34 weeks, 6 days (picture)

Merry Christmas!! We had a great time visiting/celebrating with both sides of our familes!! We weren't as prepared this week, so this is a nearly 35 week belly, and I'm not really sure what size fruit he was (my phone app said a large cantaloupe, with 35 weeks being a honeydew). I went to an appointment this morning, Baby C and I are measuring well and healthy! We are currently expecting him to be a normal size and relatively on time. I will now be going in weekly. A real update will come soon.. with a shot of our "before" nursery.

33 weeks, 1 day (picture)

  It was a gloomy day out, so the pictures is a little dark. Yesterday we had an appointment, and it was great to hear his healthy heartbeat, get told he's currently head down and a great size, and get some general questions answer. It's so neat knowing how close we're getting! I had a great shower last Saturday, and I feel much more prepared! I don't have any pictures currently, but I'll try to get some.

 

How far along? 33 weeks (1 day)

Baby is the size of a: Durian?? (4.2 to 5.8 pounds and 17.2 to 18.7 inches)

Total weight gain: 20 lbs (going with the doctor scale)

Maternity clothes? Mostly wearing maternity clothes. So thankful for all I've been able to borrow! 

Stretch marks? Nothing yet, but still have darkness around my belly button. I can't tell if it's the linea nigra thing or just darker veins showing up.

Sleep: Okay, much more difficult. Hips and belly make positions difficult, and I wake up to pee (once or twice), but most frustrating is walking up hungry. Very hard to fall asleep afterwards, even after a snack.

Best moment this week: My shower! Kara, Stephanie, and my mom did a great job planning, we had lots of Christmas decorations, fun mostly seasonal games, brunch food, and it was great to visit with so many ladies. It's really neat to think that they'll be in our son's life. I'll try to get some pictures from my mom!

Movement: He's grown, and while he still stretches out a lot (particularly on the edge of my right side), he's still moving a lot, kicking some, and hitting some ribs every now and then. 

Food cravings: Not really. Maybe peppermint things and citrus fruit.

Gender: Little boy :)

Labor Signs: Nope. 

Symptoms: Some fatigue, some hip soreness after standing or walking a lot. Still some headaches and mood swings. Recently some cramping. More hunger and plenty of baby brain :) 

Wedding rings on or off? On. I've only swelled at normal times like working out or waking up suddenly.

Belly Button: Very shallow, and pokes out at some shirts.  

32 weeks, 1 day (picture)

Hello 32 weeks! Attending the child-birth classes made me more excited to meet this little guy! I didn't necessarily learn too much new information about pregnancy/labor this weekend (between honest pregnant friends/moms and the books I've been able to get my hands on), but it was great to be able to talk about it with Joey, try/watch some labor positions, learn all the hospital's protocols and tendencies, see the labor/delivery room (makes it so real), and meet so many new pregnant couples. We did go over some newborn care, and while I've started reading a little, I really appreciate what we learned. I couldn't help but describe some of the fun things we talked about to others :). At this point, we do feel a little more prepared, but it all still seems like a blessing but scary with all the unknowns. Every pregnancy, birth, and child is different. 

This weekend I have my family and friends shower. I'm so excited to celebrate with everyone! I know there's a lot of fun games planned and I look forward to seeing everyone. It's so neat to know they'll all play a role in our son's life.

How far along? 32 weeks (1 day)

Baby is the size of a: Squash (15.2 to 16.7 inches long, and 2.5 to 3.8 pounds)

Total weight gain: Still right around 19 lbs (going with the doctor scale)

Maternity clothes? Mostly wearing maternity clothes. So thankful for all I've been able to borrow! 

Stretch marks? Nothing yet, but still have darkness around my belly button. I can't tell if it's the linea nigra thing or just darker veins showing up.

Sleep:  I wish I had more. I sleep pretty well, wake up a few times, I think to pee or from rolling over.

Best moment this week: Attending child birth class. So excited to put things into practice (well not quite yet, but soon).

Movement: Still hangs out a lot on the right side, I can often feel his back. He still stretches and pokes more than he kicks right now.

Food cravings: Not really. I really like rice dishes right now, and berries in my yogurt.

