Baby Bump {Week 36}

On the final stretch now. Can you believe it? So soon we will be surrounded by ruffles, pink, and all things girly! I can't wait to have sweet lil miss in my arms and her big brother cannot wait to meet her. Everyday he asks me if she can come out and everyday I have to tell him not yet. I can't wait to introduce him to his baby sister and see the joy in his eyes as he holds her for the first time.

Last week one of my awesome photography friends came over and took our maternity pictures. She did such an wonderful job with them and here is a peak at one of my favorites (but lets face it they are all favorites):

And here is a self portrait bump shot from this week:

How far along? 36 weeks

Measuring at? 37 weeks

Food cravings/aversions: Everything still gives me heartburn. It is ridiculous. Unless of course its cereal or ice cream. Ya know all the really healthy things for me. Good thing we still have strawberries coming or else I would have nothing healthy in my diet.

Sleeping: Well LB has decided to start preparing us for lil misses arrival by waking up at 2am and staying up for hours. It's kind of him to think of us but really we are hoping he stops this asap so we don't have two littles to take care of at the wee hours.

Milestones: She is basically full term now! If you noticed her growth has slowed down as she has been measuring at 37 weeks for the last 4 weeks. We did an ultrasound and everything is perfect with her she is measuring about a pound ahead (which would put her 2 weeks ahead of her "due date") We can't wait to see when she decides to join our family! W is really hoping for a fourth of July baby and I am really hoping she comes in June...so we shall see. {I added a little poll to the side of the blog if you are in the mood to cast your vote}

Interesting things that happened this past week/anticdotes: Well this story is a week or two old but I had to share it on here because it was one of those moments that I couldn't believe the word vomit coming out of this lady's mouth. As most of you may have caught on to by now I love me some starbucks. And our target has a starbucks at it so most times I make a target trip I swing by the starbucks there. It just so happens that the same lady is working every.single.time I am there so we have had quite a few conversations about lil miss. Anyways, I went in the other week and she shouts really loud "oh my goodness you look miserable, I can't believe you haven't had her yet" I then proceed to tell her I feel great in fact and she is not due for a month so she is doing just fine in there. She then proceeds to call her co-workers over and have them gawk at me as she continues to say "doesn't she look like she is about to pop a turkey out look at her belly button she looks miserable doesnt she."  I just stand there and stare. I mean really at this point I have no clue what to say or do and I just want my drink. I try to laugh it off and remind her I still have a few weeks left and this girl isn't coming out yet. But really in my head I had about a million things I wanted to say but God kept reminding me to show grace and not let LB see me get angry. So thankful the Lord talked me down because I can be one feisty lady when I get angry. I was utterly shocked that this lady would say those kinds of things especially because she has children of her own! But luckily now everytime I come in she is overly nice and walks on eggshells while she talks to me. I guess she realized how utterly ridiculous she was talking that day.

Differences this time around: I am definitely having way more braxton hicks. I have them at least 4 times a day lasting for an hour each time. I've timed them a few times only to have them stall so I figure until I start dilating I am not going to time them anymore. Speaking of dilating I am at a zero. Big fat zero. I was at a 1 at this point with LB. I know each baby is different but I really thought lil miss would arrive early and if dilation is any sign of pending birth I think she is going to be late or have to be cut out. No c-section talk yet so everything is still cleared for a vbac and found out yesterday I won't have to get the epidural port put in unless things start to stall or head south then I will have to have it as a precaution based on my last birthing experience. I am totally okay with that! I am glad I have a doctor who is super supportive of my decision and is on board with us trying for a vbac naturally.

I hope I will do at least a few more weekly updates before she arrives. I love having LB's to look back on and one day hope they will enjoy reading these stories of my pregnancy with them.  Any questions?

Baby Bump {Week 33}

I know you all have been sitting in suspense waiting for me to post more bump updates. Okay, probably no one really cares about these but our family but I figured since it has been a month it's due time I update you all on her. And I mean now we are getting closer and closer so who knows when the last update will come. I think after next weeks appointment I will put a little poll on the side of the blog for you all to vote when she will be born. Oh and from the last bump update I was asked what is my favorite outfit. I have to say i love dresses. They are so comfy and make me feel not as pregnant or at least make me feel like a cute pregnant lady. So these pictures are taken in one of my favorite maternity dresses which I also wore with LB.

Week 33 bump

 Love this picture! LB wanted to stand with me and feel his "bump" too. He seriously melts my heart with how much he loves his growing sister.

 How far along? 33 weeks

Measuring at? 37 weeks

Food cravings/aversions: Chocolate and sweets. Really everything that is bad for me.

Sleeping: Lil miss really loves my ribcage. She likes to get nice and cozy in there and then kick me through the night. It's really quite sweet of her. When she isn't playing in my ribs she is punching my bladder so sleeping is quite interesting these days. But I know its just her preparing me for what's to come.

Milestones:  Her skeleton is starting to harden making her ready to come and meet us.

Interesting things that happened this past week/anticdotes: This past weekend I need a mini-getaway with one of my girlfriends. It was so much fun and so relaxing and I loved every minute of it (a post to come soon about that). Anyways we stayed in a lodge and let me just tell you most people have no sense of tact. I mean I had so many people stare at me and make comments and such. I just sat there laughing. One night we were sitting in comfy chairs eating dessert while listening to the pianist and a lady walked by and told her friend "man thats how I feel now too". I almost asked her what that meant but kept my mouth shut. Then a man came by while I was on the phone and leaned over me staring for a little bit then goes oh I thought you were holding a pillow on your stomach not a baby. haha. There is nothing I can do but laugh in these situations. People are funny.

