39 Weeks!!!! 😎

Weekly Info...

How far along are you? 39 weeks. Someone pinch me. I can't believe we're this far. 

How I’m feeling: great! Spent most of the morning relaxing in bed and then cleaning downstairs. Tonight, we started watching The Walking Dead from Season 1. It was a tough decision to take off work a week early, but I'm glad I did. Getting some extra rest and being able to sit a little throughout the day has helped tremendously. 

Total weight gain: no weight gain in the past week!!! Still at 24lbs and that makes me happier than a pig in poo. 

How big is baby? "Your baby's waiting to greet the world! He or she may measure about 20 inches and weigh a bit over 7 pounds, about the size of a mini-watermelon. (Boys tend to be slightly heavier than girls.)

Your baby continues to build a layer of fat to help control body temperature after birth, and the outer layers of skin are sloughing off as new skin forms underneath." -babycenter app

Maternity clothes: none new for maternity but I did break down and buy some nursing tanks to wear in the hospital and after. 

Stretch marks? None have appeared in the past week. We'll see how it goes from here. 

Sleep: i was able to get 4 hours straight, last night! What wondrous sleep it was, too. Maybe tonight I'll get 4 hours again? 

Best moment this week: knowing the mister is there for me even when I'm freaking out about it all. He sure knows how to keep me grounded (poor guy had to put up with a few looks and "emotional" (read b****y) moments). 

Movement: is getting inconsistent. She's running out of room and baby girl likes to sleep during the day. As long as she moves when I wake her, I'm okay...otherwise it freaks me out and my mind wanders to places it shouldn't go. 

Food cravings: Milk, milk, and more milk. I canNOT get enough of it. I'm talking, chug it straight out of the Oberweis glass bottle if I could!! I think it's time to start getting a whole gallon of white milk and half gallon of chocolate instead of just a half gallon of each. Oh, and toasted English muffins with peanut butter right out of the toaster. It melts the peanut butter into ooey gooey goodness!! 

Food aversions: none.   

Belly button in or out: still barely in. The edges of it look as if it wants to poke out but the knot is still inside. 

What I Miss: Breathing comfortably. And sitting/laying comfortably. Not much longer and I'll have my lung space back, right?

What I’m looking forward to: meeting this squishy little thing. We made a trip to Labor & Delivery last night after having steady contractions (every 2-4 mins lasting a minute or so) for an hour and 45 minutes. Contractions continued for another 2 hours but didn't progress any in those 2 hours so home we went. Pain for another 3 hours then nothing. Nada. Home girl wanted to stay put. 

Milestone: maybe that nesting has begun? I want to clean and throw everything away. Only problem? I still get so tired. 

This week's pictures aren't the most flattering but they are reality...

I love this one!! He's checking up on the monitor, listening and watching her heartbeat and the contractions:

Last night at L&D wondering if we'd meet our little girl last night:

Wonderful shot of a contraction starting---it's not pretty haha!! Yep, taking selfies in the hospital was my idea of fun last night:

Tonight (never mind the dog hair everywhere-Elsie and Richard have spent the day near me):

Baby girl, we cannot wait to meet you but know you'll come on your terms and not ours. As long as you're healthy inside, we'll take any day to be your birthday 🍭

38 weeks today :)

Weekly Info...

How far along are you? 38 weeks. Can you believe we've made it this far?!? 

How I’m feeling: about the same as the last couple of weeks. I'm always tired and my feet/lower legs swell like there's no tomorrow. Hopefully they go down quickly after her arrival. 

Total weight gain: no weight gain in the past week!!! Still at 24lbs. Maybe we'll stay at less than 25lbs this whole pregnancy. That'd make me happy. 

How big is baby? "Your baby has really plumped up. He or she weighs around 6.8 pounds and is over 19 1/2 inches long (about the size of a leek). Your baby has a firm grasp, which you'll soon be able to test when you hold his or her hand for the first time! His or her organs have matured and are ready for life outside the womb.

Wondering what color your baby's eyes will be? You may not be able to tell right away. If your baby is born with brown eyes, they'll likely stay brown. If he or she is born with steel gray or dark blue eyes, they may stay gray or blue or turn green, hazel, or brown by the time your baby is 9 months old. That's because a child's irises (the colored part of the eye) may gain more pigment in the months after birth, but they usually won't get "lighter" or more blue. (Green, hazel, and brown eyes have more pigment than gray or blue eyes.)" -babycenter app

Maternity clothes: haven't spent any more money on maternity clothes. Considering I'm finishing up work very soon, I won't need to impress anyone with cute clothes. Ha! Who am I kidding?! I haven't been impressing anyone the past 9 months with my outfit choices. 

Stretch marks? 3 little dark spots are popping up but they aren't major lines yet. Maybe they'll stay? Maybe they'll go? Who knows...time will tell. 

