38 Weeks

Baby is the size of: a pumpkin (how appropriate!)

How I'm feeling: Well..... I went in Monday for another non-stress test. Although my blood pressure was still kind of high, the baby's heartbeat and movement was normal so they sent me home. I went in for my regular appointment on Thursday and again my blood pressure was too high. Also, my feet and face were very swollen and I had gained 4 pounds in a single week from being so swollen (both of these are signs of preeclampsia.) My doctor wasn't comfortable with all of this so she decided it would be safest to induce me next Tuesday. At first I was very unhappy about this because I really wanted to go into labor on my own. After talking about it with some friends and family I decided that it was best for both me and the baby to be induced. Today, someone called to tell me that there wasn't an open spot for me on Tuesday as of right now so I have to wait to see if someone else goes into labor this weekend which would open a spot for me. I'm a little annoyed because I just got comfortable with the thought of being induced on Tuesday and now that might not happen. It's possible that they set up my induction for another day next week but there's no guarantee that my doctor will be the one to deliver her. I know that everything happens for a reason and that it will all be ok. I guess we're just waiting now.....

Sleeping: The heartburn hasn't been so bad this week so I've been sleeping a little better.

Craving: Sweets, duh!

Missing: Wearing shoes.

Maternity clothes: I'm getting really bored with the 5 or 6 outfits that are actually comfortable.

Wedding ring: Doesn't fit.

Movement: Still lots of movement!

Showing: You could say that!

Signs of labor: Still "fully closed" which means she probably isn't coming on her own any time soon.

Best moment this week: Meeting Amanda's son Jaxon! He was born on Tuesday and he's soooooo cute! Seeing one of my best friends with her newborn baby makes me even more excited about becoming a mom!

37 Weeks

Baby is the size of: a winter melon.

How I'm feeling: Last week at my appointment my doctor told me that my blood pressure was too high and my feet and ankles were too swollen. They brought me to another room where they could monitor the baby's heartbeat and movement. Everything came back normal and my blood pressure started to drop to a more normal level. But since that day, I've had to change a few things about my daily routine. I've tried really hard to stay off my feet which some days means that I have to lay on the couch for hours until my feet get back to a normal size (I'm sure this sounds amazing to most people but it gets REALLY boring!) I try to take my blood pressure every day and it seems to be returning to a more normal level. Starting next week, I have to visit the doctor twice a week so she can keep an eye on my blood pressure. I still consider myself really lucky because I've had a relatively easy pregnancy and other than the inconvenience of swollen feet and heartburn, I feel pretty good!  

Sleeping: Pretty much the same as last week. I sleep better than I have been the past few months except on the nights I have heartburn.

Craving: Sweets, like always.

Missing: Being able to do whatever I want instead of having to take it easy. 

Maternity clothes: Although it makes it easier to get dressed everyday because I don't have as many choices, it will be nice when I can fit in my old clothes again. I know that's not going to happen as soon as the baby gets here but a girl can dream!

Wedding ring: My hands aren't as swollen as my feet but I still can't get my ring on.

Movement: I read that movement seems to slow down a little at this point in pregnancy because the baby is running out of room. But that hasn't been the case for me. I still feel her move just as much as I did before.

Showing: Yes!

Signs of labor: My doctor said I'm still completely closed but that she's getting lower. I have a little bit of cramping every few days but nothing regular.

Best moment this week: Spending time with my family always makes me happy! This past weekend, my sister, my mom and I took Carter and Sydney to Zoo Boo. I love watching how happy the kids are and it makes me really excited to think about how I'm going to have my own little one soon! I can't wait to watch her grow up!

36 Weeks

Baby is the size of: a honeydew.

How I'm feeling: When does the heartburn go away?! I haven't had heartburn since I gave up eating red meat which was almost 2 years ago. But a few weeks ago, it came back with a vengeance! Ugh! 

Sleeping: Oddly enough, I've been sleeping better this past week. Except, of course, on the nights I have heartburn!

Craving: Sweets! I could eat chocolate and baked goods all day long! But like I said before, I've always had a sweet tooth.

Missing: Not having heartburn!

Maternity clothes: Getting bored with my maternity clothes even though they're sooo comfy. Can't wait to wear regular clothes again.

