Final Bump Progression

I finally got around to putting together my final bump progression collage. It's so weird now to look back and see how big my belly got. I'm so so happy that I stuck with it and took a photo almost every week. It's great to be able to look back on these photos to see how I progressed.  

I did make it to 38 weeks, but I was lazy and didn't take my bump photo on time. I went into labor before I even got the chance!

Here is my 38 week photo that I took right before heading off to the hospital.

A.J.'s Birth Story

My labor began very early Sunday morning on October 14, 2012. I woke up around 3:45 AM and had to go to the bathroom as usual. Except this time I also felt the urge to go #2 which is pretty unusual for me. I went back to bed and tried to go back to sleep but I still felt the urge to go. So I got and went and tried to go back to bed again.


Then I started noticing some slight cramping and more urges to go. This went on for like half an hour of going back and forth to bed. Then the cramping started changing. It started wrapping around my back and I started noticing it had a rhythm to it. 

5:00 AM, I started thinking that this might be the beginning of labor. My husband got up and started packing the hospital bag. He was running around washing dishes, doing laundry, cleaning up. 

Meanwhile, I was trying to pack last minute items for the hospital bag. Contractions were still very light at this point and it was easy to keep moving through them.


5:40 AM, I texted my doula to let her know that I thought I could be in labor. I was having contractions lasting from 30-60 seconds and they felt like menstrual cramps. I layed in bed and tried to go back to sleep, but the contractions were just too annoying to try and sleep. Plus, I was getting pretty excited that this could be the real deal.


7:00 AM, she texted me back and told me to take a shower to see if they went away. I showered and they were still coming on in the shower, so I definitely started to believe that I was in labor. I was feeling all the contractions in my back at this point. Not fun!


8:30 AM, my doula texted and told me to start timing them for the next hour. I started timing them and they were lasting about 30-60 seconds and coming every 5-6 minutes. I was feeling it all in my back at this point and while they were not very painful, my husband and I were using this time to practice relaxed breathing. I would hold onto him and rock back and forth through them. I let the doula know that I would text her when we were ready for her.


I continued to labor at home. I moved into the living room and hunched over the couch in an attempt to get the baby off my back. The contractions were starting to get more painful and I felt ready for our doula to come over.


11:20 AM, I texted our doula and let her know we were ready for her. I also let my mom know that she could come over as well.


12:12 PM, my doula arrived and we worked on trying to get the baby off my back. I was at first feeling it all in my lower back. We tried a position with my chest on the ground with my butt up, and then I finally started feeling them low in the front. Jack and the doula also applied heat to my lower back, which felt amazing.


12:50 PM, my mom showed up. I continued to labor on the floor with my butt up in the air. That’s the only position that was comfortable to me. Contractions were averaging about 4 minutes apart at this point.

2:00 PM, we moved to my bed and I layed on my side for awhile. Contractions were more painful laying on my side, but it felt nice to relax in between them. Jack called ahead to the hospital to let them know we would be coming soon. 

2:30 PM, my doula gives me 2 teaspoons of honey for quick energy before we head to the hospital. I immediately throw it all up a few minutes later.


2:45 PM, Jack helps me take a shower to clean up before we head to the hospital. Contractions were coming on every 3-4 minutes and lasting about 1 minute 20 seconds. I took one last bump photo before we left.

3:30 PM, we left home to head to the hospital. 

At this point contractions were very strong and painful. I had one contraction in the car on the way and then one more once we parked. I had one contraction standing in the street in front of the hospital. If you've ever been in labor, then you know once a contraction starts, it's best to stop dead in your tracks and not try and walk through it. So yeah, I stood in the middle of the street. Luckily there was a transport there with a wheelchair dropping off someone else. She scooped me up and took me to L&D before I even had another contraction. Bless her for getting me there so quickly!

I had to go into the hospital room by myself at first for some initial questions. I remember the nurse asking if I could pee in a cup, but there was no way that was going to happen. I had a couple of contractions on the toilet then moved to the bed when finally my husband, doula and mom were allowed in the room. My husband said I was just laying on the bed gripping the side bar and was rocking back and forth. At this point my memory of it all is a bit fuzzy. I had to rely on questioning my husband to remember what happened.

3:45 PM, the nurse did an internal check and I was 7 cm already! Yay! But that meant transition was starting the hardest part was ahead of me. I went #2 some more and labored on the toilet for a while. I lost my mucus plug at this point, and my husband just held me while I rocked back and forth. 

5:05 PM, the nurse checked me again and I was 9.5 cm! I labored while sitting on the side of the bed. My husband held me while I rocked back and forth. My mom sat next to me and I held her hand with my left hand and I held my doula’s hand with my right. I was moaning pretty loud through each contraction. My doula reminded me to keep them low. I remember yelling over and over that I couldn’t do it. I kept saying "no, no, no," over and over. My doula started telling me "yes, yes, yes," so I started saying "yes, yes, yes" through every contraction. It felt pretty natural to just grunt and moan through every contraction. I started feeling the urge to push but my doula told me to hold back at first. So I continued to labor sitting up and resisting the urge to push. 

6:15 PM, I finally got to a point where I couldn’t hold back the pushing anymore. They suggested I lay on my side and start pushing through the contractions. This part was terrible for me because all the pain was in my lower back when I pushed laying on my side. My water broke after the first couple of pushes in a huge gush.


