34 weeks

How far along: 34 weeks

Size of Baby: cantaloupe

Total weight gain: +30.2

Stretch marks? Nope.

Sleep: Let's just say I don't wanna talk about it.

Best moment this week: I love it when Zooey says, "Me take you tummy off see Baby Tennyson!" That always makes me smile. We're all getting excited to meet him.

Movement: Still a lot and stronger all the time.

Food cravings: spicy food (I have instructed those around me to forcibly take this away from me if I try to eat it though - it does not sit well!), broccoli, milk, BBQ

What I miss: Sleeping on my back and my back not hurting

What I am looking forward to: Meeting Tennyson!

Weekly Wisdom: I was pleased to find out at the doctor's this week that I can take more Tylenol than I thought for my sciatica. It's helping a little bit.

Milestones: Babies born between 34-37 weeks who have no other health problems generally do fine! His fat continues to fill out, he's probably reached his max length and will just continue to grow in weight.

Labor signs: Braxton Hicks.

33 weeks

How far along: 33 weeks

Size of Baby: pineapple

Total weight gain: +28.9 (same as last week, so we'll see what happens this week...)

Stretch marks? Nope.

Sleep: It's been ok. It seems like I have a rough night then a great night. Last night was a rough night, but thankfully I was blessed to be able to take a nice long nap today. I also started getting leg cramps this past week, which I didn't have with Zooey.

Best moment this week: My shower! It was so much fun, and we got a lot of cute stuff for Tennyson.

Movement: I can tell Tennyson's starting to get a little cramped in there, because his movements are less punchy and feel more like he's stretching.

Food cravings: sushi, chicken fried chicken, blueberries (still)

What I miss: energy :)

What I am looking forward to: Finishing the nursery, of course meeting him

Weekly Wisdom: Definitely get adjustments in pregnancy. I got one this week, and although my sciatica is still hurting, it's down a couple notches pain-wise.

Milestones: Tennyson's losing his "wrinkled look" and filling in with fat as he grows. His skeleton is hardening, and his little fingernails probably reach the end of his finger tips.

Labor signs: Lots of Braxton hicks contractions.

33 weeks

Checking out the spread at my shower

30-31 weeks

How far along: 31 weeks

Size of Baby: small melon (16", 3 lbs.)

Total weight gain: +29.3

Stretch marks? Nope.

Sleep: Not good. I have a three year old who has the new freedom of getting up to go potty in the night, and she's a little excited about this new freedom. Add to her getting up about 10 times the other night the fact that I am uncomfortable and hot, and I'm not getting good shuteye.

Best moment this week: I got my glucose & anemia test results last week, and everything was normal (30 weeks). This week, Sarah gave me some SUPER DOOPER cute newborn clothes! It was fun to fold them and put them away in Tennyson's room.

Movement: Still a lot and getting even stronger! My doctor said at this time in pregnancy there's the optimal level of fluid vs. baby, so he's probably flipping around in there quite a bit. He likes to get his little leg & foot (at least I'm assuming) and jam it into my ribcage on the right side.

Food cravings: pizza, caramels, carrots, cherries, blueberries

What I miss: Sleeping well!

What I am looking forward to: My shower next weekend!! Finishing up the nursery, which is really coming along nicely.

Weekly Wisdom: THIS I have had a rough week with lots of back pain and behavioral issues with Zooey. I was thankful for that article. Being that this will probably be my last pregnancy, it was also a reminder to cherish it, because the season of me carrying babies is almost over.

Milestones: Tennyson's brain is more fully developed, with speech & language centers in the process of development, he's moving more (as mentioned above) with flips and side to side head movement, and his body's plumping out as he's really starting to pack on the fat and lose some of his translucency.