Wedding ring: I don't even try to put it on anymore!

Movement: She's moving so much that sometimes it gets to be a little painful.

Showing: Haha! This is just funny at this point!

Signs of labor: I went to the doctor today and found out that she's "head down" but my cervix is still fully closed. I've had a little bit of cramping the past few days but my doctor said it's most likely gonna be at least a few weeks before I go into labor.

Looking forward to: Amanda's son Jaxon is due in 7 days! Maybe by this time next week I'll get to meet him! I can't wait! Also, Chad's sister went into labor last night! Her son should be here by the end of the day! So many babies being born! And........ my two year wedding anniversary is Tuesday! I can't believe Anthony and I have been married for two years. Time is flying by!

35 Weeks

Baby is the size of: a coconut.

How I'm feeling: I think I might be at the point where I'm getting just a little tired of being pregnant. Other than the morning sickness I had at the very beginning, I've had such an easy pregnancy (knock on wood) that I didn't think I would ever get to this point. But unfortunately I feel like it's headed in that direction. I can't even put my finger on exactly what is making me feel this way. Maybe it's the swollen feet, the heartburn, the lack of sleep.......

Sleeping: I've been waking up less in the middle of the night but I'm still very uncomfortable and my giant belly makes it hard to even roll over.

Craving: No cravings, just REALLY hungry this week!

Missing: Being able to wear shoes (I'm down to one pair of shoes that fit) and sleep on my stomach.

Maternity clothes: Still cycling through the same few outfits and dresses.

Wedding ring: Some mornings I wake up and my fingers are so swollen that I can barely make a fist! It has been weeks since I last attempted to put my wedding ring on.

Movement: I think she's running out of room in there because sometimes I can see my whole belly shake when she's moving. Anthony can even tell exactly where she is just by putting his hand on my belly.

Showing: Yes! 

Signs of labor: Nothing yet. 

Looking forward to: Doing a little more organizing of the nursery this week.

34 Weeks

Baby is the size of: a butternut squash.

How I'm feeling: Still feeling good on most days! 

Sleeping: Could be better but it could also be a lot worse.

Craving: I'm still a little upset that I haven't had any real "pregnancy cravings" that women always talk about!

Missing: Having normal size feet!

Maternity clothes: I pretty much cycle through the same 5-6 outfits. There's no point in buying anything new this late in my pregnancy. 

Wedding ring: I don't even try to put it on anymore!

Movement: Moving like crazy! All day, everyday!

Showing: Definitely!

Signs of labor: No.

Looking forward to: Having lunch with Amanda for her birthday! She has less than 3 weeks until her due date so I know we won't really have the option of just the two of us having lunch whenever we want anymore.

33 Weeks

*Go Rays!*

Baby is the size of: a durian fruit (huh?).

How I'm feeling: Still dealing with the swollen feet but that's my only complaint. I know a lot of women are over being pregnant by this point in their pregnancy but I guess I'm pretty lucky because I still feel great!

Sleeping: Better than the past few weeks but not great.

Craving: Still craving anything pumpkin flavored! I've been holding off on making pumpkin cookies because I'm afraid I'll eat the whole batch!

Missing: Being able to buy shoes! I tried on a pair of boots that were on sale but of course I couldn't zip them up because my cankles were in the way!

Maternity clothes: These are my new $7 shorts! They're a little big but super comfy!

Wedding ring: I hate that it doesn't fit my finger anymore. I hope I don't have to get it resized after the baby is born!

Movement: I can feel her move all the time! But I especially love when Anthony gets to feel her move. He talks to her every night before bed and she must be able to recognize the sound of his voice because she REALLY starts to move when he's talking to her!

Showing: Yes!

Signs of labor: No.

Best moment this week: Putting in my two weeks at work! Part of me doesn't want to stop working because I'm afraid I'll be bored and I hate the thought of not contributing financially, but it's getting harder to be at work. I'm usually on my feet for 5-6 hours straight and by the time I get home my back is killing me and my feet are even more swollen! 

32 Weeks

Baby is the size of: a squash.

How I'm feeling: My only complaint right now (other than no sleep) is that my feet are sooooooo swollen! Check out my cankles and pudgy feet! You can see the imprint of the sandals I had just taken off.