Sleep: ha. Ha. Ha. I sleep for an hour or two but I'm not sure "sleep" is the most accurately used word. My sleep is definitely not restful and it definitely isn't comfortable. 

Best moment this week: being checked to see how much progress we've made. Don't get me wrong, best moment does NOT mean most fun moment. But I am glad to know I'm not zero everything. 

1cm dilated. 50% effaced. Head is way down. Measuring 39 weeks.  

Movement: is painful. She isn't as graceful in her movements this week. And my movements continuously slow the further we get. 

Food cravings: not food, but milk. I HATE drinking plain milk...but this past week I just cannot get enough of it. 

Food aversions: spicy food probably.   

Belly button in or out: still barely in. It looks so weird and kinda gross. 

What I Miss: I already miss my kiddos at school and I haven't even left them.   

What I’m looking forward to: having this baby on the outside, healthy. I cannot wait to see her wrinkly skin and smushed up face. 

Milestone: we are packed and ready for her arrival (I think). I'm sure I'll always wonder if I have it all together for D(delivery)-day and panic the day of, but I think we can safely say she can arrive any time and we have everything we could need. 

 

38 weeks today. 

Old ultrasound pic but maternity pics at 37.5wks. Take my advice and get pictures done prior to your ninth month. It'll be easier on your body and your belly won't be as huge. 

37 weeks, folks!! 37 weeks!!!!!

Weekly Info...

How far along are you? 37 weeks. 3 more weeks til her due date. I'm not convinced I'll go now but I'm not convinced I'll make it to her due date. This tired lady may have to make the decision to stay home before her arrival depending on how the next 2.5 weeks of working go. My hope was to work up until Christmas break (December 19th is the last day of school) and then have her after that. We'll see how long we make it. 

How I’m feeling: not so hot. I've been struggling and sorta sluggish every morning this week. **Usually** by lunchtime I'm semi up to speed but it's still rough on me. My body feels beat up and my brain feels like slush some days. And then by the afternoon/evening- stick a fork in me...cause I'm done. 

Total weight gain: no weight gain in the past week. Still at 24lbs. I'll call that a major win since last week was Thanksgiving :) 

How big is baby? "Your due date is very close now, but doctors don't consider your baby "full term" until 39 weeks. Spending the next two weeks in the womb allows your baby's brain and lungs to fully mature. So if you're planning to have a repeat c-section, for example, your practitioner will schedule it for no earlier than 39 weeks unless there's a medical reason to intervene earlier.

Your baby weighs 6 1/3 pounds and measures a bit over 19 inches (about the size of a bunch of Swiss chard). Many babies have a full head of hair at birth, with locks from 1/2 inch to 1 1/2 inches long. But don't be surprised if your baby's hair isn't the same color as yours. Dark-haired couples are sometimes thrown for a loop when their children come out as blonds or redheads, and fair-haired couples have been surprised by an Elvis look-alike. And then, of course, some babies sport only peach fuzz."-babycenter app

Maternity clothes: broke down and bought another pair of maternity pants for work. Need to buy a few nursing tanks but other than that, I'm hoping to stick with what I have until she's here. 

Stretch marks? No thanks. 

Sleep: still waking up every couple hours. Sometimes it's every hour and sometimes she's nice enough to let me sleep for 2-3 hours. Those wake ups just require a bit more speed to make it to the potty. 

Best moment this week: getting to hear her little heartbeat. She hasn't been moving as much as they'd like so I had a NST done yesterday. Quite worrisome to find out I had to do it but thankful everything is okay. While hooked up, her heartbeat had a great rhythm and I had 9 contractions. Most were Braxton Hicks though. I only felt two of them so when she said 9 I about flipped. 

Movement: not as active lately. I assumed it was because she's running out of room but the docs say I should still feel her kicking or jabbing or grazing somewhat from spot to spot. 

Food cravings: salami. Or deli lunch meat in general. I've been really good about not eating it unless heated and it just isn't the same lately. 

Food aversions: nothing really. I hope that stays away for the next few weeks too.   

Belly button in or out: in. Barely. Haha. It's more of a "flatty" instead of an "inny" or an "outty" 

What I Miss: a whole bunch of stuff.....my hips not feeling like they're breaking apart would be a good place to start....not feeling like I am carrying a bowling ball between my legs would be nice too haha. Just means we're getting closer to her making her appearance in this world.   

What I’m looking forward to: seeing Phil and AG's relationship. It seriously melts my heart just thinking of it. 

Milestone: at this point, they won't stop labor. They'll let her come on out. Just means we've made it to a safer place in pregnancy and chances of us coming home are better and better each day. 

I say this one makes me look smaller. Phil chuckles. Haha!! 

