Build-A-Bear

Last week we ventured to Crabtree Mall to the "Build-A-Bear" store so that Ethan could make something extra special for his baby brother.

I have never been to this store before, but I will admit it was super cute. Ethan loved every part of the bear building process, and I loved watching him use his imagination.

First, we pick out a bear, give the bear a heart, and stuff him.

Then, he needs a bath! His favorite station. This bear got extra clean.

Every bear needs clothes...except Ethan's bear. He decided he is better off naked. 

Finally, you get to register your bear and receive a birth certificate. World, meet fluffy the bear. Until he changed it to cuddles. 

Ethan was very excited to make something for his baby brother. As soon as we were done, it amazed me how Ethan immediately assumed a "mother" role to his bear. He wanted to push him in the mall in the umbrella stroller, and when we got home wanted to feed him with a baby bottle, and put a diaper on him. He told me "mommy I will take good care of baby Nathan's bear until he gets here." 

Ethan is so anxious about Nathan getting here. I love hearing him talk about Nathan, which is many, many times a day. He talks to him in my belly. If I ever want to feel the baby move, all I have to do is ask Ethan to talk to him. It amazes me how Nathan responds to Ethan already. 

Baby Update-

Well, I'm 37 weeks feeling like I'm going on 47 weeks. Yesterday we "almost" had a baby when Nathan decided he'd like to join us for the lovely round of storms we had. The contractions started around 3am the night before. Luckily, I already had an appointment scheduled the next morning. As soon as I got there, they hooked me up to the NST monitor to see what was going on. I wasn't crazy, the contractions were 3-5 minutes apart, and 2 cm dilated. They decided to send me over to labor and delivery for a better look at what was going on. In the 5-6 hours we were there, the contractions never stopped, but I didn't dilate any further, so they sent me home in hopes the little stinker would hold on a little longer. It was a super exhausting day, and I am so thankful we all slept well last night and the contractions seemed to have calmed a bit for now. 

Being there yesterday was a real reality check for me. When I first got there, I heard the newest cries of a baby who had just been born. I had all I could do to hold in the tears and not combust into a sob session. What is it about that sound that just gets you? 

When we got home yesterday, Ethan said "mommy I thought baby Nathan was coming?" Man, I hated to disappoint him.

Exactly two weeks from today, we are scheduled to meet our sweet boy, and I can't wait to see that little face. Until then, enjoy the peace. :)

Weekend Getaway

We ventured for the last time as a family of 3 to the mountains for a little snow fun. We left Thursday afternoon in hopes of taking Ethan snow tubing on Friday morning to avoid any excessive crowds. Well, that plan was quickly halted when the winds Friday morning were in excess of 50 mph, with a temperature of around 12 degrees. Thankfully, the kind people at the snow tubing park gave us a rain check to come back the next morning when the conditions were predicted to be much more enjoyable. Good thing because they ended up closing the park anyways. 

So, the next morning, we loaded back in the car and made our way back to the tubing park. They were right, the conditions were MUCH better. No wind, sunny, and pretty warm compared to the day before. Evan and Ethan had a blast...while preggo mommy watched from the viewing deck. Ethan wasn't scared at all, and I loved watching him and Evan together. Father-son bonding at its best. 

In case you were wondering...we went to Hawks Nest which is located in Seven Devils, NC just outside of Boone. I would highly recommend it. Added bonus- they cap the number of people allowed in the park per session to cut down on the amount of time you wait in line. 

What's a trip to the mountains without a little fun in the snow? Since Friday was too windy and cold to snow tube, Ethan enjoyed playing in the snow and finally building a real snowman. After the snowman was complete, he went sledding with Evan, MiMi, and G-dad (Evan's mom and step dad). Pure joy.

It was a great little getaway, even if it was just for a few days. As my doctor would say this was our "last hoorah" before little one arrives. There will be no more traveling for me.

Baby Update-

So, this week marks 34 weeks along in the baby cooking process. If I am being completely honest with you, I would tell you I'm over it. A LOT has changed in the last 2 weeks. I am extremely uncomfortable no matter what I do or what position I am in. I am not sleeping well at all. Aside from peeing every hour, I am waking up with shooting hip pain no matter what side I lay on. I can't eat much without feeling like I've swallowed a horse. I am having a lot of braxton hicks contractions, and sometimes they are quite uncomfortable. I actually had to get checked out last week due to the amount of contractions I was having. Everything checked out fine. I am down to two pair of pants and a handful of tops that fit...mostly because I refuse to go buy more. Little one moves A LOT. He likes to get ramped up when he hears his big brother carrying on, and around 10pm every night. His moves have turned into full body thrashes which sometimes make my whole body jolt- and it hurts! 

All complaints aside, its a small price to pay to have the privilege of bringing this baby into the world. It's amazing how much he is already loved. I can't wait to see his face. It brings me the most joy to see how excited Ethan is. He talks to his brother so much. His newest thing is kissing my belly goodnight- so he can "tell his brother goodnight". I can barely think about the moment they will meet for the first time without wanting to cry. FIVE more weeks until his scheduled C section!