Sleeping: Ugh! I don't even want to talk about it!

Craving: Milkshakes and smoothies! My blender is getting a workout this week.

Missing: My shoes fitting! I can pretty much only wear sandals and even those are getting tight.

Maternity clothes: I got a new pair of shorts but only because they were $7 and this black dress which was on clearance too.

Wedding ring: I put it on Saturday and it got really stuck! Judging by how swollen my feet are I should probably just stop attempting to wear my wedding ring.

Movement: I saw an elbow or a foot or something move across my stomach a few mornings ago! It was by far the weirdest thing I've ever seen.

Showing: Oh yes! It looks like there's a beach ball under my dress. 

Signs of labor: I've had a little bit of light cramping the past week and a half and mentioned it to my Dr this morning. But she assured me that I'm not going into labor yet!

Looking forward to: Finishing up the nursery and packing our hospital bag!

3D/4D Ultrasound

Pictures from the ultrasound:

She didn't want her picture taken! :)

There's my little girl!

Still not wanting to move her arm out of the way.

Does it look like she's pouting? 

BaByQ

Instead of having the traditional baby shower, we decided to have a BaByQ! Here are a few pictures from the day!

31 Weeks

Baby is the size of: a pineapple.

How I'm feeling: It's starting to feel real! After doing the 3D/4D ultrasound and the hospital tour last week I'm beginning to really feel like the end is near. I'm nervous but sooooooo excited to meet our little girl!

Sleeping: It's so hard to get comfortable! She moves around so much when I'm trying to fall asleep and it makes me feel like I'm squishing her. 

Craving: Pumpkin flavored everything! I had some pumpkin pancakes the other day and I've been thinking about them for the past few days.

Missing: Nothing, other than being able to fall asleep.

Maternity clothes: I really want to find a couple inexpensive dresses that can go from hot weather to cooler weather. Even though it will probably still be 80+ degrees in November!

Wedding ring: I haven't tried to put it on my finger the past few days, I just wear it around my neck.

Movement: So much movement! 

Showing: I think my belly is getting bigger by the hour!

Signs of labor: Not yet. Just a little cramping.

Best moment this week: There were so many amazing moments this week. I loved getting to see her cute little face when we did the ultrasound. I'm also really glad we did the hospital tour because it made me feel a little more prepared. Amanda's baby shower was also this past weekend. I'm so lucky that she's going through this at the same time I am. I don't know what I would do if I was doing this alone.

30 Weeks

Baby is the size of: a cucumber.

How I'm feeling: I'm feeling great! Had lots of energy this week! (You can't tell by this picture though, I look VERY sleepy!)

Sleeping: It still takes a while for me to get comfortable but I haven't been waking up in the middle of the night as much.

Craving: Still craving sweets but nothing crazy.

Missing: Nothing!

Maternity clothes: Getting kind of bored with all my maternity clothes but I don't feel like spending money on clothes this late in my pregnancy.

Wedding ring: Still fits some days and doesn't fit other days.

Movement: She's starting to move around a lot more during the day. I think I'll miss feeling her move when this is all over.

Showing: Definitely!

Signs of labor: Nothing yet!

Looking forward to: There's lots to look forward to this week! We're doing a 3D/4D ultrasound, touring the hospital, and Amanda's baby shower is this weekend!

29 Weeks

We have a crib!

Baby is the size of: an acorn squash (whatever that is!).

How I'm feeling: I've been feeling pretty great this past week. I still get really tired some days but I usually have an hour or so in the afternoon when I can take a little nap. 

Sleeping: For some reason I didn't have as much trouble sleeping this past week. It might have been because Anthony was home for an entire 7 days in a row and I always sleep better when he's not on duty.

Craving: Sweets! 

Missing: I miss not having to stop and think "Are pregnant people allowed to do this?" before I do just about everything.

Maternity clothes: Nothing new.

Wedding ring: I wear it on days when I know I won't be doing too much. Otherwise, I wear it on a chain around my neck.

Movement: Lots of movement. Some of it can get a little uncomfortable but I'm happy to feel her move.

Showing: Yes!

Signs of labor: No.

