30 Weeks!

Umm what?!?!?! How the heck am I at 30 weeks already?!?!?! I haven't published a preggo post since 20 weeks. I was at the halfway point, now I only have a 1/4 to go.

Things have been going pretty well. Aches and feeling preggo have slowly been creeping in, but not enough to complain. If I clean too much or am on my feet running around (like I did before Christmas trying to get the house together) I exhaust myself and have brought on some BH, but nothing major thank goodness.

I took my glucose tolerance test a few weeks ago and failed it :-/ Which resulted in me having to take the 3 hour test a few days ago. I have my next prenatal appointment this upcoming week, so I'm praying I don't hear anything about it. I also only gained 1 pound at my last appointment, and according to the scale this morning I've only gained about a pound since then, so I'm hoping I don't get yelled at.

How far along: 30 weeks

Total weight gain: About 16.5 pounds!

Baby is the size of: A butternut squash (again)

What's going on with the babe: About 3 pound and about 17 inches long head to toe...crazy to think that the babe is going to put on another 5 pounds give or take if he/she is going to weigh close to what Logan did! That's like 1/2 a pound a week!

Maternity clothing: I'm home most of the time, so I live in my normal sweats, but when I go out, maternity pants are almost like sweats :-) I was *finally* able to find a black belly band so I'll be able to wear my normal jeans a bit more. (Side note, at 27 weeks I was actually able to BUTTON a pair of my normal sized jeans!) My tops are a mix of maternity and normal.


Sleep: Surprisingly it's been pretty good, aside from the heartburn. My left side is the best, which is funny because with Logan it was my back, basically sitting up.

Movement: Has definitely been picking up! Kev can feel it like crazy and it's fun to watch my belly dance.

Cravings/Aversions: Christmas cookies? Honestly, I really haven't had any.

Symptoms: The normal aches...mainly my hips, but if I hold Logan to long my lower back starts to hurt. Although I think a 28-ish pound toddler would do that to anyone :-) Heartburn has got it's grip on me as well. I think it's almost every night that I have to take a Tums. No fun, but not the end of the world...only 10 more weeks of it!

How this pregnancy is different than the first: Mainly having a toddler...life revolves around him, just like in his pregnancy, life revolved all things baby, now it's all thing toddlers. I feel bad that this kid is getting neglected already. I also feel more preggo but I think that goes along with what I just said.

How's the big brother was this week: He got his toddler bed for Christmas and took his first nap in it! He lasted about 40 minutes, which is fairly close to a normal nap, so I'll take it. Temper tantrums are becoming more prominent over every.little.thing. He copies everything, which is cute, and he's big into saying 'ouch' and trying to get you to kiss whatever he might have hurt.

The best moment(s) of this past week: Christmas! We have had lots of time with family and it's been awesome!

Don't mind Logan's toys that have migrated to our room or the unmade bed

 Part of me wants the next 10 weeks to fly by so I can meet this little person and begin to feel normal again. But the other part of me wants it to take it's good old time so I can enjoy my time with Logan and as a family of 3...not to mention that I said I wasn't doing anything baby-wise until after Christmas, which means I have to get my butt in gear and get things pulled out of the attic and sorted and washed, and figure out what we need.... ahhh!!!!


And if you care to compare here's my 29 week post with Logan and my 31 week post.

20 Weeks with Baby #2

Can't believe I'm past the halfway point already!!!  This pregnancy is going way to quick! Not sure if I'm ready to take care of 2 little ones yet.

How far along: 20 weeks and 3 days! (Or 21 weeks going by the baby measurements)

Total weight gain: As of my appointment last week I was up 8 pounds!

Baby is the size of: A banana

What's going on with the babe: About 10.5 ounces and about 10 inches long head to toe and starting to swallow

Maternity clothing: I've tried to wear maternity pants a few times and they just don't work! They are constantly falling down and are baggy around my legs and butt. Much rather stick with the belly band or even some normal pants still! Shirts are all pre-preggo

Sleep: It was pretty good for awhile there, but now I'm restless. I've been tossing and turning the past few nights. And that's not an easy task! lol

Movement: Not as much as Logan, but I feel her 'swimming' around occasionally. Especially at night when I lay down. I guess it's the only time I'm not running around chasing a toddler :-)


Cravings/Aversions: Candy corn pumpkins. I'm just blaming that on the babe, because I always get it this time of year :-)

Symptoms: The normal aches...mainly my hips, but if I hold Logan to long my lower back starts to hurt. The exhaustion is finally letting up, or maybe I'm just getting used to it? Oh, and still peeing all the time!

How this pregnancy is different than the first: This kid is riding a lot lower than Logan did. Also, I can't stop and enjoy every step, I'm busy chasing after the kid that isn't permanently(for now at least) attached to me. I remember hitting the halfway point with Logan and being so excited and couldn't believe it. With this poor kid, I woke up and was like 'oh halfway, YAY! Okay, time to make breakfast and do some laundry and then we have to...'

How's the big brother was this week: Big brother has had a rough week. I don' know if it's a cold, or teething, or a growth spurt or what, but he's been a bear. We have meltdowns all the time, but on an up note he's been napping longer. Yay!

The best moment(s) of this past week: Seeing 'FALL' We went up to Springton Manor and it was gorgeous! Oh, and we got our ultrasound today! ;-)

Baby was being stubborn or shy and wouldn't give us a profile pic :-/ We do have a creepy one of her looking at us though :-) Heartrate was at 156 and she loved waving hi and playing with her hands!

I'm looking forward to: Seeing my SIL this weekend who's a month ahead of me.

And the bump...

