Week 32ish

So we're on to month 8... that's awfully close to the end. I haven't done one of these updates for a month so here goes.

Weight: About 31ish pounds. Interestingly enough, I've gained almost the exact same amount of weight as I did last time. I'm carrying differently though and I feel like it looks like more belly (last time I got massive tree trunk legs, which I seem to be avoiding this time around), but I'm also a few pounds lighter than I was last time around.

Maternity clothes: Yup. Oddly enough my shirts are already starting to get short (again, I think it's the giant belly) and because I'm carrying higher up, I'm still able to wear non-maternity pants that are stretchy (i.e. pjs and sweats) and non-maternity tights. Another difference this time around is that I'm loving the low panel pants rather than the big high panel ones. Last time around the low panel pants dug in too much too my belly, which was probably a combination of the fact I was carrying lower and that I was bigger.

Stretch marks/Belly button: No stretch marks and the belly button isn't consistently out, but after a big meal or when she's in the right spot it will poke out a little bit. I'm hoping to avoid stretch marks again, but with the weight I'm gaining and the size of my belly, this could be unavoidable.

Baby Movements: She has been very active. This time around I still had an anterior placenta, but it was off to one side, rather than directly in front like last time. I think the anterior placenta last time muffled a lot more movement than it is this time around so it's kind of an interesting sensation.

Cravings/Aversions: Same old story -too many sweets, too many carbs. I really need to get that under control. I'm loving citrus fruits, but not sour candy and I could eat my body weight in chocolate.

What do I miss: My clothes and the ability to walk briskly.

Other: Well, I'm feeling oddly calm about everything. I don't know if it's a serious case of denial or delusion, but even though this baby could make it's appearance in less than 2 months, I'm feeling that everything will be ok. Our friends just had their baby girl Rosie so baby girl G and Rosie can be best friends like Callan and Rosie's brother Ellis are.
I'm also about to take a trip to Boston to visit my nephew (finally!) and see some friends and family. The crazy thing is that I'm flying ALONE with Callan (Huge is travelling for work and will be meeting me in Boston). So I'm hoping everything goes smoothly and Callan behaves on the plane.

Here's the pictures from this week (with a good close up to really emphasize the belly).

This is what it looked like last time around... ya, the belly's definitely bigger.

Third trimester already?

So I logged into my pregnancy app the other day and it welcomed me to my third trimester. Um, excuse me? How'd that happen. Here we are at week 27/28 coming around to the home stretch and I have done zilch to get ready for this baby (other than buy a couple of cute outfits and read Callan a Big Brother book that he got for Christmas).

Anyway, here's the roundup. I've been pretty inconsistent with these -this child is already being neglected! haha.

Weight: I stepped on the scale and oops, I'm up a few (4ish) pounds since my last appt. I'll get an official weigh in at the doctors next week, but according to my scale it'll be about 24/5ish pounds total, which holy moly is a lot.
Maternity clothes: I'm definitely carrying higher this time around b/c I can get away with non-maternity bottoms that are low. Like I'm in non-maternity tights and leggings, weird.
Baby movements: About the same. Although I haven't felt hiccups with her. I remember with Callan he got the hiccups a lot.
Cravings/Aversions: No aversions, but I've been eating a lot off SUGAR. I need to do a serious detox. I'm on a huge gummy worm kick and can plow through an entire back by myself (which I discovered recently is about 600 calories... oops).
What do you miss: Nothing new. Although I do miss shopping. There are all these great after Christmas sales and I have Christmas money to spend, but I can't buy clothes.
Other: My tailbone is starting to hurt when I sit for long periods of time and I haven't been exercising, but if I walk too briskly or for too long I start to get weird cramps/aches. The funny thing is that I complained of my tailbone hurting during my last pregnancy right around this time too.

Here's the pic of the week -definitely got a baby in there!

Week 39-40: Still here

Well, it's week 39-40 and I'm still here or more accurately, baby G is still on the inside. I was pretty convinced that he'd be here by now, but sadly he's not.

Weight: According to the doctor's I've gained another pound.

Maternity clothes: Same as usual. The stomach is getting bigger, but I'm thinking the rest of me has stopped growing (thankfully).

Stretch marks/belly button: Still no stretch marks and the belly button is still in.

Baby movement: Same as before. I had a non-stress test today at the doctor's and the baby seems to be doing well.

What I miss: Not being so paranoid. Every ache/pain/cramp makes me convinced that I'm about to go into labor -which, clearly has not panned out yet.

