1. Well, we’re officially up to 39 weeks today and the babe is still hanging out, nice and cozy in the womb. I’m glad at least one of us is nice and cozy. Sorry to disappoint, Alicia and Jen, haha!
2. Yesterday morning we had our weekly prenatal appointment. All is still going well, little big(?) guy is still moving around in there as much as he can, and I’m up to a whopping 1cm dilated and about 60% effaced. I’m just telling myself I’m going to go from a 1 to a 4 in about five minutes one of these days…hey, a girl can hope, right?
3. On Wednesday night, Jay and I went to our friends’ Brook and Andrea’s house for an incredibly delicious dinner of bbq pulled pork sandwiches, sweet potato fries, and a pretty killer broccoli salad.
Mal (aka, baker extraordinaire) made some delicious chocolate chip cookies which I thoroughly enjoyed.
Later that same evening, we all wound up playing the card/drinking game asshole. I can’t even tell you the last time I played this game, so I needed a bit of a refresher…I will say, however, that I did wind up getting to be President once.
I was pretty bad ass playing with my straight up water on the rocks. ;)
4. Still no real involved dinners happening for us at the house these days. But just because they’re casual, doesn’t mean they aren’t scrumptious!
Last night, I made myself some chicken salad with avocado, onions, green grapes, dried cranberries, a little light mayo, Dijon mustard, and some S&P. I then ate it open-faced on some toasted whole wheat bread and lots of fresh spinach.
The corn on the cob? OMG…have you guys ever tried eating your ear of corn with a little bit of The Laughing Cow cheese? Jay and I each spread about half of a wedge of the Light Garlic & Herb flavor on ours and WOW…it will definitely be happening again.
5. My husband is great. As you know, we polished off our container of watermelon sherbet by Tuesday. But last night, after very briefly mentioning that I wish we had more, my guy drove out to the store and picked us up another container.
He’s a keeper. :)
6. No major plans on the agenda this weekend, which is a-okay by me. We were actually planning on spending it poolside, but now the weather is looking a little iffy for tomorrow. Funny enough, I also get paranoid about spending the whole day in the pool…what if my water breaks? Would one feel this happening while actually in the water?? I am OBVIOUSLY clueless…anyone out there have any experience with that one?
7. Truth: I get SUPER heated when I hear about the maternity leave that other countries offer women (and men!). Six months leave? Six weeks leave prior to giving birth fully paid?! Seriously, how is the US so absolutely horrendous with this?! Okay, rant over.
8. For the past week, I’ve been using a large exercise ball as my chair at work. I’m sure my co-workers find it amusing when they walk by and see my bouncing up and down at my desk. Hey, girl’s on a mission people! Joking aside though, I think I may keep up with the ball thing even after I bounce Baby Tooth out…I’m kinda liking it!
9. Did anyone else out there watch fellow blogger Colleen on last night’s episode of House Hunters?? Colleen, you crack me right up. Your facial expressions every time Cory talked about the toilet were hilarious.
10. I can’t remember if I’ve even mentioned this to you guys yet, but did you I tell you that we got central air installed in our house last week? Seriously, could not have been a better investment right now. Between my furnace of a body and the heat and humidity that’s been outside, it has been a LIFE SAVER. No exaggeration. They finished it within two days, and it has made me such a happy camper. No more hanging out in front of the window unit in the bedroom!
Aaaaand, that’s all I’ve got for ya today. Have a GREAT weekend everyone, and hey…send some positive baby vibes my way, please and thank youuuu. ;)
Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries says
Haha #6 made me laugh. But it is a good question…I have no idea on that one! Woo hoo for central air! That must be glorious.
Hope @ With a Side Of Hope says
Congrats on the central air! It’s definitely really nice to have especially on these hot and humid days. :) That’s it, I’m on a mission this weekend to find the watermelon sherbet. You have got me craving it! Have a nice weekend!
Linz @ Itz Linz says
holy cow i had no idea other countries were so much more generous with their maternity leaves!!! that is so unfair!!!! and the laughing cow + corn?? genius!!
Nicole @ FruitnFitness says
That chicken salad looks really good, as does the dinner you had at your friends house. I’m glad you and baby tooth are still happy and healthy :)
Sarah says
It has always upset me that the U.S doesn’t give moms a lot of maternity leave! In Canada we get 1 year paid maternity leave, it just doesn’t seem right that you are not afforded the same!
