38 Weeks

Such a late post.....but OH well-- Sorry!  :)

How far along? 38 Weeks!

Symptoms? Sore hips/back, fatigue, peeing ALL the time, inability to be comfortable, lightening crotch, cramping, contractions, baby dropping (kicks are still high, but lower than they were) AND swelling hands and feet! I thought I'd made it without this symptom. BOO!

Sleep: Trying to sleep....but feeling so excited!
Best moment this week: This week was pretty crazy, but I guess the best/worst moment was started Sunday. I had been having contractions that became regular so we went to the hospital, got hooked up in labor and delivery, and then we were sent home as I was only dilated 2 cm and the contractions fizzled out. Bummer. However, at my appointment on Tuesday, I had not dilated anymore, but I was about 80% effaced. Basically (according to the doc) I could go at anytime., so she asked my my thoughts of being induced. My response....YES, PLEASE! So.....next Tuesday, December 22, I am going in to have this baby! (Now don't get me wrong....I'm starting to panic a little bit about labor.....but I'm just trying not to think about that part....We are going to have our baby!!!!)

Miss Anything? Being comfortable.....and not having a belly the size of a globe.

Movement: Poor boy is cramped....but he's as active as ever. He was really excited the night we went to the hospital!

Food cravings: Nothing really---actually, haven't been very hungry this week.
Gender prediction: Sweet boy!

Labor Signs?  Quite a few (and a few that are gross, so I won't mention them)---but mostly just contractions. They've been irregular since Sunday.

Belly Button in or out?  Still both....mostly flat!
Wedding rings on or off? Off! Fingers be fat!
Mood: Excited and Anxious!
Looking forward to: Next Tuesday! This is really and truly happening!!!! We are going to meet our SON!

37 Weeks!

How far along? 37 Weeks!

Symptoms? Sore hips/back, fatigue, peeing ALL the time, inability to be comfortable, lightening crotch, cramping, and possible contractions??? 

Sleep: Sleeping better...except, as soon as I lay down, I feel like I have to pee again!
Best moment this week: We accomplished so much over the weekend! We got all of our Christmas decorations up, installed the baby's car seat, put our weather tech in the CRV, and did some baby shopping! We also had a fun date night in watching the Disney Christmas Parade online while eating homemade chocolate dipped marshmallows. So fun! :)

Miss Anything? Being able to put my socks on by myself....and not feeling like my stomach is taking over my entire body.

Movement: Still squirmy boy...but I think he is as cramped as I am uncomfortable! Just 3 weeks, little man!

Food cravings: Spicy foods......sweet foods...you name it, it prb sounds good to me. However, I have been feeling a little nauseous at night, so dinner does not always sound as good as breakfast or lunch.
Gender prediction: Sweet boy!

Labor Signs?  Possibly? Everyone who sees me thinks baby as dropped (I can't tell....he's been low the whole time) and I'm pretty sure I have had some random braxton hicks contractions. I woke up the other night with terrible back pain and started to panic, but it went away and never came back. I guess I will find out more at my 37 week appointment on Thursday!

Belly Button in or out?  It's a little bit of both....
Wedding rings on or off? Officially off! Just in case!
Mood: Just DAWG tired. I'm too tired to feel anything lol
Weekly Wisdom:  Just take it a day at a time!
Looking forward to: My 37 week appointment and doing a little Christmas shopping this weekend! :)

36 Weeks

How far along? 36 Weeks!

Symptoms? Super sore hips and lower back, gas (gross, I know), inability to sleep through the night. Lots of jabbing and poking from baby, along with plenty of pressure on my bladder!

Sleep: Sleep is something I REALLY miss. I am flip flopping like a pancake all night long. My hips get SO sore from being on one side for too long. I know that sleep is something I will be deprived of from now on, but even 20 minutes of COMFORTABLE sleep would be better than what I've got going on right now! 
Best moment this week: We had a good time with Christopher's family over Thanksgiving and ate lots of yummies! Also, had a good 35 and 36 week appointment. Baby boy is still cooking away, with no dilating in site!

Miss Anything? Feeling like my normal self

Movement: Lots of movement---little guy pushes up and squirms quite a bit. His movements are still super uncomfortable--as I am sure they will continue to be until he makes his grand appearance! 

Food cravings: Basically, anything bad for me sounds amazing.
Gender prediction: Little man :)

Labor Signs?  Non at all! Not even a BH contraction!

