Seven Year Itch?

We seem to have beat it!  Happy Anniversary to Us!!!!  7 years ago at 7pm I became Mrs. Randazzo!  It really does not feel like it's been 7 years since we said "I Do" and it really doesn't feel like we've been together for 10 years.  Time is funny that way!  We've definitely had our ups and downs but so thankful that we've persevered and are where we are today.

Weren't we cute???  :)

We don't normally exchange gifts for Anniversaries but this year the Italian surprised me.  He gave me a beautiful ruby & diamond pendant as an anniversary/(advance) push present.  Since it's officially July 1st and the little princess hasn't arrived yet that means that her birthstone will definitely be a RUBY.  So thoughtful, and I mean no disrespect but definitely unexpected coming from The Italian. 

I LOVE IT!!!!!   

Speaking of her highness, the little princess has not made any further progress.  At my doctor's appointment Thursday we were still dilated 1 cm and 50% effaced.  Doc says that that really doesn't mean anything - he's had patients not dilate at all and deliver that night and some who walk around dilated 3cm for 3 or 4 weeks!  Her majesty has however discovered a new toy...my bladder.  The Italian and I were trying to watch a movie last night and I literally had to have him pause it 3 times in 10 minutes...I am NOT exaggerating either.  (wish I was).  

I did get some packing done yesterday...

Nicolette's bag is all packed (Boppy, Going Home Dress - which was actually one of my dresses when I was a baby, Extra Onesie for Going Home, Hair Bows, Blankie, Baby Legs, Socks & Mittens). 

Sweet Nicolette's Bag of Goodies for the Hospital 

I LOVE this bag from Auntie Laura - it's the only one big enough to fit the Boppy to take to the hospital!  

I packed a basket full of "snacks" to give to the sweet Labor & Delivery Nurses at the hospital.  It's my "please-be-super-nice-to-me-even-though-I might-yell-at-you-peace-offering gift". 

I also vacuumed the whole house (again), cleaned the bathrooms (again), started working on Nicolette's baby book, learned how to make a Sock Bun (thinking this might be the best way to keep my hair out of my face during delivery), packed up (and hid) snacks for Daddy...but I cannot seem to make myself make any significant progress on MY hospital bag...

Mommy's Hospital "Pile"

At least I have some stuff together - pjs, slippers, chapstick, hair ties, headband, flip flops, leggings, t-shirt, hospital paperwork, starting to get charging cords together for camera, iPad, computer, going home dress, etc... I don't know why I'm procrastinating so much with this!  Maybe today will be the day that I get fully motivated...

No Rest in this Nest

Let the nesting continue.  Now that my carpet shampooing extravaganza is complete and I'm just waiting on the nursery glider and bookshelves to arrive before I do anything else in there I had to look for some extra "projects" to tackle this week. 

I nested my husband's drawers (thank you Pinterest for the drawer organizing tips)

I nested our garage with our Sho-Vac (seriously getting crazy now - who vacuums a garage when they're 9 months pregnant...me, that's who)



I even "nested" Chance.  Our dog-child has more fur than I could ever shed off of him.  Funny if you look closely you can almost see his outline where he was laying down while I shedded him. 

We had our 37 week check up today and still looking good.  I have dilated 1 cm, am 50% effaced, lost 1 lb and baby girl's heart rate has started to slow down from her usual 150-160 down to 125.  All signs that delivery is in fact on it's way and baby girl is starting to relax and rest in preparation for her grand entrance!  Now I can apparently stay in this "state" for 2-3 weeks or more with little to no further progression so it's not like I'm delivering tonight or anything (at least I hope not).  I'd REALLY appreciate it if this little bun could stay put until we AT LEAST hit 39 weeks.  The March of Dimes states that at 35 weeks the size of the baby's brain is only 2/3's of what it will be at 39-40 weeks...so we've still got lots of brain growing to do over these next couple of weeks.  The Italian tried to hide it but I could tell he was a little nervous when I called to tell him that I had dilated 1cm.  He quietly asked if my delivery date was being moved up.  I told him no that we still have a ways to go, but we are starting to make SOME progress so it's just proof that this pregnancy will not last forever despite my recent fears about it.  I've just felt so "normal" that I couldn't believe that she could actually be born in the next few weeks.   

I've said it before but I really am going to TRY to slow down and chill out on the nesting over the next couple of weeks.  I know it's important to get some rest because we'll be expending a LOT of energy come labor day. 

Saying lots of prayers for HEALTHY development for little Nicolette - we're really excited about meeting you sweet girl!!!!