38 Weeks

Maternity clothes? When I actually bother to get out of my pajamas...

Sleep: I've had a head cold during the past week, so the first few nights I kept waking up to blow my nose and cough. The last several nights, however, I've slept like a rock for at least 12 hours. I think my body is working really hard to heal before BIRTHDAY!

Best moment this week: On Sunday night we had dinner at my Godmother's house and got to spend some time with lots of people we love. There really hasn't been much baby related stuff going on. I've just been wishing her to stay in until I'm completely well. I'm much better now, but I'm still hoping for a few days to recover.

Movement: Because I have been really low key this week, I have noticed all of her movements. She's been wiggling a lot and pressing her little feet out on my right side. It's too funny.

Gender: Girl

Birthing Signs: ?? I don't think so. Some pelvic pressure, some birthing waves, but nothing that has made me really wonder if it was time... I've started taking herbs and evening primrose oil, so I'm hoping they're helping to prepare my body.

Stretch Marks? Still two on my left hip.

Belly Button in or out? In.

Cravings/Aversions: Nada

What I am looking forward to: Mike's birthday on Thursday. He's taking the day off of work and I LOVE it when he's home in the middle of the week!

What I miss: Regular breathing. I will be so happy when I kick this cold completely!

Weekly Wisdom: Sleep it off.

37 Weeks

apologies for the dark picture...

Sleep: I'd say that I am waking up a lot more frequently but still falling back asleep easily.

Best moment this week: Last Friday I had some bodywork done by Claire Marie Miller. She is an incredible massage therapist and did a lot of work to open my pelvic muscles. I could tell after the sacral release that the baby could move more easily and I thought that was pretty amazing. I've always been interested in doing prenatal work but this made me a true believer.

Movement: She is slowing down a little bit but still kicking around in there. Hopefully she'll be moving on out pretty soon.

Gender: Girl

Birthing Signs: Hmm... having Braxton Hicks and some pelvic pressure. And if nesting is a sign of impending birth, she should be coming pretty soon... I spent 6 hours cleaning the house yesterday like a mad woman. I knew I was being crazy, but I just couldn't stop myself.

Stretch Marks? Make that two over my left hip...

Belly Button in or out? In.

Cravings/Aversions: Ben and Jerry's Milk and Cookies Ice Cream.

What I am looking forward to: Being on the other side of birthing, holding my little sweet pea in my arms.

What I miss: Ha.

Weekly Wisdom: ?? Hang on, we're almost there ?? Does that count?


As a side note, I tested positive for Group B Strep at my appointment this morning, so I'll have to get an IV of antibiotics during my birthing time. I only have to be hooked up for 15 minutes every 4 hours and I can still walk around with the IV, so it shouldn't be too big of a deal. It also means that after the birth, I will be staying at the birth center for a minimum of 12 hours instead of 6 and they will monitor Lydie a little bit more closely in the days following her arrival, just to be extra careful.

36 Weeks

Maternity clothes? Yes, I still fit into a few of them.

Sleep: Fine.

Best moment this week: On Sunday afternoon, we laid on a blanket under the trees in our front yard for several hours. We ate lunch, talked to neighbors that walked by, took a nap, played with Rosey, and just hung out. The weather was gorgeous and it was so relaxing.

Movement: I love to feel her little feet pressing outwards and watch the huge waves she creates on my belly when she moves.

Gender: Girl

Birthing Signs: Just continued Braxton Hicks that increase in frequency as the day goes on and I become more tired. I actually have felt less pelvic pressure this week than last week but more soreness in my hips and lower back.

Stretch Marks? Sigh, yes. I have one right over my left hip. This is probably not a good sign of things to come... But, that's okay!

Belly Button in or out? In.

Cravings/Aversions: Not really.

What I am looking forward to: I'm getting a massage from THE woman to go to for prenatal work on Friday... like she's known around the country for it. I'm so excited and feel so lucky!

What I miss: Nesting is in full force (I actually vacuumed out the spice drawer in the kitchen on Saturday...) which has given me a dose of energy that I haven't had in a long time. It has made me realize how much I'm looking forward to getting back into my old body.