30 weeks

31 weeks

This is what 31 weeks with a VERY active 3 year old looks like

 

35 week update

Well, folks, the votes are in. After numerous comments at work this week and after my sister showing my picture to some nurses at work (and after the increasing pressure on my pelvic bones, hips and bladder), it’s official – I’ve dropped. I can’t decide if I would rather feel all this pressure when I get up and walk or if I’d rather have the heartburn I had last week. I guess the pressure, because the nausea I was attributing to morning sickness also seems to be gone this week. It’s funny how you can’t fully believe something until you truly experience it yourself. Like how in my childbirth class, the instructor said, “You think you have to pee now? Wait until you drop.” I thought to myself, “I doubt it will get any worse.” HA! Foolish, naïve Amber! Now, all I have to do is stand up and – plop – the baby’s head is on my bladder & I have to go. I am also back to taking my naps at lunch and sometimes when I get home from work like I was in the first trimester. I think pregnancy exhaustion is actually in part preparation from God for having a newborn. Same with middle of the night bathroom breaks. J All discomforts aside, I still love being pregnant and am cherishing the gift that it is. I have mentioned before that I keep thinking Baby’s going to come early – I’ve thought it throughout the entire pregnancy. Now, whether or not this is my Type-A-self trying to control the situation to be as prepared as possible or whether my intuition is actually on target I won’t know until she actually comes. I can add, however, that now that she’s dropped and I’ve been told women deliver 2-4 weeks after dropping, I’m thinking it even more. My sister also thinks I’m going to deliver early, and like she says, if she’s going to be gigantic, maybe it would be better if she did come a little early (at least for the labor & delivery). J Of course, I could be way off base & go past 40 weeks, too. Yikes. I am so excited to meet her! I am so excited to see Ryan as a daddy; I know he’s going to do a great job. I am just excited all around for this next step in our lives together.

Here is my 35 week picture:

How far along: 35 weeks (35 days to go until the due date!)
Weight gain: 31 lbs.
Maternity clothes: Yes, and the shirts are getting mighty tight & a little short
Stretch marks: Nope
Sleep: Wish I could get more of it
Best moment this week: Having 1 random stranger & 2 people I know tell me I’m “all baby,” look beautiful & look like I haven’t gained that much weight other than the belly.
Movement: Lots of jabs & kicks. I’m starting to feel little angular jabs or drags across my belly, which I’m thinking are elbows & knees. Oh, wow! Last night I ate a spicy dinner, and she went CRAZY for about an hour afterwards, including hiccups.
Food cravings: Nips candies, Dr. Pepper
Gender: Girl
Labor signs: Baby dropping, Braxton Hicks contractions
What I miss: Waking up in the morning and not wanting to crawl immediately back into bed from exhaustion
What I’m looking forward to: My work shower on Thursday, my maternity photos on Sunday & getting the house finished this weekend (3-day weekend WOOHOO!)
Weekly Wisdom: In our baby care basics class last night, she had the class discuss with their partners some things about postpartum life and how to prepare for it. It was nice be able to discuss things with Ryan on how we can make life easier, like sleep when the baby sleeps (duh), take turns eating dinner if the baby’s fussy & needs to be held so we can both get a chance to feed ourselves, too, figure out how we can mitigate common disagreements which may escalate once the baby arrives, make a “bliss list” of things we’ll need and how often & how we can accomplish that (ie: have date nights at least twice a month, work out, have decompression time after work). I am also really taking to heart the advice everyone’s been giving me: to cherish every moment with our child; she is a gift from God, and time will move so fast.
Milestones: Baby’s dropping!

Return of the dreaded morning sickness

I am crabby. Why? Because my morning sickness has returned. I thought I had overcome. I thought I was in the clear. I believe it started a couple weeks ago, when I thought I had a stomach bug. But it just keeps coming back - the nausea, the middle of the night nausea...especially when I am hungry. I guess I will need to be more diligent about mild foods and frequent meals. Only 6.5 weeks until my due date. I can tough it out!!

If it weren't for exhaustion, a lovely house guest and the morning sickness, I'd update on the shower - which was so AWESOME! I will have to update at a later date, though. :)

Hormones are annoying. I am flitting between tears & wanting to deck someone today. Maybe I'll level out if I have some chocolate... :)

Crazy Dreams & Increased Movement

OK. Last night, not only was I jolted from my sleep by my dear husband at 12:00 (I went to bed at 9:45) when he finished his movie and noisily went to the bathroom and turned on the light...then returned to bed flashing his palm pilot game in my face like a police officer directing traffic, but I then woke up to pee a couple of times. Finally an encore awakening at around 3:00 with my baby breastfeeding - and telling me that I was doing a bad job. Apparently, in the dream, I had "too much milk" and needed to pump. 1: a baby cannot speak. 2: is that even logical?? These dreams are so weird! Two nights ago, I dreamed we (I can't really remember who was with me) were repelling off the roof at work to escape from some criminal robbers.

