39 Weeks

How far along?  39w2d - last pregnancy update!! 

How big is baby?  Watermelon!  6.2-9.2 pounds and 18.9-20.9 inches; all major development is done.

Physical differences from last week?  I weighed 142 pounds on Tuesday morning (and haven't weighed since); I'm probably at 143-144 pounds, which is an overall gain of 34-35 pounds.  I am hella swollen.  So gross - I hate this part of pregnancy!  I've been wearing maternity dresses and non-maternity yoga pants and shorts this week...everything is uncomfy.  I am verrrry excited for regular clothes!     

How I'm feeling?  Happy, anxious, excited.  I'm uncomfortable, but I have felt so much happier since Tuesday, when they scheduled my induction.  My legs have been killing me since Wednesday afternoon; I walked up (and then back down) 17 flights of stairs on my lunch break in an effort to encourage labor.  Contractions are every 15 minutes, sometimes closer in the evenings, but they never progress.  No cravings, but I should point out that I've had (at least) two Icees each week and pancakes once a week for the last month.   

What's been on my mind?  Trying to induce labor.

What I'm looking forward to?  Labor. 

Best moment this week?  Friday.  My last day of work, and Lucy's last day of daycare, was Thursday, so we had the day together.  I loved the one on one time.  It was the perfect way to start the weekend and maternity leave.  We've spent the weekend relaxing, swimming, and eating.  For as much as I would have liked to have gone into labor spontaneously, it's been nice to plan ahead and enjoy our time together as a family of three.

The induction has been scheduled.

For Monday.

I had my prenatal appointment yesterday morning, and I was sad to hear that there had been no change to my cervix over the last week (still 2 cm dilated, 50% effaced, and Park was stationed at -2).  Dr. O stripped my membranes - which was uncomfy, but not horrible - and then she asked me, "So what's the plan?" 

I was sort of stunned...for two reasons... 

First and foremost, I was not expecting so much blood from being stripped.  (Sorry, maybe TMI.)  And second, she was giving ME the power to decide. 

I reminded her that she had mentioned an induction at 39 weeks, which is this Friday, and said I'd rather get him out sooner than later.  She seemed happy with my decision and had her MA call the hospital while I had my NST.  Unfortunately, Friday already had a long list of inductees, so Monday was the next best option.  (Still not sure why Saturday and Sunday were not offered.)  I was a little peeved at first, because I had been relying on August 17 as the cut off date; but I feel very strongly that everything happens for a reason, and maybe these few extra days will give Parker a chance to come on his own. 

It feels so good to have this scheduled, knowing that, one way or another, my tiny, squishy boy is going to be here in FIVE DAYS or less.  The end is in sight.  I'm excited.  I'm nervous.  I'm anxious as hell.

I've been doing everything I can to induce labor naturally...  Evening Primrose Oil, Red Raspberry Leaf Tea, acupressure, breast pumping, walking, bouncing, squats and lunges, pelvic floor release, other "physical" activities, eating pineapple...you name it, I've tried it.  Am hoping and praying that having my membranes stripped will pay off.

Who wants to take bets on whether Park comes before Monday??

"Yes, I am still pregnant."

"No, I have not had that kid yet."

"I do not know you well enough to discuss sex and it's labor-inducing qualities."

"I don't care how past due you were with your two."

It's only 8 am, and already the comments are starting.  What I would give to actually use some of these responses...  Happy Monday, folks!  (Please GOD let this baby come soon.)

38 Weeks

How far along?  38w0d.  Why am I still pregnant???

How big is baby?  Pumpkin.  18.9-20.9 inches and 6.2-9.2 pounds; he's shedding the vernix caseosa (white goo) that's been protecting his skin.

Physical differences from last week?  I weighed 143.0 pounds at my NST today; which is a 1.0 pound gain from last week, and an overall gain of 33.4 pounds.  No new stretch marks and my belly button is out.  Still wearing regular pants and shorts with the belly band, maternity tops, dresses, and skirts.  I hate clothes, everything is uncomfortable.  I had an internal exam on Tuesday and I was a "solid" 2 cm, 50% effaced, and Parker was at station -3.  To be totally honest, I was disappointed.   