Gender: Little boy :)

Labor Signs: Nope. 

Symptoms: Still working off the tail end of this cold, so it's hard to tell if the congestion and fatigue is from that or combined with pregnancy. I can also tell in the last week or two my hips are getting looser. I think this makes me feel "bigger" than belly growth has. A little more clumsiness, but otherwise, things are going great! 

Wedding rings on or off? On. I've only swelled at normal times like working out or waking up suddenly.

Belly Button: Very shallow, and pokes out at some shirts.  

Link Love

Hitting the last trimester, being aware that I'm pregnant most of the time, and completing our childbirth classes has got me thinking more and more about what our new life will be like. Seeing the labor/delivery rooms made it all seem even more real! I found the What to Expect When You're Expecting's chapter on Postpartum: The First Week, really informative, and I also enjoyed Kim's post:

http://kimandcharlesbarrett.blogspot.com/2012/12/real-life-with-newborn.html?showComment=1354572056395#c7598811693344211326

She writes very honestly, and it's great to read a "real" story. I recommend both sources!

31 weeks, 2 days (picture)

  Like the pregnant lady pose? We had our 30 week appointment the day before 31 weeks, and got to hear a healthy heartbeat. We were told everything seems proportional and to remember to take it easy during the holiday season (namely Christmas shopping). I'm pretty sure that means online shopping is the way to go :) Joey has done a great job helping me feel cared for during this cold and trimester, and I'm hoping to be very careful with my germs as we go to our child-birthing classes and a pregnancy potluck. And here's something awesome: Our due date is in 2 months from today! Take care!

How far along? 31 weeks (2 days)

Baby is the size of a: Pineapple (15.2 to 16.7 inches long, and 2.5 to 3.8 pounds)

Total weight gain: 19 lbs (going with the doctor scale)

Maternity clothes? Mostly wearing maternity clothes. So thankful for all I've been able to borrow! 

Stretch marks? Nothing yet. 

Sleep: Still falling asleep pretty easily, wake up a few times, and still feel tired in the morning usually. 

Best moment this week: Picking out a tree and starting to decorate for Christmas :) So looking forward to sharing this with our son next year!

Movement: Still more stretching movement than just kicks. He passes his kick tests!

Food cravings: Not really. I still make Joey pick out what we're having for dinner a lot. 

Gender: Little boy :)

Labor Signs: Nope. 

Symptoms: This week I've had a cold, so I'm feeling the congested nasal passages and ears in particular, the fatigue, some achiness, headaches - but not sure how much pregnancy contributes. Otherwise, I'm very thankful that things have been going well.

Wedding rings on or off? On. I've only swelled at normal times like working out or waking up suddenly.

Belly Button: Very shallow, and pokes out at some shirts.  

30 weeks, 5 days (picture)

We had a great Thanksgiving! Since then I've had a bit of a cold (on top of normal third trimester fatigue and normal nasal/ear congestion) and mostly have been taking it easy with the dogs (Joey is on night shifts), slightly cleaning, slightly decorating, had a few coffee dates, but we got a tree yesterday and look forward to getting it up soon. We have our next appointment tomorrow, and we'll get another picture done on Wednesday.

29 weeks, 6 days (updates)

I have news - I failed the first glucose test and had to take the three hour test, which was easier to fast for than I imagined. I read in the waiting room, getting up to refill my water, use the bathroom, or get my blood drawn again. There was some nausea during the first hour after the glucose drink, but I felt okay the rest of the time. And turns out, my results came back normal! I'm so relieved that things are normal, that I don't have to track carbohydrate grams, and that little man's growth is normal. Even knowing that gestational diabetes isn't directly related to diet or any choices I made, I still felt a little guilty. Turns out... if you get a cookie wand from your coworker, don't eat it the day before your glucose test, even if you're eating it in the morning. 

Also, no cavities! I was a little nervous after hearing some coworkers' stories. 

Joey is working Day shifts over Thanksgiving (we'll get to see him for leftover-dinner :) ), so we'll get a picture in on Friday morning. So thankful I get to celebrate with my family and focus on the last year with just adults.  What a blessing that so many of us get to become parents next year!