Other: Nothing new to report.

Dr's update: I'm dilated a bit more, almost 3, and things seem to be progressing, but just not as fast as I want. At this point we're going to wait to see if I make it to my next appointment next Tuesday before we make any definite plans for our next step -so if you're paying attention baby G, you should try to make your appearance soon.

Here's this week's picture...

Week 38-39: Days are numbered

The countdown has begun. At this point I really could go any day now... Huge is hoping I go sooner rather than later and to be honest so do I. My mother would like him to wait until she gets here, but I'm ready to be done working and I'm ready to meet the little guy.

Weekly update:

Weight: According to the doctor's scale I stayed the same/lost a little. I'm hoping that means this is it until the end, but who knows.

Maternity clothes: Same as usual

Stretch marks/belly button: Still no stretch marks and the belly button still fluctuates.

Baby movement: Same as before. Same hiccups/rolls/jabs/pokes. He does seem to have a lot of quiet moments, so I hope that means he's a good sleeper!

What do I miss: My wardrobe, being able to roll over easily and sleeping through the night. I haven't been cursed with having to get up to pee 100 times a night, but I started getting really severe leg cramps that will wake me up from a deep sleep. I'm also getting weird aches and pains, which are totally normal being this far along (and this heavy), but it has made sleeping a little bit uncomfortable recently.

Other: Nothing really new to report. Just waiting for the little guy to arrive. I'm still working and my energy and enthusiasm for it has definitely diminished. I'm hoping to finish up everything on my desk and organize my projects enough so that I can go on maternity leave and not look back.

Dr's update: I'm still about 2 cm dilated, but I've thinned a bit more and am about 70% effaced. She still doesn't think I'll make it full term, but at this point with only 10 days left until my due date I wouldn't be too surprised if I did. I still don't have any real regular contractions and any cramps/contractions/pressure I do feel usually waxes and wanes throughout the day. Maybe it'll pick up soon and hopefully it means that labor will be easy.

Here's today's picture. I'm looking pretty huge. His head is down, but I don't think it's engaged yet b/c he still seems to kind of move up and down a bit (or at least his body does -maybe he's just stretching?). I'm definitely anxious to meet the little guy and maybe we will before my next update!

Bucket List

I figure my days as a pregnant lady are numbered and I've already gained a ridiculous amount of weight so why not go out with a bang? Not that I'm never going to eat junk food again (because that's not true), but I know that I won't be able to with the reckless abandon that I have been. So with that in mind I have come up with a bucket list of treats I plan on indulging in without guilt until baby G makes his appearance and a recap of those that have gotten me to this (heavy) place I am now:

1. Scones from Starbucks: I don't know how much sugar (or butter) these things have, but they are delicious. I recently acquired a hard to find (may actually be out of circulation) maple oat scone c/o Huge via Denver... and it was exquisite -just as good as I remembered. It had probably been years since I've had one.


2. Caramel sundaes from McDonald's: I've actually only had 2 during my pregnancy, partially because I don't go to McDonald's very often, but also because I mistakenly believed they were no longer in circulation. I discovered at the airport on my way to Florida that they did indeed exist and not only quite fantastic but also only a dollar! I forgot how good they were, and I don't think they are *that* bad for you so I'm sure I'll be eating quite a few of these during the summer (if I remember).


3. Blueberry muffin from Dunkin Donuts: I've been talking about this muffin for weeks (maybe even months) and I finally indulged in one yesterday. I don't know if they're different in Chicago than they are in Boston, but it was kind of disappointing. It was much smaller than I remembered and not quite as buttery. Maybe I'll have to try another Dunkins. :)


4. Jellybeans/Easter Candy: This is something I've been indulging in without abandon already. I'm trying to keep it down to 1 "serving" (i.e. pig out) a day and for the most part it's worked, but it's been tough going. The unfortunate part is that there is no nutritional value in this splurge -it's all sugar, but it's been fun.


5. French fries: This hasn't been quite as bad as the sweet stuff since I generally only get them with a meal (not as a snack), but I've definitely been opting for fries instead of salad or veggies as a side throughout this pregnancy.


6. Chips: This one was terrible for awhile, but gave way once my sweet tooth took over.


7. Cookies/Dessert: I was actually out of control for awhile -so much so that I needed to give up cookies for Lent in order to break free. This pregnancy has really exacerbated my sweet tooth.


8. ??