37weeks today 

Our Thanksgiving 2014 picture

36wks 3days

Thirty-six weeks!!!

Weekly Info...

How far along are you? 36 weeks!!! 9 months preggo, yo! Only 28 days til due date!!! Twenty. Eight. Days!! 

How I’m feeling: pretty good considering. Did a little Christmas shopping today, packed our hospital bag, and began cleaning out the pantry like a mad woman. Next on the list? Purging other rooms in the house! 

Total weight gain: too much to tell. Haha! From my lowest this pregnancy, about 24lbs. 

How big is baby? "Your baby is still packing on the pounds – at the rate of about an ounce a day. He or she now weighs almost 6 pounds and is more than 18 1/2 inches long (about the size of a head of romaine lettuce).

Your baby is shedding most of the downy hair that covered his or her body, as well as the vernix caseosa – a waxy substance that protects the skin during its nine-month bath in amniotic fluid. Your baby swallows these substances, along with other secretions, and they form a tar-like black substance called meconium, which your baby passes in his or her first bowel movements.

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 weeks are post-term.) Most likely he or she is in a head-down position. But if not, your caregiver may suggest scheduling anexternal cephalic version. (That's a fancy way of saying that your caregiver will apply pressure to your abdomen to try to manipulate your baby into a head-down position.)" -babycenter app

Maternity clothes: no new outfits. I have bought some nursing bras and other clothes stuff for hospital bag. 

Stretch marks? No new ones. Some of the ones I've had for years are becoming more visible though. 

Sleep: awake every two hours at least. She just moves all over the bladder which makes for multiple trips to the restroom. And rolling over wakes me up every time. 

Best moment this week: knowing all is still well at the appointments. And getting the hospital bag packed. Just need to get it all in one place and install her car seat in my car. 

Movement: she's pretty active normally. Decided to take a little break Tuesday all day and not move. Those days don't make for a happy mommy. 

Food cravings: none really. 

Food aversions: none thankfully.  

Belly button in or out: in. Maybe it'll make it all pregnancy :)

What I Miss: rolling over and laying on my tummy. 

What I’m looking forward to: holding this little munchkin! Teaching her all kinda of cool things!!

Milestone: chances of a NICU stay are slim at this point, in case of an early delivery :) 

Ignore the mismatched outfit. I'd halfway changed into pjs before I remembered I needed to take today's pictures. 

It's a lot of work having to tote this thing I call a belly around. 

This was last night...35wks6days. 

Progressions in same shirt...left to right- 21wks, 24wks, 36wks. 

35 weeks

Weekly Info...

How far along are you? 35 weeks! 35!!! 

How I’m feeling: uncomfortable. tired. sick. ready. 

Total weight gain: another 4 pounds. Depressing for me. Normal for the docs. 

How big is baby? Belly is measuring 36 weeks (we were 34+6 days yesterday when they measured). 

According to babycenter app-

"Your baby doesn't have much room to maneuver now. He or she is over 18 inches long and tips the scales at 5 1/4 pounds (about the size of a honeydew melon)! Because he or she is so snug in your womb, your baby isn't likely to be doing dramatic somersaults anymore, but the number of movements you feel should remain about the same.

Your baby's kidneys are fully developed now, and his or her liver can process some waste products. Basic physical development is now mostly complete – your baby's main job over the next few weeks is to put on weight."

Maternity clothes: are getting small. Okay, so I know it's really me getting bigger but that's not the point. If I don't wear the full panel belly pants, my tops are always too short looking. Just depressing. 

Stretch marks? Some are popping up on my sides but none so far on the belly. We shall see. 

Sleep: I don't know that this word is in my vocabulary anymore. At all. It's beyond uncomfortable when I sit. Beyond uncomfortable when I lay. No winning from this point forward I reckon. 

Best moment this week: Phil getting to see my stomach jerk so far to the side it looks like I'm having a seizure. During our child birth class this weekend she was going crazy inside. Kicked/punched me so hard that my entire midsection jerked. Might as well have jumped outta my seat. 

Movement: it's slowing down somewhat but she's still quite active in there. She prefers to keep a foot in my ribcage and her head on my bladder. Let's just hope I don't pee myself. It's come quite close as of late! 

Food cravings: pumpkin pie. I just had a delicious slice. :)

Food aversions: none thankfully. 

Belly button in or out: in. It seems to be staying that way for a while. When she's mashed against it from the inside or I've eaten too much, it looks like the bottom of my belly button may start to poke out but I still have a crater, so I think I'm good. 

What I Miss: being comfortable. I've heard I might as well get used to that. My ribs hurt all the time. I wish I could take a few deep breaths and feel better, but it isn't working that way. 

What I’m looking forward to: the next 5 weeks. 35 days. 19 working days. 8 duty days. 

Milestone: another week done.

