39 weeks

Holy Cow, I'm 39 weeks!  Time has seriously flown by on this pregnancy and I know it's about to speed up when baby arrives.  Can we just hit pause, just for a second to enjoy this moment?  No? ok.

How far along? 39 Weeks
Total weight gain: 10lbs, lost two pounds after the Christmas/Halloween candy was out of the house.  I'm really going to miss it when I have to watch what I eat again!
Baby is the size of ? A Watermelon- yep, you read that correctly.  Lawd help my body!
Maternity clothes? Yep!  If it's not maternity or have enough spandex, it doesn't go on this body.
Stretch marks? So yeah, within the last few weeks I think there was a mutiny and more showed up.  Not happy about it at all, but still fighting them with Vitamin E, Coconut Oil and doTERRA Immortelle blend!
Sleep: Let's not even go there.  I'll just comment that I'm ready to have the baby out of my body so sleep positions become bearable again.   
Best moment this week: All the love being shown to Raegan!  My work family completely spoiled her rotten with gifts and a lunch shower.  We, as a family, have been so blessed by these people it brought me to tears more than once!
Miss Anything? Breathing and eating more than two bites of anything.  Enough said.
Movement: Kicks and punches have turned into full on barrel rolls and stretches!
Food cravings: Anything sweet, but not really craving too much lately.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Depends on the day, but not really.
Exercise? Lots of walking around the office!  That's taking way more energy than it did before.  
Gender:  SHE
Labor Signs: Braxton Hicks are common place around here, along with round ligament pain and some other fleeting pains that come and go.
Symptoms: Seriously tired after doing nothing, and generally uncomfortable at all times.
Belly Button in or out? In- but I can now see both holes where my belly button ring would’ve resided.  
Wedding rings on or off? Normally I'm able to wear my engagement ring, but not my wedding band.  For the last two days, neither has fit comfortably. 
Happy or Moody most of the time: Pretty happy, anxious and generally ready to get this show on the road!
Looking forward to: Meeting Raegan!  I feel like a kid on Christmas who's been waiting 9 months for her present!  Let's gooooooooo!!!

Until next time...

35 weeks

Merry Christmas Blogland!!  I have had a completely relaxing and blessed day spent with my amazing Husband.  I've been spoiled beyond belief this year and am typing to you on my new iMac!  We've been talking about this for while with my love of photography and new edition on the way and today it finally became a reality!  It's going to be a learning curve but I'm SO excited!  

Last Christmas before baby!

Last night we hosted our first California "Friendsmas" with other military orphans too far away to be with family this holiday season.  It was a blast to say the least!  Here are some of the highlights, and hilarious pics, that ensued!

So. Much. Food.  Don't forget the Birthday Boy, Joe!  

Vallejos & Lamberts!  I love when friends become family!

A little engineering and ghetto phone manipulation, eh voila, group photo!

The ladies went in the kitchen to talk doTERRA for 5 min, guess they were ready for Santa to come!

Awkward family photo or prego prom pic- either way it makes me giggle and I love it!!

How far along? 35 weeks, Day 2
Total weight gain: 12lbs and hoping to keep it that way!
Baby is the size of ? A Coconut
Maternity clothes? Yep!  Whoever said yoga pants and leggings weren't pants is wrong, just plain wrong.  Those things are a gift from God.  Come to think of it, anything stretchy is gracing my body these days.  You're welcome.
Stretch marks? Same!  Although I've noticed some older ones fading a bit, which makes me happy!
Sleep: Ahhh, we've definitely entered the third trimester sleep patterns, better known as "getting you ready for a newborn because you sleep like crappity, crap, crap"!  Unfortunately it's also around now when Mr. Ladd is getting banished to the, way more comfortable, guest bed.  I miss my husband but my sleep is SO precious I'll sacrifice a few nights with him! 
Best moment this week: Seeing the belly dance more and more!  We also had our birthing class last week and while it was pretty, um terrifying eyeopening, I feel more empowered and better prepared for the big event.  Might I add that at 35 weeks the lungs are fully developed?  While I'm not advocating for little Miss to make her debut tomorrow, I'm saying it's pretty much up to her now!
Miss Anything? Breathing and eating more than two bites of anything.  Enough said.
Movement: Little gymnast is doing summersaults all. the. time.
Food cravings: Anything sweet, but not really craving too much lately.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Not really but meat is starting to not appeal again.  Weird.
Exercise? Lots of walking around the office, during Christmas shopping and in general.  That's taking way more energy than it did before.  
Gender:  SHE
Labor Signs: Not really.  My belly keeps getting rock hard at the top but doesn't have any pain associated with it.  I am having random pains every now and then that stop me in my tracks, but they're done as fast as they come on.
Symptoms: Same.  I have good days and bad with random aches and pains.  Hello round ligament pain.  Google it.
Belly Button in or out? In- but I can now see both holes where my belly button ring would’ve resided.  
Wedding rings on or off? Normally I'm able to wear my engagement ring, but not my wedding band.  I'll take big and sparkly because people are serious judgers when I don't have any rings on.  Geezeeee.
Happy or Moody most of the time: More emotional than a 13yr old girl.  Make. it. STOP!
Looking forward to: Putting the nursery together, installing the carseat, writing my birth plan and packing our "to go bag".  Sh*t's getting real.

That's all for today folks!  I hope you have a fantastic Christmas and you remember the real reason for the season!  The most important things you get on Christmas, aren't things at all. 

Until next time...

Baby Ladd has a name!

As our dute date comes screetching towards us, one of the favorite questions people like to ask is "Do you have a name"?  Why, yes... we do.  So, if you've been waiting in anticipation for Baby Ladd's name, it's my pleasure to announce your wait is over!

Drum roll please...

 

 

 

Raegan

Meaning: king or regal.  A feisty, intelligent young woman. Someone who knows what she wants and works hard to get it. Is also known to be: extremely fun-loving, loyal, quick-witted, and sarcastic, but will stand by your side at all times.

 

Avery

Meaning: wise or counselor.  Avery means amazing, talented in every way , able to sucseed, will go far in life, loves and cares for that one special person, very good at basketball. (thank you urban dictionary, my husband will love that!) 

 

After making several attempts at adding my Mom, Grandma, D's Mom or Grandma's name into the mix we came up short and would've ended up with something like Renesmee.  Which, if that's your thing is fine, but it was definitely on my to-don't list.  So instead we went in search of a strong female name with a slightly androgynous feel.  It just so happens that her initials are the same as mine, in a different order :)  I think we nailed it!

 

Only 36 more days until this little ladies' proposed birthday!

 

Until next time...