Weekly Wisdom: Marry someone that takes care of you with a smile. I swear Mike is wonderful to me even when I'm sick of hearing myself complain. He has made this pregnancy so much easier and more comfortable for me. Sorry, honey, I have to brag on you sometimes... :)

The Nursery is Done!

35 Weeks

Maternity clothes? ugh.

Sleep: Still pretty good. I'm waking up a little bit more frequently because my hips get sore when I lie on one side for too long. Basically there is a lot of side-switching.

Best moment this week: We got some major things checked off of our Before-Baby-Checklist including, having the house painted and installing new lights, cleaning out the shed, preparing for our yard sale this weekend, and some other little projects around the house. Next on the list, cleaning out cars, installing car seat bases, and finishing our packing for the Birth Center.

Movement: I can tell this baby is getting bigger by the day because of her movements. I mostly just feel big rolls around my belly with the occasional rib or bladder kick.

Gender: Girl

Birthing Signs: I think the baby has dropped and I'm having a lot more Braxton Hicks.

Stretch Marks? Hmm... I might, *might* be getting a stretch mark above my left hip but the jury is still out. I'll keep you posted.

Belly Button in or out? In.

Cravings/Aversions: I'm wanting fresh fruit and veggies... and chocolate muffins.

And on the other hand, while cleaning out the shed, I found the box of Tide I had thrown out there during my first trimester and it still makes me sick to get the smallest whiff of it. I think it is such a weird aversion.

What I am looking forward to: Getting to week 37 so that I can responsibly wish her out.

What I miss: Pants with buttons, jogging, spring concerts, rolling over without pain, diet coke, motivation, coordination, and giving massages.

Weekly Wisdom: I swear I am still trying to enjoy this period of time too. Sometimes I just sit in silence and try to make a mental note of what it feels like for the house to be quiet and to have no one counting on me for their absolute survival.

As far as the pendulum swings in regard to discomfort and exhaustion, it swings in the other direction of excitement and gratitude.

34 Weeks!

Hey Y'all. Sorry for missing my update last week. It has been a little crazy around here..

Maternity clothes? Basically nothing is very comfortable anymore. Mike's t-shirts are my favorite thing to lounge around in.

Sleep: I've been waking up more frequently to go to the bathroom or to adjust somehow, but I am still falling back asleep very easily and waking up feeling rested. I've also been napping during the day a lot with Rosey.

Best moment this week: Well the best moment this week sprung from the worst moment. Last Tuesday I had my 33 week appointment with the midwives, and at the end, she measured my belly as usual. Instead of measuring at 33 weeks, apparently I was measuring at 37, and she recommended that we get an ultrasound.

Even though she reassured us that everything was probably fine, we were obviously still concerned. We scheduled an appointment at the hospital for Thursday afternoon, which felt like an eternity away. Mike took Thursday off from work so that we could be together-- good or bad -- and thank goodness, the baby looked great! They estimated that she is now weighing in at 5lbs 9oz, which is in the 60th percentile and they said that the amniotic fluid levels were just fine. So, we aren't exactly sure why I was measuring that far ahead. Our guess is that it was a combination of factors... a baby that's on the bigger side, her position during the measurement, precision of the measurement, etc... Whatever the case, we are just thankful that Lydie seems to be doing well, and that news was definitely the best moment of the week!

Seeing her sweet little face was pretty awesome too!

Movement: She still moves around a lot, but as she gets bigger I can tell that she can't perform the same stunts that she once did. Her kicks and movements are harder and more defined but she isn't rolling around as much...

Gender: Baby Girl, ultrasound reconfirmed. :)

Birthing Signs: Definitely having Braxton Hicks and starting to feel a lot more pressure in my pelvis. The ultrasound tech said that her head is really low, so hopefully she is ripening everything up down there for show time in a few weeks.

Stretch Marks? Still none on the belly, but my skin is getting tighter and tighter. My fingers are crossed it has a little more give before stretch marks would happen.

Belly Button in or out? In. But a lot more shallow...

Cravings/Aversions: Vanilla soy milk and orange juice are my two favorite things right now. Not really having any lasting aversions.

What I am looking forward to: This isn't pregnancy related at all, but we are having the house painted this week and I am really excited to see the end result. We are changing the colors and all of the light fixtures and hoping that it gives the place a nice little face lift. I will say, however, that it is very very pleasing to my now active nesting instinct.

