37 Weeks Bumpdate {baby boy}

I am officially 37 weeks--FULL TERM--today!!  



This makes me feel good, so if baby came early, he should be A-O.K.  I had my checkup yesterday and  it as just a belly check.  I told her about my weird side of stomach pain, it's just so tender and feels bruised or something.  She said we could do an ultrasound, but I can't really get in until 12/31…which is fine, I don't think it's anything alarming, but it is different than I had with Brooke.  From what I have read, it's probably my abs separating and/or he's just in this particular position where his knees/feet have been constantly pushing on that spot and it's tender.  Dr. said it could be a fibroid, but it's most likely not any issues with organs etc.  Things are just getting tight in there.  Oy!!

I have been getting way more tired, to the point where I am actually falling asleep/napping.  I must be really needing it, because usually I will rest, watch some Netflix, You Tube, or read, and then I'm fine.  On Tuesday, I legit fell asleep and drooled! I only woke up because I heard, "Mommy, ew stinky!" Yes, that'd be Brooke letting me know she needed a diaper change ;0)  Friday I fell asleep at 7pm and probably could have stayed asleep, but Brooke still needed to go to bed etc.  So, again the semi-can't fall asleep insomnia kept me up until 11.

I love feeling his twisting, rolling, stretching, hiccups…there's not a lot of room in there, so I can tell his movements are strong, but not as crazy as a few months ago.  I wonder how big he will be?! I am not sure if he will be smaller than Brooke or even bigger.  Will he have dark hair and eyes? {that is what my thoughts are, we shall see!}  I can't wait to hold him, kiss him, and snuggle that newborn itty bitty!!

Emotions:

I have been a bit of a roller coaster! I am super happy or kinda sad…stupid hormones! I get upset that we can't out out and do more, and then a part of me doesn't want to leave the dang house! So weird.  I am hoping the hormones aren't too crazy after birth.  I am excited that my mom will be here to help.  I am thankful we have Christmas to distract me a bit and I really can't wait for Brooke's face!  She is gonna love it.   I have friends going through some stuff, so I know I get worried about them.

Symptoms:

I am getting up once or twice to use the bathroom in the middle of the night.  The absolute worst is rolling left to right/right to left.  My left side of my pelvic bone feels like it's going to fall out.  SPD {pelvic girdle pain} is no joke!! My left knee, leftside pelvis, and back are KILLING ME some days.  I stretch, do some light yoga, walk…but nothing helps.  At this point, it's just breathe, wait, and know that it will be over soon.  Again, there are good days and bad days. I just try really hard to do the mind over matter!

Labor Signs:

I haven't had as many BH this week, I attribute it to my massive amounts of water, Rehydrate, and decaf teas I have been drinking. I am constantly peeing, but I figured it's best to be hydrated. I still get cotton mouth and am thirsty all the time, but no more contractions. I've been alternating black tea and red raspberry leaf teas.

Cravings:

Chocolate has been an, um, issue this week.  Weirdly enough, I did fine throughout the majority of my pregnancy but these cravings lately are insane!  Of course Christmas doesn't help and not being able to control my cravings with some amazing supplements kind of stinks, {I'm talking to you MNS!} so I am doing my best, but I need to check myself. #truth

Salads.  But I'm back to the point where I don't want to make them. So weird!? A salad tastes so much better when someone else prepares it…whyyyyyy???


Hospital bag is packed and so is little man's.  I still need to put Brooke's bag together, as who knows when we will be heading to the hospital.  Depending on the time of day, either my mother in law will come here to watch her, or we will drop her off at their house.  They literally live like two minutes from where we will deliver, so it will be easy.

Thoughts?

I'm ready.  When he's ready.  His due date is 1/10/15.  I am trying to not get my hopes up for a few days early or on time birthday, because if he is anything like his sister, I could be visiting my OB again that appointment on the 16th of January.

I wonder if he'll come on Brooke's birthday, January 11th.    As for her party, I think we are keeping it super low key, having it on her actual birthday since it's a Sunday.  My sister is going to get her a Frozen cake and we will just have a dinner here or something.  I just don't want to plan an elaborate thing, only to cancel because we are in labor!  So next year we will have a big 3 party hehe.  Who knows, maybe the two of them will have a combined 1 & 3 party, most likely.

After birth:

I am really looking forward to nursing again.  Now that I know what I am doing, have confidence, I hope it's as easy as it was with Brooke.  Once we got it down, we were a great team! We only made it 6 months, so my goal this time would be a year, but we will see. I still have to prep my pump/bottles, as that seemed to work nicely last time. I had a good supply frozen and others were able to help out and feed.  Although, I have a feeling knowing this will be my last, I am already getting emotional about how fast it's going to go by.  So, hopefully I can keep that in check.

