August 31, 2014 - 29 Weeks

Officially my last week in the 20s.  Then only 10 weeks left.  Things are getting real!

Not much new pregnancy-wise.  I'm getting to the "I'm done point" which isn't great considering I still have 2.5ish months left.  I no longer can paint my toes or do any sort of bending over without seriously squishing this little guy.  I get so tired by the end of the day or start having serious braxton hicks contractions that I try not to overdo it, but then I feel like I'm jipping Zoe and being a lazy bum.  Thankfully, she's content when I read or do puzzles with her.  And she could care less if I sit and watch her play outside rather then partaking in all the fun.  It's my own guilt I guess.  She prefers to sit on my lap though now for everything which is starting to get tricky since I'm running out of lap room as this belly keeps getting bigger.

I'm trying so hard to get her to grasp that there will be a little human here soon.  I just don't think she has any clue.  I'll tell her baby brother is in my belly and she looks at me and lifts up my shirt and looks at me again and just pokes my belly button and does her "I'm tickling you" squeal.  I'm praying that her transition goes ok. 

We made our one and only trip up north this weekend.  So much fun and too short as always!  Traffic wasn't bad at all thankfully.  Zoe is great in the car (especially now that she can face forward), but she only lasts so long.  And 5 hours is long as it is...add in traffic and that's tough. 

While some our meals out weren't so great (mom and dad are still trying to figure out what places have good food and which don't - we definitely helped with the do not go back list), we made up for it with lots of trips to the playground, a little children's museum, walks, shopping, feeding the ducks, camp fires, etc.  Zoe had so much fun, slept great, and misses her camper already :)

August 24, 2014 - 28 Weeks

(I've had this saved for a week now waiting to add the picture, but the picture never happened.  Oops!)

Third trimester!  Things are getting real now.  Once we are back from up north, we are going to need to start getting our last few projects done.  It's really all cosmetic at this point, so I suppose everyone will live if we don't get it done.  Although, we still have not discussed names at all.  I finally put my list out so I would remember that we absolutely need to figure this out.  Don't worry baby boy, we really are excited!  Your sister is just a busy body during the day and I'm a blob on the couch by 8pm :)

While I went from being REALLY nervous about having a baby when Zoe was JUST turning 2, to mildy nervous, I'm really getting ready to meet this little guy.  Not only so that I can do all of my normal daily activities without feeling like I just ran a marathon, but also to have that newborn smell, and that teeny tiny baby to love all over.  It's hard to believe that we'll be able to love another little nugget as much as we love Zoe, because man, she's adorable and hilarious and smart and SO MUCH FUN and steals my heart every day.  But somehow, I know it's going to explode all over again.

My appointment this week went great.  I'm up 21 lbs total.  For a brief moment, I did the math wrong and thought it was 30 and had a mental freak out.  I'm trying to remember though it is what it is.  I feel like I say this after every appointment.  I guess I don't need to write down my mental struggle every time.

Apparently I'm also measuring right on track which I was shocked about.  I feel like I look quite a bit bigger already this time around.  The doctor assured me I'm not going to birth a 12 pounder (yet).

I start going every two weeks.  Crazy that I'm to that point already!  I think it stays this way until week 36, then I go once a week.

We had a nice, lazy weekend after the chaos from the week before.  I've realized Zoe has a shopping addiction like her mom.  I'll tell her we're going shopping and she whines and whines "Shopppppiinnnngggg!" until we are actually there.  Oh boy.  Target is one of her favorites.  Thankfully, she's all about the people watching and doesn't want everything she sees (yet).  Her and I ran errands most of the morning until her nap.  Then we played until it was time for dinner.  She's very into our neighbor Morgane and loves playing when they are out.  We only saw them for about 5 minutes before we ran to dinner.  Maybe this week!

Sunday we went to the zoo.  We realized that Zoe likes the animals for about an hour, then prefers to just run around and have fun with everything but the animals.  She was still good and not mischevious at all, she just didn't care about what we were seeing.  We decided that we'll have to go around backwards next time so she can enjoy the end animals a little more.