I feel super thick so don't judge :-)

Oh, and the link to my 19 and 21 week post with Logan

16 Weeks With Baby #2

It's true. The second baby does get the shaft before even making his/her appearance in this world.


How far along: 16 weeks and 3 days! (Or 17 and 1 going by the baby measurements)

Total weight gain: As of my appointment last week I was up 3 pounds!

Baby is the size of: An avocado

What's going on with the babe: She can now hear her older brother getting yelled at. She weighs in at 3-5 oz and 4-5 inches crown to rump


Maternity clothing:  I broke out the belly band once last week for my smallest sized jeans. Other than that I've wearing normal clothes still. Although I have broken out my fat pants, which are still a bit big, but are totally comfy when I have to sit :-)

Sleep:  I love it :-) Chasing a toddler is a lot more exhausting than working at a desk like I did with Logan. I still wake up around 3am and have a hard time going back to sleep. I finally stopped having to get up to pee in this past week. :-)

Movement: It's happening, I just haven't felt it yet. I was about 18 weeks with Logan so I"m hoping I can feel it soon!

Cravings/Aversions: Not too much...although I really wanted pizza, and since Kevin is to weak to stand up against me wanting junk food, we stopped at Wegman's and picked up a pie...so good!

Symptoms: I feel pretty good now, except for being tired.

How this pregnancy is different than the first: I'm definitely more tired. I also don't have the cravings I did with Logan. I was addicted to bacon (which if you know me, I normally don't eat), and this time I could care less about it.

How's the big brother was this week:  Good, likes to hit the baby, and is completely clueless...every time he hears someone say 'baby' he thinks they are talking about him. He's been teething, and I think we are finally almost finish! 8 teeth more or less at once is a lot to handle.

The best moment(s) of this past week: Is it bad that I can't remember this past week? My women's Bible study started, and I have an awesome group of ladies I look forward to going deeper with and getting to know this next year.

I'm looking forward to: Feeling this little one move. I think that's a huge part in actually FEELING like I'm pregnant and hauling another little being with me everywhere I go. :-)

Nice and thick looking huh? It's trying to look like a bump! I've learned that a lifetime of good posture makes it hard to make yourself look preggo...I can push it out to look like a real bump, but I have to consciencely (apparently spell check and my husband say this isn't a real word...that it should be conscientiously) do so, because it's just not natural. Although holding a toddler definitely helps to push it out :-)

I didn't do a 16 weeks update with Logan, but I did do a 17 weeks one.


***On a side note, Logan's 18 months today! Officially a year and a half!***

Cha-cha-cha-changes

If you're a friend in real life, or on facebook, and let's face it, if you're reading this then you probably are, then you already know.

There's a big change coming to the Reigner household next Spring!

That's right! Baby #2 is going to make his/her appearance sometime around March 10th.

I knew much earlier this time around because this baby likes to kick my butt. I could barely peel myself off the couch the first few weeks, and even now I thoroughly enjoy Logan's nap time so I can partake in my own :-) All day nausea came early, and luckily left early (by 10 weeks), but not fun! Food all seemed unappealing to me, but the only way to cut the nausea was to eat. Ugh! Riding in a car was no fun either, talk about motion sickness.

Luckily I'm all better now that I'm in the second trimester (wow I'm 1/3 through already!!!) except for some exhaustion, but come on, I'm chasing an overactive toddler all day, that's expected, right?

We had our 1st ultrasound at the end of 9 weeks and everything looks great! In fact, the baby's actually measuring 5 days ahead! I really hope that means he/she will make an earlier appearance, and not that they are going to be big!

As of my 12 week appointment I haven't gained any weight, so I'm right on track. Hoping that I can stay right at or below 30 again.

And time for the belly bump photos!

In true second child fashion I'm already 'neglecting'  him by not taking proper weekly photos. I've taken photos on my phone when I can remember.
So sorry for the crappy photos, and please, please, please don't pay attention to the mess! I really do just take the photo when I think about it, no straightening up here!

9 weeks baby bump and a little bloat

12 weeks baby bump

13 weeks baby bump and kitty photo bomb

So that's a bit of what's been going on :-) Oh, and if you want to see what I looked like with Logan during the first trimester, photos are here. :-)

Baby Shower Gifts

Saturday I drove out to Ephrata for my cousin's baby shower. She's having a little girl (first for our family, yay!) which is super exciting. I whipped up a few little gifts for her and thought I'd share them. I've had many people tell me that I should open an Etsy shop with them, and maybe I will. Someday. For now, I'll just say that I'm open to doing custom orders if you have a shower coming up, or if you're having a baby and would like something. :-)

Almost everything (minus a basket full of stuff for the hospital)

I made a diaper bouquet (an idea from pinterest, but didn't have instructions so I guessed how myself), 4 burp cloths, 2 crochet headbands, 2 pacifier clips, 1 nursing cover clip, covered a wiper box, and a diaper pouch and stocked it, including a covered travel wipe case.

The pacifier clips, works great with either kind, the ones with a 'handle' or with the holes

Nursing cover clip- turns any blanket into a nursing cover, without having the bulk of having to pack something extra that takes up a bunch of room

 Burp cloths, including a contoured one

Covered wipe container- just to look nicer sitting on the changing table

Diaper pouch and covered wipe case - pouch held the wipe case, 4 size 1 diapers, diaper trash bags, and a tube of A&D

Headbands

 I've also done monogrammed bibs and fabric headbands, which I don't have photos of on this computer.


So that's what I've been doing during nap times/bedtimes and I think Kev's happy to have our dining room table back. ;-)

Postpartum

Since it's been one month since I've given birth I guess it's time to do an update on me.