Hahaha!! This made me laugh. Only I have a tad more to lose after AG's arrival. 

Big ol' belly! Should've taken my jacket off. 

Our little (ha, little) beach ball of a baby. 

And here are these achy things. Five more weeks, footsies. Five more weeks. The sad thing is, this is as soon as I say down and propped them up. After a bit of them propped, they blew up even more. Walked to the kitchen and could feel the excess swelling in the area between my toes and tattoo just jiggling as I walked. Doc wasn't concerned yesterday- until my face and hands blow up, says swelling isn't too bad. Too bad it is getting quite unconfortable... having feet the size of Africa. 

34 weeks

Weekly Info...

How far along are you? 34 weeks, baby!!

How I’m feeling: tired. But that's all the time now. She has made me the most uncomfortable ways I could imagine. 

Total weight gain: +2 more pounds. If I don't say it altogether maybe it'll make me feel less self-conscious about it. 

How big is baby? "Your baby now weighs around 4 3/4 pounds (about the size of a cantaloupe) and is almost 18 inches long. Fat layers – which will help regulate your baby's body temperature after birth – are filling your baby out, making him or her rounder. Your baby's skin is also smoother than ever.

The central nervous system is maturing, and your baby's 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." -babycenter app

Maternity clothes: they are ranging in comfortable to completely uncomfortable. Denim- not comfortable. My belly gets smushed and dang it it's fun. 

Stretch marks? None. 

Sleep: none of that either. No more ability to skip a potty break til the next time I wake up. I'm afraid I may pee the bed. 

Best moment this week: feeling her move after her being pretty silent for a while. 

Movement: she still loves the ribcage and bladder at the same time. My ribcage needs a break though! 

Food cravings: none in particular. I could go for some spaghetti though. 

Food aversions: none. 

Belly button in or out: in. But it's flirting with outtiehood I think. 

What I Miss: being able to find a comfortable position. Sitting isn't comfortable. Laying isn't comfortable. Standing isn't comfortable. So I just constantly rotate between them. At work I look like I'm doing a rendition of "stand up, sit down, fight fight fight!" 

What I’m looking forward to: holding this little thing and being able to watch her grow in so many ways. It'll truly be a blessing from above. 

Milestone: 34 weeks. Plenty of babies born around this gestation time are able to go home soon after momma. 

Big ol feet, sore as sore could be:

Side view:

Front view:

Night, all.

33 weeks. And tired.

Weekly Info...

How far along are you? 33 weeks

How I’m feeling: today, über tired. This week, tired is a good word to stick with haha

Total weight gain: appt tomorrow. I'm not getting on the scale until then. 

How big is baby? "This week your baby weighs a little over 4 pounds (about the size of a pineapple) and has passed the 17-inch mark. He or she is rapidly losing that wrinkled, alien look.

Your baby's skeleton is hardening. The bones in the skull aren't fused together, which allows them to move and slightly overlap. This makes it easier for your baby 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 your child's brain and other tissues expand during infancy and childhood." -babycenter app

Maternity clothes: one of the coolest people I know sent me some tops that I'm loving!! Especially since I didn't buy many winter style tops and there were a few in the package! 

Stretch marks? Only old ones still. Although I think the belly is running out of growing room, so I expect some to show up eventually. 

Sleep: ha! Someone asked me how sleep was going. I chuckled and asked what sleep was... It is so, so uncomfortable laying down now. I love the way our bed feels as soon as I lay on it but I cannot get in any comfortable position. I usually wait until I can't stand it anymore before I get in the bed so I can just lay and pass out almost immediately. 

Best moment this week: the mister has run into my belly twice this week already. Several students have done the same. It makes me laugh that people don't realize how big this belly is getting.  

Movement: slow and moving from side to side or poking out. I had a butt sticking out between my belly button and ribcage for a bit today. It's not comfortable either. The kicks and punches are slowing down into more graceful movements as she runs out of room on the inside. 

Food cravings: I want chicken wings. Only the kind with two bones parallel like. Not the ones that look like mini legs. And fried. Dry plain or wet with BBQ. Mmmmm. 

Food aversions: none. Probably why I gained so much before my last appt. 

Belly button in or out: in still!! Can you believe it?!?

What I Miss: getting comfortable. Going more than a couple hours without a potty break. Being able to "squeeze" through places without hitting my stomach or mashing my stomach. 

What I’m looking forward to: meeting Little Miss AG. 7 weeks til our due date. Seriously, where did the time go?!?

Milestone: another week down :)

32 weeks, yo!!

Weekly Info...

How far along are you? 32 weeks today

How I’m feeling: like I'm running out of room haha. Some days, waddling and just barely making it. Some days, like a million bucks. 

Total weight gain: go back to the doc next week. I haven't gotten on the scale this week. 