Differences this time around: Definitely the fact that she measures so much bigger. LB was average the whole pregnancy and came out right around the 50 percentile. Lil miss on the other hand has been measuring off the charts. I will be very interested to see if she comes early and how big she ends up being. Today I was joking with W after our appointment that maybe she is so big because there are really 2 in there. I'm pretty sure he almost passed out ;) (Don't worry there is only 1 baby...or else the last 4 ultrasounds have been really off)

So what do you all think....is she going to be a June baby or come in July? Anyone curious about something I didn't mention? I'm an open book here people so feel free to ask away :)

Baby Bump {Week 29}

Week 29 bump shot

(hilarious to me that my belly button cast its own shadow now)

How far along? 29 weeks

Measuring at? 32 weeks

Food cravings/aversions: I have been craving a blt. Which is funny because the first have of this pregnancy I could not stand the smell of bacon. But now that is all baby girl wants.

Sleeping: About the same. Still have the leg cramps. And now her newest trick is jabbing her cute little feet in my rib cage while I try to sleep. I also keep waking myself up gasping for air because I roll to my back and lose my breath. I cant wait to sleep on my back again.

Milestones: She is getting more and more real hair and not just the peach fuss that covers her whole body. I'm hoping she comes out with the same, if not more, hair then her big brother.

Interesting things that happened this past week/anticdotes: It has been an interesting week for sure. Full of me being extra clumsy. The latest stunt happened today as I ran by starbucks before a grocery shopping trip and proceeded to spill half a bottle of water in my lap. It looked like I had peed myself or my water had broke. I was 20 minutes from home and LB was already getting fussy so there was no way I was driving back home to change and then get him back out. So I did what any pregnant mom of a toddler would do and just pushed on. I got quite a few looks in the store and I'm sure most of the people were thinking "did her water break or did she just pee herself?" And of course LB did not make the trip pleasant but instead drew more attention to us by screaming at the top of his lungs through the store. Mind you I was at Aldi's so not a big store by any means. Lesson learned; carry a pair of workout shorts in the car at all times in case one of these "emergencies" present themselves again.

Differences this time around: Definitely the rib jabs. I dont remember them happening as often with LB. Little miss loves making herself nice and cozy in my rib cage and of course LB likes making himself nice in cozy on top of my bump so I have about 1 inch of lung space to breath out of most of the day. 

Update on the VBAC: Well looks like if little miss doesn't make her appearance by 37 weeks I may have to go ahead and schedule the c-section and just pray she appears on her own before the surgery. We (W, me, and my amazing doctor) are getting nervous that she may just get too big to be delivered naturally and we don't want to risk the chance of her getting stuck like LB did. I am praying she will decide to come early on her own so that we do not have to worry about any of this but we shall see. Funny thing is if she does come at 37 weeks she will be born a mere 1 day after LB celebrates his 2 year birthday. I  am so glad it is in the Lord's hands and not my own. Oh how I pray this birth goes more smoothly and without as much scare for us all. 

Her room is 95% complete!!! So excited to get some pictures this weekend and reveal it to you all. I am loving it! 

Edit: Hubs informed me that the picture I posted yesterday makes me appear much larger than I really am something about how I angled myself instead of standing straight on. So here's a new self portrait style photo...what do u all think, any different?

Baby Bump {Week 28}

I now know why people say due dates are a joke. See when I was pregnant with LB I had my due date change twice due to his size. And now with little miss my "due date" also keeps changing. LB came about 2 weeks earlier than his first due date but only 3 days earlier than his final one. Little miss is currently measuring 3 whole weeks earlier than her July 1st due date. Which will land her to be born 1 day after LB turns 2. Hilarious. I am choosing this time not to change the official date because I want all the time I can to get her to come naturally and on her own. We will see how that goes though. Here is my latest bump picture. Sorry for the grainness I took it on my phone in a bathroom mirror while standing on a stool. But I wanted to make sure to get an up to date photo and this was my best attempt. 

How far along? 28 weeks

Measuring at? 31 weeks

Food cravings/aversions: oh goodness what do I not want to eat? I pretty much eat everything in front of me. The only thing I have a hard time drinking is coffee it gives me awful heartburn and sometimes just the smell makes me nauseous. It really is quite sad because I have a bag of 100% kona coffee sitting on my counter-top that hardly ever gets drank.

Sleeping: Holy leg cramps! I seriously do not remember them being this bad last time around. I wake up in the middle of the night flailing because they hurt so much. The worse is when I have to pee and my leg is cramping so I'm hobbling to the bathroom trying not to trip over myself and not pee everywhere. Maybe its time to install a camera along my path so we all can laugh at the scene I make ;)

Milestones: Baby can now blink. Cute huh? I just imagine her in there squinting her little eyes everytime big brother comes at her for his daily kiss fest. Also, I begin my every 2 week appointments! I couldn't believe it when the doctor told me last week. I can't believe we are already to that point.

Interesting things that happened this past week/anticdotes: LB got to feel lil miss dancing about. It was the best thing watching his face as his little sister said hello. He sat there so patiently waiting to feel her and after she gave him a little bump he went back for more. Melts my heart to see how sweet that little boy already is to his sister. I wish I could count the number of times he comes up and kisses her or sings to her everyday, I am sure it is more than 20. He is definitely fascinated with this growing, moving belly of mine.

Differences this time around: My doctor asked me if I feel bigger this time around. It threw me off a little because I hadn't really thought about it. I mean I was huge with LB gaining a whooping 65 pounds and this time I am barely at the 25 pound mark. But once I thought about it I realized I do feel bigger. She may not be making mama gain as much weight but she is surely taking up her fair share of room in there. I am already having to grab her feet out of my rib cages and some of her jabs have me stopping in my tracks. That didnt happen with LB until after the 34 week mark. So I think little miss might actually arrive bigger than her big brother. We shall see though.