Next weekend is up north!

August 17, 2014 - 27 Weeks

I was so worried with the rate my bump was growing that this would be a gigantic baby.  Now that I look at pictures over the last few weeks, I think he just had a growth spurt and now it's evened out until the next growth spurt.  His kicks and taps are getting stronger and stronger.

I'm still feeling ok and nothing other than the hip pain at night.  Still craving all things fruit.  I have a horrendous canker sore on my tongue in the worst spot (it basically scrapes on my molers anytime I eat or talk), so eating has been interesting the past few days.  I might need to resort to smoothies....if I can find a place that makes them.  Although drinking out of a straw hurts even worse.  I think I'm through the worst of it though.  It was a long few days earlier this week.

There really hasn't been a whole lot that's new pregnancy-wise this week.  All of our energy/worries have revolved around the storm of the century we got hit with Monday night.  I picked up Zoe from day care and the lake had formed in her room.  Things went downhill fast from there.  We got home and she loved walking in the rain from the car to the house..she had her rain coat on so it was fun for her (not so much for me, but her giggles helped).  I checked the basement and everything looked ok.  We had a very slow leak in one of the windows because of the amount of rain and Aaron needed to unclog the gutters.  Very manageable though.  Nothing a towel couldn't take care of.  That was about 6:15.  Aaron got home at 7 because of traffic and roads starting to close.  Zoe and I were just cleaning up her dinner and Aaron ran out to take care of the gutter.  Then he went downstairs and the mayhem started.  Water was coming up from the sewer.

Now I in my pregnant and over emotional state started flipping out and sobbing (let's be honest...I would have done this even if I wasn't pregnant).  He did what he could to get things off the floor that weren't wet yet.  He gave me stuff to put up so he could get it out to the garage.  Baby clothes that I had JUST taken out of totes to rewash were floating.  I hope Zoe has no recollection of my crazy yelling and crying.  I finally realized it was what it was and got her ready for bed.  And proceeded to sob on and off all night until about 2am. 

The bad news....we don't have the insurance rider that covers this. 

The good news....We recently reorganized the basement last summer and almost everything was off the ground.  Most of what was on the ground was plastic and easily sanitized.  What wasn't plastic appears to be in good shape and hopefully the bleach keeps away the nastiness.  The laundry is coming out great thanks to a few tips the flood cleaners gave us (although a long process).  While we lost a few things, nothing was sentimental and nothing was of huge value.  We know a lot of people who have it a lot worse.  So I'm counting our blessings where I can.

Thankfully our neighbors have a family friend who owns a cleaning company and they came out Tuesday to give us a quote and were back that night to clean.  I've heard that most companies have days long waiting lists.  And with the smell that was creaping up the stairs by Tuesday afternoon, I'm so thankful that they thought of us and asked if we'd like them to come over.  The owner has come back twice nice to check on everything and was super helpful with how we should clean all the stuff we'd moved to the garage and how we should clean the laundry.  Stuff I never would have figured out on my own.

While times like these suck and I don't want it to happen again EVER, it's so nice to see all of the support and help from those around you.  Again, our neighbors were a saving grace by offering to have their friend come over with his company.  We've also comiserated at least once a day (I like to complain as part of my therapy :) ).  My mother-in-law dropped everything and drove over Tuesday morning to watch Zoe and help us clean.  My parents have offered up a lot as well.

Let's hope next week is a little more low key, ok?

August 10, 2014 - 26 weeks

Time is just moving right along over here.  We are trying to soak up the last month of true summer as much as we can and balance getting Zoe's room ready. We are almost to the "putting up the decorations phase" which is way more fun then all of the moving and patching the wall crap.  In just 3 short weeks, we get to finally make our way up north.

I had an unexpected appointment this week (more on that later) and I'm still up about 20-21 lbs.  If I only gain a pound every other week, I'll end up about right where I was with Zoe which doesn't feel too daunting at all.  However, in my past experience, I was at about a pound a week towards the end.  In my defense, I think a lot was water weight when I look at pictures Aaron took.  My face really did swell up more than I noticed in the moment.