How big is baby? "By now, your baby weighs 3.75 pounds (about the size of a large jicama) and is roughly 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, your little one will gain a third to half of his or her birth weight during the next seven weeks as he or she fattens up for survival outside the womb.

Your baby now has toenails, fingernails, and real hair (or at least respectable peach fuzz). The skin on your baby's body is becoming soft and smooth as he or she plumps up in preparation for birth." -babycenter app

Maternity clothes: today was favorite sports team day. So I wore an Indians jersey from this summer's Omar Vizquel Hall of Fame induction...you'll see in today's pictures why maternity clothes are a necessity now. 

Stretch marks? None. 

Sleep: I was able to get 5 straight hours (no potty breaks) the other night. Man, let me tell you!! It was great. But that was a rarity because we're back to the every couple hour potty breaks. 

Best moment this week: I'd say it all. I'm just so grateful we get to experience this. I complain, sure. But never do I take it for granted. 

Movement: her movements are becoming less comfortable by the day. Sometimes, by the hour. She's starting to run out of room which means she finds the most awkward places to get comfortable. She rolled over on something the other day and it HURT. bad. I had to mash my belly to get her to quit because I was sure she'd really injure my insides. Currently, she's jabbing her foot in my right ribs. I've physically tried moving her a few times now and she insists on going back. 

Food cravings: fluffernutter- thanks Angie! 

Food aversions: back to smells bothering me some. I just try to avoid strong smells altogether now. 

Belly button in or out: in still!!! Yay!!! It becomes more "flat" by the day though. 

What I Miss: seeing my feet and knees. I have to bend at the hips quite a bit before I can see the feet and knees again. Shaving comfortably. I absolutely hate shaving. I'm sure my husband would say I never shaved my legs anyhow, but it's really not comfortable for me to bend to shave. Even side of the tub leg shaving is mashing the big ol' belly. 

What I’m looking forward to: the next 8ish weeks. I've been told I'll miss this stage...being pregnant. And I'm sure I will to some extent. But I just cannot wait to see her wrinkly skin and kiss her cheeks and snuggle with her!! I know the mister is secretly excited too!! He reminds me quite often, just how long we have left. 

Milestone: each week we complete is one more week she's growing and is  healthy. Not much longer and she'll reach the "safe to come out and be okay on the outside without hospital intervention." 

If you overlook the squiggly white lines, I look like I did before pregnant! 

31+ weeks

Weekly Info...

How far along are you? 31 weeks 1 day, today. 

How I’m feeling: phenomenal this morning. Overdone this afternoon/evening. 

Total weight gain: Welp, it's happened. I gain way too much weight the past two weeks. Probably why everyone thought I was due now. Total weight gain is 17 pounds from my lowest during pregnancy til now. Doc isn't worried unless I gain 8 pounds between every 2 week appointment so I'm chalking it up to a fluke. 

How big is baby? "This week, your baby measures over 16 inches long, weighs approximately 3.3 pounds (about the size of a coconut), and is heading into a growth spurt. Your baby can turn his or her head from side to side, and his or her arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath the skin.

Your little one's kicks and somersaults may be keeping you up at night. Take comfort: All this moving is a sign that your baby is active and healthy. -from babycenter app

Maternity clothes: shirts are getting too short to cover the belly and the belly stretchy part of my pants. Hopefully no one thinks it's my belly when I wear my pants/skirt with nude belly coverage....😳

Stretch marks? The ones I've had on my hips are white and somewhat visible. 

Sleep: last night was pretty good...only up twice to potty. Let's hope tonight is a good night too 😴

Best moment this week: a decent night's sleep last night. Or the mister seeing the belly move. It's so weird to watch my belly move. One of my two classes is FINISHED!! Maybe I'll get to spend time with the husband this weekend??

Movement: her swift kicks are slowly but surely turning into grazes across one side to the other. I can see my belly change shape pretty much. It's definitely a weird sensation. There have been a few times where I'm sure she believed she was at a disco, living it up on the inside. Felt like my belly was having a seizure of its own. She really likes to leave a foot in my left rib cage. It's not comfortable in case you were wondering. 

Food cravings: none really that I can think of right now. 

Food aversions: also none

Belly button in or out: in. But maybe only for a couple weeks. 

What I Miss: rolling over in one swift movement. It takes at least 3-4 shifts to get from one side to the other withou causing some discomforts. 

What I’m looking forward to: getting to see our baby girl in approximately two months. Two months from tomorrow is our due date. 

Milestone: not a fun one, but I did get a beautiful flu shot and Tdap. Not my idea of fun at all, but glad they are out of the way. Now time to focus on getting everything (or close to everything) finished before her arrival. 

Wanna guess what this convo was like? Haha. 