In other news the doctor is not very concerned about her blood pools, praise the Lord. Since little miss is growing so well inside me they appear to be no issue at this point but we will do another ultrasound in a few weeks just to make sure all is well in there.

Any questions?

Baby Bump {Week 24}

Oops. Didn't mean to go a whole month in between an update! Life has been crazy around here as the hubs had 2 weeks in a row of traveling and LB had a cold. Plus, I mean I am pregnant and forget just how tiring that is when you are flying solo! I try and try to keep up as if I'm not carrying around extra weight but its starting to slow me down. In any case here are some pictures and an update :)

24 weeks

Lovin on his baby sister :)

How far along? 24 weeks and 2 days

Baby is the size of a(n): a footlong sub. Or so I think. In any case anytime I think of her size I want a turkey sandwich.

Food cravings/aversions: ice cream. I blame this one 100% on my husband. He has such a sweet tooth and many nights he asks me if I need him to run out and get me anything of course ice cream is on the top of his list for what my cravings should be. And now that the weather is warming up I can't resist.

Sleeping: Okay. I mean last night I woke up with an awful leg cramp and really had to pee. It is almost impossible to walk to the bathroom without falling flat on your face during a leg cramp. Needless to say I am now filling up on gatorade and bananas.

Milestones: If the baby was born today she would be viable. Woohoo! This is such a great milestone to reach especially when I have been having braxton hicks for the past few weeks and every time wonder if they will go away. I know I know this is completely par for course the second time around but it still freaks me out a little when they come.

Interesting things that happened this past week/anticdotes: LB is so obsessed with my bump. It is quite cute and shows me he is going to be such a great big brother. But lately he thinks he should pull my shirt up everywhere to kiss the baby. And he also wants to do this to every person he sees.  I am trying so hard to teach him the baby is only in mommy's belly but he doesn't really understand that. My favorite of all is when he pulls up his own shirt and points to his belly telling everyone there is a baby in there. Adorable.

Differences this time around: As weird as this sounds I think I actually have more energy this time. It may be part due to that I am more in shape and eat better...aside from the ice cream runs ;) It probably also helps that I'm not able to just lay around and nap all day. LB is so full of energy that I have to be up running around and playing with him all day long.


Can you all believe we are already at 24 weeks?! I have another ultrasound coming up soon and I am so hoping baby girl gives us some face shots this time. I am getting more and more excited to meet her and enjoy chasing her around too.

Baby Bump {Week 20}

Half way there! Well ya know if little miss actually decides to come at the 40 week mark. Although, she is measuring 2 whole weeks earlier. I have a feeling little miss is going to be another June baby. 

Bump shots

{20 weeks}

 {Woo mom your belly is getting big}

 

How far along? today I am 20 weeks and 1 day

Baby is the size of a(n): banana.

Food cravings/aversions: Burgers. Seriously, all I want is to go out and eat hamburgers. I don't know why but I love them. And I also want pineapple all the time. Maybe I should try a pineapple glazed hamburger. Get both those cravings satisfied in one meal.
 

Sleeping: Doing good right now. I wake up tossing and turning and making bathroom trips but its not too bad.

Milestones: We found out baby is a little miss! Could not be happier to be adding a lady to the mix! I honestly believed we would have all boys so it is fun to see that God wanted us to have a girl in this family. We even decided on her name, but its under lock and key for now and will probably always be on this blog. I can't wait to get some pink and tutu's in this house. Now to just decide on a perfectly girly room color

Interesting things that happened this past week/anticdotes: I've had a few people comment that they can't even tell I am pregnant when I am sitting down. Now I am not sure if I should take this as a compliment or an insult. Yes, I know they mean it nice but if you think about it then that means they just assume I am pudgy while sitting down. Not sure I like that assumption. In any case I definitely feel pregnant and already have the back pain to prove it. Although, I attribute most of that from picking LB up all day long and stopping him from head diving on my belly multiple times a day.

Differences this time around: I think the biggest difference this time is I am much happier. I love the role God has given me as a mother. I love raising my children. I love the miracle growing inside of me. Not that I didn't love LB growing inside of me but I had the stress of a job that wasn't my fit. I was constantly stressed out because I wasn't the image my boss wanted and as much as I tried to be who God was telling me to be he couldn't see that. Difference of opinion some might say. So in any case my last pregnancy was full of stress and this one isn't. Makes a huge difference on a person, being where God wants you to be and being joyful in that. I honestly love being a mom and a wife. I love the joy of seeing LB grow daily and being home when my hubby arrives from work. It is exactly where God wants me and I'm loving it.

Can you believe we are already at the half way point? It seems to be flying by this time around! (I am sure in a few months I will retract that statement). I am also still undecided on a VBAC but I am sure by the time of delivery I will know ;) Plus at this point little miss is butt down so if she stays that way the decision will be made and she most definitely will be a June baby.

Wordless Wednesday

18 week bump! T-minus 5 days until the gender reveal :)

Baby Bump {Week 17}

 I've exploded this week. Apparently, baby wanted to come out and say hi! :)

 

How far along? today I am 17 weeks and 3 days

Baby is the size of a(n): turnip. I really wonder who comes up with these size measurements.

Food cravings/aversions: Up until this week I only wanted to eat mexican food and now it gags me. Boo. Also, I am way more hungry this week. Might explain the baby pop.

Sleeping: Also this week began the nightly middle of the night bathroom trips. I normally spend a good 30 minutes debating with myself that I really don't have to pee. Maybe if I cut out that 30 minute pep talk I could sleep better.

Milestones: The belly pop. Wait...is that not a milestone? Well I consider it one because now I actually look pregnant and not just like I haven't lost my baby weight from LB. Seriously just last week I had someone do a double take when I said I was pregnant. As if I would not cover up my fat if it wasn't a baby. Geez.