We are planning on doing the same thing again with Brad that we did with Brooke--in the crib ASAP.  The first few nights when they are awake all night, it's tricky, but without reading Baby Wise, I think we sort of sleep trained and it worked beautifully.  I actually ordered it the other day and look forward to reading it a bit.  I am all for some attachment methods, but we believe in the safety and security of the crib.  Heck, it worked so well with Brooke, she still stays in her BIG GIRL bed until one of us comes and gets her.  No reason why she can't climb out, open the door and run around the house…she just stays in there!

I haven't gotten very far into this book yet, but so I like what I'm reading so far.  It's basically what we try to do, but it's always a friendly reminder.  I enjoy how the book starts with the importance of the parents' relationship and how we interact with one another etc.  It really does set the tone of how your children will be!

So nothing other than that, I just wanted to give a quick update.  I get a little bit of free time today, as Brooke is going to my in-laws while I can get my hair done---FOR THE LAST TIME WITH ONE KID! AHHHHHH.

I remember writing that with Brooke, well, I said without needing a sitter.  Too funny.  I still can't even wrap my head around how I am going to get errands, grocery shopping, or anything done with two! haha but someone people do it.  Heck, they do it with even more!!  I will figure it out.  I can promise you that I will be snuggling the heck outta little Brad, every stinking minute I can…I. can't wait!

3 weeks to go?! Any bets on when Baby Brad makes his arrival??

Busted Toes with a Side of Sunny Side Up

Well, let's just say that this week is not turning out how I thought it would be!!  Yesterday as I was starting to prepare my tasty soup recipe, Miss B tried to help.  And by help, I mean that she dropped a can of diced tomatoes on her foot!  It took awhile for me to figure out where said can landed, and it ended up being her little tiny piggy toe.  Ya know, the one that goes wee wee wee….yah.  So we iced it for as long as she'd let me and it's all purple now.

Poor girl, but she was so tough! After some snuggles and kisses to the boo boo, and much talk about it, she was up and at em in no time. Tough. Chick.

Meanwhile, does anyone else's kitchen ever look like this while they cook?? Goodness. She loves "helping" and her new favorite thing is stacking cups.  Whatever it takes to keep her entertained while I am in the kitchen, I will do…PS see the big box in the back? Santa has some work to do!  #kitchenset

So lunch was super yummy--that soup recipe I shared on here. OMG. Total make again and treat yourself to some of these!

It really came out well!!

Last night we were actually supposed to go out and have dinner with some good friends to celebrate their anniversary.  I got my hair all fixed up, makeup on, cute outfit…

Buuut reality hit (literally) when a couple came to pick up an old dresser/nightstand we were giving away on Craigslist.  The dumb thing fell apart and hit Joe right in the toe.  What is up with him and his daughter?! Needless to say, all plans were cancelled and he's been icing, elevated and applying essential oils like cray.

What are the odds I'd have two feet pictures on my phone from the same day??

Two. Peas. In. A. Pod.

Oh, and baby boy and me?  We are good!! Minus the whole, he is sunny side up and not facing the right way…thaaaaaaaat explains my odd symptoms, and by odd I just mean I didn't feel this way with Brooke.  Like what?  This back pain, which I had back pain earlier on with Brooke, but nothing with Brad.  Until lately--and this cramping, along with his feet or knees are kicking up by my ribs to the point where it hurts so bad! It's crazy how different pregnancies can be.

His head is down, but he is facing my stomach.  Hopefully he will turn on his own…so I've already started my venture on natural ways to get baby to flip, and enlisted my #1 source: my acupuncturist.  She said I have to warm my kidneys, so lots of black tea, walnuts, sweet potatoes, sea salt and keep my feet covered always!!  I'll do anything to try and get him to turn.  Oy!

So, heart rate was 144.  He's measuring on time, 36 weeks.  Head is down.   I did my Group B Strep test--so fun--not---and I will just assume I'm positive since I was with Brooke. I just had to have antibiotics as soon as I go into labor.  Now we start our weekly visits and I am full term next week!  

Here's to a *peaceful* rest of the day...

31 Weeks {2 months to go!}

Our due date is 1.10.14, so technically he could be here in less than 2 months! If he's like his sister, he'll come late.  However, I know these things are totally out of my control.  I hear that second babies come faster or sooner, which would be nice.  I just pray for a healthy delivery and baby, that is all!

I got this CD the other day and just love it.  Her voice is amazing and I love the holidays, so it certainly makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.  I ordered it on Amazon and they give you the mp3 version as well, which is cool because I can just leave the CD in my car.

I find it so weird that my belly now rests on my lap haha.  There is no mistaking I am pregnant and it's funny how many opinions you hear while carrying a baby. I've been told how big I look and how small I look, so I just smile and try to be polite, as people are just trying to make conversation.