I pushed this way for maybe 10 minutes and then my doula suggested they get the bar. The nurse didn’t think I would have the energy to get up on it, but they brought it in. On the next contraction, I found the strength and just hoisted myself up on it. It felt amazing to push in a squatting position. I made great progress pushing like this. I pushed like this for maybe 15-20 minutes and then the doctor came in.


Unfortunately, I had to move on my back to deliver him, but it still wasn’t as bad as the side position. The doctor asked if I wanted a numbing shot to take the edge off. At this point, I wasn’t in a state of mind to be making decisions, so I just agreed not really knowing what I was agreeing to. That freaking shot hurt way more than the contractions and pushing. He pulled out this huge needle and stuck it up inside me to give the shot, and he did one on each side. It was extremely painful and the only time I cussed during my labor.


Side Note: Looking back I would have refused the shot had I known what it was. When I talked to my doula a couple weeks later, she told me she had never seen that done before. I found out at my 6 week postpartum check up that what I actually got was a pudendal block, also known as a saddle block. It basically numbs that whole area down there. I'm still a little upset about the whole thing. My goal was a complete un-medicated birth. I still count it as un-medicated though since I went the whole way with out anything except for the last 5 minutes of pushing, and I could still feel every contraction in full force. If I had known about something like that before hand, then I could have discussed what I wanted with my doula and I could have put it in my birth plan.


The doctor was trying to direct my pushing, but I was pretty much doing my own thing. My body had taken over and I knew when I needed to push. I tried my best to take direction from the doctor, but it was hard! Everyone kept telling me they could see the head, and I didn't believe them! A few more good pushes and A.J. was born at 7:15 PM weighing 7 lbs 7 oz and 21.25 inches long. I had one 2nd degree tear and a few minor internal ones that didn’t need any stitches. I refused the pitocin after delivery and delivered the placenta soon after. My doula worked with me to get baby A.J. to latch on. It took a good hour but we finally got him on and he nursed one side for 20 minutes and the other for 15 minutes. 

I remember being completely focused on my baby after he was born. I just could not take my eyes off of him! He was beautiful and perfect and I could hardly believe what I had just done. I also remember thinking how happy I was that all the pain was finally gone! I never felt more proud of myself as I did in that moment.

Things could not have gone more perfect. I feel so empowered and proud of myself for being able to give birth naturally and without an epidural. I also feel incredibly blessed with how smooth my labor and delivery went. I could not have done it without my support team. My doula, my mom and Jack were all an amazing support to me during labor and deliver. Had I not had them, I’m pretty sure I would have been begging for the epidural as soon as I showed up to the hospital. 

Now looking back, I can’t even remember what the pain felt like. I just remember I was in a lot of pain. Right afterwards, I said I was never going to do that again. But now the some time has passed, I’m pretty sure I could do it again.... in a couple of years of course.

Week 38 {My last update before I had the baby}

Originally written on October 13, 2012 {Ha! If I only knew he was going to make his arrival the very next day!}
-------------------------------

I really feel like we're in the final stretch now. We are pretty much ready for this little guy. I do still need to pack the hospital bag. I'm not too worried about it though. I figure I'll have time before we have to go to the hospital.

Not my usual bump photo. I was lazy and didn't take my usual bump photo the day I was 38 weeks. My plan was to take it Sunday morning and post this update. Well this little guy had other plans for me. My last bump photos in between contractions before we headed off to the hospital. 

How far along? 38 weeks & 2 days

Total weight gain: 35 lbs

Maternity clothes: Yep!

Sleep: Decent. Getting up every 1-2 hours to go to the bathroom is a pain! I think the broken sleep is making me more tired during the day. And now I have a fortress of pillows surrounding me to sleep comfortably. I have a body pillow on one side and a king sized pillow on the other.

Miss anything? Oh lots of things! My old body, wine, deli sandwiches, steak cooked medium, being able to put on shoes, my ankles... I could go on and on.

Cravings: Chocolate!

Symptoms: Rib pain, heartburn, braxton hicks contractions, should pain, cankles

Labor signs: Nope! My doc said I was dilated 2 cm and 80% effaced at my appointment this morning.

Movement: All the time. I feel his bum pushing against my ribs and these little nubs that poke out and slide across my side.

The bump: Man I feel big.

Belly button in or out? Stretch marks? Still in and I have one tiny stretch mark on my side.

Mood: Anxious, nervous, excited, happy

Best moment of this week? Going out to dinner with my hubby over the weekend. Hopefully we can squeeze a few more date nights in before this baby comes.

What are you looking forward to? Meeting my baby boy! And our 2 year anniversary coming up on Tuesday.

I'm so glad I'm snuggling with this little guy instead of writing up a 39 week update. 

I'm still in awe that this is the little guy that was kicking my ribs and hiccuping in my belly. I'm so so much in love with him. 

Week 37 {full term}

37 weeks! I have a full term baby now. This little guy could come any day. Although I've read 95% of women deliver between 38 weeks & 42 weeks, so I could have him anywhere from a week from now to 5 weeks. Let's hope it's not closer to 5 weeks left. I'm ready to meet this little stinker! I'd be pretty happy if he stays in there until 39 weeks, but doesn't make me wait until November.

I'm really starting to feel the push to get things done now. We were finally able to get the car seat installed and had it checked. The lady gave Jack 100% which she says doesn't happen very often. He felt pretty proud of himself. I'm so happy to have that crossed off the list. The last major thing I need to do is pack for the hospital. Then I think I'll feel pretty ready.