Here are some facts about our little one:

He is about 15 inches head to toe and weighs about 3 lbs.

Space is getting really tight for the baby. He will have his knees tucked up to his chest now all the time in the 'fetal position'.

All 300 bones in the little one's body are present and accounted for now, though some of them will fuse after birth, leaving a grand, lifetime total of 206.

Your baby is now able to hear your voice and the voices of other family members and even make a distinction.

Much of the lanugo — the soft, downy hair covering your baby's body — is beginning to disappear now because both fat and the brain are regulating your baby's body temperature (so no need for that furry coat anymore).

He is able to use all five of his senses, hearing sounds and seeing bright lights in his mother's environment, and tasting, touching, and even smelling the amniotic fluid surrounding him.

His toenails have grown and are completely formed.

29 weeks, 2 days (picture)

Very officially in the third trimester! I'm feeling the need to get things done, write up to-do lists, finish the nursery, and still enjoy the season (with all its to-dos) and this stage. I think Joey enjoyed hearing some of the comments I get to hear - the examples coming from people in the airport/airplane and extended family. We've had several friends have babies recently and it's been fun to see all the pictures on Facebook. Looking so forward to meeting this little guy! (which makes me want to get done things even faster)

How far along? 29 weeks (2 days)

Baby is the size of a: Acorn Squash (15.2 to 16.7 inches long, and 2.5 to 3.8 pounds)

Total weight gain: 17 lbs (going with the doctor scale)

Maternity clothes? Mostly wearing maternity clothes. So thankful for all I've been able to borrow! 

Stretch marks? Nothing yet - I can still push out way further than I'm at, so I'm hopeful I won't have any. 

Sleep: Still falling asleep pretty easily, wake up a few times, and still feel tired in the morning usually. 

Best moment this week: Getting to share the baby bump with tons of Joey's extended family when we went down to Florida for one grandmother's 90th birthday! We also go to see the other side of the family on Sunday.

Movement: He moves often, but not always huge movement. Mainly on my right side. He does a lot of just sticking one limb out, and seems to play with my belly button. It feels really weird!

Food cravings: Not really. I like sour things and comfort food still.  

Gender: Little boy :)

Labor Signs: Nope. 

Symptoms: About the same on fatigue and baby brain, a little more clumsy, and leaky boobs (can I say that), but just a little bit. (Addition: weird dreams! I had a dream I gave birth to a little blonde boy who had three eyes. It didn't look that weird to me in the dream. The weird part is I couldn't remember the delivery at all - I had amnesia and Joey had to describe it to me.)

Wedding rings on or off? On. I've only swelled at normal times like working out or waking up suddenly.

Belly Button: In, but pokes out slightly at the top. 

28 weeks, 2 days (picture)

 

 

On Wednesday we had another appointment. I drank the orange glucose drink that morning - it wasn't as bad as it could have been, but I wouldn't really want to do it again. I got blood drawn, some normal checks, and found out my uterus is 29 cms (right on target), and we got to hear baby boy's heart beat again! Never gets old. I also got the Tdap shot (for whooping cough) and the RhoGAM shot. Joey actually got kicked out of the office for this part - since he told the nurse that he didn't like needles. She was concerned that he would make me nervous and plus, she wanted my handsome hubby to be able to strut out of the office :) The RhoGAM wasn't too bad, but I'm still feeling the Tdap. We're thankful to hear that everything seems to be going well so far and I'm hoping I don't get a call back about the glucose test. Regardless, God is in control. Our next scheduled appointment is for the day before 31 weeks. It's going fast!

 

How far along? 28 weeks (2 days)

Baby is the size of a: Eggplant (10 inches crown to rump)

Total weight gain: 16 lbs (going with the doctor scale)

Maternity clothes? Mostly wearing maternity clothes. So thankful for all I've been able to borrow! 

Stretch marks? Nothing yet - I can still push out way further than I'm at, so I'm hopeful I won't have any. 

Sleep: Sleep pretty solidly - although I'm tired a lot more recently. 

