35 Weeks Bump Update

35 weeks pregnant with Miss A.

I've been super duper tired this time around, chasing after a super active toddler probably isn't helping me any. Every day when J goes down for his afternoon nap- I too, go down for MY afternoon nap. I feel guilty some days napping so much, especially when I have a to-do list a mile long. But, I just remind myself that soon my sleep will again be compromised, and then I don't feel so bad. ;)

I have a 35 week Dr.'s appt tomorrow- I really hope they check me. even though this time around I know that doesn't mean much. But, I'm really hoping to have her 1-2 weeks early (said every pregnant woman ever.) 

This afternoon activities consisted of dad mowing the lawn. Jacob LOVES the mower and LOVES to watch dad work. He calls the mower, "ming-ham??" We're not sure why- he makes up his own language sometimes and it's too cute. It takes moments like these to just appreciate the little things in life. (thank you Michigan weather for making it 52 today and 82 yesterday.)

This was yesterday- when it was 82 glorious degrees outside! We spent the whole day down by the beach and took 3 walks. This picture I snapped when we stopped home for lunch and nap. On our first walk of the day we happened to trash pick and found this. ;)

We passed a family in our wards house and I saw this car at the end of their driveway with the trash. I texted her- and yes, indeed, they were throwing it out. He was pretty excited to bring this beauty home. Can't beat FREE! ;)

An Officer's Wife & Night Shift

So, as I mentioned in my previous post Dan had a career change about 6 or so months ago. He was hired into our local county as a Deputy. We feel so so so lucky and blessed to have this opportunity come our way. For the past---well....ever since we have been married really---He has been searching for the right opportunity. Prior he worked in retail straight out of college to get us established. But, then the economy crashed and there were NO job opportunities- at least in our state. Dan is also the type of guy that would not enjoy a desk job. This position really is a good fit for him. So anyways...

He went through the academy- training- rotating shifts- and now he's permanently on night shift. He starts work at 11pm and is relieved at 7am. It is extremely difficult to get day shift (impossible) just starting. All employees are ranked by senority so pretty much all the old-timers work the day shift. That just left working afternoons or midnights. We opted for midnights thinking it would be so nice to have him home in the afternoons- for dinner- for dates- for parties- etc. etc. Let me tell you- this night shift wife thing is for the birds!

It's been really really hard! And not just the night shift....the OT! Right now, before Miss A comes, he works nights even on his days off- AND doubles on the weekends. I don't know if its the hormones, pregnancy, me being crazy (quite possible), but it's been super hard on me. I feel like a single parent at times, even though I'm clearly not. It's hard to keep up with our little J all day while being 9 months pregnant. It's hard not seeing Dan all weekend because he's working doubles. It's hard when he wakes up in the afternoon and is a zombie (I know it's hard on him too),  It's really hard!! (Did I not say that enough)?

I know working opposite shifts can be ideal for some couples- but not when you actually ENJOY spending time with your spouse. Not when they are your best friend and you have a blast together. You also have to fight the urge to compare your life to others. For example- seeing families out enjoying the weekends together- that's hard for me. This won't always be our reality but for now it's hard. It can be difficult to see how "easy" some other wives/mother's have it. Not knowing their struggles this can be an easy thing to fixate on.

I feel so fortunate that I am able to stay at home full time with our kids- but it is honestly the hardest "job" I've ever had. I am really grateful I have family within 5 minutes of us too. But I sometimes can't help but feel guilty being over so often just to hangout for some interaction with adults with my husband being gone ALL THE TIME! I would definitely consider myself an introvert over an extrovert- and I have always enjoyed my alone time and I consider myself a very independent person. But this is a little TOO MUCH alone time. I have to really hand it to  all the police wives out there- It's one thing hearing how hard it can be and another experiencing it and that being your reality.

Rant over...

There are a few positives right now:

Dan is home every morning and eats breakfast with us before going to sleep. He is up and already home before most husbands get home from work in the afternoon, the paychecks from OT are nice, days off are flexible, he looks good in his uniform. ;)

MIA

Man, I have been MIA for quite a while. It makes me sad because I really do enjoy looking back on pictures, thoughts, and experiences I have posted about. Growing up I always kept a journal and for some reason in my early twenties I stopped all together. HOW MUCH LIFE I LIVED in those few short years that I never documented. I would like to pick up blogging again, even if it's just for me.
I have been watching a lot of VLOGS on youtube lately...I played with the idea of Vlogging in my head. But, who am I kidding...my life is not that exciting nor am I THAT open of a person. I will stick to the "pen and paper."

I also feel bad that I am nearing the end of my pregnancy, and poor Miss A has barely gotten any attention. I blame running after a crazy toddler and my husband's crazy work hours for that one. Our family has been through some major life changes in the past few years which also has resulted in less documenting. Becoming a mom, career change for Dan (yeah, I'm married to a hunky cop now- insert wink-face ;), career change for me (medical field to stay at home mom), surprise pregnancy with our sweet little girl, are just a few things to name...AHH- life needs to slow down!

Well, here's to picking up the pieces again and starting somewhere:

How far along: 34 weeks!!

Gender: girl

Weight gain: I really have completely stopped weighing myself. I think at the Dr.'s it was around 25-30 pounds.

Maternity clothes: Leggings and yoga pants, haha not much has changed from my first pregnancy with Jacob.

Sleep: Oh sleep...something that will I'm sure be gone again soon. I sleep okay right now. Dan is currently working midnights so it can be a bittersweet thing at times. &&& I am uncomfortable a lot- it feels like I have a 10 lb bowling ball lying directly on me...which if you think about it, I kinda do.

Best moment this month: knowing next month is baby month!!

Worst moment this month: I hate to jinx it...but things have been going alright. *fingers crossed*

Miss anything: getting in shape for summer! With things warming up and all the cute summer clothes coming out I'm kinda bummer that I'm just getting bigger and there's nothing I can do about it. 

Movement: Yes, She is definitely not as active as Jacob. But, I will take that as a good sign and hope she's a pretty chill girl. 

Cravings: Lemonade, otter pops, & ice cream cones.

Queasy or sick: Nope, I feel good! Just this darn heart burn.  

Looking forward to: Moving towards weekly appointments with the Dr. The end is near!