36 Weeks - Happy Birthday, Daddy!

Today is Daddy's/Jeff's/The Bean's Birthday!  We are so thankful for his life and that he has decided to spend it being the best Hubby and Father two girls could ever wish for!

As for this pregnancy, we are on the homestretch!  Once again, it blows my mind that I could have this baby in one week or in six weeks!  That is quite the range!  I'm obviously hoping to have her sometime around my due date but I am mentally preparing myself to go late since that's pretty typical of my family.  I'm really hoping that if I expect her to come late, I'll just be pleasantly surprised if she decides to arrive slightly early or on time!  I am starting to feel slightly more uncomfortable at times but I still can't complain, overall.  And I'm really not ready for this pregnancy to be over yet!  I just LOVE having her nestled inside me and I think that being pregnant has been the most wonderful thing that's ever happened to me.  I'm so, so, so grateful that God saw it fit to bless me this way. 

This past week has consisted of working 3/4 nights (two on, one off, one on, ughhh) that were quite busy and thankfully, I got a much needed break over the next 3 days.  I had a prenatal appointment in Rocky Mount on Tuesday.  Everything continues to look great.  I got a freebie non-stress test just so she could run a strip for some students coming to observe this week.  So, pretty much, I just lied there listening to Appleseed's heartbeat for 10 minutes or so.  Evidently, I was having some contractions that the monitor picked up but I didn't feel.  Haha.  I'm measuring a little less than 36 weeks which is a bit surprising considering my weight gain.  I thought maybe the last few pounds I've gained were mostly fluid but my midwife disagrees.  She thinks that it's all baby.  I have mixed feelings about this, haha.  My blood pressure was slightly elevated and she gave me some ideas of things that might help bring it down or keep it from climbing more.  I am pretty sure it's just "white coat syndrome" as I check my blood pressure at home every week & it's been great!  I have to admit that my automatic machine from CVS may not be as accurate as her manual cuff but still...I don't think I have an issue.  Nevertheless, I'm trying to be a little more active and eat as well as I can.  She also suggested eating grapefruit and I bought some at the store the other day & ate one yesterday--it was super yummy!  I just wish they weren't so much work!  Hah!  Otherwise, I've been doing lots of little random things to prepare for labor, delivery and the arrival of this little one.  Nothing major has happened this week except my stroller/car seat combo and Pack n Play came in the mail.  That was super exciting and makes things a lot more real!  I also got my adorable chevron blanket from Screaming Owl (check them out on Facebook) and a car seat cover from www.carseatcanopy.com.  I had a coupon where I just paid shipping.  It was a pretty sweet deal.  Yesterday, I got a few little things that I had ordered from Babies R Us including a bib, some burp cloths, two crib sheets, and crib mattress pads.

As this is getting quite long, I'll go ahead & share my belly pic and some stats...

How far along?  36 weeks

Baby is the size [length] of a: head of romaine lettuce

Symptoms:  Got some killer leg cramps last week when I was sleeping after working (they seem to plague me only after working and stretching before I go to bed seems to help), a little bit of fluid retention in my ankles, shortness of breath with even the smallest amount of exertion, VERY frequent urination, poorer sleep quality, some occasional/rare pelvic discomfort, strong fetal movement, the waddle, Braxton-Hicks contractions...

Sleep:  Not quite as great over the past week but still not too bad.

Number of times I get up to pee each night:  I've honestly lost track.  It's usually every 2-3 hours so depending on how long I sleep, I get up about 3 times to pee.

Best moment this week:  Hearing AppleSeed's heartbeat for so long and getting my stroller, car seat, and Pack N Play in the mail.

Miss anything?  Ummm, nothing new...being able to breathe, lie on my back, sleep well, etc.

Food cravings:  okra, candy, ice cream, cake...

Anything making you queasy or sick?  Nope.

Movement:  Oh my goodness, yes!  I love that I can almost always tell what position she's lying in...usually with her butt poking out and making my belly look ridiculous.