Interesting things that happened this past week/anticdotes: I don't gag anymore chewing gum. Well I'll take that back I still gag if its mint flavored gum but all others I can chew with no problems.

I figured for your voting purposes and because its fun to compare I will show you what I looked like while 17ish weeks pregnant with LB. I can't tell if I look any different. Really. I keep going back and forth on this one. (Thank goodness this pregnancy I use better lighting for these pictures and take it from my better side.)

Anything you all want to know? And thanks for your ideas on vbac's. I'm so thankful my doctor is so laid back and not pressuring me to decide anytime soon.

Baby Bump {Week 16}

I thought I would try to post the weekly update on Mondays but I think I will just do them whatever day I happen to have a free moment. So this week its bump Thursday!

I missed a picture last week so here is the one from this week. 

How far along? today I am 16 weeks and 4 days

Baby is the size of a(n): avocado

Food cravings/aversions: I love all things citrus and greek yogurt. Obsessed. Oh and ice cream.

Sleeping: Once I get to sleep I'm great its the getting to sleep part. I don't know why it's so hard but I just can't get comfortable.

Milestones: I think this fact is pretty neat. The baby is now pumping 25 quarts of blood a day! That's how much jelly we have canned. To think of it that way amazes me. That our little peanut is already pumping so much blood through their organs and growing so quick. 

Interesting things that happened this past week/anticdotes:We had a doctors appointment last week and found out the heartrate is 144. Which is almost exactly what LB's was at this time. I also realized this week that I weigh now what I did when I got pregnant with LB. Crazy how different it is this time around. I think a lot of that is due to chasing a little boy up and down the stairs all day long.

Differences this time around: I am starting to feel pregnant. Like losing my breath carrying LB around the store. I didn't really feel pregnant with LB until the last month or so. This time around I definitely feel it. 

Opinion?: I have also been really considering doing a Vbac this time around. I go back and forth on it daily but I would love to not have to go thru the c-section again and then the long recovery. Plus, I really do think I could do it as long as baby doesn't get stuck like big brother did ;) Any of you moms out there have a vbac or repeat c-section? What was your main reason for deciding either way? Any opinions/suggestions/experience tips on the matter are greatly appreciated!

We have our ultrasound to find out the sex on Feb. 6th! I am so excited :) I really have no clue if we have a boy or a girl in there and can't wait to find out! I almost wish we could go in today and know. I'm adding a little poll to the side of the blog so feel free to cast your vote! This time around we are going to do a fun little reveal party with our house church the day after we find out. The losing team has to cook the other team dinner the following week! So hope I pick the right gender team to be on ;)

Baby Bump {Week 14}

I am going to try and update on the baby once a week. I was so good with LB that I don't want to slack too much with this one. I may switch up the questions a little from last time but we shall see. My favorite part of anyone's pregnancy is watching their belly grow, so to be fair I will share with you all growth pictures of mine. I feel like I am so much bigger this time around but really I am about the same. The only real difference is my belly button already popped out and I am already feeling round ligament pains. 

 

Front view with my baby on my shoulder ;)

Side view

 LB loves giving baby a hug. He is going to be such a great big brother

How far along? today I am 14 wks 1 days

Baby is the size of a(n): lemon.

Food cravings/aversions: This time around I am loving apples and mexican. With LB it was all things citrus. But I absolutely cannot stand pork this time around. Even the smell makes me sick. Luckily, we really don't eat that much pork but my mom sometimes makes roast here and her favorite is pork roast. I finally had to teach her how to make it in a crockpot so she could make it away from me ;)

Sleeping: Not too bad yet. I probably wake up once or twice for a bathroom run but besides that we are good. I think its easier this time because I started using the blessed pregnancy pillow the week we found out. It helps me sleep so much better by taking all the pressure off my hips. I also think spending my day chasing LB around has me so worn out at bedtime that I just crash.

Milestones: We are in the 2nd trimester!  Such a fun milestone to be at. Although, I can't really complain first trimester was not too bad for me just nausea here and there but overall pretty easy. I am looking forward to the renewed energy I have been given this week and to be able to stay up with hubs at night without crashing so quickly. OH and I also felt the baby move! I love those first little flutters. Seriously, melts my heart everytime. I know LB is just going to love feeling his sibling kicking and punching about in a few weeks.

Interesting things that happened this past week/anticdotes: Not too much interesting is going on here. I still fit into my clothes but slowly my buttons are becoming undone and my shirts are getting short. Unfortunately, (or fortunately depending on how you look at it) all the maternity pants I have are way too big so I think it will be a few more month until I get into them. I was blessed during my last pregnancy to be given a stack full of jeans in sizes bigger than what I normally wear so I think those will become my go to clothes here pretty soon.

Differences this time around: I think the biggest one I have noticed so far is weight gain. With LB I gained a ton of weight. In the first trimester alone with him I gain 18 pounds. I know a lot of it was due to stress I had from my job and other things going on. So this time it is nice seeing the scale slooowly creep up. I also think it helps that I was running before I got pregnant this time and a lot more active. I have stopped running now though, because I had lots of spotting early on and didn't want to cause any harm by running but I am still staying active chasing LB around, playing Just Dance on the Wii and this week I am going to start doing my pregnancy yoga again. 

So that's about all I got for now. Do you guys have any questions you'd like me to add to these weekly updates?

Christmas Card surprise

This year in our Christmas cards we revealed a little surprise...

LB's getting a sibling! Coming around July 1st! We found out soon after we completed our 5K. 