Best moment this week: Without a doubt, the BaByQ was one of the best days I've experienced since being pregnant. It was so much fun to have everyone I love in the same place at the same time. I'll be posting pictures as soon as I can upload them to my laptop! Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate and those to who sent us gifts. We are truly blessed and lucky to have so many wonderful people in our lives!

28 Weeks

Baby is the size of: an eggplant.

How I'm feeling: Overall I feel really good. I get tired pretty easily but I know that comes with the territory. I'm starting to think a lot about what she's going to look like and what life is going to be like when she gets here. I'm very excited to meet her!

Sleeping: Sleep?! What is sleep?!

Craving: Still craving all kinds of sandwiches!

Missing: Not really missing anything this week.

Maternity clothes: Haven't bought anything new recently. 

Wedding ring: We went to an outside baseball game all day Saturday and when I got home my ring would not come off! I started to get really scared that I was going to have to get it cut off but it finally came off after about 30 minutes of trying.

Movement: I still feel her mostly late at night and early in the morning. She even woke me up a few times in the middle of the night because she was squirming around so much.

Showing: Yes!

Signs of labor: No.

Looking forward to: The BaByQ is this Saturday! I'm so excited to have all my friends and family in one place to celebrate our little girl! My mother-in-law is even coming down from Baltimore for the weekend. I can't wait!

27 Weeks

Baby is the size of:  a rutabaga.

How I'm feeling: To be perfectly honest, I'm starting to feel like a blimp! It's getting harder to move around and get up and down. Of course, this is to be expected. 

Sleeping: I'm still having trouble sleeping. It takes me a while to get comfortable and I still wake up for an hour or two in the middle of the night.

Craving: Sandwiches! All kinds of sandwiches.... chicken salad, PB&J, Publix subs, cubans (which is weird because I don't eat pork.)

Missing: Sleeping on my stomach! I know I've said it a million times but I seriously can't wait until I can sleep on my stomach again!

Maternity clothes: Most of my clothes are maternity but I can still fit in a couple of non maternity items.

Wedding ring: Some days it fits fine, some days I can't get it on.

Movement: Lots and lots of movement this week. She's VERY active late at night and early in the morning. I hope this doesn't mean she's going to be a night owl!

Showing: Another person at work this week was surprised to find out I was pregnant. Seriously? Isn't it quite obvious by now?!

Signs of labor: No.

Looking forward to: Family coming to town this weekend! I can't wait! I miss them so much and I'm really glad they'll be here for an entire week!

Feeling loved!

Since finding out that we're expecting, Anthony and I have received an overwhelming amount of love and support from our family and friends. I don't think I'll ever be able to thank everyone for everything they've done for us so far. 

I just wanted to take the time to show off some of the things that Kristen dropped off for us while she was in town this weekend! In addition to the awesome shirt she brought me, she also brought me a pair of slippers for my aching feet and she made some sugar-free zucchini muffins. They were awesome! She made like 50 of them and I've been snacking on them everyday!

She also brought us some AMAZING things to go in the nursery. The first is a set of canvases that she made. I absolutely love them and they go perfectly with what I wanted to do with the nursery. She's so talented!

She also painted these two little guys to match.

The last thing she gave us was this cute framed picture of the ultrasound. I've never seen anything like it

and I love the little pink bow!

Now I'm even more excited to get the nursery set up so I can show off everything she brought us! If you're reading this, thank you Kristen! You really are the best!

26 Weeks

* Isn't this the best shirt ever?! It's supposed to keep strangers from touching the belly bump! I love it!

Baby is the size of: a head of lettuce.

How I'm feeling: Tired! It's getting a little harder to find the energy to do anything some days. I just try to remember to take it slow and not do too many things in one day.

Sleeping: Still waking up for an hour or two in the middle of the night every night. This might be the reason I'm so tired lately.

Craving: Soda! Which is weird because I don't even really like soda.

Missing: Not having to clip my fingernails once a week. They're growing like crazy! I used to file them once every 2-3 weeks but I never had to clip them. Now I literally have to clip them once a week.

Maternity clothes: I love love love the shirt I'm wearing in this picture! My friend Kristen came to town this weekend and gave it to me. I mentioned months ago that I'd seen it online somewhere and she remembered and ordered it for me!

Wedding ring: Some days I can get it on but some days it's just too tight.

