5 months

All dressed up for Christmas Eve mass! Aren't I pretty?

Age: 22 weeks (5 months)

Weight: 17 lbs...whoa nelly!

Length: not sure but she's busting out of her 6 mo clothes already!

Favorite toy: she's still loving the exersaucer  but she's madly in love with the laugh and learn puppy that Aunt Stacey and family bought her for Christmas 

Favorite activity: Good lord this child likes to talk.  I'm not sure why this surprises me exactly considering her genetics... When she's not exercising her vocal chords she loves a mean game of patty cake.   We're also working on perfecting our rolling skills.

Favorite book:  Her current favorite --> She cracks up every time I say "click clack MOO".  The only thing we asked for her for Christmas was books (our house is TOO SMALL for toys and she's too young to care!) so we have a stack about 30 deep to start working through!!! Future book nerd in the making!!

This month Harper discovered: Bananas!

I don't think she's quite sure what to think about all this food business yet, but she seems to be getting the hang of it. 

Races: (she is my daughter after all)   I had decided to not run with Harper at the Jingle Bell 5k (just so I could actually RUN, but quickly changed my mind when I saw how icy it was, I needed something to hold on to!

Here we are about to finish the race (and yes I barely beat the 8 year old)

Next race isn't until February and I will be running SOLO!

Looking forward to:  having a healthy baby!!! This is Harper's third bought with a cold/bronchiolitis in the past two months.  

LOVE daycare

HATE the germs

The big red dog and the man in red

What an exciting weekend! Harper got to meet two of my most favorite people! Clifford the big red dog and SANTA!!! 
Saturday morning my mother in law and sister and law and I headed to the mother of all book sales...the Scholastic warehouse sale.  If you're a book nerd like me it's like walking through the pearly gates of Heaven.  Books all 50% off? Yes please!! 

Harper wasn't too sure about the big red fuzzy creature but she obliged for a photo (read she didn't cry)

Sunday morning after mass and lunch with friends it was off to her first meeting with the jolly fellow himself.  Tuckered out from an exhausting morning she picked this opportune time to nap, which was fine with me...it resulted in this little gem.  

I'm sure next year we'll get the "WAHHHHH get me off this strange man's lap" photo so this one's a keeper!

(If you're thinking it's strange that Santa isn't smiling? I was too until I noticed that he was severely lacking in the tooth department.  Too many cookies and not enough dentists in the North Pole I guess)

Time flies when you're changing diapers

Where have the past 16 weeks gone?? Feels like we just brought Harper home and then BOOM we have a 4mo old.  
I've really missed doing my weekly updates and thought maybe you missed them too....but let's be honest, no one cares how much I weigh, what races I'm doing, and what my mood is, you want to see the little peanut and hear what she's up to.
I won't bore you with the week to week updates but figure every month will do.  

16 Weeks

Age:  17 weeks 1 day

Weight: 15lbs 1oz (as you can tell from her progression of pictures we aren't starving her!)

Length: 25"

Favorite toy: hmmm it's a toss up between her long time favorite Jacques the Peacock and her new found love the excersaucer.

Favorite activity: Talking...talking...talking.  I have a feeling she's going to be a social butterfly like her daddy

Favorite book:  She hasn't really shown a preference yet but mommy LOVES the llama llama books!

This month Harper discovered: HER HANDS!! You'd think they were dipped in chocolate the way she tries to shove them both in her mouth at the same time.

Races: (she is my daughter after all)   E-race the stigma 5k.  The stroller division was fierce, and we managed to come in 7th overall.  Next up is the Jingle Bell 5k we'll be running with Auntie Kim.

Looking forward to:  Baby's first Thanksgiving!!! 

My little pumpkin

                      Happy Halloween!!!

My little pumpkin on her first Halloween.  This was the extent of her "dressing up" (I know I know bad mommy)  She'll be subjected to a ridiculous costume next year, not to worry :)

It's been awhile...

....and life is crazier, busier and more wonderful than I could ever have imagined.  Once we get into the groove of this whole work/daycare thing I'm hoping to update the blog a little bit more regularly. Until then enjoy two of Harper's professional pictures taken by her amazingly talented Aunt Stacey (Damon Photography)

I am clearly biased but isn't she cute?

Good things come to those who wait

Allow me to introduce the newest member of the Breton family...

Harper Kathryn Breton

07/24/12

11:45 pm

6lbs 14.5oz

19 3/4 inches

Clearly this picture was PRE contractions

…and post contractions…that labor business is no joke!

What started as a standard trip to the Doctor on Monday afternoon (7/23) ended with me being admitted into the hospital to be induced.  Poor Shaun got a phone call that went something like this:

R- Hi hon, whatcha doing?