In the shower this morning, my usual time to pray :), I prayed for increased movement. I just love to feel the little baby move! Today, after breakfast, snack, lunch & evening snack, the little babe was dancing around in there, quite happy to be fed. God is so good, and I just love to feel that movement!

Well, tonight is my late night, and now that I am cooled down, I'm going to go to bed.

Walking is NOT the same as running!

Feeling a little bummed today. The weather here is so beautiful – it was in the low 80’s yesterday! I think back over the last two years at this time and the bike rides I was planning for the weekend or the runs I would go out for in the evenings, and it leaves me a little sad. I see people running past my office on their lunch breaks, and it makes me want to throw on a running skirt and hit the pavement…only I can’t, because my doctor doesn’t want me to. Then, because I’m stubborn and passive aggressive or whatever, I don’t even walk when I get home because it’s not the same! I have been super lazy. As I think about labor and how they say if you stay fit during your pregnancy, it loosens your joints for an easier delivery, I feel motivated. Then I get home and want to lay on the couch. That’s why I think I may join the gym again. I can stop by on the way home and swim, walk and ride the stationary bike, maybe workout on the elliptical. If not, I’m determined to get my butt off the couch and walk when I get home each night. I know your life is never the same after you have a baby, but I am fully determined to get back in shape after the baby’s born. I am blessed to have a husband who I’m sure will watch our little one as I get out on some runs and rides in the future. Anyone who knows me knows how impatient I am, and this is something I’ll just have to be patient and wait for. I’m sure when my feet do hit the pavement again sometime late fall/early winter, it will be all the more worth it for having waited in eager anticipation. And how exciting it is to think that when it warms up I can even take the baby out in a little jogging stroller, too! J I’m trying my hardest to get Jenni pumped up for our first post-baby tri, when I can put a little shirt on the baby like we’ve seen at so many races (SO CUTE!!) “Swim Mom, Bike Mom, Run Mom, GO MOM!” She seems to think it would be more fun to hold the little tyke and cheer me on, but no way – Olympic distance here we come!! :)

My violent dental hygienist

I had a cleaning today, and boy, what fun that was! Normally I am one of those odd people who actually like to go get my teeth cleaned, and I don’t really mind the dentist too much. In pregnancy, one’s hormones can cause the gums to become very sensitive. My dental hygienist even noticed and commented on how my gums were a little sensitive and bleeding, yet for some unknown reason, she decided to violently floss my teeth at the end of my cleaning. The dentist came in and used a little floss – gently – after that. I swear, I have never had anyone floss my teeth so rough in my life. I was a little cranky after that appointment, mostly because my mouth is still sore. Yeah, and another thing: what’s the deal with them trying to make small talk while that have their hands and instruments all up in your mouth? How about no. How about you do your job and quit the small talk, because I can’t answer your questions right now. OK I’m done now.

On a happier note, I feel that the morning sickness is really going away - yay! Sure, it's being replaced by heartburn, but at least I can eat and don't feel like vomiting up my dinner every night. :) I am constantly amazed, all jokes and complaints aside, at how amazing it is to be carrying one of God's children. All I can think is "Wow!" and "Thank you, Lord!" I am really looking forward to feeling the baby move in about a month. That's gotta' just be out of this world!

Today my sweet husband got his weekly e-mail update on the pregnancy and decided to watch some birthing videos. He's never seen one. Ever - not in health class not on Discovery channel; these videos were his first. He described seeing them as "traumatizing" and "surprising." He was describing to me (before he showed me the videos) how the head comes out, then the baby just kind of quickly "shoots" out. I asked him what he expected, and he didn't really know but said he is glad he watched the videos. He said he probably would've freaked out if he didn't and is still not sure he's ready for it. Sweet Ryan. I just kind of had to laugh. Now, some may be thinking, "Well, Amber, you're the one who has to push it out! And he thinks he'll be traumatized?" I have a feeling he will most definitely be empathetic, because he has passed some kidney stones, which those in the medical field say are pretty comparable to childbirth. I'm just glad he's a bit more prepared than he was this morning. :)

Funny Story (written 4/6 - forgot to post)

Couple new things going on regarding the pregnancy: 1) my brain feels mushy as if the baby is sucking any active brain cells out and severely decreasing my ability to remember and concentrate, 2) I’ve become even more hyper-emotional and 3) I’m hungry pretty much all the time. A bonus: the morning sickness is starting to go away – YAY!