Movement: She moves so much! Sometimes I just lay still and watch my belly shake. The other night Anthony had his head on my stomach and he was talking to her when out of nowhere she started "kicking" him in the face. It was pretty cute!

Showing: Yes!

Signs of labor: No.

Best moment this week: Seeing Kristen and all the stuff she brought over for us! 

25 Weeks

Baby is the size of: a head of cauliflower.

How I'm feeling: Still have some lower back pain and foot pain but other than that I feel amazing!

Sleeping: For some reason I started waking up for 2-3 hours in the middle of the night this past week. It's really annoying!

Craving: I really wanted a milkshake earlier this week and I still haven't had one! But like I said, I've always had a sweet tooth.

Missing: Nothing! I'm actually really enjoying being pregnant right now.

Maternity clothes: Dresses like this green one (not maternity) have been extra comfy lately. I kind of wish I had invested in 20 of these at the beginning of my pregnancy.

Wedding ring: Still too nervous to try to put it back on my finger so I'm wearing it on a necklace.

Movement: Baby girl is a mover and a shaker! I feel her at all hours of the day. She had my whole belly moving this morning when I first woke up. 

Showing: I would say definitely!

Signs of labor: No.

Looking forward to: Getting her nursery set up! This weekend we're going to start turning the guest room into the nursery. I'm so excited!

24 Weeks

Baby is the size of: a canteloupe.

How I'm feeling: I had one day of nausea this week but other than that I'm feeling pretty fantastic!

Sleeping: I still wish I could sleep on my stomach but I'm sleeping a lot better lately.

Craving: If I had to pick something I would probably say I'm craving sweets but anyone who knows me knows that I have always had a sweet tooth. Still waiting on those crazy pregnancy cravings!

Missing: Sometimes I miss the social aspect of not being pregnant. I can't really go out with my friends because who wants to be the pregnant girl at the bar? Not me.

Maternity clothes: Surprisingly I still fit in a few pieces of my regular clothes but not many.

Wedding ring: Now lives on a chain around my neck. It got stuck on my finger one day this week and now I'm too scared to try to put it back on.

Movement: I'm starting to notice her sleep cycles. I can tell what times of the day she's awake because she moves around A LOT!

Showing: Yes! I think I look pretty big but my doctor said I'm exactly where I should be.

Signs of labor: Nope.

Looking forward to: Making onesies with my friend Amanda (who is also pregnant) hopefully sometime this weekend!

23 Weeks

Baby is the size of : a grapefruit.

How I'm feeling: Except for some foot and lower back pain, I'm feeling pretty good. I do wish I had a little more energy but that's nothing new!

Sleeping: Like a baby :)

Craving: I feel kind of cheated because I haven't really had any cravings yet. 

Missing: There are some days when I could definitely use multiple caffeinated beverages!

Maternity clothes: The last couple times I've actually bought clothes I've picked non-maternity clothes that will still fit over a growing belly. (Like the red dress I'm wearing in this picture.) Otherwise, I'm pretty much wearing only maternity clothes with just a few exceptions.

Wedding ring: I probably shouldn't be wearing it anymore because it's leaving an indent on my finger when I take it off, but I hate the thought of not wearing my wedding ring. I might try to find a necklace to hang my ring from so I can at least wear it around my neck.

Movement: Although I can feel her moving pretty much at all times of the day, I still feel her mostly when I'm sitting still. Someone told me that the reason babies move around less while mommy is moving around is because a mother's movement feels like rocking. I'm basically rocking her to sleep while I'm moving around so she's more likely to be awake while I'm sitting still!

Showing: I would say yes, I'm definitely showing. But the other day at work, some people were surprised to find out I was pregnant! They said they couldn't tell by looking at me! Really?!

Signs of labor: Nope.

Best moment this week: I started making something for her nursery! I'll post pictures when I'm done!

22 Weeks

* Please excuse my crazy hair in this picture. Also, I got bored with the black shirt.

Baby is the size of: a papaya.

How I'm feeling: Worn out! Even the smallest chore takes the energy right out of me. 

Sleeping: I finally broke down and bought one of those C-shaped maternity pillows. It's really comfortable and supportive and has been helping me fall asleep a little faster.

Craving: Still waiting for those crazy pregnancy cravings to show up!

