39 Weeks: Watermelon

How big is baby: Baby is the size of a watermelon this week (oh how I miss them...) 18.9-20.9 inches and 6.2-9.2 lbs. 

Stretch marks: No.  

Sleep:  Pretty much unchanged.  Hip pain.  Waking up at least twice to go to the bathroom.  Still really hard to roll over.   And the World Series starts tonight which means I'll be attempting to stay up later.  We'll see if I can make it through the whole game!

Diet/Cravings/Aversions:  Fruit and sweets.  Apples are now my staple. 

Exercise:  Walking. 

Gender: We'll find out in a few days/weeks!  We're ready any time now. 

Movement: All the time.  Still some rather uncomfortable jabs to the right side.  More and more hiccups now too.  

The belly:  Definitely there.  

What I'm spazzing about:  Nothing really.  I'm nervous in general, but not about any one thing in particular.  It's weird, but right now, I'm not really nervous about the delivery.  But don't worry, I know I will be soon enough.  I'm more nervous about the recovery.  I'm just so ready to get my body back in shape and I know that I'm really not supposed to work out until at least 6 weeks pospartum.  I'm hoping that I'll feel up to walking at least.

I'm also really worried about nursing.  I hear so many stories of people giving up, people who physically can't do it for one reason or another.  I know they say the first two weeks are the worst and I just need to make it through that period.  But I'm so worried it's going to be really bad even beyond that point.  I have tons of books I've been reading and have another I need to get to which will hopefully help.  And I have several friends who have offered great support and told me to call whenever with questions which is so nice.  I just need to have confidence that I CAN do this.  It's what's best for baby, plus I get the added bonus of saving money and hopefully shedding the weight faster :)  


What I'm loving:  Being so close!  While I have my moments, we are definitely excited and ready :) 

Symptoms:  Sore hips at night.  Still some reflux but it's gotten better.  Cramping and more and more braxton hicks contractions.  Swollen feet and ankles.  Pretty much unchanged.  The cramping was really bad last night.  So much so that I thought maybe it was the start of labor, but I was able to fall back asleep each time I got up and obviously nothing now.  Oh well, the time will come eventually. 

I progressed a little from last week.  I'm now 3 cm dilated.  Baby is at a -2 station so the head is dropping. 

What I'm looking forward to:  Baby's arrival!        

Best moment of the week:  I saw a woman at work, and she just kept telling me how great I looked.  I don't really know her and don't see her much at all, and she said she saw me from behind the other day and had no idea I was even near my due date let alone one week away.  She said you couldn't even tell I was pregnant.  I definitely like hearing that :)

38 Weeks: Pumpkin

How big is baby: Baby is the size of a pumpkin this week (happy October!) 18.9-20.9 inches and 6.2-9.2 lbs. 

Stretch marks: No.  

Sleep:  Hip pain.  Waking up at least twice now to go to the bathroom.  Still really hard to roll over.   Exactly the same as last week.  Now that work has slowed WAY down, I've been sleeping in until 7 am which has been so nice.  Especially since I've decided I must stay up and watch the Tigers :)

Diet/Cravings/Aversions:  Fruit and sweets.  Apples are now my staple.  I stocked up on apples and clementines at Sams Club this weekend.

Exercise:  Walking.  I do wish my mom and BFF lived closer.  It's nice having a walking buddy!

Gender: We'll find out in a FEW WEEKS!

Movement: All the time.  Still some rather uncomfortable jabs to the right side.  More and more hiccups now too.  

The belly:  Definitely there.  

What I'm spazzing about:  I'm starting to freak out a little that this baby may decide to come on election day which for us does not matter.  However, my dad works at their local township offices and that is probably the busiest day for him.    

What I'm loving:  Having less than two weeks!  Well, less than two weeks until our due date.  We'll see when this baby decides to make his/her appearance. 

Symptoms:  Sore hips at night.  Still some reflux but it's gotten better.  Cramping and more and more braxton hicks contractions.  Swollen feet and ankles.  And let's just say, some trouble going to the bathroom...I'll leave it at that :) 

I progressed a little from last week.  I'm now 2.5 cm dilated.  So not a ton of progress, but I'll take it!

What I'm looking forward to:  Our pre-baby weekend this weekend!  My goal is to get all of my cleaning done before Saturday so that we can just relax.  But we're going to do the cider mill and dinner downtown.  I'm excited :)        

Best moment of the week:  Being done with busy season!!  Such a huge relief.  Although, now I have almost nothing to do at work since I've transitioned everything for my maternity leave which has made the days drag.  I guess I always have to complain about something, right? :)  I've had stuff going on this week though that I've had to leave early for.  Coming in later helps too.  For now, my last day is tentatively November 2, assuming this baby doesn't come early.  I figure that way, I'm ending on a Friday, and the baby could have a full week/or partial week at day care as our trial run before I actually go back to work.  I know I'm probably going to have an extremely difficult time with that part, so I think having a few "fake" days where I can drop baby off for a few hours to get my feet wet will be good for me.