Stretch marks?  Nope!

Belly button - in or out?  The top part pokes out the majority of the time.  I still wouldn't consider it "out," though.

Wedding rings - on or off?  On!

Mood:  Pretty much the same:  good for the most part with periods of irritability.

Looking forward to:  Knocking a few more things off my to-do list like packing my bag for the birth center, washing baby clothes, hanging some things on the walls in the nursery, etc., etc.

Baby preparations:  Continuing to receive things in the mail that I ordered online, cleaning and organizing the house, made a playlist for when I'm in labor, washing baby clothes, sheets, etc.

What baby is up to this week according to Babycenter.com: 
Your baby is still packing on the pounds — at the rate of about an ounce a day. She now weighs almost 6 pounds and is more than 18 1/2 inches long (about the size of a head of romaine lettuce). She's shedding most of the downy covering of hair that covered her body as well as the vernix caseosa, the waxy substance that covered and protected her skin during her nine-month amniotic bath. Your baby swallows both of these substances, along with other secretions, resulting in a blackish mixture, called meconium, will form the contents of her first bowel movement.
At the end of this week, your baby will be considered "early term." (Full-term is 39 to 40 weeks. Babies born before 37 weeks are pre-term, 41 weeks is late term, and those born after 42 are post-term.) Most likely your baby is already head-down. But if not, your practitioner may suggest scheduling an external cephalic version (ECV). That's a fancy way of saying that your practitioner will apply pressure to your abdomen to try to manipulate your baby into a head-down position.

35 Weeks - The Countdown is On!

The countdown is on, except I'm not quite sure how long the countdown will last or when exactly we're counting down to!  Haha!  This would usually bother me quite a bit (being the control freak that I am) but God (and the wonderful husband with whom He provided me) have helped me be a lot less of a control maniac.  Also, I know that my baby will come with she is good and ready and I should not rush it.  Thankfully, I am still quite comfortable and not yet feeling that urge of wanting her out of there!  I am very much hoping this remains the case for as long as possible!  I told Jeff just the other day that I am really trying to just be thankful for this pregnancy and not take it for granted wishing it away too soon.  Who says I will ever be able to be pregnant again?  And these precious last few weeks with my baby girl nestled inside me are so special that I am not sure when I'll be ready for them to end!  Don't get me wrong...I am very ready to meet her and getting more and more excited every day.  I daydream often about what she will look like, holding her, feeding her, cuddling with her, etc., etc., etc. 

The last week has been fairly relaxing and I am so thankful for that.  I worked last Thursday and Friday night.  Saturday was spent resting and getting a few things done around the house.  I did a few things to work on the nursery which I know you're all anxious to see but it's not quite ready yet.  I did post a sneak peak on Facebook last night and I think most of you probably caught a glimpse.  Hopefully, within the next couple of weeks, it will be completely finished and I will dedicate an entire post to all the details I've put into it.  Sunday, Jeff and I took a little trip to Target and I returned some things I received as duplicates at my baby showers.  With that money and gift cards I received, I bought several more baby items.  I am having to spend quite a bit to buy the remaining items we need but, let me tell you, when they arrive in the mail, it is the most exciting thing!  Sunday and Monday were such a bummer because mail was not delivered those days (or else I didn't get anything).  Today, I only got my baby laundry detergent which wasn't all that exciting.  I'm still waiting on lots of stuff to come and I am enjoying every minute of it!  I have gotten my diaper bag, a changing table pad, my prints I bought on Etsy, my diaper pail, some bibs and burp cloths, etc., etc.  It's like Christmas in January!  Haha!  Anyhow, the last few days have been spent mostly working on the nursery and it's been so nice to actually make some headway.  It's made me a lot less anxious and able to relax and rest better.  I am still nesting, let me tell you...but I've been able to be reasonable and rest, as well.  That's enough about my week.  Here is my growing belly and stats...