Sleep is still fabulous!  Zoe always sleeps well but sometimes will cry in her sleep.  It usually doesn't last long, but it wakes me up.  This hasn't happened in a while and has been glorious.  It did happen 3 times last night which is super unusual for her.  I went in and rocked her at one point just to make sure she was ok.  Again, she was totally asleep and unaware.  I just wanted to enjoy some extra snuggles.  Her nap at school was horrible though which usually always equates to bad sleep all around for her.  Hopefully today is better.  I can't complain though.  One bad night out of the month is nothing to worry about.

I'm currently obsessed with peaches still.  I could eat a handfull a day.  I'm trying to limit it to two at the most.  I have no idea how I would survive being pregnant in the winter here in MI.  I just can't stop with the fruit!

I am getting super full fast now though.  And I still have 14 weeks to go.  I don't feel like I look exceptionally bigger than I did with Zoe at this point.  But I can tell my stomach just has no where to expand at this point.

No huge worries this week.  I did go to the doctor to get a weird feeling I've been having on and off checked out.  It was almost like I felt like my bones down "there" were growing because they were aching when I walked.  The nurse thought it was probably fine but had me come in to get checked just to be safe.  Sure enough, baby boy is locked up tight.  Let's stay that way for a while, ok?

The sore hips while sleeping are making there way back :(  No heartburn though.  Definitely hitting the uncomfortable point though.  I'm just done by the end of the day.  I'd love to go for a walk or go to the gym but I just want to crash.  And then I get uncomfortable and my back hurts.  Complain, complain :)

August 3, 2014 - 25 Weeks

 

It's August already...where is the summer going??  I knew this would happen especially with how busy our calendar was from the end of June through July, but seriously.  I feel like it just got warm.  Only 4 weeks until Labor Day!  Which I'm excited for since it's our only trip up north this year but still! 

I realized that I forgot to document my weight gain from my last appointment....ugh.  I don't really want to, but I do like being able to look back.  And IN CASE we have a third, I know I'll want to know.  19-20 lbs already.  I'm hoping now that vacation is over, this will slow way down.

I'm still sleeping fine.  Now that I'm back in my own bed, my hips don't hurt nearly as bad.  It is starting to get a little harder to roll over and to get out of bed from laying down.  Those ab muscles aren't what they used to be.

Loving fruit as always.  Peaches have been my favorite lately.  Thankfully they are coming into season here in MI soon.  Jimmy Johns still sounds...so so.  I still haven't been to the one that opened within walking distance.  What is wrong with me???

I have one name that's been on my list that's really growing on me.  But I don't know if I like it for an adult.  I think it's super cute for a baby/little kid, but I don't want this baby boy to hate us when he's older :)

I'm starting to be able to see movement from the outside now.  Those jabs are getting stronger and stronger!  I can also feel body parts from the outside poking out (no idea what they are though - butt or head).  The movement still feels really low this time around.

Not too many worries this week.  One small second of spotting but it was gone as soon as it arrived.  Then I've also had these weird "zings" or aches down in the nether region.  They are very random and I only notice them once or twice a day when I'm walking.  I called the nurse and she had no idea what I was describing...probably because I was going a horrible job at describing them.  She described what I should be worried about (basically the start of contractions or the need to push) which I know about and it's definitely neither.  For now, they've gone away so I'll just mention them at my next appointment.

I'm also starting to freak out at how much I feel like we have left to do.  We are making progress.  And once the office is cleared out (Sunday), I'll feel much better.  Then we can start assembling some of Zoe's stuff, I can lay out what needs to go on the wall that I already have to figure out what we still need to buy, etc.

And the worry that we'll have no one to watch Zoe when I go into labor is creeping up.  I cannot do this without Aaron, and what if it's the middle of the night and not when she's in day care?  Aaron has assured me that there are people who will help and I know that.  But what if randomly everyone is unavailable??