I'm super stoked to be carrying around a bowling ball. 😜🎳

30 weeks and a little PAIL Awareness

PAIL- this girl's blog post couldn't have said it any better. http://dianawrote.com/2014/10/numb/

One of the toughest questions I have had to answer this pregnancy is "is this your first?" First what...first pregnancy? First baby? Well how do you define baby? First baby on earth or first baby we've conceived (yes I believe they are babies at conception...not birth)?

Some days have become easier to talk about our first three babies. The ones we didn't get to meet. The ones we didn't get to bring home. Some days have become tougher regarding this baby we're currently growing and how she compares to the other three. As I continue to feel her grow and move and kick my insides to shreds, I think of the things I (selfishly) missed out on with babies 1, 2, and 3. 

Today is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day. Today I remember our babies and so many others that aren't here anymore. Whether your baby loss is through pregnancy or infant loss, know that I'm thinking of you today....and many other days. It's not easy. It (loss) will forever be a part of us. But our babies will also forever be a part of us. 

Now to the 30 week part of the post...

Weekly Info...

How far along are you? 30 weeks!! Did you have a mini heart attack like I did? Yeah, 75% done. Well actually over 75% done (if she's one of the some 5% born on their EDD). 

How I’m feeling: overwhelmed but very excited. I cannot believe that after today we'll be down to single digit weeks. 

Total weight gain: no scale. But this belly sure is growing. No clue why I haven't gained 50 lbs because it sure does look like it some days. 

How big is baby? "Your baby's roughly 15.7 inches long now and weighs almost 3 pounds (about the size of a head of cabbage). A pint and a half of amniotic fluid surrounds your little one, but that volume will shrink as your baby gets bigger and takes up more room in your uterus.

Your baby's eyesight continues to develop, though it's not very keen. Even after birth, your baby will keep those little peepers closed for a good part of the day. He or she will respond to changes in light but will have 20/400 vision and only make out objects a few inches from his or her face. (Normal adult vision is 20/20.) -babycenter app

Maternity clothes: no new outfits anymore. Although one of my really cute dressy tops (not stretchy material) has met it's match I think. I wore it this week and I *may* get one more week out of wearing it - if I'm lucky. 

Stretch marks? None yet. 

Sleep: a few nights have been great sleep. A few, not so much. 

Best moment this week: I can't narrow it down. My kids just love "experiencing" this pregnancy with me as their teacher.....until I told them I'd be out for a while on maternity leave. They thought I'd miss a couple of days. Not 6-8 weeks. 

Movement: she doesn't stop. This one is one I'm thankful for especially. She makes days like today easier to swallow. She lets me know just when I need some reassurance that she's still here and growing. 

Food cravings: I want thanksgiving dinner. I'm talking turkey, all the fixin's, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie, etc. the whole shebang! 

Food aversions: chocolate - only because it gives me horrible heartburn. It's so good going down though. 

Belly button in or out: in. But sadly, not for long I don't think. It's evening out more and more I think. 

What I Miss: Sleeping comfortably. 

What I’m looking forward to: holding this little girl; seeing Phil hold this little girl; seeing this little girl wrap us around her little finger. 

Milestone: 75% done. Phew. Another heart attack. 

Some of the awesome onesies made at the baby shower this weekend: 

Yesterday's picture day outfit:

She's really out there. And low. 

Weekly front and profile shots: 

Random Pregnancy Thoughts

Filling out paperwork for maternity leave, now adding in not being able to get comfortable when sitting (laying has been uncomfortable for a while), and feeling her movements in several places at once (between hips and ribs at the same time) makes this whole experience all the more real. Tomorrow we hit 30 weeks. We'll be 75% done. 

I think I've secretly stashed my real feelings and kept thinking I'd wake up from this dream at some point. That this couldn't be real life. I still can't believe we are where we are. Our last couple of years have been tough ones to swallow. One thing I know for sure is I cannot imagine having a different man by my side to help me through my moments of overwhelming stress, moments of amazement when she kicks so forcefully that my entire midsection moves, or moments of sheer panic. Approximately 10 more weeks!!!! 

AG needs this....

29 weeks

Weekly Info...

How far along are you? 29 weeks

How I’m feeling: beat. Third trimester woes have begun. 

Total weight gain: 3lbs from last appt to this appt (4 weeks in between). 

How big is baby? "Your baby now weighs around 2 1/2 pounds (about the size of a butternut squash) and is a tad over 15 inches long from head to heel. Muscles and lungs are continuing to mature, and your baby's head is growing bigger to make room for that developing brain.

To meet your baby's increasing nutritional demands, you'll need plenty of protein, vitamin C, folic acid, and iron. And because his or her bones are soaking up lots of calcium, be sure to drink your milk (or find another good source of calcium, such as cheese, yogurt, or enriched orange juice). This trimester, about 250 milligrams of calcium are deposited in your baby's hardening skeleton each day." -babycenter app

Maternity clothes: are getting interesting. There's no hope at feeling skinny anymore. Ha, who am I kidding...skinny fled a long time ago. 