I just cannot believe I am already filling out hospital paperwork and going to the OB every 2 weeks!

Symptoms:

I am at the point where I kind of hate running errands only because I feel like I have to pee all the time. I am so very thirsty, so I've been pounding water, but then of course I have to go.  I know it's all part of the process, but man…I'd like to not feel like I have to go, right after I just went!!

Full on waddling.

I'm not really feeling 'hungry' and eating smaller meals all day is very helpful since I am running out of room.

Sleep is okay; I wake up maybe once a night or really early to have to pee.

I definitely get a lot more tired again and find myself trying to take breaks throughout the day.

My calves have been getting tight, so I am trying to be more diligent with my calcium supplement. I take them in the morning, but sometimes forget the second round. I read that may help.

My belly button popped out! That never happened with Brooke.

The line down the belly is just starting to appear, whereas with Brooke that happened earlier on and was really dark.

I have good days and bad days with the pelvic pain; I haven't been to the chiropractor again, so that would probably help if I went, but otherwise I just rest when I can.  Which isn't a lot, since I have this crazy little girl who is full of energy!  Her latest obsession are my hats.  This is us trying to leave the house.  She continues to teach me patience.  It's not like I'm going anywhere fast anyway.

I'm pretty much busting out of the medium maternity.  I tried to put on my favorite pair of 'skinny jeans' and they wouldn't go over my rump! I am pretty sure my hips widened and they're getting ready to put this show on the road! The large pants I have still have some room to grow, so that's good.  I really stretched them out last time haha.   I ordered a few more tops because I know I'll be in them for a little bit after I have him as well; my belly seems to be bigger this time, even though the rest of me is smaller than with Brooke. If that makes sense…so most of my tanks and tees are riding up the front and I really don't love that.

Loving:

I love feeling him move, although some of his kicks and punches are getting quite painful. I never really felt them hurt with Brooke, so that has been new this pregnancy.

Gingerbread bars.  OMG. Seriously, it's the highlight of my day hahaha. I love these like no other.  I may have ordered 10 more boxes.

Looking forward to:

Finishing the nursery! I have lots I want to share and show, but I don't want to, until I have at least the crib in there and Brooke in her big girl bed.

This is the view from our couch.  We have this hole in the wall, which is actually baby boy's room.  Joe and his dad are going to fill it in like a window, I believe? Which is why I haven't really picked out curtains yet, because there is a real window on the opposite wall.  We just want to block extra noise out and make sure no one can fall/jump out of the hole! Such an odd thing to have there.

My sprinkle; my mother in law is insisting on having a little sprinkle for us. I don't want anything big or fancy, but a small gathering to celebrate our little boy with close friends and family will be fun!

My prenatal massage on Thursday!  I am so ready to be pampered.

I am also oddly looking forward to the snow?! I am usually just such a summer girl, may have been my match.com handle when I met my hubby  but I really want to bundle up, wear cute scarves/hats, and get some cute bump photos in the snowfall!

I am certainly looking forward to all holidays and having Brooke this time of year will certainly fly by so very fast!!  This whole pregnancy has gone really quickly. I cannot believe we have less than 2 months to go!

Hopefully we find Brookie a big girl bed and I can share more nursery progress soon.  As for today? It's going to be close to 70 degrees, which is crazy here in November in NY.  So we will be taking advantage of it for sure!  

19 Weeks: Baby 2

Holy cow, we are in those final few days of, "baby" and pretty soon, we will know GIRL or BOY!!  We go on Wednesday for our gender scan!! Ahhhh! 

19 Weeks

Baby is the size of:

A mango. Not even a pound yet!

Gender:

I don't know!?!

Mood:

A little bit of a roller coaster.  I was all pumped, motivated and excited to be organizing my closets/clean out the soon to be nursery, and that kept me busy…but I really started to miss Joe as he worked a ton on another tent sale, so that was a little hard this week. I am hoping the weather warms up a bit and we can make the most out of the remainder of Summer!  I try not to be over emotional, but I get a bit teary here and there. I am very excited about finding out the sex of the baby.

Sleep:

I just can't seem to get enough.  I toss and turn a bit, but we are in bed by 10 or so and I get up around 7.  Yesterday I was nodding off and just so sleepy--{I blame the sudden cold temps!}

Symptoms:

I have been feeling SO awesome and then late Wednesday night the dreaded heartburn has returned. I notice it's when I eat some of my favorites like FRUIT. I had an apple and almond butter and a few chews/swallows in--Wahhhh. I know it's something I just have to deal with, as I made it through with Brooke, but it's really not one of my favorite symptoms!  I know I have to eat, but I'm starting the, open the fridge and stare--what do I have to eat phase…I am trying to keep it healthy without the burn.  I still have some hip pain, but the chiropractor and my walks are keeping it manageable.  Itchy belly/boobs--so I keep using lotion.  I'm starting to outgrow some of my newer shorts I bought this time around.  Oh and I'm really drinking tons of water, so I pee all.of.the.time.  I also have this nesting instinct to cook a bunch of meals and organize everything.  I also have this urge to be around family, but my family is not really close by so Brooke and I are alone a lot and that makes me sad.