37 Weeks: Winter Melon

How big is baby: Baby is the size of a winter melon this week 18.9-20.9 inches and 6.2-9.2 lbs.  Umm...I'm hoping this baby is not 9.2 lbs with still 3 weeks to go!!  I doubt it since I'm measuring right on track, but I can't even imagine.

Stretch marks: No.  

Sleep:  Hip pain.  Waking up at least twice now to go to the bathroom.  Still really hard to roll over.   Now I'm waking up more and more just randomly.  I still feel pretty rested during the day though so so far, it's not a big deal.  Basically, exactly the same as last week.

Diet/Cravings/Aversions:  Fruit and sweets.  Thankfully this pregnancy is winding down because the fruit selection is definitely lacking now that it's fall.  No more watermelons :(

Exercise:  Walking when I have time which really hasn't been very often.  My mom and I went for a nice long walk while she was here.  It felt so good!  Once work slows down (Monday - yay!), I plan to try to walk every day.

Gender: We'll find out in a FEW WEEKS!

Movement: All the time.  Still some rather uncomfortable jabs to the right side.  Last night, there were some serious shots to my ribs as well.  I had to stand up so that there was more room for this little one.  

The belly:  Definitely there.  

What I'm spazzing about:  Nothing really.  

What I'm loving:  Being full term!  And having everything we can crossed off our list.  I feel so much better. 

Symptoms:  Sore hips at night.  Still some reflux but it's gotten better.  Numb patch at the top of my uterus.  Cramping and more and more braxton hicks contractions.  These are getting pretty crazy some days.  The doctor said not to call until I am having serious (can't talk or walk) contractions 4-5 minutes apart) so I'm no where near there yet, but things were definitely uncomfortable last night.  Swollen feet and ankles. 

I'm also 2 cm dilated and 50% effaced so things are progressing. The doctor said that it might mean they'll see me before next week or it might mean I'm going to be overdue.  There is just no telling.  She did say that it's a very good sign and that it's good to get those early centimeters out of the way.  So we'll see!

What I'm looking forward to:  Being done with busy season.  Less than one week and I can't wait!  It will be nice to take it easy at work and be able to leave at a decent time to go home to relax, run errands, go for walks, etc.

Also, as long as baby holds off, Aaron and I plan to take a weekend getaway next weekend to downtown Detroit.  We thought about this weekend, but he has a serious sprain from soccer last weekend.  We don't plan on doing anything too crazy, but I want to get to the local cider mill (even though I can't drink the cider) and walk around along the trails they have, go out for one last fancy dinner where we don't have to worry about a babysitter, and then stay down there at our favorite hotel.      

Best moment of the week:  Having my mom here.  I was so sad to see her go.  She was such a huge help.  Everything that can be done is crossed off our list.  There are two things I want to do still in the nursery that we have to hold off on until baby is born (I'll do a reveal soon, hopefully, of it thus far) and then we have to pack our bags.  I was hoping to pack at least some stuff early, but I need almost everything I want to pack so I think I'm just going to wait and hope my labor is slow :)  I do have my list made out though so it's just a matter of putting the stuff in a bag. 

35 Weeks: Coconut

How big is baby: Baby is the size of a coconut this week 17.2-18.7 inches and 4.2-5.8 lbs.  

Stretch marks: No.  I thought I had found one, but then realized it was one of the scars from my surgery that had stretched.

Sleep:  Hip pain.  Waking up at least twice now to go to the bathroom.  It's also getting really hard to roll over.   

Diet/Cravings/Aversions:  Fruit and sweets.  I've been drinking lots of chai tea at work.

Exercise:  Walking when I have time.  Work has been kicking my butt!

Gender: We'll find out in October!  It's crazy to think October is just in a few days...

Movement: All the time.  There have still been some uncomfortable movements at times.  Aaron always immediately asks what's wrong, thinking I'm having a serious contraction.  Nope, just a jab to my hip.  

The belly:  Definitely there.  

What I'm spazzing about:  I've been so worried that baby is going to come early.  I just need one more week and then everything will pretty much be checked off our list.  Granted, even more time would be nice, but I have a lot to do next weekend.

What I'm loving:  Even though there still is a lot left to do, knowing that if baby comes early, everything will most likely be ok now.  Tuesday also marked the 35/35 point...35 weeks along and only 35 days left until our due date.

Symptoms:  Sore hips at night.  Still some reflux but it's gotten better.  Numb patch at the top of my uterus.  Cramping and more and more braxton hicks contractions.   

What I'm looking forward to:  My mom's visit next weekend and our last class tomorrow!  And only two weeks of busy season and work and then I can relax more.    

Best moment of the week:  We toured the hospital this week.  It definitely made it seem much more real and very close.  Everything went well though and the rooms were really nice.  Now at least we'll know where we are going :)  And...we have names!!  Aaron requested the we have two names per gender so that we can see the baby and see which name fits the best.  I like all four names, so I was perfectly ok with that.  