I gained 29 pounds during the 41 weeks and 1 day that I was pregnant. That's 4 pounds more than I wanted to gained, but still 1 pound under what I realistically wouldn't mind gaining. Yay!

Honestly I have no idea how much weight I lost with the actual birth, but being that Logan was almost 8.5 pounds himself I'm sure it was a decent amount. I finally got around to weighing myself about a week later and I had 10 pregnancy pounds left! Woohoo! Well, as of today I still have those last 10 pounds :-( I think it has something to do with me grazing all day. Oh, and that Easter candy doesn't help either. I haven't done any exercising either, so I'm hoping when I start in 2 weeks (as long as I get that okay from my doctor) that will help kick those pounds to the curb.

With all of that being said here's what that looks like.



Before:
Check out that basketball!


2 Weeks PP:
Sorry they are so dark and shadowy. My hips are definitely holding some of that weight! Love those love handles!

I was able to squeeze back into my normal jeans, but I have to be careful what top I wear because hello muffin top!


Pouch is still very much there.

1 month:
Still got them love handles.


Pouch is shrinking a bit, and my hip bone is starting to come back! Yay!


Now it's time to get my butt in shape :-)

Birth Story - Another Perspective

I just realized I missed a huge part of Logan's birth! Kevin.

I was so caught up in what was going on with me that I forgot to mention how awesome he was through all of it. How supportive, what an awesome coach and loving husband. How he massaged my back to help me through and gave me sips of water when my mouth got so dry I couldn't even swallow. I couldn't have asked for someone better.

Check out his account of the birth here and here and here.

Birth Story Part 4 - The Finale

Okay so it has taken me an entire week to write this! I guess that's what happens when you have a lot to write down and a two week old who's going through his first growth spurt.

Check out part 1, part 2 and part 3 if I've missed them.

Since it was the middle of the night, we had to enter through the ER. A girl from labor and delivery came down to get us, and I opted to walk rather than taking a wheel chair. Things weren't that bad! I didn't realize how slow I was moving until the girl had to keep stopping or slowing down for us to catch up.

This time there was no triage for monitoring, we were taken straight to a room. The nurse left so I could get changed into the gown and Kevin made a comment that 'it's like we're on vacation or something.' Haha, maybe for him, but I don't consider being in a hospital a vacation. I guess the room reminded him of a hotel or something.
I was just super excited that within hours we would finally be meeting our little one! (And I would no longer look like I swallowed a basketball)

Around 3 am I was hooked up to the monitors and checked. Everything looked good and I was at 4 cm and 90%. Woohoo!!! Once they were sure that everything was alright they unhooked me and we were free to do what we wanted. We decided to once again hit the halls. It's amazing how long the loop seemed to me this time around opposed to Wednesday. It seemed to take forever just to complete one lap. Shortly after the first lap we ran into Dr. Delaney, apparently she had another patient there as well, so she would be back and forth between the two of us.

By the time we finished our 3rd lap I was done. I didn't want to exhaust myself and I was hurting. I decided that it was time to hit the shower. I think I spent half the time in the shower. The warm water felt so good and relaxing, I don't know if I would have been able to do it all natural if it wasn't for the time I spent in the shower.

Around 5:30 I was hooked back up to the monitors and was at 6cm and 100%! Woohoo! I was still feeling good, well, I should clarify that I was feeling as good as someone in the midst of labor could feel. Of course that's when Dr. Delaney informed me that once I hit 7cm I would be able to tell because things would get more intense and painful. Great.

***This is where everything starts to blur together for me...***

And more painful in got. It was back to the shower. I had been informed that while the baby was facing the right way, he had his chin completely tucked to his chest, so instead of the top of his head coming out first, he had the back of his head. Dr. Delaney wanted me doing squats to try to get him to move. As difficult as it was, I did the squats. I was hooked back up for monitoring, and everything was still looking good, but he still didn't move his head. Right after being unhooked from the monitor, I had to make a mad dash to the bathroom, as my tummy decided it didn't like the grape juice and Italian ice I had earlier. They say your body empties itself before giving birth, so I guess it's true...I was just wishing that I was able to empty the other end (sorry for the TMI) because if you ask Kev I prolly spent the last hour or so before pushing saying that I just wanted to poop. lol.

Once my tummy calmed down it was back to bed since the contractions were coming to fast and furious for me to want to leave it. I was laying as far on my side as I could without being on my stomach to try and get him to shift positions. That didn't work either, but I was at the point where all I wanted to do was push!

So that's what I did. For almost 3 hours. Remember what I said earlier about his head? Yeah, he still had his chin totally tucked, and kept hitting it and getting stuck on my pubic bone. Luckily I didn't have the epidural so we were able to try any and every pushing position possible. My doctor jokes that she had me twisted up like a pretzel! By the time we finally got him past my bone, I was exhausted. I could feel that he was close, but I was just didn't have the strength. Time and time again I would hear them say how I needed one more big push and just physically couldn't do it. I could hear talk going on in the room, but was too focused to really piece together what was going on. I heard something about not being able to use the vacuum/forceps because of the way his head was positioned. At that point Dr. Delaney told me that if I wanted to have this baby my way, I'd have to "push my a$$ off".

So that's what I did. I guess years of playing sports helped to train me to pull out strength that has been long burned out, for one final sprint. Again, thanks to not having the epi I was able to feel how close he really was to making his entrance. I could feel him crowning! I did it!!! My baby was basically here! One (too) big push later and he was born!