Belly Button in or out?  Still in...put part of the lower button is looking like it wants to come out.....EEK!
Wedding rings on or off? On, fingers are only puffy when I get too hot or if I haven't had enough water.
Mood: Holy Mood Swings. One minute I'm fine, the next I'm ticked off, the next I want to cry. Pregnancy is wack-a-doo.
Weekly Wisdom:  Just breath!
Looking forward to: Putting up our Christmas decorations this week and spending a quiet weekend at home. Also, next Tuesday is my 37 week appointment and we will officially be FULL TERM! WAHOO!  :)

Happy Thanksgiving!

Gobble till ya wobble!

35 Weeks

This is a pretty crazy week...and Mama is tired! I will make sure to update the blog (doubly) next week!! :)

34 Weeks

How far along? 34 Weeks!

Symptoms? Insomnia on occasion, back aches, 

Sleep: Sleeping for stretches of about 4 hours and then I will wake up and be wide awake. I think part of the issue is I have so much on my mind!
Best moment this week: Finally being done with the parent-teacher conferences that have been running my life for the past few weeks. DONE! 

Miss Anything? Getting out of bed like a normal person. Sleeping like a normal person. And sub sandwiches. Home stretch, folks....I can almost taste that turkey and salami sandwich!!!!

Movement: Poor guy is running out of room. He moves quite a bit during the day trying to find a comfortable position. While I love his movements, they are often strong and sometimes take my breath away. (especially when he punches my bladder). Also--lots of little hiccups down low. Stay head down, little dude!

Food cravings: Fall sweets--especially apple, cranberry, and pumpkin flavors! I'm also looking forward to some yummy Thanksgiving eats! Bring on that bird!
Gender prediction: Boy!

Labor Signs?  I don't think so....not even a braxton hicks that I know of! Just lots of sharp jabs from little man.

Belly Button in or out?  Flat as a pancake! (mmmm....pancakes!)
Wedding rings on or off? Still on!
Mood: Literally everything is pushing my buttons. I'm trying hard to not lash out at others....but....well, sorry in advance.
Weekly Wisdom:  Don't try to fix something that doesn't want to be fixed. I am having a really hard time dealing with this fact. All I can do is worry about having my life together and I can't help it if others in my life choose to make poor choices.
Looking forward to: Thanksgiving break....which is THANKFULLY a FULL WEEK! Praise! I'm hoping to make a lot of progress on Grayson's room and be as close to done as possible!

33 Weeks

How far along? 33 Weeks!

Symptoms? Just feeling uncomfortable overall. I also am feeling REALLY dumb--baby brain is a serious thing!

Sleep: I'm feeling very tired a lot of the day and I am crashing by 9 most evenings. Most nights, I can sleep through the night, however, I have a few nights that'll I wake up around 3 and be WIDE awake for at least an hour. SO annoying. 
Best moment this week:Getting our new fridge! Yay! And my baby shower at work was so nice. My team did an amazing job and spoiled us rotten! 

Miss Anything? Mobility. Getting off the couch takes an act of God. 

Movement: Lots of baby movements...however, I can definitely tell he is running out of room! Just a little bit longer, little man!

Food cravings: For some reason, I have been wanting chocolate chip pancakes....and I haven't had them yet! I am also still loving on all things apple: apple juice, apple cider, apple sauce....and just plain apples. I can't get enough! YUM!
Gender prediction: Boy!

Labor Signs?  Not at all!

Belly Button in or out?  Flat button
Wedding rings on or off? Still on!
Weekly Wisdom: This too shall pass!
Looking forward to: Early Thanksgiving with my family this weekend!

32 Weeks

Again....a little late on my post. Monday night, we noticed a huge puddle coming out of the fridge. We opened the freezer to a HUGE, melty mess. So sad. The wonderful life as homeowners! We lost our first appliance and had to buy a new one. EEK. Not to mention I had to deal with some drama at work that I definitely don't get paid enough to deal with. Oh well....my big ol' baby belly is a constant reminder of how blessed we really are. :)

How far along? 32 Weeks!

Symptoms? Very uncomfortable. Very TIRED. I feel like I could sleep all day. Round ligament pains and baby kicking pains.

Sleep: Sleeping well---just getting up quite a bit to potty!
Best moment this week: hmmmm. Any moment that was not at work. HA. This week was a stinky one. 
Worst moment: Refrigerator dying :(

Miss Anything? NOT being stressed out. This week has been crazy.