What I miss: Ease of motion

Weekly Wisdom: Umm, I keep hearing that things are going to slow down and it will feel like forever waiting on the baby to arrive... I have no doubt that this could still happen, but I feel like we are still barreling through time at a ridiculously fast pace. She is due in less than SIX WEEKS, people!

Milestones: Hmm... we took a breastfeeding class last week, which made me feel a lot more confident about what to do once she is here.

And we went out and bought the last of the baby things that we felt like we needed before her arrival. BuyBuyBaby gave us 10% off of everything that we wanted as a thank you for registering there, and they let us use 5 other 20% off (one item) coupons ON TOP of the 10% discount. It was so awesome. They were out of a few things that we needed, which were ordered and will arrive today. So, after they get here and I wash those last few things, we will officially be ready!

Baby Shower!

My baby shower was on Sunday the 28th, and it was such a wonderful afternoon with friends and family!

There was lots of food...
There were presents...
Games...
Beautiful decorations...

Lots of love...

And lots and lots of clothes! Let me just tell you... Our girl has a great wardrobe now!

Thank you everyone for making it such a special day!

32 Weeks

Maternity clothes? Yes and soon I will just switch to muu muus to make life easier. (just kidding but it's more appealing that I ever imagined it could be)

Sleep: OMG I am sleeping so well and so comfortably. Of course, I do get up to go to the bathroom a lot, but I have been falling back asleep very easily. I really credit my hypnobabies practice for this blessing, and I absolutely recommend hypnosis techniques for insomnia during pregnancy or otherwise.

Best moment this week: We spent the weekend with our friends, the Rineharts, who have three beautiful, hilarious daughters. On Saturday, we went to the park, had a picnic, picked flowers, and got a glimpse of life with a daughter. SO FUN!

Movement: Still feeling like kicks and rolls are getting stronger and her periods of wake and sleep are more clearly defined. Also, she gets the hiccups at least three times a day, and they are always right after I eat or drink something. It's reassuring that she is still head down since they are very low in my pelvis.

Gender: Team PINK!

Birthing Signs: Well, I finally have something interesting for this section. On Saturday night, when we were settling down for the night, my stomach was uncomfortable and I thought that I had gas or indigestion so I ignored it and drifted off to sleep. Maybe thirty minutes later I woke up and my stomach was more uncomfortable and felt tight. Definitely a pre-birthing wave.

Interesting, I thought.

Five minutes later, another. Five minutes later, another. Five minutes later, another.

Hmm, I thought. Should I wake up my husband? No, not yet.

Five minutes later, another. Five minutes later, another.

By this point, I'm trying to figure out what is going on. I am barely 32 weeks pregnant, 3 hours away from home, having a definite pattern of pre-birthing waves. I know that the body can start warming up for birthing a long time before the big event, but, in the moment, I couldn't help but wonder what was going on.

That pattern continued for about an hour, but it didn't seem to be getting more intense, so I decided to just continue my hypnobabies practice (I had been relaxing during each wave and working on my fear clearing) and try to go back to sleep. I figured if something was really going on that I would wake up again.

Well, I woke up the next morning feeling great and so proud of myself. Historically, I have had a tendency towards drama for anything relating to my body, and I felt so calm and rational about the whole situation.

In the first moments that I realized that I was having a REAL cycle of birthing waves, I will admit that my mind started spinning. --- We are in another state, the baby will need to stay in the NICU if she is born now, OMG, Mike will have to go back to work in two weeks, (almost) all of our friends and family live hours away --- but as I practiced my fear clearing, I realized that we were in a big city with a fabulous NICU, staying with wonderful friends that would be willing and able to help us through the situation, the baby is likely big enough now that she wouldn't have any MAJOR, long term issues from coming so early, and, most importantly, it was possible that my body was simply warming up for birthing her in several weeks.

As an alarmist at heart, I'm so grateful that I was able to trust in my body and simply relax. I hope that this is a good sign of what is to come during the upcoming weeks as we anticipate our little one's arrival. And for the real birthing time, for that matter.

Stretch Marks? Still none on the belly.

Belly Button in or out? In.