I heard his little cry, saw this gray creature and heard, "it's a boy"! Within seconds a pink, quasi wiped down little babe was on my chest. The crying creased and we just stared at each. Totally love at first sight. So much so that I was unaware that I was hemorrhaging until they grabbed my hand to start an IV of pitocin to help me stop bleeding. I also had a 2nd degree tear, but none of that stuff mattered to me because I finally had my son in my arms! We were officially a family of 3!

Kevin immediately messaged our family in the waiting room that it was a boy. Technology is amazing because the first message on facebook about him was 4 minutes after he was born! Four minutes! Everyone wanted to know his stats, but it was a good half an hour later till he was taken to the other side of the room to be weighed and measured and bathed. Mr. Logan weighed in at 8 pounds 6.7 ounces and 21 inches long. No one guessed he would be such a big boy!

Little did I know that I had been mere minutes away from having a c-section. So close that they were actually prepping the room for me! I believe that not having an epidural and being able to feel what I was doing kept me from going under the knife. Apparently they only allow you to push for 3 hours as long as the baby isn't under any distress. Logan was born at 2:07, about 20 minutes shy of the 3 hour marker. They said he could be a poster child for good/healthy babies. Never once did his heart rate dip or spike, he passed all his test with flying colors and actually had the lowest bili rubin levels they have seen in years! I was told throughout my pregnancy what a good and healthy baby he was, but I just figured that was something they said to everyone, until I heard all the nurses at the hospital saying the same thing.

That's the best I remember, I'm sure I left out somethings, because even though I was in L&D for 12 hours the time flew by like whoa.

Birth Story Part 3

Check out part 1 and part 2 if you've missed them...

After a huge let down on Wednesday, I woke up Thursday morning with nothing. I think I had one mild contraction from the time Kevin's alarm went off at 5:30 until 8ish when I made the decision to go into work.

I really had to talk myself into it because I was embarrassed. I missed the past 2 days because I thought I was going to have a baby. But sitting at home is torture while waiting for something to happen. And boring. Everything was clean and I had already spent two days there and had run out of things to distract me. I didn't want to face anyone, especially their questions, but it was better than being home, and it would help me add one more day to my maternity leave.

A few people basically ignored me and just sent a sad smile my direction. Others made smart comments that if I didn't know them so well probably would have sent me running to the bathroom in tears. Although, there were a few times through out the day I had to fight back the tears. I think some people were secretly hoping I'd be back because there were so many things that people needed me to do for them. I guess it's lucky for them they got to take advantage of me one more day.

After work, Kevin and I went back to the mall. It's funny how boring it can be there. Walking around and around and stopping in the occasional store. We got dinner from Subway, where I may or may not have gotten in an argument with the guy at the register that we had a footlong even though the guy making the sub had cut it in half and put them in separate bags. Actually, I think we've spent more at the food court in the past week then we have the whole time we've been married. I guess that's understandable seeing that food is basically the only thing I can be shopping for anyways. I was days or hours away from not being pregnant any more, so maternity clothes are out, and I have no idea what shape/size I'll be post-baby, so I can't buy 'normal' clothes, and until we know if we have a son or daughter we can't buy baby clothes.

Friday comes and goes, totally uneventful. I'm super big and totally uncomfortable and have to pee all.the.time!

Then Saturday came. The third Saturday I've woken up thinking that this just might be my last Saturday to sleep in and be lazy. The second Saturday with no plans. Of course not having plans means we end up at the mall. I could tell something was going on with my body. I felt 'different'. I was more cramp-y and the contractions I had on Wednesday were back. But just like on Wednesday, they weren't progressing at all. As we were going to bed I remember saying that I felt like we were close. Kevin said that tomorrow would be perfect since it's still the weekend and he would still be able to get his maximum days off from work. As I turned off the light at 10pm I told my tummy that I would like at least 4 hours of sleep so I wouldn't be too tired.

A little after 1:30am I crawled out of bed to use the bathroom and casually mentioned to Kevin that I think my water may have broke. I had been lying in bed since midnight dealing with contractions. I knew that this was it. Kevin started to text family while I jumped in the shower.

By 2:30 we were once again walking up the stairs to the hospital...

Birth Story Part 2

If you missed part 1, check in out here:

So we were walking up the steps of the hospital with feelings of excitement and anticipation. Was this it? Were we going to be enter these doors as a couple and leaving as a family? I had a feeling that we were going to be leaving sooner than we planned, but I so wanted this to be it.

We got set up in a triage room and I was hooked up to the monitors. Can I just say that I loved being able to hear my little ones heartbeat the whole time? It was fun to watch his heart rate while chilling it was in between 120's and 130's but whenever he was moving around it jumped up into the one 150's. So cool!

My last doctors appointment was a week ago and at that time I had nothing going on, no dilation, and my cervix was still hard and closed. I was praying that what I had been feeling the past few days were making some sort of progress. I had. I was at 2cm! Woohoo! Things were moving in the right direction!

They took me off the monitors and we started walking. We walked for almost an hour. That small loop around labor and delivery and maternity is fairly tiny and boring after awhile. Although seeing the cute itty bitty babies in the nursery made it a little better. :-) I was almost in tears when we stopped to look at them the first time. Soon one of those were going to be MY baby!

We went back to the room and got hooked up again. The nurse checked me and I was almost at 3 cm and 50% effaced. Things were progressing! My contractions were still steady coming every 3-5 minutes, but was still totally manageable. They gave us 2 options. I could be admitted and they could continue to monitor me every hour and I could keep walking the halls, or I could go home until the contractions strengthen.

