35 & 36 week bumpdate

How far along: Day two of 36 weeks. Only a few more weeks.... whaaaaat??

Baby Size: head of romaine lettuce; they estimate she weighs 5 ibs 10 oz

At my last appointment, I was measuring 5 weeks behind so they scheduled us for a growth scan to make sure everything was OK. Of course I was a little freaked out. I was more nervous that they'd do the ultrasound and find out she was breech than I was her being too small. It's always disconcerting when you have to go in for extra stuff though. We found out on Monday that all is well. She's in position, ready to go and is growing! She's on the small side but not alarmingly (plus, Mike and I are little people so.....good assumption that our kids will be too). It was seriously a huge answered prayer to get confirmation that everything was well and she was head down!

Weight gain: 25 ibs gained. I think I'll chill out on the ice cream. 

Maternity clothes: Just wearing the same things over and over and over again. Now that I don't have to go into work, I will probably live in my bathing suit and gym clothes. Ready to wear other clothes again. 

Stretch marks: Still nothing - hoping it stays that way. The area around my belly button does look weird though...almost bruised like and my belly is pretty itchy. 

Sleep: It's been pretty good this past week. I figured out that if I wedge myself in between Mike and a body pillow that I'm out more of the night. I get up a couple times to pee but probably less than 3 times.

Gender:  reconfirmation that it's a girl during our ultrasound

Movement: like crazy. I feel like my stomach isn't a part of me anymore. It just randomly moves. I was pretty sure she flipped around since she was moving so much but she's still head down (thank God!).

Best moment this week: Seeing our baby girl (and all her hair) on the ultrasound. We didn't get to sneak a peak at her face though since she's facing backwards. It was such a relief to hear and see that she's OK and in position! I can't wait to hold that little booger!

looking forward to: Cloth diapering. I am totally obsessed. I seriously could spend hours thinking about, reading about, looking at cloth diapers. I don't know what it is. If anyone has any used they want to sell or give away... I'm your gal :)!

Mike's looking forward to giving el baby a bath. He was super excited one morning and I didn't know why. Turns out....waiting for baby to arrive is like Christmas for him :)

Food cravings:  Ohhhh still eating ice cream like there is no tomorrow

Anything making you queasy or sick: nope -- just heartburn

Labor Signs: I think I had Braxton Hicks once in the night. It woke me up several times and I was convinced I was going into labor but I wanted to get some sleep. Needless to say...it wasn't labor.

What I miss:  Having the energy and ability to run around and exercise and all that jazz. I miss being active. 

Symptoms: Feeling pretty good this week....just heaaaaavy. Itchy belly skin. 

Nursery: It's coming together. I should post some pictures but it's often under construction.....

Belly Button in or out? It's flatter... so I guess that's so far out it doesn't exist anymore ???

Wedding rings on or off? On

Mood:  Good. Getting in nesting mode and feeling really good about having time to get stuff done. Finished our birth wish list, starting looking into pediatricians, returned and purchased some things we need. Feeling productive! 

Just started getting a little nervous about the labor part. I haven't been nervous yet or fearful of it but I can sense it creeping in. I think I need to just keep reading labor books that empower you to do it and keep focusing on it being positive, etc. I also keep forgetting that we are about to have a kid. When I remember, I get bouts of anxiety. As everyone always tells you, our lives are about to change forever. I am also starting to get sad that from here on out, it won't ever be just mike and I. Our family dynamic is about to get rocked. I'm excited but selfishly going to miss the time that it was just us. 

Who knew one could have so many competing emotions in one swoop?! Welcome to pregnancy.  

32 week bumpdate

How far along: 32 weeks (and yes I missed an update!)

 Baby Size: squash (about 4ibs)

 Weight gain: 20 ibs gained

Maternity clothes: same stuff. I think I wear the same 4 things over and over....nothing new there. 

Stretch marks: not yet

Sleep: some nights are better than others. Starting not to be comfortable no matter which way I lay. I get uncomfortable after a few hours in a position. 

Gender:  still a girl, I hope 

Movement: lots of it! She's head down (and seems really low) but wiggles her butt all around. She packed on the pounds while we were on vacation (it was all the eating out 😉) so now when she moves, she protrudes out! My belly moves all over the place. She also gets hiccups a lot. Poor little girl. I def called the nurse to make sure that was OK. It is. And mike learned how to 'rock the baby.' He rocked her and read her a book last night. Super cute. 