Kathryn says
Hey, I went from 1 cm to 10 and ready to push the baby out in under 4 hours….twice, so it’s possible, even with a first. I was told there was no way my daughter (my 1st) would come before 7 pm, and would most likely make her appearance the next day. The doc and nurse believed this so much, they almost didn’t check me at 12:30 pm when I told them I was pretty sure it was go time, lol.
Also, when my water broke, I felt it pop. The best way I can describe it is, imagine having a balloon in you that breaks. That’s what mine felt like, anyway.
Kelly @ Femme Fitale says
Mine too!! :) Followed by some warm water! hahaha
Parita says
The maternity leave topic has been a big point of discussion in my company (we’re HQed in London, with employees all around the world). I agree with you – the US really needs to catch up with the rest of the world on this one!
Glad you’re hanging in there. Sounds like any day could be the big day now! So exciting. :)
Holly @ EatGreatBEGreat says
Pulled pork and sweet potato fries…2 of my all time favs! I’m totally digging that chicken salad too!
Glad you got central air! I seriously don’t know how I’d survive without it! NJ has been hot and extremely humid these past few weeks!
Ashleigh says
Yeah, here in Canada we get a year and it can be divied up between mum and dad. My friend came back to work after nine months and her husband spent three months with her twins. Great bonding time! I’m not a mother yet but I still couldn’t imagine only getting 6 weeks off.
I’ve heard some Nordic countries get two years off and free state run day care.
Lauren @ Chocolate, Cheese and Wine says
Central air has to be the best investment. I don’t know what I would do without my AC in the summer.
Stacey M. says
So glad to hear everything is still going well with Baby Tooth … he will be here before you know it! So exciting!
I can understand your excitement about having central air. The house I bought about two years ago already had a central air unit, but it’s been crapping out on us this year and I think we need to replace it now … total bummer. I live in Upstate NY (about 3 hours Northwest of you actually!) and it’s been ridiculously hot and humid this summer – great time for the AC to die! Hopefully, we’ll get it fixed soon. I cannot sleep well in these conditions.
Aaaannnddd, I totally hear ya about the maternity leave thing. I’m not expecting or anything, but I’ve been thinking about having children more and more recently, just to prepare myself (way) in advance. It’s hard to imagine only having six weeks off from work after giving birth. I don’t think I’ll even be adjusted to being a parent in six weeks! So glad my mother will be there to help me with everything, and to babysit for us when I have to return to work.
Alys says
It is crazy that the US has such short mat leave. We just had our baby 3 weeks ago and my husband is off for 9 months now (in Canada). And women can take up too a year off. Hopefully the US will change soon! Good luck I the last week of your pregnancy! I went from being only 2.5cm and percent to 10cm pretty fast do hopefully that will be the case for you too!
Lindsay @ Fit with Farrar says
We are in the same boat – it’s so frustrating not to be making progress with dilation and effacement, especially when contractions are happening all the time!! I’ve been eating fresh pineapple, taking Evening Primrose Oil, sitting on the yoga ball, walking, exercising, sex – everything to hopefully encourage some progress!! These little boogers really do only come out when they are good and ready :) Good luck!!
Caitlyn @ City and the Cubicle says
Ahh can’t wait for the announcement post! Congrats on the central air!! I really want to try that watermelon sherbet..sounds right up my alley. :)
Sara @ LovingOnTheRun says
Can I just say how delicious that watermelon sorbet looks!? I have never seen such a thing but I know what I will be looking for next time I go to the store!
Sending postive thoughts your way for a precious baby boy soon!!
Shel@PeachyPalate says
Never thought I’d have to say it but we totally need air conditioning at the moment in Ireland. Almost 30 degrees…pretty much record highs! Have a great weekend…and totally understand your maternity leave rant. The US is so behind the times!
*Christine* says
I sit on a large exercise ball at work everyday too (im not pregnant tho, lol). It helps my posture and I can 100% feel it at the end of the day. I love it :)
Faith@The Stirring Place says
Got my fingers crossed for you! Have a great weekend!!
Melissa @Forloveandtravel says
I’m so excited for you, any day now and Baby Tooth will be here. I’m sure all your readers are just as excited for you. When he’s older you can tell him you wrote all about his arrival and we were all here to observe. Good Luck this weekend, you just never know.