Movement: Baby dances all the time. I like to sit and feel him press against my hands. I also have enjoyed playing some of my favorite Disney tunes for him. This kiddo is being born into a Disney crazed family for sure!

Food cravings: Apples and peanut butter; bananas with Nutella. Yum-o! Also, hot spiced cider. MMMMM!
Gender prediction: Boy!

Labor Signs?  Nope

Belly Button in or out?  Still flat--I'm doubting it will pop!
Wedding rings on or off? I'm living dangerously and keeping them on. As long as I drink plenty of water, my fingers seem to stay slim enough!
Weekly Wisdom: You can't fix stupid.
Looking forward to: HOPEFULLY a less stressful work week. HOPEFULLY no more appliances dying in the house. HOPEFULLY some rest. Dear Lord, please! 

Also, my baby shower at work--yay! :)

Halloween Recap

Well, Halloween was wet, but not a complete wash out. We had trick-or-treaters, but not nearly as many as last year. We decided to order pizza and enjoy some movies on TV while we waited on the doorbell to ring. Also, earlier in the week, we painted a pumpkin for a contest, in which we did not place. Oh well. We just enjoyed having our Grumpy Cat masterpiece on our porch. Inside, we had our very own grumpy cat dressed as the devil....which she did not enjoy (as predicted). She kept her hood on for....ooooooh....maybe 5 mintues? If that? Oh well...she's so darn cute, I don't even care. 

And, as if on cue, a Christmas commercial is already playing. Good grief!

Painting Grumpy Pumpkin Cat

Grumpy Cat Completed!

Our Grumpy Cat!

Little Devil

Happy Halloween!

I love Halloween! 

I'm sad since this year it's looking rainy, so I hope we get some trick-or-treaters. (especially because I don't need to be eating all this candy!) One of my favorite past times is dressing the Elsa up for the holiday....which she might just hate. 

Oh well. I'm the mom. I win. She will be in costume! :)

31 weeks......just a few days late!

Ooof! After a CRAZY week, (with multiple nights of parent/teacher conferences, a field trip, changing lesson plans, technology training, data teams, and nasty weather) I am finally getting to make this post! I'm hoping that next week will finally slow down for a little bit---at least at work! I've been chasing my tail the past few weeks and I am pooped!!!!

How far along? 31 Weeks!

Symptoms? Just feeling uncomfortable. Round ligament pains on occasion, heartburn, sore hips. That lovely gas from the first trimester has come back (I know, gross, right?) Peeing ALL the time now, thanks to sweet boy treating my bladder like a squeeze toy.  On occasion, I can feel little man pressing into my rib, but usually he will just punch me directly in the bladder. I love his movements, but man, he's hurting me from time to time! Ouch!

Sleep: Sleeping well, just flipping like a pancake. Still getting up to tinkle once or twice every night.
Best moment this week: Making it to Friday! Ha....it was a LONG week! :)

Miss Anything? Cold, deli sammies. I've been listing off sandwich orders to Christopher for the day after delivery.

Movement: Baby dances all the time. I love seeing my tummy roll around in different directions. Sometimes he feels like he is pushed up and laying against my front, which is exceptionally uncomfortable. I usually try moving around to encourage him to change positions, but that usually results in him punching my bladder. Oh well. 9 weeks, kiddo! :)

Food cravings: Nothing in particular; I just have a good appetite. The scale at the doctor made me panic at my last appointment, so I am trying really hard not to give into so many temptations these last few weeks. OF COURSE, baby is due during the holidays....SO. Hmm. We will see how that goes. Yowza.
Gender prediction: Boy!

Labor Signs?  Nope

Belly Button in or out?  So small....so flat (but still an innie!)
Wedding rings on or off? Yesterday my fingers were a little puffy and my rings felt snug, but not to the point where they were hard to get off. I'm thinking I may stop wearing them soon, just in case.
Mood: Irritable....but that's nothing new....just escalated by pregnancy
Weekly Wisdom: Just. Breath. Hard times will pass!
Looking forward to: Passing out candy to all the trick-or-treaters that come a' calling! I love seeing the kiddos dressed up in their costumes--so fun! :)

Pics from the Weekend

Here are a few pics from our trip to Chicago/Madison this past weekend! Enjoy!

30 Weeks

How far along? 30 Weeks-- 10 weeks to go! WHOA!

Symptoms? A lot of the same---also adding in occasional shoulder pain/stiffness from being on one side too long at night. Also, my tummy is feeling very uncomfortable and stretched out.....I'm feeling like there is no more room....but I know I am OH so wrong. 