S- Oh you know, delivering the mail

R- Yeah, about that…how soon can you get off your route and get down to Portland

S- Oh shit!

Turns out I really didn't need to rush him.  My induction started early that evening at around 5pm and by 10pm the next day and MULTIPLE attempts to speed up my labor I was still only 7 cm and the little lady was making it clear that she was NOT liking this labor business (and just to be clear neither did I).  

At that point everyone was in agreement that a C-Section was the safest route to go.  Initially I had wanted to avoid a C-section like the plague but with contractions that were rolling one on top of another and an epidural that only took to the left side of my body, let's just say I had a bit more of an open mind about surgery.  So off to the ER we went.  

And minutes later...

Little Miss Harper just minutes old

Meeting mommy for the first time <3

She's screaming and I look like hell but hey, it was our first family picture

A little snuggle time with daddy….this has become their favorite position

and a little snuggle with mommy <3

and so begins our journey into Parenthood...

4….1……weeks

How far along? 40 weeks 4 flipping days

Her size: Baby girl is the size of a baby that needs to get out get out get out!!!

Total weight gain:  +0.6 lbs this week...total weight gain of 30.6lbs 

Running/Races?  Still going out on my power walks hoping to get things going, although I do have contractions the whole time, they never seem to amount to much.  I watched some of my favorite ladies run the Clam Festival 5 mile classic this past weekend.  It was the first time I've missed it in 5 years…kind of made me sad but I'll be back next year (Who wants to watch Harper so I can run while the mailman delivers the mail??) 

Stretch marks? None! It's a miracle!

Sleep: Sucks.  Period end of story.  At this point it's just not comfortable any way you slice it, I do the best I can to get as much sleep as possible though, I know soon enough I'll be trading no sleep due to belly for no sleep due to baby.

Best moment this week: LAST DAY OF WORK!! Friday was my last day of work until after my maternity leave.  I said I wanted to work until the very end and I made it to 41 weeks 1 day…feel free to clap, I was pretty impressed too :) 

Miss Anything? Trying not to miss anything and just savor these last few days of pregnancy

Movement: Still rocking and rolling, although she's been a bit quieter the past day or two. Resting for a long tough journey perhaps??

Food cravings: Watermelon and grape nut icecream

Anything making you queasy or sick: Just the usual suspects, I'm hoping these food aversions disappear pretty quickly, I really do miss chicken!

Gender: GIRL! 

Labor Signs: At my 41 week appointment I was 1 cm dilated and 50% effaced, contractions come and go as they please, not yet regular enough to time.
Symptoms: There are signs of things happening down there so it's just a matter now of if they happen fast enough before the Dr's step in later this week.  

Belly Button in or out? sigh...the turkey is done

Wedding rings on or off? miracle of miracles they're still on!

Happy or Moody most of the time: Emotionally I had a pretty rough week.  I've done amazingly well keeping these darn hormones in check throughout this entire pregnancy but being overdue…they just got the best of me.  I've bounced back to my happy self though, now that there is a light at the end of the tunnel!
Looking forward to: Meeting this little girl once and for all.  I've seen her on the ultrasound screen and in 3D enough times, I'm ready for the real thing!!

Week 4-0

I'm of the opinion that when you are past your due date and it's 89 degrees out you have earned the right to rock a bikini in public

Our last beach day as a duo...maybe??

How far along? 40 weeks 3 days (I was really hoping to NOT write this post!!)

Her size: Baby girl is the size of a baby that needs to vacate the premises!

Total weight gain:  +1.4 lbs this week...total weight gain of 30lbs on the nose

Running/Races?  Hustled my pregnant behind around the track on Tuesday 2.5 miles and have been on countless walks since then trying to kick start some productive contractions...I'd guess I probably logged at least 10 miles of walking this week

Stretch marks? None!

Sleep: Sleep is still a bit hit or miss, it's getting more difficult to roll over hauling this belly with me, but I still feel like I'm getting a fair amount of sleep 

Best moment this week: Hands down my maternity massage! They have a pillow that allowed me to lay on my belly for the first time in months...not going to lie, I fell asleep and woke myself up with a little snore hahaha.  

Miss Anything? I've been told I will miss my belly when this is all over...I'm looking forward to testing that theory :)

Movement: She's still having regular dance parties in there, but as space is at a premium those parties are becoming increasingly more uncomfortable for mama
Food cravings: Food is pretty hit or miss for me right now, most days I'm just not interested in it

Anything making you queasy or sick: Food in general (see above)

Gender: GIRL! 

