How Far Along are You Now?

I am currently 36 weeks along, and have just 30 days to go until Madeline’s due date, (which is June 18th- Fathers Day)!!! It is incredible to think we are just about 4 week away from meeting our little girl! According to my pregnancy apps, this wee she is anywhere from 5-6 lbs, and 18-19 inches long!

How are You Feeling?

Overall I am still feeling feeling really good! I have heard that the third trimester is incredibly uncomfortable, but so far I have been feeling like my normal self…All with the exception of an increasing belly, and some back pain when I sit for too long.

Emotionally: I have been feeling like myself on most days, but there have been moments when I cry at the thought of meeting her for the first time. There really is nothing more emotional than picturing yourself holding your first child!

About the Changes in Your Body: With my belly growing larger, there have been days when I am almost nervous, thinking, how could this belly ever go back down!? It seems so big! I think this is pretty common for any woman to feel when it is their first baby, because it can be shocking to see your body expanding in ways you have never seen before! When I look at all of the thousands of women that have had babies before me however, I am reassured that it things do in fact “go back”! ;) For now, I am doing my best to enjoy the baby bump, knowing that it is my little girl inside of me, and I am often reminded of the miracle that it truly is!

Workouts: So far I have been able to keep up my regular workout routine, with modifications of course! Overall, I am still loving working out, and find it gives me energy to do everything I need to do throughout my day. As always, my overall goal with workouts is to take care of my body, and listen to it the best I can!

Sleep: Sleep has been pretty good! I generally wake up a few times a night to go to the bathroom, but I generally fall right back asleep. I have heard horror stories about the third trimester as far as sleep, so I am thankful that it has been pretty good so far!

Energy Levels: My energy levels have been really good. Again, I attribute this mostly to working out, taking walks, and eating healthy. There are days here and there that I feel more tired than normal, so I do my best to listen to my body and rest when I need to. Although overall, I have been feeling good enough to continue with my daily work for Dashing Dish, as well as getting things ready for her arrival. I have also working on a big project that will be coming out this coming Christmas! ;) I am officially done with speaking and traveling until she is born however.

Any New Food Cravings/Aversions?

I have been so thankful to be able to eat my normal healthy diet since the beginning of the second trimester, and haven’t really had any aversions, except for toothpaste! I have tried every kind and flavor, and have to force myself to brush twice a day without gagging!

As far as cravings, I really enjoy strawberries and anything lemon flavored, which is the same it has been all along!

In addition, I have also been enjoying frozen treats such as my homemade fudgesicles and frozen yogurt since the weather has warmed up!

Any Exciting Moments in Your Third Trimester So Far?

The most exciting has been my baby shower, wrapping up her nursery, and my maternity photo shoot! Speaking of...I will be share pictures of the nursery and photo shoot very soon!

For my maternity shoot, we did two separate sessions, one of which was outdoors by the apple blossom trees! I can't wait to get the photos back! :) It was such a special way to capture this time in our lives!

What Are You Looking Forward To the Most?

I am looking forward to so many things, but most of all meeting my little girl and bringing her home for the first time! It is still so hard to wrap my mind around the fact that I am about to become a mom! I will have a daughter for the rest of my life, and she will be MY child! How incredible, and yet slightly scary, (because of the weight of the responsibility and the change of life) all at the same time!

Have You Received any Fun Baby Gifts?

As far as gifts, oh my word, we have been so beyond blessed already by the gifts we have received for Maddie, honestly there too many to share! Here is one that I recently received from a family friend in the mail that I just couldn't resist sharing! ;) Maddie's first holiday will be Fourth of July, and I can't wait to see her in this little suit!

On Mothers Day I also received some really sweet gifts, one of which is this Madeline necklace from my sister Sarah. It is a special way of always carrying her close to my heart, and remember my first Mothers Day!

How are You Preparing for Her Arrival?

I have been busy preparing for her arrival for months now! I started organizing and cleaning out our entire home around 16 weeks! I guess I started nesting early! ;)

Recently though, I have been preparing for the more practical things, such as setting up a changing station in our downstairs, washing all of her clothes, and finishing up her nursery. I would say aside from packing my hospital bag, everything is just about ready for her arrival!

I have also been making dishes to stock my freezer for when she is born! I am thinking of doing a freezer friendly post on Dashing Dish to give some tips for busy and/or expectant moms, so stay tuned! ;)

Overall, Sean and I are preparing the best we can by praying together daily for Madeline, and for us becoming parents, and we are spending as much quality time enjoying each other as possible! Of course, there are so many unknowns as we think ahead to becoming parents, yet we know that God has called us to parenthood, and therefore He will give us all the grace, strength and wisdom to raise this little girl! For now, we are planning to take it one day at a time, ask lots of questions, and rely on His never ending grace!

How Will Things Change at Dashing Dish when you Have Her?

For now, I don't have many plans for changing things at Dashing Dish when I have her, but as she grows I'm sure there will be fun things to share such as making your own baby food, fun food for toddlers, etc!

Madeline Joy will be here before we know it! I can't wait to continue the journey with you guys! Thanks so much for being a part of it so far! xo Katie