Best moment this week: prob mike rocking the baby. It was super sweet. We went to a Self Care for the Pregnant Couple class that taught acupressure, massage and yoga for prenatal health and labor comforts. It was a really cool class. All hands on. We both LOVED the class. I'd def recommend doing something like this even if it's just for the bonding experience for mom/dad. I think it was helpful for Mike because it showed him different ways to help comfort me. Pregnancy ain't all pie and cookies (for some it's mostly barf and aches) and most husbands want to help make us feel better during it. I think this class really empowered him to do that during pregnancy and labor.

My friend, Anna,  and and I went shopping and found some super cute pieces for the nursery. It was so much fun to run around looking for pieces with her. Not to mention she has amazing taste (check out her art)! 

 looking forward to: we've got our comprehensive birth classes this weekend. I'm not totally excited that the 12 hours of instruction is packed into three days but it's all that fit our schedule and is probably better to do it that way anyway. The class is with our doula so it will be nice to get to know her more!

Getting some more done in the nursery. I've never enjoyed decorating so much. And it may quite possibly be leaking into other rooms. I'm legit nesting. Watch out bank account.

Food cravings:  cold stuff. Ice cream, Popsicles, fruit, water with ice. Anything cold. Gimme Gimme

Anything making you queasy or sick: nope -- but I have had some good cases of heartburn. Made it through like half a bottle of Tums this week.

Labor Signs: not that I'm aware of. I really want a Braxton Hicks contraction. Would I know it if I had it?? Sometimes I think maybe I had one but I don't know. Could just be she's in an uncomfortable spot. 

What I miss:  So I was looking at pics and saw one before I was preggers. I kind of miss a flat stomach (although it's nice not having to watch what I eat for pool season). I def miss the agility that came with pre-preg body.

Symptoms: Roly poly syndrome -- she's huge and I can't maneuver the same way I used to be able to. I feel like she's going to poke out of my stomach. And I have to like roll to get out of bed

Ohhhhh and this isn't a symptom but it's a funny. Went to Trader Joes....was grabbing something via squat from the bottom shelf. Fell backwards and couldn't get up. I felt like a turtle on my back. Just kind of squirmed around a little bit.  Mike had to pull me up and the old man next to me commented 'that'll happen more often the older I get.' Looking forward to that. Thanks kind, old man (in case you've been perusing the internet and landed here). 

Nursery: I washed, folded and organized all the stuff we have so far. Found some cute pieces at Marshalls and Home Goods (update pic below -- new stuff = wooden side table, pillow on rocking chair and basket next to crib). Played with a little watercolor to try and see if I could create some art for the room (yes, I used Rifle Paper to look at for the one on the left..total knockoff).

Belly Button in or out? Same ol

Wedding rings on or off? Still on. I keep forgetting that I want to get the beads taken off but it hasn't been an issue at all yet.

Mood:  It's been alright. I'm ready to have her here and start that 'new' chapter. To be able to focus on that and learn to adjust and what not. I am a little worn out from all the life changes that have taken place in the past year and I think it's kind of hitting me.... like I need a little break from everything and just have some solitude or something. HA! 

 I didn't know anything before I got pregnant (and still don't) but word of mouth and lots of research has been the way I've sifted through everything out there. I figure I should share anything I remember to share.

Books: 
Pregnancy/labor ones that I've read and enjoy -- Ina Mays Guide to Childbirth; Birthing From Within (had a few chapters I skipped...I'm not super artsy); The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth; Mike's reading The Birth Partner (and we've heard great things); I've read a couple others but I don't remember them so they must not have been that great

Child care books - Happiest Baby on the Block (I've heard about this book the most); Baby Wise; parts of Caring for Your Baby Birth to Age 5; I heard something about Moms on Call and Bringing Up Bebe. I want to read both of those. Ohhh and I accidentally bought Confessions of a Cloth Diaper Convert (that Buy now with one click button on Amazon is not joking). I'm excited to read it though! I think it will be helpful (or I hope so). 

Any other books I should read???

