Weekly Update: Week 34

Apparently when I forget to post weekly updates people notice and blow up my phone with text messages to remind me. Kinda makes me feel special. So here is a nice long update for the last 2 weeks of happenings in mine and Gavin's life.

Last week we had a fun filled weekend of family and friends. Gavin's mom and sister, Candy and Marlana, came to Washington to meet me and my family, and of course see Gavin. I thoroughly enjoyed learning little things about Gavin that I'd never known (*cough* Jonas Brothers *cough*), not mention Candy and Marlana are two pretty amazing women. We had a fun filled weekend of Pitch Perfect, The Labyrinth, EMP, Dicks burgers, and of course a true Gill-Wendler family dinner, where the two of them fit in perfectly. Side note: I had to explain Dick's Drive-In real quick to Candy and Marlana when Jen made a comment that all you needed to do to get Christina to come home was to set out some Dicks ... it was an awesome moment.

That leads to the other epic moment of the weekend: Christina was home! Jen flew Christina home for my baby shower after I made an off-handed comment about wishing she'd be able to be there. It was the BEST surprise I could have gotten. The two of them were able to surprise everyone, especially Mom, who walked right into the room and looked at Christina, but didn't realize it was her for a good 30 seconds. Her reaction was priceless!!! (I'll post the video soon.)

Baby Shower #1 was a ton of fun last weekend as well. A HUGE "Thank you!" to Kelsey and Jennie for hosting and planning and throwing me one great party! And "Thank you!" to everyone who came and made it wonderful! Setting aside the memory of the "How Big is Karie's Belly" game (thanks a lot Tiffany and Julia ...), I realize how much love and support Gavin and I are surrounded by.

Okay, sentimental part done, I'll get to the part you're really reading this for:

I took this right after a shower but before I'd put makeup on ...

• Baby Girl's size: a butternut squash (about 17-18 in.)
• Baby Girl's weight: 4.5 lbs.-ish
• Cravings: Popsicle, ice cream, anything cold to ease the heartburn
• Best part:I get a lot of foot massages and I don't even have to ask.
• Worst part: She is big enough to put significant pressure on my nerves, so I'll get weird pains in different places thanks to her. 
• Her development: She could start moving into the correct position this week, or she could decide not to and hang out by my ribs some more, then change her mind and move down again ...
• My development: My tummy has expanded enough that depending on how I sit and her position, my belly button disappears! It's a very troubling experience (and probably Gavin's favorite part). 
• Doctor Update: All is perfect with me and Baby. Doctor appointments are every 2 weeks now. She advised packing our hospital bags just in case.