I'll do a 12 week update here soon. But can I just say we are so excited!!! At our appointment last week they couldn't find baby's heartbeat, after my heart went back in my chest we went to get an ultrasound. Apparently, my bladder was so full that I had pushed the baby up into my rib cage so they couldn't find the lime size baby with the heartbeat monitor. Baby is perfectly healthy and we got a fun little picture :)

So this explains my blogging absence a little more. I have been blessed and haven't been feeling too bad...just tired. Which I think is typical of moms of a toddler.

Week 38

Another week with our little guy inside me! I am starting to think he is going to stay in here until we force him out. :) But I am hoping by him staying in there longer he will come out with cute chubby cheeks! I really am okay with him staying inside me longer I just love all the myths people have about how to get a baby out. I have been walking over a mile every few days for months now and doing yoga but it has done nothing to move the baby out. I do think though I will try some of the suggestions you all put out there as I am really interested to see if they work and it will give me something to do to pass the time until our lil man arrives :) Okay, on to some pictures and weekly recap.

Week 38... side view

Week 38... front view

 

How far along? 38 weeks 5 days

Baby is the size of a(n): watermelon! He is about 20 inches long and according to my doctor she is thinking he is already 7.5lbs. So she thinks if he stays till his due date he will be around 8.5 lbs. Looks like I'll be having a big baby!

Changes in me: As of my appointment Thursday I was still at 1 cm and 50% effaced. I told you all he is nice and cozy inside me ;)

Food cravings: Fish. We have gotten tilapa twice this week and shrimp as well. I can't wait for little man to arrive and go out for sushi again!

Sleeping: Actually this week I have been able to sleep for a few hours at a time. Not every night but there have been a few nights where I slept for two hours straight. I'm hoping this keeps up until he arrives.

Milestones: He has officially dropped! He sits on my bladder all day long and has been stretching out my hips. Hoping this means he is going to come on his own soon.

Babies activity: His moves are much slower now and not as many jabs, which is nice. He gets the hiccups at least twice a day and I know that is going to be a feeling I miss when he is on the outside.

Interesting things that happened this past week: The neighbors have been getting very interested in when he will arrive. Everytime I go outside they ask me if I have had contractions or any news yet. Last night when we were leaving for our nightly walk our neighbor stops us and we were talking. I informed her I have been at a 1 cm for 3 weeks now and she said I should try sprinting up and down the street. Just the thought of sprinting made me almost wet myself. I couldn't imagine running at this stage in pregnancy. I love how they all give me suggestions for how to get him out... like going out for mexican every night at this place up the street from us. OR driving multiple times a day down our super bumpy side street. None of these things have worked for us but it makes me comforted to know that God has the time and day in mind for when our little man enters the world. He has it all planned out and that no matter what I do I cannot change the time and day God has already ordained. So now I just need to be patient and wait and wait and wait. Patience really is a virtue isn't it? ;)

 

Hope you all have a blessed weekend!

Week 37

Almost there! He is going to be here before we know it! I can't wait! All the heat and humidity this week has made me be so greatful that I will not be pregnant for the majority of the summer. I couldn't imagine dealing with this heat for 3 whole months. I am so excited to have him here with us and see him in person, not just through a machine. Okay so here are some pictures, what do y'all think... has he dropped?

Week 37 side view

Week 37 front view

and here is a barebelly one just cause they make me laugh :)

How far along? 37 weeks 5 days

Baby is the size of a(n): watermelon! He is about 20 inches long and 6.5 lbs.

Changes in me: As of my appointment Monday I was still at 1 cm and 50% effaced but I have had more braxton hicks since then soooo I am hoping that means more dilation and effacement. We will see :)

Food cravings: Popsicles! It has been so hot I haven't really been in the mood for anything but ice water and popsicles. I guess this is a good thing though cause maybe it means I won't gain anymore.

Sleeping: I am looking forward to being able to sleep comfortable again when this lil man arrives. Even though I know I won't get much sleep at least I won't have to pee every 5 seconds and be kicked all night long. Well I guess hubs does throw the bows at night so I will still have that to deal with ;)

Milestones: I am full term now! Woohoo! Which means lil man could come literally any day now and be perfectly okay. I am not holding my breathe that he will come early though but if he did I would not complain :)

Babies activity: He rolls around alot and sticks his bum in the air. I have a really funny picture of my whole right side being occupied by his little bum and leg. BUT when I sent the picture out to my family they mistook my knees for something else so I don't think I will be sharing that picture with anyone else. I am still trying to see how they all took it that way cause it is clearly my knees but I figure I will spare you all the questionable picture.

Interesting things that happened this past week: This week has been pretty boring. I have had a lot of people ask me when I am due and if I am ready to have him out. Which to all of them I say "yes it is blazing hot out now... he can come anytime." Aside from that I haven't had any crazy encounters. Maybe its because I look like I am about to pop so people don't want to send me off the edge by asking me silly things.

Happy Friday!

Week 36

This week has gone by so quick. I can't believe that on Sunday we will be considered full-term. Little man is going to be here before we know it! Craziness, in a good way but crazy none the less. I can't wait to see what he looks like. I have actually begun packing my hospital bag but I really have no clue what to put in it. I am just putting some random things in it as if I'm taking a weekend trip. Ya know some makeup, hair care items, cute shirts, slippers, etc. I also added a poll on here to have you all guess if he will be early, on time, or late. So happy guessing :) I am very curious as this whole time I have thought he will arrive on my birthday, which is Memorial Day and about 2 weeks early, but that may just be wishful thinking ;) So again, hubs has been slammed at work so my pictures this week are of me with my parents during their visit this past weekend.

Week 36, front view. Jen, me, and dad

Week 36 side view

My dad trying to be a miserable pregnant lady...too funny!

How far along? 36 weeks 5 days

Baby is the size of a(n): breadbox. He is about 18.5 inches long and a little over 6 lbs.

