32 weeks.

8 weeks to go.  EIGHT.  I am slowly feeling more and more ready.  We got our crib mattress this weekend, and I washed all the baby clothes and packed the diaper bag the best I could.  :-)  Just because I wanted to.  In the next month or so, I'll work on our hospital bag.  I just want to have that done by the end of February, so I have tons of time.  Still, the weeks are flying by and I can't believe how close we are to meeting our little guy.

Today's date: January 31, 2011

How far along: 32 weeks

Total weight gain: I think I made up for last week.  I was stagnant for a few weeks but just made the jump this week it seems.  Around 23-24lbs gained this week (TOTAL).  I go to the doctor tomorrow so we'll see what his "official" scale says.

Size and growth of the baby: By now, your baby weighs 3.75 pounds (pick up a large jicama - {WHAT is that anyway?!}) and is about 16.7 inches long, taking up a lot of space in your uterus. You're gaining about a pound a week and roughly half of that goes right to your baby.

Sex: BOY BOY BOY!!

Maternity clothes: EVERYTHING!!... and mainly in sweatpants at home.  Jeans are a pain.

Sleep: Still having a difficult time, but I have had a few nights where I have had amazingly good sleep.  I figure it'll be this way until the end, most likely.

 
Best moment(s) of the week:  My amazing husband turned 29 this weekend!!  It was a BUSY weekend, full of lots of live music, so you know he was a happy camper.  It was fun to spend time together and go out like that, because in a couple months it'll get a lot more difficult.  Although, I don't think I got to bed before midnight at all the past 3 nights, and that is VERY not normal for me.  I think I will sleep well tonight.

Movement: Lots and lots.  He seems to drift to my right and I get kicked in my right ribs and straight out my right side a lot.  I think he is still head down, but might have really long legs.  I'm sure I'll find out more at my appointment tomorrow.  I am pretty sure he isn't sideways though. 

 
Food cravings/aversions:  I want thai food... and I haven't gotten it yet. 

Morning sickness: None of that nonsense!

 
Symptoms: Pretty constant heartburn. :-P  It doesn't take much at this point.  In general I am feeling pretty squished.  I feel super out of shape - getting winded going up the stairs at work... but I have an excuse. :-)  I am beginning to understand how women feel totally ready to push the baby out by the time their pregnancy is full term.

 
Labor signs:  Nothing yet.  Not even any braxton hicks.

Belly button in or out:   I think they call this a "flatty".  Not in our out - just flat.

What I miss:  Sleeping on my back or stomach.    And red wine.

What I'm looking forward to:  Dr.'s appointment tomorrow!  I don't think we'll get an ultrasound or anything, but I'm just anxious to hear how this little guy is doing.

What's happening this week:

 

You're gaining about a pound a week and roughly half of that goes right to your baby. In fact, he'll gain a third to half of his birth weight during the next 7 weeks as he fattens up for survival outside the womb. He now has toenails, fingernails, and real hair (or at least respectable peach fuzz).  His skin is becoming soft and smooth as he plumps up in preparation for birth.  To accommodate you and your baby's growing needs, your blood volume has increased 40 to 50 percent since you got pregnant. With your uterus pushing up near your diaphragm and crowding your stomach, the consequences may be shortness of breath and heartburn {yes and yes}.

 

 {I've never heard of a jimaca - but apparently my baby weighs as much as this thing}

 

{and we will only get BIGGER from here... oye!}

Out of control.

Control is a funny thing. We think we have it, but we never ever do. I don't know why this is a lesson I must learn over and over.

The funny thing about control is when you really TRY to have control, it just causes more anxiety (in me at least) because there is absolutely no way I can control everything. The short time I have experienced parenthood (within the womb), I have to constantly be reminded of this. Pregnancy can be a very fearful time if you let it be! I can dwell on all the "what if's" and let that drive me crazy. I control what I can and try to do everything right... I eat right, exercise right, sleep right, take my vitamins daily, etc... in the end, all I have done is the best I can to grow a healthy baby.

