39 weeks & a birth!

Well, that last night of being pregnant, I hardly slept. I think I got three hours of broken sleep. I was nervous about the surgery, excited about meeting our little guy, worried about Zooey and how she'd react...plus a bunch of other emotions! We got to the hospital at 6:00. I got all prepped, and Ryan and Sarah and I hung out in the room until it was go time. Everything went very well and just as I had prayed. God covered the entire birth, even the little things: I didn't jerk during the epidural, I didn't get sick, and He gave me peace about having a C-section. That confirmation came when they pulled him out at 8:12am and announced he was 9.5 lbs! Oh my, what a big boy! He got checked out by the NICU team, and he looked great (another answer to prayer - no NICU transition). He went to recovery with Ryan and RaRa, and when I got in there his sugars were a little low. We gave him a tiny bit of formula to get those up, and then he nursed pretty quickly. I keep telling Sarah she should be a lactation consultant, because she has patiently gotten me started nursing two kids. :) Anyway, his sugars were fine by the end of the required amount of time. My milk came in a lot quicker than with Zooey (day 3 - thank you God!), and he's been nursing like a champ and is gaining weight well. The C-section recovery is tougher...in different ways, obviously. I really can't say what's harder; my recovery with Zooey was tough, but I think it's tough, more like frustrating, that I still have so many restrictions three weeks out (ie: lifting). I am still glad I got one, and I feel complete peace with doing so. Tennyson is absolutely precious, and I am so blessed! Many people know how long we prayed about having another child, and whether or not to have one, so I am thrilled and so incredibly thankful that he is here!

It was so sweet when Zooey came to see him. She snuggled up to him and gave him a kiss. She said "That's my new baby brother!" and she was so excited. Tennyson gave her a new baby doll (an anatomically correct baby boy), and she loves to play with him. She told Tennyson "I love you," then she snuggled up to her daddy for the remainder of her visit.

Waiting to be admitted

 

39 weeks

Like my hat?

Ryan in his space suit

 

Welcome to the world little man!

He likes his thumb when he can find it!

 

38 weeks

How far along: 38 weeks - I can't believe this will be my last pregnancy update!!

Size of Baby: watermelon

Total weight gain: +35 lbs.

Stretch marks? Nope.

Sleep: Last night I had a surprising night of great sleep and was able to go immediately back to sleep when I woke up to pee. Yay! Other than that, it's hit or miss. I'm convinced it's preparation for sleepless nights with a baby.

Best moments this week: I picked up my maternity photos! They are super adorable (I put some below). My friend Steph and I also got together to sew my car seat cover, of which she did most of the work, and it's really cute. I didn't have one with Zooey, and I'm excited for it. It was fun to get together and make that. Tennyson's room is also almost done, except for three pictures. Ryan has made HUGE progress on my grandma's bathroom, which is so nice! It's almost done. The house progress has been a big relief to me. Even if it's not 100% done when Tennyson comes, I know it'll happen relatively quickly now, as everything is more than half way done.

Movement:Yes, still strong and on a little routine. He's a lot lower this week, so the movement's pretty painful at times. I'm still just so thankful I get to feel him moving about.

Food cravings: Not really...I haven't been really hungry for anything, and I feel sick a lot. I have had an ice tea and ice craving, which also happened with Zooey near the end.

What I miss: I have really been missing holding Zooey on my lap! I also miss running, but I know I have awhile for that, still.

What I am looking forward to: In 6 days we get to meet our little guy!!! Woohoo!

Weekly Wisdom: I'm thankful for Sarah's medical wisdom and how much more she's walked me through what's going to happen next week with my surgery even more than my doctor has. I like to know details about things like this, so it's nice to know what's going to go down when I get there. She's also given me some reassurance about some of those nagging little worries.

Milestones: I had my final prenatal checkup today. Tennyson is pretty close to birth weight and may not put on much weight this week. He is pretty much done shedding his lanugo and vernix and is basically ready to come out whenever God says it's time (which may be when it's "scheduled" or could be earlier). :)

Labor signs: Much more intense and frequent BH contractions, he's lower.