Changes in me: Well I have begun my weekly doctor visits. I go see her every Monday, and at this last appointment found out I'm 50% effaced and 1 cm. dilated. We will see how long I stay at that measurement. I'm still continuing to have braxton hicks a few times each day, mainly in the morning, before bed, and in the middle of the night.... but none of them have been consistent.

Food cravings: Pasta. I make something with noodles almost everyday for lunch and sometimes for dinner also. So yummy. Although, I have to lay off tomato base sauces and all my pineapples as I have so many sores in my mouth and on the sides of my mouth... but its so hard cause those things taste the best. Just typing the word pineapple makes me want to go eat another one. I seriously eat 3 pineapples a week, but this week I limited myself to 1 in hopes that it would clear up some of these sores.

Sleeping: As good as it can get. I have been waking up at like 5:30am lately really wanting juice. Most mornings I can go get it then fall back asleep for a little while but some mornings I can't fall back asleep. But I figure I should get use to this sleep schedule as I'm sure little man will be keeping me up all hours of the day and night.

Milestones: He has developed a pattern of sleep and wakefulness now, and opens his eyes when awake and closing them while asleep. He is getting better at not kicking me all night long so maybe he has begun using the night for sleeping... I can only hope ;)

Babies activity: He's my little rolly polly. He is constantly rolling from one side to the other and stretching his knees out as much as he can. Lately he has been sticking his heels into my ribs during his stretching routine. I can slowly see his foot start heading that way and sometimes I can intercept it but most of the time my hand being there means nothing to him and he will just bypass me and head to the cushion of my ribs. He is head down now so whenever I get up to quickly he will head butt my bladder resulting in me fleeing to the bathroom.

Interesting things that happened this past week: Quite a few funny things happened this week. The first was last Saturday, we were at a verizon store getting my dad added to our phone plan and as I was getting the contract signed my dad was talking to a lady in line (seriously, my dad can start a conversation with anyone anywhere we are and make it last 20 mins. makes me laugh everytime). So anyways my dad is talking to her and I here her say loudly "She still has 4 weeks left, she looks HUGE." I turn towards her and hear her daughter (whose about 30) say "Mom she looks good" I just laugh and say yep he is going to be a big boy. But really I thought if I could produce tears on the spot it would be the perfect opportunity to do so and teach the lady to never ever tell a pregnant woman she looks huge...even if it is true. I could not believe she said that so loudly. My dad stopped talking to her after that but I couldn't stop laughing the rest of the day whenever I thought about her.

The next funny thing happened when I went out to lunch at Olive Garden. I had gone into the bathroom and as I was heading there two older women were in front of me. We all went into our stalls and all of a sudden I hear one lady talking. I assumed she was talking to the other lady so I go about my business and then hear her say " i know you dont know me but I just wanted to tell you, you're all belly" At this point she had been talking for a good minute so I decided to not respond. As I walk up to the sink she gets out of her stall and restarts the whole conversation with me. It was really sweet though because she kept telling me I looked good. It just made me laugh that she shouted the conversation across the bathroom while we were in the stalls.

 

 

Hope you all have a great weekend! We are suppose to be getting close to 90* weather all weekend and week. I'm thinking I will just stay inside in an ice bath all week long ;)

Week 35... only 30 days to go!

Hubs has been swamped at work this week so I had to take matters into my own hands to get bump pictures this week. AND I am not wearing my white shirt today but I wanted to get this post up before my parents came in town for the weekend so you all get me in street clothes.... sorry I don't know why I used the word street clothes there but I couldn't think of a better word. So here are the pictures for the week... taken in baby boy's bathroom so you can see a glimpse of his robe :)

Week 35 side view

Week 35.. front view

How far along? 35 weeks 5 days






Baby is the size of a(n): Sheet cake! Yum :) He is about 5.5 lbs and a little over 18 inches long.





Changes in me: Braxton hicks continue to increase daily and I have started to get more back pain. BUT I realize this is all due to his size and impending birth. So now I am just patiently waiting for him to make an appearance.




Food cravings: Cookies and grilled anything! I am especially found of grilled veggies and lemon chicken. So good! I think in fact I will be making that for my parents tonight.





Sleeping: I try to sleep but it doesnt always work out the way I would like, although yesterday I did get an hour nap so I can't complain. I'm sure when he is actually in the world sleeping will be much more far and inbetween.




Milestones: He is adding an extra layer of fat to his body now. So he will have that cute chubby baby look when he comes out! Can't wait to kiss on those cheeks!






Babies activity: He is still a mover and shaker. Not as many hard kicks now but more rolls and feet in the ribs.






Interesting things that happened this past week:  During one of my many starbucks trips I was making my way to the restroom and two older ladies were sitting at a table near it as I approach I hear the lady facing me say to the other "look at this cute pregnant girl coming our way" She turns and stared right at me and continues to do so until I reach their table. I smile and say hi and they just return to their conversation like nothing happened. So bizarre! I mean if you are going to talk about me and stare right at me at least when I say hi do something back. I was giving you an open invitation to gawk at me and ask anything you'd like.... but instead they pretended it never happened. Too funny people!
 
Hope you all have a great weekend!

Week 34

Please take a moment to look at the ticker at the top of my blog. The pea pod is getting so close! 37 days left. Holy moly.... only 37 days! I mean I know he may come well after that time or even before then but seeing that peapod getting so close is crazy! Okay, well I'm sure my awe of the peapod will continue to increase until little man arrives so I will spare you all the thoughts I have about it right now for another week. How about some pictures?

Week 34.... side view

Crazy hair week 34

And here is an extra one just for fun... a full view of mr. bump. I think I am trying to find my toes ;)

How far along? 34 weeks 5 days




Baby is the size of a(n): Medium honeydew melon. He is about 18.5 inches long and about 5 lbs.