I've been thinking about this lately with birth and just becoming a new parent. I do have a plan in mind with the kind of birth I want... and I will do everything in my power to plan for that. However, at the end of the day, it is not up to me how this child makes his entrance into the world. I have got to let that go. Because I totally recognize that, and I can chose to let that cause fear in me... or peace in knowing that the Creator of Life has it all under control. I have to believe that God loves my child more than I do, and that he knows what is best. I have to surrender... over and over and over. Living in fear is no way to live. So, I will go ahead and make my plans according to what I feel is best for our family... and I'll let God decide how those will play out. Maybe that lack of control seems scary to some people, but for me I feel a HUGE wave of relief. I don't NEED to have it all figured out or controlled!! *phew* Because I'd be so horribly awful at it and exhausted trying to. I feel like clinging to this truth that God has be under his wing will replace my anxiety and worry with confidence and comfort. If only I didn't need to remind myself a bazillion times as I feel myself slip back into worry.

I found this website {www.birthingnaturally.net} a few weeks ago and have just fallen in love with it. Not only does it give some great information and education about pregnancy and childbirth, it also gives some EXCELLENT devotionals, meditations, etc. from the bible to help prepare you spiritually. I haven't taken the time I want to really dig in, but I can't wait to. I know bringing this child into the world will be a very spiritual experience... just as it is physical and emotional. I truly look forward to experiencing every facet of it. I will probably continue to do posts relating to these devotionals and meditations as I prepare for our little one.

Who is in Control?
A Pregnancy Devotional

{Jeremiah 27 8-15} As I read this passage while pregnant for my second child I wrote this note on the side:"You must go through birth not in control, just like Israel and Babylon."

As a childbirth educator I have seen that a common concern among women is that during labor they will be "out of control." I am not talking about not having control over decisions that will affect the labor. I mean the fear that they will say, act and feel things that will seem wild or crazy, and that they want to have the contraction pattern and discomfort to happen according to what they feel they can handle.

The idea that I am "in control" of what happens in labor is a lie. Just like any other time in life I have the ability to do things that will affect what is happening. My actions and attitudes can help or hinder the labor process, but at no time will I be in control. What do I mean? If a woman experiences back labor, she can change positions, do lunges and get on all fours. Someone can rub her back, she can even get an epidural. These things may help to move the baby or reduce her pain, but they may not. There is no guarantee because as a woman in labor, you are not in control.

God reminded me that He is always in control. Even when things are looking grim (like being taken captive), God is still in control. God is always watching over me and working out his plan for me. Reminding myself of that truth helped me to remain calm and confident during labor. And just as a side note: research has shown that women who are confident in their ability to labor report less pain.

31 weeks.

We are now in the single digits, folks!  9 weeks to go (ish).  I had a FANTASTIC weekend and was just so blessed at our shower.  Seriously, my baby has the best aunties in the world.  We are so so blessed to have such an awesome and strong support system as we venture into parenthood.

Anyway... here's the stats.

Today's date: January 23, 2011

How far along: 31 weeks

Total weight gain: Soooo - apparently I lost weight this week.  I'm at about 19.5lbs gained as of my weigh-in this morning.  Not sure how that happened... because I definitely stuffed myself at my shower yesterday.

Size and growth of the baby: This week, your baby measures over 16 inches long. He weighs about 3.3 pounds (try carrying four navel oranges) and is heading into a growth spurt.

Sex: BOY BOY BOY!!

Maternity clothes: EVERYTHING!!... and mainly in sweatpants at home.  Jeans are a pain.

Sleep: It is getting really frustrating.  I know it is important to sleep on my side, but it is painful for me (my hips/back) and I just can't get comfortable.  I think I need to make an appt with my chiropractor to see if maybe he can adjust some things that will make my hip and back pain not so much.  Although, I figure it is just part of the deal.  I can't complain... I am happy to have a little boy in my belly regardless of how uncomfortable I am.

 
Best moment(s) of the week:  Wonderful baby shower on Saturday.  We got snowed in so we spent Saturday night playing Monopoly with my parents. :-) 

Movement: Lots and lots.  I feel like I am going to miss it when he's out. :-)  But lately it seems like he is trying his darndest to make my belly button pop.  We shall see!