Missing: Being able to get more done in a day. I need to take a lot more breaks so I don't get too worn out.

Maternity clothes: The stack of regular clothes that I still fit in is dwindling down to almost nothing. 

Wedding ring: Starting to have a little bit of trouble getting it off.

Movement: Lots of movement going on this week. The past few weeks I mostly felt her when I was lying down but now I feel her even when I'm up and moving around.

Showing: For sure!

Signs of labor: Nope.

Best moment this week: We started talking about names! I think we have one picked out but we're not 100% sure yet.

21 Weeks

Baby is the size of: a pomegranate.

How I'm feeling: My feet hurt! It probably doesn't help that I basically live in sandals which offer NO support, but if I'm on my feet for any extended amount of time (work, shopping....) I want to cry by the time bedtime rolls around. I guess it's time to start asking the hubby for a foot rub!

Sleeping: The baby moves around a lot between 6 and 8 AM so I've been waking up a bit earlier this week which means I'm ready for a nap by early afternoon. But I don't mind.

Craving: Still no real cravings but I was pretty darn hungry this week. I guess our little baby girl is really growing!

Missing: Having energy! 

Maternity clothes: They've been my friend for a few weeks now and there's no way of going back until November.

Wedding ring: Getting a bit tight.

Movement: I feel her move everyday! Usually really early in the morning or late at night. I was laying on the couch one night this week and the whole right side of my belly shook. I told Anthony to come put his hand on my belly and he felt her! That was a really special moment.

Showing: Definitely!

Signs of labor: Not yet.

Best moment of the week: There were so many.....finding out we were having a girl, Anthony telling me I was gonna be a great mommy whether we were having a girl or a boy, mom taking me shopping for PINK, my work friends bringing me PINK cupcakes and PINK balloons, registering for baby stuff..... It was a really happy week!

It's a .......

We're so excited! Isn't she already so cute?! In the first picture you can see the profile of her face. Look at that tiny nose! In the second picture she has her little hand up near her mouth! 

20 Weeks ~ Half way there!

Baby is the size of: a banana.

How I'm feeling: I'm starting to feel a little overwhelmed. Just knowing that my pregnancy is already half way over is making me think of all the things that still have to be done.... pick a name, register, plan a shower, get the nursery ready... 

Sleeping: I've been having some more back pain the past few days which makes it really hard to get comfortable at night. It usually takes me a while to fall asleep.

Craving: Still not craving anything but I've definitely noticed that I get hungry more often.

Missing: Being able to shop for regular clothes. There are some really cute shorts on sale at Old Navy but of course they're not offered in maternity.

Maternity clothes: Pretty much all I'm wearing these days.

Wedding ring: Just a little tight. Not too bad.

Movement: I feel him/her move everyday. I've noticed it a lot when I'm trying to fall asleep and when I first wake up in the morning.

Showing: I think the baby bump doubled in size in a matter of a few days!

Signs of labor: Nope.

Looking forward to: Our ultrasound on Friday! We FINALLY get to find out the sex of the baby! I'm beyond excited!

19 Weeks

Baby is the size of: a mango.

How I'm feeling: I got to work on Monday and felt really sick. I had some stomach pains and I felt a little short of breath. Luckily, one of the girls I work with just had a baby in November and assured me that everything I was feeling was normal. She brought me some water and told me to sit down for a few minutes. She was right! It only took about 15 minutes and I felt much better! Other than that, I've been a little tired but I had a really good week.

Sleeping: Still finding it difficult to get comfortable at night. 

Craving: Still nothing. Sometimes I'm in the mood for something specific but I was like that before I was pregnant so I wouldn't really call it a craving.

Missing: Sleeping on my stomach.

Maternity clothes: I still fit in some of my regular skirts and shirts but I only fit in maternity shorts and pants.

Wedding ring: Still fits. Some days it feels a little tight but I think that's just from the heat.

Movement: I can feel the baby move a couple times a day. Right now it feels like he or she is doing backflips in there! 

Showing: Yes!

Signs of labor: Nope.

Best moment this week: Carter was blowing me lots of kisses the other day. I thanked him and he said "Those were for your baby!" He and Sydney are going to be the best cousins. They already show love for the baby!