Tired--Brooke and I just chilling on the couch.

But then her toddler energy kicks into high gear!

Cravings:

I still want a damn cheeseburger.  Pickle. Mustard. Ketchup.  

If you really wanna know, I want salmon sushi drizzled with lemon and a little wasabi.  A tuna hand roll and a glass of Pinot Grigio. But those won't happen til January.

Exercise:

I take Brooke on walks.  We even walked to the park and played around for an hour.  I am doing my stretches and need to pull out the pre-natal yoga dvd. I'm thinking about doing a prenatal water aerobics at the Y…but I really don't love indoor pools.  Have you prego mamas ever done a class like that?

Best moment of the week:

Joe came home Thursday and I was sleeping on the couch--tired I tell ya!-- and he laid next to me and Brooke was still napping.  I told him the baby was moving and so he put his hand on my lower abdomen; low and behold, he felt the baby! It was one strong kick or punch or push whatever but he felt it! Pretty cool. 

Looking forward to:

Wednesday's Gender Reveal.  I was thinking of doing a party, but everyone has whacky schedules and I just don't have the patience or desire to make anyone angry or try to make people happy, so my mama in law is coming over to watch Brooke and we will just go and find out! I still have no clue!

Thursday night I am attending a freezer meal workshop and I'm probably a little too excited for that.  I just want to be ahead of the game and get some meals in my freezer to make life easier, after baby and even when I just don't feel like cooking super duper prego.

Baby #2 Bumpdate

How far along:

17 weeks

I took this at night, after dinner..so I always feel a little bigger haha.  PS--weird prego symptoms: baby hair growing in on the side of my head?! OY! I know once I start nursing after baby, it all falls out but it's kinda annoying.

See, I feel like the left side is already protruding a bit more; what's so comfy about the left?? #sadiebomb

Baby is the size of:
A turnip

Gender:
NO clue.  We have zero girl names and I am terrified to think of how we will ever come to agree on one, if need be!! {Any suggestions??} Joe thinks it's a girl, Brooke says, "Boy" and I am just staying out of it. Haha. I was totally wrong with Brooke so, I am not even guessing.

Mood:

Better this week! I was all out of sorts last week and I really don't know why. I couldn't get my head on straight and just was really emotional.  We took it really easy this weekend, like Joe and Brooke asleep by 8/9 pm.  Sunday we really did nothing, but take Brooke to a playground for a bit and all that resting I think really helped!!

Sleep:

I have trouble falling asleep before 10.  I like to read or watch You Tube videos, but once I do fall asleep I seem to be good until around 5 am when I get up to pee. I fall back to sleep until 7, when we all have to get up!  On days where we don't have to be up, I have been known to sleep in until 9 or 10--whoa!

Belly Button:

That thing stretched out last time around; I don't think it will ever pop out. It's too deep. Enough belly button questions.

Stretch Marks:

No new ones---I still have the faded ones under my belly button from Brooke. I didn't have any until the last few days I went over 40 weeks…they're not terrible, but they're there. I am SUPER itchy on my boobs and my belly so I use Burt's Bees Mama Bee belly butter in the am and Bio-oil at night.

Cravings:

Lots of veggies {cucumbers, tomatoes and hummus omg!}, fruit, lemonade, and the other night it was warm, from the oven chocolate chip cookies.  I didn't make any, or eat any, so those would still be awesome.  I miss my occasional glass of cold, Pinot.  Not gonna lie. This sort of works.

Best Moment of the Week:

Feeling baby #2 move more and more.  I feel like he/she is sitting in the bottom left corner like Brooke did, so it makes for a little discomfort.  After I eat or when I lay down, I feel baby move around the most!

The other wonderful moments are when Brooke randomly says, "Baby!" and pats my belly. It really is so cute...

What I'm looking forward to:

This weekend I believe Brookie will be visiting her grandparents and hubby has a tent sale--SO mama gets some alone/GIRL time!! I am really excited about that.  My friend and I will be getting pedicures!

Exercise:

I am really making more of an effort this time around!! I feel my absolute best first thing, so the last three days we have gone on little half hour walks.  She loves nature and is just sleepy enough to not wanna run around like a crazy kid.  I feel great just moving! I believe my new sneakers really helped because my feet feel fantastic!! Who knew how important a good pair of shoes were??