Best moment this week: Yesterday I had my first shower at work! My manager did a great job making me feel special without feeling spotlighted. I feel so blessed and got a lot of fun things! The cake (see top piece below), and the food were delicious. I feel so much more prepared with the gifts and the advice :) Can't wait to get it all set up!

Movement: He moves often, but not always huge movement. Mainly on my right side, and passed the first kick counting session very quickly.

Food cravings: Not really - today sushi just because I saw it, but couldn't have it. 

Gender: Little boy :)

Labor Signs: Nope. 

Symptoms: A little more fatigue, baby brain with a vengeance, but otherwise feeling good!

Wedding rings on or off? On. I've only swelled at normal times like working out or waking up suddenly.

Belly Button: More in than out. I've noticed the skin around it is a little darker. 

My work shower cake was marbled with buttercream frosting. It had touches of "asparagus" colored frosting. Here is the top piece:

27 weeks, 2 days (picture)

How far along? 27 weeks (2 days)

Baby is the size of a: Rutabaga (14. in.)

Total weight gain: 15ish lbs (going with the doctor scale)

Maternity clothes? Mostly wearing maternity clothes. So thankful for all I've been able to borrow! Although today is all pre-pregnancy. I mix it up. 

Stretch marks? Nothing yet.

Sleep: Restless dreams, and I feel like I just wake up at random times. 

Best moment this week: Trying to fully realize how soon it is until I'm a mom and an aunt!

Movement: At times it feels like he completely flips around. I'll feel him low in my pelvis, near my sides, just under my ribs, crazy. Lots of movement!

Food cravings: Not really, but ate more sugar this last week for sure!

Gender: Little boy :)

Labor Signs: Nope. 

Symptoms: Occasional nausea and headaches, breathing a little harder at times, some achiness and round ligament pain at times, but mostly good! 

Wedding rings on or off? On. I've only swelled at normal times like working out or waking up suddenly.

Belly Button: Out then in? It often looks like a little volcano. More in than out though. I've noticed the skin around it is a little darker. 

27 weeks (picture kinda)

Happy Halloween! Baby C is hidden a little in the black, but I promise you'd know he's there. Here is our team for our work Pumpkin Carving and Cooking contest! The Cat in the Hat is Jessica, my awesome manager, and in the plaid is Emily, who is also pregnant :) (16 weeks). We had a lot of people participate in bringing in pumpkin desserts - I was surprised to get runner up (2nd place)! Very flattering (thanks Joey for helping make our trifle!). Our picture is actually being taken by the dessert winner :)

Joey is working night shifts, so but we'll try to get a picture with the board tomorrow morning. We've talked about changes we'll make in the nursery (maybe work on that this weekend). 

Updates: sleep is a little harder, I feel less like I have to "pee" and more just pressure that going to the bathroom helps (one other pregnant lady felt this way too), I'm craving/eating wayy too much sugar, but I plan to stop soon before the glucose test next Wednesday. Other than that, just happy! (less tears, less emotional swings for the most part - yay anti-depressants!)

26 weeks, 1 day (picture)

(I'm arching my back a little, but the sign is almost the best it's been!)

We had our 26 week appointment yesterday! I still love going in and hearing his heartbeat. A good 140 bpm. My blood pressure has risen a little, like expected, and I can hear (feel?) my heart beat increase sometimes if  I stand still for long (like getting ready in the morning). We saw the same male doctor that we've seen before, and he confirmed all my symptoms are normal and things are going well! We picked up the orange drink for my gluco test two weeks from yesterday. Not really looking forward to it, but another step in the journey! I'll also get the Rh shot that day. Some books say that now that I'm in the 27th week, I'm in the third trimester! but other books say not until after reaching 28 weeks. Regardless, we're so thankful for things going well and health and praying for all the other babies cooking that we know of! God is good :)

How far along? 26 weeks (and a day)

Baby is the size of a: Head of lettuce

Total weight gain: 15ish lbs (going with the doctor scale)

Maternity clothes? Mostly wearing maternity clothes. So thankful for all I've been able to borrow!

Stretch marks? Nothing yet.

Sleep: Sleeping pretty well, but waking up to pee or roll over. 