Stephanie says
You never know- I went from a fingertip dilated at my 39 week apt to 4cm 5 days later, and had him that night! Also with the exercise ball, I did the same thing before I delivered. Careful what you wish for though, I spent countless hours on that ball with him bouncing away with some slight colic!! Either way, it always relaxed him.
Lauren says
They told us in childbirth class that you most likely wouldn’t know if your water breaks in the bath tub so I imagine the same for the pool. I’m trying sitting on an exercise ball at work today. My office chair is just not comfortable but I will have to get used to this ball for sure! I have 9 weeks to go!
Lisa says
I thought it was normal for people to get about 6 month leave with pregnancy I guess not in the States, since that seems pretty good and it makes sense. I completely agree with your rant. And I love my exercise ball. I actually use it as a chair in my office all the time, I love that thing.
Hopefully baby tooth comes out soon! So close now!
Sherri says
As a mom-to-be (due Sept 6) I can completely appreciate your frustration about the maternity leave situation here in the states. I am a Canadian living in the CT/NYC area for my husband’s job. I am not allowed to work since I am here on my husband’s visa and we do not yet have green cards, so I will be a stay-at-home mom. I recognize how lucky I am to be able to stay home with my baby and I wish every mother had the choice.
I will say though, having lived in Canada for 27 years, that FREE health care (and one-year maternity leave) does not equal QUALITY health care (also note that you do not get paid 100% of your wages during maternity leave. It can be as low as 50% of your wages, which yes, I know is better than nothing but it’s also not manageable for a lot of people and they wind up going back to work early anyway). Living here in CT I have had exceptional pre-natal care, which unfortunately isn’t the case for some of my pregnant girlfriends back home. They struggle to find a good ob/gyn, to have regular appointments, and usually only get a one or two ultrasounds throughout their entire pregnancy. Aside from that, have you heard what wait times are like in Canadian emergency rooms or how long one must wait to get an MRI or see a specialist (this includes dermatology, gastroenterology, cardiology, etc)? Canadians pay astronomical taxes to enjoy their free health care… but they are also forced to accept whatever level of care is offered – and it’s usually sub-par.
Anyway I guess what I’m saying is that no country is perfect and there are always problems with the different systems that are in place.
Didn’t mean to sound like I’m ranting – just frustrated that no country seems to be able to get it right… not just the US!
Crossing my fingers for an appearance by Little Man sooner rather than later!
Lauren says
LOL I was cracking up during House Hunters. Her facial expressions are definitely priceless. And I can just imagine you bouncing up and down on the ball saying, “Come on little guy make a move”! Haha! Aww, what a great husband! :D Lucky girl indeed!
Keelie (Sweat Equals Success) says
The Laughing Cow corn trick is the most genius thing I’ve ever seen. And I will do it. Now.
Molly says
YUM! That chicken salad with avocado looks delicious!!
Suzanne @ Mixing It Up says
Living in Texas I just assume every house come equipped with central air, but I guess not! I can’t imagine trying to get through the heat of Summer, 9 months pregnant without it!
I wish I could have seen that House Hunters. It is one of my favorite shows but since I started back to school, I have no time for my favorite shows.
chelcie @ chelcie's food files says
its crazy how much better other countries are with maternity leave..i first learned about that from our good family friends that live in Norway..even the husband’s get like 2 months maternity leave! thats the way it should be! i hope you get to meet the baby real soon! so excited for you both!
Nicole says
GobabygobabygobabygobabygobabygobabygobabygobabygobabygobabygobabygobabyGOOOOOOOOOO!!!
(Say that like you’re watching baseball and trying to psyche out a batter at the plate.) :)
Ashley @ Life and Fitness says
Lol @ number 6. That is a good question but I have no idea! I probably missed it in one of your posts but when is your due date?
Courtney says
Next Friday, the 19th :)
Sarah @makingitmyhome.blogspot.com says
those cookies look delicious!
Nala says
Hi Courtney! I’m sure everything will happen in the right time and Baby Tooth will be here soon! And may I see that Chicken salad looks absolutely delicious with that corn! I better try some cheese spread on corn some time! Have a great weekend =)
sara @ Fitcupcaker says
Your meals still do look very tasty, just because you arent slaving in the kitchen for hours doesnt mean its not good!