Food cravings/aversions:  Always have a sweet tooth, but resisting it most of the time.  I give in by having some fat free hot chocolate or some chai tea.  I don't like to drink my calories, but those are exceptions.

Morning sickness: None of that nonsense!

 
Symptoms: I am feeling really good (aside from the sleep issue).  So I guess tiredness.  I am really hoping this nesting thing kicks in soon.

 
Labor signs:  Nothing yet.  Not even any braxton hicks.

Belly button in or out:   I think this babe is on a mission to push it out.  So far he has not been successful.  I am also thankful for NO stretch marks and hope that it stays that way.

What I miss:  Still sleeping on my back or stomach.    And maybe red wine.

What I'm looking forward to:  My hubby's 29th Birthday is Friday!!  We have a fun weekend planned - traveling to South Bend to see The Avett Brothers in concert (thanks to Ben & Krista!!). 

What's happening this week:

 

He can turn his head from side to side, and his arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath his skin. He's probably moving a lot, too, so you may have trouble sleeping because your baby's kicks and somersaults keep you up. Take comfort: All this moving is a sign that your baby is active and healthy.

 

 

{baby G weighs about as much as 4 naval oranges - around 3.3lbs}

Why my friends are awesome.

I think I have the best friends ever... therefore the best baby shower ever.  I was SO blown away and blessed by all of these ladies.

 

{Thank you, Kaylee, for a WONDERFUL shower!!}

Meditate.

Psalm 139

¹³ For you created my inmost being;
   you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
¹⁴ I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
   your works are wonderful,
   I know that full well.
¹⁵ My frame was not hidden from you
   when I was made in the secret place,
   when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
¹⁶ Your eyes saw my unformed body;
   all the days ordained for me were written in your book
   before one of them came to be.
¹⁷ How precious to me are your thoughts, God!
   How vast is the sum of them!
¹⁸ Were I to count them,
   they would outnumber the grains of sand—
   when I awake, I am still with you.

30 weeks.

Another milestone - we are now in the 30's!  30 weeks sounds WAY further along than 29. ;-)  And I'm happy to be here.

Today's date: January 16, 2011

How far along: 30 weeks

Total weight gain: Between 20-21 lbs... happy to see I didn't gain this week.  :-)

Size and growth of the baby: Your baby's about 15.7 inches long now, and she weighs almost 3 pounds (like a head of cabbage).

Sex: BOY BOY BOY!!

Maternity clothes: EVERYTHING!!... and mainly in sweatpants at home.  Jeans are a pain.

Sleep: Getting harder... achy hips... I still hate sleeping on my side.

 
Best moment(s) of the week:  Nothing super special this week.  Jordan and I had a mini date day on Saturday and went to the museum to see the "Bodies Revealed Exhibition".  It was especially interesting because they had a fetal development section where you saw actual babies (who unfortunately didn't make it) from 4 weeks to about 22 weeks.  It is crazy to see with your own eyes how fast they grow and it was then crazy to see the largest baby at 22 weeks and know we are even 8 weeks past that.  It also showed a body of a pregnant woman.  Totally amazing. 

Movement: LOTS of movement.  In fact little baby G decided it was play time hard core from about 3am-4am this morning... keeping his mommy awake.

Food cravings/aversions:  Ever since I discovered that chocolate = heart burn/acid reflux, I seem to want it more.  I had some yummy chocolate milk the other day and decided it was at least a little healthy (protein right??).

Morning sickness: Feeling a little blah... more like my stomach is squished and so I feel icky instead of the regular morning sickness.  Still 8-12 weeks to go of that. :-P

 
Symptoms: Achy back.  That is the main thing.

 
Labor signs:  Nothing yet.  Not even any braxton hicks.

Belly button in or out:   Nearly flat.  It is actually pretty uncomfortable.

What I miss:  Sleeping on my stomach... bending over... not grunting when I switch sides at night.

What I'm looking forward to:  My very first shower on Saturday!!!