How far along?  35 weeks

Baby is the size of a: honeydew melon

Symptoms:  I'm going to be lazy about this one this week and say that I haven't experienced any new symptoms and the ones from before haven't been all that bad!  Little to no swelling, minimal GI symptoms, weight gain has been good, etc.

Sleep:  I've had good nights and bad nights.  It is becoming a bit more of a challenge at times but overall, I can't complain!

Number of times I get up to pee each night:  Still 1-3 depending on how long I sleep and how many times I'm woken up by other things (essentially, if I wake up, I have to pee, but having to pee does not necessarily wake me).

Best moment this week:  I'm not sure I can pick out one solitary moment.  There have been a lot of little moments.  Jeff has been home all week due to MLK and snow.  It's been so nice to spend some extra time with him because, prior to this past weekend, we were both feeling quite overwhelmed with everything there was to do and lack of time to do it. 

Miss anything?  Not particularly!  Like I said, I am very much enjoying being pregnant and all the "bad" things have been totally worth it!

Food cravings:  I haven't had any really strong cravings but I still have quite the sweet tooth and have little to no discipline when it comes to craving those sweets.  Jeff brought home girl scout cookies and we have so much candy around the house leftover from Halloween and Christmas.  Thankfully, I've been able to keep it in check for the most part and maintain my pre-pregnancy motto of "everything in moderation."

Anything making you queasy or sick:  Not this week.

Movement:  Almost constant and STRONG and soooo wonderful! 

Stretch marks:  Nope!

Belly button - in or out?  Flat half of the time, top half poking out a little the other half of the time.

Wedding rings - on or off?  Still on, yay!

Mood:  Much better this week, thank goodness!  I think the fact that things have been a bit less stressful have certainly helped.  I do have to say that when I do get a little crazy, my hubby is so very understanding and loving and kind.  I am the luckiest girl in the world that he chose me to be his wife.

Looking forward to:  New packages coming every day and getting closer and closer to the nursery being complete.

Baby preparations:  I think I've covered this topic quite thoroughly in the narrative above. Hehe.

What baby is up to this week according to Babycenter.com:  Your baby doesn't have much room to maneuver now that she's over 18 inches long and tips the scales at 5 1/4 pounds (about the size of a honeydew melon). Because it's so snug in your womb, she isn't likely to be doing somersaults anymore, but the number of times she kicks should remain about the same. Her kidneys are fully developed now, and her liver can process some waste products. Most of her basic physical development is now complete — she'll spend the next few weeks putting on weight.

34 Weeks

Gonna have to make this week's post very short & sweet due to lack of time.  Things have been moving at warp speed around here & I just know I'm going to blink my eyes and this little one is going to be here!  Six weeks until my due date!  That means I could have her anywhere from 3-8 weeks from now!  That is quite the range!  Haha. 

Here is my growing "bump"...

And for my stats...

How far along?  34 weeks

Baby is the size of a: canteloupe or butternut squash

Symptoms:  All the same GI symptoms (except I don't think I had any heartburn this week, yay!), having to eat smaller meals due to shrinking stomach capacity, backaches (mostly just when I'm sleeping), leg cramps (also when I'm sleeping), shortness of breath, some numbness/tingling in my hands, mild & rare swelling of ankles & feet (thankfully I haven't really swelled much at all this week)...

Sleep:  Not quite as good this week but that could also be because I've had a cold.  It's getting pretty difficult to change my position in bed and then, I'm super stiff when I get up to pee...

Number of times I get up to pee each night:  1-3 depending on how long I sleep, etc.

Best moment this week:  Making progress on the nursery (see "baby preparations" below)...

Miss anything?  Can't think of anything new!  Still thoroughly enjoying being pregnant and not quite ready for it to be over!

Food cravings:  Ummm, I had some really random and fleeting cravings this week but I can't seem to remember what they were... Last week, I just kept wanting okra and sweet potatoes and I got both on Saturday (well, I ate okra three days in a row, hah) so I didn't continue to crave them after that.

Anything making you queasy or sick?  No.