I have also been doing more yoga stretches and planks.  I need to start in on the weights a bit!  I want to keep my lean muscle mass I worked so hard to get before getting pregnant.

Overall thoughts/questions:

I am SO ready to get this party started!! I just wanna know boy or girl so I can let the fun nursery decorating begin! I have some ideas floating around, so I can't wait to put those into place.  We were going to do a Gender Reveal Party, but the timing is just weird and I just don't want to deal with making others upset for missing it.  So, Joe and I will find out and just tell people, some how. Muahahahaha. 

There is so much to look forward to--we still have so much of summer left and then I get excited about Fall and then Christmas with Brooke..and then omg she's two and we have 2 kids! What a wild ride 2015 will be.  

Any suggestions mamas with two, under/near two??  

40 Week Bumpdate

How far along:

 40 Weeks and 1 day
Black is slimming, no?

Baby is the size of:
an extra large watermelon??
She's huge.
I don't know.

Labor Signs:

 At my Dr's appointment I am still 1cm dilated

70% effaced

Mucus plug is gone

Lots of cramping

We are scheduled to go in for an ultrasound Tuesday

We have our induction date of January 16th 

{you go in at night, have the baby the next day}

I'm hoping she comes on her own before then!!

Symptoms:

I feel like I have to pee every 5 minutes now.
It's insane.
Every time I stand, I feel like I gotta go.
Still emotional.
I may or may not yell out loud to my husband:
I want this baby out now!!
From time to time.
My hips hurt so bad they woke me up this morning.
I have to sit-up and not lay

Mood:
I'm happy and frustrated.

 Trying to stay positive.

I really want to have her on my own, without being induced.

I feel like everyone has had her baby in blogland
except me!!
{Those who were due around this time, that is}
I anxiously await anything that remotely feels like a contraction.

Clothes:
I have like 3 outfits that sort of fit, but I change right into comfy pants and t-shirt,
belly hanging out as soon as I am home.
I live in my robe.
Miss Anything:

I want to hold my baby.

Cravings:

I could go for a NYC Pizza and it's only 10am.

Rings:

Still off.
Still miss them.

Stretch Marks:

I do believe, in the last few days...
I have a few small ones popping up under the belly.
How sad.
:(
She needs to come out NOW!!!

Weight:

Just gained a pound last week.

Best Moment of the Week:

My husband is home all weekend,
so we walked the mall after the doctors yesterday.
Put away all Christmas decor/bins etc.
I'm just enjoying our 'quiet time' together.

Looking forward to:

Seeing our baby girl on the ultrasound on Tuesday.
{Although I'd rather her appear before then, in real life!}
Contractions.
Never thought I'd be hoping for bad bad pain!!
I may also do some acupressure/acupuncture within the next week...

Overall thoughts/concerns: 
I've come to terms that she'll come when she's ready;
and if she's not ready, we'll help her out.
Knowing that I can't go any further than January 16 is somewhat comforting,
but at the same time, seems like forever and a day away.
I am glad they are giving us time to allow her to come on her own.
I really don't want to go through induction,
as so many end up in C-sections, and I wanted a vaginal birth.
I know the end result:
a healthy baby in my arms,
will happen either way,
so what will be, will be.
And just for kicks,
here's a picture of my mom pregnant with me in her last month
and obviously a picture of me in the last month.

My mom is only 5'4 and she had me, an 8 lb 12 oz baby!!
So I really wonder what my 5'8 self and 6'3 husband will create.
Hope my next bump post is a picture of my baby!!!!!!!!!

39 Week Bumpdate

I'm still here, and stilllllllllllll prego!

How Far Along:

39 weeks and 1 day

Baby is the size of:

And boy does she feel like it!!

39 weeks--headed out for our weekly checkup!

Even though everyone says I look like I've dropped,

the Dr said I really haven't dropped much at all.....

Labor Signs:

Tons of Braxton Hicks, but no rhyme or rhythm to any of the contractions.

At my appointment the doctor said I was 50% effaced and dilated 1 cm.

TMI---she said my mucus plug was in the way, so she had to push through,

that brought on some major discomfort, cramping, and spotting.

So...any day you're ready lil lady, mama's waiting!!!

Clearly she doesn't want to come out and play yet.

Bags are all packed, we are ready to go.

Symptoms:

Heartburn has subsided a bit; 

I still pop Tums here and there but not nearly as much.

Plus, I've been kickin it up a knotch with spicy foods 

Spicy turkey chili, Chipotle, hot sauce...

{not that it's helping bring on labor!?}

Still a little swelling in my legs/feet/hands

Still feels like someone kicked me hard in my hoo ha and it hurts.

All.The.Time.

I've been nesting like crazy,

but I can only do so much because of said horrid pain.

Then I nap, since I can't bear to look around at my messy house.

I'm pretty emotional.

I get teary eyed at everything.