What's happening this week:

 

A pint and a half of amniotic fluid surrounds him, but that volume will decrease as he gets bigger and takes up more room in your uterus. His eyesight continues to develop, though it's not very keen; even after he's born, he'll keep her eyes closed for a good part of the day. When he does open them, he'll respond to changes in light but will have 20/400 vision — which means she can only make out objects a few inches from her face. (Normal adult vision is 20/20.)

 

 

 {baby weighs about as much as a cabbage}

 

January 14.

Okay... so I know I am not ready to pop.  I have a good 10(ish) weeks of ballooning up before I pop, but I gotta say I am suddenly feeling the time crunch.  10 weeks... means only 10 weekends of preparation... weekends that are getting packed full quickly with plans - baby and non-baby related.  It's crazy.  I can hardly wrap my mind around how my life is going to completely change in 10 weeks.

I'm not stressing out... I'm motivated to get things done.  I have a 4 day weekend I'm dedicating largely to getting some of these tedious "to do's" crossed off my list.  Right now I'm prepping my cloth diapers.  Who knew it took so long?!  I have to wash pre-folds and my all-in-ones separately, because of the oils in the prefolds... and a good 5-10 washes EACH before they will be absorbent enough to use on my little guy.  I'm not the greatest at keeping up with laundry, but I have a feeling this is going to force me to.  I'm SUPER excited to use cloth though.  It will save us tons of money, and the perk is that they are so dang cute.  So I am 100% on board with cloth... whether I end up liking it or not.

Anyway... to change subjects completely... today is January 14.  I've thought about this day many times... wondering how I would feel... and I still don't know how to feel.  Today is my "would be" due date for the baby we lost last Spring.  Our miscarriage baby.  I truly don't know how I feel.  I think about that baby, and I feel so very sad that I wasn't able to carry him or her longer... to experience a full-term pregnancy and eventually meet him/her.  It is SO sad.  But -- on another note, I know that this little boy I am carrying today would not have existed had we not had that first loss.  What strange emotions.  I am so in love with this baby I am carrying now... and SO SO thankful that God blessed us with another child so quickly.  It still blows my mind how it all played out.  All I know is that God is sovereign... his ways are not our ways... there are many things that I will never understand about why he puts us on the path we are on... but I know he is good through it all.  We are so blessed to be expecting this child in 10 weeks.  I am very VERY glad I didn't have to experience this January 14 without my little guy bouncing in my belly.  

{The rings I bought in remembrance of our miscarriage baby... the emerald - the birthstone for the month of May, which is when we discovered we were pregnant (May 3) and lost our baby (May 26)... then the large crystal-like stone representing our faith, hope, and love for our future children... which God has so graciously blessed us with.  I plan to get more smaller "stacked" rings symbolizing the birth months of our future children as they arrive.}

29 weeks.

Late again.  Sorry folks.  We had a SUPER busy Sunday.  Jordan and I played/sang in church {my last time... *sniff sniff*}, then we had a birthday party for Lucy Boes 1st birthday {Happy Birthday pretty girl!}, and THEN we had small group.  We finally made it home around 8pm and just crashed.  Two days later I am just now feeling energized. ;-)

Anyway - Here is the 29 week update!!

 

Today's date: January 11, 2011

How far along: 29 weeks {and 2 days}

Total weight gain: Between 20-21 lbs... ooohhh how hard it is to see that weight go to 20!!!!!  Still on track though.  If I gain 10lbs more, that will be perfect.

Size and growth of the baby: Your baby now weighs about 2 1/2 pounds (like a butternut squash) and is a tad over 15 inches long from head to heel.

Sex: BOY BOY BOY!!

Maternity clothes: EVERYTHING!!

Sleep: Getting harder... it is hard to stay comfortable.

 
Best moment(s) of the week:  We had our first childbirth class this past week!!  I LOVED IT.  Jordan was very impressed too.  I'll do an update about that in more detail another time.

Movement: LOTS of movement.  Fewer kicks, but I am feel a lot more of the small movements.

Food cravings/aversions:  Nothing at the moment!

Morning sickness: Feeling good!!

 
Symptoms: Achy back.  That is the main thing.