Running Rosa says
When my water broke, there was NO mistaking it. It felt like an intense release of pressure and like I was losing control of my bladder (TMI? but having a baby always leads to too much TMI, right?). It was a crazy feeling!
BTW – I want to gobble up those cookies! Mine never look like that!
Courtney says
Good to know! :)
Vejur says
It’s such a shame that so many US companies don’t give more maternity leaves. My company gives 3 months, and I think you can take more than that unpaid and your job will still be here when you choose to return! Pretty generous by US standards. No wonder there are so many pregnant ladies around here!
Sending labor vibes to you today!
Colleen @ Jimmy Choos on the Treadmill says
I always lose when playing asshole–not my best game. That watermelon sherbet looks so good. Have you ever had the watermelon roll from Friendly’s? It’s the best during the summertime!
Courtney says
Oh definitely! That’s why I love their sherbet and top it with the mini chocolate chips. It’s basically the watermelon roll, minus the “rind” part! :)
Allie says
come on girl, pop that little guy out!! I can’t wait to see his ridiculously adorable face. Good luck girl!!
Jen says
Hang in there! I wasn’t at. all. dilated when my water broke with my daughter. Anything can happen, it’s all random!
Jamie @ Sometimes Healthy Living Blog says
Bestill my heart! Any guy that goes out to get you watermelon sherbert when you run out is definitely a keeper!
Sending you positive baby vibes!
Lauren says
Haha that’s honestly not a dumb question I’d be worried about going in the pool too. I don’t see how you’d feel it? Regardless I hope it happens soon I bet you’re so ready for the waiting period to be over! I’m sending good vibes your way :)
Lauren @ Confessions of a First Time Mom says
Yeah, I’ve heard that maternity leaves in the US are not so good. I’m fortunate to live in Canada, and as a teacher, I got a whole year off (plus an added month because my daughter was born on July 26th)! But that being said, I’m itching to go back in September. 13 months with no adult conversation and fixating only on a baby is exhausting and I’m really looking forward to getting the career part of me back.
Xai says
The US really needs to get with the program when it comes to maternity leave! Oh and those cookies look picture perfect! Sending good vibes and well wishes!
chelsey @ clean eating chelsey says
I think you’d still be able to feel your water break mainly because I think there would be some sort of sensation that liquid was coming out of your body. Just my thoughts – and I’ve also heard that only 15% (or so) of women have their water break before starting active labor. So my thoughts are that you’ll KNOW you’re in labor before your water actually breaks. However, if it does break, the best place would be the pool hahah – no clean up required!
Also, I totally get Colleen’s eye rolling about the toilets. We have to have the exact same kind for my 6’5″ husband. That was a NECESSITY when we were renovating our bathroom. ::sigh::
Annette@FitnessPerks says
Haha.. good point on #6–I never would’ve thought of that?!? hah. Good luck with that one.
He is a keeper–so nice of him to get you sherbet!
mmmm good call on the corn & the cheese. Gotta try it!
Krystan says
My husband has the same question about my water breaking when I went swimming a few weeks ago. I feel like it would at least be like you peed in the pool. and you also continue leaking, so once you got out of the pool, and the water didn’t dry up, lol, you’d probably figure it out! Good luck, this waiting game is the toughest part (I think – the last month has been slower than the whole pregnancy combined). I’m 4 days overdue with no “signs” of impending labor! Just want to meet the little guy already!
Sam @ Better With Sprinkles says
One of the things that makes me happy to be a Canadian is our paid maternity leave. It’s not quite as good as it is in some European countries, but it could definitely be worse.
I’m making corn on the cob tonight, but the only laughing cow I have at home is the strawberry which probably wouldn’t work so well ;-)
Sending you good baby vibes!
Jean says
I used to LOVE playing asshole in college! We used to play the drinking version and it was so much fun. Might need to bring it back after seeing your post. :)
Lisa says
Well here in Germany pregnant women are off work 8 weeks before their due date of course paid and they have the chance to be a stay home mum for a whole year which I think is pretty awesome :) and most women actually take this chance before they return to work.