I saw my OB on Tuesday. I decided to refuse the internal check since it's no indicator of when labor will start. Maybe I'll get it at my next appointment. He did say the head seemed really low. And I tested negative from Group B Strep, so no antibiotics for me when I get to the hospital!

I do feel like he has dropped even lower this week. My coworkers were commenting on how I looked like I dropped. I feel it too. My rib pain has let up a little and in its place this morning was lower back pain. It could have been the boxes I was picking up last night or that he dropped and is putting more pressure on my lower back. I feel his head pressing on my cervix. My pelvis is definitely loosening up and it cracks a lot. Labor is in my near future and my body is getting ready! Everyone seems to think I'm going to go early. Of course this now means I'll be over a week late. lol

I have days where I feel really great and feel like I could go on like this for weeks, then I have bad days where I feel like crap and I just want it to end.

How far along? 37 weeks & 3 days!

Total weight gain: 35 lbs

Maternity clothes: Yep!

Sleep: Still decent. Just get up to go to the bathroom multiple times a night. Sometimes I find it a little harder to fall back to sleep.

Miss anything? Again, my old body. I just miss being able to do simple tasks with out getting so tired and worn out. I barely was able to run a few errands last weekend before I made it home exhausted and my feet throbbing.

Cravings: Still no big cravings. Just sweets as usual.

Symptoms: The usual at this point: rib pain (although it's let up a little), heartburn, lower back pain, swollen ankles

Labor signs: Adding this one on here this week. So far, baby has dropped and is in position and some cramps and braxton hicks contractions.

Movement: I feel him all through out the day. It's more shifting around and sliding motions now. I feel his little feet sliding around in there and his bum will push up and I'll see this huge bulge on my belly. Sometimes I feel his head grinding on my cervix. Sometimes smaller flutters down low which I think are probably hands. I feel hiccups multiple times a day. And last week, I started feeling a very rhythmic up and down motion. I think it's him practicing breathing.

The bump: Out front and center. Everyone tells me it looks like a little bowling ball.

Belly button in or out? Stretch marks? Still in but getting pretty flat. I have on tiny stretch mark on my side. Hopefully that's all I get!

Mood: Anxious, nervous

Best moment of this week? Last weekend, when Jack and I went out to dinner and then saw a movie. It was nice to do something not baby related.

What are you looking forward to? Meeting my son!

Bump progression! I can't believe how much my belly has grown!

Before Baby To-Do List Updated

I originally posted this back at the end of August. Let's see how much progress I've made.
{Updates in purple}

Pre-baby:

• Finalize maternity leave w/ employer  {Finally got this worked out. I'll have at least 12 weeks off then start back up part-time}
• Start disability paperwork {I have it printed out and started filling it out}
• Attend breastfeeding class {just took it last weekend}
• Purchase thank you cards for shower
• Write and send out thank you cards
• Install car seat {Finally did this tonight & we're getting it inspected tomorrow}
• Set up dog sitting while we're at the hospital {Need to ask someone to come by and feed her while we're gone}
• Pack hospital bags {I plan to do it this weekend}
• Finish reading my childbirth books
• Buy postpartum supplies
• Buy nursing supplies
• Look into pump rental {Decided to hold off until after baby is here}
• Purchase baby items needed not gifted at shower
• Wash all baby items
• Put away and organize baby items
• Watch Happiest Baby On the Block DVD
• Purchase and install carbon monoxide detector {It's purchased. Just haven't taken it out of the packaging yet}
• Purchase baby book if not gifted one
• Assemble all baby gear
• Pick a name! {Almost 100% certain}
• Put together music for labor {Most likely use our ihome and listen to Pandora Spa station, should probably buy the subscription so we don't have to listen to commercials}
• DIY some maternity photos {I guess my weekly photos count, right?}
• Make and freeze some meals {Who am I kidding? I think I'll go to Trader Joe's and pick up some frozen meals}
• Finish nursery {Really hoping to take final photos this weekend and share all the details}
• Go on dates with hubby {Done a couple things together but would like to do more}
• Clean up around the house {Working on it}
• Get a pedicure {I got one, but would like to get one more}
• Get a haircut
• Write birth plan {just finished this week}
• Hire Doula {we made the decision to hire one a couple of weeks ago}
• start filling out info in baby book

Post-baby:

• Add baby to Jack's health insurance
• mail out birth certificate
• Call newborn photog to schedule session
• Mail out birth announcements
• Send out birth announcement email to coworkers

Already completed:

• Pre-register at the hospital
• Tour birth center
• Take childbirth prep classes
• Find pediatrician
• Research health insurance for baby
• Research circumcision 
• Book newborn photog
• Complete shower registry

I definitely feel like I've got a lot done in the last month. I feel pretty prepared. My main priorities right now are packing the hospital bag and getting the house cleaned up. It's getting down to the wire! 

Week 36

Wow, 36 weeks! I can't believe how close I'm getting to the end. I had my 36 week checkup and all was good. I got my group B strep swab done, so here's hoping it comes back negative. I really don't want to have to get hooked up to an IV and get antibiotics when I get to the hospital. I now see my doctor once a week and I start getting internal exams at my next appointment. :/

We met with and hired a doula this week. I started getting a little nervous about wanting a med-free birth and how I didn't know if Jack and I could accomplish it on our own. I thought Jack would dismiss the idea right away, but he was surprisingly on board with it. I think he's nervous too and this helps take some of the pressure off of him being the only person to help me through labor. I feel really good about the whole thing. I meet with her again on Monday to go over my birth plan. We'll probably meet with her one more time after that just so we can get to know each other before I go into labor. She will also come to my house 3-7 days after I give birth for a postpartum meeting. She'll be available to help me with breastfeeding which I find comforting. I'm really excited about it!