Since I wanted go as natural as possible, I chose to go home. That way I could labor as much as possible at home and eat something because I was starving! the nurse said she would be surprised if I wasn't back there by nighttime.

Kevin dropped me off and went into work with me promising to call him as soon as things picked up. I cleaned a few more things around the house and tried to make sure that everything was in order as possible. Well Kevin's co-teachers and principle were shocked to see him in, so they sent him home to be with me. We decided to head back out to the mall to walk. The walking helped to stregthen the contractions a bit, but not to the point where I had to breath through them. When we got back home I took a nice warm bath to relax and hoped that it too would help things along.

No such luck. By the time we went to bed the steady contractions I had all day were fading away. My dreams of today being the day were crushed as I fell asleep...

Birth Story Part 1

It was Saturday. Not just any Saturday, THE Saturday! March 19th. The date that was estimated my baby would make his/her appearance into the world.

Not having a single plan for the day (because we were hoping to be in the hospital) we decided to head to the outlets to kill time and walk around. I messaged my mom to let her know and my parents met up with us for lunch.

I went to bed that night with hope that things would get started overnight.

I woke up Sunday morning in tears. It was the day AFTER my due date. I should be hold a sweet little baby in my arms, not waking up in my bed after a full nights sleep with an over sized belly and empty arms. I did not want to go to church. I did not want to go to our couples group after words. I didn't want to see anyone. Didn't want to face the 'oh, you're still pregnant?' or 'still no baby?'. But I went. And everyone was super supportive. I even shocked a few people who asked when I was due by being able to say yesterday.

Going into work Monday morning was painful too. It should have been my first day of maternity leave. I'll be honest that it was a tough day, and I had to fight off tears a few times.

We were just getting ready to sit down and eat when it happened. I felt my first contractions! I glanced at the clock just to see. Ten minutes later I felt another one. Then another one. After an hour I mentioned it to Kevin. The rest of the night they stayed about the same. I went to sleep with hopes that this was it. They would get stronger and closer and I would have a baby in my arms tomorrow.

After being up all night thinking about it, and counting contractions, I woke up exhausted. I was tired and didn't want to go into actual labor at work so I stayed home. I got a TON of cleaning and stuff done around the house. The contractions seemed to die off during the day though. When Kevin came home we decided to head to the mall since walking is suppose to help. It must have done something, because they picked back up. By the time bedtime came around they were coming every 3-5 minutes for awhile. I laid down thinking that I needed whatever sleep I could get.

I woke up around 4am with strong period-like cramps and contractions that were coming consistently at 3 minutes apart. At 6am I decided to call my doctor. She told me she'd call over to labor and delivery to expect me.

Ekk!!!

A little after 7am we were walking up the steps of the hospital...

Day 2

We are now on day 2 of waiting and wondering when our little one will make his/her grand entrance. I keep trying to tell him/her to stop being so selfish and come out and play already! Kevin seems to think that I'm the selfish one for wanting them to come out...

I guess I am...I want to know who I've been taking care of the past 9+ months, and I'm tired of looking like I ate a basketball for dinner. I'm ready to feel like a normal person again, and not someone who has run a marathon, everyday.

But, I guess I don't blame him for not wanting to come out...it's a pretty crappy day, all gloomy and rainy out.

At least I get to spend my day waiting at work instead of sitting home by myself. It's weird though, since most of my stuff has been handed off, I don't have too much too do. I'll finally have a chance to organize and settled since I haven't really done so since we moved here in January. It'll be nice to feel 'put together', but if baby decides to take all week I'm afraid I'll run out of things to do. Although the longer baby takes, the longer into summer I'll have off :-)

Here's hoping this is the last post I write on waiting, and that the next one will be the introduction of our new addition :-)

Eviction Notice

Dear baby,

It has been an absolutely pleasure having you stay at B&B Momma for the past 9 months. I hope you enjoyed your stay as much as I have. But your scheduled stay is now over, so it is now time to check out of B&B Momma and to check in at camp Nursery. Camp Nursery is an even nicer place to stay and they are expecting your arrival.

So at this time, please pack up your bags and head to the nearest exit.
Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

Thank you,

Love Momma

P.S. Don't worry, meals will still be served at B&B Momma :-)

The Countdown is On

I would like to consider myself a fairly patience person.

Sure I can get annoyed as much as the next person standing in a line at the grocery store that doesn't seem to move, but when it comes to big things I don't mind the wait. I know that good things come to those who wait. But it doesn't mean that it's easy.

This past week I have become super anxious to me the little person growing inside me.

I've been walking, scrubbing floors, drinking the red raspberry tea...trying to get baby to come out and play. I know that it's all on his/her timing despite my efforts, but I figure it can't hurt to try. I'm going to club tonight, so I'm hoping that baby realizes how much fun he/she is missing out on that he decides to come.

Today would be an awesome birthday because it's 3/16 and 3 years ago I got baptized.

Tomorrow would be an awesome birthday because not only is it St. Patty's day, but it's Kevin's parents anniversary.

Friday would be a good day because it's my cousin's birthday.

Saturday would be a good day since it's the due date and I can claim what very few mom's can.

Sunday is the first day of Spring, so that would work for me as well.

After Sunday though is pushing (you hear me baby?). I really don't want to have to think about going into work at all next week. I want baby to be here and not have to think about work for 12 weeks. I know I sound selfish, but I'm sure I'm not the only mom who just wants to meet their little one.

I gave them plenty of days to chose from, so I'm not being THAT demanding...am I?

I have pics (and a post) from when I completed 39 weeks, just not at this computer...

So I'll leave you with my crappy phone pic from the bathroom at work today...