How I'm feeling?  Aggravated.  For the number of contractions that I've had during this pregnancy, I should not need to be induced!  More on that below...  My cervix is progressing slower with this pregnancy - even though I'm actually TRYING this time.  And my back hurts!  It's different from the usual sciatica, though; it's more like there's shrapnel in my back.  I'm waking up 4-6 times each night (usually from a painful contraction), so I'm exhausted during the day.  I'm done.  DONE, DONE, DONE.  It's time to make your way towards the exit, Park. 

What's been on my mind?  Being induced.  We're going to schedule the induction at my appointment on Tuesday.  Am freaking out about the possible side effects of epidural anestheia (which I will most likely need, if induced by Pitocin).   

What I'm looking forward to?  Not being pregnant anymore.

Best moment this week?  Tuesday afternoon.  I left work early, napped for four hours, and then ate half of a pineapple.

During my prenatal appointment on Tuesday, Dr. O brought up the possible need for induction again.  She asked if I was opposed, and I said, "No, but I'd prefer to avoid it, if possible.."  To which she replied, "Well, if you're willing to sign a waiver and the NSTs are pristine, I could possibly be talked into letting you go to 40 weeks.  As long as you understand that you're increasing your risk of stillbirth..."  Um, no thank you.  After that pleasant conversation, she informed me that my Group B Strep test came back negative (thank God for small favors, right?) and we went over my birth plan.  She said I would need a saline lock as soon as I get to the hospital, because I'm a VBAC, and then approved the plan.

37 Weeks

How far along?  37w2d.  Officially full term!  Time to vacate, Park!!

How big is baby?  Winter melon.  All major development is done and he's practicing some fundamental skills such as sucking, gripping and blinking.

Physical differences from last week?  I weighed 142.0 pounds at my NST appointment on Friday; which is a 2.4 pound gain from last week, and an overall gain of 32.4 pounds.  No new stretch marks, and the belly button is out.  Still wearing regular pants and shorts with the belly band, maternity tops, dresses, and skirts.  (I almost never wear a shirt when I'm home - very ladylike, I know.)  Finally experiencing some swelling in my hands and feet, and my rings are getting a little snug.  I had an internal exam on Tuesday, and I was 1-2 centimeters dilated, 50% effaced, and Parker was at station -2. 

How I'm feeling?  I've been sleeping better, but still not great.  Overall, I'd say that I'm feeling better (physically) than I have in weeks; I've been able to play with Lucy, get down on the floor and chase after her.  But I've also become extremely impatient with Parker's due date.  My contractions are becoming increasingly uncomfortable, and occasionally come at consistent intervals for hours; I feel tons of pressure whenever I stand.  I really wish one of these times it would be the real deal...  Oh, and I craved this banana pudding parfait.  So yum! 

What's been on my mind?  Labor.  It's literally all I think about.

What I'm looking forward to?  Meeting my baby!  Kissing those big squishy cheeks, breastfeeding, bed-sharing, and being home with my kiddos. 

Best moment this week?  Friday.  I spent the day with Lulu and had a date night with Casey.  We saw the new Batman movie.  I'm sure it'll be the last date night for awhile!

Almost August

There is one more day until Parker's birth month... 

And just a few days until he's full term. 

Parker's Arrival Poll had to come down a little earlier than expected, but here are the results:

(Really hoping that the 5 who voted for the week of July 30 are right!  Maybe with the full moon??)

To say I'm surprised that we made it this far would be a drastic understatement.  There were times that I didn't feel comfortable planning dinner, because I wasn't sure if the contractions would stop...  There were times that I worried our little guy would have to stay in the NICU...   And suddenly the focus has shifted from "keeping her pregnant" to "getting that baby out" (both phrases used by my doctor).

I admit that I'm scared, but I'm also ready.  I can practically feel my adrenaline boiling, just waiting for labor to begin.  I'm ready for Parker to be in my arms and not in my belly.  I'm ready to be home with my kids.  I'm ready to lay on my stomach and wear regular clothes.  I'm ready for a BIG glass of vino.  