With Zoe, I had a lot more heartburn.  It's almost nonexistent right now.  We may be looking at a bald baby... :)

Overall, things are great with just a few worries.  15 weeks left!!!  Can't wait to meet this little man :)

July 27, 2014 - 24 Weeks

Some sources say this is the week of viability!  Although, I feel like 26 weeks sticks out more in my head.  But either way, we're close.  Granted, this little guy better stay put for a while longer :)  It's just reassuring when I hit that point where things "should" be ok no matter what happens.

Another crazy week around here.  We were busy catching up on sleep, getting back into our daily routine at home, and unpacking from vacation.  

Then Zoe and I hit the road yet again to head back to Rockford.  Aaron decided to stay back and relax (I don't blame him).  Zoe and I had a great weekend at Cody Lake with Nana, Great Grandpa, etc.  She LOVED the lake as to be expected.  Nana would chase and and Zoe would splash and run…"Catch you!" she screams :)  Then we got back and made it to church and pizza with Papa.  Sunday was my family reunion.  It was fun to catch up with family I don't get to see very often.  Zoe had fun playing with her cousin Cameron and Matt.  She's definitely coming out of her shell and finally starting to venture out on her own and becoming less timid.

Aaron got started on clearing out the office.  We'll get there slowly but surely with this baby :) We are home now for a good chunk of August until Labor Day weekend, so I'm hoping to check a few big things off of the list.  

I had another appointment last week.  It went well.  The weight gain was eye opening, but I guess I should have been ready for it after being on vacation and being terrible at working out lately.  I have four weeks until the next appointment and then I have the glucose test and start going every 2 weeks already!  

July 20, 2014 - 23 Weeks

It's always sad saying goodbye to vacation.  While I was getting ready to get home to our own space, I definitely didn't want to leave Zoe and go back to work.  Oh well...I suppose it's work that allows us to take such fun vacations :)

Nothing really new pregnancy-wise.  It's definitely exhausting trying to do everything with everyone with a 20 month old and pregnant.  Thankfully there were plenty of hands to help out.  I was able to do most everything, but there were a few things I had to sit out of.  And obviously no drinking which was a major bummer....there were a few night I really could have had a glass (or bottle) of wine.

Zoe slept essentially the entire way from the airport to Glenwood Springs.  She woke up with maybe 30 minutes left and just watched out the window.  We didn't do much Sunday - just unpacked and went to Chile's with Papa (exciting dinner I know) and quickly grocery shopped for the week.

Monday we headed to Snowmass to meet my BFF and her family for a few hours.  We had fun but didn't take many pictures!  It's funny how our time together has changed a bit now that Zoe is older.  It's getting harder to just sit and chat like the old days!  But it's fun to see how it's changed too watching the little ones run around (or sit quietly as is Harper's case for now :) ).  Monday night we made dinner and somehow clogged the sink....so many dishes and no where to put them.

Tuesday we decorated the reception venue....for FIVE hours.  It was gorgeous in the end, but it took FOREVER and only a few disagreements :)

Wednesday everyone else went hiking to Hanging Lake while Zoe and I found a park.  I made the mistake of trying to tell her where we were going and she cried and cried about the swings until we finally got there.  I think we swinged for about 35 minutes before I could finally coax her off of them :)  That night we went out to dinner for my dad's birthday (60th! later this month).  After dinner was music in the park and Little Miss definitely got her groove on. She LOVES to dance.

I'm glad Andrew can fake it.

Rockin' it out with Beeba.

Thursday was our rafting day.  Zoe and I went down the lower portion after the rapids.  She had so.much.fun.  I have never heard her squeel and laugh so much in 2 hours in my life.  Unfortunately, we couldn't take phones, so I don't have any pictures, but she was so freakin' cute.  Whee!!!  Whoa.... were common words heard from the front.  There was one wave that caught her off guard but she quickly recovered and was squeeling again.  She definitely passed out that afternoon for her nap.  We had to finally wake her up at 4:30 to get going to the park for our bbq.