Changes in me: Braxton hicks are occuring about once or twice a day now. Not too bad but I definitely notice them. The worse is when I am really hungry and trying to eat and my belly decides now is the time to  practice. I love reading about braxton hicks in books and how they say things like "you won't even feel them" or "most women don't even know they have had one" ummm I dont know where these books get their facts cause I definitel notice and feel them.





Food cravings: Pineapple, chocolate, and mexican food. Great combo ;) I have been eating 2-3 pineapples a week. Me and my baby love them but my mouth on the otherhand doesn't. I wish someone would invent a pineapple without citric acid, then I would eat one a day. I also have been drinking alot of chocolate milk and the other day I had a moment of insanity at the store and bought chocolate soy milk.... it doesn't compare at all. I was quite bummed. So today I am going out to buy real chocolate milk.



Sleeping: I feel like this week I have been more tired than at any point in my pregnancy. I try to nap all the time but I soon as I close my eyes little man bounces on my bladder or shoots heels at my ribs. Oh well, I guess he is preparing me for when he enters our world.


Milestones: Little man can fully survive outside the womb now! He is just gaining weight in there and enjoying his time in the quiet of my womb...although it really isn't that quiet in there but at least he is protected from the crazy world we live in at least for a few more weeks.



Babies activity: He moves alot. A few nights ago he got the hiccups for like 20 minutes and it was really fun but it was right on my bladder. I think when he gets them that way I may just live in the bathroom. I never have had to concentrate so hard on not peeing myself as I do when he has the hiccups. And last night hubs fell asleep with his hand across my belly and baby boy decided to kick daddy until he moved his arm, after 15 minutes of it I decided to just roll away. I love the personality little man has!





Interesting things that happened this past week: Well this isn't the most interesting thing but it's the thing I have been noticing most. This week I have had numerous people come up to me and guess when I am due. It is quite an interesting thing to do. I mean I would never think to walk up to a wobbly pregnant woman and say "Oh looks like you are getting close to popping, you're probably due in the next 2 weeks or so right?" I normally just laugh it off and say no I'm not due til June 13th but I have loved being pregnant so he can stay in there for awhile. BUT in my head I am saying I'm not a turkey... I'm not going to pop and no I am not that huge to be due in 2 weeks. Please if you are ever with me and I see a pregnant woman and begin to predict when she is due smack me. Some people are really sweet about it and I know they are just curious but please refrain from guessing when I am due, unless you are going to say July or something ;)

Week 33

Sorry for the delay on getting this post up. Our weekend was very busy but super productive. We got all the rooms painted we wanted to, our pantry finished, and baby boy's stroller! I am so excited that our house is now our home and it doesn't feel like we are living in someone else's place now. I also am glad we are ready for little man to arrive at any moment. It feels good to have all his things in order if he does decide to grace us with his presence early. Okay, well here is my post from last friday that I never published. Oops. Hope you all had a great weekend :)

Week 33 front view

Week 33...side view

How far along? 33 weeks 5 days (last friday)


Baby is the size of a(n): Grownup duck...what a cute image :) He is about 18 inches long and weighs 4.5 lbs.



Changes in me: Well this week braxton hicks have increased to about 1-a-day sometimes 2. Along with the return of round ligament pains and bloody noses..doesnt my life sound glamourous? I also am having a hard time imagining my belly getting any bigger, but I know it is coming. I actually think it will be quite funny to see how big it is by the end of this pregnancy. I think it will deserve a side-by-side picture of my little bump.




Food cravings: Gelato. We have a gelato shop a few miles away from us and it is very dangerous. I could go everyday... but I resist, even though it is very hard.  I love all the flavors, we went last night and they had red velvet gelato. I could have ate the whole container they scoop out of. So many flavors, I feel like I should make it my pregnant woman challege to try them all. Maybe eventually they will see me coming and just give me the gelato. I can only hope ;)




Sleeping: I am getting lots of practice on getting up in the middle of the night to empty my bladder. Maybe I should start going in little man's room and spend some time swaddling his bear and putting a diaper on it to, just to use my time more wisely while I'm awake.




Milestones: His respiratory system is almost completely mature. So if he was born now he would be able to function quite well outside my womb :) He can also detect light and tell the difference between night and day. So I'm thinking maybe I should start wearing a mid-drift around the house to get him fimilar with the sun so he starts being awake during the day and sleeping during the night. Hopefully this experiment will work.






Babies activity: He is getting his roll on now. I will look down throughout the day and see him just making waves across my belly. He is also getting the hiccups once or twice a day and shakes my whole belly during them. It is quite cute and I know they don't hurt him but I still feel bad. I've tried drinking water for him, scaring him, and all the other hiccup remedies but none seem to be working out.




Interesting things that happened this past week: I was grocery shopping at Sam's Club and as I walked down one of the aisles with the samples, which I passed up (who am i?!?), the guy doing the samples yells after me "You pregnant?" I respond yes. He then continues to shout down the aisle "When are you due?" "What's the sex?" "Is this your first?" So I decided to turn around and back up a bit to answer his questions so that everyone in the store isn't staring at me... which at this point everyone in the aisle was. I answer all his questions and begin to walk away to finish my shopping and he yells "Lucky!" (but he said it just like the guy on Napoline Dynamite) I just laughed as I finished up in that aisle and moved away. It was super funny having a 20-something year old guy shout after me about my pregnancy. Also, I do not recommend trying to shop at Sam's when you are 33 weeks pregnant by yourself. There are way to many aisles and opitions there, I spent way to much time debating between items and didn't even end up getting most of them. I did end up doing pretty well and walked out under-budget but I don't think I will go alone again, well at least while I'm pregnant.