As I’ve posted before, I am studying the Life of Moses at BSF this year. It is pretty obvious that near the end of our study, which is quickly approaching, Moses will die. I am sure that most people know that, including myself. Yesterday I was reading the Bible and doing my lesson when I came across this section of Scripture:

“ 12 Then the LORD said to Moses, "Go up this mountain in the Abarim range and see the land I have given the Israelites. 13 After you have seen it, you too will be gathered to your people, as your brother Aaron was, 14 for when the community rebelled at the waters in the Desert of Zin, both of you disobeyed my command to honor me as holy before their eyes." (These were the waters of Meribah Kadesh, in the Desert of Zin.)” – Numbers 27:12-14

As soon as I started reading “you too will be gathered to your people,” I started bawling. Not just a couple tears, no – I actually shook a little bit from the tears and had to blow my nose. Then, I read the question on my lesson, “If you only had a week to live, how would you spend your time?” Well, that just sent me into another tearfest, at which point, Ryan walks in. He kind of gives me this “look.” “Moses is going to die!” I say through tears, to which Ryan replies, “OK…” and laughs at me. Anyways, about an hour later I was giggling about my overemotional reaction to this fact of which I logically knew was bound to happen. I just thought I’d share about my hyper-emotional state, because really – what fun is life if you can’t laugh at yourself a little?

Yak! OK, not quite...

I was much more queasy today. So much in fact, that I actually gagged a couple of times. Once when I was walking out through the foyer to go to lunch, and I smelled the lovely (not) aroma of a man's extremely strong cologne and a mix of beef cooking at the snack bar and once after lunch when I was in the back and smelled someone's heated TV dinner. The first one almost made me puke - I held my breath until I got outside then breathed very deeply. I am also looking forward to any time I can sleep. It's become my routine to take a nap at lunch, go to bed early and get up slightly later. Today at work I also had to ask one of the tellers for some small rubberbands, which I then put around the buttons on my pants, as buttoning my normal pants now make me look like I hav world's worst muffin top. No, I am not naive enough to think I am showing - it is simply bloat, and with pants that were already getting a little too snug (regretting all those Christmas treats...), the waist is now very uncomfortable. As weird as this sounds, I am somewhat happy about these new symptoms.

Sunday night Ryan & I had just finished reading about our baby's development and were getting ready to turn in after a nice Super Bowl party with some friends when I noticed some slight spotting when I went to the bathroom. I was so worried, but thankfully God still blessed me with a good night's sleep. I called my doctor Monday morning, and her nurse called me back. She explained that sometimes women will spot the first month around the time they'd get their period, because the body's just getting used to everything. She said that it is very common in the first trimester to lightly spot. Since I am still so early on into the pregnancy, an ultrasound would be ineffective at noticing whether or not anything is wrong, so just to be safe, she had me go in to get some blood drawn to check my HCG (the pregnancy hormone) levels. I will go in again tomorrow at the same time to see if the levels are rising as they should (they should double every 2 days). I am so blessed that God has been keeping me at peace and am very thankful for the prayers of some close friends for that. As a side note, the phlebotomist was training, and anyone who knows me knows that wasn't going to fly - I am terrified of needles - so I felt bad, but I made the trainer draw my blood. I will get the results either Wednesday afternoon or Thursday morning. I'm praying for God to increase my hormone levels as they should. I am blessed to have such a caring Heavenly Father, One who lets me know that even if my world is topsy turvy, or even if it is bliss, He surrounds me and will always be there with His arms wrapped around me. When I opened my e-mail yesterday morning, my mind filled with fear and worry, God was so sweet to give me these verses of the day from KLOVE:

"I will answer them before they even call to me. While they are still talking about their needs, I will go ahead and answer their prayers." - Isaiah 65:24

"Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know." - Jeremiah 33:3-4