Movement:  Yes!  I can see her moving around in there as I lie here on the couch typing this post.  I tried to video it the other day but evidently, she's a bit camera shy.  Her movement is quite noticeable and pretty constant these days!

Stretch marks?  No, yay!  Crossing my fingers that it stays that way!

Belly button - in or out?  I guess I'd have to admit that it's finally out.  It can still be flat at times (like right now) but the top part is often poking out a bit.

Wedding rings - on or off?  Still on!  I haven't really noticed much in the way of swelling in my hands and fingers at all.

Mood:  I have to admit I've been a lot more on edge this week.  I've had several crying "spells" that came on suddenly without much warning at all.  The stress level has been pretty high around here since we've just been very busy.  So thankful for my hubby who, for the most part, is very patient with me!

Looking forward to:  Continuing to move along with the nursery and other preparations for baby...

Baby preparations:  As I mentioned last week, my parents came into town this past weekend to help paint the nursery.  We got all the painting done as well as the crib and changing table put together.  Since then, I've also painted a little accent table to use beside the glider and arranged the furniture in the nursery.  There is still lots to be done before it all comes together but I promise I'll post pictures soon.  I'll probably dedicate an entire post just to the nursery!  As well as nursery prep, I've been preparing to buy all the things that we did not receive as gifts.  I've got several coupons/discounts so now, I'm trying to figure out where I should buy each item to get the best price/value.  My mom bought me a Vera Bradley diaper bag which should arrive on Saturday.  I'm sooooo excited!  I also ordered a crib bumper and skirt that should also come Saturday.  Lastly, I ordered some prints off Etsy to hang on the wall.  I can't wait to show them to you.  I got them custom made and they are so stinkin' cute!  They shipped today and should be here in 3-5 days.  It's like Christmas in January!!!  Hahaha. 

What baby is up to this week according to Babycenter.com:  Your baby now weighs about 4 3/4 pounds (about the size of a cantaloupe) and is almost 18 inches long. Her fat layers — which will help regulate her body temperature once she's born — are filling her out, making her rounder. Her skin is also smoother than ever. Her central nervous system is maturing and her lungs are continuing to mature as well. If you've been nervous about preterm labor, you'll be happy to know that babies born between 34 and 37 weeks who have no other health problems generally do fine. They may need a short stay in the neonatal nursery and may have a few short-term health issues, but in the long run, they usually do as well as full-term babies.

33 Weeks

Wow!  This past week has been jam-packed with activity!  I will try to keep it short & sweet while still giving you a snapshot of what's been going on.  Last Thursday, we celebrated Christmas with my family.  It was simple and good.  I didn't get many great pics, but here are a few:

Me & my silly hubby ^^

Karly sporting her new shirt from Nanny!

Our cozy fire!

Kenzey looking adorable, as usual.

Karly & Mallory opening their presents from me & Uncle Jeff.

 We didn't do anything else too exciting while at my Parents' house (other than relax, which is pretty exciting to me)!  That is, until we went to a wedding on Saturday for a family friend I've known since she was a little girl.  I didn't get many good pictures there, either.  Here is one of me & Jeff, though...

We came home Sunday afternoon and I worked Sunday & Monday nights.  Tuesday, it was super cold outside so I avoided doing much of anything!  Wednesday, a friend and mentor (she was my preceptor for my Senior leadership clinicals on Pediatrics when I was in nursing school at LU) took me out to lunch at Market at Main.  It was yummy & very nice.  I wish we had taken a picture!  She also gave me a kit to make a little keepsake ornament with baby's hand print when she's born!  After running a few errands, I headed to Charlottesville for my work baby shower.  It was very nice and I am so thankful for my co-workers who are also dear friends.  Here are a few pictures from the shower (I will post more on Facebook) (photo credit goes to Sarah Hartsock)...