39 weeks and 4 days

37 Weeks = FULL TERM!

I had my 38 week appointment today and everything is looking good! Blood pressures still good, still gaining a pound a week, baby's head down and his/her heart rate is in the 130's!

• How far along? 37 Weeks!
  

• Total weight gain: I think I just hit the 25 pound marker
  

• Maternity clothes? Now that I'm getting bigger by the day, I'd really like to have some, but with less than 3 weeks to go (I HOPE!) I think I can manage.

• Stretch marks? So far so good!
  

• Sleep: It's hit or miss. For the most part it's pretty good. I get up once during the night to pee, and I'm not to uncomfortable when I'm sleeping.
  

• Best moment this week? I guess this is why I should do one every week...last weekend was my shower and totally awesome! (post and pictures to come) and this past weekend being told multiple times that I don't look like I am due in 3 weeks. In fact, I had one woman say it looks like I could still be a few months away.

• Movement? I'm trying to savor it since I've heard from numerous people how much I'm going to miss it. His/her new favorite thing is to stick their cute little tushie into my right rib.
  

• Food cravings? Super cold drinks. Not sure if it is considered a craving, or a preference, but I MUST have ice in my drink. At least I know I'll enjoy the ice chips at the hospital :-)
  

• Labor signs? I still don't think. Although I have been getting lots of head butts lately, which aren't the most pleasant feelings. I had to stop in my tracks a few times last night when we were out shopping because he would hit a nerve or something and send a shooting pain down my left leg.
  

• Belly button: Same. It's still hanging on for dear life.
  

• What I miss? A good Chai Tea Latte. Maybe I can bribe someone to bring me one in the hospital...
  

• What I'm looking forward to: Knowing who has been living inside me for the past 9 months. I'm ready to meet him/her and find out if it's a him/her. I've had strangers tell me their opinions, so I'm curious to see. Are they going to be tall like their daddy? Or short like me? Good chance they'll be bald, but you never know. Most likely they will be blonde and blue-eyed, but maybe well get a red head, you never know.

Pictures:
Bonus points to those who can find the part of one of the cats that snuck into one of the pictures :-)

35 Down, 35 To Go

• How far along? 35 Weeks!
  

• Total weight gain: 22 pounds. I was really hoping to only gain 25, but at least it looks like I'll be under 30, so that makes me happy.
  

• Maternity clothes? Wishing that I had some, but I feel like it's too late in the game to buy any.
  

• Stretch marks? So far so good!
  

• Sleep: I ache. I can sleep through the night except to wake up to roll, which most time I can fall right back asleep, or the occasional potty break, but I wake up hurting. I'm find during the day, but when I wake up my back aches. Weird? Yes.
  

• Best moment this week? Today my doctor told me she wishes she could clone me. It's nice to know that a doctor, who sees tons of preggo women, thinks that I'm a good example.
  

• Movement? All.the.time. And all over. I swear he/she was trying to burst out of my side yesterday. And my ribcage is permanently sore. I wonder how it feels to be a normal person who doesn't share her ribcage with someone who thinks it's a jungle gym.
  

• Food cravings? Nothing that I can think of. Even my bacon phase seems to have past. I've wanted ice cream for the past few weeks, but that's nothing to odd for me.

• Labor signs? The past day or so I think I've been having Braxton Hicks. My tummy has been getting tight. I've definitely been uncomfortable and I'm starting to get to the point where I'm ready for the real deal and to hold this child in my arms.
  

• Belly button: Same. It's still hanging on for dear life.
  

• What I miss? My body being sore because I worked out too hard, not because all I did was wake up in the morning.
  

• What I'm looking forward to: My shower! It's on Saturday and I'm super excited to see friends and family. And of course to be center of attention for a few hours. Might as well soak it in now since in a few weeks I'll be out shadowed by the baby. :-)
  

Pictures:

I had no idea I looked so tired! I need to start taking pictures early in the day...and maybe make sure my hair and make up are done :-)

33 Weeks...Which Means 7 To Go!

• How far along? 33 Weeks!
  

• Total weight gain: about 21 pounds...eek! I broke the 20 pound marker! Although at the doctor they said I'm only up 1 pound from last time.

• Maternity clothes? Same as before. Although it would be nice to have some more, with less than 7 weeks left (hopefully) I'll make due with my hoodies and cardigans.
  

• Stretch marks? Nope. I had a scare, but there are none. I've heard that they can and often do pop up in the last week or two, so we'll see.

• Sleep: Good. Although it stinks that my body is on a schedule and I'm awake by 6 even on the weekends. Good time to get cleaning done though :-)
  

• Best moment this week? Being told that I don't even look pregnant from behind. Definitely a huge compliment for any preggo woman

• Movement? I'd be worried if there wasn't any. I can tell that baby is getting bigger by the change in movement. Some have actually been kinda painful. Baby fully enjoys wedging his/her little foot under my right rib cage. And I think there is currently a tao bo class going on in there right now, my whole belly shifted and I got a good 5 or 6 punches in a row.
  

• Food cravings? I'm a pretty boring preggo...I'm not really craving anything. Of course I still enjoy my sweets, but it isn't anything crazy and anyone who knows me, knows that sweets are my thing at any time.
  

• Labor signs? Still no sign of Braxon Hicks, I don't know if I should be happy or worried.

• Belly button: Still way in, but super tiny and the skin on the outside is kinda bumped out. Weird?
  

• What I miss? Being normal and doing what my old self could do. Kevin kinda laughed at me the other day when I whined about having to carry in both cats and a 16 lb bag of cat food. He said the old me would have been pressing them over my head as I ran into the house.
  