27-week bumpdate

 

 

How far along: 27 weeks

 

 Baby Size: head of cauliflower (2 ibs; 14.5in longish)

 Weight gain: 122 as of Thursday -- total weight gained is 17 pounds. I only gained one pound in the past month. I was kind of bummed about that and asked if I should eat more (yes, please!) but she said I'm fine with the overall weight gain so not to worry about it. I was hoping for an excuse to eat scones and ice cream at every meal.

Maternity clothes: same old stuff. Still living in a lot of pre-maternity stuff (dresses, skirts, etc)

Stretch marks: not yet. still lubing up. Ps. one jar of that belly stuff seems to last a whole pregnancy. I don't apply it every single day but I do most days. Makes it worth the expense.

Sleep: pretty good. I haven't been waking up to pee this past week (yay!). I still can't get enough sleep. Last night, we went to bed at like 10pm and slept until 8:30am....I could have kept sleeping. Really?


Gender:  Still a girl.....

Movement: She moves around most of the day. She is definitely more active when I am still. I have no idea what she is doing in there but I'm convinced she's going to be a ninja.

Best moment this week:  Warning...there are quite a few:

 

Spending our 6th annual Memorial Day weekend with our friends, Joe and Lauren. This was our first year with addition number 1 -- their baby! Can NOT wait for next year as our two little babes get to play together. It's so fun to see how each year our vacation changes as our families change. I love it and can't wait for years and years of it to come!

 

Touring the hospital. We are delivering at Duke Regional. We're crazy, I know. We're driving 45min when we literately have 3-4 hospitals within 10 minutes of us. But it was really important to us to have a midwife deliver and that was what my insurance covered at the time. We both really liked the hospital. It was so much nicer than the other ones we had toured close to our house and really made us excited about it. The rooms are huge and actually pretty homey (they hide any medical stuff in like dressers and furniture), there are some cool amenities,  etc. etc. They also always used the words obstetrician and midwife interchangeably so that was comforting.

Mike's best moment was getting kicked in the back by Baby A while we were sleeping. He's smitten already with her. He's going to be in T.R.O.U.B.L.E when she comes out.

Getting the invitation for my baby shower that was so freaking cute, I might add. EEK! I can't wait to have all of my favorite people in one spot. And I love my sweet, sweet friends throwing it. They're the bestest ever -- thanks Anna, Lauren and Yazz!! Love yall!

 looking forward to: Having our appointments more frequently and interviewing doulas. We found one that also does the Bradley course that we're interested in so I'm hoping she is a perfect match for us! 

Food cravings:  Fresh fruit. My craving for sweets and carbs has left the building. Although I did buy a carton of chocolate Oreo cookies and cream ice cream last night. I couldn't resist though... Cookies and cream is my favorite and with chocolate. that's like straight up gloriousness.

  Anything making you queasy or sick: nope

Labor Signs: nope

What I miss:  Tough workouts. I just don't feel like I have the energy to do it but I do miss it.

Symptoms: It is hard to get out of our bed (is that a symptom???). Our bed is super high to begin with -- the top of our mattress is at my waist so now I just tuck and roll kind of thing. Mike joked last night about building me a little step stool but I'm hoping that wasn't a joke.

Nursery: bought a couple baskets for storage and confused myself about how I want to decorate the nursery because I fell in love with Rikshaw Designs  crib collection...

Belly Button in or out? the top part is out...the bottom is still in.

Wedding rings on or off? On and totally forgot I wanted to take my sizing beads off. I guess I'll do that some day.

Mood:  I have my ups and downs. Sometimes I'm freaked out and get overwhelmed by the thought of raising a human. I'm really excited to meet her though. Oh and let's just say I was super stressed this week about all the things we NEED (aka I want) to get done and haven't yet. As my friend Jackie said... that's called nesting. 

26-week bumpdate

How far along: 26 weeks or 6 1/2 months

 Baby Size: head of lettuce (~2ibs & ~14in)

 Weight gain: 15ibs at last appt

Maternity clothes: bought two new workout tanks from Gap. They're amazingly soft. Mikes sister is pregnant too (due 2 weeks before us) and she recommended them. I'm kinda obsessed and wish they had more colors. 

Stretch marks: not yet. I thought I spotted one but it disappeared in the night so it must have been a scratch or something. 