Stretch marks? Thankfully no new ones. 

Sleep: it has fled as well. She's smushed my lungs and other organs. Breathing is quite laborious. 

Best moment this week: seeing our little during the 3D scan even if she was stubborn (what else is new) and didn't want us to see her whole face. 

Movement: nonstop still. Only now I feel her stretched as far as she can...I think she's doing yoga inside. She prefers to punch my hip and wedge a foot in the ribs- at the same time. We did get to see her moving quite a bit during the 3D scan yesterday so that was fun. 

Food cravings: pumpkin. 

Food aversions: anything red is giving me heartburn like no tomorrow. It's not really a food aversion but it does deter me from eating many red foods. 

Belly button in or out: in. 

What I Miss: breathing effortlessly. 

What I’m looking forward to: soaking in the next 11 weeks. 

Milestone: we're almost 3/4 done!!!  

These pics are real life. My expressions and body language are quite revealing of my feelings for sure. 

This morning's bump selfie. 

Momma's tired after three very long days. Up well before the sun and home after the sun... 😑 with very little (restful) sleep between the suns all nights. 

28 weeks!!

Weekly Info...

How far along are you? 28 weeks. 

How I’m feeling: utterly overwhelmed. 

Total weight gain: I go to the doctor next week, I'll let ya know. 

How big is baby? By this week, your baby weighs 2 1/4 pounds (about the size of an eggplant) and measures 14.8 inches from head to heels.

Your baby can blink his or her eyes, which now sport lashes. With increasingly developed eyesight, your baby may be able to see the light that filters in through your womb.

Your baby's also developing billions of neurons in his or her brain and adding more body fat in preparation for life in the outside world. -babycenter app

Maternity clothes: I just bought some maternity tanks. Just going up a size wasn't working anymore....the belly was justa pokin' through the bottom. 

Stretch marks? Nope. 

Sleep: not last night. Probably why today started off sucky. :( 

Best moment this week: deciding to stop in the middle of writing next week's lesson plans to sit and watch my belly move. She wasn't kicking and jerking in there, just sliding around. Seeing my belly roll slightly was freaky but neat. 

Having students that truly care about me and our well being! I couldn't have hand picked a better group of kids this year. Monday, there was some definite Braxton Hicks action in the middle of a lesson. Well my kids assumed it was a swift kick the way I reacted and then realized it wasn't a kick. One by one, they started piping in little things like "it's okay, just breathe!" or "deep breaths!" or "it's okay, you can sit down for a second if you need to!" or "it's okay, we'll wait, don't rush, just calm down!" I loved it. They were such genuinely sweet moments! 

Getting to spend time with the mister, talking about reading books to our little. 

Movement: she loves to move. Thankfully, the bladder has been given a break this week but the ribs and hips are taking a beating. 

Food cravings: macaroni and cheese. I hope she loves it too!! 

Food aversions: cafeteria macaroni and cheese. :( blegh. And if you know me, you know I am the least picky person in the world when it comes to Mac n cheese. 

Belly button in or out: in. Although I think it's finally on its way to flattening. 

What I Miss: walking to my car without beginning to huff and puff. Thank goodness it's getting cooler out and I'll be able to breathe easier. Until she continues to grow haha

What I’m looking forward to: hitting 30 weeks- even though it scares the living daylights outta me. 

Milestone: we're definitely into the third trimester. Glucose test soon. Yay. 

Pictures for you:

Haha!! 

Where did that belly come from?!?

"Quit making fun of my fake smile."

Laughing/smiling to please the mister. 

Yup. Big belly still there. :)

Time to invest in some of those diabetic, elastic-free style, socks. :( I could almost read the name brand imprinted in my feet. 

Tired momma-to-be, teacher, wife. 

27 weeks (a day early)

Weekly Info...

How far along are you? 27 weeks tomorrow. How did that happen?! Looking back, I missed a few weeks somewhere!! My mind is playing tricks on me I think. 

How I’m feeling: absolutely amazing!! Life couldn't be better this week, unless my family could be close by too...

Total weight gain: No scale today. I'm afraid. Haha!! 

How big is baby? This week, your baby weighs almost 2 pounds and is roughly 14 1/2 inches long (about the size of a head of cauliflower). 

He or she is sleeping and waking at regular intervals, opening and closing those little eyes, and perhaps even sucking on his or her fingers.

With more brain tissue developing, your baby's brain is very active now. The lungs are still immature, but they would be capable of functioning – with a lot of medical help – if your baby were to be born now.