Cravings/Aversions: I have been craving orange juice like crazy. I'm getting ready to go to Costco and stock up. :)

What I am looking forward to: Visiting with friends and family at my baby shower on Sunday!

What I miss: My mom. I always miss her, every single day and hour of my life, but there are moments these days that her absence stings more than usual. After all, the egg that created our daughter was in me, in her. It just feels wrong that she's missing all of this.

Weekly Wisdom: Focus on inner peace.

Milestones: My body is officially warming up for Lydia's birthday!

31 Weeks

Maternity clothes? I had no idea how many maternity clothes I would want when this process began. There are so many size and season changes during a pregnancy, I feel like I'm always outgrowing something or the weather changes. That being said, bring on spring! I think I can wear cotton dresses everyday between now and birth-day.

Sleep: It's still great! I even slept through the night once this week! And with all this sleep has come some bizarre dreams! Two nights in a row I dreamed that my own brother was trying to kill me (!!!!) I've also dreamed that I was nursing a tiny puppy and that my baby was locked out of the house on the back porch and I couldn't get to her. Oh, hormones, you are so crazy...

Best moment this week: Mike's work shower was yesterday afternoon and it was so much fun! He works with an incredible group of people, many of whom I got to meet for the first time. They gave us an amazing gift card to Buy Buy Baby and brought in lots of food! Because so many people were at the shower, which was in the middle of the workday, it only lasted about an hour. But one of the best parts was that Mike got to come home with me afterwards! We spent the rest of the afternoon together and thought a lot about how lucky we are to have so many amazing friends.

Movement: I'm definitely starting to figure out her sleep cycle. When she's awake, her movements are getting even stronger--like sometimes it's uncomfortable rather than cute-- and she gets the hiccups at least twice a day.

Gender: Girl! However, this week I have had several people ask me if we are prepared for the baby to maybe be a boy. Does this happen often or something? Don't get me wrong, I would love to have a son and know that we would adjust quickly, but I have gotten kind of attached to the idea of my daughter arriving in a few weeks...

Birthing Signs: More Braxton Hicks, especially when I take long walks.

Stretch Marks? Still none on the belly.

Belly Button in or out? In. Maybe it's going to stay in?!

Cravings/Aversions: I think I am actually getting a little bit more sensitive about food again. So far, it's been nothing like the first trimester, but I can tell that I am getting fussier about eating certain things. Interestingly, after a long aversion to red meat, I ate two hamburgers this week and they were DELICIOUS....the trade off? Chicken makes me gag sometimes...

What I am looking forward to: We are headed to Richmond tonight to visit with some very dear friends.

What I miss: Being able to start buying tickets to spring and summer concerts as tour dates are announced. Anything we see this year will have to be purchased day-of if we are up to going. I wouldn't trade my baby for the whole world, but let's face it, there are going to be some sacrifices.

Weekly Wisdom: It's so pointless to worry about things you don't have control over. I was so worried that I wouldn't pass the Gestational Diabetes test, but I did! Yipee! Now, if I can just remember this lesson...

Milestones: Appointments with the midwives are now two weeks apart! My 33 week appointment is on 3/30 at 3:30. Weird, huh?

The Big Three Oh! (30 Weeks)

Maternity clothes? Okay, I bought the pink sun dress in this picture sometime back in the fall, counting on the fact that I would love it in the spring when I was big and it was warm. So happy I did that. I wish I had bought more summer clearance last fall...

Sleep: Amazing. Hoping this trend continues.

Best moment this week: One of the best things we got accomplished this week was meeting our pediatrician. She sat down with us for 45 minutes on Saturday morning and we feel great about bringing Lydia to her. I am really relieved to have that checked off the to-do list.

Mike's uncle Frank came over later that morning and helped us get some projects completed. It was really fun to spend some time with him and get some great things done around here. We got a new toilet, new electrical switches in our bathrooms, fixed the doors to the nursery and back porch, fixed the sagging kitchen counter, installed a fan in the nursery and some other little things.

But I have to say that my very favorite moment this week was Friday night. Mike took me out on a much needed date. We had a leisurely dinner, walked around outside for a while and then went to see Alice in Wonderland. Then we walked back to the restaurant, got dessert to go and ate it at home in our PJs. It was a night that I know I will look back at and smile when we are spending all of our time getting to know our daughter.