Yesterday, I got my hair cut (trimmed) and then headed out to Rocky Mount for a prenatal appointment.  Everything went great.  My weight is up a bit more than I would like but considering it was gained over the holidays, it could be worse!  My BP was good, I'm measuring at exactly 33 weeks, baby is head down and had a regular, strong heartbeat.  We discussed some good things to prepare for childbirth and overall, it was a really good appointment.  Here is my bump (as of Wednesday night)...

And here are my stats:

How far along? 33 weeks

Baby is the size of a: pineapple

Maternity clothes?  I bought a bunch of tank tops from Old Navy to wear under my shirts, especially at work, and they came the other day.  Having them helps a lot!

Symptoms:  I experienced heartburn for the very first time last weekend!  It was the craziest thing!  Thankfully, it hasn't become a frequent visitor.  Otherwise...stronger fetal activity, shortness of breath (especially with light activity or lying down), increasing clumsiness, forgetfulness, occasional leg cramps, mild swelling of ankles & feet (when I'm on them for several hours at a time), walking with a very noticeable waddle, some mild, occasional numbness & pain in my wrist(s)...

Sleep:  Still pretty good!

Number of times I get up to pee each night:  Anywhere from 1-3 depending on the night.

Best moment this week:  My baby shower!

Miss anything?  Being able to move around and do stuff around the house, etc., without getting tired & short of breath so easily!

Food cravings:  Nothing really stands out to me this week...

Anything making you queasy or sick:  Not really (I even ate a salad this week)!

Movement:  Oh my goodness, yes!  She's very active and it's quite noticeable at all times.  She gets the hiccups pretty frequently and pokes me in places I can't believe she can reach!

Stretch marks?  No, yay!

Belly button - in or out?  Still mostly flat but definitely poking out a bit more these days.

Wedding rings - on or off?  Still on, yay!

Mood:  I think I've been pretty even keel this week.  Hoping it stays that way as I inevitably grow more uncomfortable over the coming weeks!

Looking forward to:  My parents coming this weekend to help paint the nursery.  Then, everything else should fall into place.  Also, looking forward to going to buy all the things we haven't received as gifts.  I'm not looking forward to spending money but I am looking forward to shopping!

Baby preparations:  As I just said, we're painting the nursery this weekend, then, we can put together the crib and changing table.  My Mom and I should be able to do some work on sanding and painting the dresser, also.

What the baby is up to this week according to Babycenter.com:  This week your baby weighs a little over 4 pounds and has passed the 17-inch mark (about the size of a pineapple). She's rapidly losing that wrinkled, alien look and her skeleton is hardening. The bones in her skull aren't fused together, which allows them to move and slightly overlap, thus making it easier for her to fit through the birth canal. (The pressure on the head during birth is so intense that many babies are born with a conehead-like appearance.) These bones don't entirely fuse until early adulthood, so they can grow as her brain and other tissue expands during infancy and childhood.

 

32 Weeks - Happy New Year!!!

I will always have fond memories of 2013 as the year I found out I was pregnant.  I'd have to say that it is my favorite memory for the whole year.  Obviously, there were many memorable moments to follow and I have most definitely enjoyed spending the second half of year pregnant.  That being said, 2014 will certainly bring many new and exciting adventures to our family. I am super excited but not in any hurry as I am starting to feel some urgency related to getting everything done in time!  I'm trying not to stress and simply find satisfaction as each task is completed.

On to what's been going on this week...I worked all weekend and hopefully it was the last time I have to work three 12-hour shifts in a row until I return from maternity leave.  I survived them this weekend but although I felt ok physically, emotionally, I was quite exhausted and drained by the third night.  Let's just say it didn't take much for me to cry.  I hate getting that way but I really don't have any control over it.  Enough about work!  Yesterday, after sleeping for a few hours, Jeff & I went on a date to eat at Five Guys.  We planned to go to Best Buy & look at iPhones but they closed 2 minutes before we got there!  Oh well, Five Guys was open and it was delicious!  After that, we headed to Target and got a wedding gift for the wedding we're attending Saturday.  Then, we went to a friend's house to participate in some NYE celebrations.  We played a game, ate some yummy food and had some good fellowship.  Unfortunately, we had to leave early so I could get some things done at home to prepare to go out of town today.  So, after ringing in the new year by having a quick dance party in the Living Room with Jeff, toasting with some cranberry juice and having a celebratory kiss, I proceeded to bake for the next 3 hours.