Sleep: pretty good. I haven't been waking up a ton-- Just can't get enough. 


Gender:  girly-o.

Movement: mostly at night when I lay down. There was a day where she didn't move much and it freaked me out. Mike prayed the next morning for her to move that day and she was a jiggle monster all day. Def made me feel much better to have her running around in there. 

Best moment this week: date night that included sushi (no raw), an alcohol less pineapple-jalepeno mojito and an outdoor movie downtown. It was such a nice and relaxing night with all our fav things. And a good reminder to make date nights a priority after babe comes. 

Spending some time with my sister. I am really going to miss having her and the family around. I loved being able to sit at the pool with her and just talk for hours. I missed that more than I knew. 

Getting our stroller! I feel like that's been such an ordeal for us to decide on but it's finally here and we're happy with the Bob. We both LOVE the Bumbleride but at the end of the day I don't think it's made for longer distance runs, especially on rougher paths, and that's something we need. Plus it looks like it can handle me and my lack of being careful/gentle. 

 looking forward to: mike-- getting the baby room more ready

Me: our appt next on Thursday. I have the infamous glucose test, which I'm really nervous about for some reason, but ready to get it over and done with. 

Food cravings:  apples and peanut butter and fresh fruit. I really cannot wait for watermelon season. 

  Anything making you queasy or sick: nopers

Labor Signs: nah

What I miss:  hmmm not really anything new

Symptoms: growing belly. I did have a lot of headaches and felt rundown this week but that could hve been stress related. 

Nursery: took the big bed out of the nursery and brought down the crib. Next weeks goal is to get that sucker set up. 

Belly Button in or out? I guess 1/2 out. It looks out in shirts but it's mostly just the top part that sticks out. Or I'm in denial. One of those 

Wedding rings on or off? On and my sizing beads are still in but I may have them removed once it gets consistently hot so that I don't wake up one day with big ol swollen hot hands and no way to get them off.

Mood:  good. I'm getting more excited and lovey dovey or w/e towards my belly. She feels like a real little human in there. I can't wait to see what her personality is like.

22 week bumpdate

(it was cold and gross and rainy this weekend, sooooo yeah)

 

How far along: 22 weeks (yes I missed week 21.... it happens)

Baby Size: spaghetti squash (11 in, 1 ib.)

 

 Weight gain: 116 at the last doc appt -- next one in a week

Maternity clothes: I need some. Starting to get tired of wearing the same things. Bore-ing. I did find some shorts finally. Gap had 40% off so.... I splurged.

 

Stretch marks: None yet

Sleep:  Pretty good lately. Haven't been waking up as much. Although I did wake up this morning to a little nugget kicking around. Early bird!


Gender: Girl! ahhhhh. so crazy to finally know. She still gets the proverbial 'it' often however. We will learn.

Movement: feeling it most days. Some days more than others. I love watching her do whatever she's doing in there. I wish I could actually see inside Teletubby style (tv on my belly where I can view in would be awesome). I tried to get a video but every time I do, she stops. She knows... dun dun dun

Best moment this week: Finding out the gender (technically last week but whatever). It really was so much fun to do a gender reveal

Looking forward to: Having her here. I know, I know. I should cherish this time right now but  I feel like I'm in the engaged state before getting married. Let's get this show going! Bring on the baby (full-term though)

 
Food cravings: Nothing really. I did crave Brueggers last night so we went for breakfast today. It was amazeballs. But then really made me want Bodo's bagels in Charlottesville

  Anything making you queasy or sick: nope

Labor Signs: Not that I'm aware of

What I miss:  good/hard work outs. I can't run longer than a mile without having to pee and pretty sure I'll wind up on Nextdoor (neighborhood-based website) if I pop a squat in the neighborhood. Plus I'm starting to feel like a little weakling. I want to do like a boot camp or something but pretty sure I'd suck at it right now.

Symptoms: not really anything...my back is uncomfortable feeling (scheduled a chiropractor appt and getting a massage soon..holler) but I've always had back issues so not sure that's 100% pregger related

Nursery: oh hey, nothing...again. Sorry chick, you may just be camping out with us in our bedroom your whole life.