 

 

 

38 weeks

Here are some of the maternity pictures, which were taken when I was 35 weeks. I love what she did! If you are local and are looking for a photographer, Kelsey at Smitten By A Promise does a great job.

37 weeks

How far along: 37 weeks - term - yay!

Size of Baby: about 7 lbs., 21"

Total weight gain: I honestly don't know. I didn't weigh myself this week, and I'm too lazy and tired to go do it right now, LOL!

Stretch marks? Nope.

Sleep: Pretty good, a little trouble getting comfortable sometimes, but I'm so exhausted I fall asleep anyway. Pee disrupts my sleep the most. :)

Best moment this week: Reaching 37 weeks. My real countdown's beginning: 2 weeks to go! (unless he comes early)

Movement: Lots of sliding stretches, less jabs and punches.

Food cravings: I gotta say, I haven't really wanted anything in particular this week. Except Nutella, still, I love that stuff.

What I miss: Holding Zooey on my lap.

What I am looking forward to: Meeting little Tennyson!

Milestones: Tennyson is now term! He continues to shed vernix and lanugo and put on weight. His lungs continue to mature as more and more surfactant is secreted.

Labor signs: At my appointment last week I was 1cm dilated, not that that means anything - ha!

37 weeks

36 Weeks

I am at "that point." Do you know what I mean? The point where you feel ginormous and just ready to meet your little one because you're so uncomfortable and huge that you feel like you are lugging a house along with you? That being said, I'm still trying to cherish the pregnancy and this time, especially when little Tennyson wiggles around in there. It truly is a miracle the way that God designed life to grow. As uncomfortable as pregnancy gets, I know there will come a point where I'll miss it and try to rack my heart and my brain to remember what it felt like.

How far along: 36 weeks

Size of Baby: about the size of a head of romaine lettuce (about 6.5 lbs. & 18.5")

Total weight gain: +35 lbs.

Stretch marks? Nope.

Sleep: Still doing ok, just getting up a lot but able to fall back asleep quickly

Best moment this week: I finished a lot of the nursery, except for a couple pictures that I'd like to hang.  We also got my maternity pictures done, along with some of Zooey and some of us as a family. That was fun, and I can't wait to see them! We haven't had professional pictures taken of us for about 2.5 years.

Movement: Strong and frequent. He is on a little routine and gets especially active around 9:30 at night. It's fun to watch and feel him move around.

Food cravings: big craving for pickles today, iced tea

What I miss: Being able to bend over, running.

What I am looking forward to: Meeting this little guy!

Milestones: I think he's getting lower based on the pressure I'm feeling (fun!). He is losing his lanugo and vernix caseosa and continues to pack on the pounds.

Labor signs: Practice contractions and oh.my.goodness - the nesting! I forgot how it hits and puts you into a cyclone of activity to prepare everything. I've been a busy lady the last few days for sure! I went to the doctor and am 1cm dilated, and Tennyson's head down.

Sometimes it's fun to look back at my pregnancy with Zooey. I didn't post a bump pic for 36 weeks with her but I did blog it!

36 weeks, Tennyson

Another shot of the nursery...in which I noticed his name needs to be leveled out a little. My "nesting" project for tomorrow!

35 weeks

How far along: 35 weeks

Size of Baby: honeydew melon (about 5.5 lbs. and 18")

Total weight gain: +32.5 lbs.

Stretch marks? Nope.

Sleep: It's actually been a little better this week. I had a little tummy bug last weekend, so I was up a lot those nights, but since then I've been able to get up and pee and go right back to sleep. None of that annoying insomnia thinking about all the things I need to do, so praise God!

Best moment this week: I'm just cherishing watching him move across my belly. It's so cool! He's very strong and active.

Movement: :) consistent, strong and active

Food cravings: veggies, pancakes

What I miss: wearing my wedding rings, bending over, running

What I am looking forward to: We are trying to get a little remodel done by adding a small bathroom for my grandma. I'll be happy when that's over. I also have a few more things to finish in the nursery. Of course, the closer I get the more I'm looking forward to meeting Tennyson and holding him!