Labor Signs: Ahhh yes the million dollar question...I am officially the watched pot that has yet to boil! I've had contractions off and on (nothing regular) since last Friday, only this morning did I have one that stopped me dead in my tracks....stay tuned.
Symptoms: Aside from the contractions that I've been having, she is definitely sitting lower and my appetite is out the window... 

Belly Button in or out? sigh...the turkey is done

Wedding rings on or off? miracle of miracles they're still on!

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy...with a side of impatience....
Looking forward to: Not working anymore (yes I am stilllll working) and getting this show on the road!!! Here's to hoping there is NO
41 week update!!!!

Week 39

How far along? 39 weeks 4 days

Her size: Baby girl is the size of COME OUT ALREADY!

Total weight gain:  +1.0 lbs this week 28.6lbs total

Running/Races?  Worked out at the gym a few times, did a lot of walking.  If I thought I got funny looks when I was 6 months pregnant, it's down right hilarious now!  It's not as easy to get it in these days with the heat but I'm still doing my best :)

Stretch marks? None...yet (knocking really hard on wood!)

Sleep: Sleep has been better this week but it's come with a price....for Shaun.  I found him on the couch this morning and when I woke him up and asked him why he was out there he said "Because you were snoring SO LOUD!!!"  Now, I'm not a snorer typically (that's HIS territory) so I felt bad, but as Shaun said "if you're snoring, you're sleeping which is a step up from last week"...so there you have it, sorry bout your luck hun.

Best moment this week: Another great weekend for the books! Luckily the little lady stayed put so mamma could go to her friend Jamie's wedding! Shaun was working so I went with another couple, it was a great night filled with trackie love! Imagine my surprise when my handsome husband surprised me at the reception just in time for the anniversary dance!  We took advantage of the GORGEOUS weather on Sunday for what we assume will be our last relaxing day at the beach for a looooong time, lol.  I couldn't have asked for a better, more relaxing day with my husband.  I COULD, however, have done a little better job applying sunscreen --> OUCH!

Miss Anything? My beautiful slim ankles ;)

Movement:  All the time, I'm hoping it's her packing up and getting ready to leave.
Food cravings: Fresh fruit and veggies, Dunkin Donuts frozen lemonade/ice tea

Anything making you queasy or sick: I ate chicken THREE times this week...Shaun is beside himself with delight at the prospect of chicken making it's way back into the weekly meal rotation.

Gender: GIRL! 

Labor Signs: At my 38 week appt her head was +2 station and my cervix was thinned....which tells me absolutely nothing. Every woman is different and progresses at a different rate, sooooo we'll see.
Symptoms: Some cramping off and on and I'm definitely feeling her movements lower than before so I'm hoping that means she's headed in the right direction. Oh yeah and let's not forget those cankles (thank you heat)!

Belly Button in or out? sigh...the turkey is done

Wedding rings on or off? miracle of miracles they're still on!

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy...excited...nervous...<--yes, still that
Looking forward to: Everyone keeps asking me if I'm ready...well yes and no.  I have had a great pregnancy and I know in some strange ways I'll miss it when it's over.  I'm more than happy to keep her on the inside until she's ready to come out...let's face it, they're really easy to take care of in there! On the other hand I just want to get the show on the road already!!! At the end of the day we are so so excited to lay eyes on our sweet baby girl!

Let's hope my next post is one filled with pictures of the new arrival!

J-U-L-Y

Sweet baby girl,
It's finally JULY, the month of your birth!!!!  It feels like it was just yesterday the Dr gave me your expected due date of July 12 but at the same time it feels like I've been waiting FOREVER to meet you!  Your room is ready, our hospital bag is packed and your daddy and I are about as ready as we're ever going to be...all we need now is you!  
I saw you on an ultrasound this morning and you looked pretty content in there, all cozied up with your hand  resting on your cheek...just know that when you're ready, there are an awful lot of people out here who already love you SO much and can't wait to meet you..<3


Love 
Your momma

Week 38

How far along? 38 weeks 4 days

Her size: Baby girl is the size of a watermelon

Total weight gain:  +1.6 lbs this week 27.6lbs total

Running/Races?  Not going to lie, I was kind of a slug this week. One session on the treadmill and one 4 mile walk and that was about it.  I'd like to say I'll do better this week but I'm cutting myself some slack so if I don't...well I don't :)

Stretch marks? Still lucking out in this area...doesn't mean it can't/won't happen

Sleep: No bueno

Best moment this week: I had quite a few great moments this weekend.  Hubby all but finished our new deck, and then lots and lots of sister time! Saturday I got my toes beautified and labor ready with Kim and Madison and then Sunday spent the afternoon catching up with Stacey, Mariel and Conor <3

Miss Anything? You think I could squeeze in just one more night of solid sleep before the big day??