Reality Check

I went to get ready to post my 35 week post ON TIME last night and then I couldn't use the camera...maybe I'll be able to get to it tonight after our hospital tour...or maybe it will be super late again when I'm almost 36 weeks. 

Regardless, I had my 35 week appointment today.  And I had all of these questions written down about all of the braxton hicks contractions I've been having and when I should start worrying about them to make sure I give the hospital enough time to stop them.  Because oh my gosh, I'm only 35 weeks and this baby isn't technically fully cooked until 37 weeks so surely they will stop labor.

Ummm...NO!  I was completely wrong.  The PA looked at me before I even got to that question and said emphatically, "Girl, we aren't stopping anything now!"  She's very spunky, and I completely love her, and wish she did labors.  But I'm pretty sure the look on my face was, what?  I'm not ready yet!

Granted, there have been no signs that this baby will come early, minus the cramping and braxton hicks.  But nothing consistent that should worry me.  But you know me, I worry :)

To sum it up, OMG, this just got real!

Letter to Baby

Dear Baby,

In just over 5 weeks, we'll finally get to meet you.  Unless of course you decide to stay cozy a little longer.  In two short weeks, you'll be fully grown and ready to come out according to all of the books.  Mommy and daddy might prefer that extra three weeks though to get a few more things done and to relax once busy season is over at work :)

I've always dreamed of being a mommy.  I carefully dressed and styled each and every one of my baby dolls when I was little.  Reading and rocking them to sleep and having tea parties. 

I was probably ready a little earlier than daddy to become a parent, so of course, I had to wait a few more months.  Little did we know what would lie ahead in our journey to you.  The road was filled with a lot of bumps, some small and others that were extremely large.  But we made it.  And all of those worries, heartaches, and tears that were shed are going to be so worth it.  Because in the end we get you.

I'm trying to soak up these last few weeks of you growing inside me.  I'm trying to savor every stretch and kick (even the ones that are little uncomfortable) and not wish the time to go by too quickly.  Mommy is a worrier and this pregnancy has definitely given mommy a whole new set of worries.  I just want to hold you and count all those fingers and toes and know that everything really is ok.  And I know once you are here, that worrying won't stop.  It will just be a whole other set of worries.  But we'll get through it.

We can't wait to meet you Baby.  Mommy and daddy love you so much already.

Love,
Mommy and Daddy xoxo

34 Weeks: Butternut squash

While this post is really late, the picture was
actually take on Tuesday at 34 Weeks.  Work got the
best of me this week!

How big is baby: Baby is the size of a butternut squash this week 17.2-18.7 inches and 4.2-5.8 lbs.  

Stretch marks: No.

Sleep:  Hip pain.  Waking up more to go to the bathroom.  I think I'm getting sick though which should make sleep interesting.  A lot of people at work have had horrible colds and it feels like I've finally caught it.  I've never really been a big medicine person during the day, but I always would take Tylenol cold PM to help me sleep through the night.  And now that I can't take that, we'll see how I do.  This could potentially be a long week.  Maybe I won't get as sick as they were.  Fingers crossed!   

Diet/Cravings/Aversions:  Fruit and sweets.  And I finally got another watermelon this week!  It's been too long :)

Exercise:  Walking when I have time.  Work has been kicking my butt!

Gender: We'll find out in October!  

Movement: All the time.  And getting more painful.  I'll take it though :)  It seems like the head is still down and the butt is up by my left rib and maybe the baby is laying sideways from that position.  Like hands and feet are kind of off to the right.  The most painful jabs are way wayyyy off to the right where arms and hands might be.  I do feel kicks closer to my ribs but the far right movement is what can get a little uncomfortable.  

The belly:  Definitely there.  

What I'm spazzing about:  Nothing really this week.

What I'm loving:  Finishing up our classes.  We have our hospital tour on Wednesday which I think will make it really real.  

Symptoms:  

1. Sore hips at night.  
2. Horrible, horrible reflux.  I told Aaron today that I am probably burning a hole through my esophagus.  I have it listed to talk to the doctor about it on Wednesday to see if I can take anything stronger than Tums.  I've been trying to watch how many I take in a day, but they are starting to just not cut it anymore.  I can live with it if I have to, but this is one of the things I am definitely looking forward to being gone once baby comes.  
3. Terrible back pain at work.  
4. Numb patch at the top of my uterus.  
5. Some cramping which the doctor said was normal since my uterus is growing.  
6. I'm starting to notice a lot more braxton hicks contractions.  Yesterday, they were coming pretty regularly after work about every 40 minutes.  Nothing painful, but definitely noticeable.  Today they haven't been as frequent, but I've had a few.  I did exactly what the doctor said and just rested and drank lots of water.  Going to bed finally did the trick :)

What I'm looking forward to:  Reflux relief...does that count?? :)  I'm really, really excited for my mom's visit in a few weeks.  I really miss being closer so it will be nice to have her here.  The fabric for the crib skirt arrived this week so once it's washed, we are ready to go!     

Best moment of the week:  Checking our breastfeeding class off the to do list.  It was extremely informative!