Belly Button in or out? In

Wedding rings on or off? On 

Mood:  Excited and impatient. Knowing that she's a she has really made her seem more real to me. I'm just ready to see her face and hold her and change her nasty poopy diapers and stay up all night. Weird.

It's a...

Girl!! (or Goyle, as Mike's nephew calls it) 

Our gender reveal shindig was awesome. So much fun. I would do it again (or recommend it to parents about to find out). It felt so much more intimate being in our own home and surrounded by those we love. It also created a lot of fun and excitement around the whole thing. I know when you find out the day the baby pops out there's tons of excitement to be had but since we weren't waiting, this helped make it a memorable moment.  

No one knew (including us) the gender. Mom and I dropped off two bags of confetti (blue and pink) and the ultrasound at Party City. They did the rest. It was so fun to find out with our family and closest friends, eat low country boil, drink bloody marys (I stuck to virgins...) and hang out. 

 my awesome mom decorated the place with her amazing handmade banners and tassles

 mike's mom made the cake.. not only was it so freaking cute but that sucker tasted like straight up gloriousness

straight down the middle

 majority wins!

 time for the reveal!

 found this gem on our camera. Mike was obviously super excited! There were like 4 of these 'celebrating' pics.

We really can't wait to meet the little girl. It's been hard to transition from 'it' to 'she' but the more I acknowledge HER, the more I really start to feel like there's a little baby girl in there. I was slightly terrified when I jumped forward to ages 13-21 but realized worry does me no good. All I can do is pray for her future and her heart (and pray that she is nothing like me during those years). Eeeeek a little girl. I've already picked out a cute little camelbak pack and some hiking boots :)! With all the kicking and karate chops going on in there, I'm rooting for a little outdoorsy chick (but I'll love her even if she's a total girly girl..duh.... I just may need some help...Anna...Amanda...Mallory...).

19 week bumpdate

How far along: 19 weeks 

Baby Size: An heirloom tomato (yum...) -- 8 1/2 oz & 6in

Weight gain: haven't stepped on a scale since last doc appointment. We have an appt today so I'll have an update next time in this department

 

Maternity clothes: Mainly maternity pants or pants with the belly band. One pair of skinnies still fit so I was happy about that! I think they're so low that my growing belly doesn't matter. I can still wear pre-maternity tops but wanting an excuse to add some additional pieces to the wardrobe

Stretch marks: Nope, still slathering on my delish Honest, Co. belly butter
 
Sleep: sleeping ok. Starting to wake up more in the night to pee
 

Gender: We find out April 12 with our family and closest friends. YAY!
 
Movement: Felt the first moves! It was so cool. We were  laying in bed Sunday morning and I noticed it. It's so faint still that I can only notice it if I'm still or laying down. Mike was able to feel it too!

Best moment this week: From the mouth of both mommy and daddy, feeling the nugget move. I'm pretty sure we have a little acrobat in there.
 
Looking forward to: Our appointment this afternoon -- we get to hear the heartbeat again today!
 
Food cravings: Sweets & breakfast. I had a meltdown and cursed sugar. It's so freaking addicting and I can't stop wanting it. Cursed sugar!


  Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope
 
Labor Signs: Nope
 
What I miss:  sitting on the back porch drinking a bottle of wine with Mike after a long day
 
Symptoms: belly popping out; stuffy nose (allergies I'm sure are contributing to that one), back pains

Nursery: FINALLY cleared out the closet. It is now just baby stuff in there.

Belly Button in or out? In! YAY!

Wedding rings on or off? On 

Mood: Happy! This past weekend there was this big realization that 'oh crap. our lives are about to seriously change and we'll have to give more thought to things like going to weddings, camping, etc' but I'm OK with that. I will miss the simplicity of the stage we are in now but I know we want a family and I'll never be fully ready anyway until he/she is here. Plus, I'm determined to live simply... we'll see how that goes ;). 

Getting rid of workouts because I can't remember what I do and I'm not diligent enough to write it down during the week.

Other ramblings: We're trying to think of a trip to go on pre-baby... a babymoon, if you will. Found great deals for Jamaica but I'd be like 30 weeks along. Too far? Too risky? If that doesn't work, any suggestions in the Outer Banks? I haven't been aside from the ol' middle school field trip but don't know where to look.