So there you have it, a list of my indulgences that have plagued me throughout this pregnancy and probably will continue to do so for at least a little while longer. The time will come soon enough where I'll have to get back to working out and eating like a normal person, but for now, I plan on having some fun! Just remind me that I consciously decided to do this when I'm moaning about all the extra weight I have to lose once this baby comes!

Week 37-38: Let the countdown begin

I'm officially full term and at this point baby G is just freeloading! I'm ok with having him stay put for a little while longer, but I'm not sure exactly how long until he overstays his welcome. I've decided to do the weekly updates on Tuesdays now because that is when I have my doctor's appointments and I'm *sure* that you're all dying to know how those go too (ha) and I'm much too lazy to do two posts in a row.

Weight: Still gaining. According to doctor's scale I'm up 2 lbs and I think it's about the same at the home scale. I've officially broken 45 lbs. yikes.

Maternity clothes: Same as usual

Stretch marks/belly button: No stretch marks and the belly button is still fluctuating. I have however discovered I have cellulite. I know that this shouldn't be so earth shattering especially since I've gained 45 lbs, but even for a kind of chubby girl I never had cellulite before (unless I squished my fat together), but now I think I'm starting to get it. Sigh. I'm hoping once I pop the baby out and lose the weight the cellulite will go away.

Baby Movement: Same as before. Lots of stretching and rolling. He's been getting the hiccups pretty regularly as well, which is always reassuring.

What do I miss: Still walking with a limp and although I don't think I'm quite waddling yet, it's definitely uncomfortable to stand or walk for long periods of time. I also miss being able to walk briskly. I have become a s-l-o-w walker due to the discomfort and I am not used to it at all. I enjoy walking with a purpose!

Other: The last few days have been the first where I'm feeling done with being pregnant. I have been lucky that since about week 16/17 I have been feeling pretty good and not too bogged down by pregnancy ailments. However, the last few days have brought on the fatigue, backaches, soreness and cramps almost full time and I could really do without all of it. I'm also still working, but my head is not in it 100%. I need to get cracking on a plan for when I'm on leave, but somehow the days keep getting busier and busier with less and less getting done on my to-do list!

Dr's update: So my doctor cracks me up. She told me today how I have a "beautiful cervix"! I love it. Only she could say it with a straight face and mean it. Anyway, I'm almost 2 cm dilated and about 50% effaced... Granted I could be like that for weeks, but we both have a feeling I'll go before my due date. She said for a first time mom that's a lot of progress and the cramps/contractions I've been feeling seem to be working.

Here's the picture of the week. I always am a little surprised when I see how big my belly is. I think it also looks a lot bigger this week because the little guy changed positions so his butt is more in front rather than to the side as it has been. The bump isn't as wide and is more long now. Still can't tell if I've "dropped", but his head is definitely down.

Week 36/37 -Almost full term

I am almost full term! And thankfully baby G is still holding tight. I need him to stay put for at least another week -especially since Huge is out of town this coming Sunday and Monday.

Today I had my doctor's appointment and growth ultrasound. Things are looking good and baby G is head down and growing. They estimate he is already 6lbs 8oz, so he'll be somewhere in the neighborhood of 8 lbs when he's born. If you remember from my last ultrasound in Feb, he had a large head that was measuring a few weeks ahead of his gestational age. Well. he has continued to grow that way and although his body is in the 40-50th percentile, his head is measuring a few weeks ahead and is in the whopping 95th percentile! I'm hoping some of it is hair, but this is going to be a big headed child. I better start doing tummy time on his first day so we can get those neck muscles working! Other than that the doctor's was easy. I had by Group B strep test, blood draw and the regular routine. At this point baby G is about fully cooked, but I'm hoping to keep him in there another couple of weeks.

Here's the weekly update:

Weight: Still gaining, but it does seem to be slowing down. I only gained 1 pound according to the doctor's, but my scale at home shows me up a couple. I am definitely heading to the 50 lb mark, but I'm just praying it doesn't go above that.

Maternity clothes: Pretty much exclusively, minus cardigans and things w/ elastic waists.

Stretch marks/belly button: Still no stretch marks and the belly button hasn't popped full time, but if I'm really full and baby is active then it does the half pop.

Baby Movement: Lots of limbs and rolls around. My doctor today commented that because I have an anterior placenta (the placenta is in the front) it acts like a cushion and absorbs a lot of the movement. I wonder what it would feel like if I didn't have that and maybe that's why I don't really have a lot of the painful movements people talk about.