Mood:

Happy for the most part, but I still get frustrated at my lack of mobility.

I dislike being in pain, who does?

Anxious, excited, impatient...

And I am more than ready to meet my little girl.  

Sleep:

I am very tired, very easily lately.

I nap every day, even days when Joe is home...

I have trouble falling asleep, but I do sleep.

I'm up every 3 hours to use the bathroom. 

Miss Anything:

I will be so thankful when I can strap on a pair of sneakers,

normal non maternity workout clothes, and take my dogs on a run.

Never thought I'd miss it so much.

Cravings:

I had to have Wendy's fries with a side of cheese again.

Christmas cookies were fun while they lasted, 

but then they had to go.

I'm pretty much over food though...

I seriously think about what food group I have to eat,

and go with that. 

I stare in the fridge for awhile at a time.

Rings:

Still off and I still miss them.

Clothes:

I hate them.

I live in lounge clothes and put a pair of jeans on if I need to leave the house,

which I try not to do much any more.

I love pj pants, a maternity tank 

and my new Ralph Lauren robe from my friend Kristin!

Belly Button:

Still really oddly poking out/mostly in.

"not done"

Stretch Marks:

Still none.

I hear they appear after the baby

:/

Weight:

Not really gaining too much any more at this point,

Thank goodness.

I bet all said and done, I will have gained 65 pounds.

Whoa.

Best moment of the week:

Celebrating Christmas with my husband,

my family,

his family,

and it being very, very low key.

It was quiet and nice and perfect.

Looking Forward to:

Meeting my baby Brooke!

Will she be a New Year baby?
Will she come on her due date?
Will she arrive fashionably late?

It's so crazy to not know.

Overall thoughts/concerns:

I will admit it's been a rough few weeks;

Joe got sick with his Crohn's,

then he came down with a really really nasty cold.

So, I've been trying to take care of him and the dogs, the house,

and myself, whereas he had been helping out a bit more...

he could not.

So, my type-A personality does not help,

but I try my best to just do what I can physically do, 

rest when I can, and just breathe.

I know it will all be over soon and I'll be experiencing life with a newborn!

I also wonder, will my water break on its own?
When will I get real contractions?
I really don't want to be induced.

I drive myself nuts.

So for now, I'm trying to find ways to occupy my time...

such as getting into this cheesy drama Pretty Little Liars.

I'm not going to lie, it's pretty darn addicting already!

I know these last few weeks are hardest,

so what are some ways I can pass the time mamas?!?

37 Week Bumpdate

How Far Along:

37 Weeks and 1 day

*We are officially full term*

Baby is the size of:

aka big!

I had my first weekly check up.

She's measuring at 38 weeks.

Her head is down,

but she has not dropped.

The Dr said he'd do an internal check if I wanted,

but there was really no point...

so I decided to wait until next week.

He said they'll only let me go up to a week past my due date,

then there are risks and complications.

I hope I go naturally...

Symptoms:

The joints in my hands ache..

My knuckles, wrists...hopefully it will ease up a bit.

Swollen feet.

Highs/lows emotionally.

I cry at everything.

I am peeing like every hour.

It's insane.

Heartburn is still kickin, so lots of Tums.

Still have the lower pubic pain.

She seems to just love to hang out on my left side,

and it's so heavy!

Wednesday night it felt like she shifted,

I felt amazing and actually took Holly on a little walk.

I woke up again with the pain on Thursday though...

I seem to be getting hot flashes, then I'll be cold.

So weird.

Mood:

I definitely have my moments where I just don't know how much longer I can go.

*Cue Thursday night, laying on the couch while hubs played Madden,

I may or may not have been in tears.

But then I have days like yesterday where I felt so great!

After my Dr. appointment,

I went to Target, stocked up on food etc.

went for a nice drive with my husband,

and we went out to eat at a little Italian restaurant.

There's so much to think about,

and at this point, so little I can do!

I try to keep busy and am thankful it's Christmas time.

I'm trying to be patient,

but I want to hold my baby!!

Sleep:

Some good nights-I only wake up 2-3 times

Some bad-I wake up like 6 times and my hips hurt so bad every time I turn left/right.

I woke up at 5:30 and couldn't fall back to sleep.

I try to nap...sometimes it's just resting.

 Rings:

I have officially taken off my wedding band and engagement rings.

My fingers swell throughout the day

and I decided to not risk having to cut them off or something awful.

Joe thinks it's really funny that I'm super prego and not wearing them.

Hardy har.

:)

Cravings:

Maple Syrup.

Butterscotch.

Cookies.

Lots of fruit--clementines--I ate 3 last night?!

Clothes:

Down to one pair of jeans, one pair of khakis, leggings.

Around the house I have a few yoga pants and sweats.