How far along? 36 weeks!

Total weight gain: Around 34 lbs. :/

Maternity clothes: All the time. I surprisingly have a couple of non-maternity shirts that still fit ok.

Sleep: Been pretty good still. Just getting up to go the bathroom 4 times a night is annoying, but I fall back to sleep pretty fast.

Miss anything? Pre-pregnancy body. I was looking at pictures and couldn't believe how skinny I looked. I'm trying to remind myself that I won't go back to looking like that right away.

Cravings: Nothing really. This is one thing that has surprised me about pregnancy. I always imagined having these crazy cravings and making Jack run to the store because I had to have it. I thought my appetite would be different too. But I feel like I eat the same amount as I did before I was pregnant. Maybe just a little more.

Symptoms: The same as last week: heartburn, right rib pain, some back pain, swollen ankles. Oh and I've noticed my digestion isn't moving like it used to, if you get what I mean. I've really increased my fruit and veggie intake and that's helping. I also started making smoothies every morning and taking it to work with me.

Movement: Still feeling him all the time. I feel definite little nubs that poke here and there. Sometimes I feel like a foot slides across my belly. He gets the hiccups multiple times a day.

The bump: Feeling big, but it's not too bad.

Belly button in or out? Still in.

Mood: Anxious, nervous

Best moment of this week? Finishing up the nursery and hiring a doula. Oh and the surprise shower my work threw me!

What are you looking forward to? Meeting with our doula again on Monday.

Week 35

I'm 35 weeks, which means 35 days until my due date! Holy crap. Only 2 more weeks and this little guy is considered full term and could come at any time. I'd be really happy if he can stay in there until 39 weeks though. He can come anytime after 39 weeks.

I'm definitely feeling the push to get all the last minute things done. I still have a few baby items I want to purchase. I need to buy some postpartum things for myself. Big things we need to do include installing the car seat & packing the hospital bag. Hope to get that done in the next couple of weeks. I'd love to get everything done in the next 2-3 weeks and then just relax and wait for baby.

Here are some photos from last weekend when I was washing all his clothes. I <3 tiny clothes.

Some bump photos from a couple of days ago. What my bump looks like from my view.

I can still see my toes if I lean forward.

And a side view of the ever growing belly. My preggo app says he's pretty much all developed and will just put on weight until delivery. I'm happy to know that if he came early, he'd most likely be just fine. 

Gender: Boy!

How far along? 35 weeks!

Total weight gain: about 32 lbs. That number is getting really close 35 lbs which I thought would be the max I would gain. :/ My feet and ankles are swelling like crazy everyday. :(  Hopefully a lot of this weight is just water weight.

Maternity clothes: Yep! I couldn't get by with out them. I'm happy with the amount I have right now. Definitely not going to buy anymore.

Sleep: Good except getting up 2-3 times a night to pee. I'm having a bit of trouble falling asleep. My mind is just racing with all the things I want to do before the baby arrives. I'm definitely in nesting mode.

Miss anything? Mostly my old body. I love being pregnant, but I'm tired of the rib & back pain.

Cravings: Not really craving anything lately. I always want dessert though.

Symptoms: Some heartburn, right rib pain, some back pain, swollen ankles. I feel pretty lucky with how good I feel most of the time. My biggest annoyance is the rib pain. Sitting at a desk all day makes it worse and especially my 45 minute drive home everyday sucks. Sometimes I'm on the verge of tears driving home, because it just hurts so bad. I feel like such a wuss. New this week is the carpal tunnel in my right hand. Doesn't help that I sit at a computer all day. Oh and I think my hips are widening or loosening in preparation for labor. The ligaments feel sore sometimes and when I roll over in bed my hips crack.

Movement: Lots of movement still! I mostly feel it at the top where his butt and legs & feet are. I feel his butt shifting around, sometimes pressing on my rib. Ouch! I feel, what I think are, little feet on my right side. They push against me. He gets the hiccups a lot too.

The bump: I feel huge now. I know I'm not that big, but the big belly is really starting to get uncomfortable.

Belly button in or out? Still in.

Mood: Happy, anxious, nervous

Best moment of this week? I would have to say last weekend when I washed all the little clothes and put them away.

What are you looking forward to? The weekend so I can get more stuff done.

33 Weeks

So I took my weekly photo on time last week, but got busy and forgot to write up my update. Se here is my 33 week (almost 34 weeks) update. Just 5 days late. oops.

Gender: Boy!

How far along? 33 weeks & 5 days

Total weight gain: about 28 lbs now. Gaining about 1 lb/week right now.

Maternity clothes: All the time. I can still squeeze the bump into some non-maternity tops.

Sleep: Still pretty good. Just frequent bathroom trips are kind of annoying. Where does all that liquid come from in the middle of the night?!

Miss anything? My flat stomach. This bump gets in the way too much.

Cravings: This week I've been wanting a lot of chocolate.

Symptoms: The usual heartburn, rib pain, back pain. Ankles seem to be swelling more.

Movement: All the time. The kicks to the rib hurt.

The bump: I feel like my belly really hasn't grown much in the last couple of weeks. I wonder how big I'll end up.

