Baby Update: 38 Weeks and in the Home Stretch

This little one, named Natalie, was the start of my baby fever (read about it here) ... and look at me now.  I can't believe we are really about to have our own baby. (You can read more about Natalie on her awesome mom's blog too.)

Most of the women I know that were due around the same time as me have had there babies already. It's so weird when that starts happening! I'm talking to them about where to buy nursing bras and then a day or so later a photo of their beautiful newborn shows up on my Facebook feed. Amazing.

I am thinking of slightly changing up my blog soon. I want to make a section for kids treats and even non alcoholic jello shots and party treats. I get a lot of emails asking for the kid friendly recipe of so many of my jello shots. What do you think?

Week 38: Baby is the Size of a Pumpkin

Average size: 18.9-20.9 inches, 6.2-9.2 lb. Baby might have an inch or so of hair already.

Weight Gain: I've hit it, I'm at 40 lbs. Must. Hold. There. I'm actually 39 weeks today but I wanted to write about week 38 so I don't skip anything. We also had a growth scan last week and found out that our little boy already weighs about 7.3 lbs.

How I'm feeling: Yuck. Not so good. Earlier this week I started having some cramping that felt like period cramps. They were on and off through the evening but then they woke me up having moved into some back cramping at about 3am. I didn't wake Nick. I knew they weren't contractions. They weren't necessarily something I could time, just a constant ache.

Growing up I've had some TERRIBLE cramps. Cramps that make me sweat and the color drain from my face. These aren't like that they are uncomfortable but mild.

I'm hoping it's my little man getting ready and that maybe there has been some progress made. I have a doctors appointment tomorrow so I will know more then.

Most Major Issues:  I think the hardest part right now is not getting freaked out about all these different pains and wondering "Is this it!?" Yesterday I also had this terrible stretching and tightening pain in my lower abdomen right under the baby bump. It felt like Braxton Hicks but painful and more condensed in one spot. Like a charlie horse in my stomach. Not a nice feeling.

I go back and forth in my head with being ready. One moment I think bring it on little man! I want to meet you! I'm ready for the pain. Then, other times, like this morning when I've been up since 3am because I'm so uncomfortable and tired (my belly felt sore all night and it was hard to sleep through) I think, please not now, I just need to sleep a little first.

Maternity clothes: I gave in and got a few pair of light, light lounging pants to wear around the house and some long tank tops. It's really warming up and I had to do it. I only had longer sleeves for maternity tops.

Stretch marks: Still none ... I'm on my 3rd jar of Palmer's cocoa butter.

Exercise: We went for a walk around the neighborhood last night. I'm hoping that will move things along a little faster. I'm going to try and do it every night now when Nick gets home.

Sleep: I need more. Constantly. Today has been hard. I'm still working from home but I didn't sleep much last night. All morning I was checking emails from my Blackberry so I could stay in bed a little longer. I got some work done but I did fall back asleep. I dreamed that I slept until 6pm and missed all this work that needed to be done. Stressed me out.

I kind of feel like a baby right now myself. I need sleep, food, bathroom, and more sleep, then more food etc.

Best moment this week: I sat in his nursery last night in the glider chair. Nick sat on the ottoman and was reading The Hungry Caterpillar to my belly. Honey curled up with us too.

Nick kept changing the foods that the Hungry Caterpillar was eating to the foods I've been craving and eating and I couldn't stop laughing. I can't wait to extend our little family :)

Movement: Not much room in there but he is still moving around.

Food cravings: Still craving ice cubes and anything cold. I'm thirsty all the time too.

Belly Button in or out? It's flat. A flat "hole".

Avocado and Mango Chicken Salad

This avocado and mango chicken salad is made up of such good intentions.

Intentions to start eating mainly "clean foods" when my little man gets here. Fruits and veggies and whole grains and proteins, things that will keep me full as long as possible and not bother my baby's tummy while I'm nursing.

I originally saw this salad on my Instagram feed I had to have it.

I've started following all the #cleaneating, #fitspo, #healthyfood folks on Instagram hoping they will post other meals that inspire me and keep me focused.

I need to stay focused on avocados, fresh lemon zest, juicy mangos and grapes. Fresh salmon, slow cooked and pulled chicken breast for salads with greek yogurt or olive oil and salt and pepper.

It makes me feel healthier just looking at it!

Unfortunately there are things like Lucky Charms and marshmallow popcorn that distract my good intentions.

"You're still a big ole' pregnant lady and you only have a week to go! Enjoy us now!" they say.

So I do.

But this salad sure makes my plans for later more appealing.