Sleep: Sleeping well, as long as I am in my own bed. Not so well anywhere else!
Best moment this week: Getting to be in Chicago with Christopher's family for our baby shower. Christopher's brother and sister-in-law threw us a lovely shower with lots of yummy food. Let me just say, I love being in the midwest during the fall---the weather is AMAZING and the scenery is beautiful. (Not to mention, all the good eats year round!) We were also able to spend a day in Madison, Wisconsin (where the hubs went to college). It was so fun to walk down memory lane, go to places where he would take me when I used to visit him, eat yummy food, and back University of Wisconsin gear for our little man. What a great weekend!

Miss Anything? Being able to put my socks on with ease. It's the little things, people!

Movement: Baby is still moving a ton, but I think he is beginning to run out of room. Some of his movements are more like he's "shifting" around and trying to get comfortable.....with an occasional kick to the ribs or punch to the gut!

Food cravings: Anything sweet. Anything savory. Deli meats are making me drool again. I want a COLD spicy italian from subway......like something fierce!
Gender prediction: Boy!

Labor Signs?  Not at all!

Belly Button in or out?  Looking VERY small......Christopher thinks it's about to blow!
Wedding rings on or off? Depends on the day.....but usually on!
Mood: MOODY!
Weekly Wisdom: Enjoy time with the ones you love! You spend so much time looking forward to something and before you can blink, it's over! Cherish the moments!
Looking forward to: A quiet weekend at home! YAY!

29 Weeks

How far along? 29 Weeks

Symptoms? Same old stuff, different day. Back pain, hip pain, heartburn. I've also added leg cramps in the mix. It is what it is!

Sleep: I am usually sleeping well at night. Occasionally I will wake up to go to the bathroom and  can't get back to sleep, but usually I can get settled again pretty quickly. I can tell my bladder is running out of room, as I am starting to get up multiple times in the night to go to the bathroom now. I didn't know I could pee so much in one day! 
Best moment this week: Birthing classes this past weekend were incredibly informative and beneficial. The head speaker was wonderful, and she brought in a plethora of other special guests, including a nutritionist, anesthesiologist and a pediatrician. We also got to go on a tour of the labor and delivery unit at our hospital, which made things feel even more real, and truthfully, made me feel a bit more relaxed. Hubby and I were very impressed the pediatrician and we were delighted to find out her practice is not far from our house. I called Monday to make an appointment to meet with her--so hopefully, she will be our kiddo's doc! Also, we got to see Larry and the Madam this weekend as they made a quick trip to Franklin. It was fun catching up, as well as getting Pucketts AND Pancake Pantry. NAM!

Miss Anything? Not having to pee all the time. I used to have a bladder of steel. I guess those days are over.

Movement: Baby is squirmy and wiggly. Sometimes his kicks/punches almost hurt---especially when they involve my bladder. I've also felt some baby hiccups multiple times. Christopher loves to feel those teeny, little hiccups!

Food cravings: Sweets. Most definitely, sweets. I did get my fix of blackberry cobbler Saturday night at Pucketts. DELISH!
Have you started to show yet: Last update on this one. One word: DUH.
Gender prediction: Boy!

Labor Signs?  I don't think so and I pray it stays that way!

Belly Button in or out?  Looking flatter AND smaller. Will it pop??
Wedding rings on or off? On...even though, I thought after the weekend they might be off. However,  I think I was just a little dehydrated.
Mood: Irritable and anxious---but excited for the weekend.
Weekly Wisdom: Give thanks, even when you have a crummy day. Lift people up; don't tear them down. You  never know what is going on someone else's life.
Looking forward to: Seeing the hubby's family this weekend, visiting his college campus, and having our 2nd baby shower! So much to look forward to! :)

1 in 4

October has always held significance for me, as I feel it is the start of the holiday season. First of all, it begins with my birthday, ends with Halloween, and somewhere in the middle, Christmas decorations go up at Target. However, as of this year, October is giving me another reason to reflect. October 15th is pregnancy and infant loss awareness month. The beginning of 2015 was so incredibly difficult with the loss of our first baby. I'm incredibly thankful for the little boy that is growing in my tummy and everyday I get more excited to meet him. However, he does not replace the baby that was lost. He is my 2nd child---the little brother. My first little love is already in heaven.  Albeit his young gestation, that little Bean made me a mommy in my heart and I still mourn his loss.