Milestones: He's probably starting to make his way down into the birth canal, his kidneys are fully developed and his liver can process some waste products. His basic physical development is now mostly complete, so his main job is put on weight until he's born. Yay!

Labor signs: Lots of practice contractions, and (TMI alert) I have been losing pieces of my mucous plug.

Love these snuggles!

35 weeks, 4 more to go!

 

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

32 weeks

How far along: 32 weeks, 1 day

Size of Baby: large jicama (3.75 lbs., 16.7" long)

Total weight gain: +28.9

Stretch marks? Nope.

Sleep: OK. Up a lot and then can go back to sleep for awhile.

Best moment this week: Getting the date for my C section! Assuming he arrives on the scheduled date, he'll be here September 12th!

Movement: Lots of strong movement; big punches and kicks that make my belly jiggle.

Food cravings: sushi :( , peanut butter, blueberries

What I miss: sleep & having energy...ha! I won't be getting those back for awhile. :)

What I am looking forward to: My shower; meeting Tennyson.

Weekly Wisdom: I hired a housekeeper to clean until after he's born and healed to give my body a break and to help me not to stress about the disarray of my house. We did this with Zooey, too, until she was about 8 weeks, and it was so nice!

Milestones: Tennyson's skeletal muscles are getting stronger and bones are getting harder, he has color to his hair now (I wonder if he's a redhead?), and he's better able to regulate his own temperature thanks to improved circulation and more body fat. He may grow another inch this week alone!

Labor signs: Nope, just some Braxton Hicks contractions.

32 weeks, 1 day

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

 

29 Weeks

How far along: 29 weeks

Size of Baby: about the size of a butternut squash, 2.75 lbs. and 15 inches

Total weight gain: +25.8 lbs.

Stretch marks? Nope.

Sleep: Some nights it's great, others it's a lot of tossing and turning.

Best moment this week: Probably the good sleep I got last night (LOL).

Movement: Tennyson's very active now, and the bigger he gets, the stronger his movements feel. He's moving his little foot (or something) back and forth across my belly now, he tickles my ribcage with his movements, and he gets the hiccups occasionally, too.

Food cravings: To make up for my lack of weight gain the two weeks prior, I was SO hungry this past week, and I wanted to eat everything! Cravings included: chips & salsa, frozen yogurt, those frozen pizzas for lunch

What I miss: My poor back not hurting. :( I have a lot of sciatic nerve pain this pregnancy, which makes me look like a hobbling elderly lady by the end of the day.

What I am looking forward to: My shower; putting some finishing touches on the nursery this weekend, so I can decorate it

Milestones: His bones are beginning to harden and store iron and other good stuff. His brain is getting ridges on it, as before it was smooth, and he may be smiling in utero now.

Labor signs: None.

28 weeks

How far along: 28 weeks

Size of Baby: About 2.5 lbs. and 14.8" (Chinese cabbage)

Total weight gain: +24.5 (pretty much no gain this week)

Stretch marks? Nope.

Sleep: I think I'd describe my sleep as "OK." Lots of tossing and turning and starting to use the restroom more. It's been pretty hot here, and even though we keep our thermostat as low as it can go without freezing, all of you who have been pregnant know how hot you can get.

Best moment this week: Today marks the end of the second trimester! He'll be here in 11 more weeks! That's not a lot of time, and I'm getting more excited every day to meet him and hold him.

Movement: I love his little movements right now. I see a little pokes and swishes and feel him getting stronger. He usually moves at regular intervals, and I definitely see a reaction to food (especially that birthday party cake this past weekend!).

Food cravings: broccoli, berries with homemade whipped cream, chai

What I miss: My back not killing me at the end of the day

What I am looking forward to: My shower, our garage sale, so I can finish Tennyson's nursery

Weekly Wisdom: Hmmm...slow down a bit when you know you need to. I've kind of been overdoing it some days lately.

Milestones: Third trimester begins this week. He can blink his eyes, which now have eyelashes. He's getting white fat to keep him energized, and he's developing millions of brain neurons.

Labor signs: I'm pretty sure I was having contractions late yesterday afternoon and into the evening. I think I was dehydrated; I've been fine all day today. I'm going to make a more conscious effort not to do much outside and to stay hydrated.