• What I'm looking forward to: Completing the nursery. It's getting close and making it seem more and more real!

Pictures: I am getting huge! I got out my tape measure the other day (bad idea!), and was depressed to find out that my waist is now bigger than what my hips have ever been. Crazy!



And as you can see the nursery is slowing coming together.

And I'm not sure why the pictures are kinda blurry.

31 Weeks

I had my 32 week doctor appointment today. It's crazy that I am now making appointments every 2 week. How did that happen? I love how quick they are though, I think I might spend more time in the waiting room some days. I'm not keeping a pregnancy journal or anything like that, I would just lose it or forget to write in it (kinda like I do on here sometimes...sorry). I realized that I haven't posted any stats, which I'll want to know next time around to compare. I am stricting doing this for me so I have written record of where I was at.
My blood pressure has so far stayed the same and is 110/60. I have been weighing in perfectly each time, gaining exactly 4 pounds with the exception of one time - which on their scale puts me at 138. Baby's heartbeat is in the 140's and I'm measuring right on track at 31.

• How far along? 31 Weeks and 4 days
  

• Total weight gain: 19 pounds - according to my scale since I know my starting weight with that scale, plus at the doctors I started with flip flops and summer clothes and am now completely bundled up and weighing in towards the end of the day. Although the doctor's is only off by about 4 pounds, I guess because I lost some weight in the very beginning.

• Maternity clothes? I still only own about 3 items. My normal pants still stay in place better than my maternity, and while some maternity tops are cute, I can't afford to pay for them when I still have clothes that fit. Now that I'm getting bigger it would be nice to have a few more items, but I feel like I'm so close to the end that it's not really worth it. It is nice that most day I wear jeans, a tee and hoodie. I'm so blessed to have a job that allows me to do so.
  

• Stretch marks? I don't think so...I thought I saw one the other day, but really couldn't tell, so I asked Kev and he just thinks that it's a scratch. I've been too scared to check since then to see if it's still there.

• Sleep: It's been rocking lately. I think I might have a bit of restless leg syndrome right before bed, but once I'm out, I'm out. At least until I roll, then I think baby gets restless leg syndrome. Either that or (s)he doesn't like me making them move.
  

• Best moment this week? Really starting to work on getting the nursery together. We finally found a dresser and end table we like and ordered it. And put away all the Christmas stuff that had been residing in the crib as well as organizing the closet (again). It's really starting to feel real. We had our child birthing class on Saturday so we took a tour of the maternity ward and saw the cute little babies in the nursery. It made me super excited to have our little one and I can't wait to hold them in my arms!

• Movement? My belly dances ALL.THE.TIME. It's so fun to look down and see the whole thing moving on it's own. That and feeling random body parts sticking out.
  

• Food cravings? Not much...still loving bacon which is still weird to me and sweets, which I wouldn't consider a craving since I've always loved sweets.
  

• Labor signs? I don't think I've had any BH, that would be something I would realize, right?
  

• Belly button: Still in but shrinking fast
  

• What I miss? Having my insides located where they are suppose to be. My stomach is so high right now I don't know how it's possible. And if baby doesn't like where something is located I think (s)he decides to move it to some place more comfortable for them.
  

• What I'm looking forward to: Holding my little one. Yeah that basically sums it up right now.
  

Pictures: These are super gross, non-showered, no make-up pics. But they show how much my belly has grown!

Yes, my belly is finally bigger than my boobs! Sorry for the TMI.
And weird looking frontal shot. As I lean my belly leans. And my belly itched halfway through so without thinking I scratched...hence all the red lines.

Oh, and we finally brought the glider up to the nursery. The living room looks a bit bare, but the nursery is looking more like a nursery :-) Plus now there's room for all the baby stuff that will take up residence in the living room.

Tidbits Thursday

Hi! Remember me? I have no excuse for my lack of post. None. Nada. Zilch.

So here's what's been going on...

1. I'm still car-less :-( Since it died on Christmas I've had it for exactly 2 days. That's when we put the new battery in. Guess it wasn't the battery. Luckily the first week it was dead Kev was off school, so he could either drop me off at work or I could just take his car. Then it worked for 2 days and died again on moving day for my office. That was an insane crazy day trying to find a ride and get everything squared away. Lucky for me, my new office is close to my home and easy for my nice friends/co-workers to pick me up and take me home. It's definately a humbling experience to rely on others. I've had my own car since I was 15 (even though I couldn't drive it yet) so I'm used to my freedom. I need the car after work tonight because I'm babysitting and need to pick 2 of the kids of from different after-school activities. That means I had to wake up at 5:30 in the morning to drop Kevin off at his carpool buddy's house (so thankful for her!) so I got into work almost an hour early! It's good because I still have so much to do with the month end and year end and the move and entering rush, but it'll be a long day. I really have an appreciation for families who only have one car. Seriosuly! More power to ya!

2. Sticking with the car...we pushed mine out of my spot last night. Growing up my dad always told me to back into spaces because you never knew when you might need to get under the hood. Plus it makes it easier to pull out. I try to follow that when I can, but my parking spot at our house in on a circle and it's a weird space to back into, it's just easier to pull in. Well when your car doesn't start where do you look? Under the hood. And what have we had a lot in the past 2 weeks? That icky, cold, wet white stuff. So when you want to look under the hood, what do you have to stand in? Yeah, not cool. Or too cool? Whatever. Since my car won't jump we need to have someone come over and look at her and try to get her started so we can take her to a shop to get fixed. Since Kevin's spot is almost directly behind mine, we thought it would be best to move my car into that spot so it would be facing the parking lot and easier (and drier) to access. It must have been a sight to watch a 7 month preggo woman try to push and steer her car! Once we got it to the middle of the lot Kev had enough room to pull his car in front of mine and 'bump' my car into the spot. That's what bumpers are for? Right?