And, in my defense, while it may seem strange to be this impatient at "only" 36 weeks and 3 days, I was told at 30 weeks gestation that he could be born in as little as two weeks...  So I mentally prepared myself for a much shorter pregnancy and a preemie. Combine that with all the preterm contractions, and you've got yourself one very frustrated pregnant lady.

36 Weeks

How far along?  36w1d.

How big is baby?  Honeydew!  Had a growth ultrasound on Thursday, and HOLY COW this kid is huge.  Park weighed approximately 6 pounds 14 ounces, which puts him in the 86th percentile.  (Apparently the size of his head is really driving those numbers - already measuring 40 weeks!)  Breathing, circulation, and immune systems should be up and running.

Physical differences from last week?  I weighed 139.6 pounds this morning; which is a 1.6 pound gain from last week, and an overall gain of 30 pounds.  No new stretch marks and the belly button is out.  (Really looking forward to having an innie again.)  And I officially hate clothes.  I'm still cramming myself into regular pants and shorts, but they're starting to get uncomfortable now that Parker is getting lower; and all of my shirts are too short.  Seriously, there's no containing this belly.    

How I'm feeling?  Kind of like there is a knife wedged in my lower back.  Sleep is impossible and I literally dread going to bed each night because I cannot get comfortable.  My bladder sucks; I have to pee as soon as I stand upright.  The good news is that swelling has been minimal.  Still craving Icees and watermelon.  (We actually drove to six different gas stations in search of an Icee last Sunday...)   

What's been on my mind?  Getting this kid out.  Lulu and I were able to get out this morning and enjoy the cool(er) weather; we walked around the fountain and played at the splash pad while Daddy-O was at work.

What I'm looking forward to?  Finishing my Hypnobabies home study, and putting it to use.  I'm on class 4 of 5 and really enjoying the practice so far.

Best moment this week?  I had two awesome moments.  1)  The cashier at Sprouts told me I looked beautiful and 2)  Hearing that Parker is still head down at the growth ultrasound.  Goooooooo Park!

The New Birth Plan

My last birth plan was totally useless due to Lucy's breech presentation and the need for a cesarean delivery.  Fortunately, Parker is head down and my doctor has approved a VBAC.  I am excited (maybe a little too excited) for the experience.  That being said, I've been thinking long and hard about my priorities for birth.  Rather than create (another) 10-page birth plan, I'd like to convey a few preferences that are genuinely important to myself and Casey.

---

My delivery is planned as a VBAC.

During labor I'd like to stay hydrated by ice chips or saline lock.

For pain relief I plan to use hypnosis and massage.  Please do not offer epidural anesthesia or narcotic pain medication.

Please delay cord cutting until after it has stopped pulsating.

I'd like to breastfeed as soon as possible. 

I'd like to stay in the hospital as briefly as possible.

---

I don't think it's realistic to expect the hospital staff to consult my birth plan before every.single.procedure.  When the time comes, they will ask for consent, and I will use my voice.  If, for some reason, I cannot find my voice, I will kick Casey, and he will use his voice.  ;-) 

I believe we are in good hands, and I believe we all share one goal: a healthy baby.

I followed this birth plan template to get a better understanding of my options.

35/35

How far along?  35w0d, and 35 days to go!  Actually, that's not really true, but more on that below.

How big is baby?  Coconut!  17.2-18.7 inches and 4.2-5.8 pounds; he won't get much longer, but he will continue to plump up.  His hearing is fully developed and testes have descended.  (Have I mentioned that I'm not-so-secretly terrified of boy parts??)

Physical differences from last week?  I weighed 138.0 pounds this morning; which is a 3.2 pound gain from last week (what?!?!?!), and an overall gain of 28.4 pounds.  I admit that I've been eating junk food lately, but not THAT much junk food...  And I can't blame the weigh gain on water retention because swelling is minimal.  Really hoping Parker had a growth spurt!  No new stretch marks and my belly button is out.  Still wearing regular pants and shorts with the belly band, maternity tops, dresses and skirts.  I had my first internal exam yesterday and I am 1 cm dilated and 50% effaced.  Parker is head down and low!  All very exciting news!!!