Bump watch...week 32

I still can't believe this pregnancy is almost over. Less than 2 months to go! I am trying to put aside the thought that a baby will actually have to be born out of me, but I am getting a little less freaked out by that thought with our prepared childbirth classes. I mean, I know many of many women have given birth and God created our bodies to do this but it still freaks me out to think about. Good thing I have about 2 months to prepare myself ;)
Luckily, I have an amazing man who will be by my side through the whole thing and I know he will do a wonderful job at encouraging and helping me through it. During this whole pregnancy hubs has been amazing, I honestly don't know how any woman can go through this alone and I truly admire them especially women whose husbands are serving overseas...amazing women they are! I honestly don't think I would love being pregnant as much if it wasn't for my man. Praise the Lord for the gift He gave me in him. Okay, sorry for talking up my man....on to some pictures and the weekly recap!

Side view...week 32. I feel like he has grown alot this week

Week 32.. front view.

How far along? 32 weeks 5 days






Baby is the size of a(n): hot pair of above the knee boots. He is about 17 inches long and 4 pounds!




Changes in me: My bellybutton has fully popped out. I really thought I'd win that battle but at last the baby won. It is one of his favorite places to elbow so I should have been prepared. Also, I have a nasty rash all over my belly that just won't seem to go away, it is so itchy. I'm hoping it disappears in the next 2 weeks as we have our maternity shots then, but we shall see.... I guess I could always use makeup to cover it up. ;)





Food cravings: Chocolate. Hints the below post. I am so glad lil man is developing his sweet tooth. I was a little worried at first because whenever I ate sweets they would make me sick, but now I can eat them with no problem. Love it!




Sleeping: As good as it can get when you are waking every hour or so for potty breaks. But I am happy to report I think the lil man is learning to sleep some at night, as I am no longer getting woken up at 2 am by his kicks.



Milestones: He is gaining about 1/2 pound a week! He also spends alot of his days blinking, looking around, grabbing on things, and listening to everything around him.



Babies activity: He is an active one! This week he has been jumping and bouncing all about. We have seen his butt, elbows, and knees thru my stomach. It is quite fun to watch but sometimes a little freaky as I think my skin is going to rip open at his force.


Interesting things that happened this past week: Well we took our first childbirth class last week and it was really good to hear all the different pain management opitions. I had totally forgotten about all the side effects each medicine carries and what things may happen during the birthing process. It was really good to be in there and get some more information. I loved all the guys in the class and how shocked they were at the information given. In the class they passed around all the different tools doctors could use to get the baby out if they need extra assistance. I watched one guy across the room attach every instrument to his head and pretend to be birthed with its assistance. I'm suprised his wife didn't give him a swift elbow to the ribs, or else she was too busy laughing at how silly he looked. I'm excited to see how this guy will be in the next class tomorrow.

So I guess the count down is on now! I thought about adding a poll to the blog letting you all guess what day he will be born on, but I don't really know how to do a poll. Maybe I'll have a post as it gets closer for everyone to guess the day/time, weight, and height he will be born at and whoever guesses closest will get an awesome prize.
Hope you all have a great Friday!

Week 31...hello 8th month :)

I am in shock how fast this pregnancy has gone. I know everyone says the beginning goes by so quick but towards the end it seems to drag.... so far though it seems to be flying by. But I guess I still have about 8 weeks left so we will see how the last few feel. After we took the pics of my bump this week I really began to wonder how much larger I can get. I already feel huge and lil' man still has 2 months of growing to do, but I guess its kind of like a proud badge of honor we get to wear along while we are pregnant. Or at least I tell myself that ;) Okay, on to some pics.

Week 31..side view

Week 31... front view

How far along? 31 weeks 5 days





Baby is the size of a(n): Squash, I'm imagining the size of one of those cute cinderella pumpkins. Weighing in at about 3.5 lbs and 17 inches long :) He is getting big for sure.


Changes in me: This warm weather is not being a friend to me. Don't get me wrong I love having it warmer out but my feet are swelling and it makes it feel as if I'm walking on prickly balloons. At least I can still wear my wedding rings and get them on and off and I haven't had any face swelling. Hopefully I can keep all the swelling to my feet but we will see.






Food cravings: String cheese, chocolate milk, and grilled cheese sandwiches. I am loving all things dairy these days.



Sleeping: Lil' man is a hoot. Lately when I am sleeping and slightly roll onto a side he kicks and punches it until I move. I guess he doesnt like to share his space... which I am hoping that translate to a solo sleeper from day one ;)





Milestones: All five senses are up and processing. Maybe that explains him feeling the mattress underneath him at night...



Babies activity: He has begun moving from side to side alot. We have seen his elbow popping out and moving around. It is quite fun to wake up and watch him make waves across my belly, he must be practicing his breaststrokes ;)


Interesting things that happened this past week: We were outside working in the yard and the neighbor kids were running all around. One of the boys came up to me, he is about 3, and was showing me his new toy, it was a big blow up hammer. He then explains to me we can only use the hammer to hit ourselves not other people. But before I use the hammer to hit myself he stops me and says... Kelley you can't hit your baby with the hammer, that would hurt him. Too funny! I love how he acknowledges the baby in my belly everytime I see him. Yesterday he came up to me and asked if I had the baby yet, I pointed to my belly and said nope he is still right here. The little boy then says oh I thought so but I couldn't remember when his birthday is so I thought I'd check in case I missed it. Too cute :)

Thanks for all your opinions on the hair. I still haven't decided but I will be sure to let you all know if I do chop it. I'm thinking I may just get it a little shorter, who knows though I'm pretty indecisive these days. Oh and tomorrow is our first birthing class... wish us luck :)