We've got a lot to cover

I've been a very bad blogger lately. Part of that has been that work has become insanely busy. It went from having nothing to do, to having so much there's just not enough time to get everything done. It's feast or famine around here, which can drive a person a little bit insane. Secondly, I've been trying to get my house in order after my awesome baby shower 2 weeks ago...more on that in a bit. There's also that lack of motivation I mentioned a few weeks ago. I'm just so tired all the time that I don't feel like doing anything. Of course, I've had a million things to do, so once I do those I don't feel like blogging. Which means we have lots to cover today!

Let's talk about my baby shower. I have the best friends and family anyone could ask for. I believe the shower was originally being thrown by my mom and mother in law. Once the word got out that a shower was in the works, so many people wanted to pitch in and help. My best friend who lives 3 hours away took care of invitations and some food. My aunt opened her home to 40+ people on the day of the shower, and also helped with food. Another good friend insisted on bringing some dishes. My aunt's niece (no, not my cousin...she is my aunt by marriage, so her niece is not related to me) also wanted to help out. My cousin's wife, who I have never even met until the day of my shower, wanted to make the cake. Take a look at this cake:




I can't believe the amount of time and effort that went into it. And it was delicious, which was an added bonus. I didn't want to cut into it, but 40 hungry ladies (3 of whom were pregnant) made it clear that was not an option.

Speaking of cakes, check out the awesome diaper cake my MIL made:



The aftermath of the shower looked like this in my dining room:






Also in this weeks news, I had a growth ultrasound on Wednesday. I was measuring ahead at 34 weeks 2 days (instead of 32 weeks 5 days). Patches is already weighing in at 5lbs 6 oz! At this rate I will give birth to a toddler! I know those measurements aren't completely accurate, but given that I was born at 8lbs 12oz (a week before my mom's due date), and S is a pretty big guy, I wouldn't be surprised if she is around 9lbs at birth. My poor vagina. Here are some pics of the baby:





And a belly pic as a bonus if you've made it this far :)



And now time for the 33 Week Survey (has it really been 8 weeks since the last one? I suck at this).

How Far Along: 33 weeks!

Total Weight Gain/Loss: ~30 pounds....sigh

How Big is Baby: A honeydew...aka effing huge

Maternity Clothes: I'm actually outgrowing maternity clothes. I really didn't think that was possible

Stretch Marks: I thought I was safe, but a few have popped up on my left hip.

Sleep: Sleep? What is that? I wake up when I get stuck trying to roll over, when I have to pee (which is constantly), and when I start choking on my stomach acid (reflux is FUN). Naps have become my best friend.

Best Moment this Week: Getting to see my baby girl on an ultrasound (last one was 3 months ago). She looks like a real person now! And a little bit like me :)

Movement: Yes! Not as many kicks, but my stomach does awesome rolls as she moves around. I am still mesmerized by it.

Food Cravings: Had the strangest craving for turtle soup last night...I've only had turtle soup once in my life, so I'm not sure where that came from.

Gender: Girl!

Labor Signs: I think I've had a few contractions, but are usually related to being really gassy. So I'm not sure if it's just pressure I'm feeling, or if the gassyness somehow causes a contraction (I have heard that an irritable bowel or bladder can cause contractions).

Belly Button In/Out: In, but it's very shallow.

Symptoms: Heartburn and hiccups going strong. Little bit of back pain. A new pain on the inside of my thigh at my bikini line.

What I am Looking Forward to: I am *this* close to finishing the nursery. I'll be so happy when it is done.

Weekly Wisdom: Don't be in such a hurry to open and wash newborn clothes...especially when your doctor tells you your 32w5d baby is measuring 34w2d and weighs in at 5lbs 6oz!