Movement: I'm starting to get better at figuring out how she is situated and what part of her is moving. It's really fun now that she is getting so big!

Gender: Girl!

Birthing Signs: Thankfully, none.

Stretch Marks? Still none on the belly.

Belly Button in or out? In.

Cravings/Aversions: Ice cream and avocados are on the good list. The red meat aversion is slowly going away, I think.

What I am looking forward to: Mike's work shower in two weeks and my baby shower at the end of the month!

What I miss: Having one chin. :) ))

Weekly Wisdom: Every time I check something off of the To-Do Before Baby List, I feel more confident and more excited about her arrival.

Milestones: We finished up our birthing classes on Sunday. The "birth rehearsal" turned out to be really helpful. We walked through the different stages of birthing, practicing how long birthing waves will last and how far apart they will be. In each stage we practiced different positions that might be comfortable and there was a doula present with even more recommendations, like how to get things moving again if they slow down. We created a plan for leaving the house and traveling to the Birth Center and Mike learned about how to support me with counter pressure, masasge and relaxation cues. We also visualized the actual birth and practiced pushing positions. It was very empowering and fun. I am so excited for Birthday!

29 Weeks

Maternity clothes? Full panel pants rock.

Sleep: I've been sleeping really well this week. It's been heavenly.

Best moment this week: In regard to the pregnancy, I feel really good that I got all of the baby's clothes and bedding washed. I know that we will be getting more before she gets here but I'm glad to know that a big portion of it is clean, folded and waiting for her arrival.

Movement: Her new trick is kicking my ribs. It feels great (not!) I can tell that she is really growing and getting stronger and that part is amazing.

Gender: Girl!

Birthing Signs: Thankfully, none.

Stretch Marks? Still none on the belly.

Belly Button in or out? In but getting more shallow.

Cravings/Aversions: Loving fruits and sweets.

What I am looking forward to: This coming Sunday will be our final birthing class, and we are going to have a "birthing rehearsal." I'm not exactly sure what to expect, but I'm intrigued and will report back.

What I miss: Rationality. This week I have felt pretty hormonal. I can always recognize it for what it is, but that doesn't somehow make me feel much better in the moment.

Weekly Wisdom: It's all going to be worth it...it's all going to be worth it...it's all going to be worth it...

Milestones: Last week of the twenties?

28 Weeks

Hello, third trimester!

Yeah, so I didn't blog for week 27 and really, I had tons of time. I just felt so drained last week for some reason. Mike was really sick two weeks ago, so I'm thinking that my body may have been fighting off whatever he had. Trust me, I'll take exhaustion over that nasty bug... So, anyway, I watched a lot of movies, hung out with Rosey, napped and made it out of the house a few times. And that about covers everything. :)

Maternity clothes? I got a nursing bra last week and it is my favorite article of clothing right now. I didn't want to buy a maternity bra that wouldn't be useful during breastfeeding, so I went ahead and got a really good, Bravado nursing bra and it's amazing. I'm really comfortable for the first time in months!

Sleep: I have been falling asleep pretty well when I first go to bed, but I am still staying awake in the middle of the night for quite a while after I go to the bathroom.

Best moment this week: We have had a really nice couple of weeks! We've seen a lot of friends and have also had some really nice evenings at home. But I guess in terms of the pregnancy, we have had a blast watching my belly move. You can see her movements from across the room now and when she's really active, it's hard for us not to just sit and watch my belly.

Movement: Getting stronger by the minute

Gender: Girl!

Birthing Signs: Thankfully, none. I have, however, had a few Braxton Hicks "pre-birthing waves"

Stretch Marks? Yep, but only on my b.oobs. Hopefully they will stop there, however, I will happily take them if it means our little one is thriving.

Belly Button in or out? In.

Cravings/Aversions: Not really.

What I am looking forward to: Spring time! It was in the 60's yesterday and I was in heaven. I can't wait for leaves on the trees, a warmness to the breeze and being closer to meeting Lydie.

What I miss: hand-eye coordination. I have been so clumsy throughout the past month that it's just plain ridiculous.

Weekly Wisdom: If you feel like you really need something to be more comfortable during your pregnancy, go out and just get it. I should never have waited so long on the new bra.

Milestones: THIRD TRIMESTER!