This time last year: Watermelon Jello Shots on a Popsicle Stick

Avocado and Mango Chicken Salad (Serves two)
1 Avocado
1 Mango
1 Chicken breast slow cooked and pulled
2 Tablespoons Greek yogurt (or light mayo if you want)
Zest of half of a lemon
1 Handful red grapes
Juice from half of a lemon
2 Tablespoons olive oil
2 Cups lettuce or spinach

1. Place your lettuce or spinach in a bowl. In separate bowl mix your pulled chicken with yogurt or light mayo, red grapes and lemon zest, season to taste with salt and pepper. Top your lettuce with the chicken salad.

2. Slice your avocado and mango and arrange on top of salad. Squeeze your lemon juice on top of the salad and drizzle with olive oil for dressing.

Life a few weeks before baby ...

I thought it might be fun to write about how things feel right now in these last couple weeks before our little man gets here.  It's been so surreal lately. That's why I chose to add this "comic book" effect to my photos. It really makes things look how they feel.

This is my desk while I work from home until my maternity leave starts. I feel really blessed that my boss and company are comfortable and even encouraging of  this. I waddle downstairs in my pajamas every morning and get started on things. I also love, love, love my new desk chair. It definitely feels weird though knowing that I won't have to go back into work for over three months.

I've been a freezer meal making machine this week. Here are the chicken enchiladas I mentioned in my last post. I also made Martha Stewart's Baked Penne with Chicken and Sun-Dried Tomatoes. If you are looking for a good freezer meal or casserole I highly recommend it!

Tonight I will make a beef stroganoff freezer meal.

I've been reading Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child. It's the one book that EVERYONE recommends. I don't know how much is really sticking in my brain right now though.

I also have some serious anxiety about breastfeeding. None of the women in my family did it and have all said "Are you sure you really want to do that?" I am also constantly reading on message boards how hard it is and how much it hurts. Super stressed about this. I probably worry about it at least 5 times a day, no joke.



I'm trying to pay more attention to the Honey Bear, after all she was our first baby. I know things must be weird for her too. Here we all are in this new house and mom has a belly that just keeps growing and dad talks to it  like it's a person.

She probably wonders why we seem on edge lately and why I started staying home with her during the day. Dogs are pretty intuitive, she must know something is going on.

Speaking of the new house, I love getting to drink my morning coffee with this view in the backyard.  Sometimes it's the little things in life that make it so good. But I do think that part of what makes this all seem so "unreal" is the new house. We only moved in a little over a month ago.

All of a sudden we live in this nice new house deep in the suburbs. I mean ... when did this happen?

I know we planned it. We saved a ton of money. We talked about it and made it happen, I just still can't believe it sometimes. I look around and I think... where am I? What is going on?

It's common to hear this in our house lately: "Baby ... This is OUR house. We have a nice house!!!"

or

"Baby we are really having a baby!? We made a baby. This is crazy!"

Last but not least... the hospital bag. I've been procrastinating on this one.

Last night we went to our hospital for a tour. Lucky for us it's just 10 minutes down the road. I'm also pretty excited that every room is a private room.

They said I didn't need to pack much but ... I do want my own towel, and what if they have scratchy toilette paper? Not the best time for me to have scratchy TP. (Good tip from a friend)

I also packed: A robe, an extremely loose fitting going home outfit, two nursing bras and a nursing tank top, soothing gel pads for breastfeeding, shampoo and conditioner, face cleaning towelettes and dry shampoo.

I put a note in there that has a check list of the things I need to add right before we go like my phone charger and ipad and hair dryer. Do you think I'll be able to dry my hair on my own? Don't say I won't care how my hair looks before we go home. I will.

Anyway ... this is life lately. It's weird and seems unreal. What's coming next is so unknown. I know it's going to be amazing though and I can't wait to start this next chapter of my life with my loving husband/best-friend.

Stay tuned.

Easy Mexican Casserole and a Baby Update: Weeks 36 & 37

So I haven't blogged for a week ...

Here is what you missed: A very pregnant Michelle almost peeing her pants in the car on the way home from work, swollen feet, a sore back, trouble getting comfortable anywhere and occasional emotional outbursts. Sounds glamorous right? Welcome to month nine of pregnancy.

This week should be a little easier because I've started working from home until my maternity leave starts. I also started making freezer meals so that we won't starve when we get home from the hospital with the baby.

This one is probably the easiest thing I've ever made. Layers of crushed tortilla chips then seasoned beef, then sour cream and cheese, then pinto beans and more cheese, then some more tomato and some olives and chives. 