Lauren says
Sending you lots of luck he comes sooner rather than later! I was induced a week late and sooo impatient! Tried exercise balls, rasberry tea, you name it. I finally accepted it and tried to enjoy my week of childless maternity leave :-)
Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl says
I used to LOVE playing asshole in college (or really any drinking card game ;)). It has been far too long since I have played some of those.
And I was LOVING the House Hunters episode last night. I actually did not realize it was Colleen at first, but I just kept looking at her thinking, “man, she looks SO familiar!!” I was almost convinced that I had already seen the episode even though it said it was “new” ;).
Karen @ Runner Girl Eats says
It may have also crossed my mind that you gave birth :) enjoy your last few BT-free days!
Annie says
I would love a little more time off – but could not imagine taking a full year of paid maternity leave. So much changes at work…even in a matter of months!
Kristen @ notsodomesticated says
I’m with you on the maternity leave! Because I had worked at my job for less than a year, I wasn’t even allowed to take 12 weeks off (unpaid) … I could only do the 6 weeks (even though I had a c-section!!). Fortunately, I worked for a school district and it worked out that summer break was right after my 6 weeks ended. And now I’m planning on staying home next year. So it all worked out. But I do agree that it’s ridiculous!
Kierston @candyfit says
Chicken salad sounds awesome!
Have a great weekend! Hoping the sun stays out to shine :)
Amanda Sechrist says
I tried the sherbet and chocolate chips tonight! Delicious! I’m not pregnant, but I certainly had a sweet craving.
Amanda @ Pink Runner Girl says
#7 … Ummm seriously. Tell me about it. Makes me happy that I will be a stay at home mom for a bit. My brother lives in Singapore and his BOSS (of a national bank) got 5 weeks before she gave birth off plus 5 months paid leave and THEN 6 weeks of vacation time that same year! all paid! What is wrong with our country…treat our mommas better!
Cheri says
I hate to have you left hanging on the water breaking issue, but it just all depends. Every pregnancy is different. My first I felt pop and it gushed and I went into heavy labor so it would gush (TMI?) every contraction. The second I didn’t feel a pop, didn’t go into heavy labor (although I was definitely in labor) and it sort of dribbled down my leg and did a slow leak from there. Good luck!
Silvia @ skinny jeans food says
You and The Great Catherine, hanging in there ;-)
Stina @StinaOnTheMove says
Sending all the positive labor wishes to you! You will be great!!
Yes, I can see that the laws in other countries are much more appealing to mothers. We are in Germany right now and my SIL stayed home for about a. couple of years with their first two kids (they are a year apart). Even better, for this entire time, she received pay (for some months only partial), and they had to keep her position available for her to start after she came back.
You can come move here and we can be neighbors! But you would have to bring the pool and the central air, because we have neither of those at our apartment. ;)
Happy weekend!! We are all waiting with you!
Victoria @ Reluctantly Skinny says
I’m jealous of the central air – we don’t even have an air conditioner! We’re on the ground floor and my fiance’s super paranoid about break-ins!
sarah @ A Refining Adventure says
Ok, when you didn’t post Thurs., I was totally guilty of thinking you were at the hospital…rats! I’m drooling over that chicken salad sandwich! I know what I’m making this weekend! And I have no idea how you’ve lived without central AC! I would die! Then again, I do live in Alabama. :-)
Mary says
My doctor broke my water for me but I had been in labor for hours so don’t worry if you dont feel it break. Contractions are usually pretty clear!
Erica @ For the Sake of Cake says
I think you addressed this before, but how much time are you taking off? I agree that maternity leave is too short! I’m hoping that whenever I have a baby, I’m able to take a full 12 weeks but I know myself and I KNOW I won’t think even that’s enough. Sigh…
Courtney says
12 weeks but I’m with you…I know it still won’t feel like enough!
Michelle says
I never thought to have laughing cow on corn! good call though! yum!
Lauren says
Can you pretty please with a cherry on top promise to post a quick post (or Jay) when you’re in labor? :) xooxoxoxo
Courtney says
Haha, yes, we’ll definitely keep you guys in the loop! :)
Miz says
late to the fun facts but sending you happyhealthyMAMAVIBES!!
Jessica B says
just catching up on blog posts and YES YES YES you will be able to feel your water break!!! I wasn’t in the water when mine broke but i can only imagine you would absolutely be able to feel it — and it doesn’t stop coming out (TMI?) until after your done delivering!!!
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