How I'm feeling?  Pretty good!  I seem to have had a burst of energy this week.  And, I even had two nights of blissful sleep (i.e.: no trips to the bathroom).  Having an average of 2-4 contractions per hour, and more in the evenings.  No specific cravings since I've been eating a ton of junk food lately.      

What's been on my mind?  Having this baby.

What I'm looking forward to?  Having this baby.

Best moment this week?  Hearing the words, "You're having a vaginal birth" at my prenatal appointment on Thursday.

I had an interesting (and unexpected) conversation with my doctor yesterday.  About being induced.  Due to my low PAPP-A levels, she will not let me go past 39 weeks.  The most common, and dangerous, complication associated with low PAPP-A is intrauterine growth restriction, and at a certain point it actually becomes detrimental to baby to remain inside.  Another growth ultrasound has been scheduled for next Thursday, and, depending on the results, the induction may need to be sooner.  Fortunately, my cervix is already progressing and we're hopeful that I'll go into labor on my own very soon.  My doctor offered to induce as soon as I reach 3 or 4 cm, if I'm still not in active labor...but I'd prefer to avoid intervention if possible.

34 Weeks

***WARNING:  This post was written by a very cranky, very pregnant lady***

How far along?  34w0d and I WANT THIS BABY OUT!!!  I didn't reach this level of discomfort until 35 weeks with Lucy. 

And, just for fun, a side-by-side comparison:

18 weeks vs. 34 weeks

How big is baby?  Butternut squash!  At this point, the average baby weighs between 4.2 and 5.8 pounds and measures 17.2-18.7 inches.

Physical differences from last week?  I weighed 134.8 pounds at my NST visit on Thursday; which is a 0.8 pound gain from last week, and an overall gain of 25.2 pounds.  No new stretch marks and my belly button is out; it's funny to see my outie through my clothing.  Still wearing regular pants and shorts with the belly band, maternity tops, dresses and skirts.  Some of my tops are getting a little short...

How I'm feeling?  I'm just a big, uncomfortable heap of pregnancy at this point and have very little motivation to do anything other than lay down.  Letting myself eat whatever I want, whenever I want...my appetite is almost non-existent, but I do enjoy a cherry icee every Monday and Thursday after NST.  Contractions seem to have picked up, having 4-5 contractions per hour; they are extremely distracting.  Sciatica and heart burn are raging.  Also had the pleasure of taking two antibiotics this week for one (misdiagnosed) infection.  Fuuuun times! 

What's been on my mind?  Babywise and Hypnobabies.  Very excited to put both to use.

What I'm looking forward to?  Labor.  Bring it, Park!

Best moment this week?  Getting my thank you cards mailed.  (For my last shower, I was actually writing thank you cards while in the hospital waiting for Lucy to be born...)

33 Weeks

How far along?  33w1d

How big is baby?  Durian!  (I included a picture for those - like myself - who are unfamiliar with this scary-looking fruit.)  According to the growth ultrasound on Thursday, Park weighs approximately 4 pounds 10 ounces (54th percentile).  His little eyes are open, bones are hardening and his brain is developing.

Physical differences from last week?  I weighed 134.0 pounds this morning; which is a 1.8 pound gain from last week, and an overall gain of 24.4 pounds.  No new stretch marks and the belly button is out.  Still wearing regular pants and shorts with the belly band (some pairs are starting to get uncomfortable, though), maternity shirts, dresses and skirts.

How I'm feeling?  Had a much needed burst of energy this week!  Did some cleaning, baking, and actually played with Lulu (instead of laying on the floor and letting her climb all over me).  I've been craving my mom's ambrosia salad since July 4th.  Must make more this weekend!  Sleep is sucky, so I try to nap on the weekends.  I've been having 2-4 contractions per hour, but Park is doing just fine according to the NST. 

What's been on my mind?  Babywise, Hypnobabies, meeting Park.  Really hoping it's within the next 5 weeks!  (Which reminds me, have you voted on the When will Parker arrive poll??) 

What I'm looking forward to?  MATERNITY LEAVE. 