My belly hangs out of most shirts and I'm constantly pulling them down.

I wore flip flops to dinner last night.

It's that or Uggs and I running hot lately...

I'm happy that I did not buy a maternity coat

 because I am warm enough with a scarf

or a puffer vest open.

Both of which I usually remove.

I did buy two nursing tops from Gap that I packed in my hospital bag.

I hope they're comfy and useful.

Other than that, I refuse to buy any more prego stuff.

I.AM.DONE.

Belly Button:

Still weird and not popped.

Stretch Marks:

Nope...

Still hoping. 

Weight:

We're almost at 60 pounds people...

I'm told that I don't look it;

I am tall so I must hide it well.

Whatever.

I will work it off...

As long as baby and I are healthy,

that's all that matters.

Miss Anything:

After holding my baby girl,

I cannot wait to shove fresh salmon sushi with squeezed lemon in my mouth.
Take a huge bite of an Italian assorted sub from a deli.

Have my husband grill me a rare steak.

Enjoy a salad with Italian dressing and crumbly blue.

I may make Brie en Croute after the holidays,

because I can.

Not to mention to help all of that yummy goodness go down,

with a nice glass of vino.

Best moment of the week:

A tie between feeling great for a few hours and walking the dog

and going on a 'date' with my hubs like old times last night.

I even fit in his car and enjoyed the drive (maybe for the last time?!)

Then comes my blonde hair...I now feel like a new woman.

Oh and getting our new dishwasher!

Looking forward to:

The 49ers game tomorrow--

they better bring their A game against New England! 

Finishing up my Christmas wrapping and 

all the fun that comes along with the holidays.

Enjoying feeling her move around in my belly

these last few weeks.

Labor Signs:

 Nope!
Keep on baking lil B.

Overall thoughts/questions/concerns:

I don't envision "me going into labor" being crazy.

I want to be as calm as possible and not flying down the express way.

But I don't want to be like a local couple in the news who had to pull over

on the way to the hospital because the baby was comin out!

The hospital is only 10 minutes away...

I don't think my water will break.
I don't think she will come early.

I want to do a little more reading before she comes.

 I could be totally wrong, 

but I figured I'd share what's floating around in my crazy head.

Just 3 more weeks!

Possibly 4.

36 Week Bumpdate

How far along:

36 weeks and 1 day

Home stretch!!

I felt good this day!!

 I started feeling a bit sore this day...
since I was feeling better, I was over-walking etc.
PS love this new dry shampoo I tried--LOTS of volume!

Baby is the size of:

 Let me just say, I cannot believe how heavy she feels!!
It literally hurts to wake up and have to move (with a full bladder)

I am officially running out of room I believe.

Mood:
A little frustrated with my pelvic pain.
But no crazy hormonal outrages...
I feel so relieved we got our whole to-do list done yesterday!
I'm excited to decorate the tree and
 just thinking about holding her by it excites me!
Sleep:

Still sleeping, just waking up about 4 times to pee.

I alternate left side/right side throughout the night.

The most painful thing in the world is to switch sides...

I will not miss this pain!
I get really tired around 4pm...I try to nap or at least rest.

Belly Button:
Still creeping its way out, but not an outtie.
Stretch Marks:
Nope *fingers crossed*
I use Burt's Bees Mama Bee belly butter in the am
and their lemon oil at night.
It's pricy, but worth it!
Cravings:
I am just so thirsty all the time!
I want iced.cold.water.
Pretty standard...
-fruit
-french toast
-maple syrup
-oatmeal
-almond butter
-cookies
Symptoms:
I can deal with popping the Tums for my heartburn, but...

Just this pain I keep complaining about.

I ask my doctors and they say it's normal...

but in my own research, I am diagnosing myself with this!

 Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction
Not everyone experiences it,
but us lucky enough to go through it..there's not much relief.
I notice it gets really bad when I'm most active.
I've stopped my yoga and as you know it hurts to walk around.
 The only ways to help this issue is to not:
-bend
-use stairs
-squat
-separate your legs
basically every day functions.
Try to get out of bed without separating your legs.
I live in a house with a basement, downstairs, and upstairs.
Laundry, dishwashers(well, ours is broken and now I'm hand washing)
 and picking up after myself,
a husband and two messy dogs requires a lot of bending.
It's hard because I've had really bad days where I just lay on the couch or in bed...
then I'll feel almost normal again, go out and about running errands,
then I'm back to being in a lot of pain.
I just really really hope it all goes away once I give birth.
I've read a lot that it can linger...
I'm so scared of that.
I never thought I'd miss walking!
So, I'm trying my best to stay positive
 but I think this is a real issue that not a lot of people understand.
Luckily my friends, family, and mainly my husband are very supportive and
he picks up any of the items I have dropped throughout the day and have neglected to pick up.
**This will all be worth it when I hold her in my arms.**
{right?!}
Best Moment of the Week:
We finished the nursery...I swear I'll post a video/pics this week!
We got our tree...
I've been into taking more videos lately, so here's a small clip.
We usually get 10-11 foot trees,
 {yes, I am spoiled}
So trying to find a smaller one was a little difficult.
Don't mind my JSimps moment
#chickenofthesea
#everytreehasatagnotjusttakenones
#oops