3. I've been snoring. I guess that's what the third trimester does to you. Kevin's a very light sleeper. I'm sure you can see where the probably lies. Last night my snoring was keeping him up so he decided to roll around a little to see if he couldn't wake me up enough to make the snoring stop. I guess it worked because he said the I rolled over and pulled my knees up, right into his side and proceeded to tell him that 'this has got to move'. I have a very vague recollection of this, so I was still basically out. Apparently we had a few minute conversation with him telling me that he was already on the edge of the bed and couldn't move, but I kept telling him that it's gotta move. Needless to say we had a pretty good laugh about it! I guess pregnancy takes you back, because I used to sleepwalk/talk all the time as a kid. Only 2 more months and I'm be normal again, right? Please tell me I'll be normal again.

4. I've been living with a foot or something permanently wedge under my right rib cage. I can get him to move it, but it's not long before it's back under there. It's not really painful, just uncomfortable. It's a weird reality that MY insides are not longer MINE. They belong to the baby and if the baby wants to move something, it will be moved.

5. I finally look pregnant. No doubt about it. It's funny to walk around the mall and have Kev tell me that this girl, or that girl is checking my out. It's funny how when girls see baby bellies they are drawn to them. I guess gone are the days where I'm out with my girls and telling each other which guys are checking them out.

6. We have our child birthing class this Saturday. I was thinking we wouldn't get into one, because they fill up really quick and I'm not one to think so far ahead and the next open one wasn't until the first week of March, which I would technically be full term. But, because of the snowstorm this past weekend they added a new one for this Saturday. I'm not thrilled at spending my entire Saturday there, but at least I'll know what to expect.

7. I'll have to post pics of our new office. I snapped these with my phone right quick just to give you an idea. We are obviously still getting settled in, but check out the black ceiling, lime green walls and preschool style carpet. Not pictured are the orange and blue walls.


I think that basically sums up what's been going on in my life. :-)

29 weeks and this week

I am so seriously slacking on posting! I completely missed my 27th week post (didn't help that I left our camera at my aunts, so I couldn't upload the picture). Now that we're in the new year my personal life has calmed down, but work has been crazy. We moved our office today, so I've been trying to wrap up everything I can and pack. Let me tell you, coming from a girl who is used to doing things herself, especially when it comes to carrying things, it's difficult to ask for help and to say that something is 'too heavy' to carry. Talk about humbling.

On top of that my car wouldn't start again this morning. So not cool! We thought that it was the battery, so we put in a new one on Sunday, and it was doing alright, but of all the mornings she decided not to start at all. I hate having to rely on other people, especially when I'm used to going in early and the one guy who was close and could pick me up always shows up late. We arrived at the time I was planning on leaving to go to my doctor appointment and then to the new office. Not to mention that I was planning on packing up the last of my items including my computer first thing in the morning. Everything worked out thought, and I *think* I have all my boxes. I'll have to post some pictures of the new place when I get the chance to take some and it looks a bit more put together. It's very, um, modern. Although the *desk* (and I use that term VERY lightly) and all furniture are from Ikea. Which isn't a bad thing, but my desk already has a scratch in it! So we'll see how long everything stays nice and new looking.

Anyway, back to the baby post...

• How far along? 29 Weeks. Seriously!?!?! I'm almost in the 30's! Getting so close to the end
  

• Total weight gain: I"m thinking about 17-18lbs

• Maternity clothes? I'm now the proud owner of a pair of jeans and a sweater. Although the jeans are still a bit big and I'm constantly pulling them up. The sweater's cute though and makes my bump look more prominent.

• Stretch marks? Not any that I know of
  

• Sleep: After I kicked the cold(s) to the curb it was great, but this week has been super sucky. I've been waking up and being wide awake. Prolly doesn't help that Kev's been sick so his breathing has been loud and he's been totally cramping my side of the bed.
  

• Best moment this week? Christmas! And ringing in the new year :-)

• Movement? All the time. I swear that there is a kickboxing class going on in my belly. I had my glucose test on Monday and after drinking that sugar-y drink this kid was rolling all around for hours afterwords! I was cracking up watching my tummy dance.
  

• Food cravings? Anything sweet. Don't know if that's a real craving, or just me, or this time of year. I've always had a sweet tooth, so it doesn't surprise me, although now chocolate give me heartburn, so I have to stick to my gummy candy. (Which is why it surprises me how this kid reacted to the sugar-y drink for the test.)

• Labor signs? Thank goodness nada.
  

• Belly button: Still in.
  

• What I miss? Being normal. Not having to think about what I'm doing, or if it could hurt the baby. Let me tell you, it gets super boring just walking on a treadmill when you can't get your heart rate about 140!
  

• What I'm looking forward to: Having only single digits in the weeks left. Lame, I know, but I can't think of anything to exciting left in pregnancy to look forward to other than actually having the baby, and everything else would be after the babe is born. I just love getting closer and closer to meeting him/her :-)
  

Pictures: These are from hubby's family Christmas party on Sunday. So no bare belly pic, so I'll start off with mine from 27 weeks since I didn't post it when I should have.I think this might be my first shot in the 'typical' pregnant mommy pose.


Straight on...finally looking preggo from the front and not just chunky.

Cousins pic...Emmy'll be 9 months older than her cousin and she can't wait to be consider the 'big girl'. Actually, knowing her she can.