Best moment this week?  Hearing that Parker is head down.  Hallelujah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

32 Weeks

How far along?  32w1d

How big is baby?  Squash!  15.2-16.7 inches and 2.5-3.8 pounds; he should be in the head down position and is getting ready to descend into my pelvis.  I am really optimistic about Parker being head down!  All of his movement is in my ribs, and with Lucy it was all in my cervix and tailbone.

Physical differences from last week?  I weighed 132.2 pounds at my prenatal appointment on Thursday; which is a 1.2 pound gain from last week, and an overall gain of 22.6.  No new stretch marks, belly button is out, still wearing regular pants and shorts with the belly band and maternity tops, dresses, and skirts.

 

How I'm feeling?  My pace is really starting to slow.  Swelling has been minimal, thankfully.  Still sleeping poorly; still craving Sprite mixed with lemonade; and still contracting all day everyday.  I timed them on Monday and Tuesday, out of curiosity; on Monday they were 30 minutes apart, and on Tuesday they were 12-14 minutes apart.  They're uncomfortable (some are painful), but I've learned to tune them out for the most part.

What's been on my mind?  I am happy to say that we are ready for Parker's arrival!  You can see my updated pregnancy checklist HERE.  (We didn't get to all the nice-to-do items, but that's ok.)  And you can expect a post on freezer meals and a nursery reveal in the near-ish future.  Bring on the relaxation until D-Day!

What I'm looking forward to?  Starting our Hypnobirthing home study.

Best moment this week?  Seeing Parker's name everywhere.  On work trucks, political signage, and, even at the hospital, my mom's doctor was Dr. Parker (and her nurse was Lucy). 

My co-worker recently told me that she had a dream Parker was born in the middle of next week; which prompted Casey and I to take bets on his arrival.  Now that we're outside the 2 week window of the Preterm Labor Test results, it's kind of fun to think about.  Casey's bet is 3 weeks from now, sometime during the week of July 16.  My bet is 4 weeks from now, sometime the week of July 23.  What do you think?  Maybe the full moon will have an impact on his arrival??  If you'd like to take a guess at when Park will arrive, head on over to the poll located at the top of the sidebar.

31 Weeks and Bikini-Clad

How far along?  31w4d

How big is baby?  Pineapple!  15.2-16.7 inches and 2.5-3.8 pounds; all five senses are fully developed, undergoing some major brain and nerve development, and his irises now react to light. 

Physical differences from last week?  I weighed 131.0 pounds on Friday morning; which is a gain of 2.4 pounds from last week, and an overall gain of 21.4 pounds.  No new stretch marks and my belly button is most definitely out.

How I'm feeling?  Clumsy and swelling.  I've been craving cherry icees and Spite mixed with lemonade, but my appetite has really tapered off.  Other than the contractions, all of my symptoms (heartburn, swelling, back pain) are very mild compared to when I was pregnant with Lucy.  The contractions suck, though.  They are completely different from BH contractions/menstrual cramps:  they last 45-60 seconds, my belly gets rock hard, Parker stops moving, it's hard to move, they hurt...  I've been having them since last Thursday; but I haven't called my doctor or even timed them because they're over 10 minutes apart.

What's been on my mind?  Labor mostly.  My contractions are uncomfortable, and some of them actually require me to stop what I'm doing and breathe through them; so I'm really curious to see what true labor feels like.  Casey and I widdled down the to-do list over the last week, and I feel much more at ease with Parker coming early, should that be the case.  His clothes are washed and the nursery is 90% finished.  We still have a few small things to purchase and I'd like to make some freezer meals, but I'm not going to stress myself out over it.

What I'm looking forward to?  Spending some time in the kitchen and filling the freezer.

Best moment this week?  Going a whole 7 days without calling my doctor!

And now, a drumroll please.............

You can see the rest of my maternity session HERE.

The pool shots were done at my parent's house.  The water was freezing.  But it actually felt really good after shooting outside all morning.  When I walked out in my bikini, my dad looked at me, head shaking, and said, "You've got to be kidding me."  Thanks for that ego boost, daddy-o!  It was a lot of fun, and I am so happy with how all the pictures turned out.

Sneak Peek: Maternity Session

We had our maternity session with the lovely and talented LaTricia Soucy yesterday morning, and I just had to share a little sneak peek!  Click here to see the rest.  And stay tuned for (gasp!) bikini pics!!!