What do I miss: Walking without limping. I have self diagnosed myself as having plantar fascilitis in my left foot and it's definitely getting worse and I think it's starting a little bit on the right too. I also miss being able to close my hand in a tight fist without pain. My joints are a bit painful and the swelling is starting up. It's still not too bad, but it's there.

Other: Huge's coworkers threw a shower for me last Friday, which was really lovely. I should do a whole post on it and show you pictures of all the amazing onesies that they decorated for baby G. I'm a little nervous to wash them because I'm afraid to ruin them, but they are super adorable and I know baby G will love them.

Here's this week's picture. I'm trying to decide if I've "dropped"... I know I'm big as my shirts are starting to not be so long!

Week 35-36: In the home stretch

So much has happened this past week!

• Huge and I finished our baby classes -we took our infant/child CPR and first aid class on Thursday night and Sunday was our breastfeeding class. The classes were definitely informative and I'm glad we took them. It's made me feel just a little bit more prepared.


• My girlfriends threw me a shower luncheon yesterday. It was such a fantastic day and just reinforces the fact that I have such amazing friends and baby G is so lucky to have all these people that already love and care for him. We got some adorable clothes, our high chair, our bath stuff, bottles and lots of other goodies. When I get pictures, I'll have to remember to post them. The food was amazing too! Yum, if only I could eat a brunch like that every week.

For the weekly update:

Weight: Still going up, but it seems to be slowing down/leveling off (hopefully).

Maternity clothes: Same as before.

Stretch marks/belly button: Still no stretch marks and the belly button hasn't officially popped full time. Sometimes it pops out halfway or will be really flat, but it goes back in after awhile when baby G moves or when I've digested the last meal.

Baby movement: We're getting a lot more limbs poking out. Huge was convinced he felt a foot including the toes the other night, but I didn't feel it. Baby G has been "playing" with Huge where he'll stick out something, Huge will push it a bit and then baby G will either push back or move and stick it out again. I'm sure we're annoying the crap out of baby G, but the poking and prodding is kind of fun!

What do I miss: Nothing new.

Other: Hm... nothing really exciting or new. Huge is going away for a couple of days in a couple of weeks (beginning of April), so I'm hoping baby stays put until after that date, but otherwise I'm feeling surprisingly calm about everything. I'm starting to get my "to to" list together, but I'm still not feeling a whole lot of urgency -do you think I'm still in denial? One thing I do need to do asap? Our taxes!

Here's the pic for the week -definitely growing!

35/35 and other updates

I have reached another pregnancy milestone 35/35 -I have completed 35 weeks of pregnancy and have 35 days left until my due date. Holy moly... that's just about a month at this point! I really should get cracking on my to do list. I would say I am generally a laid back person, but this is taking it to a whole new level! I guess part of the reason is that I know it'll be fine in the end and the actual taking care of the baby thing has never fazed me... the one thing that is stressing me out a bit? The visiting parents! haha. But, really, I should "prepare" myself and the house. I keep reading online all these April moms-to-be having their babies already, so the month I have remaining might not be that long at all.

In other updates, Huge and I attended our infant and child cpr and first aid class so now we can do cpr and help a chocking infant or child. Our next (and last) class is Saturday and my girlfriends here are throwing me a shower/luncheon on Sunday. Lots of baby things going on this weekend!

Week 34-35

Hey, guess what time it is... another pregnancy update. I have to say that these are pretty boring (although I have a feeling it's probably been like that for awhile).

So here goes:
Weight: Up, but I went to the doctor's and the scale claimed I didn't gain -which after last appointment's 8 lb gain, I better not have! It's still under 50 lbs (yes, that's my new barometer, so clearly my standards are low), but above the 35 average.

Maternity clothes: Pretty much, although the shirt and sweater below are not. So anything long and loose can still fit over the pooch.

Stretch marks/belly button: Nope, but the button is getting close.

Baby movement: Lots of rolling and poking still. Sometimes I swear I can feel actual limbs sticking out. He's been getting a lot of hiccups, which I read was good b/c it means he's practicing his breathing and swallowing, and there seems to be some sort of spasm-ing going on, but that's pretty infrequent.

What do I miss: Nothing new. Same old.

Other: I've really got nothing. I had a quick doctor's appointment today and everything looks good. No weird symptoms or problematic things to report. My next appointment is in 2 weeks and we'll get to take another look at the little bugger and then from then on I'll be full term and going to the doctor's weekly. Crazy times!