Pop it in the freezer and we have a "Mexican Casserole" freezer meal.

When we are ready to eat it (in a few weeks hopefully!) it goes in the oven at 350 degrees for about 20-30 minutes so all the cheese can melt and get gooey and delicious and dinner is done (or lunch, likely both!)

I made these awesome chicken enchiladas last night and put them in the freezer too. What is your go to freezer meal or casserole? I need more suggestions!



I still haven't found my sweet spot in this new house for my foodie photos. The bay window in our last place was perfect but I can't find that one perfect place here yet. I think the fact that I can't maneuver around as well is contributing to the problem.

I will keep hunting/waddling.

Week 37: Baby is the size of a Winter melon (What's a Winter melon?)

Average size: 18.9-20.9 inches, 6.2-9.2 lb.Baby’s inhaling, exhaling, sucking, gripping and blinking.

Weight Gain: I've gained 36lbs. If I can keep it at 40 I will be happy with that. Looking forward to losing it all!

How I'm feeling: No more rib pain, which is fantastic. I think the hardest part now is just having trouble moving around. It's hard to lean forward, it's hard to bend over, hard to get dressed, hard to stay standing, uncomfortable to sit down unless I have a mound of pillows. The list goes on and on.

I also have been having some pelvic pain. Occasionally I will get up and feel like I've been riding a bike for 12 hours or like someone kicked me in the crotch. I had hoped that meant I was dilating, but nope, nothing.

Most Major Issues:  Constantly! Having! To! Pee! There is something about the way I have to sit in the car that makes me instantly need to use the bathroom the minute I get in. Both hands are now numb. Trying to sleep is a major issue. My feet are getting more and more swollen each day and it actually hurts to stand on them sometimes. Nick got me some fluffy pink slippers for my first Mothers Day though and they help a little.

Maternity clothes: Hate them but I refuse to buy anything new, saving that money for the summer dresses I will want in a few months.

Stretch marks: Still none ... fingers crossed.

Sleep: The beginning of week 36 was pretty hard when it came to sleep. All the weight on my hips from sleeping on my sides were causing major pain all through out the night. I didn't sleep for more than a few hours for about three days and I was miserable.

I found that some stretching before bed and two Tylenol actually really helped. I also took pillows from the couch (yes huge couch cushions) and use them in between my legs. Crazy I know but it works.

Into the end of week 37 sleep still kinda sucks, I have to shove a pillow under my belly on the side now too and I can feel him getting a little squished when I lay down too. I dont think either of us likes it. My hands instantly start to feel swollen and numb and sore, I get up to pee about 3 times now throughout the night. Meh. Trying to sleep sucks right now.

Best moment this week: Hands down, getting my hair done. There isn't much that can make me feel pretty these days but getting my hair done (bright blond highlights for summer!) definitely made me feel better.

Movement: I feel like my belly is all elbows and knees at this point. He is really squished in there. His hiccups rock my whole stomach now too. Sometimes when he moves I can feel the pressure on my cervix and I start to get a good idea of what labor is going to feel like on a much smaller scale. That scares the crap out of me.

I'm starting to get more and more nervous about the labor and delivery part actually.

Food cravings: Anything cold. Crushed ice and juice. Ice cream and Popsicles.

Belly Button in or out? What belly button?

Austin's Aqua and Green Nursery

I am 9 months and 4 days today and we finally finished the nursery this weekend! The only thing left to do was paint the "Austin" letters and get them screwed into a board so they would stand up straight on the shelf we installed.

I painted them (with a free sample of Valspar paint in "Herb Cornucopia") and Nick got them onto the board. They were a gift from Austin's grandparents and they were the perfect finishing touch.

(Although it was a little hard to paint since I still can't feel my hands!)

Here is the changing table that Nick made out of an old white dresser we had. Again he just painted two even wood boards, sanded them down and then screwed them into the top of the dresser (in order to hold a changing pad secure on top).



I finally settled on this Lolli Living "Animal Tree" crib bedding set. It was really hard for me to pick a theme. Everything was animals or trucks or boats and I just couldn't make up my mind.

I liked that this set had a monkey but wasn't over the top monkeys everywhere. There was an owl and a lion too!



Speaking of monkeys, remember this guy? He has been with us since 16 weeks (read week 16 here).  I've played the Snugamonkey music almost every night for baby Austin. We love the whole Snugamonkey line and have the bouncer and the swing too!

I fell in love with this print from Dalloway Place on Etsy. You can order it in any color you want and in several different sizes. (This one is 11x14.)