Best moment this week: 

Movement: A lot of jumbling, with some strong kicks. Feeling a little more used to the movement :)

Food cravings: Not really, wanting more water and vegetables lately.

Gender: Little boy!

Labor Signs: No

Symptoms: Overall feeling pretty good, some nausea and light headedness if I stand for too long, or sit too forward for long. Some cramping when I'm walking (round ligament). A little swelling sometimes in my feet or ankles. Oh and baby brain. A lot, haha.  

Wedding rings on or off? On. My hands have only swelled at normal times like working out or waking up suddenly.

Belly Button: Out then in? It often looks like a little volcano

25 weeks, 5 days (picture)

How far along? 25 weeks (5 days)

Baby is the size of a: Cauliflower

Total weight gain: 12ish lbs (going with the doctor scale)

Maternity clothes? Mostly wearing maternity clothes. So thankful for all I've been able to borrow!

Stretch marks? Nothing yet.

Sleep: Sleeping pretty well, wake up when I'm switching sides more, and more tired than I was. (I think I look a little tired, even after a weekend!)

Best moment this week: At Joey's family's church, the pastor asked what happened to me?? I pointed to Joey and responded "I think this guy, actually." We had a great visit!

Movement: A little less kicks, and more jumbling movement. Feeling a little more used to the movement :)

Food cravings: Not really, wanting more water and vegetables lately.

Gender: Little boy!

Labor Signs: No, although felt some cramping (Braxton Hicks?) yesterday while walking

Symptoms: Overall feeling pretty good, some nausea and light headedness if I stand for too long. 

Wedding rings on or off? On. I've only swelled at normal times like working out or waking up suddenly.

Belly Button: Out then in? It often looks like a little volcano

25 weeks, 1 day

So Joey is working Day shifts this week, and leaves before I get up. We'll be away this weekend, but will probably get a 25 week picture with the board on Monday (5 days late). Until then, here is a quickie I shot in the bathroom and felt a little silly doing. hehe:

A Few Updates:

• Little man has been pounding during the night - sometimes I wake up sore, but I'm so thankful to feel him. He should be pretty active from now through week 32 or 34 (when there's a little less room).
• I still have to write down almost everything I want to remember. If someone catches me in the hallway, I'll have them walk with me to my office so I can get my notebook. 
• Looking forward to my next appointment next Wednesday! We'll schedule the glucose challenge test and a few shots I need to take (whooping cough and the one for Rh factor). 

24 weeks, 5 days

Okay, so I officially feel like I have a belly! In that last week or so, it's moved past my chest, and it's 6 inches bigger than what I started with. It's a lot harder to do the hair-band trick with my jeans, so I'm boxing them up. Although it's an adjustment to find out what to wear, it's a fun new chapter. I'm so thankful that the Lord has brought us here. 

This weekend we took a road trip to pick up our nursery dresser and see Joey's family for lunch. Both added to my happiness :) Friday night, I noticed that my ankles were a little swollen for the first time. That might be all of the new symptoms I've noticed so far, and not too bad for being right around the corner from the third trimester. We got the dresser made and the curtain hung yesterday. We are so excited to meet this little boy someday!

Some fun facts for where we're at: 

Your baby continues to grow and develop inside of you. Measuring about 13 inches long, he weighs approximately 1 1/2 lbs. In the coming weeks, your baby will continue to grow and mature at a fast rate, gaining some baby fat and filling out his long, lean frame.
His hands are fully developed by this week, fingerprints and all! And the structure of the spine is beginning to form (33 rings, 150 joints, and 1000 ligaments)!

24 weeks, 2 days

Brief update:
While sitting in traffic this morning, I felt hiccups for the first time! I'm not sure what was bumping up against my hand, but it was very rhythmic right above my belly button. So neat! It reminded me of how great our God is, and I feel so blessed to witness and be a part of experiencing him as Creator.

24 weeks (picture)

How far along? 24 weeks 

Baby is the size of a: Cantaloupe

Total weight gain: 10ish lbs (going with the doctor scale)

Maternity clothes? I'm still kind of between my normal clothes and maternity clothes, but I'm trying to wear more maternity shirts. When else will I get the opportunity? :) 

Stretch marks? Nothing yet.

