Laundry almost started...

What I'm looking forward to: We are going on a tour of Evanston Hospital's Labor and Delivery unit on Saturday. I'm also so excited for my baby shower this Sunday! It will be great to see all the friends and family that care about Baby Girl Schaab!