Friday Aaron and Zoe went for a LONG bike ride where Aaron saw a bear (Zoe was napping).  Us girls got out nails done and finished decorating and got ready super fast for the rehearsal.  Zoe did GREAT walking down the aisle with the ring bearer...our only hope was that it would go just as well on the actual wedding day.  She was crabby at dinner so we didn't stay long.

Saturday was the big day!  Zoe did perfect again :)  So cute!

And other randoms from the week...

Feeding the fish every morning.

She warmed up to the ring bearer really fast once she realized he had an iPad.

It only took about 5 days for her to finally become friends with Aunt Cathy :)

Petting the many wildlife in the backyard.

July 13, 2014 - 22 Weeks

I really am writing this one late so hopefully I can remember a week ago :)  Things can slow down any time now....

Vacation has started!!  It was exhausting cleaning the house (I clean Fridays and didn't want to come home to a messy house) and packing but it was worth it.  Zoe was a champ on the plane and loved every second of the bus ride to the airport (no car seat!) and takeoff and landing.  She did get bored and fussed for all of 15 minutes, but I don't blame her.  I was antsy too.

Eating some cereal on the landing.

What mom? Everyone else is holding onto these poles.

Besides being tired, I'm feeling great.  I feel like this will be the story of my life for the next who knows how long so maybe I should just stop complaining about it.

Still trying to think of a baby name.  I have a list and can't tell how Aaron feels about any of the contenders.  We haven't had time to really sit down and talk about them (I told him while he was feeding Zoe so it was hectic).  No progress on Zoe's room or baby's room either.  I do have lists!  But haven't had time to do anything.  That's August's project :)

Sorry for the horrible post....I guess I should have been better about writing as the week went by!

July 6, 2014 - 21 Weeks

I hate that I can't be on top of these posts.  I guess that's to be expected with a toddler to run after and the fact that this feels like the busiest summer EVER.  I am writing them on time.  I've just been lazy uploading pictures.

Nothing really new or exciting pregnancy-wise to talk about.  Still feeling generally good.  I'm getting more tired by the end of the day with swollen feet here and there.  I was SO SWOLLEN by the end with Zoe, so I was hoping to avoid that this time around.  But maybe it's going to be in my cards again.  I'm also starting to get out of breath really easily.  I don't remember this happening so early before. And makes me a little nervous as to how I'm going to last 19 more weeks!

The highlight of the week was our weekend, adult getaway.  Beeba and Papa took Zoe up north while Aaron and I enjoyed a trip to Holland and then back for a night in GR.  We missed our little girl like crazy but it was so nice to just nap whenever, not worry about how late I was staying up because I knew I'd get to sleep in, not worry about eating at a certain time or nap time or any of the scheduling.  Don't get me wrong, I love every second (or almost every second ;) ) with that little girl.  Mommy just needs a little break to recharge once in a while.

Holland was filled with shopping and beach time.  It was crazy how quiet it was on the 4th.  The summer is their tourist season so I would have thought it would have been busier.  Nope, lots of stores and restaurants were closed.  GR was also fun.  The restaurant we wanted to go to was closed too (what?!), but we made do.  The fireworks were literally on top of our hotel so we were able to have a really good view.  Then Sunday it was back to my parents to pick up Little Miss who was so excited to see us.  She did have tons of fun though and had a few mini meltdowns when having to leave the "sings" and "wawa" (swings and water).  Story of our life so nothing new there :)  I think Beeba and Papa were exhausted too but had fun!

Next weekend it's off to CO!  Crazy busy summer!

June 29, 2014 - 20 Weeks

(Written on time…posted way late!)  20 WEEKS!  Halfway...that's just so crazy to me.

I think I'm up about 10 or 11 lbs.  The bump is definitely there.  Generally, it's not in the way yet, but I noticed painting my toe nails is getting a little harder.  Zoe LOVES to help me put my shoes on...if only I could teach her to paint my toe nails too :)  Still feeling like I don't look too huge.  I've noticed that my legs are getting to the not nearly as toned as they were point.  But I know from past experience, that I can't worry too much.  It is what it is at this point, and I'll do what I can workout-wise.  Knock on wood, they should go back to normal within a few weeks of delivery.  My ankles are looking a little bigger at the end of the day, so I'm wondering if some of it is water retention.