30 Weeks

How far along?  30w3d (had the very late realization that my weekly birthday actually falls on Friday, not Saturday)

How big is baby?  Cucumber!  15.2-16.7 inches and 2.5-3.8 pounds; his skin is getting smooth, his brain is getting wrinkly, and he is strong enough to grasp a finger!

Physical differences from last week?  I weighed 128.6 on Friday; which is a 1 pound loss from last week, and an overall gain of 19 pounds.  Wearing regular pants and shorts with the belly band, maternity tops, dresses and skirts.  I don't have any new stretch marks, but my old ones are starting to become more visible; and my belly button is out.  It's not as adorable as I thought it would be.

How I'm feeling?  Kinda lousy.  I could do a whole lotta whining right now, but I'm going to do my best to refrain.  I'm having contractions as I write this post, and my stomach muscles are extremely sore after five days of contracting.  Lower back pain is raging; occasionally very hormonal; sleep sucks; still obsessed with Fritos, but less of an appetite overall.

What's been on my mind?  (Too much, as usual.)  How messy my house is.  How much I want to get done before Park is born.  How uncertain our future has become, thanks to preterm labor.  But mostly, how much I miss Lucy...

What I'm looking forward to?  Our maternity session on Sunday. 

Best moment this week?  Two awkward, but funny, comments from (male) strangers.  Comment #1:  Wow, you must be getting close, huh?  Nope, still have over two months!  Comment #2:  (With his eyes closed and using dramatic hand gestures aimed at my belly) Hmmm, mmmm, that must be a boy!  Yup, sure is! 

I ended up seeing my doctor late Thursday afternoon, instead of Friday morning, because the contractions returned.  They were 10-13 minutes apart from 10:30 am - 4:00 pm.  She did another internal (cervix was still closed!) and put me on the monitor - at which point my contractions had stopped.  She ordered bed rest for Friday, Saturday and Sunday and said to call if I started having more contractions.  If I had had more contractions, she would have performed another preterm labor test.  Depending on that result, she would have given me an injection of steroid's for Parker's lungs; but, fortunately, none of that became necessary.  I survived the weekend with consistently far apart contractions (over 10 minutes), all of which ultimately stopped on their own.  My doctor did mention that women with my specific combination of low proteins and amino acids are statistically proven to deliver preterm.  These same proteins and aminos are what affected the results of our Down Syndrome screening.  My regular prenatal visit is scheduled for June 28, and I sincerely hope to not have to see my doctor before that.  I'm still on pelvic rest, and bed rest is encouraged as needed.

29 Weeks

How far along?  29w2d

How big is baby?  Acorn squash!  15.2-16.7 inches and 2.5-3.8 pounds; he's plumping up nicely and starting to get a little cramped.  Which I can attest to...ouch!

Physical differences from last week?  I weighed 129 pounds on Saturday morning; which is a 2.6 pound gain from last week, and an overall gain of 19.4 pounds.  Still wearing regular pants and shorts with the belly band, maternity tops and dresses; and I recently added a maternity support belt to my wardrobe, courtesy of my friend Dianna - it's been verrrry helpful!  Belly button is usually poking out by the end of the day and no new stretch marks.

How I'm feeling?  Swollen, itchy, and irritable mostly.  Oh yeah, and not sleeping.  (Which may or may not contribute to my irritability.)  My belly feels heavy and my pace is starting to slow; whenever I hold Lucy I get these sharp, shooting pains all over my belly and Parker gets pissed.  This week I craved orange juice, Pop Tarts and Fritos - soooo random.  I swear I'm still trying to be mindful of carbs, but I'm more focused on portion control. 

What's been on my mind?  Still feeling overwhelmed and starting to freak out about having a single digit countdown to Baby Boy's arrival.  I'm nesting in a rather unique fashion...my attention has shifted from painting the master bedroom (which I still want to do!) to launching my home bakery's website.

What I'm looking forward to?  Having energy again.  Laying on my stomach.  Playing with Lucy like I used to be able to - not while seated on the couch or laying down.  MATERNITY LEAVE.