Belly button in or out? Still in. I'm not sure it will ever pop out completely. It's definitely really shallow.

Mood: Happy!

Best moment of this week? Definitely my baby shower last Saturday. So much fun celebrating our upcoming arrival with friends and family. This little guy was definitely showered with lots of love.

What are you looking forward to? My 34 week appointment on Friday. I can't believe I'm going every two weeks and soon once a week! This little guy will be here before I know it.

Baby To-Do List

With my pregnancy winding down to the last 2 months, I've put together my pre-baby to do list.

Pre-baby:

• Finalize maternity leave w/ employer
• Start disability paperwork
• Attend breastfeeding class {scheduled for end of Sept.}
• Purchase thank you cards for shower
• Write and send out thank you cards
• Install car seat
• Set up dog sitting while we're at the hospital
• Pack hospital bags
• Finish reading my childbirth books
• Buy postpartum supplies
• Buy nursing supplies
• Look into pump rental
• Purchase baby items needed not gifted at shower
• Wash all baby items
• Put away and organize baby items
• Watch Happiest Baby On the Block DVD
• Purchase and install carbon monoxide detector {How do we not have one of these already?! Oops}
• Purchase baby book if not gifted one
• Assemble all baby gear
• Pick a name! {We are still debating this one}
• Put together music for labor
• DIY some maternity photos
• Make and freeze some meals
• Finish nursery
• Go on dates with hubby
• Clean up around the house
• Get a pedicure
• Get a haircut

Post-baby:

• Add baby to Jack's health insurance
• mail out birth certificate
• Call newborn photog to schedule session
• Mail out birth announcements
• Send out birth announcement email to coworkers

I'm not sure what else needs to be done once he's here. Anyone have anything else I should add? 

Already completed:

• Pre-register at the hospital
• Tour birth center
• Take childbirth prep classes
• Find pediatrician
• Research health insurance for baby
• Research circumcision 
• Book newborn photog
• Complete shower registry

I feel like I've accomplished a lot so far, but my list still seems so long. Anything else I should add? 

Week 32

Holy smokes! Only 8 weeks until my due date. Time seems to be moving quickly lately. I'm getting excited to meet our little man, but nervous at the same time. It's a little scary thinking about being responsible for another human being. Plus the fact that Jack and I's lives will never be the same.

I had an OB appointment today. His heartbeat sounds great and doc confirmed that he is head down! Hopefully he stays that way. I'll go every 2 weeks until 36 weeks and then weekly! Crazy how close we're getting to the end.

Gender: Boy!

How far along? 32 weeks

Total weight gain: about 27 lbs now. My weight gain has slowed a bit. I hope I can keep the total under 35 lbs.

Maternity clothes: Yep! Super comfy. I'm starting to get a little bored with the same 6 or so shirts I have to wear to work. I've only got 2 months to go so hopefully they can last me.

Sleep: Just getting up to use the restroom. I practically sleep through it. Oh and sometimes the little bub likes to move around and wake me up.

Miss anything? My old body sometimes. This belly gets in the way too much.

Cravings: This week I had to have chili. Made some tonight and it was delicious.

Symptoms: The usual heartburn, rib pain, back pain. My ankles are starting to swell by the end of the day. I also find that I get out of breath easy now.

Movement: So much movement. I feel little nudges all through out the day. His little bum it right under my boobs and he likes to kick my ribs. He also likes to hang out on my right side.

The bump: Growing more every week. It's definitely uncomfortable bending over.

Belly button in or out? still in.

Mood: Happy, nervous, excited, tired, grumpy

Best moment of this week? Putting more of the nursery together. We hung up the gallery wall and I made a crib skirt. Just some last little details to finish.

What are you looking forward to? Definitely the upcoming 3 day weekend, and also my shower next Saturday.

Week 31

Things are moving along quickly now. I can't believe I only have about two more months until his arrival. I'm getting really excited to meet this little guy that I've been growing in my belly.

This week, I've been reading my breastfeeding book and I started Ina May's book as well. We also met with a newborn photog and reserved a spot.  Oh and I bought this cute little knit turtle costume for the little guy's newborn shoot. It's from this Etsy seller. Jack really liked the turtle costume. I probably would've picked something different, but he really liked it, so I bought it. Especially since he doesn't voice his opinion on things like this very often.

{Source}

Still lots left to do. Here is my to do list with updates in purple. I need to make a more extensive list soon.

• Find a pediatrician 
• figure out maternity leave w/ employer {need to confirm details}
• start disability paperwork & PFL paperwork & give to OB {I've researched into it at least}
• find daycare {If I do get 6 months off, then I won't worry about this just yet}
• pre-register w/ the hospital
• take birth classes {Last class is tomorrow}
• take preparing to breastfeed class {taking at end of September}
• figure out who's health insurance the baby will go on {Jack's since it doesn't cost anything}
• finish nursery
• find newborn photog 
• finalize registry 
• plus all the things at the end like pack hospital bag, install car seat, etc. 

I was lazy and didn't feel like doing my normal weekly bump photo this week. At least I took one though!


Gender: Boy!

How far along? 31 weeks

Total weight gain: about 25 lbs now. My weight gain has slowed a bit to less than a pound a week.

Maternity clothes: Yes! All the time. I do have a few shirts that are non-maternity. The skirt I'm wearing above is a size larger non-maternity skirt from Old Navy.

