Kicks

Baby girl is kicking a lot lately. Eating something sweet, driving in the car, or laying down at night all seem to get her going. I've read that over the next weeks I'll feel less kicking and the movement will be more shifting and turning, with some elbow jabs thrown in. I guess space is getting tight in there.

At last measurement, she was 3.5 pounds and I can't believe how much more she's going to gain. Lately my belly has felt cumbersome and as my lungs and other organs have less room, exercise (and everything, really) has become more difficult. I'm wearing my FitBit everyday and get as much walking in as I can. I've had a few dreams about swimming, so maybe I'll get a chance to take a dip in the near future. Although shopping for a maternity bathing sounds like a less than fun task. :)

Third Trimester

In a few days I'll hit the 30-week mark. I'm in the third trimester and feel like a switch has been flipped as I start this last phase. My feet swell occasionally and I find myself having to rest more and put them up, taking little breaks frequently throughout the day. I feel a more clumsy, rounder, larger, slower. And after a solid couple months of hard work with the house and the move, I'm starting to tire more easily. I'm glad I had plenty of energy when I needed it most.

I'm seeing more naps in my future. :)

Progress!

We've been in the new house for about two weeks now. Each day we chip away at our massive to-do list and the accomplishments are satisfying. Having lived in apartments for so many years, we had a lot to learn about home improvement and anything handy. Lucky for us, YouTube has videos for everything!

The nursery (also my office) is next on the list. But first, to finish the kitchen. We've painted the walls, refinished the cabinets in white, replaced the countertops, sink and faucet. This week we have someone removing the old linoleum and putting in tile. Our refrigerator is in the hallway, the stove in the foyer, and everything else moved to a safe height away from the construction. The tile is set and as soon as they finish the grout and move appliances back in, we can resume a normal life. I can't wait to cook again.

Eventually we'll add a tile backsplash and consider the work complete, but for now, we're so pleased with how things look. I don't know if this is the "nesting" that occurs before a baby comes, but when we bring home our baby girl around August 1st, we want the house to be in good shape. Not just for us and for her, but for our guests who will be stopping by to meet our baby. :)

Welcome!

We put together this little site to capture all things Baby Sheppard for our friends and family, near and far. We're lucky to have so many people who love us and we wish we could be with all of you at once. Whether you're in New Jersey, Austin, or somewhere between or beyond, please leave a comment and be a part of our newest journey.

Love,
Chris & Kristin