And just for fun, here's a little preview of what will be in the nursery. I'm going to wait to post pictures of it put together until it's finished, but here are some of the elements:

I'm so grateful.

Every single day.

26 Weeks

Maternity clothes? Yah.

Sleep: Still pretty good this week. I've noticed that I get hot really easily though so I find myself peeling the covers off frequently.

Best moment this week: We are loving our birthing class and it didn't disappoint this week. Under self hypnosis, I had an awesome experience with managing discomfort. It gave me a lot of confidence that this is a great technique for us. I feel like we have a lot left to learn before the final exam in May, but I'm pumped up about it.

Movement: I'm starting to feel her roll around instead of just feeling quick kicks. Sometimes when I press lightly on an area where she is moving, I can feel her push back against my hand. It melts me.

Gender: Girl!

Birthing Signs: Thankfully, none.

Stretch Marks? Not yet.

Belly Button in or out? In.

Cravings/Aversions: I've been wanting fresh, raw veggies all the time. And ice cream. At least there's a balance. :)

What I am looking forward to: Painting the nursery this weekend. We're only painting one wall, but it will still be fun!

What I miss: Being able to get off the sofa without it feeling like a struggle.

Weekly Wisdom: Just when you can't believe how big your belly is, it gets bigger. :)

Milestones: I have been pregnant for HALF OF A YEAR! That is a total mind blow.

25 Weeks

Maternity clothes? We are going shopping this weekend for the full panel maternity pants that I mentioned last week. The elastic waisted ones really just aren't cutting it, and if I put lotion on after I get out of the shower, it takes me 5 minutes to pull them up. Yes, the time has come for bigger clothes.

Sleep: This past week was actually pretty decent. I still wake up a lot but I've had an easier time falling back asleep. I think my new configuration of pillows is helping. Two under my head and upper body and one between my knees.

Best moment this week: On Sunday, we took Rosey on a walk around our snowy neighborhood. The sun was shining and glimmering off the snow and many of our neighbors were out and about. As we walked and watched families zip past us on sleds, we talked about how much fun we were going to have with Lydia in the coming years. It was just one of those times you know you will remember forever.

We also played a really fun game of Monopoly while we were snowed in. I forgot how much fun that game is... even though I got schooled by my hubby. (Rent is $1400 when you have 3 houses on Boardwalk-- it's the equivalent of Monopoly Check Mate. It just takes 3 hours longer to wither away.)

Movement: Oh. My. Goodness. I had no idea that unborn babies could practice martial arts. There are times that it's shocking to me. (And I absolutely love it.)

Gender: We are starting two savings accounts with our tax refund. A college savings account. And a wedding savings account.

Birthing Signs: Thankfully, none.

You'll notice here that I have changed the question from "Labor Signs" to "Birthing Signs." This is because when you practice Hypnobabies, you avoid using certain words that are commonly associated with birthing because of their potentially negative subconscious associations. So, from now on, you'll hear me say birthing instead of labor, pressure wave instead of contraction, discomfort instead of pain, and I'll ask you to save any negative birthing stories for after Lydia is here. This aspect of Hypnobabies is simply about creating positive thoughts leading up to her birth day and releasing fear and tension.

I absolutely realize and respect that this isn't for everyone, but Mike and I are all about it and would love your support as the big day approaches.

Stretch Marks? Not yet. Yet being the operative word.

Belly Button in or out? In. But, I'm telling you, people, it's on its way out.

Cravings/Aversions: Brownies. Blueberries. Cereal. Soup. Good.

Red meat. Yogurt. Bad.

What I am looking forward to: Holding my precious baby in my arms and kissing her little cheeks. The reality of her arrival is really starting to sink in and I AM SOOOO EXCITED!

What I miss: I miss bodily comfort at the end of a long day. Hell, I miss it at the end of an easy day at this point. My lower back is definitely feeling the effects of carrying this baby.

Weekly Wisdom: Take it easy and put your feet up at the end of the day.

Milestones: We finished cleaning out and reorganizing our house to set up the nursery and it feels so, so good. I can literally feel my sanity returning. When my stuff isn't organized, it makes my brain feel disorganized too and that makes it hard for me to get anything else done. Hooray for the snow storm induced motivation!