Sleep: Still good besides getting up to go pee 2-3 times a night. Oh and my hands like to go numb. But I fall back to sleep very quickly.

Miss anything? Miss not getting up in the night to use the restroom.... I guess I better get used to not sleeping through the night from now on.

Cravings: I had a craving for Mexican food today. Satisfied it tonight by eating out at Que Pasa.

Symptoms: rib and back pain. My boobs are still leaking, and I'm starting to feel more tired. Oh and I had a day where it felt like my ab muscles were about to rip apart. I think he was just having a growth spurt or something and it was stretching my belly bigger. But man did it hurt! Then he would move around and push right into the spot that was sore. ouch!

Movement: Lots and lots of movement. He gets the hiccups a lot, which I find are really cute. It's fun trying to guess what body parts are protruding from my belly.

The bump: Getting bigger and bigger! It's getting large and in charge.

Belly button in or out? still in... wondering if it'll ever pop out..

Mood: Happy & excited & tired

Best moment of this week? Getting our crib and glider. The nursery just looks so much more put together now. I'm excited to finish all the little details.

What are you looking forward to? Touring the hospital tomorrow and getting things done in the nursery over the weekend.

Week 30

Wow! I can't believe I'm in the 30's now. Only 10 weeks until my due date and about 8-12 weeks until this little guy decides to make his arrival. It's all happening so fast. I still feel like there is so much left to do to prepare, but I know a lot will get done over the next 6 weeks. Shower invites went out and the shower is in about 3 weeks!

We attended the first of three classes for childbirth preparation. We went over the stages of labor and when we should come to the hospital. We also had to watch a few videos on childbirth. Then we sat on the floor and learned exercises and relaxation techniques. Our homework was to grip ice cubes and practice our relaxed breathing and focusing away from the pain. We've tried it out twice now. It's definitely hard to keep your mind off it! What I took away from the first class is that it's all about trying to relax through your contractions. If you tense up, then you're working against your body and your labor won't progress as easily.

I've noticed my focus has shifted from pregnancy to labor and actually taking care of this baby. I started reading Breastfeeding Made Simple. I'm on Law 4 right now and I find the information very interesting. I've even had a few breastfeeding dreams since I started reading it. Definitely recommend to my pregnant friends!

{Found here}

Gender: Boy!

How far along? 30 weeks

Total weight gain: about 25 lbs now. I went swimming last weekend and was shocked when I looked at my butt and thighs in the mirror! I think that's where some of my weight gain has gone.

Maternity clothes: Yes! All the time.

Sleep: Still pretty good. I get up a few times to go pee, but I practically sleep through it. My back has been getting a little sore by the morning, but it's not bad.

Miss anything? Sometimes I miss my flat stomach. It's taken some getting used to that I can't move around the same like I used to.

Cravings: Cereal, Honey Bunches of Oats to be exact. I have like two bowls a day. I also crave chocolate all the time.

Symptoms: Occasional BH contractions, sore back

Movement: He really likes my right side. He hangs out there a lot. I think it's funny when I lay down and the right side of my belly is sticking up higher than the left. Sometimes I wonder what he's doing in there or what position he's in. My whole belly shakes sometimes from his movement!

The bump: Feeling some growing pains this week. It feels like it's stretching out, especially around my belly button.

Belly button in or out? still in but the top is starting to look different.

Mood: Happy

Best moment of this week? Hearing from Buy Buy Baby that the glider is in! So excited to go pick it up this weekend.

What are you looking forward to? Going to pick up our glider and crib!

Ok. I'm going to share some nursery pics, but it's a mess right now! Trying to keep it real. Can't wait to go get the crib and glider and start putting the finishing touches on it.

What a mess! I hope to get this nursery looking more put together in the next few weeks. Can't wait to share all the details!

Bump Progression

Here is my bump progression thus far! It's amazing how much my belly has grown. I can't believe how skinny I was at 8 weeks! And I laugh at myself for thinking I had a bump at 16 weeks.

Week 29

I feel very productive this last week. We found our pediatrician! It was really stressing me out for some reason, but it was an easy decision. All our friends recommended this one practice. I set up an appointment to meet the doctor, and that was that. We liked her and we liked the office, so we've decided to use them. I also pre-registered at the hospital which was an easy process as well. While we were there, I saw a couple walking the halls with their newborn. The baby was all wrapped up like a burrito with a little hat on. Looked so cute! Made me even more excited about meeting our little guy.

• Find a pediatrician 
• figure out maternity leave w/ employer {started talking to HR about it}
• start disability paperwork & PFL paperwork & give to OB {I've researched into it at least}
• find daycare 
• pre-register w/ the hospital
• take birth classes {start tomorrow!}
• take preparing to breastfeed class {taking at end of September}
• figure out who's health insurance the baby will go on {I've figured out cost thru my work. Just waiting for Jack to go back to work next week to ask about it}
• finish nursery
• find newborn photog {I've started emailing a couple}
• finalize registry 
• plus all the things at the end like pack hospital bag, install car seat, etc. 

I definitely feel better prepared now. Now I just need the crib and glider. Buy Buy Baby said it should be there Monday, so hopefully next weekend we'll be able to go pick it up.

Gender: Boy!

How far along? 29 weeks

Total weight gain: about 24 lbs now. Weight gain slowed this last week to only .5 lb thank goodness! I didn't want to continue down a path of 3+ every week.

Maternity clothes: All the time! So comfy. I find it funny how my non maternity shirts are starting to rise up.