Chalk up any tiny rhythmic movements you may be feeling to a case of baby hiccups, which may be common from now on. Each episode usually lasts only a few moments, and they don't bother your baby, so just relax and enjoy the tickle.

Maternity clothes: same outfits every few days. I'm loving the outfits my mom sent me! The coral sweater in the pics below is one of my favorites! Especially since Fall has made its presence known this week!!

Stretch marks? No new ones, thankfully. Even though I looked down today and have NO idea where this big belly came from. I feel like she sprouted overnight. 

Sleep: meh. What is that? Between trying to keep my head above water with school work and house work, whew. 

Best moment this week: He. Felt. Her. MOVE!!! That glass of chocolate milk, mixed with my exhausting week so far, and this big ol' comfy bed...she's going insane tonight. 

Movement: always. She is quite the active little thing. And boy oh boy, does she love to kick all day. She was playing kickball with a nerve the past few days and it was unbelievably uncomfortable. Thankfully she found the bladder to play with today. Never thought I'd be glad she was hitting my bladder. 

Food cravings: Chips Ahoy! tonight. While grocery shopping, the mister even picked me up some of the little cup things of them to take to work!! 

Food aversions: none really, thankfully. I hope it stays that way. 

Belly button in or out: in. 

What I Miss: jumping up at the drop of a hat. And being able to get up off the floor with ease. 

What I’m looking forward to: seeing the mister hold her. 

Milestone: we are almost to 30 weeks. Which means we are almost to single digit weeks left. Which means momma had a near panic attack just thinking about that! Knowing that if we were to have her at any point from now on she'd have a decent chance at survival makes me giddy with relief. I cannot believe we are finally to a point where we can breathe a little. This has been a very long road for our family and I'm unbelievably happy we are where we are right now. 

Obligatory pic :) 

One is blurry but it's okay. You'll get the gist. 

Close up of the belly profile...where did it come from?!?!?

Twenty. Six. Weeks!!!

Weekly Info...

How far along are you? 26 weeks!!! 

How I’m feeling: Absolutely superb! Is that believable? Haha. 

I ordered a maternity support belt that's supposed to help alleviate some of the pressure and pain in my back. Wore it yesterday for the first 6 hours and loved it (minus the times I sat down...quite uncomfortable). The afternoon was much more bearable and I got home feeling like a million bucks. I forgot to put it on this morning and I'm back to where I was prior to yesterday...sore back, sore legs, sore front, sore sides, sore feet, swollen feet...here's to remembering to wear it tomorrow!! 

Total weight gain: 5 pounds. But I have a feeling it's gonna start finding its way to me...

How big is baby? "The network of nerves in your baby's ears is better developed and more sensitive than before. He or she may now be able to hear both your voice and your partner's as you chat with each other.

Your baby is inhaling and exhaling small amounts of amniotic fluid. These so-called breathing movements are essential for the development of the lungs. These are also good practice for when your baby is born and takes that first gulp of air. 

Your baby is continuing to put on fat. He or she now weighs approximately 1 2/3 pounds and measures 14 inches (about the size of a scallion)." -babycenter app

Maternity clothes: mom just sent me a box full of super cute stuff!!! I'm even wearing the pjs now! Yes, before 7pm. Judge away. 

Stretch marks? No new ones. But the few I have from gaining weight prior to pregnancy have become a little more visible. 

Sleep: Last night I slept great after feeling refreshed from Monday night. Let's hope the trend continues for a few more days :)

Best moment this week: trying to get Phil to feel her move. He still hasn't. 

Movement: this morning, and quite frequently throughout the day, she found it a wonderful idea to stretch all the way out. Diagonally. Right ribs and left hip were being terrorized at the same time!! The first couple jabs made me wince. 

Food cravings: Quaker fruit and cream oatmeal every morning. Greek yogurt----I'm trying really hard to cave into this craving by trying different kinds but it's still tough to choke down the first few bites. 

Food aversions: nothing really comes to mind right this moment. 

Belly button in or out: in

What I Miss: nothing today :) I'm pretty content with where we are in this journey and where we're headed!! 

What I’m looking forward to: 

Milestone: double digits, yo! Double. Digits!!! Did you catch that?!? We. Are. Down. To. Double. Digits!!! (until the due date of course) 

Obligatory weekly shots with a few extras added for hilarity and random fun knowledge. 

Frontal view

Me: do I need to move my sweater out of the way so you can see my belly?

Him: ha. Uh no. 

Me: well that answers that. 

Profile shot... The ripples on my belly are from my tank top that isn't straightened out. 

Tonight's footsies. (The rounded marks are from my no show socks, the straight lines are from my shoes)

Footsies from Monday night. No matter what socks I wear, when I wear socks they leave marks. 

Got my baby shower invite in the mail this week!! I LOVE it! They couldn't have chosen a better invite :) love you girls!!