Sleep: Sleeping pretty well, wake up when I'm switching sides more, and more tired than I was.

Best moment this week: After a few days of quiet, feeling him move again!

Movement: I was feeling a lot of movement, then he was quiet, and now he's kind of kicking a little higher than he was.

Food cravings: Not really, if anything, comfort food. 

Gender: Little boy!

Labor Signs: No

Symptoms: Overall feeling pretty good, some achiness at times, some headaches, but all in all, doing good. 

Wedding rings on or off? On. I've only swelled at normal times like working out or waking up suddenly.

Belly Button: In, but looks a lot different than it used to.

23 weeks, 6 days

Okay, so we're not very good at getting pictures taken in the morning :) Joey has been working at 6 AM for the last 9 days, but we should get an opportunity tomorrow to take our 24 weeks. 

Last Monday I got my first migraine while pregnant, but Joey also got to feel our little guy kick for the first time, which was really cool! I've been finding that my sleep at night has been a lot more restless and dreamy. But naps, when I get a chance, have been really great. Starting Saturday, he's also been a lot quieter about moving and I rarely feel him. I found some forums talking about a quiet stretch around 24/25 weeks and that made me feel a lot better. Other than that, slowly working on the nursery, getting the dogs ready for a new addition, taking walks, and trying to enjoy this time :)

22 weeks, 5 days

We have heard so much good news recently! In addition to my best friend getting engaged, we heard about 2 pregnancies from Joey's previous team mates, one from his current team (twins!), and we might have had family members announce on Saturday. So many! I'm thrilled to have so many ladies going through the same life change, and look forward to all the future potential play dates and what-the-heck calls.

Recently, I've been noticing a lot more movement (little guy must be getting stronger :) ), with a few flutters that I would call kicks. I'm really excited for when Joey will be able to feel him. I've reached a point where I'm in between my normal clothes and maternity clothes, and feeling so thankful that he'll be growing about six ounces each week. Not only am I loving the idea of more of a bump (with a popped belly button would be great!), but it would be nice to get a little more comfortable. We are certainly blessed!

The longer we listen to one another - with real attention - the more commonality we will find in all our lives. That is, if we are careful to exchange with one another life stories and not simply opinions.  ~Barbara Deming

22 weeks, 2 days

So, we forgot to take a picture this week. We had a checkup appointment on Wednesday, and got to hear the heartbeat again, got my uterus measured for the first time (size is right on schedule), but other than that very routine. It's been a little harder to fall asleep and a little harder to get up, but that happens, I still sleep pretty well. Oh, I did lightly shave some of the few stray hairs I now get on my belly in preparation for my appointment, and happen to nick my belly button (and it bleed), but that's healing up :) At this time, things aren't too exciting, just slowly growing, and that's a good thing!

This weekend we get to celebrate my dad's birthday and Joey goes to Florida to play Regionals. Prayer request that all goes well! 

21 weeks, 1 day (picture)

How far along? 21 weeks (and a day)

Baby is the size of a: Pomegrante

Total weight gain: 5.5 lbs (going with the doctor scale)

Maternity clothes? I've been putting my clothes in boxes, but still mostly wear my clothes, with a few maternity things mixed in. I'm planning to transition to maternity clothes more at the end of the month.

Stretch marks? Not yet, or the dark line either.

Sleep: A little more restlessly, and maybe not quite enough, but pretty good! 

Best moment this week:  Celebrating our anniversary, and the recent improvements in the nursery. And receiving our car seat!! (Thanks to Joey's parents :) )

Movement: Yep! Started last Thursday. I feel him mostly when I'm sitting down at the office, but I've felt him once in the car, and once at home. 

Food cravings: Not really, if anything, comfort food. 

Gender: Little boy!

Labor Signs: No

Symptoms: Finally feeling the second trimester energy (and some nesting), occasional back or leg pain, and the anti-depressants have been working :) Things are going well!

Wedding rings on or off? On. I've only swelled at normal times like working out or waking up suddenly.

Belly Button: Still in, but maybe a little shallower?