Sleep: Still great. Just get up to go pee. My back has been a little sore when I get up in the morning. I also started sleeping with a pillow in between my legs to help with the back pain.

Miss anything? Still wish I could have a glass of wine. I miss not getting so tired easily too.

Cravings: Chocolate!

Symptoms: BH contractions. I have a couple every day. Occasional heartburn, sore back, feeling more tired, ribs hurt.

Movement: All the time! He is a mover in there. I feel him all through out the day. He also gets the hiccups a couple of times a day which I find are so cute. He likes to hang out more on my right side and stick some body part up in my rib cage. Saturday he kicked me so hard it hurt!

The bump: Not really feeling like it grew too much in the last week.

Belly button in or out? still in although more shallow.

Mood: Happy, nervous

Best moment of this week? Ikea trip went great! I went with my friend and two coworkers. Got lots of goods for the nursery that I'll have to share soon.

What are you looking forward to? I'm really looking forward to the day that we can finally go pick up our crib and glider. Buy Buy Baby is my enemy now. Grrrrr

Week 28

Hello third trimester! Wow! I can't believe I have only 12 weeks until my due date. 12 weeks just doesn't seem like enough time. I feel like there is still so much to do! I'm definitely in no hurry for this pregnancy to end. I just want to feel prepared and I feel far from it. Here is my to do list:

• Find a pediatrician {I've got a couple recommendations}
• figure out maternity leave w/ employer {I'm really procrastinating on this one}
• start disability paperwork & PFL paperwork & give to OB {I've researched into it at least}
• find daycare 
• pre-register w/ the hospital
• take birth classes {these start next Saturday}
• figure out who's health insurance the baby will go on
• finish nursery
• find newborn photog 
• plus all the things at the end like pack hospital bag, install car seat, etc. 

So yeah baby boy can keep on cookin in there while I get this stuff done.

Gender: Boy!

How far along? 28 weeks

Total weight gain: a little over 20lbs. My scale says I gained over 3 pounds this last week. :( I think I need to start watching my dessert intake.

Maternity clothes: Mostly maternity. All that pants I wear are maternity. I have a few long enough tanks and shirts that are non-maternity that I can still wear. I'm hoping I don't have to buy too much more to get me through the last 12 weeks.

Sleep: Still pretty good which makes me happy. Only annoyances are getting up to go pee and my hands falling asleep. I wake up and they're numb and I have to shake them until I get feeling back.

Miss anything? Not really missing anything this week.

Cravings: Just the usual chocolate craving. I think I'm using pregnancy as an excuse to eat a lot of dessert. I need to start watching my dessert intake a little more.

Symptoms: Some braxton hicks contractions still, heartburn, frequent urination, leaking boobs.... My ankles swelled for the first time since Taiwan, so I'm trying to stay well hydrated.

Movement: So much movement! I feel it all the time. It's gotten so much stronger. I can feel him rolling around in there. I like to place my hand at the top of my belly and it feels like little feet are rubbing my hands. Sometimes it startles me too. I'll be leaning or pressing into my belly and he'll kick that spot! I guess he doesn't like that. lol It's also crazy how all over the place the movement has become. Sometimes I'll feel it way off to the side or way up high. He likes to hang out on the right side. I can actually see when he's lopsided in there. One side of my belly will be higher than the other. He also likes to keep his feet {I think it's his fee!} in my right rib cage. It can be uncomfortable at times.

The bump: I definitely feel like it grew this last week. I haven't encountered any strangers trying to touch it yet.

Belly button in or out? still in although more shallow.

Mood: Happy, nervous

Best moment of this week? Date night last night with my hubby. I had to go get my RhoGAM shot so I was home by 4:30. We went and had Mexican for dinner and then watched The Dark Knight. Which was really good by the way!

What are you looking forward to? Ikea tomorrow! I can't wait to pick up some more stuff for the nursery.  And I'm really hoping I get a call from Buy Buy Baby to let me know our glider is in. That thing shipped almost a month ago! I don't know why it's taking so long to get to the store.

And the bump has definitely grown in the last week. No wonder I gained 3 lbs in one week! Look at last weeks photo compared to this week. Baby boy is getting big!

Weeks 26 & 27

I missed last weeks bump photo because we went out of town for the weekend, so I only have my 27 weeks photo. I cannot believe I'm about to head into my third trimester now. Time is really starting to fly by, and I want it to slow down. It's funny how I wanted the beginning to hurry up and go by, and now I want the end to be slow. My to do list is a mile long and I'm freaking out that there is still so much to do to prepare for this little guy's arrival.

Things were going really great until I got sick this week. You can see the evidence in my weekly photo with a nasty cold sore I got below my nose. I'm feeling much better. Just congested, which sucks. I did take two days off of work and I was able to tackle my first sewing project of making curtains for the nursery. I'll have to do a nursery update soon.

The big new thing is that I started leaking colostrum! This is something I didn't expect before I had the baby. I first noticed it last weekend when we were at the beach. I was laying on my side cuddling Jack. When I rolled over, I had a big wet spot on my shirt. Squeezed my boob a little, and sure enough! Colostrum started coming out! Craziness. Jack thought it was the coolest thing. lol Not a lot comes out. It's not like I need to wear pads or anything. It's just another reminder that my body is going through some major changes.