Best moment this week?  Oh, oh!  My baby shower!!!  (Pictures and deets to come, I promise!)

28 Weeks

How far along?  28w1d

How big is baby?  Eggplant!  According to the growth ultrasound on Tuesday, Parker is measuring 1 week ahead and weighs 2 pounds, 9 ounces.  He's fattening up and his lungs are now capable of surviving outside the womb.

Physical differences from last week?  I weighed 126.4 pounds at my prenatal appointment on Thursday; which means no gain from last week, and an overall gain of 16.8 pounds.  Oddly enough, my belly measured 1 week behind, but Dr. O wasn't concerned; fundal height can vary depending on the baby's presentation.  I'm still wearing regular pants and shorts with the belly band, and maternity tops, skirts, and dresses.  Belly button is flat and no new stretch marks.  My boobs feel very full all of a sudden - helllllllo colostrum!

"Umm Momma, why is your belly out??"

How I'm feeling?  LOTS of leg cramps; sleep sucks - having a hard time falling and staying asleep; wicked lower back pain and BH contractions in the evenings.  My round ligaments were KILLING ME on Friday.  I craved pancakes and spaghetti, and had both!  Mmmm.     

What's been on my mind?  So much to do.  So little energy.  Casey picked up our second freezer during the week, so now I really have to get moving on all that freezer cooking.

What I'm looking forward to?  Baby shower next weekend!   

Best moment this week?  Without a doubt, the growth ultrasound!  Parker is HEAD DOWN.  Baby Boy, you stay put!  He also has Lucy's chubby cheeks...and hair!  He'll be the first baby born with hair between our two families!  The tech was very happy with his heart and measurements; we even saw his stomach contracting and practicing his swallowing and breathing.  The only concern was how "unusually low" he is...apparently he may actually be engaging my cervix already...  She couldn't see any cervix from above, and had to do an internal to check.  Dr. O wasn't concerned, just said to be aware of contractions closer than 10 minutes apart.

27 Weeks - Third Trimester

How far along?  27w1d

How big is baby?  Rutabaga!  13.6-14.8 inches and 1.5-2.5 pounds; brain and lungs are uber busy developing.

Physical differences from last week?  I weighed 126.4 pounds on Friday morning; which is a 4 pound gain from last week (back to my weight from two weeks ago), and an overall gain of 16.8 pounds.  My belly feels BIG.  Thinking about buying a maternity support belt...   I'm wearing regular pants and shorts with the belly band, and maternity shirts and dresses.  My belly button is flat and there are no new stretch marks to report.  Hallelujah!

(Just for giggles, compare to me at 27 weeks with Lucy)

How I'm feeling?  I was very weak and lethargic through Friday, but now I feel back to my regular (pregnant) self.  All signs of the stomach bug have vanished.  My chief complaint is lower back pain; contractions are becoming more intense; and suddenly getting up 1-3 times each night to pee.  The big craving this week was for Chompie's Black and White Cookies.  I ate 6, thanks to Auntie Fallon. 

What's been on my mind?  Starting freezer cooking. 

What I'm looking forward to?  Growth ultrasound on Tuesday, which was rescheduled due to the unexpected hospital visit.  Also have my Glucose Test on Thursday.  ::fingers crossed::

Best moment this week?  Choosing a name for Babe.  It's done.  It's decided.  We love it and will share sometime this week.  We even bought the letters to decorate and hang over his crib!

38 weeks

Baby is now the size of a:  newborn!  We can expect to see her at this current length and weight on D-Day; approximately 7 pounds (ya right, this baby is going to be an 8 pounder MINIMUM) and 21 1/2 inches long.  She is fully developed at this very moment; her organs are mature and ready for life outside my belly!  Here's a fun fact, if she is born with brown eyes, the color will not change (those would be from me, thank you very much).  If she is born with gray or blue eyes, the color can change to various shades of blue, green, or brown.  