The owl print actually came off of a gift bag! It was a perfect color match with the bedding set and the paint and it fit perfectly in the 5x7 frame. I have one more frame to hang but I want to wait until I have a family photo for it.

We got really lucky this room had a closet with shelves already. It's on the smaller side so another dresser for clothes would have been a tough squeeze, but all his little bitty baby clothes fit easily in here.

I wander into his room a couple times a day just to look at all his little things. They make me happy. This outfit reminds me of something Nick would wear actually.

I can't wait to bring my little man to church in this one.

His little shoes make me happy too :)

The gorgeous lamb blanket was hand made from Nick's grandma. All the Cordero babies get one. 



Another thing I love about his room is the light that comes in through this window. The white chiffon curtains helped to create the bright, airy look I was going for.

I really, really wanted to get the chair by the window so I could rock him and stare out the window but it just didn't look right there.

We will have to toughen up the look of this room as the munchkin gets older. We can change the aqua paint to a darker blue and make everything more masculine.

For now though  ... it looks exactly how I envisioned it.

Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches (Made in the Crockpot)

You guys ... I just found out that if you slow cook chicken (or beef) in a crock pot for several hours you can literally pull it apart with a fork! It just falls apart all soft and delicious right out of the crock pot.

Okay... I realize that everyone but me probably already knew this. Slow cooker short ribs and bbq etc. Duh. I guess it just didn't hit me how easy it was until now!

I got this recipe from Pinterest (as usual) but I thought it was really spicy so I cooled it down by adding Greek yogurt to the hot sauce before I pulled the chicken. This still kept it on the healthy side too.

Not the prettiest dish but the sandwiches went quick in my house.

So I feel like my writing has not been as good as it has been in the past. I used to be a writer, a real writer who got paid to say things. I think maybe since I've been so busy on the opposite side of the spectrum at work lately I've lost my creative touch.

From now on -- after this post -- I am going to try and get back my creative edge and make my posts better and not just say "Hey look at this tasty sandwich"

Okay. Happy Friday. Jello shots coming soon too!

This time last year: Man Food: Glazed Donut Sandwich with Prosciutto and Swiss

Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches (Made in the Crockpot)
3 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1, 12 oz bottle of Franks Red Hot Buffalo Sauce
3 tablespoons 0% Greek Yogurt

1. Place the chicken (seasoned with salt and pepper or herbs of choice) in crock pot. Pour the bottle of wing sauce on top of the chicken.  Cook on low for 7-9 or on high for 4-6 hours. I cooked mine for 5 on high and it was still perfect.

2. Remove chicken and shred it using two forks. Before returning the chicken to the sauce added 3 table spoons of greek yogurt and whisk. Return shredded chicken and mix. Serve on a bun or bread or wrap or cracker!

Grilled Salmon and Herb Tzatiki

There isn't much better than a perfectly cooked, fresh piece of salmon. Rich and buttery, soft and warm, a little pink (coral?) in the center. I love it.

It's really good for me and baby too. Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for my little mans brain and eye development throughout pregnancy, as well as during breastfeeding.

I've been really into researching ahead of time the types of foods I should be eating while nursing. I want to be sure to eat the necessary foods to keep my energy levels as high as possible (nursing can really drain you) but still stay healthy so I can lose some of this baby weight.

Anyway, I saw Giada make a similar tzatiki sauce and I've been drooling about putting it on top of salmon ever since.

It's really easy and the richness from the Greek yogurt only brings out the buttery goodness of the salmon. You have to try it!

This time last year: Cucumber Mint Julep Jello Shots

Grilled Salmon and Tzatiki (adapted from Giada's Green Goddess Tzatiki)
1 cup plain 2-percent fat Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1/3 cup chopped fresh dill
1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, plus extra for seasoning
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus extra for seasoning
1/2 an English hothouse cucumber, seeded (1 pound)

Four 7-ounce salmon fillets, each about 1-inch thick,skinned

1. Combine the yogurt, mayonnaise, dill, chives, vinegar, salt and pepper in a food processor. Blend until the herbs are finely chopped and the sauce smooth. Scrape the sauce into a bowl.

2. Coarsely grate the cucumber using the large holes of a box grater onto a paper-towel-lined-plate; pat dry. Mix the cucumber into the tzatziki. Add salt and pepper to taste. The tzatziki can be made 4 hours ahead, covered and chilled, and stirred before serving.

3. Preheat grill for medium heat and brush or spoon on a small amount of olive oil and salt and pepper on salmon.

4. Place salmon on the preheated grill, cook salmon for 6 to 8 minutes per side, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and removes from grill easily.

5. Serve warm, topped with a tablespoon on tzatiki.