Crib mattress -- recommendations? I don't want something drenched in chemicals but can't find anything reasonable.

18 week bumpdate

How far along: 18 weeks 

Baby Size: A sweet potato 

Weight gain: haven't stepped on a scale since last doc appointment. I think it's time to buy a scale. 

 

Maternity clothes: 1/2 and 1/2; ready for it to get warmer so I can get a few more tops

Stretch marks: Nope Sleep: sleeping ok. Had some crazy dreams though!  Gender: No idea yet but we both think it's a girl (at least this week we do!). We find out April 12! 

Movement: Nothing yet

Best moment this week: spending time with mike! A week apart sucked butt Looking forward to: our 2nd centering appointment next week! Excited that mike will get to be there!  

Food cravings: I  got my cake last week! Didn't crave much of anything this week. Still eating a ton of fruit. Can't get enough! 
  Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope Labor Signs: Nope What I miss: raw fish (love that stuff!)  Symptoms: a whole lot of nothing this week

Nursery: we tried hanging some curtains we had and decided they are a no-go. 

Belly Button in or out? In still! Yay!

Wedding rings on or off? On 

Mood: excited! I've got baby fever bad, which I never had before. I never had that feeling of 'I'm ready and want a baby now!' I was more like 'well we know we want kids someday so why not now.' 

Workouts: 5 mile hike with mike, 2 3-mile runs, arm and core workouts. I'm determined to stay in shape! 

16-week bumpdate

 

How far along: 16 weeks

Baby Size: An avocado (4 1/2 in, 3 1/2 oz)
Weight gain: 8 ibs -- we don't own a scale so this one may remain the same between appointments
Maternity clothes: Bought a pair of white maternity jeans, which I've already busted out (I don't follow 'fashion' rules); bought a few tops and everything else is pre-maternity stuff. Still fit into my old stuff but rocking a few of my maternity tops. Also, I've tried the belly band but find the maternity jeans are more comfy.

Stretch marks: No, fingers crossed they'll stay away. I've been applying coconut oil and purchased the Honest Co belly balm. I know stretch marks are inevitable if they're going to happen but it's fun to rub down the growing belly.   Sleep: Sleeping pretty good. I had a ton of insane dreams the first trimester but they've chilled out since. I literately have to have at least 9 hours of sleep or I feel horrible the next day. I'm not used to all this sleep but soaking it in while I can.   Gender: No idea yet. We find out early April :)!

Movement: Not that I can identify. Everything I feel just feels like gas (TMI??)
Best moment this week:  > Having our first Centering Pregnancy appointment this week. > Seeing Mike as a dad already. He talks and kisses my belly when he gets home from work and before going to bed. He's going to be the cutest dad ever.  > Finally announcing to the rest of the world that we're pregnant. I hate keeping secrets and am a HORRIBLE liar so I was glad to get this one out in the open.    Looking forward to: A growing belly

Food cravings: Breakfast foods, eggs and any fresh fruit; I've been eating a ton of sweets too but not craving them. I just have NO self control anymore. If it's there...I'll eat it.      Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope, I've actually been pretty lucky in this department. The only thing I can't smell or eat anymore is brussel sprouts.    Labor Signs: Nope   What I miss: Cocktails, raw fish, red wine. All of these are my Spring/Summer staples so the warm weather this weekend really brought in the cravings.   Symptoms: A few pains here and there in the belly, which is supposedly my ligaments thickening and stretching, and in my back. Yesterday, I felt nauseous all day but that's not a common occurrence. Mostly, I feel pretty normal.
Nursery: We finally cleared out most of the room (it was packed full of stuff and doubled as a guest room). My friend Anna came over and we painted the room a soft gray (or baby elephant as she calls it). We've purchased a few things like a rocker from the flea market and this Crate & Barrel rug (got that puppy on sale, holler!).

Belly Button in or out? In
Wedding rings on or off? On

Mood: Happy and excited. I'm trying not to wish the time away because I'm already getting 'I want baby here' fever but I just can't wait to snuggle the little nugget and see Mike as a dad.
Workouts: A couple runs, some bun workouts and two 30 min yoga routines   Here are a few photogs from previous weeks. The bump came and went during week 12-14. I think a little bit of it was food baby.