Sadly, miscarriage, infant loss, and infertility are very common. Insanely common. I had no idea until I became a mommy of a lost little. One in four pregnancies results in the loss of the baby. Those odds are staggering. If you have ever suffered a pregnancy or infant loss, my heart and prayers go out to you. If you have not, I guarantee you know someone who has. On October 15th, light a candle  in remembrance for the  lives  lost all too soon.

A life is a life, no matter how small.

Click on the pic below for more info on this topic:

*Last night I sadly learned that a friend has suffered the loss of her newborn son, who was born at 21 weeks gestation. I can only imagine the crushing grief she and her husband are feeling. Please lift them up in your thoughts and prayers.*

28 Weeks!

Wow! Two trimesters down...where has the time gone? Only 12 weeks to go!

 (now, excuse me while I panic....)

How far along? 28 Weeks

Symptoms? Hip and back pain still. Heartburn. General moodiness for no reason. However, on a positive note, healthy nails and hair! :)

Sleep: I'm sleeping well at night, with an occasional wake up to flip over/potty. Only problem is, I sleep so deeply that getting up in the morning has been getting a lot harder. Not to mention, I think the fatigue is coming back....I feel like I could nap during the day again. Uh-oh!
Best moment this week: My birthday this past Saturday....we had a great day together with some yummy food, shopping, and best of all, our 4D ultrasound! We finally got to see our little guy looking like a baby (and not an alien haha). It was so incredibly sweet and exciting. I just can't quit watching the DVD. Definitely the best birthday ever! :)

Miss Anything? Mobility. Getting off the couch or out of bed? Yes, the struggle is real.

Movement: Baby is head down and isn't shy about throwing punches. We even caught him on tape giving mommy a knuckle sandwich on Saturday.

Food cravings: Savory sweets. Basically, if it's a carb and will make me 100 pounds heavier, I most likely want it. UGH.
Have you started to show yet: Oh, so round.
Gender prediction: Little man!

Labor Signs?  Possible Braxton Hicks contraction on occasion? Maybe? I don't know for sure...

Belly Button in or out?  Looking flatter!
Wedding rings on or off? On
Mood: Just moody......swinging here and there!
Weekly Wisdom: As I look back on the past few months, I'm amazed at how quickly this pregnancy has gone by....and now, we are only 12 weeks from D-Day! I think it's important to savor this time I've got left with just little dude and myself---even though I'm so anxious to meet him in person! 
Looking forward to: Our birthing classes this weekend! Hopefully we will learn a lot and it won't scare us too badly. :)

Here are some pics from this past weekend....

Birthday fun! (especially yummy breakfast and new boots!)

And now for the best....a few pics our sweet baby....
I could just eat him up!!!!

Be still my heart!

Can't wait to kiss those little feet!!!

sucking on the side of his little hand

little smile

oh, those sweet, little lips!

Hands are already in his mouth. Silly guy!

27 Weeks

How far along? 27 Weeks

Symptoms? Hip and back pain. Saturday was a rough day that started with a call to the doc on call (since basically every pre-term labor pain is ALSO normal pregnancy pain) and ended with a heating pad and tylenol. Also, I'm hungry....like, can't get full hungry. ALL the time.

Sleep: I'm sleeping really well through the night (with an occasional pee break around 2) but still waking up sore. Oh well...at least the insomnia is gone for now!
Best moment this week: Spending time with my hubby and planning our first family trip for this summer. So exciting!

Miss Anything? Now that the weather is cooler....I'm missing coffee. REAL coffee...not decaf.

Movement: Baby is as active as ever! He loves story time with daddy every night and will kick and roll when he hears his daddy's voice.

Food cravings: Still hungry--all the time. My appetite is really good, however, not for food that particularly good for me. Dear Walgreens......the Halloween candy you have on the shelves is so tempting..... I love you and hate you at the same time.... (tiny mellow-pumpkins......have mercy....)
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nothing this week! Feeling great! :)
Have you started to show yet: Looking large!
Gender prediction: Baby boy!

Labor Signs?  Nope...please stay this way!

Belly Button in or out?  Looking flat!
Wedding rings on or off? On
Mood: Happy! It's my favorite time of year! Yay for fall!
Weekly Wisdom: Always remember to be thankful!
Looking forward to: My birthday on Saturday! We are going to have breakfast at one of my favorite places in downtown Franklin and then we are going to have our 27 week 4D ultrasound! I can't wait to see our little man! What a wonderful birthday gift! 

A few more shower pics...

Here are some of the photos I couldn't get to upload the other day...