28 weeks

27 weeks

How far along: 27 weeks

Size of Baby: about 2 lbs. 14.5" (like the size of a head of cauliflower)

Total weight gain: +24.4

Stretch marks? Nope.

Sleep: Pretty good, waking up more with the tossing and turning and peeing

Best moment this week: Swimming and feeling weightless

Movement: Lots of strong kicks!

Food cravings: kit kats, avocado, peaches

What I miss: eating without heartburn

What I am looking forward to: My shower!

Weekly Wisdom: Not much this week.

Milestones: Tennyson's developing increased fat stores, more mature lungs and has a better chance of survival if born early now (stay in there, baby!). His eyelashes are forming, and he has started to open his eyes to open from time to time. He's started to practice coughing and sucking more intensely.

Tennyson at 27 weeks and Zooey bug :)

26 Weeks

How far along: 26 weeks

Size of Baby: Cucumber (about 15" and 2.2 lbs.)

Total weight gain: +24 lbs.

Stretch marks? Nope.

Sleep: On and off this week with vivid dreams and needing to go to the bathroom.

Best moment this week: I'm really enjoying seeing Zooey's excitement over "Baby Tennyson." She kisses my belly a lot, tells him to move and tells me her baby's moving, too. :)

Movement: Lots! And it's getting stronger.

Food cravings: fresh berries, sausage, salads

What I miss: Hm...not too much yet at this stage. I had to take my wedding rings off this week, and I'm missing wearing them on my hand.

What I am looking forward to: My husband is AWESOME, and Tennyson's room is almost done! So, I'm looking forward to that being completed. I'm looking forward to my shower and to scheduling the C-section at (hopefully) my next doctor's appointment.

Weekly Wisdom: My own: sleep at night while I can! The closer it gets, the more I'm remembering all that getting up in the middle of the night business. :)

Milestones: Tennyson can probably recognize my voice and Ryan's voice now. His immune system is rapidly developing, and he's practicing breathing. His taste buds are very developed, and it's pretty clear he likes it when I get dessert. :)

Labor signs: Some BH contractions

26 weeks

Brushing up on my baby skills with baby Gideon

25 weeks

How far along: 25 weeks

Size of Baby: About 13.5" and about 1.5 lbs; about the size of a squash.

Total weight gain: +20.9

Stretch marks? Nope.

Sleep: It's been pretty decent. Some great nights, some bad nights, so it evens out.

Best moment this week: I am SO super thankful for a couple friends with little boys who gave me their clothes to look through. It was so fun to go through all the clothes, and I think we're actually set on clothes for the first year, minus some things like socks, mittens and hats. Woohoo! This is an answer to prayer.

Movement: Lots of little jabs, and he seems to be on a routine. I can now anticipate when I'll feel him move the most.

Food cravings: chocolate, kale, fresh berries, hamburgers (like fresh off the grill!)

What I miss: I'm starting to get to that point where it's hard to adjust when I'm sleeping, so I miss not waking up every time I need to roll over.

What I am looking forward to: We're getting Tennyson's carpet cleaned tomorrow, and I'm going to go look at paint colors this weekend. I'm super excited to get his nursery done, wash those clothes and put them away and organize the rest of it.

Weekly Wisdom: It is SOOO much easier with the second one. :) I hope so!

Milestones: Tennyson's starting to fatten up, is able to grasp his hands & wiggle his little fingers and toes and his hair color would be able to be seen now. Another red head??

Labor signs: Braxton Hicks.

My next doctor's appointment is Monday, the 10th. She said that we'll discuss the date of my C-section sometime around 28 weeks. I'm guessing that means I'll wait until next month's appointment to get the date. Sarah & I were talking about how if we do it on September 11th, Gideon & Tennyson will be exactly five months apart, and it would be fun to do some of their monthly pictures together - we even bought them matching tie stickers! I'm getting more and more excited to meet little Tennyson! Going through those clothes made me even more excited. I can almost picture him wearing them. Can't wait to meet him!

25 weeks

Here's a cute shot from 24 weeks that I forgot to add last week.

Zooey at 25 weeks.