Well, today makes 37 weeks, which means baby Richards is FULL TERM. It’s also July, which means game on for her arrival. I even started having some painful contractions (not coming in a pattern yet) which my doctor says COULD mean she is ready to make her appearance a little bit early – but it could also just be her pre-gaming for the big day. While I haven’t had a cervical check yet to see if I’m dilated, my doctor did say baby’s head was fully engaged. She also commented that “maybe I will have a 4th of July baby,” which is both exciting and terrifying, because the 4th of July is THIS WEEK. The 4th also happens to be the day Dan predicts baby will arrive – but he’s only saying that because he wants fireworks on her birthday.

This week has been a busy one all around. I started it by cleaning and organizing the nursery (washing the clothes, hanging them, finding drawers and storage for all of the toys, etc.). I am completely and totally in nesting mode. I can’t walk through a single room in our house without stopping to clean or organize something. It’s seriously debilitating. However, it did allow me to get the nursery looking nice enough for photos – so enjoy the little tour below!

BEFORE:

AFTER:

We are still working on a couple more pieces for the room (namely artwork for the walls), but I think it’s coming together pretty nicely, and I’m trying to enjoy it while it stays this clean and put together. I know those days are almost over – ha!

So after getting the nursery all set up, my next event was traveling to MA for Taryn’s bridal shower, which was incredibly impressive and belonged on the pages of a Pottery Barn catalog. The only thing I’m sad about is that a. I didn’t take a picture of the food displays (they were amazing) and b. I couldn’t partake in the Prosecco bar, because I seriously love Prosecco. Taryn looked gorgeous, though, and very relaxed and in love, which of course, is the goal 🙂 So excited for the wedding this September!

And now, to make up for the lack of photos from the bridal shower (and the horrible selfie photo for 37 weeks) – I leave you with a peek at our maternity photos! We had them taken on Sunday at Pineland Farms Garden, and it was actually pretty fun! We were in a total rush getting there so I didn’t have time to do my hair or makeup (you can imagine the mood I was in), but thanks to a talented photographer (and probably a lot of photoshop) the pictures managed to come out pretty decent! If anyone in the Portland/Midcoast area is in need of a maternity/newborn/children and family photographer, definitely check out Carly Murray, she was awesome!

Oh…and in case you weren’t already aware (you will be as soon as you scroll down) Dan and I picked a name for our little munchkin. Barring any freak outs during or after delivery – we have decided on the name Mia Rose Richards. Hope you like it 🙂

How far along? 37 weeks (full term!)

Total weight gain: 29 lbs (NO WEIGHT GAIN this week – holy happiness)
Maternity clothes?  leggings and yoga pants
Stretch marks? boo
Sleep: barely
Best moment this week: organizing baby Mia’s nursery
Miss Anything? sleeping
Movement: so much….she even whacked the doctor in the hand while she was trying to measure the heartbeat at my appt this week
Food cravings: cheetos, chocolate covered bananas
Anything making you queasy or sick: nope
Gender: It’s a girl!
Labor Signs: more braxton hicks and some REAL (ouch) contractions
Symptoms: back pain, rib pain
Belly Button in or out? barely there
Wedding rings on or off? still on, hands aren’t swelling too badly….but my toe ring is now off, due to some lovely puffy feet
Happy or Moody most of the time: happy
Looking forward to: 4th of july festivities at the lake!