Today, I ate lunch at Tokyo with my brother, Patrick, who came in from Nashville yesterday.  Then, Jeff & I rushed around trying to finish getting ready to leave.  Of course, we left 40 minutes later than planned but oh well, we did the best we could!  Now, we're at my Parents' house celebrating a late Christmas.  We had "Christmas dinner" tonight and enjoyed each others company.  My Mom surprised me with my glider that I bought used and she covered.  It's so beautiful!  I also got three gifts from family members who weren't able to make it to my baby shower.  My Mom brought them to me since I couldn't go to our family gathering on Christmas Eve.  In the morning, we'll have "Christmas breakfast" and then exchange gifts.  When I'm finished writing this post, my brother and I will make monkey bread and I'm super excited!  It's so yummy! 

Well, now that I've shared all the details of my life with you, I'll share a pic of my growing belly and my pregnancy stats for this week:

How far along?  32 weeks

Baby is the size of a: jicama (What is a jicama, you ask?  Well, here is a handy-dandy wikipedia link for your reading enlightenment).

Maternity clothes:  As my belly is growing exponentially, it is becoming a bit more challenging to find shirts that cover my tummy.  I bought several tank tops online from Old Navy to wear underneath my shirts and I can't wait for them to come.  I think it will help a bunch!  I really should buy some more scrub pants, as well, but I just haven't had a chance.

Symptoms:  Cankles (only when I'm on my feet for hours, thankfully), itchy abdomen, increased urinary frequency, occasional shortness of breath (with exertion, i.e., trying to put on my shoes), the threat of losing my stomach contents anytime I bend over (due to the increased abdominal pressure and AppleSeed pushing up on my diaphragm), clumsiness, moodiness, walking with a waddle....etc., etc., etc.!

Sleep:  Still sleeping alright but it sure does hurt when I get up to pee (which brings us to the next stat...) due to stiffness and such.

Number of times I get up to pee each night:  2-3

Best moment this week:  I guess I'd have to say coming home to my Parents' house to spend a few days relaxing and hanging out celebrating a late Christmas.

Miss anything?  Being able to enjoy all the Christmas goodies without worrying that I'll have a 10 pound baby, haha!

Food cravings:  Pretty much just mac & cheese and I had some of my Mom's tonight & it was sooo yummy!

Movement:  That is a resounding YES!  So cool to feel actual body parts as she wiggles and flips and moves all around in there!

Stretch marks?  No, yay!

Belly button - in or out?  Just started poking out a little in the last few days.

Wedding rings - on or off?  On, yay!

Mood:  Jeff says to make sure to mention that I often get hangry.  He also suggested that we invent a word to describe when I get angry because I have to pee really bad (and can't go immediately, obviously).  Also, as I mentioned previously, I had a few moments where I broke down and cried without much provocation. Hoping this does not become a trend or else it's going to be a very long 6-8 weeks!

Looking forward to: Celebrating Christmas with my family tomorrow!

Baby preparations:  As I said, my Mom covered my glider, yay!  I wasn't able to do anything else at home this week since I worked all weekend and then left!  So looking forward to having some time to get some things done!

What the baby is up to this week according to Babycenter.com:   By now, your baby weighs 3 3/4 pounds (about the size of a large jicama) and is about 16.7 inches long, taking up a lot of space in your uterus. You're gaining about a pound a week and roughly half of that goes right to your baby. In fact, she'll gain a third to half of her birth weight during the next 7 weeks as she fattens up for survival outside the womb. She now has toenails, fingernails, and real hair (or at least respectable peach fuzz). Her skin is becoming soft and smooth as she plumps up in preparation for birth.