We had our big appointment this week!  And.....it's a BOY!!!!  So whether or not we go for #3, we have one of each.  Our perfect little family...so cheesy but it's how I feel :)  It might be because we already have had a girl and have history on the ultra sound, but it was so obvious to both of us that it was a boy.  She waited until the end to tell us, but we both saw the goods well before she said anything.  Definitely no mistaking it. Everything looks great though.  No worries.  Heart rate is in the 150s.  He's measuring about 12 oz. and right on track.

This profile looks awfully familiar :)

Ummm…please stop taking pictures of me and trying to make me move.  I'm sleeping!

Now I just need to figure out what to do with a few of the nursery items, get clothes and oh yeah, come up with a name ;)  I'm trying to not even worry about much until the beginning of August when I can breathe again after all of our traveling. 

No real worries this week.  It was so reassuring to see baby and know that's he's ok.  I also feel those taps all day long to remind me that he's in there :)

This weekend we traveled to Wisconsin for our niece's first birthday party.  It was a long drive, but so worth it to see everyone.  And Zoe is definitely starting to vie for attention and show off.  She was sprawling out on the ground and rolling around and we all thought it was funny.  Well then anytime she wanted any one's attention (especially Nana's), she'd plop down and roll around.  Such a cheese ball :)  She was amazing in the car for the most part.  She had a brief meltdown on the way there but it was 8 hours so I don't blame her (daddy was getting just as antsy).  She was a little crankier on the way home but still not too bad. 

What?? You don't lawn swim to get exercise?

Nana got her an American flag, and she is constantly pointing at the flag now and saying "Nana!"  So cute :)  It's so cute how she latches onto Beeba and Nana when she's with them.  She does not want them to put her down.  Nana will have her hands full in November with 4 little ones wanting her attention!  I know she loves it though :)  It's so neat to see them all together. 

Nana got the grand kids matching outfits and had a photo shoot.  Surprisingly, they all cooperated and they turned out really cute.  Sorry, photo shoot overload!

Leaving was hard and reminded me how much we miss family and living closer.  We should see Baby Ben at the end of July and then we won't see everyone again until Christmas :(  That just seems so far away!

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 :)

Final Meal

During our birthing class, the nurse told us multiple times to make sure I eat BEFORE going to the hospital.  Once I get there, I really won't be allowed to eat.  Of course, she said to make sure to bring plenty of snacks for Aaron...so not fair that I have to watch him eat.  But maybe labor will go fast and I won't be starving...yeah, right :)

Anyhow, we've heard it from multiple people.  Eat, eat, eat once labor starts.  Stop on the way to the hospital and grab something, etc.  Two of Aaron's coworkers recently had babies and were giving him advice yesterday.  Food came up yet again which got me thinking, where will my last meal be?

Now, I don't mean where are Aaron and I going together as our last night out just the two of us.  We already have that one planned this weekend.  We're doing it up in style at Roast in downtown Detroit.  I'm talking, I need to get something quick when I'm in labor.

Labor can start at any time, so what place is open 24 hours that I love?  None other than the golden arches.  And what would I eat every time I go there except that it's the HIGHEST calorie meal on the menu (I'm pretty sure, I haven't actually verified)?  A BIG MAC meal.  Two patties, special sauce, and cheese...I can just hear the jingle.  And my mouth is watering.  They say that labor is one of the toughest, longest, highest calorie burning workout of your life.  So I think I deserve the right to eat a Big Mac and fry from McDonald's :) 

Is it wrong that I'm actually excited because I really want a Big Mac?  Let's just hope I can actually stomach food at that point.  If not, I'll make it my celebratory meal AFTER the baby is born :)  Good thing McDonald's is just steps away from the hospital.

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.