Gender: Boy!
Total weight gain: about 20 lbs I'm really hoping to keep weight gain under 35 lbs, but we'll see.
Maternity clothes: Almost all maternity. I have discovered that my husbands old, stretched out boxers are super comfy to sleep in. I'm trying to avoid maternity PJ's at this point.
Sleep: It's been pretty good except right now while I'm sick. I get up about 1-2 times a night to pee and sometimes my back is aching in the morning. Definitely nothing to really complain about though.
Miss anything? I do miss being able to do things with out my back starting to hurt and getting tired. I seem to get tired out easily and have to sit and rest.
Cravings: The usual sweet tooth. I've been eating a lot of chocolate. I thought pregnancy was supposed to bring on stronger cravings. I haven't really experienced any up to this point.
Symptoms: Occasional braxton hicks contractions. I've been getting heartburn right before bed, which is super annoying. I feel like I always have to pee. Sometimes I'll go and then like 5 minutes later I feel the urge again. It's probably just the baby's position. Oh and leaking colostrum.
Movement: I've noticed that the movement has changed. It's no longer flutters or little kicks, but full on rolling motions. The kicks are much stronger now and I can feel little body parts rolling around in there. I'm not sure what it is I'm exactly feeling, but it feels like a butt or head rubbing on my tummy. And he sure likes to kick my right rib.
The bump: Out front and center! Is it just me, or do people no longer look at your face when you're pregnant? I see someone, we make eye contact, and then their eyes always go to my belly next. It's kind of funny. I think I do that to pregnant women too.
Belly button in or out? still in. I'm wondering if it'll pop out or not. It seems like it still has a ways to go.
Mood: Happy most of the time. I get frustrated and stressed at times.
Best moment of this week? Last weekend at the beach was awesome.
What are you looking forward to? Going to Ikea next weekend to shop some more for the nursery.


Here's a look back at the second trimester:

Week 25

It feels like the weeks are just flying by now. I can't believe I'm almost in the third trimester! I've been feeling a little overwhelmed this week. I feel like there is so much to do, and I haven't really got anything accomplished yet. What's mostly stressing me out is I don't know the situation with my maternity leave yet. I've been putting it off talking to my work about it and now is probably a good time to get that worked out. I guess I'm just nervous they're not going to approve the amount of time I want off. What helped me though is I made a checklist of the things we need to get done before his arrival. Seeing it all written down, made it feel not so overwhelming.

I also started our registry this week. My mom and I set a date for the baby shower for September 8th. I can't wait! Am I the only one that found making a registry NOT fun?! I find it overwhelming with all the baby gear options and all the crap that they tell you a baby needs. I barely started researching gear this past week. And I hate to register for useless stuff, but I felt like I needed to put affordable options on the registry. Most of what we really need is the big stuff like a car seat. But I will most certainly be grateful for whatever gifts our friends and family give us.

I decided to register at Babies R Us and also on Amazon. Jack and I went to BRU yesterday to start the registry. I figured it would be easier to get it started in the store and then make changes online later. Phew! It was exhausting though. There is so much baby crap in that store, but I think we got a good foundation to work with.

Gender: Boy!
Total weight gain: about 17 lbs
Maternity clothes: Mostly wearing maternity clothing. I have a few tops that I can wear that are not maternity. The maternity clothes just flatter the bump so much better.
Sleep: It's been good mostly. Still have to get up and go 2-3 times a night. I've been having some backaches in the morning. I might need a pillow between my legs and I should work on strengthening my back.
Miss anything? Being able to bend over with out it being uncomfortable.
Cravings: This last week I've been wanting sandwiches and pasta salad. Particularly a pasta salad from Brinks that has these nice yummy chunks of cheese in it. 
Symptoms: I started getting Braxton Hicks contractions this week. My doc said they're usually caused by dehydration. So if I feel them, I know I need to drink more water. I've also had a little heartburn. Oh and I have a slight UTI. Never had one before in my life! I guess it's common during pregnancy because your urinary tract slows down.  
Movement:All the time! I never get tired of it. 
The bump: Out front and center! I'm not sure it's grown much since last week though.
Belly button in or out? still in
Mood: Super happy! 
Best moment of this week? I would have to say listening to the little guy's heartbeat at my checkup. He got the hiccups while the doc was listening! It was so cute.  
What are you looking forward to? Our babymoon coming up this weekend! We are headed to the beach for 3 nights. I can't wait to get out of this heat for a little while and relax.

Writing to baby

Back at the beginning of my pregnancy, I was trying to figure out a way to document the whole experience. I knew keeping up with my weekly bump updates would help, but I wanted something more personal and concrete. My mom had given me a notebook that she had written in during my first year, and that's when it occurred to me! I could start my own journal to remember my pregnancy and to document baby's first year.

So I got myself a moleskin journal from Target and I've been writing letters to the baby periodically through out my pregnancy. If you're considering it, here are some points to get your journal writing juices flowing:

• Day your found out you were pregnant and how you told your husband
• Write about when you told friends & family and their reactions
• First time hearing his/her heartbeat and how it made you feel
• First time you felt him/her kicking 
• First time your significant other got to feel movement
• How you envision life will be like once your little bundle of joy has arrived
• Your hopes & dreams for your little one
• Names you're considering & how you decided on a name
• Who do you think he/she will look like
• Day to day life before he/she arrived
• And anything else you would like your little one to know

My goal is to try to write in it at least once a month before and after he's here. Once he's born, I hope to write about his milestones and all his firsts. Then one day, when he's all grown up, I hope to give the journal to him to read. I think his future wife might enjoy reading through it.