Movement:  All the time.  Even though she's getting a bit cramped in there she still likes to try and stretch out her legs so it's not uncommon to see a heel poking out of the side of my belly :)
Food cravings: Orange Juice please and thank you and veggies on the grill

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nothing really, in fact are ready for this??? I ate chicken this week!!! Hooray for small victories!

Gender: GIRL! 

Labor Signs: None (tick tick tick)
Symptoms: Some swelling due to the heat but that's about it.  

Belly Button in or out? sigh...the turkey is done

Wedding rings on or off? ON...but that may change because of the weather

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy...excited...nervous...
Looking forward to: Jamie and Nate's wedding this Saturday! (I hope I make it!)

Week 37 and pictures of the finished nursery!

How far along? 37 weeks 4 days

Her size: FULL TERM--> WHOA MOMMA

Total weight gain:  +0.4 lbs this week 26lbs total

Running/Races?  Spent some time getting reacquainted with my friend the elliptical machine and also got 2 miles in (speed walking of course!) at the track this week.  Felt good to be active again :)

Stretch marks? None...yet...

Sleep: Hubbies creativity in finding comfortable ways for me to get some sleep never cease to amaze me...this week consisted of not only a nest of pillows but some princess and the pea action with me sleeping atop a few blankets for more cushion...worked like a charm!

Best moment this week: While most people would not consider attending a funeral the highlight of their week, in a strange sense it was for me.  It was a chance to pay my respects and say goodbye to a wonderful wonderful woman that I would not have missed for anything.  I also go to see my little girl in 3D this week which was indescribable.  I only wish Shaun had been there to see it, but then again we'll be seeing her soon enough!

Miss Anything? Regular ol coffee...chock full of CAFFEINE!!!

Movement:  Last night Shaun got to witness one of her, what I like to call "dance parties"...he must have sat there for 5 minutes watching my stomach going "whooooah!"
Food cravings: peanut butter and apples are the current favorite

Anything making you queasy or sick: nothing really sounds good at the moment (except for peanut butter and apples!)

Gender: GIRL! 

Labor Signs: None 
Symptoms: Heat is not my friend.  I've had no issues with swelling until our little heat wave this week and then BOOM! By the end of the day I have 10 fat little piggies to accompany my two fat little ankles :)

Belly Button in or out? sigh...the turkey is done

Wedding rings on or off? ON

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy!
Looking forward to: Lunch with my friend Steph on Thursday, it's been WAY too long since I've seen her :) 

BABY GIRL'S NURSERY:

  This project was truly a labor of love and I'm very proud of the hubs and all of his hard work.  It's amazing what he was able to do with such a small room.  It's beautiful, perfect, everything I wanted it to be for Harper, and I can tell her "Daddy built this room just for you" <3

Baby bump

Maternity photos taken at 31 weeks courtesy of the amazingly talented

Stacey Damon Photography

Week 36

How far along? 36 weeks 3 days

Her size: baby girl is the size of a honeydew melon

Total weight gain:  +2.6 Can anyone say GROWTH SPURT? Holy crow! 25.6 lbs total

Running/Races?  Between Dr's appointments, work and a death in the family there was not much time or energy for working out (evidence of this? see above weight gain)Although I definitely felt the difference in my decrease in activity level, this week was a time to take care of myself and my family emotionally, the elliptical will just have to wait.

Stretch marks? None...yet, but if this weight gain continues I'm sure to acquire a few new battle scars

Sleep: I've always heard women say that it's rather ironic that just when you need the sleep the most you can't get comfortable enough to get it.  I'm square in that camp now, but thanks to the nest o' pillows I'm not suffering too badly yet.

Best moment this week: Shaun and I had a growth scan for Harper on Wednesday.  During the ultrasound we got to see our little peanut moving around in there, taking her practice breaths like a good girl and opening and closing her mouth, it was amazing to watch.

Miss Anything? I miss a whole bunch of things, but we're getting close to the end now, I'm just trying to soak it all in before it's over and the craziness begins!

Movement:  oh yes, she's been having frequent dance parties in there lately
Food cravings: quite honestly food has not interested me much this week

Anything making you queasy or sick: seriously what is it about chicken???

Gender: GIRL! This was definitely confirmed at Wednesday's ultrasound.  Let's just say she wasn't shy this time ;)

Labor Signs: None 
Symptoms: I was rocking some pretty sweet cankles yesterday thanks to the heat...one word--> HOT

Belly Button in or out? sigh...the turkey is done

Wedding rings on or off? ON

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy!
Looking forward to: A less eventful week than last week :)