#pregnancybrain
What I'm looking forward to:
Decorating said tree.
Finishing a few baby projects.
I'm hoping to get to my mother-in-laws Monday night!
Videoing my nursery, what's in my bag & diaper bag.
Labor Signs:
None yet; keep on cookin baby B!!
Overall thoughts/questions:
I am wondering, mamas out there...
Did you have any success with belly bands after pregnancy?
Like the wraps that hold all your flub in post baby??
I noticed these...
and I'm just wondering, are they worth the price?

Belly Bandit
I know diet and exercise, along with breastfeeding will help...
but I just wonder if it will help alleviate any of my issues.
Or is there a less expensive alternative?
Just curious...
I'm getting ready to meet you lil B!!
I want you in there as long as possible,
but I can tell I'm starting to become impatient...
I hope you're not fashionably late.

35 Week Bumpdate

How Far Along:

35 Weeks & 3 days

One month from tomorrow!
January 4th is my due date.

Baby is the size of a:

 Mmmmm coconuts!!

Makes me think of making 7 Layer Magic Bars...

Weight Gain:

Oh yeah...over 50.
I don't really need to disclose actual numbers, do I?

Clothes:
I'm down to one pair of the three maternity jeans that I actually like wearing.

I live in yoga pants, tank tops, and sports bras.
Case in point:

Oh yeah, keepin it real on the blog...
I showered, but no makeup.
No hair done.
No hottness.
You're welcome.
I didn't take any pictures this week of my 'cute outfits.'

All my t-shirts ride up and show my belly.

If I do leave the house, I'll try to wear a cardi/scarf,

but as soon as I'm home I am back in comfy clothes.
I really don't care about being that cute as much as before...

The only shoes that fit currently are Uggs -short, not tall. 
I actually wore them with

 my black ON maternity dress
Grey long drapey cardi from my mom
and a pop of pink scarf.
I got a lot of compliments...
I was going to get a massage=messy bun

  Other than those, I have a pair of sneakers,
which, I need my dear husband to tie for me.

I wear a lot of fuzzy socks around the house...

Stretch Marks:

Still no!!!

{Still crossing fingers?!}

Sleep:

I have had trouble falling asleep,

but I do sleep.

I get up 3-5 times a night.

Best moment of the week:

Pre-natal massage.

Heavenly and much enjoyed.
I'm loving that 

Baby girl squirms a lot!

Still kicks/punches with a lot of force.

My husband had Sat-Monday off

We ordered Netflix and began watching

How I met Your Mother.

We stayed in our pjs all day Saturday, had a fire going,

and just relaxed.

 We are really soaking in these last few quiet weeks just the two of us.

Cravings:

Literally had one for chocolate cake with chocolate frosting.

Good thing I had all the ingredients!

Still loving my whole milk.

Steak.

Salads.

Smoothies.

Oatmeal.

I think my heartburn isn't as bad as before; I had pizza this weekend too!

Symptoms:

I still have bad hip pain, but I really try to just take a lot of breaks.

If I'm standing for awhile,

I'll be sure to sit..

then lay on my left side.

I just listen to my body.

I've been getting very hungry this week.

VERY thirsty--I am constantly asking Joe to bring me more water.

Rings:

Still on!!

Even my feet/ankles aren't bad at all.

I am really watching my salt...

and really trying to watch my sugar--easier said than done.

Mood:
Very happy...and very in love with my husband.
Being pregnant isn't easy,
and it requires a lot of communication and support.
Joe really helped out a lot yesterday when we had family over,
and I could not be more thankful.
I watched our mini wedding videos and balled.
I cannot believe that we're about to top the happiest day of our lives....

 I'm getting really excited!

I  have thoughts of worry from time to time,

as to be expected.

I've never given birth before!!
But I remind myself that women are made to do this,

and they've been doing this for a very, very long time!
I just cannot wait to hold our little girl.

So, yes, I am getting really really ready!
Belly Button:

That sucker is slowly making its way out!
It's kinda creepy.

Joe and I really didn't think it'd become an outtie,

but now I'm not so sure. 

I'm still sticking with the turkey popper theory.

Looking Foward to:

Girls' Night at my house Wednesday

Getting our tree maybe next weekend..

we just needed a chill these last few days.
In a little over a month,
my life will change for the better,
forever.
I am so blessed.