How I'm feeling:  same old, same old...big, tired, swollen, and enjoying constant lower back pain.  I waddle A LOT; walking and just being upright in general is pretty uncomfortable.  Yet another reason why I am truly grateful to have a desk job.  My wonderful supervisor got approval for me to wear flip flops for the remainder of my pregnancy; I didn't even ask for this privilege, but it is totally appreciated.  And now that my stomach is thoroughly crammed under my left rib, I don't have the room to eat normal portions... As a result, I'm constantly eating; a few bites here and there, because I'm still hungry - I just don't have room for food anymore. 

Physical differences from last week:  I didn't weigh in this week, and I never let the nurse say my weight out loud...  I'm hoping to still be right around 32-33 pounds.  Cervix progress:  not quite 3 cm dilated and 50 percent effaced.  This would be AWESOME news, if Lucy were head down...  Here's my weekly pic:

What's been on my mind:  I think we are ready for babe-a-roni's arrival!  Thank you notes have been mailed; freezer meals are cooked (yes, I have a post coming ALL about this); the seemingly impossible to-do list is DONE!!!  These days I'm just trying to relax as much as possible and enjoy my amazing hubby while he's still all mine. 

What I'm looking forward to:  my doctor calling me sometime tomorrow with potential dates for the version procedure.  I'm scared, but excited for this procedure.  I'm scared because of the rare, but potential, risks; I'm excited because this may be the answer to my prayers for a natural, vaginal birth.  Never fear, I have an entire post dedicated to our baby turning journey - hopefully I'll get that posted later this week.

Random thoughts:  Casey's co-workers threw us the sweetest joint baby shower on Friday.  They were extremely generous and thoughtful.  I went to his office after my prenatal visit for lunch, cake, and presents!  One of his co-workers made the most adorable bumble bee cake:

And they were all very generous gift-givers!  We got tons of cute outfits, blankets, toys, and even a swing! 

It was a great afternoon!  We couldn't be more appreciative of all the love and support we've received from everyone.

37 weeks - Full term!

Baby is now the size of a:  watermelon!  ::insert jaw drop::  She weighs approximately 6 1/3 pounds and measures anywhere from 20-21 inches in length.  She will remain at this length for the next three weeks, but she will continue to plump up.  Currently, her body fat is about eight percent; by birth, it'll be about fifteen percent.  At this point, she can do all the things a newborn can, with the exception of breathing air and pooping in a diaper.  Baby Lucy is now considered "full term"; meaning, if I were to go into labor now, her lungs would be mature enough to fully adjust to life outside the womb. Baby girl, you are absolutely welcome to join us any day now!!!


How I'm feeling:  exhausted, big, and swollen.  It does not take much to zap my energy level these days.  I fully intended to complete all cooking and freezing this weekend, and after just a few errands, I was completely and utterly drained for the day.  Before last week, I really hadn't experienced bad swelling...then the wonderful AZ sun decided to crank up the heat.  I've officially removed my wedding rings and toe ring, and I miss them terribly!  I cannot imagine being pregnant in the Arizona summer.  I'm also stressed about Miss Lucy's breech presentation, as her turning days are numbered...   I pray every night that Lucy turns, and every morning I'm greeted by the sight of her big ol' noggin right in front of my rib.  Fun fact:  breech presentations account for 3 percent of all pregnancies.  

Physical differences from last week:  I've hit the 32 pound mark...AND I'm two centimeters dilated!!!

What's been on my mind:  the phrase, "Your baby could be born at any time."  My contractions remind me of that almost daily.  I think we are pretty well prepared for her arrival.  I did all of her laundry on Sunday, we bought all the little things we still needed, and the nursery is almost complete.  I've decided to take three-day weekends until D-Day (hopefully that will only last one or two more weeks) to rest and finish up my remaining to-dos. 

What I'm looking forward to: Lucy flipping (either of her own free will or via an External Cephalic Version)!  Casey and the doc said I have to stop trying to bring on labor until she turns...

Random thoughts:  I'm now at the point in my pregnancy where I see the doc once a week.  When I saw her on Friday, and she told me how dilated I was, I almost screamed!  Unfortunately, this excellent news is sort of canceled out by Lucy's being breech.  If I were to go into labor today, before having the version procedure, I would be forced to have a c-section.  The game plan is to check her presentation at my appointment on Friday, and if she's still breech, we schedule the version.  Baby turning prayers would be appreciated, friends!