 
Labor signs:  Nothing yet.  Not even any braxton hicks.

Belly button in or out:   Pretty shallow -- we'll see if it lasts!

What I miss:  Sleeping on my stomach.

What I'm looking forward to: Another childbirth class this week... and 2 showers coming up!  Baby stuff is so fun!!

What's happening this week:

 

His muscles and lungs are continuing to mature, and his head is growing bigger to make room for his developing brain. To meet his increasing nutritional demands, you'll need plenty of protein, vitamins C, folic acid, and iron. And because his bones are soaking up lots of calcium, be sure to drink your milk (or find another good source of calcium, such as cheese, yogurt, or enriched orange juice). This trimester, about 250 milligrams of calcium are deposited in your baby's hardening skeleton each day.

 

 

 

{My baby... the Butternut Squash}

 

Too many options!!

There is no time waster like registering for baby stuff.

I cannot make up my freaking mind and it is driving me crazy.  I know I just need to make a decision on some of this stuff, but there are WAAYYY too many options out there.

Like bottles for example.  Clearly, I plan on breastfeeding, but I will be working 1/2 a day a week and I would also like to have the option to pump and let Jordan feed him every once in awhile.  So there are a zillion different bottles out there.  I don't want to spend a fortune, but I don't want to just buy the cheapest bottle there is.  And I want a bottle that I can breastfeed and switch to bottle feeding easily.  Holy moly I think I just spent 2 hours researching bottles and am only more confused.  I think I will just pick one or two and hope for the best... then buy more of whatever he likes.

It is so hard to decide what is worth spending money on.  I could spend a fortune on baby stuff, but I just don't think it is all that necessary.  So I am registered for the cheapest pack-n-play, bouncer, swing, etc... but chose to go a bit more pricey on the car seat, stroller, etc... that will get more wear (and is more important when it comes to safety).

Any input on what is important vs. what doesn't really matter when it comes to baby stuff would be MUCH appreciated!! 

28 weeks.

Holy Moly we are in 3rd trimester!!!  Ahh!!  12 weeks until this little one is due to arrive... which could be anywhere from 10-14 weeks (hopefully not earlier).  But I can hardly believe we are in the home stretch.

Today's date: January 2, 2011 {Happy New Year!}

How far along: 28 weeks

Total weight gain: 19 lbs. (according to babycenter.com most women gain 11 pounds in the 3rd trimester... oye!) 

Size and growth of the baby: By this week, your baby weighs two and a quarter pounds (like a Chinese cabbage) and measures 14.8 inches from the top of his head to his heels.

Sex: BOY BOY BOY!!

Maternity clothes: EVERYTHING!!

Sleep: Varies every night.  I still have a hard time getting comfy, but I've been doing okay lately.

Best moment(s) of the week:  Just another week off work!  I was able to get some sewing done and relaxed a LOT.  And we celebrated New Years with our friends. :-)

Movement: He's a movin'... lots and lots!  Now if only he could tell night and day (I know, I know... it is only preparing me for what's to come).

Food cravings/aversions:  Nothing at the moment!

Morning sickness: Feeling good!!

 
Symptoms: Achy back.  Heartburn... it is usually one or the other.

 
Labor signs:  Nothing yet.  Not even any braxton hicks.

Belly button in or out:   In - but definitely feeling shallower!  It is super uncomfortable when Baby G rubs against my belly button... or if I rub against something from the outside.  You know - that icky someone-poked-my-belly-button feeling.  Yick!!

What I miss:  Being able to stand/walk for long periods of time... I am getting more and more achy every day.

What I'm looking forward to: I have another Dr's appt this week.  I don't expect anything exciting to happen, but I think after this I may move to appointments every 2 weeks?!?  

What's happening this week:

 

He can blink his eyes, which now sport lashes. With his eyesight developing, he may be able to see the light that filters in through your womb. He's also developing billions of neurons in his brain and adding more body fat in preparation for life in the outside world.

 

 

 

{And as promised... belly shot.  I am not sure I am going to enjoy this as I get huger and huger.}

 

{I. feel. HUGE... and I still have 12 weeks to go.}